At a meeting today, council is expected to approve a zoning bylaw and sign a MOU with the proponents of Squamish Canyon, a tourism project proposed in and around Mamquam River.
In March 2020, the council passed a motion asking the proponent to complete certain conditions before the bylaw approval.
The conditions include a hydro MOU between the district and the applicant, and an MOU between BC Whitewater and Mamquam River Access Society.
The applicant was also asked to establish and maintain two public accesses to the Mamquam River.
Other conditions are Highway 99 design improvements and VCH approval of sanitary sewer design.
This rezoning has been a two-year review process.
The adoption of the bylaw today will trigger the next phase of review, where staff will review the development permit and building permit.
Squamish Canyon is described by proponents as “a year-round destination with a boardwalk in and around the Manquam river, overlooking waterfalls, canyons and rainforests preserving our ecosystems”.
As part of the project, the proponent will upgrade the Mamquam Forest Service Road through dust elimination, fixing potholes, and creating safety signage and lower speed limits.
The proponent also plans to work towards more accessible trails connecting Valleycliffe to the Squamish Canyon to the University Heights and surrounding areas.
A minimum of 100 off-street parking spaces, and there will be presence in the area to prevent and stop illegal dumping and waste.
