The Council of the District of Squamish is guided by a commitment to develop in a manner that is sustainable – environmentally, fiscally, economically, and socially – so that our children and our grandchildren can satisfy their needs in the future and continue to enjoy the opportunities and amenities that Squamish offers. This commitment entails balancing the protection of the environment with the needs of a growing population and economy.
This sustainability commitment provides a foundation for the Official Community Plan and the principles, objectives, and policies contained within reinforce this commitment. As a major step in moving in this direction, Council adopted in principle the following set of Smart Growth principles in June 2003:
1. Each community is complete
2. Options to the car are emphasized
3. Work in harmony with natural systems
4. Buildings and infrastructure are greener, smarter and cheaper
5. Housing meets the needs of the whole community
6. Jobs are close to home
7. The spirit of the community is honored
8. Everyone has a voice

In February 2007, Council approved Squamish’s Global Warming Action Plan that includes a 12-Step Pledge to reduce green house gas emissions through the following resolution:

The District of Squamish will strive to meet and ideally exceed Kyoto Protocol targets and timelines for reducing global warming pollution by taking action in our own operations and our community by committing to initiating and achieving the following:

1. Prepare an inventory of municipal and community-wide global warming emissions, set reduction targets and prepare an action plan.
2. Adopt and enforce anti-sprawl land use policies.
3. Promote alternative transportation options through policies and programs and adopt transportation policies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality.
4. Encourage and increase the use of clean, alternative & renewable energy sources.
5. Make energy efficiency a priority.
6. Use Energy Star (or equivalent) equipment and appliances for municipal use, and develop programs that encourage residents to become more energy efficient and reduce use of plastic bags.
   Retrofit municipal buildings and facilities to become more energy efficient.
7. Improve the fuel efficiency of the municipal vehicle fleet and encourage fuel alternatives in the community.
8. Improve efficiency in municipal water and wastewater systems, encourage water conservation and maximize the use of existing infrastructure.
9. Increase recycling throughout the community.
10. Maintain and encourage healthy urban forests and tree management.
11. Educate the community (residents, businesses and industry) about the importance of reducing global warming emissions.

These commitments have greatly influenced the preparation of the Official Community Plan policies and goals that will guide the evolution of the community in the years to come.