The famous rock has been found and is being returned to town
JANUARY 29, 2026
Meet the couple who chose a business over a home
BRIGHT LIGHTS: Photographer Niall Bell captured this stunning image of the Northern Lights on Jan. 20 at the Tantalus Lookout. While the skygazing was phenomenal, Bell said he was concerned with the number of people who took risks on the Sea to Sky Highway to get a good view He lost count of how many people made a left turn into the pullout, which is a dangerous move to make “I wanted to share this as we are in peak season for stargazing,” he said “The U-turn spot is just six minutes up the highway at the salt barn.” Stay safe!
SCHOOL BOARD CALLS FOR PUBLIC TRANSIT BETWEEN SQUAMISH AND WHISTLER
The District cited student safety concerns, broader community need, in their letter to transportation minister Mike Farnworth and BC Transit chair Sherri Bell
LUKE FAULKS lfaulks@lodestarmedia.ca
The Sea to Sky School District (SD48) is urging the provincial government and BC Transit to consider establishing a public transit route between Squamish and Whistler, citing a lack of safe and affordable transportation options that puts students and families at risk
In a letter, SD48 board chair April Lowe addressed the province’s Minister of Transportation Mike Farnworth and BC Transit
SCHOOL DISTRICT: Continued on 3
PHOTO BY NIALL BELL
SQUAMISH HISTORICAL SOCIETY SPEAKER SERIES POSTPONED AFTER DISTRICT DECLINES TO HOST CONTROVERSIAL FIGURE
The Squamish Historical Society was set to launch a monthly speaker series, beginning with a controversial speaker that Squamish Nation says ‘perpetuates misinformation’
INA PACE ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
The District of Squamish has not permitted The Squamish Historical Society (SHS) to host a talk called “Decolonization and the Governance of Public Life.”
According to SHS, this would have been a discussion about the development of policy and structural change “beyond academia,” led by controversial citizen journalist and blogger Masha Kleiner.
The talk was to be the first in the return of the monthly SHS Squamish Speakers Series, in partnership with the Squamish Legion, held every third Wednesday from 7 p.m to 9 p.m. as a part of SHS’ 20th anniversary celebrations ‘Decolonization and the Governance of Public Life’ was to be hosted on Jan. 21, and was initially advertised to be held at the local Legion’s Diamond Head Branch according to a press release issued on Jan. 13.
“The past 20 years have seen a lot of change in such a relatively short period of time. Our speakers series have always been a high point in our mission to showcase our community’s history,” president and founder of SHS, and former Squamish local Bianca Peters said in the release.
Kleiner is a member of OneBC, a party which holds highly contested political views, particularly about Canadian Indigenous affairs.
She recently described on her Substack blog the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) issued to Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) in July 2025, as a “routine humiliation.”
She is also credited as having conducted research for the recent provocative documentary “Making a Killing: Reconciliation, Genocide, and Plunder in Canada” written and produced by Tim Thielmann.
The film questions the validity of claims about unmarked graves of Indigenous children, the rates of abuse in the residential school system, and the alleged levels of dependency that
Indigenous people had on “colonials” through cultural assimilation, in order to survive.
According to SHS’ Instagram page on Jan. 20, Kleiner’s talk was then moved to be held at Brennan Park, a municipal venue.
On Jan 19. Peters issued a press release notifying folks that Kleiner’s talk had been postponed “following municipal involvement that affected venue access,” despite SHS meeting venue requirements, and that an alternate venue was being sought
“The booking was ultimately impeded after concerns were raised at the municipal level
related to anticipated controversy and possible protest, rather than to capacity, safety planning, or insurance considerations,” the release reads.
The District clarified in an email to The Squamish Chief on Jan. 20 that Kleiner’s talk was “not permitted at [Brennan Park],” and that a booking request by SHS had been received and processed prior to the District’s booking team having the full information about the speaker.
“The District of Squamish has a decades long history of cooperation with the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and the two governments signed the MOU in July 2025 in an historic step towards reconciliation,” the District said in an emailed statement.
“We are disappointed in the decision of the Squamish Historical Society to provide a platform for a speaker that has aligned herself with views and parties that disrespect the experiences of residential school survivors and use fear mongering to deepen division within communities. This is not aligned with the District’s values and actions and does not foster community building centred on respect,” the statement continued.
“The District is firmly committed to a shared future in which all residents thrive. Our decision to decline a room rental at a municipal facility for this event considered the speaker’s views and affiliations which are widely publicized online, as well as coverage of events in B.C. where similar views and affiliations were shared.
“Such events have been characterized by demonstrations and protests due to the subject
SPEAKER: Continued on 3
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PHOTO BY THE SQUAMISH CHIEF STAFF. Brennan Park Rec Centre
DISTRICT: Continued from 1
chair Sherri Bell: “We are writing to express a growing concern identified by the Board of Education regarding the lack of safe and affordable public transportation options between Squamish and Whistler.”
Lowe’s letter highlights the challenges facing local youth, who previously relied on Greyhound and other commercial carriers to travel between communities for sports and recreation. Since Greyhound ceased operations in Western Canada in 2018, students have increasingly turned to ride-sharing services, she wrote.
“These services are unregulated and not legally available to individuals under the age of 18,” the board chair wrote. “This situation presents a serious and urgent student safety concern.”
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The letter adds that “dozens of students” currently travel from Squamish to Whistler on weekends, particularly for skiing, but the board notes the absence of legal, affordable options. “While some private providers now operate in the corridor, these services are often prohibitively expensive and inaccessible to many youth and families,” Lowe wrote.
SPEAKER: Continued from 2
matter, creating an environment where physical and psychological safety may be compromised, which does not align with the District’s values or responsibility for community safety.”
The Squamish Chief reached out to the Nation for comment about SHS’ decision to host Kleiner’s talk at all in Squamish
“We strongly condemn the Squamish Historical Society’s decision to provide a platform for Masha Kleiner’s views, which distort history and undermine the lived experiences of Indigenous people Providing her with a forum perpetuates misinformation and causes real harm to our community,” said
Nation chairperson Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams.
“We call on the Squamish Historical Society to act responsibly and immediately cancel this event. We also invite organizers to engage directly with the Squamish Nation, ensuring any future public discussions about history include the voices of the Indigenous Peoples whose lands they live on.”
Peters told The Squamish Chief that the Squamish Historical Society’s Speakers Series exists to encourage thoughtful public dialogue about history, governance, and community change
“Our intention in inviting Masha Kleiner was to host a structured discussion on public policy and the governance of social change—not to
Transit gaps in the Sea to Sky have long been a concern for both residents and local
governments. Whistler and Pemberton are linked by the 99 commuter route, but the region still lacks public service linking Squamish and Whistler
Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman told Pique late last year that he’s “confident” about securing regional transit in 2026, following positive meetings with provincial officials during the 2025 Union of B.C. Municipalities convention
The benefits, the letter adds, would extend beyond youth. “We note that a public transit route between Squamish and Whistler would also benefit the broader community, including individuals who live in Squamish and work in Whistler.”
Even a limited-service model would be welcome, Lowe emphasized. “From a student perspective, even a weekend-focused service would provide a safe, affordable, and legal transportation option.”
The letter, which was copied to the District of Squamish, Resort Municipality of Whistler, and MLA Jeremy Valeriote, concludes with an offer to meet and “explore potential options for addressing this community need.”
endorse any political party, ideology, or individual viewpoint,” she said in a written statement.
“The District of Squamish’s decision to cancel our confirmed facility booking was based on anticipated reactions to the speaker’s views, rather than any conduct, safety plan deficiency, or violation of booking requirements. We complied with all stated venue terms, secured insurance, and followed standard procedures,” she added.
“We respect that members of the community, including the Squamish Nation, hold strong and deeply felt perspectives At the same time, we believe public institutions and civic organizations should be able to host lawful discussions
without being penalized for the potential reactions of others. Our goal remains to support respectful, informed, and responsible dialogue in Squamish. We remain open to community engagement and to future programming that reflects a diversity of perspectives.”
The Squamish Chief reached out the Squamish Legion for comment, but did not receive any response.
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter
This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada
PHOTO MARGARITA-YOUNG/ ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES
Too many kids are on the highway, which is a serious concern, the Sea to Sky School District says
COUNCIL APPROVES 424-UNIT HOUSING PROJECT NEAR CAPILANO UNIVERSITY
With a vote of 5-2, District council has granted approval for a transformative new development that will reshape the University Highlands area with hundreds of homes and expanded amenities
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Much more housing is likely on its way to the University Highlands neighbourhood, near Capilano University’s campus.
At its special business meeting on Tuesday, Jan. 13, council members voted 5-2 in support of granting a development permit (DP) for 3295 Mamquam Road University, which will include 424 residential units and more than 3,400 square metres of commercial space, including a 50-seat restaurant
With a development permit, council is only to assess the form and character of a project.
Council also unanimously passed three readings of an associated bylaw to authorize the District to enter into a housing agreement for the non-market rental housing (with a minor amendment), and another
housing agreement for the market rentals.
“The mixed-use nature of the proposed development will offer more opportunities
for local residents to access daily needs via active transportation modes, resulting in fewer residents needing to travel long distances to access commercial centres near Highway 99,” the staff report reads. “This will help reduce vehicle trips and ease traffic delays and align with OCP policies to reduce single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) use and support the transition away from fossil fuels.”
PARKING
The developer had initially sought a variance to the off-street parking requirements, however this was a non-starter for members of council and many members of the public
BY THE NUMBER
Specifically, the project, by Andrews Development Management Corporation, will include 340 apartments located in five buildings and an additional 84 multiplex units.
The commercial units will be on Helfland Way in Building 1, which will also include residential rental units and will be the first building to be built.
Eleven multiplexes will be divided with six blocks of townhomes on the eastern portion of the site ”to provide a transition from the single unit dwellings on Aristotle Drive to the six-storey apartment buildings on the western portion of the site,” the staff report to council reads.
The report also notes that 297 apartment units will be within Buildings 2 to 5.
Building 1 contains 127 residential units, 32 of which will be affordable rentals and 95 market rentals. The townhome and multiplex units will be for sale as strata units.
“It should be noted that the applicant has volunteered to provide a portion of the rental requirement as affordable rental units; the rental tenure requirement does not mandate affordable rental units,” the report from staff reads.
Thus, the application was changed to meet the requirement; 655 parking stalls are required, and 656 will be provided, District planner Bryan Daly told council.
He said that 45 visitor parking stalls have been added throughout the development site and 108 stalls have been provided in larger underground parkades.
“The underground parkade areas were increased to provide the additional parking. The structures now interconnect beneath the buildings,” Daly said
Previously, the application had proposed 503 off-street parking places
Daly noted that the 32 units of affordable rental housing do not require off-street parking or visitor parking spaces
There was some discussion at council of the Mamquam gravel road, which has been closed to the public due to landslide damage since 2020
Emergency access was a concern of the public, but staff said that in an emergency there would be access through the road if needed and continued improvements to the road are planned.
CONDITIONS
The DP is subject to several conditions, including construction of child care space, a shared parking arrangement to allow
HOUSING: Continued on 6
PHOTO COURTESY OF DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH REPORT Rendering of the future project.
SUMMIT HELICOPTERS ACQUIRES BLACKCOMB HELICOPTERS’ FLEET AND SIGHTSEEING DIVISION
Summit will retain the Blackcomb brand and transition key personnel to maintain continuity for tourism and charter clients
LUKE FAULKS lfaulks@lodestarmedia.ca
In a shakeup for Sea to Sky aviation, Blackcomb Helicopters’ aviation assets and sightseeing operations have been sold to Summit Helicopters.
The acquisition, announced on Jan. 22, includes Blackcomb’s seven remaining helicopters, as well as its Whistler and Squamish bases. Summit will assume operations of the company’s utility, film, firefighting and emergency response work, and continue offering sightseeing tours under the Blackcomb brand.
“After decades of specialized helicopter service which started in the Sea to Sky corridor and expanded throughout Canada, it is time for our family to make a change and pass Blackcomb Helicopters onto new operators,” said Jason McLean, CEO of the McLean Group, which has owned Blackcomb since 2006
“With shared values and commitment to
always putting safety and premier customer experience first, we know our customers, our team and the communities we serve are in exceptionally good hands.”
The move caps off a period of restructuring for the operator
Founded in Whistler in 1989 by Steve and Michelle Flynn with a single Bell 206, Blackcomb Helicopters expanded through the 2000s and 2010s into one of Western Canada’s largest helicopter companies. When its 35th anniversary rolled around in 2024, Blackcomb
boasted a fleet of 20 aircraft across seven bases in B.C. and Alberta.
The transfer to Summit also follows the December 2025 sale of Blackcomb’s adventure tourism arm—including Coast Range Heli-Skiing and Tyax Adventures—to Whitecap Alpine Adventures
McLean thanked the company’s longtime staff and communities, noting that “Blackcomb employees responsible for helicopter sightseeing, operations and maintenance have also transitioned to Summit to continue to service Blackcomb’s customers.”
Summit Helicopters, a subsidiary of the Ledcor Group, brings national reach and one of Canada’s largest and most diverse helicopter fleets to the table. It is known for remote operations, including wildfire support, medevac services, utility work, and mineral exploration, from British Columbia’s Coastal mountains to the Arctic
“While it is a time for change with Blackcomb, we want to recognize and thank our amazing team, our valued customers, as well as the communities that we have been a part of for decades,” McLean added.
PHOTO BY MYKEL THUNCHER/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The Blackcomb Helicopters base in Squamish at the Squamish Airport.
BELOVED BOULDER RESCUED IN BISHOP
Portable disappeared last September and was mysteriously found in climbing mecca Bishop, California
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
Squamish’s missing beloved mini boulder problem, has suddenly appeared in Bishop, California.
Portable went missing in early September, igniting calls from climbers for the culprit to return the roughly 27 kilogram (60 lb) rock that climbers from near and far have tried to top out.
Climber Alex Haas and his friends were winding down a session, putting in attempts of Stained Glass v10 bouldering problem, when an unnamed passerby said Portable was close by.
“We were like, what? He’s like, ‘Yeah, yeah, it’s over there. It’s wearing a beanie. It’s just sitting in front of Iron Man.’ And we basically sprinted over, because that’s kind of big news since it had been missing for so long,” Haas said.
Portable’s identity was difficult to discern
overnight use of commercial parking spaces for residential use, a financial contribution to a car share co-operative to secure car share membership for the affordable rental units, and the building of two bus shelters, among other things
Coun Jenna Stoner proposed an amendment that passed, allowing other shared-transportation options for the 32 rental units in place of car share.
SAMPLE OF COUNCIL COMMENTS
Ultimately, the development passed 5-2, with Mayor Armand Hurford, councillors Stoner, John French, Eric Andersen and Andrew Hamilton in support, while Coun. Lauren Greenlaw and Coun Chris Pettingill opposed. Pettingill said he was a bit torn with the
while wearing the beanie. So, Haas and his friends removed the toque and took a good look
“We took the beanie off. It was the problem. It had the little crimp on the side So, you know, it was definitely granite, so it was definitely the problem,” Haas said
The Squamish Chief has not independently verified that the mini boulder in question is, in fact, Portable
Haas visited Squamish from Los Angeles, California, a few weeks before reports surfaced about Portable’s disappearance. While he doesn’t know who stole the boulder, he has some guesses.
“Our first thought was, maybe it was a Canadian crew playing some sort of prank, just from the beanie. But I guess thinking about it more, it makes more sense that it might have been an American Crew that took it out,” he said. “I don’t think you could fly with a rock that big. I can’t imagine you would be able to, at least, so it must have been transported by car, you know, kidnapped, put into a van.”
Finding Portable, who perhaps is a bit too
development, as there was a lot he liked. He ultimately cast what he called a protest vote against the DP due to the increase in parking, which he said will make it a lot busier on the roads in the Highlands, and also due to the project’s accessibility issues
“It’s maybe a step forward where we are considering that there is an accessible route at least when the elevators open, but you know I guess where my head is at is we should be at a point where the accessible route is the easiest route and then there’s maybe some additional non-accessible routes but the easiest the primary route … that’s where I’m struggling.”
Stoner said she appreciated the community’s concerns about the project and the developer’s changes to address them.
“The biggest changes that folks will have seen is there is no more parking variance associated and I think that it’ll be well
portable, has been a relief.
“I was worried that someone just stole it and it was going to live in a basement somewhere, like maybe somebody made a fire pit out of it, you know, they didn’t know what it was,” Haas said Portable is in the care of pro climber Ethan Salvo, who was in Bishop when the boulder mysteriously reappeared.
“When it first popped up, I was just pretty stunned, and then generally confused And then yeah, figured I was just trying to take it home with me in a couple weeks and bring it back before it walks off somewhere else,” Salvo said Salvo has used the experience to have fun. He’s posted updates on his Instagram account for Portable’s beloved fans to know he’s recovering well.
“I just figured I’d try and have the most fun with it. Seemed like some people were wanting updates along the way. And on top of that, I just figured, make the most out of, a really weird, upsetting situation,” he said.
“It’s pretty easy for people to just get very riled up from the situation that they may not even have any connection to. A lot of people on
the internet right now that are extremely upset over the whole thing who don’t even live anywhere close to Squamish, let alone climb there or have any connection to it Not to say that their opinion doesn’t count, but it’s one of those things where I feel like it’s just really easy for people to get super riled up,” he said
The two are sharing a room in Salvo’s Subaru Outback.
“He’s tucked in a layer of blankets for the past couple days Currently increasing my gas mileage a little bit, making it worse and staying hidden.”
Internet fans want a return party when Portable is back in Squamish, and Salvo is on board
“Right now, I’m planning on being back there at the middle of February, and figured it would be fun to rally a bunch of people to walk it back into the forest. There is a chance I’m going to see if someone around here is heading back before me, just to get it out of my hands and back a little bit sooner. But I think in either case, a welcome home party would definitely be due.”
supported by community,” she said
“I also think that the proponent continues to go a little bit above and beyond of what is actually just presented here in order to try and address some of the core challenges that we know our community is facing in terms of growth, and that is in particular the addition of 32 affordable units which will be in dire need in our community, as well as some child care space,” she said.
“This proponent in the development will also be bringing forward some much-needed commercial space in this neighbourhood that has been long waited for and long long envisioned through the neighbourhood planning process.”
Coun. French echoed Stoner’s sentiments and said the plan harkens back to the original vision for the area when Quest University was being planned.
“I’ve watched this neighbourhood develop from way back when David Strangway first came into this room to share his vision for a university in Squamish And what I see here with this proposal is very much in line with the vision that Dr.Strangway had way back when and the vision that has persisted for the neighbourhood,” he said
In his comments, Andersen concurred that density has long been the plan for the area
“We should be mindful that from the very beginning of the University Heights proposal, we’re looking at higher density up on these slopes, and we need to do that in Squamish. We need to make higher-density up in the hillsides a success. But it should be no surprise to anyone that this is the direction we’re going. It’s not a new direction. And in fact, we’ve made a mistake in the past in having too low a density on the best developable land,” he said
TIMELINE FOR REOPENING CHIEF TRAIL STILL UNKNOWN
Daily hikers have had to find alternative routes since the popular hiking trail was closed late December
NO TIMELINE AVAILABLE
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
Rae-Anne Spencer has been hiking the Stawamus Chief multiple times a week since she moved to Squamish over a year ago.
Rain or shine, she’s gone up and down for cardio health and elevation gain
“I have back pain, which causes me to be limited in the type of exercise I can do Lower impact helps with my back pain,” she said
The well-travelled granite monolith was visited by almost 500,000 people in 2024 alone, and is the most visited daily use BC Park in the Sea to Sky, according to data from BC Parks. These days, the parking lot is emptier than normal.
With the closure of the main trail of the Stawamus Chief in late December, Spencer says there is no other hike that’s as accessible and provides the same grind.
“One of the safer hikes I have found close to the city, it just seems well travelled and I’ve always just felt safe on it But the Skatshn climb trail is pretty good, you just take the gondola down after and I do enjoy hiking down So the [Stawamus] Chief has that And the Skatshn trail
is not quite as accessible after work at night,” Spencer said There were two rockfalls along the popular hiking trail Dec. 26 and 29, likely caused by
fluctuating temperatures While rockfalls are not uncommon in the park and visitors are advised to use caution while recreating at the park, this time the damage was extensive.
The Squamish Chief asked for an update on the closure from BC Parks.
“We’ve connected with…a geotechnical firm, they went out on the second of January to conduct a geotechnical hazard assessment We are still waiting on that report, so the trail at this time does still remain closed. We will be receiving that report I believe any week right now,” said Megan Kobitzsch, section head for the South Coast and Sea to Sky parks and recreation program and the| Ministry of Environment and Parks.
“I wish I had a timeline for the public, we do recognize this is a very popular trail that’s valued by many in the community and the people who visit.”
Reopening work includes precautionary rock scaling, then a cleanup crew will have to remove soil, and trees and do a danger tree hazard assessment.
In the meantime, Spencer is spending their time skiing and hopes to return to Stawamus Chief laps sooner than later.
“I hope it opens soon, but I know that’s probably a lot of work to do It looked like quite a rock fall Hopefully in the summer we can all get back to the trail. It’s a great trail and it’s always nice to see that it’s well maintained If I see a tree fall it’s always gone the next day.”
PHOTO BY LIZ MACDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The main Stawamus Chief trail remains closed
Seeking Applications for BoardofVariance Members
TheDistrictofSquamish is looking fortwo new members to fillthree-year termsending December 31, 2028 on the BoardofVarianceand encourages interested members of the public to submit an application form and resume
Boards of Variance in B.C. sit to consider applications from property owners requesting variancesto zoning and land use bylaws.The Squamish Boardof Variancemeets quarterlyonthe thirdWednesday of March, June,September, and December at 6:30 p.m., if an application is received.Additional meetings may be scheduled with approval of asufficientnumber of boardmembers
Application formsare available at Municipal Hall and on the Districtof Squamish website: squamish.ca/board-and-panel-meetings.Please submit anapplication form and resumé no laterthanFriday, February6at4:30 pm.
Please directapplications to the Corporate Officerat corporateofficer@squamish.ca or deliver to Municipal Hall: 37955 Second Avenue,POBox 310, Squamish, BC, V8B 0A3
NewField Allocation Meeting Date
TheField Allocation Meeting will now beheld on February4,2026, at 6p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre
Thefinal calendar will be postedonline no laterthan February16, 2026.
tBrennan Park Recreation Centre
Yoga and breathwork are intertwined with stories, games and songs to engage families in the practice of yoga together! uitable for children of all ages stration includes of one child, and oneadult or caregiver. Children under one arefreewith aregistered sibling Drop-ins welcome,spacepermitting
Call forExpressions of Interest
TheDistrictofSquamish is seeking expressions of interest forcaféspaceat 1009 Centennial Way(Brennan Park Recreation Centre).
Available forLease: Café Space: 181 ft2 (shell space)
Interested parties areasked to submit an expression of interest by Friday, February27at4:30 pm.
Please forwardyour submission to: Rosella Bianco, Customer ServiceSupervisor rbianco@squamish.ca |604-898-6882
Formoreinformation and submission details visit: squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
InfrastructureUpgrades
•Loggers East StormSewer projectcontinues on Finch Drive.
February18, 11:30am–12:30pm atMunicipalHall(CouncilChambers) and COUNCILLOR FRENCH
Zumba Toning with Taeko
atThe 55 ActivityCentre
Zumba toning incorporates the use of sticks to add an element of strength training to familiar dancemoves; enhances sense of rhythm and coordination whiletoning target zones including arms,core, and lowerbody. Drop-ins welcome,spacepermitting
YogaFlow
at Brennan Park Recreation Centre 4:30–5:30 pm, Thursdays, January15through February5
Through aflowing sequenceofpostures, we’ll cultivateself-awareness anda deeper sense of presence, leavingyou feeling grounded and connected. Suitable forall levels,modifications will be offered Drop-ins welcome,spacepermitting
MERCEDES-BENZ’ NEW ‘INCLUSIVE’ CHARGING HUB IS COMING TO SQUAMISH STATION
Mercedes-Benz’ first Canadian charging hubs, compatible with all vehicles, are launching in the coming months across Southern B.C.
is joining a growing network of advanced electric vehicle infrastructure as part of MercedesBenz’s expansion across Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
Charging your Electric Vehicle (EV) in Squamish is set to get even easier, with a hub to fit every vehicle at Squamish Station.
Mercedes-Benz has just launched its new Canadian network of adaptive EV charging hubs in four locations, the start of what will become a network of eight across Greater Vancouver and the Lower Mainland, including Squamish
On Jan. 13, the Mercedes-Benz Charging Network, which currently operates over 650 charging stalls across the United States, announced the launch of the new high-powered four-cable hubs in Abbotsford (Abbotsford Power Centre), Tsawwassen (Tsawwassen Mills), and Pitt Meadows (Meadowvale Shopping Centre).
“With our new design, every stall supports every vehicle—no adapters, no barriers— reflecting our commitment to simplicity, reliability, and access for all,” said Heiko Schmidt, President and CEO of MercedesBenz HPC North America and Canada in a press release.
The release also says that billing will be automated for supported vehicles, with no need to present a card.
Each hub will feature Alpitronic HYC 400 chargers with four cables at every stall,
offering both Combined Charging System 1 (CCS-1) and North American Charging Standard (NACS) connectors
“Partnering with Mercedes-Benz to bring Alpitronic’s first charging stations to Canada is a significant milestone for us The advanced capabilities and four-cable design perfectly align with Mercedes-Benz’s vision of creating a truly inclusive charging network,” said Mike Doucleff, president of Alpitronic Americas, which makes the charging hubs, also in the press release.
Charging rates are up to 400 kW, enabling some of the latest EVs to hold significant charge in only 10 minutes.
Mercedes-Benz’ new CLA Sedan, for example, can have up to a 325 kilometre range added with 10 minutes of charge, and the new GLC SUV can have up to a 303 kilometre range
The charging hubs’ other designated locations include:
• Squamish – Squamish Station
• Coquitlam – Sunwood Square
• Nanaimo – Woodgrove Shopping Centre
• Penticton – Penticton Lakeside Resort
• Surrey – Panorama Village
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada
CommunityChristmas Care
Thanks to the wholecommunityofSquamish for your incredible generosity!
Aspecial thanks goes out to local businesses,schools, organizations and churches, as well as countless individuals whoheld fundraisers, donatedtoys, skills,moneyand theirtimetomakethis incredible communityprojectpossible.
Please see our websitefor alist of businesses and organizations thatsupportedCommunity Christmas Care this year.
With your supportwewereable to fill over 490 hampers with gifts, food and love in the SpiritofChristmas this December.
For more information, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, or go to our website
PHOTO BY AAPSKY/ISTOCK EDITORIAL / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Squamish
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TheSquamishChief is amemberof theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependent organization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalisticpractices andethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns about editorialcontent,please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca. If you arenot satisfiedwiththe response and wish to file aformalcomplaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information
Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.
Aboutthe District’s plantoapologize to Squamish Nation(Sḵwxwú7meshÚxwumixw),she writes in herSubstackarticle,“Indeed,there is alot to apologizefor.Colonizationbrought thealphabet, electricity, roadsand cars,air travel,modern medicine,and internet.”
Good grief, what achildishstatement
Talk to an Elder or read abook, do aGooglesearch and thenegatives broughtbycolonizationto, in our case,the Sḵwxwú7mesh, arefacts easy to verify and grasp.She ignoresthat.
Andshe is not apersonworthyof speaking as an expert on localhistory or decolonization.
Thereare anynumberofscholarswho couldspeak on such things.
Having hard conversationsisalaudable goal,but Kleiner is simply not qualifiedtospeak on thetopic. Going by herLinkedInprofile,her career hasbeen asa software developer, followingher educationin computer science. Shedescribes herselfasa“Zionist bloggerand activist.”
Such an oddchoiceasaspeaker on decolonization to be invited by theSquamishHistoricalSociety.
All this said,unlessaspeaker is spewingthe legal definition of hate speech, they should not be banned from public venues duetotheir perspectives,asthe District of Squamish did when it cancelleda BrennanParkbooking forKleiner by thesociety.
Thatis viewpointdiscrimination, somethingthe courtshaven’t looked kindly on.
In2021, aB.C.Supreme Courtjudge ruledthe City of NewWestminster “unjustifiably infringed” on a church’s freedomofexpressionwhenitcancelledan AnvilCentrebookingfor a youthconferencethat would shareperceived anti-LGBTQ views.
Freeexpression, withoutinterferencefrom government, is writtenintoour Canadian Charterof Rightsand Freedoms
Also,while they keep Squamish more peaceful in theshort term,suchbansalsoriskcreatingtoxic echochambers, accordingtoBostonUniversity research,ratherthansolving theunderlyingtension
Let theviews be expressedtoanempty setof chairsasthe community showstheydon’t support suchperspectives. Banningisnot theway to go.
Forthose most hurt andoffendedbythese views, weshare your perspective, however, if we banwhat wedon’t agreewith, we have to consider the precedent.
SaySquamishmoves furtherto theright,and a group wantstogatherto talk about“land back” initiatives.Imagine future leadersbanning the gatheringfroma District facility—totally unfair. Let people speak; it doesn’tmeanany of us have to listen.
BOULDER-GATE:THE INTERNET REACTSTOTHE RETURN OF PORTABLE
Whenreporting localnews, understanding what matterstoreaders requires context—contextthatcomes from living in,and understanding, aplace
AndinSquamish, whereadventurers from near andfar come to touchrock, it’s only fittingthatthe storyeveryoneseems to be talkingabout is,quite literally, aboutarock.
Butnot just anypiece of granite. Aportableone. In most places,amissing rock wouldn’t make the news.But Squamish is notmostplaces, and Portable wasnot just anyrock.
Portable—the tiny boulderproblem—was recently recoveredinBishop, California,after being stolen in September2025. News of thecovert recovery travelledfastand far, lighting up the climbing worldand spillingwellbeyondit.
Professional climberEthan Salvowas in Bishop when Portable resurfaced andhas sincetaken it underhis wing—and into hisSubaru. Hisresponse to theabsurdity of thesituation hasbeenfittingly
lighthearted.Through updatesonhis Instagram account, Salvohas framed theepisode as a reminder of just howstrange theinternetcan be “A lotofpeopleonthe internet rightnow that are extremelyupset over thewhole thingdon’t even live anywhere closetoSquamish, letalone climb thereorhaveany connection to it,” he said in an interviewwithThe Squamish Chief. “Not to say that theiropinion doesn’tcount,but it’s oneof thosethingswhere Ifeellikeit’sjustreallyeasyfor people to getsuper riledup. So I’mtryingtojust have some funwithit—make themostout of a weird, upsettingsituation.”
Andthat’sthe rub, isn’tit?
Portable wasfound becauseofpeoplebeing chronicallyonline, andthe storyexplodedbecause of people’s love forclimbing—and theirwillingness to loudly declare, to strangerstheymay nevermeet, theaudacityofthe theft.
Theloudest voices onlineoften feel entitled to weighinonsituationstheydon’t fullyunderstand andaren’tdirectlyaffectedby. That tendency becomesespeciallytroublingwhenthe content people consumeisunfilteredrage-bait,one-sided narratives lackingnuance—or worse, part of a coordinatedefforttoswayopinion on issues that genuinelymatter.
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
LOOKS FAMILIAR?: This cartoon reminded us of some of the local issues with off-leash dogs
MOUNTAIN: Continued from 10
In this case, though, the best-case scenario played out: collective outrage and obsession helped bring a beloved rock home. I wish all news stories ended this way, but of course they don’t—and I don’t expect them to Still, it was striking how many casual news readers
SHOCKED WLNG IS MOVING AHEAD
I want to start a family but I’m concerned about the health risks associated with Woodfibre LNG.
Studies show that the flaring of methane gas is linked to several adverse health effects especially to pregnant women and children
The flaring of methane gas during the early stages of operation will largely be unchecked and intense.
In Squamish, local business’ and organizations support has been bought in the form of “donations” by Sukanto Tanoto and the Singapore based energy developers at Royal Golden Eagle
LETTERS POLICY
whom own a 70% stake in Woodfibre LNG.
Claiming to be net-zero is classic greenwashing In order to be carbon neutral you need to purchase carbon offsets equivalent to the amount of greenhouse gas emissions you produce. I had to dig deep to find out what offsets Woodfibre purchased, but I found that one of the carbon credits Woodfibre bought is the Cheakamus Community Forest in Whistler.
Driving past Finch Drive I saw four Woodfibre trucks plus the security truck, idled. Four hours later, still there, still idled, with no one in the trucks.
reached out to comment on this one. It makes sense. The story was emotional, a little mysterious, and ultimately something people could rally around together
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Should controversial speakers be banned from District facilities?
Have your say at squamishchief.com
Do local social media forums mostly make Squamish better or worse? (Top 3)
A laughable net zero claim.
Woodfibre has already been issued a non-compliance infraction over juvenile salmon oversight. It is cheaper for Woodfibre to pay off the fine than to do the right thing. If infractions are already being issued, just imagine once they are operational.
For a town that is so health conscious I’m shocked we are still moving forward with this after all the red flags.
Also, a very cute beaver (a keystone species) lives on Finch drive and will now be displaced.
Jeff Green Squamish
The Squamish Chief welcomes letters to the editor of up to 400 words. Letters should be exclusive to this publication and are meant to respond to a local story in The Squamish Chief or raise an issue happening in town Please include your name, neighbourhood and daytime phone number The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for Thursday’s edition. Full names and neighbourhood will be published with the letter The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit letters for length and clarity or to address legal concerns Email letters to: editor@squamishchief.com
MOST READ STORY
Update: Pro-climber ‘stunned and confused’ finding Portable
PHOTO BY NIALL BELL
AURORA BOREALIS: Squamish’s sky turned into a kaleidoscope of colour this week, with locals staying up late to catch the light show
SQUAMISH NATION HOUSING RECEIVES MAJOR FEDERAL FUNDING FOR RENOVATIONS
Tantalus Manor in Dentville has received over $4.9 million for upgrades, as part of a sustainable housing program
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
Squamish’s Tantalus Manor is getting a major upgrade.
Today, Jan. 19, the federal government, alongside Hiy ám ta Sḵwxwú7mesh Housing Society, and the Squamish Community Housing Society (Housing Squamish), announced that more than $4.9 million from the Canada Greener Affordable Housing program (CGAH) will go toward upgrades and retrofits to 40 units at Tantalus Manor, a housing complex located at 1098 Wilson Crescent.
Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Elder TlatlaKwot Christine Baker, who was present at the announcement outside Tantalus Manor, described the grant as “another milestone in a meaningful stride towards our goals in bringing Squamish people home within a generation.”
The funding will contribute to renovations of the building, which was built in 1965,
Hi,mynameisSudbury
Sudbury, thedistinguished tuxedo cat, has fallenonhardtimes.Frostbite,lackoffood, and exposure to extremelycold temperatures havetaken atemporary toll on hisbody. Hispast isa mystery-he wasfound as astray,all alone-butit becameclear very quicklythatthissweet boyhas a warm heart, agentlespirit, andplentyof love to give.
While we know we need to build at scale across the country to meet the demands we have, we know the cheapest form of housing is the housing that we don’t actually have to build.
MP PATRICK WEILER
this project,” she said at the announcement CEO of Hiy ám ta Housing and Nation member Sarah Silva clarified at the announcement that the renovated units at Tantalus Manor will be prioritized for Nation members.
Sudburywill lost asmall portionofhis left eardue to frostbite, butthiswill notaffecthim physically ormedically in anyway.If anything,wethink it only adds to hischarm.Despite everything he has endured, Sudburycarries awonderful,mellowaura that makeshim trulyendearing.
including heating and ventilation; windows will be replaced, and additional heat pumps will be installed, thereby lowering energy costs for residents and extending the life of Tantalus Manor itself by 20 years.
The funding provided by CGAH has been supplemented with significant contributions from the Federation of Canadian municipalities ($250,000), Vancity ($150,000), and in coordination with the District of Squamish.
West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler spoke on behalf of Gregor Robertson, Minister of Housing and Infrastructure and Minister responsible for Pacific Economic Development Canada
“While we know we need to build at scale across the country to meet the demands we have, we know the cheapest form of housing is the housing that we don’t actually have to build,” Weiler said
“It’s important for the people who live here, and those that will follow, that [housing will] remain safe and affordable for years to come, and that’s why today matters so much,” he added.
“This is how progress happens, step by step together, rooted in community.”
All existing tenants’ agreements will remain in place, however. The aim is that 50% of the units will be for members currently living off reserve, as the units turn over in time
“Squamish Nation is being pushed further and further outside of our community, and these types of partnerships allow us to live in our community again affordably, [and] to be close to our traditional territory,” she said.
“This is an incredible investment, not only into the rental stock, but also into greener affordable projects that also meet the goals of sustainability for the Squamish Nation.” Ellis confirmed that Tantalus Manor’s renovations will be complete by the fall this year, and that in doing so, there will be no displacement of existing residents.
The building contains a mix of studios, one-bedroom, two-bedroom and three-bedroom units.
“There will obviously be some day-to-day disruption to folks in their units due to the nature of the work, but staff on site will be working with residents to make sure they know the schedule and what they need to do to be ready,” she said
Tantalus Manor was bought by Housing Squamish and Hiy ám ta Housing in August 2024
Executive director of Housing Squamish, Sarah Ellis, described the community partnership as a commitment to and embodiment of “our core value” of reconciliation.
“It’s exciting to be supporting not only our communities, but also local businesses with
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Left to right: Squamish Nation Coun Sxwchálten Kevin Rivers and Anthony Joseph, Squamish Housing board chair Kirby Brown, Hiy ám Housing CEO Sarah Silva, Squamish Nation Elder TlatlaKwot Christine Baker, Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler, Squamish Housing executive director Sarah Ellis, Squamish Nation Coun. Kalkalilh Deanna Lewis, District of Squamish Coun Jenna Stoner
HELPING KELP: RESTORATION EFFORTS UNDERWAY IN ÁTL’ḴA7TSEM/HOWE SOUND
With support from Woodfibre LNG, Ocean Wise and the Squamish Nation are reviving sugar kelp habitats that play a critical role in sustaining marine life along Canada’s west coast
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Ocean Wise and the Squamish Nation are reviving sugar kelp habitats that play a critical role in sustaining marine life along Canada’s west coast.
Ocean Wise, in collaboration with Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), is helping restore sugar kelp in Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound.
The Strait of Georgia, and Howe Sound, which branches off from it, were once rich with herring spawn and kelp.
Kelp is vital to the herring lifecycle as eggs become attached to the kelp during the spawning process.
“In the Strait of Georgia, we have lost a lot of kelp along our shorelines Nobody knows the exact percentage, but the Strait of Georgia has experienced much higher temperatures over the last two, three decades,” said Scott Bohachyk, director of seaforestation at Ocean Wise, a global conservation organization.
“We have spoken to numerous community members and scuba divers and First Nations [people] who have told us countless stories of 30 or 40 years ago, ‘I used to go out on my deck, on my dock, and there would be 300 yards of bull kelp or giant kelp floating around, and now I go out there and there’s nothing.’’’ In terms of what else caused the kelp’s decline, there’s a climate change factor, but there’s also an ecosystem imbalance factor, Bohachyk said
Because of the local extinction of sea otters and the sunflower sea stars through the sunflower wasting disease, which are the two main predators of urchins in British Columbia, the urchin populations have exploded
“Urchins eat basically all the kelp that they can find And once the urchins eat the kelp, they can remain at that location in a sort of zombie or hibernation state for years, where they are actually starving, but if any kelp tries to grow back, they will go over and eat it,” Bohachyk said.
He noted that Kwum Kwum, the westernmost of the Defence Islands, northeast of Lhaxwm (Anvil Island) in Howe Sound, used to be covered in kelp, which gave it its name “There’s no kelp around those islands anymore. So just many dramatic changes.”
In Howe Sound, Ocean Wise has been working on a project for two years with Squamish Nation and with financial and other support from Woodfibre LNG.
In a post on its website, Woodfibre LNG also
acknowledges that in Howe Sound, as elsewhere, a century of industrial activity also added to the decline of herring and herring habitat
THE HOWE SOUND PROJECT
Ocean Wise has a kelp nursery at the Pacific Science Enterprise Centre in West Vancouver, where they grow kelp on rocks, which is then transferred to Furry Creek. Sugar kelp is suited for this because it is hardy, fast-growing, and native to Howe Sound.
“Then we put those rocks—after six weeks—into the water at the restoration site, and the kelp grows on the rocks. The idea is that kelp will reproduce and spread millions and billions of spores at the site, and a second generation will grow. So that’s what we’ve been doing at the Furry Creek site for the last two years with WLNG.”
The submerged nursery of “green gravel” is one or two hectares in size
“At the restoration site, we conduct regular monitoring visits and try to collect some video and photographic evidence and content for social media. And we, of course, communicate with funders and our supporters and so on.”
Success looks like a healthy and thriving
kelp forest again, with associated gains in marine biodiversity, he added.
Woodfibre LNG provides funding for nursery preparation and in-kind expertise for the project.
The company’s environmental consultants conduct scuba surveys to help track growth and biodiversity over time.
“Kelp restoration is about more than ecology—it’s about honouring the cultural and environmental values of Howe Sound,” said John Morgan, vice-president of sustainability for Pacific Energy, the parent company of Woodfibre LNG, on WLNG’s website. “By working alongside Ocean Wise and the Squamish Nation, we’re helping bring back kelp forests that play an important ecological role.”
Bohachyk said that a lot of the kelp restoration work is still in a research and development phase.
“We’re connected to a lot of other groups around the world, and everyone seems to be kind of learning as we go and really trying to crack that nut about how you [can] restore thousands or millions of hectares,” he said “[That] is really the big question in the kelp world nowadays.”
Kelp is a culturally and economically important species for the Nation and B.C.
“That includes abalone and rockfish, herring, and salmon. And you know, we’ve seen a few critters on the kelp that we put in last year, and that’s promising,” Bohachyk said
Bohachyk added there are other approaches to tackling the urchin problem that they may eventually use in Squamish
“If we find a lot of urchins, we’re piloting a new approach—it’s been tested in California and New Zealand—where it’s more of an ecosystem management approach, where you’re actually trying to harvest or reduce the density of the urchins to give the kelp a chance to grow back And that’s what we’re doing more in Barkley Sound,” he said of the Vancouver Island location
“We would love to do that with the Squamish [Nation} We’re just getting in touch with a few other folks at the Nation to explore that option, perhaps later this year or early 2027.”
Bohachyk also said he hopes there are more opportunities to bring out the Nation’s youth and other local kids to participate in some of the restoration work and monitoring
He said he will also be in discussions with Woodfibre LNG about restoration closer to the site when construction is complete
Woodfibre LNG says it will continue to support the work.
“Woodfibre LNG will continue to support this project as Ocean Wise and the Squamish
Kelp restoration is about more than ecology—it’s about honouring the cultural and environmental values of Howe Sound.
JOHN MORGAN
Nation expand kelp restoration in Átl’ḵa7tsem/ Howe Sound. Together, we aim to strengthen biodiversity, support cultural values, and help our shared waters thrive for generations,” the company says in the post to its site
While the local benefit of the kelp restoration work for the environment and culture is likely clear to most, there is also an economic cost of losing kelp, Bohachyk said, that folks may not think about.
“There was a paper published a couple of years ago that, in my opinion, quite conservatively estimates that the value of kelp forests is in a range of $50,000 to $150,000 U.S. per hectare, per year And when we lose those kelp forests, we lose that three-dimensional habitat that provides shelter, habitat and food for hundreds of species along the coast of B.C.,” he said
“And we end up with just a much less rich ocean along our shoreline. We’ve already lost about half of the kelp around the world, and we continue to lose about 1% to 1.5% per year. So it’s an urgent issue, and kelp has kind of unfortunately flown under the radar.”
WHAT YOU CAN DO
Bohachyk said the general public can get involved by simply heading to the beach and trying to identify some of the kelp that they see washed up
“Get a little bit more familiar with some of the species of kelp that we have in the province,” he said. “We’re very lucky to have just over 30 species of kelp in B.C., which is [one] of the highest rates of kelp diversity in the world. I would also encourage people to take a look at their grocery stores, perhaps sometimes in the health and wellness aisle, if they can find some kelp or seaweed to try and use in some home cooking or on its own. There’s kind of a growing market on that side of things They stand to play a big role in future food security for us in North America.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF OCEAN WISE/WLNG Green gravel has been placed at the Furry Creek site.
HOUSE OR BUSINESS? WHY THIS LOCAL COUPLE CHOSE A DREAM OVER A HOME
When the downtown Freshii faced closure, Emerson and Jmyr Buenviaje bet that hard work and community roots could be the ultimate recipe for success
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
It is mid-afternoon on a weekday, after the lunchtime rush.
At a table at the back of the Freshii restaurant downtown, a male customer has come in to eat pretty much every day for the last eight years or so, since the eatery opened its first outlet in town at Garibaldi Village
It was this customer that Emerson Buenviaje and his wife, Jmyr, first told the news that they had bought the franchise from its previous owner in the late fall.
This symbolizes how Buenviaje doesn’t take his customers or his life for granted.
Buenviaje, 43, is all smiles as he takes an outdoor seat, showing no signs of tiredness, though he admits he has been working straight every day since he took over as owner Dec. 5, after serving as the restaurant’s manager for many years.
That Buenviaje is a business owner is a dream come true not just for him and Jmyr, but for his family.
HOW IT STARTED
In 2008, Buenviaje was hired from the Philippines by Club Intrawest-Whistler in preparation for the 2010 Winter Olympics
He was hired as a room attendant in a hotel. Before this, he had been a cabin steward with a cruise line in Europe
He quickly fell in love with the Sea to Sky.
“Everywhere you go is postcard perfect nature,” he said, adding that he grew up in the capital city, Manila, which is highly urbanized and has a population of close to two million people.
Buenviaje eventually received his Canadian Permanent Residency (PR)
He met Jmyr—whose family had migrated in 1997 and lived in Vancouver—at church after five months in Canada They dated for many years, until he had earned his PR A decade ago, they married.
In 2018, the couple moved to Squamish so Buenviaje could be the manager of the Freshii at Garibaldi Village.
He later sponsored his parents to come live here from the Philippines after being selected in a competitive government draw for family spots. ‘A HOUSE OR A BUSINESS?’
Last year, he and his wife decided to move their family to Alberta to be closer to relatives on both sides and to afford buying a house.
But then, Freshii’s then-owner, Gerald Cote,
approached him about potentially buying the franchise
Buenviaje says he “loves the brand” and knows that some employees need their jobs as a pathway to permanent residency.
He also felt very strongly that Squamish needs what Freshii offers, a healthy fast food option
And he loves that Freshii is an option for the hot lunch days at local schools.
If he didn’t buy the franchise, it would close.
He didn’t want that for the kids, the employees, or Squamish.
Buenviaje took the proposal to buy the business home to his wife
“What do you want—a house or a business?
That’s the exact question I asked her,” he recalled.
“And she said, ‘Can we revive the business, first?’”
Freshii had been struggling financially, but Buenviaje bet he could help it thrive.
“I don’t doubt myself working hard because I know myself. So, if I work seven days a week, if it’s for us, for the company, then I will do it.”
Jmyr was on board.
“I see it in his eyes that he really wants it,” she recalled.
As an accountant, her skills are valuable in running the business as well
They decided to buy the company and stay in Squamish.
The business has been getting busier, according to Buenviaje, who notes they are seeing an uptick on weekends, when previously most downtown customers were those who worked in the area
DREAMS COME TRUE
To be a business owner is more than a dream come true for his whole family, Buenviaje said.
It is a testament to hard work, perseverance and a bit of good luck.
Buenviaje notes that his parents grew up poor in the Philippines.
“My parents were from a very poor background My dad didn’t finish high school, as well as my mom. They were both housemaids when they were young,” Buenviaje said Being able to send their child to university was a huge thing for them, and eventually getting residency in Canada was a milestone, he said.
“Now, for their son and then their daughter-in-law to have a business in Canada. Just to be in Canada is already a great blessing for our family To have a business, it’s unbelievable.”
When Buenviaje was 18, he was a pre-med student with a future in medicine Then his father got sick and could no longer work Buenviaje quit school at 19 to support his family
“So at 19, I’m already the breadwinner,” he recalled, adding he got a job at a fast food
I don’t doubt myself working hard because I know myself. So, if I work seven days a week, if it’s for us, for the company, then I will do it.
EMERSON BUENVIAJE
restaurant.
His monthly salary was equal to $240, he said.
“We’re a family of eight. And I was like, we’re not going to survive this with my dad sick.”
He then got a hospitality job at a hotel.
“In the Philippines, by the way, if you are not a college degree holder, you won’t get a job,” he explained.
After 10 months at the hotel, he was hired by the cruise line, which ultimately led to the Whistler job.
His dad is now better and found work in Squamish too.
While Buenviaje was a devoted manager who worked hard before he bought the place, being in charge of his own restaurant, he now feels even more dedicated to customer service.
“There will be a higher level of attention to detail now. And, you know, that urge to really give satisfaction and optimal service to everyone That’s the energy we are bringing now to the company,” he said.
The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news. To be considered, please reach out to news@squamishchief.com.
While funding for this coverage was provided, The Squamish Chief maintains full editorial control over all content.
Brought to you by Community Futures Howe Sound, The Sea to Sky’s resource for financing and free business support to help local businesses and entrepreneurs in the area Connect with them directly and learn more at cfhowesound.com or email Kieran at kieran.hale@cfhowesound.com.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Emerson Buenviaje and his wife Jmyr at their Freshii outlet downtown
NEW FREE LOCAL GIRLS’ RUGBY PROGRAM
The Squamish Axewomen Rugby Club is launching a nocost, five-week ‘Try Rugby’ program
a
opportunity this
a free, five-week introduction to the
Application for Pesticide Use
PESTICIDE USE PERMIT
APPLICATION #924-0001-26-26
Applicant: British Columbia MinistryofAgricultureand Food, 1767 AngusCampbellRoad,Abbotsford,B.C., V3G2M3 Phone:1866 917-5999
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Girls, want to give the game of rugby a try, for free?
The folks with Squamish Axewomen Rugby Club are offering a free, five-week “Try Rugby” program for girls ages 13 to 18, which is being funded through the Rugby Canada Let’s Play Rugby grant.
“The program is designed to introduce high school-aged girls to rugby at a moment when women’s rugby is really taking off in Canada following a silver medal at last year’s World Cup), and to help build momentum toward establishing a girls’ team at the local high school,” reads an emailed statement from the organizers
The sessions will be coached by members of the Squamish Axewomen Rugby Club, with coaches who bring experience as both players and coaches at the provincial and Canadian university levels, the release states
The program is being coordinated by a group of local rugby and school leaders who are passionate about growing girls’ rugby in town.
The leadership team includes Chrissie Arnold, a Squamish Axewomen player with experience as a provincial and university level player and coach, Mel Michener, head coach of the Axewomen’s program with provincial and university playing experience; and Sam Byrne, athletic director at Howe Sound Secondary School, who has previously coached high school rugby.
“Together, they are focused on creating accessible, welcoming opportunities for girls to
Together, they are focused on creating accessible, welcoming opportunities for girls to try the sport.
TRY RUGBY ORGANIZERS
try the sport,” reads the release.
No prior rugby experience is required, and the program is intentionally low-barrier and welcoming, organizers say.
“Rugby helps girls build physical confidence, resilience, and teamwork, while learning how to communicate and support one another. It is an inclusive sport with room for all body types, athletic backgrounds, and personalities,” reads the statement from the club “Rugby also offers clear pathways for continued involvement, from community club rugby to high school, provincial, and university-level sport, making it a game that girls can enjoy whether they are looking for something recreational or more competitive. It’s also super fun!”
The program runs Wednesdays from Feb. 4 to March 4, 3:30 to 5 p.m. , on the Howe Sound Secondary School field.
Participants should bring athletic clothing suitable for outdoor activity, running shoes or cleats if they have them, and a water bottle. No rugby-specific equipment or experience is needed for the first session.
Anyone with questions can reach out to Sam Byrne at SByrne@sd48.bc.ca.
TheMinistryofAgriculture and Food has applied to the Ministryof Environmentand Parksfor apermit to use Btk(Bacillus thuringiensisvar.Kurstaki), commercial formulation Foray48B,toeradicate an establishing spongy moth (Lymantria dispar;formerly referred to as gypsy moth)population in a121-hectare parcel in Squamish (see map). Threeaerial applications areplanned between April 1and June 30, 2026. Btk has been approved forthe controlofspongy moth larvae inCanada since1961.
An in-person open house will be held February19atHoweSound Inn&Brewing Company. Further information on the open housewill be mailed out to residents in the spray area. Maps of the treatmentareas and additional information are available online at: gov.bc.ca/spongymoth/news
Aperson wishingtocontributeinformationabout thetreatment sites forthe evaluation of this permit application must sendcopies of the informationtoboth the applicantatthe addressabove (orbyemailat spongy.moth@gov.bc.ca)and the administrator under the Integrated Pest ManagementAct at Ministry of Environmentand Parks, Suite200 –10470 152Street,Surrey, B.C.V3R 0Y3 (orbyemail at ENVCIA@gov.bc.ca)within 30daysof the publicationofthisnotice.
PHOTO BY MEG KIMBLE
Teenage girls in Squamish have
unique
winter:
sport of rugby, courtesy of the local Axewomen Rugby Club
SQUAMISH’S OLYMPIC CONTINGENT: VETERANS AND ROOKIES READY FOR ITALY
More than just medals, Squamish athletes bring grit and family to the 2026 Olympics
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Squamish’s Cassie Sharpe is having a good run so far this year The freestyle skier earned bronze in the women’s Ski SuperPipe at the X Games in Aspen, Colo., on Jan. 23, earning a score of 87.00. This makes her a seven-time X Games medalist
“My philosophy of having more fun than pressure this season is really shining through! I barely threw up before this contest! Progress,” she joked on Instagram after her win.
In the Winter X Games in Aspen, in 2025, she won gold; in 2021 she won silver; in 2020 she took bronze; in 2019 she was golden again; in 2018 she took bronze; and in 2016 she also took gold in Oslo.
Sharpe, who now calls Squamish home, but was born in Calgary and raised in Comox on Vancouver Island, is also headed with Team Canada to the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, it was announced last week. Sharpe will be one of 25 freestyle skiers
heading to the games and one of seven Canadians competing in halfpipe events.
I definitely can’t guarantee any outcomes but I can guarantee that I will be having the most fun with my family by my side and a smile on my face knowing I’ve reached my goal of attending my third games.
CASSIE SHARPE
2024-25 season, according to a Team Canada release.
“I truly cannot think of a greater honour than to be representing the country that I feel such an overwhelming amount of pride for at the highest level of competition in the entire world,” Fleming said on his Instagram. “This sport that I’ve pour[ed] my entire life into, made sacrifices that have real world implications, and fought tooth and nail for when I’d have rather been doing anything else Yet I still love it to my core.”
“I am honoured to represent @teamcanada once again! When I made the decision to return to halfpipe after taking a two-and-a-half-year break to have Lou, I immediately had my sights set on Milan/Cortina and am really proud to say I’ve done it,” she wrote. “I definitely can’t guarantee any outcomes but I can guarantee that I will be having the most fun with my family by my side and a smile on my face knowing I’ve reached my goal of attending my third games.”
The mom to two-year-old Louella “Lou” is no stranger to podiums at the Olympics She won silver when she competed in Beijing in 2022, and in PyeongChang 2018, she won gold in women’s ski halfpipe
Sharpe isn’t the only local heading to the Milano Cortina games.
Trennon Paynter, from Squamish’s Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood, is again a coach for the halfpipe team. (He was named the Canadian National Halfpipe Team head coach back in 2011.) Fellow Garibaldi Highlands local Margaret-Phillips-Scarlett is heading to the games as a physiotherapist for the halfpipe athletes.
As for Squamish athletes in other sports who are heading to the games, Jasper Fleming is one of seven first-timers joining Team Canada’s biathlon team, which is led by Beijing 2022 Olympian Adam Runnalls. Canada qualified four men’s and four women’s spots based on the Nations Cup ranking at the end of the
Always humble, he threw the credit back at those who have supported him along the way. “This isn’t about me, it’s about the community of people who stood behind a dream and that means the world.”
Fleming, 20, made his IBU World Cup debut last season and competed at the 2025 IBU Junior World Championships. Fleming has been open about his struggles and ability to adapt to being “extremely dyslexic.”
“As a kid, developing those fundamental pathways of being determined and resilient, I would say, has carried over quite a lot to the way I exist as a person, but the way that I like [to] compete as an athlete, too,” he told Pique Newsmagazine “Just not wanting to give up and being able to see the bigger picture through it all.”
Another young local, Avery Krumme, is also headed to the games, representing Team USA. U.S. Ski and Snowboard announced the 17-year-old dual citizen as one of 16 skiers named to the U.S. freeski team, with the women’s slopestyle and big air rookie team.
“Heading to Italy next week for the Olympics,” she wrote on her Instagram. “So stoked to represent @teamusa at the games. Dream come true. Thank you mum, dad and coaches.”
The Olympics run Feb. 6 to 22, 2026.
PHOTO KEVIN LIGHT / CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE
Cassie Sharpe is headed back to the Olympics
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ACROSS
1. Back talk
5. Wise bird
8. Land amid water
12. Cattle
13. Feather scarf
14. Approve
15. Dog’sbane
16. Lawn material
17.Measurewith astopwatch
18. Shrine
20.Temporary replacement
22.Did wrong
24.Merry
28. Fools
33. Elaboratesolo
34. Lamb’s mom
36. Sevendays
37.Synagogue official
39.Aged
41.AdvocateRalph
43. Spaces on a form
47.Recurring series
52. Earring’slocation
53. Preschooler
55. Rich deposit
56. Flirty look
57.Animosity
58. Insist upon
59.Having foot digits
60.Cherry color
61.Lived
DOWN
1. Not hard
2. Pivot
3. Look like
4. Clothing fastener
5. Examine
6. Romance
7. Scoop
8. Small bit
9. Body covering 10.Weak,asanexcuse
11. Goggler
19.Waikiki wreath
21. Kooky
23. Marry again
24.Not near
25. Distinct span
26.Bro or sis
27.Check
29.Beinarrears
30.Miles hour
31. Electric fish
32. Earth’supper atmosphere
35. Putintooffice
38. Printing fluid
40.Parched
42. Out of bed
43.Blemish
44.Advertising symbol
45. Adept
46. Destitution
48. Members-only group
49.Folk tales
50.Brink
51.Caught sight of
54. Mine deposit
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:
HOROSCOPE WEEK OF JAN29, 2026
ARIES March 21-April 19
Even if you tend to shyaway from attention, you’ll find yourself in the spotlightthis week.Aparticular situation will push you to overcome your shyness. In return, you’ll receive wordsofadmiration and be able to expressyourgratitude
TAURUS April 20-May20
If yourchildren have already left home,you mayconsider sellingyourhouse to gain more freedom.Onthe other hand, if yourrelationship is still in its early stages,the ideaofmoving in together maysoonfeellike the nextnatural step.
GEMINI May21-June 20
You’ll engage in many discussions this week.Atwork, you’ll expand yourclient base while strengtheningteamspirit amongyourcolleagues.Your advice is valuedand could lead to anotable improvementin yourfinancial situation.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Your financialsituation could create alot of tension this week However, an expertcould help you find asuitable solution. This will ease some of the pressure and giveyou the chance to enjoy awell-deservedbreak
SUDOKU
-FEB 4, 2026
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
You’ll be burstingwith energy this week.You’ll feel capable of movingmountains! You’ll throw yourselfintoanew professional or personal projectthatwill giveyou adeep senseofaccomplishmentand satisfaction.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
You’ll need solid supportin both yourprofessional and personal life.You’ll readilyoffer help to aloved one this week. However, be careful and make sure othersdon’t takeadvantage of yourgenerosity.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
This week will be filledwith tension. This atmospherewill encourageyou to takebetter care of yourself,especially through physicalexercise. Since keepingyourmorale up matters too, treatyourselftoafew indulgences to lift yourspirits
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Unexpectedeventscould causedelaysthis week,but spacingout yourappointments could help you minimizeyour stress.This is alsoagood time to consider startingyourown business.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Your friends mayinviteyou on afun getaway. Nothingwill revitalizeyou morethana brief change of scenery, especiallyif you liveinthe city.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You’ll soon go through an emotionallyintenseperiodthat will prompt you to evaluate yourfriendships.Opportunistic actions will push you to reaffirmyourvalues.Ifyou respectyourself,you’ll attract moreauthentic and sincere relationships
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
You’ll feel alot of pressure to make an importantdecision this week.Ifyou want to make the rightchoice,gather all the necessary information and weighthe pros and cons.Give yourselfthe time you need
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
At work,you’ll be flooded with urgent tasks that demand your attention. Although this may causesome stress,the hustle and bustle could become a springboardfor growth.You maysuddenlybegiven an opportunityfor advancement, whichwill benefit your career
HOWTOPLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3box contains the numbers1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. Youalready have afew numbers to getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box
TheParish of St.John the Divine, Squamish
Holy Communion and MorningWorship Sundays at 10:00 AM
