The Multi-Modal Transportation Plan is a substantial policy document that will guide District decisions and supports the long-term vision established by the Official Community Plan (OCP). In addition, it will enable and inform several other policy and strategic initiatives including the amendment of the District's servicing standards, and Development Cost Charge Bylaw.

“Staff and consultants have produced a document that will guide transportation infrastructure decisions over the next 20 years in our growning community," said Mayor Greg Gardner. "It is a useful and progressive document as it incorporates many alternative travel options in the planning of Squamish's transportation future," continued Gardner.

Highlights of some of the significant findings include:

An additional Mamquam River Crossing will not be required unless the District's population reached 50,000. This population would exceed current community build-out forecasts.

The local road network is expected to function adequately with a few major additions up to 2031. Most new roads will be driven by the needs of development and therefore should be paid for through the Development Cost Charge structure or in some instances by specific developments when there is a direct causal relationship.

Local transit provides a relatively low level of service and experiences low annual ridership. Although survey indicated that improving local transit service was the top transportation priority, it is clear that the current service is not meeting the community's needs. Furthermore the current net cost is not believed to be sustainable.

Cycling is relatively under-utilized. This is likely due to limited route coverage and lack of continuity that discourage cycling as a viable transportation alternative. It is recommended that the District allocate $100,000 annually to upgrade and expand cycling infrastructure.

The results of the study propose a fundamental shift in transportation behaviours and norms. The MMTP envisions a truly multi-modal strategy which will address the needs of private passenger vehicles, car-pooling, commercial vehicles, public transit, cyclists, and pedestrians, while also considering connectivity of the various communities within Squamish and connectivity with communities beyond the District’s borders. This is to be done in a manner that accommodates foreseeable traffic growth and yet uses transportation infrastructure decisions to support the visions of the District.

This document is intended to guide transportation related decisions in the District of Squamish for the same planning horizon as the District’s new Official Community Plan.

Squamish is a vibrant seaside community located in the Coast Mountain Range of British Columbia, at the head of Howe Sound. Home to more than 14, 949 people, Squamish is a young, energetic town with 60 per cent of the population under the age of 40. Squamish offers a high quality lifestyle, entrepreneurial opportunities, two universities and a community that prides itself as the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.”