District invites feedback on proposed building in Brackendale

The District of Squamish is inviting feedback on a proposed rental apartment building in Brackendale.

The public information meeting is being held online due to COVID-19, and concerned residents are being asked to leave comments and suggestions on a special web page district has created.

“All submissions will form part of the public record and will be presented in a package when the application is considered by council,” district says.

District is soliciting comments on a development permit application for two mixed-use buildings located at 41665-41707 Government Road.

The project proposes one building south of the existing Brackendale General store, with 15 rental apartments and one commercial unit on the ground floor.

A second building with 13 rental apartments and one commercial unit on the ground floor is proposed west of the existing Brackendale General store.

The rental units are a mix of studio and 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom apartments that range in size from 425 square feet to 855 square feet.

The proponents intend to maintain the existing Brackendale General Store, although district wants residents to note that under current zoning, the owner could demolish the existing general store building and construct a duplex.

Two variances are being asked for: An increase to the maximum height from 12.18 metre to 14.5 metre and a reduction of required parking spaces from 53 to 48.

According to the district, these variances are requested in order to maintain the existing building and preserve as much of the riparian area on the western lots as possible.

Meanwhile, a group of Brackendale residents are inviting people to sign a petition asking the district to refuse the variances being asked.

Ginger Blum and Matt Harris, Kelly and Stephen Fryer, Kathy Kennedy and Clint Gilbank, Della and Keith Halvorson, and Amanda Bagliore are Brackendale residents who have launched the petition.

These residents want the district to reject both variances, and enable better public engagement that would involve all citizens, including seniors.

“We feel that the character of our neighbourhood has not been adequately considered and urge that the variance to height be denied, bringing the project back into an appropriate scale,” they say.

The locals are also worried about parking, and emphasise the fact that the project is in Brackendale, which can’t be considered just an extension of Squamish, they say.

Those interested in commenting on the development can leave comments online on the web page or contact the district by phone (604-815-5002) or by email (planning@squamish.ca).

Comments can also be mailed or dropped off at the drop slot at Municipal Hall – 37955 2nd Avenue, Squamish BC, V8B 0A3