The Paradise Trails equestrian residential project will change the scope of Squamish's economic situation with upwards of $49 million in anticipated local benefits, according to literature handed out at North Vancouver Outdoor School during a Chamber of Commerce luncheon Tuesday (Nov. 10).
Project manager and president of umbrella company Tri City Properties Group, Michael Goodman, provided Chamber members with an update on the project, noting developers are now ready for final approval from Municipal Hall.
"Tri City Properties is committed to community development and has offered to make [these] benefits available to residents of the District of Squamish upon approval of the Paradise Trails project," states the project literature.
Listing "pure" benefits and amenities, proponents of the 176-acre Paradise Trails project which includes 81 housing lots ranging from half one to two acres, and up to 11 acres for the equestrian centre including indoor and outdoor riding facilities is anticipated to exceed $49 million, $48 million of which would be an increased tax base over 50 years.
Also listed among the amenities is new fire department, 6.5 kilometres of new public hiking trails, bridle trails and parkland, high speed Internet, a youth equestrian fund for Squamish children in the amount of $50,000, upgrades to the Bailey Bridge, and construction of an emergency evacuation safe area.
The project is also anticipated to generate several years worth of direct and spin-off employment while under construction, and approximately 25 permanent full time and part time positions when complete for such jobs as trainers, coaches and others offering equestrian programs and services.
The equestrian centre would include stables for 40 horses, a portion of which will be available to Squamish residents "on a priority basis," according to proponents.
It will also include Bed & Bale guest houses, equine grooming and washing areas, a tack shop, a farrier shop, a veterinary clinic, community event rooms, a café and apartment residences for the manager and other equestrian facility staff and trainers.
Programs will also be run out of the centre, including riding classes for children and adults, clinics, therapeutic riding, horse training, regional competitions and special events.
Paradise Trails will also attract new equestrian recreational tourism with possible expenditures ranging from $175,000 to $350,000 per year, according to developers.
Annual equestrian centre expenditures are expected to fall within the $750,000 to $1,000,000 range, with events and clinics creating potential for an additional $500,000 to $1,000,000 of annual expenses.
Proponents also highlighted Paradise Trails' sewage treatment system as a first for Squamish.
The site is too far from services to be connected to municipal water and sewer lines, so engineers have recommended a self-contained sewage treatment system to service the 81 new homes and the equestrian centre, with initial installation costs and long-term maintenance paid for by the developer and the strata council.
"No liability will be assumed by Squamish taxpayers or by the District of Squamish," states the proponent. "This 'green' system will discharge high-quality disinfected effluent capable of grey water use. These systems have been used successfully on Bowen Island, Ladysmith, Britannia and in many other communities around western Canada."
In October 2008, council only narrowly approved rezoning to allow the proposal.
District staff had recommended rejecting the project, citing concerns such as flood hazards and urban sprawl. At the time, local horse enthusiasts lined council chambers to voice their support of the project. However Catherine Jackson, president of the Squamish Environmental Conservation Society, said the development would be contrary to the community's Smart Growth principles.
According to the most recent update, the project is finalizing infrastructure details, having worked through District of Squamish council requests for enhanced flood protection and sustainable practices, as well as infrastructure, according to literature handed out at the luncheon.
"The Paradise Trails team continues to work towards fourth reading, and final approval, from Mayor [Greg] Gardner and council by meeting the conditions set at third reading," states the proponent document. "The geohazard study has been completed by our experts. They have concluded the Paradise Valley site is safe for the 81-home community and recommended a berm be built along the Cheakamus River to provide additional flood protection.
"District of Squamish staff is working with our engineers and consultants to finalize details of sewer and water systems, roads, trails, and the equestrian centre."
