The Need for Affordable Housing in Squamish
Affordable housing is a cornerstone of a thriving, diverse, and resilient community. In Squamish, where housing costs continue to rise and options remain limited, projects like Mamquam House aim to address the growing housing gap by providing sustainable, affordable, and community-focused co-living spaces. However, recent zoning changes by the District of Squamish have put this critical project at risk, delaying progress and increasing costs for much-needed affordable housing.
What is Mamquam House?
Mamquam House is ResponsibleLiving’s third co-living project in Squamish, designed to provide affordable housing for moderate-income residents. With 30 thoughtfully designed suites and shared amenities like communal courtyards and eco-conscious living spaces, the project represents a much-needed solution to the housing crisis.
The Zoning Challenge: What Happened?
Earlier this year, Mamquam House was set to proceed under R-1 zoning, which aligned with the project’s plans and ensured an efficient path to construction. Unfortunately, the District of Squamish recently passed another zoning change, reverting the property to R-3, creating significant setbacks. This unexpected decision adds an estimated $150,000 in additional design and engineering costs and delays the project by 6–9 months.
For a community already in desperate need of affordable housing, this delay is more than a financial burden—it impacts the lives of over 120 residents currently on ResponsibleLiving’s waiting list.
The Broader Impact: What’s at Stake?
Zoning changes like these hinder the very goals they aim to achieve: increasing housing supply and affordability. While ResponsibleLiving remains committed to delivering community-focused homes, unnecessary delays and additional costs make it increasingly challenging to fulfill this mission.
Mamquam House isn’t just another housing project; it’s a sustainable solution to Squamish’s housing crisis. It represents:
- Affordable options: Designed to keep housing costs within 30% of residents’ gross income.
- Sustainability: Eco-friendly designs and shared amenities that minimize environmental impact.
- Community-building: Micro-communities that foster connection and well-being among residents.
Without Mamquam House, Squamish residents lose access to housing solutions that directly address the housing gap for moderate-income earners.
How You Can Help
We’re asking for the community’s support to help Mamquam House move forward and ensure Squamish residents have access to the affordable housing they deserve.
💡 Take Action:
- Join the Conversation: Tag @districtofsquamish on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to share why affordable housing matters to you.
- Spread the Word: Share this blog post with friends and family to raise awareness about the urgent need for affordable housing in Squamish.
A Shared Responsibility
Affordable housing is not just about building homes—it’s about creating a community where everyone can thrive. Mamquam House is a critical step toward addressing Squamish’s housing challenges, and with your support, we can ensure it becomes a reality.
Let’s work together to build a future where affordable, sustainable living is accessible to all. Stay tuned for updates and ways you can get involved.
