The housing crisis in the Sea to Sky region isn’t new—but the way we talk about it is changing.
Across Squamish, Whistler, and surrounding communities, residents, professionals, and policymakers alike are feeling the pressures of a market that has become increasingly unaffordable and unpredictable. Rising costs, limited supply, and uneven development policies have made secure housing harder to access, not just for low-income households, but for working families, young people, and long-term locals alike.
That’s why we’ve launched a monthly initiative: the Sea to Sky Housing Advocates Meetup—a space to share knowledge, voice concerns, and generate ideas that move us closer to affordable, sustainable, and community-focused housing solutions.
Why This Meetup Matters
This is not a branded initiative or a formal campaign—it’s a grassroots space. We’re simply creating the table; what gets built on it is up to the people who show up.
Whether you’re a resident, builder, planner, developer, realtor, policymaker, or simply someone concerned about the future of housing in our region, you’re welcome. This is about opening dialogue across silos and working together to better understand the systems, costs, and choices that shape housing in the Sea to Sky corridor.
What We Cover
Each session touches on real-world topics that directly impact the development and affordability of housing in our communities. Recent discussions have included:
- Development Cost Charges (DCCs) – What they are, how they’re calculated, and how they affect the final cost of housing.
- Amenity Cost Charges (ACCs) – Understanding the trade-offs between community amenities and housing affordability.
- Community Amenity Contributions (CACs) – Exploring how these costs shape project feasibility and neighbourhood design.
But more importantly, we’re here to listen—because the most valuable topics often come from attendees. We welcome anyone interested in leading a session, suggesting a topic, or sharing their expertise or lived experience.
An Open Stage for Collaboration
Our hope is to build a shared knowledge base across all parts of the housing ecosystem. This isn’t about one organization or solution. It’s about creating a collaborative, ongoing space to ask better questions, develop stronger ideas, and build momentum for meaningful change.
If we want to see smarter policies, more inclusive developments, and secure, affordable housing for the people who live and work in this region, we need to work together—not just in theory, but in practice.
Join Us
Meetups are held monthly. Currently at Locavore Bar & Grill in Squamish. Dates and topics vary, but the invitation is always open.
Whether you want to listen, share, challenge, or lead—your voice matters.
To stay updated on upcoming sessions and topics, follow us on social or reach out with your ideas.
Let’s build the housing future our region needs—together.
