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The new Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is poised to become the next locals’ hangout. People who live in the Sea to Sky region are sure to be coming back regularly for the unique café menu and to experience the centre with their new annual pass, which is available to locals for the price of just one entry.
The centre’s grand opening took place in July and the long-awaited café opening took place on Sept. 18. As with the rest of the cultural facility, members of the Lil’wat and Squamish nations staff the eatery.
The café is located on the lower floor of the three-story glass and wood building, with the café’s windows overlooking Lost Lake Park. Guests at the café and gift shop are not required to pay admission to the centre.
Deanna Bell, manager of sales and marketing, said the feedback has been positive so far on the café selections, with at least one group of visitors returning to the centre the day after their initial tour just to have another sandwich.
“It’s very upscale, good food, local food with affordable pricing,” Bell said.
Panini sandwiches are made with bannock, a traditional First Nations bread, and filled with items such as smoked salmon, bison salami, and wild boar prosciutto. The First Nations-inspired menu also includes soup, venison chili, and a range of salads, sweets and beverages.
Bell said the menu is set to be expanded with more sandwich selections and other items in November. “It’s certainly worth coming back again to check out the full menu,” she said.
Another recent development at the centre is special admission pricing for locals. Residents of Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton are eligible for an annual pass for the cost of just one regular-priced admission. As an added bonus, people accompanying a local passholder receive a 15 per cent discount on the regular admission.
“You don’t have to pay and your visitors get 15 per cent off,” Bell said.
A family rate has also been introduced, and groups of 10 or more are offered special prices.
The summer season has been successful for the new facility, with many tour groups visiting and relaying positive comments about the experience, Bell said. Local school groups have also been coming regularly since September. Last month saw several private evening bookings at the facility, and tour bookings are rolling in for 2009, she said.
Most people who visit the centre comment on the personalized experience the ambassadors from the Lil’wat and Squamish nations provide with guided tours, song and dance performances, and craft making. A performance takes place every half hour to introduce the film that’s shown regularly in the centre’s theatre and after the film, visitors are offered a guided tour of the facility.
“Whoever does the tour can personalize the tour,” Bell said. “They bring people into their personal experience.”
The museum area has also been updated with descriptions of the items and more art has been installed in the upstairs craft area, she said. Visitors can work on cedar bark bracelets, weaving and rock painting in the craft area.
The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit www.slcc.ca for more information.
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