Neighbours are divided over plans to redevelop the existing Eagle Run Shopping Centre to include an apartment building and commercial space.
About 15 people attended a District of Squamish public hearing at Municipal Hall Tuesday (Jan. 27) on the proposed rezoning bylaw that would split-zone the property located at 41312 - 41340 Government Road.
While two letters were received opposed and four in favour of the rezoning to allow for the changes, residents expressed concerns with high density housing in Brackendale as well as reduced parking.
"I am not against the redevelopment by any means but it has to be approved by the people as well. I think you will have to look at the parking issues," said John Jellis, Brackendale resident
Brackendale resident Donald Graham kicked expressed his support for the proposed bylaw but raised some concerns about the details. Graham called on the developer to improve the existing Eagle Run Shopping Centre building.
"I think it provides more available housing in the area but as you drive by, it's obvious that the existing buildings need to be upgraded," Graham said. "I am also concerned about the reduction of parking spaces."
Under the existing zoning, the land can only be used for a restaurant, garden nursery or building supply store with second storey apartments. This zoning does not comply with current uses which include a dance studio, hair stylist and coffee shop to name a few.
The developer is proposing to remove the existing land use contract and subdivide the property to allow for existing uses of the Eagle Run Shopping Centre and a three-story apartment building with a maximum of 21 suites.
The applicant has also provided two affordable housing options. The first option requires that eight per cent of the units be allocated as affordable units constructed at 80 per cent of market value. The second option allows the developer to make a cash contribution to the district's housing reserve fund.
Several residents raised concerns about plans to reduce the current number of parking stalls to allow for the construction of the apartment building.
District staff supported the application because it meets with Official Community Plan growth management objectives of creating a series of mixed-use neighbourhood centres throughout Squamish. The neighbourhoods are intended to provide neighbourhood-scale retail shopping and services.
Resident Glen Campbell is concerned about the broader direction of the apartment style buildings in Brackendale. He asked council to use the town of Canmore, Alberta as an example of the downside of development.
"The town of Canmore is 20 years ahead of Squamish and rezoning from single to multi residential units resulted in the creation of a bedroom community for Banff," Campbell said. "The other big question is infrastructure and whether we can support an apartment building."
Cameron Chalmers, director of planning for the District of Squamish, said a land development agreement was put into place regarding off site infrastructure upgrades, including a new water main.
"Part of the reason the project was put on hold was servicing issues needed to be addressed," Chalmers said.
Council will likely have the opportunity to discuss and vote on third reading of the Eagle Run Shopping Centre rezoning at the Feb. 3 meeting.
