District of Squamish

The District of Squamish recently wrapped up the Circular Economy Trailblazer Program, marking a major milestone for our community’s journey toward sustainability. This innovative program brought together changemakers across industries to explore circular economy concepts, implement practical strategies, and foster collaboration.    Here’s what we accomplished together:    • 22 organizations participated in 3 hands-on workshops and received one-on-one support.  • $110,000 in grants awarded to support circular initiatives, including funding for 3 key community projects and 10 local businesses.  • Over 50% of participants are adopting more sustainable procurement practices.  • Over 75% of participants reported discovering new partnerships and collaborations, with 15+ active initiatives underway.  • A wide range of sectors participated, from construction and textiles to food and social enterprises, demonstrating the power of collective action.    Special thanks to the Province of BC’s Regional Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program, our incredible partners, and all the passionate individuals and organizations who made this program possible! Together, we’re building a resilient, circular future for Squamish—one innovation at a time.

Public input is being requested as the District develops plans to manage Downtown parking and tourism-based parking areas more effectively. Input from residents is essential to inform development of the District’s draft Parking Management Implementation Plan and ensure it will meet the needs of our community. Your voice, insights, and inputs matter, and we invite community members to take our survey to help us understand the various parking needs and challenges. The survey includes questions specific to: - Downtown residents - Downtown business owners - Employees of Downtown businesses - Residents of SeaANDSky - The broader community and neighbouring areas Find the survey, parking data and background information at https://lnkd.in/g_WYjiy3

The District of Squamish is exploring the potential of creating an Innovation Area on District-owned land within the Squamish Business Park. This initiative aims to generate proceeds to support both the current Five-Year Financial Plan and future investments in community facilities.   To bring this vision to life, the District is inviting expressions of interest from potential partners to purchase or lease up to 17 acres of prime commercial, industrial, or mixed-use land (including residential) in the Squamish Business Park. The goal is to unlock the full potential of these lands, driving employment growth and economic development in Squamish.

Tonight: Join us for the Budget 2025 Open House! Drop by Brennan Recreation Park Centre from 6 pm to 8 pm this evening to meet Council Members and key staff, explore the draft Financial Plan, and share your feedback. We’re asking the community: Does the proposed Five-Year Financial Plan align with your priorities? If not, what are we missing? Your input is essential in shaping our community’s future, so don’t miss this chance to be heard! Refreshments and a supervised kids’ table will be provided. We look forward to seeing you there!

Join us on Thursday, November 14, from 4 pm to 6 pm at Howe Sound Inn and Brewing Co. for the Squamish Circular Economy Trailblazer Program Community Celebration! We invite all Squamish businesses interested in learning about circular economy practices, making connections, and exploring ways to adopt circular strategies. This celebration is an opportunity to discover what it means to be part of a circular economy, hear from local trailblazers who are leading the way, and celebrate the initiatives and grants awarded to support new and innovative circular projects in Squamish. We’ll also explore how circular practices can drive future growth and resilience for businesses in Squamish.

City Green Solutions is hosting a free Home Energy & Water Efficiency Seminar to help homeowners reduce energy bills and lower their home's environmental footprint through practical, cost-effective upgrades. The seminar will take place on Friday, November 1, from 4 pm to 7 pm at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Participants will learn how to save on utility bills and discover low-carbon options by understanding the embodied carbon impacts of various materials. The event will also provide information about FortisBC rebates available for homeowners implementing these strategies. Space is limited, snacks and coffee will be provided.

Do you have an idea for a project and need funding? Squamish Arts and Squamish Community Foundation are now accepting applications for the Community Enhancement Grant and the Arts and Culture Grant. The application deadline is November 18, 2024. For more information about grant funding opportunities and criteria, please visit squamisharts.com and squamishfoundation.com.

Join us for a virtual webinar on Thursday, October 17, from 10 am to 11:30 am to learn more about Squamish’s Zero Waste Action Plan and strategies to eliminate single-use items, support reusable container services, and reduce water and litter in public places. During this webinar, we will also discuss considerations for the food service industry in Squamish. We encourage you to ask questions and provide feedback during the session with our staff.

We’re hiring a Project Manager 2 – Capital and a Manager of Recreation! The Project Manager 2 will oversee municipal infrastructure projects from start to finish, working with consultants, contractors, and various departments to meet the needs of our growing community. The Manager of Recreation Services will manage operations, budgets, and staff within the Recreation and Culture department, ensuring high-quality programs through strong leadership and community engagement. For more opportunities, visit squamish.ca/careers

Retrofit Assist is hosting a Builders’ Breakfast on Monday, October 7 from 8:30 am to 10:30 am at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. This is a great opportunity for general renovators, contractors, tradespeople, and builders servicing Whistler and Squamish to learn about the Retrofit Assist program. Retrofit Assist provides a full energy retrofit concierge service, guiding homeowners and on their journey to a more energy-efficient home while supporting and building the capacity of local contractors. This event is free, but registration is required. To learn more, visit the link below.