OurSquamish Placemaking Society acknowledges that our work takes place on the traditional and unceded territory of the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) who have inhabited these lands since time immemorial.
Our Work
Build Projects
2nd Ave Parklet
Summer 2023 saw the completion of the 2nd Ave Parklet, which which doubles as a public space and public art. The seating area includes an extra-long bench, which is accessible and inclusive to all. We added planter boxes to naturalize the space, and included bike parking (for 6 bikes!) to encourage active transportation.
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This project would not have been possible without sponsorship from the Downtown Squamish BIA and United Way BC Lower Mainland, as well as generous donations from TAG Panels and Van Urban Timber. And a huge thank-you again to our wonderful volunteers for making this build happen!
The 2nd Ave parklet, which is both public art and accessible seating.
The 2nd Ave parklet, which is both public art and accessible seating.
Two 16-foot picnic tables at the St'a7mes waterfront.
Four benches under a covered gazebo at the St'a7mes waterfront.
Two 16-foot picnic tables at the St'a7mes waterfront.
St'a7mes Picnic Tables
The new picnic tables and benches at the St'a7mes waterfront park was a meaningful collaboration between OurSquamish and members the St'a7mes community. OurSquamish volunteers built two 16-foot picnic tables and four covered benches to offer accessible seating and enhance the space, which is often used for community gatherings.
This project was made possible by the generous donations of Squamish Savings, Van Urban Timber, and Sea to Sky Courier; as well as the work of OurSquamish volunteers and Squamish Men's Shed.
Women's Centre Benches
In support of the Howe Sound Women's Centre "Space-Making" project, a team of OurSquamish volunteers built benches and planter boxes in front of the Women's Centre. The benches will provide seating for clients and function as an exterior space for connection and relaxation.
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Two benches separated by three planter boxes outside the Howe Sound Women's Centre.
Two benches separated by three planter boxes outside the Howe Sound Women's Centre.
The 16-foot long picnic table at the Garibaldi Plaza.
The 16-foot long picnic table at the Garibaldi Plaza.
Garibaldi Plaza Picnic Table
The extra-long Garibaldi picnic table activates a small, unused green space situated between two large parking lots in the Garibaldi Village Shopping Centre. The seating is in a high traffic area and is accessible by multiple active transportation routes. It provides a fun, convenient space for people to relax and connect.
Generous donations from Abbotsford Concrete, Squamish Men's Shed, RONA Squamish, and Sea to Sky Welding made the project possible. The project was funded by the Squamish Community Foundation's Annual Grant, and thanks to the District of Squamish for supporting our progress.
Downtown Parklet
Our first parklet! Come take a seat on the corner of Winnipeg Street and Cleveland Avenue and enjoy the views. Providing some much-needed seating in Downtown Squamish, this project uses the space of one parking spot but is big enough for a few groups to use.
This project was made possible by our volunteers and funded by the former Arts Select Committee (District of Squamish) and United Way of the Lower Mainland.
Downtown Bike Shelter
The bike shelter on Cleveland Avenue and Winnipeg Street is the first of its kind in Squamish and is intended to provide secure and weather-protected bike parking to support year-round cycling.
The idea for this new bike infrastructure came out of a public engagement session co-hosted by SquamishCAN and OurSquamish. The project was made possible with the support of Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association and funding from the District of Squamish, as well as a generous lumber donation from Squamish Men's Shed. In addition, we thank First Peak Contracting who donated their time and skills to construct the shelter!
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OurSquamish covered bike parking on Cleveland and Winnipeg
OurSquamish covered bike parking on Cleveland and Winnipeg
Brackendale Road Mural
As a part of the Squamish Wind Festival for the Arts in 2020, OurSquamish volunteers painted Brackendale's first road mural on Eagle Run Drive. Road murals act as more than public art, they can also enable traffic-calming and create a sense of "place" in the community.
Situated next to several local businesses, and busier Government Road, the mural is visible for many members of the community. The mural features designs based on public input, such as eagles, salmon, and a unicorn, representing the Brackendale Art Gallery.
Transit Benches
OurSquamish participated in the Squamish Wind Festival once more in 2021 to produce 10 wooden benches that were painted by talented local artists.
Each bench is placed at different bus stops throughout Squamish, providing seating as well as public art.
Following the success of the initial 10 benches, volunteers built an additional 10 benches which were painted by Howe Sound Secondary art students, and made possible by funding from the Squamish Community Foundation.
Bike Racks
Getting around town by bike should be as convenient and safe as possible. OurSquamish has worked to create additional bike parking throughout the Downtown area, including a 3-bike corral replacing a parking spot on the corner lot of Pemberton and 2nd Ave, and a single rack outside of Fox & Oak on Cleveland and Main St. More bike racks will be coming in the future!
Planters
Five planters filled with edible herbs and flowers have been placed around Downtown in front of local businesses. This project was supported by the Downtown Business Improvement Association. The herbs are available for anyone to use and enjoy.
Pollinator Garden Bench
Wander over to Pemberton and 4th, take a seat on this refurbished bench, and enjoy the pollinator garden! This beautiful garden, home to over 400 native plant species, was a community project led by Quest University students and local residents.
OurSquamish built and installed a bench on the north end of the garden, made from refurbished materials, for passers-by to take a seat and enjoy.
Research
In the Community
Public Spaces Survey
To help direct OurSquamish’s future work, we are seeking feedback from the community about which public spaces are important and how they can be improved. In collaboration with the District of Squamish, we created a survey to gather this information.
Think of it as an opportunity to ‘review’ a public space. Mark the spot on the map then answer a few (six to be precise) questions about the space: What do you like about the space, what could be improved, how often do you use it, etc.
Bike Valet Program
OurSquamish offers a safe and reliable bike parking service - valet style! Maybe you've even noticed it or used it when attending an event in Squamish. Providing secure bike parking at local events encourages attendees to arrive by bike (skateboard, or unicycle!) which helps reduce traffic, and parking issues.
Open Street Day in Squamish
In collaboration with the Squamish BIA and the District of Squamish, OurSquamish organized Squamish's first-ever Open Street Day in June 2022.
Cleveland Avenue in Downtown Squamish was closed for three blocks to vehicle traffic for the day and businesses were encouraged to set up out on the sidewalks and streets. The usually trafficked main strip of downtown was transformed with hundreds of people, free to walk (or roll) about without cars.
Pop-Up Patios
Maybe you've seen them in Junction Park during the Saturday Farmer's Market, or at another event in town already. Our pop-up patios provide bistro tables and chairs where seating is scarce. The seating is not permanent, however, the flexibility of these tables and chairs allows us to add seating in public parks, during community events, and other public spaces.
Project Locations
Partners and Sponsors
