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Where the candidates stand on transit and Highway 99

The background

Inside town, Squamish's BC Transit bus system has been expanding, partly paid for by local property taxes. What Squamish still lacks is any public bus to Vancouver or Whistler; only private coaches run, and a regional service studied since 2017 has stalled over who pays and who governs it. The Province says local governments must first agree on a service model and their share of funding, while local leaders say provincial funding and political will have been missing.

Highway 99 is a provincial road, so council can only lobby, but collisions and multi-hour closures are a daily-life concern for commuters. Bike lanes are also contested locally. Parking has its own section below.

Key facts

Agree or disagree?

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

“Regional transit to Vancouver and Whistler is worth spending local tax dollars on.”

What does this mean?

There is no public commuter bus on the Sea to Sky Highway. Starting one would likely need local money as well as provincial money.

Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Neutral / mixed
Strongly disagree
2 candidates haven’t said — show names
  • Daniel Deal (for mayor) In the middle

    “Although this is not top on my priority list. This has been requested by several locals, and I would like to look into the viability of this before making a decision.”

  • Sean Easton (for mayor) Somewhat agrees

    “Regional transit could bring huge benefit to affordability and quality of life, but I'll push provincial and federal governments to contribute their fair share.”

  • Jenna Stoner (for mayor) Strongly agrees

    “Regional transit has been a part of my campaign platforms since 2018 and I've pushed on this directly with our regional partners ever since. While we have made some progress by establishing a regional transit committee and securing an MOU with the Province to advance funding models for the systemm, I'll be straight with you that it hasn't landed yet. A corridor this size without commuter service costs us in traffic and in household budgets.”

  • Ian Brown Somewhat agrees

    “We should get significant provincial funding for this.”

  • A. John Lowe In the middle

    “Right now there are ways and means being utilized that are far from perfect but fill the need. We are growing and this issue must be looked at not just from a use problem but a safety issue. I think there is room for a rider pay situation with possible private funding from employers requiring worker availability and safety.”

  • Luc Perreault Somewhat agrees

    “I support investing local tax dollars in regional transit because it has a direct benefit for Squamish residents. Better transit connections to Vancouver and Whistler could help workers, students, businesses, and visitors while reducing traffic on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. That said, regional transit is expensive and comes with challenges. Ridership is often heavier in one direction than the other, which can impact efficiency and operating costs. There are also practical considerations around comfort, luggage storage, bike capacity, and the type of service being offered. My approach would be to look for the most cost-effective solution possible. Before asking local taxpayers to shoulder the full burden, I would want to explore partnerships with the Province, BC Transit, neighbouring communities, major employers, and tourism organizations. If we can share costs and responsibilities, we have a much better chance of delivering a service that is affordable, sustainable, and available sooner rather than later. I believe regional transit is worth pursuing, but it needs to be done responsibly. We need a service that works for residents, makes financial sense, and provides long-term value to the community. As with any major investment, I would want to see a solid business case, realistic ridership projections, and a clear funding strategy before moving forward.”

  • Laura Prosko Strongly agrees

    “Regional Transit provides security and safety. We also need to look at access to the rail - like they do in Europe.”

  • Chris Ryan Strongly disagrees

    “Look, we need to impose a gas tax to pay for this transit and for tourism infrastructures. Simular to Translink, we currently pay the same gas price as Vancouver, instead of the gas station owners gauging us 19.5%,we take and use 15% for our community needs. Still leaves 4.5% to get screwed”

  • Shaun Veltkamp In the middle

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

Comments candidates added when answering our questionnaire, unedited.

“The District should spend local money on protected bike lanes and sidewalks.”

What does this mean?

Safer routes for walking and cycling, paid for from the local budget.

Strongly agree
Somewhat agree
Neutral / mixed
Somewhat disagree
Strongly disagree
4 candidates haven’t said — show names
  • Sean Easton (for mayor) Somewhat disagrees

    “I'd put a moratorium on new active transportation upgrades until there's been real community engagement - residents are saying this is not a big priority for public funds while we have other pressing issues.”

  • Jenna Stoner (for mayor) Strongly agrees

    “This is about expanding choice, not restricting it. I own a vehicle, and I know a car is essential for many families here. A car is also one of the biggest costs in a household budget, and safe routes mean the people who want another option have one. It's important to note that the majority of the dollars spent on active transportation to date have come from provincial grants or developer contributions as opposed to local tax dollars.”

  • Andrew Hamilton Strongly agrees

    “They are way cheaper than roads. For each person who rides or walks to where they need to go, one more space opens up on the road for those who drive - either by choice or by necessity.”

  • A. John Lowe Strongly disagrees

    “Where necessary we already have lots of protected areas and some are over protected. What we need is rules for electric bikes that do 30km per hr on sidewalks and bike lanes endangering traffic and other bikers not electric. This is becoming a serious hazard to individuals and cars crossing roads only to see a bike on top of them that wasn't there an instant ago.”

  • Anders Ourom Somewhat agrees

    “The growing number of e-devices of all kinds provides a relatively economical and low-impact means of transport, especially for local trips. Safely integrating them into our network of roads, trails, and shared use paths is a priority.”

  • Laura Prosko Strongly agrees

    “Active transportation is essential but we need fiscal responsibility.”

  • Chris Ryan Strongly agrees

    “Also, the sidewalks and streetscape is being neglected with no maintenance. This is only going to cost 100x more to fix. We have bushes growing between the cracks of the sidewalks and street curbs. Weeds will deteriate concrete and pavements”

  • Shaun Veltkamp 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.”

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.

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