By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: Feb. 13, 2014
With a new tax season approaches, the District of Squamish is also releasing a list of its achievements, reminding people of what their tax dollars are capable of achieving.
Here are some of the capital projects undertaken by the district that were a council priority or required a major contribution. Some of these projects have been completed, while work continues on others.
Downtown Transformation (Budget: $200,000)
The district has focused on quick-wins as part of its downtown transformation initiative. An event coordinator creates a series of events downtown such as the night market, the fresh air cinema, and Squamish Idol, etc.
The district also acquired and started cleanup along the blind channel. A temporary park is planned this year to provide public access to waterfront.
A ‘town square’ in the commercial core of downtown is also planned.
Brennan Park Quick Wins (Budget: $95,100)
A children’s play space with a climbing wall and a reading nook were installed at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
Automated information displays, a coffee cart, and lobby furniture were also added. Old fencing was removed from the front entrance.
Staff at Brennan Park is also preparing a concept plan for the fields, campground and Loggers Sports grounds.
Well Protection Plan ($190,000)
The district engineers conducted a hydrological assessment to complete a well protection plan to protect the quality and sustainable use of Squamish’s water source.
Squamish River dike raised ($490,000)
Design work to raise the dike is underway and district has submitted an application to the province for 2014 grants. The district also plans to upgrade the Eagle Viewing Area in Brackendale.
Annual Road Construction (Budget: $1 million)
The district created a pavement management program to rehabilitate district roads in poor condition. Alpine Paving was awarded a three-year contract. 13 roads were paved.
Corridor Trail ($100,000)
Corridor Trail was extended from Valley Drive to Clarke Drive, with safety improvements completed along the length of the trail. A section of the trail from Harris Way to Garibaldi Way is also being designed. Lists of improvements for this year have also been compiled by the engineering staff.
Landfill upgrades ($4,176,600)
All phases of the landfill site now have a liner to keep all clean water out of contact with waste. The Landfill Public Depot has been upgraded and paved, along with installation of a new scale, which makes it easier and convenient to reduce waste on site.
New groundwater supply ($100,000)
The district plans to move forward with a new well field so there is enough water for SODC and downtown Squamish. The district is also drilling a test well in the Paradise Valley for longer terms needs. District also undertook a $1.5 million annual water main replacement project, with 1.7 kms water main replaced in Valleycliffe.
Government road sewer upgrades, Cleveland Ave upgrade from Victoria to Main Street, Cheakamus bridge resurfacing, flood protection works, and Mountain Bike Technical Skills Park were some other projects on which district spent tax payers money.
