The Garibaldi at Squamish (GAS) resort planners have come up with a new water plan and it involves pumping water from Paradise Valley up to the resort development.
Chris Gilham, the head of infrastructure and development for GAS, announced the plan last week at a meeting held in Squamish to update the community on the project.
Environmental advocate John Buchanan was one of a number of people who were surprised by the announcement.
"That is the most expensive way that you can provide water," Buchanan said after meeting with Gilham at the proposed well site. According to Buchanan, the site is near Swift Creek and in close proximity to a number of Paradise Valley homes. He said he is worried that if the plan goes ahead the homes and creeks around the well site will be impacted because a huge amount of water will be needed to supply the resort. Buchanan said the plan isn't sustainable.
Project spokesperson Janice Brown told the meeting attendees the resort has been engaged in an Environmental Assessment Office consultation process for the last two years. The process is scheduled to end in June.
The resort proponents have until that time to provide the provincial agency with some additional information before the province makes a determination on whether the project will go ahead or not.
