The District of Squamish has unanimously agreed to call for a halt to the Garibaldi at Squamish 180-day environmental assessment process until concerns such as the viability of the project and the possibility of increased local crime rate are addressed.
Without delays, the Ministry of Environment could be in a position to issue Garibaldi at Squamish certification to go forward before the end of 2007.
"The message is the information is incomplete," said by Chief Administrative Officer Kim Anema of the district decision. "The clock should stop."
During the council meeting Tuesday (Sept. 4), council members -with very little discussion - voted to send a letter drafted by municipal staff to Environmental Assessment Officer (EAO) Graeme McLaren stating district concerns.
"The level of sprawl demonstrated in the plans presented to date, and particularly with the increased residential component, are inconsistent with the values embraced by both the SLRD and the District of Squamish and are therefore unacceptable," states the letter.
District staff goes on to ask questions such as "What are the costs and which level of government will be responsible if the project becomes a residential development without a viable resort component?" and "Will the 6,000 units be willing to pay the bill for 98 km of road?"
But the letter is careful to state the district "does not necessarily oppose a destination resort of an appropriate scale and character."
It's the second such letter from a local government in a week that has gone to the EAO. On Monday Aug. 27, the Squamish Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) board unanimously voted to send a similar letter.
"This is identical to the SLRD recommendation," said Mayor Ian Sutherland, adding residents can view the letter on the district website.
The district's concerns divert from SLRD comments to focus more closely on the community when discussing potential increased crime rate.
"The District of Squamish currently experiences a relatively high Criminal Code Crime rate," states the letter. "We believe the transient population that travels the corridor to Whistler drives this crime rate. The relatively high ratio of police to population discussed in the socio economic report recognizes the necessity to deal with the crimes.
"The Garibaldi at Squamish project will likely adversely impact the District of Squamish crime rate. The fiscal impact study needs to quantify this impact."
The letter also states that by the proponent's own acknowledgement, resort developers have not had a chance to properly present the project to the community.
"The general community has no idea about what is being proposed by the Garibaldi at Squamish project," states the letter. "We therefore request that another public comment opportunity be organized with sufficient communication to ensure that public engagement is successful."
Council members also have not had a chance to discuss their thoughts on the resort with the community, but the letter is a good indicator, said Coun. Greg Gardner in the only other comment from council.
"Council as a whole received some inquiries from the general public about this, and our position on this rather complicated issue. If people are looking for [that] information, this letter is the best source," he said.
Developers of the proposed Garibaldi at Squamish resort are hoping to build 122 runs with 24 lifts, two golf courses and 5,700 housing units in the Brohm Ridge area north of Squamish.
