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Squamish council is considering a rezoning application for Oceanfront today at its May 19 council meeting. The rezoning would allow 42 additional rental units to be built on Lot O, bringing the total to 249 units in the development.
The change involves removing a previous cap of 207 rental units from the zoning bylaw, while keeping the existing floor area ratio limit of 1.15 in place. Staff say the design was refined during the development permit process, allowing the floor area to be reorganized into a better mix of unit sizes without exceeding the density already permitted.
The site sits at the southwest corner of the Oceanfront peninsula, bordered by the Cattermole Slough and the Squamish Terminals, near the Carbon Engineering demonstration centre.
The development on Lot O is proposed to include light industrial space, a childcare facility, and an arts centre. All residential units will be secured as market rental housing in perpetuity. The unit mix would remain similar to what was approved in the earlier rezoning, with 25 per cent being three-bedroom or two-bedroom-plus-den units, 22 per cent being two-bedroom units, and 20 per cent being adaptable units.
The 249 units would fulfill 36 per cent of the annual housing need identified in the District’s 2023 Housing Needs Report, and up to 79 per cent under the provincial methodology.
The application was publicly posted and a development sign was placed on site during the engagement period, but the district hasn’t received any public comments.
If first and second reading pass today, staff will schedule a public hearing for the Phased Development Agreement amendment.
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