The consultation process is well under way as representatives of the Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project are giving Squamish the opportunity say how features, including the overpasses, landscaping, adjacent trails, intersections and signage, on their new road will look.
The group met with locals on May 3 at the Sea to Sky Hotel and May 6 at the Squamish Adventure Centre and provided information, options, and feedback forms. Those forms are also available online and are due Monday (May 15).
John Cavanagh, project manager, said the consultations are an opportunity for the group to establish a sense of what people in Squamish would like to see.
"We very much would like this to be a community approach," he said. "With this consultation we are trying to establish what concept people would like and then go from there."
In the feedback form there are six areas for discussion.
The first surrounds changes made to the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park including a turning lane, southbound parking and a connecting, pedestrian overpass. The second option is involves the intersection at Centennial Way leading to Brennan Park and whether to have a four-way, signalized full-movement intersection or an underpass below the highway that would accommodate both pedestrian and vehicle traffic.
The third point of feedback asks for comments regarding the future of commuter trails in Squamish, stretching from Valleycliffe to Depot Road. The STS Highway Improvement Project is providing funding for this project and will provide the feedback on this issue to the district of Squamish in their planning process.
The fourth and fifth options deal with new signage for Squamish and other communities along the corridor, designed to alert motorists they are entering a residential area.
These will be community identifiers," said Cavanagh. "We are trying to change driver behaviour. We want them to know they are entering a community and they will be more aware of pedestrians and cyclists."
Unique to Squamish are signs indicating the various business districts in the town.
"These signs will tell people they are in a distinct business area," said Cavanagh.
Finally the public's opinions are being sought on the landscaping of the new area.
"In the '70s and '80s people wanted a formalized look, is something we still want? Or are we looking for a more natural look?" said Cavanagh.
According to Cavanagh, the results of the consultation process will be available in approximately one month.
Online applications and information on highway delays are available at www.seatoskyimprovements.ca or by calling 1-877-472-3399.
