District of Squamish has received a proposal for a five-storey mixed-use building in Valleycliffe.
The new building is proposed at 38229 Westway Avenue; an existing building that once housed a martial arts studio will be demolished for the proposed building. The mixed-use building proposes 149 square metres of commercial space and 45 market rental units. Of these, 30 units will be studio apartments and 15 units will be one-bedroom-and dens. The developers, Westway Centre Corp, are also proposing a building height variance of 9.89 metres.
In a summary provided to the District of Squamish, the developers note the Westway Centre will create more housing for the Squamish community and provide 1,640 square feet of commercial retail space that can be used for a pharmacy or a grocery and convenience store. Eighty parking spaces are proposed for this development.
“The landscape for 32899 Westway Avenue is inspired by connecting. The landscape design aims to connect residents and to the spectacular surrounding environment,” the developers note. “To maximize the area of usable open space, the rooftop of the building provides a deck for residents to gather and socialize. There, residents will have seating areas and tables to connect and interact with one another while enjoying magnificent views of Siy’ám’ Smánit – the Stawamus Chief.”
The application is ‘in-progress’ at the District of Squamish.
Leslie Senyk says
Interested in finding a two bedroom unit preferably with Two bathrooms. Thank you
Ree says
Is this what it’s coming to – studio suites over suites with bedrooms? Is this the developers/developing way to make housing affordable? Be careful, DOS, putting people in tiny cages, crammed up too close to other tiny cages isn’t good for mental health at all.
TCee says
Another ugly, cramped, soulless building for Squamish, with no gardens, trees, benefits for our overall landscape and environment? And detrimental to mental health…too true!
Michael Enders says
Since the Olympics, we have seen the population in Squamish rise exponentially. It is only in the last five to ten years that a housing crisis has escalated. This is mostly due to property values rising and in reaction home-owners raising the cost of rent. Now we see our Carbon Taxes resulting in higher utility costs all the while rental costs still being raised. Some of this also has to do with the contribution of higher interest rates from the Bank of Canada.
All in all, if we want rental properties that are affordable in Squamish, the onus is on Municipal Government putting in place contractual agreements with developers for this, AND the province of BC to regulate affordable housing rentals.