Brackendale resident Beverly Carson appeared before local lawmakers to ask them to consider putting a halt to new development projects in the floodplain at Brackendale until dike and drainage issues in the neighbourhood are dealt with.
Carson said she was appearing on behalf of dozens of residents who have signed a petition. According to Carson, Brackendale is headed toward overdevelopment and the existing new development is putting some backyards under water.
The members of council took no action, because it is Council policy to listen to such complaints then wait for a staff report before taking action.
Coun. Corinne Lonsdale informed the rest of Council that she intended to put forward a motion that calls on the district to defer development in Brackendale until an assessment can be completed on the impacts it will have on dikes, drainage and road capacity.
Community council proposed
Downtown residents also expressed their concern over future developments. Peter Harker spoke on behalf of those who live Downtown.Harker and a group of concerned neighbours want the district to create what is being dubbed the Squamish Community Council.
The proposed community council would be made up of representatives from each neighbourhood and the group would review development plans before lawmakers issue development permits.
The people lobbying for the community council estimate it will cost about $60,000 a year to operate the body. The group wants the district to fund the full cost.
Mayor Ian Sutherland said it was a good idea. The concept was referred to district staff for a report back to the Council members.
SORCA calls for rec Plan
The Squamish Off Road Cycling Association believes the time is now for the District of Squamish to help bring provincial officials together to create a plan for the future recreational uses of Crown Land in Squamish.
Cliff Miller of SORCA said Squamish's trail network is at risk from logging and real estate development. If a plan to protect trails is in place, Miller said recreational values would be protected.
Lawmakers passed two motions that indicate support for SORCA's proposal.
New deal for cities means new money
A federal initiative to share federal gas tax revenues with communities across Canada is going to lead to an injection of an extra $142,892.34 into the District of Squamish.
Lawmakers agreed to sign a contract that paves the way for the money in the 2006/2007-budget year. The amount is to rise each year until it reaches $462,811.56 in 2009/2010.
