District of Squamish is proposing to rezone three flood-hazard properties in Brackendale to prevent future residential development.
The change in land use designation for these three properties along the Squamish River would disable potential residential developments.
The properties are 1000 and 1050 Laramee Road, which has existing homes and established equestrian facilities, while 1050 Depot Road is undeveloped.
“The lands in question are the most hazardous properties in the Squamish River floodplain and certain types of development of these properties could pose a significant hazard for those who would be in the area during a flood,” according to a district report.
Flood depth on the subject properties exceeds 2.5m and the velocity exceeds 3m/s in areas close to the dike, according to the staff report.
These are conditions where Provincial Guidelines indicate a decision maker could refuse consent to develop.
District’s flood hazard ratings are based on a combination of the flood depth and velocity, and their combination would make this area extremely hazardous.
The District does not consider it an appropriate location to plan for more intense land use.
To align with the OCP, district staff is proposing to amend the OCP land use designations for the three properties to Agriculture and rezone the properties to a new agriculture zone, Agriculture 3.
The new permitted used could include agriculture, single unit dwelling, accessory dwelling unit, home occupation, horse stable, indoor riding arena, kennel and pet daycare.
The minimum lot size in this proposed zoning is 40 hectares.
District staff has engaged with the property owners of the three parcels, and owners of the two parcels have strongly objected to any rezoning that would result in potential loss of development.
One of the owners also disagrees with staff interpretation of flood hazard identified in the IFHMP and does not believe District policies support the proposed rezoning. The owner of a third parcel has indicated a preference for a minimum parcel size of 4.0 ha to support the creation of more affordable rural properties.
An electronic public hearing from the council chamber is scheduled for July 28 at 6 pm.
