Construction on a new BC Housing project on Government Road could start next year, according to a new report presented to the council. The communications and engagement report addresses concerns about crime, safety and the need for supportive and rental housing on the site.
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BC Housing, Housing Squamish, the Squamish Helping Hands Society, and the District of Squamish are proposing to build approximately 165 new homes at 39900 Government Road and Centennial Way. There would be two buildings on the site. The first building would have approximately 60 to 65 supportive homes, and the second building would have approximately 100 affordable rental homes.
The supportive housing building would provide studio homes to local adults (19+), including seniors and people with disabilities or any others who need support to maintain stable housing. Squamish Helping Hands Society would manage this building and provide services to its residents.
The affordable rental building would provide approximately 100 homes, including studios, one, two and three-bedroom apartments. The property would offer secure rental homes to low- and moderate-income households in Squamish, prioritizing seniors, people with disabilities, and families.
The proposed housing mix includes 20% of units offered at Deep Subsidy rates, 50% as Rent Geared to Income (RGI), and 30% at Market Rate. Residents would need to meet income and household size criteria and be able to live independently.
The report addresses several concerns raised by community members.
In the supportive housing building, residents would be single adults, including seniors, people with disabilities or any others who need support to maintain stable housing. According to the report, supportive housing follows a harm reduction approach, which means residents are not required to abstain from substance use to access or maintain their housing.
“Squamish Helping Hands staff will not supply Illicit or illegal substances to residents of the supportive housing building. Staff may support residents to use various medications as prescribed by a physician or nurse practitioner and as part of a resident’s personal care plan,” the report says.
“A monitoring room will be available to residents only and monitored by staff who are on site 24/7. This space is not for public access or use and would be located inside the building and is intended solely to support the health and safety of residents.”
The report also addresses concerns about crime prevention. This includes fencing, controlled access, fob access, 24/7 staffed reception, security cameras and lighting. “BC Housing and SHHS would share a direct phone number for the supportive housing with neighbours when it is available. Staff would be on site 24/7 to support residents and provide a point of contact for neighbours,” the report notes.
“Staff commit to working with supportive housing residents and the surrounding community on an ongoing basis to address any safety concerns quickly and collaboratively. Staff would also conduct regular walkabouts to monitor the housing property.”
The site at Government Road and Centennial Way is District-owned and vacant. The land is currently zoned for the proposed use, and it’s one of the few District-owned sites where this type of housing can be built affordably in Squamish.
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