Squamish Downtown Waterfront Concept Plan

*** UPDATE: It was announced on January 17^th 2011 that the Sub Area Plan for Squamish Downtown Waterfront Development was voted on and passed. This means that the oceanfront development should commence August 2011! See below article on information on the progress of Squamish’s Waterfront Development.

What was once an industrial cesspool is now pitted to become a remarkable waterfront community featuring state of the art sustainable design overlooking some of North America’s most picturesque scenery in Canada’s Adventure Capital. The Squamish Downtown Waterfront Development (SDWD) is currently undergoing district review and if the acceptance of the Sub Area Plan goes through then the zoning stage will begin and the development will be well on its way to becoming one of the most anticipated projects in British Columbia.

The project is a collaboration between The Squamish Oceanfront Development Committee (SODC) which was created by the district of Squamish, BCR Properties and Mamquam Ocean Channel Developments/ Westmana who together form The Peninsula Land Owners Collaborative (PLC). Other partners of the project include the Squamish First Nations, The Provincial and Municipal Government, The Squamish Arts Council and a group of community members known as The Inside Edge (Squamish Oceanfront, 2010).

The project is set to encompass 60 acres of waterfront in downtown Squamish with an additional 40 acres surrounding the water lot. The land was previously used as a Chlor-alkali plant in the 1960s, a waste water treatment plant in the 70s and a sodium chlorate and chlor alkali plant for two decades from 1973. In 1991 the plant was decommissioned by its new owners Nexen and the site began remediation soon after. The remediation of the land was completed in 2003 and in 2004 the land was transferred from the provincial crown to the district of Squamish. Currently a Certificate of Compliance from the BC Ministry of Environment for the applicable land use must be obtained before development commences and this is well underway (Squamish Oceanfront, 2010).

As of November 2009 the development plan was completed and the next stage, The Sub Area Plan, commenced. The Sub Area Plan is a guiding policy document that will direct and shape the land use, building designs, parks and open spaces and transportation and infrastructure. Once the Sub Area Plan is completed and approved the first stage of zoning can begin which is expected to take a year (Squamish Oceanfront, 2010). On November 30^th 2010 the Sub Area Plan was presented to the District with overwhelming public support. Even one of the developments competitors Mike Bosa Vice President of Solterra Development Corporation is interested in pushing through the plan stating, “the progressive developments of the oceanfront lands will increase the livability of downtown, raise the profile of Squamish and bring new investment from across the country.” (Squamish Chief, 2010).

The development is staged to become an innovative waterfront community based on sustainable principles with 14 major components:

1)      Reconnection of Cattermole Slough and Mamquam Blind Channel creating an island that will connect with downtown. This area will foster calm waters perfect for kayaking, canoeing and other water based activities.

2)      Publicly accessible waters edge made available by a walkway that extends the length of Mamquam Blind Channel and around the island.

3)      Linkages between existing downtown and newly developed island revitalizing Cleveland Avenue as the ‘main street’ linking the old downtown to the new development.

4)      Incorporate a modified grid street pattern maximizing potential for solar energy

5)      Preserve and restore existing green spaces

6)      Integration of different land uses and activities with a mix of residential, mixed use, commercial, institutional/ civic and industrial areas. Create medium to high density residential areas integrated with commercial and light industrial sections.

7)      Connection to Squamish Nations Community while emphasizing activities that are oriented around the First Nations Community and Heritage

8)      Connection across Cattermole Slough including road and rail

9)      Central greenway spine across the island

10)   Restoration of beach and transform into public amenity

11)   Interconnected trail system linking recreational and estuary trails

12)   Creation of marine transport hub to service passenger ferries and cruise ships

13)  Creation of hotel and conference center for tourist purposes and professional events

14)  Relocation of wind surfing jetty from the estuary to the peninsula adjacent to Squamish Terminal

(University of British Columbia, 2010)

There are many obvious benefits to the Squamish Downtown Waterfront Development such as increased economic activity in the region, beautification of the waterfront, natural area restoration and many social and cultural benefits. There are however some concerns including the risk of periodic flooding, high winds that affect the area and some adverse environmental impact in sensitive areas such as the Squamish River Estuary (University of British Columbia, 2010).

The Squamish Oceanfront Development Committee has outlined some goals for the project trying to optimize strengths and opportunities while minimizing threats and negative impacts to the land. The goals can be divided into four main categories social/ community, economic, environmental and process goals.

Social/ Community Goals

-          To create a downtown waterfront that is accessible by all

-          To create a downtown waterfront that blends a mix of land uses

-          To create a downtown waterfront that enhances a sense of community

-          To create a downtown residence that is safe and healthy for residents and visitors

Economic Goals

-          To create a downtown waterfront with many diverse economic opportunities

-          To create a downtown waterfront that is economically stable and sustainable

-          To create a downtown waterfront that is a model of ‘green’ development

Environmental Goals

-          To create a downtown waterfront that protects and enhances natural systems

-          To create a downtown waterfront that demonstrates leadership and environmental stewardship

-          To create a downtown waterfront that enhances the connection with the natural world

Process Goals

-          To create a downtown waterfront that is based on an inclusive and effective public involvement process

-          To create a downtown waterfront that is based on a long term vision

-          To create a downtown waterfront that is linker to broader development initiatives

(University of British Columbia, 2010)

These goals have been taken from the Squamish Waterfront Developments Concept Plan. For more information on the goals or on the waterfront development please click here.

From a real estate perspective the Squamish Waterfront Development presents lots to be excited about. Once the zoning phase has begun construction could commence shortly after with an estimated 5-7 years before Phase 1 will be completed. Expect a variety of residential spaces both high and medium density in all price points. The Squamish Waterfront Development is expected to be cutting edge and much sought after real estate. For information on the latest developments and to stay posted with all the up to date events please contact email me at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .