Squamish Circular Economy

Circular economy Squamish

Accelerating the transition to a circular economy is recognized as an opportunity for new jobs and environmental sustainability. The circular economy provides a framework for achieving climate action commitments and nurturing a prosperous and equitable future for residents and businesses.

The District of Squamish has been working to align its economic development strategy with its long-term sustainability goals and climate plans. This includes recent investments in its Economic Action Plan, Emerging Sector Roadmaps and business resiliency programs, alignment with the Doughnut Economics framework, and its Community Climate Action Plan. 

In October 2023, the District of Squamish Circular Economy Roadmap and Implementation Plan was endorsed by council.

District of Squamish Circular Economy Framework

Bringing these elements together, the District of Squamish has drafted a Circular Economy (CE) Roadmap to support economic prosperity in the region while delivering additional environmental and social benefits to the community. The CE Roadmap aligns with global, national, provincial, and regional trends and includes a focus on building the ecosystem, linking with the research community, and supporting local businesses, including across three key sectors: construction and the built environment, food, and textiles.

 Read the draft Circular Economy (C.E.) Roadmap

C.E. Roadmap & Implementation Plan Endorsed by Council

Circular Economy Roadmap launch and stakeholder workshop

The District of Squamish held a 3-hour virtual workshop on November 26, 2021 that introduced the District's draft Circular Economy Roadmap and gathered input and ideas from participants regarding local circularity.

Led by Paul Shorthouse, Senior Director at The Delphi Group and Managing Director of Circular Economy Leadership Canada (CELC), the event included interactive breakout discussions explored how Squamish’s CE Roadmap could best leverage the global groundswell toward a more circular economy, support the Squamish community and local businesses, attract investment and talent to region, and deliver on climate and environmental goals.

Speakers included Tima Bansal, Canada Research Chair in Business Sustainability at the Ivey Business School and Chair of  the Expert Panel on the Circular Economy in Canada from the Council of Canadian Academies who shared key insights from their major 1.5-year research study and report on the circular economy opportunities for Canada – released the day prior to the event. Local company, Nexii, and not-for-profit organizations, Under One Roof and SquamishCan, shared their actions towards a circular economy. 

Circular Economy Workshop November 26, 2021.

Circular Cities and Regions Initiative

In August 2022 the District of Squamish was one of ten local governments to be welcomed into the 2022/23 Circular Cities and Regions Initiative (CCRI). Founded through a partnership between the National Zero Waste Council, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, RECYC-QUÉBEC, and the Recycling Council of Alberta, the CCRI is designed to support Canadian communities on their unique journey to circularity. Through the network, community leaders learn and share best practices for implementing circular economy strategies and policies, and have important access to mentorship and support from advisors representing leading Canadian and international circular economy educators and practitioners. 

 

“The District of Squamish is proud to be participating in the Circular Cities and Regions Peer-to-Peer Network Initiative as we recognize the urgency to apply a circular economy in our communities has never been greater. We look forward to participating in this program to not only learn more, but to have the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. We hope the engagement and outcomes achieved through the CCRI will inspire other like-minded communities to also apply and adopt the principles of a circular economy.”

— Kate Mulligan, Economic Development Officer, District of Squamish