It is always a pleasure to be the organization that gathers new and returning regional elected officials together for the first time following the local government elections.
On November 7th, 2026, 82 people, gathered at the Gleneagles Clubhouse near Ch’ax̱áy in West Vancouver. Our guests included Mayors and Concillors, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Councillors and other Nation members, Howe Sound Roundtable members and people from various sectors and communities around Howe Sound. Our goal for event was to: Envision the future and lead toward a sustainable future in this amazing place that has global recognition; understand the role of UNESCO Biosphere Reserves and the Howe Sound Forums; build understanding and collaboration across sectors and communities in this watershed; and to build relationships and networks to support each other.
The day started with a welcome from Anthony Joseph, Sḵwx̱wu7mesh Úxwumixw Council member who reminded the newly elected officials to take care of themselves as they tackle the issues over the next four years.
Ruth Simons, Executive Director of HSBRIS, provided a brief overview of the evolution and history of the Howe Sound Community Forums – now in their 27th year – along with the UNESCO designation and how we got there. Key indicators reflecting progress over the past four years towards the Biosphere’s objectives of Biodiversity Conservation, Sustainable Development, and Reconciliation were shared. Carol Coffey of the Squamish Community Foundation and Denise Howell from the West Vancouver Foundation shared information on Vital Signs produced by each community foundation in the region, providing valuable insight into various social, economic, and cultural values. For new Councillors, Vital Signs reports can be a valuable tool in gauging the pulse of a community.
Word Cloud - what do we value about the region?
Municipal leaders, the region’s MP Patrick Weiler, MLAs Randene Neill and Jeremy Valeriotte networked with colleagues, Sḵwx̱wu7mesh Úxwumixw members, and community members. The room buzzed during the Roundtable sessions, which began by asking everyone to identify three things they love most about Howe Sound and, thinking about the values they’d just shared, what, in their opinion, could pose a threat to Howe Sound? Howe Sound Roundtable members helped facilitate the dialogue and participants’ sticky notes were transcribed and grouped. This information will be shared in a report and will help to inform the HSBRIS strategic operational plan and the Nchu’ú7mut/Unity Plan Management Plan.
Karen Elliott, Chair of HSBRIS, facilitated a panel with Rene Rose (retired developer), Rebecca McCleery (Canadian Coastal Sailing & Tourism Squamish Board), Chloe Swain (youth entrepreneur), Warren Hansen (Sechelt Community Forest), and Roger Lewis (Sḵwx̱wu7mesh Úxwumixw forester and newly elected Councillor). This diverse group of individuals (read bios here), shared perspectives from their sector experience in housing and development, tourism, youth entrepreneurship, the forest sector, and construction. They shared what they see and experience as the opportunities and challenges of this region, and what they want locally elected officials to consider in their decision-making or advocacy as we work toward a region where humanity and nature thrive.
Our second panel question sought to gather thoughts on how Biosphere Regions play an important role in bringing diverse people and sectors together to discuss topics that build the region's environmental, social, and economic resilience. What conversations need to happen in this region to achieve good outcomes for people and nature?
Key messages we heard from the panellists were to ensure opportunities for early and ongoing engagement with youth, and that predictability is key to working successfully with the development community to meet our housing needs while meeting environmental objectives. We heard that community forests are a great example of how strong partnerships between First Nations, local communities, and professional foresters can benefit everyone. Tourism and outdoor recreation cross jurisdictional boundaries, and support is needed to understand our capacity and strengthen communication between governments and planning to manage the growth. We heard that collaboration, cooperation across political lines and boundaries, and funding are key to success.
After lunch catered by The Orchard, MP Weiler, MLA Valeriotte, and MLA Neill shared reflections on what they heard. The rest of the time was spent around the tables in dialogue, reflecting on the morning and what we heard from the panellists: what else is important to consider? The Biosphere fosters collaboration to ensure the region's long-term sustainability; what priority actions do we need to take?
The event ended at 2:00 just before the autumn storm weather arrived. Thanks to the HSBRIS team and volunteers for making this possible, and our funders referenced below the photos. We look forward to hosting the next Howe Sound Community Forum in spring 2027.
Photos taken by Chris Dietrich.
