While would-be neighbours of a proposed 425-unit development voiced opposition to the project, local builders were ready to get out their shovels.
On Tuesday (June 24), Squamish residents came out to state their views on the proposed Kingswood project. Those for and against the project were spilt down the middle, with the pro side pulling slightly ahead. One thing was apparent at the public hearing held at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre: The mixed-use development has stirred up heated emotions in both camps.
“I fear that this development will negatively impact the neighbourhood’s quality of life,” Marion von Dehn told District of Squamish council. “It is a quiet street, it is a small neighbourhood.”
Traffic flow has plagued the project earmarked for Scott Crescent. Its access for northbound traffic is off Highway 99, but southbound traffic would be directed through the Hospital Hill neighbourhood.
In early June, proponents and municipal staff outlined plans to create a diverter island at the Scott Crescent/Lower Clarke Drive/Clarke Drive intersection. Its purpose would be to break up traffic, directing predominantly right-turn traffic movement onto Lower Clarke Drive heading southbound, while inbound traffic would use Behrner Drive.
That’s not a big difference from the original Red Point development traffic-flow plans proposed eight years ago, a plan that was rejected by the council of the day, Harbour View Place resident Walt Patterson said.
“If the difference is the [community] amenity package, then we are giving things away for candy,” he said, referring to the close to $1 million package that includes a promise to build a pedestrian bridge across the Upper Mamquam Blind Channel.
The proposed five-storey buildings are too tall for the neighbourhood, Patterson added. He asked whether any thought was given to current residents’ sightlines.
“Would you buy a house that is in the shadow of a massive development?” he asked. “Our privacy will be gone forever.”
Jamie Schuma questioned the wisdom of adding traffic on roads that serve Squamish General Hospital. During peak hours, the roadways are increasingly busy, she noted.
“The hospital depends on that intersection and we can’t clog it up,” Schuma said.
Most who spoke in favour of the Kingswood project came from the business angle. The project will bring jobs and opportunity to Squamish, said Bob Deeks, representing the Canadian Home Builders’ Association. Kingswood proponents have promised to adopt a local preference policy, giving Squamish building suppliers and contractors first dibs.
“It’s an important project for the health of the local industry,” Deeks said.
Squamish needs more housing options, realtor Lisa Ames said. The housing market in Squamish is experiencing a substantial increase over last year, she noted. Overall units sold between January and June have jumped 18 per cent compared to the same time period in 2013, Ames said.
“The condo market, however, is up 100 per cent. Transactions have doubled in this time,” she said.
The project will improve the gateway to Squamish, realtor Candice Dyer said. Currently, the former industrial site is an eyesore, playing host to at least one graffiti-covered building, she noted.
“I am excited about this transformation,” Dyer said. “No one will benefit if the site remains unused.”
Council will have the final say of the fate of the Kingswood project when it comes up for third reading.
