March 5, 2026

BROKEN PROMISE: PROVINCE DELAYS NEW LONG-TERM CARE HOME

‘The people of Sea to Sky deserve better’ says the mayor

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

The previously announced new long-term care home slated for Squamish has been delayed, with no date for when it may come to fruition.

The provincial government announced in its budget on Feb. 17 that it had pressed pause on several long-term care home builds, including in Squamish.

This so-called “repacing” is to “incorporate the lessons learned from projects already underway and from its ongoing review of the long-term care infrastructure program,” the provincial government press background document reads.

Thenew facility, announced by the province in September 2024, was slated to have 152 beds at 42000

HOUSING: Continued on2

HOUSING: Continued from1

Loggers Lane and serve the entire Sea to Sky Corridor

It also would have offered a 10-space day program forolder adults and child-care space for 37 children.

The capital cost of the project was estimated to be $286 million in 2024, to be paid by the province

Asked fora timeline for future movement on the long-term care plan for Squamish, a Ministry of Finance spokesperson said it’s too early to say, adding that the Ministry of Infrastructure and partners will be working together to determinenext steps and implications on project schedules.

The spokesperson said for several projects, the government has been experiencing significant and unsustainable costs.

In some cases, the costs have increased to as high as $1.8 million per bed.

Thus, the government is exploring approaches like standard design guidelines, modular construction options, and other ways to build facilities in a faster and more cost-effective way.

The Ministry of Health is also working with stakeholders to advanceanew funding model for long-term care homes, the government spokesperson said Mayor Armand Hurford said residents deserve better than this delay.

“It has been long recognized that the population of Canada is aging, and it will be a challenge to meet the demands this will place on ourhealth care system We are no exception here in Squamish,” he said, in an emailed statement.“I understand the province’s current fiscal situation, and that large investments like this may be tempting to back away from, but time marches on and the demographic crunch grows ever nearer. Delay in delivering these critical facilities to our community will have adversehealth outcomes, and the people of Sea to Sky deserve better.”

‘REALLY DISAPPOINTED’

Jeremy Valeriote, the BC Green Party MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, told The Squamish Chiefhe was “really disappointed” with thenews

“I mean, we hada projected opening date of 2030,” he said, adding that he was surprised by the announcement.“I’m not happy about it, and I’ll be advocating for some answers in terms of completion date.”

“We’ve got 16,000 long-term care beds that will be needed in thenext 10 years, and we can’t afford to lose a couple of years for budget ‘repacing’ or whatever it’s being called right now.”

The Office of the Seniors Advocate notes that the province’s population aged 65 and older is projected to increase by 26% over thenext 10 years.

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“We are at the beginning of a rapid increase in the number of people 65 and over, and we know the gap between the seniors’ population andolder adults requiring public services will only widen if we don’t act now,” said Dan Levitt, BC Seniors Advocate, in anews release on Jan. 27, before the budget announcement

“Government’s own data shared in our report last July shows 16,000 more long-term care beds will be needed over thenext decade and, as of today, the province has no plan to meet this demand.”

Valeriote saidhe doesn’t imagine the delay means the facility won’t happen at all, but the wait is unacceptable.

“This just leaves families forced to step in, and it puts a lot of pressure on caregivers and just a huge emotional strain for Squamish, well, all Sea to Sky residents.”

It has beenlong recognized that the populationof Canada is aging, and it will be a challenge to meet the demandsthis will placeon our healthcare system.

MAYORARMANDHURFORD

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Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

BUSINESSES WARN BIKE LANE PLAN WILL SQUEEZE PARKINGON EAGLEWIND BOULEVARD

A plan to add new bike lanes on Eaglewind Boulevard in downtown Squamish is drawing criticism from nearby business owners who say the project will remove convenient off-street and informal curbside parking their clients rely on

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

Dr. Brandon Baker, of Garibaldi Eye Care, doesn’t like what he sees as the future of parking for his patients when he looks outside of his Eaglewind Boulevard office in downtown Squamish.

Baker, who set up his office about five years ago, is frustrated by a plan to remove off-street parking stalls along the street in front of his business to put in new bike lanes.

“It’s going to cause huge problems with accessibility to our business,” he said. “A large proportionof our patients are over the age of 65 and even older and have mobility issues—things like that,” he said. “They can’t park They have to go what to Save On and hoof it over here, you know? It can’t happen.”

The District says there are two two-hour parking stalls on the north end of Eaglewind Boulevard that are informally used as angled stalls. There are also what District manager of communications, Rachel Boguski, calls “informal” parking along both sides of Eaglewind Boulevard, except between Dec. 1 to March1 when winter parking restrictions are in effect on both sides of the street.

While it is a developer-led project, council approved thenew bike lane design in 2024 The project is now in its final stages.

“The proposed changes are a result of a development that will bring additional vehicle, pedestrian and cycling traffic to this area, and upgrading the road to accommodate for safe increased volume. Thenew bike lanes will connect to new bike lanes planned for Pemberton and Third Avenue, which were also secured through this development.”

The current lanes donot meet the six-metre standard for fire access, and so converting the parking to an on-street bike lane will improve emergency access, according to Boguski. She also noted that no accessible stalls are being removed, however, inlight of recent feedback, the municipality is exploring the option to add an on-street accessible stall to help service eye clinic patients. In addition, two public accessible parking stalls are being added as part of theneighbouring development, as well as one on-street accessible stall on Pemberton Avenue.

Baker stressed he isn’t anti-cycling, but struggles to see how the bike lanes planned for

the Eaglewind Boulevard areneeded, when it is a traffic-calmed street already, with roundabouts on both ends and a boulevard down the middle.

With the Three Summits development under construction, development planned for Bailey Street, and residents of Eaglewind parking on the street rather than in their own garages, and now the plan to remove more on-street parking, the whole area is a potential parking mess, Baker said.

He launched a petition that quickly gathered close to 100 signatures, he said.

‘IF

THERE’S NOT ENOUGH PARKING HERE,I GO OUT OF BUSINESS.’

Loretta Cella, the owner of BreathWorks Studios, which is next to Garibaldi Eye Care, shares Baker’s concerns.

She noted she feels she doesn’t have all the information sheneeds from the District to understand what is going on, as local businesses weren’t looped in on the plan or asked how it would impact them, she said.

However, the prospect of losing parking spots worries her.

“If there’s not enough parking here,I go out of business. I’m a single mom. This is my income This is my startup.”

She saidher clients aren’t all from Squamish,

so arriving by bus or foot is not an option.

“I have clients that come from Chilliwack, or from Whistler.I have clients from all over, because what we do here is very unique.”

And if the spots are removed, it is likely clients will arrive late to classes or appointments, or just not make it at all, as they struggle to find parking.

EAGLEWIND BOULEVARD IS ‘RELATIVELY QUIET’

Chiropractor Dr. Kurtis Munro at thenearby Peak Integrated Health echoed hisneighbours’ concerns and would like the District to reconsider the plan for bike lanes in this area.

“The Eaglewind Boulevard is a relatively quiet, straight street with good visibility, and speed is limited to 15 km/h as it enters the roundabout I feel as though bike lanes in this region wouldn’t drastically improve safety for bike traffic,” he said.

“On the flip side, taking away parking will makea significant difference to local business and patients’ access to the care provided at our businesses.”

This negative effect has been seen withthe addition of the winter parking restrictions from Dec.1 to March 1st, he added.

“When this parking restriction went into effect our clinic did receive many complaints from patients struggling to find parking during the winter months,” he said, adding he appealed to the District about thisissue, but didn’t feel he was getting anywhere.

“When making the decision regarding the bike lane and reducing street parkingI hope the District takes into account the reality that local businesses do need parking for patients, clients, customers and staff. If the District believes a bike lane is important on Eagleview Boulevard, I think they mayneed to look at a larger scope project that would include using the space more effectively to create more parking, not less,” he said.

Asked about mitigation measures, Boguski said maintaining as much public parking as possible was explored in the redesign of the street The under-construction Three-Summits Polygon development includes an additional 42 shared commercial and visitor parking stalls in the parkade, accessible from the north end of Eaglewind Boulevard.

Asked about using the grassy boulevard area for parking, Boguski said adding additional parking to the centre median would not be possible without significant curb and boulevard changes.

‘DOWNTOWN BUSINESSES RELY ON CONVENIENT, SHORT-TERM PARKING’

Anne Mackenzie, executive directorof the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, told The Squamish Chief the organization recognizes and supports the municipality’s broader goals of enhancing active transportation, improving safety, and advancing environmental sustainability.

However, in this case, the chamber sees the impact the loss of parking could have on businesses.

“Investments in cycling infrastructure can contribute positively to the vibrancy and livability of our community, and many of our members value initiatives that align with Squamish’s identity as an outdoor-oriented town,” Mackenzie said.

“At the same time, the chamber’s primary responsibility is to advocate for thehealth and resilience of our local business community. Downtown businesses rely on convenient, short-term parking to support customer access, particularly for retail, personal services, restaurants, and professional offices,” she added.

“The proposed removal of on-street parking on Eaglewind Boulevard could have significant impacts on foot traffic, customer convenience, delivery logistics, and accessibility for seniors and individuals with mobility challenges.”

Mackenzie said the chamber is hearing from business owners and property residents who are concerned about potential unintended consequences, including reduced sales, increased congestionon adjacent streets, and limited options for employees who commute from outside the downtown core.

“For many small and medium-sized enterprises, even modest declines in customer access can have outsized financial effects,” she said.

Mackenzie stressed that the chamber is not opposed to improved cycling infrastructure; however, they strongly encourage the District to consider the implications of removing parking in an already underserved area of our community.

“We must be able to plan for the future, while also serving the communityneeds that exist today. This should include meaningful consultation with affected businesses and residents, clear data on current parking utilization, an evaluationof alternative routes for bike lanes, anda practical plan to replace lost

PARKING: Continued on4

SOUTH COAST SNOWPACK LOW AHEAD OF WILDFIRE SEASON

South Coast snowpack sits at 61% of normal as Squamish fire officials prepare for summer, with spring weather expected to shape drought and wildfire risk

LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

While winter isn’t over yet, early signs of spring are already appearing in Squamish, with crocuses sprouting and slackliners appearing in Junction Park.

But what happens over the next few weeks precipitation-wise could shape the region’s wildfire and drought outlook.

The latest report from the River Forecast Centre shows the South Coast snowpack sitting at 61% ofnormal for this time of year.

Jonathan Boyd with the River Forecast Centre said February 1 typically marks about two-thirds of the snow accumulation season.

“By February 1, it typically represents about two thirds of the snow accumulation season So we still do have February and March, and sometimes even into mid to late April, we can continue to accumulate the snowpack,” Boyd said. “So the likelihood of catching up and rebounding to near normal by April 1 is on the lower side But it’s not out of the possibilities.”

Lower snowpack can mean less water stored

PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

in mountain snowfields for the summer months a key factor in both drought conditions and wildfire behaviour.

Squamish Fire Chief Aaron Foote said the trend of low snowpack in recent years is concerning.

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“The low snowpack has been prevalent over the last few years. This year, particularly when I look in the mountains. it will be an earlier fire season this year, and most likely it’ll last longer,” Foote said.

Last summer’s Dryden Creek wildfire burned nearly 60 hectares and prompted the District of Squamish to declarea state of local emergency.

In anticipationof another challenging season, the Squamish Fire Rescue department is already preparing. Foote said crews are training with other coastal fire departments, working closely

with the BC Wildfire Service, and implementing updated policies and bylaws.

“Also, we do have a new community wildfire preparedness plan that is soon to be released, probably in the next month or so, which looks at the risk in the valley and looks at ways of mitigating those risks,”he said.

However, officials stress that low snowpack does not automatically translate into water shortages.

District utilities manager Ben Kineshanko said day-to-day consumer usage hasa far greater impact on water supply than year-toyear snowpack variability.

“Consumer usage trends have a far greater impact on our water supply, day to day, week to week, throughout the dry season than year to year snowpack variability,”he said.

District monitoring wells currently show groundwater levels within normal ranges, and experts caution it is still too early to predict what summer water supply will look like.

Boyd emphasized that spring weather will ultimately determine how conditions unfold.

“Snowpack is one factor that can be at play, especially with the early season predictors, but really it revolves around just how hot and dry it could be in the springtime,” he said.

Officials say the outlook should become clearer by April. In the meantime, fire crews and water managers alike are urging residents not to wait to prepare.

Experts recommend starting FireSmart work early—before prolonged heat, drought and potential restrictions set in.

parking capacity where feasible,” she said.

Mackenzie noted that with a member survey the chamber conducted just over a year ago, the “overwhelming majority” of respondents were very vocal about their frustrations with the lack of parking in the downtown core, and reported that it was a key factor in their decision-making as to whether or not they would frequent a business located in downtown Squamish.

“Continuing to reduce on-street parking before ensuring there are alternatives in place— whether that is alternative parking, or increased transitoptions—would be a mistake,” she said.

Kerry Neil, executive director of the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association, didn’t speak in such direct terms, but shared a similar sentiment.

“While the Eaglewind area sits outside of our formal boundary, it is directly adjacent, and there is a clear relationship between the health of businesses in that area and those within our district,” she said, in an emailed statement.

“We understand that businesses are currently facing parking challenges, and we share concerns about the potentialnegative impacts that parking loss can have, including revenue

risk, delivery and loading constraints, short-term construction disruption, and reduced drive-by visibility. These pressures can be significant for small businesses operating on tight margins,” she added.

“Our goal is not to take a position on a specific project outside our boundary, but to ensure that the economic impacts on local businesses are fully understood and carefully considered in the decision-making process, as such projects affect the entire downtown and surrounding area.”

Boguski said that District staff are exploring possible minor changes that couldhelp address some of the recent parking concerns Any major changes at this stage wouldneed to align with the draft plan and Subdivision and Development Control Bylaw, she said.

“District on-street parking is a public asset, and although it can support businesses and residents within the area, public stalls should not always be expected for business use. For reference, there are 34 street-level parking stalls and several parkade commercial stalls that service 1211, 1235 and 1241 Village Green Way commercial units. We encourage business owners to work with stratas to develop parking agreements for their staff and service needs,” she said.

DISTRICT TO SEND LETTER TO FEDS ASKING FOR IMPROVED EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT FUNDING

The federal government agency, Public Safety Canada, is currently seeking input on ways to strengthen federal leadership in emergency management

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

The District council endorsed sending a direct and strongly-worded letter to the federal government regarding what the municipality would like to see in terms of emergency management help from the feds for Squamish.

The federal government agency, Public Safety Canada, is currently seeking input from emergency management experts across provinces and territories, Indigenous groups, civil society organizations, and the public on ways to strengthen federal leadership in emergency management.

West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler had suggested in his own letter to council previously that the District contribute its desires through this process.

The deadline to submit feedback was Feb. 28. Staff drafted the letter as directed by council

Over the

we have responded to the DrydenCreek wildfireand multiple atmospheric river events, which presentclear evidence ofclimate change impacts.

LETTER TO THE

FEDERALGOVERNMENT

on Dec. 16, 2025 and presented it at the council meeting on Feb. 17.

“The letter was drafted to includea local government perspective on emergency management andidentify some opportunities in how provincial and or federal level funding

or emergency response could better support municipalities throughout the entirety of the emergency management cycle,” Pascale St-Louis, the District’s general manager of public safety, told council.

The letter, ultimately to be signed by Mayor Armand Hurford, notes that Squamish faces 16 unique hazards, “including but not limited to atmospheric hazards, dam failure, landslides, flooding, seismic events, wildfires, and tsunamis. While these hazards are not new, their frequency, intensity, and potential to compound are increasing, creating more complex emergencies.”

“Over the past year, we have responded to the Dryden Creek wildfire and multiple atmospheric river events, which present clear evidence of climate change impacts. Additionally, our reliance on a single transportation corridor, Highway 99, has also exposed us to regional disruptions such as the 2024 Lions Bay landslide, underscoring the need for coordinated regional and provincial level planning,” the letter reads.

It calls on the federal government to

FUNDING: Continued on7

DUPLEX ORDERED TO REDRAW STRATA PLAN

The Civil Resolution tribunal order was spurred after one property owner wanted to builda fence through the other’s driveway

LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

Corinne Gardner wants stratified duplex owners to understand how the Strata Property Act applies to their homes, and how it governs their relations, after winning a case before the British Columbia Civil Resolution Tribunal.

Since 2022, she’s been fighting herneighbour in Brackendale over putting up a fence between their duplex driveways, which would have preventedher from parking in her own driveway or accessingher garage.

For over three years, she says she’s exhausted herself financially with legal fees, spending every day off poring over documents, attending tribunal proceedings, and self-representing when she ran out of money for legal representation.

“I have endured… financial burdens, stress from time constraints of having to become my own expert as a lawyer to self-defend myself,” she said.“Plus, I’m working as a full-time single mom withthree children.I currently feel like I’m almost in a PTSD state right now.”

She wantsher story to be a cautionary tale for other duplex owners to know the basics of the Strata Property Act—especially in two-unit stratas where every decision effectively requires unanimous approval—in case they ever need to self-represent before the BCCRT.

A TALE OF TWO DRIVEWAYS

Gardner andherneighbours, Andrea and Klaus Heilemann, have lived side by side since purchasing their respective properties in 2008.

Located in a cul-de-sac, their shared curved driveway features a flush rock divider in the middle that the developer installed when the home was built to indicate each owner’s portion of the driveway.

Although the driveway appears functionally divided, the legal boundary on the strata plan did not follow the physical driveway median Instead, the limited common property (LCP) division line cut across part of the driveway Gardner had used for 14 years to access her garage.

Until one day, herneighbours decided they wished to builda fence along the legal boundary.

The BCCRT decision outlines that the Heilemanns sought strata approval for two changes to limited common property: alterations to a rear deck that had already been completed without prior approval, and a proposed fence along the front-yard LCP boundary.

In a two-unit strata, the strata council consists of both owners That means both must

Located in a cul-de-sac, the duplex’s shared curved driveway includes a flush rock divider installed by the developer to mark each owner’s portion. But while the driveway appears split down the middle, the legal boundary on the strata plan did not follow that median Instead, the limited common property line cut across part of the driveway Gardner had used for 14 years to access her garage.

agree before changes to common property or limited common property can proceed. Because Gardner voted against both resolutions, they failed.

LCP is land designated on a strata plan for the exclusive use ofone strata lot owner, even though it is technically common property. Balconies, decks and some parking areas are often LCP.

In this case, boththe rear deck and portions of the driveway were designated as limited common property.

The unauthorized changes related to a deck the Heilemanns expanded. They argued the alterations were made to comply with District of Squamish building requirements after a complaint triggereda review While the District ultimately approved the work and closed its file, the tribunal noted municipal approval does not override strata approval requirements.

Gardneropposed the deck approval, arguing the expansion affected her privacy and encroached on a registered drainage easement running along the rear property line.

The tribunal agreed that part of the expanded deck sat within the easement area Because the easement agreement prohibits structures within that space, the tribunal found this was another reason strata approval was properly denied.

The second failed resolution involved a proposed fence along the front-yard LCP boundary Although the fence would have followed the legal boundary on the strata plan, that boundary cut through the functional driveway Gardner had historically used to access her garage.

After the resolutions failed, the Heilemanns

applied to the tribunal, arguing the defeat of the resolutions was unfair and asking that they be deemed approved.

Gardner responded that installinga fence along the legal boundary would effectively eliminateher ability to access her garage without extensive structuralmodifications to her home. She also fileda counterclaim seeking to prohibit the fence and amend the strata plan.

She further argued the strata plan dividing line was flawed and filed a third-party claim against Bunburry and Associates Land Surveying Ltd., surveyor Martin Jones, and developer Chris Rommel Bunburry and Jones denied the allegations against them Rommel did not file a response, but the tribunal found no evidence that he wasnegligent and dismissed the claim against him.

The Squamish Chief reached out to Jones, Rommel and Mr. Heilemann for comment. Mr. Heilemann declined to comment. Jones and Rommel did not respond by publication deadline.

CRT’S AUTHORITY AND SIGNIFICANT UNFAIRNESS

In his decision, Tribunal member J. Garth Cambrey found that installing a fence along the current legal boundary would be “significantly unfair.”

Under section 123 of the Civil Resolution Tribunal Act, the tribunal has authority to remedy actions by a strata corporation that are significantly unfair.

Cambrey applied a legal test examining whether Gardner’s reasonable expectations had been violated.

“I find Corinne Gardner’s stated expectation is that she should have continued use of her part of the driveway … to permit her access to her garage. I find that expectation is reasonable given she historically had use of the driveway for about 14 years,” the decision reads.

The tribunal further found that preventing her access would require removal of entrance stairs and potentially structural work to the building’s foundation—an expense estimated at least $65,000—which would be borne by both owners under strata repairobligations.

The tribunal rejected the Heilemanns’ argument that Gardner had no right to indoor parking.

A RARE ORDER TO OVERRIDE UNANIMOUS VOTING

Under the Strata Property Act, changing a strata plan normally requires a unanimous vote of owners In a two-unit strata, that effectively means both owners mustagree.

But the tribunal found the strata was at an impasse and that leaving the current legal boundary intact would perpetuate significant unfairness.

In a rare move, Cambrey ordered the strata plan amended without a unanimous vote relocating the LCP division to the midpoint of the driveway median.

The order gives the parties 120 days to amend the strata plan, with costs shared proportionally.

The decision notes that in rare cases of significant unfairness, the tribunal’s authority can supersede otherwise mandatory provisions of the Strata Property Act.

WAS THEREA MISTAKE IN THE STRATA PLAN?

Gardner argued the driveway dispute arose because of an error made when the strata plan was prepared in 2008, before the driveway and landscaping were installed.

However, the tribunal found no mistake was proven.

The strata plan was finalized on Aug. 12, 2008, and registered later that October. The tribunal accepted evidence that the driveway had not yet been constructed at the time the plan was completed. As a result, it found the surveyor could not have depicted the finished driveway configuration.

“Rather, I find it more likely than not that the strata plan was accurate when it was completed,” Cambrey wrote. Responsibility for registering the strata plan lay withthe developer, Rommel Homes Ltd., not the surveyor. There were no allegations of mistake or wrongdoing against Rommel Homes Ltd.

The tribunalalso dismissed Gardner’s negligence claim against the surveyor company Bunburry and surveyor Jones, finding no evidence that a duty of care had been breached.

FUNDING: Continued from5

transition to a system of emergency funding that is stable and annual, distributed either directly to the municipality or through the provincial government, as an expansionof existing grant programs.

“This funding must give local governments flexibility to allocate resources where they are mostneeded—such as staffing, infrastructure upgrades, emergency planning or hazard mitigation,” the letter reads.

It further says that many funding programs the District has access to for emergencies are often a year long, cumbersome to apply for, and too narrow to be as helpful as they could be, among other faults.

“Funding is also often reactive, focused on response rather than proactive mitigation, preparedness and sustained recovery,” the letter continues.

The District would like to seea “pay now, verify later” model during emergencies, rather than having to prove theneed upfront and get the money later.

This would “significantly improve response and recovery timelines,” the letter states.

The correspondence ends with a shot at the federal government for its support of pipelines and fossil fuel projects.

“As the federal government continues activities that contribute to climate change, including investments and subsidies for fossil fuel development that increase the frequency and severity of localized emergencies, it is essential that federal support for the communities bearing these impacts grows

STRATA: Continued from6

HOW CANA PLAN BE CORRECT BUT MISALIGNED ON THE GROUND?

Izaak de Rijcke, an Ontario-based lawyer and licensed land surveyor who teaches boundary law at the University of New Brunswick and writes a monthlynewsletter called“The Boundary Point,” flagged the case because it illustrates how such conflicts can arise.

Strata plans establish legal boundaries at the time they are registered. But if infrastructure— such as driveways, landscaping or fencing—is built later, developers must ensure those improvements align precisely withthe boundaries shown on the plan.

“If the physical infrastructure has not yet been finished… and they get built later, then the developer potentially hasa challenge to ensure that these improvements align exactly with the boundaries on the strata plan,” he said in an interview.

If that coordination doesn’t happen, he said, conflicts can emerge years later—not because the plan was legally incorrect, but because real-world use does not alignneatly with the registered boundaries.

He noted such disputes are rare but not unique to duplexes Similar issueshave arisen in townhouse complexes and high-rise condominium developments.

“Everybodyneeds to be on the same page,” he said. “That only happens… when people

accordingly,” the letter concludes. “Enhanced, sustained, and flexible investment in local emergency management across all four pillars of emergency management—mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery—is not only justified but necessary to strengthen community capacity in the face of escalating risks.”

The letter will now be sent to the attention of Minister of Public Safety Gary Anandasangaree and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada Eleanor Olszewski by the deadline.

“I think it’s a really strong letter and I’m happy to put our name behind this,” said Coun. Chris Pettingill, voicing his support for sending the letter as presented by staff.

Not surprisingly, in voicing his support for the letter, councillor and citizen historian Eric Andersen provided a bit of related history.

“The 16 unique hazardsidentified in our 2015 community risk assessment include tsunamis In fact, this is the case Normally, we’re considered outside of the tsunami risk zone—that zone ends at Point Atkinson in our region. However, the disastrous 2004 Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami did affect our shores. And in fact, in the Squamish Harbour, we lost a navigation buoy directly attributable to the effects of that tsunami. So, it’s not a footnote,” Andersen said.

Mayor Hurford said the letter got the municipality’s points across well.

“I think it really nails what we’re thinking as a group and organization So I’m happy to support and ultimately put our name to it,” he said.

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ibaldi Lodge no.127

Plumbing &Heating Ltd

Beverage, LTD.

PizzaSquamish andCompany

esenting Sponsor)

Quantum Technology

Courierand Freight

cQuade -Realtor

Serv

Sween Wind Stud

ean &Restore SeatoSky

SSA Marine

trategicWealthAdvisory TASU

eLocalsBoard

ea to SkyPrint andDesign

ANKYOU

NoticeofGrant of Assistance

British ColumbiaHousing ManagementCommission

Pursuant to Section24ofthe Community Charter, theCounciloftheDistrictofSquamish herebygivesnotice ofitsintention tograntassistancetotheBritish Columbia Housing ManagementCommission(BCHousing) by allowinguse of land at 37956 Loggers Lane (Xwu’nekwPark) forsixmonthsforonedollar.

Business Opportunities

Request forProposals

•Environmental Consulting

•Recreation FacilityNeeds, Demand, andSiteAssessment

Request forQuotations

•Pump StationElectrical ServiceUpgrades and Generator Installation

•Annual Paving Program squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district

InfrastructureUpgrades

•LoggersEast StormSewerprojectcontinueson FinchDrive.

•X̱wúneḵwPark SeaDikeupgrades continue,with intermittentnightworksongoing. squamish.ca/building-our-future

SpringPrograms

lyDance Beginner

9yrs+) at The55ActivityCentre

Wednesdays,5:45–6:45 pm

Move,groove, and connect!

DevelopmentReview

• 40320GovernmentRoad –MoreTorque Diesel TemporaryUse Permit

• Highway99SalesSignfor Phase3

DevelopmentVariancePermit squamish.ca/review

Signup for Squamish Alert

Landfill ExpansionWork

Investigativedrilling forthe SquamishLandfill expansionprojectbegan March2,with forestand vegetationclearing,followedbygravelroadanddrill pad construction expectedthrough April.

Theworkwill takeplace directlyeastof theLandfill.

Impactsinclude:

•Increased trucktraffic at theLandfill.

•Trailclosures intheareaof clearing.

•Increaseddust due to truck traffic.

Thecontractor willhave public safetymeasures inplaceduring construction. Pleaseobeyallsignage andusecaution in thearea –andpleasedoNOTenterthe work areas at anytime.

More informationontheprojectisavailableonline at squamish.ca/projects-and-initiatives.

Seniors OpenGym

at The55 ActivityCentre

Tuesdays and Thursdays

Agreat option forthose wanting access to fitnessequipment outsideofjoining aformalgym. Non-instructional.Prepaymentcanbe made at The55 ActivityCentre, Brennan Recreation Centre Park orOnline. Additionaltimeslotsaddedbasedondemand.

Thisclassisdesigned forjoy,expression, and community. Learnfunisolations andsimple combos to vibrantmusicin asafe, inclusive, body-positivespace. Alllevels,allbodies welcome —no perienceneeded! Hipscarvesprovided. p-inswelcome,subjecttospace.

Sportball Location Correction

Last week,itwaswrittenthatSportballwastaking place at The55 ActivityCentre. This wasincorrect andit will be takingplaceatBrennan Park Recreation Centre.Weapologizeforanyconfusionthismay have caused.Themostcurrent informationcan alwaysbefound at squamish.ca/rec

YOUTH CLIMATE CORPS COMPLETES 24 SQUAMISH PROJECTS

Second season sees home retrofits, wildfire outreach and habitat restoration across the District

LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

“Action builds agency Agency builds hope.”

That’s how Aida Goma Petit describes working with youth at Youth Climate Corps B.C. in Squamish.

The organization ran its Squamish program fora second consecutive year in partnership withthe District of Squamish from May 20 to Oct. 3, 2025

Over the season, the team worked withthe District and eight community partners to complete 24 projects.

According to the end-of-season report, the crew logged 104 climate action days, engaged nine partners and retrofitted between 18 and 20 homes through an in-home air sealing program.

Petit, who served as a team lead in Squamish and is now the assistant directorof programs, said mobilizers benefit not only from paid employment but also from mentorship.

“Helping them build professional skills, confidence, anda sense of agency in climate work We focused not just on completing tasks, but on building leadership capacity and showing young people that they are capable contributors to real, tangible solutions in their own communities,” Petit said in an email.

Through its partnership with Sitka Home Energy Solutions, the team reduced air leakage in participating homes by an average of approximately 15%.

The crew also hosted two recorded webinars and two in-person workshops on energy efficiency and air sealing.

Youth supported zero-waste initiatives, including clothing swaps and the Re-Use It Fair, which hosted more than 1,300 community members.

TANGIBLE AND MEANINGFUL IMPACT

They conducted biweekly recycling tote audits, supporteda municipal waste audit and engaged approximately 200 residents through drought-awareness activities.

Environmental monitoring and habitat restoration were also central to the season’s work. Mobilizers completed weekly drought monitoring along a 15-kilometre circuit covering 30 observation points They supported coho fry trapping and invasive species removal with the Squamish River Watershed Society and planted approximately 150 native species.

Youth also assisted FireSmart Squamish and District staff during the Dryden Creek evacuation alert response, conducting door-to-door outreach and supporting on-the-spot FireSmart actions.

“Working for YCC allowed me to have a

Workingfor YCCallowed me to have a tangibleand meaningfulimpact ina community that I valueand cherish.

OWEN CORNELL

tangible and meaningful impact in a community that I value and cherish. It let me gain experience and learn skillsI otherwise would not have had the same access to,” Owen Cornell said in the report “The variability of the work kept things interesting. Whether we were drought monitoring, fire smarting, running summer camps, removing invasive species or working on waste diversion, the wide range of activities kept me engaged and stopped the job from feeling stagnant, which I’m very grateful for.”

Petit said climate-related events such as extremeheat and drought canheighten anxiety among young people, and that practical, local action canhelp counter feelings of powerlessness.

“Climate anxiety is very real, especially for young people. What we’ve found is that fear often comes from feeling powerless and acknowledgement.I thinka lot of our work helps to try and shift that narrative, and normalize the ways in which it makes us feel and what to do about it,” she said.

“Instead of only talking about climate change as something abstract and overwhelming, we invite youth to participate in practical, local

solutions that plug them into their communities andhelp reinforce the capacity of their community to fight against climate change

When we help tune up a bike,help a resident understand energy savings, or co-lead a community workshop, they see the direct

BritanniaMine

impact of their work and engage withtheir community in a meaningful way.”

The report outlines recommendations for expanding proactive FireSmart education, scaling air sealing efforts and strengthening partnerships in 2026.

VIMFF LANDS IN SQUAMISH WITH FILM NIGHTS, WORKSHOPS AND A FOCUS ON BIKES AND BIG WALLS

A bikepacker anda climber from Squamish are sharing their stories at this year’s Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival, which comes to town March 10 and 11

LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

Claudia Bastien rolled back into Squamish recently after three months pedalling through Baja, Mexico. Two days later, she was back at her desk doing marketing for the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF), which runs until March 11.

She’s also leading one of eight workshops tied to the festival and she’s bringing the bike box.

“I’m literally dragging in that bike box with every single piece of gear that I brought on my Mexico trip, and getting everybody to go through everything,” she said. “What do I bring? What’s in my toolkit? How many bolts doI even pack in spares? How many tubes do I bring? Everything in terms of gear will just be laid out all in front of them.”

It’s Bastien’s second long-distance bikepacking trip The first was supposed to include Baja, buta family emergency cut it short. This one finished what she started.

Her path to bikepacking began in 2023, after she was laid off from a corporate job. Already deep in triathlon training, she crossed paths with a cyclist making the long haul from Alaska to Patagonia. He suggested she try something similar.

The timing worked.

“At that time, because I had been laid off, I had severance. I had employment insurance. And so I thought, why not? Why not get on a bike and live slowly and make my severance money count?” she said.“It’s the best decision that I’ve ever made, even though it’s a really scary one. And before leaving my front door in Squamish,I actually didn’t even know how to changea tire yet.”

She certainly does now.

Bastien is clear that not everyone is in a position to make that kind of leap—the financial cushion, the supportnetwork, the ability to walk out the door That awareness is part of why she’s doing the workshop.

“My aims in working with VIMFF—doing presentations, sharing my story authentically about whatactually happens out there, doing this bikepacking workshop—is all to try and help individuals just make it a little bit easier for them to be able to say yes,” she said. “Because I know a lot of people do dream about trips, and sometimes it’s just much easier to stay in the comfort zone. But there’s a lot at the end of the road if we say yes to something that is uncomfortable.”

The Anishinaabe Kwe endurance adventurer and storyteller documentsher travels on Instagram at @wandering_claud.

A SQUAMISH CLIMBER ON WHAT’S MISSING FROM CLIMBING FILMS

Ethan Salvo made Squamish his home and has since put up some of the hardest boulder problems in Canada On March 5, the professional climber is co-presenting “The Old and the Bold: Rock Climbing Stories” with bouldering legend John “Verm” Sherman at the Rio Theatre in Vancouver.

His presentation, “Cold Seasons, Hard Lessons,” takes the audience through winters spent living out of a vehicle in Bishop, Calif. focusing on the repetition, the doubt, and the slow grind that eventually led him to complete Event Horizon, considered one of Canada’s hardest boulder problems, back home in Squamish. The presentation closes with his ascent of Lucid Dreaming (V15) in Bishop,a line he’d been chasing for five years.

Salvo has a critical eye when it comes to how climbing gets documented on film.

“You don’t really seea lot of personality or a lot of who someone is,” he said. “A lot of the time it’s like an athlete being put into this box, an athlete trying to do this thing, and that’s kind of where it ends Younever really find out who they are outside of climbing, what they’re like day to day.

I feel like that gets skipped over pretty quickly.”

He attributes the formula to simple inertia. People keep watching, so filmmakers keep making the same thing. The films that stick with him tend to be leaner, more personal Think lower-budget productions where the camera never really turns off.

“The best climbing films are just unique stories about someone that you’ve maybe heard of but don’t really know about, and you kind of get to sit down for an hour andhear their story and learn about who they are,”he said.

The questionof whether the camera changes the climbing depends, he says, on who’s holding it.

“The times when it’s gone best with me, it’s usually when you know the filmmaker well—whether it’s a friend in the industry or a close friend who can do somemedia work,” he said. “There’s obviously always some bit of pressure when there’sa brand or someone making a film about you climbing something. But by that point, you’re probably already just wanting to do it on your own, regardless of the film.”

Whethera film about Salvo will land in VIMFF’s lineup someday—he’s open to it, when the right project comes along.

SQUAMISH SCREENINGS AND WORKSHOPS

VIMFF comes to Squamish on March 10 and 11.

The Squamish Mountain Mixer on Tuesday, March 10 at Howe Sound Inn and Brewing is a pub-style social film night (doors 6 p.m., show 7 p.m.) featuring Nørdic Bahamas, Peruvian Ascents, Tendi and Mountain of Mystery, among others.

The Squamish Bike and Climb Show on Wednesday, March 11 at Eagle Eye Theatre (doors:6 p.m., show:7 p.m.) includes “Girl Climber”—following Emily Harrington’s attempt at a 24-hour ascent of El Capitan, alongside“Big Walls and Bedtime Stories”and “Making History: The Women of Freeride.” A Decathlon pop-up and tacos from Totomoxtle by La Poblanita will be on site.

Tickets for both shows are $32 for adults and $30 for youth, students and seniors.

Workshops run through March8 and still have spots available, covering bikepacking gear, wilderness survival, expedition planning, adventure photography and documentary filmmaking Details at vimff. org/workshops.

International Women’s Day– March8 #GiveToGain

RED TENT EVENT FOR LOCAL WOMEN MARCH6 TO 8

Hendrie’s latest book, ‘Pillow Talk,’ is also available

DAVID SONG dsong@piquenewsmagazine.com

Asa professional counsellor, Heather Hendrie endeavours to aid others in working through trauma—but sometimes, doing so incurs a cost. That’s how her upcoming event“Red Tent: Held in Community” came to be.

Throughout January and February, female-identifying people have been invited to a ritual photoshoot with Brian Aikens, a local photographer who captures his subjects in the presence of symbolic red fabric This is to reflect the metaphorof a “red tent” derived from Anita Diamant’s 1997 novel of the same name, which conceivesa social space allowing feminine issues like menstruation and childbirth to be shared among women rather than labelled taboo.

From March6 to 8, the Squamish Library will host a photo exhibit featuring Aikens’ work open to the public All whoidentify as female are also invited to circle discussions across the three days and explore topics common to their life experiences.

None of it would have happened if Hendrie didn’t first ask colleague Erica Otto forhelp during a difficult time authoringher yet-to-be-released memoir. Otto recommended bringing Aikens on board.

“It’s just really incredible when you share a vulnerable story and ask for help, the recognition that what wouldhelp one also couldhelp so many others,” Hendrie says, noting both Canadians and Americans have expressed support forher Red Tent undertaking “[Brian’s photos] really embody and support the menstrual experience, pregnancy, postpartum there are grandmothers with their daughters, folks whoidentify withthe feminine experience whether they’re born female or not.

“It’s an opportunity to witness and be witnessed, and what’s interesting is the only person who really identifies as male in the space is the one person anchoring the space behind the camera. [Everyone who got photographed] is connected with a red bit of fabric signifying the experience of feminine embodiment.”

Visit vergeartcollaborative.com/red-tent for more information about the Red Tent experience.

It’s just really incredible when you share avulnerable story and askfor help,the recognition that what would help onealso could help so many others.

HEATHERHENDRIE

SPACE TO SHARE

Earlier in February, Hendrie released the latest entry in her Awfully Hilarious anthology: Pillow Talk

A contributor to the previous book, Period Pieces, suggested theidea of another work discussing intimacy and pleasure—which just like menstruation are often considered taboo Pillow Talk includes submissions from 18 individuals, two of them male, about their own experiences with relationships and sexuality.

While men are welcome to participate, “we’re trying to amplify and share stories that have been formerly silenced … stories that might have been featured less often in mainstream publishing,” Hendrie says.“It just has happened that a lot of our contributors to our projects do identify as female.I think it may actually just be that in some ways, women have been under-represented in literature and may just have not felt they’ve had other spaces to share.

“There might be something about how we’re offering editorial support in a very trauma-informed way that encourages women—or it may be that they’rea big part of our Awfully Hilarious audience.”

Pillow Talk’s entries run the gamut from poignant to whimsical Some pieces reflect seriously on issues like consent, queer connection and first-time sexual encounters, while another recounts a shy teacher’s struggle to impart a sex education curriculum to their students.

“Some things will have you laughing uproariously, and there are others where you’re thinking, ‘oh wow, I’ve been there too,’ or, ‘I wish I could have held your hands for that moment,’” remarks Hendrie.

Pillow Talk is available throughout the Sea to Sky corridor at locations like Armchair Books.

EvelynSchellenberg Women inBusinessSquamish

Withdeep roots in Squamish,Evelyn Schellenbergbrings alifetimeoflocal knowledge to herwork as arealtorwith RE/MAXMasters Realty.Asthedaughterof oneof the community’sfirstphysicians,she understandsthe lifestyle and values that maketheSea to Skyregionsucha special place to live.

Combinedwithmorethan25 yearsof marketing experience,thatinsighthas helpedherquicklybuild astrong reputation in thelocal real estate market.Injustherthird yearin real estate, Schellenbergachieved 2025MedallionClubstatus,placingher among the top10%of realtorsacross Greater Vancouver realtors. Themilestone reflects both herdedicationand herability to deliver meaningful results forher clients.

Hercommitment to supportingwomen extends farbeyond real estate. Schellenbergisthe founder and owneroftheSquamish Women’sHockey Academy, whichcreates awelcoming space forgirlsand womentolearn andenjoythesportina supportive environment. Thatsameencouraging approachhasshapedher workwithbuyers and sellers,whereshe combines professionalism, clearguidanceand acalmpresence to help clients feel confidentthrough everystep of thejourney.

To learnmore, visitwww.evelynschellenberg.com

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TheSquamishChief is amemberof theNationalNewsmedia Council, which is an independentorganization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca.Ifyou arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additionalinformation.

Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithouttheprior writtenconsent of thepublisher.

EDITORIAL

THANKS,RESCUERS

Asweget readyfor thecrazy season—otherwise knownastourist season—itisworth stopping to recognizethatthose who volunteerfor rescue organizationslikeSquamish Search andRescueand RoyalCanadianMarine Searchand Rescue areputting theirown liveson thelinetohelpothers.

OnMarch 2, SARrepresentatives from across theprovincegatheredinVictoriato honour those who lost theirlives as aresultofbeing rescuers.

TheannualSearchand Rescue Volunteer Memorial Ceremony on thegrounds of theB.C. Legislaturewas hosted this year by theProvincial EmergencyProgram (PEP) Air.

“Each year,thousandsofhighlytrained volunteerprofessionals respondto emergencies on land,air,and water, oftenin challengingand unpredictableconditions,”reads anewsrelease from theBC Search andRescueAssociation (BCSARA).

“While theirworksaves livesand supports communities throughoutthe province …[this] ceremony focusesonthose who made theultimate sacrifice in servicetoothers. Theirdedication, courage, and commitment will not be forgotten.”

Unveiled on March 2, 2017,the monument lists 17 namesofthose whodiedinthe lineofdutyas membersofeitherthe B.C. Search andRescue Association, theRoyal Canadian Marine Search andRescue, or PEPAir.

Thedeathssometimes happen in training.

TheBCSARAWallofHonouronits website recognizes four B.C. ground rescue memberswho died whilevolunteeringwith localrescue organizations, includingtwo SeatoSky rescuers.

Robert McGregor died on theSea to Sky’sTantalus Rangewhile training with NorthShore Rescue,on Aug. 5, 1989.MarcelAndrie, thefounder of Lions Bay Search &Rescue, died of cardiacarrestwhile on atraining trip to TetrahedronParkonthe Sunshine Coast, on April30, 1994.

Also on theSunshineCoast,two RoyalCanadian Marine Search andRescueUnit12HalfmoonBay members lost theirlives during training on June 3, 2012.

Thevessel Lewis-McPhee,withfourcrew membersonboard,capsizedduringexercises in SecheltRapids. Twocrewmembers—Beatrice Sorensen and AngieNemeth—were laterfound dead undertheir vessel.

“InSquamish,our Search andRescuevolunteersrespond in complexterrain andchallenging weather—ofteninthe dark,for long hours, and always knowingthatconditionscan change in an instant,”said Squamish SAR’sChristy Allan.

“While ourteamtrains extensivelyand safety is ournumberone priority,searchand rescue work is notwithoutpotential risk.”

Thankyou allfor your service.

DON’T BE ADOOFUSDRIVER

SEDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

JENNIFER THUNCHER

omedrivers seem to seedriving acar like poppingtoast in thetoaster. Youget in thedriver’sseatand then wait to getwhere youare going.

Allthe better if youcan getsomeother things done while“waiting”—drink coffee,eata sandwich,slide on some lipgloss,singterrible karaoketoyourfavourite Spotifyplaylist, or even checkanotificationortextonyourphone. Most of us have doneone or allofthe above.

Thething is,our cars andtrucksaren’ttoasters andthe consequenceoftreatingthemassuchcan result in alot worsethanburnedtoast. Thus,law enforcement, in theformofthe BC HighwayPatrol, hastoget punitive andpaternalistictotry to jogusout of ourdazed anddistracted states.(It doesn’thelpthatcarsare farmoreboring to drivethesedays,withalmostall beingautomatic, whileatthe same time,our livesare busier than ever andour phones aresodangtempting withtheirbings,rings,pings andvibrations.)

In March, thepo-po arerunning both distracted

drivingand seatbelt campaigns.

Forthe love of allthatisholy, howcan folksstill need reminderstobuckleupwhenthe lawcame into forcewhensmoking on airplaneswas still allowed(1976)?

Ourgrandmasknewbetter, forPete’ssake. Clearlysomeofy’all arestill doingitthough, as unrestrained occupants—seatbeltsinparticular— arealeading causeofinjuryand deathincrashes, accordingtoarelease by BC HighwayPatrol.

RoadSafetyBC statsshowdistracteddriving is consistently oneofthe topthree causes of crashes causingserious injuries andfatalitiesinB.C., alongwithimpaireddriving andspeeding.

Getittogether, people.

Officers whocatch folksontheir cell phones whiledriving on theSea to SkyHighway will issue thedrivera $368 ticket.

Notwearing aseatbeltwillcostyou $167,which seemsalittlelow,truth be told.Itisn’t like we don’t know howtoclick it in.

Driverswillfacea$109fineifachild is unrestrained or is improperly restrained. (Also, shameonyou if youdothis!)

“We’re asking everydrivertoput thephoneout of temptation’s reach, buckle up,and make sure you’re usinganappropriate carseatfor your

DRIVERS: Continuedon13

Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw

(We have good feelings that we live,wework and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)

BOTTOMS UP!: Have a photo to share? Send it in to jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca.

DRIVERS: Continued from 12

JOIN US ONLINE

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

When was the last time you were in our local library?

Have your say at squamishchief.com

Did you follow the Winter Olympics closely? (Top 3 answers)

MOST READ STORY

children,” said Insp. Brian Donaldson with BC Highway Patrol, in the police news release. “Do you really need to use your GPS to navigate on your way home from work? Is it more important to scroll through your playlist rather than pay attention at traffic light crosswalks?”

FREEDOM TO READ

Freedom to Read Week is an annual event that encourages Canadians to think about and reaffirm their commitment to intellectual freedom It reminds us that libraries exist so people can read, learn, and think freely Protecting access to diverseideas, including those we may not agree with, is a core part of ahealthy, democratic society The library’s role is to support individual choice, not to decide which ideas are acceptable for everyone. Parents and individuals choose what’s right for their own children and themselves.

Our library has been abuzz with conversation around our eye-catching display in honour of Freedom to Read Week. The books on the display shelves are wrapped in yellow tape and labeled

LETTERS POLICY

After being warned of these law enforcement campaigns, there should

be no Sea to Sky drivers caught in them this March.

“If you don’t want to follow the law, then education through enforcement is coming,” added Donaldson. Enough said.

Sponsored content: The next chapter in workforce accommodation at the WoodfibreLNG Site

“Challenged.” Many passersby stop to examine which book titles are included, and express surprise that this kind of thing happens in Canada It does.

In 2025, Canadian public libraries reported 98challenges: 92 to items in their collections, two to programs being hosted by the library, two to exhibits and displays, and two to decisions they had made regarding community use of library facilities.

(Weathering the Storm: Recent Challenges in Canadian Libraries) Even with those high numbers, the vast majority of intellectual freedom challenges inlibraries go unreported (A Failure to Communicate: Assessing the Low Rate of Materials Challenge and Censorship Reporting Among Canadian Public Libraries). If you’re interested in learning more, the Canadian Library

Challenges Database provides access to challenges libraries have faced to items in their collection, and to displays, programs, room usage, and computer access.

The Intellectual Freedom Committee of the BC Library Association (BCLA) is in the midst of a review of the association’s statement on intellectual freedom As a member of the BCLA board, I can attest to the immense time and thoughtful consideration that goes into reviewing such a statement. Thisis vital, difficult work BC public library boards look to this statement as a guide for their individual library policies and practices. The library is for everyone. Let’snever take this for granted.

Hilary Bloom Director of Library Services Squamish Public Library

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 withthe 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.

TOP TIKTOKOF THE WEEK

This week, reporter Liz McDonald dug into our snowpack and what it means for our future

Check it out on our TikTok channel, @squamishchief, where we have a ton of other videos, too.

MAPPING THE WILD: RESEARCHERSREVEAL 40 YEARS OF LANDSCAPE CHANGE

The Finding Refuge Wildlife Connectivity Project is bringing three years of science, satellite data, and Indigenous knowledge to the community at a free event on March6 at the Adventure Centre

LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

The forests, valley bottoms, and alpine slopes stretching from Howe Sound to Lillooet are among the most ecologically rich landscapes in North America. They are also, according to a three-year community science project, under mounting pressure—and at a threshold that the researchers say we cannot afford to ignore.

The region spans 11 of British Columbia’s 16 biogeoclimatic zones and already meets the global 30-by-2030 biodiversity protection target. Inside its protected areas, the landscape is showing remarkable resilience Outside them—particularly in the valley bottoms—there is real cause for concern.

valley bottoms that have been quite impacted, and still connect these big intact protected areas.”

A TALE OF TWO LANDSCAPES

Project lead Murray Journeay describes the findings as fundamentallya story of contrasts.

The Finding Refuge Wildlife Connectivity Project, led by Nature Squamish and its partners, has spent the past several years piecing together a picture of how the Sea-to-Sky landscape has changed over the last 40 to 50 years and what that means for the hundreds of species that call it home The results will be shared publicly at a free community event hosted by the Howe Sound Biosphere Region Initiative Society, titled “Connected Landscapes for Wildlife and People” on Friday, March 6, at the Squamish Adventure Centre on Loggers Lane. Register online at simpli.events/e/ wildlife-people-squamish.

“The land is regenerating It’s becoming more healthy, more resilient within our protected areas,” Journeay says “Other activities– back-country recreation, resource development, infrastructure are in a very small area in the valley bottoms. And we’re reaching thresholds of resilience for many of those ecosystems.”

He points to the Pacific fisher as a window into what that fragmentation looks like on the ground. The mid-elevation forest specialist was pushed to the brink locally through hunting and habitat removal. The hopeful note: those habitats are regenerating, and the fisher is beginning to return.

“The question now is, what can we do to restore those pathways of connectivity for all the species that need to move through those habitats to reach their home ranges,” he said.

PAINTING THE LANDSCAPE

By prioritizing the broadest-ranging mammals first, the team’s nested approach means that cores and corridors valuable to a grizzly bear are likely to shelter dozens of other species too—right down to the smallest amphibians making seasonal migrations to nearby wetlands.

ROOTED IN INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE

Journeay is careful to frame the project’s Western science findings within a larger and older story. TheSḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)identified critical wildlife habitat areas and connectivity pathways in their Sacred Land Use Plan as far back as the early 2000s—knowledge embedded in generations of land stewardship.

Rolo theRabbit

Rolo arrivedincareasa youngstray,unsureofpeopleand overwhelmedbythe big, noisyworld.But just likethe caramel candy she’snamed after, patience andkindness helped hersoft center shinethrough.

Today, Rolo hasblossomedintoa gentle,curious rabbit whohas learnedthathumanscan bebringers of good things—especiallywhen thosehumanscomebearing freshgreens, veggies, andthe occasional tiny pieceoffruit.Offer hera leafytreatandshe’llgladlytakeitright from your hand, making it aperfect waytobuild trustand aspecial bond with her. Rabbits likeRoloare wonderfully unique companions.They’re notquite likecats or dogs—nocouch-snugglingorTV-watching required.Instead,theyoffer something quieteranddeeply comforting:calmcompany at floor level, apeacefulreading buddy, ora sweet,softpresencenearbyastheyexplore theirspace at their ownpace. Rolois an exceptionally tidy girl whousesher litterbox faithfully.Hay is hermainfood source, andshe also enjoys heryoung rabbit pellets.Althoughshe’s undera year old, she’s already reachedher adultsize—petite,perfect,and readyfor herforever home. With hergentlenature, cleanhabits, andgrowing confidence, Rolois well on herway to becoming adelightfulcompanion forsomeone whoappreciates thespecial magicrabbits bring to ahome. She’ssweet,she’s soft,and she’sready to learnwhatitmeans to be loved.

Wildlife biologist Kate Andy led the ecological connectivity modelling at theheart of Finding Refuge.

She created species distribution models for 16 of the 21 focal species. Those species include eight mammals—black bear, coyote, black-tailed deer, Hoary marmot, American mink, beaver, Douglas’ squirrel, and yellowpine chipmunk; and eightherpetofauna (amphhibians and reptiles)—Pacific tree frog, common garter snake, northwestern salamander, western toad, northern alligator lizard, long-toed salamander, northern red-legged frog, and ensatina eschscholtzii.

Species distribution models for wolverine, Pacific fisher and Canada lynx were developed by project partners at TerrAdapt.org. Mountain goat models were developed by the provincial government. Grizzly bear habitat selection models were developed by Michelle McLellan anda team of grizzly specialists.

Andy describes the process as layering paintings. Each species gets its own map of suitable habitat across the landscape. Overlay all species, and pockets of land with the highest shared value emerge as habitat “cores”; places to prioritize for protection The final step is drawing corridors between them: the least-cost pathways that allow each species to move realistically across fragmented valley bottoms.

“The corridors aren’t just about where the habitat is,” Andy explains.“It’s also about what are the additional barriers to movement—and where wildlife might be able to navigate across

“The insights we’re creating from a Western science perspective are known truths for the Squamish Nation and other Coast Salish peoples who live here,” he says “We’re just piecing together the most recent bit of landscape disturbance, but it really is a piece of a much broader story that is the Squamish Nation’s story.”

A CONVERSATION, NOT A CONCLUSION

The corridorsidentified by the model have no legal standing They cannot stop development or restrict trail use on their own. But Journeay hopes they change how residents think about the landscape they move through every day.

“I’ve had theopportunity to take the results of our work with me on my phone, literally walking in the woods,”he says. “And I find myself thinking, wait, I’m right in the middle of a corridor here. What can I do to make this more permeable for wildlife? Even walking my dog, I’m thinking about my presence and how it could influence wildlifemovement through this area.”

Andy adds that even residents who don’t live in a mapped corridor play a role, because everyone in Squamish moves through these landscapes daily, whether commuting, hiking, or biking.

For Journeay, the deeper purpose is to give the communitya moment of collective reflection “The rate and pace of change on our landscape right now is beyond anything that’s happened since the retreat of the glaciers,” he says “We can look back 40 years and get a sense of how things are changing. And with that knowledge, I hope it gives us all pause to ask: what woulda connected and resilient landscape for the community of Squamish look like in thenext 50 years?”

CEDAR PIDGEON WINS NATIONAL CLIMBING COMPETITION

Cedar Pidgeon is balancing university life in Montreal with elite sport—andstill finding her way to the top. The 19-yearold from Squamish won gold at the Senior Lead National Championships in Calgary on Feb. 15–16, reclaiming the Canadian title she first captured in 2024

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

Abusy life as a university student isn’t keeping Squamish’s Cedar Pidgeon from reaching new climbing heights.

Pidgeon, 19, earned gold at the Senior Lead National Championships, held February 15 to 16 in Calgary, Alta The climber is attending her first year at McGill University in Montreal, QC She said she eventually wants to study psychology.

This recent win wasa reclaiming of the national title for Pidgeon, who won it in 2024.

Lead climbing sees the athlete climb a route that is 40 to 50 moves long, up a 15-metre (50-foot) wall, she explained.

“You just try and get the highest possible.” Pidgeon earned 31+, meaning she reached the 31st hold, only falling as she was headed to the 32nd hold.

Caiya Taylor Ainslie, the 2025 lead champ, placed second, with a score of 29.

Though she is a seasoned climber, Pidgeon said she still gets a bitnervous competing. “I was on the World Cup circuit for the very first time, so that wasa lot of new experience competing and at a much higher level,” she said.

“Coming back into nationals, the level may be lower, but the strength of the field is still pretty strong, and there’s almost more pressure because you know that you can do well BecauseI knew that I was capable of doing well in the comp.I just had to keep composed, basically.”

The mental game Mental health and sports psychology have been a recent focus of public discussion, as seen with U.S. figure skater Ilia Malinin fumbling a gold medal and acknowledging the mental pressure that led to it.

Pidgeon said it is an ongoing challenge to control the mental side of her sport.

“I’m always adjusting and seeing what works and trying to get better and better at managing the mental game of competing, butI think this comp, I was specifically just focusing on myself and not comparing myself to other people,” she said.

“Trying to find inspiration in the room and get psyched to try and be focused in the moment and being present, and focus on myself and on the route that I’m climbing—take it one move at a time, and try and be very, very in the moment It’s hard to do, easier said than done, but focus on your breath and try to just be as present as possible.”

‘IT’S PART OF ME AT THIS POINT’

Many youth athletes can fall away from their sport as they getolder. According to Canadian Women in Sport, more than one in five girls leave sport during adolescence.

That isn’t a possibility for Pidgeon. She still

After stepping onto the World Cup stage for the first time, Cedar Pidgeon says she arrived at nationals with fresh pressure—and familiar expectations She left Calgary with another Canadian senior lead championship, crediting composure and staying present for her winning performance.

loves her sport as much as ever.

“I really like themovement. I like the community, and it gives me something to push myself through and challenge myself,” she said, adding she enjoys the travel that competitions allow.

“Climbing itself, it’s part of me at this point. I really love all aspects of it.”

Body image issues and disordered eating are also known to be common among rock climbers. This is something Pidgeon is aware of and counteracts. “I think it is getting better over the years, but it’s still super prevalent,” she said.

“I try and look at it from a more holistic view. Like, it’s just climbing, it’s just a sport, you know? It doesn’t have to overtake my whole life like that,” she added. “Also, to train hard and to

I really like the movement.I like the community, andit gives me something to push myselfthrough and challenge myself.

CEDARPIDGEON

get results, you have to fuel properly…. If you’re fuelling properly, you’re getting the most out of your training possible.”

BE CURIOUS

While climbing can seem intimidating to get started, Pidgeon encourages young people to give it a go.

“If you’re scared about something, or it looks intimidating, just try and be curious, and be like, ‘Oh, what happens if I try?’ That’s always what I say to myself I seea move that looks really hard and that I don’t want to do,” she said.

“I’m like, just try and have an open mind, and then you’ll actually be able to enjoy it more and progress more Go do it with family and friends, and it’s a nice activity to connect people.”

Next, there’s a couple of what Pidgeon calls “smaller comps” between now and May. “In June, I’ll start my season again. I’m 99% sure I’ll be doing the World Cups in Europe,” she said.

LOCAL MUAY THAI FIGHTER CREDITS SUCCESS TO LIFESTYLE BALANCE, AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT

After competing at Totem Hall in December, Madison Skrypnek spent January training in Thailand—an experience she says helped her rediscover why she fights

INA PACE

ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

Ashow of strength and balance doesn’t just occur in the ring. Especially not for 24-year-old Madison Skrypnek,a mixed martial arts (MMA) athlete, who is navigating life balance amidst her training and her travels, all whilst supporting local businesses.

She took part in Muay Thai title fights held at Totem Hall in December, before heading to Thailand foramonth in January, during which time she said she re-discovered her love for the sport, and the importance of good mental health.

HER STORY SO FAR

To date, Skrypnek has competed in four Muay Thai fights and won each of them, and is now considering following the footsteps of Squamish’s Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels, on a path towards the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC.)

YOU WIN SOME, YOU LOSE SOME

Throughout her fight journey, she has experienced both success and loss Skrypnek knows the value in moving forward during setbacks, and also in extending support, even to opponents.

“[Muay Thai] is an ever growing sport; competitors just keep getting better and better Everyopponent I’ve had has inspired me, or made me better I’ve lost a few, I’ve won a few. It’s continuallya learning process.”

Skrypnek describes waiting for a fight to happen as “putting all your eggs in one basket.” She explained that competitors follow strict nutrition plans, and must often lose water weight to meet an exact measurement, before rehydrating on the day—that is, to meet the weight of theiropponent.

Besides injuries, not meeting exact measurements is a common way fora fight to fall through.

Skrypnek discovered her passion for martial arts at the age of 15, when she started kickboxing and competing. Originally from

BreakingNews

Calgary, she moved to Squamish with her family seven years ago, when she stopped training to continue downhill mountain biking.

She said she “fell in love” with MMA again after taking her first Muay Thai class in Thailand in 2023, during which time Roundhouse also opened up for classes.

FINDING BALANCE IN A WORLD OF ‘GO, GO, GO’

Her schedule these days is pretty hefty.

Skrypnek currently trains at Roundhouse twicea day on average, a small gym which she credits as “an incredible community and foundation for my growth as a fighter.” She coaches kids’ classes there on Tuesdays.

Her gym training is additional to weight training, running, and weekend restaurant work, as well as her efforts with sustainable textiles start-up Mother Made, the latter for which she cuts and designs tote bags.

Skrypnek describes mental space and awareness as a “huge deal” in the fight community.

Working for businesses and participating in art initiatives, which advocate mental awareness, she said, has been ahelpful outlet for her, besides fighting.

Skrypnek’s most recent trip to Thailand, after a year of training for different fights six to seven days a week, involved time for self reflection and adventure, she explained.

Her trip enabledher to find appreciation for a “new angle and different lifestyle,” in which she said she can now move at her own pace.

“In the [western world] it’s all ‘go, go, go.’ We all move really fast and we forget those moments to slow down,” she said, regarding one of the key takeaways she learned from her time in Thailand.

“I hada few fights fall through last year, which washeartbreaking. ButI grew so much in that time They’re gonna hopefully bring me to a bigger thing and bigger plan, which is to compete,” Skrypnek said.

WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN

Skrypnek’s empathetic acknowledgement for her fellow female competitors in a male dominated sector, is a notable stance.

“[Winning] goes back to having a good community of people around you,” she said.

“At the end of the day, we’re all going through the same process. There’sa mutual respect for one another before you even step in the ring Women especially are friendly because we’re not the dominant gender.

“It is growing but in class it’s a 1:10 women to men ratio. We’re still trying to find our space as women.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

Skrypnek is set on competing in more Jiu Jitsu and MMA fights as her goal for 2026, anywhere she can find, she said.

She may be testing out different gyms in Vancouver, Calgary and Thailand, but she said Squamish remains “a good home base.”

“Everytime I come home and see the mountains, it makes me happy,” she said.

Having access to a supportive gym, as well as the great outdoors, she explained, “for the time being, [is] a lot of balance.”

Thenext Squamish Muay Thai Fight Night will take place at Totem Hall on March 28 Doors open at 6.15 p.m. with fights starting from 7 p.m. Tickets are available for the 18+ event on Eventbrite from $74.09.

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

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