Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) intends to purchase a property from the District but did not elaborate much further on its intentions with the property.
Released among the special business meeting minutes on Jan. 9 from an in camera portion of the council meeting, the District of Squamish has agreed to “the disposition of 42000 Loggers Lane (Forestry Building) to Vancouver Coastal Health Authority” for the price of $17.49 million to be completed by Jan. 31.
In a follow-up email to The Squamish Chief, a spokesperson for VCH said it “is pleased that the District of Squamish has approved the disposition.”
Furthermore, VCH said it “is acquiring the property to support the future delivery of health care services, although there are no confirmed redevelopment plans at this time.”
“VCH is committed to supporting existing tenants and being a good neighbour in the Squamish community. VCH will share information regarding any future changes to this property, as appropriate.”
The property 42000 Loggers Lane is near the Centennial Way and Loggers Lane intersection across the street from Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Currently, it houses some B.C. ministry offices as well as FrontCounter BC.
According to the province, FrontCounter BC helps “you learn about and apply for licences, permits, registrations and other authorizations required to utilize the Province’s natural resources.”
The District posted a public notice on its website noting the intention to sell the property.
"The Municipal Council of the District of Squamish gives notice pursuant to Section 26 of the Community Charter of the intention to dispose of land that is not being made available to the public for acquisition," reads the website.
The District also wrote on its Facebook page more information about the sale on Jan. 19.
"The sale of District Assets is an important funding source for the District's facility construction projects as outlined in the Real Estate and Facilities Master Plan and 2024-2028 Financial Plan, including Public Works and Brennan Park Recreation Centre. VCH is acquiring the property to support the future delivery of healthcare services. There are no confirmed plans yet for the redevelopment of the property and VCH will share information regarding any future changes to the property, as appropriate."
Note: This story has been updated since its original publication to include more information from the District of Squamish.