Land acquisition along Mamquam Blind Channel

Land acquisition along Mamquam Blind Channel a major step forward for downtown transformation
A key piece of property acquired by the District of Squamish will significantly aid in the transformation of downtown to a waterfront community. The District has closed a deal on four acres of waterfront property east of Loggers Lane between Victoria and Main Streets.

<h2>Land acquisition along Mamquam Blind Channel a major step forward for downtown transformation</h2>
<p>A key piece of property acquired by the District of Squamish will significantly aid in the transformation of downtown to a waterfront community. The District has closed a deal on four acres of waterfront property east of Loggers Lane between Victoria and Main Streets.<br><br>“This property presents a significant opportunity for Squamish as it establishes a key portal connecting downtown to the waterfront that will become an important accompaniment to any future development along the Blind Channel,” says District of Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham. “I am thrilled to be able to make this announcement. There has been a great amount of work behind the scenes to get to this day, and the real work is now about to begin.”<br><br>To ready this property for public access, some remediation and tidying work must be completed. District staff are also in discussions with CN to finalize agreements to allow for public access across the CN rail line. An opening date is not confirmed at this time.<br><br>While there are no concrete plans laid out for the property, Council will be looking at this as part of the broader downtown transformation, and will be asking the public for input.<br><br>“This announcement will instill further excitement and interest into the Downtown Initiative, and the timing couldn’t be better,” continues Kirkham. “Council and staff will kick off this project with a workshop during the April 23rd Committee of the Whole meeting, followed by a public engagement campaign over the coming weeks.”<br><br>The community is invited to join District Council and staff to watch and discuss a series of webinars hosted by highly-respected place branding and product development experts Destination Development International. The goal of this exercise is to inspire meaningful conversation to drive the downtown transformation forward. The first webinar entitled “20 Ingredients of an Outstanding Destination” will be screened at the Howe Sound Inn &amp; Brewing Company’s Garibaldi Room on Thursday, May 2 at 6pm. A discussion amongst the group will follow.</p>
<p>The acquisition of the Loggers Lane property breaks down to include District ownership of two acres of upland, and a Statutory Right Of Way in perpetuity over 2.25 acres of water lot.<br> <br>The District has acquired the property through the Province’s Sponsored Crown Grant Program. The property, valued at approximately $3.6 million, has been acquired at no cost to the District upon condition that the property is used for municipal purposes. The District appreciates the Province’s support in making this acquisition a reality.</p>

April 23, 2013