Editor,
It has recently come to my attention that the developer of the new Holiday Inn is requesting the District of Squamish's permission to remove the treed buffer from along Highway 99, even though this proposed removal of trees appears to be directly contrary to our Official Community Plan (OCP). Council's logic for approving the removal of the trees is the argument from the developer - that people would not see his three- or four-storey building with its associated signage and that this would cost him some revenue.
I support the removal of these trees only if council continues to apply the same logic for the following situations:
Remove some of the trees blocking the view from the highway of the Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Just think of how many people driving to Whistler are missing the opportunity to stop and play a quick game of hockey or swim a few laps. Think of the lost revenue these trees are causing the District of Squamish.
The removal of the trees by Capilano University will also need to be done as I believe countless southbound drivers are missing the opportunity to stop in at the university and sign up for a course. All because they could not see the university due to some trees.
Finally, there are some trees in Rose Park that are blocking the view of a welding shop at the top end of the Mamquam Blind Channel. Just think of how much lost revenue these trees are causing this welding shop. I know that on any road trip I take I am always looking for welding shops just in case.
So please mayor and council take the trees down, but only if you take all the other trees down that are costing local businesses revenue as well.
Otherwise please welcome the developer to town with a copy of the OCP with the parts about retention of a treed buffer along Highway 99 highlighted and underlined!
Cliff Miller
Squamish, B.C.
