Laura [email protected]
Tempers flared over contentious proposed towers during a six-hour District of Squamish public hearing over the Waterfront Landing project Tuesday (Oct. 1).Just as four councillors said they could not support the a third reading to rezone the property, Mayor Ian Sutherland suggested sending the project back to planners to see whether the contentious 20-storey, 16-storey and 12-storey towers - that opponents say will block views of the Chief -could be reworked.
Coun. Raj Kahlon appeared outraged by the mayor's approach, saying it overrode his objections, which lay in the commercial and industrial components and job creation rather than viewscapes.
"I knew that was going to happen and I don't like it. I don't like it a bit," said Kahlon.
Over approximately two years, Pridham Development has had 37 consultations with the public including open houses and presentations to council, according to district planner Cameron Chalmers and proponent Chuck Brook.
The project received plenty of community support as 25 people spoke in favour of the project, while 16 spoke against it, a ratio Sutherland described as "pretty phenomenal."
Those supporting the 1,500-unit plan, which includes a manmade lagoon and trail network, described it as the key to revitalizing the downtown core.
"I think this project will be a big gain in downtown once again becoming the recognized heart of Squamish," said Gregory Fischer, owner of Gelato Carina on Cleveland Avenue.
Others said it would provide housing for seniors.
"What this development offers my wife and I is the opportunity to stay in our community," said local resident Bill McNeney. McNeney noted the development would not require people to drive since grocery stores and basic amenities were all within an eight-minute walk.
Some of the strongest support on council came from Coun. Mike Jenson who said the plan "would fit like a glove with the downtown."But many who spoke at the public hearing felt the towers would do just the opposite.
"I wonder how our main street will feel when standing in the shadow of this cold giant," said Brackendale resident Sarah Tipler, adding that the towers would be completely out of context in Squamish.
Local resident Eric Anderson said while the plan appeared to follow Smart Growth principles, it actually encourages a bedroom community since it has very little space allotted for commercial or industrial use.
"The waterfront has excellent potential for a boat building industry. This opportunity will be lost according to present plans," he said.Coun. Patricia Heintzman also expressed concern that Smart Growth was being manipulated to facilitate towers, which create maximum profits for developers.
"There are other ways to achieve dense housing," she said. "A community's sense of place should be defined by its natural features not its manmade structures, especially in a place as beautiful as Squamish."
Disagreement about the position of the Squamish Nation also brought the third reading to a halt. Chalmers presented a letter dated April 2007 from Squamish Nation Chief Gibby Jacob, stating his support for the project. However, elected Squamish Nation council member, Dale Harry said more consultation was needed.
By 1 a.m., Sutherland decided to send the planners back to the proponents to see if the towers could be modified. Council plans to review this feedback and make a decision about the third reading at the Nov. 6 council meeting.
