District of Squamish has granted approvals for a new development consisting of 1,215 homes in Brackendale. Construction has begun on the Cheekeye River development, which will be protected by one of the world’s largest debris flow barriers.
The project, a collaboration between the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Matthews West Developments Ltd., has been in development since 2013. Located in Brackendale, an area vulnerable to debris flows, the project includes the construction of a 24-meter-high debris barrier to mitigate potential threats from the Cheekeye River.
The barrier, built with roller-compacted concrete, will span 200 meters and feature a slot system to capture debris during large flow events. The $89 million project will be funded by the developer, with ongoing contributions to a municipal debris management fund from both the developer and the District. The development includes a publicly accessible trail network within the strata portion of the lands and expansion of the existing Ray Peters Trail network.
The Squamish Council approved the project in July, alongside agreements that make the District the Local Diking Authority, responsible for maintaining the barrier after completion. An indemnification agreement is also in place to cover restoration costs in case of a significant debris flow event.
The development will feature a diverse housing mix, including 85 non-market and 85 market rental units, commercial spaces, trails, and community facilities.
“This is a monumental achievement,” said Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, a Squamish Nation Council Member. “The Cheekeye River Development will provide much-needed housing while protecting the community for years to come.”
Premier David Eby and Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford also praised the project for its collaborative effort and long-term benefits to the community. Construction has begun, with the site being cleared for future development.
Reej says
What’s that, about 2500 nw homes announced in the last week or so? When will the Cheema lands be granted their permits?
Francine Lessard says
CHEEMA IS WAY TO SAFE!
Daniele Halle says
When I moved to Squamish in 1980, I fell in love with Squamish, now, I hate it, the wilderness is not part of this town anymore, everything that is happening now is for $$$$$$ I am happy that I am 80 years old now, so I don’t think I will have to accept this ugly change in this ( EX ) beautiful town,
Ondrej Polivka says
It’s very sad what is happening in Squamish I thought this is the place to live but unfortunately no.It must be very hard for residents who spend whole live here and see the disaster what development doing here
Rick Price says
I too regret the loss of natural habitat that results from housing developments in Squamish. I very much enjoy my daily dog walks on the land that will soon become housing. But then I remember that in 1973, when I bought land in Brackendale, my new property was a wilderness and a play area for local children. So do I have the right, 51 years later, to protest someone else who wants to do the same thing? Who is to say which house, condo or apartment building is the first one that should denied?
Furthermore, I have young adult grandchildren who love Squamish, and who wish to reside here as adults. Without more development, they most assuredly will not be able to afford a home in their own town.
If we do not supply housing, we are creating a community that can only be occupied by the rich or those of us fortunate enough to have arrived many years ago. Our work force will be unable to reside in the town where they provide the services we value.
Like many others, I am nostalgic for the “old” Squamish. But nostalgia is not the best foundation for the creation of an inclusive, equitable and affordable community.
Steve Shard says
Well put Rick.
Kind regards.
Steve
(30 year resident)
PS. That said the current Council’s (and more so the Planning Department’s) absurd approach to ensuring adequate parking requirements for all these new developments is ridiculous and highly problematic for both those future residential areas as well as most, if not all, existing parking in the D.O.S. I often wonder if any Council members and Planners actually drive the various neighbourhoods in town that they approve such insufficient parking spaces.
David says
Big disappointment. The forests and trails there have been a peaceful place for everyone to go and visit. What a sad reality.
Wolf says
The debris flow barrier: Is it going to be built on the basis of historical highest debris flows, or does it take changed circumstances through the melting of permafrost in high elevation in account, in other words ‘climate change’? Will the 24m high barrier be high enough? Were the authorities who prohibited further development in that area decades ago just plain wrong? Discuss rationale for this change.
Francine Lessard says
CHEEMA IS WAY TO SAFE!
I read the report that you can find online (Keer Wood and Leidal )and the debris flow they are talking about is approximated at to 30 metres high and the strength beyond our imagination. It is not realistic to call this a “debris flow” but this is how they present this in the name of money a manageable event.
Mary Natrall says
I was born here in Squamish, I enjoyed living here for it is a safe place for myself and family. But since the 2010 Olympics, the door was open to the world. Everyone that comes here doesn’t want to leave. As they say it is so beautiful here, but now our waters and land is being polluted. The people I talk to say they came here looking for jobs, but rent is too high to support themselves and family. We need more affordable housing.