Ongoing job action by approximately 250 District of Squamish employees represented by CUPE Local 2269 has led to widespread service disruptions and facility closures, the District of Squamish said in a press release. Earlier, the District announced that it will lock out unionized employees beginning October 16.
Essential services such as water supply, wastewater treatment, snow and ice control, and fire and police response will continue to operate. Non-unionized staff have been reassigned to maintain priority services normally performed by union members.
In a statement, Mayor Armand Hurford said the situation is “an extremely difficult place for us to be as this job action involves our people and teams who we appreciate deeply.” Hurford added that the District is looking to resume negotiations after submitting its latest proposal to the union on October 4, which has not yet received a response.
The strike has forced the closure of several key facilities. The Brennan Park Recreation Centre will remain closed from October 16 to 20 due to the lack of custodial staff. The arena ice will be removed, and the pool – originally set to reopen October 18 – will be drained because certified operators are required for safe operation of the ammonia and pool systems. Future programming and bookings are under review, and refunds will be processed later.
Some outdoor and community spaces remain open. Brennan Park fields, tennis and pickleball courts, and the SORCA skills park are still accessible, though field washroom access will be limited.
The 55 Activity Centre and Westwinds programs continue to offer activities led by contracted instructors, while programs run by union employees are cancelled.
Municipal Hall remains open for applications and payments, though public washrooms are closed. Essential public works such as garbage collection and weather response continue under non-unionized staff.
RCMP services are not affected, but bylaw and animal control services are reduced, with the dog pound closed until further notice.
The Squamish Landfill and Fire Rescue services remain operational. Other impacts include the suspension of film and event permit applications and the cancellation of upcoming community events, including the Repair Café, Children’s Clothing and Toy Swap, and Budget Trivia nights.
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