The board of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has identified four strategic areas of focus for the immediate future: investing in relationships with First Nations communities, improving board process and decision-making, focusing its advocacy with the province and identifying and implementing some mutually beneficial regional products.
"Those four strategic directions will set the course for much of the work that we do over the next four years," said SLRD board chair Jack Crompton.
"They'll inform the decisions that we make, and we've really started to put some actions around those strategic directions so that we can get to work on accomplishing those tasks."
CATILINE CREEK RISK ASSESSMENT REPORT COMPLETE
A risk assessment report commissioned by the SLRD concerning Catiline Creek near Pemberton is complete.
The report — done by BGC Engineering Inc. (BGC) — looks at geotechnical risks to certain sites within Lillooet Lake Estates and Heather Jean Properties, two communities in the SLRD's Electoral Area C.
"It's confirmation that there is a danger that needs to be addressed, and we're recommending that some people stay out of their homes," Crompton said.
"We've met with (the homeowners), and they share our concerns and they want to come up with a solution as well."
Crompton estimated there are 40 people affected.
The assessment was commissioned following recent debris flows in Catiline Creek.
According to the SLRD, there have been three debris flows since 2004.
The report was funded by Emergency Management BC. In it, BGC identifies three risk reduction options ranging in cost from $4 million to $31 million.
"It's clear that there needs to be some work done to make that area safe and we are working hard with Lillooet Lake Estates and other interested parties to try and move that towards a conclusion that would allow safe use of those properties," Crompton said.
"There are a number of options that BGC suggested, and those are decisions that have to be made around which mitigation option is chosen and how we fund it."
The full report can be found on the SLRD website at www.slrd.bc.ca.
SLRD SUPPORTS CONSTRUCTION OF CHEEKYE FAN DEBRIS BARRIER
At the SLRD's regular board meeting on Feb. 25, the board of directors voted to support an application for funding made by Squamish Cornerstone Developments to construct a debris barrier that would protect residents, infrastructure and schools in the Cheekye Fan area of Squamish.
The application will be made to the New Building Canada Fund — a $10 billion allocation to the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component in support of infrastructure projects across the country.
If approved, the costs would be split between federal and provincial governments and the proponent of the project.
The project is estimated to cost $41 million and be completed by fall of 2018.
"If approved there would be a large investment of provincial money in building a debris flow barrier that would protect the Cheekye Fan and the Highway and surrounding residences and public assets," Crompton said.
