Construction on the new supportive housing on Government Road could start as early as 2026, according to BC Housing. The development permit application for the building at 39900 Government Road and Centennial Way is expected to be submitted by the winter.
BC Housing, Squamish Community Housing Society, Squamish Helping Hands Society and the District of Squamish are proposing to build approximately 165 new homes at 39900 Government Road and Centennial Way.
This project would include two buildings. The first building would feature approximately 60 to 65 supportive homes, and the second building would feature approximately 100 affordable rental homes.
BC Housing says the community urgently needs more supportive housing. The last Point in Time Homelessness Count conducted in April 2023 identified 119 people experiencing homelessness in Squamish. Of these, 41% identified that their housing loss was a result of not enough income. The supportive housing would provide approximately 60 to 65 studio homes to local adults, including seniors and people with disabilities or others who need support to maintain stable housing.
All residents pay rent and sign program agreements, and support includes 24/7 staffing, meal programs, life skills and employment training, as well as on-site health and wellness support. According to BC Housing, the proposed development is not the transitional housing that Under One Roof provided.
Supportive housing, the agency states, offers secure, long-term accommodations for individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness who require ongoing support to maintain housing stability. “The 40 units of transitional housing at Under One Roof are designed to provide temporary shelter and services. Transitional housing is designed to assist individuals in transitioning to permanent housing, including supportive housing, the agency said.
“Unlike transitional housing, residents of permanent supportive housing rent their self-contained studio apartment. They have access to 24/7 on-site staff support to help them stay housed and connected to health and community services. Permanent supportive housing does not provide an emergency shelter or drop-in services such as the programs and services offered at Under One Roof.”
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