Temporary Park Use Permits

About the Program

To support local businesses' ability to adhere to the new COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines outlined by the Provincial Health Officer, you can now apply for a temporary permit for the use of municipal park space. There are no fees to book the park space during this temporary program.

The permit authorizes the temporary use of municipal parks, for businesses with an active District of Squamish business licence until October 31, 2021*. The intent of the program is to facilitate physical distancing as businesses restart operations.

Please note, staff will review all applications and ensure that adequate public park space remains open for other residents to enjoy.

* Previously, this program was set to expire on October 31, 2020. On October 20th, District of Squamish Council voted to extend the program for one year. 

Application Guidelines

The following guidelines apply:

• Any organization with an active District of Squamish Business Licence can apply.
• The application form will prompt you to select your preferred park, plus one alternate. For details on District parks, refer to our locations guide. (Please note that any fees listed in the guide do not apply to this temporary program.)
• Businesses must have proof of insurance, with a minimum of $5 Million Commercial General Liability insurance and the District of Squamish named as an additional insured party.
• To ensure there is enough park space remaining for general use, only applications requesting 50% or less of a given park will be considered.
• Park use must follow all provincial health orders. For example, the business activity must have less than 50 people, including staff and patrons, and physical distancing measures must be in place. 
  
• Businesses will need to obtain all applicable permits from other agencies, such as through Vancouver Coastal Health (for food services), or the Liquor Control and Licensing Branch (for liquor services).

Park Use Guidelines

If your application is approved, you will need to abide by the following guidelines:

• Do not use equipment or materials that must be driven or drilled into the ground, trees, or other surfaces, such as tent stakes. Only use equipment that can sit on top of the surface, such as pop-up tents.
• If your use includes cooking, have a plan to ensure that any by-products from cooking do not damage the park space. Use appropriate amenities available at the park, such as pavilion space and designated cooking areas.
• Do not drive outside of designated driving and parking areas, even for unloading, as this can create lasting damage to the fields and landscaping.
• Respect our parks, and follow Leave No Trace ethics. If you pack it in, pack it out!
• You must manage waste and garbage associated with your park use. This also includes managing wildlife attracts per the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw. Waste can be recycled or disposed of at the Squamish Landfill.
• Activities must follow the District's Noise Regulation Bylaw, which states that activities on District land must conclude by 10 p.m.

How to Apply

1. Create a sketch to show your proposed park use concept (this can be hand drawn). 
2. Complete the online temporary park use application form.
3. If approved, District of Squamish staff may phone you to provide further information about the booking.

We will be reviewing applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Please allow 5 business days for your application to be processed. You will receive a confirmation via the email address you provide.