Overview

This policy update is intended to improve clarity and consistency of the policy, making the framework easier to understand and administer. Details are outlined in a recent Council Report.

The original Perpetually Affordable Housing Policy rolled out in 2020; the review will be informed by policy analysis, targeted public engagement, measuring the impacts of the program so far, and comparing the policy against other municipality’s policies.

What is Perpetually Affordable Housing?

Perpetually Affordable Housing (PAH) is housing with rents that are secured at below-market rates for current and future residents.

PAH units are intended to provide housing for community members who may otherwise struggle to find suitable housing in Squamish.

Unlike market housing, where rents or sale prices can increase over time, below market housing is protected through legal agreements that ensure it continues to be offered at below-market rates. In Squamish, these homes are typically provided by private developers as part of the rezoning process.

What is the Goal of the PAH Policy Update?

The updated policy will review affordability definitions, tenant eligibility requirements, rent-setting methods, operational rules, and administration to ensure the long-term preservation and effective management of affordable housing in Squamish.

The PAH Policy Update will focus on:

• Aligning the policy with the terms and conditions currently secured through Housing Agreements.
• Reviewing the definitions of affordability, tenant eligibility requirements, and administrative processes.
• Establishing a clear and practical framework for securing, administering, and preserving affordable housing units over the long term.
• Evaluating how to best work together with operators to support effective delivery and ongoing management of affordable housing.
• Ensuring the policy continues to support the District's affordable housing objectives while balancing community needs.

The survey at the bottom of this page and the engagement groups will be effective tools for gaining feedback from those affected by this policy.

How to Engage

Feedback received during the engagement process will help inform the draft policy update before it is presented to Council.

Survey

Your feedback matters! Survey responses will be used to inform the development of the updated PAH Policy. The survey is expected to be up on this site by mid-September.

Engagement Groups

Invitations will be sent to PAH builders, operators, and developers to attend one of our targeted engagement sessions. The first round of engagement is slated to happen in mid-September.

PAH Survey

Survey set to release mid-September 2026