RELEASE: Paradise Trails a step closer to construction

SQUAMISH (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Territory) – The developer of the Paradise Trails residential development announced that the project has made a major step towards building out the 82-home community, which will feature the latest in sustainable building technology.

"This week, we filed a development permit application with the District of Squamish Planning Department. This was a significant moment in the long journey from concept to community. Paradise Trails was a complex proposal and we have worked with Planning Dept. staff literally for years to conduct studies to make sure it was safe and sustainable," said Michael Goodman, president of the Tri-City Ltd.

Two development permits related to flood protection and environmental sustainability were submitted to the Squamish Regional District as the initial step in creating a new bareland strata housing development and equestrian recreation centre.

The next stages of subdivision, infrastructure and building development, will follow in the coming months.

The equestrian-themed development will be built on a 160-acre parcel of vacant private land, previously cleared for a golf course, at the end of Paradise Valley Road in the District of Squamish. It will feature lots that range in size from .5 to 2 acres, public trails, an upgraded access road, and an equestrian centre available for use by residents and the local equestrian community.

In addition to family-size homes, owners will be able to build secondary suites approved for rental.

"One of the things that made our proposal more challenging is the fact that the property borders on the Cheakamus River. It is also what will make living there very appealing. I'm referring to the flood risk," said Goodman.

Goodman explained the approach taken towards flood risk assessment. "Unlike the historical District model, Tri-City Developments Ltd. has used the latest 3D modelling techniques and recent LiDAR data to assess flood risks accurately. This modern approach reveals that Paradise Trails, when developed with a private dike and road improvements, will be well-protected against a 200-year flood event, with no increased risk to downstream areas."

"Our analysis, based in the latest modelling technologies and data, gives us a more precise, detailed understanding of flood risks, different from historical District of Squamish studies that relied on the best available tools at the time. While acknowledging these historical efforts, our findings bring a new level of precision and reassurance regarding the safety and sustainability of Paradise Trails," he added.

The bottom line," he emphasizes, "is that we have a strong belief, backed by our detailed analysis, that the property does not flood.

Goodman expressed his thanks for the community support that has kept this project moving forward.

"Were it not for the support of members of the Squamish First Nation and local residents who want the improvements negotiated with the District delivered, this project would not be moving ahead."

"Paradise Trails will provide amenities and benefits the community will enjoy for many years."

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
hello@paradisetrails.ca
(604) 569-2015

Photo A: John Orr, Deanna Lewis, Michael Goodman, Todd Hellinga
Photo B: Todd Hellinga, John Orr, Michael Goodman, Deanna Lewis
Photo C: John Orr, Michael Goodman, Todd Hellinga, Deanna Lewis

Paradise Trails: A Vision for Sustainable Living

Nestled amidst the rugged beauty of Squamish, British Columbia, the Paradise Trails project stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence between nature, culture, and community. This ambitious endeavour aims to create an eco-village that not only provides shelter but also nurtures a way of life that respects the land’s heritage and sustains generations to come.

The trails within Paradise Trails wind through ancient forests, tracing the contours of pristine rivers and offering glimpses of snow-capped peaks. Here, we tread lightly—our footsteps leaving no scars on the earth. Biodiversity thrives, and ecosystems remain intact. Sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s our guiding principle.

Beyond the architectural blueprints, Paradise Trails is about people. Families gather around communal fire pits, sharing stories under star-studded skies. Neighbours become friends, and friendships blossom into a tightly knit community. Children explore the trails, their laughter echoing through the woods. It’s a place where memories are etched into every sunset, and where the warmth of human connection is as essential as the sturdy timber of our homes.

Paradise Trails extends its reach beyond property lines. By supporting local businesses, promoting eco-conscious practices, and collaborating with indigenous communities, we aim to uplift Squamish as a whole. Our project isn’t just about houses; it’s about economic growth, job creation, and fostering a sense of pride in our town.

The whispers of the Squamish Nation weave through our trails. We honor their wisdom, traditions, and stewardship of this land. Hereditary Chief Dale Harry and the Squamish First Nation stand with us, bridging the past and the present. Together, we create a tapestry of respect, understanding, and shared responsibility.

Paradise Trails isn’t merely a development—it’s an investment in Squamish’s future. The proposed volunteer firehall, fire hydrants, bridge upgrades, and road improvements contribute to the town’s infrastructure. Jobs are created, commerce thrives, and prosperity becomes a shared reality.

Join us on this journey—a trail of promise, sustainability, and purpose. Paradise Trails isn’t just a place; it’s a vision. As we break ground and plant the seeds of community, we invite you to be part of something greater—a paradise that thrives in harmony with nature and culture.

For more detailed information, visit the Paradise Trails website or explore local news sources like the Squamish Chief.

Bridging the Gap: Fire Safety in Squamish

Did you know that certain areas within Squamish remain vulnerable to house fires and wildfires due to limited fire service coverage? It’s a sobering reality—one that demands urgent attention. We are exploring the gaps in fire protection and introducing a solution that not only safeguards our community but also fosters unity.

The Fire Service Gap

While the District of Squamish Fire Service works tirelessly to protect our homes and lives, there are pockets within our town where their response time falls short. These areas—often tucked away in the scenic beauty of our surroundings—face increased risk. Imagine waiting for crucial minutes while flames engulf your environment. It’s a scenario no one should endure.

The Paradise Trails Project: A Beacon of Hope

Paradise Trails project—more than just a housing development. It’s a lifeline for those living in vulnerable zones. Here’s how:

Volunteer Firehall

At the heart of Paradise Trails lies a vision: a volunteer firehall equipped with trained responders and essential firefighting equipment. Imagine a team of dedicated locals, ready to leap into action when the alarm sounds. The firehall won’t just serve Paradise Trails; it’ll extend its protective wings to nearby areas. Swift response times will be the norm, not the exception.

Community Unity

Paradise Trails isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about weaving a safety net. By establishing the North Squamish Fire Brigade Society, we empower our community. Residents become first responders, neighbours watch out for each other, and the spirit of unity burns bright. Together, we bridge the gap left by traditional fire services.

Indigenous Wisdom

Hereditary Chief Dale Harry and the Squamish Nation endorse Paradise Trails. Their wisdom guides us. We honour the land, respect indigenous culture, and build bridges across generations.

Paradise Trails isn’t just about houses; it’s about safety, resilience, and community growth. Here’s why you should support it:

Safety First: A firehall means quicker response times, reduced property damage, and—most importantly—saved lives.

Community Building: Paradise Trails fosters community bonds. It’s an investment in our collective well-being.

Infrastructure Upgrades: The project includes road improvements, flood alerts, and a twinned Bailey Bridge. These benefit all residents.

Let’s rally together. Sign the online petition, and spread the word. Paradise Trails isn’t a distant dream; it’s within reach. As we build our future, let’s ensure that no part of this area stands defenceless against wildfire. Let’s bridge the gap and ignite hope.

https://www.paradisetrails.ca/petition

Population growth squeezing Canada’s young adults like never before

Wondering why rents in Canada are breaking records?

The Bank of Montreal’s chief economist, Douglas Porter, says there is “zero mystery.”

The population of people 20-to-29-years-old in Canada has suddenly shot up 6.2 per cent in a year. That’s nearly double Canada’s recent overall population jump, which is also breaking records.

“We have never seen the young adult population growing anywhere nearly this fast before,” Porter says. “In the near term, this puts pressure on rents. In the medium term, it will put pressure on home prices. No blame, just fact.”

Young adults in Canada are being squeezed, perhaps like never before. And not only in regard to rent and housing, but also sometimes in the workplace. Their cohort has experienced an unprecedented population boom.

It’s fuelled almost entirely by Ottawa’s immigration policy, which welcomed a record 1.3 million permanent residents, international students and guest workers in the one-year period up to September of last year. The largest group among the newcomers are young adults.

Statistics Canada put this generation in the spotlight a week ago when it reported that for the first time millennials, people between ages 28 and 43, now outnumber baby boomers, the postwar generation now in their 60s and 70s.

“Generally speaking, the age structure of a population changes little year-over-year,” StatCan said. “It is therefore rare for immigration to cause a sudden change in the age structure of a population. However, from July 1, 2022, to July 1, 2023, the country welcomed a sufficiently large number of immigrants to have a significant impact.

“This change may benefit Canadian society by increasing the size of the working-age population. However, the high number of new working-age Canadians may also put pressure on the delivery of services to the population, housing, transportation and infrastructure.”

Indeed, that pressure is particularly striking younger generations, says Don Wright, former head of B.C.’s civil service. Last year Wright produced a paper titled: “Isn’t it time we stopped squeezing Canadians under the age of 40?”

His research detailed how Canada’s millennial generation has been “struggling to get launched onto the pathway to something approximating the middle-class life — leaving the nest, partnering, acquiring family suitable housing and having children.”

An economist who was president of the B.C. Institute of Technology before becoming deputy minister to former NDP premier John Horgan, Wright provided data showing more Canadian young adults are living with a parent. Fewer own homes. And the birthrate has dropped to 1.3 children per woman.

In light of this month’s StatCan report on millennials, Wright questioned politicians’ decades-long push to offset baby boomers leaving the workforce by bringing in more working-age people through international migration, at a rate now five times higher than other Western democracies.

Indeed, Wright says the StatCan report, which received wide media attention, actually plays down the size of the country’s millennium generation. It misses, he says, how Canada’s baby boom contingent was surpassed by millennials long ago.

Wright was taken aback by how the StatCan study arithmetically “stacked the deck.” It defined the baby boom generation as those born in a 20-year span (from 1946 to 1965). But it compared that with a shorter 15-year span for millennials (those born between 1981 and 1996).

“If you actually compare apples to apples (equal 20-year spans), millennials exceeded the baby boom generation some time ago — in 2013,” Wright said.

But that hasn’t stopped politicians and business people from constantly raising the spectre of aging baby boomers, with Ottawa making it the primary rationale for “supercharged levels of immigration,” Wright said.

“Sometimes I talk about the ‘baby boom derangement syndrome.’ So much of public policy has been driven by this apprehended catastrophe of the baby boom retiring and then putting great demands on the public purse,” he said. The trouble is it’s creating a population bubble of people under 40.

“We should not be at all surprised that all of a sudden housing markets are under great stress now. It’s absurd that politicians pretend to be surprised by it,” Wright said, pointing to a February report revealing then-Immigration Minister Sean Fraser had been warned that Canada was accepting newcomers at a far higher rate than houses could be built. Early last year Wright predicted this would affect public opinion about immigration, and that has been borne out.

“What Ottawa is doing is making it damn difficult for young people to get a proper start in life,” Wright said. “That’s primarily in the housing market, but in the labour market as well, because you’re competing with a lot of people your age.”

Ontario’s University of Waterloo labour economist, Mikal Skuterud, has been among those tracking how the federal Liberals have drastically hiked the number of guest workers and study-visa-holders, most of whom work while in Canada and intend to apply for permanent resident status.

Last year more than one million foreign students were in Canada, three times the number when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau was first elected. (B.C. had 176,000 in post-secondary schools). While wages in some sectors are up, gross domestic product per capita has been flat for six years. Skuterud suggested low-skill workers, whose wages are actually declining, could be the most impacted by the surge of new residents.

In regard to life choices, Wright also wonders how much the country’s housing crunch — including the prospect of “living in a 700-square-foot hamster cage” — might be a significant factor behind why some young Canadians aren’t having larger families.

Cardus, a think-tank, commissioned the Angus Reid Institute to conduct a poll last year of 2,700 women in Canada ages 18 to 44. It found nearly half have fewer children than they desire. Canadian women intend to have, on average, 1.85 children per woman, but desire 2.2 children.

Given such personal strains, especially for millennials and Gen Z, the National Bank’s economists have declared Canada is caught in a “population trap” in which the population is growing faster than can be absorbed by the economy, society and infrastructure.

With so many facing stagnant wages and housing distress, National Bank economists Stéfane Marion and Alexandra Ducharme said: “At this point we believe that our country’s annual total population growth should not exceed 300,000 to 500,000.”

dtodd@postmedia.com

Source: https://vancouversun.com/opinion/columnists/douglas-todd-population-growth-squeezing-canadas-young-adults-like-never-before

West Vancouver Mayor Mark Sager barred from practising law for two years

The mayor of West Vancouver has been banned from practising law for two years for professional misconduct in the handling of a client’s estate.

Mark Sager, who was elected mayor of the district in 2022 and also served in that capacity in the 1990s, is disbarred as of April 1 and cannot work in any legal capacity or apply to any law society in Canada for two years.

The Law Society of B.C. announced the punishment on Wednesday after a hearing that wrapped up earlier this month.

“The misconduct relates to the preparation of a former client’s will and his subsequent conduct as executor and trustee of that client’s estate between 2010 and 2020,” according to a statement on the Law Society website.

Sager admitted he was in a conflict of interest by making himself the executor and trustee of a client’s will that gave him “absolute discretion to use estate funds to travel to England when his client had not received independent legal advice.”

“He also admitted to withdrawing $44,800, including taxes, in executor’s fees and $26,790.81, including taxes, in care and management fees from the estate funds prior to receiving approval from all of the beneficiaries or the court to do so,” the statement said.

Sager admitted he failed to maintain proper records of how the estate funds were disbursed and failed to stay in touch with the estate’s residual beneficiaries over a period of nine years.

On top of the two-year restriction on practising law, Sager agreed to several conditions including that he not work for any lawyer or law firm in B.C., not act in any fiduciary roles and not handle any fiduciary property.

Sager said in a statement that after he was elected he “committed to leaving my legal practice to devote all of my time to the important issues facing West Vancouver.”

“Unfortunately, complaints to the Law Society delayed my resignation. Five of the eight allegations against me have been dropped and three minor issues have been settled. As of April 1, I will resign from membership with the Law Society and refocus my complete attention on our community.”

The Law Society’s citation against Sager was issued in 2022, before the election, but Sager applied to have the case heard anonymously. That motion was rejected on the basis that his position as mayor doesn’t supersede the need for transparency in the administration of justice in B.C. That decision on anonymity noted Sager was cited and fined for professional misconduct by the society in 2019 for accepting financial gifts from another client who was a longtime family friend.

Sager has also run into trouble over his campaign finances during the 2022 municipal election.

In early December 2023, Elections B.C. announced it found “spending irregularities” during Sager’s campaign and contacted the RCMP, which referred the file to the Port Moody police. That investigation is still underway.

The full agreement is available at the Law Society website.

jruttle@postmedia.com

B.C. wildfire season: Expect an early, intense battle as drought lingers

A drought that has lingered across much of B.C. since the fall of 2022 could be a harbinger of a “grim” wildfire season, warn forecasters.

Victoria-based Environment Canada meteorologist Armel Castellan says there is no indication that spring weather will be wet enough to temper what he describes as “unbelievably low levels” of precipitation and snowpack over the past 18 months in most areas of B.C.

“We’re still not catching up for the lack (of precipitation) that we’ve had so consistently since August of 2022.”

The dry conditions are particularly bad in the Prince George Fire Centre in B.C.’s northeast corner, where two new fires have ignited in the past month.

There are still 93 listed fires from last season across the province, the vast majority of which are in the Prince George region and have been burning or smouldering since the summer.

However, other fires ignited as recently as late October in the Cariboo Fire Centre, and two in the Prince George area sparked as recently as the end of January and this past Friday.

While none is listed as a wildfire of note — which indicates a fire that is significant in scale or threatens people and property — it’s a worrying predictor of what might be ahead leading into summer.

Castellan says a rainy stretch from November to January has “somewhat replenished” water supplies in several regions, including the B.C. coast, but “every (weather) station we monitor is at a deficit.”

He notes drought is not just about how much precipitation falls. Seasonal temperatures also play a key role.

For instance, Castellan says December 2023 was the warmest on record in many parts of B.C., including Vancouver, Abbotsford and Comox. That means more evaporation of what rain does fall and less snow at higher elevations.

A generally warming climate thus prolongs and intensifies drought. “It’s a massive piece if temperatures are warming,” he says.

Analysis of the snowpack is “trending at historic levels,” with depths the lowest on record since data has been collected at least from the 1980s to the present. “In the last 40 or 50 years, this is as bad as it’s ever gotten from a snow perspective.”

While snowfall is in the forecast this week, it isn’t likely to do much to change the reality that the snowpack is at 60 per cent of normal levels in B.C.’s mountains heading into spring.

The Ministry of Forests says the B.C. Wildfire Service and its partners have pivoted to a year-round rather than seasonal model and are pouring money from the 2024 B.C. budget into fire prevention and management.

The provincial budget calls for $154 million more operating cash and $21 million in capital over the next three years for added wildfire response, recovery and infrastructure resources, says the ministry in a statement.

However, Premier David Eby said last week he is “profoundly worried” about what lies ahead, noting the severe drought and the billion-dollar battle last summer — B.C.’s most destructive wildfire season on record.

The 2024 budget includes $38 million more to hire wildfire service crew leaders and front-line staff who will work to protect structures, prevent and reduce the risk of fires, and help with recovery of ecosystems and repair infrastructure affected by wildfires.

While Alberta has declared an early start to wildfire season, B.C. is now on watch for fires year-round, largely due to the effects of a warming climate and increasingly extreme weather events, says Castellan.

For example, Castellan says B.C.’s northeast plunged to lows in the minus-40s Celsius in January before a sudden swing into the positive teens.

The unsettled weather in the area even led to a pulse of lightning that, while it didn’t spark a wildfire, suggests the wildfire service needs to be on alert for the potential of lightning-caused blazes even now.

Castellan says the national weather agency crunched the numbers on what to expect this spring in mid-February, and models show temperatures are likely to be above seasonal from March through May virtually across Canada, save for some parts of the far north.

Forecasting spring precipitation is trickier, says Castellan, although it is clear that the El Niño pattern that has prevailed for the past few years has been fading since about December. That usually leads to drier and cooler conditions, but the transition to La Niña might not have a big effect on B.C. weather patterns until perhaps next winter, he says.

“Everything is still on the table (forecast-wise), but it’s weighted to grim at this point,” he says. “We have all the indications that this spring and summer are heavily weighted toward a higher wildfire risk.”

That likely means more smoke, heat and health concerns across much of the province this spring and summer. And it’s a worry that should be on everyone’s mind, not just firefighters and emergency managers, he says.

“Anybody who has a set of lungs will remember how traumatizing it is from a health point of view having wildfires in the neighbourhood from May until mid-winter.”

Paradise Trails In the Squamish Chief

“Paradise Trails development asks District of Squamish to halt rezoning consideration”

At Paradise Trails, we are committed to building an equestrian-themed, rural residential eco-village that resonates with the natural beauty of Squamish. Our vision is to provide 82 family-sized homes with approved rental secondary suites on lots ranging from 0.25 to two acres.

Our commitment to the community goes beyond building homes. We are excited to offer community benefits such as a legally paved road to the property, a Bailey Bridge upgrade, five kilometres of public trails near the site, and a fire hall with equipment for a volunteer department. Our project also aims to contribute to affordable housing, reflecting our dedication to enhancing the quality of life in Squamish.

We invite you to read the full article featured in The Squamish Chief to learn more about our project and the recent developments.

Your voice matters and we encourage you to share your thoughts and support by writing to the Mayor ands Council.

RELEASE: District of Squamish reverses plan to downzone Paradise Trails property

July 17, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SQUAMISH, BC – Local residents and the proponent of Paradise Trails in Paradise Valley are breathing sighs of relief after learning that a plan by District of Squamish planners to stop and down zone the previously approved project has been postponed pending further study.

District of Squamish Council voted unanimously to give final approval to Paradise Trails in 2012 after extensive technical studies and community consultation.

Recently, some Paradise Valley residents, who did not want to be named, wrote to planners asking that local residents be given time to study the impact of stopping the project on the community before the matter proceeded to council.

“We, as developers, are rightly required to consult the community before our projects are approved. Why should District staff not be required to do the same?” said Michael Goodman, president of Tri-City Group, the project proponent.

Paradise Trails is an equestrian-themed, rural residential eco-village that will provide 82 family-size homes with secondary suites approved for rental on lots that range in size from 0.25 to 2 acres. The new community will be built on a 160-acre parcel of vacant land, previously cleared for a golf course, at the end of Paradise Valley Road.

“Now, just as construction was about to begin, we were told that the planners wanted the Council to change the zoning of the property, which was already approved by two previous councils, so that no homes can be built. What sort of signal does this send to people who want to build here? People in Squamish deserve more diverse housing options, especially for families, and this uncertainty from the District is not helping.” said Goodman.

A housing study completed last year by CitySpaces Consulting for the District of Squamish found that Squamish is one of the fastest-growing communities in BC, with an annual growth rate close to three times the provincial average. The report predicts that Squamish will need 6,840 new homes by 2031 and that “43% will need to accommodate families with three or more bedrooms.”

“The support we got from local residents, the Squamish First Nation, and the horse community when the project was first proposed stemmed from the benefits we agreed to provide to the community at no cost to the taxpayers. We also offered to build a fire hall for the local volunteer fire department,” said Goodman.

In addition to creating an eco-village with climate-resilient housing, Paradise Trails at Squamish has committed to building a 10-acre equestrian facility with indoor riding ring that will be open to the public, 8 kms of public trails, an engineered road 600 meters south of the property and another 1500 meters through the property, as well as upgrading a local bridge.

For long-time Paradise Valley resident Peter Spitzer, better fire protection and road upgrades are key concerns: “Currently our fire protection is based on hard-working individuals and retirees who volunteer their time without outside resources to make sure our small community is safe. We can no longer rely on the Squamish fire department, whose response time is around 40 minutes. The fire hall, training and equipment that Paradise Trails is offering would be invaluable to our community," he said.

He also hopes the development will bring improvement to Paradise Valley Road.

“The dust is unbearable in the summer and it is an ice rink in the winter. It is a health hazard. The rough state of the gravel road also decreases emergency response time,” said Spitzer.