Provincial tourism infrastructure grant of $999,250 awarded to support immersive Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Story at Squamish Adventure Centre

May 23, 2023

A $999,250 grant has been awarded to Squamish from the B.C. Destination Development Fund for the Squamish Adventure Centre (SAC) Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Story Experience Enhancement Project. The project aims to engage visitors in cultural history and environment unique to our region while improving public awareness of the Indigenous traditions and experiences available throughout the Sea to Sky.

“The Squamish Adventure Centre is an important anchor in our community and a key point of entry for our visitors,” says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. “This funding from the Province allows us to deepen our integration of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language, stories and wisdom into the immersive experiences that we offer so that we can educate all that we welcome on our regional natural and cultural assets. We thank the Province for this funding that will allow us to further enhance this iconic facility and provide a vastly improved visitor experience in Squamish.”

The work will be completed in collaboration with Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw to share their narrative through accessible interpretive experiences in and around the SAC.

"The generous grant will have a transformative impact on the Squamish Adventure Centre. Through the enhancement of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) Story Experience, we not only engage visitors in our unique cultural history and environment, but also support reconciliation, sustainability, and inclusivity,” says Tourism Squamish Executive Director Lesley Weeks. “This grant empowers us to showcase the rich Indigenous traditions and experiences throughout the Sea to Sky, reinforcing Squamish as a premier tourism destination committed to embracing our shared heritage."

Once complete, the experiences in and around the SAC will include:

• New Squamish Adventure Centre entrance sign
• Enclosed natural play area
• Reconfigured entryway to highlight existing amphitheatre
• Theatre upgrades
• Picnic area
• Two Interpretive Trails to highlight traditional Sḵwx̱wú7mesh uses of the local area

The total project value is estimated at $1,034,250 with additional contributions by the District related to in-kind support such as associated permitting costs.

The B.C. Destination Development Fund provides one-time grants to projects that increase community vibrancy, strengthen a year-round visitor economy, support sustainability, accessibility and inclusion, and build resident support for tourism.

In 2021, the District received $700,000 in provincial funding through the Tourism Dependent Communities Fund for the revitalization of the SAC. Construction is currently underway on the fully-funded project that will deliver physical improvements to the 17-year-old building.

About the Squamish Adventure Centre

Built in 2006, the SAC is Squamish’s purpose-built visitor centre. Known for its unique architectural design, the District of Squamish-owned venue welcomes thousands of patrons each year and contributes to the local economy as a visitor service centre, location for business meetings, training and events, and community meeting space. The SAC has welcomed hundreds of thousands of visitors through its doors, recording 200K guests in 2019.

May 23, 2023