District of Squamish seeks public input as part of the downtown Marine Access Review

Review will identify marine access needs, challenges and opportunities across diverse interests to support greater ocean access for all

The District of Squamish is beginning a Downtown Marine Access Review to support overall ocean access (including boat launching) for community members, businesses, and industry. Building on the 2018 Marine Action Strategy, the review aims to examine how marine users access the ocean today, and what types of future ocean access and infrastructure are needed to ensure an inclusive, accessible, sustainable, safe, vibrant and working waterfront for all. Community members, recreational users, businesses, and industry are invited to participate in the review process by completing a survey and identifying marine access priorities on a map. The survey and mapping tool will be available for public input through March 13 at letstalksquamish.ca/marine-access-review.

“Marine access is a multi-faceted topic and one that we recognize is of great importance to the community,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “This review aims to encompass all marine interests while considering compatibility, navigational safety, resiliency in the face of climate change impacts, and highly sensitive areas within the marine environment. We recognize there is no one-size-fits all solution, and so we are seeking to gain deeper understanding of marine access needs across a range of interests, and how we can best accommodate those needs as we plan for the future.”

How to get involved:

• Complete a Marine Access survey: Marine users are invited to share feedback on their activities and access needs, and ideas for improving access and safety. Two surveys are available, one geared towards community recreation and leisure activities, and one for business (commercial and industrial) marine users. The community is invited to fill out one or both surveys, recognizing individuals’ multiple interests and affiliations in community, work and play.

• Mark the Marine Access Map: The map allows participants to mark and comment on:
  • Where and how marine users currently access the ocean;
  • Existing and future desired ocean access areas, amenities and infrastructure;
  • Barriers that currently exist to marine access;
  • Existing marine safety issues or user conflicts;
  • Areas of ecological and community cultural significance for protection and/or restoration.

Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound is the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territory of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the lands and waters holds great importance. Engagement planning with Squamish Nation is underway to support the participation of Squamish Nation members in the Marine Access Review process. Members of the Squamish Nation are invited to share input throughout this engagement process.

Understanding community, business, and industry needs is an important first step towards improving ocean access in Squamish. The inputs and priorities gathered during this process will help to inform specific recommendations for both short and long-term waterfront and marine planning.

The review will also seek feedback on boat launching to identify and evaluate location options and facility needs.

The mapping tool and marine access survey will be open for public input until March 13.

For more information and to access the surveys and map, please visit letstalksquamish.ca/marine-access-review.

Marine Access Review Study Area

The Downtown Marine Access Review study area includes ocean access points and infrastructure along the Mamquam Blind Channel as well as the Cattermole Slough. The Central Estuary as well as other marine areas (such as Darrell Bay, Ferry Terminal, and the North Bay) will also be considered as part of a larger study area. The review is independent of the Restore the Shore project, formerly known as Central Estuary Restoration Project, as well as visioning for future windsport access options, but is considered important parallel work as part of a larger focus on Downtown marine access overall. Windsports community members are invited to engage in the Marine Access Review.  

About Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound

Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound holds great importance for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the Squamish community. It supports ecological and human health, social and cultural values, local and regional economic activity, as well as community use and enjoyment. Local knowledge and input shared in this review is critical to the District’s ongoing work to enhance and coordinate marine access planning. Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound became Canada’s 19th UNESCO Biosphere Region and is recognized as an international showcase for how regional coordination can create a place for humanity and nature to thrive.

February 17, 2022