After the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District asked Squamish council for feedback on its regional growth strategy, or RGS — a document akin to an official community plan for the region — debate ensued about Garibaldi at Squamish.
During the council meeting on Jan. 8, it was revealed that Whistler was asking to incorporate certain lands within its RGS settlement area.
This could allow the resort municipality to add beds without seeking the permission of the SLRD. There could be 30,000 beds in that area, but not all of them would be new, District staff said.
Councillors said that Garibaldi at Squamish sent an email noting that its own proposed development was about that size.
Therefore, if the Whistler area was to be within the RGS settlement boundaries, then it would only be fair for Garibaldi at Squamish to also be within that zone as well, the company said.
Coun. Doug Race suggested it was a valid concern. He said an even hand should be applied to both situations, though he was careful to state this was not to endorse either.
Mayor Karen Elliott, however, said that both scenarios were different. Whistler is an already-established resort, so adding more beds wouldn't be as significant of a development.
On the other hand, she said, Garibaldi at Squamish would be a brand-new resort destination that would change the face of the Squamish area.
Ultimately, council decided to send feedback to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District saying that a discussion ought to be had on the matter.
They also asked for the regional district to make further considerations about the fairness of the process.
**Council cuts are pieces of news arising out of recent District of Squamish council meetings.
