Squamish Businessmen Want Steady, Constructive Growth

The Squamish Review, August 9, 1949

This article was written especially for the Squamish Review by Christy McDevitt. Mr. McDevitt is a former staff writer of the Vancouver Sun, theatrical reporter for the News-Herald, one-time editor of the North Shore Review and at present engaged in public relations for himself. He is an alderman of the City of North Vancouver, headed the publicity staff of the recent coalition government election committee and until he opened his own public relations office was editor of a marine trade magazine.

When the automobile highway is completed, linking Vancouver and the Lower Mainland to the village of Squamish, residents of that lovely little village at the head of Howe Sound may expect an influx of tourists from all parts of Canada and the United States.

Last week, accompanied by Mayor Frank R. Goldsworthy of North Vancouver, and William Angus of the Greater Vancouver Water District, I visited Squamish to ascertain just what possibilities this section of the country had to offer.

We made the journey over the mountains in a jeep driven by Mr. Angus, and I would like to report that in covering that 28 miles, I marvelled at the beauty of the surroundings, the vitality of the atmosphere and, above all else, the magnificent border of mountains that make Squamish resemble a picture postcard village with an almost breath-taking loveliness.

With the proper dressing, which will come in time, Squamish stands at the head of the line as a tourist attraction.

But this modest little village is not anxious to welcome a boom.

In this regard I spoke to Bernard Brown, an enterprising young druggist and one of the leading businessmen of the community.

“We don’t want a boom here,” he said.

“I have heard of too many places in somewhat similar circumstances that literally ached for a boom.

“Those who were most anxious to see new homes and new streets and additional business houses, overlooked the very obvious fact that every boom must have its bust.

“This village can grow and develop slowly and give to every resident a sense of pride and a real feeling of security.

“We may never be a big town but we can be a good little town and I am convinced we have far more to gain by a slow and constructive growth than we can hope to realize by an overnight boom.”

Because of its location I cannot see how Squamish can fail.

It can never be disfigured by industry. It has a certain farming area on its outskirts. There may be marine development there that will make it a calling port for deep-sea ships, but I believe that as a tourist mecca the name of Squamish should be broadcast to all parts of the world.

The village will have to be watched closely to prevent being converted into just one more streamlined version of a high-stepping American community.

The grave danger is that those in authority may feel inclined to bury its present individuality and transform into something that they believe American tourists seek.

Tourists are always looking for something new and different and currently Squamish is certainly a novel community.

Modern changes can be brought about without in any way destroying the present personality.

Streets, of course, should be improved but that isn’t as important as some people think.

I would like to see the village administration of Squamish join hands with their Board of Trade and such men as Mr. Brown to prevent a sudden boom.

It is far better to have a small city in the future than to have a big city today, with all its complications, and the often resultant ghost city which takes the spirit from those who have the development of their community at heart.

Personally, and my opinion isn’t worth very much because of the short time I spent there, I would like to see Squamish plan along the lines advocated by Mr. Brown and the future residents can take an added pride in being citizens of what could be the most beautiful village in British Columbia.