Council has sent BC Rail back to the drawing board after rejecting a rezoning bylaw that would allow for a four-storey mixed-use development along the Mamquam Blind Channel.
The proposed development hit a major roadblock after concerns were raised with regards to adequate green space and viewscapes at a Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday (April 14). Coun. Doug Race said the 212-unit development blocks open spaces.
"What you get is a feeling of claustrophobia because you are surrounded by these buildings," Race said. "I like the City of Vancouver's policy to keep street ends open so you see the mountains and the ocean. When I look at this development, I see a four-storey wall."
Council was asked to consider rezoning the 3.96 acres of land that makes up Blocks 42 and 43 in Downtown Squamish. The blocks are situated between Winnipeg Street and Main Street and border the Mamquam Blind Channel.
Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC) oversees development plans for the land, which currently consists of over 20 small industrial lots.
BC Rail Properties recently nixed eight local, high paying jobs by refusing to renew Hydro-tech's lease on the land. The chemical plant has since moved to Calgary.
According to district staff, BC Rail Properties has a mandate to sell all of its land. Staff said BC Rail typically secures zoning before putting the land up for sale, which means someone else will need to buy the land before anything gets built.
"I think it's important that we handle this properly because this property may not be sold for many years. We are not zoning for something that is going to be built tomorrow," said Coun. Corinne Lonsdale.
Council rejected the proposed development despite a an extensive amenities package. The amenity package includes the constructions of a sea-dike, waterfront walkway, and sewer upgrades for a total of $7 million.
"This is considered to be a healthy amenity package because a waterfront walkway is something the municipality has always aspired to is being delivered free of charge," said Sabina FooFat, district planner.
According to a staff report, the developer has been working with the district since 2006 on this project but after concerns were raised, FooFat recommended council send BC Rail back to the drawing board.
"If it is council's desire to see a building eliminated, this changes the entire project and I don't recommend advancing it at this point," FooFat said.
Council passed a motion for staff work with the developer in exploring the suggested changes before coming back to council for a third try at first and second reading.
"I think it is wise for us to take time and consider the suggested significant changes," said Mayor Greg Gardner.
