Yes, I do believe the brand is supported, and we could be doing more and doing better. The District of Squamish does a good job of working cooperatively with Tourism Squamish to attract visitors and ensure they have a positive experience here. The District also works well with the Squamish Off Road Cycling Association. To do better and to do more I think we need to better connect with organizations like yours.

I'm a supporter of more protected bike lanes and pedestrian paths. There are members of our community who want to walk and cycle more and they indicate the barrier for them is that there are places in the community where they don't feel safe walking and cycling.

The key to parking, recreation hub amenities (toilets, garbage cans and parking) is the cost. All of this requires ongoing funding as toilets and garbage cans need to be emptied while parking lots require some maintenance. I'm prepared to put public money to this and it becomes easier when user groups work with the District to figure out how the costs can be shared with users of the Adventure Hub amenities. This is a discussion I welcome.

I'm also open to and have been having conversations about how to accommodate vehicle residents because what we've been doing isn't working. The place I'm starting is to open a dialogue around the use of church/faith building parking lots for overnight parking. I'll be talking about this more through the campaign and after the election, whether I get back into office or not. 

It's a great question, let's talk about it at our first coffee meeting. As an initial thought, I'd like to explore the possibility of your organization forming a relationship with the District communications team so you could share details of events your organization is holding with the comms team and they could then include that info in some of our outgoing messaging to residents tapped into the District's communications channels.

Darn, I'm not a climber and have no ambition to take it up. I've climbed the back trail of The Stawamus Chief many times. I really loved getting lost trying to get to Third Peak in 2012. In 2024 I had another go at it and found my way. The views from Third Peak were well worth the second attempt.

I think the branding has been successful in that Squamish is known as an outdoor recreation destination, but am less convinced that on-the-ground supports have been provided such as parking, access, amenities and maintenance.

If this is the brand we promote, we also need to manage impacts on the infrastructure that supports it. 

With the work that SAS and SORCA have done to demonstrate the economic value of outdoor recreation, the District needs to take that value seriously. We no longer have an industrial tax base and residents are already under pressure. Vehicle residents are increasingly being viewed through the same lens as visitor impacts, and the distinction between those living in our community and short-term visitors needs to be clarified. 

We need a comprehensive understanding of the economic benefits and costs of outdoor recreation tourism as a whole, not just individual activities. Without that, I am concerned we don’t have the information to make decisions about growth and investment. One possible avenue is looking at how the economic activity generated by outdoor recreation can contribute to funding the access, maintenance and infrastructure that support it.

The climbing economy has demonstrated economic value, but growth also creates impacts on municipal infrastructure. I would like to better understand both sides of that equation and how economic activity generated by climbing can contribute to the access infrastructure and ongoing maintenance that support it. 

I was brought up in the Coast Mountain climbing culture by the elders who helped establish Squamish as a world-renowned climbing area. They invited us into their homes, where their stories shaped my vision of what climbing here means and how I pursue it. There was always a strong emphasis on self-sufficiency (as in, don’t go up what you can’t get off) and the Alpine-style minimalist approach to going ground-up on Big Walls, but there was also an influence that is distinctly “old school” in that their example did not encourage us to become professional climbers, but rather to carry the knowledge and experience we gained into the rest of our lives. To find ways where the lessons from the stones would help us live our lives in the valley. Of course, the times had changed between the old timers and our generation, and many of us did find ourselves entangled in the professional climber world. Everything seemed to speed up. There was less time to listen to long stories, less space for each generation to connect, and all of this seemed to conflict with the values we held closest, which were to sneak around this valley and spend as many hours of any given day on the rock, preferably in a space where there were few distractions. Those values still hold true for me, so my favourite routes, from the pebbles to the peaks, are the ones that allow space for quiet contemplation. The ability to climb has always represented a means for me to find refuge and connect with myself, my close friends, those who came before me, and the land as teacher.  

District and Council’s support for this branding comes through our work with Tourism Squamish. It is a balance between tourism marketing and tourism management.  I believe the value of groups like SAS – community members trying to make their community better – should be focused on all the amazing local benefits.  I absolutely agree that tourism is one of the economic engines of our community and that groups like SAS, SORCA, and SWS are the nuts and bolts of that engine – it does not run without you.

Parking: Users of a community asset should contribute to the community asset. Parking is a community asset, like Brennan Park and public transit; they are funded primarily through taxation, but users pay a portion to support the asset. Why should parking be different? Like public transit and Brennan Park, the funds raised by the use of the facilities should go directly back into those facilities.

Toilets & Garbage: Toilets, yes, we should have them at trail parking facilities – like we have at the ‘Trail Hubs’. This does not mean we should put toilets at every trailhead, but yes, more would be good.  Garbage is less obvious.  We (including Tourism Squamish) have worked hard to ensure people understand the ‘Pack it in – Pack it out’ philosophy. Garbage facilities at trailheads work against this philosophy and will likely become bear attractants.  Of course the bins will be ‘bear-proof’, but on busy weekends it is highly likely that the bins will overflow. A much simpler (and cheaper) solution: just take your garbage home with you.

Rights of Vehicle Residents: What is the overlap with SAS here? Vehicle residents should have the same rights to access the outdoors as folks who live under a fixed roof.

Reduction of greenspace: As long as Squamish remains an amazing place to live, growth pressure will continue. How we react to the growth pressure is up to us.  We could freeze development; the likely outcome would be reduced housing affordability and, in turn, a less economically diverse community. We could continue development; the likely outcome would be some housing affordability relief and a more economically diverse community.

Encourage you to submit an application through the Community Agreements Policy so that our partnership – with expectations on both sides of the table – can be clearly articulated. I realize that the Community Agreements Policy is not a simple process, I will continue to work toward making it more effective for community groups

No rock climbing for this guy, but lots of respect and admiration for the dedication it requires.  I do hike and backcountry ski, mostly in Elfin Lakes and Sky Pilot areas

Part of Answer 1 plays into this. I would have to recuse myself from this answer due to my position on the board with Tourism Squamish. Happy to have this part of the conversation in person

The Economic impact of the visitor economy is a key driver now... we need to support infrastructure in those staging/parking areas, as well as having user paid lots to generate revenue to recoup that cost, with the caveat that locals are given free parking permits

Should I be elected to Council, I would keep supporting key groups like yours, as well as SORCA and others... I would also lean into supporting Tourism Squamish more as well. Not just with promises, but funding that is more than one year at a time, so your amazing organizations have stability you can plan in to. It is not lost on me that stability is a key foundational element for groups like SAS and SORCA

My kids are 7&9... I unfortunately do not climb, but my wife and kids do make it into Ground Up a few times a year... it's on the long list for me!

I think the District’s focus on economic development, including ‘rec/tech’ has fallen short, especially in the last four years. I believe a new Council should support building out a real focus on economic development at the District, in the lead-up to and throughout the upcoming Official Community Plan process. This should include a review of current and potential future commercial, industrial, hotel, and recreation lands (and waters) and ways to leverage these lands for diverse industries including tourism, recreation and green technology

I think access to outdoor recreation needs to maintained and promoted in Squamish, given how important it is to residents and visitors alike. 

To the specific challenges identified: 

• On parking: I’ve personally experienced the very real parking challenges in the Bluffs at peak times. I  understand SAS was opposed to paid parking when it was proposed and would like to further consult with SAS and other user groups on its vision for parking access at the Bluffs as demand increases. I do see some advantages to a thoughtfully designed paid parking program especially if funding could be used for enhancements to the bluffs that could improve the user experience and accessibility,  i.e. toilets, signage, waste facilities better stairs and paths. 

• On reduction of access to green spaces: I understand that development on privately owned lands as well as changes in control over Crown lands have implications for recreation access. I understand that SORCA receives some financial support from the District for its work negotiating access to private and Crown lands and would be interested to hear if this is work SAS does as well. I personally am reluctant to support further expansion of Squamish’s urban ground boundary in part because of implications of residential development for access to trails and crags. 

• On vehicle residency: I am learning that vehicle residency is multi faceted and so are the needs of vehicle residents. I support work to identify lands that could be used by government or private operators for expanded, low cost camping options for visitors and residents. I’ve met with VRS and learned about their proposal for a paid permit system for vehicle residency, and would like to see more engagement between vehicle residents, the broader community, and District staff to understand what it would take to make a program viable

I think providing a greater variety of accommodation options for visitors is important for leveraging the economic impact of outdoor recreation including climbing - more hotels, camping, and promotion of available short-term rentals

I’m a rock climber, trail runner, and backcountry skier (and occasional mountain biker). Squamish’s trails are my home trails and are very important to me. Some lifetime favorite local climbing routes are the Zip and the Squamish Buttress, and some favorite alpine routes are Tricouni North Ridge and Mt. Alpha

I believe successive councils have supported Squamish's Hardwired for Adventure brand, and it has helped establish our community as a destination for outdoor recreation and tourism.

However, I believe there is an opportunity to build on that success. I would like to see Council work more closely with the Chamber of Commerce, tourism operators and local recreational organizations to develop coordinated promotional advertising that showcases everything Squamish has to offer.

By bringing these groups together, we can strengthen our tourism economy, support local businesses, attract visitors and ensure that our Hardwired for Adventure brand continues to benefit the entire community

Access to outdoor recreation is one of the things that makes Squamish such a special place to live. I believe we must protect that access for our residents as our community continues to grow.

I do not support paid parking at our recreational hubs, including the Smoke Bluffs. Residents should not face additional costs to enjoy the outdoor spaces that are such an important part of our community. We need to look at creative solutions to parking challenges, including better planning, additional parking where appropriate, and improved access to popular recreational areas.

I would particularly like to explore creative opportunities to expand access to bouldering areas, including identifying additional access points, improving existing trails and parking, and working with landowners, recreational groups and government agencies to open up new opportunities where feasible.

I also believe that basic amenities such as public toilets, garbage facilities and adequate parking must be part of our recreational planning. These are essential services for residents and visitors alike.

We need practical and respectful solutions for people living in vehicles, while balancing their needs with public safety, environmental protection and access for all users.

I am concerned about the loss of green space as development continues. Developers should be required to contribute meaningful green spaces, parks and recreational amenities, or provide funding to support these facilities elsewhere in our community.

I would like to see Council work directly with the Squamish Access Society, recreational organizations and other community partners to develop a long-term plan that protects our natural assets, expands recreational opportunities and ensures outdoor recreation remains accessible to everyone

I believe economic development must be an important part of Squamish's Official Community Plan (OCP), and climbing should be recognized as a significant contributor to our tourism economy.

One priority I would work on is improving and expanding access to our climbing and bouldering areas, including creative solutions for parking, trail access and basic amenities. We need to ensure our infrastructure keeps pace with the growing number of residents and visitors enjoying these areas.

I would like to see Council work closely with the Squamish Access Society, Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Squamish and other recreational organizations to develop a coordinated strategy that supports climbing tourism, protects our natural environment and strengthens local businesses.

Climbing is part of what makes Squamish Hardwired for Adventure. We should be building on that reputation through thoughtful planning, partnerships and economic development initiatives that benefit our entire community

While I am not a technical rock climber, I have spent many years exploring and enjoying the mountains and backcountry surrounding Squamish. As a longtime resident, I have taken full advantage of the incredible hiking opportunities in our area. Some of my favourite destinations include Marion and Phyllis Lakes, Deeks Lake, Lake Lovely Water and Black Tusk.

I was also a member of the Squamish Ski and Outdoor Club and enjoyed cross-country skiing in areas such as the Callaghan Valley, long before they were developed into the recreational destinations they are today.

These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for our natural surroundings and the importance of preserving access to them for future generations.

In the last eight years, Squamish has invested heavily in housing development and tourism as its main industries, and we've seen the character of our town shift. There hasn't been a real focus on protecting or promoting our brand - or any particular community cultural identity. Climbing, and adventure, have been at the heart of Squamish for decades, but we've seen a shift away from that with the growth experienced over the last few years. I think that may be because the town has experienced such fast growth, and we haven't kept up.

As Mayor, I want to make Squamish work for everyone - and for many people (including myself), adventure is what brought us here. Currently, we are managing the effects of tourism, rather than actively promoting our identity to the world, which was the goal of the "Hardwired for Adventure" brand. I think there are a few steps we can take:

• Develop a Tourism Master Plan, in collaboration with Tourism Squamish, residents and organizations like SAS, that defines how we want tourism to contribute to our community

• Invest in our basic infrastructure and amenities (highway access, parking, recreation facilities) so we are better prepared to welcome tourists.

• Strengthen our investment in, and partnership with, Tourism Squamish, so they can more effectively steward our identity and economy

I've heard this from people a lot on the campaign trail. Access to recreation is so central to our identity and culture, and the District should be an active partner in protecting it. In my platform, I'm committed to:

• Protecting free parking for locals, while bringing in paid visitor parking in Downtown Squamish to create revenues from tourism. I would be interested in working with SAS to understand what the best approach for the Smoke Bluffs lot would be

• Working with access groups + provincial government to secure funding for increased amenities such as toilets and garbage bins, leveraging District resources wherever possible

• Working with the Vehicle Residents Association to develop a permit system that allows vehicle residents to contribute to the town while living their chosen lifestyle

• Exploring re-opening the municipal campground for visitors sleeping in vehicles, generating revenue for recreation while keeping our town clean and safe

• Slowing down housing development to prioritize projects that increase affordable housing and enhance our amenities, and wherever possible protecting access to recreation in all new development. I don't support expanding beyond our growth boundary until our infrastructure can handle it

To me, the biggest risk to attracting visitors to Squamish is that our infrastructure and amenities haven't kept pace with our growth. It's making Squamish a less attractive place to visit, to live, and to run a small business - and you need all of those things for a thriving visitor economy. My first priorities will be:

• Explore the feasibility of a parkade downtown to increase access to residents and visitors like

• Expedite plans for a second access to downtown

• Explore reopening the municipal campground to create more opportunities for visitors to stay in town

• Work with provincial government to improve our transit system, with express transit that connects the places visitors and residents actually want to go

• Partner with local businesses and community groups to speed up permitting, business licences, tenant improvements - anything that gets in the way of them providing great service to visitors and thriving as businesses

I have been dragged up the apron a few times years ago, but am by no means a climber. I have a gondola pass and hike the Chief semi-regularly. I prefer to ride or slide down mountains though. I do benefit from and appreciate the access that has been provided in these and surrounding areas by groups like SAS.

No, I don't think the brand has been backed up the way it should be. A slogan only works if visitors find parking, toilets, garbage pickup and well-kept trails when they arrive. I worked in tourism development and marketing for years, starting in Whistler, and with the U.S. Ski Association. In my experience, the places that succeed put the basics in place first and market second. I would ask that a fair share of tourism revenue go back into the outdoor hubs that bring visitors here.

• Paid parking and the Smoke Bluffs: The Smoke Bluffs is a local park that exists because climbers worked to buy and protect it. Residents should not have to pay to use their own park. Before paid parking goes any further, I want to see an honest review of the Darrell Bay pilot. If paid parking is used at recreation hubs, local residents should be exempt.

• Access and parking: I support a seasonal shuttle linking downtown, the Adventure Centre, the Smoke Bluffs and the Chief. This would take pressure off the lots and nearby streets.

• Toilets and garbage: These are basic services. Busy hubs need them, and they should be maintained through the peak season.

• Vehicle residents: Many people living in vehicles are working locals who can't find housing. I support a serviced area where they can park legally with access to water, washrooms and waste disposal. That is better than moving them from street to street.

• Green space: I oppose building on the floodplain and forcing density into existing neighbourhoods. When new land opens up, parks and trail connections should be set aside as part of the deal, paid for by the developer.

Parking and getting to the crags. Your study shows climbing brings in $42 million a year, but that only holds if people can actually get to the rock. A recreation shuttle, plus a parking plan built with the Society rather than imposed on it, would make Squamish easier to visit and less frustrating for locals.

I don't climb. I grew up as an athlete playing competitive softball, regional basketball and track and field, and recreation has been part of my life and career ever since. I understand what climbing means to this town. I've been lucky to know Anders Ourom, whose decades of work for climbers and for the Baldwin Park initiative I have a lot of respect for. People like Anders are the reason Squamish has the climbing community it has today.

Personally, I’ve never felt that the districts brand has ever played a direct role in my Squamish adventures, but if the SAS feels like this rebrand is no longer accurate, then perhaps a conversation needs to be had regarding the disconnect.

What can be done to instill the “Hardwired for Adventure” feeling once again.

I am completely against any kind of paid parking for any residents in any regard, whether that be on the street or recreational parking lot, but I do feel that visitors to the region could pay to park, and that revenue could potentially fund the installation and maintenance of some washroom facilities, even a composting toilet at locations such as the Smoke Bluffs parking

Personally, I am not familiar with any particular issues as it seems like the climbing community contributes to the local economy quite significantly, but if we circle back to that original question regarding a municipal/SAS disconnect, perhaps the municipality could help increase visibility within the community for the community.

There’s not much that I haven’t hiked around the corridor, but my favorite hike would have to have been Mt. Ossa of the Tantalus range, on September 5th 2020, me and my buddy Kyle set out to tackle Ossa in a day. Car to car it took us 12 hours and 44 minutes, 32km round trip and 2400m in elevation gain. My dog was named after this mountain because of this hike

I think our slogan, “Hardwired for Adventure,” says a lot about who we are as a community. However, I understand the Tourism Master Plan was supposed to go before Council in 2025, and I believe it needs to go before Council. Recreational groups have told me that issues around parking have started to become a problem. Organizations have also spoken to me about a cumbersome form coming from Economic Development, when I believe Economic Development should be focused on supporting our small businesses and our local economy. This is not meant to single anyone out. It is meant to ask: Are we doing everything we can at the Council table to set up our recreational users and if they live here or come here for our first-class environment, are we setting us up for success? I don’t think we are doing everything we can. I believe the Council table is meant to bring good governance forward and make life in our community the very best it can be -  both for the people who live here and for the people who visit Squamish

I think this is an excellent area for asking the user groups for their advice. I attended a vehicle residents event last night, and it looks like there are some relatively easy fixes that should not take years to implement. Community engagement is also really important. Ongoing communication helps Council make informed decisions, particularly when the people who are directly using these areas and experiencing the issues can tell us what is working, what isn't working and what could be improved. The user groups in our community are experts, lets listen to their advice and use that information to make better decisions at the council table

People come from around the world to climb in Squamish. That is huge for economic development. And with the statistic that three out of five people who move to Squamish do so because they climb, we must embrace that and ensure the importance of the climbing community is recognized at the Council table. I think we need to ask: Are we doing everything we can to support that? Are we supporting things like parking and access? Are we connecting climbers with our small businesses? Are those businesses thriving and benefiting from the people who come here to climb? Small businesses in Squamish need to thrive to help balance the cost of living in our community. Climbing brings people from around the world to Squamish, and I think we need to make sure we are doing everything we can to support both the climbing community and the local businesses that are part of that economy

I am not a climber, but I am in awe of everyone who does climb, and I know so many people who do. We love living in Squamish, and I am thankful every day. However, part of why I am running for Council is that I want our first class environment to be reflected in a first-class community, where strong policy and good governance are a priority. We need new ideas at the council table to ensure our council table is on track with what the community reflects.  With the OCP review coming up, I would like to see the climbing community reflected in our Official Community Plan. We should be communicating and highlighting how important the climbing community is to Squamish and for our identity, our community and our economy. I think the climbing community should have a strong voice in that conversation

Yes, I think we have been focused on supporting this brand through actions. Some examples include: focusing our growth within our growth management boundary so that the greenspace and wilderness around us has less development pressure on it, purchasing, purchasing 5.3 acres of land along the blind channel and formally designating the Smoke Bluffs as a park in 2021, working with SAR on their new Base (include land donation and cash contribution), and - most recently - adding more garbage cans and washrooms to our 2027 budget. We also maintain a very close partnership with Tourism Squamish who is wholly focused on advancing sustainable tourism in Squamish which is largely rooted in outdoor recreation. I will note that after Covid the messaging from Tourism (and hence the District) did shift to “recreating responsibly” as we all want to ensure that as tourism grows local residents see benefits and value for it, not just negative sentiments

Paid parking at recreation hubs: We initiated a paid-parking pilot project this past year focused exclusively on Darrell Bay so that we could see how it goes and learn along the way. While we don’t have specific results yet in terms of revenue dollars, I did frequently see the parking lot full during the busy summer months and I see this as one way to capture some further community benefit from tourism. One significant lesson learned through the pilot project will be the importance of developing a resident parking pass of some sort that would ensure continued locals access to the places and spaces that we cherish the most.

Supporting alternative access to recreation: I have been a longstanding advocate of increasing public transit service broadly across our community and with a focus on recreational areas. The 5 South Parks route was introduced before my time on Council, but we continue to fund this route through the summer and have increased its service frequency. As of this year, we started an OnDemand Transit program that allows focus to call a bus on-demand, it will be there to pick you up within 15 minutes, and drop you off at your preferred location (within a certain radius which includes downtown, the Oceanfront, Sea and Sky, the Adventure Centre and Brennan Park). Giving more people more options to get to where they want to go is important to me.

Toilets and garbage cans: This is something that I have been advocating for for a long time – ever since I was on the Smoke Bluffs Park Committee and we were trying to figure out how to get a new composting toilet up at Octopus Garden. This particular project is still funded, but I believe it hit a few hurdles in implementation. I also believe we should turn to the “Adventure Hub” model that we introduced in 2018 in collaboration with School District 48 that saw us install amenities for trail users at key locations. This past year, I moved a motion to add more toilets and garbage cans across our community with a focus on high recreational and tourist areas. This motion was supported unanimously by council and the 2027 budget now includes adding six new port-a-potties and 30 new garbage cans around town

Advancing the Tourism Master Plan is an important next step to better understand the anticipated growth, diverse needs of the various components of the tourism sector, and where we can find synergies (or need to create some buffer between) tourism infrastructure and outdoor recreation. Ensuring that climbing is part of that work will be super important. As Mayor, I commit to being open, available, and ready to listen and work with you to help you achieve your goals

I did climb once upon a time, but I do not anymore for a variety of reasons. I do love hiking, spending time in the forest, and getting up in the alpine whenever I can sneak it in. With two young kids and full work schedules, our opportunities to get out (and up) have been focused on adventures close to home and the gondola area is a go-to. Most recently the Al Habrich’s Ridge Trail Loop has become a favourite

Squamish’s first slogan/brand was “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada”, and now it is Hardwired for Adventure. I’ve never quite figured out what the latter means, and there is of course a lot of outdoor recreation in and near the District that isn’t “hard”. But maybe we’re stuck with it.

·       Climbing and hiking management on District lands has been neglected for years. For example, the budget for management of Smoke Bluffs Park – trail maintenance, toilets, and more. (I and others do a lot of volunteer stewardship there to help.) Another example being core funding for all the outdoor recreation groups that provide so much volunteer time and effort.

·       For many years we’ve been fortunate enough to be able to do pretty much what we wanted in the surrounding sidecountry. Increasing pressures suggest that management of competing user groups may become needed. An example may be including (or not) the rapidly increasing number and kinds of e-bikes on hiking trails, many of which are used by climbers

I oppose paid parking at outdoor recreation ‘hubs’, such as the Smoke Bluffs and the head of Finch Drive. (And the Chief, Shannon Falls, and Murrin Park – which are provincial parks.) Where applicable, “local residents only” signage and perhaps permits should be considered, to ensure that residents have priority.

·       Facilities at all outdoor recreation hubs should be reasonably uniform – signage, notice boards, toilets, garbage, and so on. In the same vein, marking, signage, and naming of trails.

·       Much Squamish outdoor recreation occurs on private land, mostly forested. If or when development of those lands is considered, it’s essential to consider protection of that land’s environmental and recreation values, and for climbers and hikers to lobby for their interests from the start.

·       The Smoke Bluffs parking needs to be expanded and regraded, with the surrounding bush mowed back regularly. There is an increasing number of commercial vehicles parking there, and the District should consider whether that should be permitted, and if so the conditions.

·       I’m in favour of a District-wide policy that within reason allows citizens and visitors to stay in their vehicles, but under clear conditions as in other places

Expanded parking, not just at the Smoke Bluffs and other outdoor recreation hubs, but also the nearby provincial parks. The existing parking is often packed. If we don’t have room for people to park, the options for growing the numbers of climbers are limited.

·       Better transit within Squamish.

·       A new, large campground, perhaps in the Brackendale area

I have been climbing and mountaineering since the early 1970s, including a great deal of rockclimbing at and near Squamish, and mountaineering and backcountry skiing in the area. I wrote a guidebook to climbing at Squamish in 1980, and have been involved in climbing and mountain advocacy for most of my life, including:

Creation and management of Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.

Creation and management of Smoke Bluffs Park, and before that purchase of key land.

Creation of Skaha Bluffs Provincial Park.

Founder, Climbers’ Access Society of B.C.

President, B.C. Mountaineering Club.

President (chair) of Mountain Equipment Co-operative.

I remain an active member of the community, and not just on Facebook. A shoulder injury (surgery pending) deters me from climbing right now, so I do quite a lot of day hikes, and volunteer stewardship projects at the Chief and Smoke Bluffs. In summer 2025 I went with some cousins on a five day, 120 km canoe trip on the Churchill River in Saskatchewan, ending at Ourom Lake. It was the 80th anniversary of our uncle Richard’s death in the war. A nice adventure, although admittedly a bit flat.

I have far too many favourite climbs, mountains, and hikes to even start listing them

A slogan is itself not a brand (and I feel the newer slogan/ logo is somewhat narrow relative to the previous “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada”). 

More than a logo for marketing materials, a brand must be demonstrated and implemented in consistent policy and service commitments relating to how we present and manage our community, its attractions and facilities for visitors over the long term. Committing to an outdoor recreation branding means a commitment to standards and maintenance of facilities (incl. washrooms), trails and access.

I have visited other communities where much more discipline and commitment is displayed in promoting and fulfilling a brand – which we could take example form.

Promoting and managing a brand for Squamish should be undertaken in ongoing close coordination between the District, Tourism Squamish, the Chamber of Commerce and community organizations

I do not support paid parking at recreation hubs, being very skeptical about it as practical and as priority. For neighbourhood interface issues, “Resident Only Parking” signage can be useful, and has been successful in managing encroachment issues adjacent Smoke Bluffs Park over the years. Expansion and improvements at the Smoke Bluffs Park climbers’ parking area should be explored, and better administration of its use. Expansion of the Murrin Park parking area should be also advocated for, with BC Parks.

I favour prioritizing establishment of new campgrounds, including for vehicle residents (alongside a permitting system, as requested and promoted by its spokespersons). We must continue to lobby the Province for investment in crown land camping facilities. Otherwise, we should address the need for campgrounds (incl. RV parks) in our conversations with the Squamish Nation, who own large portions of the available land suitable for new campground facilities close to the community.

Council must ensure protecting access and trails and trailhead investments in new developments on private land on the east side of the valley. Sub area planning processes for these areas would involve an Access Society role in providing input into plans regarding protection and enhancement of recreational access and values.

The proposed Parks & Recreation Master Plan update should have scope to include Smoke Bluffs Park, recreation hubs and trailheads – and needs for amenities and facilities for recreationalist visitors. This is part of committing to an outdoor recreation ‘brand’ for Squamish.

Council no longer receives copies of meeting minutes or reports from the Smoke Bluffs Park advisory committee. I favour a more active engagement on the part of elected councillors through establishment of Standing or Select Committees, for example for Economic Development and/ or Tourism

If re-elected to Council I will immediately prioritize adequate scope and mandate for the Parks & Recreation Master Plan Update and for a Tourism Master Plan, which needs to advanced as soon as possible.

Expanded parking and campground facilities, working with local partners and provincial agencies (for Murrin Park and crown land facilities), will otherwise be priorities I wish to work toward realizing. Parking access and overnight accommodation are critical priorities for growing the economic contributions of recreational visitors

Although I am not a climber and more regularly visit riparian areas (as an active Streamkeeper), I am old neighbour of Smoke Bluffs Park and ‘check in’ on favourite trails and viewpoints there fairly often. With visitors, I like to show off the views from the Malamute bluff and Murrin Park area trails