District of Squamish staff are recommending council finalize a rezoning that would bring a new six-storey mixed-use rental building to Lot 15 on Aspen Road at today’s May 5 council meeting.
The project proposes approximately 153 apartment units and 10 live/work units, along with ground floor commercial space. All units would be secured as market rental housing in perpetuity through a housing agreement registered on title, meaning the building cannot be converted to strata or sold off as individual condos.
The rezoning changes the designation of the property from Neighbourhood Node Commercial to Comprehensive Development Zone No. 120, a custom zone created specifically for this development.
As part of the deal, the developer has agreed to a number of community commitments. At least 20 percent of units must be three-bedroom or two-bedroom plus den, addressing the need for larger family-sized rental homes. At least half of the ground floor area must be used for indoor amenity space or commercial uses. The developer has also agreed that 390 square metres of commercial floor area will be permanently set aside for childcare use. The entire building will be all-electric, with no natural gas permitted.
One of the more notable community benefits is the construction of a pocket park on adjacent District-owned land. The park, covering roughly 2,389 square metres, will include a plaza, lawn areas, a fenced dog run, concrete paths, site signage, benches, picnic tables, bike racks, and low-maintenance plantings with water-efficient irrigation. The District will be responsible for the ongoing maintenance costs of the park once it is built.
The project received some public attention during its earlier approval stages. Two requests for a public information meeting were submitted, though that number fell below the threshold required to hold one. Five written objections were received from residents concerning the proposed parking rate. A public hearing was not permitted for this application under provincial legislation governing rental housing.
The bylaw received first, second, and third readings at the January 6, 2026 council meeting, with adoption held pending the developer meeting several conditions. Those conditions have now been satisfied, allowing council to move forward with formal adoption.
Following adoption, staff will process a development permit, which will come back to council for a separate decision before construction can begin.
