Paradise Trails Economic Benefits to Squamish

When we first approached Squamish Council about supporting the Paradise Trails project back in 2006, they told us they would give us their support, providing we could bring a project to the Squamish that provided economic stimulus and benefits to the District.

Based on the Paradise Trials concept the Council of 2008, supported the project whole heartedly 5/2. Only Greg Gardner and Patty Heintzman were against the project for reasons which we have never been able to make sense of. Neither have the vast majority of the citizense of Squamish as far as we can figure.

Front and center of the benefits the Project could bring to Squamish is the increase in taxes flowing into the treasury of the District. Tax income is estimated at $48,000,000 over 50 years by GP. Rollo and Associates. GP. Rollo are very credible urban land economists. We note that in some instances income from taxes is off set by the expenses in servicing municipalities have to provide. However in the case of Paradise Trails, we are providing all the sewer and water to site. These will be provided by the Paradise Trials Strata Corporation which will build, manage, maintain, and own the services. The District already snow plows the road, and sends a school bus to Midnight Way. We are also offering to provide a substantial contribution towards fire service to the whole of North Squamish region which will reduce everyone’s fire insurance costs. As a result the District will have few costs associated with $48,000,000 in tax income.

Other Economic Benefits:

  • Brings world class quality equestrian programming to Squamish, drawing many new people to community.
  • Annual equestrian centre expenditures $750,000 to $1,000,000, excluding events and clinics
    Annual events and clinics have the potential for an additional $500,000 to $1,000,000 of annual income.
  • Attracts new equestrian recreational tourism locally, nationally and internationally (tourism expenditures could be in the range of $175,000 to $350,000 per year)
  • Enhances Squamish’s reputation as the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada
  • Creates and dedicates public trails and parkland to the District without additional costs to taxpayers
  • Revitalizes the Cheakamus River bridle and hiking trails
  • Supports and expands the equestrian community already active in Squamish
  • Introduces more jobs to area
    • Employment during construction:
      • - Direct employment = 630 man years of employment
      • - Spin-off employment = 250 man years of employment
    • On-going (equestrian centre): 25+/- jobs (includes full time and part time, and includes trainers, coaches and others offering equestrian programs and services)
    • Creates a North End Volunteer Fire Department which may lessen Paradise Valley home owners fire insurance annually by 30%