District of Squamish provides update on HEARTH site selection

As work continues to select a site for the provincial HEARTH program that will bring much-needed temporary transitional housing with on-site resident supports to Squamish, numerous site constraints have emerged through the due diligence process for 37956 Loggers Lane (X̱wún̓eḵw Park) that has deemed the site not viable. As a result, the site is no longer being considered for the program. 

This information was released in a motion from the in-camera portion of the June 9th Special Business Meeting and reflects ongoing site investigation work between the District of Squamish and BC Housing.  

Council has invited BC Housing to present an overview of the HEART & HEARTH program at the June 23, 2026 Committee of the Whole. The presentation will also offer lessons and successes from other communities. As is standard practice the meeting will be live-streamed, recorded, and available for viewing on the District’s YouTube channel and Civicweb portal. 

The District continues to evaluate multiple other sites to put forward to BC Housing for further review. This work involves considering BC Housing’s criteria for technical and operational requirements as well as neighbourhood considerations to ensure the success of the project. Site selection is anticipated to be finalized in July to meet the Province’s funding deadlines.

“While homelessness is a provincial government mandate, we care about our most vulnerable residents and want to ensure the site selection process reflects the needs of Squamish and that the property we suggest to BC Housing integrates well into our community,” says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. 

A suitable site must be large enough to accommodate the modular homes and provide sufficient privacy and indoor/outdoor amenity space for the programs and services offered to the residents. The site should also integrate well into the neighbourhood by considering allowance for appropriate buffers and screening, safe access and transportation options.

Once the site is operational, site features include security measures such as fenced grounds, a single point of entry, fob access, 24/7 staffing, security cameras and lighting. Residents apply to live in temporary transitional housing, sign program agreements and pay rent. The sites are accessible by housing staff and residents only. No drop-in services are available to the wider community. 

Typical resident support services in temporary transitional housing can include life skills training, employment assistance and help with accessing a range of social and health care services. This helps ensure residents are set up for success and more likely to remain housed. 

Once a suitable site is chosen, the District will support BC Housing to contact neighbours and provide information and opportunities for discussion. Building relationships and being responsive to concerns is a long-term commitment BC Housing and its selected housing operator make to communities when operating a HEARTH site. The District will remain involved and committed to supporting successful community integration and livability for residents in transitional housing and neighbours.

“Housing is both a fundamental human right and a critical part of community belonging,” continues Hurford. “When operational, the HEARTH temporary transitional housing, with the supports and security that it provides, will help vulnerable residents regain dignity and safety which are important steps to stabilize their lives.” 

Background:

BC Housing, the District of Squamish and local community partners are working together on both short- and long-term strategies to address homelessness and encampments in Squamish.

Homelessness is growing across B.C., particularly in small and mid-sized communities, with provincial data showing a 31% increase between 2020/21 and 2023. The number of people experiencing homelessness in Squamish increased 11% during that same period (from 107 to 119 individuals), and 17% between 2021 and 2025 (from 107 to 125 individuals).

The Point in Time homeless count identified that homelessness is almost always the result of more than one event. For example, a health challenge, relationship change, or eviction can push income challenges to a crisis level. The top reason for housing loss identified in the 2025 Squamish count was ‘not enough income’ at 53%.

BC’s Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs announced in February 2026 that Squamish has been designated a HEART and HEARTH community. The HEART and HEARTH program is part of Belonging in BC, the Province’s plan to prevent and reduce homelessness.

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For information and FAQs on the temporary transitional housing with on-site resident supports in Squamish, visit: www.bchousing.org/squamish-temporary-housing. 

For information and additional FAQs on related work in Squamish, visit: squamish.ca/addressing-homelessness.

June 11, 2026