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The District of Squamish is close to a land sale agreement with two numbered companies held by Solterra for 8.5 acres of municipal-owned land in the Squamish Business Park. The sale is for 50 per cent of the 17-acre ‘Lot 38/39’ at 1221 and 1311 Pioneer Way, the District said in a press release. The sale is scheduled to close on December 9.
The land was sold for $13.27 million and will support various facility upgrades underway, including the Public Works facility replacement project.
“We are pleased to work with Solterra on this purchase as they have a strong familiarity with Squamish and bring a thoughtful and creative approach to their projects,” said Mayor Armand Hurford. “Upon completion, this sale will meet our immediate Financial Plan needs and allow us to explore other options for the remaining 8.5 acres to maximize community benefit.”
Colliers International and ReMax Sea widely marketed the property to Sky over the past year, and the District connected with numerous interested parties throughout the process, the press release says. “Ultimately, Solterra’s offer was the optimal approach to meet the District’s objectives while enabling continued exploration of other opportunities on the remaining 8.5 acres. The zoning of the land is currently I-11, which accommodates a variety of industrial uses within the Business Park,” the district said.
“This sale will generate increased employment space, resulting in jobs for Squamish residents,” continues Hurford. “We look forward to the future development of these lands complementing the entrepreneurial and innovative businesses that already call the Business Park home.”
Generating revenue from land sales is a key strategy identified in the District’s Real Estate and Facilities Strategy to help fund the replacement of critical end-of-life municipal facilities. To date, the District has constructed two new fire halls and is well underway with the new Public Works facility, the press release says.
The priority for Squamish should recreational facilities for a growing population. The recreation centre is embarrassingly dated. As well most communities are now offering exercise/weightlifting options. Check out the community centre in Whistler and the multiple community centres in North Vancouver as examples. These are popular from early morning until late in the evening.