Highline Housing Info

• All applicants must be employed and working in Squamish

  Applicants must:

  • Be employed or self-employed and working in the District of Squamish on a continuous basis for a minimum of 20 hours per week on average annually; or
  • Operate a business in the District of Squamish for a minimum of 20 hours per week on average annually, where the applicant’s presence at the place of business is necessary for the day-to-day operation of the business.
  • If self-employed, applicant’s business must derive more than 75% of its business income from District of Squamish residents or businesses.

  Exceptions are made for applicants who are:

  • A retiree from work who has ceased active employment who would have met the eligibility criteria for five of the six years prior; or
  • Unable to work due to disability and have lived or worked in the District of Squamish previously.

• Total (before-tax) household income must be below BC Housing’s threshold for Low to Moderate Income households

  For 2024, the maximum allowable (before-tax) household income at move-in is $134,140 annually. This includes income from all household members and all sources of employment or other income (ex. disability assistance). This threshold is set by BC Housing for “Low to Moderate Income” households for two or more bedrooms.

• Applicants must not own real estate or assets more than $250,000

  Applicants, including spouses and common law partners must not own personally, jointly, or indirectly through business assets any residential real estate.

  Neither an applicant nor their spouse nor common law partner may possess over $250,000 in savings or investment assets.

  This includes:

  • Stocks, bonds, term deposits, mutual funds, or cash,
  • Tax Free Savings Accounts (TFSA),
  • Real estate equity, net of debt,
  • Business equity in a private incorporated company, including GICs,
    cash, stocks, bonds or real estate equity.

  This does not include:

  • Personal items such as vehicles, jewelry and furniture,
  • Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), Registered
    Retirement Saving Plans (RRSPs), Registered Disability Savings
    Plans (RDSPs),
  • Trade or business tools essential to continue currently active
    employment,
  • Assets derived from compensatory packages from government,
  • Private registered pension plans.

  Exceptions to the above may be made where a household possesses assets but demonstrates significant housing need. Highline housing requirements are defined by the District of Squamish’s Housing Agreement and the Housing Squamish Tenant Selection Policy.

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FAQs

• Why is there a requirement for 20 hours a week of working in Squamish?

  The eligibility requirement to be working 20 hours a week in Squamish is set by the District of Squamish’s Perpetually Affordable Housing (PAH) Policy. The intent of PAH housing is to meet the housing needs of low-to-moderate income households in the community. Exemptions will be made for Squamish residents who are retired and have previously worked and lived in Squamish or are unable to work due to disability. 

• Why are families being prioritized?

  One of the greatest housing needs identified in the District Municipality of Squamish 2023 Housing Needs Report is below market, 2 and 3-bedroom units suitable for families or households with dependents. These units are intended to serve this need.

• How are rental rates set? How much will rental rates increase year-over-year?

  Rental rates are set at 35% below market rents at the time of occupancy. Market rents are based on a 12-month average using data from a monthly survey of online listings.  Rents for tenants will increase yearly no more than the annual allowable rent increase as determined by the Residential Tenancy Act. Rents for new move-ins will be adjusted with inflation and advertised on the website

• What does it mean to be selected from the lottery?

  Being selected in the lottery does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a housing offer.  If selected, the applicant will be asked to provide the required documentation demonstrating eligibility. Housing Squamish staff will verify income, employment and assets as per the eligibility criteria. If the applicant is determined to be eligible, they will then be provided a written housing offer by email as well as a viewing of the suite. Housing Squamish anticipates there will be more applicants than there are units to fill. Conducting a lottery facilitates a fair and equitable opportunity for all applicants.

• If I am not selected as part of the lottery, can I be put on a waitlist?

  Housing Squamish is not maintaining a waitlist at this time. If an applicant is unsuccessful they should register their interest in housing on the Housing Squamish website. Those who have registered interest in housing will be notified of any upcoming intakes as future vacancies arise.

• Is rent determined based on income? (I.e.: if I make less than the max, will the rent be less than what is posted?)

  No, rent is not based on income. All units are set rental rates.  

• Does Housing Squamish own the cottages/units?

  The units are owned by BC Housing and operated by Housing Squamish.

• Is there property management onsite?

  There is no onsite property management. Property Management is provided by a third-party company that will service the units as needs arise.

• What parking is available per unit? Can I get more than one parking spot?

  There is one parking spot included with each unit. There are a limited number of additional parking spaces available for $75 per month. If you are interested in securing an additional parking space, please indicate so on your application. Additional parking spaces will be offered in the order of the lottery. Housing Squamish cannot guarantee an additional parking space.  

• How large are the units?

  2-bedroom units are approximately 600 sq.ft. and 3-bedroom units are approximately 900 sq.ft.

• Is there onsite storage? Do rental units come with storage units? Where can I keep my bicycle?

  There is no onsite storage and rental units do not come with storage units. There is no external bike storage. Bicycles must be kept inside the units.

• What is your pet policy?

  These homes are governed by the society’s Highline pet policy, which allows one dog or one cat.

• When should I plan on giving notice to my current landlord if I am selected to move in?

  Applicants should not give notice to their current landlord until they have a signed residential tenancy agreement in place with Housing Squamish.

• What are the closest transit options to downtown?

  The closest bus stop is 1.0km away on bus route 4 in the 41100 Block of Tantalus Road.  Route 4 takes riders directly to downtown Squamish.

• What happens if I lose my job or take a job in Whistler or Vancouver? Will I be evicted?

  The employment criteria must be met for the duration of the tenancy. Housing Squamish will be conducting annual employment verification to ensure tenants are meeting the minimum 20 hours per week. If a tenant is no longer able to meet the employment criteria, Housing Squamish will give 6 months notice to find new employment and prove eligibility. If a tenant cannot prove they meet the employment criteria, Housing Squamish may serve a notice to end tenancy.

• Why wasn’t more notice given for the move in date? I can’t make October or November work.

  The Highline units are brand new units and Housing Squamish wants to fill the units as soon as possible. Due to the significant need for housing in our community, housing Squamish will be making housing offers to applicants available to move in when the units are ready.

• How can I ensure that the personal information in my application and supporting documents will be kept secure and confidential?

  The privacy, confidentiality and security of your personal information are of utmost importance to us. As a not-for-profit society, Housing Squamish is subject to British Columbia’s Personal Information Protection Act and the Residential Tenancy Act. This legislation governs the collection, use, disclosure, storage and retention of personal information. Only Housing Squamish employees and third parties, whose duties reasonably so require, are granted access to personal information about individuals. Housing Squamish is committed to maintaining the confidentiality and personal privacy of all applicants in a manner that complies with the Act.

• What is the timeline for application review and expected move-in?

  Application Period opens: August 6, 2024

  Application Period closes: August 31, 2024 midnight

  Lottery, review of applications and eligibility, housing offers: September 1-30, 2024

  Expected move-in date: November 1 with the possibility of earlier

  These dates may be adjusted depending on number of applicants and timing of housing offers.

• Is my family eligible for a 2-bedroom or a 3-bedroom home?

  You are welcome to apply for either a 2-bedroom or 3-bedroom, or both depending on your families housing need. Separate lottery’s will be drawn for both the 2- and 3-bedroom units. For the 3-bedroom units, preference will be given to families with 2 or more children. If you are pregnant or expecting a child, please indicate so in your application in the Additional Occupant section.  

• Are room mates and/or friends eligible to apply as a household or family?

  Adults are welcome to apply together as a household, however households with dependents (children) will have first priority of the homes. If you are applying with other adults, all adults occupying the suite will be required to submit income verification documents and the total household income will be calculated by including incomes from all adults (18+).  Total household income must not be more than $134,000 as per the eligibility criteria.

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