In 2014, the District of Squamish retained CitySpaces to provide consulting services and technical assistance as the community enacted new planning bylaws and policies related to the redevelopment of the Squamish Oceanfront Lands. Acquired by the District of Squamish in 2004, redevelopment of the 105 acres of formerly industrial land was sought to drive local economic revitalization and reconnect the community to the water.
Surrounded on all sides by dramatic mountain views and adjacent to downtown Squamish, a vision for the redevelopment of the Squamish Oceanfront Lands was established by the community that imagined a mixed-use development that would create new local employment opportunities and generate new income. In addition to new public recreation areas and residential neighbourhoods, the plan envisioned opportunities for light marine industry, an educational complex, as well as commercial, retail, and restaurant space.
To turn this vision into a reality, CitySpaces worked closely with municipal staff to provide consulting services to complete the process of rezoning for the Squamish Oceanfront Lands. In addition to finalizing the rezoning of the development site, services provided by CitySpaces included technical assistance to update the District’s Development Cost Charges bylaw, create a new Community Amenity Contribution policy, and enact a Phased Development Agreement.
A critical element of the services provided by CitySpaces was community consultation and engagement with key stakeholder groups. The successful facilitation of these consultation activities meant that the public was informed about the rezoning process for the Squamish Oceanfront Lands, and also provided an opportunity for individuals to share their views and concerns. Two public information events were held in October 2014 to keep the public informed, along with an additional meeting held in April 2015.
Development consulting services provided by CitySpaces allowed the District of Squamish Council to successfully rezone the Squamish Oceanfront Lands, and construction has recently begun. The complete build-out of the new development is estimated to take 20 years.