I am writing in response to The Squamish Chief’s March 8, 2023, article, Polygon’s Three Summits development makes first appearance before Squamish council.
From what the paper reported, I am concerned the District of Squamish council might fail to protect the interests of Squamish from the developer’s push to maximize profits.
Polygon, the developer behind Three Summits, a three-building condo development that will be located on the parcel of land at Pemberton Avenue and Third Avenue, is currently seeking approval for their building and site design, which includes the removal of mature trees as well as a variance request to add a seventh story.
Councillors were asked to provide feedback on the design and scope, and The Chief quoted a councillor as saying, “I don’t want to send the developer back to do a complete redesign of their project to preserve that [Norway maple] tree.”
This is a surprising remark, as councillors are elected to represent the best interests of Squamish and its residents, and councillors should not hesitate to send a developer back to the drawing board if needed. Let’s not forget the developers build these projects to make money; they don’t live there, nor necessarily have the best interests of the neighbourhood and community at heart.
The Norway maple is of value to the neighbourhood, and shouldn’t be cut down in order to accommodate [a possible] increase in the building’s footprint. Our elected officials need to ensure that any future building is set back far enough from the street to make room for the existing mature trees and, if needed, additional plantings of similar-sized trees.
The developer is also asking for a height variance, so they can build to seven stories.
If the District grants the developer a height variance, it will be setting a precedent for future developments, opening the door for other developers to ask for the same.
Taller buildings are out of character in Squamish: they block views, and they create more shadows and wind tunnels. Do we really want massive buildings in Squamish? Decisions being made now during the review phase will have an impact on the well-being of Squamish residents for decades to come.
Squamish is a desirable place to live and visit, and more and more people are moving here and choosing this place as their home. With developers eager to build in Squamish, council and the planning department are in a position of strength and have tremendous leverage to push developers to innovate in their designs, build to world-class ecological standards, and create positive lasting legacies.
The Squamish community is counting on our councillors to be the strong voice that looks out for our best interests.
Nichole Borgal
Squamish
