The results are in and there's enough water in Paradise Valley to feed a 22,000-bed-unit resort on Brohm Ridge, says the proponent of Garibaldi at Squamish (GAS).
In February, supporters of resort proposal set about testing the water level in the valley to prove it could provide enough H2O for an all-season alpine resort. The tests were required as part of the project's environmental certification. Three years ago, the province ordered the development's environmental certification process put on hold pending receipt of further information regarding a water source.
Original plans sought to tap into Brohm Creek, filling eight hillside reservoirs. The idea was challenged because of the relatively small size of the creek and potential impacts to fish habitat.
Two months ago GAS proponents started up approximately 10 days of well testing in Paradise Valley. The results were compiled into an extensive interim report, GAS chairman Wolfgang Richter said.
They are positive and as we expected, he said.
The data should allay the province's water concerns, Richter said. The results allow GAS to move onto finishing the proposal's master development plan (MDP) for the provincial lands ministry, he said.
We are already way down the trail with the master planning process, Richter said. We have been planning the overall development for years.
Once the MDP is cemented, proponents will negotiate a master development agreement. That will map out a multi-year, multi-phased development, Wolfgang said.
Another big step is zoning for the project, he said. The proposal's lower portion is inside the District of Squamish boundaries, while the remaining portion lies within the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District's jurisdiction. This highlights the need for discussion of a boundary extension, he said.
I don't think we want to be governed by Pemberton, he said, noting that Whistler created its own municipality for its ski resort.
The Paradise Valley Community Association was set to meet with GAS officials and consultants that conducted the water testing on Wednesday (April 24). After having a chance to look at the results, the committee will have a better understanding of where Paradise Valley residents stand on the project, the association's co-chair Gary Turner said.
