Squamish Oceanfront Blue Barn Study

Type of initiative FCM Green Municipal Fund - Plans, Studies, Pilots
Sector Brownfield
Project value$227,000
Project Type Feasibility Study
Sub Sector Site assessments and remedial action plans
Grant amount$102,800
Program type GMF
Municipality District of Squamish, BC
Status Fully Disbursed
Population 23,819
Project timeline 2010 - 2011
Project number 10432

Description

The District of Squamish, British Columbia and its wholly-owned Oceanfront Development Corporation will study the feasibility of developing the Blue Barn, a landmark building on a brownfield site, as an arts incubation centre. The subject of the proposed study is to conduct environmental site investigations and a cost study necessary to address the uncertain environmental issues associated with the one-hectare site. The project represents the first phase of a 24-hectare oceanfront redevelopment project in downtown Squamish, for which the district has been working on an overall site redevelopment plan for the past six years.
The Blue Barn was built in 1965 and was most recently used to treat water contaminated with mercury. This study will entail a combined Stage 2 Preliminary and Detailed Site Investigation to examine the level of environmental contamination at the site, an evaluation of the costs associated with the removal of storage tanks and demolition, and a Final Detailed Site Investigation report. The study will contribute to implementing the Squamish Oceanfront Development Business Plan, which is aligned with the smart growth principles defined by the community’s official plan. These principles include creating vibrant, mixed-use neighborhoods, managing long-term stewardship of the natural resource base, preserving natural habitat and sensitive environmental areas, and managing and promoting the connections between land and marine activities.
The oceanfront redevelopment project will promote the development of other brownfield sites and increase business and employment opportunities in the community. In addition to seven hectares devoted to commercial development, the project includes land for an educational institution, a permanent arts workshop and a performance art venue. It also incorporates almost eight hectares of parkland and eight kilometres of trails and walks.
(Project description from original funding application)

Applicant

Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation, BC