|
Bilion-dollar plan calls for golf courses, ski hill.
The Squamish Chamber of Commerce has given its approval to a large development at Brohm Ridge with condos, a ski hill and golf courses, despite opposition from environmentalists.
The massive Garibaldi Resort, proposed by Vancouver billionaire developer families the Aquilinis and Gaglardis, has yet to clear the provincial environmental process.
"The proponents have come forward and asked us for it [the letter of support], so we had a long discussion and debated it and gave it to them," said president Margo Dent.
"It's no different than any other business that proposes to open up" in Squamish," she said.
She said the Chamber businesses support the $1-billion development, which would include 5,700 housing units with 1,700 hotel rooms and 25 ski lifts and two golf courses that would make it about half the size of Whistler.
"We see this as a benefit because we've lost some of the big tax bases we used to have," said Dent, referring for instance to the dying lumber industry.
She said the chamber also looks forward to the jobs the resort will bring in construction and tourism.
But she made it clear to the developers they still have to meet the regulatory requirements standard with any project and to include the district and the community in the planning process.
"A big part of it is the environmental assessment," she said.
"I know a lot of people are up in arms over this, but we support it -- but that's not to say we have the final word," said Dent. "They will still have to answer the questions and the community will have its say."
Catherine Jackson of the Squamish Environmental Conservation Society questioned why the chamber declared its support before hearing from the community in a public meeting planned by city council next month.
And she said the letter "reflects the membership of the board of directors. They didn't poll their members."
"As soon as the letter was published, two business owners came up to me and said they were really, really upset," she said.
She also said the chamber doesn't reflect all businesses or a majority.
"It's not an accurate reflection of how the local businesses feel," said Jackson.
A report from the environmental assessment office was due earlier this month but Mayor Ian Sutherland it has been delayed until the office can get more information.
The assessment is needed before the environment ministry can grant it a water licence under the Water Protection Act.
By Susan Lazaruk, The Province
Published: Saturday, May 24, 2008
© The Vancouver Province 2008
|
