Temporary Park Use Permits

Program Status

Effective April 9, 2021, the Temporary Park Use Program has partially re-opened in accordance with the most recent provincial health orders. We are now accepting applications to book District of Squamish municipal park space for activities permitted in the health orders. (As of May 26, this includes outdoor exercise or group fitness for up to 10 people, as well as drive-through and drive-in events for drop-off / pick-up of items, viewing art or seasonal light displays, etc.) The situation is evolving quickly, so please refer to the provincial health orders website for the latest guidance on what is permitted. If you're unsure whether your use would be allowed at this time, please email us at economicdevelopment@squamish.ca. 

For any business that is unable to participate due to the current health orders, please stay tuned, as we will be monitoring the provincial health orders closely and re-introducing other activities as soon as provincial health orders allow. Businesses are also encouraged to consider and apply for the Temporary Patio & Sidewalk Sale program, which is also active and accepting applications until October 31, 2021.

About the Program

To support local businesses' ability to adhere to the COVID-19 physical distancing guidelines outlined by the Provincial Health Officer, in June 2020 the District of Squamish launched a new temporary permit program for the use of municipal park space.

The permit authorized the temporary use of municipal parks for businesses with an active District of Squamish business licence. As part of this program, all fees associated with District of Squamish park use were suspended. Many businesses and non-profits were able to take advantage of the program during the summer of 2020, offering a chance to host their programs and services in a safe, physically-distanced outdoor environment.

The program is in effect until October 31, 2021.

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.
• Programs must be temporary in nature, and any structures must be taken down same-day.
• To ensure there is enough park space remaining for general use, only applications requesting 50% or less of a given park will be considered. Recurring programs that occur over multiple days will be considered on a case by case basis.
• Park use must follow all provincial health orders. For example, the applicant must have a COVID-19 safety plan in place, and the plan must be followed during the park use. (Not sure how to create a COVID-19 safety plan? We will offer support and resources from our colleagues at Vancouver Coastal Health.)
• 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

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 application form.
3. If approved, District of Squamish staff may phone or email 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.