I am quite upset with remarks in John French’s column, “News story predictions for 2015” (Dec. 31), regarding me and Garibaldi Springs. He seemed to imply that I regularly apply for approvals at Garibaldi Springs and that I regularly get turned down.
For the record, my company has owned these lands since Nov. 2, 2010. During the term of my ownership of exactly 50 months, there has been only a single application for anything from the District of Squamish (DOS) on these lands. That was almost 38 months ago. The application involved building some affordable housing at the north and south ends of the property.
It also involved the donation of some 105 acres of the lands for public park use.
The application was supported unanimously by DOS staff at all levels.
The district planner at the time noted that it was the largest public amenity contribution he had ever seen offered in his entire professional career in planning.
The application came before council on Nov. 8, 2011 and was deferred by council for further review and consultation with the community. It was not rejected.
Most of the public who understood the enormous benefit of making most of these lands a public park were apoplectic that the council did not accept the offer in 2011.
Since that time, I have applied for absolutely nothing for these lands and have absolutely no intention of ever doing so again. My family enjoys our ownership of these fine lands and we do a very good job of maintaining them.
So then, John French, whatever gives you some sort of a crystal ball to speculate that in 2015, I will apply for partial development on those lands that would in any event, be rejected? What makes you think I am dumb enough to again offer 105 acres of my beautiful Garibaldi Springs property to the DOS for free?
The district’s recent track record on land management is abysmal, with Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC) lands going from a cost of $2 to a debt of more than $12 million with nothing to show for it, than an artist's drawing of what it might look like 100 years from now (ignoring the fact, that the artist failed to recognize in his drawing, that in 100 years, that entire site will be buried by the ocean).
The 2011 application at Garibaldi Springs is to be viewed as an aberration on my part from which I have long since recovered.
As John French was permitted a pulpit to expose upon his fantasy, I would hope the editor will publish my response, which is based in reality.
Note I have no issue with the prediction of me continuing my opposition to the insane waste of taxpayer money at SODC and the lunacy of virtually giving away these precious lands in a convoluted and complex insider deal that will continue this debacle for decades.
Best wishes in 2015.
Douglas R. Day
Owner
Garibaldi Springs Golf Course
