Tammy Swartz and her family discovered the hard way that Squamish’s rental market is practically non-existent.
Swartz, her two young children and partner Roy Weisz had been living in an apartment on Westway Avenue for a year when they were suddenly and unexpectedly displaced from their home.
“In the beginning of July we were given notice that the place where we were living was going for foreclosure,” she said. “Then on July 14 we were told the property had been sold and we were given until July 28 to get out.”
When the day to vacate the property arrived, Swartz’s family still hadn’t found a new place to live within the community.
“We were spending every day looking,” she said. “The few places that were available were either way too small for a family, or they wouldn’t take animals… some didn’t even want to take kids. It was almost impossible to find a place, plus rent in Squamish is really high, especially for low-income families.”
Michael Roblin, owner of Dynamic Property Management, said it’s gotten so bad in Squamish that bidding wars have even erupted over the few available rents.
“It’s still pretty difficult,” he said. “It continues to be a near zero-occupancy rate. It’s getting to be like that pre-Olympic stage again.”
And it doesn’t look like it will get better any time soon.
“At the moment, looking around Squamish there is no new product on the market, and no new projects set to break ground,” he said. “The town could definitely use more building.”
Thanks to efforts by Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCC), Swartz and her family eventually found a new home, but they lost their damage deposit and an extra month’s rent during the ordeal – leaving them financially strapped.
“My partner is on disability,” Swatz said. “It’s been difficult.”
A bank account has been set up in the family’s name at the Royal Bank to collect donations and help lessen the impact of their hasty eviction. People wishing to donate to the family can access the account through Squamish’s Mental Health and Addiction Services.
For those wanting to find a rental in Squamish, Roblin suggested making sure you have lots of time.
“Give yourself as much time as possible… people are actually waiting until they find a place now before even giving notice at their old place, and running the risk of paying two rents,” he said. “And make sure you have good references. Squamish is the new hot spot. Everyone wants to live here.”
