A mixed-use development in University Highlands returns to Squamish council on Jan. 13 with revised plans that restore parking and scale back a proposed restaurant.
Council will consider a development permit for 3295 Mamquam Rd., next to Capilano University campus. The project includes 424 residential units and 3,555 square metres of commercial space, with a mix of apartments, townhomes, multiplex units, and ground-floor retail and restaurant uses.
The revised proposal follows council and public feedback focused on traffic congestion, parking shortfalls and the overall size of the project. The developer has withdrawn a request for a parking variance of more than 100 spaces and now proposes 656 parking stalls—one more than required.
The plan also reduces the restaurant from 200 seats to 50, cutting its parking requirement from 50 stalls to 13, according to the staff report. The development would secure 32 affordable rental units and 95 market rental units in perpetuity. Staff say the project aligns with district objectives to add housing supply and support a more connected, mixed-use community.
Parking reinstated
The original application proposed fewer off-street parking spaces than required, prompting concerns from the council and residents. The new plan adds visitor parking, expands underground parking, and includes shared parking that would allow some commercial stalls to be used by residential visitors overnight.
Staff note that the affordable rental units would not require dedicated parking, helping balance overall supply across the site.
Public trails, bus shelters and car share proposed
The proposal includes 340 apartment units across five buildings, plus 84 townhome and multiplex units in 11 blocks. Building 1 would include 127 rental units—including the 32 affordable units—commercial space, and a 910-square-metre child-care facility. The remaining apartment buildings would be residential-only, while townhomes and multiplexes would be sold as strata.
The development would include public access trails, two covered bus shelters, and support for a local car share program. Staff say it meets zoning and design guidelines, including wildfire risk protections and environmental requirements.
