In November, the ParkHouse project, a 65-unit residential condo complex in the city’s downtown, sold out in less than 90 minutes.

“We knew that there was a great desire for this type of housing here in Squamish, so we knew there was interest, but we never expected to sell out that quickly,” said developer Michael Henson.

Henson said he’s not the only developer looking north of Metro Vancouver either, adding that the Sea-to-Sky Highway upgrades and the opening of Quest University have turned Squamish into a more attractive prospect for buyers.

The commute into Vancouver, though more winding and zigzagging than most, is also comparable to those faced by residents in the Tri-Cities.

“You can expect anything from 45 minutes as the commute time to downtown Vancouver,” Henson said.

Mayor...