Squamish sees opportunity following New York Times accolade
Mayor says Squamish needs to stay 'rough around the edges' as it garners more international attention
There's a lot of excitement in Squamish after the district was recognized as one of 52 Places To Go in 2015 by the New York Times, but Mayor Patricia Heintzman said there's also concern about what the international attention will mean for the community.
"There's obviously a little bit of trepidation that goes along with that," she told The Early Edition's Rick Cluff.
"With this type of thing comes a lot of opportunity, but we still want to stay authentic and real. We're a little rough around the edges and unscripted and we still want to be able to retain that authenticity."
Heintzman expects the article will prompt a surge in summer tourism, and she hopes it will bring more amenities.
"I hope that there's entrepreneurs out there who are going 'hey, this is an opportunity to open that restaurant in Squamish, start that guiding company,'" she said.
Heintzman hopes the Official Community Plan ensures whatever growth does happen stays within the current feel of the community.
To hear the full interview with Squamish mayor Patricia Heintzman, click the audio labelled: Squamish catches attention of New York Times.