The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is in the middle of a plan to bring in new zoning for Area D.
While the process in many ways has been a housekeeping exercise aimed at clarity when it comes to growth in the unincorporated areas, there has been the occasional site where property use has been a bit contentious, such as one in Furry Creek being advertised on the Airbnb website to host large events. Zoning should help clarify what can and cannot take place at properties throughout Area D, which includes the Upper Squamish Valley, Britannia Beach and Furry Creek.
One area of current contention is the proposed zoning for the Furry Creek Golf and Country Club. The regional district will be holding a public hearing June 16 prior to its next board meeting.
Area D Director Tony Rainbow says the regional district plans zoning for the site that would keep it a golf course, a move he expects is in line with residents’ wishes.
However, the Furry Creek Land Development Corporation, which operates the golf course, is interested in other possibilities that could open the door for different kinds of development.
“They want the zoning left wide open,” Rainbow said. “You can imagine the residents around here are up in arms.”
The Squamish Chief contacted the golf course for comment about the zoning issue, but the spokesperson is currently out of town. However, vice-president of development Jason Wexler sent a letter to the SLRD on April 25 that outlines the development corporation’s concerns over limiting the use of land at the site.
He points out there are no current restrictions to land use at the golf course and its associated ancillary buildings on the site, and the development corporation wants to keep options open for the future.
“As golf may not continue to be a viable business at Furry Creek, we believe that having flexibility in the new zoning is important to maintaining an active and vibrant community,” he wrote.
Wexler also refers to sites in other locations that the development corporation has worked on like Gallagher’s Canyon in Kelowna. The Kelowna example includes mixed use such as a golf course and 650 residential units, made feasible by flexible zoning.
“This zoning allowed for a successful, walkable, amenity-rich community,” he said.
Rainbow expects the golf course question at Furry Creek is the only major sticking point when it comes to bringing in the new zoning bylaw, which will replace three separate zoning bylaws for different parts of the electoral area.
“We’re not hearing anything else from any other part of the area,” he said.
In addition, the SLRD is also updating its 11 different development permit areas (DPA) throughout Area D, which cover matters such as riparian protection and farming. Some minor changes are proposed for three DPAs around Porteau Cove.
The Area D zoning public hearing will take place at the District of Squamish municipal hall on June 16 starting at 7 p.m.
