A large barge and construction equipment have been an unusual sight of late on the east side of the Mamquam Blind Channel.
Crews are removing roughly 270 creosote wood and steel pilings that were left over from the former Interfor Mill on the site. The work is a collaborative effort to improve the spawning habitat for herring in the channel, according to a news release.
The initiative, led by the Squamish Streamkeepers Society, includes developers Squamish Ocean Point Holdings –a partnership between Bosa Properties and Kingswood Properties – as well as the Squamish Nation, the province, Squamish Marine Service and the District of Squamish and has received additional funding from the Squamish Harbour Authority, the release states.
“The Squamish Streamkeepers Society has been pursuing this project for three years,” said Jack Cooley of the Streamkeepers. “Removing the pilings achieves some key environmental benefits for us that will result in improved habitat for herring roe and reduced pollution stemming from the occurrence of unauthorized mooring.”
The development company Squamish Ocean Point Holdings did not respond to The Squamish Chief’s requests for information on the development projects it has proposed for the Mamquam Blind Channel.
In 2014, council voted in favour of a proposed 425-unit Kingswood development slated for the Upper Mamquam Blind Channel.
District staff told The Squamish Chief remediation work is currently underway for the Kingswood Development. The proponents have not yet submitted a development permit application.
The district has also yet to receive a development permit application for a 53-acre Waterfront Landing project by Squamish Ocean Point Holdings.
In both cases, the development permit applications are still required and would need to go before council, district staff said.
Owners of eight boats previously moored in the channel are listed defendants in a corporate notice of civil claim that was filed with the B.C. Supreme Court registry in Vancouver on Jan. 6 by Squamish Ocean Point Holdings Inc. (Waterfront Landing).
In the document, the development company made a claim for damages for trespass related to unauthorized mooring of vessels in the channel.
On Tuesday, April 5, police assisted Transport Canada in keeping the peace to enforce an order to remove several vessels anchored in the channel, according to Squamish RCMP. The order was “obtained in preparation for construction along the waterfront as the vessels were obstructing safe navigation of the channel. Officers attended and stood by and the vessels were moved without any incidents,” Squamish RCMP Staff Sgt. Brian Cumming said in a news release.
For the piling project, the District of Squamish has agreed to waive up to $40,000 in tipping fees to dispose of the pilings.
“Phase one of the district’s Marine Strategy identifies our interests in supporting activities that will improve the marine setting, environmentally, visually and from the experience of those who navigate the channel,” said Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “I applaud this collaborative effort to find a community-driven solution that benefits Squamish on a number of levels.”
The piling-removal project should be complete by the end of April, according to the news release.
