Council unanimously passed first and second reading for the rental housing complex proposed for Buckley Avenue at a Tuesday night council meeting.
The project will now go to a public hearing on May 22, although councillors still said they had personal concerns about financial details and building management.
“I think it’s worthy of consideration, but there is lots to be done if this moves past public hearing. That work is in the starting gate,” said Mayor Patricia Heintzman. “At this point, getting purpose-built rental would be quite an accomplishment, but I look forward to the public hearing.”
The current plan for the location, near the existing Squamish Skatepark, would include 72 apartment units and eight lower-density townhouse units, as well as surface parking, a new Youth Centre and a new park.
The land is already owned by the District. BC Housing has provided funds for the project design and the organization “may fund capital costs” according to the report submitted to council Tuesday night.
The proposed rental rates for the project are tied to the estimated $23.2-million budget for the build.
Based on current funding projected by staff, monthly rents would be $990 for a studio, $1,170 for a one bedroom, $1,440 for a two-bedroom and $2,250 for a three bedroom.
While Counc. Susan Chapelle supported the project going to second reading, she said the project “seemed rushed” and called the development “an election project.”
“I’ve had a lot of concerns about this project right from the beginning,” she said.“It feels rushed without policy in place, without neighbourhood planning in place, without financials in place, without BC Housing contracts in place,” she said.
Chapelle said given the rental rates in the current financial model tied to the District’s mortgage on the build, she would like to see more options, including private development.
Coun. Ted Prior said he would also like to see more details about how the project could go forward if BC Housing does not provide funding.
“I would have thought there was no debate about the need for affordable housing and affordable rentals,” said Coun. Doug Race. “I think the discussion around financials is a distraction; this is a land use decision.”
On March 8 members of the public attended an information session, expressing concerns about height, loss of green space and traffic.
The public will now have a second chance to give their feedback on the project at a public hearing scheduled for May 22.
