District of Squamish being sued
The owner of 1050 Depot Rd. is suing the District of Squamish and the district’s Gary Buxton, general manager of development services and public works, for damages, interest on damages and costs. In the Notice of Civil Claim, filed in B.C. Supreme Court on Aug. 16, the plaintiff’s name is listed as that of Donald McCarger, of Spruce Grove, Alta.
In the claim, the plaintiff argues the district “has deliberately and unlawfully” delayed subdivision of the property and “sought to impose costs of doing work for a claimed public benefit that it is not entitled to impose.”
In April of 2015 former chief administrative officer at the district Corien Becker rejected a subdivision application, the claim states.
Becker, who left the district in July of 2015, recommended that the property owner “undertake riverside road improvements, at its own costs, to meet public dike standards that protect all adjacent and adjoining landowners.”
The claim also states Buxton is liable for Becker’s “conduct.”
“And Mr. Buxton continues to act in bad faith by maintaining” Becker’s position, the claim says. “Squamish’s objective is to artificially devalue the property and then expropriate it cheaply for a park use,” it is argued in the claim.
McCargar has appeared before Squamish council as a part of a delegation this year asking to be able to help build a dike in his area in exchange for being cleared to build a housing development on his land.
On Sept. 16, in a response to the notice of claim, the district and Buxton “deny all allegations” and ask that the court dismiss the proceedings and for costs to be covered for the defendants.
The subdivision application was rejected because the lands are subject to or could be subject to flooding and there was not sufficient access to the proposed lots, according to the response document. The lands in question are zoned for rural residential uses, not a park, according to the response.
On the last BC Assessment, 1050 Depot Rd. was assessed at a value of $1,731,000.
McCargar has sued the district before. In June of 2011, a B.C. Supreme Court judge ordered the district to issue a development permit to McCargar after council voted in 2010 to deny the permit.
New DOS director
The District of Squamish has hired a new Director of Major Projects who will be the point person for Newport Beach developments on the oceanfront lands and other large developments in the district. The district says new hire Dave Morrow is to oversee an engineering review for projects such as Newport Beach, and also Cheekye, Waterfront Landing and the Garibaldi Springs Golf Course redevelopment.
“As all of these development projects are essentially bare land at the present time substantial engineering work is required,” said Christina Moore, communications manager with the district.
Morrow’s position is funded from the development fees received from the projects he will oversee, Moore said.
Water test of trailer park
The Squamish Chief commissioned an independent water test to be completed on the tap water at the Riverside Trailer Park. Concerns were raised in the park after the Squamish Nation said it was closing a section of the park, in part, because it could not afford upgrades to its water and sewer system. Nineteen families in the park have a year to move before it closes in September 2017.
The test by Langley’s E.D.S Pumps & Water Treatment Ltd showed no E.coli or Coliform bacteria. Testing for other contaminants showed no reason for concern.
“For what was tested everything is showing within the parameters,” said the company’s Coire Andrew.
Clean up Stawamus River
The ad-hoc Valleycliffe Neighbourhood group and the Squamish Streamkeepers are holding their annual Stawamus River Clean Up on Sunday (Oct. 2) at 10a.m. and they are asking for help. Come out and bag some garbage, and spruce up the area.
Everyone will be meeting at the base of the Mamquam Forest Service Road, (turn left onto Highway 99 from Valley Drive, then make your first left onto the Mamquam FSR). Bags and a bin will be provided, but bring gloves, dress for the weather and be sure to wear rubber boots or sturdy footwear. There could be potential hazards, so children and pets need extra care.
Mental health awareness art show
Squamish Employment Services Centre is hosting a community art show featuring unique and creative expressions of lived experience with mental health challenges. The show, which coincides with Mental Health Awareness Week, runs from Oct. 4 to 7 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m at 302-37989 Cleveland Ave. An opening reception is taking place on Oct. 3 from 3 to 5 p.m. Guests will have the chance to hear stories from the artists and view the multi-dimensional artwork including wood carvings, quilts, dream catchers and oil paintings.
Sea to Sky Sailing wins
The Georgia Straight newspaper’s Best of Vancouver ranking put Squamish’s Sea to Sky Sailing at the top for travel adventure company.
“Thank you, thank you, thank you for your enthusiasm and support for Sea to Sky Sailing... we are humbled by your vote of confidence and are working like maniacs to bring more nautical adventures your way each and every day,” read an announcement of the win.
