The District of Squamish Council is reviewing a proposal that would allow year-round tourist accommodation in one of Capilano University’s student residence buildings, according to a city council report.
The university has applied for a Temporary Use Permit to extend tourist accommodation use beyond the current May-to-August allowance. If approved, the permit would be valid for three years and enable the building at 3021 University Boulevard to host visitors throughout the calendar year.
According to the staff report, the recommendation is based on high tourism demand and underused student housing. Tourism Squamish’s 2024 report showed an 87 percent hotel occupancy rate, indicating limited accommodation options in the community.
Capilano University purchased the Squamish campus and three nearby residence buildings in 2023. The university is still expanding its academic programs and student population, resulting in vacant units within the residences. Staff said the proposal would make use of empty buildings until enrollment grows enough to fill them.
Each residence building contains 102 units, mostly studio rooms with shared kitchen lounges on each floor. The university intends to use the space for academic conferences, partner events, and short-term group stays.
District planning staff said the application meets parking requirements under current zoning rules. The campus has 235 parking spaces, exceeding the 204 required for tourist accommodation use.
In a statement, the District noted that the proposed permit “is an appropriate temporary use of underutilized student housing” and would help address the local shortage of tourist accommodation.
A second application seeks to authorize the same use for another residence building beginning in 2026. That proposal will be brought forward to a future Council meeting closer to the requested September 2026 date.
Council will decide whether to approve the temporary permit at an upcoming meeting.
