The District of Squamish has confirmed that X̱wún̓eḵw Park at 37956 Loggers Lane has been identified as a potential site for temporary modular housing, though no final decision has been made. BC Housing is currently conducting due diligence on the site.
District staff have been working with BC Housing to identify a site for the HEARTH program, which aims to establish rapid, temporary transitional housing and shelter options to help address homelessness and encampments. Site considerations include the cost of a lease, a serviced site for utilities, suitability for immediate construction, and proximity to drop-in services at Under One Roof to ensure continued access to daily supports for those transitioning out of encampments.
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“There are limited suitable sites in the Downtown core and an urgent need to address the existing encampments where public safety concerns for both encampment occupants and neighbouring properties have been identified,” said Steven Hill, media relations for the District of Squamish.
If the site is confirmed, specifics on the number of units, site planning and operations will follow. The District said it will work closely with BC Housing and a designated operator to advance and uphold good neighbour parameters. “The temporary housing site would have staff on-site 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure that residents are supported and community concerns can be addressed in a timely manner,” Hill said.
The District noted there are successful HEARTH sites in other B.C. communities. Further details will be made available to the public once a site is confirmed and a housing plan is developed, the district said.
