Numerous local environmental advocates came to council Tuesday (May 6) to raise concerns over a proposed road and bridge to cross Meighan Creek spawning channel in the Garibaldi Highlands.
The roadway will "obliterate riparian protection", according to Jack Cooley of the Squamish Streamkeepers Association.
Cooley made a presentation to council outlining the importance of the creek, which contains pools used for spawning and rearing Coho, Chum and Pink salmon.
"East Meighan Creek rearing and spawning pools are essential for survival," said Cooley. "We need to aggressively protect this watercourse and wetlands because if we lose them now, we'll lose them forever."
Most of Meighan Creek's water supply comes from groundwater emerging from the base of what's commonly called Highlands Hills. The proposed Newport Ridge Drive will cut into the hillside and it is feared the sidehill gouged road will negatively affect quantity and quality of Meighan Creek's groundwater supply.
Representatives for Townline Ventures, the development company building the road to accommodate around 700 townhouses being built in the north end in the Garibaldi Highlands, say they've put monumental effort toward mitigating environmental impact before proposing Newport Ridge Drive.
Gary Pooni said for over two years Townline has attempted to implement elements of Smart Growth along with Squamish Official Community Plan (OCP) into its development, which includes Thunderbird Creek. Pooni said the roadway incorporates a low impact creek crossing and the development company is also working on improving the creek system.
"We've incorporated the rain garden approach to mitigate storm water run off and ground water seepage," said Pooni. "We've tried to find a win-win situation, we've tried to find a balance. No one can challenge us on stakeholder consultation."
Randall Lewis spoke to council on behalf of the Squamish First Nation to say that after much due diligence, the nation has come to support the proposal.
"The Chief and council approved it subject to evaluations of the process, flow regimes, groundwater and a 30-metre buffer zone for riparian areas," said Lewis. "It's a good thing. And if it's not done by this proponent, a future proponent may do less and not meet this one's efforts."
The bridge is also seen as a benefit to the Highlands since it introduces a new, much needed critical northern access point to the area, said Pooni, and municipal staff reports support the assertion.
Pooni asked that the issue not be rehashed, but that all stakeholders sit at a table with council and staff to discuss concerns and find solutions. Mayor Ian Sutherland proposed that council review the issue after parties meet to further discuss concerns and Cooley agreed.
