Last July, the most recent iteration of the District of Squamish strategic plan was set in motion. That ambitious document charts the district’s course of action for the next four years and beyond. But before we cue the trumpet fanfare, we should investigate whether this extensive catalogue of pledges exceeds council’s capacity to deliver.
The plan promises that “urban design will foster a higher level of livability.” In the meantime, vacant lots strewn with weeds and debris continue to blight Cleveland and Second Avenue. After two decades, action on that front is still in the suspended animation stage.
As well, the push for higher density has created traffic congestion and a shortage of parking capacity in a much travelled and rapidly developing downtown core. Apparently a long-term traffic and parking strategy will be discussed at a future council meeting.
We have also been informed that “a diversity of housing, for all stages of life and income levels, is encouraged and planned for.” That assurance is wearing thinner by the day in the hot-house Squamish real estate market. Last December, Gary Buxton, general manager of development services and public works, told the district’s housing committee there was very little Crown and municipal land available for purpose-built rental units.
According to the strategic plan, “job creation and the long-term health of our economy will be considered in land use decisions,” and Squamish will be home to “a variety of well paid jobs reducing the need to commute, and the non-residential tax base continues to grow.” That ambitious goal has yet to materialize beyond the pipedream stage.
This council is vehemently opposed to the Garibaldi at Squamish resort and the Woodfibre liquefied natural gas plant proposals. Both ventures could provide decent paying jobs locally and a substantial municipal tax infusion previously supplied by the mothballed Woodfibre pulp mill.The strategic plan document promises the district will “engage with regional partners and governments to develop a regional transportation plan.”
After Whistler officials pulled their share of funding for the Squamish-Whistler commuter bus in 2011, longtime Squamish resident Mohammad Afsar told The Whistler Question he wondered why the operation was “being so politically tossed around.” He added that in Whistler, “most of these large hotels and restaurants depend on the labour force from Squamish.” Whistler Blackcomb hospitality providers continue to set monthly revenue records, and there is no better window of opportunity than right now for council to negotiate the reinstatement of that valuable service.
The strategic plan presents a rosy picture of this community’s future. In order to bring that image into better focus, council will have to do some heavy lifting. That needs to happen sooner rather than later.
