Squamish letter: ‘Long history of industry and innovation’

In 2020, I was recruited to move to Squamish and join the Woodfibre LNG project (until May 2025), leading stakeholder engagement, Indigenous relations, and government relations initiatives. Having spent my career working on major infrastructure, energy, and resource projects across British Columbia, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Indigenous Nations, local governments, businesses, and communities to help advance projects that create economic opportunities while addressing local priorities.

What I found in Squamish was an extraordinary community. It is a place defined by its natural beauty, entrepreneurial spirit, strong sense of community, and exceptional quality of life. Like many residents, I quickly came to appreciate what makes this community such a special place to call home.

Over the past several years, I have watched Squamish continue to grow and evolve. New families are choosing to build their lives here, local businesses are investing in the community, and demand for housing, infrastructure, and amenities continues to increase. With that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility.

As a community, I believe we have an opportunity to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Most residents want many of the same things: affordable housing, thriving local small businesses, strong recreational amenities, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and opportunities to build meaningful careers close to home.

It is also important to remember that Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky region have a long history of industry and innovation. Forestry, rail, mining in nearby Britannia, marine activity, and resource development helped establish the economic foundation of this region. Today, responsible industry continues to provide jobs, investment, tax revenue, and economic opportunities that support the services, infrastructure, and amenities residents value.

At the same time, economic growth and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand. The most successful communities understand that prosperity and sustainability are not competing priorities. Rather, they are complementary goals that require thoughtful planning, meaningful Indigenous partnerships, strong community engagement, and a shared commitment to long-term success.

Progress is rarely achieved through polarization. It is achieved through partnership.

Looking ahead, I believe the future of Squamish depends on embracing a balanced approach - one that supports responsible growth, protects the environment, strengthens infrastructure, supports small businesses, prioritizes community amenities and investments in Brennan Park, and creates opportunities for future generations. We can welcome investment while preserving the values that make this community special. We can support economic development while remaining strong environmental stewards.

Squamish’s future does not depend on choosing one priority over another. It depends on finding the right balance between growth, sustainability, community well-being, and long-term prosperity.

I believe that balance is not only possible—it is essential.