New housing and hazard protection are cornerstones of Squamish Nation-partnered Cheekeye River Development in Squamish

Approval has been granted for a new development in Squamish that will consist of 1,215 homes protected by a debris flow mitigation structure that would be among the largest debris flow barriers of its type in the world. The Cheekeye River Development, along with existing neighbourhoods and assets including the Waiwakum 14 Reserve, the Brackendale neighbourhood, two schools, Squamish’s airport, and Highway 99 will be protected by this new debris flow barrier, once built. Project approvals were granted by District of Squamish Council in July, and construction of the barrier is now underway with site clearing and preparation.

The Cheekeye River Development is a partnership between the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Matthews West Developments Ltd. The development lands are owned by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw and are located on the Cheekeye Fan in Brackendale, an area exposed to debris flow hazards. The development proposal application was originally submitted in 2013, and extensive work has taken place over the last decade to understand and mitigate against the level of risk the potential debris flow represents from Nch’Kay and the Cheekeye River into the Cheekeye Fan.

District of Squamish Council, during the rezoning process, approved land development and servicing agreements that will see the debris flow barrier constructed as a component of the development, with the District accepting the role of Local Diking Authority for the barrier, requiring that the District assume ownership including operation and maintenance responsibilities upon completion of construction.

A key component of the project is a Provincial indemnification agreement for restoration costs associated with a significant debris flow event in the event that costs exceed the District’s debris management reserve funds.

Facts

• The project’s housing mix provides for a variety of housing types and densities, with 537 (44%) single dwelling units and 678 (56%) multi-unit dwellings, for a maximum total of 1,215 units. Within the multi-unit dwelling and neighbourhood commercial use areas, the Zoning Bylaw also allows for commercial, community care, assisted living facilities, child care facilities, and school use.
• As part of the 1,215 residential units, 85 non-market rental housing units and 85 market rental housing units will be built in apartment form located in the central node of the neighbourhood.
• The development includes a publicly accessible trail network within the strata portion of the lands and expansion of the existing Ray Peters Trail network.
• The mitigation structure, once built, would be among the largest debris flow barriers of its type in the world and involves a 24-metre high, 200 metre long, roller compacted concrete structure with a six-metre-wide vertical slot in the middle. The slot contains eight steel beams designed to capture debris during large debris flow events.
• The District, Province, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw engaged an Independent Expert Review Panel to assist with review of the detailed design process for the Cheekeye Barrier.
• Capital construction costs of the debris flow barrier are estimated to be $89M. Construction will be undertaken by the developer.
• The District will contribute annually to a municipal debris management reserve fund through a Local Area Service Tax and general taxation. The developer will also make a one-time $5M contribution to the municipal debris management reserve fund.

Quotes

Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Spokesperson and Council Member:

“Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw first proposed the Cheekeye River Development more than a decade ago, and its approval represents a monumental achievement in intergovernmental collaboration. The debris flow barrier is a critical infrastructure project for the region, one that will protect people and property for years to come. The Cheekeye River Development will substantially address the housing crisis now facing the District. And we are thrilled construction can finally begin.”

Premier David Eby, Province of British Columbia:

“It’s great to see progress on the Cheekeye housing development. The collaborative and creative work undertaken by everyone involved has resulted in getting this project off the ground, creating homes for families that will be enjoyed for generations.”

Mayor Armand Hurford, District of Squamish:

“This development approval is an extraordinary achievement given its coordination across three orders of government, the development company, and with the input of many experts over a decade of study. The level of new hazard protection it will bring to our community, the economic opportunities it will unlock for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, as well as the many new homes it will bring to support the housing crisis, are each significant achievements in their own right, but together represent a major achievement. The District of Squamish is grateful for the cooperation and coordination that has led to this outcome.”

September 18, 2024