As more businesses close while others chose to move downtown, District of Squamish staff are working to finalize a downtown streetscape policy to create a more vibrant and appealing environment downtown.
Planner Elaine Naisby delivered a clear and detailed presentation to council outlining the proposed design components and possible implementation strategies at the council meeting on Tuesday (July 19).
The downtown streetscape standards manual was divided into two sections - streetscape layout and streetscape components.
Streetscape layout includes mid-block bumpouts, patio seating, rain gardens and street celebration corners.
Naisby explained that streetscape layout defines how individual components are arranged on each street. In general, a clear sidewalk is provided with an amenity strip between the sidewalk and the road.
Streetscape components include street trees, lighting, paving, themes, features, public art, seating, bike facilities, signage, litter and recycling.
Naisby said material choices for these components were suggested with maintenance requirements, initial and ongoing costs, environmental considerations, and suitability to Squamish's climate and culture in mind.
"The issue is that the existing downtown streetscapes are aging," said Naisby.
"And with downtown developing, uniformity is needed."
Coun. Corinne Lonsdale asked Naisby how staff planned to ensure the tree roots didn't ruin the sidewalks, which is what happened 20 years ago and resulted in several ornamental cherry trees being removed.
Naisby explained that choosing the right species was essential, and that, for example, in most cases street trees are maple trees because their roots aren't as widespread as cherry trees. She added that there would also be root barriers put in place to manage the roots.
In terms of actually implementing the policy, staff is looking to council for direction on two options.
The first option would be re-develop the downtown on a site-by-site basis through development-funded projects according to district specifications.
"The benefit would be less cost to the taxpayer but the drawback is the fear that the streetscape would have a patchwork look," said Naisby.
"And it is likely the timeframe for all the sites to be re-developed would be long and drawn out."
The other option would be for the district to implement the work on a block-by-block basis.
Naisby said implementing the block-by-block method would allow a wider range of options for strengthening the relationship of Cleveland Avenue to Second Avenue, especially for the sake of businesses and the enjoyment of those spending time in downtown Squamish. Also, depending on how much money council was willing to put towards the project, it could be completed much faster.
The obvious drawback is that the cost would fall on district shoulders.
"Staff resources and funding would be required to effectively implement these standards in this manner," said Naisby, adding that if it took a long time to accumulate sufficient funds, the existing streetscape could remain for some time with little or no upgrades.
Coun. Paul Lalli was concerned about the implementation of the project and didn't want to mislead the public into thinking these appealing changes would start happening tomorrow.
Community Services general manager Cameron Chalmers explained the manual was a working policy document that would allow staff to consider options for implementation based on cost estimates and research through future capital planning and budget deliberation.
"Having the standards sets the goal posts for what we'd like to see happen in the downtown," said Chalmers.
Before endorsing the manual, Mayor Greg Gardner took the time to commend staff for the "fantastic and exciting document completed in-house."
The motion to endorse the document, include the relevant standards in the subdivision and development control bylaw, and direct staff to consider options for implementation was carried unanimously.
