The previous RedPoint property that has been proposed to become an RV park is still waiting for a development permit, following council's concern with a lack of proper screening from the highway, and a lack of a covenant to prevent visitors from staying for more than 30 days.
The issue came up during the District of Squamish regular council meeting Tuesday (April 21).
Despite staff's efforts to demonstrate that the proposed site plan has reduced the number of vehicle sites from 71 to 70, and has included a relocation of trees to the front of the park to provide increased screening, council voiced concern over the lack of thorough screening for highway traffic.
"This is the entrance to our community and I support a campground on that site but it has to be first class," said Coun. Corinne Lonsdale, who also brought up the concern for park's potential to have permanent residents.
"I'm thinking we suggest that we mandate that there be no skirts on these units, no porches on these units, no clotheslines on these units."
Lonsdale's concerns were echoed by Coun. Doug Race, who asked if the proposed one-metre berm on the highway and north edge of the property could be raised.
"It doesn't do much to screen," he said.
Lonsdale brought her experience as an RV-er into the discussion, adding concern for the lone tree that will be the only screen between the proposed sites.
"I don't believe this is good enough," she said. "I think it would be a little nicer if we could have some more trees.
"It's sterile."
Coun. Patricia Heintzman voiced concern for a lack of fencing around the site.
"I'm concerned about kids and dogs near Highway 99," she said.
Race pointed out that an RV park in West Vancouver has been fenced with an attractive cedar fence.
"It is a trailer park and it will be visible," said district planning director Cameron Chalmers.
Council also proposed requesting a restrictive covenant for the park, mandating that the maximum stay during any six-month period is 30 days, with exceptions for caretakers.
Council referred the proposal to staff, and staff agreed to return to the council meeting in May with a proposal for a restrictive covenant.
Bear-Proof totes protested
Former municipal mayoral candidates John K. Erickson and Terril Patterson joined forces during a scheduled delegation, voicing their disapproval of the process involved with their bear-proof garbage bins.
"I'm totally in the blind of how council conducted themselves," said Erickson, referring to the council decision to let Carney's Waste Systems take over municipal tote bear proofing.
"A motion has to be made. Who made the motion?" asked Erickson.
Mayor Greg Gardner said he didn't recall which councillor made the motion.
"I think it was a unanimous vote, if memory serves me right," he added.
Although his speech was a little disorganized and included anecdotes about his past, Erickson seemed upset because the bylaw had been passed without any consultation.
"Nobody else could bid on it," he said, alluding to a tendering process that never happened.
"Personally, your Worship, I couldn't see you supporting it, because you had given me an introduction to law," said Erickson. "You and Judge Judy."
Erickson then focused on Lonsdale.
"Even you, Corinne," he said, "when you said you couldn't follow [the process]. I was confused, too.
Patterson had the opportunity to speak for a moment, once Erickson was cut off.
"Right now you have a one [tote] size for everybody," he said.
"[Carney's] should have a small transfer station at his establishment so those who don't want to keep their garbage for two weeks can take it down there along with their recyclables."
He added that a padlock could be "just as effective as the $100 they are asking people to put out" for the bear-proofing of totes.
Fire Hall gets facelift
Council voted unanimously to award Canstar Restoration the contract to remove mould from the Alex Monroe Fire Hall.
The sum of this project is $13,203, with a possibility of a $7,000 increase that could occur once the walls have been opened and possible further mould has been found.
Grant in Aid requests approved
Council unanimously voted to waive the $924.54 Brennan Park rental fee for the Squamish Youth Triathlon. They also agreed to waive the $1,219.91 Brennan Park rental fee for The Canadian Cancer Society, for their Relay for Life. Brennan Park rental fees of $2,750.55 were also waived for the Howe Sound Secondary's Dry Grad, and $179.17 was waived for the 835 Griffin Royal Canadian Air Cadets Squamish.
Upcoming Awareness Days and Weeks
As a result of the 1,055 Canadians who died at work in 2007, Sandy Bauer and members of the Squamish District Labour Committee have requested that April 28, 2009 be declared a Day of Mourning for Workers Killed and Injured on the Job.
A memorial in honour of Squamish residents who have died at work will be held on Sunday, April 26 at 10:45 a.m. at the Workers Memorial Monument on Cleveland Avenue.
"It's common sense, for the good of all," said Lonsdale. "We all know individuals who have lost their lives in the workplace in some way or the other."
"I am aware of at least one resident of Squamish who lost a life last year due to a workplace accident," said Gardner.
Bauer also urged council to contact the government and encourage the implementation of certain work regulations, known as Grant's Law, which include late-night safety procedures for workers on graveyard shifts, and a pay-at-the-pump policy at gas stations.
To help prevent future deaths and injuries in the workplace, May 3 to 9 has been proclaimed Occupational Health and Safety Week and Emergency Preparedness Week. During that time, there will be a road show with interactive demonstrations, said Juliana Chadwick, a chair of the District of Squamish.
"The goal is to focus the attention of the employers and the employees on the importance of preventing injury and illness in the workplace," said Chadwick.
The week is also the time for Squamish residents to become aware of their hazards and risks involved with emergency situations, and to be properly prepared for them.
"One of the biggest projects I'm working on is the 2010 Games," said Jim Lang, Emergency Coordinator for SEP.
"I think it's an extremely important issue," said Gardner. "We need to be ready for natural disasters."
Looking ahead, June 6 has been declared Access Awareness Day, with a focus on "busting" through the myths that surround the potential of disabled citizens to work.
"If a community is accessible to us, it's accessible and welcoming to all citizens," said Emese Szucs, manager of Accessibility, Social Planning and Research.
Council unanimously supported the adoption all the proclaimed days and weeks.
