Squamish took another step toward a "vibrant downtown" after council voted to rezone the lands required for the Waterfront Landing development at a council meeting Tuesday (June 16).
As part of the final decision to move the project ahead, district planning manager Cameron Chalmers described the robust amenity package associated with the development.
Chalmers said the project is divided into two major phases with certain amenities corresponding with each. According to a staff report, the project will contribute $9.3 million in amenities including features such as affordable housing, public park development, the waterfront walkway and other trails, the public lagoon and other waterfront improvements.
A $1.65 million contribution towards affordable housing, downtown civic facilities and/or land acquisition is also included in the deal.
Along with other contributions, the project also includes about $12.75 million in works and services such as the Clarke Drive intersection and rail crossing, Pemberton Avenue bridge vehicle crossing and major water and sanitary upgrades.
Chalmers said the works and services will be built by the developer but will provide benefits to lands outside the project.
Before giving her support, Coun. Corinne Lonsdale raised a few concerns. She said the Waterfront Landing development pushes Squamish in the direction of becoming a bedroom community.
"Would we be able to take part of that money from the contributions and do some type of economic strategy to see where the community wants to go in terms of job creation?" Lonsdale asked. "I think this is important for every development because I see for sale signs all over the place because people are losing their jobs and having to move."
Although it was lauded as a good idea, Chalmers said the developer contributions' intended use was for capital projects.
Coun. Paul Lalli seemed glad to accept the terms of the amenities package.
"I appreciate the hard negotiations that have occurred with respect to amenities," said Lalli. "I support this project and I am comfortable with what has been presented."
Having voiced her concerns, Lonsdale seemed determined to move ahead.
"I am happy to see this move forward at this time. So let's get on with it," she said.
The Waterfront Landing development is located on a 53-acre site immediately east of the Mamquam Blind Channel and west of Highway 99. The large-scale project consists of a maximum of 1,500 units and a mix of land uses including marine and open space.
The project was the source of controversy in 2007 when the original proposal included three apartment buildings up to 20 storeys. The so-called towers were nixed in favour of buildings of a maximum height of 12 storeys after community backlash.
