Virtual reality sports facility, restaurant proposed in business park

District staff are advising Squamish council to reject a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) for a proposed virtual reality (VR) sports facility proposed in four light-industrial units (units 101, 103, 105, and 107) at 1111 Pioneer Way.  The council will discuss the project on Tuesday, March 18.

Staff argue the project does not align with zoning regulations, could increase traffic and parking demands, and may set a precedent for future applications that challenge existing land-use policies. District staff recommend working with the applicant to find a more suitable location and develop better guidelines for similar proposals.

The application, submitted by The Casual Sport (TCS), proposes a sports-focused café and entertainment venue featuring advanced virtual sports simulations.

Key elements of the facility include:

Virtual Sports Simulators (V-Sim): Three private rooms with simulators offer over 30 sports options, accommodating individuals or groups of up to 20.

VR Treadmill Arena: A dedicated space with VR treadmills for immersive interactive gaming experiences. Customers can rent a room with 4 VR treadmills and immerse in a virtual team, solo and deathmatch-style video games.

Café and Restaurant: A dining area providing dine-in and takeout services.

TCS describes the project as a space where locals and visitors can engage in virtual sports, enjoy quality food, and build community connections. “As Canadians, owners Melanie and Sean Martin intimately understand the challenges of staying active during the long, dark winters. Their vision is to address this need by providing communities across Canada with a dynamic hub where individuals can come together, stay active, and forge meaningful connections year-round,” the proponents say.

Despite the proposal’s ambitions, district staff have raised several concerns. They argue that the VR facility does not fit current zoning and land-use plans, which could complicate long-term municipal planning.  Additionally, they warn that the venue might strain local infrastructure by increasing traffic congestion and parking demand. Staff also worry that approving the TUP could set a precedent, making it harder to regulate similar applications in the future.