EDITOR,
So let me get this straight the Brew Pub is looking for land to build a bigger facility and currently own land downtown. The Nexen lands are looking for anchor industries.
The obvious solution to me (on my own without a budget of millions) is to organize some kind of land swap and encourage the new brewery to be the first "anchor" on the Nexen lands. Maybe add brewery tours, a taste room and eventually a small deli.
Then woo Capilano University to build their new campus nearby and join them as the second anchor. With two good anchors, other small industries and offices will follow. The bonus is neither of these anchors are dependent on walk-by people traffic. They are able to survive regardless.
Go ahead and build the people's park. Keep the perimeter trail and shoreline as natural as possible. Set aside the existing marsh and bird habitat as a protected nature reserve, and you will have cyclists, birdwatchers, students, dog walkers, walkers, nature lovers, beer lovers and tourists starting to make it a destination. Once visitations are up, it will grow naturally doggy daycare? Student eatery? Light industry? Movie support? The possibilities are endless.
And I did all this in a few minutes with a budget of two cents
Mary Mitchell
Squamish
