Squamish Marine Access Review

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