Council has a vision for Cleveland Avenue that includes a bustling streetscape complete with a variety of sidewalk cafes.
Zephyr Café recently approached the district to construct a robust sidewalk café that could include a boardwalk that stretches out into a parking stall or two but with enough room for pedestrians. Coun. Patricia Heintzman said the idea of downtown outdoor patios has potential.
As a result of the application, council gave first three readings to a Sidewalk Café Encroachment amendment bylaw at a council meeting Tuesday (May 14), which allows establishments to grow outside. The bylaw includes stipulations for liability insurance.
The Sidewalk Café bylaw allows food and beverage operators to use portions of the road surface, principally parking stalls, for the purpose of patron seating.
"This bylaw has been in place for a number of years and it is unfortunate it has not been taken up by businesses in town," said Coun. Corinne Lonsdale. "I hope it catches on this time and we get ourselves a vibrant Cleveland Avenue sidewalk we can appreciate and enjoy."
Pavilion moves ahead
The new O'Siem Community Pavilion is moving ahead and the District of Squamish has sent out a request for proposals for the construction of the structure.
Council passed a motion allowing staff to move ahead with the project and bring forward proposals at a future date. The district was successful in its application for a "Towns for Tomorrow" grant, which provides $375,000 for the pavilion, intended to replace the current structure in the downtown core.
O'Siem is a traditional greeting of respect in the Coast Salish culture. The design of the pavilion will evoke the image of a traditional Coast Salish Long House and will be multi-purpose with a stage for performances, which will be movable for day-to-day gatherings.
The District of Squamish is working on the O'Siem Community Pavilion collaboratively with the Downtown Business Improvement Area (DTBIA), Squamish First Nation and Squamish Arts Council in the design of the project.
"The idea is for the shelter to serve as a community gathering place with a strong Coast Salish design. We welcome comments from the public as we move ahead," said Mayor Greg Gardner.
RV Park progresses
The RV park on the previous Red Point property along Mamquam Blind Channel is moving ahead after council approved a development permit for the site.
The development permit includes 71 sites and a requirement for landscaping and security fencing. Initially council had concerns about long-term tenancy and settled for a temporary covenant expiring April 1 2010 that allows a maximum of 90-day stays within a six-month period.
The temporary covenant is in place so the proponent can begin the development while council debates a possible bylaw or amendment to an existing bylaw restricting users to a maximum 30-day stay.
The RV park is expected to be complete in time for the 2010 Games. Coun. Doug Race said other RV parks in the community are encouraged to apply for a 90-day temporary use covenant during the 2010 Games.
Budget process begins anew
Next year's budget process is off to an early start after a council set new deadlines for the completed budget.
Council passed a motion that the new deadline for a completed budget except for fine-tuning is Dec. 15, 2009. Coun. Rob Kirkham said the new deadline means council will be miles ahead at budget time.
Squamish Days declared
For the last 52 years Squamish Days Loggers Sports has brought the community together for a weekend full of action.
Council officially declared July 31 to August 3 as Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival in Squamish. In a presentation to council organizer Brian Couture said everything is on track for the 2009 festival.
"We are planning another rockslide to keep all the people in. Last year, we thought the rockslide would end it but it kept all the locals and tourists in and it was a very successful weekend," Couture said.
Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival includes music, a parade, bed races, a 10-kilometre run, pancake breakfast and two world-class Loggers Sports show with competitors from all around the world.
Grant applications OK'd
If the grant applications are successful, Squamish could be getting enough money to help build the Corridor Trail, the Kingswood Crossing walkway and install Squamish Dyke Riprap.
Council approved a staff recommendation to submit three grant applications under the Build Canada Fund, which has provided funds to support municipal infrastructure programs. The agreement requires 33 per cent funding from the district for all three projects.
The Corridor Trail grant application would provide funds for the completion of the trial from the Stawamus Parking Lot to Depot Road with a budget of $824,000. The Kingswood Crossing project includes the construction of walkway beams for $500,000. The Squamish Dyke Riprap project includes the installation of 350 metre of riprap.
Bylaw officer focuses on dogs
It is a known fact that bylaw violations around dogs and parking are an issue in the District of Squamish, and a new bylaw enforcement program could alleviate some of the stress.
Council approved the appointment of Loletta Smith as an animal control officer for the district. The bylaw officer has the ability to ticket and impound animals with an emphasis on education and encouraging voluntary compliance. The bylaw officer is expected to start immediately.
Giro ride supported
Council endorsed in principle the 2010 Sea to Sky Giro Cycling Ride pending more information on the event.
The Sea to Sky Giro starts on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2010. The epic road cycling ride and includes a 120- kilometre ride from Vancouver to Whistler or a 60-km ride from Vancouver to Squamish.
In a letter to council, organizer Neil McKinnon said the inaugural event is expected to attract over 1,000 riders from around North America. He said the event is modeled after international cycling events such as South Africa's Cape Argus Pick 'n Play Cycle Tour and Italy's Gran Fondo Nove Colli.
The event's initial comprehensive Traffic Management Plan includes rolling road closures. Minister Kevin Falcon, B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the City of Vancouver have already endorsed the event.
