On April 12, Tuesday, District of Squamish council will discuss giving first and second reading to a new townhome proposal at 1039 Finch Drive.
The application is to rezone the property from Rural Residential 1 to Comprehensive Development Zone to allow 25 townhomes.
The 0.8 hectare flat lot property is at the east end of Finch Drive, and has one home and an accessory building at present.
An environmentally sensitive area also runs through the southeast portion of the property, about 41% of the lot.
The three-bedroom units will range in size from 1,283 square feet to 1,869 square feet. A public plaza, children’s play area, a basketball court, and a public trail are also proposed as part of the development.
The proponent is also securing two townhomes as affordable rental, and another two will be secured as market rentals. One parking space per unit is being proposed for the two affordable rental units, while the remaining 23 units will have two parking spaces per unit.
Six visitor parking spaces and two spaces for persons with disabilities are also being proposed.
It is one space less than what district requires but staff is supportive because two units will be secured as affordable rental housing and because of the constraints on site associated with the environmental setbacks.
Corinne Lonsdale says
I certainly hope the DoS says NO. I do not know why we should change the character and livability of all our neighborhoods to line the pockets of some developers. We, who elected this group are the taxpayers who will have to foot the bill for future developments. I wish Council would tell us why we need to grow our population. What are the benefits to the community? More people require more RCMP, more firemen, more recreational amenities, more social services and more upgrades to our critical infrastructure like sewer, water and transportation (street traffic, parking, transit and solid waste ) . We already know we don’t have enough parking and transit is non existent today. What population will our current water and sewer facilities support today? As well most of the 2ndary suites and a number of carriage houses are not registered and therefore do not contribute to cover the cost of utilities. Those who are registered get double the utility bins. So it is not hard to figure out which suites are legal and which are clearly questionable. I would be surprised if our ACTUAL current population and the already approved developments are adequately supported by the existing infrastructure. Turning RURAL land to high density just does not make sense! Once the door opens for one property others will follow. In the absence of good reasoning why we need this development it is my opinion Council needs to overwhelmingly say NO!
Steve s says
I agree Corinne enough lets save our neighborhoods I would like to have a new elected group too.
John Lowe says
What financial reason would the District of Squamish have for such developments. What is wrong with family homes with land for families to grow up in. When did density above well being of our future generation become a priority. lets not forget what this type of living space does to children who are hindered by them in so many ways. Is this the future we want for our next generation.
John Lowe
D M says
This need for rapid densification started before Patricia Heintzman was mayor. Most people from DOS originate from big cities and enjoy lining up their pockets with these developments. There is a reason why past council members like Jason Blackman-Wulff and Susan Chapelle were chased out of the council, cause their vision didn’t match the current and very corrupt DOS! Remember to vote this fall.
Susan Chapelle says
Is this not rural farm land? Is it not in the OCP to protect agricultural land from future development?
This land has riparian areas as well.
Also. Rezoning. The district is not getting anything other than what is in current policy. No uplift for change in land use. Only TWO affordable homes?
Ask for 5 affordable homes. Ask for a contribution to future sewer and water. Ask for more.
Elections are soon.
Ask for a new council and mayor. At least one that negotiates for the community, not developers. Economic development. What happened?? Each proposal was expected to have an analysis. More homes. No employment. Or transit.
Chris says
This project is contributing approximately $600,000 in DDC fees.
Evelyn says
I have been against the Loggers Lane East proposal and changes from the start. Leave some rural property’s. Don’t build under the power lines. Improve our existing community facilities before adding more densification.
Please read this, many interesting points in the DOS report that don’t seem to align with this proposal.
https://squamish.ca/assets/Planning/Loggers-East/Loggers-East-Neighbourhood-Plan-Public-Hearing-Feb.9-2021-V.7-final.pdf?vid=3
Copy and paste to your web browser.