EDITOR,
Re.: Redpoint. Part 2.
Last time Kingswood tried to get the zoning changed for their Scott Crescent property the District of Squamish, staff and council spent a lot of time (our money) trying to make it work for about two years even though the community was telling them repeatedly that they didn't want the zoning changed for this project.
It seemed to me the District bent over backwards and went through all kinds of ludicrous contortions trying to push it through, basically ignoring the objections of the residents who they were supposed to be working for, even pitting residents against each other by threatening various, ridiculous traffic "solutions." It wasn't until the Ministry of Transportation called their traffic plan "nonsensical" and Kingwsood called a series of meetings with residents from different areas to sell them stranger and stranger traffic plans that council finally voted it down on the third reading. What a waste of time and energy (our money).
Then staff and council decided to do a study of the Blind Channel area. Last I heard, it wasn't going very far because according to one staffer at a council meeting, there was a trust issue.
Here we are, a couple of short years later and Kingswood think they can do it again - repackaging it, throwing in an obviously inadequate, token climbing wall and strategically approaching various groups and the press while apparently ignoring the local residents.
An inadequate indoor climbing wall is the last thing we need as a Squamish landmark. Except for maybe an inadequate "Adventure Centre," whatever that means. (I guess no one really knows yet.) Except for maybe a string of unobscured fast food joints, hotels, gas stations, car dealerships, and big-box stores. How much do we spend on "official community plans" and countless other consultations? For this?
Expect to see more good press and editorials showing support for Redpoint, Part 2.
But be wary of where it's really coming from. All kinds of tactics will be used. The question is: Will the district be, once again, aiding and abetting?
Developers are supposed to try and get something developed. That is what we, as a society, use them for. So Kingswood is basically doing what it's supposed to. And I am sure there is a lot of talent and even good intentions at City Hall, but things never seem to quite pan out. The Chief article of the April 26 council meeting, I think, gives us a clear illustration of why they don't. This is but a small window into what goes on all the time. It wouldn't be tolerated in the private sector and it shouldn't be tolerated here.
Peter Cox
Squamish
