Bear spray used, shotgun fired in incident at downtown Squamish homeless encampment

Downtown Squamish, B.C., on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)

Mounties in Squamish are investigating an incident involving bear spray and a shotgun at a homeless encampment in the district’s downtown.

Officers were called to the camp in the 37000 block of Third Avenue around 4:40 a.m. Tuesday for reports of “a possible shooting,” Squamish RCMP said in a news release later the same morning.

Investigators determined that bear spray had been “deployed into a tent occupied by three individuals, and a shotgun was discharged during the incident,” police said.

Paramedics treated several people affected by bear spray at the scene, but no serious injuries were reported, according to Mounties.

“Investigators are working to identify a group of individuals believed to be involved who fled the area,” the release reads. “While this investigation is in its early stages, police believe that it was a targeted incident.”

Police said they expected to be on scene throughout the day Tuesday, and they asked the public to avoid the area.

“We understand incidents like this can be concerning, particularly when they occur in locations that have seen previous police activity,” said Staff Sgt. Sascha Banks, in the release.

“Our officers are actively investigating this matter and continue to conduct proactive patrols in the area. We are working closely with our community partners to address safety concerns and ensure support is available to those affected.”

Just last week, officers seized prohibited weapons, ammunition and drugs from the same homeless camp. That seizure was the culmination of a lengthy drug trafficking investigation, according to Squamish RCMP.

Police asked anyone who witnessed Tuesday’s incident or has video from the scene to call them at 604-892-6100.