"I feel like a schmuck."
Those were resident Michael Bigler's opening words, as he approached council to protest the location of the proposed homeless shelter.
Bigler then voiced his concern for his real estate value, stating that he is in the process of having multiple appraisals done, with values for before and after the completion of the shelter.
"I think it's going to ruin my neighbourhood," he said, adding that he feels "blind-sided" and that "it's a slap in the face."
Bigler stated that the shelter is merely "some kind of band-aid deal," suggesting that "it's not a homeless problem, it's a substance abuse problem."
He then proposed the project be moved "to the periphery" and "put on the outskirts."
Mayor Greg Gardner said he would consider Bigler's comments, and corrected Bigler's idea that the project would include a shelter.
"The proposal is for single-residency occupancy units, so it's not a full shelter," he said.
Coun. Paul Lalli also suggested Bigler contact the Helping Hands Society with his comments.
Outdoor school expands
The North Vancouver Outdoor School (NVOS) is seeking approval for rezoning in order to expand their facilities and plan for future educational programs.
At Tuesday's council meeting, staff presented council with NVOS' development plans for the property, which include replacing almost all of the current buildings save the Big House and the Hatchery. According to staff, the existing buildings are "coming to the end of their serviceable life" and therefore need to be decommissioned.
"The intent of the zone is to accommodate the educational and habitat conservation uses and to promote environmental stewardship activities within the municipality," said staff representative Jim Charlebois.
Currently the property is split-zoned as both Resource and Tourist Commercial; NVOS is hoping to gain approval for a Comprehensive Development zone.
While the plans for the future expansion include an environmental learning centre with a reception and meeting rooms, a multi-purpose/dining space, two learning spaces, and a kitchen, along with multi-occupant lodges, single and twin occupant lodges, and a program services building, staff was quick to assure council that the development plans are in line with the conservation covenant held by the Nature Conservancy of Canada.
"The North Vancouver Outdoor School and the North Vancouver School District have provided a letter of support by the Nature Conservancy of Canada for their approval for the work proposed," said Charlebois.
There are also a few barriers to be overcome, before development of the land can commence, and staff requested that council instruct them to seek resolution prior to the adoption of the rezoning bylaw.
The first is that two sections of the property are agriculture property, which require the Agricultural Land Commission (ALC) to approve non-farm use of the land. Without the ALC's approval, the land cannot be rezoned.
Staff also requested that council approve preparation of a Flood Hazard Management Plan, and that it begin the process of road dedication for a section of Paradise Valley Road that has not been dedicated.
The only question brought from council was regarding the Flood Hazard Management Plan.
"Does it concern any other natural hazards, such as rockfall?" asked Coun. Doug Race.
Charlebois assured council that the plan includes "everything from flood hazards and creek flow to seismic activity and a number of other issues."
Without any discussion, council voted unanimously to give the proposed bylaw first and second readings.
They also voted in favour of scheduling a public hearing for May 26, and requested that staff begin to seek resolution of the issues mentioned above.
Green initiative progresses
In an effort to work towards a reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, Squamish is moving forward on a plan to implement a Neighbourhood Energy Utility (NEU).
At Tuesday's council meeting, council was presented with a request for proposal for a full feasibility study for a Squamish NEU.
If all goes according to plan, over the next week the proposal will be sent to five proponents who have, as stated by staff, "proven expertise" in NEU feasibility studies.
The hope is that proposals will be received by the beginning of June, since, as staff pointed out, the August 31 deadline for the full feasibility study "is rapidly approaching."
"We have not identified any one specific technology [for the NEU] hopefully the study would identify the top two or three," said staff representative Sabina FooFat.
The study would also provide staff and council with a business-socio-economic analysis.
"We would want to understand project financing, what partnerships we may or may not want to get in," said FooFat.
"We have to remember the ultimate goal is to help Squamish be resilient we don't want someone to do something and create unsustainable results or practices or habits," she added.
While NEUs seem to be popular in Europe, they are an emerging industry in B.C. and North America. Because of this, staff requested that during the review of the proponent proposals one councillor be assigned to work with one staff member and one LEC member, to rank the proponents to bring back to council for its support.
"Ultimately there's no decisions that are made as part of that panel; it would be part of the recommendation (to council)," said staff.
Race was selected as the representative to work on the review panel.
"I'm quite excited about this project," said Race. "I'm happy to work on it."
Both the request for proposal, and Race's position on the review panel were supported unanimously.
Buckley Ave. calming requested
Council heard concerns about high speed traffic on Buckley Avenue by resident Stephen Scully, who made an impassioned plea to have traffic calmed on Buckley Avenue.
"There's been two vehicles that have crashed into my yard," he said. "Speed is a real big problem. That road is designed for speed, which in a neighbourhood is kind of weird."
Scully invited council to come to his house and watch the traffic zoom by. He also handed out multi-paged booklets that synthesized his research on traffic calming options, to each council member.
"I'm bringing this to show you this is facts, not just my opinion. Facts," he said.
Scully also mentioned the road's proximity to Howe Sound Secondary, and requested that crosswalks be put in on the west side of the road.
"We have ourselves a situation that isn't safe," he said. "Everyone knows this is a time bomb."
Gardner thanked Scully for his efforts, and acknowledged that he "highlighted some of the important issues."
Council voted unanimously to refer the issue to staff.
Senior's centre officially named
Council voted unanimously to adopt the recommendation of the Select Committee on Seniors Issues, which was to name the new centre the Squamish Seniors' Centre.
Council was given a brief presentation by the committee's representative, where he discussed the process that occurred for the name selection.
"We received a number of nominations for the proposed name," said the representative. "By far the most recommended name was the Squamish Seniors' Centre."
Gardner joked that while the name is "not particularly imaginative," it "is descriptive."
Although council received a tour of the new facility last week, no date for a public grand opening was discussed.
Pedestrian Crossing goes ahead
Council voted to award the structural design for Kingswood Pedestrian Crossing to ISL Engineering and Land Services Ltd., a local Squamish company. The cost for the project is not to exceed $99,545.
Transit program supported
Council voted unanimously to authorize the continuation of the Transit Pass Program, which allows high school students residing in Valleycliffe to purchase a transit pass for $10 per month.
