Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation

The plan for the Oceanfront envisions working together with the Squamish Nation to find a tangible way to celebrate the Oceanfrontʼs respect for the First Nations people, the strong relationship the Oceanfront holds with the land and the water, and the coming together of the old, the new and many different cultures. This will likely be in many forms.

A traditional longhouse can be incorporated in a prominent position along the oceanfront. The themes and identity of various landscape features can be tied into First Nation language and culture. Events and activities can also celebrate the role and importance of the First Nation influence and contribution to the community.

The Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC) is wholly owned by the District of Squamish. Its vision is to deliver a vibrant, innovative, sustainable, world-class "work-live-recreate" community showcasing the spirit, cultural heritage and values of the people of Squamish.

The Oceanfront Sub Area Plan is a schedule to Squamish’s Official Community Plan (OCP), a bylaw adopted by Council to guide development of a defined area over the long term. The Sub Area Plan guides land use, building form and character, transportation and circulation, environmental performance, and infrastructure servicing on the Oceanfront peninsula immediately south of downtown (see map), including relationships to downtown and the community as a whole.

The purpose of the Oceanfront Sub Area Plan is to guide the actions and decisions of the District as they relate to development approvals for private lands and development of roads, parks, public open spaces, and community facilities. It is intended to ensure that the development of the Oceanfront is coherent and coordinated, and that it achieves the community’s vision of sustainable development that links Squamish to the ocean, as expressed in the Vision and Oceanfront Guiding Principles.

View the plan submitted to Council.

Planning for the Oceanfront started with a strong foundation of previous community engagement, planning, and policy work, both focused on the Oceanfront and for Squamish as a whole, including:

• The “Downtown Waterfront Concept Plan” for the peninsula produced in 2005;
• The Regional Growth Strategy;
• The Official Community Plan (OCP);
• The Downtown Neighbourhood Plan;
• Smart Growth on the Ground;
• The 12 Step Climate Action Plan;
• The Community Energy Plan; and
• The Sustainability Block.

As the process unfolded, the Downtown Transportation Plan was being developed. It both informed and was informed by this process. The “Create the Oceanfront” planning process started in 2007 engaged extensively with the community to ensure it would reflect community goals and aspirations. Peninsula landowners funded the process and provided expertise and resources to further support it.

In Phase 1, technical studies and previous planning work were presented to the public to confirm starting points for planning. Input was received from some 300 people at an Open House in June 2008, and another 300 people visited the project website. It resulted in a broad community vision for the Oceanfront and Oceanfront Guiding Principles for planning and goals for a sustainable future.

Phase 2 took place in the Fall of 2008, and focused on the issues that remained. A series of four workshops were held with community stakeholders and experts to discuss key issues, including employment, parks and facilities, water’s edge treatment, and land use mix. The priorities and preferences they expressed were then presented to the general public to get a reaction from a wider range of people, through an Open House and “Kitchen Table Discussions.” Throughout, community members discussed the options in light of trade-offs and implications, resulting in a well-informed set of priorities and preferences for the Oceanfront.

A Policy Statement was produced, and used to guide development of two plan options. These were presented together to the community at an Open House and via the project website in March 2009. Participants rated the two plans, providing direction for revisions and refinements.

Finally, this Oceanfront Sub Area Plan was produced, reflecting all of the community input to date, as well as technical and financial considerations. 

The Oceanfront Sub Area Plan is available to read by accessing the District of Squamish website at www.squamish.ca

Click here to see the plans.

The Oceanfront Park is the first phase of the development plan. To move forward with the construction of the Oceanfront Park, the SODC needs to make sure that the construction takes all of the stakeholders into consideration. The provincial and federal governments ensure that stakeholders have been adequately consulted and the SODC is mandated to go through both the federal and provincial Environmental Assessment Office processes. The process is a legislated process that takes a year to complete and can only be started once the land use for the project has been finalized. Because the land use is in the final steps the SODC has submitted its Project Description application with both the federal and provincial EAO. With this process started, the SODC will be in a position to start construction in the fall of 2011.

Over the next year there will be 3 meaningful opportunities for public input into the planning and implementation for the Oceanfront:

1. The Sub Area Plan approval process requires public engagement and input
2. Rezoning will follow the approval of the Sub Area Plan and is also an opportunity for public engagement
3. SODC will be providing an ongoing series of public engagement events and activities throughout the year. We hope to inform and be informed through this voluntary process.

There are two critical 1st phase elements:

1. Create a component of Oceanfront Park to lead the brand and vision, and firmly establish the identity of Squamish as a true oceanfront community and a great place to “PLAY”. Starting at the ocean will allow the District of Squamish to achieve the core planning principle, “Itʼs About the Water” and the fact that the Nexen Beach is already being used and viewed as a core community asset provides a strong signal to commence here.
2. Create an early employment generator through the use of existing buildings on the site to supplement the activity and to establish this place as a great place to “WORK”.

The current plan spans 20 years. This may be conservative; however, it provides a realistic timeframe that will allow the project to be implemented economically and also allow the Squamish community to adapt to the changing evolution of the Oceanfront development.

The SODC business plan contemplates that the first phase of residential will complete in approximately 5 to 7 years after the commencement of construction on the Oceanfront Park.

The Oceanfront development plan contemplates a total of 18.87 acres of parks, beaches and open space which occupy the most dominant and valuable property in support of the goal to maximize community access to the water and amenities. Each park and beach has a different character and provides all visitors and residents with open space that caters to a variety of interests:

1. Oceanfront Park - The signature 7.53-acre oceanfront park has two distinct features: A Windsports Beach designed to give the optimum orientation and access for the famous Squamish windsports, and the Oceanfront Beach which is contiguous to the Windsports Beach, that will provide a grassy space for families and informal sports activities, and space for those simply seeking a nice place to sit and ponder. 

2. Village Commons - A true community gathering place on the Oceanfront, the Village Commons is home to a large .42 acre village green directly adjacent to Oceanfront Park. A large stage is envisioned in the Village Commons with the Chief as the spectacular backdrop. When large events are staged here, participants are able to spill out into the larger (7.53-acre) Oceanfront Park.

3. Cattermole Slough Edge and Park - This will provide a more natural edge along the length of the Cattermole Slough. The development has been set back from the water's edge to provide 7.09 acres of green space.

4. Cattermole Slough Park - This low-lying area as been historically wet as a result of its use for storm drainage, and has now been transformed into a true natural green habitat that will be retained in the development. 

The Oceanfront Stroll will encircle the Peninsula and provide a complete pedestrian and cycling transportation system. The character of the trail will vary at times. Along the Cattermole Slough it will be a quiet natural experience, winding its way along the water’s edge through the expanded setback area. Along the southern beach and Oceanfront Park areas it will open up and afford views and access to all the recreation and amenities of these areas. As it heads down along the Oceanfront Village and along the Mamquam Blind Channel it will take on a distinct waterfront boardwalk character. The trail will provide links to the Estuary, the greenway paths and connectors and to other trail extensions into downtown Squamish.

There will be two residential neighbourhoods:

1. Cattermole North is the primary residential enclave on the SODC lands. The total site area is 11.2 acres (45,238 sqm or 486,761 sqft). It will provide a mixture of housing types ranging from ground-oriented and stacked waterfront townhomes along Cattermole Slough, to condominiums in a variety of sizes massed along the secondary residential access road. The condominium units adjacent to the Learning Centre, the education parcel will likely be smaller affordable units to complement the student-oriented population at that location. The building heights will vary from three to six floors depending on the location.
2. Marina Boardwalk is a true waterfront residential neighbourhood that will likely be the most desirable residential enclave on the SODC lands. The total site area is 5.3 acres (21,277 sqm or 228,940 sqft). It will be for those who desire to live closer to the activity of a vibrant, more urban waterfront environment. It will provide larger ground-oriented and stacked waterfront townhomes along the Mamquam Blind channel, directly fronting the Oceanfront Boardwalk, as well as condominiums in a variety of sizes massed along the Main Access Road.

Parking will be provided in 3 forms on the site:

1. Underground or covered parking will be provided for all residential buildings.
2. Surface and underground parking will be provided for all commercial uses.
3. Public parking will be available in surface lots adjacent to the Oceanfront Park and in street parking areas close to commercial uses.

One of the goals is to find creative ways to deal with vehicle use and parking so as to minimize vehicle use and encourage use of pedestrian and public transportation systems. Read more.

It is essential to access the Oceanfront Lands and the Peninsula from Cleveland Avenue. This reinforces the connection with downtown and is the natural point of entry for a visitor approaching the site. It will be important to celebrate the entry with a strong feature that will draw you down Cleveland Avenue. A roundabout is suggested for the Cleveland Avenue/Vancouver Street intersection. This is an efficient method to manage the traffic, while at the same time providing an appropriate visual marker that signals the entry to the Peninsula.

Roads: There will be separate bike lanes on all Main Access and Secondary Access Roads.

Oceanfront Stroll: Bikes will have access to this perimeter trail; however, cyclists will be required to share the trail with pedestrians.

Greenway Trails and Paths: Similar to the Oceanfront Stroll, these will be shared pedestrian and bike surfaces. 

The Marine Centre will host over 80,000 square feet in eight buildings for employment relating to Boat Building, Marine Repair, Retail, Services and Training on 5.6 acres. This facility complements the 305 slip Marina that is also planned for the site and provides an appropriate transition between the heavy industrial use at Squamish Terminals and the remainder of the SODC Land. This district will also share its prime waterfront location with the future homes of a Performing Arts Venue and Art Studios.

Immediately east of the Marine Centre is The Workplace, providing for 307,000 square feet of commercial space. Early uses, targeting knowledge based industry (KBI) workers and professionals, will be nurtured as part of the Business Plan to incubate demand. Eventually, the Creative Class concentration, together with the stunning location and access to amenities, will attract large employers, such as Google or Pixar today, looking for an inspiring campus for key team members. The Workplace is designed to accommodate this. At the same time it also provides commercial diversity in the form of large retail and light manufacturing such as “Rec Tech”. 

Building height and density has been kept very low near the Oceanfront Park area to maintain a pedestrian-friendly environment, preserve Howe Sound views and provide a true “waterfront village” character in Oceanfront Village.

Generally, building height ranges primarily between one and six stories. There are two buildings in the Marina Boardwalk area that have the possibility to be 12 stories in height provided they meet fire protection measures and also provide appropriate massing and sightlines for the balance of the Oceanfront.  

The Marine Centre is envisioned to be a regional destination for the building, selling, servicing, chartering and learning of boats.

Four fundamental uses are contemplated for the Marine Centre. These are represented by the following categories and described in more detail in Schedule 2 – Marine Centre Specific Uses.

1. Boat building
2. Marine repair
3. Retail and services
4. Marine training

The plan contemplates a marina that exists in two locations. The primary location in on the east side of the site, within the Mamquam Blind Channel, and will front the village and lands to the north. This location will accommodate approximately 230 slips, and is protected naturally by the peninsula. The secondary location is at the south end of the site and will provide a buffer between the Oceanfront Park and Squamish Terminals. This location will host approximately 75 slips, and requires the floating breakwater proposed as part of the Cruise Ship dock to be in place. The proposed Marina design provides an average slip length of 41.4 feet.  

There is a great opportunity to use some of the existing structures on the SODC lands to help kick-start some activity on the Oceanfront in the early phases.

The SODC Administration Building will be used as an “incubator” facility for knowledge-based and creative class employment.

The “Big Blue Barn” is envisioned as an arts barn for temporary artist studios. (Read more on Blue Barn project.)

To achieve this, the Main Access Road has been positioned between these two buildings. These existing buildings and their use will allow 40 to 60 people to work on the site.  

The SODC places a high value on community use of the waterfront in both the short and long term and has made demonstrated commitments to this. However it cannot abide potentially dangerous, hazardous or otherwise costly exposure to liability resulting from unauthorized uses.

The sustainability objectives for the Squamish Oceanfront are as follows:

• Protect, Enhance and Rehabilitate Natural Ecosystems – The Oceanfront development will focus on protecting, enhancing and rehabilitating ecological features for people, animals and marine life, and plants.
• Foster Economic Development – The Oceanfront development will work to achieve the community driven goal of job creation at the Oceanfront important for community sustainability.
• Aim for reduced Energy use and reduced GHG– The Oceanfront will endorse and support development plans for the District of Squamish Community Energy Action Plan. Support the District's OCP and Downtown Transportation Plan by designing a community that prioritizes walking, cycling, transit and water-based transportation options over private single occupant vehicles.
• Build Green Infrastructure and Green Development – The Oceanfront will adopt responsible development principles for building and neighborhood development. The Oceanfront will support “naturalized” storm water management and reduce potable water consumption through the use of low-flow technologies. The Oceanfront will target "zero waste" and ensure SODC's waste management strategies are aligned with the policy recommendations of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District's (SLRD) Solid Waste Management Plan (SWMP).
• Focus on public open spaces and parks for community cohesion – Support a network of new and existing green spaces that are linked together through the Oceanfront and support ecological and diverse social functions. Honour the culture and heritage of Squamish through vistas, public art, recreational opportunities and park infrastructure.
• Be sustainably focused on Land Use, Density & Site Layout – The Oceanfront will adhere to Smart Growth on the Ground Principles for mixed-use community design including criteria for neighborhood pattern and design.
• Be accountable to the Community – The Oceanfront will create a dashboard of measurable indicators that allow the community to understand how the Oceanfront is doing against its sustainability targets

The focus on creating employment and maximizing community amenities introduces physical and economic limitations on fully diversified housing forms. This will limit the ability to provide affordable housing on the SODC Oceanfront. It is suggested that any affordable or subsidized housing may be better placed on developable lands with less physical and economic constraints.

SODC's plan includes over 2000 full time jobs at build-out. This is many times higher than any historical precedent and will include a broad range, including retail, hospitality, light industry and knowledge-based jobs. This combination of employment opportunities will provide greater and wider economic benefit to Squamish without harming the environment. Sustainable development includes workers living close to their place of employment so they do not have to commute. And over 2000 people will not need to commute to Vancouver or Whistler.

• Land Sales and Prepaid Leases;
• Balanced and prudent debt financing;
• External Funding Sources such as cash generated from government grants; infrastructure cost- sharing reimbursement from District of Squamish (DoS) development cost charges and neighbouring developers comprised of the Peninsula Land Collaborative (PLC); and the Capilano University land swap and subsequent sale; and
• Net Operating Cash flows from activities such as in term land lease activities and the proposed KBI Incubator. 

At this stage, the Squamish Oceanfront plan involves a more detailed level of planning and engineering, and the land requires rezoning before residential price ranges can be contemplated. First residential projects are not planned for 5 – 7 years. Please continue to monitor the redevelopment progress on our website.

The SODC is an entity wholly owned by the District of Squamish. However, it is being financed independently through the Oceanfront land asset and the ongoing current and future development activity.