Skip to content
Join our Newsletter

Squamish adopts camping bylaw

Council formally passes camping restrictions
news_seatosky21
Areas represented by the District of Squamish's camping bylaw. Photo: DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH

Mamquam Forest Service Road, Powerhouse Springs Road and the Squamish Estuary and Spit are officially no-camping zones in the district.

At the July 23 council meeting, the District of Squamish council adopted the much-discussed camping bylaw that many vanlifers in Squamish said unfairly targeted them.

In a press release following the meeting, Mayor Karen Elliott said, "The density of people camping on our back roads within municipal boundaries has increased to the point where there is significant concern about the impacts to our community and environment.

"Recreation-driven camping is a big part of our community culture. We want people to come and experience Squamish, and we want people to stay and camp here in designated campgrounds. Recognizing the growth of visitors to our community, Council will continue to advocate with the Province of B.C. to expand existing campgrounds or establish new ones to match the interest in our community and our world-class recreational amenities."

The press release states the District will continue to work with representatives of people who live full-time in vehicles, to discuss the impact of the bylaw and to balance the needs of residents with the area's sensitive environment.

As for enforcement of the bylaw, municipal bylaw officers, police and provincial agencies will focus on seasonal campers, regularly patrol the no-camping zones under the bylaw and the surrounding Crown land.

If someone is found camping on the Mamquam Forest Service Road, Powerhouse Springs Road, in the Squamish Estuary or at the Spit, they will be asked to leave. If they refuse, they will be issued a $100 fine.

This article originally appeared here.