Campers in municipal campground have received options and support to relocate as site closes due to winter deterioration

Council and community to review sustainable policy options in New Year to address vehicle dwelling population

SQUAMISH, B.C. – All but three sites (four people) have moved to alternative locations following the winter closure of the Squamish municipal campground. Squamish Helping Hands, Sea to Sky Community Services, BC Housing, with support from the District of Squamish and Squamish RCMP have been working closely since the beginning of November to offer alternatives to help relocate the campers due to the deteriorating site. Work continues with the remaining individuals who have thus far declined the support that has been offered. The campground accommodated 35 sites at full capacity.

“It’s important for us to assure the community that we have made every effort, with our community partners, to provide support and alternatives for those in need, and have helped to provide many of them with better options than what they were facing at the municipal campground over winter,” says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. “Our local and provincial agencies have been compassionate, responsive and creative with the solutions and assistance they have provided as options over the last seven weeks.”

Some of the outcomes have seen campers move to other local private campsites or a hotel and are now receiving rent supplements from BC Housing to address affordability; several have moved into the supportive housing system; others have chosen to park elsewhere in the District; and some have relocated out of the community and in some cases returned to where they have connections. Outreach teams have gone to such lengths as arranging for repairs of broken down vehicles to help individuals to move.

“This Council, and this community recognize the ongoing challenges caused by the lack of supportive housing as well as affordable rental housing that results in some of our residents resorting to living in vehicles,” continues Elliott. “We are working to better understand who is living in vehicles in Squamish and why, and create more sustainable policies that address different groups including those with complex needs, those who are employed and wanting access to affordable housing, and those who are van dwelling visitors. This is a multifaceted and complex problem that is not easy to address in Squamish or in any other community grappling with the same challenge.”

A report on vehicle dwelling in Squamish is in its final stages of development and is due to come to Council in the New Year. The report will look at the current vehicle dwelling situation across the community and outline options for community and Council consideration.   

Squamish aims to be a liveable and supportive community that balances the needs of all residents. Local agencies, with support from the District and BC Housing, have a number of programs already in place to help those in need. This is evidenced by the recent opening of Under One Roof, the temporary Bridge to Housing project earlier this spring, the under-construction Buckley Avenue affordable rental building and Westwinds senior living building, and work continues to press forward to find additional supportive housing and affordable rental solutions.

December 18, 2020