District of Squamish council chambers are starting to feel like a set in that movie, Groundhog Day, the 1993 film in which the same thing keeps happening again and again.
Consideration of third reading of the phased development agreement was postponed Tuesday night, and the preceding public hearing recessed to allow council more time to go over the many letters and submissions Mayor Patricia Heintzman said were recently received regarding the agreement.
The agreement ties future councils to the land uses designated in the agreement with developer Newport Beach Developments for the 20 years of the project’s build out.
In exchange, the district receives amenities from the developer, including the oceanfront park set to be the first portion of the development built, once the purchase and sale agreement on the property is completed.
One of the submissions to council was a letter from a lawyer representing the Squamish Terminals, Squamish Mills, West-Barr Contracting and the Squamish and District Forestry Association that called for changes to the agreement and a single covenant that protects industry from complaints by the 6,500 future residents of the development.
Representatives of waterfront industry were once again out in force to voice their concerns. Industry leaders have provided input to council about various bylaws related to the Oceanfront since the process on the sale began ramping up this spring.
“You are courting future disaster,” said Allan Barr, president of West-Barr Contracting. “You are seemingly blinded by your own needs, or who knows what – I can’t imagine – so I ask you one more time: Please understand the importance of improving the covenants of the phased development agreement. We are not opposed to you trying to do this; what we are opposed to is falling into a situation that creates a lose-lose.”
Edith Tobe, a biologist and executive director of the Squamish River Watershed Society, submitted a letter voicing concerns about the agreement. Tobe requested that third reading be postponed until the Squamish Estuary Management Committee reviews it, “as this agreement is contrary to much of what was identified in the Squamish Estuary Management Plan.”
Continuation of the public hearing and consideration of third reading of the phased development agreement, one of the few conditions left for the sale of the Oceanfront Lands, will take place Tuesday (July 28), according to district staff.
Meanwhile, also at council, the third reading of the development cost charge bylaw (DCCs) that applies to all of Squamish was rescinded after the inspector of municipalities said an exemption for universities was not acceptable. Changes will be made to the bylaw and it will be brought before council for third reading again Tuesday.
Council did adopt the rezoning bylaw for the Oceanfront Lands, which changed the zoning from only industrial to comprehensive development zoning. It was a move that was nine years in the making, according to the mayor.
Heintzman added that the district had received a couple of offers for the Oceanfront Lands, including a $20 million offer from developer Doug Day, but that while the current deal with Newport Beach Developments was being pursued, council would not consider any other offers.
