Vote for Laura Prosko's
Five Point Plan for a Sustainable Squamish
1. Housing, Affordability, Growth and Infrastructure
I will:
- Deliver a property tax freeze for 2027 and 2028, and build the council support needed to get it done.
- Advocate to senior governments for funding partnerships that make attainable housing possible for families, seniors, young people and our workforce including policy development on a Workforce Housing Strategy.
- Build on the District's Housing Action Plan by fast-tracking permits and zoning for rental, workforce and missing-middle housing.
- Invest in the basics that haven't kept pace with growth - roads, sidewalks, water and sewer, street lighting, parks and other core infrastructure.
- Protect and expand public waterfront access.
- Improve downtown transportation, pedestrian safety, accessibility and parking.
- Invest in the basics that haven't kept pace with growth - roads, sidewalks, water and sewer, street lighting, parks and other core infrastructure.
- Lead a thorough Official Community Plan review and strengthen emergency and flood preparedness.
2. Support for Small Business and Local Economy
I will:
- Streamline red tape so straightforward permit applications get a decision in under 8 weeks, with clear, published timelines businesses can count on.
- Establish a small-business liaison to cut through the process and connect entrepreneurs directly with the District.
- Attract responsible investment in sectors that fit Squamish's strengths - tech, film, outdoor recreation and port/rail - to diversify our economy.
- Advocate against the province shifting further tax burden onto local small businesses.
- Deliver a comprehensive Tourism Master Plan in year one of the next Council term to support a sustainable tourism economy under our "Hardwired for Adventure" brand.
3. Woodfibre LNG and Fortis BC Partnerships
Having worked directly on this project, I understand how to negotiate a path forward that benefits both Squamish and Woodfibre LNG. I will:
- Create a new District of Squamish liaison role, held by a Squamish Nation member, to serve as a conduit between the District and the Squamish Nation on Woodfibre LNG matters including regulation, local content and procurement.
- Solidify a 10-year financial agreement with Woodfibre LNG that delivers lasting value for Squamish..
- Secure a 40-year MOU to deliver benefits throughout Woodfibre LNG's operations.
- Direct major-project investment toward infrastructure priorities such as roads, housing and recreation.
- Advocate for Squamish businesses, contractors and workers by working closely with the Squamish Nation on the local content plan to connect local businesses to opportunities.
- Ensure community giving and legacy projects are solidified with both Woodfibre LNG and Fortis BC.
- Work collaboratively with industry, the Squamish Nation and residents to recognize and build on what major projects can do for our community, with strong environmental oversight and accountability.
4. Safe, Healthy and Connected Communities
I will:
- Within the first year of the next Council term, make the expansion of Brennan Park - including its pool and ice rink - an urgent priority.
- Urge Vancouver Coastal Health and the Regional Hospital District to commit to a firm timeline for a new long-term care facility that matches Squamish's fastest-growing population: seniors.
- Advocate for expanded hospice and acute care capacity at Squamish General Hospital, working through the Regional Hospital District and directly with Vancouver Coastal Health.
- Develop and implement a Squamish Poverty Reduction and Affordability Strategy.
- Prioritize community safety and support RCMP, fire rescue, emergency services and stronger mental health supports.
- Support vulnerable people in accessing the help and services they need.
- Improve accessibility, transportation, pedestrian safety and e-bike safety.
- Improve transit connectivity within the Sea to Sky Corridor.
- Protect and partner for free, family-friendly events, arts and culture, and community festivals that foster connection and community spirit.
- Offer half-price dog tags during the month of January to make pet licensing easy and affordable.
5. Good Governance and Your Tax Dollars
I will:
- Respect your tax dollars by focusing spending on core services, supporting balanced budgets, and delivering the fiscal discipline behind the 2027–28 tax freeze.
- Publish a public, plain-language dashboard tracking capital project budgets and timelines, keeping residents informed and Council accountable.
- Establish a Multiculturalism Advisory Committee to Council.
- Host an annual Budget Town Hall, both in person and online, where the Mayor and Council present and explain the District's budget, increase transparency, answer residents' questions, and provide an opportunity for meaningful public input before budget decisions are made.
- Host "Coffee with Your Councillor" every three months to keep my door open to residents.
My Commitment
"Freeze property taxes. Build attainable housing. Expand Brennan Park. Protect waterfront access. Increase downtown parking. Support small businesses. Keep Squamish safe. Secure lasting financial benefits from major projects.
It's time to build a sustainable Squamish - affordable, safe, prosperous and ready for the future.
I am grateful to live, work and raise my family on the traditional territory of the Squamish Nation, and I am committed to building a future grounded in respect, partnership and collaboration."
Laura Prosko Candidate for District of Squamish Council