Sarah Ellis is a Squamish councillor, elected on October 17, 2026 with 4,499 votes, the most of 15 council candidates, for a term to 2030. Background: Executive Director of Housing Squamish (Squamish Community Housing Society) since 2023, the District-supported non-profit housing organization; her campaign says she has helped bring over $17 million in funding and financing to local affordable housing.
- Takes office
- November 3, 2026, at the inaugural council meeting
- Pay
- $46,926 a year (each councillor’s pay in 2025, before expenses and benefits) [District of Squamish]
- Record
- 10 campaign promises tracked · 0 council votes so far
Sarah’s roles on council
Not appointed yet. Council usually decides who serves as acting mayor, who sits on the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District board, and who joins which committees at or soon after the swearing in on November 3, 2026. We’ll list Sarah’s roles here once the District publishes them.
How council works: no one on council, not even the mayor, decides alone.
Sarah’s record on council
Council hasn’t voted yet. We’re tracking 10 promises and 36 positions Sarah took during the campaign. First meeting: November 3, 2026.
Sarah’s promises 10
What Sarah promised during the campaign, in plain words. Tap one for the exact quote and source.
Not tested yetKeep voting to carry out the town's Community Climate Action Plan.
What Sarah said:
“I support the 6 big moves of the town’s existing Community Climate Action Plan and would continue to vote in support of its implementation.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Kept if she votes for budget items and bylaws that the staff report says carry out the Community Climate Action Plan. Not kept if she votes against them.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching how much of the plan gets done. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: Council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetVote against widening the growth boundary without a plan to pay for services and land for affordable housing.
What Sarah said:
“My current view for an OCP discussion is I would only support further expansion of the growth boundary if there is clear, feasible plan for financing and maintaining infrastructure and strong requirements for good planning and design and community benefits such as land for affordable housing.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Counts only votes to widen the growth boundary. Kept if she votes against one that comes without a plan to pay for services and land for affordable housing. Not kept if she votes for it.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching whether council widens the boundary, and on what terms. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: Council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSupport the Province's HEART and HEARTH program and the Government Road supportive housing.Who decides: BC Housing and council
What Sarah said:
“I support Squamish’s participation in the Province’s Heart and Hearth program and the supportive housing development on Government Road.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Kept if she votes for the HEART and HEARTH project and the Government Road supportive housing when they come to council. Not kept if she votes against them.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching whether both projects go ahead. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: BC Housing and council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSupport exploring pilot programs for people living in vehicles.
What Sarah said:
“I would support exploring pilot programs that allow us to test what works, learn from the results, and determine whether a broader program is feasible.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Kept if she moves, seconds or votes to look at or start a pilot permit or parking program for people who live in vehicles. Not kept if she votes against it.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching whether a pilot starts. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: Council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetGrow the District's housing fund and get land or homes from developers for non-profit housing.
What Sarah said:
“This includes negotiating with developers to provide land or units, building up our housing reserve fund, and supporting zoning relaxations and tax and fee waivers.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Kept if she votes to add money to the housing reserve fund, for fee waivers for non profit housing, and for deals where developers give land or homes. Not kept if she votes against them.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching how much the housing fund grows. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: Council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetUpdate the parking rules for new downtown buildings to match how many cars people really have.
What Sarah said:
“I think it’s time to re-evaluate parking requirements for new Downtown development to make sure they reflect actual vehicle demand.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Kept if she moves, seconds or votes to review and update the downtown parking requirements in the zoning bylaw. Not kept if she votes against it.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching whether council updates them this term. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: Council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetLook at resident parking permits, time limits and paid parking downtown.
What Sarah said:
“We should also look at approaches that have worked in other communities, including resident permits, time limits and paid parking.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Kept if she moves, seconds or votes to study or bring in resident permits, time limits or paid parking downtown. Not kept if she votes against studying them.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching whether council studies or brings them in. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: Council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetNot put a downtown parkade ahead of more pressing building needs.
What Sarah said:
“I’ve heard interest in a Downtown parking structure, but I would not prioritize that over more pressing capital needs.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Counts only votes to fund a downtown parkade. Not kept if she votes for one while the staff report lists higher priority projects still without money. Kept if she votes against it then.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching whether council funds a downtown parkade, and when. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: Council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSpeed up the Brennan Park task force so a replacement is designed and priced.
What Sarah said:
“Then, we need to expedite the work of the existing Brennan Park Task Force to design and begin costing out a replacement project.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Kept if she moves, seconds or votes for steps that get a Brennan Park replacement designed and priced sooner, such as funding the design. Not kept if she votes against them.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching whether council gets a design and cost estimate this term. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: Council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetWork to grow the network of safe bike routes for kids, families and seniors.
What Sarah said:
“I strongly support continued advocacy to build up our transit network, and work to expand Squamish’s safe cycling network for kids, families and seniors.”[source]
Sarah’s part (the only thing we mark): Kept if she votes to fund new protected bike routes. Not kept if she votes against them.
Did it happen? Not yet. We’re watching how many new protected bike routes get built. This is a plain fact, never a mark against Sarah: council decides as a group.
Who decides: Council
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Do Sarah’s votes match what they said in the campaign?
36 things Sarah said during the campaign. Each gets a mark once a council vote tests it.
See all 36 positions
Not tested yetDisagreed: “Squamish is growing too fast. Council should slow the pace of new development approvals.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetAgreed: “Taller buildings (above 6 storeys) should be allowed downtown and near transit and services.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetDisagreed: “Squamish should open new land and new neighbourhoods for housing, rather than adding density to existing ones.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “The District should put more public money and land into non-market and below-market housing.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “Squamish needs more shelter and supportive-housing spaces, even if they are located near residential areas.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetAgreed: “Climate action should be a top council priority, even when it adds cost.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetAgreed: “The District should cut red tape and speed up permits for builders and businesses.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “Regional transit to Vancouver and Whistler is worth spending local tax dollars on.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly disagreed: “The Under One Roof shelter and its services should be moved out of downtown.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly disagreed: “The District should clear tent encampments from public spaces, even when there is nowhere else for those people to go.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “Spending on inclusion and community symbols (such as rainbow crosswalks, flags and proclamations) is a good use of District money.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetAgreed: “Large new developments should be required to include a fixed share of below-market homes, even if that means fewer homes get built.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “Height and density should follow clear rules set in advance, rather than being negotiated project by project.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetAgreed: “The District should hold on to the land it owns and use it for housing, rather than selling it to fund other things.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “The District should fund mental-health and outreach crisis response teams alongside the RCMP.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetDisagreed: “Capital projects above a set cost should go to a public referendum before council approves them.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetAgreed: “The District should borrow to renew Brennan Park now rather than wait until it can be paid for from savings.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetAgreed: “New buildings should have to meet higher energy standards, even if that raises the cost of building.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetAgreed: “Paid parking downtown is a fair way to manage demand for spaces.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “The District should spend local money on protected bike lanes and sidewalks.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “Land set aside for industry and jobs should be protected from being rezoned for housing.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “The District should increase spending on dikes and flood protection, even if it means higher taxes.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “The District should formalize shared decision-making with the Squamish Nation on land use.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetStrongly agreed: “The District should actively work to expand subsidized childcare spaces.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetDisagreed: “When public safety downtown and services for homeless people pull in different directions, safety should come first.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetAgreed: “The District should use bylaws to stop open drug use in parks, sidewalks and other public spaces.”
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they support: Affordable housing so workers can afford to live in Squamish
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they support: Being open to growth while making sure policies keep pace, from building design and parking to active transportation, recreation and infrastructure
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they support: Economic development across a variety of industries
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they support: More transparency and visibility on how property tax dollars are spent and what results they deliver
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they support: Making sure 'no one is left behind', especially single parents, seniors and youth facing affordability pressure
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they support: Continued District operating funding for the non-profit housing society (as Housing Squamish ED, asked council in May 2026 to keep its contribution at $500,000/yr rather than step down)
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they support: A strong, collaborative relationship with Squamish Nation
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they support: Welcoming, safe public spaces and access for everyone to natural places
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they’re against: As Housing Squamish ED, said she was 'deeply disappointed' by the Province cancelling a BC Housing Community Housing Fund round and delaying affordable housing commitments
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
Not tested yetSaid they’re against: Says she has heard worries that growth is happening too fast and that some people feel 'left behind or unconsidered'
Council hasn’t voted on anything that tests this yet.
What Sarah said during the 2026 campaign
Our summary of what Sarah has said and done in public. Tap [source] on any line to check it yourself.
Said they support
- Affordable housing so workers can afford to live in Squamish [source]
- Being open to growth while making sure policies keep pace, from building design and parking to active transportation, recreation and infrastructure [source]
- Economic development across a variety of industries [source]
Show 5 more
- More transparency and visibility on how property tax dollars are spent and what results they deliver [source]
- Making sure 'no one is left behind', especially single parents, seniors and youth facing affordability pressure [source]
- Continued District operating funding for the non-profit housing society (as Housing Squamish ED, asked council in May 2026 to keep its contribution at $500,000/yr rather than step down) [source]
- A strong, collaborative relationship with Squamish Nation [source]
- Welcoming, safe public spaces and access for everyone to natural places [source]
Said they’re against
- As Housing Squamish ED, said she was 'deeply disappointed' by the Province cancelling a BC Housing Community Housing Fund round and delaying affordable housing commitments [source]
- Says she has heard worries that growth is happening too fast and that some people feel 'left behind or unconsidered' [source]
Where Sarah said they stand
Each topic opens up: tap it for the detail, quotes and sources.
Growth & developmentStay open to growth; taller buildings downtown, cautious about opening new land✓ Own answers inside
Describes Squamish as a community in transition: growth has brought diversity, a stronger economy and a larger tax base, but she has heard worries that it is happening too fast. She wants council to be open to growth while ensuring policies and practices keep pace. [source]
“To me, that means being open to growth while making sure our policies and practices keep pace, from building design and parking to active transportation, recreation and infrastructure.”
Some evidence
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- Squamish is growing too fast. Council should slow the pace of new development approvals.Somewhat disagrees
“I think Squamish should keep being open to growth while making sure our policies and practices keep pace, from building design and parking to active transportation, recreation and infrastructure”
- Taller buildings (above 6 storeys) should be allowed downtown and near transit and services.Somewhat agrees
“I support higher density downtown, but would like to see good design, more useable commercial spaces, and realistic parking requirements.”
- Squamish should open new land and new neighbourhoods for housing, rather than adding density to existing ones.Somewhat disagrees
“There is already quite a bit of undeveloped land within Squamish’s , so I am cautious about one-off decisions to expand it. These are conversations that are best had as part of an process, which will be coming up during this Council’s term.”
- Height and density should follow clear rules set in advance, rather than being negotiated project by project.Strongly agrees
Housing affordabilityStrong supporter of non-market / affordable housing (it is her profession)✓ Own answers inside
Runs on her record as the first Executive Director of Housing Squamish, where her campaign says she helped bring over $17M in funding and financing to protect and expand affordable housing. In that role she asked council in May 2026 to maintain its $500,000 annual operating contribution, arguing the District's $2M had leveraged $17.5M in partner investment. [source]
“I am running because I think Squamish is confronting tough problems, and I have experience working on the front lines of one of our toughest problems, affordable housing.”
Well documented
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- The District should put more public money and land into non-market and housing.Strongly agrees
- Large new developments should be required to include a fixed share of homes, even if that means fewer homes get built.Somewhat agrees
“Large, multi-phase developments and especially developments should deliver affordable housing as a community benefit (ideally donated to local affordable housing operators), but it's unrealistic to expect this of smaller developments. I'd prioritize cash in lieu of affordable housing for these developments, if possible.”
- The District should hold on to the land it owns and use it for housing, rather than selling it to fund other things.Somewhat agrees
“I agree, but there isn't much land left for the District to hang on to, unfortunately! Because of this, delivering affordable housing at scale in Squamish requires acquisition of land or units from existing owners or developers.”
- Short-term rentals like Airbnb should be restricted further in Squamish.In the middle
Homelessness & supportive housingMore shelter space; against moving Under One Roof or clearing camps with nowhere to go✓ Own answers inside
Sarah had said little in public about this before answering our questionnaire. Sarah’s own answers are below. [source]
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- Squamish needs more shelter and supportive-housing spaces, even if they are located near residential areas.Strongly agrees
- The shelter and its services should be moved out of downtown.Strongly disagrees
- The District should clear tent from public spaces, even when there is nowhere else for those people to go.Strongly disagrees
- The District should provide a sanctioned place on public land for people living in vehicles.In the middle
- When public safety downtown and services for homeless people pull in different directions, safety should come first.Somewhat disagrees
- Supportive and low-income housing should be spread across all neighbourhoods rather than concentrated downtown.In the middle
Policing & community safetyStrongly backs a mental-health crisis team; in the middle on more police✓ Own answers inside
Sarah had said little in public about this before answering our questionnaire. Sarah’s own answers are below. [source]
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- Squamish should fund more RCMP officers and policing.In the middle
- The District should put more bylaw enforcement officers downtown.In the middle
- The District should fund mental-health and outreach crisis response teams alongside the RCMP.Strongly agrees
- The District should use bylaws to stop open drug use in parks, sidewalks and other public spaces.Somewhat agrees
Taxes & spendingIn the middle on holding taxes down; open to borrowing for Brennan Park✓ Own answers inside
Asked about rising property taxes, she said residents have questions about where their money is going and that council can bring more visibility to spending and results. She has not committed to a tax freeze or a specific cap, and acknowledges trade-offs and real constraints on local government. [source]
“I think people have a lot of questions about where their tax dollars are going and especially with the increases that we're seeing.”
Some evidence
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- Keeping property tax increases at or below inflation should be a top priority, even if it means cutting services or delaying projects.In the middle
- The District should sign the proposed 10-year tax agreement with Woodfibre LNG.In the middle
- Major recreation investments, like renewing Brennan Park, should go ahead even if the District has to borrow.In the middle
- Capital projects above a set cost should go to a public referendum before council approves them.Somewhat disagrees
- The District should borrow to renew Brennan Park now rather than wait until it can be paid for from savings.Somewhat agrees
“The District is limited in its borrowing authority by legislation. Even if we borrow, we will still need reserves and grants to pay for a Brennan park renewal.”
Climate & environmentClimate a priority; supports the Community Climate Action Plan✓ Own answers inside
Says she supports the six Big Moves in the District’s Community Climate Action Plan and would keep voting to carry it out. [source]
“I support the 6 big moves of the town’s existing Community Climate Action Plan and would continue to vote in support of its implementation.”
Well documented
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- Climate action should be a top council priority, even when it adds cost.Somewhat agrees
- New buildings should have to meet higher energy standards, even if that raises the cost of building.Somewhat agrees
“Supporting green building technology in our building code - as long as they aren't excessively costly - will help these systems scale and become more affordable over time, and also support Canadian-based manufacturers.”
Woodfibre LNG plantIn the middle on Woodfibre LNG, wants a fair tax deal✓ Own answers inside
Sarah had said little in public about this before answering our questionnaire. Sarah’s own answers are below. [source]
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- The District should use its permit powers to press Woodfibre LNG on local impacts, even if that means delays or legal fights.In the middle
“My expectation is that WLNG is accountable to all levels of government with regular reporting and responsiveness to concerns. I expect WLNG to help pay for the District’s 10-year capital plan either through taxation or a fair tax deal, and have not seen enough analysis to be convinced that the current tax deal in front of Council achieves this.”
Transportation & transitStrongly for regional transit, bike lanes and sidewalks✓ Own answers inside
Wants a community where it is easy to get around by car, bike, wheelchair or on foot, and lists parking and active transportation among policies that must keep pace with growth. [source]
“Where it's easy to get around by car, bike, wheelchair or on foot.”
Some evidence
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- Regional transit to Vancouver and Whistler is worth spending local tax dollars on.Strongly agrees
- The District should spend local money on protected bike lanes and sidewalks.Strongly agrees
ParkingExpects parking management downtown; sees paid parking as one option alongside resident-only permit areas✓ Own answers inside
In her questionnaire answer to Squamish Voters she agreed that parking management is likely in downtown's future, called paid parking 'just one potential solution', and said resident-only permit areas should also be explored. She also said she would like downtown density to come with 'realistic parking requirements', without saying whether that means more or fewer stalls. Her website lists parking among the policies that must keep pace with growth.
“I agree that parking management is likely in Downtown's future, but I think paid parking is just one potential solution. I think resident-only parking areas with permits should also be explored.”
Well documented
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- Paid parking downtown is a fair way to manage demand for spaces.Somewhat agrees
“I agree that parking management is likely in Downtown's future, but I think paid parking is just one potential solution. I think resident-only parking areas with permits should also be explored.”
Jobs & local economyDiverse local jobs plus workforce housing✓ Own answers inside
Supports economic development across a variety of industries, paired with affordable housing so workers can live locally. [source]
“It means supporting economic development across a variety of industries, and affordable housing so workers can afford to live here.”
Some evidence
✓ Direct answer Sarah told us:
- The District should cut red tape and speed up permits for builders and businesses.Somewhat agrees
- Land set aside for industry and jobs should be protected from being rezoned for housing.Strongly agrees
Compare everyone on: growth and development · housing · homelessness and supportive housing · policing and community safety · property taxes and spending · climate and the environment · the Woodfibre LNG plant · transit and Highway 99 · parking · jobs and the local economy.
Sarah’s own priority list
- A community where people can afford to rent or own a home
- Easy to get around by car, bike, wheelchair or on foot
- Local jobs in a variety of industries
- Welcoming and safe public spaces
- A strong, collaborative relationship with Squamish Nation
- Being open to growth while making sure policies and practices keep pace
Sarah explains their answers ✓ Direct
Sarah added a comment to 9 of the statements we put to every candidate. These are Sarah’s words, unedited.
- Squamish is growing too fast. Council should slow the pace of new development approvals.Somewhat disagrees
“I think Squamish should keep being open to growth while making sure our policies and practices keep pace, from building design and parking to active transportation, recreation and infrastructure”
- Taller buildings (above 6 storeys) should be allowed downtown and near transit and services.Somewhat agrees
“I support higher density downtown, but would like to see good design, more useable commercial spaces, and realistic parking requirements.”
- Squamish should open new land and new neighbourhoods for housing, rather than adding density to existing ones.Somewhat disagrees
“There is already quite a bit of undeveloped land within Squamish’s , so I am cautious about one-off decisions to expand it. These are conversations that are best had as part of an process, which will be coming up during this Council’s term.”
- The District should use its permit powers to press Woodfibre LNG on local impacts, even if that means delays or legal fights.In the middle
“My expectation is that WLNG is accountable to all levels of government with regular reporting and responsiveness to concerns. I expect WLNG to help pay for the District’s 10-year capital plan either through taxation or a fair tax deal, and have not seen enough analysis to be convinced that the current tax deal in front of Council achieves this.”
Show 5 more
- Large new developments should be required to include a fixed share of homes, even if that means fewer homes get built.Somewhat agrees
“Large, multi-phase developments and especially developments should deliver affordable housing as a community benefit (ideally donated to local affordable housing operators), but it's unrealistic to expect this of smaller developments. I'd prioritize cash in lieu of affordable housing for these developments, if possible.”
- The District should hold on to the land it owns and use it for housing, rather than selling it to fund other things.Somewhat agrees
“I agree, but there isn't much land left for the District to hang on to, unfortunately! Because of this, delivering affordable housing at scale in Squamish requires acquisition of land or units from existing owners or developers.”
- The District should borrow to renew Brennan Park now rather than wait until it can be paid for from savings.Somewhat agrees
“The District is limited in its borrowing authority by legislation. Even if we borrow, we will still need reserves and grants to pay for a Brennan park renewal.”
- New buildings should have to meet higher energy standards, even if that raises the cost of building.Somewhat agrees
“Supporting green building technology in our building code - as long as they aren't excessively costly - will help these systems scale and become more affordable over time, and also support Canadian-based manufacturers.”
- Paid parking downtown is a fair way to manage demand for spaces.Somewhat agrees
“I agree that parking management is likely in Downtown's future, but I think paid parking is just one potential solution. I think resident-only parking areas with permits should also be explored.”
Sarah answered 35 of the 38 statements we put to every candidate. The answers with comments are above. Tap below for the full list.
All 35 of Sarah’s questionnaire answers ✓ Direct
- Squamish is growing too fast. Council should slow the pace of new development approvals.Somewhat disagrees
“I think Squamish should keep being open to growth while making sure our policies and practices keep pace, from building design and parking to active transportation, recreation and infrastructure”
- Taller buildings (above 6 storeys) should be allowed downtown and near transit and services.Somewhat agrees
“I support higher density downtown, but would like to see good design, more useable commercial spaces, and realistic parking requirements.”
- Squamish should open new land and new neighbourhoods for housing, rather than adding density to existing ones.Somewhat disagrees
“There is already quite a bit of undeveloped land within Squamish’s , so I am cautious about one-off decisions to expand it. These are conversations that are best had as part of an process, which will be coming up during this Council’s term.”
- The District should put more public money and land into non-market and housing.Strongly agrees
- Squamish needs more shelter and supportive-housing spaces, even if they are located near residential areas.Strongly agrees
- Squamish should fund more RCMP officers and policing.In the middle
- Keeping property tax increases at or below inflation should be a top priority, even if it means cutting services or delaying projects.In the middle
- The District should sign the proposed 10-year tax agreement with Woodfibre LNG.In the middle
- The District should use its permit powers to press Woodfibre LNG on local impacts, even if that means delays or legal fights.In the middle
“My expectation is that WLNG is accountable to all levels of government with regular reporting and responsiveness to concerns. I expect WLNG to help pay for the District’s 10-year capital plan either through taxation or a fair tax deal, and have not seen enough analysis to be convinced that the current tax deal in front of Council achieves this.”
- Climate action should be a top council priority, even when it adds cost.Somewhat agrees
- The District should cut red tape and speed up permits for builders and businesses.Somewhat agrees
- Regional transit to Vancouver and Whistler is worth spending local tax dollars on.Strongly agrees
- Major recreation investments, like renewing Brennan Park, should go ahead even if the District has to borrow.In the middle
- The shelter and its services should be moved out of downtown.Strongly disagrees
- The District should clear tent from public spaces, even when there is nowhere else for those people to go.Strongly disagrees
- Spending on inclusion and community symbols (such as rainbow crosswalks, flags and proclamations) is a good use of District money.Strongly agrees
- Large new developments should be required to include a fixed share of homes, even if that means fewer homes get built.Somewhat agrees
“Large, multi-phase developments and especially developments should deliver affordable housing as a community benefit (ideally donated to local affordable housing operators), but it's unrealistic to expect this of smaller developments. I'd prioritize cash in lieu of affordable housing for these developments, if possible.”
- Height and density should follow clear rules set in advance, rather than being negotiated project by project.Strongly agrees
- The District should hold on to the land it owns and use it for housing, rather than selling it to fund other things.Somewhat agrees
“I agree, but there isn't much land left for the District to hang on to, unfortunately! Because of this, delivering affordable housing at scale in Squamish requires acquisition of land or units from existing owners or developers.”
- Short-term rentals like Airbnb should be restricted further in Squamish.In the middle
- The District should provide a sanctioned place on public land for people living in vehicles.In the middle
- The District should put more bylaw enforcement officers downtown.In the middle
- The District should fund mental-health and outreach crisis response teams alongside the RCMP.Strongly agrees
- Capital projects above a set cost should go to a public referendum before council approves them.Somewhat disagrees
- The District should borrow to renew Brennan Park now rather than wait until it can be paid for from savings.Somewhat agrees
“The District is limited in its borrowing authority by legislation. Even if we borrow, we will still need reserves and grants to pay for a Brennan park renewal.”
- New buildings should have to meet higher energy standards, even if that raises the cost of building.Somewhat agrees
“Supporting green building technology in our building code - as long as they aren't excessively costly - will help these systems scale and become more affordable over time, and also support Canadian-based manufacturers.”
- Paid parking downtown is a fair way to manage demand for spaces.Somewhat agrees
“I agree that parking management is likely in Downtown's future, but I think paid parking is just one potential solution. I think resident-only parking areas with permits should also be explored.”
- The District should spend local money on protected bike lanes and sidewalks.Strongly agrees
- Land set aside for industry and jobs should be protected from being rezoned for housing.Strongly agrees
- The District should increase spending on dikes and flood protection, even if it means higher taxes.Strongly agrees
- The District should formalize shared decision-making with the Squamish Nation on land use.Strongly agrees
- The District should actively work to expand subsidized childcare spaces.Strongly agrees
- When public safety downtown and services for homeless people pull in different directions, safety should come first.Somewhat disagrees
- Supportive and low-income housing should be spread across all neighbourhoods rather than concentrated downtown.In the middle
- The District should use bylaws to stop open drug use in parks, sidewalks and other public spaces.Somewhat agrees
Answered by Sarah Ellis on September 20, 2026. Where these differ from our earlier reading of the public record, the candidate’s own answer is what counts in the quiz and compare pages.
Questions about Sarah Ellis
- Is Sarah Ellis on Squamish council?
Yes. Sarah Ellis was elected to Squamish council on October 17, 2026 with 4,499 votes, one of six councillors serving with Mayor Sean Easton until 2030.
- When does Sarah Ellis take office?
Sarah Ellis is sworn in with the new council at the inaugural meeting on November 3, 2026 at 6 p.m. at Squamish Valley Golf Club, 2458 Mamquam Road.
- What did Sarah Ellis promise?
We track 10 promises Sarah made during the 2026 campaign, including: Keep voting to carry out the town's Community Climate Action Plan; Vote against widening the growth boundary without a plan to pay for services and land for affordable housing; Support the Province's HEART and HEARTH program and the Government Road supportive housing. Each one is marked kept or not kept by how Sarah votes, not by what council as a whole decides.
- How has Sarah Ellis voted on council?
Council hasn’t voted yet. The first regular meeting is November 17, 2026. Every vote Sarah casts will be listed on this page.
- How much is a Squamish councillor paid?
In 2025 the each councillor was paid $46,926, not counting expenses and benefits, according to the District of Squamish financial statement.
About Sarah
Executive Director of Housing Squamish (Squamish Community Housing Society) since 2023, the District-supported non-profit housing organization; her campaign says she has helped bring over $17 million in funding and financing to local affordable housing. Six-year Squamish resident who previously spent eight years on affordable housing policy at the City of Vancouver, and a past board president of the OurSquamish Placemaking Society. She told the Chief she will step down as executive director if elected.
Where Sarah leans on money, growth and LNG
Worked out from Sarah’s public statements and votes, not a label they chose. See everyone side by side · Who on council thinks like you? Take the quiz.
Sources we used (5)
- Sarah Ellis for Squamish campaign website
- Squamish Chief: Affordable housing professional Sarah Ellis seeks Squamish council seat (Sept 1, 2026)
- Squamish Reporter: Housing Squamish Executive Director to run for council (Sept 1, 2026)
- Squamish Chief: Squamish housing group cites provincial program pause in push to maintain municipal support (May 31, 2026)
- District of Squamish: 2026 Municipal Election Candidates
Hear it from Sarah directly
Are you Sarah Ellis, or did you spot a mistake? Email squamishvoters@gmail.com to update or add to this page. How corrections work.
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