I am a concerned Squamish resident, urging your support to safeguard "The Spot," our vital and ONLY coin-operated laundrette and community center, owned by Ashleigh Leier. This invaluable essential service faces imminent closure, impacting our vulnerable residents, public health, and the environment. 

Imagine our town without a public laundrette…you are about to experience it November 30th, 2023 if we don’t come together as a community.  The District of Squamish acknowledge this is a potential health issue with the closure of The Spot but they can not do anything about it until the Council expand the scope of "Critical Amenities" to include a public laundrette...which is where we need your help.

The Crucial Role of The Spot: 

The Spot is the only public, coin operated laundry in Squamish.  The other laundrette is a commercial laundrette and Under one Roof have stated they would be unable to meet demand if The Spot were to close.   

The Spot serves as a lifeline for our community, essential for several reasons:

1. Health Preservation: Clean laundry is fundamental for personal hygiene and public health. The Spot is crucial, especially for vulnerable residents. While Brennan Park is closed The Spot is the only public shower for van livers and the homeless.

2. Supporting Vulnerable Communities: The Spot provides hope for our homeless and low-income families, symbolizing community support.

3. Environmental Responsibility: The Spot's eco-friendly practices reduce water and energy consumption, promoting sustainability.

Our Urgent Plea: 

We urgently request action from the Squamish Council, District of Squamish, and Rural Stores Ltd:

• Maintain The Spot: Secure its operation in its current location by offering favourable development terms to the landlord when they put in an application to redevelop in the near future.

• Find Alternatives: Assist in locating a new site to continue serving our community.

• Financial Support: Help offset the costs of moving the much needed laundrette.

• Amend the definition of "Critical Amenity" to include laundrettes.

The Added Burden: 

The Spot not only aids vulnerable residents but also assists in times of crisis. When personal machines break down, immediate access to clean laundry is vital. The Spot has spared residents from long city trips. Closure would impose this inconvenience. 

Further, where are the hundreds of summer campers / van dwellers to do their laundry or have a shower when The Spot closes? The environment impacts of people washing clothes in our rivers would be devastating.

Why Your Involvement Matters:

• Protecting Vulnerable Communities: The Spot is a lifeline for the homeless and low-income families.  Your support safeguards the most vulnerable.

• Preserving Public Health: Clean laundry is essential for personal and public health. 

• Community Resilience: The Spot embodies our community's resilience and inclusivity.  Studies show kids are more likely to attend and do well in school with clean laundry.

• Environmental Responsibility: The Spot's energy-efficient machines reduce carbon emissions, while customers can reduce their own energy use by utilizing its services.

• Reducing Added Burden: Closure would inconvenience residents with broken machines.

Join the Movement: Your support is vital. 

We request a meeting to discuss solutions with the DOS, Council and Rural Stores Ltd.

Sign the Petition: Squamish residents, unite to safeguard The Spot and our vulnerable neighbors. Sign this petition to amplify your voice!

Send a message to the District of Squamish and Council asking them to amend the definition of a Critical Amenity to include laundrettes and to prevent a public health crisis in our small town by helping The Spot stay open. council@squamish.ca; planning@squamish.ca

MANY OF US ARE PRIVILEGED AND HAVE WASHING MACHINES AT HOME.  THIS EFFECTS OUR WHOLE TOWN AND WE NEED TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE

THIS IS NOT A COFFEE SHOP BUT AN ESSENTIAL SERVICE. OUR DISTRICT AND COUNCIL NEED TO SAFEGUARD PUBLIC HEALTH AND STEP UP!