Ocean's Gateway - BC’s premier oceanfront community
Overview | Vision | Planning Principles | Urban Design Views | Public Amenities | Transportation
Overview
Introduction  Ocean's Gateway is a 20 acre property (approximately) that is part of the Squamish Peninsula lands situated south of Westminster Street, on the industrial waterfront of Squamish adjacent to the Downtown. These lands were created by filling the estuary and historically have been occupied by heavy industrial activity and used for log-sorting. As Squamish begins its transition from a predominantly industrial town with an economy based on mining and logging, to one based on tourism, outdoor recreation, light industry and a variety of cultural and creative activities, the redevelopment and use of these lands will play a significant role in shaping the future of the town.
Planning Process The plan for Ocean's Gateway is the result of much deliberation on the part of the District, its citizens and the landowner. This plan grew out of a well-attended series of general and site-specific public planning events and studies that embraced the vision and ideas of many local residents. Building upon this strong foundation, the planning team engaged in detailed technical and design analysis. Work-in-progress drafts have been shared with stakeholders and members of the public and ideas and concerns emerging from these consultations were used to strengthen the plan and better respond to public desires.
Background  A great deal of work has been done over many years by the people of Squamish and their representatives to redefine and improve the Downtown and its environs including detailed examinations of the potential for the Squamish water’s edge. Westmana Development’s master-planned community builds off that previous foundational work without trying to re-invent it. The initiative addresses some of the long-standing issues and challenges that have been identified with this area and implements, through policy and urban design, the principles and goals that have been previously identified.
A number of previous publicly initiated and sponsored studies and plans have been conducted over the last 10 or more years. These studies are are highly relevant to Ocean's Gateway, and Westmana is ensuring that the development plans adhere to the guiding principles.
Natural Environment Some of the most significant and defining visual and experiential qualities of Squamish are its natural features. Distinctive characteristics include the strong, seasonal winds, the proximity to the river estuary and wetlands, the vast granite rock face of “The Chief”, and sweeping vistas of the sound and coastal forested mountains. A most apparent and significant element of the Downtown peninsula is that of the omni-present views of the sky, the surrounding mountaintops and the waters of the fjord. These majestic features provide an important urban design context.
Overview | Vision | Planning Principles | Urban Design | Views | Public Amenities | Transportation
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