A development company hopes to build a world-class surf park attraction and resort development off the Sea to Sky Highway just south of the Britannia Mine Museum.
Tiger Bay Development has submitted an application for the rezoning of South Britannia (located on either side of Highway 99 just south of the Britannia Beach) to the Squamish Lillooet Regional District.
The plan would see an outdoor adventure-focused community on Howe Sound that includes a six-acre surf park. In total, the development would cover 134 acres and include shops and services, small-scale tourism accommodation, and parks and trails. About 116 acres of brownfield land would be remediated.
"In order for people in the area to surf, they have to travel quite a ways," explained Tony Petricevic, head of development at Tiger Bay. "This park allows surfers an opportunity to practice closer to home, and throughout the year."
What's more, Petricevic noted, the surf park is designed for all skill levels; it appeals to a wide range of people-not just professionals or advanced surfers. There are six zones that support a variety of waves. A wave can be created in a mere seven seconds, and the park can create over 1,000 per hour.
"The more advanced area is up near the point, while the front is for the beginners," he said.
"Only 96 people can be in the cove in an hour, however. It isn't like a water park-that is an important distinction. It can suit all skill levels, but the concept is entirely different."
As a result of the park's attraction to all ability levels, Petricevic believes there would be a strong demand for the facility, and that it would support the local tourism economy.
Numerous lifeguards would be employed in the surf area and modifiable wave shape and size mean that surfers aren't matched with waves they aren't prepared to tackle.
Wavegarden-the engineering company that created this cutting-edge, surf design-will open Wavegarden Coves in Brisbane, Australia and Bristol, United Kingdom in 2019. Surf Snowdonia in Wales opened in 2015, and NLand Surf Park near Austin, Texas opened the following year.
As for the cost of this significant development?
Petricevic said that figure hovers around $20 million.
An adjacent adventure park to the surf park will include a bike pump-track, rock-climbing wall, playground, skate park, and outdoor field for recreation and events. In addition, the proposal stated that 43 per cent of the entire development site would be reserved for parks, greenways, and natural areas. There will also be coastal beach access.
The proposal shows a compact mix of multi-family housing that includes town-homes, row houses, and low-rise apartments, that will, "help increase housing stock and affordability in the Sea to Sky corridor." The plan shows 1,050 proposed homes, including 150 purpose-built rentals, of which 50 will be below market rates.
The proposal also includes:
•400 to 600 employment opportunities, including full-time jobs when the community is complete.
•A network of pedestrian and cyclist pathways.
•A community centre and playing field for active recreation and community events.
•Transportation connectivity, including a transit hub for buses, a community shuttle, and a car-share program.
When asked about environmental concerns, Petricevic noted that since the proposal is relatively new, he hasn't had feedback yet. However, he added that water would not drain into the Howe Sound.
The surf park has an estimated completion date of 2023 and the community will be developed over a 25-year span.
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