The District of Squamish is proposing to deliver new housing on a District-owned site at Government Road and Centennial Way. The proposed project would offer approximately 60 supportive homes in partnership with Squamish Helping Hands and 100 affordable rental housing units in partnership with Squamish Community Housing Society (Housing Squamish) to the Squamish community.

The number of residents experiencing or at risk of homelessness in Squamish continues to rise. Point in Time homeless counts take place every two years, and the number has increased since 2021. The most recent data available from 2023 counted 119 people experiencing homelessness in Squamish. Of these, 41% reported insufficient income as their reason for housing loss.

Building homes for people at every point on the housing spectrum will help address some of the complex issues Squamish faces, and support people to stay in Squamish.

The proposed supportive housing building is being planned in partnership with the Province, through BC Housing and would offer approximately 60 studio homes for local community members including seniors, adults, and people with disabilities who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness and need support to maintain their housing. Squamish Helping Hands Society would operate the supportive housing building, providing crucial wellness services, supports and secure housing. Funding details would be made available once finalized.

If approved, construction could begin in 2026.

The proposed affordable rental building would offer approximately 100 homes, prioritizing moderate-income Squamish residents who are seniors, people with disabilities, and families, ranging from studios to two- and three-bedroom apartments. Housing Squamish would own and operate the affordable rental housing building, addressing the urgent need for secure affordable rental homes for residents across a range of incomes.

The affordable housing portion of this project is being submitted for funding through BC Housing’s Community Housing Fund (CHF). Funding for this component is not yet confirmed.

Both projects are a major part of an effort to build more urgently needed affordable homes in Squamish for a wide and diverse range of people in need.

The community is invited to learn more about the proposed housing project, meet the project team, and ask questions at a drop-in Community Information Session on Wednesday, June 25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Mamquam Elementary School (40266 Government Road). To learn more about the project, and to RSVP for the Community Information Session please go to: letstalkhousingbc.ca/squamish-government-road.