Housing Policy Update

Allocations Policy Update Complete

The Allocations Policy has been updated to improve clarity, transparency, and consistency in the management of the Housing List and how allocations decisions are made. Information about the policy, including a summary of policy changes and a guide to allocations can be found on the Nation’s website. The Policy does not introduce major changes such as new categories.

Preparing for the Next Allocation

With the completed Allocations Policy, Council has directed staff to start the process for the next allocation. The next allocation will include up to 15 lots and homes.

The Project Team can be reached at housingpolicy@squamish.net or 604-904-7474

Allocations Process

The Housing Officer verifies the information of applicants near the top of the list to confirm their eligibility.

Staff present verified applicants to Council for approval.

Staff notify applicants who will receive a lot and home allocation.

If you are an applicant on the Housing List:

Make sure your application is up to date, including contact information, address, and category information. If you need to make changes to your information, please contact the Housing Officer (communitylands@squamish.net) as soon as possible.

If you are near the top of the Housing List, the Housing Officer will contact you to verify that your application is accurate. This does not mean you have been selected for an allocation. This is part of the process to confirm who is eligible for the next allocation. If you are contacted, please respond as soon as possible.

Housing Policy Framework

The work to create the Allocations Policy is part of the Nation’s work to implement the Housing Policy Framework and separate the 2006 Housing Policy into individual topic-specific policies. You can learn more about this process here.

Project Progress

There are currently no active engagement opportunities.

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

Phase One focused on developing/revising the following. They were approved by Nexwsxwníw̓ntm ta Úxwumixw (Council) in March 2023.

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
Buy and Sell Policy
Hiy̓ám Home Loan Policy
Laneways and Ensuites Policy
Lot Transfer Policy
Rentals Policy
Replacement and Revocation Policy
Residential Uses Policy
Self-Financed Housing Program Policy

Huy chexw a (thank you) to those Members who expressed interest in joining the Housing Policy Community Working Group. The following were selected to represent different demographics including on- and off-reserve, Squamish Valley and North Vancouver, those with a house and without, as well as various age groups. The group held their first meeting on October 12, 2022 and met biweekly until February 2023 before shifting to monthly meetings.

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)