Squamish council this week unanimously adopted a motion to consider the Squamish Slo-Pitch Association's (SSPA) proposal to be included as part of the 2012 Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
The SSPA has a long-term goal of putting up lights at Hendrickson Fields and has raised approximately $100,000 for the proposed $380,000 project. Representing over 700 players in Squamish, the SSPA is one of the largest sporting groups in town.
"I'm happy to see this," Coun. Doug Race said during Squamish council's special meeting on Tuesday (Jan. 10). "Slo-pitch is important and they didn't receive anything from the Legacy Funds. It should absolutely be a part of the master plan."
Coun. Ted Prior echoed Race's sentiments.
"I think they've done a good job fundraising and if we get lights out there, it would benefit the whole community," he said. "I support this decision."
Earlier this month, SSPA president Dave Southam asked council to include the lighting proposal as the district's one allowable application for the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development's $30 million Community Recreation Program. However, the bid was denied as council submitted the turf-field proposal as its one application to the grant program, meaning those working toward securing the ball field lights will likely have to wait a while before seeing the project realized.
Agreement struck
A latecomers' agreement was authorized by council on the Alta Lake Electric property at 37738 Third Ave. Staff said the property owner needs more time to bring improved frontage to the entire neighbourhood.
Brian Barnett, the district's manager of engineering, said this is only the second time that DOS officials have entered into a latecomer's agreement. Under such agreements, the up-front costs of improvements are paid by local government and a portion of the costs are recovered from the property owners.
"In the past, the practice of the district has been not to have latecomers' agreements," said Race. "I'm happy to see this re-instituted."
Permit extended
Council agreed to a one-year extension on a development permit issued for the property at 38044 Second Ave., the building that formerly housed the bowling alley. Staff said the project, which is for a mixed commercial-residential building, needs an extension due to poor market conditions.
