The creation of a year-round Nordic sports training facility in Squamish glided through its public hearing, with one voice of opposition among a flurry of support.
For the past two years, the Callaghan Winter Sports Club (CWSC) has worked toward building a Nordic sports training venue on a 7.8-hectare parcel on the north side of Raven Drive.
The project includes paved trails for roller sports, trails for running, a climbing bluff and possibly a Frisbee golf course, CWSC representative Rick Smith said at the hearing for rezoning for the project on Tuesday (May 21). Two to three year-round downhill ski jumps are also slated for the land, he noted.
There is only one other spot in Canada that offers such amenities, Smith said.
Smith was backed by a slew of supporters backing the proposal's economic benefits for the community and opportunities for local youth. Vancouver resident Jim Woolsey drove up the Sea to Sky Highway to tell council that the facility would be used by people from outside Squamish.
This will draw people from all over the Lower Mainland, he said, noting it's a training facility open to them as well.
One neighbour of the proposed project wasn't strapping on her roller blades. The project comes with parking for 10 vehicles, Sandra Haffey said. Already, during big events at Brennan Park Recreation Centre, drivers will leave their vehicles on Raven Drive, she noted.
The forested area serves as a wildlife corridor, Haffey said. Neighbouring residents use a well system, she noted, adding there's been no information on how the project may impact the water supply.
I have many concerns, Haffey said. Until they are addressed, I don't want to see anything happen.
The proposal must come back to council's table for third reading and council's final approval.
