A new park plan submitted by Garibaldi Springs development will see more open spaces surrounding the ponds, according to a staff report.
In the past few months, District staff was provided information by the Squamish Environmental Society regarding Western Toad habitat at the Garibaldi Springs site at ponds and lawn areas, an essential breeding ground for the toads.
This issue was identified in the original Bio-Inventory Report, and it was determined that in order to adequately protect the toads some of the active areas needed to be relocated. The new plan will create more naturalized open space surrounding the ponds.
Here are some of the changes proposed:
Existing ponds with a naturalized buffer and benches, surrounded by informal lawn areas, will be linked by an accessible loop trail.
The “bike hub” with washing stations, fix-it station and seating has been relocated to the southwest park area.
Public washrooms have also been moved to bike hub area.
The community gardens have been removed from the Hub Park, and the developer, Polygon, will give $60,000 to Squamish CAN for construction of the community gardens at the new location.
Children’s play areas are retained but are now combined at the southwest portion of the park. Picnic tables, benches including a weather protected structure are provided in the southwest park area.
Open gathering space for events and public uses is being retained in front of hotel, but the kids pump track has been relocated from the Hub Park to the South pocket park on the east side of the site and combined with the bike skills park.
Passive open space at the South pocket park has been decreased, but benches and covered seating are retained.
There will be new signage regarding Western Toad habitat.
Park maintenance was originally proposed to be the responsibility of the District as part of the public park system. However, as the park is now proposed to be owned by the developer until the second phase of subdivision is completed, Polygon will be providing park maintenance to District standards for the interim period.
The approved development plan for the site includes ecological reserve, park and multi-unit development on the 48.3 hectare previous golf course site located on the east side of Tantalus Road.
