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Squamish council on climate and the environment

As of , the District's climate plan aims to cut the town's emissions at least 45% below 2010 levels by 2030 and be on track for net zero by 2050.

In 2019 the District declared a climate emergency, and in 2020 council adopted a Community Climate Action Plan: cut the town’s emissions at least 45% below 2010 levels by 2030, and be on track for net zero by 2050. Council’s tools are local, such as energy rules for new buildings, transportation and waste. The debate is about how much priority and money climate action should get compared with other needs.

The background

In 2019 the District of Squamish declared a climate emergency and set out to write a Community Climate Action Plan, which council adopted in 2020. Its goal is that by 2030 the town’s emissions will be at least 45% below 2010 levels, with Squamish on track for net zero by 2050. The plan is built around six “Big Moves” covering waste, getting around without a car, cleaner vehicles, existing buildings and new buildings, plus the District’s own work. By the District’s estimate, carrying out every action in the plan would cut about 38,300 tonnes of emissions a year by 2030, which is 38% below 2010 levels, short of the 45% goal.

Council’s 2023 to 2026 Strategic Plan commits to the 45% goal. Council’s own tools are local: energy rules for new buildings, transportation spending, and waste and composting; most other levers sit with the Province and Ottawa. The debate on council is mostly about priority and cost: how much to spend on climate action, and how fast, compared with other needs such as roads, housing and taxes. Flood protection and the Woodfibre LNG plant each have their own page.

Key facts

Agree or disagree?

Where each council member lands on these 2 statements, from their own questionnaire answers or their public record. Tap a name for the detail.

“Climate action should be a top council priority, even when it adds cost.”

What does this mean?

This covers things like building rules, electric vehicle charging, and flood and wildfire protection.

Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Neutral / mixed
Somewhat disagree
  • Sean Easton (mayor) Somewhat agrees

    “Climate action is a crucial long-term priority: but environmental measures shouldn't make life harder or more expensive for residents in the short-term.”

  • Janice DesJardins In the middle

    “We need to be climate conscious and require air conditioning units in all new apartments and new builds and water meters as well. The district should always use best practices.”

  • Luc Perreault Somewhat disagrees

    “For me, taking care of basic needs comes first. People need safe drinking water, reliable roads, effective sewer and storm systems, flood protection, and affordable services. That's the foundation of a healthy community. I believe climate change is real, and we are already seeing its impacts through extreme weather, wildfire risk, and flooding. We need to do our part, but we also need to be realistic about costs and priorities. My approach is to focus on climate actions that deliver practical benefits to residents and strengthen our community. Investments in flood protection, wildfire preparedness, resilient infrastructure, and energy efficiency help protect people and property while preparing us for the future. At the same time, I don't believe every climate initiative should take priority over core infrastructure or essential services. Council has a responsibility to manage taxpayer dollars carefully and make sure we're getting value for our investments. I would support setting clear priorities, establishing realistic budgets, and focusing on projects that provide measurable benefits to residents. If we can't provide reliable water, sewer, roads, and public safety, then we've missed the mark. My priority will always be protecting the infrastructure and services that keep our community safe. Climate action is important, but it needs to be balanced with affordability and the basic needs of the residents who call Squamish home.”

  • Laura Prosko Strongly agrees

    “Climate action is a top priority.”

  • Shaun Veltkamp 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.”

Comments they added when answering our questionnaire during the campaign, unedited.

“New buildings should have to meet higher energy standards, even if that raises the cost of building.”

What does this mean?

Tighter standards cut emissions and bills later, but add to the upfront price of a home.

Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Neutral / mixed
2 members haven’t said: show names
  • Sean Easton (mayor) In the middle

    “This is a real trade-off between upfront cost and long-term savings that deserves thoughtful consideration for each project, not a blanket rule.”

  • Sarah Ellis 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.”

  • Laura Prosko In the middle

    “This is also for a discussion in the OCP review and for a vision in the community.”

  • Shaun Veltkamp Strongly agrees

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

Comments they added when answering our questionnaire during the campaign, unedited.

What each council member has said

The mayor first, then council, in alphabetical order. Our summary of the public record; tap [source] to check it.

No public position found for: Janice DesJardins. If you are one of these council members, send us your position.

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