Squamish Marine Access Review

Thank you for the questions about windsports beach access at the new 11 acre Sp’akw’us Feather Park at the Squamish Oceanfront. The waterfront area is now under construction and contains a dedicated water and windsports beach on the eastern side of the park (between Headlands 2 and 3). The main parking area will accommodate 44 surface parking stalls, as well as a pickup and drop off zone at the main park entry/plaza (~ approximately 100 m from the beachfront). In addition, there will be 59 stalls in the lot next to the presentation centre, and surface parking in adjacent lots that prior to their development. There will also be parallel on-street parking (~ approximately 350 street parking spots) throughout the development by build out of the Oceanfront. Long-term there will also be significant parking offered via underground parkades within walking distance to the beach. On the Mamquam Blind Channel, the future Sailing Centre will feature a drop off location 100m from the beach. (Note, for comparison the walking distance from the turn around at the spit to the end of the spit was 170m). The water and windsports beach launch and backshore area at the Oceanfront have been sized and designed with lay down area for staging for kite-specific use. Vegetation and lighting elements in this area are being kept low to minimize any interference for windsports users.

For more information, park renderings and updates through construction: https://oceanfrontsquamish.com/stories/oceanfront-park-construction-commencing/

Thanks for the expanded question on the Downtown Marine Access project review area and scope. The marine access review has defined the ‘core area’ of the review as the Mamquam Blind Channel since it has the most diversity of users, activity areas and number of water access points. As a result, it needs close attention to coordinate all marine uses, safety considerations, accessibility needs, as well as any existing and future planned infrastructure.

The District recognizes the continued desire for and evolving access situation at the spit. While the spit is not part of the ‘core area’ of this project, the access needs, inputs and learning gained as part of this project will help to inform ocean access conversations for the spit and larger estuary area.

 The shape of future access for the spit is being looked at through a dedicated engagement and visioning process that is already underway and involves Squamish Nation, as well as the Province, as joint managers of the Wildlife Management Area. The District is co-facilitating this work with Squamish Nation and engaging with stakeholders including Squamish Terminals, Squamish Windsports Society, and Tourism Squamish on access considerations. The process will explore interim and long term ideas specific to the spit and the newly created ‘spit island’ south of the yellow gate.

Considering the relationship between different ocean access areas and marine users is an important part of the marine access review. The larger Squamish River estuary, as well as Darrell Bay, are both key context areas that are being considered in relation to the ‘core area’ for this project.

Thank you for this question and your interest in this project. There are two in-person community pop-ups planned:

Friday March 4, 2022: 

Drop-in to chat and look at marine access maps with District staff at the Squamish Boat Launch between 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.. The drop-in session will be rain or shine (social distancing in effect). The boat launch is located next to the Government Wharf at Vancouver Street and Loggers' Lane. 

Friday March 11, 2022:

Drop-in to chat and look at marine access maps with District staff at Xwu'nekw Park between 3:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.. The drop-in session will be rain or shine (social distancing in effect). The park is located at Main Street and Loggers' Lane in downtown Squamish.

Thanks for your comment and engagement. The Marine Access Review is considering access needs across all marine use types, including recreational windsports activities. 

The focus of the Marine Access Review is on ocean access points via the Mamquam Blind Channel. While the Spit is not within the focus area of this project, there are ongoing discussions happening about ocean access in the Squamish River Estuary, including the Spit Road access and Skwelwil’em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area. The information provided during this project will help to inform those ongoing conversations. 

Safe access, staging and parking amenities and sensitive area protections are all key aspects of the Marine Access Review to develop recommendations for the community.