Brackendale residents are invited to a public information session regarding a proposed 32-unit co-housing rental development at 41824 Government Road. The meeting will be held on November 14, 2024, from 7 pm to 8:30 pm at the Brackendale Art Gallery. A formal presentation by the developer is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.
The development variance application seeks to allow two principal dwellings on a 26,265 sq. ft. lot. The proposal includes two 16-bedroom buildings, each with individual washrooms, shared living spaces, and a single kitchen.
“The two buildings are privately owned and proposed as market rental designed to provide an opportunity for co-housing,” the developer explained in a Q&A posted on the District website. According to the developer, Grant Gillies, the double-lot property is large enough to support two units.
The developer notes in the Q&A: “The applicants are seeking a variance to allow two principal dwelling units on the same lot; typically, we would see a subdivision application to divide the two lots, with a single-unit dwelling on each. This is one of two reasons why a variance application is under review,”
The project also seeks to change parking regulations. Current bylaws permit only five parking stalls per building, but the developer is proposing ten parking stalls.
Brackendale resident Tim Clayman has been critical of District’s handling of the project. In a letter to the council, Clayman wrote, “At no point has the District communicated to the public that this development is a 32-unit SRO,” arguing that it was misleadingly described as a single-family dwelling. He stated that such misrepresentation undermines public trust and prevents residents from understanding the true scale of the project.
Clayman also highlighted safety issues, noting that Brackendale’s exemption under Bill C-44, which limits development density due to flood and debris risks, was being disregarded. “By permitting such density, the planning department is effectively disregarding flood and debris safety concerns, placing residents at increased risk in the event of a natural disaster,” he asserted. He called for a more transparent and accountable planning process, emphasizing the need to protect neighborhood integrity.
The public information meeting is being held in compliance with District of Squamish policy but it’s not a public hearing. The applicant will present details of the application and proposed development, receive input from members of the community, and respond to questions.
Those who have questions can call the Planning Department at 604-815-5002 or MDG Investments Inc. by email at gclgillies@gmail.com.
