MarineActionStrategyInformantInterview
Synthesis
Preparedby:
December19,2017
TABLEOFCONTENTS
INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................3INFORMANTINTERVIEWEES............................................................................................................................3MASTPURPOSE...........................................................................................................................................3ENGAGEMENTPROCESS.................................................................................................................................3
SUMMARYTHEMES................................................................................................................4OVERARCHINGTHEMES.................................................................................................................................4THEMESFROMINTERVIEWRESPONSES.............................................................................................................5
APPENDIX1:INTERVIEWQUESTIONS.....................................................................................1
APPENDIX2:THEMESARISINGFROMINTERVIEWS................................................................2ISSUESTOBEMANAGED................................................................................................................................2ECONOMICDEVELOPMENT.............................................................................................................................7RECREATIONANDOTHERSOCIALUSES...........................................................................................................12ENVIRONMENTALPROTECTION/STEWARDSHIPCONSIDERATIONS......................................................................17VISIONANDVALUES....................................................................................................................................20BIGACHIEVEMENTS....................................................................................................................................23SUGGESTIONSFORIMMEDIATEACTIONS.........................................................................................................24SUGGESTIONSFORMEDIUMTERMACTIONS...................................................................................................28SUGGESTIONSFORLONGERTERMACTIONS.....................................................................................................30KEYACTIONS.............................................................................................................................................31TOPOVERALLPRIORITIES.............................................................................................................................32OTHERINSIGHTS.........................................................................................................................................35
INTRODUCTIONThisdocumentsetsoutthefeedbackfromInformantInterviewsconductedinStage1(OctoberandNovember2017)byPacificaBlueConsultingtohelpinformtheprocessanddevelopmentoftheDistrictofSquamishMarineActionStrategy(MASt).InformantsareconsideredthosemembersofthecommunitywhoareKnowledgeHolders,SubjectMatterExpertsorwhohaveexperienceinthemarineenvironment.Responsesweresoughtonasetofkeyquestions(SeeAppendix1)toidentifyviewsonmarinefocusareas,vision,goals,achievements,objectivesandactions.
InformantInterviewees
Intotal,of24informantscontactedbyphoneoremail,18interviewswereconducted.Representationrangedasfollows:
4-Industry4-Landowner/Development4-Recreation5-Stewardship
MAStpurpose
TheDistrictismovingforwardwithanengagementprocesstodevelopaMarineActionStrategythatwill:• Mobilizesharedleadershiprespectingourlocalmarineenvironment;and• Identifyandprioritizeactionstoprotectandmaximizethewaterfrontandmarineresourceasan
importantcommunityassetprovidingecologicalservicesandsocial,culturalandeconomicbenefits.
TheMarineStrategywillestablishasharedvision,desiredoutcomesandpriorityactionsforkeymarinefocusareas,alongwithanimplementableactionplan.TheDistrictrecognizesthatthemarineenvironmentisadynamicandcomplexrealminvolvingmanyinterests.TheDistrictisinitiatingthestrategyprocess,takingasharedleadershipapproach,recognizingweallhavearoletoplayinthemarinerealm.TheMarineStrategywillthereforehighlightpartnershipsandresponsibilitiesbyothergovernments,stakeholdersandthecommunityincaringforandmanagingdifferentaspectsofthemarineenvironment.
EngagementProcess
TheMarineStrategywillbedevelopedthroughanextensiveengagementprocesstoprovideinformationandseekinputonthestrategycomponentsthrough:
- LiaisonwithSkwxwú7meshFirstNation- Workshopsandperiodicupdateswithaninternalmulti-departmentalMarineWorkingGroup- Keyinformantinterviewswithmarinesubjectmatterexpertsandknowledgeholders- AMarineForumandfollow-upFocusSessionwithkeystakeholdersincludingregulators- Anonlinefeedbacksurveyandopenhousetoinformandobtaingeneralcommunityinput- PeriodicCouncilmeetingupdatesandrecommendations
SUMMARYTHEMES
OverarchingThemes
Thefollowingsummarizesthetop,overarchingthemesthatarosefromtheinterviews.
Governance
• Addressmarinegovernancethroughsharedleadership,aframeworkandsoundplan• ShareleadershipwithSquamishNationasagovernmentandlandowner• RevampSEMP/SEMC/SERC.MaintainSEMP1999initsentiretybutmoveontoanew
managementplan• Involveallkeymarinestakeholdersinanewadvisoryforumwithexpandedjurisdictiontoinclude
allofSquamishcoastline(beyondthescopeofSEMP1999)• Developacriticallyneededsystemofsafety,management,policingandenforcementofmultiple
usesonthewater–whichformspartofSquamishnewmarineidentity
EconomicDevelopment
• Protectthecurrentestuarywithnomorenetlossofhabitat• Protectcurrentindustryrequirementstolandandaccesstowater• Protectmarinetransportationcorridor(forindustry,commerce,andrecreation)throughvision
andleadership• Celebrateindustry’spasthistory,cultureandtraditionsasadrawtoSquamish• Moveforwardwithbalancedmixedusesalongtheoceanfrontdevelopableareas• Planaheadandpartnerfordevelopingneededfacilitiesforrecreation,commercial,
transportation/industryandconservationactivitieswhichrequirewateraccess• Planformarinebasedbusinessesandemployment
CommunityAmenities,Recreation,Tourism
• Developpartnershipstoenablerecreationandtourismtothrive• Enableandmapsafepublic,andrecreational-specificaccesstothewateratkeyareas• Enablestrategicallyplacedcampsites• Developamappedbluewayssystemthroughexistingandnewlyconnectedwaterwaysaround
Squamish• Protectlandtoenableacontinuousoceanfrontwalkway,workingwithallwaterfront
users/owners• Partnertodevelopboating/marinainfrastructureforgeneralpublic,visitors,workers/employees
andboatingcommunity• AllowrecreationalfishingonlyinSquamishEstuary• DevelopandexpandSquamishMarineidentity–themorepeopleidentifywiththemarine
environmentanditsactivities,themoretheywillcareaboutitandwanttoensureitisprotected/managedwell.
• Support/enableenvironmentalawarenesseducationforallusersofthemarineenvironment(recreational,commercial,industrial)
• Supportfuturepublictransportationopportunitieswithfloatplanesandsmallferry/cruiseshipservicesandensurelinkagestoon-landtransportation/amenities
EnvironmentalManagement,Protection,Stewardship
• Ecosystemvibrancyhasbeenseeninrecentyears.Supportimprovementstoecosystemfunctionsandservices,andobtainbaselinedata.
• EnsuretheEstuarymaintainsproperecosystemfunctioningformarinewildlife,andforpublicsafetyvaluesoffloodprotection.
• EnsureIFHMPstrategiesareintegratedwithMAStandaddresssoftversushardarmouring• Continuouslyimprovewaterquality.Addresscontaminantconcerns:mercurydisturbance,waste
watertreatmentplant,andsewagedumpingfromboats• EnsuretheMBCecosystemisprotectedunderregulationsinformedbycollaborations/
environmentalassessment• Developaphilosophyofbalanceofusesinthebroaderestuary/marineenvironment.Clarifywhat
areasshouldbeprotectedinperpetuity,andwhatareascanbedeveloped.• Continuetoimprovepartnerships/collaborationswithstewardshipgroupswhoarethefeeton
thegroundforenvironmentalstewardshipfundingopportunitiesandaction• EnableCattermoleSloughtobeopeneduptoMBCforecosystemrecovery/enhancement,to
addressfloodingconcerns,addresspinchpoints,improverecreationopportunitiesandreduceneedfordredginginMBC
• Continuetoaddresspilings,ensurebestenvironmentalpracticesindockdesigns,preventboatsquattingthroughwinwinwinpartnershipstokeepthewaterwayscleanforrecreation,commerce,industryandtheecosystem.
ThemesfromInterviewResponses
Intervieweesresponsesaresummarizedinthefollowingbulletedthemes.Specificsub-themecommentsaresetoutintheAppendix2.Theorderingofthethemesarebasedonthenumbersoftimesthethemewasraisedacrossallinterviewsconducted.Whilethethemesarenotprioritizedorweighted,theyidentifywhatissueswereimportanttomostofthe17interviewees.
IssuestobeManaged
• Addressmarinegovernancethroughsharedleadershipandaframework• SquamishNationasgovernmentandlandowner• EnsuringengagementofallkeypartiesinMASt• SEMPasaframeworkthatcanadvise/guidefuturegovernance(projectreview-SERC)• BroadenmarinegovernancetoincludeUpperMamquamBlindChannel(MBC)• EnsurenomorenetlossofhabitatintheSquamishRiverEstuary• Affirmindustryaccessandland• Squamishwaterfrontwillseemixedusesgoingforward• Buildcoastalresiliencyandprotectecosystemservicesforthebenefitofthecommunity,the
economyandtheenvironment.• FloodmanagementstrategiesneedtobeintegratedwithinMASt• Ongoingconcernforoceancontaminantssuchasmercuryandsewagedischargeintotheocean
EconomicDevelopmentConsiderations
• Protectindustryrequirementsforaccesstolandsandthewater
• Protectmarinetransportationcorridorthroughvisionandleadership• AvoidanotherbeaurocraticlayerthroughaPortCorporation• Forestryprovidesjobsandenablesalivingwage• SquamishTerminalsenablesthemovementofgoods• MixedusesarepartofthefutureinSquamish.• Thereareimportantindustrialandrecreationalvaluestoacknowledgeandprotect;thesecan
worktogether.• ConcernwithlossoflightindustrialinMBCareatodevelopment• OpenupCattermoleSloughtoMBCforecosystemenhancement,toaddressfloodingconcerns,
improverecreationopportunitiesandreduceneedfordredginginMBC.• Planaheadandpartnerfordevelopingfacilitiesneededforrecreation,commercial,
transportation/industryandconservationactivitieswhichrequirewateraccess.• Planformarinebasedbusinessesandemployment
RecreationandOtherSocialUses
• Enablemanagementofmultipleusesonthewater• Ensuresafepublicaccesstothewaterforallusers• Enablemorerecreationaluse;considercampsites,blueways• Developpartnershipstoenablerecreationandtourismtothrive• Protectlandtoenableacontinuousoceanfrontwalkway,workingwithallwaterfront
users/owners• Boatingandmarinebasedland/infrastructureneededforgeneralpublic,visitors,andlocal
boatingcommunity• Improvewaterquality–concernwithlive-aboards• EnablerecreationalfishingonlyinSquamishEstuary/HoweSound• DevelopandexpandSquamishMarineidentity–themorepeopleidentifywiththemarine
environmentanditsactivies,themoretheywillcareaboutitandwanttoensureitisprotected/managedwell.
• Transportationopportunitiesexistwithfloatplanesandferryservices• Needformorepolicingandenforcement
EnvironmentalProtectionandStewardshipConsiderations
• Buildinresiliencyintoforeshoreandallmarineplanning-Ensuretheestuarymaintainsproperecosystemfunctioningformarinewildlife,forpublicsafetyvalueoffloodprotection.
• Resiliencyisakeyplanningfocus.Floodprotectionisimportantforalloceanfrontareas,butthechallengeishowtoaddressrequiredstandardswithouthardarmouring.
• Incorporateecosystembasedmanagementintoallplanninganddecisionmaking.• Maintainopenlinesofcommunicationswithstewardshipgroups;partnershiphelpsconservation
efforts.• Ecosystemvibrancyhasbeenseeninrecentyears.Keepmovingforwardwiththegoaltokeep
improvingtheecosystemfunctionsandobtainbaselinedata.• Balanceofusesisneeded.Clarifywhatareasshouldbeprotectedandwhatareascanbe
developed.• ProtectMBCecosystem;studysedimentationsourcesandpollutionissues;putregulationsin
place.ConsiderdredgingMBCforthereturnofmarinewildlifeandimprovepinchpoints
• Addresspilings,designalldocksusingsafeenvironmentalstandards,andpreventboatsquatting–seektokeepthewaterwaysclean
VisionandValues
ImportantfeaturesofamarinevisionandvaluesforMAStinclude:• Marinegovernanceframework• Vibrantwaterfront• Diverseeconomy• AcknowledgeSquamishpastindustrialculture,history• Investmentinportfacility;leaverSiteBforloghandling• Sustainableandbalancedmixuses• Protectionofmarineassets–conservationareas,recreationareasandworkingwaterwaysfor
transportation/industrialuse• UniquenessofSquamishwaterfront;buildawarenessofourmarineSWOT• Accessible/walkablewaterfront• ProtectionofecosystemfunctionsandservicesthroughConservation,protection,stewardship,
thrivingmarinelife• Healthyfunctioningwatershedsensuresahealthymarineenvironmentandhealthycommunity.• Partnerships/collaborationsforintegratedresourcemanagement• Safetyplanningincludingmanagement,publicdockforsafeharbourandupdatedfloodproofing
inplace
BigAchievements
• AdoptionofSEMPandcreationofWMA• SeeingmarinelifebackinHoweSoundandintheestuary• Addressingderelictboats• Dredgingthoughongoingneed• Boatingenvironmentalawarenesseducationongoing• Increasinguseofoceanforrecreation
Suggestionsforimmediateactions(1-2years)
• Developavisionandobtainmarinejurisdictionalcontrol• Educatestaffandincorporateecosystem-basedmanagementintofutureplanningdecisions.• EnableenvironmentalprotectioninMBC(e.g.,herring,salmon,Oolichan)andmoveforwardon
MBCrewateringproject• Advocatetoobtainbaselinedatatoevaluateimpactsfromnewdevelopmentsandindustrial
projects.Collectdatatoidentifywheredevelopment,industrialareasandrecreation/publicabsolutelyneedwateraccessthensecurethataccess
• Developthebigpictureforrelatedmarine-basedfacilityneeds;considerinfrastructureneededtosupportpopulationgrowth
• Addresssquattersandaddresspointsourcepollutionfromboats/marinas• Conductcommunityandstakeholderoutreachtobuildawarenessandinspirecareabout
SquamishmarineSWOT• Establishsafetylandsfornavigation• Addressresiliencyincludingfloodprotectionalongtheoceanfront
Suggestionsformediumtermactions(3-4years)
• Governance–establishamarineplanningframework• ImproveaccessinMBCviadredgingandidentifysourceofsedimentationissues• IdentifynewprotectedareasinMBC• Redirect,removetheSquamishspit;removeoldpilingfromestuaryandshoreline.• Continuetoaddressmarinefacilitiesneeds;lookformutuallybeneficialpartnershipswith
industry
Suggestionsforlongertermactions(5yearsandbeyond)
• Marineplanning–enableadynamicplanthatcanadjustwithnewchanges;evaluatesuccessevery5years
• Workwithvariousjurisdictionstoestablishmarineprotectedareas• Assesspotentialforferryserviceandpocketcruiseshipopportunities• Improverecreationaccessalongtheoceanfront• Buildneededdocks• Revitalizethewaterfrontimplementingeconomicdevelopmentstrategyinlinewithmarinevision• Protectlightindustryusesalongwaterfront• Investitfloodprotectionmeasures
Keyactions
• Developrecreationalwaterwaysandmapthemtomakethemsafeandaccessible• Supportindustry,notrestrictthem• Developpoliciesandrezoningtoenablemoredevelopmentactionwithlowerdevelopment
charges• Involveallplayersinthemarinestrategy• IncreaseawarenessandeducationaboutSquamishmarineSWOT.Allocatefundingtohelp
increaseawareness,educationandthepracticeofstewardship(aspertheOceanWatch)• Addressenvironmentalpollution,stewardshipneedsandmarineusesbeforeanyfurther
development• Playaleadingroleinprotectionandrestorationofmarinehabitatsandecosystemfunctions• Developaprotectedareasystem/strategy• Educatestaffaboutecosystem-basedmanagementandincorporateEBMforfutureplanning
decisions• Enforcebylaws;increasingcapacityofbylawofficers
Topoverallpriorities
• Enableaccessforallusersincludingindustry.Ensurethemarineenvironmentisuserfriendly• Governance–broadenjurisdiction;enableaforumforadvising,monitoringprojects/plans• CelebrateSquamishloggingandotherpasthistoryandculture• Addressmarinefacilitiesneedsandplanforfuturepopulationgrowth• Protectkeyenvironmentalareasunderdesignation.Removethespit.Integratefloodprotectwith
marinestrategyforeshoreprotection• Useanecosystem-basedmanagement(EBM)planningapproach.Usethemarineenvironment/
HoweSoundasacasestudyforhowtomanageanecosystem/watershedusingEBMapproach
• Maintainrecreationvaluesforlocalsandvisitors• IncreaseSquamishmarineidentity
Otherinsights
• ConcernMAStistoolategivenremovalofindustrialzoningtoallowforresidentialdevelopmentalongwaterfront
• ConcernOCPissettingdirectionthatdoesnotincludeMAStorEmploymentLandsStrategy• EnsureMAStisaguidingdocumentforcommunityplanningalongwaterfront• Mappingcanshowthefootprintneededforindustryanddevelopment• Ensurepublicaccess;includeinterpretivesignagealongtheoceanfrontwalkway• Squamishhasmarinetransportationcompetitivenesstoconsider• Allowfederalandprovincialgovernmentstofocusonderelictboats.• ConcernwithnoisefromWLNGonmarinelife;protecttheforeshorewhichaffectsfunctioningof
upstreamecosystems• IncorporatetherecommendationsfromtheonlineOceanWatchreport.
APPENDIX 1
APPENDIX1:INTERVIEWQUESTIONSBroadFocusAreas1.Thereareabreadthofissues/areastoaddressinthemarinerealm,withmanyjurisdictionsandinterestsatplay.Werecognizeyouhavespecificexperienceandunderstandinginthemarineenvironment,socanweaskyoutothinkbroadlyaboutthemarinerealminansweringisquestion:1a.Whatdoyoufeelaretheareas,issuesorneedsthatrequireattentioninthemarineenvironmentinourcommunity?(e.g.,Thingsthatmayneedtobeprotected,restored,managedoraddressedinsomeway?)1b.Whatneedstobemanagedoraddressedinsomeway?1c.Whatisyourperspectiveonhowthemarineenvironment/HoweSoundshouldbeusedforincomeoreconomicdevelopment?1d.Whatisyourperspectiveonhowthemarineenvironment/HoweSoundshouldbeusedforrecreationandothersocialuses?1e.Whatneedstobeprotectedorrestored?Vision/Values2a.Thinking10yearsfromnowintothefuture:Whataresomeofthekeymarinevaluesthatshouldbehighlightedinthemarinestrategy?2b.Whatdoyouseearethebigachievements;thebigwinsinthemarineenvironmentfortheDistrict/forHoweSound?ShorttoLongTermOutcomes3.Thinkingofthefocusareasyoumentioninquestion#1,considerthedesiredoutcomesandthetimingofthoseoutcomesinthemarinerealm:Foranyfocusarea:
a. Whatisimportanttoachieveimmediately;sayinthenext1-2years?b. Whatisimportanttoachieveinthemediumterm,say,inthenext3-4years?c. Whatisimportanttoachieveinthelongerterm,saybeyond5/6years?
Actions/Initiatives4.Thinkingmorespecificallyaboutactions,initiatives,projects:Whatspecificactionswillhelpusgettothesesuggestedoutcomesandwhatistheidealtimelinetostartandendthem?TopOverallPriorities5.Whatshouldbethetop3prioritiestoconsiderintheMarineStrategy?(e.g.,issues,desiredoutcomes,orkeyactions?)OtherInsights6.Doyouhaveanyotherinsights/suggestionsthatcouldinformmarineplanningorthemarinestrategy?
APPENDIX 2
APPENDIX2:THEMESARISINGFROMINTERVIEWSThefollowingsetsoutthedetailedresponsesfrominterviewees.Responseshavebeensynthesizedintospecificcomments,subthemes,andorganizedbybroaderthemeareas.Theorderofthemesisbasedonthenumberofsimilarcommentsmadebythedifferentinterviewees.
IssuestobeManaged
InterviewQuestion1a.Whatdoyoufeelaretheareas,issuesorneedsthatrequireattentioninthemarineenvironmentinourcommunity?1b.Whatneedstobemanagedoraddressedinsomeway?
MarineGovernance
Weneedaleaderandmarinegovernanceframework
Districtmaybeoverwhelmed;thereisgreatintentbutneedaleader;hugeissue;concerntodevelopaMarineStrategyandnoframeworkforexecution.Weknowasanindustrywecannotworkinisolation;weengagewhereweneedtobutcannotalsobeleadingmarinegovernance.Weneedaleaderandmarinegovernance/regulatoryframework.
Holistic/IntegratedApproachNeeded
“Needaholisticapproachtoourmarineenvironment.Thisincludeseconomicprioritiesbutwitharecognitionthatwealsohavetolookafterourenvironmentandsocialvalues.Weneedtoprotectenvironmentandsocialvaluesandresourcessowecanhaveeconomicbenefitsonthewaterfront.”Whatitcontributestothesocial-economicandenvironmentalfabricofthecommunityisnotfullyunderstoodyet.Wearenotyetanexampleofdoingitright;weare2outof10becauseoflackofvision.Everyoneisdoingtheirownthing;marchingtotheirowndrum.”(KS)
Improvejurisdictionmanagement
• ConcernthatSEMPwasamarineplanningstructureinplacethatisbeingoverlooked.• Withthemanyjurisdictionsinthemarineenvironment,SEMPwasafoundationaldocumentand
processtoenablemanagementofactivitiesintheestuary.
Allstakeholderspayingintoafund
Consideraframeworkwhereallmarine/waterfrontstakeholderspayintoafundforinitiativessuchasthetrainingberm.Currentlyagoodexampleofstakeholderscomingtogethertodeterminethefutureoftheberm.
SquamishNation
BeclearthatSquamishNationhaveculturalandprivateinterests.
SquamishNationshaveculturalaswellasprivateinterests.Weneedtobeinclusiveofeachother’slands.
EngagementinMASt
Ensureallinterestsarerepresented
• Ensureallkeyinterestsareinvolved(informed/engaged)inthemarinestrategydevelopmentandimplementationorothermarineindustry-relatedinitiativesthataffectthem.
• ConcernthatsomeinitiativessuchasHSForumortheEmploymentLandsReviewareone-sided(moreenvironmentalfocusedthanindustryfocused).ConcernalsoarisesthatdatausedinEmploymentLandsStudy,forexample,didnotrelatetoindustry-knownfiguresandindustrywasnotcontactedtoaffirmfigures.
Bringthekeyplayerstogether
• AbigcruxfortheSquamishmarineenvironmentisidentifyingwhoaretheplayersthatneedtobeatthetablethathelpdrivedecisions.SEMPhelpedwiththisandincludedSFN.
• SEMPprovidedawaytodiscussthings;aprotocol.Itprovidedastructurefortheestuaryandharbour.Problematicnowbecausenotableexistsforintegratedresourcemanagement;aplaceforallkeystakeholderstobeatthetable.Concernthatitneedstoberecognized.SEMPprovidedtheonlytablewhereallplayerscouldallsitanddiscussissues.
Engageindustryindevelopingthemarinestrategy
DowntownConceptPlanbeganwithahousingmindset;anindustryrepwasaddedwhowasnotactuallypartofindustry.ConcernthatendresultwastheDCPignoredindustryandSEMP.ThisformspartofthereasontheSquamishandDistrictForestryAssociationtriestofindsolutionsandseektohaveneedsmetandconcernsbroughttothetableinallplanningprocesses.Withthemarinestrategyprocess,thisisanopportunitytogetengaged.Forexample,SquamishOceanfrontplanningillustrationstypicallyomitSiteBandotherindustrialuses.
SquamishEstuaryManagementPlan
SEMP–providesagovernanceframeworkforplanninginthemarinerealm
Thereisalotofopportunityandweneedtoharnessthis;needasecureregulatoryframeworktobeabletoinvestinmarineindustryinfrastructure.1
SEMP–providesamechanismtoreviewandresolveissues
• Structurealreadyexistsforestuary/harbour–useittocapitalizeontheopportunityofstakeholderswantingtobeinvolvedandworktogethertoresolveissuesandplanforthefuture.
• TheplanenabledlanduseplanningthatwasoverseenbySEMC;itcontainedsignatoriesbutwasnotalegalstructure;itenabledprojectreviewthroughSERC.Nowthestatusoftheplananditsreviewprocessesareuncertain.Astheforestryindustryrequirestheharbourtodoitswork,withoutaSEMPprocess/framework,thisisanumberoneforestryindustryconcernforthemarinestrategy.
1SEMPwasnotaregulatorydocument;SERCwasaprojectreviewprocessthatincludedagenciesgovernedbyspecificauthority.
• SEMPenabledreviewofproposalsandprojectswithallkeyplayersandenabledSquamishTerminalstobeengaged.ConcernthatitappearsdefunctnowbecauseofFeds/Provincepullingoutoftheprocess.
• OceansProtectionPlancanbeusedtoaddressmarinesquattersandderelictvessels;shouldnotbeamunicipalconcern.
MarinestrategyandprocesscanreplaceSEMC
MBCneedsanewgroup/committeetodiscusslandmanagementdecisionsandthisareaisoutsidethescopeofSEMCasthatisfoundedonthebasisofSEMP.MostofwhatSEMCwantedtoachievehasbeenachievedintheestuary.SEMCisdone.Timenowtomoveon.Anewgroupisneededwithabroaderfocus.
SEMPdecisionswerebasedonindustrialview20yearsago;whatabout20yearsfromnow?
Dowehavetherightmixalongthemarineforeshore?SEMPlaysoutsomepreservationanddevelopmentareasbutthedevelopmentareasareoutofdate;wereconcentratingonindustrialusesatthattime;nowdecisionshavebeenmadetotransitionoutofindustrialwaterfronttoamoreresidentialwaterfront.Concernisthatjustastheydid20yearsago,theywerelookingattheatmospherethen,anddevelopedSEMPbasedonthattime-whichwasindustrialfocussed.Now,thetransitionistowardsresidentialandcommercial,butagainthiswillchangeovertime;whataboutin20yearsintothefuture?Technologiesanddesireschange.NeedtobecarefultohavetherightmixtosupportSquamishintothefuture.
SEMPenabledtradeoffstobemadebetweenindustryandconservation
MillionswerespentoninvestmentsinSquamishTerminals,inMBCindustrialfacilitiesatSiteB,forconservation.AllaspectswerebasedontradeoffsandallbasedonSEMP.“WithunclearstatusofDistrictsupportforSEMPduetolackoffederalgovernmentparticipation,thisisaproblem.”
UpperMamquamBlindChannelwasleftoutofpastestuaryplanning
Protectingenvirovaluesarebigissues.ThiswasthekeyfocusinSEMP;settingasideestuaryforprotection.Coupleofareasleftunresolvedinthatstudy–UpperMBC–hasneverbeenincorporatedintoamgmt.plan.
Estuary
EnsurenomorenetlossofhabitatintheSquamishRiverEstuary.
Developapolicyfornomorenetlossofhabitathereforanyreason;andwhentheopportunitypresentsitself,reclamationofimpactedareasistobeputbacktofullyfunctioningestuarystatus.
Removethe3rdAvenuefloodgate
Thiswillhelprestorethebridgepondbacktounobstructedtidalfunction.
Completelyremovethetrainingdike.
Industry
Industryhasaccesstothemostexpensivepropertyclosetodowntown
Criticaltoretainaccesstolands/waterforindustrybutindustryhaslotsofaccesstothemostexpensivepropertyclosetoCity.Thereisnomorewaterfrontbeingcreated.
LicenseestoFLNROneedaccesstothewaterforloggingandothercommercialandindustrialuses
MadepositionclearfromFLNRO:licenseesneedaccessforlogsonwaterandothercommercialandindustrialusesareneedinthewatertobalanceeconomicsustainability.Wedon’tstepintodetails;thisismorefromlicensees;theyleadinputoncommercialinterests.
OCP,EmploymentLands,EconomicDevelopmentReviewareimportantreferencedocumentsforindustry
• EmploymentLandsStrategy,OCP,EconomicDevReviewhavebeenveryimportantreferencedocumentsthatoutlineIndustryissuesandconstraints.
• Concernthatpoliticsmaysitetheseplansbutnotaccuratewithwhattheystat.Forexample,industriallandsarewhatisneeded,notcommerciallands.CostofindustriallandishighandSquamishindustriallandcompeteswithFraserValley.Rents,lease,ownershipisveryhighandincreasingduetocompetitionwithlightindustrialandresidentialuses.
Industrydataneedstobecollectedandunderstood
Obtainandunderstandlandinventorydata
• ItisfundamentalthattheDistrictfullyinventoryandunderstandtheneedsofthecurrentandfutureusersofthemarineenvironmentinorderthatthevariouslanduserssecuretherequiredaccesstothewaterfront.
• Needanoverviewoftheuplandandmarinelandusesthatneedwateraccess,andwhethertheseusescanremaininthelongerterm.TheDistrict’sEmploymentStrategydoesnotexplicitlyconsidertheneedforcertainemploymentusestohavewateraccess,althoughitdoesrecommendthattheDistrictworkwiththeSquamishNationasitconsidersthefutureusesofSiteBandtheseusesintheproposedMarineStrategy.
Ensuredatausedisdirectfromthesourcenotjuststatistics.
ConcernthatindustryfiguresusedinrecentEmploymentLandsReviewwerenotfromindustryrepresentativesandtheremayhavebeenbiasinhowthedatawasreported..
Economicbenefitsandtransportationdataisnotappropriatelyrepresentedinforestrysector
Forexample,forestry,agricultureandfisheriesareapparentlylumpedintooneaggregatesectorandthisthereforeaffectsinterpretationofdata.Needstobeseparated.Transportationisseparatedandnotincludedinforestrysothatallloggingtruckseffortsarenotcountedsuchasin‘industryjobs’.
MixedUses–the“newreality”foratransitioningSquamishwaterfront
EmbracemixedusechangestoSquamishwaterfront
TheSquamishforeshoreandmarineenvironmentischanging,whiledecadesbeforeitwasdominatedbyindustrialusers,itnowoffersanarrayofuses: naturalandprotectedareas(theEstuary);industrial
activities(e.g.,SquamishTerminals,SqomishForestryontheOceanfrontandSiteB);floodprotectioninfrastructure(seawalldike);and recreation(windsports,sailingclub,paddleboards,marinas/boating,passiveleisure,trails,etc.)andmixedusedevelopments(Mistral/Sirocco).
Wecanbebothacoastalandmountaintown
Squamishhasalotofwaterfrontandseemslikeotherthanspecialinterestgroups,thecommunityaswholedoesnotseeitselfascoastalcommunity,andmoreasamountaintown;butwecanbeboth.Thisissuederivesfromlonghistoryofnoaccesstowaterbythegeneralcommunitybecauseweweremainlyoccupiedbyindustrialuses,butnowthatischanging.
Marinedis(connection)-Communitydisconnectedwithmarineenvironment
Biggestshortcomingisthedisconnectbetweencommunityandthemarineenvironmentforrecreationalandindustrialuse.“Wearecoastalcommunitywithoutanyrealgeneralconnectiontothemarineenvironment–Example:Gibsons,CampbellRiverorothermarinecommunity,youcanseethemarineinfluenceinthecommunityanditdrivesthecommunity;howtheymakedecisions.Residentsareinvolvedinensuringconnectionscontinueorgrow.”
Cantraditionallandandwaterusescomplementthenewrecreationalandresidentialchangesonthewaterfront?
Itisunclearwhetherthereisanapproachtorecognizeimportantusersofthewaterfront,andthecommunity’sdesiretocontinuetheseuses.WhatwillhappentotheportusesandforestryactivitiesastheSquamishwaterfronttransitionstowardsrecreationalandresidentialactivities?Canthesetraditionalusescomplementthenewrecreationandresidentialuses?NorthVancouverhasdonethiswiththeirshipyards.DoestheDistrictknowwhetherthecurrentownersofthesepropertieswillwanttocontinuetheirindustrialandresourceactivitiesintheshort,midand/orlongterm?
Floodmanagement
IntegrationoftheSquamishIFHMPintothemarinestrategy
AportionoftheIFHMPstudydealswithmarineprotectionofDowntown.Withthatcomessomearmouringordikeprotectiontoaddresspredictedsealevelrise;howisthataccomplished?Thatisaquestion;goesintoforeshoretreatmentsinthemarineenvironmentandmarinesetbackissues.TheseareImportantissuesasitaffectspublicaccesstotheforeshoreandforeshoretreatmentoftheforeshore(softvshardapproach).Alsoaffectsextentofuplanddevelopmentarea.Languageusedinthepastwas“greenshores.”Yet,thisisincompatiblewithwhathasbeensaidinotherDistrictdocumentssuchastheIFHMP,soneedstobereconciledsomehow;maybedifferenttreatmentandstrategiesfordifferentareasdependingonusage.
Contamination
Concernformercurytoxinsdisturbancebydredging
ConcernthatCanadianstandardsformercurtypoisonindredgingactivityisnotsensitiveenoiughforthenaturalhealthandprotectionofmarinelifeandhumans.
Addressandimproveourwastewaterdischarge
Currentlywedischarge“treated”wastewaterintotheSquamishRiver.Adrainagesystemwasinstalledatthecurrentlandfillanddirectedvianewundergroundpipeintothewastewatersystemandnowpasses
throughthetreatmentplant.Concernthatthetreatmentplantwasneverdesignedforthistypeofcontaminantandthatthisnewchangedisruptsthetreatmentprocess.ConcernthatthecontaminantsfromthelandfillmaypassthroughthetreatmentcenteruntreatedandintotheSquamishriver.
EconomicDevelopment
1c.Whatisyourperspectiveonhowthemarineenvironment/HoweSoundshouldbeusedforincomeoreconomicdevelopment?
Industrialforeshorelandsandaccesstoocean
Assessopportunitieswithinputfromallauthoritiesandstakeholders
Eachopportunityshouldbestudiedandunderstoodfullyparticularlywithinputfromthelocalauthoritiesandstakeholders.Includesalotofpeople.
Protectindustrylandsandmaintainindustrialaccesstotheocean
• Definitionandmaintenanceofindustrialaccesszones:dredging;funds;partnerships.• Concernwithlossofavailablelands/areasneededforindustry.Needtoprotectsuitablelandsfor
industry.ConcernwithnewOCPnamingSiteBasenvironmentreviewarea(designatedIntensiveIndustrial)whenviewisthatthelandwasalreadylandtradedforconservationlandelsewhereintheriverestuary;partofhabitatcompensationinSEMP.
• Allowwaterfrontandpotentialindustriallandstobeusedbybusinessesthatneedwateraccess.Forexample,SquamishForestryhasregionalsignificance,notonlylocal;accesstothewaterforforestryisimportantforthewholecorridorandsomepartsoftheinterior.“Don’tprecludeindustrybyputtingausenearthewaterthatdoesnotneedwateraccess”
WhyisNexannotallindustrial?Wearelosingindustriallands
WhatisthefutureforthelogsortsinMBC?Whatisthefutureforthem?HopethemarineplanhasastrategyformakingtheloggingindustryanattractivefeatureinSquamish.
SupportIndustry
RecognizeexistingindustrialuseinSquamishinthedeep-waterareas;veryvaluableindustrialusearea;precautionaryprincipleappliesiflookingatnewindustrialapplications,ensurechecksareinplacetoavoidimpactstothemarineoruplandenvironment.
Ishousing/residentialdevelopmenteconomicdevelopment?Leaveopportunitiesforindustry
Dependsonhowyoudefineit.Leaveopportunitiesforindustrial/commercialdevelopmentaswell;rightnow,residentialdevelopmentistakingprecedenceoverindustrial/commercial.IsthatinbestinterestofSquamishinthelongterm?ThatismyQuestion.Yes,itisinthebestinterest,ifyouwantitabedroomcommunity.IfyouwantaneconomyandjobsinSquamish–thenprobablynot.Withheavyincreaseinresidentialdevelopment,problemsescalatebecauseaffordabilityofindustriallandsbecomeanissue.Example-SquamishIndustrialPark–nowaBusinessPark;nowwithamixedusecommercialuseinthepark,thelandpriceescalatedsoithasbecomeunaffordableforindustries;samecanhappenalongtheSquamishForeshore.
IndustryvsDevelopmentVoice
ConcernthatDistrictisnothearingindustry;concernthatdevelopmentistheonlyvoicebeingheard.
NoiseComplaintsfromIndustrialuses
• ConcernthatthenoisecovenantplacedontheCondo’sisone-sided;peoplewillcomplain.• Puttingfloathomesacrossfromthedrylandsortwillleadtoconflictwithindustrialusesonthe
eastside,forexampleatSiteB.
Maintainandcelebratelogginghistoryandculture
MBCwasusedforlogbooming,andsorting;over30yearsagotherewerecranesthatliftedlogsontotrains;wouldhavebeenvaluabletoretainsomeofthatinfrastructureashistoricindustrialactivity;couldbepartoftourismaswell;asthisworkdoesnothappenanymore,somehistoricalretentionoffeaturesbeinglostwouldbedesirable.
MarineTransportationCorridor
Waterfront-atransportationsolution
Importantnowtodeterminewherethecommunitywantstoseethewaterfront–itcanbeatransportationsolutionforpeople.
Protectthe“TransportationCorridor”–Vision&Leadershipneeded
• Therearefewindustryusersleftonthewaterfront.Intheearly90s,tradeoffsweremadewhichculminatedinSEMP.SomeindustrialuserssuchasA.Barrmovedtheirlogsortbutarethosetradeoffsbeingrespectedinperpetuity?Isthetransportationcorridorbeingprotected?ThereissomemistrustbecausetheSEMPframeworkisnowmissing.It’saboutleadershipandconcernisthatnooneistakingthelead.Needavision.HopingthisiswhatcomesoutoftheMAStexercise.
• OCPhasdoneagoodjobtoensuremarine/industryandlandbasedtransportationaccessisembedded.
SquamishasanIndustrialhub-Protectshipping,truckandrailconnectivitytowaterfront
• ThecommunitymaynotrealizehowuniqueSquamishistohaveaccesstohighway,railandoceanfortransportationofpeople,goodsandindustrialuses.
• Protecttruckrouteandrailcorridor;ensuresafetyandflow.Needconnectivitytothewaterfront.• HoweSoundisanon-expendablecommercialtransportationcorridorforbothoverseasshipping
andcoast-wideshippingincludingferries.Forgoodsmovement,onlythreewaystoaccesstheocean:SkeenatoPrinceRupertandKitmat;Squamish/Cheakamus;andFraserValleytoPortofVancouver.
Continueandimprovemarinetransportationindustry
Wehave1stclassdeepseaterminalfacilitywhichhasgreatimportancenotonlyforlocalbutprovincialandwesternCanadaandCanadaforthatmatterduetoitslocation.Squamishwasessentiallycreatedonthefactthatwehaveanice-freedeep-waterportwithpotentialforanysizeship.Thismeantthatin1900sSquamishneededBCRailservicetobringgoodshere.TherewasnoroadconnectiontoVancouverupuntil1956.UptothatpointallthingspertainingtoSquamishwasbyship.Withthishistoryandcurrentuniquestatus,ensureallrelatedindustries,jobsandeconomicsaremaintained.
Squamishhasuniqueportfunctions-deepseaportandshortseashipping
• Squamishcouldbeadeep-seaport;thiscouldmakethetownboomifthatisthedirectionitwantstogo.Exploitthisopportunitytomovegoodsthroughdeepseaandreducetrucktraffic;
helpSquamishTerminalsexpand,notrestrictthem.Needsomewhereforshipping,transportationandforestryindustrymarinetraffictogo.
• Highway,deepseaandrailallconvergeintoahubinSquamish.Concernthatthroughdevelopment,thisopportunityisbeingprohibitedfromflourishing.Districtseemsdeveloper-focused.Needopportunitytoletindustryflourish.
IfWLNGfails,thisareaisareadytogobrownfieldsiteidealfordrydockshiprepair/construction
ConcernforlosteconomicopportunitiesinSquamishonourwaterfront.Viewtheshouldertoshoulderresidentialdevelopmentthatisgoingon.Whileprobablytoolatetoturnthisaround,iftheWLNGexportproposalfails,thisareabeingabrownfieldareaalreadyisidealfordrydockshiprepair/constructiontohappen.AslandbecomesincreasinglyscaresinVancouverforthistypeofindustryWoodfibrecouldbesetupnicelyforthispurpose.
Concernre:PortCorporationasanotherbeaurocraticlayer
PortCorporationsownthelandandmaketheirmoneybycollectingfees;becomesaregulatorybody.Addsanotherlayerofreviewandaddscost.Investmentsmaynotbemadetoavoidthesecosts.
Forestryindustry
Forestryindustrypayslivingwage
• ItshouldbefactoredintoSquamisheconomicstorythatindustryemployeesarepaidwell,livingwagesandpatronizetherestaurantsandshopsversussomeofthenew“technology/knowledgebasedindustry”jobswhichsupportfeweremployeesandarepaidatalowerwage.
• Industryusesalltechnicalandprofessionalsincludinglawyers,architects,engineers;notonlylabourers;keyskillsarealsoneededtorunmachinery.Findingskilledworkersishardandweneedtokeepattractinglabourforce.
• AACissciencedriven;jobsshouldnotdecline;forestryindustryisasustainableemployer.
SquamishTerminals
SquamishTerminalsenablesthemovementofgoods
OnBC’scoastportpropertyisscarceandcostly.Terminalsreceivestwoinquiries/monthtorepurposeitslandorchangeitsbusinessmodel(e.g.,movingmoreproducts,addingcruiseships).Weneedtoidentifywhatisimportanttousinourcommunityregardingthemovementofgoodsandpeople.
Mixeduses
Wehaveimportantindustrialandrecreationalresourcestoacknowledgeandmanage
Balanceisneeded;wehaveaveryimportantindustrialresource;recreationvalueisalsorampingup;thesefeaturesneedtobeacknowledgedandcanworktogether;theyarenotmutuallyexclusive.
Needamixofuses
• Needamixofuses;industrywashistorybutfrom20000-footlevelthereismoreopportunityforeconomicdevelopmentwithrealestateandnon-industrialuses.
• ExcitedaboutaFalseCreekvision/seawallactivityalongwaterfront,withstorefronts/restaurants;activities;beautification;areallveryexciting.“HopeI’mstillherein10yearstoseeit.”Squamishoceanfrontissuchadestination.Keepthegreenspaceamongstthat.
Lightindustryisok–makesitinteresting.
Donotletthewaterfrontbecomeallresidentialdevelopment
Concernthatwiththechangeshappening(reducedindustrialaccess0,governmentshouldnotswingwayovertotheotherend.Themarinewaterfrontcannotbeusedonlyforresidentialdevelopment.Keepitforvariousindustrialandsocial/recreationalpurposes.
DevelopmentwilladdalottoSquamish
BetweenMarinaandMistral–thesedevelopmentswilladdalotofvaluetoSquamish.
Bedroomcommunityconcern
Concernthatharvestingisanegativeactivitybutcomparethiswiththousandsofcarsdrivingtothecityandbackeveryday;concernwearecreatingabedroomcommunityifnotenablingthecommunityindustrytothrive.
Certaincommercialusesarekeytothevitalityofasenseofplace
Certaincommercialusesarekeytothevitalityofasenseofplaceandthereforeapositiveconsideration.Forexample,marinasorfloathomesprovideactivityatallhoursoftheday(particularlyimportantgiventhesizeoftheseawallsproposedresultinginadisconnectbetweentheuplandandshoreline).TheDistrictmaywanttoconsidercommercialactivitiesthatfalloutsidetheexistingmunicipalapprovalprocess.
MBCandUpperMBCPlanning
ConcernthatdevelopmentisleadingUpperMBCsubareaplanningchanges
Whatarethenextstepsfollowingthe2012UMBCLandUseStudyfortheUpperMBC?Concerniswearereactingtodevelopersratherthanleadingthem.
Lossoflightindustrialusesonthewaterfront
ConcernthatthemarinestrategyisincludingtheissueofindustrywhenCouncilhasalreadymadedecisionswithlastingeffect.InthelastOCP,criticallandsinMBCwereidentifiedasimportantlightindustrialwithaccesstothechannel;andthenthoselandswererezonedfortheWaterfrontLanding.Lightindustrialzoningwillnevercomeback.Acriticalelimination.AllthatisleftisSiteB.SomezoningdesignatedinCattermoleSloughbutNewportistryingtochangethiswithauniversitycampus.
OpenupCattermoletoMBC
MBCrequiresahighcostbothfinanciallyandenvironmentallytomaintainasanavigablechannel.ConcernthatitdoesnotmakesensefortaxpayersofSquamishtofootthebillformillionsofdollarsforcontinuousdredgingofMBC.SuggestChanelbeopenedupintoCattermoleslough.ThisideawasfloatedduringthefirstOceanfrontengagementprocess.Fromaboaters’pointofviewitmakessense.OpenthischannelandnotonepennywouldhavetobespentondredgingagainastheSquamishterminalswouldtakecareofthismaintenanceissuetohaveshipsentertheEastberth.WinWin.Also,withanewchanneltonavigatetoandfromtheMamquamblindchannel,apermeantlandbridgecanbeinstalledacrossit.Anothereconomicwin.
Facilities
Planningforlocationoffuturewaterfrontfacilities
Thefollowingisalistofwater-dependentfacilitiesneededforrecreation,commercialtransportation/industryandconservationactivitiesthatcannotbelocatedanywhereelseandwhichformpartofanintegrated,holisticwaterfrontexperience:
• Smallboatlaunchesandrelatedparking• Marinevesselrepairandmaintenancefacilities• Marinevesselmanufacturing• Drydock• Heavyliftbargefacilities• Railbargefacility• Waterfrontprimaryprocessingoftimberorwoodresiduals• Floatplanebaseinouterharbour• MarineSearchandRescuestation• Emergencyresponsesuppliesdepots• Bargestie-up• Fastferrydock• Smallcruiseshipsdock• Largecruiseshipdock(?)• Floathomecommunity• Fishingboatsdock• Netsheds/fishingequipmentstorage• Newlogbundlede-wateringfacilities• Bargeload-outforlogs• Bargeload-outforchipsand/orhogfuel• StawamusRivergravelcontrolsystem• Safehighwaytruckaccessto/fromharbour• Accessoverfuturedikesforsmallboatharbours,fueltrucks,othertransport.
Throughtheoceanfrontprocesses,thesediscussionswerenotattheforefront.EnsureMAStpaintsamorecompletepictureofallplanningneedsandchallenges.Considertheabovefacilitiesinthemarineenvironment.“Replacevesselfacilitiesweusedtohave.WehadtheMBBritanniaatthefootofMaine.RebuildthemaritimeinterfacethatSquamishhad20yearsago.Bargetieupsandferrydocksareneededforallsortsofusesandactivities–beitfortourism,recreationorindustry.”
Fuelingstationneeded
SquamishNationdiscussedthissomewherearoundgovernmentdock.
Consideraplaceforboatbuildingschool
Ashipyardorboatbuildingschoolcanaddtothelocalmarine-basedeconomy.
Employment
Planforemploymentuses
Certainemploymentuses,asnotedpreviously,shouldbeacknowledgedandplannedfor.MarineactivitiesonCrownlandwillberegulatedbytheprovincewithreferralinputfromtheDistrict,whileprivatewaterlotsaresubjecttothemunicipalplanningprocessandthereforeshouldbeconsideredintheOfficialCommunityPlan.
Allowformarinebasedbusinessthatsupportsrecreationalandcommercialboaters:needboatramp,boatlift,marineyardandmarineschool
ThereneedstobeadiscussionaboututilizingsomeofthewaterfrontlandstodevelopmarinebasedbusinessesthatsupportrecreationalandcommercialboatersinSquamish.ThenumberofvesselslocatedinSquamishisonlygoingtogrowaseachadditionalmarinaisadded/expanded.Inordertosupportthisgrowththereshouldbeaneasilyaccessibleboatramp,boatliftandmarineyardthatincludesmarinemechanicsandachandlery.Itwouldalsobegreattoseeamarineschoolthatofferscoursesinmarinemechanicsandmarinepilotagecertification.
Enforcement
Addresssquatters
Concernforincreasingnumbersofpeoplelivingincampersorinthebushesintheestuary.
RecreationandOtherSocialUses
InterviewQuestion1d.Whatisyourperspectiveonhowthemarineenvironment/HoweSoundshouldbeusedforrecreationandothersocialuses?
Managingmultipleuses
Userconflictscanbemanaged
• Ourwaterscanbeusedforrecreationandworkingharbor.• Limitedspacesoneedtoshare.• Don’tneedtohaveonlytourismorrecreation;industrycanworkwellwithalluses;thatiswhat
communityisallabout;allthefacetsareneededinacommunity.Forexample,theforestryindustryworkswellwithSORCA.
• Keepthemarinetransportationcorridorclearandfreeofuserconflicts.• Collaborationswithwindsportshasbeengoingonforyears;withproperplanning,itcan
continue..• InthepasttherewasalotofwateractivityintheMBCamountingto15movements/dayatits
maximum.“wemaynotreturntothemarinetrafficwehadinthe60sasvesselsarelargernowandthereislessactivitygoingon;wemayhave3terminalsatbestinthefuture.Userconflictpotentialcanbemanaged.
Considersensitiveenvironmentalareas
Ithinkit’simportantforpeopletorecreateoutsideandenjoyourenvironment,butweneedtolimitaccesstosensitiveareas(forexample,theestuary,ortheforeshoreduringkeylifecyclestagessuchasforagefishspawningperiod,andetc.)
Safepubicaccesstothewater
Thecommunity’saccesstothewaterisextremelyimportant
• YetitisalsoimportantthatsuchaccessbesafeforallusersofHoweSound.Potentialconflictsneedtobeunderstoodandmanaged.
• Beingacoastaltown–surprisingtohaveverylittleopportunityforgeneralpublictoaccesstheforeshore.
• Obviouslydon’twantpublicaccessin/aroundlogsortareasbuttheopportunitytoaccesstheforeshoreshouldbeaddressed/highonthelist.Estuaryareahasreasonableaccess/trails;butonMBCside–only2or3spotsandnoteasyaccess.
Accesstogeneralpublicnotjustextremeusers.
MistralcutoffwalkwayalongtheMBC;willtheyopenthisupeventually?Wouldbenicetohaveapublicwalkwayfromoneendtoother.
Industryneedstobefocussedinakeyarea
Ourwaterfrontareasarenotafriendlyplaceforrecreation.Thelogsortshavebeenaroundforsolong;ashametheycomethroughdowntownwhichisprimeresidentialrealestate.SiteBwillbegood.Don’thaveindustryeverywhere,focusit.
Visitationandrecreationaluses
Needtoenablemorerecreationalusethanispossiblenow.
“Unlessyouareapaddleboarderorkiteryoudon’tuseit.”Idealtohavemoremarinaspaceinthecommunity.
Continuetopromotewindsurfing,asitwillhaveanewhomeoncetheTrainingdikeismovedaswell.
Rockclimbingandcampsitesareabigneedhere.
Enhancingrecreationalblueways/waterways:
Thisissuchagreatideaforrecreation;atCattermoleSlough,youcanpotentiallygoinapassthatisculvertedoffbutthiscanleadtoanarrayoftributariesandendlessnetwork;couldbemapped;andwouldbesafe;couldstartatAdventureCentre;opentheseupandhavereasonableplacestoplay.Createsafunctionalloop.Evenasmallboat–hardtogetanywhereotherthaninHoweSoundanddealingwithseriouswindandwavesanditisscaryandpotentiallydangerous;so,ifcouldgointotheEstuarysafelyandnotimpacttheecosystem,itwouldbefantastic.Needtotalktoallthelandownersandstewardshiptoagreetothis;wouldalsocleanupthewaterasitwouldflushthewaterandwouldallowfreshwaterinandout.
Concernwithloggingcausingnavigationissuesinthechannel
Logginghasencroachedinthechannelandiscausingnavigationissuesforrecreationalboaters.
RecreationandTourism
Tourismandrecreationisunderutilizedinthemarineenvironment–PartnerwithIndustry
• Forrecreationandtourismpartnershipswillbekey.Opportunitytopartnerwitheducationinstitutionsandwithotherbusinessesthatneeddocks/boatssuchasWLNGandbuildupthemarinetourismsectorinHoweSound.Needfacilitiesandpromotion;partnershipcanhelpdeliverontheseneeds.
• Thereisgreatopportunityformarinebasedtourism/recreationandthemainissueislackoffacilitiesandpromotion.“Witheconomicdownturn,therewereunderusedtaxisfromindustryrealmandwetooksometouristsout.ThatishowSquamishHarbourEcoToursbegan.”Tourismcannotpayfordockinfrastructureandroadswhichiswhereindustrycanhelp.WLNGforexample,alsoneedssuchfacilities/infrastructure.Needpartnershipstomakethishappen.WLNGhasspentmillionstoremediatetheirsite.Canusetheirdeeppockets.DarrelBaypartnershipsalsopossible.Mayneeddifferentscaleofinfrastructureforpassengers;importanttodevelopinfrastructurethatallcanuse.
Viewscapeisanasset
Thegondolaisanextensionofthemarineenvironmentduetoviewscapeoverthemarinerealm.
WaterfrontWalkway
Protectandenableacontinuousoceanfrontwalkway
Don’tletbusinessesorresidencescutoffpublicaccessorwalkways.LikeatFalseCreek,enablecontinuouswalkwaysandhavetheseoutfrontalongwater’sedge.Itjustmakessense.WhatdoourDesignguidelinessay?
Continuehistoricwalkway
TheDistricthasdoneextensiveworkwiththecommunityonprotectingvaluableenvironmentalfeatures.ThereneedstobethecontinuationofthehistoricwalkthatwillbeginwiththeSiroccodevelopmentalongtheMamquamBlindChannel.
PedestrianbridgeoverMBC
• WaterfrontLandingisproposingapedestrianbridge.Thisbridgeshouldnotimpedeexistingandmarineusesinthechannel.
• Concernnotwideenoughformaintenancebarges.
Pierattraction
ThinkaboutSantaMonicafishingpier,HuntingtonBeachpier,orDavisBaypier;thesearefunctionalinterestingattractionsandbecomeiconic,amagnetandgatheringspot.
Parkingwillbeanimportantasset
Assitesareredeveloped“parking”forrecreationaluserswillbeincreasinglyinneed,competingwiththealreadytightdowntownparkingsituation.Theproposedwaterfronttrailandactivetransportationinitiativeswillhelp,butmanyoftheusersaretransportingsportingequipmentwhetheritbemotorizedboats,paddleboardsorkites.
Boatingandmarineinfrastructure
Preventillegalmooringanddocking
Concernwithboatersdockingwithoutpermissiononprivatemarina;despitepolicebeingcalled,theyleaveandthenreturn.
BoatingInfrastructureneededforlocalandvisitingboaters
• Squamishismissinganattractiveplaceforboaters;noplacetogetgas–nofueldockoradecentpublicdock.
• Docking,fuelandMoorageforlocaltransientandvisitingboatersareimportantamenitiesfortheeconomy.Thereisnotalotoffuelsupplyareas;SunsetBeachorGibsons.Ensurethisinfrastructureisdesignedtosuitallkeyboatsizes.WithouttheseinSquamish,itwillbeverydifficulttoattractboatingbusinesshere.
• Recognizecommunityneedsforcertainrecreationactivities,whetheritbeforapublicboatlaunch(largerboatsthantheOceanfrontlauncheswillaccommodate)andfueling.
• Onwaterfuelwouldbeimportant;permittedusebutisitbestuse?Perhapshaveitaspartofcurrentindustrialplaces–likeSquamishTerminalduetoinfrastructure.MaybeSFNofinterestinthiskindofuse.
• BoatlaunchisnottobeaddressedattheOceanfront;moreforkayaks;thisismorenon-motorized.
Needapublicboatlaunch
Whereislandavailableforboatlaunch/access?
Marinainfrastructureneeded
ConcernwithMistralnotputtinginamarina;duetobeinganoldlogdumpinthewaterareahere,itisshallowandwouldneeddredging.
SquamishYachtClubneedssecureland
ConcernthatcurrentlocationofSYCisnotsecure.
Sailingispartofthewaterfront
Onceitsfutureissecure,SYCredesignwillconnectwellwiththeideasforanoceanfrontwalkway.
Industryisasupporterofrecreationamenities
WithoutSquamishTerminals,thecommunitycouldnotafforditsamenities.RecentEconomicImpactStudyshowedthatawalkingpatharoundthewaterfrontwillnotnecessarilyleadtofundingcommunitycontributions/amenities;industryhasplayedalargeparthere.
Live-aboardsareanassetintheboatingcommunity
• Live-aboardspacedemandisincreasing;hardtomanage.• SYClookingintomakingadecisiononlive-aboards.Whileasmallpercentagetheyprovide
securitypresence.FloathomesdevelopmentsmaybringoutpoliciesthatcanhelpinformSYCregulationchanges.
WaterQuality
Improvewaterquality
• Keepthewaterclean.• WaterqualitytestingisimportantforSYCwhichrunsasailingschoolwithkidsandadultsfalling
intothewateroften.Concernwiththeyearsofindustrialusesinthechannel.
Concernwithsomelive-aboardsdumpingrawwasteintotheMamquam.
FishinginHoweSound/theestuary
Fishingisanimportantrecreationalactivityintheestuary
Estuaryimportantforfisheriesindustry.Partofanoverallplanbylandownersthatputintherailroadinthefirstplace(BCRail).
BanfishingpermanentlyinHoweSound
ApermanentbanoncommercialfisheryinHowesoundshouldbeimplementedandthefocusshouldbeontherecreationfisherywhichbringswithitlocaleconomicgrowth.
Identity
IncreaseSquamishMarineenvironmentidentity:ThemorepeopleidentifywiththemarineeconomyofSquamish,themoretheywillrespectit
• MakethemarinerealmplayabiggerroleinSquamishidentity.Themorepeopleidentifywithitthemoretheywillrespectitandtheusesthemarineenvironmentenablesfortheeconomy,recreationandtheecosystem.
• Forexample,Councilquotedassayingthatthefootbridgewasthebestpartofaproposalbutthisinfrastructurecomeswithrisktonavigation;tofocusonwalkingpathonly,andnotconsideringimpactstowater-basedmarineusesisworrisome;theremaybepotentialissues.Whileotherchecksandbalancesareinplaceit’stheperspective.IfthiswasamarinecommunitylikeCampbellRiver,thenCouncilwouldhaveknownthatafootbridgewouldaffectmarine-basedindustry/uses.ThisdemonstratesthemindsetofourCouncil,ofourCommunity;themarineeconomyisnotattheforefront.
• Anotherexample:inameetingwithNewportDevelopmentreviewingcommunitysurveyresultsastowhatshouldbeinthepark.Theywereshockedthatpeoplewantedaboatlaunch.Thisshowsthemindsetofdevelopers/ourleaders.
Transportation
Floatplaneandsmallferryserviceinfrastructure
Themarineenvironmenthaspotentialforfloatplanesandperhapssmallferryservice(similartotheAquabusinFalseCreek).
Clarifywhererailaccessisneeded
Approachopportunitiesholisticallytakingintoconsiderationtheimportanceofservicessuppliedbyrailinparticularandforestindustryasthenextissueofimportance.
Policingandenforcement
Needformorepolicing-ConcernwithlowwaterqualityinMBC
WaterqualitycontinuestodropintheMamquamblindchannelarea.Concerntherehavebeennumerusfuelspillsoverthepastdecadeandcontinueduncheckeddischargeoflive-aboards.Thereisopportunityforsmallboatstoexisthereonalong-termbasisaslongasthepollutionissuesarepolicedmuchbetter.
EnvironmentalProtection/StewardshipConsiderations
InterviewQuestion:1e.Whatneedstobeprotectedorrestored?
Estuary
Concernwithlackofunderstandingofahealthyfunctioningestuary
Forexample,useofsheetpilingintheMBCastheysaidtheywerenotgoingtodobutaredoingsoanyway.HoweSoundcurrentdeliversupto$4.7billioninecosystembenefitseveryyear.2Weneedtoensurethecontinuedhealthofourecosystemwhichthenbenefitsthehealth,well-being,andresilienceofourcommunities,andtheseecosystembenefitsneedtoberecognized.Forprotectingtheenvironment-Howfarbackdowewanttogo?Somuchhasbeenlostinalittleoveracenturyofcolonization.Whatistheultimategoal?
UnderstandingwhattheWMAisallabout
Balanceofusesisneededwithashorelineenvironment.DesignatingtheWMAisgoodbutthereisalackofunderstandingofwhatthatis;notthereforpublicuse,yetit’sthereforthebenefitofthepublic(e.g.,walkingdogs).
RecreationinWMAconservationarea
ConcernwithpublicuseingeneraloftheWMA/conservationarea.Howtocoordinatewiththepublic,withuserswhenrecreatinginconservationareastominimizeimpacts.Assessmentifsomeusesareappropriate.Enablesomeareastoactasbuffersformoresensitivehabitats.Findbalancewithprecautionaryprinciple.
Concernforlossofecosystemfunctioningwithfillingnexanintothewater
Eelgrassisgoingtobedestroyedinplaces;needtostrikeabalancebutshouldnotdosobylosingestuaryfunctions.Workwithinexistingbrownfields..
SeektochangethestatusoftheSquamishRiverEstuaryintoaNationalwildlifeparkreserve
ItisalsooneoftheImportantBirdareasofCanada.
Theestuaryfunctionstomitigatestormimpactsandpredictedsealevelrise
Needtoraiseattentionofmitigationfunctioningofanestuaryandsoftshoreapproacheswhichhelpsmanageseverestormsurgesandpredictedsealevelrise.AlreadythereisovertoppingonLoggersLane.
2DSFreport–SoundInvestment MeasuringtheReturnonHoweSound’sEcosystemAssets,2015.
Staffknowthis;whiletheyarefocusingononesmallarea,thisapproachneedstobecoastwideinSquamish.
Continuetoprotecttheestuaryfortheecosystemandpublicsafetyandusevalues
• Estuaryneedstoremainprotected.• Somepeopledonotknowaboutthetrailsintheestuary.Advertisethisinformation.Ifpeople
haveemotionalattachmenttosomething,they’llcaremoreaboutitsconservation.• Protectallthehabitatvaluesalreadydesignated–thisisjob#1!• Protechabitatvaluesthatarenotyetprotected.• Leavetheestuaryareaprotected.
Nofishingintheestuary
Wouldliketoseenofishingintheestuarybutratheropenitupforwalksandtourism.
MamquamBlindChannel
ProtecttheecosystemoftheMBC
TheMamquamBlindChannelanditsecosystemneedstobeprotected.
StudypollutionissuesandputregulationsinplaceintheMBC
TheSquamishHarbourAuthoritywouldliketoseetheMamquamBlindChannelanditsecosystemprotectedandimprovedupon.ThepotentialforpollutionintheChannelneedstobestudiedandregulationsputinplace.CurrentlytheHarbourAuthorityisenrolledintheGeorgiaStraitAllianceCleanMarineBCprogram.ItisourhopetoseeallnewdevelopmentsontheChannelenrolledinthisprogramandfollowthepoliciesasaminimumstandardinstewardship.
ConcernforfishbearingstreamsacrossMBC
ConcernwithtwosalmonstreamsandafishbearingcreekbelowrockbluffonEastsideofMBCthatneededtobeidentifiedandmanaged.
Let’sgettheOolichanback–dredgemudoutofupperMBC
Inthe1960stheOolichanwerefoundingravelzonesinpartsoftheestuaryandnowtheyarenot;thisisthenextplan;dredgingtheupperMBCbeyondtheCNbridge.Oolichanusedtospawnthereinthegravelbutnowallmud;ideaistoremoveit;thefishmaycomebackandthiswouldalsoopenthewaterwaysupforrecreation(canoeing,kayaking,SUP);couldaddawharfnearAdventureCentretogainaccess.
ManagementofsiltinginMBC
TheMamquamBlindChannelisbeingsiltedupandaplanisneededtodredgethe(soontobedesignated)navigationchannel.
ImprovetrafficpinchpointsatStawamusRiver
ThebermthatexistedatthemouthoftheStawamusriverneedstoberestoredtopreventtheconstantbuildupofsiltthatcollectsacrosstheChannelatthispointlimitingtraffictospecifictides.
Environment-protection,stewardship,policy
Maintainopenlinesofcommunicationswithstewardshipgroups
ConcernthatDistrictiscommunicatingwithindustryonlyonsomeprojectsandnotwiththemainstewardshipgroupsinthecommunity.Needtomakedecisionsthatreflectcommunitymembers’perspectives.(N)
Conservationhasbenefittedfromkeypartnerships
HerringrecoverywouldnothavebeenpossiblewithoutSquamishTerminalsinvolvement.The‘herringfactory’isundertheEastDock.VeryhighsurvivalratenowversusonshorelinewhereEagles,weatherandtidesdamagetheeggsandhabitat.Anotherexample:WLGNnotedtoDFOthattheirdatawasoutofdate.StreamkeepersbuiltapartnershipwithSquamishTerminaltoaddressnewchallengesandphasesforartificialspawninghabitat.Beneficialindustrypartnershipscanthereforehelpconservationandmarineecology.
Environmentalprotectionprotocolsneededforrecreationalmarinas
Waterpollutioninrecreationalboatmarinesisanunderemphasizedtopic.Concernwithlackofsufficientenvironmentalsafeguardsatrecreationalmarinasforsuchemergenciesasoilspills.Recreationalmarinasdonothavethesameprotocolsforprotectionandpreparednessasinothermarinebasedsectors.Issueismanypeopleinvolved;neededucationprocess.
Howenvironmentalpreservationisachieveddependsonzoningofadjacentlands.
Workwithindustry
Wherepossible,weneedtoworkwithexistingindustries(e.g.,SquamishTerminals)toreduceimpacts,forexamplevesselwake,airpollution,andunderwaternoisefromshipsandtugboats.
Workwithtourism
Beawarethattourismalsohasimpacts;needtoplannowforwaystomitigatethoseimpactsbyimprovingtrails(especiallyraisedtrailsinsensitivehabitats),limitaccesstosensitivehabitats,andeducatevisitorsonstewardshipandbestpractices.
Ecosystemvibrancy
Marinelifehasimproved
SawthelittlelifeinthepastbecauseIlivedonthewaterbefore.Iseenowhowmuchlifethereisouttherenowanditwouldbesadtoreversethat.Sawschooldolphinsandwhales.Peopleareattractedbyacleanvibrantmarineenvironment.Tragedytogobackwards.
Needecosystembaselinedata
Ifcontaminationhappensneedbaselinetobeabletocompare.
TrainingDikeRealignmentisawinwinwin
• Thisisawinwinwinforrecreation,theenvironmentandindustry.• MovingthespitwillmeanlessmoneyspentbySquamishTerminalstodredge.• WithfishasprimaryareaoffocusforStreamkeepers,itisimportanttomoveaheadwith
removingtheSpitandreplacingitatthePier.Windsportsneedsomething.Meanwhilethe
salmonwillhaveanappropriaterearinggroundbeforeheadingouttosea.ChinookandCohoinparticularwillbenefit.
Balanceofusesneeded
Clarifywhatistrulytheestuaryareaforpreservationandwhatareascanbemodified?
Needbalance;estuaryincrediblyimportant.Theoceanfrontdevelopmentisgoingtobeimprovetheland.
Byprotectingindustrialareasthisprotectstheenvironmentandensurespublicsafety
Noquestionthatourenvironmentneedsprotectingandbyprotectingtruckroute,railandwateraccesstocarriers,thisenablesgreaterprotectiontotheenvironmentaswellascreatessafetyandefficiency.
Keepitclean
Preventboatsquatting
CleaningupLarsen’sboatswasagreatachievementfortheDistrict.
Addressingpilings
• Pullingoutoldpilings.• Coveringcreosotepilings.
Needabuildingcodeforboatdocks
WheresteelorconcretepilingsareusedandStyrofoamshouldbeencasedsoasnottoendupinourMarineenvironment.
EnsureResiliency
FloodproofingandecosystemrecoveryforUpperMBC
Culvertandfloodcontrolmeasureshavebeenputinplacesothatallsmallwaterwaysareconnected;focusisonmaintenanceinthoseareas.NextstepsaretofocusconnectionsalongLoggersLanetoenablemorewaterflow.(N)
Challengehowtoaccomplishfloodprotectionwithoutarmoring
Environmentalprotectionisgoingtobechallengingwiththefloodprotectionstrategy.2mofSLR?Howisthataccomplishedwithoutarmouringofbanks.Achallenge!
Buildinbufferstoensureresiliency
Needtoincreasebuffersbetweendevelopmentandriparianhabitat,andprotectsensitiveshorelineandstreamhabitats.
VisionandValues
InterviewQuestion2a:Thinking10yearsfromnowintothefuture:Whataresomeofthekeymarinevaluesthatshouldbehighlightedinthemarinestrategy?
DiversityandVibrancy
Vibrantwaterfront
• Iseeavibrantactivewaterfrontwithgreatexamplesofenvironmentalstewardshipandeverystakeholderhavingaroleinthewaterfront;Iseeinstallationofnewprojectsandcontinuedrehabilitationforherringandothermarinespecies.
• WeshouldbewalkingaroundinsomethingthatlookslikeaCoalharbourorFalsecreek;withactivitytodrawpeoplein;buildingstosee,boats/mastscapes,parks,trailsandhigh/lowrisemix.“Mistralwasbuiltanditisthefirstnewbuildingontheoceanfrontinover20yearssinceMarinaEstates.”
• Waterfrontrevitalizationandaccesstowaterfront.• DevelopEconomicdevelopmentstrategyinlinewithourvisionandvaluesforourwaterfront;
andpromotesustainableinvestment.• Asought-afterdestination.AFalseCreekvisionwithhighseawallactivity,storefronts/
restaurants;activities;beautification.
Diverseeconomy
Wanttoseeadiverseeconomy.
Protectourwaterfront/marinebasedassets
IdentifyandprotectSquamish’sthreemainwaterfrontassets-conservation,recreation,water-dependentcommercialtransportationandindustry.Ifweloseanyofthese,thereisno“PlanB.”IntheOceanwatchdocumentfromtheCoastalOceanResearchInstitute,“commercialtransportation”isconsideredakeyvalue.Concernthatifwelosetransportationandindustry,thenexpectmorelandtobepavedtocompensatewithneedfortruckingandrailuse.“Weareallinterconnectedinalargerwestcoastportsystem,soifloseone,itwillbecompensatedelsewhere.”Squamishharbourispartofalong–termideaforportfacilitiesandtransportationofgoods.
AcknowledgementofSquamishpastindustrialculture,history,tradition
Investmentinportfacilityiskey;SiteBforloghandling.
Sustainablemixeduse
Balancedandsustainable–MixedUseapproach
• Wehaveasolidbalancebetweenthethreesustainablelegsonthestool.Everythingworkswelltogether;nowinnersandlosers.
• Balancedapproachtomarineplanningwillbeneeded.• Maximizedpotentialformixeduse–developedwithagreatmarinestrategy;forthemostdiverse
usergroups.• WouldliketoseethecorridorofMBCasmixeduse;residential/industry/commercial.• Communitydevelopedinanenviro-friendlywayandnotnegativelyimpactingwhatisthere.
ContinuestoCleanuptheplace;foralltoenjoyanduse(industry,commercial,visitorsalike).• Lightindustrialandcommercialuseiskey.Recreationaluses.
Amixofusesallthriving
• Lighttoheavyindustry,transportation,tourism/recreational/accommodation,residential,retail,transportation,education,industrial/commercialland,waterlots,etc.
• Naturalcapital,estuarial,cleanwater,portlands(scarcityof),linkagetovariousmodesoftransportationandlanduse–ocean,road,rail,air,etc.).
Uniqueness
Uniqueness
DevelopavisionthatcapitalizesonourmarineSWOTanduniqueness;avisionthatstrikestherightbalancebetweenlanduse/protectionforeconomic,environmentalandsocialuses.
DevelopacommonunderstandingbyallstakeholdersofourmarineSWOT.
Marinegovernance
DevelopaframeworkforGovernance
Developaframeworkforstewardshipandgovernance(e.g.policy,bylaws,zoning,habitatcompensation,SEMP,safety,etc.);inclusiveofthevariousstakeholdersandregulatorybodies;aswellasreconciliationandobligationtoSquamishNation.Bewareofgaps,aswellasunnecessaryregulatoryoversightseeninotherjurisdictions.
Accessiblewaterfront
Makethewaterfrontaccessiblebythegeneralpublic.
ALotofthewaterfrontwasheldbyasinglelandowner.OnlyuntilrecentlydidBCholdmostofthelandalongtheMBC.Nowisthetimetotakeadvantageoftheseavailablelands.Forexample,lookatGranvilleIsland,Vancouver,orStevenson,Richmond.
Accessforrecreationaluseisimportant.
SenseofPlace/Accessibility/Connectivity
Maintainlocalaccesstothewater
Awaterfrontforthelocalcommunity
Maintainaccessibilityforworkingpeopleandnotonlyforthewealthy.ConcernwithmakingMBClikeCoalHarbour.Wanttoenablepeoplewholiveheretobeabletomoortheirboats.
Environment-Conservation,stewardship,thrivingmarinelife
Fishpopulationsarethriving.
Marinewildlife:Whalesarecomingback!Theinitiativeofgettingridofthecreosotepiles–talkingtofisheriesrep(DFO),andshowsincreasesinherringspawncomingback;beenheresince2011andtheclubmemberssaythefishingwasminimaltonon-existentin2011versusnowitisamazing.FishingisoffthechartsinHSinlastfewyears.I’veseenkillerwhalesregularlyoverthelastfewyearsaswell.Phenomenal.
Healthywatersheds=healthymarineenvironment
Somekeyvaluesshouldbeenvironmentalstewardship
Protection
Protectionofspecies,habitat,research,parkland,etc.
Increasedmarinewildlifeawareness
Awarenessandrespectformarinewildlife.
Partnerships
Integratedresourcemanagement
• Integratedresourcemanagementrequirespartnershipsbetweenindustryandconservation.SEMPisanexampleofIRM.“Holdontothisforumasitworked,andifitcanbemadetowork.”
• FortheSquamishMarineEnvironmenttobeseenasworld-classintermsofstewardship,diversityofuseandprotection.
Safetyplanning
Managementthatcoordinatesallthevariousstakeholdersversusreactingtoemergencies.
Publicdock
TheabilitytomaintainapublicdockisessentialforSquamishtobeseenasasafeharbourforrecreationalandcommercialvessels.
Updatedfloodmanagementinplace.
BigAchievements
InterviewQuestion:2b.Whatdoyouseearethebigachievements;thebigwinsinthemarineenvironmentfortheDistrict/forHoweSound?
AdoptionofSEMPandtheWMA
AdoptionoftheSEMPin’99
hugevictory.PreservationoftheestuaryenvironmentandprovidingdirectionforIndustryforwheretositetheiractivities.
EstablishmentoftheWildlifeManagementArea
WMAbigachievementtoacknowledge;fantasticnaturalresource.Therecouldbemore!
SEMPisanolddocumentnow,needsarefresh
Needsometweaksnowas20-year-olddocument;needstobeupdatedtolookforwardtonext20years.SEMPwasgoodforitsday;butthewayseniorlevelofgovernmentwork,theSEMCarenolonger
functionalandsosomethingneedstotakeitsplacesomaybeMAStcanbethat,oractionthat,tomovethingsforward.
Bringingbackmarinelife
Improvementsarebeingseen
Since’92we’vebeenworkingontheforeshore.Seeingsuchamazingaquaticlifenow.Theworkwithsalmonidsissucceeding/seeinggoodnumbers;Streamkeepersworkingonherring.Seeingoureelgrass,nudibranchs,crabsandotherfishspeciescomingback.Itisallconnected..
CleaninguptheEstuaryandHoweSound
• ThefactthatbetweenBritanniaandWFtherehasbeenabigcleanupandmarinelifehasreturned.
• ThebiggestwouldbethecleaningupofthemineatBritanniaBeachandthatatWoodfibre.
Seekingtolimitmarinepollution
• Limitingpollutionasmuchaspossible.• TheBritanniatreatmentfacilityhasbeenahugeassetindealingwithpollutionleachingintothe
Sound.
Addressingderelictboats
• DealingwithderelictboatsandS.Larsenjunkboats.• TheongoingandevolvingproceduresofdealingwithandeliminatingderelictvesselsinHowe
SoundwillhelptogiveteethtotheDistrictandotherintereststhatdealwiththemonaregularbasis.
• Removalofthederelictboatsandcreosotepiling.Streamkeepersinstrumental.
Dredging-ongoingneed
Dredgingdoneafewyearsago.Needtokeepdredging.Suggestion:ifthosewithaninterestpaidsomemoney(clubs,marinas,industry),itwouldhelpfundon-goingdredging.
Boatingeducation
Educationforrecreationalandcommercialvesselowners/operatorswithregardstoenvironmentalstewardship.
Increaseduseofoceanforrecreation
Itisbeingusedbythepublicnow;visitorsaregoingoutthere.Eveninthewaythatitlooksitisstillbeautiful.
SuggestionsforImmediateActions
InterviewQuestion3a:Whatisimportanttoachieveimmediately;sayinthenext1-2years?
Governance
Obtainjurisdictionalcontrol
Obtaincontrolinthewatertoaddresssquatters.
Developaframeworkforstewardshipandgovernance
Engageinacomprehensivepublicconsultationprocess;andevaluatethevariousoptionsthatwillultimatelyguidetheDistrictinthedevelopmentofaviableandsustainablewaterfrontplan.
Developavision
DevelopavisionthatcapitalizesonourmarineSWOTanduniqueness
Takeanecosystem-basedmanagementapproachtomarineplanning
Needforanecosystem-basedmanagementapproach(whathappensonthelandaffectsthemarineenvironmenttoo).EBMrequiresintegrated,multi-sectoralplanningapproach.“EBM,isanapproachthatgoesbeyondexaminingsingleissues,species,orecosystemfunctionsinisolation.Insteaditrecognizesecologicalsystemsforwhattheyare:arichmixofelementsthatinteractwitheachotherinimportantways.Thisisparticularlyimportantforoceansandcoasts.”3
EnablemoreEnforcementofbylaws
Enforceregulationsregardingillegaluses/activities.Publicsafetyissue.
ReconciliationwithFirstNations
ReconciliationwithFirstNationsisessential;concernwithlossoftraditionalknowledgeandhowFirstNationsusedtointeractwithHoweSoundbecausetheirtraditionalfoodshavebeenlostorbecomecontaminatedbyindustryforthemtoharvestsafely.”
Environment–ProtectionandStewardship
HerringremindsusthatMBCispartoftheestuary
HerringhasreturnedtotheMBCbuttheyonlygowherethewateriscleanandMBCissiltingup.Ifsiltispresent,theywillgoelsewhere.NeedtoaddresssiltationinMBC.“RecoveryofherringhasbroughtbacktherealizationthatMBCispartoftheestuary,withitsownhabitat,salmon,herring,otter.WeforgetthisbecauseitisnotadesignatedWildlifeManagementAreaandisnotseenaspartoftheestuaryorhavingestuaryfunctions.”
Supportwaterqualityimprovementefforts
• EnablefreshwaterworkinMBC(rewateringproject)• ThereisanattempttoconsiderfunnelingfreshwateraroundMBCwhichhasmanybenefits:
floodhazardmanagement;recreationalopportunities;habitatimprovementsforsalmon(recallfishingat“CohoRock”underhighwaybridge).
• Addresspoint-sourcepollutionfromboatsatthemarina
3 UNEP(2011):TakingStepstowardMarineandCoastalEcosystem-BasedManagement-AnIntroductoryGuide.
AddressdredgingatmouthofStawamusRiver
NeedasolutiontothedredgingissuelocatedatthemouthoftheStawamusriver.
RestoretheSquamishEstuary
• Removethespitimmediately• Continueremovingpiles.
Managedevelopmentandshorelinemodificationtominimizeimpacts
Developastandardformarineripariansetbacks.
Establishcleargoalsformarineandriparianforeshoreprotection
• Establishclearlywhatareaswillberetainedorimproved?Whatareaswillbeusedfordevelopment?
• Somestandardscouldbedevelopedtobeconsistentwiththemarineforeshorearmouring/protectioncoupledwithgoalsofIFHMP;integratethosebettersothereisbetterdirectionofwhatisexpectedofthem;notclearnow.
• Concernthatsensitiveecosystemsandhabitatsarenotprotected• Considercumulativeeffectswhenmakingplanningdecisions• Wastefrompetsneedstobetreatedappropriately.Hundredsofdogspoopinginthewoods
everysingleday.
Developmentplanning
Collectdatafornewareasofdevelopment
Collectingthedataandsettingoutparameterstoguidedecisionsversusopinion;createtheknownsandgofromthere;lookfordeficiencies(whatareaisactuallyneededtokeeplogindustrygoing?).Thinkoutsidethebox,lookatprivateownedwaterlottobenewareasofdevelopment.Concernforlackofbaselinedatatoevaluateimpactsofproposednewdevelopmentandindustrialprojects(maybeaddressedattheProvincial/Federallevel,butDoScanadvocateforfundingtoberestoredtocollectthisdata).
Researchwaterfrontrevitalizationplanningbestpractices
Researchotherwaterfrontjurisdictionsforrevitalizationandplanningbestpractices.
Encouragedeveloperstobringproposalsforward
Encourageprivatesector,developers,tobringideasforwardandavoidmoreengagement,planninganddiscussions;itistimetoactnow.
RecreationandIndustryAccess
SecurerecreationandIndustrialwateraccess
• Securewateraccessforrecreationandforindustry;planforitandsecureit.
• Oceanfrontzoninganddevelopmentplanningisneededinimmediateterm.Beassertiveonuses;don’tallowzoningcreep/shorttermgains.Iflightindustrialpropertyneedstositemptyfor10years,don’tpullitoutofthatzoning.
SecureSYCland
Withtheforeshorebeingsoldtoanewuplandowner,negotiationshavebeenverychallengingandareongoing.ThisisnowaffectingSYClanduselongevity/sustainability.“SYChasbeenhere40yearsandweappreciateourplacethereandwouldlikeanother40years.Thisisatoppriorityforus.”
Buildaboatlaunch
Currentsituationisrougestyle,beingdoneacrossprivateland.CoordinateplanningwithSFNasmajorwaterfrontholder.
Marinefacilitiesneeds
Needthebigpictureformarinebasedfacilities
• Squamishisseeingrapidpopulationgrowthandconcernisthereisinadequateinfrastructuretosupportthatgrowth
• Ensurewehaveawell-informedpictureoftheneedsforfacilities.• DevelopavisionthatcapitalizesonourmarinaSWOTanduniqueness;avisionthatstrikesthe
rightbalancebetweenlanduse/protectionforeconomic,environmentalandsocialuses.
Activatefacilitiesneededforrecreation,commercialtransportationandconservation
• IndustrialzoningsuchasLightIndustrywasremovedtoallowforWaterfrontLandingwithaimtorezoneDistrictLandsorotherprivatelands.Thisenablesanopportunitytoconsiderthefacilitiesneededforindustryaswellasrecreationandconservation.
• AFueldockisessentialinordertoencouragewaterbasedtourismandvisitingvessels.
Enablemoorage
Developmoorageprogram.Manyinquiriesaboutliveaboards.
Addresssquatting/derelictvessels
Removeanddiscouragesquattingandderelictvessels.
• Provideoptionsfortheownersofthesevessels.Beproactiveandworktoremovethevesselsfromthewaterbeforetheybecomeanenvironmentalhazard.
• RemovethederelictboatsinCattermole.• CleanuppollutantsandderelictvesselsintheMBC
Communications/Outreach
Conductcommunityandstakeholderoutreachtobuildawarenessofthesocio-economicandenvironmentalbenefitsmarinerealm
• Scopeanddefinethemarineenvironment.DevelopacommonunderstandingbyallstakeholdersofourmarineSWOT.
• Educatethecommunityaboutwhatisokay/notokaytoputdownthedrain(dilutionisnotthesolutiontopollution…)andconsiderbanningthesaleofchemicalsortoxinsthatthreatenthemarineenvironment
Transportation-Navigation
Establishsafetylanesfornavigation.
Clearjurisdictioninthemarineenvironment.Howtomakeitassafeaspossible.
AddressfloodprotectiondikinginCattermole
FixupdikinginCattermolearea.
Shoddydikinginthatareais,thereisnoriprapandnorealprotectioninCattermolearea;onlyononeside.Thiswillbedonewithdevelopmentbutshouldplanaheadofthegame.Districthadaskedforriprapyearsagoofallbusinesses.WhatisDougDaybeingaskedtodo?
SuggestionsforMediumTermActions
InterviewQuestion3b:Whatisimportanttoachieveinthemediumterm,say,inthenext3-4years?
Governance
Establishmarineuseplanningframework
DredginginMBCandUpperMBC
AssessthesourceofsedimentationintheStawamusRiver
NeedtoidentifythesourceofsedimentsintheStawamusRiverduringstormevents.ItisfeltthatexcessivesedimentationstartedafterthefirstFortisBCpipelinewasconstructed
Improveaccessbydredging
• InMBC:Duringlowtideaccesstotransientvisitoristreacherouswithoutspecificknowledgeandexperience.Increasingtransientvisitationin2017seekingmoorageandanticipatethistrendtoincreaseasthewaterfrontdevelops.SYCcouldpartnerinagroupeffort??
• Oneofthedocksisfillingin.Aswaterfrontdevelopsweassumedredgingwouldbepartoftheprocessbutnotsureaboutthis;wouldliketoknowaboutplansandbeinvolved.
UpperMBCshouldbedredgedtohelpwithreturnofOolichan
RemovethemudandwouldhavetoseedOolichaneggsaswell.Won’thappenonitsownanymore.
Planforwhatisneededandbereadyforfundingenvelopes
• Financingforfacilitiesandconservationneedstobeplannedfor.Bereadyforfundingenvelopessuchasfordocksanddiking.
• Forexample,concernthereisnoplanforhowtocoverfordikingneeds.• MAStcanhelptheforestryindustryapplyforfunding.“Weneedlandordockpreparedandtruck
accessready.MAStcouldhelpwithfundingaccessregardingfacilitiesupgradesandneeds.”.
Environment–ProtectionandStewardship
Identifynewprotectedareas
Strategizeonprotectedareaneeds;arethereotherareastosecureovertime?
AssessprotectedareasanddevelopmentareasinUpperMBC
AreasthatwereleftunassessedintheSEMPlikeUpperMBCshouldbeintegratedintothewholestrategy.Therewasneveranyfundingordesireinlast15yearstodoanythingaboutitfromSeniorlevelsofgovernment.
Redirect/removetheSquamishspit/dike
Improvewastewatertreatmentfacilities
• Considerupgradingtoaminimumoftertiary-leveltreatmentforthesewagetreatmentplant,andincorporateawaytocapturemicroplastics.Astreatmenttechnologyimproves,plantoremovehormones,anti-depressants,andotherdrugsthatarepartofoursewage
• TheDistrictshouldtalktoWhistlerandencouragethemtoupgradetheirsewagetreatmentfacilitiesaswell
Removeoldpilingsfromtheestuaryandshoreline
Marinefacilitiesneeds
BoatLaunch
• Developacommunity/accessibleboatlaunch;Notmanyboatlanding/launchingsites.• Nothinghappensfast!Seemseverythingtakesfiveyears,liketheOCP.• Ensureaplacetoparktruck/trailerforboatlaunch;canDistrictlandsbeusedforthiskindof
recreationaccess?
Marineyardandrelatedindustry
AboatliftwouldbeagreatassettoSquamish.TheclosestoneislocatedatRaceRocksinEagleHarbour.Amarineyardandrelatedindustry.
SYCwaterfrontimprovementsifobtainsecurityoflanduseintothefuture
IfSYCsecuresitsfuture,itcanbeginimprovingdocksandbuildinga“onthewaterclubhouse”;wouldensureinlinewiththeupgradesgoingalongthewaterfront.
Partnerships
Lookformutuallybeneficialsolutions–Identifypartnershipsandresources
“Capacitiesherearesmall;wedon’thavetourismsectortobuildasmalldocksopartnerwithsomeonewhoneedsone,andnotfulltime.Example:dockworkersfromPortMellonstayinSquamishandtaxidowntodotheirdockworks.Couldpartnerwiththem.”
Industrialchanges
Removeindustryfromdowntown
Removeindustryfromdowntownasthatwillhelpwithrevitalization;movethemtoappropriateplace.
Utilizerailcapacity
Servicethehinterlandactivities.
SuggestionsforLongerTermActions
InterviewQuestions3c:Whatisimportanttoachieveinthelongerterm,saybeyond5/6years?
Governance
MarinePlanning
Planneedstobedynamicsothatintenyearsthereisamechanismtocheckagainstmeasuresofsuccess;holdagainstwhateverisactuallyhappeningthen.Checkmeasuresevery5yearstodetermineprogress/changes.
Environment–ProtectionandStewardship
MarineProtection
• Identifyandworkwithvariousjurisdictionstoestablishmarineprotectedareaswithinthecontextofeconomic,environment,andsocialaspects.
• Implementtheprotectedareastrategy;thereareacquisitionopportunitiesbeyondtheWMAthatmakesenseforconnectivityacrossthelandscape.
• AdvocateforremovalofIPPsanddamsthataffectwildsalmonspawninghabitat(moreaprovincialissuebutDoScanadvocateforthis)
MarineTransportation
Assesspotentialforferryserviceandpocketcruiseshipopportunities
Considerpocketcruiseships(upto300passengers)andferryservices.
ImprovedaccessatNexenBeachforrecreation
Supportformarinas
Risksexisttoourmarinasthroughnolong-termsecurity.Ifthemarinasgoawaythenboatscouldendupanchoringatrandomallover.Pressureexiststoturnourmarinasintohouseboats.MarinashortageacrosssouthcoastofBC:anyloseswouldmakethisworse.
Marinefacilitiesneeds
• Buildtheneededdocks.• Createamarinestationwithaccesstofuel,dockandgetprovisions.
Waterfrontrevitalization
Initiatewaterfrontrevitalizationandaccess.
Implementeconomicdevelopmentstrategyinlinewithourvisionandvaluesforourwaterfront;andpromotesustainableinvestment.
Industryneeds
Growinglightindustrialonthewaterfront
Floodprotection
Investinfloodprotection
Ensureinvestmentaccommodatesthemarineuse;cannotaddagiantwall;needstointegratewiththewaterfrontuses.
KeyActions
InterviewQuestion4:Thinkingmorespecificallyaboutactions,initiatives,projects:Whatspecificactionswillhelpusgettothesesuggestedoutcomesandwhatistheidealtimelinetostartandendthem?
Recreationaluses
Begintobuildinecosystem-basedmanagementapproach
EducatestaffandcouncilaboutwhatEBMis.Needtostartnow,asIimaginethiswillbealengthyprocess.
Developrecreationalwaterwaythatopensupthewaterflow
Mapsomewaterwayloops,2or3;Cleanupthelittlecanalsandenableenjoymentoftheestuary;buildappreciation;morelikelytowanttoprotectit.Greatfortourismandtopromotethesewaterways;unique;saferthanocean;willattractmoreusers/visitors.Amapwouldbegreat.Thereisarailwaytracktodealwith;so,needtotalktoSquamishTerminalsandCNRThismakeswateraccessmoreuserfriendly.ThewatersaroundSkyaresouglyandstagnant;wouldbegreattoallowittomove.
Recreationalwaterusereducation
Increasingrecreationalwateruseovertheyears.Needstobemanagedandbuildineducationsopeopleknowwherethesafetylanesareforthedeep-seaships;mostdon’tknow.
Industry–economy
Supportnotrestrictindustry
Createpoliciesthatsupportnotrestrictindustry.Waterfrontpropertyisveryvaluable;stoppushingindustryout;industryenablesasustainablecommunitywithlivingwageworkers.
Desireformoreaffordabledevelopmentcharges
Bringinrezoningandpoliciestogettoactionandensurethecostsareaffordable;“stopchargingdevelopersmoremoney.Concernthatmunicipalitiesareadrainonthedevelopmentsystem”
Involvealltheplayersinthemarinestrategy
StartbyinvolvingtheRailbedowners(BCR)andSquamishTerminals,theSquamishFirstNations(whoineffectcontrolSiteB)besidethevariousgovernments(SLRD,DoS,Britannia,SunshineCoast,owners/operatorsofHoweSoundpulpandpaper,TugandBargecompanyforservicing).Lookatpastandpresentactivitiesandwherethefuturemightleadus.Planfordoingtherightthingwiththeseopportunities;requiresolutionstoservicetheforestindustry,jobsincludingagricultureindustry(VancouverPortshowingcannotmeetdemandglobally).
Safetyinshippingstandards
Wewilllikelyseeafullytechnicalsupervisedelectronicsystemthatcallsanyvesseloutofthepositionimmediately;similartotheNavy;usedmoreandmoreindeepseatransportationindustrybecauseofgrowthgloballyinnumberofsizesofships.
Environment–ProtectionandStewardship
Addresspollution,stewardshipandmarineusebeforedevelopmentbegins
Setpolicyregardingpollution,stewardshipandmarineusebeforeanyfurtherdevelopmentbeginsandensurethatitisincludedinanydevelopmentplans.
Protectareas
Developmentofhabitatsecurementplans/strategies.
Enforcementofbylaws
Enforcementofbylawsiskey;increasingcapacityforbylawofficers.
TopOverallPriorities
InterviewQuestion5:Whatshouldbethetop3prioritiestoconsiderintheMarineStrategy?(e.g.,issues,desiredoutcomes,orkeyactions?)
Access
SecureIndustryWaterAccess
• Supportindustrialuseofmarinerealm.• ManagingIndustrialandmixedusesinthemarineenvironment(industry/recreation/
development).• Newtechnologycanmovearound;forestryindustrycannot.Itiswaterbased.• Preservelandbasetoensureenoughlandforindustrytousebutitmayneedtothinkfurtherinto
thefutureandgeographicallythantodate.• Maintainlightindustrialandcommercialusetothewater.
Makethemarineenvironmentuserfriendly
Makethemarineenvironmentuserfriendly--Continuetodeveloprecreationanduseforgeneralpeopleandthatiswhypeoplecomehere;togoouttolookatthings;andcomeupbyboat;thentheywillloveitandmovehereorspendmoneyhere.
WaterAccessforAllUsers
• Accessforregularcitizens,byenablingaffordablemooringandboatlaunch.• Squamishresidentscanaccessthewater;allresidents.Bringcommunitytothepeninsula.
Governance
Goal:Playaleadingroleinprotectionandrestorationofmarinehabitatsandecosystemfunctions
JurisdictionandEnforcement
Havingownershipofthewater;extendedjurisdiction.ExercisecontrolintheChannelandenforcetherules.
Broadeningthescope
MAStcanbroadenthescopegeographicallytoincludetheharbour(MBC),Woodfibre,WattsPoint,DarrylBay.
Needaprocess/forum,multistakeholdertabletoadvise,makeandmonitorplans
Whowilllead/manageMASt?Needaprocess/forumforcoordinatingdiscussion,advising,creatingandmonitoringplans/initiatives.Thisisstillanumberoneissueformanystakeholders.ConcernthatDFO,Province,LNG,MOT,TransportCanadaneedtobeatthetable.
MamquamBlindChannelmarineactivitiesneedsmanagement.
Safety
Makeallconcernedbetterawareofthedangersinthemarineenvironmenttoensuresafetyandalleviateenvironmentalrisk.
CelebrateSquamishlogginghistory,culture
Protectloggingculture
• Ourcommunityhasitall;featurethelogworkasatourismperspective;loggingisaneconomicdriverinthecommunityandregion.ItisbydefaultofAAC,asustainableeconomy.
• ConcernwithturningLoggersSportsintoSquamishDays.Thatdayisthehighestbooking,notthemountainbikeraces.Concerntolooktolongtermsolutionsandnotfads.
• Lookingforward,loggingindustryisrelevantinSquamish;believeindiversity;forestrycanbepartofthepictureofSquamishfuture.
LoggingindustryispartofthehistoryandfutureofSquamish
Itisananchorindustry;doesnothavetobethewholeeconomybutafacetoftheSquamisheconomy.Itisnotatransitionsector;forestryisnotintroublehere;asafulleconomytown,wedon’tneedtotransitionawayfromforestry.Goodtoinviteothereconomiessuchasnewtechnologiesbutdon’tdoitattheexpenseofourlogginghistory,cultureandrealeconomy.Allcanthrivehere.
FacilitiesNeeds
Addresskeyboatingfacilityneeds
• Needpublicaccessiblemarinasandfueldock.• Establishingafueldock.• Needpublicmooring.• Needpierasfocalpoint.• Improvingand/oraddingaboatramp.• Identifyfacilityneedsonthemap.
Identifyfacilityneedsonthemap
Environment-protection
Protectkeyareasunderadesignatedzoning
Protectcurrentconservationlands.Protectecologicalprocesses–ensurealltidalareasanddrainagepatternsasnaturalaspossible.Strategizetoincreaseprotectedareas.
Removethespitastoppriority
Floodprotectionintegrationwithforeshoreprotection
Integrationoffloodprotectionstandardswithforeshoreprotectionshouldbeahighpriorityandincorporatesetbacksandclearpublicaccesspoints.
Goal:RestoretheSquamishestuaryandimprovewildsalmonhabitat
Goal:Incorporateanecosystem-basedmanagementapproachforfutureplanningdecisions
Useanecosystem-basedmanagement(EBM)planningapproachinfutureplanning.UseHoweSoundasacasestudyforhowtomanageanecosystem/watershedusingthisEBMapproach.
Recreation/visitation
Keepitclean
Cleanuptheforeshoretomakeitmoreattractive.
Connectthewaterways.
Marineidentity
IncreasemarineidentityofSquamish.
Education/Outreach
Goal:Allocatefundingtohelpincreaseawareness,educationandthepracticeofstewardship(aspertheOceanWatchExecutiveSummary).4
4http://oceanwatch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/CORI_OceanWatch_ExecutiveSummary-Online.pdf
OtherInsights
InterviewQuestion6:Doyouhaveanyotherinsights/suggestionsthatcouldinformmarineplanningorthemarinestrategy?
Governance
Concernthemarinestrategyistoolate
Seemslikeitistoolatetodothismarinestrategybecausewehavealreadygonedownthepathonsignificantamountofourgreenwaterfront;cannotcreatemoreshoreline.
ConcernOCPissettingdirectionthatdoesnotincludeMAStorEmploymentLandStrategy
ThinkabouthowMAStwillinfluencewhatisalreadyputintotheOCP–lotsofworkgoingonintandem;EmploymentLandStrategy–lotsofdecisionsbeingmadewithnewdata,butOCPissettingdirectionnotbasedonthisdata.
EnsureflexibilitywithMASt
UseMAStasguidedocument;haveMAStinformortakeprecedentovertheOCP.Thatis,makeOCPflexibletoenableMASttotakepriorityorbetheguidingdocument.
PastCommunityHarbourAuthorityopportunity
In1998,wehadtheopportunitytoapplytobecomeaCommunityHarbourAuthority.Councilwasnotinfavourofthis.Theopportunitystillstands.
Developmentplanning
Mappingcanshowwhatisneeded–whatisthefootprint
• Usefultohaveamapshowingalltypesoflandholdings.• Developacharttosummarizetotalforestryacreage/frontagealongwater;marinas/port,all
users.• Figureoutwhatisneeded.Privatelyheldwaterlots:Checkcadastralmap;manyalongthecoast
linedownHoweSound.Thesecouldbeusedinsomeway(loggingsort)withcompensationtoDFOandsupportedbyDoS.
Access
Publicspacesandmultiplewaterfrontaccesspointsshouldbetoppriorityinthedevelopmentplans.
Interpretivesignagealongseawall
AseawallormarinetrailshouldincludeinterpretivesignageonthehistoryoftheChannelandHoweSoundregardingFirstNations,industry,usageandlocalmarinelife.
MarineTransportation
Squamishisstillcompetitivebyrail
SquamishisthesamedistancetoPrinceRupertasPrinceGeorge.So,wearecompetitiveinthemarinetransportation/shippingworld.
Federalandprovincialgovernmentsshoulddevelopapolicytoaddressderelictboats
Takefirmstandonderelictboats.Apolicyneedstobedevelopedbyfederal,provincialgovernmentsincoordinationwitheachother;municipalgovernmentcannottakecareofthis.Preventsinkingboatsasthatiswhathappening.ThereisonebyDarrelBayshouldberemoved.Thesituationhasbeenlikethisforcoupleofyears;noexcuse.
Environment–protection,stewardship
WLNG–noiseinthewaterarisingfromlargevessels
Ifiteverhappens,means40hugevessels/yearcomingupHoweSound.Cavitationnoisebypropellers(8knots);havetogoslow;allmarineliferequiresalowsoundlevelinthewaterstocommunicate;amworriedaboutskiffnoiseifthishappens.WouldbeniceforfreightersterminalstoslowdownbutarenotasbigaswhatLGNshipwouldbe.Governmenthastotellthemtoslowdown.
Protecttheforeshoreandenvironmentalvalueswhichaffectupstreamecosystems
InassessingaccesstothemarineenvironmentanddevelopmentactivitiesinMBC,notethatstreamsfeedintoitandaresalmonbearingsoprotecttheforeshoreandenvironmentalvaluesasthiswillaffectupstreamecosystems/habitatsforsalmon.Beawareofthiswithourdevelopmentpolicies.
IncorporatetherecommendationsfromtheOceanWatchreport