The District of Squamish Council will consider a development permit today that would allow for the expansion of a local sawmill operation at 1126 Resolution Way in the Squamish Business Park.
The proposal, submitted by Van Urban Timber, seeks approval to build a new accessory structure to house a larger sawmill. According to District staff, the new structure would support the company’s ongoing growth since it began full-time operations at the site in 2022. The new building would replace an existing smaller sawmill and match the white and blue colour scheme of the other buildings on the lot.
To move forward, the project requires several variances to current zoning regulations. These include increasing the height limit for an accessory building from 4.58 metres to 7.62 metres, allowing the building to be constructed directly against the interior side lot line, and permitting a third accessory structure on the site, one more than typically allowed in the business park zone.
District staff say the proposed development aligns with key objectives of the District’s Strategic Plan and Official Community Plan (OCP), particularly around maximizing employment land and supporting industrial activity. The application is also consistent with Development Permit Area 9 guidelines, which aim to ensure attractive and low-impact industrial development.
A staff report notes that the proposed variances are not expected to generate negative impacts, as the building would back onto a laneway and a blank wall of a neighbouring property. There have also been no complaints related to the existing sawmill operations on site.
If the Council approves the development permit, the applicant will need to obtain soil and building permits before construction can begin.
