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Quality Duplex Homes in Brackendale
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| October 23, 2006- At last renowned Squamish builder, Rommel Homes Ltd is ready to unveil their long awaited plans for Honey Lane in Brackendale. Here are some preliminary views of the proposed duplex homes: FRONT VIEW www.squamish-homes.com/documents/HoneyLaneDuplex-frontview.pdf REAR VIEW www.squamish-homes.com/documents/HoneyLaneDuplex-rearview.jpg MAIN FLOOR www.squamish-homes.com/documents/HoneyLaneDuplex-mainfloor.pdf UPPER FLOOR www.squamish-homes.com/documents/HoneyLaneDuplex-topfloor.pdf BASEMENT www.squamish-homes.com/documents/HoneyLaneDuplex-basement.pdf OVERALL SITE PLAN www.squamish-homes.com/documents/HoneyLane-siteplan.pdf |
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Newt's News Spring 2006 Newsletter
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| March 14, 2006- Our Spring Newsletter is now available with articles about the Squamish "Perfect Storm" market conditions, the current construction boom and the Oceanfront Development. Click here for a full pdf version: www.squamish-homes.com/documents/Spring2006Newsletter.pdf |
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Waterfront Planning Underway
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| October 21, 2005- The Squamish Oceanfront Development Corp. has a master planning team in place and is ready to tackle the complex job of revitalizing the Squamish waterfront along with the existing downtown area. Click here for more detail >> www.squamish-homes.com/documents/October202005Newsletter.pdf |
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Squamish Boom - Vancouver Sun Article
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| October 21, 2005- According to the Vancouver Sun, the value of building permits in Squamish has nearly doubled this year. Several large new developments are being proposed. Click here for the complete article >> www.squamish-homes.com/documents/Oct19SquamishDevelopmentBoomVancouverSun.pdf |
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Squamish market still strong
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| September 21, 2005- Sales volume is strong and prices continue to increase after a slight leveling off over the previous year. Garibaldi Highlands is still leading the way. Market fundamentals are still strong. Go to article at www.squamish-homes.com/documents/September21-05newsletter.pdf |
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Newt's News Spring 2005 Newsletter
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| April 08, 2005- Our spring-05 newsletter has been delivered door to door throughout Squamish. In it you will find articles on the latest market trend, new developments, oceanfront development,a university update,destinationshopping, Capilano College expansion and much more. Just click on this link for a full PDF version: www.squamish-homes.com/documents/Spring-05-newsletter.pdf |
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Squamish Town Home project raises bar
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| November 12, 2004- Margie and I just toured the site of the new Edgewater Town Home development and I feel it is worthwhile to share my first impressions of this project. After extensive preliminary servicing and site preparation the first phase of this project is now coming out of the ground. Right away, we noticed things like the Quad-lock insulated foundations and exterior walls, and structural steel flooring joists or trusses. So, I went and had a chat with the site superintendent to get the low down. I was impressed! First of all it’s a model construction site. (Pardon me, but I was a project manager before I got into real estate marketing.) The place is as neat as a pin and there’s actually room to move around between well-organized stockpiles of construction material. They’ve even put the first lift of pavement down on the main driveway. What a concept – no construction vehicles wallowing in mud for the first six months? Out of sight, but not out of mind, several quality construction features will add value and longevity to these homes. This level of attention to quality of structural integrity is new to multi-family town-home building in Squamish and has substantially raised the standard for this type of development. Notable features include: - Quad-lock insulated concrete on all foundations, exterior walls and unit separating walls www.quad-lock.com - Hambro Steel truss floor systems with 3” reinforced concrete sub-floors. www.squamishedgewater.com/downloads/hambro_fjs.pdf - James Hardie fibre-cement exterior siding www.hardie.com These features will add significantly to structural integrity, energy efficiency, fire safety and sound proofing. We’re not the listing agents and we have no connection with the development. We just like what we see. Margie and I are both really impressed with this one and we’d be glad to provide our clients with more information. This is a developer we’d like to see more from and once the word gets out, I’m sure we will. ken@squamish-homes.com 604 815-6824 |
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Golf Resort Hotel - a first for Squamish
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| August 17, 2004- Garibaldi Springs Resort Hotel will be situated greenside at the newly opened Garibaldi Springs Golf Course on Tantalus Road in Squamish. An on-site presentation centre is now open daily at the entrance to the new golf course on Tanatalus Way. The 110 unit hotel will be sold in individually owned strata units over the next few months. Site preparation and pre-loading is now under way and building construction is slated for early 2005. The project is a first for Squamish in many ways. As a "resort hotel" the project is strongly associated with the new golf course and the rapidly growing outdoor recreation aspect of Squamish and the Sea to Sky Corridor. As well, it is providing a more affordable alternative to vacation ownership in Whistler. Individual unit owners will have up to 70 days set aside for their personal use and the remainder will be part of the rental pool of a major hotel operated (to be announced shortly). This development represents a unique opportunity for investors and vacation home owners with a convenient location, a professional resort operation and a beautiful setting. Potential purchasers are encouraged to contact us for information packages and Buyer registration at ken@squamish-homes.com or go to: garibaldispringshotel.com |
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New Condo Project for Garibaldi Estates
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| July 11, 2004- Westmana Development Corporation has launched their latest project called "Spectacle at Highland Village". Located on Tantalus Way between the Petrocan and the Firehall, this new development will feature 72 apartment units above a ground floor commercial level of over 18,000 square feet. This combination of retail and residential living is intended fit the transition between the existing commercial sector and the nearby residential development in Garibaldi Estates. Westmana's previous venture in Squamish was the "Viresence" town home project on Mamquam Road. The pre-sale price list shows a wide range from $158,900 for a 608 square foot studio to $283,900 for a 1277 square foot 3 bedroom corner unit. The developer intends to pre-sell the units this summer and have project completed in the fall of 2005. The units are to feature gourmet kitchens, luxurious bathrooms, quality finishing and will cater to convenient aldult-oriented living. Common area features include a 3000 square foot roof-top garden, games room with big screen TV and a professonally equpped fitness room. We now have floor plans and priority registration forms available for our clients who may wish to consider a purchase or just get more information on this exciting new development. For more info please contact us at ken@squamish-homes.com |
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Sea to Sky University Sells Land
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| June 25, 2004- Sea to Sky University announced Tuesday, June 22, 2004, that they have reached an agreement to sell 47 acres of their “market housing” lands to First Cambridge Capital Inc. The subject property is the southwest corner of District lot 512 and is located immediately east of Mashiter Creek, south of the new bridge and sits adjacent to the proposed STSU campus. First Cambridge proposes to subdivide the property into 150 single-family lots and a townhouse site containing 50 units. They intend to build a number of the homes and possibly sell some vacant lots, as well. Development of the property is contingent on District of Squamish approval of First Cambridge’s proposed subdivision plan as well as completion of the roads and services on the property. This includes SSU’s completion of the new Mashiter Creek Bridge, University Boulevard as well as significant off-site servicing work. First Cambridge proposes to have 50 to 60 homes constructed in the summer of 2005. Meanwhile the community of Squamish waits, with great interest, for further news about planning and the development of the University campus, itself. SSU now indicates that they anticipate opening in the fall of 2006 with an initial enrolment of 600 students living on-campus. SSU has expressed concern that the District of Squamish has indicated that they are considering other applications for OCP amendments (District Lots 509, 510 and 513), which would eventually bring additional land into the community for residential development. Apparently SSU’s business plan does not envision competition from other land holdings and they therefore expect the District of Squamish to restrict the opening up of new land until SSU has completed their development. Sea to Sky website is www.seatoskyu.ca |
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The deal is finally done . . . almost
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| May 29, 2004- Despite concerns expressed regarding environmental liability issues and legal access, the Squamish Council has voted to approve the nine agreements that constitute the formal transfer of the former Nexen lands to the District. The conclusion of the deal will enable the District to continue the preliminary planning work leading towards a massive re-development of close to 100 acres of prime waterfront land on the peninsula and the south end of the existing downtown. A large portion of the property has already undergone a multi-million dollar soils remediation program directed at reducing contamination on the former chemical plant site and based on a risk assessment analysis is considered acceptable for the various types of proposed uses. The District will continue to operate the treatment system and monitor the property. A preliminary concept plan has already been developed in consultation with various community interest groups, design professionals and District staff. The plan envisions a wide variety of uses including, industrial, transportation, commercial, cultural, recreational and medium density residential. This development will have a significant impact on the economy and the future development of Squamish and it’s proponents advocate moving forward as quickly as possible in order to capitalize on the exposure we will receive leading up to the 2010 Winter Olympics. The proposed development will be managed by a quasi-independent Waterfront Land Development Corporation which has been appointed by the District Council in an attempt to maintain an “arms length” relationship between the Municipal government of the day and the various business interests that will become involved in the development. Citizens who are opposed to Council’s approval of the land deal have until July 6, 2004 to sign “elector response forms” which are available at Municipal Hall. A negative response from approximately 924 (10%) voters is required to force a referendum on the approval of the sale. |
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Conditional land sale to Walmart
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| March 17, 2004- District of Squamish - Press Release March 16/04 Squamish, BC - The District of Squamish has entered into a conditional land sales agreement with Wal-Mart Canada for the sale of approximately 7.5 acres of Lot 40 in the Business Park. Wal-Mart proposes to build an 85,000 square foot store in the community. The agreement is contingent on the land being rezoned to accommodate the department store’s needs. Highlights include Wal-Mart’s commitment to deliver an environmentally responsible, high quality development, being the best or among the best Wal-Marts in Canada. As well, food sales will be limited to 6,410 sq. ft., with an additional 1,135 sq. ft. set aside for confectionary. The store has agreed not to sell perishables such as fresh meat, poultry, fish or produce. Wal-Mart has also agreed not to apply for any rezoning on any issue related to food sales for at least five years. As part of the agreement, Wal-Mart will pay for a traffic impact study, will pay $25,000 for a business consultant to work with Downtown merchants and will contribute $100,000 to an identifiable community amenity. Providing the necessary approvals are obtained, construction could begin as soon as the Summer of 2004 with completion in early 2005. For further information, please contact Mick Gottardi, Director of Community Development at 604-815-5011. www.district.squamish.bc.ca |
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Downtown Waterfront Planning Underway
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| February 15, 2004- The opportunity to acquire an additional 71 acres of remediated waterfront land has given Squamish a dramatic push towards re-development of the old downtown and waterfront areas. After four days and several evenings of focus groups and intensive discussion the waterfront planning group (Charette) has unveiled a concept plan for the Squamish downtown waterfront. The planning group consists of several Squamish citizens from a variety of interest groups representing First Nations, business, waterfront industry, the arts, recreation, youth, estuary management, and land owners. Several District of Squamish staff, representatives from Highways, Land Water & Air Protection as well as planning and design professionals from the Sustainable Communities Program at UBC provided professional assistance and guidance during the Charette process. The process was facilitated by the Fraser Basin Council at the request of Squamish’s Mayor and Council. The scope of the new concept plan includes most of the Squamish Estuary from Highway 99 to the Squamish River including the Mamquam Blind Channel, the Nexen Peninsula, Squamish Terminals and the existing downtown core. Much of the work previously done in the Squamish 2000 plan has been incorporated into the resulting new plan. Hpwever, it was necessary to bring a much larger scope to bear because of the recent acquisition of the Peninsula. The new plan envisions a wide range of uses including continuation of existing waterfront industry, additional clean industry, a ferry terminal and marina complex, hotel and conference facilities, large areas of park and green belt, public gathering areas, educational,cultural and interpretive facilities, retail and commercial facilities and medium density residential development. It is widely believed amongst many members of the community that the existing downtown can be incorporated into a diverse and vibrant “urban village”. The recent awarding of the 2010 Olympics and the associated highway improvements has provided additional impetus for Squamish to move forward with this opportunity. For further information on the process and the resulting concept plan go to: www.fraserbasin.bc.ca/action/SDWI.html |
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Sea to Sky University update
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| February 14, 2004- Earlier this winter, President and Founder of Sea to Sky University, Dr. David Strangway and his colleagues held an Open House at the University offices in Squamish. The event was attended by local residents and interested parties from Vancouver and the Sea to Sky corridor. Project staff discussed plans for the development of SSU campus providing for a first-phase enrolment of 600 students in September of 2006. A Letter of Intent with the Vancouver 2010 Bid Corporation will also see the SSU campus utilized for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Apart from housing Canada‚Äôs first private, secular and not-for-profit university, the SSU Project will include land sales for the establishment of 960 market housing units and 30,000 square feet of neighbourhood and commercial facilities. The first phase will include 135 units comprised of single and semi-detached lots as well as multi-family parcels. Specific information in this regard will hopefully be available in the pre-sales marketing program in the spring of this year with anticipated actual land sales commencing in the fall 2004. According to a recent analysis by Alan Johnson of Colliers International Realty Advisors, Squamish is poised to capture the vast majority of future population growth in the Squamish-Lillooet Regional Sea to Sky corridor. Factors it identifies as affecting supply and demand include: ¬? Whistler and Pemberton nearing the end of their developable land and continuing demand in the corridor related to the 2010 Winter Olympic Games and other major projects ¬? The low number of starts in recent years has led to an ‚Äúundersupply situation‚Äù for certain types of housing such as single-family detached homes, leading to the current pressure on housing prices which are forecasted to increase past 2004 . The long awaited Mashiter Creek Bridge construction project is due to be awarded in the winter of 2004 with a project completion in the summer of 2004. Special attention must be paid to the integrity of the Mashiter Creek fish habitat and it will be monitored by Squamish-based Cascade Environmental Group through the Environmental Management Plan that forms part of the bridge contract. For further information updates go to: www.seatoskyu.ca |
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The Olympics are Coming!
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| August 30, 2003- We are all going to learn a lot over the next few years as we venture into the uncharted territory of winning the 2010 Olympic Bid. The Olympic Organizing Committee has many challenges ahead in coordinating the development of the varied and extensive infrastructure that will be required to host these games. The construction and associated activity will have a tremendous impact on the economic development of Squamish. The projects that will likely have the largest impact on Squamish are: 1. Highway 99 safety improvements and upgrades. 2. Nordic ski facilities in Callaghan Valley 3. Bobsled/Luge facilities in Callaghan Valley 4. Olympic Village in Whistler 5. Howe Sound/Blind Channel Ferry Terminal (possibly on Nexen site) 6. Media Centre 7. Possible ice arena in Squamish These projects will provide employment opportunities for a wide variety of trades people as well as numerous business opportunities for suppliers, contractors, professionals and support services. The economic impact on Squamish will be enormous and will create unprecedented conditions for growth in our community. Tourism and Recreation will also receive a tremendous boost because of the publicity that the area will receive. The eyes of the world will be on the Sea to Sky Corridor as the next seven years unfold. No amount of tourism marketing could equal the exposure that our area will receive (for free) during the seven year run up to the Olympics. This is a promotional and marketing windfall beyond our wildest dreams. Fortunately, Squamish already has the fundamental assets in place for tourism and recreation (these are also for free) i.e. location, accessibility, climate and beauty. Our Real Estate market has already begun to feel the impact of these assets with the recent rise in prices. The awarding of the Winter Olympics is certainly going to create more interest in the area and further increase the need for housing as more economic activity comes our way. The importance of achieving new housing supply has just grown dramatically. The need for development of new land is now urgent in order to allow the supply to catch up with the demand. For the near term, the current "Seller's Market" will continue with more upward pressure on prices. This is a tremendous opportunity for developers with viable land holdings, large or small. There will be pressure to add new lands into the Official Community Plan. Market watchers are going to have field day! |
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BIG WIN FOR SQUAMISH NEW DIRECTIONS CANDIDATES IN MUNICIPAL ELECTIONS
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| November 16, 2002- Squamish electors were faced with a clear choice between candidates favouring a change in the style and direction of Municipal government and those who have supported the agenda of the most recent council. Incumbents Paul Lalli (former councillor running for Mayor) and Wendy Magee (former councillor) were defeated. New candidates, Ian Sutherland (former councillor now Mayor), Dave Fenn, Ray Peters, Sonja Lebans & Jeff Dawson were elected. Incumbents, Raj Kahlon (councillor) & Corinne Lonsdale (former Mayor) were also re-elected as councillors. The Squamish New Directions candidates campaigned on the following platform: - smart growth - waterfront developmen - economic diversity - open and fair government - support for proposed university They now have 3 years in which to work towards their long term vision of Squamish as a diverse and vibrant community. |
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HIGHWAY 99 UPGRADE: Which way to go?
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| August 14, 2002- It certainly won’t be long before the Provincial Government will have to make a very important decision on how to deal with the upgrade of our famous Sea to Sky Highway. I, for one, have always been a strong advocate of building a new road through the Capilano watershed. I always believed that the environmental and sanitation issues along that route are manageable and that we have been led astray on those concerns. So, I decided I had better do some research and dug up the Transportation Ministry’s “Highway 99 - Alternate Route Analysis, Vancouver to Squamish”. You can find it at: www.th.gov.bc.ca/Sea-to-sky_Reports/corridor_reports.htm We think this should be recommended reading for every one in our area. To my surprise, the cost estimates for the Capilano route to Squamish (it starts at Second Narrows and comes out just north of Furry Creek) is $2.3 billion compared with only $1.3 billion to re-build the existing road to a divided four-lane. An extra billion dollars to avoid the headaches of re-building the existing highway . . . Is it worth it? Certainly there would be advantages to having an alternate route. This would provide a back up for situations where the existing route has to be closed for accidents and slides. It would also be possible to put a “toll” on the second route since there would always be an alternative choice (such as in the case of the Coquihalla). Needless to say the construction phase of the alternate route would be less disruptive to existing traffic flows. On the other hand, an additional billion dollars to build the alternate route? What price can we afford to pay in order to avoid the pain of several years of construction and closures? There are those who believe that significant additional funding can be raised through public-private partnership arrangement. Now we’re talking “tolls”, without a doubt. This is a tough call. It’s easy to sit back and criticize the government based on newspaper clippings and rumours. I think that anyone who really cares should read the report and try to get a thorough grasp of the magnitude of this project. |
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Garibaldi Springs Golf Resort is underway
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| June 01, 2002- After may trips to the drawing board with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, Garibaldi Springs has finally received the necessary approval to start constructing their 18 hole, par 64, master's course. Work has begun and course developer, Peter Mackai plans to have the first 9 holes seeded by this fall. When completed, the Resort will include a clubhouse combined with a 135 suite four-star hotel, commercial space and a quality oriented 107 unit town home development. At this point you can see the preliminary road work well underway as well as some clearing for parts of the golf course. The Les Furber designed course should be ready for full play during the 2004 season with the first phase of the town home development reaching the market in the spring of 2003. The 5,000 yard course will cater to public play with green fees expected to start at under $40 per round. The project will be a first for Squamish in that it combines real estate development with a major recreation attraction. We feel that this is the most significant project in the last 20 years as it is clearly headed in the direction of recreation and tourism. Ken and Margie Newington are developing an "interest list" of individuals wanting up to date information on this project. Contact us through our web site www.squamish-homes.com |
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Garibaldi at Squamish Resort Comes Back to Life
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| March 01, 2002- Charles Littledale of Land and Water B.C. (formerly BCAL) announced that a two-year extension of the planning process has been granted to Garibaldi at Squamish Inc.  The extension comes as a result of the formation of a new partnership with the Resort and new investors, Ledcor Construction Limited and Milborne Development Corp.  "This is a very significant project for the province," said Littledale, noting that it involves "hundreds of millions of dollars". The announcement follows a period of inactivity in the project during which the original proponent, Wolfgang Richter, was working behind the scenes seeking new investing partners.  "Ongoing community support is probably one of the most powerful forces that kept me going," said Richter.  Prior to the slow down, Garibaldi had embarked on an ambitious process aimed towards gaining the necessary master development agreement. Now that the project is back on track with a solid financial plan, it is expected that the environmental assessment report will be submitted by February 28, 2003 with the master plan following by mid April.  The initial opening of the ski hill is expected to be in the fall of 2005. The resort will be located on Brohm Ridge just north of Squamish and will eventually have a daily capacity of 19,000 skiers and boarders with an impressive vertical rise of 1000 meters.  Although a significant portion of visitors are expected to be day trippers, the real estate component will include 1500 hotel rooms, 1850 condos and 500 single family homes. The resort is expected to become the primary attraction in Squamish's progression into the world of recreation and tourism.  The District of Squamish has already adopted the slogan "THE OUTDOOR RECREATION CAPITAL OF CANADA".  For further information visit their website: www.garibaldiatsquamish.com |
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Sea to Sky University Update Borrowing by-law gets shot down
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| March 01, 2002- Although not a fatal blow to the proposed Sea to Sky University project, the failed referendum on infrastructure financing may cause a delay in the initial opening date, according to project leader, Peter Ufford. The negative result is blamed by many on a low voter turnout combined with insufficient information on servicing costs. This was aggravated by a significant discrepancy between SSU's cost estimates and those developed by the district. It has been suggested that many voters stayed home because they didn't have confidence in the numbers. For the time being the priority for the SSU project will be reaching an agreement with the District of Squamish on how offsite services will be established to the site and finalizing the construction financing agreement. "We're determined to make it happen," said Ufford. "We want to restore confidence and get back to the table." |
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Squamish residential market hits high 
gear in 4th  quarter:
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| January 07, 2002- Squamish Realtors are the busiest they have been in several years as home buyers are finally showing a new level of confidence. In October, November and December of 2001, 66 residential sales went firm in Squamish according to MLS stats.  The same period in 2000 produced only 26 firm deals. This late season surge in buying activity has been attributed to several factors.  The record low interest rates combined with pent-up demand and a more positive economic outlook are the main factors in driving this welcome change in the market. The positive news about the Sea to Sky University and the 2010 Olympic Bid along with recent progress in the soft wood lumber negotiations are also contributing factors to the new found optimism. Listing inventories are significantly down from recent years, especially in Garibaldi Highlands and Brackendale.  The few sellers still in the market are finding themselves in a better negotiating position and well priced listings are generally turning over more quickly. |
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Lowest interest rates since early 60's!
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| January 07, 2002- Most of the mortgage brokers and loans managers in the business today are too young to remember the last time interest rates were this low.  In an aggressive effort to stem the current recession both the US and Canadian federal banks have dramatically cut their rates in the hope of stimulating the economy.  Reports vary, but the strategy seems to be working.  Lenders are hard at work processing new mortgages as well as refinancing applications.  As of January 7, 2002, the best rates we can find are as follows: 1 year closed 3.35% 3 year closed 4.50% 5 year floating (ARM) 1.75% For interest rate updates checkout: www.garibaldimortgage.com |
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University land deal is firm!
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| November 20, 2001- Peter Ufford announced this week that the Sea to Sky University project has made another significant step forward - their purchase of District Lot 512 is complete. This follows several weeks of negotiation with the District of Squamish regarding several issues including financing of offsite services and the access route(s) to the property.  After much discussion regarding the suitabilty of the existing Boulevard being utilized as the main access, an agreement has been reached.  Simply put, The Boulevard will be the main access.  The Diamond Head Park Road will likely become a second access for the residential development and will also be utilized during construction of the campus.  Hopefully this will alleviate some of the concerns of the Boulevard residents who were objecting. The SSU and the District still have a long road ahead of them in working through the details of the Sub Area Plan and Zoning Bylaw.  Most members of the community are feeling encouraged that SSU has taken this very important step. |
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"It's time to fish or cut bait" - Squamish mayor, Corrine Lonsdale
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| October 02, 2001- Sea to Sky University A public information meeting was well attended this week in which the private university proponent made a brief presentation followed by comments and questions from the floor. HIGHLIGHTS....Mayor Lonsdale  emphasized that the council and the community were strongly in favour of the project.  However, she emphasized the need for diligence before committing the community's money and resources to the project.  She said "the time has come to fish or cut bait" and that this was the biggest decision that this town has had to face in many years. To this end, the District has retained KPMG to provide an in depth review and feasibility report on the project. The KPMG representative provided a cursory overview of the economics of the project but was unprepared to give an opinion regarding the feasibility of the project as more time was required for a proper evaluation of the University's plan. Local developers questioned the servicing and construction cost estimates as well as the absorption rate (salability) of the multi-family portion of the market real estate development. Garibaldi Highlands residents (particularly those living along The Boulevard) expressed concerns about the potential increase of traffic in their neighborhood.  Many speakers urged that more consideration be given to the existing Ring Creek access road. Peter Ufford, the project leader, gave assurances that the risk to the District of Squamish was minimal and that the financing for the District's portion of offsite servicing would be secured by the lands (DL 512).  He emphasized that he respected the concerns raised and did not take offense to them.  He expressed confidence in the viability of the project and indicated that there would be more information presented to the public in November. The majority of speakers were very positive about the project and regarded it as a wonderful opportunity for Squamish.  The opportunity of economic diversity and balance was emphasized.  Several speakers spoke of the positive social and cultural impact of the University as well as the economic benefits. |
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2010 Olympic Bid Generates excitement
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| September 01, 2001- The International Olympic Committee’s recent decision to hold the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing may be a disappointment to Canadians, but the cloud may have a silver lining. Many supporters of the Vancouver – Whistler bid for the 2010 Winter Olympics now believe our chances for success have greatly improved. The 2010 Bid Committee is now moving into high gear in preparation for the IOC’s selection in July, 2003. The Squamish Chamber of Commerce has recently established a Task Force, chaired by Greg Gardner, to represent the business interests of our community. Don Calder, CEO of the 2010 Bid Corporation will be the guest speaker at the next Chamber meeting on September 18. Many people see the Olympic Bid as a great opportunity to showcase our area to the world with many tangible benefits including facilities and transportation improvements. One of the biggest challenges in developing the 2010 Bid will be to resolve the transportation requirements of the Olympic events as well as the long term needs of the entire Sea to Sky Corridor. Local MLA, Ted Nebbling has been named as the Provincial Government’s chief liaison to the Bid Corporation. Information updates will be posted at www.winter2010.com |
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Cattermole waterfront walkway ready to go
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| August 28, 2001- Funding is now in place for the construction of the first phase of Squamish’s waterfront walkway. The 12 foot wide walkway will follow the west side of Cattermole Slough starting at the south end of Cleveland Avenue. The walkway will carry on southward along the slough until it merges with the estuary dike on third Avenue. This will enhance the estuary trail access from the south end of downtown. The project is a joint venture involving adjacent land owners and the District of Squamish. In addition to the trail there will be shoreline habitat improvement and bank stabilization with rip-rap protection. The water front improvements are in keeping with the Squamish 2000 Plan as well as the Estuary Management Plan. The walkway along with the Brew Pub and other recent building improvements at the south end of Second Avenue are positive signs of progress in the re-vitalization of our downtown.   |
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Turnaround in Vancouver
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| June 07, 2001- Residential real estate sales are picking up. May was the best month in Vancouver sales activity since April 1997 with 2073 homes changing hands. We’ve also just learned that June 2001 sales have exceeded the previous year by 42%. Credit Union Central of BC has forecasted 2001 to be a good year for real estate. Consumers are starting to feel more optimistic as a result of low interest rates an improving economy and the change in government. This turnaround in real estate will also help generate further improvement in the overall economy through job creation in the construction trades. How will this affect the Squamish market? It usually takes six months to a year for a sustained market swing in the Vancouver area to affect Squamish. Once the supply of homes in the city diminishes, prices will rise and price sensitive buyers will move outward toward perimeter areas like Squamish. We are already seeing an increase in buyer inquiries, locally. |
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High speed internet for downtown!
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| June 01, 2001- The promise of fibre optic cable in Squamish will be a reality for downtown businesses this summer as Telus has confirmed the network is now available. "We've got all the equipment in the central office," Blair Grabinsky of Telus' advanced and data communications branch said recently. "It's physically there, we're ready to turn on the services." Fibre optic cable was run through the corridor some time ago, but did not offer a connection in Squamish. A local task force established late last year can claim most of the responsibility for the early arrival of high-speed data lines in town. Telus originally planned to wire Squamish sometime in 2007. Barring complications during final testing, the lines should be available this summer. Telus marketing representative, Blair Grabinsky, has already begun selling the highspeed data service to a number of clients in the downtown area. Meanwhile cable TV disributor, Shaw Cable has begun selling highspeed internet service to it’s residential subcribers as well. |
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Highway 99 upgrade favoured by Squamish
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| May 01, 2001- The most recent BC Ministry of Transport study has provided 3 possible scenarios for solving the long term transportation needs of the Sea to Sky Corridor. Here they are are in order of price: 1.Constrained Mobility - $360 million. This option proposes numerous safety upgrades on the existing road and envisions a significant increase in bus utilization. This would limit growth and preserve the character and recreational values of the corridor. 2. Multi-Modal Rail - $740 million. Additional rail transit is the most significant factor in this scenario and it would require a major change in the traveling habits of Sea to Sky residents and visitors. 3. Highway Mobility - $1.34 billion. By far the most popular with local residents, this option requires massive redevelopment of the existing route into a divided four lane road all the way to Whistler. While this will allow unrestrained access and development in the long run, it will also be the most disruptive in the short term due to major construction work. This is a tough call, however, our local government and our provincial representative certainly agree on one thing: "the time for talk is over". This is especially true in light of the 2010 Olympic bid. Decisions and commitments will have to be made on a timely basis from this point on. |
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Select Committee on Commercial Development reports to council:
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| April 01, 2001- Last March council struck a select committee consisting of local developers and business owners to look into the impact of commercial development on Squamish businesses. Headed by former mayor, Dave Stewart, the Select Committee has made the following recommendations to District Council: - swift adoption of the Squamish 2000 Plan - an economic development commission - an airport authority - caution with "big box" development The Squamish 2000 Plan calls for the re-development of portions of the Mamquam and Catermole waterfront into mixed use residential and commercial areas as part of the downtown re-vitalization. The Plan also supports port-oriented heavier industry eventually being re-established further south on the Nexen (old Canoxy) property. |
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Private University update:
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| March 01, 2001- The team for the Sea to Sky University Project (Howe Sound Educational Foundation) formally submitted its detailed OCP Sub Area Plan and Zoning Amendment to The district of Squamish on July 5. It is now clear that they intend to focus on the 114 hectare site (DL 512) on the east side of Mashiter Creek directly across from the Highlands. The primary road access is planned to be from The Boulevard via a bridge over Mashiter Creek. The proposal is now going through technical reviews with District staff and outside agencies with 1st and 2nd reading planned for October 2. A public hearing will follow shortly thereafter. The latest word is that rezoning of the managed forest property would be complete by early 2002. Campus amenities would include a theatre, library, gymnasium and playing field. On-campus housing would include single- and multi-family designs, as well as quad housing and apartments. The development would also include commercial and retail space as well as a variety of market residential development. HSEF is also currently negotiating with DL 510 land owners, Merrill and Ring in an attempt to secure additional lands that will support their future real estate development ambitions. At issue is the value of the land in the future when HSEF starts bringing their real estate holdings to market. Another concern is funding the District's requirements for infrastructure upgrades. HSEF is also uncertain at this time about whether or not they will start their project with a downtown campus (Lot R). The concept needs more study according to project leader, Peter Ufford. |
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