Where the candidates stand on childcare, short-term rentals and vanlife

• Daniel Deal (for mayor) Somewhat agrees

  “Investing in a beautiful town where everyone feels welcome will never be a poor investment.”

• Sean Easton (for mayor) In the middle

  “Making Squamish a place where everyone feels safe is important - but residents haven't raised this as a major need currently.”

• Jenna Stoner (for mayor) Strongly agrees

  “These cost very little, and they tell people they belong here. That matters in a town growing as fast as ours.”

• Sean Goodwin Strongly disagrees

  “There are more cost effective ways for a community to show support for inclusion. Spending $16,000 to paint a crosswalk in not good use of taxpayers money, especially doing it twice.”

• Andrew Hamilton Strongly agrees

  “It is a very small amount of money to help make people feel welcome.”

• A. John Lowe Somewhat disagrees

  “There is a place for everything and we can support all in a variety of ways. Flags and banners are a good tourist advertisement and a way to support District and business initiatives . Our community is built from many different people. First Nations Squamish should be the first recognized in all we do for their generous contributions. Having said that many years ago we had a thriving Italian community that contributed whole heartedly to our town and should be recognized. In addition over the years we have a growing Sikh community with 2nd and 3rd generations having grown up is Squamish, they should be recognized for all the contributions they have made and continue to do. In conclusion we must meter our appreciation; have business, and our diverse people work with the District in funding the promotion of our town.”

• Anders Ourom Somewhat disagrees

  “The priority for crosswalks should always be pedestrian safety. A "Canadian flag" style crosswalk to honour our veterans, perhaps near the Royal Canadian Legion in Garibaldi Village.”

• Luc Perreault In the middle

  “I think it's important that everyone feels welcome and that they belong in Squamish. Community symbols, proclamations, and other forms of recognition can help with that, but right now the District is facing significant financial pressures and major infrastructure needs. I believe our spending should be proportional to the challenges we're facing. We should focus on practical and affordable ways to build inclusion today, and those ideas should come directly from the people and groups looking for that support. They know best what would make a meaningful difference in their lives. As our financial position improves, we can invest more in initiatives that strengthen community connection and belonging. My goal is to find the right balance: making sure everyone feels welcome while being responsible with taxpayer dollars.”

• Laura Prosko Strongly agrees

  “Absolutely, it provides and showcases an inclusive community.”

• Chris Ryan In the middle

  “I have watched Victoria st torn up a half dozen times to ad this and that. It's a gong show, also it will be dug up again when they start builg the lot at Cleavland & Victoria, not common sense”

• Shaun Veltkamp Somewhat agrees

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

Comments candidates added when answering our questionnaire, unedited.

• Sean Easton (for mayor) Strongly agrees

  “The Squamish Nation are our closest neighbors and partners: working more effectively with them will lead to better outcomes for all of us.”

• Jenna Stoner (for mayor) Strongly agrees

  “Shared decision-making doesn't mean weakening our elected governance systems; it's about finding a path forward together with Nation and non-Nation members because none of us are going anywhere, and we all deserve to be proud of this place we call home. We have established a strong foundation for this work built on good relations and trust, as exemplified in our two councils signing a protocol agreement in 2023 and an MOU in 2025.”

• Andrew Hamilton Somewhat agrees

  “It depends on what type of land you are talking about. For fee simple private land, zoning should remain the District of Squamish's responsibility. For publicly owned land, yes, decision-making should be shared.”

Comments candidates added when answering our questionnaire, unedited.

• Sean Easton (for mayor) Somewhat agrees

  “Childcare is a huge need, and we should prioritize projects that deliver greater affordability to residents.”

• Jenna Stoner (for mayor) Strongly agrees

  “Over 125 new childcare spaces were created during my time on Council. For many households, childcare is the difference between two incomes and one, and there's still a waitlist for almost every spot in town. We will continue to press the Province to ensure these spaces are affordable and the ECEs working in them are making a liveable wage.”

• Andrew Hamilton Somewhat agrees

  “This question mixes two related, but mutually exclusive, ideas. We should actively work to expand the amount of space that is zoned for childcare. This is not the same as subsidized childcare. Childcare should remain a provincial responsibility or move under the School Board's responsibility.”

• Laura Prosko Strongly agrees

  “This needs to be a part of our community connection and vision for Squamish.”

• Shaun Veltkamp Somewhat agrees

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

Comments candidates added when answering our questionnaire, unedited.