District of Squamish Council has adopted a bylaw on February 23 that formally dedicates District-owned land as ‘park’ in the Smoke Bluffs Park area.
The dedicated bylaw preserved the lands for public enjoyment in perpetuity.
The dedication included the area known as Smoke Bluffs Park, as well as a 5.3-acre property, known locally as the Drenka property, which is located along the Mamquam Blind Channel.
The Drenka property was acquired by the district in 2020.
In 2005, the District commissioned the Smoke Bluffs Park Development Plan to establish guidance for the district and others to guide the evolution of Smoke Bluffs Park.
In 2007, the District established the Smoke Bluffs Park Advisory Committee to assist with the development and management of the area, and in 2017 adopted the Smoke Bluffs Park Management Plan, which was developed by the Smoke Bluffs Park Advisory Committee and staff.
The management plan guided the ongoing operations and maintenance of the Smoke Bluffs Park.
The committee is now being dissolved and a new Staff Advisory Committee is being formed.
This new committee will perform the same work and will assist district staff with the operational maintenance and planning of Smoke Bluffs Park.
“This has been a long time coming for the community of Squamish and I know there are many who share our excitement in the formal dedication of this space for all to enjoy,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott.
“More importantly, this dedication offers protection so that our park lands can continue to be enjoyed and preserved for future generations to come. We couldn’t have accomplished this goal without the volunteers who participated on the Smoke Bluff Parks Committee and we are all grateful for their vision and service.”
The Park Dedication Bylaw can only be repealed through electoral consent (such as a referendum) and not by Council decision.
The park dedication is also part of an ongoing process undertaken by the District of Squamish to protect and enhance rock-climbing opportunities within the Smoke Bluffs Park area, an area that first gained popularity in the 1970s.
Those interested in serving on the committee are encouraged to complete an application form here.
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