Rajan Hans, the owner of Diamond Head Security and the founder of a new local political party, is declaring a bid for municipal councillor.
Hans is also listed as a realtor for Rennie.
He formed Squamish First, which he describes as a coalition of independent candidates who agree on the same three pillars — infrastructure investment, smart growth and housing for the middle class.
Hans said Squamish First candidates share the same priorities on those three fronts, but are welcome to have different views on other subjects.
Also part of this group is mayoral candidate Mike Young and Adrien Byrne, who is also seeking a seat on council.
"We're free to vote however we may on any other issues that come into light," said Hans. There's lots of things that we don't see eye-to-eye on, but the three key pillars, those are the biggest things that we agree on."
He said his party will not be whipped.
Hans said that housing is one of the ideas that he's most passionate about.
"We're seeing the way that more current market conditions are going that rental housing is becoming more and more expensive as these days go on," said Hans. "So that's one of my most passionate principles, and… we need to focus on having a much stronger policy for building new rental housing and purpose-built rental housing."
That can encompass income-based rent, among other things, he said.
On the infrastructure side, he said that a new or improved recreation centre was top of mind for him.
"How we go about that, I'm still engaging with the community, whether it's build new or retrofit," said Hans. "From what I understand, there's a lot more money for retrofits available from the federal and provincial governments, which is one of our key partners that we need to work with to get this facility done."
He also supported a new parkade downtown, which could be incorporated into a multi-use facility.
"So it could be a few levels of public parking, and then a facility up top," Hans said.
He said the District could approach other potential users such as the school board or even incorporate a new municipal hall into that facility.
"The muni hall is a big one as well," said Hans. "There was an option to lease. I'm a firm believer in investing in our community and building something."
He also added that the current cash-in-lieu of parking policies aren't working.
"Cash-in-lieu system is definitely not adequate," said Hans. "I mean, you see it on Bailey [Street] there. There are cars filled on that one on that section opposite to Summits View [Drive]…From my point of view, sitting outside, I don't see it being effective. But I want to discuss with staff to see what else we can come up with."
Aside from the three pillars outlined by Squamish First, Hans said he was passionate about environmental issues.
"Continuing on our climate action goal is very important to me," said Hans. "All these environmental problems are essentially my generation's problems."
Election Day is Oct. 15.
