The District of Squamish is calling on residents and businesses to help shape a new Parking Management Plan, a project aimed at addressing parking challenges in downtown Squamish and key tourism destinations.
In a, the District announced the launch of a survey to gather community input.
The survey, available at, invites feedback from groups such as downtown residents, business owners, employees, and those from the Sea and Sky neighbourhood and neighbouring areas.
“The community has asked us to take action on parking management, and our challenge is to create a plan to manage increasing demand that considers many different interests and needs,” said Mayor Armand Hurford in the press release.
“This phase of the project is about receiving input from the community to help shape a plan that will meet those needs.”
Study finds parking nearing peak capacity during busy periods
A 2023 Downtown Parking Study, also highlighted in the District’s news release, revealed that parking utilization in Squamish averages 67 % on weekdays, 76 % on weekends, and reaches 88 % during peak periods.
Utilization rates above 85 % often signal a need for parking management interventions, such as paid parking or expanded alternative transportation options.
According to the release, the Parking Management Plan is intended to address accessibility while encouraging sustainable practices like cycling, walking, and public transit.
Proposed strategies include paid parking, accessibility improvements
The District is considering several measures as part of its phased Parking Management Plan. Potential strategies include:
- A resident exemption program in certain downtown areas.
- Additional accessible parking spots and loading zones.
- Paid parking in high-demand downtown and tourism-focused areas.
According to the release, the plan will also address parking needs for Downtown businesses and their employees.
Feedback collected through the survey will directly shape the recommendations presented to council in the coming months, reads the release.
Want to get involved?
According to the release, residents are encouraged to participate in the survey, which can be accessed through.
The site also provides parking data, background information, and details on proposed strategies.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The 小蓝视频’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the .
