Where the candidates stand on housing
The background
Squamish is one of the most expensive places to live in B.C.: home prices rival Metro Vancouver's and the local 'living wage' is the second highest in the province. Building more market housing does not by itself produce homes that lower- and middle-income workers can afford, so attention falls on non-market (non-profit, ) housing. The District created an arm's-length non-profit, the Squamish Community Housing Society (Housing Squamish), and contributes land, fee waivers and tax exemptions, but deep affordability depends on provincial and federal money.
In February 2026 the Province cancelled the funding program that was to pay for a planned 100-unit affordable rental building on Government Road, stalling it. Voters will hear different views on how much the municipality itself should spend or give up (land, fees, taxes) to get affordable homes built.
Key facts
- Squamish's 2025 living wage is $28.00/hour, second highest in B.C. after Whistler ($29.60) and up 4.6% from $26.76 in 2024; the report attributes the gap over Metro Vancouver largely to higher childcare costs. [source]
- Housing Squamish's planned 100-unit affordable rental project at 39900 Government Road stalled after the Province cancelled the BC Housing Community Housing Fund call in February 2026. [source]
- Housing Squamish's executive director (Sarah Ellis, who is also a 2026 council candidate) says local government should contribute serviced public land, waive development charges, fees and taxes, and expedite approvals to compete for limited senior-government funding. [source]
- A June 2026 Research Co. poll for Housing Central found 85% of B.C. respondents say it is important for local politicians to commit to expanding non-profit and co-op housing, and 71% expect their local government to act on affordable housing (province-wide poll, not Squamish-specific). [source]
- Of 153 homes completed in the first six months of the provincial housing target, 34 were considered below market. [source]
- Spirit Creek Apartments (BC Housing, District of Squamish and Sea to Sky Community Services) provides 76 homes for low- to moderate-income households, with Foundry Sea to Sky and the Youth Hub on the ground floor. [source]
- Home prices: a local realtor blog, citing Greater Vancouver REALTORS data, reports Squamish's composite benchmark price was $1,122,200 in January 2026 (briefly above Greater Vancouver's $1,101,900) and $1,078,400 in April 2026. [source]
Agree or disagree?
Where each candidate lands on these 4 statements, from their own questionnaire answers or their public record. Tap a name for the detail.
“The District should put more public money and land into non-market and below-market housing.”
What does this mean?
Non-market housing: homes rented or sold for less than the going rate, usually run by a non-profit so they stay cheaper for good.
Non-market housing is rented or sold below market rates, usually run by a non-profit. It costs public money or land.
Daniel Deal 
Sean Easton 
Jenna Stoner 
Sarah Ellis
Anders Ourom
Eric Andersen
Kieran Brownie
Janice DesJardins
John French
Andrew Hamilton
Chris Pettingill
Sean Goodwin
A. John Lowe
Luc Perreault
Laura Prosko
Shaun Veltkamp
Ian Brown1 candidate hasn’t said — show names
Chris Ryan- Sean Easton (for mayor) Strongly agrees
“I'll increase the amount of affordable housing developers need to provide, bring resident-restricted affordable home ownership to Squamish, and leverage federal funding effectively to deliver affordable housing.”
- Jenna Stoner (for mayor) Strongly agrees
“I supported creating and investing in Housing Squamish which has brought more than $11 million in partner funding into this community since 2023, and we have leased municipal land to various non-profit housing providers to support the delivery of 140+ supportive homes. I'll also be honest that land and money is finite and these projects require real provincial and federal support to be successful.”
- Ian Brown Strongly disagrees
“Provincial, federal and non-profit funding should be funding non-market housing.”
- Sean Goodwin In the middle
“I don't fully understand Squamish's housing market. I look at the co-op housing system that exists(ed) on Arrowhead Rd in Brackendale. Attainable housing seems more realistic and appealing. Housing built and sold specifically to people within a specific income bracket.”
- Andrew Hamilton Somewhat agrees
“Below-market housing will not 'solve' our housing affordability challenge by itself. However, it is one tool in the municipal government's toolbox for keeping housing affordable. The benefits of below-market housing tend to increase over time as market rates rise while non-market rates remain flat (or don't rise as quickly). The mechanisms the municipality can use to achieve non-market housing are changing as we transition from Community Amenity Contributions (CAC) to Amenity Cost Charges (ACC). We are in a transition period in not-for-profit housing, and I believe the long-term benefits will outweigh these short-term costs.”
- A. John Lowe In the middle
“A number of years ago Squamish created a co-op housing scheme in Brackendale that seemed to work quite well and i think there is opportunity to do more of that with co-operation from various industries including LNG.”
- Luc Perreault In the middle
“I'll be honest, creating non-market housing is not an area where I have deep expertise. I tend to look at this issue through the eyes of the average taxpayer. I want to help people, and I recognize that many residents are struggling with housing affordability. I also believe that local government has an obligation to support vulnerable residents and help where it can. At the same time, I think municipalities have been asked to carry more responsibility for housing without always receiving the support and funding we need from senior levels of government. That's a challenge we must acknowledge. For me, it's about finding balance. We need a community that is affordable and inclusive, but we also need to invest in the infrastructure, parks, recreation facilities, and services that make Squamish a great place to live. I don't know exactly where that balance lies, and I think it's different for every project. What I do know is that the District needs a strong foundation if we're going to help others effectively. The stronger we are as a municipality, the more we can do to support residents who need a helping hand. I'm open to supporting non-market housing initiatives when there is a clear community benefit, strong partnerships, and a responsible plan that makes sense for both current residents and future generations.”
- Laura Prosko In the middle
“The District needs to evolve its Squamish Perpetually Affordable Housing Policy. We need to shift the conversation from housing affordability to housing security, ensuring residents have stable, attainable housing and the confidence that they can remain in our community.”
- Chris Ryan Didn’t pick an answer
“We need to adopt the successful self sufficient Whistler houseing authority model for the past 30 years. It offers single family, townhomes, suites, and condos that have a convanent to rent control for suite and room for locals, and local employees. A covenantto the increase of value along inflation rate, but allows families to get into the market, pay of their mortgage than rent. Bob Cheema has said he is willing to include this model on a portion of his land. This model also contributes to the tax base”
- Shaun Veltkamp 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.”
Comments candidates added when answering our questionnaire, unedited.
“Large new developments should be required to include a fixed share of below-market homes, even if that means fewer homes get built.”
What does this mean?
Called inclusionary zoning. It creates affordable units at no direct cost to taxpayers, but developers say it makes some projects unviable.
4 candidates haven’t said — show names
- Sean Easton (for mayor) Strongly agrees
“I'll increase the share of affordable units developers are required to deliver - we've seen that simply building more units has not led to housing that is more affordable, so we need to change our approach.”
- Jenna Stoner (for mayor) Strongly agrees
“Growth should pay its share of what it creates demand for. Requirements need to be set where projects can still feasibly carry the costs, or we get neither the affordable units nor the market ones. We have secured nearly 300 below-market homes this way already, 99 of which have been built.”
- Sarah Ellis Somewhat agrees
“Large, multi-phase developments and especially greenfield 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 infill developments. I'd prioritize cash in lieu of affordable housing for these developments, if possible.”
- A. John Lowe Somewhat disagrees
“This can in my mid put a stranglehold on prospective developments. I am sure that requiring alternate proposals whether it be land or financial agreement that can be set aside for future development of low cost housing in designated areas or co-operative possibilities between developers”
- Chris Ryan Strongly disagrees
“It accually does have a cost to the taxpayer as this system does not contribute to the tax base”
- Shaun Veltkamp 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.”
Comments candidates added when answering our questionnaire, unedited.
“The District should hold on to the land it owns and use it for housing, rather than selling it to fund other things.”
What does this mean?
Selling land raises money now; keeping it gives council a lever on future housing.
5 candidates haven’t said — show names
- Daniel Deal (for mayor) Somewhat agrees
“There are parcels of land that would be beneficial to sell off. Whereas I believe most of the land the District should hold onto, and lease to developers if needed. Ideally it would be nice to see district-owned and managed housing (albeit this is more expensive).”
- Sean Easton (for mayor) Strongly agrees
“Our land and resources should be used for our long-term benefit, not sold off for short-term profit or to pay off government debt.”
- Jenna Stoner (for mayor) In the middle
“Land is the one thing we don't get back, and the Government Road lease to supportive and affordable housing shows what holding on makes possible. I've also voted to sell land when it funded critical infrastructure the whole town needed, and I defend that decision because without a market sale of that land we would have been on track for an additional 26% tax increase. It needs to be managed case-by-case, not as a rule.”
- Sarah Ellis 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.”
- Andrew Hamilton In the middle
“This is an ill-formed question; land can serve many purposes, not just housing or cash.”
- A. John Lowe Somewhat disagrees
“this type of thinking limits the ability of the District of enter into negotiations for a multitude of options that may arise with far reaching benefits.”
- Laura Prosko In the middle
“This needs to be looked at in the OCP review.”
- Chris Ryan Somewhat agrees
“I believe in a case by case direction that has common sense and a long term vision”
Comments candidates added when answering our questionnaire, unedited.
“Short-term rentals like Airbnb should be restricted further in Squamish.”
What does this mean?
Every home rented to visitors is one not rented to a resident — but some owners rely on that income.
3 candidates haven’t said — show names
- Daniel Deal (for mayor) Somewhat disagrees
“I know that most airbnb hosts are chosing to not rent out their rooms”
- Sean Easton (for mayor) In the middle
“I haven't heard from residents that this is a major issue, but every home taken off the long-term rental market is one less home for a local family.”
- Jenna Stoner (for mayor) Somewhat agrees
“With a vacancy rate of 0.2%, every home rented to visitors is one not available to someone who lives and works here. We have tried and true experience with permitting STRs now, though, and a strong regulatory framework can help support bringing some well-managed STRs into the overnight accommodation pool to support our tourism economy.”
- Ian Brown Strongly disagrees
“Airbnb is valuable to Tourism.”
- Andrew Hamilton Somewhat disagrees
“I believe we should align our STR policies with the provincial regulations.”
- A. John Lowe Somewhat agrees
“This type of business should be restricted to certain areas where it does not impact the social order or the areas involved.”
- Laura Prosko Somewhat disagrees
“Squamish is a recreation and tourism community, and many families rely on income from Airbnb rentals. I would rather see these rentals operating legally, within clear municipal regulations, than operating outside the rules and creating additional challenges for our community.”
- Shaun Veltkamp 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.”
Comments candidates added when answering our questionnaire, unedited.
What each candidate has said
Mayor candidates first, then council, in alphabetical order. Our summary of the public record; tap [source] to check it.
Daniel Deal (running for mayor)
Strongly for more public money and land for homes, and a required share in big projects
Platform calls for a wider range of housing (rentals, townhomes, apartments, starter homes), faster municipal approvals, and workforce housing. He told the Squamish Chief he wants District-owned, communal-style workforce housing. [source]
“To have some kind of housing where people can work here and have a communal-style living might give people the footing to be able to find a position here.”
Sean Easton (running for mayor)
Strongly for more public money and land, and a bigger required share of homes; resident-restricted ownership
Housing is his professional field. He co-founded DWIFT Housing Society to build homes and sell them at cost (reported in 2024 as 25-30% ) to middle-income households, and DWIFT sought District land on Pioneer Way for that purpose. His platform promises 'housing that locals can afford throughout their lives.' [source]
“Towns across B.C.—and the world—are getting creative in solving the housing and affordability crises, and I believe Squamish can, and must, too.”
Jenna Stoner (running for mayor) · current councillor
Strongly for more public money and land for homes, and a required share in big projects; case by case on selling District land
Campaigns on 446 homes built during her eight years (300+ more coming) and sits on the Housing Squamish board. She says alone won't deliver housing for extreme core need or homelessness and that 'other partnership and other models' are needed. She also defended selling District land on Pioneer Way to fund core infrastructure rather than reserving it all for affordable housing, and says could now shift toward recreation and culture. [source]
“There are limited opportunities with public land … to actually advance the issue of affordable housing. We also as a municipality need to provide fire halls and public works facilities.”
Eric Andersen · current councillor
Negotiate affordable units, cut developer process costs, lobby senior governments
In 2022 he called for continued negotiation of affordable units with the Housing Society involved, lower processing and transaction costs for developers, construction innovation (including wood products) and much more advocacy to senior governments. No 2026 campaign statement on housing found. [source]
“I think we shouldn't limit ourselves to the powers that we have. I mean, as a municipality, I think we need to be doing more strategic advocacy, vis-à-vis the federal and provincial [...] governments. (2022)”
Ian Brown
Strongly against more District money and land for homes — senior governments and non-profits should fund it; leans toward a required share in big projects; strongly against restricting Airbnb
Calls for "creative solutions": new rental options, co-living under $1,500/month and family-oriented housing communities. Notes much of housing is provincial jurisdiction and positions himself as an advocate. [source]
“Housing Squamish can afford. Creative solutions are needed.”
Kieran Brownie
Leans toward more public money and land for homes, keeping District land for housing and tighter limits on short-term rentals; in the middle on a required share in big projects
Runs as a longtime renter under the pillar 'space to live'. Says there is no quick fix and that the long-term answer lies within the valley, through a strong working relationship with Squamish Nation, rather than in grant applications to Victoria or Ottawa. [source]
“The long-term solution for it is going to be Squamish District council working closely and well with Squamish Nation.”
Janice DesJardins
Land bank for employee and housing-society housing (Whistler model)
Says Squamish has done the paperwork on affordable housing but barely delivered, and that zoning reform alone does not make anything affordable. Wants a land bank, possibly from Crown land, for employee housing, co-op style ownership and housing society projects, citing Whistler. Her site's housing page adds: 'missing middle' townhouses and low-rise 'throughout the community' with streamlined approvals, protecting rental stock from short-term rentals and renovictions, higher affordable-housing requirements in new developments, and a Housing Action Plan with targets and public reporting. [source]
“Zoning reform makes building possible, it doesn't make anything affordable. That takes land, covenants, and capital. And those are the three boxes still unticked in Squamish.”
Sarah Ellis
Strong supporter of non-market / affordable housing (it is her profession)
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.”
John French · current councillor
More supply, faster permits, diverse forms, plus the housing society
Frames affordability as demand exceeding supply. Wants developers treated as partners, cost-effective permitting with monitored wait times, and more ADUs, suites and tiny homes; supports the housing society creating workforce housing. [source]
“We need more of it, and we need to find ways to provide more housing at pricing that is accessible to young people, seniors and those living with fixed and low incomes.”
Sean Goodwin
Prefers “attainable” homes sold to set income brackets; keep District land for housing
Sean had said little in public about this before answering our questionnaire. Sean’s own answers are below. [source]
Andrew Hamilton · current councillor
Strongly for a required share of homes in big projects; more public money and land; match Airbnb rules to the Province
Sees zoning as council's most direct long-term lever and frames affordability as high demand meeting limited land. Argues removing parking minimums would relieve pressure on housing costs. [source]
“Let's reduce the pressure on the housing stock in our community, increase the housing stock in our community, and make it more affordable for folks to live here.”
A. John Lowe
In the middle on more public money for homes — favours co-op housing with industry partners; leans against a required share in big projects; leans toward limiting short-term rentals to certain areas
John had said little in public about this before answering our questionnaire. John’s own answers are below. [source]
Anders Ourom
Strongly for more public money and land for homes; leans toward a required share in big projects and limits on short-term rentals
His only statement on housing costs is that opening the Cheema and Holborn lands “should provide needed land for residential development, including elements of social housing of various kinds.” He would sell the town hall site, and if necessary part of the Brennan Park lands, to pay for new civic facilities rather than use them for housing. [source]
“Opening up the Cheema Lands and Holborn Lands should provide needed land for residential development, including elements of social housing of various kinds.”
Luc Perreault
Keep District land for housing; in the middle on more public money for homes and on a required share in big projects
Luc had said little in public about this before answering our questionnaire. Luc’s own answers are below. [source]
Chris Pettingill · current councillor
Strong supporter of ; leans toward deeper subsidies
Backs the Squamish Housing Society as workforce 'middle housing', waived /fees for affordable projects, and amenity policies that extract more affordable units and childcare. Says that as the province falls short, council may need to consider deeper subsidies, and that he personally leans that way while wanting community input on the trade-off. [source]
“I think we may need to consider deeper levels of housing subsidy. The trade-off is that deeper subsidies take more taxpayer resources... Personally, I would lean in this direction.”
Laura Prosko
Big projects should include homes; “housing security”; keep Airbnb legal and regulated
Would lobby senior governments for funding partnerships for attainable housing, develop a Workforce Housing Strategy, and fast-track permits/zoning for rental, workforce and missing-middle housing. Wants the perpetually affordable housing policy reviewed so people don't lose housing if they stop working in town. [source]
“If circumstances change for someone, what worries me is creating a policy that then maybe circumstances out of their control affect their housing.”
Chris Ryan
Whistler-style housing authority; against requiring a share in big projects; keep District land for housing
Would copy Whistler’s 30-year-old housing authority: homes with covenants on rents and caps on resale prices so locals can buy in and seniors can downsize without leaving town. Would convert vacant required office space in residential buildings to affordable and seniors’ housing, and lobby the Province and Ottawa for affordable and seniors’ housing. [source]
“I will constantly and always advocate to the provincial and federal governments for affordable and senior housing.”
Shaun Veltkamp
More attainable housing, density near transit, renter protections
Says workers and families are being priced out and calls for more attainable housing options, sensible density near transit and protections for renters. [source]
“We need more attainable housing options, sensible density near transit, and protections for renters — not just luxury condos.”
Other issues
- growth and development
- homelessness and supportive housing
- policing and community safety
- property taxes and spending
- climate and the Woodfibre LNG plant
- transit and Highway 99
- parking
- jobs and the local economy
- Brennan Park and recreation
- flood protection
- childcare, short-term rentals and vanlife
- the Woodfibre tax deal