Editor's note: This is a letter that was sent to Squamish mayor, council and all other council candidates in response to a letter that was circulated by Garibaldi Springs landowner Doug Day last week. It was copied to The Chief for publication.
In The Chief article Nov. 4 ("Developer 'not happy' with process so far"), owner Doug Daywas quoted as saying, "We are not happy with the District of Squamish and the way they've been dealing with this. They are jerking us around."
District staff and council have been very busy with our Oceanfront and many more issues which are much more important than allowing a developer to rezone a golf course to multi-mini lots and park and move Squamish's image down from "The Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada."
There are many great parks in Squamish, including the Oceanfront soon to come and locals say that, even though this park proposal would be a gift, taxpayers would be liable for considerably extra upkeep costs.
Squamish should have twogolf courses and a group, led by experienced local golfers, planned on acquiring Garibaldi Springs when the very unexpected takeover by Doug Day took place about a year ago. They are still interested in getting involved and improving it so locals and all our visitors can really enjoy it all better than ever.
There are over 90 townhouses and 100 hotel suites (likely the biggest in Squamish) which were built close by on Tantulus Road with the expectation that the golf course would stay. Their interests should now be very carefully considered.
Most people at the well attended Oct. 5 public meeting spoke very strongly against the golf course rezoning and I urged council to not proceed with rezoning and conserve all the effort put into the golf course by the original developer [Council recently sent the rezoning proposal back for more public input]. There are many more places suitable for more truly affordable housing much closer to schools and shopping but I'm told that to find another golf course within Squamish acceptable to fisheries, environment and all others is most unlikely.
Feedback from all will be appreciated.
Donald J. ByrneGaribaldi Highlands
