It's the community's turn to weigh in on the Waterfront Landing plan. A public hearing has been scheduled for October to let residents voice their opinions on the large-scale downtown project by Pridham Development that could house 3,500 residents.
Initial plans for the site include a 20-storey residential tower at the former Interfor mill site along the Mamquam Blind Channel.On Tuesday (Sept. 18) council for first two readings on a rezoning bylaw for the site.
However, Coun. Greg Gardner said he felt the project needed two major changes before going any further. "My first concern is with respect to the highrises. I would like to get information from staff about the impact that will have on our services," he said.
He also thought the plan was too heavily focused on residential use with more than 95 per cent of the development dedicated to housing. "I think we're really missing an opportunity. I want to get some commercial space down there," he said.
Gardner went on to describe his vision for an upscale hotel near the water. He said a waterfront place for visitors to stay would help make Squamish a tourist destination.
"I think the community is looking to expand its tourist industry," he said.
His concerns were shared by Coun. Raj Kahlon who was also disappointed by the proposal. After finding little information about marine-oriented light industry, he said he could not support the plan.
Coun. Patricia Heintzman said she always expected the developer to scale down their plans for a 20-storey building, but the idea has stuck. "Is that somewhere the community wants to go?" she asked.
Coun. Corinne Lonsdale reminded the group that it was not yet time to make a final decision on the issue. She said by supporting the first two readings, she was simply helping the community get involved.
"It just takes us to that next step so we get that feedback from the community. This is a big chance for us and I think there will be some good comments," she said.
Besides the tower, the plan offers several perks for the community such as an amenities package that picks up many costs that would otherwise be covered by tax dollars.
The developer has offered to contribute project will contribute $9.3 million toward affordable housing, parks and trail, along with other waterfront improvements.
The project also puts aside $12.75 million in works and services in areas such as the Clark Drive intersection and a new bridge across the Mamquam Blind Channel at Pemberton Avenue.
Before the second reading was passed, Mayor Ian Sutherland reminded council of these benefits.
"The bottom line is, looking at the big picture, this is a very exciting project for the community," he said.The public hearing will be held at Municipal Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 16 at 7 p.m.
