Thriving Economy
Thriving together
We’re a fast-growing community – at an average of 3% every year – that’s poised for big things. We’ve been highlighted as BC’s best place to work and the best place to invest.
Fueled by an attractive outdoor-adventure lifestyle and with annual growth of over 4% in the last five years, we’re one of Canada's 10 fastest-growing communities. Squamish's population is just over 24,000 and is projected to reach in excess of 36,000 residents by 2040.
24.2K 2021 population
21.8% 5-yr population growth
We are a relatively young population with a median age of 38.6 years old when compared to Canada's median age of 41.1 or that of BC's (42.3). We’re an enthusiastic, diverse, and educated population of people who love where we live.
70.6% are 15-64 years of age
38.6 median age (42.3 for BC)
Want to see how these numbers translate to a thriving Squamish workforce?
An educated and fresh-minded community exists right here in Squamish – it’s a powerful combination and it translates to great potential for a local workforce that’s ready to take off. Get acquainted with opportunities to encourage local talent.
Development in Squamish
Squamish has experienced strong growth in recent years which is reflected in ongoing residential and commercial development. The total construction value of building permits issued in Squamish in 2021 was $113 million, with more than 229 permits issued. This is following a period of significant development between 2016 and 2019, which is valued at more than $600M.
Value of Total Building Permits Issued
Source: District of Squamish
Visit squamish.ca to access more information about development in the District of Squamish.
Economic dashboard
We keep track of our economic performance against our strategic goals and report these through the Economic Development Community Dashboard. The dashboard assesses economic health using 16 metrics across three pillars, People, Business, and Place and is updated in July each year. Click through to the dashboard to find out more.
There are BIG things happening
11 major projects
$6.5B in value
Squamish has several major projects underway in various stages of development. While not all of these projects are linked to the District of Squamish, they will impact and involve the community of Squamish.
- Waterfront Landing
- Oceanfront Squamish
- Woodfibre Liquefied Natural Gas (WLNG) and FortisBC/ Eagle Mountain Pipeline
Visit Squamish's development showcase for a full list of development applications.
Access BC's major project inventory to learn more about projects throughout BC.
Looking to invest in a Squamish business?
Discover investment opportunities in Squamish and see why it’s been named the best place to start a business in BC by the Canadian Federation of Independent Business. From incentives and exciting new areas for growth to major projects and development in the region, the possibilities are endless.
As a materials supplier to the construction industry, our businesses grows as the community grows. We employ over 50 people who work in skilled, well-paid positions. They work close to home, and they get to be a part of the development of the community they live in.
- Amy Fast, Vice President, Fast Property Ltd.