It is a massive project – there is no disputing that fact.
The year-round resort community proposed for Brohm Ridge, Garibaldi at Squamish, which was first introduced in about 1997 has an estimated budget of more than $3.5 billion.
The proposal includes private and commercial accommodations, 23 ski lifts and 124 developed ski trails on Crown land 15 kilometres north of Squamish.
Last Thursday, the BC Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) held an open house on the additional information provided to the EAO by the proponent, Garibaldi at Squamish Inc., the principals of which are Northland Properties and Aquilini Investment Group of Vancouver.
Squamish tradesperson Robert Forsyth said he supports the project in part because it would bring jobs.
The project promises more than 900 construction and related jobs during the building phase. Once in operation, the proponents argue the resort would create close to 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.
Forsyth said the project could help Squamish move beyond being a daytrip location for tourists.
“Our community is pushing for ecotourism. This development, if planned right, could be a destination, something Squamish is lacking is activities to fill the hotels,” he said.
The project could potentially bring tax dollars to the District of Squamish, but only if the municipality agrees to annex the area.
Currently, only the area in Paradise Valley from which the water will be drawn is within Squamish boundaries. The rest is within the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) boundaries, according to Chris Gillham, infrastructure consultant for Aquilini Development.
“We would prefer to be within the District of Squamish boundaries,” he said, adding the company has three basic options: being annexed, staying within the SLRD or forming its own municipality.
There have long been those who vehemently oppose the project.
A petition on Change.org, “Stop the sale of Crown Land on Brohm Ridge, Cat Lake, Brohm Lake and all surrounding areas associated with proposed residential development,” has garnered more than 2,450 signatures. The petition is aimed at Premier Christy Clark.
According to Chris Hamilton, EAO executive project director, over the course of the open house some common concerns mentioned included concern over increased traffic, how water withdrawal could impact domestic well users in Paradise Valley and concerns about the loss of backcountry recreation and about house prices and access to rental markets in Squamish. Hamilton said about 150 people attended the open house, held May 21 at the Executive Suites Hotel and Resort.
For Katherine Fenasse Currall, a newcomer to Squamish, the open house was an interesting look into the attitudes toward growth of Canadians versus Americans.
“Multiple ski resorts can coexist and sustain in a given corridor when pulling from major metropolitan areas – look at Colorado,” she said.
After purusing all the open house poster boards and documents, Fenasse Currall did have concerns, including the project’s environmental impact, the number of beds planned (21,900) in terms of competition with Whistler, and the possible impact of the growth on Squamish housing prices.
“It’s exciting though, and using U.S. models as an example, and a careful, thoughtful regard to Squamish growth and impact, this could work,” she said.
The project is within Squamish Nation territory, but Chief Ian Campbell told The Squamish Chief he could not comment on it because the Nation is currently conducting its own assessment.
The EAO public comment period on the project is open until June 22. The EAO is expected to refer the project to ministers for a decision in the fall, and a final decision is expected within 45 days of that referral.
To comment contact Chris Hamilton, executive project director, Environmental Assessment Office PO Box 9426 Stn. Prov. Govt., Victoria B.C. V8W 9V1; fax: 250-387-2208.
What is different
about this EAO process?
Squamish has seen its share of Environmental Assessment processes of late, but the Garibaldi at Squamish process is a bit different than the Woodfibre LNG, FortisBC and BC Hydro EAs.
The Garibaldi at Squamish application was already considered by the EA in 2010. At that time the deciding ministers didn’t pass final judgment on the project, but instead asked for a collection of additional or supplemental information, according to the EAO’s Chris Hamilton. The ministers wanted more information on vegetation, fish and wildlife habitat, and water. They also wanted updated information on the potential transportation impact of the projects since the construction improvements on the Sea to Sky Highway. The assessment then is only on these aspects of the project and not on the project as a whole.
