Landfill expansion
The vertical expansion of Squamish’s landfill is on. Council voted Tuesday to authorize the mayor and corporate officer to negotiate an agreement with Sperling Hansen and Associates to design a vertical expansion to the landfill. Council deferred a decision on vertical expansion last month in order to have more information brought back to council on transfer station options.
To export Squamish’s waste would cost approximately $143 to $234 per tonne while expanding vertically would cost $122 to $157, including a landfill gas extraction and flaring system to capture gas from the dump. The landfill will reach capacity at the end of 2017 at its current rate. With expansion, the landfill will last until 2026, even without any of the pending district Zero Waste strategies implemented, consultants said.
Funds for remembrance
Council granted the Canadian Legion, Diamond Head Branch 277, $4,000 for its Remembrance Day Ceremony at its meeting Tuesday night.
The Legion is moving the ceremony, usually held at Brennan Park Recreation Centre to Junction Park downtown due to the vast number of people who usually attend. Squamish Fire Rescue has become concerned with the fire hazard of the event continuing to be held at Brennan Park, according to district staff.
The money will help pay for rental of equipment, staff hours and traffic equipment required to close off Cleveland Avenue, according to a report submitted to council.
The funds will come from council’s contingency, the report stated.
Blind Channel protection
Environmental protection and neighbourhood design guidelines were added to the development review process for future developments along the Mamquam Blind Channel, at council’s meeting Tuesday night.
Council unanimously adopted the Development Permit Area 4 Mamquam Blind Channel amendment bylaw. “Many of the new guidelines support the creation of high quality public gathering spaces and public walkways that support active transportation and enhance the livability of the area through good urban design,” read a district staff report to council.
Walking path requested
Squamish Mills and neighbouring businesses on Pemberton Avenue are asking the District of Squamish to create a dedicated path for public coming from Valleycliffe and Stawamus areas, south of downtown.
In a letter submitted to council, John Lowe, of Squamish Mills, says there has been an increase in foot and bike traffic through the business’ property.
“The majority of this traffic is children on their way to Squamish Elementary School and Howe Sound Secondary School, but we also get people cutting through to go to Squamish Station Mall,” Lowe states.
The issue is a safety concern and therefore Lowe requests a future walking path.
The letter was referred to district staff for consideration.
