Local residents feel that the biggest issue the District of Squamish is facing in 2025 is their ability to keep up with the pace of growth of the town
This was shown in the results from a Citizen Satisfaction Survey which was mailed out to a randomly selected group of residents in April and ended on May 12
Of the 1,800 surveys that were mailed out, 403 were completed, which gave a response rate of 22 %. According to the District, this percentage is a sufficient sample size to generate accurate results of the survey
The survey results were presented to council on June 24 at the committee of the whole meeting.
SATISFACTION: Continued on 3
PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
SAR TO OWN ITS NEW COMPOUND BUILT ON DISTRICT LAND
Council voted to support the recommendation that the new rescue compound project be SSAR-led and owned
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Details on who will own the new Squamish Search and Rescue (SSAR) compound once it’s built have officially been ironed out.
At the June 24 committee of the whole meeting, the Squamish council voted to support SSAR becoming the official owners of the new builds, while the District would maintain ownership of the land
In March, the District and SSAR announced that the volunteer rescue organization would be relocating from their current base at 42000 Loggers Lane, to a new site built at the Squamish Municipal Airport – Don Patrick Field.
The project, which has been in the works for almost six years, will be completed in two phases: Phase 1 will be a replica of their current compound, with Phase 2 acting as their “long-term dream” home.
To date, work on the site has included tree clearing and well preparation, with building construction on Phase 1 anticipated to begin this month.
Squamish SAR is moving locations because the piece of land they are currently located on has been sold As such, they have to relocate by July 2026
They plan to be in their new home by April 2026
OWNERSHIP DECISION
At the meeting, District staff provided councillors with two options to choose between to determine the building’s ownership:
Option 1: The project would be a SSAR-led build, resulting in SSAR building ownership under a land tenure agreement with the
District.
Option 2: The project would be a District-led build and District-owned capital asset leased to SSAR as a tenant
The recommendation from staff was to endorse Option 1.
“In Option 1, we would recommend that SSAR continues to project manage the build, and that building ownership be defined as SAR,” District general manager of public safety
Pascale St-Louis said
“Proceeding with Option 1 would optimize the District’s resourcing limit and limit the District’s ongoing maintenance costs, perhaps in the future This option also presents a few
clear financial advantages, as it will limit the District’s financial investment to $2 million and allow SAR to have greater leverage when seeking [funding] from other donors and other funding opportunities.”
St-Louis said that to date, SSAR has benefited from approximately $400,000 in-kind donations, highlighting the value that the community places on the project.
Phase 1 of the project is estimated to cost $2.4 million ($2 million of which is funded by the District), while Phase 2 currently has no funding locked in place.
St-Louis said that SSAR has been engaging with the Squamish Lillooet Regional District
(SLRD) in the hopes of securing more funding.
“Lastly, land tenure agreements could include conditions to ensure that the District’s investment will be protected from a potential future transfer of the building to a third party without the District’s approval,” she said.
“Most importantly, this option will meet desired timelines for building occupancy in early 2026, which means no impacts to critical life safety SAR operations during the busy summer period.”
St-Louis explained Option 2 as a “significant pivot from the current path forward” but noted that it would allow the District to obtain a new capital asset.
“While this could be advantageous to the District, it’s uncertain what type of revenue could be generated from this building in the long term, given that it is designed to be fit for purpose, for SAR and we were hoping that this remains their long-term home,” she said
“This option may result in project delays as District staff work to take over project management. With this option, it is possible that SAR would also not be able to be rehomed by the end of their lease, which could have detrimental impacts on their ability to operate within the District.”
Each year, approximately 125 calls are made to SSAR, and 40% of those calls occur within the District of Squamish response boundaries
“They are an extremely skilled group who provide a critical life safety capability here within the District,” St-Louis said
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Ultimately, councillors voted to unanimously support Option 1 (SSAR built and owned)
“The pros seem to strongly outweigh the cons in this and anything we can do to support SSAR
Continued on 3
Jaclyn McNeely
Jaclyn is passionate about connectingpeople and building community. An active member of Squamish, you’ll run into her adventuring in the mountains with her husband and three boys.
With abackground in real estate and afamily legacy of custom home building, Jaclyn brings both experienceand heart to her work. She waspart of atopproducing team voted Best of Boston in 2017,and holds adual master’sin Business Marketing. Her strategic approach, local knowledge, and love for Squamish make her atrusted resource. As amom, you can trust that she will respect your time, so you can be out doing the things you love!
Connect with Jaclyn by phone (604)849-1004, or sign up for her newsletter on jaclynmcneely.com
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The future home of the Squamish SAR base, as seen on July 7.
SAR:
SATISFACTION: Continued from 1
WHAT THE PEOPLE HAD TO SAY
The Citizen Satisfaction Survey showed 38 % of residents feel the most important issue facing Squamish is that amenities, infrastructure and services need to keep pace with growth
Of the responses, 22 % feel the most important issue is the cost of living and housing affordability.
Asked if the quality of life in Squamish meets their expectation, 69 % rated the overall quality of life in Squamish as good (51 %) or excellent (18%).
Results also showed that 70 % of people felt Squamish is a good or excellent place to raise children.
While many said the quality of life met their expectations, 58 % of respondents said they felt the quality of life had worsened compared with five years ago.
“Among the respondents who felt the quality of life worsened, 44 % cited lacking amenities and infrastructure,” the report reads.
On housing security, 79 % of people who used the survey felt like they had housing security in Squamish, but 38 % of residents felt like there aren’t enough available and affordable housing options.
The top housing issue within the group of respondents was the lack of affordable homes for
SAR: Continued from 2
in getting the job done … to get their building built as soon as possible ...I’m totally on board with,” Coun. Andrew Hamilton said. Coun. Lauren Greenlaw shared the same sentiments as Coun. Hamilton.
“I just want to take a moment to say thank you so much to the SSAR team for all the wonderful work they do here Whatever we can do to facilitate them getting up and running in a timely manner is, I think, good,” she said Councillors John French and Eric Andersen
sale, with 38 % of people claiming they felt it impacted them directly; 28 % said they cannot afford to upgrade to a larger home for their growing family, and 26 % stated there aren’t enough affordable rentals available.
The survey also showed residents were torn on how to balance rising costs of living, while also maintaining service delivery
When asked if they were supportive of maintaining current service and investment with increasing taxes, 43 % of people said “Yes,” but only 18 % said they would like to see council cut or reduce services to achieve less of a tax increase.
Over half of the respondents (56 %) had no response when asked if there was anything they would be willing to increase taxes for above the minimum increase, with only 21 % stating they “were willing to increase the minimum taxes for recreational amenities, and 11 % wanted improved transportation and parking.”
Survey participants were aged between 18 and 75+ years old, with the majority aged between 35 and 44
COUNCILLOR RESPONSE
The report to council states the goal of the Citizen Satisfaction Survey is “to provide the results to council and staff to help inform strategic planning and budget decisions, and knowledge of priorities that are pertinent to residents of Squamish.”
also supported Option 1, with the latter noting that the $400,000 of in-kind donations from the community proved how much of a success story Squamish SAR is.
Mayor Armand Hurford said he was looking forward to seeing both phases of the facility up and running, but alongside Coun. Chris Pettingill, hoped that the province would offer more support for SAR services
As a board member of the SLRD, Coun Jenna Stoner said she would talk to her fellow directors to “find some more money there for this regional service.”
Surinder Sappal
Bornand raised inSquamish,Surinder Sappal brings adeep understanding of thelocal market, backed byover 10years of hands-onand management experience in building and renovations. His expertiseinqualitycraftsmanshipand renovationpotential gives clientsaunique edge when evaluating properties.
For Surinder, real estate is not just atransaction—it’s about building open, trustworthy relationships. With aproblem-solving mindset andaneye fordetail,he’scommittedtomaking theprocess smooth, stress-free, andrewarding. Hispersonable and professionalapproach ensures clients feelsupported every step of theway
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Youcan reach Surinder at 604-849-1138 or followalong on Instagram @surindersappal realestate.
GOT NEWS?
Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com ilemayconway@squamishchief.com inapace@squamishchief.com
According to District staff, the last Citizen Satisfaction Survey was completed in 2012
Municipalities typically send out these surveys every four years, with some opting to complete them every two years.
Squamish councillors voted unanimously to direct staff to receive the survey report and come back with options for a follow-up survey at either an annual, two-year or a four-year interval
“I found it very useful to see the community’s perspective result represented in this way as a randomized sample of the community,” Coun Andrew Hamilton said.
“I certainly heard in this feedback many of the challenges that we know exist: the cost of infrastructure, housing affordability, habitat protection, all of these things. One resounding piece that I’ve read from this, is the confidence that we’re getting good value for the taxes that we pay.”
Coun Lauren Greenlaw echoed her colleague’s comments and said that the survey acted as a “report card” for how the municipality is performing
“The major feedback that I see is that people are uncomfortable with the rate of growth, in particular with regards to our available amenities and infrastructure, and that 38 % of respondents want to see more contributions from developers,” Greenlaw said
“And I will point out that 70 % of respondents are less than satisfied about our current
“Thank you so much for all the work that you do to keep our community and those that are visiting safe, both within our district boundaries and extending beyond,” she said.
“I was very appreciative to see that you’re continuing conversations with the regional district as well, and as somebody who sits on that board, I’m happy to talk to our fellow directors to find some more money there for this regional service, and continue our advocacy to the province on how they can show up better.”
According to a report to council, District staff
performance with the parking situations
“[But] I am happy to see the satisfaction with fire services, RCMP, hazard management, and emergency preparedness, which is great.”
Coun Jenna Stoner said she was “very excited” to see the results of the survey
“I feel like this is something that I’ve been pushing for for a few years,” she said
“There’s room for improvement and that’s part of what Citizen Satisfaction Surveys allow us to do, is re-orientate to where we want [to be], to try and lean in and do a little bit better.”
She said one key takeaway from the survey was improving the District’s community engagement.
“It’s [about] showing up differently, to have those more in-depth conversations with the community, to build that trust back and that understanding in terms of who does what, who’s responsible for what, how we work in advocacy, to our other orders of government,” she said.
“It also brought me a lot of comfort in recognizing that there is a lot of satisfaction living in this community, that there is actually quite a bit of hopefulness. It’s a great place to raise children, and there is a lot of support for all the work that public works is doing.”
Looking ahead, District staff plan to incorporate the findings into the 2026-2035 financial plan engagement work
To read the full Citizen Satisfaction Survey results, visit the District of Squamish website.
will now formalize a Community Capital Agreement (CCA) between the District and SSAR. Once the CCA is finalized, the District will provide SSAR with a license to construct on District land.
“Upon project completion, the District will enter into a lease agreement for the land. In both of these documents, ownership of the interim structures in Phase 1 will be recognized as owned by SSAR,” reads the report
For more information on the work that Squamish Search and Rescue does, follow their social media page or check out their website.
DIVORCELAWYER
•Contested andUncontested Divorce
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We canalsohelpwith Marriage Agreements (often called pre-nuptials)and Cohabitation Agreements
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301-37989 Cleveland Ave. Squamish BC 604.892.5254 r.kinghorn@raceandco.com
Ryan Kinghorn
DEBATING THE RULES: SQUAMISH’S VACATION RENTALS AND THEIR COMMUNITY IMPACT
Local host, tourism advocates, the business community, and government weigh in on evolving short-term rental regulations
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Homeowner Louise Ferguson says that the current short-term rental (STR) rules of both the District of Squamish and the provincial government are inadvertently punishing residents who are just trying to get by in a pricey market.
Ferguson adds that these rules are particularly tough on women and the process is unnecessarily challenging for some, like herself, who have a disability
She owns a home and cabin on her property, but can only rent out her main house, due to local STR rules.
WHAT ARE THE RULES?
In Squamish, a person who lives in their home can legally short-term rent their principal residence for periods of less than 90 days
Short-term rentals are not generally permitted in secondary suites or coach houses. However, the District does permit 30
secondary suites or accessory dwelling units, like coach houses, for short-term rental through a temporary use permit (TUP) process. This requires a specific permit and application.
Once the maximum is reached, no additional permits will be issued until the policy is re-evaluated by the District
Where an issued TUP is withdrawn or cancelled by the permit holder, this will open availability until the cap is reached again.
Currently, there are two spots available for STR Temporary Use Permits, according to the municipality.
All short-term rental operators in Squamish must have a business licence and include their licence number in all online listings and advertising, or they may be subject to fines up to $3,000 per offence.
The Squamish licensing program was adopted in November 2020 and implemented starting in 2021
The provincial rules are similar, but allow one secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit
STATED GOALS
The stated goal of both regulations is to help protect long-term rental housing while allowing residents to earn additional income
Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, Ravi Kahlon, told The Squamish Chief in an email that it is important to have these rules to ensure there is enough housing for people who want to live in their communities.
“To ensure more people can stay and thrive in the communities they love and help rein in the
short-term rental market, we put rules in place to help balance tourism spaces while creating more long-term homes for residents,” he said
“There are more than 22,000 short-term rental hosts with active listings in B.C. This is a reduction from the estimated 28,000 STRs when the legislation was introduced in 2023, indicating more short-term rentals are being converted to long-term homes that people need.
“We have been working with short-term rental platforms, the tourism industry and local governments to ensure that this program is helping achieve our goal of creating more homes for people, faster, and it’s making an impact. We are seeing rent prices stabilize, and even decrease in places like Vancouver, while long-term rental vacancy rates have risen in places like Squamish While this is good progress, we know there is more work to do and we’re not slowing down until people can find good homes in communities they love.”
Ferguson says not only are the rules unlikely to achieve the stated goals for Squamish, but they are also punitive toward women and people with disabilities
“They say people using Airbnb are the reason that there isn’t enough housing, which isn’t the reason. The reason is that they haven’t been building [enough] low-cost housing,” she said.
“They haven’t done it. So then to suddenly turn around in the middle of a borderline recession, and say the onus is on homeowners who are already dying because of interest rates and can’t pay their mortgages, to be the ones that have to provide low-cost accommodation for people,” she said
“I feel like this legislation is for workers and low-cost housing, and that’s great, and I’m not wholly against that, but when it’s being so punitive against a different sector of the population, which is maybe a middle-class homeowner sector of the population What the next step for me is, I have to sell and move out of Squamish?”
“I’ve kept saying that to the District, ‘You’re making it impossible for me to live here.’”
Ferguson also objects to the fact that the provincial regulations allow hosts to rent out their primary residence, plus a secondary unit.
“I want Squamish to have the same legislation as the rest of [the] government I want them to have one primary unit plus one secondary dwelling,” she said
She would also like more flexibility within the system, rather than the current one-size-fits-all approach
‘I CAN’T GET ANOTHER JOB’
In terms of how the rules particularly prejudice women and those with a disability, Ferguson says that it is a way for both groups to make money.
“I can’t work in an office, I can’t get another
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Louise Ferguson in front of the cabin on her property
B.C. JUDGE RULES SQUAMISH BUILDING SCHEME OBSOLETE, CLEARS WAY FOR FOURPLEX
The push for higher-density housing in one of Canada’s fastest-growing communities received a boost after a B.C. judge ruled an old zoning agreement unenforceable
“other circumstances the court considers material.”
BOB MACKIN news@squamishchief.com
AB.C. Supreme Court judge ruled July 3 that a common law building scheme that affects 200 Squamish properties is obsolete and should be cancelled.
Garibaldi Estates homeowners Dennis and Andrea Smith objected to the proposal by Clearwater Park GP Inc. to build a fourplex next door
They feared such a development would trigger a wave of density that would change the character and livability of the 1960s and 1970s built neighbourhood that includes some modest houses, big yards and large setbacks.
The Smiths sought an injunction to limit Clearwater to one dwelling But Justice Frits Verhoeven disagreed.
Verhoeven, who presided for two days in May at the New Westminster courthouse, dismissed the Smiths’ petition because of
Verhoeven said he was “not without sympathy” for the Smiths and others who wished to preserve their low-density, single-family neighbourhood.
“However, in relation to the exercise of the court’s residual discretion, the need of the community for additional housing is also relevant,” he wrote.
Squamish’s population, he said, grew by 22.2 % between 2016 and 2021 to 23,819, making it one of Canada’s top 10 fastest-growing communities. It is expected to top 40,000 by 2040, the judgment reads.
“Consideration of the public interest does not favour the position of the Smiths that the court should refuse to cancel the building scheme.”
The Smiths argued Clearwater bought the land last September, knowing about the restrictive covenant created in 1959 by Garibaldi Park Estates Ltd. (GPEL) The District of Squamish gave Clearwater a development permit the week after it bought and the company applied for a building permit.
Anyone actually reading the building scheme with care would have had some doubts about its continued applicability.
JUDGE VERHOEVEN
It argued the building scheme was a “historical anomaly” that acted as a barrier to increasing housing supply, a priority of the provincial government “I am not persuaded that cancellation of the building scheme would be unjust or inequitable,” Verhoeven wrote. “Anyone actually reading the building scheme with care would have had some doubts about its continued applicability.”
Verhoeven said GPEL “dissolved long ago”
Woodfibre LNGProject
in 1983 and the building scheme could not have been enforced Under Clause 3, it allowed GPEL to authorize “duplex, semi-detached and/or multiple dwelling” units.
“Therefore, the prohibition against multi-family housing was very limited. It was a ‘soft’ commitment, only.”
So soft, that it had been ignored, because of the volume of renovations, secondary suites, storage and utility sheds added.
“These circumstances further support my finding that the building scheme is obsolete,” Verhoeven said
The decision bolsters the NDP government’s 2023-passed Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act and amendments to the Local Government Zoning Bylaw Regulations. The province effectively ended single-family zoning and required municipalities, by the end of June 2024, to amend zoning bylaws to allow higher density housing.
Verhoeven awarded costs to Clearwater, to be paid by the Smiths.
“There is no order for costs for or against Squamish.”
Woodfibre LNG General Partner Inc. is proposing to change the Woodfibre LNGproject, locatedapproximately 7kms southwest of Squamish, B.C. They seek to add asecondFloatel(a retrofitted cruise ship forworker accommodation) to be mooredsouth of the existing Floatel.
The EAOisseeking public feedback on the proposed changes from July 8-August 2, 2025
The EAOisholding apublic commentperiod on the proposed changes to the projectand is seeking public feedback to understand potential impactsspecifically relatedtothe changes.
Learnmoreabout the proposal and tell us whatisimportant to you: engage.eao.gov.bc.ca/Woodfibre-A4
Youmay also submit comments by mail: Woodfibre LNGProject, PO box 9426, StnProvGovt, Victoria, B.C. V8W 9V1
PUBLIC GETS ANOTHER LOOK AT PLANS FOR SECOND FLOATEL
Woodfibre LNG’s recent public information session on a potential second floating workers’ accommodation for its Squamish project was marked by an unusual calm, contrasting with the company’s typically heated reception at public hearings
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
While Woodfibre LNG’s (WLNG) public hearings have been known to be heated, the company’s recent public information session on a possible second floating workers’ accommodation was comparatively uneventful
Members of the public were invited to meet with the WLNG staff at the Executive Suites Hotel & Resort on July 2, to discuss their Temporary Use Permit (TUP) application for its first floatel and a potential second floatel too. Currently, the repurposed cruise ship MV Isabelle X is moored at the site, located seven kilometres from downtown Squamish. The second floatel would be placed next to the current vessel.
The Squamish Chief attended the event which ran from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., amongst 16 local residents and three councillors; Jenna Stoner, Eric Andersen and Chris Pettingill
WLNG spokesperson Sean Beardow told The Squamish Chief the purpose of the event was to
(Owner
provide the public with more information about both floatels
“We’re here today to talk a little bit about the floatel, why there’s a need for a second, talk a
Canadian Navigable Waters Act
Mark Abmaherebygivesnotice that an applicationhas been made to the MinisterofTransport,pursuant to the Canadian NavigableWaters Act, for approval of the work describedherein and itssiteand plans. Pursuant to paragraph 7(2) of thesaid Act, MarkAbmahas deposited with theMinister of Transport, on theon-line
(Owner–Individual or company name)
Common Project Search Registry (https://cps.canada.ca) and under registrynumber 12886___, or under the NPP File Number2025-514785,a descriptionofthe following work,its site and plans: • Raft
(nature andstatusofwork–e.g. existing/proposed wharf, breakwater, booms, bridge,cable, dam,etc. –not merely "works" or such general terms) in, on,over, under, through or acrossHoweSound at49degrees 39’30.1”N, 123degrees 11’17”W and49degrees 36’44.7”N,123 degrees 12’48.2”W in front of lot number4731Sea to SkyHighway andDistrict Lot 6583
(nameofplace where workistobelocated)
(nameofthe river,the lake or othernavigable water)
(or at the oot of such astreet, etc.) (see note below)
Commentsregardingthe effect ofthisworkonmarine navigationcan be sentthrough the CommonProject Search site mentionedabove (under theComment tab, searchbythe referencednumber) or if you donot have accesstothe internet, by sending your comments directlyto:
Navigation Protection Program– Transport Canada 820-800 Burrard StreetVancouver BC V6Z 2J8
Transport Canada (TC) willnot make your comments on aproject availabletothe public onthe onlineCommon Project Registry.However,any information that youprovidetoTCmay be sharedwithprojectproponents or others, as required to addressnavigation issues, or maybeusedinsubsequentlegalactions.Assuch, the information andrecords providedshouldnot contain confidentialorpersonal information. If you want to provideconfidentialor sensitive information that youbelieve should notbesharedwiththe projectproponentorothers, pleasecontact TC before submitting your comments.
However, comments willbeconsideredonlyiftheyare in writing (electronic meanspreferable)and arereceived not laterthan30daysafter thepublication of thisnotice.Althoughall comments conformingtothe above will be considered,noindividual response will be sent
Posted at:Britannia Beach, BC,V0N 1J0, this 21st dayofJune,2025.
(day) (City,Province)(Month) (year)
Mark Abma (full nameofowner)
little bit about the success of the first, and also taking the opportunity to kind of talk a little bit about what’s new with the project,” Beardow said
“We really wanted to make sure that we can explain why we’re doing it and give people a sense of what that second floatel would look like on site and what it would look like in general.
“Really showing [people] that the second floatel would really mirror the first, both in programming and amenities and rough size.”
He also said that while the second floatel would allow for the WLNG project to be completed faster, it would also offer more jobs for Canadian workers.
“It kind of comes down to simple math. If we can have more workers on site, working parallel on different levels of construction, we’re going to be able to finish the project as quickly as we can. And finishing the project as quickly as we can, I think takes a bit of advantage of where we are geopolitically,” he said
“We’re in an interesting place right now, and there’s a certain galvanization for Canadian energy, and with the state of everything [happening in the U.S.], this is also an opportunity for a lot of Canadian jobs.”
NEWS BRIEF
FLAG REMOVED
The Palestinian flag that was hung on the rockface of the Stawamus Chief since about Canada Day is now down.
The flag was affixed to the Witch, known as Kálklilh in the Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) language, and within the Stawamus Chief Provincial Park.
Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, spokesperson and councillor for Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), asked that the flag be removed.
“We have recently become aware that a flag has been placed upon Siy’ám’ Smánit (The Stawamus Chief),” Williams said in a statement sent via email on Sunday, while the flag was still up
“Siy’ám’ Smánit is a sacred site within our territory, and placing or hanging anything upon it is disrespectful,” Williams said
“As the area in which it is located is extremely steep and can only be reached by experienced climbers, we have asked the Squamish Access Society (SAS) if a climber with technical experience is available to assist in removing it This is in no way a political statement but instead reflects the significance of Siy’ám’ Smánit to the Sḵwxwú7mesh People, and the importance of respecting it.”
The Squamish Access Society posted a request on its social media for the person(s)
Beardow confirmed that it would only be WLNG workers using the second floatel and that no FortisBC workers would reside there.
On May 1, WLNG announced they were seeking to place a second floating workers’ accommodation at its site which would accommodate 900 more tradespeople
In 2024, Squamish council voted to reject a one-year temporary use permit for the first floatel.
However, after an BC Environmental Assessment Office order was issued on June 17, 2024, which required the company to address its worker housing issues, WLNG moved the ship into place.
It later reapplied for a permit with the District.
The municipality is still considering a TUP application from WLNG for the existing temporary floating workforce accommodation and to authorize an additional temporary floatel.
Beardow said that WLNG has not yet obtained the second cruise ship yet, but anticipates it should be ready to go in time for the regulatory approval
For more information on the WLNG project, visit their website.
responsible to remove the flag
“We would like to ask those responsible to please remove the flag immediately,” the post reads.
“We are guests upon these lands, and when enjoying the beauty of Siy’ám’ Smánit, please treat the mountain with the respect it deserves and leave nothing behind.”
Debate about the flag has raged online for days in Squamish, with someone offering $200 to anyone who would take it down.
The flag was removed late on July 6.
A spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Parks told The Squamish Chief it was aware of the flag, adding that Section 13 of the Park Act prohibits a person from erecting a structure without permission, and the flag in question was installed without permission
The spokesperson also referred to Section 13 A of the act, which reads, “a person must not construct, install, erect or place any structure, improvement or work of any nature in a park, conservancy or recreation area, except under the authority of a valid and subsisting park use permit or resource use permit.”
Now that the flag has been removed, no further action will be taken by BC Parks, according to its spokesperson.
“The flag has been removed. BC Parks will not be pursuing enforcement actions.”
PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
An attendee takes in the information boards at the open house at Executive Suites.
–Individual or company name)
View this ad online:
NoticeofBylawReadings –Tuesday, July15, 2025, at 6p.m.
Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, B.C. or electronically at squamish.civicweb.net
Properties currently zoned R-2, R-3, RL-1, RL-2, AGRI-1, C-4, I-8 and MUD-1.
PROPOSED BYLAWAMENDMENT
Thepurpose of the proposed Bylaw is to make amendments to the zoning bylawtoaddress minor errorand inconsistencies,improve the clarity and functionalityofthe bylaw and align the bylawwith other land-use relatedDistrictpolicies and bylaws.
BYLAW READINGS
Consideration of first,second and thirdreadingsof the proposed Bylawwill be at the RegularCouncil meeting on July15, 2025 in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C.
Thepurpose of the proposed Bylawistorezonethe property from Residential 1(R-1) to aComprehensive DevelopmentZone in order to convertthe existingresidencetoadedicatedcommercial child carefacility. A parkingreduction of 3spaces forthe childcarefacilityisalso proposed.
BYLAWREADINGS
Consideration of first,secondand thirdreadingsofthe proposed Bylawwill be at the Regular Council meeting on July 15, 2025, in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, B.C.
LOCATION MAP
Attend the Meeting In-person at Council Chambers at Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish,B.C. or online at: squamish.ca/live-meetings
No Public Hearing
In accordance with Provincial legislation,Section 464(2)ofthe Local GovernmentAct,local governments arenot required to hold publichearingsrelated to rezoning applicationsthatare consistentwith the localgovernment’sOfficialCommunityPlan (OCP).
Howtoviewthe proposed bylaws
Acopyofthe proposed bylaws and relatedinformation thathas been or may be considered by Council may be inspectedonline at squamish.ca/showcase or in person atMunicipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, from July 3, 2025,toJuly 15,2025, between8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Mondaythrough Friday. Enquiries regarding the proposedamendmentbylawmay be made to the Planning Department at 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca. This is the second of two notices,dated this 10 dayofJuly,2025, at Squamish, BritishColumbia.
View this ad online:
2026 PermissiveTax Exemption Applications
PermissiveTax Exemptions areamethod that the DistrictofSquamish, supportedbyCouncil, maysupportvoluntarynon-profit organizations by exempting land or improvements or both, from taxation under Section 224 ofthe CommunityCharter.
TheDistrictofSquamish is nowaccepting applications forPermissive TaxExemptions.Section 224 of the CommunityCharterand therequirements of the DistrictofSquamish PermissiveTax Exemption policyapply.Ifyour organization can demonstrate eligibilityyou arewelcome to apply foranexemption. Theapplication and policy areavailable online.The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025, forexemptions beginning forthe 2026 taxation year Formoreinformation, please contactus at 604-892-5217. squamish.ca/grants
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE
Feel the Music at The55ActivityCentre Wednesdays,2:45–3:45 pm
Check out the pool schedule:
and COUNCILLOR GREENLAW
squamish.ca/rec/pool
This mood-lifting class is inspired by various forms of music using chairs for warm-up and support–a fun exercise forboth mind and body
Swimming Lessons at Brennan Park Recreation Centre Learnorimproveyour swimming skills this summer
Lessons forall ages are available everyweek.Lots ofoptions to choose from.
Register online at squamish.ca/rec
Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue 11:30 am–12:30 pm Wednesday, July 16
Make your home morecomfortable,
Know beforeyou go!
Summer vacation is here!
Make sureyou check onlinefor the latest information on programs and schedules at squamish.ca/rec OR
Youcan nowskipthe clicks and head directly to registration with our new URL. It’s super easy! Head to squamish.ca/booknow!
SUMMER CAMP:BOOK NOW!
Dinosaur Discoveries (7–12yrs) July 21–25
Discover your inner dino! Make your ownfossil,createanepic volcano,and learnabout the various dinosaurs that roamed the landbeforeus. This camp includes outdoor rock climbingwith the Squamish Rock Guides
During Stage 1, lawn watering with asprinkler is allowed twodaysper week from 4–10 am and 7–10 pm based on street address.
•Odd numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays.
•Evennumbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
BC GOVERNMENT URGED TO UPDATE FORESTRY PRACTICES TO REDUCE WILDFIRE RISK
Ministry of Forests says it is reviewing a report that asserts there’s a disconnect between forest industry regulations and wildfire prevention
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
To further reduce the risk of wildfires in communities in the Sea to Sky, the provincial government’s regulations for forestry companies need to be brought up to speed, according to a new report.
In mid-June, the Forest Practices Board published the report Help or Hinder? Aligning Forestry Practices with Wildfire Risk Reduction
The bottom line is the board’s special investigation found more could be done by forest companies to mitigate against wildfires, but they are hampered by out-of-date or out-of-step provincial government regulations.
The board’s special investigation looked at forestry activities between 2019 and 2022 in the Sea to Sky, Cariboo-Chilcotin, and Peace natural resource districts.
According to the board, the audits involved investigators sampling 43 cut blocks and 22 wildfire risk-reduction treatments within interface areas—where homes or development butt up against a forest—that are classified by the province as at high or extreme risk of wildfire.
Investigators reviewed forestry plans and documentation, evaluated compliance with hazard and fuel-treatment requirements at
logging sites, and interviewed First Nations, forestry professionals, government decision-makers and BC Wildfire Service staff.
KEY FINDINGS
Fire hazard assessments
The investigation found that many fire hazard assessments the province requires are late, incomplete, or based on outdated methods.
In terms of the Sea to Sky, 69 % of cutblocks audited had completed fire hazard assessments; 64 % of those had their assessments completed within the specified time
Of the completed assessments in the corridor, however, all met the content requirements, meaning they included in their assessments all that was needed.
Fire hazard abatement timelines
The investigation found that regulations for fire hazard abatement—meaning clearing away debris from forestry activity—allow up to 30 months to reduce fuel hazards—even in high-risk areas.
So, debris can sit for 30 months on the ground, posing a wildfire risk.
“The 30-month period actually starts when
X̱ wúneḵwParkSeaDikeandFloodProtectionUpgrades
This project includes theconstructionofa new seadikewhich wasidentified in theDistrict’sIntegratedFlood HazardManagementPlanasapriorityto meet Provincial standardsfor protectingthe community from coastalflood hazards.Along with thenew dike andwaterfrontwalkway, theprojectincludes an integrated habitatenhancementareaand theinstallationofa public water access fornon-motorized watercraft.Constructionwillbegin on July 14,2025, andbecompletedinsummer2026.
Impacts include:
•Closure of thepark includingthe wateraccess, watercraft storagefacilityand Main Street parking area.
•Alternate public wateraccess is available at Sp’akw’usFeather Park
Find more informationat squamish.ca/xwunekw-park-sea-dike
Infrastructure Upgrades
•Installationworkcontinues on awatermain between Bill’s Placeand HighlandsWay South.
•A watermain upgradeonBirkenRoad(northofAxenRoad) will beginthis week andcontinue throughout summer.
•Annualroadpaintingrefresh programisunderway. Crewswill be workingat nighttolimit traffic impacts squamish.ca/building-our-future
FieldAllocationMeeting
Wednesday, July 16,2025
Please contactRecreationand Culture at 604-898-3604 with anyquestions.
BusinessOpportunities Requests forProposals
•LoggersEast StormSewer Construction Requests forQuotations
•CrosswalkInstallations &SafetyUpgrades
•Madill ForcemainReplacement Construction squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The forest behind Capilano University, which has previously been logged
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THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERYTHURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA
The Squamish Chiefisa member of theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependentorganization establishedtodealwithacceptable ournalisticpractices andethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@squamishchief.com. If you arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information
Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.
EDITORIAL
LOCALS IN COURT
Alotofwhatweknowabout thecourtsis, unfortunately, influencedby U.S. television. At onetime, Squamish hadits own courthouse,which made itsoperationsmore accessibleand relatabletolocals.
After24 yearsinoperation onSecondAvenue, though,itclosedfor financialreasons in July of 2002, tothe dismay of localleaders at thetime.
Courtappearances arenow in NorthVancouver
This lack of access canleadtoassumptions, includingthose by journalists, of what happensina courtroominB.C
Forexample,in Canada,our judgesdonot use gavels andnever have
“Theycontrol courtproceedings with theirvoices and demeanour,”reads theCourtofB.C.website
InCanada, citizens have aright to an independent and impartialjudiciary.
This is ensuredinvarious ways,includingthat judgesare appointedbased on meritratherthan politicalaffiliation,for example.
Anotherimportant wayjudges andthe judicial system areheldaccountable is through the“open courts principle.”
This meansthat, generallyspeaking, everything thathappens in courtisopentothe public, including themedia.
Thereis“privilege” forjournalistswithinthe court, meaningweare safe topublish what is said anddonethere withoutfearofbeing sued forit.
We also covercourt storiesbecause journalists believethatcrimesare not just againstthe victim, butthe community, so thecommunity hasaright to know.
Courtrulings arealsoarecordofsocietalnorms; think of recreational cannabis consumption, which hasgonefromillegal to legal.
Becausemostpeoplehavelives,jobs, and responsibilities that preventthemfrom sitting throughcourt proceedings, it is oftenthrough the media that thepublichears aboutcourt rulings.
At TheSquamishChief in recent years, we have noticedreaders seemlessaware that thecourtsare opentothe public,and they or theirloved onecan be namedinastory iftheyappearincourt.Thisresults in them contacting us,upset by thecoverage. (This editorialisnot relatedtoany recent cases.)
Itis literallyreporters’jobstocover that,for the reasons cited.
Thereare limitationstothis, such as apublication ban, whichcan be mandatoryorrequested.
Butbarring thosebans, ifyou find yourself in court,you should know that youcould endupina news story.
It isn’tpersonal. It is because, as thefederal court stateswiththe quotebyEnglish legaland political reformer,JeremyBentham,onits website:“Where thereisnopublicity,there is no justice. Publicityis theverysoulofjustice.It is theveryspurtoexertion andthe surest of allguardsagainst improbity.”
SONNIE TROTTER’SRELATABLE CLIMBING
VINCESHULEY THE OUTSIDER
Rockclimbingisone of thosesportsthatwhenyou hita certainlevel,thingscan getratherintimidating.The firsttimeIeverleadclimbed on “trad gear”(placingremovable fall protection on therockas youclimb), Iwas terrified, theconsequencesoffalling suddenly gettingall themorereal. What surprisedme duringthisstressful forayintotradclimbingwas the amount of strength andfocus Ididn’tknowI had. But that strength andfocus hada limit, my risk tolerance overridingmydesiretopushintobigger, harder climbs.
When Iwatch climbing documentariesabout Alex Honnold(Free Solo) or thelateMarc-AndréLeclerc (The Alpinist), of Squamish,I don’t really seemuchof myself in theseathletes. Theirskill,workethic,and toleranceofriskseemalmostotherworldly. When you seethese mengetting interviewedoncamera, their mannerisms andperspectivespaint them as a differenttypeofhuman altogether.
That wasn’t thecasewhenI read SonnieTrotter’s newbook, Uplifted:The evolutionofaclimbinglife.For thosenot familiar,Trotter is aCanadianprofessional climberwho hasspent his30-year career contributing
to hundreds of firstfreeascents around theworld (free ascent is climbing awallwithout anyartificialaid,not to be confused with free solo ascent,which is climbing withoutany protection at alland what Honnold and Leclercare knownfor). Trotter’slistofaccomplishmentsrival anyclimber in thesport,but hisstory of gettingthere is onethatissomuchmorerelatable From growingupinNewmarket,Ont., andfinding his placeatalocal climbing gymasarestlessteenager, to making thedifficult decision to turn around on what mightend up beingaonce-in-a-lifetimeclimbing opportunity, thetales of hislifein Uplifted seem allthe more,well, human.
ThepartofTrotter’s storyIrelated to most washis period of going“allin” on hisclimbingcareer. Twenty-three yearsold andbanging nailsupto14 hoursa daytofundthe next climbing trip,when cashingapaycheque,Trotter wasasked by hisbankif he wasinterestedintakingout alineofcreditfor $20,000.While theideaofbeing indebted wasscary, theopportunity it represented wasfar more powerful. Amonth later, Trotterquithis job, withdrew half his credit limitand bought avan.Filling thevehicle with hisclimbingpack, aduffleofwrinkly clothes, acheap sleeping bagand enough canned food andpasta to feed himfor amonth,Trotter pointedhis wheels towardsColoradoand embraced anew type of
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
OUTSIDER: Continued from 12
climbing freedom
While I’ve never gone full van-life with the aim of climbing every day, committing to a modest mountain lifestyle requires a similar leap You could probably make more money pursuing a career back in your hometown or a big city, but the opportunity to live with adventure on your doorstep—every single day—is one that’s simply too good to pass up For Trotter, that line of credit let him focus solely on climbing for the next year to see if he could make this adventurous lifestyle work, and maybe even scrape through with a career as a pro climber.
“Fuck it,” he wrote in Uplifted “I knew what I was doing—even if the bank didn’t I
was determined to live the life I had always dreamt of, to climb every day, to meet like-minded people, and to experience as many new routes and rock types as my time on this planet would allow. Nothing else mattered.”
Those first 18 months led to Trotter’s first real recognition for his pioneering climbs It also led to conversations with the outdoor brand Patagonia and eventually a career-long partnership. Since then, Trotter unlocked new free ascent routes everywhere from Squamish and the Canadian Rockies to Mexico’s Cascada de Basaseachi National Park He has climbed with the world’s best athletes, written stories about truly exotic locations (with photos to match, many of which appear in his book) and perhaps most impressively, has
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
DEEP CONCERN
Re: “What the Squamish community thinks about a new supportive housing development” (published on June 29, 2025).
As a long-time Squamish resident, the current Chair of the Hilltop Family Council, a volunteer director with the Vancouver Coastal Association of Family Councils, and a member of the VCH Regional Resident and Family Council Network, I am writing to express deep concern about the proposed supportive housing development at 39900 Government Road and Centennial Way. While I fully support creating safe, affordable housing for people in need including seniors, people with disabilities, and those experiencing homelessness—it is a grave mistake to mix vulnerable seniors with individuals (who may be) actively struggling with serious mental health and substance use disorders. These are fundamentally different populations with profoundly different care needs and safety requirements
B.C.’s own experience has already shown the dangers of this approach At Dufferin Place in Nanaimo, where addiction and mental health patients were housed adjacent to seniors, staff and family members reported open drug use, violence, and emotional trauma among residents. Reports included crack and meth being smoked indoors, visible drug deals outside the entrance, and staff
LETTERS POLICY
unable to confiscate weapons due to provincial guidelines. How can anyone argue that this is a safe or dignified environment for elderly people—many with dementia or mobility issues?
In Alberta, a similar arrangement at Carewest Colonel Belcher led to 56 police callouts in one year and major safety concerns from veterans and seniors. Squamish is not immune to the same consequences.
The Squamish Helping Hands Society executive director stated the new development will house “people who use substances, people who are disabled, and seniors.” But this blend of populations— without clearly defined, physically separated, and properly resourced spaces—is a systemic shortcut that places our most vulnerable citizens at unacceptable risk.
We are already facing chronic staffing shortages in long-term care across B.C. Who will protect our seniors in these mixed environments? Will there be enough trained staff to handle crisis situations, de-escalate violent outbursts, or intervene when a resident is exposed to trauma?
This is not just a policy concern—it’s a moral one. Would you want your aging mother, father, or disabled family member living in a setting where drug use, aggression, and psychological distress are common occurrences?
managed a successful pro-climbing career while prioritizing family life with two children In a sport where climbers and mountaineers often perish in the pursuit of greatness, Trotter’s approach to risk in the mountains has evolved with his experience
Does Uplifted make me want a send a 5.13? Not really I know what I’m capable of and I don’t need that level of stress But the book does make me want to dust off the climbing shoes and feel the freedom of rock climbing again.
Well done, Sonnie. Uplifted: The evolution of a climbing life is published by Patagonia.
Vince Shuley is a writer, photojournalist, columnist and copywriter with deep roots in mountain culture in the Sea to Sky.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Are you satisfied with life in Squamish?
Have your say at squamishchief.com
WEEK’S QUESTION
Would you watch a TV show if it were mostly in French? (Top 3)
The supportive housing proposal located less than a kilometre from the new 152-bed long-term care facility under development—effectively creates a high-risk corridor where safety, stability, and respectful aging are no longer guaranteed.
This is not about NIMBYism. It’s about responsible, evidence-based, and compassionate planning. Mental health and addiction care require specialized facilities, tailored treatment programs, and secure settings—not a patchwork solution that jeopardizes seniors and undermines the integrity of supportive housing
I urge fellow Squamish residents to speak up Contact our Sea to Sky MLA, Jeremy Valeriote, and demand a revised, safer model that provides dignified, effective care for all—without putting one vulnerable group at risk for the sake of another.
• Jeremy Valeriote, MLA, Parliament Buildings, Victoria, BC V8V 1X4 or
• Jeremy Valeriote, MLA, Meeting Room, 38551 Loggers Lane, Squamish, BC V8V 0H2
In addition, you can also write specifically and/or locally to:
• communityrelations@bchousing.org
• feedback@bchousing.org
• council@squamish.ca
• planning@squamish.ca
Janice M. DesJardins Squamish
The Squamish Chief welcomes letters to the editor of up to 400 words. Letters should be exclusive to this publication and are meant to respond to a local story in The Squamish Chief or raise an issue happening in town Please include your name, neighbourhood and daytime phone number The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for Thursday’s edition. Full names and neighbourhood will be published with the letter The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit letters for length and clarity or to address legal concerns Email letters to: editor@squamishchief.com
MOST READ STORY
Palestinian flag removed from Stawamus Chief after controversy
SPECTACULAR
PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA
FOREST: Continued from 9
they start logging, so it includes the time it takes them to harvest a cutblock And then there still might be two years left after they are completed harvesting,” said Forest Practices Board chair Keith Atkinson
With climate change thrown into the mix, that length of time creates a wildfire hazard.
“Things have escalated so fast with drought conditions year after year [with] climate effects and we’re all very hyperaware,” he added.
“We’re trying to draw that attention to the interface zone around communities just focus in this area There shouldn’t be a 30-month window—you should be abating as soon as possible, get right at it.”
Prescribed measures—meaning what was required to reduce the risk—for abatement were followed 56 % in the Sea to Sky, according to the investigation.
Smoke control rules limiting effective wildfire mitigation
Planned and strategic burning of slash piles can help prevent wildfires, the report notes, but the provincial government’s Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation (OBSCR), which restricts the days industry can burn them, limits one of the most effective fuel reduction tools, according to the investigation
“Regulatory restrictions related to smoke control and abatement costs presented the greatest obstacles to licensees reducing hazards quickly,” reads the report.
It notes that, in the Sea to Sky, there was one opportunity for a two-day burn window on average, and no opportunities in 2022 or 2023
“It’s part of the culture of not wanting to see fire, not wanting to see smoke in communities, and that’s a culture we need to shift so that we’re comfortable with prescriptive burning, using it as a practice, because it is a good practice for removing wildfire risk and preventing catastrophic fires and fires that really get into communities,” said Atkinson
The report though, also highlights the proactive work of the Lil’wat Nation for being inventive in this regard
The Nation purchased air curtain incinerators—devices that look like big dumpsters that can burn forestry debris without the degree of smoke—as part of their managed forest tenures.
“Using air curtain incinerators allows a licensee to get an exemption for burning in high smoke sensitivity zones,” the report notes.
Community wildfire risk reduction
According to the investigation, although community wildfire risk reduction (WRR) plans are being developed across the province, they’re not always accessible and are often not linked to licensee obligations
This isn’t the case in Squamish, which has a clear Community Wildfire Protection Plan
Overall, though, the report notes that the legal definition of an interface is “defined by
When aligned with wildfire mitigation priorities, forestry activities— such as harvesting, commercial thinning, fuel management, and stand regeneration—can help reduce wildfire risk, support forest health, and protect communities.
KIM HAAKSTAD
the Wildfire Act and Wildfire Regulation as an area inside—or within two kilometres of improvement districts, water improvement districts or fire protection districts within regional districts. Fire hazards must be assessed and abated sooner if they are in the legal interface.”
The problem is that the definition notably excludes municipalities, which most land managers would consider the wildland-urban interface.
“Nobody’s ever cleaned up the language of that definition so that it’s more fulsome, including all of these districts and the two-kilometre buffer,” said Atkinson
“And it makes it unclear to a logging company licensee, compared to a community group who’s doing wildfire risk reduction plans, and it gets all confusing on who can do what,” he added. “We’re just saying that should be cleaned up and build that collaboration amongst the groups so that this zone is much more focused on as a problem area, and not just a mix-up in the jurisdictional boundaries.”
Fire management stocking standards
Fire management stocking standards (FMSS) are how many trees per hectare that should be on a property after logging. The investigation found that while the province has had stocking standards since 2016, which help reduce wildfire risk, adoption of them is low.
Few licensees use fire management stocking standards, but encouragingly, they are all in the Sea to Sky.
“Cheakamus Community Forest LP, Lílwat Forestry Ventures, and Speĺkúmtn Community Forest LP, all within the Sea to Sky natural resource district, reference FMSS in their FSPs These three represent only 30 % of that district’s licensees reviewed by the board.”
The report says that logging occurs at 11 times the rate of wildfire risk reduction treatments in the interface between forests and communities, yet it is rarely planned with wildfire in mind.
“If you’re trying to build a wildfire risk-reduced forest, a resilient forest fire, those stocking standards have to change Some standards have been written, and then we just need professionals to adopt those and start using them, where we’ll allow more deciduous trees to regenerate because they’re good buffers from fire. We can have fewer trees per hectare ... it’s an open ground. The real thickets are prone to fire,” Atkinson said.
“We’re saying that should be kind of required in the two-kilometre [buffer] zone too.”
Ultimately, according to the report, the board’s investigation reveals a forest industry “where responsibilities and incentives remain disconnected. But the knowledge, skills, and commitment already exist.”
Now that the investigation has exposed this, though, the report says there is a chance to course correct: “to bring forestry and wildfire disciplines and practitioners together to create safer [wildland-urban interfaces] across all communities within B.C.”
‘Significant challenges and limited resources’
The BC Council of Forest Industries (COFI) president and CEO, Kim Haakstad said the council takes the findings of this report seriously, but also noted the industry is currently facing significant challenges
“As wildfire risks grow, we remain focused on supporting practices and policies that protect communities, strengthen forest health, and ensure B.C.’s forestry sector continues to play a positive and proactive role in building a more resilient future,” she said, in an emailed statement.
“While forestry professionals have expertise to contribute to these efforts, the sector is facing significant challenges and limited resources. The forest industry is in crisis due to uncertainty around access to wood, an inability to get permits on a timely basis, and economic pressures. For the industry to sustain the people, equipment, and operations needed to support wildfire risk reduction, these activities must be economically viable,” she added.
“Wildfire resilience requires co-ordinated partnerships Government, First Nations, licensees, local communities, and wildfire professionals all have a role to play Funding partnerships are essential to ensure that companies are not expected to absorb the full cost of wildfire mitigation or operate at a loss.”
Ultimately, she said COFI supports efforts to strengthen co-ordination and improve regulatory clarity.
“This includes timely removal of debris, modernized fuel hazard guidelines, and better alignment between forest operations and local wildfire risk reduction plans,” she said.
“We share the board’s view that the forest industry can and should be a key partner in building more fire-resilient communities and landscapes. When aligned with wildfire mitigation priorities, forestry activities—such as harvesting, commercial thinning, fuel management, and stand regeneration—can help reduce wildfire risk, support forest health, and protect communities.”
‘Focus our energy here’
Atkinson says studies show it will take decades to create a fire-resilient forest throughout the province, and it is accepted that residents will be living with more wildfires due to climate change “What we’re trying to do is focus on communities at risk. Let’s really focus our energy there.
If we don’t change the status quo, that just keeps communities at risk... We want to look after the communities and our people, their interests, their infrastructure, all of this stuff,” he said
Recommendations
Board recommendations for the province:
1. Set proactive fire management objectives: Establish proactive fire management objectives in the interface to reduce wildfire hazards.
2. Improve legal definitions and transparency: Ensure the wildland-urban interface includes municipalities and other high-risk populated areas, and that maps defining the legal interface are publicly available.
3. Increase public accessibility of wildfire risk-reduction plans: Create a centralized, public repository for community-scale wildfire risk reduction plans to support co-ordinated action, community advocacy and cross-jurisdictional wildfire risk reduction
4. Strengthen fire-hazard abatement timelines: Require abatement periods to follow an “as soon as practicable” standard to reduce prolonged wildfire vulnerability.
5. Enhance fire-hazard assessment guidelines: Revise and update the Ministry of Forests’ 2012 fuel-hazard assessment and abatement guidelines to address current limitations and align with best practices in wildfire risk assessment
“All of our recommendations in this report are to the government,” said Atkinson.
“There is definitely expertise, and there are people in the regions that can make good decisions and do this,” he said
“[The recommendations] are largely about changing the regulations to allow the professionals, allow the licensees, allow the community expertise to actually put this stuff into action in their regions.”
Government to ‘carefully review’
For its part, in response to a series of specific questions regarding the report from The Squamish Chief, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Forests said the ministry was reviewing it “We have received a copy of the report, Help or Hinder? Aligning Forestry Practices with Wildfire Risk Reduction, with recommendations for government from the Forest Practices Board. It will take time to carefully review the final report and consider these recommendations,” the spokesperson said in an emailed statement.
“Reducing the risk of wildfires is a priority for the ministry We take this work seriously and based on a preliminary review of the recommendations, we believe a number of initiatives underway across the Ministry address the recommendations.”
RENTALS: Continued from 4
job. I’m unemployed. But the one thing I can do is I can look after my house and let out rooms, and that’s an income, and I have a huge freaking mortgage,” she noted.
Ferguson has been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Historically, women have rented space to visitors as a way to make money, she notes. And in 2025, there is still a gender pay gap that favours men.
When it comes to adults with ADHD, the Centre for ADHD Awareness Canada says that they are 20% less likely to be employed and earn an average of 16% less than their counterparts
For its part, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs said that the rules are meant to help find long-term housing for vulnerable groups of people
“We know that women, racialized people, low and moderate-income people, Indigenous peoples and people with disabilities experience greater challenges finding housing they can afford, and efforts like this, which result in the return of more homes to the long-term housing market, are helping to ease these rental pressures,” said a spokesperson for the ministry.
‘RUSTIC’ CABINS EXEMPT?
Ferguson also said the setup and age of her rental cabin mean she could not flip it to have people live full-time.
It is bare bones, which is what many want to stay in on vacation, but not for a long-term home.
“I can’t flip to be [a] normal long-term rental, because this is such an old property,” she said She also has her parents come from England to stay in it a few times a year, further removing it from any long-term housing supply
The provincial housing ministry rules state that seasonal or rustic cabins not meant for long-term housing do not fit the definition of a dwelling unit in the Short-Term Rentals Accommodation Act are not required to register. However, if a cabin includes cooking, bathroom, and sleeping facilities, it is considered a dwelling unit and must be registered.
A spokesperson for the provincial housing ministry also said that when vacancy rates are back at healthier levels in communities for a sustained period, the legislation enables local governments to choose whether to opt out from the principal residence requirement.
Unlike chain hotels, Ferguson says short-term rental hosts are people who employ other locals and return the money they earn to the community.
“I’m Airbnbing here I’m employing people, and it’s mostly women in the community. It’s additional income It’s secondary work All the money that’s coming to me is going back into the community I’m shopping at the farmers’ market or whatever it is It’s all staying in the community,” Ferguson said.
She also notes that Squamish doesn’t have a lot of hotel space to serve the people who are invited to the community.
CHALLENGES WITH PROVINCIAL REGISTRATION PROCESS
Ferguson also takes issue with the process.
“They’re just putting in more and more and
more barriers,” she said.
All short-term rental hosts in B.C. must register their rental on the provincial STR registry. They will receive a provincial registration number that must be displayed on all online listings in B.C.
The provincial housing ministry has a dedicated Service BC line to support hosts with questions about how to register (1-833-828-2240) and a dedicated web page with additional information for STR hosts. However, Ferguson felt the process of registering her short-term rental was overwhelming, and she didn’t finish it, though she has followed all the rules within Squamish
“They just wanted so many bits of paperwork. I literally had to upload four bits of paperwork to prove this was my primary residence. I own this house. I am on the B.C. registry as the property owner, but I still had to find and upload two different types of like, proof that it was my primary residence,” she said, as one example of the cumbersome process.
But hosts who do not comply have their listings taken down.
She has already had her listings removed from a popular booking site.
This means people who had reservations with her to stay, have had their booking cancelled.
She doesn’t blame the companies, but rather the government.
“They have to cancel the reservation, and then they’ve got a million people they have to try and find three houses for so they’re having to be preemptive,” she said
“What Airbnb is, is a software, a platform that is allowing homeowners to make a little bit of extra money to make ends meet.”
Ultimately, she says she wants to continue to be a short-term rental host and thinks it benefits the community, without taking from the long-term rental pool
“I love doing this. I get a huge amount of pleasure making the place nice, and having people come, and they’re always so grateful,” she said.
“I would say 50% of people who come here are young ... climbers and stuff. The other 50% are people’s families. So people who live in an apartment downtown, and they can’t put up their whole family, will come and stay here.”
DISTRICT EMPHASIZES NEED FOR LONG-TERM RENTALS
District spokesperson Lilly Marie Peterson said that homeowners can earn income through long-term rental of their secondary suites and coach houses as well as through short-term rental of their principal residence or rooms within their principal residence.
She said that the District currently has a 0.7% rental vacancy rate, which is “well below what is considered healthy” and has “a critical need for more long-term rental units to serve the 30% of people who are renters in our community.”
There are other municipalities in B.C. that have the same principal residence requirement as the District, including the City of Vancouver, City of Victoria and the Town of Gibsons, she added.
In response to the assertion that the rules disadvantage women, the District’s Peterson restated that any person who owns or rents their
principal residence, as long as the principal residence unit is not a secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit, is able to short-term rent their entire unit or rooms within their home as long as they are able to meet the business licensing requirements and obtain an STR licence.
“Also note that any person can also long-term rent their home, rooms within their home or their secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit; the District does not regulate this in any way,” she said
‘NOT A BINARY ISSUE’
The Squamish Chamber of Commerce’s position on the short-term rental issue is that a nuanced solution works best
“Businesses need workers, and workers need a place to live,” said the chamber’s executive director, Anne Mackenzie, in an emailed statement.
“Affordable, accessible housing is critical to the long-term viability of our local economy—from frontline service providers to engineers, tradespeople, and remote professionals,” she said.
“At the same time, we recognize that [vacation rentals] also meet a genuine market need. With limited hotel inventory in Squamish, STRs play a role in supporting our visitor economy and providing flexible accommodation options that benefit not just tourists, but seasonal workers, travelling professionals, and visiting family members of residents,” she said, adding that the chamber also hears frustration from residents who are trying to responsibly rent part of their
home to help cover mortgage costs “and feel caught between overlapping or misaligned regulations at the District and provincial levels.”
She suggested that better co-ordination, improved communication, and streamlined processes would go a long way in ensuring the rules are equitable, effective, and achievable for everyday homeowners
“We also want to acknowledge the increasing financial pressures on families and small business owners alike. It’s important that policies strike a balance—protecting long-term housing stock while also ensuring homeowners aren’t penalized for trying to stay afloat in a high-cost community like Squamish,” she said “Ultimately, this is not a binary issue. It’s about finding a nuanced, balanced solution that reflects the interconnectedness of our housing market, workforce challenges, and tourism economy. The chamber will continue to advocate for clarity, flexibility, and long-term strategies that support both economic development and community well-being.”
‘SQUAMISH NEEDS MORE VISITOR ACCOMMODATION’
Regarding this issue, Tourism Squamish executive director Lesley Weeks said the organization supports regulation of the short-term rental market to ensure traveller safety and to protect long-term housing stock.
“Research globally demonstrates that the main threat of STRs to local communities is when investors purchase housing units, such as
RENTALS: Continued on 16
condos andsingle-family homes,tooperate them as short-term rentalsinstead of long-term residences,” Weekssaid.
“These unitsare oftenprofessionallymanaged like hotels butwithout thestart-upcosts,services, andregulatoryobligationsthatlicensedhotels mustmeet. This is awell-documented challenge forpopular tourismdestinationsifSTRsare not overseenbygovernments with robust enforcementcapacity, such as theprovince.”
Weekssaidthatthe province’s current regulations“effectivelyaddress”thisissue by requiringthatonlythe principalresidence of a host canberentedshort-term,along with one accessorydwellingunitonthe same property Investment properties,including vacation homes,are excluded.
“Inaddition, thenew provincial Short-Term Rental Registry improves transparency, enforcement, andcomplianceacrosscommunities. We supportthisapproachand the evidence-based rationalebehindit,”she added.
However, shetookissue with theextra step by theDistrictofSquamishofgenerally not allowing short-term rental of anysecondary suite or accessorybuilding, even when it is part of a host’s primaryresidence property
“While thereisaTemporary UsePermit(TUP) processthatallowsupto30permits forthese types of rentals, it is complex, time-limited,and creates additional barriersfor homeowners,” shesaid.
“Webelieve this approach does more harm than good.Our research hasnot foundevidence thatallowinghomeownerstorentpartoftheir
ownhomes meaningfully affectslong-term housing supply.Inour 2022 survey of STR operators, many indicatedtheywould notrent these spaces long-termevenifprevented from offeringthem short-term.Instead,these units oftenremainempty,becomestorage or office space, arereserved forfamily, or aresold altogether,” sheadded.
“Atthe same time,thispolicypenalizes local residents whorelyonsupplementalincometo remain in Squamish,whether that is apensioner managing rising living costsoraworking family seeking to make theirmortgageviable.
It also constrains ourvisitor economyatatime when accommodationdemandisregularly exceeding supply.Duringpeakperiods,hotel occupancy routinelysurpasses 90 percent, making it extremelydifficulttosecurerooms.”
Weeks said that aquick online Expediasearch for theJuly12to13weekend showed only two properties in Squamish with limitedavailability remaining.
“This shortage affectsnot only leisuretravel butalsobusinessmeetings, weddings,and other events that bringsignificant spending to our community,”she said.
“Squamishneeds more visitoraccommodation andbalancedSTR regulations. The provincial framework, supportedbythe new registry,strikes that balanceeffectively.We encouragethe District to alignlocal policy with the province’s approach andremovethe banon short-term rentalsinsecondary suites and carriage houses
In addition,planningfor abroader mixof visitoraccommodations, includingmorehotels,
campgrounds, andother flexible lodging, will help meet demand in away that benefits both residentsand thelocal economy.”
DISTRICT SHARES CONCERNS
Askedabout evidence that theDistrict’scurrent short-term rental policy is working, Peterson said thatthere is annual monitoring andevaluation andthe District’s Short-Term Rentals (STR) Program is reviewed annually by council.
Licensingcompliancehas increasedevery year andiscurrently around 75 %, meaningthatisthe percentage of allknown STRunits in theDistrict that have obtained abusinesslicence,according to Peterson
Shesaiditis“very challenging” to isolatethe impact of STRregulations andenforcement on thelong-term market
Shesaidthatthe number of short-term rental unitsinSquamishpeakedin2019atover500 unitsand have decreasedtolessthan190 as of June2025.
“The current STRregulations andproactive enforcementofthese regulationsprotect the District’s existing supply of long-termrental unitsfrombeing convertedtoshort-term rental,” shesaid, adding that thereare 1,230known suites, 150accessory dwelling units, and thousandsofnon-principal resident dwelling units, such as investment unitsand second/ vacation homes
In termsofnot having theroomspace forthe tourists thecommunity dependson economically,
Peterson said that theDistrictsharesconcerns aboutthe inadequate amount of tourist accommodation,including hotels andother formsofaccommodation,and theimpactthis hasonthe tourismsector.
Shenoted that theDistricthas zonedseveral areasand specific properties in town fortourist accommodationdevelopment by theprivate sector
“However,Squamish is in critical need of more housingacrossthe spectrum andthe District places ahighpriorityonactions that will deliver this housingtothe communityfor residents.”
“But they do contribute to protecting existing long-termrentalopportunity andstemming the conversion of long-termrentalunits to shortterm rental,” shesaid.
“Manyfactors—including impactsto tourism—were considered in landingona regulatory approach.Prioritywas givento protecting Squamish’s supplyoflong-term rentalsand puttinghousing forthe community first, aheadofplacesfor tourists to stay.Thiswas akey trade-off, as long-termrentalisoften in direct competition with short-term rental over thesameunits,inherentlyand unfortunately pittinghousing againsttourism.The District’s STRregulationsprioritizepreservation of the community’srentalhousing stockinsupport of providingcitizens with access to stable, affordable housing.”
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