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Squamish camping and vanlife ban a near certainty

Council passes three readings of contentious bylaw on July 21
squamish-vanlifers
Photo: THE CHIEF STAFF

It is a near certainty that camping and vanlife will be banned throughout the entire District of Squamish.

In a divided 4-3 vote on July 21, Squamish council elected to give three readings to a bylaw that would prohibit vanlife or camping everywhere in town, aside from in designated campgrounds.

Mayor Karen Elliott and councillors Doug Race, John French and Eric Andersen were in favour of the ban.

Councillors Chris Pettingill, Jenna Stoner and Armand Hurford were opposed.

The bylaw is expected to be debated prior to adoption next week, however, it is extremely rare for bylaws that receive three readings to fail at adoption.

During the meeting, which was held online, two vehicle residents derided the proposed ban, saying that authorities were using COVID-19 as an excuse to shove an unwanted bylaw forward.

They also said this infringed on individual liberties. Further, they spoke of an online petition opposing the ban that has garnered over 300 signatures as of Tuesday evening.

However, some on council who favoured the ban said it would target only people congregating and posing a hazard for COVID-19 transmission. They also asked staff to make the municipal campground as accessible as possible for people in tough financial situations.

This article was originally published by the Squamish Chief.