The District of Squamish invites proposals to purchase or lease up to 17 acres of prime land in the Squamish Business Park. According to a press release by the District, this parcel represents the largest remaining development opportunity in the area and is positioned to boost local economic and employment opportunities.
The land, located on Lots 38 and 39, is part of the District’s exploration of an “Innovation Area,” aimed at fostering collaboration and maximizing the site’s economic potential. Expressions of interest are sought from commercial and residential developers, industrial businesses, academic institutions, and office technology operators.
“Squamish has an enviable lifestyle and a supportive entrepreneurial culture, and an innovation hub could provide solutions to some of today’s most pressing issues while also increasing opportunities for people to work locally,” said Mayor Armand Hurford in the press release. He emphasized that the initiative could attract creative minds and entrepreneurial talent, leveraging municipal land assets to drive innovation and economic growth.
What is an Innovation Area?
The District describes innovation areas as dense, collaborative spaces that integrate office, industrial, educational, and other employment uses. These hubs aim to generate economic benefits, create knowledge-based environments, and foster partnerships.
The Squamish Business Park, a 215-acre hub already home to warehousing, recreational technology, light industry, and service retail businesses, offers proximity to Highway 99 and is a 40-minute drive from Vancouver and Whistler. The District hopes the centrally located site will attract major employers and catalyze local job creation.
Why Sell or Lease Municipal Land?
The move aligns with the District’s Real Estate and Facilities Strategy (REFS) and Master Plan, which guide the disposal of District-owned lands not needed for operational purposes within the next 25 years. The sale or lease proceeds will help fund critical municipal facility upgrades, such as the Civic Block redevelopment and improvements to Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
“Identifying and disposing of surplus lands is a key strategy to generate funds for these projects,” the press release said. The District will evaluate proposals and determine if a sale or long-term lease delivers the most significant community benefit.
In 2023, the District approved funding to conduct due diligence on the feasibility of an Innovation Area as part of its long-term facilities planning. As the largest District-owned property identified for potential sale or lease, the 17-acre land offers a unique opportunity to attract high-impact development while supporting the District’s financial commitments and facility investment goals, district said. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their proposals to help shape what could become a pivotal innovation hub in Squamish.
