The urgent need for a debris flow barrier dominated discussion Tuesday night at a public hearing on a major development planned for the Cheekeye Fan.
If the construction of the 1,215-unit project is approved, the developer has promised to construct a $45-million debris flow barrier that would protect the area from a major landslide event.
The entire proposed development, along with multiple Squamish Nation villages and Brackendale, is located in a debris hazard flow area that could be deadly if a major landslide occurred.
“Cheakamus is just one of the sites staring down a gun barrel,” said hereditary Chief Dale Harry (Pekultn Siyam). “Protection needs to be provided. Not just for my village, and my people, but also for the District of Squamish and the community.”
Harry expressed concern that villages Poquiosin and Skamain, Yookwiz, Cheakamus and Waiwakum are some of the areas most at risk.
The Squamish Nation is a landowner and partner in the development, along with Squamish Cornerstone Developments. Harry said the Nation has seen the rapid development in Squamish, but felt left behind.
Nation Coun. Deborah Baker, Tom Harry and elders Bob Baker (Kiyowil) and Gwen Harry (Chisa) also spoke in support.
Jessamy Freese, co-owner of Fergie’s Cafe and Sunwolf, also raised concern about the urgent need for the barrier.
Freese noted that the berm would not only protect her home and business, but also the elementary school, the landfill, the airport and Highway 99 up to Whistler.
“The thing that surprises me is when I talk to people in town is how few people who would be impacted are even aware of this fan, it seems to be something that people’s awareness is very limited geographically,” she said. “It seems to me that this is about safety.”
If the project is not approved, the District will need to examine other ways to fund the barrier.
Along with the approval of the project, council must also decide how to fund the maintenance costs for the barrier.
The annual cost is estimated at $919,000, according to a “conceptual funding analysis” presented at committee on June 5. That includes a financial reserve to clear debris if a major event happened.
That number could change if the barrier were eligible for provincial disaster financial assistance, but the District is still in negotiations.
Council will need to determine how much of that tax burden will be applied to all residents through general taxation or if a local service area will be created so affected residents will pay a larger share.
Eric Andersen, representing the Squamish and District Forestry Association, suggested council support general taxation.
Previous public information sessions focused on the size and scale of the 170-acre development, and three speakers on Tuesday evening opposed the development due to the size and cost, echoing concerns that were submitted earlier in the process.
Sandra Walsh, who lives along Ross Road, said she is concerned about the high density of the development, wildlife in the area and the extra traffic stress.
“Are we trading a high-density development for this barrier, that is very much needed, but that the provincial and federal government should be helping us build? The barrier needs to go up, but is the development the way to do it?” she asked.
The current iteration would include 1,215 units. Out of those, 537 would be single-family units and 678 would be multi-unit dwellings. There is also space for commercial use and a new school.
The project will now go to council for third reading at a later date.
***Please note, this story has been corrected since it was first published. The original article did not have the full name of the Squamish & District Forestry Association.
