Anders Ourom - Platform
Squamish Election, 2026
CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER
Selecting a new, energetic, and capable Chief Administrative Officer will be a key challenge for the new Council, followed by developing a healthy working relationship that respects the proper roles of all parties. It will also take time for the new CAO (governments just love acronyms) to come up to speed.
The processes for Council to retain a search consultant, work with that firm to decide on what qualifications the new CAO should have, recruit, interview, short list, then finalize on the right candidate and agree on a contract could take six months or more.
This should be a great opportunity for the right new CAO. Squamish has a lot to offer.
One related and desirable goal is stability in senior District management and administrative positions, including the new CAO.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
We need to have a strong, diverse, resilient economy that is business-friendly, building on its strengths, with bylaws and policies that are applied consistently, fairly, and reasonably. Its terrain that I’m familiar with. I had a small legal practice, and have been chair or a director of several large not-for-profits, including for three years chair of Mountain Equipment Co-operative. My father, brother, and nephew all are or were small businessmen, my brother and nephew in Squamish. Some key issues:
Prevent industrial land from being converted to other uses.
Future increases in property taxes only at the rate of inflation.
Increased resources for the economic development office, helping new businesses particularly. (Similar offices coordinating social services delivery, and tourism, should also be considered.)
Wherever possible, streamlining requirements and processes for starting a new business.
WOODFIBRE LNG
Negotiating a reasonable agreement with Woodfibre LNG, or creating a legally sound tax structure with similar effect, must be a high priority. It should factor in things like inflation, changes in the volume shipped, and timely reviews and renewal. Woodfibre may have an operational lifetime of 50 years or more, and is likely to expand. The agreement should be for the long term, and provide for review and renewal.
All of the initial revenue from Woodfibre LNG should be committed to renewal of District recreation, cultural, and municipal facilities, particularly Brennan Park.
The District should lobby regulators and senior governments with regard to monitoring and enforcement of requirements in regard to environmental impacts from Woodfibre LNG. If necessary, it should monitor such impacts itself, and publish the results.
BRENNAN PARK RENEWAL
All revenue received from Woodfibre LNG should go to renewal of Brennan Park, until it’s finished. But the complex should still be named Brennan Park. Support from corporations and private donors must be pursued, but even if large donors are found, they could maybe get naming rights to parts of the facility, but not the whole thing.
Squamish needs a lot of investment in recreation and cultural facilities, not just at Brennan Park. They help attract people, especially families, to Squamish. Hockey rink(s), full cultural and performing arts facilities, fields, swimming pool, curling rink(s), gym(s), community spaces, history & cultural museum, a new or second library, and more. It will take 5 – 10 years or more to make it all happen.
Few recreation and cultural facilities are outside the downtown area and Brennan Park, for example in Brackendale or Valleycliffe, and this needs to be considered.
There seems to be room to work at Brennan Park, so one option may be a phased transition, where the end result is a number of facilities.
Our town hall needs to be replaced. Selling the land that it’s on would help finance its replacement at a suitable location, and contribute to Brennan Park renewal.
ARTS & CULTURE
A stand-alone arts and cultural facility, perhaps combined with a new library, is essential. It would include all that’s needed for our diverse cultural and arts organizations to operate, stage performances, rehearse, store equipment, etc. It should also function as space that’s available for use by schools and others. Perhaps it could be combined with a new library, as part of the Brennan Park renewal.
On a related note, Squamish should discuss with School District 48 the possibilities for coordinating programs and activities. One example is Eagle Eye Theatre, at Howe Sound Secondary.
I helped with creation of Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival Society, which would be delighted to have a second home in Squamish.
PROPERTY TAXES
The recent big increases in property taxes have had a significant impact on families and businesses. Property taxes have risen quickly over the last few years, much more than the rate of inflationI believe that all taxes and fees should only increase with the rate of inflation and in a timely manner, with variances only if justified. A short term freeze in increases in property taxes should be considered, with only inflationary increases after that.
DEVELOPMENT
There seems to be considerable land in the downtown area still available for multi-unit residential and commercial development, that is further densification if it is desired, and developments that have already started or are in the pipeline will add considerably to what is there.
Given what is currently known, and subject to advice from District staff and any new information, I’d be reluctantly in favour of amending the Growth Management Boundary to allow planning for development of lands outside the boundary to resume. The pre-conditions set by the District have been or soon will be met, and it seems unwise to change the rules now.
It would still take several years to work through all the processes and planning needed for a major, multi-phase development, and then begin construction, which depending on markets and finances might take a decade or more. With competition from developments elsewhere in Squamish, who knows. Safe road access being a key question – there’ll be increased traffic in existing neighbourhoods. All the other standard questions arise, such as water, sewers, roads, power, transit, maintaining as much of the forests and trails as possible, and so on.
Opening up these areas should provide needed land for lower density residential development, including elements of income support and all the other forms of social housing.
PUBLIC SAFETY AND STREET DISORDER
Public safety is always a priority. For seven years I lived a block from the emergency entrance to VGH, and have experience of street disorder in that area. It’s one reason that I moved back to Squamish. Street disorder isn’t the only public safety concern in Squamish, but is an important one, especially in the downtown area.
The RCMP’s 2025 annual report shows intimate partner violence increased by almost 17%, sexual assault by 46%, and violent crime by about 12%. This is unacceptable.
(The numbers may not factor in demographic changes, and “street disorder” may not become a statistic unless it leads to a reported incident, or charges.)
Squamish can increase its budget for policing or increase bylaw enforcement, but has limited ability to direct the RCMP. The force has independent discretion as to how it will conduct law enforcement.
The behaviours of some individuals who live in encampments, particularly near downtown and in the estuary is a big problem. This includes environmental impacts, human waste, garbage, fires, illegal activities, assaults, weapons, and drugs. The recent carefully planned and costly ‘clearing out’ of the encampment near 4th & Main Streets shows what needs to be done, and how. A start, although the District has nowhere near enough transitional housing and other services for all those in encampments. Another step might be to fence vacant lots and houses in and near the downtown and other residential areas, as a deterrent.
The District should lobby the provincial government to locate future Squamish transitional and supportive housing and services, including any that are drug related, in safe locations away from the downtown and schools.
I have great empathy for the individuals who end up in encampments, who so often have health, family, mental health, addictions, and other challenges. In a town with over 30,000 citizens, it seems sadly inevitable that some have such problems. (A few may come from elsewhere in the corridor, or even further away – but some of those on the streets of Vancouver are from Squamish.) We are a caring and materially wealthy society, so need to do what we reasonably can.
PARKING
I favour:
NOT allowing further relaxation of downtown parking requirements for new developments, unless there are concrete, greater alternative benefits to the District, in particular downtown, that are delivered up front. Developers are large, sophisticated, and resourceful, and know exactly what they’re getting into when they propose a development. It’s time for some backbone.
Reviewing the OCP and related planning policies, documents, and decisions, so that if requirements with regard to downtown parking really are unreasonable, making needed amendments – in context of a larger plan to address the resulting issues.
Construction of a downtown parking garage.
The 30 kph speed limit in the entire downtown area.
Clearly marked and regularly repainted crosswalks, with addition of a “Canadian flag” crosswalk in Garibaldi Village, near the Royal Canadian Legion.
Whatever can be done to enhance local transit, for example frequency, and creation of regional/corridor transit.
Increasing the number of bike racks and charging stations.
Safely including (where possible) the many new e-vehicles into the existing bicycle path/lane, road, and trail network, as and where appropriate.
Being open to the ideas of pay parking in downtown areas, "residents only" and “employees only” parking and zones, etc.
Looking at whether some of the vacant lots in and near downtown could be used for parking, until they are developed.
I oppose to parking fees for day use recreation and trailhead parking, such as the Smoke Bluffs or Perth Drive, but agree with “residents only” and “no camping” signage. I have concerns about commercial parking in these locations.
Advocating with BC Parks with regard to parking and transit at the parks.
VEHICLE RESIDENTS
Once upon a time, my friends and I camped in tents or VW vans below the Chief, sometimes for weeks. I still like to camp in a tent, where appropriate.
A permit system for vehicle residents may work if there is a defined parking area(s) for their vehicles – residents, seasonal workers, and perhaps longer term visitors. It would require a registration and fee system, including identification, licences, as well as basic services such as water, recycling, garbage disposal and toilets. Squamish should learn from similar towns like Canmore, which operate these systems successfully.
Some who live in a vehicle, either by choice, because they’re travelling here to visit or for recreation, or because they can’t afford any alternative or don’t have a choice, may not accept a District-wide permit system, and it may be difficult to enforce. There are lots of corners where the determined can find parking.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND THE ENVIRONMENT
Things we can do in Squamish:
Minimize our personal impacts, and learn. Encourage others to do the same.
Lobby for workable public transit through the entire corridor. Bus, train, ferry – whatever is practicable.
Ensure that our buildings and developments are truly ‘green’ in materials, construction, and operation, and allow for natural hazards.
Holding all developers, not just Woodfibre LNG, to required/agreed standards.
And if we can work toward a future where most “in Squamish” personal trips are on foot, transit, bicycle, or e-vehicle of some kind… There were 220 wheeled devices in and near the bicycle racks at the recent Brackendale Fall Fair. 40 were of the “multi passenger” variety, that is probably mostly used by families.
EMERGENCY AND DISASTER PREPARATION
A lot of Squamish is exposed to risk from floods and fires particularly. Recent examples include the Dryden Creek fire in June 2025 and the debris torrent at Lions Bay that closed the highway in December 2024.
Preparing for wildfires (in a drying climate), earthquakes, landslides, highway closures, debris torrents, floods, snowstorms and so on is essential. This is something where cooperation with provincial and federal programs is needed, but there's a lot we can do ourselves and as a community to be prepared. FireSmart is one example - we all saw what happened in Lytton, Jasper, and elsewhere.
After the last debris torrent in Lions Bay, innumerable kind individuals and organizations in Squamish stepped up and provided lodgings, meals, and help to the stranded travelers. Not the first time that the highway has been closed, sometimes for several days. It'll happen again.
Being prepared for the next time - that is, to provide emergency accommodation, food, and basic services to a lot of new friends - seems possible. We have Brennan Park, maybe churches, perhaps school auditoriums, and other buildings to work with. Maybe hotels. They have space, light, heat, water, electricity, toilets, parking, and other basics. We just need a plan for using them, and pre-stocking them with the basics - cots, blankets, privacy screens, supplies, and so on - then bringing in staff and volunteers to make it work.
OUTDOOR RECREATION
Promote Squamish as the gateway to the entire Sea to Sky corridor.
Continuity in District staff who manage recreation.
Lobby for reasonable funding for protection and management of provincial parks and lands, and identification and management of key forestry and industrial roads leading to the backcountry.
A consistent approach throughout the area for things such as trailheads (parking, toilets, waste disposal, bicycle racks, transit), standards, signage and names for trails, and Leave no Trace behaviours.
Work to expand camping options in the entire region, both for regular campers. ‘vanlife’ camping, and all the other ways that visitors experience Squamish.
Smoke Bluffs parking: Grade, put down another coat of "chip seal", regularly mow the adjoining invasive weeds, and charge commercial users of the lot.
Safely including the great variety of new e-vehicles into existing bicycle lane/paths, roads, and trails network, as and where appropriate.
Preserving hiking and mountain biking trails in the Cheema Lands, Crumpit Woods, Cheekye Fan and elsewhere as they are developed, to the extent possible.
Support for Squamish Search & Rescue.
Safety, in particular recognizing that many trails aren’t designed to be “multi use”, and managing them accordingly. Especially given the fast-growing activities of e-vehicles of all types.
WILDLIFE AND INVASIVE SPECIES
All new multi-unit buildings, and all new developments, should be required to have communal recycling/garbage/compost sheds, that are locked and bear-proof. Over time, we should retrofit existing neighbourhoods and buildings with similar structures. The number of containers knocked over by bears, and resulting problems, are major issues.
The gradual reappearance of grizzlies here is of concern. Investment in Bear Smart and similar programs will pay dividends. If the District hires new bylaw enforcement officers, one issue they can focus on is individuals who don’t comply with garbage and recycling requirements.
With a warming climate, growth in the number of ticks, both deer ticks and possibly lone star ticks, is a growing public health concern, as they may carry Lyme and other diseases.
There are numerous utility corridors through Squamish, often covered with flammable plants such as Scotch Broom and Himalayan Blackberry. Perhaps we can work long-term with BC Hydro and other owners and agencies to gradually replace invasive species from these zones with less flammable and even economically useful plants. Those strips might then help as fire breaks, require less maintenance, and so benefit everyone.
CONTEXT
Some general thoughts about context, including municipal governance, and the role of Council and Councillors.
Council’s job is to direct the administration of Squamish, but not to micromanage the administration, let alone staff. Being fully informed and vigilant, giving clear directions and feedback, and effective supervision, are key parts of the job.
Local governments cannot have an operating deficit. Which means that if a crunch comes, it’s either cut services or raise taxes. Borrowing to cover operating expenses isn’t an option, and a referendum would be needed for any major capital project.
A high percentage of operating expenses are ‘baked in’, things that are required on an ongoing basis to meet basic expectations. Roads, waters, sewers, dikes, emergency services, policing, staffing, keeping the lights on, and many other things that are taken for granted. Depending on how you define basic, perhaps 80% or more of expenses. “Zero based budgeting” may uncover outdated or unnecessary programs and expenses, but may require considerable resources, and the likelihood of significant savings may not be great.
Most municipal finances are open to the public, including promoters and developers. A municipality with sound finances has more bargaining power when it comes to things like variances, development permits, contracts, and such.
Squamish has lots of geography. It defines our community. Mountains, rivers, flood plains, forests, and all they entail. Plus we have a rather spread out community, including urban, suburban, interface, and rural areas. It is challenging and expensive to service, and geography often dictates what’s possible.
Essential services should wherever possible be above the flood plain, and it is essential to maintain and where needed bolster our diking system, and ensure that we have a robust water supply.
Much of Council’s work consists of meetings, reading, and discussion and decisions about important things that may not seem exciting. Dikes, drainage, sewers, water, roads and such being examples.
Our municipal workforce is extensively unionized, in part reflecting the long history that unions have had in Squamish.
There are numerous legal, procedural, and financial constraints that Council must work within.
It’s essential that there be a balance on Council, considering all relevant factors, and also those who’ve offered themselves.
ABOUT ANDERS OUROM
I am running for election as a councillor of the District of Squamish. The election is on October 17th. Please make sure that you’re registered to vote, and encourage your family and friends to also do so. And please vote for me, and encourage your family and friends to do so too!
My connection to Squamish goes back to family and scout hikes in the 1960s, then climbing, mountaineering, and backcountry skiing in the area from the early 1970s on. I lived here and practiced law from 1987 – 90, and moved back in early 2024, on retiring from legal practice. My brother Peder and his family have lived here for over 30 years, and are very involved in our community. They had a successful local business, On Sight Equipment, and my nephew Jens now has an outdoors business here. My father was an engineer and small businessman, and my mother a school librarian.
For over 30 years my legal practice focused on advising and representing societies, charities, and other non-profits about their unique needs. I was the first lawyer in BC to specialize in this field. Over the years I had many clients in the Sea-to-Sky area. (For professional reasons I can’t disclose them.) In 2024, I was appointed a King’s Counsel in recognition of my service to the public and the non-profit community, and volunteer work. I also received the BC Achievement Community award in 2022.
I’ve been a leader of our climbing community for decades. Through the Climbers’ Access Society of BC, the BC Mountaineering Club, as a writer, and as a longtime volunteer park steward, I’ve had a substantial role in creating, protecting, and managing parks in the Squamish area, including Stawamus Chief (Siyám Smánit) Provincial Park and Smoke Bluffs Park. Most recently, in 2025 I instigated the creation of Baldwin & Cooper Park in the Skyridge area, to recognize Jim Baldwin and Ed Cooper, pioneers of climbing here.
My leadership positions include serving as president of Mountain Equipment Co-operative, president of the BC Mountaineering Club, and founder and president of the Climbers’ Access Society of BC for over a decade. And numerous roles as a director of other organizations, a volunteer, and on committees.
I can certainly provide legal skills, knowledge, and perspectives to Council. I wouldn’t be a “parks”, a “climbing”, a “recreation and community facilities”, an “arts and culture”, a “housing”, a “community organizations”, or a “pick a cause important to you” councillor. All these and many other things are important to me, and to the fabric of our town. My job would be to represent ALL the citizens of Squamish, to the best of my ability. We have a diverse and fast-growing community with many challenges, which will take time, resources, and debate to address. Finding the right balance is the key, although any one councillor has limited influence. I will work to help find and keep that balance, and for a healthy, safe, and financially and environmentally strong Squamish that is ready for what the future brings.
I won’t be campaigning much in the traditional sense. Mostly just meeting with people and organizations, and talking with them, and internet stuff. Which is why it’s so important that supporters speak for me. The only donations that I will accept in support of my campaign are your time and goodwill. If you’d like to donate money, I ask that instead you make a donation to a Squamish based registered charity or non-profit. There are nearly 40 registered charities just with the word “Squamish” in their name, three with the words “Sea to Sky” in their name, and three with the words “Howe Sound” in their name. And undoubtedly other registered charities that provide services in Squamish, with other names. If you want ideas, please ask.
If you can’t donate money, nonprofits almost always need volunteers.
During the election, I will be happy to meet with any and all community organizations, to learn, share, and discuss. And talk with voters! Just ask.