Let's Talk: Co-Living in Squamish

We invite you to complete a short online survey to gather input from the community on the regulatory approach for Co-Living. Your input will help inform a draft a Zoning Bylaw Amendment, which will be presented to Council for consideration.

Project updates and materials will continue to be posted on the LetsTalkSquamish.ca/co-living page as the work progresses.

The survey is open for input until May 5.

Traffic Impact Notice:
Loggers Lane/X̱wún̓eḵw Park Sea Dike Upgrade Project

Please be advised that single-lane alternating traffic will be in effect on Loggers Lane on May 4 and 5, between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

During this time, work will be completed on a storm sewer connection at the intersection of Loggers Lane and Main Street that will service the upgraded parking lot. The construction is part of the ongoing X̱wún̓eḵw Park Sea Dike Upgrade Project.

Please expect delays and pay attention to traffic control personnel as they guide you through the area.

Caution: Bear Encounter 

Trail users are advised to be alert following recent bear activity along the Mamquam Spawning Channel Trail Network. Last week, a surprise encounter involving a dog walker and black bear sow with a yearling resulted in a defensive bluff charge after the leashed dog became agitated. The individual was able to safely leave the area with their dog.

Trail users are reminded to:

• Stay alert. Look out for signs of bear activity like fresh droppings and avoid overgrown trails.
• Make your presence known by making noise (e.g., clapping or calling out).

Retrofit Assist 

Thinking about upgrading your home in 2026? The smartest first step is an EnerGuide Evaluation. It shows where your home is losing energy, so you can focus on upgrades that actually make a difference.

129 Squamish households have already gone through Retrofit Assist to see how their homes are performing - and where they can improve. For a limited time, subsidies are available for EnerGuide Evaluations.

It's a simple first step that can save you time, money and guesswork.

Learn more about EnerGuide Evaluations and how to get started at www.retrofitassist.ca/squamish.

Infrastructure Upgrades

• Wastewater system upgrades continue.
• Annual Watermain Upgrades will begin May 7 in Brackendale. Work will
  take place on Birken Road, Faith Road, Depot Road and Axen Road. Please
  expect single-lane traffic, dust/noise, traffic delays and potentially temporary
  interruption of water services. Any disruptions to the water service will be
  during working hours only (8 a.m. to 6 p.m.). A minimum of 48 hours notice
  will be given to affected homes.

squamish.ca/building-our-future

Stage 1 Water Restrictions now in Effect

Fresh water is finite, and in the summer months, water consumption nearly doubles. The outdoor water use restrictions are in place to effectively manage the supply and demand of water across the community during these warmer months.

Stage 1 limits sprinkler use for lawns, trees, flowers, and shrubs to two days per week. Even addresses: Wednesday & Saturday, Odd addresses: Thursday & Sunday. Lawn watering with a sprinkler is allowed from 4 to 10 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. on those days. Hand watering of trees, flowers, shrubs and vegetable gardens with a container or device with an automatic shut-off is allowed on any day, and at any time.

Visit squamish.ca/water for more details

Notice: Weekly Organics Collection Resumes May 4

Weekly organics collection is back as of Monday, May 4, 2026, with collection on both recycling and garbage collection days. Have totes unlocked by 7:15 a.m. on your service day; latch clips together to avoid damage during service.

Remember to reduce negative human-wildlife interactions by locking and storing attractant totes in an enclosure.

Not sure where an item goes? Use the Waste Wizard at squamish.ca/what-goes-where, or for more info go to squamish.ca/residential-garbage-and-waste-collection/

2026 Chipper Dates

FireSmart is hosting Chipper Days for the 2026 wildfire season. Check below to find the scheduled date for your neighbourhood:

Valleycliffe/Crumpit Woods: May 4-7
Garibaldi Highlands: June 1-5
University Highlands: June 8
Garibaldi Estate/Tantalus: June 9-10
Loggers East/Mamquam: June 11
Hospital Hill: June 12
Northyards: June 15
Paradise Valley: June 16-19
Dentville: July 20
Brackendale: July 21-24

Please have your chipping out for 8 a.m. on your chipper date. For more information on what is accepted, please visit: squamish.ca/firesmart.

Emergency Preparedness Week 2026 is May 3 - 9

Emergency Preparedness Week enhances awareness, so everyone is better prepared in the event of an emergency, such as a flood or wildfire.

To highlight the importance of working together and building community resilience, this year’s Emergency Preparedness Week theme is “In it Together.”

Community preparedness starts with you. If you are prepared for an emergency, you will be better able to support others in your community.

Please be aware of the following events:

• Chipper Days (Valleycliffe & Crumpit Woods): May 4-7

• BC Emergency Alert system test: Wednesday, May 6 at 1:55 p.m.

• Emergency Preparedness Open House: Wednesday, May 6, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Squamish Public Library

Squamish Landfill: NEW Reusable Wood Program

The Squamish Landfill kicks off a new pilot program this week that allows residents to come to the landfill and take wood for FREE from the wood bays. The program aims to help save wood chipping costs and provide the opportunity to give wood that has been brought to the landfill a second life.

Here's how it works:

• Get a Wood Reuse Card (good for 20 mins) from the scale operator. Note: If you are also dumping refuse, you must do so before obtaining a Wood Reuse Card.

• Take as much wood as you want for free! (Available wood will not be painted, glued or pressure-treated).

• Exit the landfill… enjoy your free wood!

For Squamish Landfill location and hours, go to squamish.ca/landfill.

Update: Spongy Moth Treatment

The Province conducted its first treatment in Squamish on May 1 to eradicate spongy moths and minimize the risk they pose to forests, farms and trees.

The following area was treated in accordance with B.C.’s Integrated Pest Management Act:

• Squamish: 121 hectares – west of the intersection of Buckley Avenue and Third Avenue, to the edge of the Squamish River, and to just south of Vancouver Street.

The outlined area will be treated three times, and each treatment will be scheduled approximately 7-10 days apart. The date for the second treatment has not yet been confirmed.

Upcoming Events

• Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions - May 1
• Grid Resilience and Peak Saver Program - May 6
• Emergency Preparedness Open House - May 6
• Let's Talk About Affordable Housing in Squamish - May 12
• Re-Use-It Fair - June 6

Local volunteer opportunities:

• Visit the Volunteer Connector to see more opportunities