Squamish Mountain Biking & Multi Use Shelter

With the growth of mountain biking and recreational trail use in Squamish, I believe it is necessary to have designated communal rest locations in high-traffic areas.

Through many conversations and careful planning, I have been granted permission by Recreation Sites and Trails BC to design and build a 16x20 foot shelter with a large picnic table near the trailhead of Miki's Magic and Slippery Salmon this coming spring (2022). Safely off the main road and built on a foundation already cleared in the making of Miki’s Magic, minimal environmental impact remains in the shelter construction.

I see this chosen shelter location as an important addition to the area as there is a high concentration of blue and green trails, making it one of the most popular learning and training zones in the Squamish trail network. The picnic table within the shelter is designed to seat a large number of people, making it the perfect resting spot for small groups or entire teams. The space also has a great view of the starting jumps of upper Miki’s Magic.

I also want to make sure that the structures intended purpose is extended outside of the mountain bike community to dirt bikers and trail runners. The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation has also let me know that forested areas nearby are used in cedar art gatherings and other culturally significant practices, which I hope the structure can be of use to.

The shelter has been designed, the plans have been drawn, and the shelter & table are the defined starting point. However, I am hoping that this structure will be a communal project with the addition of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation artwork, a trail map, and possibly an old Whistler Blackcomb chairlift chair

On the topic of community, I am grateful to work alongside SORCA throughout this project as they have graciously taken on a supporting role and will help with annual maintenance and upkeep. I am also so thankful to have supportive people in my life who are already keen and organized to help with the construction of the shelter this spring.

So the only missing piece in this project is the cost. I was initially hoping to be able to fund the shelter alone; however, with the most recent materials quote coming in north of nine thousand dollars ($9,000) I am hoping to get some help financially. Although I have high hopes that some material may get discounted, I want to ensure that this structure is quality-made and able to withstand the weather for many years to come.

To continue to make this shelter communal and to share how passionate I am about our recreational community, I felt that fundraising was the next best step to see this project to fruition.