Significant fire safety concerns have resulted in a reversal of the decision on the future of the encampment site at Third and Main Streets

Encampment residents are being notified that they will be unable to return to the site

The District of Squamish has reversed its decision on the return of encampment residents to the site at Third Avenue and Main Street following a fire and propane tank ignitions behind Under One Roof on September 18. The fire raised significant fire safety concerns for the Under One Roof building, the critical community services it offers, and its 40 residents, 20 emergency shelter users, and 70 staff. As a result, the District is permanently closing the site to any future encampment.

“The recent fire and explosions heightened existing concerns about the proximity of the encampment site to Squamish’s only supportive housing, shelter and food bank facility,” says Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote. “In addition, access in and out of the site for fire crews, RCMP and emergency services was extremely challenging as residents required assistance to evacuate the site.”

The District continues to work with outreach workers to support encampment occupants who have been displaced. Alternate accommodations, including short-term accommodations at Under One Roof, as well as tents and tarps are being provided. 

“The individuals affected by this closure are some of our community’s most vulnerable, and this transition may be unsettling for them,” says Lori Pyne, Executive Director of Squamish Helping Hands. “Closing this site doesn’t solve the underlying challenges they face - it simply changes where they are. Squamish Helping Hands remains strongly committed to supporting our community members and will continue to work closely with the District and our partners to connect people with the resources they need to improve outcomes.”

The District is aware that some of the encampment residents have relocated to a site on the corner of Vancouver Street and Loggers Lane. There is District land in that area where the District plans to install a portable toilet and bear-proof waste bin. 

For more information and Frequently Asked Questions on this work and the supportive and transitional housing projects in the community, visit squamish.ca/addressing-homelessness.

 

October 9, 2026