EJQ3 - Winter 2025 - Journal - Page 40
pivotal to the ecological and cultural restoration of Sp’akw’us Feather Park. This included the construction of a root garden to pay respect
to the Indigenous traditional agricultural practices, designed to capture tidal debris that nourishes perennial roots for consumption, which
both enhances environmental sustainability and serves to preserve and
share the cultural practices of the region. The park is a genuine step
in acknowledging Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw as stewards of the land
through the presence of their culture, knowledge, and teachings woven
into the selection of artworks, design of the playground, cultural gardens, and plantings with the community at large.
The park also included input from the adventure sports community, environmental groups, artists, trail societies, as well as much
public input over the years. As a result, the park boasts two beaches
and watersport launch sites, a restored saltwater marsh bench, open
lawn space for community festivals and events, washrooms, an Indigenous designed and themed playground, public art from local indigenous and non-indigenous artists, slacklines and more.
Sp’akw’us Feather Park stands as a generous gift to the community of
Squamish, o昀昀ering a beautiful, inclusive space for everyone to enjoy.
Next phases
Going forward, Stantec continues to support Matthews West with pursuing Certi昀椀cates across the entire Oceanfront Squamish lands as development progresses, including with environmental site investigations, human health ecological
risk assessments, support with ground improvements in mercury-a昀昀ected areas, contract administration, environmental monitoring. The next redevelopment parcels slated for development will include a public sailing center, 昀氀oat
plane terminal, and the 昀椀rst residences and works facilities.
Although Matthews West, the Squamish Nation, and the District of Squamish
have come a long way on the project, redevelopment continues. However,
it is evident that the ongoing transformation is the tangible culmination of
stakeholders including landowners, municipal government, provincial government, and the Squamish Nation productively working together to achieve
a shared vision.
Justin Hains is an environmental scientist and
project manager and Tracey L’Espérance is a
senior risk assessor at Stantec.
E N V I RON M E N T J OURN A L QUA RT E RLY RE PORT • W I N T ER 2 02 5 • P AGE 4 0
