With the crazy housing crisis that has hit Squamish, I feel compelled to write a letter. I first moved to Squamish in 1997 and bought a small, two-bedroom starter home. I started a small marketing business in 2003, which I still operate. I lived here for seven years before moving to Whistler, where I lived for another seven years.
As my circumstances changed, I had to move back to Squamish five years ago in 2011. My ties to Squamish stayed even while I was living in Whistler, and I still felt it was a community I was involved with and it was the best decision to move back. While looking for a place to rent, as I was not in a position to buy, I looked at over 10 places and really had the pick of what I wanted. I lived in an awesome townhouse for three years until 2014, when my landlord was given an offer he couldn’t refuse to sell. This phone call came 20 minutes after he said he had no intentions of selling.
Suddenly I was scrambling to find a new place as my daughter was just going to university, my son was just starting high school and their dad was terminally ill with cancer. To say it had come at a bad time was an understatement, but I persevered and found a wonderful new place. It was a bit smaller with no storage, but luck was on my side that I had even found anything in my budget. This new home was intended to last three years while the owners were working elsewhere. This was perfect to get my son through high school and then I could decide on new digs for myself later, but unfortunately their situation changed and the email came last Friday saying they may have to sell.
Knowing what the housing situation is in Squamish, buying is not an option and renting is going to be a challenge. As a single parent on a single income, I make a good wage, own a business, volunteer and contribute to the community of Squamish, but I can no longer afford to live here. I am sad that my son may not be able to finish his schooling here and that I may be forced to sell my business. I know my story is not new, and it’s not going to change the situation, but hopefully it will eventually help make a change.
Beth Shaw
Squamish
