By the year 2031 Squamish will need two new bridges to accommodate a population that is expected to double from 16,000 to 33,100 residents.
The majority of the future growth is expected to occur downtown and the District of Squamish is bracing for the population explosion with the 2031 Downtown Transportation Plan.
The latest incarnation of the draft plan was presented to council at a committee of the whole meeting Tuesday (March 24). Targets were set and they are aggressive.
"The key issue for your community is a rapidly growing population. The transportation plan update occurred in 1997 so it needs an update, " said Jan Voss, Creative Transportation Solutions consultant. "We believe this plan is aggressive but very achievable."
In 2007 the district led initiative launched with the goal of creating a plan that adheres to Smart Growth Principles such as working close to home. But initial projections indicate Squamish can expect only 2,390 more jobs by 2031.
"We want to encourage more growth in locally based jobs. We felt this was very critical," Voss said.
If the trend of turning Squamish into a bedroom community continues, it will have significant impacts on the future transportation network Voss said.
Voss said in consultation with district staff, a more sustainable future employment model was developed with the goal of generating 11,700 locally based jobs. Details of the employment model are forthcoming.
"The consultant is taking a conservative estimate but from my point of view anything we do above those estimates makes this plan more viable," said Mayor Greg Gardner.
The transportation plan also aims to reduce the number of cars of the road by 17 per cent in 2031.Currently about 5,200 vehicles drive through downtown streets any given afternoon. In 2031, that number is expected to increase to 12,000 said Voss.
"The use of either a car or truck to enter and exit downtown Squamish is overwhelmingly preferred for the majority of people," Voss said.
Public transit, which for most urban communities is the next most viable and effective mode, is not well used in Squamish. Voss said only 1.5 per cent of people going to and from downtown use public transit.
Coun. Patricia Heintzman said the numbers in the report were not based on 2008, in which free bus passes were given to youth in the summer.
Even if targets are reached Voss said Squamish will need two new bridges spanning the Mamquam Blind Channel by 2031 - the Pemberton and Westminster bridges.
The Pemberton Bridge would be located just south of the existing railway bridge and link Pemberton Avenue to the west with the new Waterfront Landing development and Highway 99.
The Westminster bridge option would connect Cleveland Avenue near Vancouver Street in downtown Squamish with Highway 99 to the east, again at the Clark Drive.
The transportation plan also includes contingency plans in case residents don't change their driving habits. These plans include the protection of potential transportation corridors, such as the 7th Avenue Connecter ad the Westminster corridor.
"We think it's important to promote the benefits of using alternative modes of transportation. By embracing Smart Growth principles, this plan saves money by eliminating the need for infrastructure," Voss said.
The final transportation plan is expected to be completed by June 2009. A discussion regarding the plan is planned for an upcoming committee of the whole meeting before adoption.
"I think it is important for council to give feedback on this plan," Gardner said.
