A. John Lowe
Independent for District of Squamish Council
Businesses & Jobs
Artificial Intelligence & Data Centres
I will explore opportunities to attract AI and data centre investment to Squamish, while ensuring proposals make economic sense, create local jobs and consider impacts on power, infrastructure and our community
Business Permitting
Streamline the permitting process to reduce delays, support local businesses, and encourage responsible investment in Squamish.
I will work to streamline business permitting, reduce unnecessary delays and make Squamish a more welcoming place to visit.
Economic Growth
I will support responsible economic growth by attracting and promoting new businesses and industry, strengthening our tax base, and creating opportunities for Squamish residents.
Government Procurement
I will support transparent, competitive procurement while working with federal, provincial and Indigenous governments to deliver value for taxpayers and fair opportunities for local businesses.
Jobs for young people
I will support opportunities for young people to build careers in Squamish by encouraging local job creation, skilled trades, apprenticeships and partnerships with local businesses and industry.
Small Businesses
I will work with the Downtown Squamish BIA and local businesses to develop a shared vision for a distinctive, welcoming downtown that creates a cohesive look, attracts visitors and supports local businesses.
Tourism
I will work with local businesses to promote Squamish’s natural surroundings and our hiking, biking, climbing and water sports, attracting more visitors and supporting our local economy.
Business growth and local jobs
I will work to attract new businesses and responsible industry to Squamish, strengthen our tax base and create good local jobs so more people can build their careers and futures here.
Climate Change, Heat, Fires, & the Environment
Artificial Intelligence & Data Centres
I will explore opportunities to attract AI and data centre investment to Squamish, while ensuring proposals make economic sense, create local jobs and consider impacts on power, infrastructure and our community
Energy-Efficient Buildings
I will work to maintain a maximum height of six storeys for new buildings while supporting energy-efficient standards that reduce energy use and operating costs.
Flooding
I will prioritize flood protection by maintaining and improving our dikes, drainage and critical infrastructure, while working with other levels of government to protect homes, businesses and our community.
Green Space
I will require developers to include a reasonable percentage of green space in new developments or, where that is not possible, contribute funds toward future parks and green spaces for our growing community.
Private Vehicles & Parking
I will ensure transportation planning recognizes that private vehicles remain essential for many Squamish residents, with adequate roads and parking provided as our community grows
Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions
I will support practical ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through improved infrastructure, responsible planning and new technology, while considering affordability for residents and businesses.
Urban Heat
I will work to reduce urban heat by protecting mature trees, adding trees and green space to new developments, and ensuring growth is planned with shade and natural areas in mind.
Walking & Cycling
I will support shared walking and cycling paths that safely connect neighbourhoods, schools, businesses and recreation areas, giving pedestrians better access while providing practical transportation choices.
Water
I will prioritize identifying which rivers, water sources, existing wells and storage areas can be safely accessed to ensure Squamish has a reliable water supply to support future growth.
Zoning
I will support zoning that allows responsible growth while respecting existing neighbourhoods, maintaining reasonable building heights and providing a balanced mix of housing, business and industrial land.
Community Centres, Libraries, Parks, and Other Public Spaces
After-School Programs
I will liaise with the school district, recreation providers and community groups to expand affordable after-school programs that give Squamish children more opportunities for sports and recreation.
Community Centres
I will prioritize improvements to our community facilities, including additional ice-rink and swimming-pool capacity, while planning responsibly for the recreation spaces Squamish needs as we grow.
Fitness & Sports Facilities
I will prioritize another ice surface, improved tennis courts and more recreation options for children, including waterparks and other facilities that give our growing community more opportunities to be active.
Green Space
I will require developers to include a reasonable percentage of green space in new developments or, where that is not possible, contribute funds toward future parks and green spaces for our growing community.
Health Infrastructure
I will advocate for expanded capacity at Hilltop House and our hospital, another walk-in clinic and more local options for medical testing so residents can access the health services they need closer to home.
Parks
I will protect and expand our parks as Squamish grows, requiring new developments to provide park and green space or contribute funds toward creating and improving parks for future generations.
Pedestrian Spaces
I will prioritize pedestrian safety by developing more shared and dedicated walking paths, ensuring pedestrians have safe space as e-bike use grows, while promoting the legal and responsible use of e-bikes.
Playgrounds
I will support more playgrounds and waterparks throughout Squamish, working with developers and community partners to ensure growing neighbourhoods provide safe, accessible places for children to play.
Public Washrooms
I will support more clean, safe and well-maintained public washrooms in our downtown, parks and high-use recreation areas, with locations that meet the needs of residents and visitors.
Sidewalks & Bike Paths
I will prioritize safe sidewalks and bike paths, with separate space for pedestrians and cyclists where possible, while improving connections between neighbourhoods, schools, businesses and recreation areas.
Zoning
I will support zoning that allows responsible growth while respecting existing neighbourhoods, maintaining reasonable building heights and providing a balanced mix of housing, business and industrial land.
Culture & Events
Cultural Spaces & Venues
I will work with arts, cultural and Indigenous organizations to identify spaces for performances, exhibits and community events, creating more opportunities to celebrate Squamish’s history and culture,
Festivals & Events
I will expand use of the Loggers Sports grounds for events and work with the SLRD to identify suitable areas for larger music and cultural events that attract visitors and support our local economy.
Monuments and Landmarks
I will support more monuments, landmarks and historical displays that showcase Squamish’s diverse cultural heritage and preserve the stories, people and events that have shaped our community
Public Art
I will support public art at the library and in downtown business windows, showcasing our history, Indigenous heritage and local artists while creating a unique cultural attraction for residents and visitors.
Tourism
I will work with local businesses to promote Squamish’s natural surroundings and our hiking, biking, climbing and water sports, attracting more visitors and supporting our local economy.
Housing & Homelessness
Affordability
I will work to keep Squamish affordable by controlling municipal spending, limiting pressure on property taxes, expanding our business and industrial tax base and supporting a range of housing choices.
Building Maintenance & Occupant Health
I will require builders and qualified professionals to certify safety and construction standards, increasing accountability and reducing the burden on the District.
Homelessness
Work with the Province to relocate Under One Roof residents and repurpose the building. Its current location negatively impacts downtown residents, businesses and property values.
Housing Accessibility
Support housing options for all ages and abilities, including seniors and families. New development should include accessible housing while ensuring infrastructure and services keep pace with growth.
Indigenous-Led Housing
Support Indigenous-led housing through respectful partnerships with local Nations. The District should reduce barriers and support housing solutions identified and led by Squamish Nation.
Property Taxes
Residents cannot afford more tax increases. We must attract responsible industry to broaden our tax base. Tourism benefits the entire corridor, and Squamish taxpayers should not carry its costs alone.
Public & Assistive Housing
Support public and assistive housing with senior governments and service providers. Housing should be well managed, appropriately located and provide residents access to the services they need.
Rent & Rental Stock
Our rental market has significant supply. We need better housing balance, not more density. Squamish has seen extensive townhouse development while opportunities for single-family homes are limited.
Zoning
I will support zoning that allows responsible growth while respecting existing neighbourhoods, maintaining reasonable building heights and providing a balanced mix of housing, business and industrial land.
Human Rights
Human Rights Abroad
No comment
Physical Accessibility
New public spaces and facilities must meet accessibility standards and barriers be removed.
Public Washrooms
I will support more clean, safe and well-maintained public washrooms in our downtown, parks and high-use recreation areas, with locations that meet the needs of residents and visitors.
Recent Immigrants
Newcomers are an important part of our community. The District should connect recent immigrants with local services, employment resources and community organizations so they can participate fully in Squamish.
Sex Work
All people deserve safety and dignity.
Trans Rights & Access to Public Services
All people deserve safety and dignity.
Local Government, Planning, & Democracy
Artificial Intelligence & Data Centres
I will explore opportunities to attract AI and data centre investment to Squamish, while ensuring proposals make economic sense, create local jobs and consider impacts on power, infrastructure and our community
Budgeting
Council must set priorities and live within a responsible budget. Every tax dollar should be scrutinized and major projects costed. Residents deserve accountability, transparency and value for their taxes.
Good Governance
Good governance requires Council to set clear priorities, make responsible decisions and provide strong oversight to staff. Transparency, accountability and respect must guide every decision.
Government Procurement
I will support transparent, competitive procurement while working with federal, provincial and Indigenous governments to deliver value for taxpayers and fair opportunities for local businesses.
Long-Term Plan
Squamish needs a long-term plan balancing growth, infrastructure and sustainability. Council must plan beyond the next election, strengthen our tax base and ensure today’s decisions serve future generations.
Public Engagement
Public engagement must be meaningful and happen before decisions are made. Council should listen to residents, businesses and groups, communicate clearly and show how public input has influenced decisions.
Youth Engagement
Youth should have a voice in decisions shaping their future. Council should work with the School District and community groups to engage youth and ensure their ideas are heard and considered in planning.
Mental Health, Drugs, & Addiction
Mental Health Crisis Response
Mental health crises require professional support. Current services are inadequate. The District should work with health services, RCMP and agencies to connect people with care while keeping public spaces safe.
Overdoses & the Contaminated Drug Supply
no comment
Public Drug Use
no comment
Treatment for Addiction
no comment
Public Safety & Policing
Non-Police-Based Public Safety
Public safety includes Search and Rescue, fire, volunteer policing, bylaw and outreach. The District should support these services and ensure the right response to each situation, with police support.
Police Funding
As Squamish grows, policing needs increase. The District must advocate with the Province for adequate funding and resources to maintain public safety without placing an unfair burden on local taxpayers.
Police Wrongdoing & Accountability
no comment
Public Drug Use
no comment
Upstream Causes of Crime
no comment
Victim Safety and Support
no comment
Public Services
After-School Programs
I will liaise with the school district, recreation providers and community groups to expand affordable after-school programs that give Squamish children more opportunities for sports and recreation.
Childcare
Accessible childcare is essential. The District should work with the School District and Ministry of Education and Child Care to identify needs, suitable spaces and opportunities to expand childcare.
Health Infrastructure
I will advocate for expanded capacity at Hilltop House and our hospital, another walk-in clinic and more local options for medical testing so residents can access the health services they need closer to home.
Waste Removal
Waste removal must be reliable and cost effective. The District should identify future waste sites and explore partnerships with other communities to ensure long-term capacity while improving waste reduction.
Water
I will prioritize identifying which rivers, water sources, existing wells and storage areas can be safely accessed to ensure Squamish has a reliable water supply to support future growth.
Reconciliation & Indigenous Nations
Indigenous Languages
The District should work with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Lil̓wat Nations to support and recognize Indigenous languages through signage, public spaces and community initiatives.
Indigenous-Led Housing
Support Indigenous-led housing through respectful partnerships with local Nations. The District should reduce barriers and support housing solutions identified and led by Squamish Nation.
Land Title & Governance
The District must work respectfully with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation on land title and governance. Strong relationships, consultation and clear communication are essential for decisions affecting land and community
Place Names & Commemorations
no comment
Residential Schools
The District should work with the School District and Indigenous Nations on reconciliation and education. As Murray Sinclair said, “Education got us into this mess and education will get us out of it.”
Roads, Transit, & Getting Around
Private Vehicles & Parking
I will ensure transportation planning recognizes that private vehicles remain essential for many Squamish residents, with adequate roads and parking provided as our community grows
Roads
Squamish needs alternate highway access and emergency routes for wildfires and other disasters. The District must work with the Province on safe evacuation routes while improving roads for our growing community
Sidewalks & Bike Paths
I will prioritize safe sidewalks and bike paths, with separate space for pedestrians and cyclists where possible, while improving connections between neighbourhoods, schools, businesses and recreation areas.
Traffic Safety Around Schools
Student safety comes first. The District should work with the School District to improve traffic flow, crossings, signage and enforcement around schools, while providing safe walking and cycling routes.
Transit Projects
Transit must match demand.The District should assess the type and size of vehicles needed in the corridor. Running large buses with few passengers is costly. Service should reflect ridership and community needs
Walking & Cycling
I will support shared walking and cycling paths that safely connect neighbourhoods, schools, businesses and recreation areas, giving pedestrians better access while providing practical transportation choices.
Biography
submitted by the candidate or their team
John Lowe is a lifelong Squamish resident, businessman and community volunteer with decades of leadership experience. He is running for Council to bring fiscal responsibility, practical decision-making and a lifetime of local knowledge to Squamish’s future.
