Surf’s Up! South Britannia’s Ambitious Surf Park and Community Project Gets Green Light
After over a decade of planning and review, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has officially approved the South Britannia master-planned community. This ambitious project, anchored by British Columbia’s first surf park, promises a mixed-use neighborhood with residential units, tourism accommodations, and a range of recreational amenities, marking a significant development for the region.
A Decade in the Making: Project Overview
The South Britannia project, spearheaded by Tiger Bay corporation, has undergone extensive planning and public engagement since its inception over ten years ago. The inclusion of the Wavegarden surf park concept in 2019 revitalized the proposal, transforming it into a unique destination.
Key features of the approved development include:
- Surf Park: A six-acre lagoon designed to accommodate up to 80 surfers simultaneously.
- Residential Units: Up to 1,050 units, with 150 designated as affordable housing.
- Tourism Accommodation: A maximum of 190 units.
- Recreational Facilities: A skate park, pump track, and 20 surf cabins.
- Community Amenities: Parks, a community center, and a community-oriented commercial district.
Phase 1 of the project, encompassing the surf park, surf center, surf cabins, skate park, and pump track, is slated to commence in 2026 and conclude by 2029.
Addressing Concerns: Amendments and Opposition
The SLRD Board’s May 28 meeting saw the project receive its fourth and final reading, though not without debate. Squamish Director Jenna Stoner initially raised concerns regarding the developer’s potential ability to be relieved of obligations for certain amenities if external agency approvals were not secured. However, the final development agreement was amended to remove this conditional discharge, ensuring Tiger Bay’s responsibility to deliver promised amenities. If third-party certifications are not obtained, the agreement will revert to the SLRD for further review.
Another notable amendment to the agreement was the prohibition of fossil fuels and natural gas infrastructure for heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and cooking within the new development.
Despite the approval, Squamish Director Chris Pettingill remained the sole dissenting vote (10-1). His concerns centered on:
- Strain on Services: A potential gap in amenities within South Britannia that could burden existing Squamish services.
- Car-Centric Design: The risk of the community becoming car-dependent due to a perceived lack of employment space, leading to increased emissions and traffic congestion on Highway 99.
The Road Ahead
The approval marks a significant milestone for the South Britannia project, which has navigated a complex path of planning, environmental reviews, and regulatory hurdles. The project’s proponents emphasize its focus on outdoor recreation and its potential to create economic opportunities and adventure amenities for the region. With the necessary rezoning and development agreement now in place, the focus shifts to the commencement of construction and the realization of this ambitious vision.
Sources
- SLRD greenlights South Britannia surf park and master-planned community after years-long review, Richmond News.
- SLRD greenlights South Britannia surf park and master-planned community after years-long review, North Shore News.
