Sylvie Paillard
[email protected]
The District of 樱桃视频wants the entire community's opinion on a plan for the downtown, and they're inviting residents to voice their ideas in two workshops this weekend (March 9 and 10).
But a Downtown Neighbourhood Association representative says he doubts the effectiveness of the workshops because what should be the most important segment of the plan - downtown residents themselves - have been consistently ignored.
"I'm really worried about the downtown," said association representative Peter Harker. "There's a vibrant community here and mayor and council have never endeavored to tap into the voice of the downtown."
Community Character Workshops will take place today (March 9) from 3:30 until 7:30 p.m. at Totem Hall and on Saturday (March 10) from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. at the 樱桃视频Adventure Centre.
On Saturday afternoon there will be a "walkabout" to downtown several locations for planning activities. Interested participants for should meet at Gelato Carina at 2 p.m.
"Come out and have your say in a fun, creative and engaging environment and help shape the future of downtown Squamish," states a district news release.
The workshops are intended to help identify major design elements of downtown Squamish, map important places, views and buildings, according to the news release. The collaboration will also help formulate the Downtown Neighbourhood Plan.
"This is a great opportunity for the community to get together and have a hand in planning the future of downtown in an open and creative setting," said Mayor Ian Sutherland.
But Harker said the workshops are insufficient because they were announced with too little notice, and because the graver issues of drainage, homelessness and rampant development without real consultation are being ignored.
Council swiftly - and without extensive public discussion - agreed to accept a downtown drainage staff report as general information over a month ago, and since then Harker has been trying to get an audience at city hall, but to no avail, he said. He added that district staff is getting impatient with his disparaging remarks.
The Downtown Neighbourhood Plan, when it's adopted, will be a "Sub Area Plan" of the Official Community Plan (OCP) that contains specific policies and directions to guide decision-making and development for the downtown.
Community members can give feedback online at www.squamish.sgas.bc.ca or link through the District of 樱桃视频webpage www.squamish.ca (Downtown Neighbourhood Plan). This new webpage will also keep community members up to speed with the plan's progress and citizens can respond to questions and discuss issues in the forum section.
