Stop and Store storage will be allowed to set up 165 metal storage containers on its property for nine years, following reconsideration of its request by council.
In 2017, the District restricted further development of storage facilities in Squamish due to limited land available and the low employment value of such projects.
However, the application from Stop and Storage was received before the District enacted these restrictions.
As a result, this application was reviewed in relation to the regulations in effect before the municipality curbed further development of storage facilities.
At council on Dec. 18, about a dozen people were in the audience, some of whom spoke either for or against the application.
Previously, the municipality turned down the company’s development permit for 1002 Enterprise Place, which is around the southern area of the Sea to Sky Business Park.
Mayor Karen Elliott said she brought forward the permit for reconsideration because she felt there was some confusion about the application.
Elliott said it appeared as if council wasn’t clear if the application could be partially approved or amended during previous deliberations, and the status of the business licence drew unnecessary attention.
Competitors Black Tusk Storage and Garibaldi Storage took issue with the application, saying the District had previously put a stop to adding further storage.
They wondered why Stop and Store would be exempt from this rule.
Those opposed were concerned about the proposed variances.
“I have some issues with the parking,” said Coun. Armand Hurford. “This particular cul de sac is really tight and there’s very little room for one vehicle probably along the street part.”
Normally, this application would require 12 parking spaces.
The variance proposed five.
Furthermore, the zoning bylaw requires two loading spaces, but under this variance, no loading spaces were proposed.
Coun. Doug Race asserted it went against the previous OCP bylaws that he said would have chided its appearance.
“Painting the ends yellow doesn’t do it for me — I’m sorry,” said Race. “This is, essentially, a very monotonous looking project.”
Paul Reynolds of Stop and Store floated the possibility of compromising by shortening the permit’s duration.
Council then moved for a nine-year cap to be added to the application.
Elliott said that she believed proponents should be allowed to use their land before it gets developed and supported it.
“This has become a complex issue, of what I think should be a fairly simple issue,” said Coun. John French, who also voiced his support for the project.
Ultimately, Hurford and Race voted against the application. The other five council members voted in favour.
Since the development permit was authorized, the storage use will be considered as lawful non-conforming use.
