After more than two decades of discussions, residential development plans for BC Rail's newly acquired Mamquam Blind Channel property are being made public. The District of Squamish finalized a land exchange with BC Rail last month in order to facilitate the seaside residential/commercial development.
The community will get a detailed view of development plans for the Loggers Lane mixed-use proposal - called Tantalus Landing - during an information meeting Wednesday, Jan. 17 at the Howe Sound Inn at 7:30 p.m.
Tamaki Nicolson Architects submitted the plans in October on behalf of BC Rail, and requested rezoning for the seaside along Loggers Lane between Main Street and Winnipeg Street to accommodate eight new buildings with 230 units of studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom live/work apartments and commercial space.
A district-owned seawalk with several lookout points and six intersecting gardens is also proposed for the eastern edge and would be accessed through pedestrian plazas at each street end. The plazas at Victoria and Main streets are intended as gateways to the waterfront, which includes two habitat enhancement areas.
"Here, the public and residents are offered the opportunity to look out to the Mamquam Blind Channel and the Stawamus Chief to the backdrop of native species and plantings," states the proposal.
The Main Street plaza will involve a "tidal amphitheatre", providing seaside seating for performances on a floating stage.
The four-storey buildings are designed to be set back at the upper floors to "reduce their scale at the street and waters edge," according to the proposal.
"The varied angles of the building footprints and a number of roof forms add diversity and playfulness to the project's character," it stated. "Landscaped courtyards separate the buildings, framing views to the Stawamus Chief and maintaining downtown's connection to the water."
Glass bridges at the building entries allow for better views for the residents and roof gardens and landscaped screens of metal mesh will provide residents with privacy and protection from wind.
Architects intend to reflect Squamish's "industrial heritage" and its "connection to the landscape" with the new buildings' brightly coloured corrugated metal siding, galvanized wire mesh, heavy timber wooden framing and stained fibre cement board siding.
The developers also plan to provide parking for residents and their visitors with a new 274-stall, one-level underground parkade.
Development representatives will be available for questions and comments following the informational presentation Jan. 17.
