Squamish Marine Access Review

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Consultation has concluded

The final Squamish Marine Access Review document, incorporating Part 2 inputs from the community, was endorsed by District of Squamish Council on May 7, 2024.

View the final Squamish Marine Access Review (SMAR) Document

Downtown Marine Access Reference Maps

May 7 2024 Staff Presentation

The purpose of the Downtown Marine Access Review was to assess community ocean access needs, coordinate marine access areas and infrastructure, and improve ocean access for all marine users. Working with the community, the project supports ongoing planning for an inclusive, accessible, safe, healthy, vibrant and working waterfront for all.

Advancing actions in the 2018 Marine Action Strategy, the Downtown Marine Access Review set out to:

  • Create a unified map of marine access points in Squamish, as well as marine areas of cultural, ecological, social, and economic importance
  • Assess ocean access needs, challenges, and opportunities in Squamish for all marine users
  • Examine boat launching needs and options within the community
  • Develop recommendations for Council to improve ocean access, funding, and management

Project Area: Click here for a map of the core downtown area included in this review. The downtown core marine access review area included community water access points and infrastructure (existing, interim, planned future) within the Mamquam Blind Channel (upper, mid and lower reaches), and Cattermole Slough (East of Third Avenue).

A Discussion Draft of the Marine Access Review was presented to Council and community in June 13, 2023. The draft summarized community insights and priorities identified during the process and recommendations for Council for both short-term and long-term marine access planning.

View the June 2023 Staff Report and Discussion Draft

View Downtown Marine Access Reference Maps

A 'last call' for input on the Discussion Draft occurred in October- November 2023. The final stage of community engagement concluded on November 25, 2023. Final inputs were collected through the following means:

  • Quick Poll (3 Questions - see below)
  • Direct comment on the Discussion Draft and Marine Access Reference Maps
  • In person meet-ups with District staff at informal community engagement 'pop-up' in the downtown in October and November, 2023

The final Squamish Marine Access Review document, incorporating Part 2 inputs from the community, was endorsed by District of Squamish Council on May 7, 2024.

View the final Squamish Marine Access Review (SMAR) Document

Downtown Marine Access Reference Maps

May 7 2024 Staff Presentation

The purpose of the Downtown Marine Access Review was to assess community ocean access needs, coordinate marine access areas and infrastructure, and improve ocean access for all marine users. Working with the community, the project supports ongoing planning for an inclusive, accessible, safe, healthy, vibrant and working waterfront for all.

Advancing actions in the 2018 Marine Action Strategy, the Downtown Marine Access Review set out to:

  • Create a unified map of marine access points in Squamish, as well as marine areas of cultural, ecological, social, and economic importance
  • Assess ocean access needs, challenges, and opportunities in Squamish for all marine users
  • Examine boat launching needs and options within the community
  • Develop recommendations for Council to improve ocean access, funding, and management

Project Area: Click here for a map of the core downtown area included in this review. The downtown core marine access review area included community water access points and infrastructure (existing, interim, planned future) within the Mamquam Blind Channel (upper, mid and lower reaches), and Cattermole Slough (East of Third Avenue).

A Discussion Draft of the Marine Access Review was presented to Council and community in June 13, 2023. The draft summarized community insights and priorities identified during the process and recommendations for Council for both short-term and long-term marine access planning.

View the June 2023 Staff Report and Discussion Draft

View Downtown Marine Access Reference Maps

A 'last call' for input on the Discussion Draft occurred in October- November 2023. The final stage of community engagement concluded on November 25, 2023. Final inputs were collected through the following means:

  • Quick Poll (3 Questions - see below)
  • Direct comment on the Discussion Draft and Marine Access Reference Maps
  • In person meet-ups with District staff at informal community engagement 'pop-up' in the downtown in October and November, 2023
Share Marine Access Areas Mapping on Facebook Share Marine Access Areas Mapping on Twitter Share Marine Access Areas Mapping on Linkedin Email Marine Access Areas Mapping link

Marine Access Areas Mapping

over 2 years

We need your input to develop a community marine access map. Use this mapping tool to add colour-coded pins and comments to identify:

  • Where and how marine users currently access the ocean; 
  • Areas of ecological and community cultural significance for protection and/or restoration
  • Existing and future desired ocean access areas, amenities and infrastructure; 
  • Barriers that currently exist to marine access; and 
  • Existing marine safety issues or user conflicts.

This will help guide and coordinate plans for improved accessibility, safety, cultural and ecological protections and enjoyment of marine areas in Squamish. 

Preliminary informational marine area maps that begin to illustrate the current marine use context, and existing and future planned waterfront areas, trails, amenities and improvements can be viewed HERE.

Átl’ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound holds great importance for the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), the Squamish community and the Bioregion. The marine environment provides critical ecological functions and supports human health, local and regional economic activity as well as social and cultural values and community use and enjoyment. 

While using this tool:

  • Your ideas will be public once they have been reviewed.
  • Your username and comments may appear in reports to Council as part of engagement reporting.
  • Ideas that do not contribute to a safe and respectful space for others, or are unrelated to this topic, will not be posted. Please review our moderation policy.

CLOSED: This map consultation has concluded. The mapping tool was open from February 17 - March 27, 2022. Thank you for all of your map contributions. A summary of input will be shared mid-April.