May 3, 2025 Roundtable #3

Spring was in full swing on Sturday May 3rd, 2025 for our 3rd Roundtable meeting at the Furry Creek Golf Resort. Following a night of heavy rain, our meeting in the Creekside Room was a perfect venue with a fantastic view of the waterfall in full force. The room with its glass surround was ideal location for inspiring our conversations as we felt immersed in nature..

Words describing how people feel when they come “home” to Howe Sound.

Returning and new members travelled from the Sunshine Coast, Vancouver, Bowen Island, the North Shore, Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky corridor. Ruth Simons and Sam Wing were the facilitators for the day. Ruth reflected on our location in what is today known as Furry Creek. According to the Squamish Atlas, at the mouth of this alluvial fan was a seasonal village named Énwilh Spálhx̱n, a strategic location as people travelled the waters of Átl'ka7tsem, Nexwnéwu7ts, Txwnéwu7ts. Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw member Roger Lewis provided more perspective on his territory.

We started by asking how people feel when they come “home” to the Howe Sound biosphere region, realizing that no matter which part of Howe Sound we work and live in, we have good feelings about this region.

Ruth gave updates on actions taken during the past six months and previous meetings. We broke into small mixed group discussions on what actions and challenges are occurring in various sectors.

At the break, we welcomed guests Michael Geller and Dillon Xi, VP Operations for Fine Peace, to provide a current and future glimpse at the Furry Creek Development. After 35 years, the master plan is starting to move forward. Michael Geller was pleased to share the project's many alignments with the sustainability goals..

We enjoyed lunch in the Furry Creek restaurant and walked to the viewing platform for another view of the waterfall. After lunch, we continued our dialogue on current challenges and opportunities. We spoke about engaging more youth to inspire hope in the actions taking place in the Biosphere.

We then switched topics to the role of the Arts and how we can tap into multi-media opportunities to share our messages about the Biosphere. We shared what we know takes place in the region from events such as multi-cultural dance events at Totem Hall, poetry readings, storytelling, live music on the water, mural projects, and art competitions. Murray Journey got us into the mood playing his guitar and song by Bob Dylan’s “Lay Down Your Weary Tune,” a song often interpreted as a poetic exploration of the natural world and the power of sound.

We wrapped up the day with next steps and commitments from the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative as captured in the detailed notes. The next Roundtable meeting will take place on Saturday, November 8, 2025