Environmental concerns about construction near Mashiter Creek prompted an investigation and a stop-work order by the District of Squamish.
The construction appears to be connected to Phase 2 of the University Heights development in the Garibaldi Highlands.
“There has been some concern in the community about the clearing of a steep area above the north side of the Mashiter Creek,” reads an email to The Chief from Chris Wyckham, the director of engineering for the District.
The matter is still under investigation, he continued in the message, which was received on Sept. 29.
“Work at the University Heights Phase 2 construction site is subject to a valid Site Alteration Permit, but this small area of clearing was not within the scope of the current permit,” wrote Wyckham. “The cleared area is for a stormwater pipeline which has been approved by [Fisheries and Oceans Canada.] However, District permitting is not yet in place, so we have issued a stop-work order for this portion of the site.”
Fines for alleged non-compliance with the District’s bylaws are being considered, Wyckham added.
Photographs that were taken by The Chief on Sept. 28 show an area that appears to have been cleared of trees. Dirt seems to have been pushed downwards in the direction of Mashiter Creek.
The shots were taken between 40190 and 40206 Kintyre Drive looking eastward at the creek.
Wyckham said the works don’t appear to have been in a riparian area, but the developer’s inspector is following up to make sure measures are in place to protect the creek.
Riparian areas refer to spaces that link water to land. This may include the zones surrounding streams, rivers, wetlands and creeks.
These spaces are subject to protective provincial regulations such as the Riparian Areas Protection Act.
Salmon swim through the waters of the Mashiter Creek and nearby signs from the Streamkeepers Society call it a protected area.
Jack Cooley of the Squamish Streamkeepers Society had a look at the site, but said it wasn’t possible to tell from his location if construction had crossed riparian boundaries.
“I don’t know if it’s going to be against any kind of fisheries law,” said Cooley. “There is a riparian zone that is somewhere between 15 and 30 metres from the edge of the creek.”
“It looks like the dirt that they’re pushing down for some reason is well away from the riparian zone,” he added. “I can’t see whether they’re encroaching the riparian zone or not.”
He said he has forwarded pictures to Fisheries and Oceans Canada for further examination, though he added this may take a long time due to what he considered to be agency understaffing in the area.
These cases are handled by two Fisheries and Oceans Canada staffers in the area, who have to oversee the region extending from Horseshoe Bay to D’Arcy, he said.
The Holborn Group of Companies, which is responsible for the University Heights Development, replied to requests for comment from The Chief via an email statement.
"Holborn and its team of professionals has been working closely with the District of Squamish towards completing the University Heights neighbourhood," wrote chief operating officer Jonathan Cooper. "Best practices applied in planning and environmental design allow us to deliver new parks and infrastructure as positive additions to the whole community. We're very excited to showcase Phase 2 of University Heights in the coming months. Including the current site preparation, construction is planned and monitored by the Geotech Engineer and QEP to avoid potential risks."
Holborn is associated with a number of developments in the Lower Mainland.
***Please note this story has been updated to include a comment from the Holborn Group of Companies, as a statement from Holborn was received past The Chief's press deadline.
