A proposed townhouse development in Squamish’s Dentville neighbourhood has increased visitor parking, though it still falls short of the District’s zoning requirements. However, District staff support the reduction, citing the area’s strong transit links and walkability.
Developers have raised visitor parking from two to three spaces, well below the bylaw’s minimum of eight. However, District staff argue that roughly 26 on-street parking spaces on Madill Street, Garibaldi Avenue, and Britannia Avenue will help with the shortfall.
“A visitor parking reduction is supported by Staff as Dentville is well served by transit, and its proximity to Downtown Squamish enables mode shift transportation opportunities,” notes the staff report to the council. “An estimated 26 on-street parking spaces are available along the subject site’s three road frontages (Madill St, Garibaldi Ave, and Britannia Ave), which is anticipated to support future demand for visitor parking in the short term.”
The rezoning application for 38779 and 38795 Britannia Avenue will go before the council on Tuesday, March 4, for the second and third reading. If approved, the zoning would change from Residential 1 (R-1) to a new Comprehensive Development Zone (CD-116), allowing 29 townhouses.
The developer has committed to $1.1 million in Community Amenity Contributions, upgrades to the five-way intersection at Madill Street and Garibaldi Avenue, a new sidewalk along Madill Street, and a right-of-way for public access to a strata park. The development will also feature an all-electric energy system, with no natural gas allowed in the units.
Dentville residents have expressed concerns about the proposal. Resident Tara Laycock said the townhouse complex would not fit in a neighbourhood dominated by single-family homes, duplexes, and laneway houses. “I don’t feel that it’s appropriate or in a suitable location for the Dentville neighbourhood,” she said. “The development would result in an ‘island’ of identification, unlike anything that currently exists here.”
Another resident, Ron Enns, questioned whether the District had explored alternative housing options with the developer. He pointed to Squamish’s recent Multiplex Design Competition, which showcased small-scale housing concepts that could better integrate with existing neighbourhoods. “These designs could be an excellent fit for Dentville and an opportunity to retain and even enhance the neighbourhood’s character,” Enns said.
Denvtille resident and local business owner Eric Armour wrote a letter about the proposal.
Ihor Zalubniak says
“The family is coming to visit!”
“That’s great. Up from the city?”
“Yeah and from the interior too!”
“Uh, where will they park”
“Don’t worry, they can use transit or walk to our place from wherever they can find parking in town.”
“That should work, grandma is doing really well with her walker.”
Anyone else think this might be a problem?
Walkability and transit are resident possibilities, not visitors.
This makes no sense at all.
Ihor Zalubniak says
What’s the point of Bylaws if $$ will buy you a way past them.
Where else have we recently seen this type of “management”.
Rej says
Ihor said exactly what I came here to say! Just how stupid does STAFF think we all are? Staff needs to take a step back and figure out why they have a job and who they are there to SERVE.