The District of Squamish is planning to rezone a property at 2163 Mamquam Rd to require a public park in exchange for allowing higher townhouse density.
According to a staff report, the rezoning would require 27.5 per cent of the land adjacent to a public road be provided as a ‘publicly accessible, activated’ park. In exchange, the District would allow a townhouse floor area ratio of 0.7, higher than the 0.6 FAR proposed for most other ground-oriented residential properties in Garibaldi Estates.
The District is leading the rezoning application rather than waiting for a property owner to apply. According to the report, the Garibaldi Estates Neighbourhood Plan policy states that a District-led rezoning should be initiated for the Mamquam Road property.
Staff are working with a consultant to determine a density bonus structure that would achieve the park objective. The Local Government Act requires a financial feasibility analysis of proposed density bonuses and consultation with affected persons, public authorities, and organizations.
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According to the report, staff intend to consult with the development community on the financial analysis as part of the process. Public consultation on the proposed park will also occur as part of the rezoning. A developer building on the property would be required to provide a public park to achieve the higher density.
The park requirement is part of a broader suite of zoning changes the District is proposing for Garibaldi Estates. Staff have drafted five new zones covering different areas of the neighbourhood following the adoption of the neighbourhood plan.
The proposed GE-2 zone would allow townhouses on most ground-oriented residential properties, though single-unit and two-unit homes would remain permitted to ensure existing dwellings do not become legally non-conforming.
Staff are also proposing zones that would allow mixed-use buildings up to six storeys along Diamond Head Road. The GE-3 zone covers large properties along Diamond Head Road and would permit apartments above retail uses. Two zones for smaller properties near Diamond Head Road would also allow mixed-use development.
Staff are also analyzing whether density bonuses in the mixed-use zones could secure developer-owned affordable housing on site or cash contributions to the Squamish Community Housing Society in lieu of building affordable units.
The zoning changes align with a provincial directive to pre-zone land to support long-term housing supply, according to the report. The timing also relates to the District’s amenity cost charges bylaw, expected for council consideration in early February.
Council’s Committee of the Whole will discuss the proposed zoning changes at a meeting on Tuesday, January 27. Staff are seeking initial feedback before launching public consultation and bringing the bylaws back to council for formal readings.
Fix brenan park first. Put in a proper gym. How much is council putting in their own pockets for this waste of money