1. Housing Affordability
2. Environment & Green Spaces
3. Trades & Local Jobs
4. Transit & Infrastructure
5. Families & Community Services
6. Transparent Local Government

• Squamish is growing too fast. Council should slow the pace of new development approvals.In the middle

  “This is a complex question. The District of Squamish needs a STRONG Economic Development team to gather data and advise Council on these specifics of these issues. The only way we should continue is if we have the right people on council making strong, effective decisions based on accurate data. We need to push hard for provincial and federal funding QUICKLY for new infrastructure to support any prospective growth. Our OCP says we are expecting 12-14000 new residents in the next 15 years, an infrastructure push is critical.”

• Taller buildings (above 6 storeys) should be allowed downtown and near transit and services.In the middle

  “I believe we need to limit building height for residential buildings to maintain view corridors, at the very least until the next round of developments are completed, specifcally Oceanfront. In my opinion an exception would be if a high level hotelier were to consider a new hotel in Squamish and height was a major factor for room quantity and if it were to benefit the businesses of Squamish.”

• Squamish should open new land and new neighbourhoods for housing, rather than adding density to existing ones.In the middle

  “In my opinion, as a community we should be honouring the current boundary until the existing neighbourhoods are built out. Specifically Oceanfront again and Cheeky, etc. We need to focus our infrastructure costs on those areas for now until we have properly revised the OCP to a current level, which is also a priority.”

• The District should put more public money and land into non-market and below-market housing.In the middle

  “There is no doubt we are in a global financial crisis and the outlook currently is not great. Everyone is feeling squeezed by high prices for the basics of food, fuel and housing, with very little end in sight. Public money needs to be spent in a reasonable and cost effective manner for ALL who pay taxes. I believe we have amazing leaders in the affordable housing sector in Squamish and they should continue to be supported. As to MORE funding we would need to see the data on what that would look like and make decisions that seem fair to everyone in Squamish. I will say that the work Sarah Ellis' team at SCHS have done and their ROI is amazing in that area.”

• Squamish needs more shelter and supportive-housing spaces, even if they are located near residential areas.Somewhat agrees

  “I believe the Provincial and Federal governments need to step in with regards to funding for those that need shelters and supportive housing. With a low taxpayer base and an unsupported Economic Development Department currently, we need to very clear on how our tax dollars are spent to benefit the entire community.”

• Squamish should fund more RCMP officers and policing.Somewhat agrees

  “Yes, The RCMP needs to be adequately funded, specifically highway patrols and additional support in the downtown BIA area due to the ongoing challenges there.”

• 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

  “First, we need to immediately look far and wide to find the best possible CAO to replace the outgoing CAO. We need an immediate revamp of the OCP, and we absolutely need to push the federal government for infrastructure funding for both a new community centre, municipal hall and several other key projects. Otherwise our facilities will age more and therefore cost more, forcing a raise in property taxes.”

• The District should sign the proposed 10-year tax agreement with Woodfibre LNG.In the middle

  “This needs to be negotiated based on data with comparables across the province and country. I would consider it a win if we could structure it as a more up-front payment to allow the DOS some leverage to start on some infrastructure projects faster.”

• The District should use its permit powers to press Woodfibre LNG on local impacts, even if that means delays or legal fights.Strongly agrees

  “Without question we need to meet Woodfibre LNG with a strong business tone. They are slated to make 8+ BILLION over 15 years after they pay down their capital costs, and are now trying to push back against our heavy industry mill rate. We will then be sucking back their emissions with the strong inflow we have daily in Squamish. We need a FAIR deal in Squamish and that will be informed by data based on all comparables. It's very easy for them to dangle a large number in front of everyone and expect people to be blinded by that... it's a smart business move on their part. We need to have a smart business move in return and push for strong value in return, not leave millions on the table.”

• Climate action should be a top council priority, even when it adds cost.Strongly agrees

  “Climate change is real... we need to meet it head on, make solid realistic decisions and strengthen our economy and community for the future. Climate change needs to be a primary filter in all decisions in our community.”

• The District should cut red tape and speed up permits for builders and businesses.In the middle

  “This is a discussion that also needs to factor in our low taxpayer base, and therefore minimal district staff. Staffing is an issue to move permitting approvals forward, so discussions need to be had within council to decide on how to best make the development permitting process more efficient, whether that be safely streamlining processes for certain types of building permits, or adding more staff to support the current process.”

• Regional transit to Vancouver and Whistler is worth spending local tax dollars on.In the middle

  “I'm not entirely sure local dollars would be needed for this.”

• Major recreation investments, like renewing Brennan Park, should go ahead even if the District has to borrow.In the middle

  “This is a critical piece and priority needed for the entire community. I believe we should realign and direct the DOS Major Projects department to work with the province and federal government to leverage their current relationships due to the LNG project and find funding for several major projects, primarily a new community centre, new regional hospital, and several other infrastructure projects.”

• The Under One Roof shelter and its services should be moved out of downtown.Somewhat agrees

  “This is another item that needs to be addressed in a respectful and efficient manner. Moving them away from businesses does not 'just move the problem', it moves some of the negative impacts of the problem. Businesses should not have to suffer unfair consequences.”

• The District should clear tent encampments from public spaces, even when there is nowhere else for those people to go.In the middle

  “Encampments need to be moved when they become dangerous. Why are we not leveraging under utilized District property to support those who need it with a safe space and specific services?”

• Spending on inclusion and community symbols (such as rainbow crosswalks, flags and proclamations) is a good use of District money.Somewhat agrees

  “This is not a substantial cost and allows those of all walks of life a feeling of support.”

• Large new developments should be required to include a fixed share of below-market homes, even if that means fewer homes get built.Somewhat agrees

  “There is a balance to this... good developers understand this and embrace it. Data shows what is reasonable and what is not, the DOS real estate team needs to inform council on comparable, market rates and what realistic DCCs should be. Developers use math to figure out what is and is not viable, there is no reason the DOS can't do the same.”

• Height and density should follow clear rules set in advance, rather than being negotiated project by project.Somewhat 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
• Short-term rentals like Airbnb should be restricted further in Squamish.In the middle

  “We need space for visitors to come and stay in Squamish, and homeowners faced with mortgages in these difficult times can really use the extra income. However we also need affordable rental units for locals/staff. It is time there is a robust discussion to think outside the box, look at other models that work with hybridized programs and figure out where the balance lies for our unique community that works for homeowners and businesses alike.”

• The District should provide a sanctioned place on public land for people living in vehicles.Strongly agrees

  “This can very easily be pilot programmed by the DOS to create a safe, clean space for those living in vehicles to stay, while also collecting a fair price for that space. Everyone else who lives and owns in Squamish pays taxes to keep our community amazing, why shouldn't these individuals?”

• The District should put more bylaw enforcement officers downtown.Somewhat agrees
• The District should fund mental-health and outreach crisis response teams alongside the RCMP.In the middle

  “If we lose a trained worker unable to protect themselves to a random act of violence, is that ok? I believe due to the potential of violence in some of these situations, we would be better spending money having those trained professionals educating certain members, if not all of the RCMP members on crisis response in mental health situations.”

• Capital projects above a set cost should go to a public referendum before council approves them.In the middle

  “Council is elected to represent the people of Squamish to make these decisions. We need a sensible, business first approach (cost effectiveness) from council for all of these decisions. Capital projects are usually critical to the overall wellness of a community... we need to plan for them far enough in advance so we are prepared, not react last minute every time. We need a new OCP ASAP.”

• The District should borrow to renew Brennan Park now rather than wait until it can be paid for from savings.In the middle

  “We need a NEW, purpose built community centre that fits the community population in 15 years and beyond, not our current population. This should have been in the pipeline years ago as our community has already drastically outgrown BPCC. 12-14,000 new residents in the next 15 years is the outlook. Heavy Industry mill rates, federal infrastrucure funding and grants should be heavily leaned upon to fund this immediately.”

• New buildings should have to meet higher energy standards, even if that raises the cost of building.Strongly agrees

  “This is a no brainer due to climate change.”

• Paid parking downtown is a fair way to manage demand for spaces.Somewhat disagrees

  “A pilot project would be the best option for this... and I believe if we do move forward, we should consider yearly or seasonal parking passes for local residents.”

• The District should spend local money on protected bike lanes and sidewalks.Somewhat agrees

  “Another item that is sorely needed in certain areas, but should be paid for as much as possible by DCCs and provincial and federal funding & grants where possible.”

• 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.In the middle

  “I need to see the case for if we need to spend more, or if the current situation has us in a safe position. IF the experts say we need to spend more and it is a critical issue in their professional opinions, then yes, we should.”

• 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.Somewhat agrees

  “A strong community is built on strong families. Childcare is a critical component of that.”

• When public safety downtown and services for homeless people pull in different directions, safety should come first.Strongly agrees

  “No one should be put in harms way. People who need support should receive those services. Once again, we need to leverage provincial and federal funding for creating and maintaining those services so safety doesn't become an issue”

• Supportive and low-income housing should be spread across all neighbourhoods rather than concentrated downtown.Somewhat agrees
• The District should use bylaws to stop open drug use in parks, sidewalks and other public spaces.Somewhat agrees

  “Without question in relation to narcotics, yes.”

Answered by Shaun Veltkamp 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.

Squamish business owner for 20+ years (listed as 'of The Hive MediaWorks' on the Tourism Squamish board) who says he has run over 100 international projects. Moved to the Sea to Sky Corridor in 1990; describes himself as a two-term elected director on the Tourism Squamish board and a volunteer youth sports coach.

Worked out from Shaun’s public statements and votes, not a label they chose. See everyone side by side · Who on council thinks like you? Take the quiz.

• Shaun Veltkamp campaign site
• District of Squamish official candidate list
• The Squamish Reporter (Dec 12 2025): Tourism Squamish announces 2025/2026 board of directors
• Squamish Chief: Meet the new Tourism Squamish board of directors (2025/2026)
• Squamish Chief 2026 election coverage hub (no Veltkamp profile as of Sept 19)