Squamish (2006 census population 14,949) is a community in the Canadian province of British Columbia, located at the north end of Howe Sound on the Sea to Sky Highway. The population of the Squamish census agglomeration is 15,256. Forestry has traditionally been the main industry in the area, and the town's largest employer was the Western Forest Products pulp mill. However, Western Pulp, Squamish Operation permanently ceased operation on January 26, 2006. In recent years, Squamish has also become popular with Vancouver residents escaping the increased cost of living in that city, less than one hour away by highway.