Squamish Climate Action Network (CAN)

The District of Squamish’s Collaboration with Squamish CAN

Since October 2024, the District of Squamish and Squamish CAN have worked together through a four-year collaboration agreement (November 2024–October 2027). Together, they are helping to deliver the goals of the Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan (SVAP), developed with the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD).

The District contributes $30,000 each year through its Economic Development budget, provides access to the commercial kitchen at The 55 Activity Centre, and makes District-owned land on Loggers Lane available for the Harvest Hub. This collaboration supports execution of the SVAP goals that now benefit residents every day.

To date, Squamish CAN in its first year served over 70,000 meals to kids in Squamish and provided over 20 catering services to senior groups through The 55 Activity Centre kitchen. The Harvest Hub is now open to local farmers and agri-food processors to have a year-round place to sell their products directly to the community.

Squamish CAN reports annually on the outcomes of this collaboration, including meals served, local food purchased, community participation and formal partnerships, support for food-based businesses, and additional funds raised.

What this program is about

• Food security
• Affordable meals for families
• Supporting local BC food
• Promoting health and community togetherness

How it works

The School Meal Program is funded by the Ministry of Education through the Feeding Futures Program, which provides breakfast and lunch to students at Squamish elementary schools and St’a7mes School (Kindergarten to Grade 12), with plans to expand to Don Ross Middle School. Families are invited to contribute what they can, with a suggested amount of $120 per month per student (about $6 per meal). Every child can participate, regardless of a family's ability to pay. Meals are prepared by a professional chef in the commercial kitchen at The 55 Activity Centre. Most ingredients come from farmers and producers in British Columbia. When the kitchen is not being used for school meals or catering, agri-food businesses can rent the space to prepare their products.

The collaboration has provided Squamish CAN the ability to support execution of the District and SLRD’S SVAP goals, in addition to becoming more financially sustainable as an organization to deliver its overall mandate. Squamish CAN has been able to leverage the collaboration with the District to secure grant funding and private donations and develop a social enterprise to diversify and grow its revenues. This creative model will help keep the program running and support healthy meals for students over the long term. 

Impact by the numbers

Alignment with District Strategic Goals

Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan (SVAP) Goal 2 — Improve sector growth and market viability

Strengthen the Squamish Valley’s food economy through better value chains, a stronger labour market, and deeper relationships between growers, producers, and the community.

“We are proud to assist Squamish CAN in providing nourishing meals to children across the District. When community organizations come together, anything is possible.”

— Mayor Armand Hurford, District of Squamish

What this project is about

Supporting the local food economy - Helping local farmers/agri-food processors reach more customers and reduce food miles

How it works

The Harvest Hub is a secure food pickup location at 38280 Loggers Lane in Downtown Squamish. Local farmers, food producers, and small food businesses from the B.C. region can store and sell fresh, frozen, and shelf-stable food directly to customers throughout the year. Customers order online for pick up between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. using a secure access code. 

The Harvest Hub was created through a collaboration between Squamish CAN, the District of Squamish, and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District as part of the Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan. By using repurposed reefer containers and a self-serve pickup system, the Hub keeps costs low while making it easier for people to buy local food and for producers to grow their businesses.

Intended benefits

District strategic goal this supports

Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan (SVAP) Goal 2 — Improve sector growth and market viability

Strengthen the Squamish Valley’s food economy through better value chains, a stronger labour market, and deeper relationships between growers, producers, and the community.

“After years of planning, this project was carefully designed to address one of the region’s top priorities: supporting local farmers while providing flexible, convenient access for customers.”
— Squamish CAN

When the District of Squamish and Squamish CAN came together around a shared goal, they created something bigger than either could have achieved alone.

These projects bring people together. They connect farmers, food producers, schools, seniors, volunteers, and residents around a shared goal of making local food more available. Along the way, they strengthen community connections, support local businesses, and help build a stronger local food system.

Squamish CAN continues to grow its funding through earned income, partnerships, and grants. Early District support helped build programs that could attract additional funding, including grants such as REDIP, making the organization more financially sustainable over time.

Have an Idea That Benefits the Community, aligned with the District’s plans and goals?

Learn how the Community Agreements Policy (CAP) invites community-led projects and find out how to submit your project.