The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) will hire an outside planning consultant to help with work related to Taicheng Development Corp.'s 3,000-residential unit proposal for Britannia Beach South.
A staff report to the SLRD board for Monday's (July 23) meeting in Pemberton said the process to review Taicheng's proposed rezoning and Official Community Plan amendments will be "extensive" and beyond the capacity of staff to handle on its own.
Discussion among board directors also revealed a desire to know more details about the massive project, set in motion when Taicheng purchased the former Makin Lands and other areas further south for $30.5 million in a court-ordered sale.
The staff report came because consultant costs could potentially exceed the $50,000 spending limit authorized to staff. However, SLRD staff reported that it was unable to assess what the exact consulting costs would be until the proponent could provide more details. Directors asked staff to keep them updated with the project as details become available.
"We want to ensure, as we move forward, that this project is in line with the board's vision," said chair Susie Gimse.
Squamish director Patricia Heintzman wondered whether the board could receive an orientation on the project in the future, an idea supported around the table. Area D director Moe Freitag said he expected "significant action in a short period of time" coming from the Chinese developers and for Taicheng to be open to discussions with the board.
As of Monday, staff had 14 applications for the consultation contract but had yet to select a candidate.
