District of Squamish staff followed the legislative requirements for public engagement on the controversial rezoning proposals that will come before council today.
In a report to the council, the staff said that Stage 1 of public engagement was the implementation of OCP policy that had been established through significant public engagement over several years.
As for public engagement on the rezoning proposals, the staff indicated that legislative requirements for public engagement were met.
It indicated that the public hearing was originally anticipated to be held in April, but was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It was not uncommon for public hearings to be held in July, it added.
It specified that it met an IAP2 level of public consultation undertaken, as set out by International Association of Public Participation.
Redevelopment with some of these bylaws would create further opportunities for public engagement through sub-area planning, it said.
Many local developers and citizens have been critical of the district for inadequate engagement and consultation with the community. Diamond Head Land, a local development company, has alleged that the district has shown bias against it in rezoning proposals.
The staff, however, says they have been consulting with the developer since February, but were unable to find a solution that mitigated risk and satisfied the land owner.
Meanwhile, the staff has also clarified that district-owned park land, specifically Merrill Park and Coho Park, was not the subject of any of the zoning amendments, and that they would remain zoned as park.
It has also clarified that rezoning changes would not speed up the development process but only incentivise a sub-area planning process.