Southbound commuters are still without clear alternative transportation in the wake of cancelled morning Greyhound routes despite consultant recommendations to the District of Squamish council this week.
AECOM, an international consulting firm, was paid $15,000 to present transportation options, however its top option was moot since it was based on the cancelled bus routes.
AECOM recommended the district consider subsidizing existing services provided by Greyhound or Pacific Coast to reduce their costs and increase service from eight trips to 10. The plan would cost the district $1.76 million within the first three years of implementation.
Additional bus services would increase the number of commuters by approximately 6.5 per cent, translating to 65 more people travelling to Vancouver for work during the first year of increased service.
AECOM transit planning services manager Bill Lambert and consultant Iona To recommended the district explore this particular option because it would reduce the number of single occupancy vehicle trips per year by approximately 127,000.
But Coun. Patricia Heintzman pointed out the existing service only offers six trips to the city, not eight as the report stated.
"I'm not sure if you were aware of that," she said.
Coun. Bryan Raiser said in light of the service cuts, he doesn't think Greyhound is interested in future co-operation with Squamish commuters.
"I keep hearing about Greyhound, but Greyhound has abandoned us in the mornings."
Coun. Paul Lalli suggested council explore less expensive options available to the municipality through the Jack Bell foundation.
"From my perspective, would it be worthwhile for council to sit down with the Jack Bell Foundation?" he said.
In a unanimous vote Lalli, Heintzman, Mayor Greg Gardner, Coun. Rob Kirkham, Coun. Corinne Lonsdale and Raiser supported a motion to invite the Jack Bell Foundation to discuss expanding services.
Coun. Doug Race was absent.
'Open for business' sign nixed
Two representatives from The Friends of Squamish organization, Ueli Liechti and John Babuin presented the district with a large sign reading "Squamish is open for business, call Mayor Greg Gardner."
The duo suggested two large signs be displayed along Highway 99, one at the north and south end of town, to advertise that Squamish is welcoming of new business endeavours.
Liechti said it's time for the district to take advantage of the anticipated Olympic traffic traveling through the city and rustle up some business interest in the municipality.
"We think the time is good to put that sign up, at no cost to the taxpayers," Liechti said.
Raiser said displaying such a sign could create more problems than solutions.
"This sign actually opens two very large cans of worms," he said. "The first one is we have no EDO [Economic Development Officer], and it kind of says our mayor is the EDO and that every phone call should go to him."
Raiser said it also showed the district's lack of direction regarding highway signage.
"People drive by and look what they see. No one can see downtown, very few people know it's there. People see a strip mall I don't feel we've taken a big look at what our corridor says about our community."
Heintzman said Chilliwack had similar signage up, but the city was actively searching for developers for a newly acquired piece of industrial property.
"It was very strategic, very pointed and it was a community that planned that very carefully," she said. "So I do have a problem with putting random signage up there particularly when it doesn't fit into an economic development strategy or a plan."
Lonsdale supported for the sign, saying it could drum up business while the district develops a long-term business strategy.
"I actually like the idea that might in fact create a few job opportunities," she said.
Lalli said he understood the concerns Liechti and Babuin have regarding a business strategy for the district, but suggested staff develop a cohesive economic marketing strategy for the town.
Lonsdale opposed the motion to refer this item to staff, while the remaining five councillors voted in support of Lalli's motion to direct staff to develop a business strategy.
Climbers bring cash
Squamish Access Society member Kevin McLane outlined the significant economic impact local climbing attractions have on the municipality's economy, making a case for district help toward improvements.
"I don't think there is anywhere in the world, where there is a world class climbing area, such as Squamish none of them have a town right there where you can live, walk, ride or go climbing after work."
The Squamish Climbing Strategy Report projects a doubling of climbers within the next eight to 12 years, from approximately 130,000 people to more than a 250,000 visitors. The visitor boom would increase the annual economy by approximately $500,000.
McLane said more and wider trails would help alleviate hiking traffic, and additional parking spots and walkable campgrounds would benefit climbers.
Council unanimously approved Heintzman's motion to refer the report to staff for recommendations within the next month.
Community reconsidered
Mick Gottardi, director of community development, presented council with bike lane and parking options on Westway Avenue following a July meeting in Valleycliffe on the issue.
Public opinion showed 41 per cent wanted new sidewalks, 26 per cent wanted the road as is, 24 per cent wanted bicycles lanes during peak hours only, nine per cent wanted bicycle lanes with no parking.
District staff recommended a compromise with bike lanes during peak hours and parking spots the rest of the time.
Lonsdale opposed recommendation saying more than 75 per cent of attendees did not want that option. The compromised option passed with staff encouraged to gather community feedback. Council will discuss the issue at the next council meeting Tuesday (Dec. 1).
District consider fee increase
Mayor Greg Moore of the City of Coquitlam wrote to request support on his stand against increase in operating fees for a province wide RCMP information system. Gardner suggested staff look into the increases and petition the Solicitor General of British Columbia on behalf of the District of Squamish.
"I don't like encouraging individual mayors championing things," said Gardner. "I think you have more weight if you do it with an association. It can become a political issue being the champion of causes is not always best."
Council unanimously supported Gardner's motion.
Green policies noted
Council unanimously agreed to accept the Community Green Building Action - Municipal Buildings report as well as the Preparing for the Annual Municipal report on carbon neutral actions for 2009. Staff highlighted district accomplishments including the adoption of an anti-idling policy as well as having approximately 48 per cent of municipal fleet vehicles running on biodiesel.
Economic Development Committee expands
Council unanimously approved the expansion of the Economic Development Committee to six representatives from the business community.
"I see a huge benefit in having members of our business community being involved in economic development. We have a large number of people in the community that actually do want to sit on such a committee," Lalli said.
Staff will develop a terms of reference which is scheduled to be presented to municipal council on Tuesday Jan. 12.
