(An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that the district plans to open up more areas for camping. In fact, it plans to restrict camping to designated campsites and two more areas on Crown Land)
By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: April 9, 2019
District of Squamish plans to restrict camping in Squamish to designated campsites within the muncipal boundaries, as well as two areas on Crown Land which would be exempt from enforcement.
The two areas that are exempt are: Mamquam FSR and Cat Lake area.
The first area that would be exempted begins 9 kilometre up the Mamquam FSR and ends at the edge of the municipal boundary, according to a staff report to council.
Staff says this area can potentially accommodate 30-40 vehicles for camping. Being close to the amenities of Raffuse Recreation Site, it would create more camping space for those who are here to climb the Chief.
The second area that could be exempt is close to Cat Lake Recreation Site and adjacent to Highway 99.
This area is more accessible to non-offroad vehicles and can add accommodate 20 vehicles and would suit those who can’t drive the somewhat rough Mamquam Forest Service Road.
The permissions policy of the provincial Land Act that permits Crown Land camping for up to 14 days already excludes this activity within the municipal boundary, but District Bylaw Enforcement still requires a bylaw in order to enforce this limitation.
That is why the district is proposing this bylaw.
“The objective is to enable seasonal camping in a way that mitigates the social and environmental impacts we’ve seen in recent years, as the volume of Crown Land camping within the municipality has increased, and is no longer dispersed,” said Natasha Golbeck, senior director of Community Services
A list of designated campsites is available on DOS website, and via the “Squamish Camping Guide” that was developed last summer.
