The south end of downtown Squamish is on track to becoming a high foot-traffic area thanks to a new development incorporating an artisan courtyard into their concept, according to the vision presented to council during a Committee of the Whole meeting Tuesday Sept. 22, and to the community during a public hearing Thursday evening (Sept. 24).
Principle development planner Graham Farstad of the Arlington Group said the Third Avenue proposal will turn the Lizzy Bay contractor's yard into mixed use residential and commercial buildings with an artistic flare.
"Unfortunately economic circumstances have changed and it means quite a transition for that area," said Farstad. "It reflects a much more people oriented and mixed use concept. There are artsy elements that provide a theme for the downtown."
Along with 26 residential units, the two-phase project would include display a area for the arts.
"It can be separated off so it could be secured at night but available in the day with commercial space fronting in both areas, so we can have displays enticing people to come to the area, so it's a focal point as well," said Farstad.
No residential units will be built on the ground level due to flood concerns, however a unique design will allow for more flexibility at the ground-level.
A district staff report presented to council states that while the intent of the area's creative mixed use zoning is to have artisan spaces directly connected to the residential spaces above, the proposal instead includes ground-floor spaces that could be used as separate units. That, it's hoped, will encourage more interest in the available commercial spaces.
The project, combined with the Artisan building on Second Avenue and proposals for future Westmana projects, means a whole new feel for downtown south, said Farstad.
"It's pioneering," said Farstad. "Just like the Howe Sound Brew Pub five years ago was completely isolated by itself. Now it's becoming the centre of downtown south."
Depending on market conditions and the timing behind application processes, the project could be ready to break ground in the spring, said Farstad.
"Approval process is fraught with lots of issues. You want to make sure that that's out of the way so that you can move to respond to market conditions quickly," he said.
Mayor Greg Gardner agreed with the rest of council that the plan is ready to move forward to the rezoning stage, and took to opportunity to assert his desire for better drainage infrastructure for the area.
"Anytime we're dealing with downtown core drainage is an issue," he said.
A rezoning public hearing is expected to take place around Christmas, said Farstad, adding that with the extensive done consultation so far, "we don't anticipate any opposition."
