The District’s recently announced new covered public space is currently under construction downtown.
The outdoor covered shelter will be the third covered structure downtown and is being installed at the Squamish Farmers’ Market parking lot on Cleveland Avenue at Victoria Street.
The District has installed 11 other "Neighbourhood Nooks" around town in recent years.
The latest weather-protected public space slated for 37996 Cleveland Avenue aims to allow people to gather more comfortably outdoors undercover, regardless of the weather.
The latest shelter will be similar to those at Junction Park and at 38174 Cleveland Avenue and will be wheelchair accessible.
Five parking stalls will be used to accommodate the new covered structure.
"The parking lot will continue to have two accessible parking spots. District staff are reviewing opportunities for a future project to redesign the parking lot layout to minimize the parking changes from the new covered structure," said Rachel Boguski, spokesperson for the District of Squamish.
A news release states that the municipality worked on the shelter's location and design with representatives from the Squamish Farmers’ Market and Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association.
“Our commitment to creating safe and healthy spaces for people to gather has remained consistent over the years since first hearing from residents about the lack of sheltered spaces in Squamish during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mayor Armand Hurford in the release. “I am so pleased to be able to work with our community partners on projects like this that create a more safe and vibrant community for everyone to enjoy.”
According to the municipality, the federal government's Canadian Healthy Communities Initiative fully funds the $100,000 cost of the new structure.
"The addition of the shelter at the Squamish Farmers’ Market site will certainly enhance accessibility into the market. It will provide individuals on market day with a welcoming space to gather and shelter from any weather conditions,” said Downtown Squamish BIA executive director Kerry Neil in the release. “The shelter will not only facilitate better access to the market but also to the improved accessible parking in that lot which will be available every other day of the week. Additionally, it promises to serve as a versatile event and gathering space. I am looking forward to seeing it used regularly by the patrons of the food trucks in the area.”
Here is where the 11 other nooks are located:
- Jura Park
- Pat Goode Park
- Eagle Run Park
- Eaglewind Park
- Smoke Bluff park
- No Name Road Dike Path
- Garibaldi Pocket Park
- Valleycliffe Dike Path
- Brennan Park
- Junction Park (two structures)
