Normally, when council is asked to support a timeline it includes an end date, Squamish councillor Corinne Lonsdale said.
But there wasn't one attached to the district's Upper Mamquam Blind Channel Land Use Study, she noted at Tuesday's (Oct. 18) Committee of the Whole meeting.
"I don't see an end date on any of this," said Lonsdale, adding that the report on the study's new process and timeline stated that more money would be needed to implement public consultation. No dollar figure was included in the report.
The study, which was spurred by an application submitted in early 2007 for mixed-use development on an 8.3-acre site, examines the physical, geographical and social characteristics of the Upper Mamquam Blind Channel area, while addressing potential growth. Over its five-year course, the study has been plagued by miscommunication, for which the district has publicly admitted some responsibility.
What staff is trying to do is "re-start the process," Mayor Greg Gardner said. The report outlining the development of land-use options and a transportation review - created with previous public input - is to be brought forward for public consultation.
Gardner supported the overall public process, but asked staff to bring back a timeline and cost estimate before the municipal elections. The motion was adopted, with the lone dissenting vote cast by Coun. Patricia Heintzman.
"I think we are so deep into this, I would like to set the process," Gardner said.
Heintzman pushed for the district to explore the incorporation of a design charrette into the study's public consultation plan. Such workshops are used to generate design solutions while integrating the interests of a diverse group of people.
"The public doesn't get engaged when you have these little spot meetings over a five-year period," she said. "Maybe we are going about this the wrong way in the first place."
While Lonsdale and Coun. Bryan Raiser were willing to entertain Heintzman's suggestion, DOS planning director Cameron Chalmers said a charrette would add more time and money to the process, words echoed by the rest of council.
Even if the district were to hold such information sessions, when considering the area's history, Coun. Doug Race said he has little confidence the stakeholders - Scott Crescent/Clarke Drive residents, the Smoke Bluffs Park Committee and Upper Mamquam Blind Channel landowners - can reach a consensus. Some tough decisions will likely fall to council, he said.
The district's proposed process would be more effective and efficient than a charrette, Gardner said. It will provide much more focused and meaningful dialogue if the public is presented with options, he said.
