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Squamish Oceanfront ready to go to market

DOS looking for world-class developers
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Iconic Howe Sound Squamish Mayor Rob Kirkham says it's time to build. Photo by www.ventureweb.net

For the second time, Squamish is calling for a real estate development partner to work with the community and help move the Squamish Oceanfront project forward.

Mayor Rob Kirkham announced on Tuesday (March 20) that the Squamish Oceanfront lands are ready to go to market.

"We see this as being a defining moment in our history," Kirkham said.

The community's first attempt to engage a real estate partner failed in 2006 when a difference of opinions amongst the members of Squamish Council derailed the development plans for the land. The development firm Qualex-Landmark was chosen to partner with the District of Squamish (DOS) to develop the lands, but the council split caused the development company to withdraw from the project.

More planning work has been done in the last six years and now the DOS is ready to work with the Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation (SODC) to bring on a development partner.

"At this stage of the game we are looking for a request for interested investors and developers to get on board and to participate with the District of Squamish in moving this project and moving our community ahead," said Kirkham.

The mayor said finding real estate and marketing firms is the next step so the SODC can start construction.

"We thank council for its clear direction and look forward to engaging with expert consultants to create an oceanfront peninsula that reflects our community's goals and aspirations," said Bill McNeney, chair of the SODC Board.

The plan for the lands at the southern tip of downtown Squamish includes a park, an educational area, marine-based businesses, arts and culture facilities, a hotel, recreation venues and residential housing units.

A DOS news release indicated that over the course of the next few months a communications plan will be created and invitations for the submission of proposals will go out to developers and real estate marketing experts. According to the release, the DOS and SODC will encourage potential developers to make the creation of an oceanfront park a priority.