The District of Squamish is permanently closing the encampment site at Third Avenue and Main Street, reversing its earlier decision to allow residents to return, following a fire and propane tank ignitions behind Under One Roof on September 18, according to a District news release.
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The release says encampment residents are being notified that they will be unable to return to the site. The fire raised significant fire safety concerns for the Under One Roof building and the critical community services it provides, along with its 40 residents, 20 emergency shelter users and 70 staff.
“The recent fire and explosions heightened existing concerns about the proximity of the encampment site to Squamish’s only supportive housing, shelter and food bank facility,” says Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote. “In addition, access in and out of the site for fire crews, RCMP and emergency services was extremely challenging as residents required assistance to evacuate the site.”
The District said it continues to work with outreach workers to support the displaced occupants. Alternate accommodations, including short-term stays at Under One Roof, as well as tents and tarps, are being provided, according to the release.
“The individuals affected by this closure are some of our community’s most vulnerable, and this transition may be unsettling for them,” says Lori Pyne, executive director of Squamish Helping Hands. “Closing this site doesn’t solve the underlying challenges they face; it simply changes where they are. Squamish Helping Hands remains strongly committed to supporting our community members and will continue to work closely with the District and our partners to connect people with the resources they need to improve outcomes.”
Some of the encampment residents have relocated to the corner of Vancouver Street and Loggers Lane. The District plans to install a portable toilet and bear-proof waste bin on District land in that area.
