Housing Squamish seeks over $2.3 million from District of Squamish

Local non-profit Housing Squamish seeks over $2.3 million from the District of Squamish as part of a five-year partnership agreement from 2025 to 2029. The non-profit focuses on increasing affordable housing and aims to use this money to leverage up to $100 million in partner funding to develop 400 homes by 2029.

In a letter submitted to the District, Housing Squamish outlined its plans to ramp up housing projects in collaboration with local government, senior levels of government, and the Squamish Nation. A central part of its strategy is its partnership with the Hiy̓ ám ta Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Housing Society.

Housing Squamish emphasized that stable and affordable housing is critical for ensuring that Squamish remains a diverse and resilient community. “With partners aligned on the critical need for housing, we have set a target of 400 homes under management or in development by 2029,” the organization stated. “With stable, affordable, and accessible housing, we know that Squamish can continue to thrive as a diverse, equitable, and resilient community.”

The requested $2.3 million—spread across five years—would mainly fund the organization’s operations and business development and enable them to find more money and land for affordable housing projects. Beyond rental units, Housing Squamish also plans to explore below-market homeownership and develop a better system to streamline affordable housing in the community.

Fees from development and housing operations would gradually replace the district grants. “As we scale up housing delivery over this period, fees charged on development and Housing operations will begin to replace District of Squamish grants as sources of revenue for administrative and overhead expenses, supporting us in becoming more financially self-sustaining over time.”