Laura Prosko: platform statement, in full

Meet Laura

When I decided to run for Council, the first person I met with was Chief Dale Harry of the Squamish Nation. Chief gave me his blessing and I am truly grateful for his wisdom, support and confidence in my candidacy for District of Squamish Council. I am equally grateful for the privilege of living and raising my family on the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation. His guidance reinforces my commitment to building a future grounded in respect, partnership and collaboration.

I would like to take a moment to formally introduce myself to you and share a little more about my background and why I am running for District of Squamish Council.

I bring more than 15 years of senior leadership experience, including Indigenous and stakeholder relations on three major projects representing approximately $27 billion in investment in B.C. Through this work, I have built strong relationships with First Nations, industry, businesses, elected officials and the public sector throughout British Columbia.

Currently, I am the Executive Director of the Central Lonsdale Business Improvement Association, where I support small businesses and work with community and government partners to strengthen the local economy. My organization is supportive of my candidacy, and my role does not present a conflict.

I believe the work of a councillor extends well beyond the Council table. It is equally important to be present in the community, listen to residents, build partnerships and turn ideas into meaningful action. Community engagement has always been very important to me.

I currently serve on the Westwinds Seniors Board and the International Cultural Heritage Society and previously served with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce. I also have training as an Emergency Support Services Officer (ESS) and Information Officer (IO).

I have been involved with Rotary, and this past summer my daughter was selected for the Rotary Youth Exchange between Lyon, France, and Squamish, Canada. It was an outstanding experience, and I highly recommend the program!

I am grateful to live and raise my family in this wonderful community. Squamish has enormous potential, but we also face significant challenges. The decisions made over the next four years will help shape our community for decades to come.

That is why I have developed my Five-Point Campaign Platform, focused on affordability, responsible growth, economic development, major-project partnerships, community well-being and accountable local government.

My Campaign Platform: Five-Point Plan for a Sustainable Squamish

1. Housing, Affordability, Growth and Infrastructure

I will:

• Deliver a property tax freeze for 2027 and 2028, and build the Council support needed to get it done.
• Advocate to senior governments for funding partnerships that make attainable housing possible for families, seniors, young people and our workforce, including policy development on a Workforce Housing Strategy.
• Build on the District's Housing Action Plan by fast-tracking permits and zoning for rental, workforce and missing-middle housing.
• Invest in the basics that haven't kept pace with growth: roads, sidewalks, water and sewer, street lighting, parks and other core infrastructure.
• Protect and expand public waterfront access.
• Improve downtown transportation, pedestrian safety, accessibility and parking.
• Lead a thorough Official Community Plan review and strengthen emergency and flood preparedness.

2. Support for Small Business and the Local Economy

I will:

• Streamline red tape so straightforward permit applications receive a decision in under eight weeks, with clear, published timelines businesses can count on.
• Establish a small-business liaison to simplify processes and connect entrepreneurs directly with the District.
• Attract responsible investment in sectors that fit Squamish's strengths, including technology, film, outdoor recreation, and port and rail, to diversify our economy.
• Advocate against the Province shifting further tax burdens onto local small businesses.
• Deliver a comprehensive Tourism Master Plan in year one of the next Council term to support a sustainable tourism economy under our "Hardwired for Adventure" brand.

3. Woodfibre LNG and Fortis BC Partnerships

Having worked directly on the Woodfibre LNG project, I understand the importance of negotiating a path forward that benefits both Squamish and Woodfibre LNG.

I will:

• Create a new District of Squamish liaison role, held by a Squamish Nation member, to serve as a conduit between the District and the Squamish Nation on Woodfibre LNG matters, including regulation, local content and procurement.
• Solidify a 10-year financial agreement with Woodfibre LNG that delivers lasting value for Squamish.
• Secure a 40-year memorandum of understanding to deliver benefits throughout Woodfibre LNG's operations.
• Direct major-project investment toward infrastructure priorities such as roads, housing and recreation.
• Advocate for Squamish businesses, contractors and workers by working closely with the Squamish Nation on the local content plan to connect local businesses to opportunities.
• Ensure community giving and legacy projects are solidified with both Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC.
• Work collaboratively with industry, the Squamish Nation and residents to recognize and build on what major projects can do for our community, with strong environmental oversight and accountability.

4. Safe, Healthy and Connected Communities

I will:

• Within the first year of the next Council term, make the expansion of Brennan Park, including its pool and ice rink, an urgent priority.
• Urge Vancouver Coastal Health and the Regional Hospital District to commit to a firm timeline for a new long-term care facility that meets the needs of Squamish's growing seniors population.
• Advocate for expanded hospice and acute care capacity at Squamish General Hospital, working through the Regional Hospital District and directly with Vancouver Coastal Health.
• Develop and implement a Squamish Poverty Reduction and Affordability Strategy.
• Prioritize community safety and support RCMP, fire rescue, emergency services and stronger mental health supports.
• Support vulnerable people in accessing the help and services they need.
• Improve accessibility, transportation, pedestrian safety and e-bike safety.
• Improve transit connectivity within the Sea to Sky Corridor.
• Protect and partner for free, family-friendly events, arts and culture, and community festivals that foster connection and community spirit.
• Offer half-price dog tags during January to make pet licensing easy and affordable.

5. Good Governance and Your Tax Dollars

I will:

• Respect your tax dollars by focusing spending on core services, supporting balanced budgets and delivering the fiscal discipline behind the 2027–2028 property tax freeze.
• Publish a public, plain-language dashboard tracking capital project budgets and timelines, keeping residents informed and Council accountable.
• Establish a Multiculturalism Advisory Committee to Council.
• Host an annual Budget Town Hall, both in person and online, where the Mayor and Council present and explain the District's budget, increase transparency, answer residents' questions and provide an opportunity for meaningful public input before budget decisions are made.
• Host "Coffee with Your Councillor" every three months to keep my door open to residents.

My Commitment

Freeze property taxes. Build attainable housing. Expand Brennan Park. Protect waterfront access. Increase downtown parking. Support small businesses. Keep Squamish safe. Secure lasting financial benefits from major projects.

It's time to build a sustainable Squamish - affordable, safe, prosperous and ready for the future.

I am grateful to live, work and raise my family on the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation, and I am committed to building a future grounded in respect, partnership and collaboration.