For the first time in years, District of Squamish council took tangible steps towards realizing the Oceanfront development vision this week by giving first and second reading to the downtown peninsula's sub area plan at Tuesday's (Nov. 2) council meeting.
This significant step was approved on the heels of a well-attended public open house on Thursday, Oct. 28 where more than 250 residents came together for the opportunity to voice suggestions and concerns.
Although at this late date, it's unsure how much weight such comments will carry.
"I did hear some concerns at the meeting but most were not applicable at this level," said Coun. Doug Race. "In general it was all positive feedback."
Municipal community services general manager Cameron Chalmers presented the sub area plan, which will form the policy and land-use framework for future peninsula development applications.
Squamish Arts Council (SAC) president Krisztina Egyed took the opportunity at the open house to voice the same three issues the arts community has expressed since 2005: placement of the hotel, placement of the performing arts centre and viewscape protection.
"They are calling this a community-driven plan but they're not listening to what the community is saying," said Egyed.
"They've been telling us all along that nothing is set in stone and yet when we ask them over and over again to change something, they say it's not that simple."
Egyed said there was support throughout the room to re-locate the hotel in favour of a larger park at the Oceanfront's prime location.
The Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC) rejected Egyed's suggested spot for the hotel, she said, due to noise pollution from Squamish Terminals. However the SODC has now designated that same spot as a good location for a community arts centre.
"If there's too much noise for a hotel, then obviously there's too much noise for a performing arts centre where concerts will be held," she said.
Resident Craig Walsh thought the mixed-use plan was ideal and acknowledged that not everyone is going to be completely satisfied with every aspect of the plan.
"During the last presentation there were a few points brought up that remind me of the all-request hour on the radio - everyone wants to hear their favourite song, and maybe the reason it isn't played more on the radio is that it isn't everyone's favourite song," he stated in a letter to The Chief.
Mayor Greg Gardner said the large crowds showed people are engaged in Oceanfront planning.
Gardner said he believes there is "a high degree of consensus from the community" around the draft sub area plan.
Chalmers agreed.
"Given the number of comments, I think the community consultation has been very successful," he said.
After the meeting, resident John Tisdale said the concept is a good one.
"Watching this evolve, I'm liking what I'm seeing but I liked some of the comments people had tonight because people were saying 'Move forward but consider a few more things here,'" Tisdale said.
On Tuesday, councillors enthusiastically voted to approve first and second reading following a discussion of a few changes.
Three policies were added from open house comments: the performing arts centre can be located anywhere on the south half of the peninsula, there will be a consideration for street cross sections and separated bikes lanes, and proposed infrastructure is only conceptual.
Coun. Patricia Heintzman was concerned about the arts centre.
"Maybe we should earmark the location because if not my worry is it will get pushed off and end up in a last choice location," she said.
Chalmers said council could reserve its location immediately after the sub area plan is adopted.
"The site is selected but open to change. Setting aside land is the most important part and we've done that," he said, adding "I disagree that this plan disrespects the arts community," referring to Egyed's public comments.
Heintzman was also concerned Cleveland Avenue would become inundated with drivers.
"Maybe Cleveland could go one way and Loggers Lane the other."
Chalmers said Cleveland was intended to be merely the intuitive route for tourists coming into town the first time.
Residents and stakeholders can still submit feedback on the sub area plan until the end of the public hearing Nov. 30, after which council will hold third reading and determine if it will form the basis for more detailed development plans.
-With files from John French
