SQUAMISH, BC March 18, 2022 – A community’s vision is coming together as Oceanfront Squamish Developments LP signs a purchase and sale agreement with Capilano University. This agreement represents a major milestone in bringing the concept of an education hub on the Oceanfront to reality and positions Capilano University for a grand return to Squamish, BC.
Oceanfront Squamish, as a strong supporter of education, is proud to work alongside Capilano University in creating a purpose-built education campus. This agreement represents the culmination of a year’s worth of collaboration with Capilano University and the realization of an idea first established over a decade ago through the Squamish Oceanfront Development Corporation. “We have appreciated the forethought, foresight, and care that [Capilano University] has shown throughout the process. Their presence on the Oceanfront greatly adds to the dynamic we wish to create and we believe the campus will bring a vibrancy which will elevate the entire community of Squamish.” says John Matthews, President at Matthews West.
Mayor Karen Elliot from the District of Squamish is thrilled with the news of Capilano University coming to the Oceanfront. “It’s great to see the university re-establish itself in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor, and I see synergies between Squamish’s current needs; our forward-looking economic development efforts and emerging economies; and the programs the university offers.” The District wholeheartedly welcomes the influx of talent and vibrancy that results from the student population, faculty and the opportunities for partnerships that Capilano University brings to Squamish. Mayor Elliot adds “We look forward to building on existing partnerships and establishing new ones with this announcement.”
Over the last five years, Matthews West has worked diligently to bring the community’s vision of the Oceanfront peninsula to life. This has included designing and constructing much of the civil infrastructure required for the masterplan development such as site wide servicing; road construction; seismic engineering; and flood construction design. In late 2021, Oceanfront Squamish completed construction on Carbon Engineering’s Innovation Centre. The most prominent and anticipated feature of the new development, Sp’akw’us Feather Park, is currently under construction with an opening expected in 2023. It is anticipated that Oceanfront Squamish will commence construction of the Presentation Centre Public House later this year. “Capilano University’s decision to become a partner in the development at this stage allows them to take a front seat on the development and will help shape the future of the site” reveals Matthews.
In addition to education, the masterplan community Oceanfront Squamish will offer opportunities for commercial, residential, light industrial and extensive public park space, including the 11-acre Sp’akw’us Feather Park (formerly known as Nexen Beach).
Source: https://oceanfrontsquamish.com/stories/capliano-university