The creation of the District’s long-term vision for Squamish has now entered its final phase, with the final draft of the Official Community Plan released publicly Dec. 1.
The District’s current OCP was adopted in 2010. The planning document is renewed on a regular basis and aims to provide a long-term vision for issues like housing, land development, flood management, and transportation.
“This is truly a ‘made in Squamish’ plan that this community has built together during this extensive update process,” said Mayor Patricia Heintzman in an official statement.
“It’s important that citizens review the plan and stand up for what they believe to be important for our town’s future. What do you like? What don’t you like? We want to know.”
The OCP policy document is 266 pages and includes several maps.
Priorities are outlined for installing sidewalks. The majority of short-term sidewalk projects are proposed for Brackendale, downtown and along Government Road. Roads close to schools have also been identified as a priority.
Another large part of the Official Community Plan identifies which areas should be prioritized for new development.
The new draft OCP identifies the downtown Waterfront Landing and Oceanfront Peninsula, as well as the areas around Quest University, as approved for development by the council.
The 400-acres of land owned by the Cheema family, north of the Garibaldi Highlands, remain designated as a “future residential neighbourhood.” This means development will be limited until the population of Squamish reaches 34,000 or until 75 per cent of the currently approved land is developed.
A clause in the OCP allows for development at 22,500, but the proposal must provide “extraordinary community benefits.”
The OCP doesn’t rule out development, but decisions that go against the plan must get approval from council.
Landowner Bob Cheema told The Chief on Tuesday evening that he had not seen the public OCP draft yet, and could not comment on the decision.
In October, Cheema told councillors that if development wasn’t permitted on his land he would close access to mountain bikers and hikers. At the time he said he was optimistic a solution could be reached, “unless something goes sideways with the OCP.”
While the OCP process is now in its final phase, the document is still in draft form.
The District is asking residents for both negative and positive feedback before the document is finalized.
