Fall 2021 Newsletter

 

SQUAMISH WILDLIFE

Did you know...?

Squamish is famous for its nature and wildlife – you may have seen one of these animals on an outdoor adventure! These animals hold cultural significance to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people and have been featured in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh mythology and lore for generations.

Did you know that ravens are known for being highly intelligent? They have very strategic minds - for example, a raven hiding its food will pretend to hide it in a decoy location if they know another raven is watching. In Sḵwx̱wú7mesh mythology, the raven is prominently featured as a figure of turmoil, chaos, misconduct, and aftermath, and represents a catalyst of change. One such story is the creation of the universe, which begins with Raven coaxing Seagull to release the box of daylight, creating all realms of existence.
Did you know the cougar holds the Guinness World Record for the mammal with the most names! It has over 40 names in the English language alone, including cougar, panther, mountain lion, deer tiger, and catamount (“cat-of-the-mountain”). In Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture, the cougar represents autonomy, self-determination, and excellence. They are known for their prowess, stealth, and ability to be elusive and are celebrated in song and dance.
Did you know that wolves can eat a huge amount (up to 9kg of food) in one sitting? That’s where the phrase “wolfing it down” comes from! To the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh, wolves represent the meaning of family in the way they care for each other and the way they work together. Wolves are also considered powerful and sacred creatures, which is why the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh never hunted them. There are many stories of wolves saving Sḵwx̱wú7mesh people who have gone missing in the wintertime and helping them return home.

Garibaldi is the only proposed resort in BC with an EA Certificate. This includes a Biodiversity Retention and Environmental Management Plan (BREMP) condition which ensures that before we build, we map sensitive habitats and ecosystems in the project area and design the resort to rehabilitate previously disturbed areas and minimize and mitigate human-wildlife impact. No other resort in BC – existing or expanding – has the same requirement. The BREMP is going through final revisions based on our recent updates to the site plan and will be finalized through Q4 2021.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh cultural knowledge is generously shared by Shamantsut Amanda Nahanee of Squamish Nation

Imagining the Resort

An Outdoor Plaza to Enable Gathering, Reflection, and Celebration
Rendering by Derek Lee of PWL Architects
Squamish Nation culture and history provided by Shamantsut Amanda Nahanee and Chief Ian Campbell

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh tradition invites guests from near and far to witness celebrations and ceremonies. The act of being a witness is the act of sharing support and being present with an open mind and heart. The resort presents an opportunity to gather for special events, ceremony, and celebration as an active partner in supporting the resurfacing of traditional Sḵwx̱wú7mesh culture.

This rendering imagines an outdoor plaza that will enable the traditional spirit of gathering and reflection. Our approach to public art and open space will encourage residents and visitors to reflect on the past, celebrate the present and imagine the future.

As a place designed to support a connection with nature, the resort is committed to rehabilitate and protect indigenous species, plants, and seasonal activity. Public spaces will celebrate the natural environment like these animal sculptures that represent history, stewardship, and regeneration. The resort is committed to leading environmental standards that are aligned with Squamish Nation stewardship protocols and we are excited for the opportunity to share land-based learning experiences with all visitors who come to the resort.

What would you like to see for gathering spaces in this all-season resort? Take the survey to let us know!

WHAT WE’RE WORKING ON

An important requirement in designing the resort is ensuring there is sufficient water available to supply the buildings and services. The preferred supply would come from an on-mountain source and we, along with our hydrogeological contractors and consultants, are making great progress with our investigative work.

To do this, we began drilling two test wells in the vicinity of the proposed main village in September. The purpose of these wells is to explore alternate water sources to the Cheakamus Aquifer in the Paradise Valley. Once each well is drilled, water will be tested for water quality and quantity. We are also monitoring surface watercourses to see if pumping water from underground wells has any impacts to the overall watershed. This water investigation work will continue into 2022.

We Want to Hear From You!

Night skiing? Outdoor music concerts? Kids programs and lessons?

What amenities and community events do you want to see? The design process is underway and we want to know what YOU want to see in this all-season resort. Take the 5-minute survey and let us know. Your feedback will help guide the design and vision.
 
Garibaldi at Squamish Inc