Several large-scale developments were approved this year, promising to forever change Squamish’s landscape in a big way. The company proposed a land swap deal that would allow them to build a market housing development on land given by the Squamish Senior Citizens Housing Society.
In return, Polygon would partner with the society for the creation of a new high-capacity affordable housing building for seniors.
Some felt uneasy with the society giving up its land, while others pointed out that resources for a new seniors complex were desperately needed.
Another big development that passed was the Cheekye Fan project.
Spearheaded beside Squamish Cornerstone Developments, a partnership between the Squamish Nation and Matthews Southwest, the development promises about 1,200 residential units, as well as commercial space and a new school.
The project had been stuck in municipal hall for years, especially amid concerns about the landslide risk at its location in Brackendale.
Eventually, the developer promised a $45-million debris flow barrier that would protect the area from a potentially deadly landslide.
Currently, everyone living in the Brackendale area and multiple Squamish Nation villages nearby is at risk because of unstable geological conditions on Mount Garibaldi.
Meanwhile, next to École Squamish Elementary, locals noticed big changes underway. Construction on the new Jumar development, by LT Wave Holdings, started this year.
Shovels also hit the ground on another big project. The former Diamond Head Clinic building by the Chieftain Centre Mall was knocked down to make way for the Vantage development by Accorde Properties.
Work also began on the oceanfront development, headed by Squamish Cornerstone. Fill is being transported to the site, which will be the location of a sizable commercial-residential development, as well as a public park.
Plans for the park were unveiled in November. At the time, acting mayor Doug Race said it hit the points that council wanted from the project, and a representative from the Squamish Windsports Society also commended the blueprints.
However, there was some moaning from the community about a lack of a motorized boat launch or an off-leash dog area.
The much-requested outdoor waterpark also didn’t make the cut.
Behind the scenes at Cornerstone, there was also a significant development. Michael Hutchison, the prominent local developer behind Bethel Lands Corporation, was no longer involved in either the oceanfront or the Cheekye Fan projects.
Plans for another park were presented as well. The Waterfront development, which is being built by Bosa Properties and Kingswood Properties, is expected to include waterfront walkways, lookout points, grassy mounds, play structures, an inter-tidal lagoon, and shoreline restoration.
But while much happened this year in terms of commercial developments, ground was being broken in the non-profit sector as well.
Construction on the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Sea to Sky Community Hospice began in early November. It’s been a long time coming, considering the idea was first floated in 2006.
A groundbreaking ceremony was also held for Under One Roof, a project being headed by Squamish Helping Hands. Outgoing mayor Patricia Heintzman called it a legacy piece, as it had been one of the marquee items that had passed through council during her term in office.
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