Council pondered the proposal of an oil change business at the entrance to downtown Squamish on Tuesday afternoon.
An application for the development of what is known locally as the teardrop parcel of land at the northwest corner of Cleveland and Buckley avenues in front of Squamish Elementary School is being proposed as the site for a Quick Oil Change business by developer Brockton Projects.
The proposal was presented to council at the community development standing committee on Tuesday.
There would be two phases to the project. One would be for the oil change business and the second would be for a mixed-use commercial complex.
On the western section of the parcel of land would be a car servicing and car wash building, and the eastern portion would be the mixed use, commercial building.
The proposal received a lukewarm to cold reception from council.
“I do not see an auto-oriented development being in the entrance to our town, right in the middle of our two schools,” said Councillor Susan Chapelle. “I absolutely cannot support this.”
The oddly shaped parcel of land has been vacant since the mid-1990s, according to Mayor Patricia Heintzman.
Councillor Doug Race said whatever goes on the site should be welcoming.
“For the eastern end of it, my concern is that we get something that is very attractive because it is the gateway to our community. It is one of the first buildings you will see when you turn off the highway,” he said, adding that he understands some type of business should be on the site. “There is an economic reality to these things and there has to be some use… It can’t be a lawn, I can see the problem with that. The challenge is going to be integrating that into the neighbourhood.”
Andrew Sinclair of Brockton Projects discussed his proposal with council.
“Obviously I am very sensitive to the fact of the location of the property in relation to downtown,” said Sinclair, who would own and operate the auto service centre.
“I am looking to make an investment in the community.”
Sinclair said the unique property has all the aspects needed to make it a successful business location.
The project is under active review by the district, but has yet to come before council to be put to a vote.
An open house on the proposal was held Wednesday night after The Squamish Chief press deadline.
