The District of Squamish is facing an unprecedented level of development. The Growth Management Strategy (2005) indicated that the population of Squamish is projected to increase from 14,949 people in 2006 (source: Stats Canada) to 33,100 people in 2031. Given the growth projections, a focus on where to concentrate development was needed while at the same time there was a need to increase traffic in the Downtown area after years of economic restructuring.

In 2003 District of Squamish Council established a policy to attract residential density to the downtown to add vitality and support the commercial businesses in the downtown core. Not only will this stimulate business but it also aligns with Smart Growth principles and concentrates growth to brownfield sites as opposed to greenfield sites.

Despite the economic downturn of 2008, 2009 showed an increase in the number of apartment and multi-family units approved. The largest increase was in the downtown area with an additional 336 residential units approved.
The densification of the downtown combined with new entrepreneurs, an organized business community, vibrant farmers market and arts community, is making the downtown a great investment opportunity.