District seeks hosts for small group conversations to continue neighbourhood planning dialogue for Garibaldi Estates

Stage three begins with discussions to further explore ideas, concerns, opportunities and shared values among a diversity of groups

The District of Squamish invites interested residents to host a small group conversation with friends, colleagues or neighbours as efforts continue to develop a Garibaldi Estates Neighbourhood Plan. This next stage of engagement builds on what the District heard from residents in stage two, with the goal to further explore ideas, concerns, opportunities and shared values through dialogue. Efforts will be made to engage segments of the Squamish population whose voices have been under-represented in the process so far, including youth, seniors, employers and renters.

“We listened to and very much appreciated the input received from Garibaldi Estates residents in stage two, and we also heard there was a desire for in-person conversations so we could explore together the concerns and opportunities of this neighbourhood plan,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “Council also directed staff at the beginning of this process to use an equity lens throughout the process to ensure we hear from a diversity of people whose voices are sometimes not heard.  We hope this next stage will deepen our understanding and knowledge through productive dialogue.”

Small group conversations of between 10 to 12 people will take place during March and April and hosts will be provided with a Discussion Guide. A member of District Council and a staff member would attend approximately 10 of the small group conversations. Conversations could happen around a backyard fire pit, in a park or public facility, or around a kitchen island or coffee table. A virtual meeting is also an option. The small group conversations can include people from outside the Garibaldi Estates Neighbourhood.

The small group format will enable participants to be comfortable sharing their ideas and listening to the ideas of others. Those who wish to participate in a conversation but do not want to host will be connected to a group. 

“With the growth pressures and housing attainability issues facing Squamish, the opportunity to shape how the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood might evolve is now,” continues Elliott. “What should this neighbourhood look like in 10 or 20 years? What are the aspects that make it great and need to be preserved, and where could some growth occur to ensure we have homes for nurses, teachers, firefighters, police officers, mechanics, skilled trades people and service workers who make our community whole? What are the needs and opportunities within the neighbourhood to create more space for employment? How can we improve walkability and neighbourhood connectedness? We have heard much on this topic so far, and these conversations will help us drill deeper and exchange ideas and feedback with one another.”

This conversation stage of the planning process will lead into the work District staff will do to develop future neighbourhood scenarios based on all input received since fall 2021. Development of scenarios is expected to take place between May and December 2022 and will be presented to the public for input once prepared.

Residents interested in either hosting or attending a small group conversation should email planning@squamish.ca. The Discussion Guide is expected to be ready in early March.

Information on the Garibaldi Estates neighbourhood planning process is available at LetsTalkSquamish.ca

February 18, 2022