An update to the zoning bylaw to increase density standards across the District will be considered for adoption by Council on Tuesday, June 18.

This update proposes to replace the RS-1, RS-1A, RS-2, RS-2A, RS-3, and RMH-2 zoning in most of the District with a new R-1 zone to allow more small-scale housing options in zones that are otherwise restricted to single-family dwellings and duplexes. These changes are necessary to align the District’s zoning requirements with new provincial legislation (BILL 44) as well as the District’s commitments to the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (Squamish Housing Action Plan).

Changes to properties in the new R-1 zone include:

• An increase to minimum density standard.
• Adding a new definition for Multiple Dwelling Residential (MDR) being a physical arrangement of three or more attached dwelling units which have a maximum height of 11 metres and/or a maximum of three storeys.
• Increases in lot coverage and floor area ratios depending on the number of units proposed.
• A decrease of minimum setbacks for properties outside of the flood hazard area.

Please note development for properties with three or more stratified units are still required to undergo a Development Permit Applications (DPA3) process. Please contact the planning department if you are considering building Multiple Dwelling Residential units on your property at 604.815.5002 or planning@squamish.ca

LEARN MORE

Please join us on June 17 for the next Drop-in Chat with the Mayor. Drop by Municipal Hall from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. for a casual chat with Mayor Armand Hurford about public art. 

We hope to see you there!

The District is launching Stage 4 of the Garibaldi Neighbourhood Planning Process!

Residents are invited to attend one of four workshop events where staff will present a draft of the Garibaldi Estates Neighbourhood Plan including:

• Information about the draft plan updates with an opportunity to ask questions.
• A focus on one specific neighbourhood area to support a more in-depth discussion.
• An opportunity to workshop your ideas on the plan’s policies with your neighbours.
• An opportunity to identify potential actions to mitigate both short-term and long-term challenges.

Visit the Garibaldi Estates Neighbourhood Planning Process project page on Lets Talk to find the focus area relevant to you and RSVP!

More Information

Notice is hereby given that the District of Squamish’s 2023 Annual Municipal Report will be presented at the June 18, 2024 Special Business Meeting in Council Chambers, Municipal Hall, located at 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, BC.

Questions and input from the public are welcome and may be submitted by email to info@squamish.ca

The deadline for written submissions is 12 p.m. on June 18, 2024.

View the Report

Members of the public can watch the Council meeting in person or view the live stream on June 18.

Join the meeting

The District of Squamish has implemented emergency Stage 4 water restrictions for the University Heights community due to a watermain break at the Lower University Reservoir and pump station.

Crews are working to repair it as soon as possible.

Please continue to use the least amount of water possible until further notice.

Learn More

Crews will be conducting a force main inspection and cleaning of the Main Street Lift Station force main. Contractors will be on site June 10 and 11.

Fifth Avenue at Main Street will be closed, there will be NO public access. Vehicles will be directed to a detour route.

Residents are advised to expect loud noise between 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Monday June 10 and Tuesday June 11

This seasonal change will see the return of Route 5 South Parks, which connects several local areas with downtown Squamish.

This year, Route 5 South Parks is being extended to provide service to Sp’akw’us Feather Park and the Oceanfront area of Squamish on some trips.

Free service will be offered on all routes every Saturday, Sunday and statutory holiday, starting June 10 until September 2, 2024.

When? June 22 - 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Where? Squamish Adventure Centre

Join us at the Squamish Adventure Centre to check out a variety of electric vehicles, get information about owning an EV and have your questions answered!

Presented by the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, Emotive BC, Squamish CAN and District of Squamish.

For more information contact ipicketts@squamish.ca

The Province is looking for policy approaches to prevent waste outside the home that will have the best environmental outcomes and build on current successes. Find out more here.

Your input will be used to help develop policies for preventing waste from non-residential packaging, plastic and paper products across the province, the survey is open until July 23.

Take the Survey

Upcoming Events

• GoByBikeWeek - June 3-9
• Battery Recycling pickup - June 3-9
• Budget 2025 community pop-up - June 8
• Budget 2025 community pop-up - June 15

Local initiatives:

• Neighbourhood Small Grants - Applications open

Local volunteer opportunities:

• Visit the Volunteer Connector to see more opportunities.