The former Eagle Vista RV Resort and Campground will almost certainly become a residential development, as the proposed Anthem Properties project has passed its biggest hurdle.
The proposed development for 1701 and 1940 Centennial Way was given third reading by council in a 6-1 vote after a public hearing on the project on Feb. 18. Coun. Chris Pettingill was the sole dissenting vote, as he said the development did not meet his environmental expectations.
The project still requires formal adoption, but this is typically granted after approval at third reading.
Anthem Properties asked that the property be rezoned into a CD-90 zone, which will allow for residential development with commercial and light industrial spaces.
The development proposal includes 79 market condos, 80 rental apartments, 94 market townhomes, three market townhomes with lock-off suites and 10 duplexes, as well as a daycare, among other things.
Out of all the residential spaces, 23 units and one townhouse are expected to be affordable rentals.
During the public hearing, the dozen members of the public who spoke generally voiced their support of the development. However, most of the discussion was centred around two amenities — water access for the nearby Mamquam River Campground and a potential roundabout for the Centennial-Loggers Lane intersection.
Regarding water, as part of the amenities package, the developer has proposed to have a public water station. This would be north of the site at a $40,000 public dike pavilion for trail users and cyclists beside the Mamquam River dike trail.
However, advocates for the Mamquam River Campground said they wanted water service at the camp itself. This could cost about $350,000.
Advocates reasoned that Anthem’s project will be replacing land that was previously a campground.
John Harvey of the Mamquam River Access Society, or MRAS, said he supported the project, but added that it was important to look after the needs of campers.
The society is the driving force behind the campground.
“Let’s recognize the sad loss of the campground and RV space that was there and that sort of has now forced the Mamquam River Campground to step up to the plate as a bit of a replacement campground, yet we don’t have any services. The old Eagle Vista had full services,” Harvey said.
He said he recognized that it would cost a fair amount to have direct water service, but said it was necessary.
“We can’t imagine the campground without water,” Harvey said.
He added the campground gives vanlifers a place to stay, which is becoming a bigger issue in Squamish.
Mike Morgan, president of the Squamish Valley Rod and Gun Club said he supported Harvey’s proposition.
“The requirements for water are huge,” said Morgan.
The gun club’s support is important, as one of the proposed ways of bringing water to the campground involves extending a watermain to the club’s driveway. The MRAS would then pay for a water service line.
The next amenity subject to much debate was whether to replace the four-way stop on Loggers Lane and Centennial Way with a roundabout.
District staff were in favour of the roundabout, as they said those structures generally reduce crash rates. However, many who spoke at the hearing said they preferred a four-way stop, as it would force vehicles to completely stop.
Council deferred a decision on both the water and the roundabout.
A public meeting will be scheduled before final decisions are made, staff said.
