Developer had wanted meeting in early July
John French
Chief Staff Writer
Those who want a say in the rezoning of the property commonly know as the Wal-Mart lands will have to wait, as Squamish's most anticipated public hearing in recent memory will take place in the fall.
Squamish council met on Tuesday (June 22), but there was no discussion related to the project.At a public information meeting this month hosted by First Pro Shopping Centres on behalf of Wal-Mart, the company noted that the public hearing will either take place early in July or in September.
"We want it done as soon as possible," First Pro project manager Tiffany Duzita told The Chief. "July would be great for us but we understand with the council schedule."
Mayor Ian Sutherland told The Chief Thursday (June 24) that the hearing definitely won't be until the fall because it is too late now to hold a July public hearing.
"This is a fall issue now," Sutherland said.
The public hearing is needed because Wal-Mart wants up to 596 square metres (6,410 square feet) of its floor space for the sale of food items. The current zoning only allows for 92.9 square metres (1,000 square feet) for food sales.
Duzita said her company made it clear to the District of Squamish that a July public hearing is preferred.
"Yes it can be done in September but that puts the project back by two months and then with black out dates with the paving in Squamish in December and January it is really set back four months," she said.
