Over the past few years, Squamish has faced a large growth in population as those living in the greater Vancouver discover its beauty. Along with an influx of people comes both recreational and industrial growth in the area. Although none of the current proposals directly affect climbing in the region (although the LNG plant would surely be an eye-sore from the top of the Chief), we think it is important for the climbing community to stay informed on these issues. Here are two stories that recently caught our attention.
Proposal for huge ski resort above Squamish prompts controversy
BY SUSAN LAZARUK, THE PROVINCE
The company that owns the Vancouver Canucks is confident that it will get the go-ahead this fall for a huge ski resort proposed for the hills above Squamish and that construction will start in two to three years.
Aquilini Development and Construction, part of the Aquilini Investment Group that owns the NHL team, is proposing to build Garibaldi at Squamish with the Gaglardis, a prominent developer family that owns the Sandman hotel chain and Denny’s, and other investors.
The proposed development, which includes 23 ski lifts with 124 ski trails, hotels and market housing, is going through the province’s environmental assessment review.
A new public comment period opened days ago and closes on June 22. There is an open house in Squamish on May 21.
After that, B.C.’s environmental assessment office (EAO) will recommend whether or not to grant the project the necessary environmental certificate and the green light to build.
For the full article, please visit The Province website.
FortisBC cleared to drill two test boreholes in Squamish Estuary
FortisBC is cleared to do its pipeline route testing in the Squamish Estuary.
The latest development permit application passed council unanimously Tuesday afternoon at a special council meeting.
The permit allows the company to conduct geotechnical investigation on the Squamish River dike and geophysical work within the Wildlife Management Area (WMA). FortisBC will drill test boreholes at two locations along the dike.
The company has argued the testing work is necessary to collect information in order to design a trenchless pipeline crossing of the Squamish River and parts of the estuary for the Eagle Mountain-Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project that would feed natural gas to the proposed Woodfibre LNG export facility slated for southwest of downtown Squamish.
In January, council had voted 4-3 against authorizing a development permit to FortisBC for more invasive investigative work in the estuary and the WMA.
For full article, please visit The Squamish Chief website.
