Squamish is feeling neglected when it comes to the Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project.
The highway improvement issue that is getting the most attention is the alignment of the route through West Vancouver. The route through the affluent community is undetermined as the provincial government and West Vancouver council grapple with various options.
West Vancouver council wants the highway to go through a tunnel from about Eagle Creek to somewhere near Ansell Place.
The province prefers an overland route. The province's preferred route is a lower-cost alternative to the tunnel option.
Squamish council decided last week that it wants to get in on the debate. Council endorsed a staff report urging the Highways Ministry to consider building a bypass route along Watts Point to avoid expanding the highway right-of-way through the Murrin Park corridor. The staff report also outlined a local design for the route in the area of the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.
The creation of the two options proposals came after local climbers pointed out the potential impacts highway expansion might have on the recreation values in the two affected areas.
As part of the discussion, Coun. Corinne Lonsdale expressed concern that Squamish residents aren't getting a say on which option will be chosen through West Vancouver. She suggested the District of Squamish somehow survey local commuters on the issue of the West Vancouver options. She suggested the district host a public meeting to get feedback on the West Vancouver tunnel proposal.
"I think it would be really helpful for the Ministry," Lonsdale said.
Mayor Ian Sutherland said it was a good idea. He also pointed out that the least expensive option for the highway expansion at West Vancouver was well supported by residents of West Vancouver.
Despite the strong support from local residents, West Vancouver council still prefers the building of a tunnel. "A future housing development is at stake with the cheapest option," Sutherland said.
Not everyone on council liked the idea of meddling in parts of the highway that are outside of Squamish and inside other community's borders.
"I'm really leery of getting involved in West Vancouver issues when we have our own 20-kilometre stretch to worry about," said Coun. Dave Fenn. "I fear that West Vancouver will poke into our Murrin issue."
"One of the major draws as the Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada is the scenic value," Lonsdale said. "Put the people into a tunnel and we lose that. Whistler is concerned about that also.
"It is our resident's interests we are protecting. When our commuters are out there every day it is in our interest to address their concerns."
The members of council agreed that if local commuters are given a chance to offer feedback it should be through a surveyed instead of a public meeting.
Coun. Jeff Dawson suggested that West Vancouver be informed of Squamish's intentions.
"To avoid a Sea to Sky corridor urinating contest we need to explain to West Vancouver what our concern is," Dawson said as debate over the issue dragged on.
The members of council voted on whether there should be a survey of local commuters to determine their preferred alignment option in West Vancouver. The motion passed with Fenn and Kahlon voting against the initiative.
Municipal staff will work out the specifics of the survey.
Residents of Squamish already have the ability to send feedback directly to the managers of the Sea to Sky Highway Improvement Project. The manager of the project, Peter Milburn, is encouraging feedback.
There is a public feedback form posted to the project web site (www.seatoskyhighwayimprovements.ca). The form can be filled out and returned to the project team.
