Since the early 1980’s, we’ve had visions of some type of Marine development in inner Squirrel Cove on our radar; there have been numerous studies undertaken to date. We look forward to your views as Klahoose members on the potential of developing a Squirrel Cove Marine Resort at our upcoming community meetings:

Meeting Locations:
June 28th, 2011
Powell River, B.C. Town Centre Hotel: 4660 Joyce Avenue, Malaspina Room 7:00 PM

June 29th, 2011
Squirrel Cove, B.C. Klahoose Band Administration Centre 10:00 AM

Background
The Qathen Xwegus Management Corporation on behalf of the Klahoose First Nation, have over the past several years been considering the opportunity to develop economic opportunities in and around Squirrel Cove. Three years ago, the Sauder School of Business Masters Program at UBC completed an assignment on the viability of a Marine Development in Squirrel Cove. The discussion continued to evolve and in the fall of 2010, QXMC embarked on a feasibility study to define the potential for a project in Squirrel Cove.

The Concept of a Marine Resort was developed and an application was made to the Ministry of Natural Resources on behalf of the Klahoose FN for a Licence of Occupation of Squirrel Cove. The summer time demand for anchorage in Squirrel Cove is at times well beyond its capacity in its current format. At the same time, any potential economic opportunity for Klahoose was overlooked.

The Opportunity
Squirrel Cove is internationally renowned in the boating community for its beauty, it’s history, and calm waters. Simply put, it is an experience boaters do not want to miss. The guiding principle for the Squirrel Cove Marine Resort is to ensure the experience the boaters currently come for is maintained and furthermore, we make it a repeatable experience; one that they will continue to come back for and to find something different and new on each visit. That is where we see the opportunity for the Klahoose First Nation.

History
Historically, the boaters journals will write about the cinnamon buns, or salmon BBQ’s, swimming and kayaking. They however, also talk of lost anchors and overcrowded weekends. We believe this presents the potential for economic development in the form of a Marine Resort.
An overview of the Project
The basic element of this is organized moorage. The concept plan defines the potential of the Cove and this is what our application for tenure has included. This however will be phased in over time. The mooring buoys will be the first phase along with shore access which is being developed now. The application includes docks for berths, fuel and a holding tank pump out station, and space for float planes.

The Near Future
On shore, the Marine Resort concept can provide many employment and business opportunities only limited by your imagination - The trail system to Van Donop can be restored allowing boaters to stretch their legs. A ‘shore boat’ service is also envisioned which provides ‘taxi’ service from the boats on the moorage to the dock and the services on shore. Winter moorage and maintenance can also be another way of extending the season to year round. The QXMC board looks forward to receiving input from Klahoose members on this proposal.

Note: These are closed meetings for Klahoose members and invited guests only
For more information please contact: Project Liaison, Kathy Francis 250.935.6536