Housing Policy Update

A number of engagement activities and opportunities for Members to provide feedback took place throughout 2022.

• In January, a Housing History Timeline brochure was mailed to all households.
• Two online community meetings were held in February. A Housing Q&A booklet was prepared based on the questions raised during those meetings. It was sent to all households.
• The Project Team attended the Department Open Houses in May 2022 to gather input on various housing questions.
• A Housing Policy survey was conducted in June and received over 130 responses.
• In July, key Members who have expertise in different areas related to the Housing Policy were interviewed.
• During the Amalgamation Day celebration, Members were invited to complete an interactive Housing Policy questionnaire.

As Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw honors the teachings of the past and shows respect to the ancestors by upholding their words, feedback from previous engagements was also considered:

• The Housing Advisory Committee Letter of Recommendations received in September 2020.
• The Renovations Policy survey conducted in 2020.
• The 2003 Housing Policy Q&A session.

The feedback was woven into the Housing Policy Community Engagement Report 2022. It quickly became clear that a single Housing Policy could no longer incorporate all the updates required. Therefore, it was decided to create 13 individual policies divided by topic and guided by one overarching Housing Policy Framework. This is a significant amount of work and needs to take place in phases.

More recently in June 2024 we asked Squamish People to share their feedback on the Allocations Policy and process. In July and August, we reported back what was heard in Round 1 and asked for feedback on the proposed policy recommendations.

You can learn more about what we heard here:

• Round 1 detailed engagement presentation
• Round 1 shorter summary
• Round 2 detailed engagement presentation
• Round 2 shorter summary

In February 2025, a plan was presented to the Community Services Committee for the next phase of the Housing Policy Update. The proposal was to focus on policies related to the acquisition and transfer of homes and lots. These policies were selected because: they could address some key concerns in the community, did not require additional community engagement, and could be completed before the next Council election. The Community Services Committee endorsed this approach, and the following polices were drafted in collaboration between Planning and Capital Projects, Community Lands, Community Operations, and Hiy̓ám Housing:

• Lot Rights and Transfers Policy
• Self-Financing Policy
• Home Replacement Policy

These policies were shared with the Housing Policy Community Working Group and Staff Working Group for discussion and input before submission to Council. The policies were approved by Council on August 1, 2025.

• Self-Financing Policy (approved 2025)
• Home Replacement Policy (approved 2025)
• Lot Rights & Transfers Policy (approved 2025)
• Allocations Policy (approved 2024, last updated 2025)
• Housing Policy Framework (approved 2023, last updated 2025)
• Home Construction Policy (approved 2023, last updated 2025)
• Maintenance and Renovations Policy (approved 2023, last updated 2025)
• Hiy̓ám Home Loan Program Policy (approved 2021)

The remaining policies will be developed at a later date. We will keep Members informed on their progress.

• Alterations and Additions Policy
• Alternative Housing Policy
• Laneways and Ensuites Policy
• Rentals Policy
• Replacement and Revocation Policy
• Residential Uses Policy

Huy chexw a (thank you) members of the Housing Policy Community Working Group:

Amy Baker (Off-reserve, North Vancouver, Adult)
Glen Campo (Off-reserve, Langley, Elder)
Becky Findlay (On-reserve, North Vancouver, Adult)
Andrea Jacobs (On-reserve, North Vancouver, Elder)
Uxwáluút, Jessica Natrall (On-reserve, North Vancouver, Adult)
Lats-mat, Mary Jane Natrall (On-reserve, Squamish Valley, Elder)
Jenna Vocal (Off-reserve, North Vancouver, Adult)
Yususult, Rosemarie Williams (On-reserve, Squamish Valley, Adult)

This group held their first meeting on October 12, 2022, and met regularly until June 2025. They played a key role in the development of housing policies during this time, our hands are up to them in thanks for their hard work over the past two and a half years.

The Housing Policy Community Working Group is currently on a break as we look for new members and prepare for the work ahead.