Briefs from the regular District of Squamish Council meeting April 19
The two big box outlets looking to make their entry into Squamish took the next step toward construction.The members of Squamish Council all agreed Wal-Mart and Home Depot should be given the permits.
Mayor Ian Sutherland has said since his election as mayor that the Wal-Mart in Squamish has to be the best in Canada and he is satisfied the building will be exemplary. Cameron Chalmers, the DOS director of planning services, said many of the extras planned for the Vancouver Wal-Mart are being incorporated into the Squamish store. Wal-Mart has two subjects to meet before it actually gets the permit. A landscaping bond of $221,552.43 has to be posted and Ministry of Transportation approval needs to be secured.
According to Sutherland, the Wal-Mart store could open in January or February of next year.
The Home Depot permit is also conditional on Ministry of Highways approval and receipt of a landscaping bond.
Home Depot is planning to use a colour scheme that will not be consistent with the rest of the stores in the chain.
Campground planned
Two local entrepreneurs were issued a temporary commercial use permit for land near the Forests Ministry office at Centennial Way so they can build a campground operation.
The plans for the area call for a caretakers residence, a shower building, a pool, pads for recreational vehicles, yurts and tenting areas.
Housing strategy terms endorsed
Terms of reference were created for Squamish's affordable housing strategy and task force. The terms were presented to council and the local lawmakers endorsed the guiding principals for the strategy.
The strategy is a key component for dealing with how to maintain low-cost housing as real estate values in the community climb upward.
SOD Corp loan guaranteed
Lawmakers are guaranteeing the indebtedness of the Squamish Oceanfront Development Corp. (SOD Corp) up to $1,000,000 over a term not to exceed five years.
The SOD Corp loan agreement is with the Bank of Nova Scotia.
