2022 upgrades support the District’s master plans to maintain assets and keep up with community growth
The District of Squamish has committed to investing $50M in 2022 as guided by its master plans, to support the renewal of critical infrastructure and facilities, and the implementation of active transportation, and local climate action plans. District capital projects are funded each year by internal and external sources such as general taxation, utility fees, development cost charges, provisions, reserves, grants and debenture borrowing. In 2022, only $1.5M of capital projects will be funded from general taxation (property taxes). The District’s annual total capital budget over the last three years has averaged $41M per year to keep up with asset management and community growth.
“The District’s investment into the development of master plans over the last decade has positioned us well to prioritize capital spending to meet the needs of our community today and tomorrow,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “Our 10-year capital plan combined with the master plans also enables us to keep our DCC bylaw up-to-date and achieve significant success in receiving provincial and federal grants, because we have clear priorities and shovel-ready plans.”
Flood Protection
Flood protection upgrades, storm system repairs and replacements are some of the critical infrastructure in focus this year. The flood protection upgrades include a $13.7M investment in the 20km+ dike system which includes the Xwu’nekw Park Sea Dike, Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough Culvert Replacement and dike planning and design in the Siyich’em Reserve/Eagle Viewing Area. Planning and pre-emptive investments into flood protection not only enhance community safety, climate change resiliency and economic stability but also mitigate economic loss as a result of reduced flood damages over time.
Water and Wastewater Infrastructure
Water and wastewater infrastructure will also receive significant investments with $5.5M allocated to water infrastructure including water system repair and replacement and a new water reservoir, and $13M in upgrades to wastewater lift stations and a significant upgrade to the Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). The $10M WWTP project is being funded entirely by Development Cost Charges and Reserves (more information will be available on this project in the coming weeks).
Active Transportation
The District’s Active Transportation improvements will see a $2.4M investment over the next two years in order to continue the efforts of building an intricate network of safe and practical cycling and walking routes throughout Squamish to help increase use, reduce traffic volume and greenhouse gas production, and improve community health. The planned network will contribute significantly to the Community Climate Action Plan’s Big Move 2, to help residents shift beyond the car, and encourage walking and cycling within and between Squamish neighbourhoods and commercial areas in the coming years.
Facilities
The plan to upgrade facilities is also being actioned in 2022 with the Tantalus Road Fire Hall next to be replaced with $6M being invested this year. Construction will begin once the Valleycliffe Fire Hall construction is complete, expected by summer. The fire halls are the first two of three critical facilities required to be replaced with the third one being the Public Works Facility.
Work has already begun on some of the season’s capital projects and construction is expected to continue through the year. Additional information will be provided as needed when impacts to residents are present. Residents can review the capital projects lists via the interactive budget tool at Letstalksquamish.ca/budget-2022.
The community is invited to the Mayor’s Drop-In with members of Council and District of Squamish staff on Wednesday, April 13 from 12 to 1 p.m. at Municipal Hall to learn more about the master planning process, how capital plans are prioritized and funded, as well as major capital projects planned for 2022 including facilities upgrades and the Wastewater Treatment Plant project. RSVP is encouraged to communications@squamish.ca.
Learn more about District master plans via this backgrounder: Managing Infrastructure: How Squamish is Keeping Up.