The creation of a year-round Nordic sports training facility in Squamish is a stride closer to the finish line.
On Tuesday (May 7), the District of Squamish council passed the first two readings for rezoning and an official community plan (OCP) amendment that would help pave the way for the creation of a Sports Legacy Park.
The proposal to transform a 7.8-hectare parcel on the north side of Raven Drive into a Nordic sports training venue has been on the table for more than two years. The Callaghan Winter Sports Club (CWSC) project includes paved and un-paved trail loops, a year-round ski jump facility with two jumps, a climbing-rescue training bluff and a covered, multi-purpose pavilion.
The ski jump towers will be 18 metres high and backed into the hills, district planner Sabina Foofat told council.
If constructed, it would be the only venue of its kind in B.C., she said, noting the nearest facility with similar ski jumps is in Calgary.
Much of the site will remain treed, Foofat noted. The park is close to Brennan Park Recreation Centre and serves as a good buffer to housing, she said. The facility will also expand upon the municipality's branding at the sport recreation capital of Canada, Foofat said.
Last April, the CWSC received sponsorship of land tenure from the province for a tune of close to $1 million, which will help secure the Crown land. The district added to the piggy bank, allocating $110,000 from the municipality's Squamish Sports Legacy Fund to the project.
CWSC is working in partnership with the Squamish Rod and Gun Club to access shooting ranges for biathlon activities.
There is really good potential programming for youth and children, Foofat said, regarding the synergies between the district's recreation facilities and the proposed Nordic venue.
On Tuesday, May 21, at 6 p.m. at municipal hall, the district will hold a public hearing regarding the proposed rezoning and OCP amendments to allow for the facility.
