The District of Squamish is reviewing a proposal from Redbridge Development to change the location of the bridge to Rose Park, a key amenity from the development. District staff will also require the proponent to reduce the delivery time of the amenity from three years to two years. The development has a long history in Squamish.
In 2014, a Land Development Agreement secured the proposed bridge at the north phase parcel of the Redbridge Development spanning across the Upper Mamquam Blind Channel to Rose Park. However, this location was secured subject to permits, but the location was selected after engagement with the public, the Smoke Bluffs Park Committee, and the Squamish Trail Society with the goal of supporting active transportation across the channel.
However, a review last found out that the piles and machinery needed to install the piles would have ‘significant’ environmental impact to the site. As a result, an alternative bridge construction was explored, according to a staff report to the District. A new location for the bridge has been proposed close to the highway to connect the Corridor Trail to the Rose Park section of Corridor Trail.
“This connection would eliminate seasonal snow clearing challenges currently faced along the Highway 99 bridge pedestrian walkway and remove steep grades to connect the Highway walkway to the Rose Park section of the Corridor Trail,” according to the staff report.
This bridge location would also help those biking and walking in the area and eliminate the seasonal barriers faced by Hospital Hill, Valleycliffe, and Stawamus IR24 residents, the report notes.
The revised bridge location, however, would require land negotiations with the Squamish Adventure Inn & Hostel land owner. A Development Permit application is now underway to determine the final bridge location and design. As part of the change in location, District staff are recommending that the construction of the bridge be completed in two years rather than three years. An exact date for when the construction starts on the bridge has yet to be determined. However, given the delay in bridge delivery, the developer is offering to advance the Valleycliffe trail cash contribution and to increase its value from $100,000 to $146, 625.
