A public hearing on the proposed Loggers Lane development had some residents asking if the town's growth is out of control. The high-density housing proposal plans would put about 185 single-family homes in a 54-acre parcel of land, currently designated resource and rural residential.
Nineteen people, including the proponent, spoke at the hearing, some making multiple presentations. Eight spoke in favour of the development, ten spoke against it, and one man was undecided.
The most impassioned speakers took the issue beyond Loggers Lane demanding that council put a moratorium on development until a new Official Community Plan is established. Nadine Beckham, who lives on Scott Crescent, said council is amending its zoning at a disturbing rate.
"Maybe we should be putting single-family developments in single-family areas," she said.
This sentiment was reinforced by Peter Harker, who described the development boom as a gold rush with Mayor Ian Sutherland acting as the "gold commissioner." He said that the district needs a better understanding of flooding before it goes forward with further projects."We need to have some systematic approach to draining rather than all this ad hoc crisis management all the time," he said.Flooding was a common concern among those speaking against the project.
Those in favour of the project described it as an opportunity to expand affordable housing in Squamish. Local mother Angela Langford said it would give more children access to a backyard.
"It is now very difficult for young families in Squamish to purchase a single family home," she said.
Property developer Doug Day, who is not directly involved in the project, urged council not to be swayed by the public's skepticism. "A lot of people come out against this stuff," he said.
"This is a chance for children to be raised close to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre."
The proponent, Graham Farstad, brought in letters from 22 nearby residents who he said were in favour of the project. In each of these letters, the residents checked off a box stating their support and signed a form letter with a number of conditions. One of the conditions is that the proponent brings water and sewer services up to the edge of the property line to be used by nearby residents who now rely wells and septic beds.
Due to a mapping error, the second reading of the proposal was rescinded twice before the hearing began. Council will decide whether to give the zoning amendment a third reading at the next council meeting on Oct. 16.
