With the federal by-election set for April 28 in the West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country riding, local non-profit Housing Squamish has contacted all candidates with housing-related questions. Housing Squamish was established by the District of Squamish in 2021 as a non-profit housing provider, with a mission to “catalyze housing solutions across the spectrum of housing needs in Squamish.”
Housing Squamish notes that Squamish’s rental vacancy rate is under 0.8% according to the 2024 CMHC Rental Market Report, well below the 3–5% range typically considered healthy. Between 2018 and 2022, average prices for two-bedroom rentals and home sales rose by 45%. A 2023 housing needs assessment by the District of Squamish projected that the community will require 6,840 new homes by 2031, with nearly two-thirds needing below-market housing.
In advance of the by-election, Housing Squamish asked each candidate the same four questions:
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Rents in Squamish have grown over 50% in the last five years and rental vacancy rates are among the lowest in B.C. What would you and your party do to address rental affordability and availability in Squamish?
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How would you and your party support non-profit housing providers – like Housing Squamish – with delivering the below-market housing needed in the community?
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Housing insecurity and homelessness are increasing in Squamish and the Sea to Sky. What actions would you and your party take to support people experiencing these challenges?
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Support for on- and off-reserve housing for Indigenous people is a key part of Reconciliation. What would you and your party do to address housing need among Indigenous people?
“Housing Squamish is working hard to be part of the solution,” the non-profit said. “As a non-profit housing provider established by the District of Squamish in 2021, our mission is simple: To catalyze housing solutions across the spectrum of housing needs in Squamish.”
Visit the Housing Squamish website to see the responses by the candidates.
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