Hi friend,
I just got back from a quick trip to Squamish. I stayed with a friend from New Zealand Iâve known for around 10 years now, and who moved there at almost the exact same time that I moved awayâwhich was at the end of 2018. Weâve managed to stay in-touch ever since, but obviously donât get to see each other often. In fact, I hadnât visited Squamish since September 2023.
It was amazing to see how much had changed. The extraordinary number of new development projects, and all the different areas housing has expanded into. I think it was my first time seeing the new LNG pipeline project too. I remember hearing whispers about some of these projects all the way back in 2016, 2017, 2018. Now, they are real. Some completed, but many more in varying stages of construction.
Squamish is a mountain town about an hour north of Vancouver. Itâs often referred to as a commuter town, because 35%1 of the employed population travels into the city for work (and maybe 5-10% more go up to work in Whistler). Itâs apparently the fastest growing urban centre in BC, which I believe, especially looking at the constant development. I loved living there. I only left because I wanted to attempt to pursue full-time travel, then eventually immigrated to the UK.
Going back this time, I marvelled at all the ways the town has changed. But it somehow felt exactly the same, too. Sure, itâs a little busier, a little louder. But you still go to the same tiny post office on Cleveland. Most of the shops along the main (or âhighâ) street are the same too. And then there are the walks. I did some of my old faves, and Iâm happy to report: the views havenât changed.
I donât know if the locals feel this or not, but it did seem like the town has been able to maintain some of itâs small town vibe, even with all the extra housing. Everywhere we went, I thought: ahh, I remember why I chose this place. And: if I was going to live in BC, Iâd still want to be here. (Though Iâm not sure if I could afford the rent anymore, but thatâs another story!)
But do you want to know the one thing I noticed most, friend? It will feel like a very un-Cait thing to sayâŠ