New Building
A new major development in the downtown core has been given the go-ahead by the District.
Squamish municipal council carried a motion that would allow Kainos Development by Design to construct a six-storey building covering the lots in 38033, 38049 and 38051 Second Ave.
The proposed building would include 64 residential units on the top four floors, as well as commercial and office space on the first and second floors, respectively.
Along with the project came stipulations that would make it an exception to standard municipal bylaws in two respects.
First, there must be 1.98 metres – down from 3.5 metres – of clearance between the rear of the building and the alleyway. Second, there would only be one loading zone in the area as opposed to two. The changes were criticized in a council meeting by a couple who identified themselves as residents living near the development. They said those conditions would make the alleyway more cramped and that one loading space wouldn’t be enough for the area.
Coun. Doug Race replied that since the private property line isn’t moving, changed setbacks shouldn’t shrink the alley.
He added that since a fair amount of the building would include office space, it’s unlikely the building would generate much delivery traffic.
The District of Squamish previously granted the developer a permit in 2007, but it expired after years of being unused.
Water meters on the way
Water meters are on their way to being installed in facilities that consume a lot of the liquid sunshine.
The District passed a motion that enlists ISL Engineering and Land Services as consultants for the job.
After applying to the province’s Clean Water and Wastewater Fund, the District was awarded $1.6 million by B.C. About 160 meters are expected to be installed in facilities such as schools, condos and big commercial buildings. The meters won’t be going on individual houses. It’s hoped that measuring water usage will help the community manage its supply and prepare for future growth.
ISL is expected to take almost $100,000 in consulting fees. The project team will begin identifying installation locations, preparing detailed designs and tendering the construction contract to complete the installations by March 31, 2018.
Noise bylaw changed
“Early to bed, early to rise” just became a little easier, now that the District has amended the noise bylaw.
Construction noise will no longer be permitted past 8 p.m., as opposed to 9 p.m. On Sundays, this law bylaw will limit construction noise to fall in between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Another HandyDart could be on its way
Council is asking staffers to find a way to add an additional HandyDart to the 2018 budget. The service allows those with mobility issues to access public transit.
Anyone with a physical, sensory, or cognitive disability who is unable to use conventional public transit without assistance may be eligible to use it.
