A development slated for the Mamquam Blind Channel that includes a float home community is moving forward.
District of Squamish council unanimously passed third reading of rezoning for the Sirocco development at its meeting Tuesday night.
The project, by developer Michael Hutchison’s Squamish Blue Pacific Developments, consists of three mixed-use buildings, with a total of 138 apartments and 520-square-metres of commercial space. The plan also includes Squamish’s first float home community of 27 houses and four floating commercial units.
The rezoning for Sirocco is from general industrial to comprehensive development.
It was one of three housing projects slated for Squamish on council’s thick agendas Tuesday.
The Mamquam Blind Channel will likely have to be dredged to make way for Sirocco’s float home project, district staff said.
Although 189 parking spots are required under district regulations, the development includes 230 spots, according to a report to council by district staff.
The developer offered a total of $1,967,588 worth of community amenity contributions including $585,108 to the affordable housing fund, a waterfront walkway and “public realm” improvements worth $822,480 and possible transfer of a water lot in front of Xwu’nekw Park to the district, worth $560,000.
Council passed second reading of the proposal on Oct. 4. A public hearing was held earlier in the meeting Tuesday night and people both for and opposed to the project packed the council chamber. Several Squamish contractors spoke in support of the project, highlighting the positive working relationship they have had with the developer on previous projects.
“Squamish faces some pressing issues with regards to housing affordability and inventory,” said Squamish’s Shane Price of All-Terrain Excavating. “The skyrocketing home prices are largely driven by an insufficient housing supply to meet current demand... We believe the project will be an exciting addition to downtown as Squamish becomes a more diverse community.”
Several residents also spoke against the project sighting the changes it will bring to the community.
“I feel like Squamish is turning into a cookie-cutter town and I think it is absolutely disgusting,” said Squamish resident Thomasina Pidgeon. She argued Sirocco will obscure the view of the Stawamus Chief for many and said more of Squamish should be left natural.
“I feel like the vision you guys have is really short-sided,” Pigeon added.
In explaining her support for the project, Coun. Karen Elliott said she understands that the community is changing.
“But I think the best views to be had will be from the waterfront,” she said. “I really think animating the waterfront and bringing people down there… people have been talking about float homes for awhile in this town and so, it is new and it is a great place to put it.”
The project will be back before council for final adoption after final details, including the completion of a dredging report, are hammered out with the developer and district staff.
