Morgan Rice

Waterfront Landing Development at Squamish



First and foremost, communities are about people - not buildings. Families make up a community. And it's their children and their children's children who make a place come alive. Still, the successful marriage of built space and human interaction certainly plays a vital role in making a neighbourhood worth living in. Waterfront Landing has taken this to heart.

Waterfront Landing will respect the rich history of the region and celebrate its links to local history and culture at every opportunity. Its placement in the Sea to Sky Corridor has allowed it the rare and unique opportunity to create a new chapter in a story rich with heritage and culture. From its native roots and its compelling Salish art to its contributions to the community as a mill site, the story of the Sea to Sky Corridor has and continues to be an impressive one.

Waterfront Landing will proudly express this story in every aspect of its design and landscaping. As architect Norm Hotson puts it: "Waterfront Landing needs to be of its place, memorable for those who visit, loved by those who live there…Buildings along the water's edge should be Maritime in character and reflect the forms and materials of the industrial past."

Designed to celebrate both the seaside flavour of its location and the alpine grandeur of its surroundings, Waterfront Landing will reflect an architectural vernacular that subtly links the site's working roots to the modern lifestyle of its residents.

Waterfront Landing will complement the urban character of the Downtown Core while respecting the unique character and historic attributes of the site. Waterfront Landing will be a vibrant and healthy community providing a range of amenities readily accessible to all residents, including:

• Multi-use public trails and waterfront walk;
• Pedestrian linkages to downtown commercial amenities within 5-10 minute walking distance encouraging a pedestrian friendly neighbourhood;
• Bicycle transportation options and multi-use trails throughout the neighbourhood;
• Commercial marina operations along the Mamquam Blind Channel;
• Active public waterfront access to the Mamquam Blind Channel by way of a public harbour and moorage options;
• A beautiful lagoon providing endless recreational activities as well as water connectivity;
• Pedestrian bridges, lookout points and plaza areas which create vibrant social spaces;
• On-site recreation opportunities for canoes and kayaks;
• Significant enhancement and creation of natural habitats (nearly non-existent at present) demonstrating a commitment to the environment while integrating nature into urban living; and
• Enhancement and creation of public parkland and open space for all Sea to Sky Corridor residents to enjoy.

The Mamquam Blind Channel serves as a critically important feature of the Waterfront Landing site and when utilized appropriately, will provide maximum benefit to Sea to Sky Corridor residents, the environment, the local economy, and enhance the vibrancy of the neighbourhood and Downtown.