I have been a resident in 撸奶社区for 18 years.
I have managed to meld, and flow with the growth the best I know how, and with the best attitude I can.
I have always stood up for Squamish. I always knew what the beauty, and how special this place is.
Even when I first discovered it, and it had its reputation of a “shit hole” town, that nobody would even bat an eye to choose to live in. I also preserved that secret the best I knew how. Knowing it would one day be discovered. I was always OK with that! I always had a visual of how cool this town could really grow and be developed. It was actually pretty rad to visualize, and I had high hopes for that unfoldment that was inevitable to come one day.
If someone were to complain about the growth in the past years, I would always say things like, “Yes, but the whole world is growing, and there’s lots of opportunity for business, community etc.
One of my favourite extracurricular activities is swimming, especially in the rainy season.
Brennan Park pool has been a part of my routine for years.
I get to unwind from a big day working in the elements. Take part in my favourite form of cardio, have a steam, and a hot tub to wind down my evening.
This evening, I went for my first “attempted” swim of this rainy season since the re-opening of the annual shutdown of Brennan Park. I used to always go for adult swim from 9 to 10 p.m. There was space to lane swim, a dimming of the lights, and some form of quietness to enjoy the facility, space, and get in my exercise. They removed this time slot last year.
I was already a little hesitant, as over the years it has become very populated. I stopped using the facility at some point last year due to these same issues I experienced tonight. I thought I would give it one more attempt. I chose to get there right for 7 p.m., the re-opening time slot for 7 to 9 p.m. public swim, which I was told was also slotted for lane swim, which is three lanes only!
I walked through the doors into the change room, willing to bear some busyness.
The change room facility fell very short of sanitary.
I understand it’s rainy season, but it was unsanitary beyond boot muck.
As I tiptoed to the pool deck, the noise grew louder by the minute. I walked out and stopped dead in my tracks! It was 7:11 p.m., so 11 minutes after “open swim” started.
It was absolutely jam-packed! I literally turned around, changed, and walked out. Saying to myself I will not be returning to that facility.
The part that really got me as I drove away is I have enjoyed Brennan Park facility for almost 18 years.
Again, willing to put aside the business, and the growth and roll with it!
I refuse to do that any further, the facility is way outdated, and clearly not big enough for our growth. I didn’t want to believe that this town had reached its threshold. In the sense that as a long-time resident of this town, and community. As we watch more million-dollar sardine condos go up.
There is little to no money or development going into the basic infrastructure and amenities for the locals and their families. I am also talking about and welcoming in all the new families. But actually, where will they all go?
How long is it going to take, and how many more million-dollar high-density developments will be built, before we get something as simple as a proper aquatics centre.
When is enough, enough?
I see your master plans for Brennan Park upgrades. Ground needed to be broken yesterday.
Amy Montgomery
Squamish
