On Nov.27th the Fraser Basin Council circulated a questionnaire to participants involved in a public meeting to introduce the Squamish Downtown Waterfront Inititative
Participants were asked to complete the questionnaire and return it to the Fraser Basin Council by January 12th. The purpose of the questionnaire was to get participants' input on their interests in relation to the downtown waterfront in Squamish. This valuable information was then used to assist in the development of goals and objectives.
A total of 102 surveys were received by January 12th and were analysed to arrive at the following summary of input. All comments were entered into an Excel spreadsheet, read for meaning and then grouped into main themes and sub-themes. The frequency of various viewpoints, or themes, was determined and is reflected below in the ordering of each theme and sub-theme (the most frequently mentioned themes are noted first).
The following summary lists correspond to the questions regarding the greatest assets of the Squamish Downtown Waterfront, the greatest challenges that need to be considered, the external factors that need to be considered and the kinds of things that participants would like to see on the downtown waterfront. The responses to the questions regarding challenges and those regarding external factors were analysed together as there was a great deal of overlap in input. A one-page summary of interests, which reflects the full range of comments provided in the questionnaire responses, is provided at the end.
Greatest Assets Of The Squamish Downtown Waterfront
1. Location, and easy access to:
- Howe Sound (water, ocean, beach),
- Vancouver,
- Whistler,
- Outdoor recreation opportunities,
- Highway 99,
- Downtown Squamish,
- Pacific Rim
2. Natural beauty, and views of:
- Mountains (Garibaldi, the Chief, Shannon Falls),
- Estuary,
- Ocean,
- Wildlife (eagles)
3. Great potential for redevelopment, including
- Beautification,
- Vibrant downtown core,
- Community enhancement,
- Tourism,
- Arts and culture,
- Enlarged marina,
- Balance natural and man-built environments
4. Port facilities, specific reference to:
- Deep-sea port,
- Marinas,
- Potential for ferry service and cruise ship terminal
5. Diversity of activities and land use within the community, e.g.:
- Residential,
- Commercial,
- Industrial,
- Recreation,
- Environmental protection,
- Heritage
6. Availability of developable land on waterfront, with reference to:
- No need to do major clean-ups or tear-downs,
- Municipally owned land,
- Clean slate,
- Ease of redevelopment
7. Environmental assets, e.g.,:
- Estuary,
- Wildlife and fish,
- Fjord, mountains, waterfalls,
8. Outdoor recreation opportunities, e.g.,:
- Windsurfing,
- Sailing, boating,
- Trails,
- Kite flying
9. Quality of life assets, e.g.,
- Arts and cultural opportunities,
- Small size of community,
- People place,
- History
10. Industrial and commercial activity
- As an economic base and potential for attraction for viewing
11. The waterfront, e.g.:
- Existing trails,
- Wind (for recreation and energy)
- Potential for re-development,
- Close proximity to downtown
External Factors to be Considered and Greatest Challenges (combined)
1. Environmental Factors
- Address current conditions (soil, air and water quality) related to industrial activities and dredging
- Consider potential for future impacts
- Protect the estuary
2. Access and Transportation
- Improve access to highway 99
- Increase transportation options between squamish and vancouver (land, rail and marine)
- Ensure public access to waterfront
- Provide parking
- Provide foot and bike access
- Reduce congestion
3. Existing Development
- Integrate current industrial uses and existing rail lines (may need to relocate some rail lines, e.g., Loggers Lane)
- Improve on condition and design of downtown buildings
- Manage the transition from industrial use to mixed-use
- Consider ownership of land
- Consider existing plans and zoning constraints
4. Climatic Conditions
- Consider wind and rain - need year-round appeal
- Must address existing flood hazards - dyking, drainage ditches
5. Community Consultation
- Involve and balance all interests to achieve comment ground and get community buy-in
- Develop partnerships between "old and new" Squamish
- Create a common vision for the community through consultation
6. Design of Development
- Set uniform building codes and guidelines for consistency
- Improve on quality of architecture and design
- Ensure that the designs blend with the natural setting
- Protect viewscapes
- Ensure that the development is uniquely "Squamish"
7. Balancing all Interests and Uses
- Balance residential, commercial, tourist, recreational, environmental, industrial interests
- Balance "old" and "new" visions for the community
- Balance environment with development
- Balance with vision of neighbouring properties
8. Attracting Tourists/Marketing/Image
- Promote and attract new interest in Squamish and re-define it as a destination
- Attract tourists to waterfront with marketing campaigns, signs, tourist-oriented design and businesses and a vibrant downtown waterfront
9. Attracting Investors
- Attract new investors world-wide who are willing to work with the community vision and ensure community benefits
- Maintain community control over development
- Attract a mix of several reputable developers
10. Costs for Redevelopment
- It will be costly. Where will the funds come from? Will there be a tax burden?
11. Governance
- Must have strong and united local leadership and involvement of First Nations
- Addressing First Nations claims and interests
- Need to get approvals from DFO and other agencies
- Need support of provincial government
12. Olympics
- Consider the needs of 2010 and the legacy opportunities
13. Community Transition
- Manage the transition from "resource-based" economy to a diversified and sustainable economy
- Deal with the fears of change among some community members
- Recognize the "rush" to get some development in place for 2010
14. Economic Factors
- Be prepared for economic pressures and pressures from developers - and stick to the vision
- Consider current economic reality - some catching up to do
- Consider impacts on employment
15. Growth
- Consider the impacts of population growth
16. Other Factors or Challenges
- Improvements to Blind Channel
- Implementing sustainability principles
- Demand for services and real estate
- Demographic changes (aging population)
- Getting the plan implemented and keeping the vision over the long term
- Development of a ski resort nearby
- Affordability of living in Squamish (for local residents)
- Taking big, bold, brave steps
- Landscaping
Things You Would Like To See on the Squamish Waterfront
1. Commercial Services for Locals and Tourists
- Restaurants,
- Retail shops/boutiques,
- Hotel(s), market (Granville Island style),
- Convention/conference centre,
- Coffee shops,
- Pubs/bars,
- Casino
2. Walkway, Trails and Parks
- Boardwalk/walkway along waterfront,
- Parks, greenspace, playgrounds, benches
- Public beach,
- Trail network
3. Recreation Facilities and Opportunities
- Enlarged, full-service marina facilities with gas dock, fishing pier, boat launch, boat charters, supplies, repair shop, "catch of the day" fish market, walkway link to downtown and waterfront
- Facilities, rentals and services to support windsurfing, kayaking, boating/sailing, cycling, rollerblading, scuba diving, rock climbing, canoeing, rowing, Dragon Boats, fishing, bird watching, kite flying, river rafting
4. Improved Transportation Options and Waterfront Access
- New facility for cruise ships,
- Ferry service to Vancouver,
- Floatplane and helicopter facilities,
- High speed rail for commuters,
- Better access from highway
- Assured public access to waterfront (pedestrian, wheelchair, bike, baby strollers)
5. Arts and Entertainment Facilities
- Arts and Culture Centre,
- Theatre, amphitheatre/concert area,
- Art galleries, local craft studios and shops,
- Museum, interpretive centre,
- Gathering place for events and festivals,
- Public art (e.g., sculptures)
6. Careful Design and Style Guidelines
- Examples of other waterfront re-vitalizations to learn from - Granville Island, Steveston, False Creek, Lonsdale Quay, Nanaimo, Parksville, Victoria
- Strict design codes to ensure consistency and fit with surroundings
7. Waterfront/Waterview Residential Development
- Multi-family housing, townhouses,
- Medium-high density housing,
- Low-rise housing,
- High-end waterfront housing,
- Live-work lofts, affordable housing for seniors and youth
- Rental apartments and condos
8. Multiple and Mixed-Use Development
- Mix uses such as commercial, residential, light industrial, business, retail, office, markets, artisan shops
9. Integrated Industrial and Commercial Operations
- Create link to history of Squamish,
- Encourage light industry,
- Increase deep-sea shipping,
- Convert old industrial buildings to value-added uses or to commercial uses (like Granville Island),
- Continue industrial uses (e.g. Tugs),
- Provide access for viewing industrial activity
10. Other Ideas
- Employment opportunities
- Education facilities
- Use of wind power
- Habitat protection
- Tourism information centre
- Complementary health-care facilities
- Youth Centre