Squamish Trade and Investment Strategy
In April 2006, Squamish completed the Squamish Trade and Investment Strategy, also under CISP grant, which identified Knowledge Based Industries as a key opportunity sector for Squamish. The Squamish Trade and Investment Strategy defines knowledge based industries as “not just “high technology”, but also a full range of professional, business, and other services that rely on technology to deliver a high-value, specialized product or service. Film companies, for example, also fit into this sector”.

Community Investment Support Program – International Trade Canada
In early 2007 Squamish Sustainability Corporation prepared a proposal for funding to the Community Investment Support Program (CISP) through International Trade Canada. Squamish was awarded the grant which funded fifty percent of the project costs ($15,000) to be matched by the District of Squamish for at total budget of $30,000.
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An RFP was deployed in the fall of 2007, three firms responded to the call and through the subsequent evaluation process the firm Miller Dickenson Blais Inc. was hired to undertake the work on the Knowledge-based Industry Strategy (KBI) on November 1, 2007. 

Studies leading toward job creation and utilization of “employment lands” are much like the approach Squamish has taken on Land use and energy policy development.  The goal of renewing the Downtown area has benefited from several layers of study that refine the communities intent and signaled Squamish is encouraging investment in that area.  This process of encouraging best practices in energy development is similarly gaining external attention due to the policy work advanced and supported by Council.

As we move from the Trade and Investment Strategy to the Knowledge based Industry (KBI) Strategy Council can direct land use and policy development that will encourage investors target our employment lands.