Squamish closes Third and Main encampment permanently after fire

The District of Squamish has permanently closed the encampment site at Third Avenue and Main Street to any future encampment, reversing its earlier decision to allow residents to return. The reversal follows a fire and propane tank ignitions behind Under One Roof on Sept. 18, the District said.¹

Encampment residents are being notified they will be unable to return to the site. The District said the fire raised significant fire safety concerns for the Under One Roof building, the critical community services it offers, and its 40 residents, 20 emergency shelter users and 70 staff.¹

Fire chief cites proximity and access

Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote said the fire and explosions heightened existing concerns about how close the encampment sat to the community's only supportive housing, shelter and food bank facility.¹

In addition, access in and out of the site for fire crews, RCMP and emergency services was extremely challenging as residents required assistance to evacuate the site.¹Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote

The District said it continues to work with outreach workers to support displaced encampment occupants. Alternate accommodations, including short-term accommodations at Under One Roof, as well as tents and tarps, are being provided.¹

Helping Hands stays involved

Lori Pyne, executive director of Squamish Helping Hands, said the people affected by the closure are among the community's most vulnerable and that the transition may be unsettling for them.¹

Closing this site doesn't solve the underlying challenges they face - it simply changes where they are. Squamish Helping Hands remains strongly committed to supporting our community members and will continue to work closely with the District and our partners to connect people with the resources they need to improve outcomes.¹Lori Pyne, executive director of Squamish Helping Hands

The District said it is aware some encampment residents have relocated to a site at the corner of Vancouver Street and Loggers Lane. There is District land in that area where the District plans to install a portable toilet and bear-proof waste bin.¹

The District pointed residents to squamish.ca/addressing-homelessness for more information and frequently asked questions on the work and on the supportive and transitional housing projects in the community.¹