Local business owners want to see change to provincial laws
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WATCHING EAGLES
The EagleWatch program marks three decades PAGE 3
ON STRIKE: Postal workers across Canada—including in downtown Squamish—hit the picket lines Friday after their union declared a nationwide strike Thursday. The Canadian Union of Postal Workers called the walkout in response to federal plans to overhaul Canada Post, including ending door-to-door delivery for most households within 10 years.
HIGHLANDSG S G
COUNCIL CRACKS DOWN ON FIREWORKS AFTER SAFETY CONCERNS
Following years of concern over public safety and environmental impact, the District is outlawing the possession and use of personaluse fireworks
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
This upcoming Halloween should be a quieter one in the district
At its Sept 16 meeting, council voted unanimously to pass first, second and third readings of a bylaw amendment that bans the possession of fireworks in Squamish
Related bylaws—notice enforcement amendment bylaw and the municipal ticket information amendment bylaw—are also to be amended to give tools to the firefighters and police officers to enforce the ban.
“A prohibition on consumer-grade fireworks sets a clear directive for enforcement and removes the ambiguity of whether a permit has been obtained or
FIREWORKS: Continued on 2
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers whether the permit is valid for the correct type of usage,” Fire Chief Aaron Foote told council.
With the passage of these bylaws, only special event firework displays will be allowed.
Special events to display fireworks will be required to demonstrate proof of a valid fireworks supervisor’s certificate issued by Natural Resources Canada Permit applicants will also be required to maintain public liability insurance of a minimum of $5 million.
“The plan is to curb behaviour,” Foote said “Currently, there is no enforcement ability for possession, and so if people 19 years of age or older are transporting, carrying, backpacking, large quantities of fireworks, that is allowed in the bylaw,” Foote told council.
Foote noted that the sale and purchase of fireworks has been prohibited locally for 20 years; the change covers the use and possession of fireworks.
Related bylaw amendments will allow for the fire department and police to fine for non-compliance.
The proposed amendments align the District with neighbouring jurisdictions’ fireworks bylaws and mitigate the public safety concerns related to fire safety risks and the inappropriate use of consumer-grade fireworks in Squamish Squamish RCMP’s Staff Sgt. Sascha Banks, operations commander for the local detachment, confirmed that if a person is stopped within the district with fireworks in their car, they could get a fine
The Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), West Vancouver, and North Vancouver have banned the sale and use of consumer fireworks due to fire and public safety risks, environmental concerns, debris, and impacts on wildlife and household pets, the staff report to council notes.
Foote said that those prohibitions have been effective at changing public behaviour.
“Staff recommend the prohibition of consumer fireworks as a prudent transition for a
community that no longer has adequate open space in residential neighbourhoods to safely discharge fireworks, experiences prolonged drought and escalated fire danger risks, and significant public safety concerns identified during past fireworks permitted days,” the report reads
WHAT WERE THE RULES?
Prior to this change, the District allowed for the use of fireworks on Halloween, Diwali and New Year’s Eve with a permit issued by the fire chief.
For many years, Squamish Fire Rescue and RCMP have had “significant call volumes” related to fireworks being deployed during Halloween and New Year’s Eve, “which makes the enforcement of permit conditions challenging,” according to the report.
Foote said organized events in the past did not have proper permitting in place. For example, neighbourhood fireworks displays on streets or in school fields were not allowed, though they did occur.
“The fireworks are often not discharged in accordance with permit conditions, such as being transported from place to place and being discharged at buildings without sufficient clearances,” Foote said
The report notes that last Halloween, only 34 firework permits were issued, but many more than that were deployed around town
“Fireworks were seen being discharged in areas that are not permitted and many youth below the authorized permittable age of 19 were discharging fireworks,” the report notes.
The move to ban fireworks resulted from meetings with representatives from Squamish Nation, RCMP, and the District’s Community Bylaw Services Department due to the inappropriate and dangerous use of consumer fireworks on Halloween, 2024.
“There was significant dangerous behaviours related to the use of consumer fireworks that was noted, with fireworks being discharged directly towards people, including law enforcement.
Large groups—250-plus—of people congregated at the local schools, which resulted in vandalism at the schools and a concern for the safety of the general public and first responders who were responding to the incidents,” the report continues.
The report to council also notes that in advance of this Halloween, Squamish RCMP members are working to establish a Halloween working group with engagement from many local partners, including Squamish Fire Rescue, District bylaw, BC Emergency Health Services, School District 48, and others
“This group will aim to develop an operational plan to mitigate public safety risks on Halloween and ensure that all can celebrate safely,” the report reads.
Next, the bylaw amendment is slated to come back before council for final adoption at its Oct. 7 meeting.
The bylaw will be enforced as of this Halloween.
Given that the bylaw has passed three readings, the fireworks permit portal will not be activated for this Halloween.
In terms of where special events can be held, Foote said, due to the development of the community, there aren’t a lot of places where fireworks would be possible He said the Brennan Park fields would be the only space he could think of where it would be allowed.
“Short of having a barge in the offshore marina area,” he said
COUNCIL COMMENTS
In putting his support behind the ban, Coun. Andrew Hamilton said he found it a shame that the bylaw amendment was needed.
“There are examples of responsible use of consumer-grade fireworks,” he said. “But by opening that door and allowing consumer-grade fireworks at all, it makes the enforcement of irresponsible use considerably more difficult,” he said.
Coun. Chris Pettingill said that he hears from some locals who enjoy fireworks, but many more who find it “incredibly traumatic,” especially if they have pets
“These events are incredibly disruptive,” he said “There is an outlet for someone with the proper training and an appropriate spot to still continue to have fireworks, but I think thinking a little more about when and where and how makes sense.”
He also noted that people who were in town 20 years ago and responsibly set off fireworks in their yard or neighbourhood can’t do it now because the town and the environment have changed.
“Our fires burn so quickly, he said “It is not necessarily that people are irresponsible or that they have done something wrong in the past It is just the conditions we are existing in have changed, unfortunately, significantly.”
Coun. Lauren Greenlaw and Mayor Armand Hurford both also noted that animals, including wildlife, will rest more easily.
GOT NEWS?
Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com inapace@squamishchief.com
LOCAL BUSINESS OWNERS CALL FOR CHANGE TO B.C. E-BIKE LAWS
As more teenagers turn to electric bikes for school commutes and independence, a Squamish business is calling on the province to update its regulations
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
There has been a lot of talk about e-bikes in Squamish, but owners of Bluebird: Coffee Tuning and Rentals, Mandy and Brian Michals, have a solutions-based take that they hope will cut through some of the negative noise around the bikes.
The retail outlet rents, sells and repairs e-bikes through a partnership with Rad Power Bikes. This gives them a front row seat to some of the issues people are facing
“I think people are getting really sidetracked by the debate over e-bike safety and focusing on kids that are riding recklessly, and we’re missing the bigger picture about how the current law in B.C. is possibly affecting families, and what we can do to make it better,” said Mandy.
According to the Michals, e-bikes are a “game-changer” for many local families with teens
Their store’s proximity to Howe Sound Secondary and École Squamish Elementary also gives them unique insight into how students use e-bikes daily.
Families who purchase the bikes tell the couple that it allows their teens to be independent and get to school and after-school activities without having to be driven.
The bus service is not robust enough yet for families to fully depend on it, they note.
“With the current law, it’s really put them in a position where they have to make the choice between either giving up something that’s really had a positive impact on their family, or breaking
the law,” Mandy said
The current B.C. law requires riders to be 16 or older, but many 14 and 15-year-olds in Squamish are already riding them, in other words.
“Each teen on an e-bike means fewer parent drop-offs and less traffic around schools and encourages eco-friendly transportation habits early in life,” she added
“Lately, these kids have been ticketed, leaving families frustrated and police resources used when they could be focused on more serious safety issues instead of ticketing kids commuting to school.”
Brian recently launched a petition on Change. org, “Lower the Age Requirement for Standard E-bike (500w) Operators to 14 in British
Teachersaroundthe province encourage youtowithdrawyourchild from the Grades4and 7Foundation Skills Assessment (FSA).
Why?
It is notarequiredpartof the BC curriculum.
It is nothelpful to students,teachers, or parents.
It is making existinginequitiesworse It wastes valuable learning time andresources
Columbia.”
The couple says many families purchased e-bikes in good faith, not realizing their young teens would be fined for using them responsibly.
Earlier this summer, an RCMP spokesperson told The Squamish Chief that they had moved from verbal warnings for e-bike riders to ticketing.
“There have been an increase in collisions involving e-bikes and people are getting injured,” the Sea to Sky RCMP spokesperson said.
“The youth are mostly the ones involved in these. People are ticketed for not wearing helmets, underage for riding the e-bikes, too many passengers on e-bikes and not following
the rules of the road that all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians must abide by E-bikes are an excellent mode of transportation and promoting active lifestyles, but with growing popularity comes a shared responsibility Safe riding habits and awareness of road rules are essential to protect all road users and ensure e-bikes remain a sustainable solution for our community.”
Mandy and Brian say that having a provincial online licensing and examination to be able to ride the e-bikes as youth would mitigate the safety issues
They note that other provinces already allow riding from age 12 (Alberta), or 14 (Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Quebec), and they believe B.C. should follow suit, with an age limit of 14, paired with mandatory licensing and safety training.
“This ensures young riders understand the rules of the road well ahead of getting behind the wheel of a car,” Mandy said
“This approach ensures safety is prioritized while giving teens a fair, legal way to get around.”
The Michals stress that their proposal is not about removing rules, but rather about creating “better rules.”
“E-bikes are not going away,” Brian said, adding that there needs to be education to help improve safety, not just punishing youth for using them
“Having better education leading up to that, and so everybody has an opportunity to ride these bikes safely.”
“Just taking the bikes away from kids under 16 doesn’t solve the issue, and it doesn’t move us forward as a community,” Mandy said.
“We really pride ourselves, especially in B.C., on being environmentally focused, and this is a really environmentally friendly way for anyone
E-BIKES: Continued on 5
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PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
E-bikes outside Bluebird
Ryan Kinghorn
START-UP EMISSIONS AT B.C. LNG PLANTS SYSTEMATICALLY UNDERESTIMATED, FINDS STUDY
Researchers
say B.C. regulators have underestimated pollution by ignoring LNG terminal start-up emissions
STEFAN LABBÉ Lodestar Media
Anew study has found that the amount of natural gas burned during the start-up of a liquefied natural gas export terminal is nearly three times higher than during regular operations.
The findings, which were recently published in the journal Environmental Science and Technology, leaned on satellite data captured through infrared imaging to measure and then model how much gas is likely flared in the first two years a facility operates The research holds particular significance for Canada, which has several LNG export facilities in various stages of planning and development.
Tim Takaro, a physician and researcher at Simon Fraser University who supervised the study, said B.C.’s Environmental Assessment Office has been omitting the emissions released during the start-up phase in all of its environmental certificates.
He said that has led the province to ignore a significant part of the pollution that has come
out of plants like LNG Canada, as well as others slated to come on, such as Woodfibre LNG in Squamish, and the recently approved Ksi Lisims project north of Prince Rupert.
“For me as a public health physician, the main
finding here is we have knowingly underestimated the impacts to people in communities like Kitimat that are hosting these LNG plants,” said Takaro.
“It’s very systematic. It’s happened in all of the B.C. plants.”
son developed a cough.
“There’s many concerns around that big black plume,” said Gaucher. “Everyone around right now is talking about really severe allergies.”
“My concern is, what are we breathing in? What is it going to do to us? Nobody has answers.”
Hydrocarbons burned in a flare tend to release fine particulate matter (PM2.5), volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides into the atmosphere—emissions that have been linked to adverse health outcomes, according to the research
The study found that reporting on flared emissions in Canada and Australia is “inconsistent” and “poorly documented” due to weak enforcement.
The researchers pointed to LNG Canada’s operations, where in the year leading up to September 2025, the proponent issued more than 20 community notifications around start-up-related flaring. In many cases, B.C.’s Northern Health Authority has struggled to get data on flaring at the facility, according to Takaro.
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SQUAMISHBAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY
Gas flaring at LNG export facilities occurs by burning excess methane—the main component of natural gas—as it’s processed into a liquid for transport overseas.
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October5th is UNESCO’sWorld Teachers’Day whichhonoursthe pivotal role teachers play in shaping thefuture by nurturing studentsand drivingeducational progress
In theBaha’iFaith,educationisextremely important,and theBaha’iWritings exploreand honour thenoblestation of theteacher,particularly in relation to the education of children. It is in this exchange between thelearner andthe teacher that education takes on meaning.Itcould be argued that teaching is one of themost nobleundertakingsofthe soul
Ateacher bears theimmenseresponsibilityofenablinga humanbeing,setting them on an eternal questofinquiry into thenatureofthings. Ateacher has this uniqueprivilege and it must not be underestimated.Itisthe sacred charge of this profession:
Abdu’l-Baha describes theeduction and trainingofchildrenas “amongthe most meritorious actsofhumankindand draweth downthe graceand favorofthe All-Merciful,for education is theindispensable foundationofall humanexcellence andalloweth mantoworkhis waytothe heightsofabiding glory.”
This education, however,isnot onlyinthe learning of languages,sciencesand arts, asmagnificentand uplifting as this knowledge is to theintellectual and cultural tapestry of our world. Theseare complementaryforms of educationand findtheir greatestmerit when coupled with thefoundationofall educationalundertakings: moraleducation.
“Blessed is that teacher whoshallarise to instruct thechildren, and to guide the peopleintothe pathways of God,the Bestower,the Well-Beloved.”- Baha’u’llah www.squamishbahai.com
Flaring is typically used as a safety measure to release pressure and prevent explosions, and occurs at various points in their operational life, including during start-up, ongoing maintenance, and in emergency situations.
By looking at facilities across the world, the researchers were able to determine that flaring during the commissioning phase of an LNG plant tended to last two years but accounted for an outsized amount of emissions compared to regular operation
While a decade ago there was little satellite data to monitor emissions from flaring, today that’s changed, said Laura Minet, the study’s lead researcher and head of the Clean Air Lab at the University of Victoria.
With better data now available, Minet said the province should be paying more rigorous attention to the commissioning phase, especially with LNG terminals that flare near population centres.
“I think we’re approving a lot of projects right now without looking at what’s happening around the world with other LNG facilities,” said Minet “When we talk about air pollution and people’s health, two years is a lot.”
Dustin Gaucher, who can see the LNG Canada flare from his Kitimat-area home almost 20 kilometres away, said the process releases a “big black cloud of smoke” over the whole area
After he filmed the cloud on Sept. 11, Gaucher said his mother got a nosebleed, and he and his
The scientists involved in the study—who also came from the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and Texas A&M University—plan to publish a second paper in 2026 that will assess Woodfibre LNG’s anticipated impact on air quality and how it might harm public health and the local economy.
Once complete, the Woodfibre LNG terminal is expected to produce 2.1 million tonnes of liquified gas per year, almost seven times less than the 14 million tonnes of fuel expected to be produced annually at the now complete LNG Canada Phase 1 facility
In a email, a spokesperson for LNG Canada said “flaring is a safe outlet for natural gas and is provincially regulated.”
Woodfibre LNG did not respond to BIV’s request for comment by publication time.
When the research project was first announced in 2024, a spokesperson for the Squamish LNG project said it had taken a number of steps to minimize the impact of flaring.
“Woodfibre LNG is designed to minimize the need for flaring and will only flare in emergency situations or during certain maintenance procedures,” spokesperson Sean Beardow said at the time
“During the regulatory process, it was determined that there would be no significant impact to local air quality due to the operation of the Woodfibre LNG facility.”
When Minet looked at Woodfibre’s environmental permit, she found flaring was expected to last for up to a month.
“Given that LNG Canada has been in its commissioning phase for one year, it’s hard to believe that it will last one month,” she said.
PHOTO VIA LNG CANADA LNG Canada facility, Kitimat, Nov. 2024, with a flare stack in the background
SQUAMISH-LILLOOET BOARD APPROVES $100K FOR SEARCH AND RESCUE BASE
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Board has approved a $100,000 contribution toward the construction of a new base for the Squamish Search and Rescue team
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District board voted unanimously at its Sept. 17 meeting to provide $100,000 to Squamish Search and Rescue (SSAR) toward its capital campaign for its new base.
The sum will come from Electoral Area D Southern Area BC Hydro Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) reserve funds.
These are funds which are payments made by Crown corporations in place of property taxes.
Squamish SAR has to relocate from its current compound near Brennan Park Recreation Centre as of July 2026 because the municipal property it sits on has been sold
The organization is moving to a new base at the Squamish Municipal Airport – Don Patrick Field
Phase 1 of the rebuild is slated to be complete in April of 2026
“The overall cost of Phase 1 is estimated to be $2.85 million, which includes a 20% contingency fund to cover escalating costs for this
E-BIKES: Continued from 3
to get around, and it really instils that in young kids when they have this mode of transportation that they can use prior to even being in a car. Getting around Squamish is way easier on an e-bike You can get from A to B a lot faster and in a sustainable way,” she added.
MINISTRY RESPONSE
Contacted about the issue, the Ministry of Transportation and Transit said the provincial government is not considering a licensing program for e-bikes.
“It would be difficult to administer a licensing and insurance program that would be affordable for taxpayers and appropriately identify who should be covered,” a spokesperson for the ministry said.
“The provincial government is not considering a licensing or insurance program for these devices.”
The ministry added that many adult cyclists only ride recreationally on trails, and many young children ride bicycles as well
The spokesperson noted that B.C.’s Motor Vehicle Act and regulations set rules for motorized devices that are authorized for road use in the province, including e-bikes, which the legislation defines as “motor-assisted cycles.”
The Motor Assisted Cycle (E-Bike) Regulation sets requirements that an e-bike must meet to be legally operated on B.C. roads.
The ministry also noted that there are
multi-year project and ever-changing tariffs,” wrote SSAR president Cameron Stuart in his funding request letter to the board, written in May
“We are very fortunate to have the District of Squamish dedicate $2 [million] to the project, as well as in-kind community support valued at $350,000, for various services/materials necessary to complete Phase 1. We are seeking an additional $500,000 from the SLRD to complete Phase 1 and ensure we do not have any interruption in our operations.”
The letter notes that the approximately 90-member volunteer organization is one of the busiest in Canada, with 120 to 150 callouts per year.
Squamish SAR covers from Porteau Cove to Garibaldi Lake, and the Tantalus Range to the Pitt River.
Its missions take place on Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw, Səlilwətaɬ, and Lílwat7úl territories, and within the District of Squamish, SLRD Area D, and BC Parks boundaries
At its July 23 SLRD board meeting, the directors referred SSAR’s request for funding to staff, asking that they return with a report recommending potential funding sources and
currently two types of e-bikes that are legal for use: standard e-bikes and light e-bikes.
• A standard e-bike must have a maximum motor-assisted speed of 32 km/h and a maximum continuous power output of 500W
A rider must be at least 16 years old to use a standard e-bike
• A light e-bike must have a maximum motor-assisted speed of 25 km/h, have a maximum continuous power output of 250W, and have motors that only operate with pedalling.
“Younger riders aged 14 or older are allowed to operate a light e-bike,” the ministry spokesperson said.
Both standard and light e-bikes must have fully operable pedals that are capable of being operated while the motor is engaged.
A device that does not meet these and other specifications in the regulation is not considered an e-bike and is illegal for operation on public roads in B.C., the ministry said, adding that riders must follow all the e-bike requirements for the safety of both themselves and other road users, including pedestrians and cyclists
The ministry noted that it funds educational biking programs such as HUB Cycling’s Everyone Rides Grade 4-5 “to provide B.C. elementary students with skills, confidence and the opportunity to learn to ride their bicycles to and from school. Programs such as these are important for teaching youth how to get around safely and sustainably.”
amounts.
In its report to the board for the Sept 17 meeting, regional district staff said, “the available funds for 2025 are not sufficient to support the full amount of the request While additional funding could be allocated in future years to meet the requested amount, doing so would limit the SLRD’s capacity to support other internal Area D projects in the 2026 Financial Plan. The Board may therefore wish to consider approving an amount less than the full request.”
Colin Hodgins, deputy director of finance, told the directors the SSAR ask was quite high for the SLRD
“This request, at $500,000, is abnormally large for the SLRD for a third-party request,” he said “We don’t see them this high and that is why this kind of discussion needs to be had.”
He also reiterated that any more funding beyond the $100,000 would be best put to next year’s budgeting process.
“We’ve allocated out for all the projects that we had for 2025,” he said
We
are seeking an additional $500,000 from the SLRD to complete Phase 1 and ensure we do not have any interruption in our operations.
CAMERON STUART
The directors thus settled on providing 20% of the requested amount, and that the balance of the funding request be referred to the 2026 budget process.
“I am looking forward to our budget process,” said Area D director Tony Rainbow. “I would like to increase that amount, but I don’t think it is responsible to do it at this time, so I would like to move it there in the budget.”
Watch the discussion on the SLRD’s YouTube channel, starting at about the 47-minute mark See more about SSAR’s fundraising campaign for its new base on its website.
B.C. MOUNTAINEERING CLUB UNVEILS NEW ALPINE TRAIL TO RAVE RESPONSE
With steep grades and sweeping vistas, a brand-new single-track trail east of Squamish is drawing attention—and offering hope for future long-distance routes across southwestern B.C.
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
News of the new trail has sparked more excitement than he could have imagined.
Paul Kubik, a director with the B.C. Mountaineering Club, which manages the recreation site and hut up at Watersprite Lake, said when the club recently finished building a new trail near the lake, they knew it would be well-loved, but couldn’t have predicted the overwhelming reaction it received
Kubik posted about the completion of the new hiking trail that climbs from the Watersprite Lake campsite to the rugged alpine col (unofficially dubbed “Dreadnought Col”) on the site’s 5,200-member Facebook page on Sept. 17, and it garnered 91,000 views in 36 hours.
The fresh trail is 1,100 metres long and climbs 200 metres, with a 19% average grade. It is just wide enough for single-file trekking, with sections ranging from 0.5 to 0.75 metres across.
Building the path was no easy feat. Over three weeks this month, a six-person crew from contractor Park Solutions Inc., led by owner Daniel Anderson, put in 650 hours of “sweat equity,” Kubik said
Helicopter flights transported gear and the crew to the worksite
The trail is a way to disperse the folks who do go up to the increasingly popular Watersprite, he noted.
“The idea is to disperse people from the lake, so anything we can do to lessen the impacts, because there are some sensitive areas there. There’s the water—people are swimming in it, obviously, and sunscreen comes off, gets in the water. There’s that and there’s potential for animal feces, there’s potential for trampling meadows and stuff,” he added.
“The trail actually has an environmental aspect to it, in that it diverts people away from sensitive habitat.”
‘PENT-UP DEMAND’
Kubik says it is likely that this is the first new hiking-only trail built in 10 years or more in the region.
“There is pent-up demand for new hiking trails,” he said.
The club has a vision for long-distance hiking trails, eventually between Coquitlam and Squamish, but the plan has stalled due to land ownership and jurisdictional issues
For the Watersprite trail, though, approvals to build came relatively easily from the province’s Recreation Sites and Trails B.C.
“‘It is a watershed moment. It’s a new
reconciliation regime. It’s something that worked, finally,” Kubik said “There’s been a lot of frustration, because we have a lot of interesting ideas, and none of them are getting done,” he added.
“I would just like to stress how exciting it is to actually get something done.”
The Ministry of Environment and Parks told The Squamish Chief, however, that several trails have been built in and around the region in the last decade:
- Watersprite Lake Trail – 8.5 km
- Sky Pilot Trail Network – 43 km
- Pakosha Creek Trail in Ashlu Valley – 5.78 km
- Mount Barbour Trail near Tenquille Lake – 6.14 km
- Skywalk Trail west of Whistler – 7.2 km
- Mount Sproat Trail Network west of Whistler –18.7 km
- Into the Mystic west of Whistler –8.65 km
- Nineteen Mile Creek west of Whistler –7.3 km
- Mount Currie Trail –8.4 km
The ministry said that current plans are to maintain and improve existing trails, and new trails proposed by partners or the public will be considered through the Forest and Range Practices Act (FRPA) Section 57 authorization process.
HOW NEW HIKING TRAILS ARE APPROVED IN B.C.
According to the Ministry of Environment and Parks, a new hiking trail has to proceed through a consultation, referral and authorization process under Section 57 of FRPA
“Each trail proposal poses unique impacts,
which are evaluated during this process. Additionally, the capacity to manage new trails within the Parks and Recreation Program and with partners is a key consideration when making additions,” a spokesperson from the ministry said
“Mitigation measures must be developed to address these concerns. Often we are not aware of the barriers to a trail until we have started the consultation process.”
Significant barriers to new trails include suitable access—which is sustainable for vehicles—construction cost, maintenance cost, and the cost of managing overnight use through installing the required infrastructure and management structure, the spokesperson added.
In terms of other provincial upgrades completed this past summer, significant rerouting, infrastructure work, and upgrades were carried out on several trails near Whistler—including Wedgemount Trail and Brandywine Meadows Trail, according to the ministry
Additionally, Shannon Creek bridge was replaced on the Sky Pilot Trail Network; Semaphore Lake trail saw minor rerouting, along with toilet and food cache installation; and Hunters Crossing bridge at Brohm Lake was also replaced.
Ultimately, for Kubik, the new Watersprite trail is about giving outdoor enthusiasts a way to have a good time
“I just think it’s great having a trail where people can actually forget about really difficult terrain, and then get up into the high areas, and, you know, get to climb a mountain, do a
rich traverse—and have fun.”
FUNDING FOR THE NEW WATERSPRITE TRAIL
• The B.C. Mountaineering Club: $20,000 + lodging at Watersprite Lake hut
• BC Parks Foundation (Sea to Sky Legacy Fund): $20,000
• BC Mountain Foundation: $18,000 for construction and site visits
• Valhalla Pure Outfitters Squamish (Trail Fund): $15,000
Recreation Sites and Trails helped with “their engineering expertise,” Kubik said, “and helped secure camping for the crew.”
BEFORE YOU GO
If you’re planning your own trip up to Watersprite Lake, here are some key things to know before you go:
• The Forest Service Road (FSR) to the trailhead east of Squamish is rough in some areas, and 4x4 vehicles are recommended.
• The main hike to the lake is about 19 km round trip
• Be prepared by reviewing the BC AdventureSmart ‘Pack Like a Pro – Essentials for Outdoor Adventures.’
• The cabin and campground have to be booked through BCMC
• Camping season ends Thanksgiving weekend.
• Dogs must be kept on leash in the camping area and out of sensitive habitat.
• This area is in active bear country
• Be sure to practice Leave No Trace principles when recreating in the backcountry.
PHOTOS BY DANIEL ANDERSON/PARK SOLUTIONS VIA PAUL KUBIK
The fresh trail is 1,100 metres long and climbs 200 metres, with a 19% average grade.
DISTRICT MOVES TOWARD SIX-UNIT ZONING TIED TO FUTURE BUSES
As part of efforts to address housing needs and promote sustainable development, the District of Squamish is advancing a bylaw that ties increased residential density to improved public transportation
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
The District of Squamish is updating certain zoning for the future to include six units on eligible properties when frequent transit routes are established in town
At its Sept 16 meeting, council voted 5-2 in favour of the first three readings of a zoning bylaw amendment that ups the density to six units for R1 and R4 zones in the District when the property is located within 400 metres of a frequent bus route, once transit service meets the threshold of “frequent.”
The District will also remove off-street parking requirements for multi-unit residential use once transit service meets the defined threshold of frequency
The change brings the District into alignment with provincial legislation.
In other words, in the future, if the conditions set out in the bylaw are met, six units would have to be allowed under the province’s housing legislation
The change also puts the District in alignment with significant grants available through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
Currently, there are about 100 properties that would be impacted by the change, were the conditions to be met today, District staff said.
The new regulation would permit up to “six dwelling units on property zoned R1 and R4 within 400 metres of a frequent bus route, once bus service meets the threshold of a frequent bus route. This threshold is defined as at least one bus route that is scheduled to stop at least every 15 minutes, on average, between the hours of 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday, and between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m on Saturdays and Sundays,” explained District planner,
Bryan Daly.
R1 zoning typically permits single-family homes, duplexes or fourplexes, while R4 zoning allows similar uses along with triplexes.
“This change would only come into effect in the event that frequent transit is achieved, which will trigger provincial legislation requiring this density and these parking regulations. Staff have included the required transit frequency in both the definition of a frequent bus route and in the general regulations itself to make clear that this is a future condition and that existing transit does not
meet this definition,” said Daly COUNCIL
COMMENTS
In throwing her support behind the plan, Coun Jenna Stoner said it was “really important” that transit be up to speed before the increased zoning was implemented.
“You need that frequent transit to be there in order to support that densification and the parking variances that come with it, and so forth. And so I think that this sets us up well I think it sets us up well for advocacy conversations, too, with the province to say that not only have we continued to put money in our budget for transit expansion, but we were also ready from a zoning perspective, as soon as they’re ready to match our funding,” she said.
Coun. Andrew Hamilton, in also supporting the change, said it will help ease demand on housing and potential dependence on cars.
“Transit-oriented development is a path forward that we can increase the housing stock in our community, and make it more affordable for folks to live here And I think the removal of the parking requirement, [is] an important step for us as a community to move forward accepting the idea that it can be
PHOTO BY EDB3_16/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Transit has to be more frequent before the density is upped to six units, said the majority on council at its Sept 16 regular meeting.
We areplanning ahead for budget conversationsinOctober and November as Council reviews the 2026-2035 Financial Plan.
TheAquatics programschedule and registration date arebeing delayedfromOctober 1(viewable) and October 8(registration) due to uncertainty caused by the September 29 strike notice. We thank youfor your patienceand look forwardtosharing the program schedule and registration date when possible
Pre-payAvailable
We nowofferthe convenience of pre-paying from your phone or computer for Adult Drop-InHockey and Adult Drop-InStick and Puck.
Create an accountto pre-register online at squamish.ca/create-account
Online pre-registration is recommended to guarantee your spot on the ice.
Looking forindoor activities to keep your little one busyona rainyday?
Thereisstill spaceleftinMondayorTuesday sessions forour Little Sneakers programs.
More energy to burn? Keep the fun going onWednesdaysinTot Riders!
Online pre-registrationrecommendedto guarantee your spot.
Pool Shutdown: September 3–October 17
This year’s shutdown has been extended in order to complete work relatedto the Brennan Park Recreation Centre renovation project.
The more things change, the more they stay the same
Twenty years ago, Stuntwood Skateshop opened its doors to the Squamish community, at a time when skateboarding played second fiddle to snowboarding and other winter-based sports It arrived around the same time as the downtown skatepark, kicking off two decades of skate culture.
This year, they celebrated their 20th anniversary, giving current owner Shane Nunn an opportunity to look back on how far the community has come during that time.
“I think skateboarding boomed, for sure. It’s a snowboard and ski town, obviously, so there are a lot of people who were board sport enthusiasts, so I think it created a whole level of access to the sport,” Nunn told The Squamish Chief.
“Previous to that downtown park being built, there was a small one at Brennan Park It’s not very good, it needs an upgrade now, and it needed an upgrade then, and people just made do until the shop and the new park came.”
Stuntwood was first started by skateboarder Mike Quesnel, then handed over to Nunn five years later. Since then, the skate community has experienced a number of milestones, including the creation of a bowl that they call Slashiter Cove—because it’s on Mashiter Creek, near Capilano University. It was constructed about 10 years ago.
“It’s still there. It’s thriving. It gets skated, but it’s definitely built for advanced skateboarders; you can’t take your kids there. But that bowl has specifically brought a lot of pro skateboarders through Squamish, just to skate that bowl,” he said.
“It was built by professional park builders, so it’s a pretty amazing thing to have in our town ” Local boarders also laid claim to a tennis court
COUNCIL: Continued from 7
consumer choice to not park a car, if it works for them.”
Coun Chris Pettingill said he liked that, in this case, the District will be able to match the transit growth to the change in density.
“It seems, from the conversation we’ve had with BC Transit, our main obstacle to frequent transit is getting enough buses on the road and so on. It’s not the lack of housing. And so putting a bunch of housing density without the transit in place really seemed to be at odds with a lot of the goals we have. So I’m glad we’re, in this case, really aligning these two things.”
Councillors Lauren Greenlaw and Eric
in Valleycliffe that is now used almost exclusively as a destination for skateboarding, down by the Stawamus River in McNaughton Park It’s even received the backing of the city
“Since skateboarding has been in Squamish, there’s been a tennis court that has been renegaded and taken over, turned into a couple of ledges and things like that in there. Now, in the past three years, we’ve gotten a sponsorship from Vans, so they donate ten sheets of skatelite, which is a really expensive material that can last through the winters,” he said.
“It’s basically a plywood top sheet for skate parks. If it rains or snows, it doesn’t get warped or ruined.”
He said the Valleycliffe courts attract more skaters than the actual skate park. And though there are plenty of families getting their kids into the sport, there’s also older generations that are still going strong—he estimates the general demographic is about age six to 55 Social
Anderson opposed the bylaw amendment for the same reasons.
“My biggest concern is the elimination of off-street parking requirements, which I think could be really problematic in some of these neighbourhoods, many of which are already experiencing parking discomfort And 400 metres in Squamish is pretty far,” said Greenlaw. “That’s quite a high benchmark. If we were to have a frequent transit line, for instance, going down Westway, that would essentially mean that all of Valleycliffe would be eligible to have six units on their property, if they fit ... and have no off-street parking. I just have a lot of concerns about that.”
The bylaw amendment will return to a future council meeting for final adoption
attitudes have shifted around skateboarding, most notably with the Olympics incorporating it as a sport, but he believes the basics have remained the same
“There are new technologies that are making boards last a little longer and stay a little stronger, but typically most people are still coming in for a classic skateboard made of seven plies of Canadian maple, and they just keep going with the original stuff they grew up skating.”
Stuntwood saw a giant increase in interest through the pandemic, which is starting to slow down now. Because of the solitary nature of skateboarding, it had an appeal over team sports like hockey and football.
“We definitely saw a giant increase during COVID of sales and people getting back into the sport… Even though you’re all at the same skate park, you can only have one person skating an obstacle at a time, so you’re kind of distanced,” he said.
He said the cost is another attraction, as “$300 compared to $10,000 for a mountain bike seems like a pretty good deal.”
Earlier this year, Stuntwood celebrated its 20th anniversary by hosting a jam at the Valleycliffe tennis courts with a big barbecue and a thank
you to the community. They also plan to have a premiere for a video that their skate team has put together over the summer
“I made sure everyone left with something to say thank you, whether it was a pair of shoes or a set of wheels or a deck or stickers, everybody got something,” Nunn 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.
DAYOFTHE DEAD
AT BRITANNIA MINE MUSEUM
Avibrant cultural celebration of life, memory, and tradition
OCT18,19,25& 26 |NOV 1& 2
PHOTO COURTESY OF STUNTWOOD
Stuntwood is located at 1311 Pemberton Ave,
Britannia Mine Museum gratefully acknowledges their community sponsors:
Seeking Library BoardMembers
TheMunicipal Librarywas establishedin2003pursuant to the provisions of the LibraryAct of BritishColumbia.
Infrastructure Upgrades
•Installation work on the watermain near Bill’s Placehas resumed
•Sanitaryliftstation rehabilitation on PiaRoad continues
•Workonthe Victoria Street Active Transportation Upgrades continues on Victoria Street,between Cleveland Avenue and Loggers Lane.
squamishlibrary.ca
TheLibraryBoardhas the responsibility foroversight of the deliveryofpublic library services in theDistrict of Squamish.The Boardconsistsofone member of Council andeight members of the public appointedbyCouncil.Membersofthe Boardwillserve without remuneration.
Members areexpectedtoattend all meetingsof the Board, whichare held on the thirdWednesday of eachmonth,and shareinother Boardactivities and responsibilities.
Allresidents and electors of the District areeligible forappointment,unless they are membersofthe MunicipalCouncil oremployees of theDistrictorthe LibraryAssociate.
Please indicate on your applicationany particular interests,experienceor qualifications youhaveinrelationtopublic library services Thereare four vacancies to fill.
An information package and application formsare availableatthe Libraryand online at: squamishlibrary.ca/library-board
Applications should be received no laterthan4:30 pm on October 15, 2025. Please directto SarahMorris at corporateofficer@squamish.ca or by mail: DistrictofSquamish, 37955 Second Avenue,POBox 310, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3
•Installation of anew transit shelter onDiscoveryWay is underway.
•EVCharging Stationsinstallation work at Brennan Park continues
squamish.ca/building-our-future
•Loggers East StormSewer projectcontinues.
Crosswalk Installations and Safety Upgrades:
•GovernmentRoad beside Watershed Grill
•Buckley Avenue at Dentville Park
•Queens WayatResolution Way
•Queens Waybetween Commercial Wayand Pioneer Way
SeekingAdvisory Design Panel Members at Large
Applicationsare beingaccepted from those interested in volunteering on the District of Squamish AdvisoryDesign Panel.The Panel reviewsand provides advice regardingdevelopmentpermitapplications andany other matter referred forreviewbyCouncil.
ThePanelcomprises twelve membersincluding professionalsnominated by theirinstitutes or associations. TheDistrictiscurrently seekingSquamish residentswithaninterestinlocal developmentand design to fill amemberat largevacancy.
TheAdvisoryDesignPanel Bylaw, meeting agendas, minutes andcommittee application form can be found at squamish.ca/board-and-panel-meetings Applicants should completeanapplicationformand submitwith their resume.
By mail
CorporateOfficer,DistrictofSquamish, 37955Second Avenue,P.O.Box 310, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3
By email
corporateofficer@squamish.ca
Deadline 4:30 pm on October24, 2025
If youhaveany questions,please call the LegislativeServicesdepartment on 604-892-5217
NEWS BRIEF
FEDERAL FUNDING SPARKS LOCAL IMPROVEMENTS
You may have noticed new crosswalks and sidewalks around town, plus improved transit access That’s thanks to $3.7 million in federal funding from the Canada CommunityBuilding Fund, which made four new construction projects possible in 2023 and 2024, with a fifth in the works—the revitalization of Brennan Park Recreation Centre
The completed projects used $2.4 million of the available fund and include:
• 790 metres of paved multi-use path was created, as well as the installation of nine lights, two new crosswalks, two sets of activated pedestrian crossing beacons and one new curb bulge.
• 800 metres of new sidewalk on the west side of Perth Drive, including a new crosswalk, and two pedestrian crossing beacons.
• A new transit bus pad and transit access improvements at the Garibaldi Avenue and Tantalus Avenue intersection, plus 38551 Loggers Lane transit access improvements
• Road safety improvements and the installation of a pedestrian crosswalk and transit access improvements on Government Road and Loggers Lane
The Brennan Park Recreation Centre Revitalization project will utilize the remaining $1.14 million of the grant to help fund the following work:
• Lobby renovation
• Elevator access to the upper-level
• Mezzanine renovation
• Ice rink change room renovation
• Ice rink roof re-insulation
• Ice rink/pool: new mechanical units to reduce energy consumption
• High-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter installation.
According to Member of Parliament Patrick Weiler, these projects will have a large impact
“Investments like these make it easier and safer for people in Squamish to get where they need to go By improving sidewalks, crosswalks, and transit access, we are helping families, seniors, and young people move around their community with confidence, while also supporting our climate goals,” he said, in a news release.
“The Government of Canada is proud to work with local partners to deliver infrastructure that strengthens communities and improves quality of life.”
The sentiment was echoed by Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs Christine Boyle.
“These upgrades are making it safer and easier for people in Squamish to get around, whether they’re walking, biking, or taking transit,” she said. “Investments like these improve quality of life and help build more connected, sustainable communities. We’re happy to support projects that improve the safety and well-being of British Columbians.”
And Mayor Armand Hurford said he was thrilled with the upgrades
“As the use of our active and public transportation systems increases, it is crucial to ensure that our infrastructure keeps up with this rising demand,” he said
“These projects not only align with council’s strategic plan but also reflect our commitment to building a safer, practical, more accessible community for all. We are grateful to the Government of Canada for their continued partnership and support through the Canada Community-Building Fund.”
Meet Aphrodite!
Aphrodite is apeoplepleaser as sheloves to be around humans and is social,affectionate, playfuland an all-around amazingyoung cat. Shedoesnot like othercatsand will need to be theonlyfamilypet in her newhome. Aphroditeisa catthatwould adapttoa family,a couple or even a single person as sheiseasygoing andjust wantstohavesomeone to love her.
Breaking News
PHOTO BY KATIE DOUGLAS/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
SENIORS EXPO: A large crowd turned out for The Squamish Chief’s Seniors Expo on Friday
The event included speakers, music, dancing and educational booths at The 55 Activity Centre
Itappears no oneiscomingtohelpus, where Highway99isconcerned.
When TheSquamishChief recently askedthe Ministry of Transportation andTransit aseriesof questionsabout possiblefixes,the responsesthat camein(afterpressdeadline) spokevolumes.
On speedcameras,the spokesperson wasclear: they aren’t happening.
“There arenoplans currentlytoinstall digital camerasthatenforce speedingviolationsalong the SeatoSky Corridor.”
Thespokespersonalsosaid, “there arenoplans to installemergency access gatesonthe SeatoSky Corridor
They pointedout “multiple” unsigned access points foremergency crewsalong theroute and “multiplesignedturnaroundpointsfor public use.”
In otherwords,nothing will change to open up lanesthathasn’talready been happening.
Thus,the samegridlockwillcontinuetooccur when thereisahighway closure.
Askedabout thelong-promised regional transit, theministryspokespersonput theresponsibility back on thelocal governments,which we know can’t affordit, saying the“timing of implementation will depend on what fundinglocal partners arewilling to contribute to theservice.”
Thespokespersonaddedthat, “communities along theSea to SkyCorridoreachhaverobustlocal transit systems. Thereare also privateoperators alongthe Sea to SkyCorridor, includingthe Squamish Connector, whichprovidescommuterservice to Vancouver.”
So,weare allgood then?Mostfolks wouldargue we aren’t.
So,again,nothing lookstochangeanytime soon on thehighway that theministry’sown data shows sees between10,000and 20,000 vehicles in our region perday.
HOWARE WE THINKING THESEDAYS?
GUESTCOLUMN ELIJAH DANN
TTheSquamishChief is amemberof theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependentorganization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contact Editor Jennifer Thuncher at jthuncher@squamishchief.com.Ifyou arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information
Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expressly forbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.
MLAfor West Vancouver-SeatoSky Jeremy Valeriote said during hiscampaigntobeelected that if he hadto “camp outinthe office of theministeroftransportation” to make regional transportareality,hewould We will seeifthisthreatcomes to fruition
Afterall,healsosaid, “Woodfibre canabsolutely be stoppedbya government that hasthe political courage to do so.”
Buttobefair,though, with only twoseats in the Legislature,Green Party membersfacelimitations in advancinganythingindependently.
Ifwecollectivelywantchanges,inparticular, regional transit, we need to back ourMLA up on it.
Governments at leastpartially bend to thewhimof the public whenthatpublicisclear andloud.
So, be loud.
Form lettersdon’t change anything,though. Speak fromthe heartand be clearabout what thesnarlson theSea to SkyCorridorcostyou andyourfamilyand what youwant, be it speed cameras, regional transit, both,orsomething else.
Write:TRAN.Webmaster@gov.bc.ca.
hissemesterI’m teaching acourseatSimon Fraser University (SFU)entitled, “A Guideto Critical Thinking in an EraofConspiracies, Ideology andAssortedWoo-Woo.”
Unsurprisingly,the classwas full on thefirst day. It makesmydrive to thecityfromSquamishevenmore worthwhile
ThelasttimeItaughta course on critical thinking was10years ago. Things have changedfor allofus sincethen, andIthought Ishouldteach it again.
Butithad to be more than just astandard, academically steriletextbookapproachtocriticalthinking. Learning aboutfallacies andVenndiagramsisgood, butinthe turmoiloftoday’s world, acourseoncritical thinking needsabroader scopeofinvestigation.
That’s exactlywhy Iincludedinthe lectures the nature of conspiracy theories,ideology, and, forgood measure, propaganda.Studied together or apart, they arepoweringmuchofthe non-thinkinginour communities.
We need to know howtorecognize anddiagnose theseissues, andhow to protectourselves from their influences.
As fate wouldhaveit, halfwaythrough thefirst dayof class, we heardthe news aboutCharlie Kirk’s death.
Minutesbefore, we hadjustcovered thetheme forthat day’slecture:the requirementfor democracytoallow thoughtful debate andargument. Andthe famous saying:“Imay disagree with what yousay,but I’ll defend your righttothe deathtosay it.”
Suddenly,weknewthathow we respondtoanother’s worldviewwenttoawhole differentlevel,a place wherewecannotlet ourdeepdisagreements morph into violence or hatred againstour fellow citizens
Ourclass’s eerietimingcontinued thefollowing week when we learnedU.S.network ABChad suspendedJimmy Kimmel’s eveningtalkshow. Our lecturethatday,again by chance,was acontinuation from thepreviousweek: Democracy’srequirement for free speech.
Again, no matter howupsetting that speechisto some.Nomatterhow much it offends. Violence and murder arenever theanswer. Neitherisremoving comediansfromtheir show becauseapolitician doesn’tlikewhattheyhavetosay
Yes, we live in Canada andnot theU.S.Not even in a majorcity, butina smallercommunity whose reputation is aboutoutdoor adventure. We arelucky. ButSquamishisn’t insulatedfromthe widerworld of social media, podcasters,influencers,politicians,and grifters.Criticalthinkingand theneedfor vigorous argument,nomatterwhere youlive, should always be promoted andencouraged.
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
THINK: Continued from 12
well-educated, well-read, and scientifically literate. Conspiracy theories, ideology, and propaganda work because people don’t have a grasp of actual facts. Learning inoculates against misinformation But it’s an uphill battle, whether locally or nationally At the primary level and university level, our educational systems have been
withering away for decades. Our kids are not performing well in school Our universities have been shifting from “knowledge for the sake of knowledge” to training students to become productive workers for the marketplace. But becoming good citizens through education—for its own sake—means that democracy has a fighting chance That citizens will be able to see through mistruth and manipulations.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
DESERVE TO BE TREATED LIKE HUMANS
Members of our community that, just like you and I, deserve to be seen, deserve to be cared about, deserve a home and deserve to be treated like humans.
We seem to forget that we all have our vices whether it’s coffee, hucking ourselves of cliffs on two wheels, steep rock projects or even over working ourselves to death, just to not feel the pain we carry deep inside. Many of us are struggling, and many of us are seeking some form of “drug” just to keep ourselves away from feeling. Unfortunately, some have opted for something different, something more addicting and harmful. Something that has changed their lives and keeps them in a different category It is a category we’ve created just to keep them separate from us Separate, so we’re not presented with our own internal struggles. Now, not all of these community members are struggling with drug addiction. Many are clean, sober and recovering and in need of a home where they can continue their healing. Some have lost housing due to the rising cost of living, and let’s be honest here, a lot of us are struggling with this now. My Corolla is looking larger and more spacious as the months go by We keep talking about community, things we need as a community, things we desire to see within our community, without actually thinking of the community in its entirety; build another rink, more parking! More housing! But do we want housing for everyone, or do we want housing that only a select few can ever even dream of affording? News flash: A community is connected even with its shadows. We need to shine light on those
LETTERS POLICY
shadows and heal all parts to thrive
The past six months of this year, I have had the absolute pleasure of meeting a few of these community members. Sharing a few hours a week with them on my Mondays at a program called Street Degree Hearing their stories and witnessing them in their most authentic expressions.
The program allows them to come inside, have a bite to eat, have some coffee and be in community no matter their situation. I’m not going to go into much detail about the program. That’s not what this is about. I encourage you to research some of the programs that are out there created to help those in need. There are so many that have great value. I am encouraging you to see these individuals as humans. Understand that underneath what you might be seeing, is a human that’s hurting, a human, that just like you and myself, is someone in need of support.
To each of you involved in the program, I see you. I see the pain that you’re going through. I am forever so grateful for the time that we’ve spent together on Mondays and I’m proud of each of you for showing up with your desire to be vulnerable and heal. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Heather Fulcher Squamish
RECREATION IS NOT EXTRA
I’m not special. Like many families, we moved here to enjoy what Squamish proudly calls the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.”
And yet, when the rain pours, the ice calls, or the kids need swimming lessons, most of us end up at Brennan Park. More than 65% of residents use the facility every
As the astronomer and science educator Carl Sagan said: “If we are not able to ask skeptical questions, to interrogate those who tell us that something is true; to be skeptical of those in authority, then we’re up for grabs for the next charlatan, political or religious who comes ambling along.” I hope this week’s class is much less eventful At least for a few hours. Elijah Dann is a Squamish local and adjunct professor at SFU.
JOIN US ONLINE
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Will the fireworks ban change your Halloween plans?
Have your say at squamishchief.com
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
week—which is impressive until you realize that one aging building is carrying the weight of an entire community. It’s a bit like trying to run the Sea to Sky Gondola with only one cabin.
The strain is obvious. Earlier this year, Vancouver Coastal Health shut the pool after slip tests revealed that surfaces didn’t meet safety standards. The emergency fix cost $36,000, and the steam room was out of commission for 18 weeks. Then this September, the arena closed for nearly three weeks when humidity climbed 35% above design limits, leaving the ice as reliable as a Slurpee in July. Between 2018 and 2025, at least 16 slip-related incidents have been reported in the facility.
Meanwhile, Squamish is preparing for massive growth The District’s Housing Needs Report projects nearly 7,000 new homes by 2031, many of them for households earning under $70,000. More people means more demand—and right now, we’re short on space before the new neighbours have even arrived.
The $21-million retrofit is a good start, with energy savings of more than a third and nearly 300 tonnes of greenhouse gases cut each year But patching isn’t enough A second rink and pool, smaller hubs in Valleycliffe and Garibaldi, and better use of school gyms would spread the load and prepare us for the future
Recreation is not extra. It’s how kids learn teamwork, how newcomers meet neighbours, and how communities stay healthy together Brennan Park has carried Squamish far, but it’s time to admit the obvious: one rink, one pool, and a patch kit won’t cut it for the “Outdoor Recreation Capital of Canada.”
Lior Ishai 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
What change would most improve driving on the Sea to Sky Highway? (Top 3 answers)
1. NOTHING, IT IS DRIVERS—NOT THE ROAD—THAT ARE THE PROBLEM 29%
2. SPEED CAMERAS 20%
3. REGIONAL TRANSIT 16%
MOST READ STORY
Squamish letter: Put a gym in the gym
TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK
This week, our Local Journalism Initiative reporter Ina Pace took to local streets to see what folks thought of the fireworks ban. See this and many other videos on TikTok @squamishchief
FUNDRAISER AIMS TO SUPPORT VANCOUVER CLIMBER WHO SURVIVED 21-METRE FALL
What
began as a routine climb turned into a life-altering event for Vancouver’s Anna Fong, who survived a severe fall
and is
now showing signs of resilience and hope
WILL JOHNSON
For The Squamish Chief
It’s hard to balance the miracle with the devastation
On July 25, while rock climbing, Vancouver teacher Anna Fong tumbled 21 metres (70 feet) down Smoke Bluffs in Squamish, sustaining multiple fractures to both arms, her femur and her spinal cord. Once she was retrieved by Squamish Search and Rescue crews and transported unconscious to Vancouver General Hospital, it became clear she also had a traumatic brain injury, and her chances of recovery were slim.
But then, a month later, she woke up.
“It was a relief, of course, and it was a miracle. The whole medical team from throughout the course of Anna’s time in the ICU remarked about the miracle of her survival, but it was also very frightening because her life is completely changed moving forward,” her brother Fenton Fong told The Squamish Chief.
“She has injuries that will permanently change
her life, and we don’t fully know what those are right now. At the same time, in less than two months, but which feels like a lifetime ago since
the accident, she has made astounding progress, shown incredible resilience and the will to heal It is consistent with Anna’s personality. Everyone around her is gathered in community and hopeful for a meaningful recovery.”
Anna’s family has been by her side during this time, and her son Kodo was able to visit before heading off to start university in September. A moment of jubilation came when she regained the ability to speak. According to her brother, she was able to use a voice piece attached to her tracheostomy tube
“Being able to talk with her again is a powerful reminder of her strength, determination and hope for the months to come. Her long-term memory appears to be intact. Her short-term memory and sense of time, place and events are impaired from her brain injury.”
On the day of the fall, Anna was climbing with the Vancouver section of the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC).
According to executive director Carine Salvy, it occurred during a typical group climb.
“We are deeply affected by the news of Anna Fong’s recent accident during a climbing event of the Vancouver Section of the Alpine Club of Canada Our thoughts are with Anna, her family,
and her friends as they navigate this difficult time,” she said
“The Alpine Club of Canada is built on connection, adventure, and shared values We are reminded of the climbing community’s compassion and are grateful for the support and kindness that surrounds Anna We are also heartened to learn that Anna is making progress in her recovery On behalf of the Alpine Club of Canada, we extend our sincere support to Anna and all who are close to her. The ACC is committed to supporting our members and the broader community through this challenging time.”
According to Fenton, the cause of the fall is “inconclusive”.
The family has set up a GoFundMe fundraiser to help with Anna’s extensive needs during recovery, which has raised close to $20,000 of the $26,000 goal, as of Sept. 29.
“We are humbled by the outpouring of love and support for Anna and her family. Every message, every prayer, and every act of generosity brings us hope and strength,” the fundraiser reads.
“Thank you for walking alongside us on this journey of healing and resilience.”
TemporaryUse Permit No.TU000081
What’s Proposed
TemporaryUse Permit No.TU000081 seeks to allowyear round tourist accommodation use in one of the studentresidencebuildings on the Capilano UniversityCampus.Currently,under the UC-1zoning,tourist accommodation use is only permitted between May2and August31 of each year.
AffectedLands
3021 UniversityBoulevard, Squamish,British Columbia
LOTBDISTRICTLOT 512 GROUP 1NEW WESTMINSTER DISTRICTPLAN EPP17088
Proposed TemporaryUses
DespiteSection 20.7 of the UC-1zone,yearround tourist accommodation use ispermitted.
Location Map
TemporaryUse Permit Consideration
Consideration of TemporaryUse Permit No.TU000081 will be at the Regular Business Meeting on October 7, 2025 at 6p.m. in Council Chambers at MunicipalHall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C.
When
October 7, 2025, at 6p.m.
TheMeeting can be viewed
In Person at Council Chambers atMunicipalHall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish or electronically at: squamish.civicweb.net
No Public Hearing
As legislated, aPublic Hearing will notbeheld.
A copy of the proposedTemporaryUse Permit andrelatedinformation that has been or maybeconsideredbythe Council maybeinspectedonline or at MunicipalHall.
Online at: squamish.ca/showcase
Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, BritishColumbia,from September 25 to October 7, 2025, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Monday through Friday.
Enquiries regarding the proposed TemporaryUse Permit maybemadetothe Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca
Dated this 2day of October,2025, atSquamish, British Columbia. NoticeofDecision
In preparation forhibernation, abear’s appetite will increaseand they can feed forupto20hours aday in order to pack on enough pounds to survivethe winter.This increased feeding phase is called ‘hyperphagia”orhyper eating They can consume up to 20,000 calories per day, which is equal to ahuman eating 50 hamburgers per day. Bear activity typically increases in the Fall as they expand their search forlast minutefood sources.
Thereisplenty of bear activitybeing reportedinareas around Squamish, so please don’t let bears get toocomfortable at and around your home.Followthe checklistbelowand be BEAR SMARTin2025!
•Lock and secureyour totesatall timesexcept forcollection day.
•Onlyput totesout forcollection on themorningofcollection day andNEVER thenightbefore
•Freezeodorousfood items andplace them in thetoteon the morningofcollection.
•Remove birdfeedersorensure they are10feet off theground with aseed catchtray.
•Pick fruit as it ripens and don’t let it collectonthe ground.
•Keep barbecues clean and grease-free by burning an extra 5minutes afterremoving food and don’t forget to remove and/ or clean all barbecue tools
•Rinse all recycling.
•Talk to your neighbours about managing their attractants.
Ifyour tote is broken or damaged,please contactGFL at 604-892-5604 or email squamishtotes@gflenv.com to get your tote on this list. Let’sworktogether and keep bears safeinour community.
ReportALL wildlifesightings to the Conservation OfficerService24/7 hotline: 1-877-952-7277.
EAGLEWATCH CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF AVIAN TOURISM
As
thousands of bald eagles descend on the Squamish River watershed, a dedicated group of citizen scientists prepares to count them—and they need your help
WILL JOHNSON For The Squamish Chief
You don’t need a master’s degree to help If you want to join the team of volunteers who trek out into the Brackendale wilderness to count bald eagles, all you need is a pair of binoculars and a positive attitude.
Starting on Nov. 1 and going right through until Jan. 3, volunteers are needed to keep track of how many eagles are hanging out in the watershed—there will be two counts a day, every single day, which will ultimately be compiled in an annual report.
EagleWatch was founded in 1995, a year after the area saw a record 3,769 bald eagles, and is co-ordinated by the Squamish Environment Society
Thus, this is EagleWatch’s 30th anniversary. When it kicks off, the organization will need volunteers who are ready to march around the watershed with their eyes peeled
“On Nov. 1, we’ll have a count from 10 to 11 a.m., it’s like a 30-minute to 1-hour count, and then we have another count from 2 to 3 p.m., and that runs for the entire 10 weeks, concluding with the big annual count on the first Sunday in January,” co-ordinator Katelyn West told The Squamish Chief.
“It’s a citizen science program with no educational component.”
SPORTS BRIEF
HOSKIN OUTDUELS LANTHIER NADEAU FOR WOMEN’S TITLE
David Song dsong@wplpmedia.com
Elly Hoskin wrapped up an already-glorious 2025 season with one more victory, this time on Sept 21 at the Canadian Enduro Championships.
The history-making Enduro World Cup (EDR) winner from Squamish clinched elite women’s gold with an aggregate time of just over 30 minutes across two days of racing Incumbent national downhill queen Andréane Lanthier Nadeau returned to her enduro roots for silver (30:25.64) and Geza Rodgers snatched bronze (31:21.80).
“What a pleasure to finish the season at Canadian Nationals in Quebec,” Hoskin wrote on social media. “This place is amazing, home of [Devinci], my first race in the rainbows, and now home of my first elite national championship title! Imposter syndrome was in full swing this weekend,
If you capture a good photo of an eagle, we would love to share it Email images to jenniferthuncher@ lodestarmedia.ca.
The big annual count in January is distinct from the EagleWatch count, and it involves up to 70 volunteers
“We conduct counts at 17 different sites around the Squamish River watershed to get a giant picture of how many eagles are wintering in the area,” she said
but embracing all of it and feeling really proud of this race.
“Lots of things to be stoked about right now (number one is [Keely Bathurst] rocking the junior sleeve) and a season’s worth of reflecting to do, so I’ll think of a higher IQ caption in the near future Until then, thank you my people as always I couldn’t do this alone.”
Two Sea to Sky men also podiumed last weekend in Bromont, Que. Jesse Melamed (25:10.15) broke the beam in second and Wei Tien Ho (25:10.45) placed third, but neither could outperform the victorious Elliot Jamieson (24:53.50)
“When it gets closer to the end of the season, I’m always looking forward to the offseason and some rest,” Melamed remarked on his Instagram account. “To shrug off the pressure and stress of racing. But as soon as the last race is over, I’m already missing it and wanting more. Such is the cycle, and such is the current feeling. Happy to have ended the enduro season at such a fun spot.”
The area attracts migrating eagles every year because of the salmon-bearing rivers and because it’s relatively warm compared to the places they originate from further north. After the high number of eagles was tallied in 1994, it attracted an influx of avian enthusiasts leading to the need for a more formal approach
We conduct counts at 17 different sites around the Squamish River watershed to get a giant picture of how many eagles are wintering in the area.
KATELYN WEST
“People were kind of invading bald eagle space and going off trail and messing with them, so EagleWatch was a response to draw people toward a more ethical viewing area, and educate people about eagles rather than just running around Brackendale trespassing and disturbing them while they’re feeding,” she said
They try to make volunteering as accessible as possible
“It can be kind of intimidating to get involved, and they might think you need a lot of experience, but you don’t. All you need is a desire to experience this natural phenomenon.”
To learn more and to become a volunteer, go to the society’s website.
PHOTO BY BUDZ NERIC
PHOTO BY NICOLE SAUGSTAD
THE GIVING KIND: On Sept 20, the BC Thanksgiving Food Drive took place in town The final tally shows that close to 3,000 kilograms (6,600 lbs) of food was collected for the food bank, according to Geraldine Guilfoyle, of the Squamish Multifaith Association. Well done, Squamish!
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Housekeeping
LAMBERTUS (BERT) VENEKA
January8,1946 –September 25,
It is with heavy hearts and deep love thatweannounce the passing of our beloved father and Opa, Lambertus (Bert) Venekamp. Bert will be lovingly remembered by his brothers Rudolph (Rudy), and Cornelis (Cees) and his wife Sonya;his children Corrina (Rocky),Kirsten (Don), Joe(Jenna), and Dale(Angie); and his grandchildren Tyler (Jon),Colby(Kayle), Calen (Jade), Cory (Anya), Cameron (Wisdom),Stephanie (Matt), David (Melissa), Michael, and Madalyn
Hewas aproud great-grandfather to Charlotte, Olivia, Olive, Heidi,and Adaline,and will also be fondlyremembered by manynieces, nephews, extended family,and friends.
Bert was predeceased by his beloved wife Marie, his parentsMaartje and Hendrik(Henk) Venekamp,and his brother Cornelis.
Born in Andijk, Netherlands, Bert joined the Dutch military after finishingschool.In1968, he emigrated to Canadabyboat, arriving in Montreal and travelingdirectly to Squamish—drawn bythe promiseofexcellent fishing
He workedfor Can Oxy for many years before moving ontoNorthern Utilities, where he spent the remainder of his career working at hydroelectric dams in Squamish and the Queen Charlotte Islands,retiringin2011.
Bert was ahardworking,kind, and gentle soul—always readytolend ahelping hand.His quiet strength, warm heart, and dedication to his family and community will never be forgotten.
He spenthis retirement years doingwhatheloved most—watching the tideroll in and out, ewith his beloved Marie. Together, they found peace and joyinlife’ssimpl would like to extendtheir heartfelt thanks to the nurses, care aides, a Seniors Home for their care and compassion during Bert’sfinaldays
Res. Cleans SQ.Home 604-898-2333
Each Loss
Each lossisverydifferent, Thepain is so severe Will Ieverstopmissing This one Iloved so dear?
Good timeswehad together, Themomentsthatweshared We didn’t have to tell each other How muchwe reallycared
Inever dreamed you’dgoaway, Neverthoughtofsorrow. So sureyou’d always be here Took forgranted each tomorrow.
Nowmylifeisall confused Sinceyou went away Youtook apartofme And forhelp Idailypray.
But whenGod sent youtome He never said that youweremine, That Icould keep youalways–Onlyborrowedfor atime
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Now, He’s calledyou home, I’m sadand Ished tears. YetI’m glad He loanedyou to me And we had thesemany years.
604.892.5954 Unit 101-38142Cleveland Ave, Squamish
CAREERS
SCADATechnician –Regular Full-Time
Youwill be responsible forSCADA systems used across our infrastructureservices.This is ahandsonrole thatplays acritical partinensuringthe reliabilityand efficiencyofessential publicutilities
Twoyears experiencein electrical automation and SCADAsystems maintenanceisrequired
Apply at squamish.ca/careers
Bunbury&Associates Land Surveying Ltd.
NowHiring: Junior Surveyorand/or Surveyor’s Assistant in our Squamish Office
About the Role: Physicallydemanding position
Qualifications: Strong problem solving skills and attention to detail
Howtoapply:
Please submit your resume and coverletterto Squamish@Bunbury-Surveys.com
3/4th year apprentices and Journeymen electricians needed. Residential and commercialprojects in Whistler and Squamish.
Wages based on experience. Vehicle, travel, medicalbenefits, overtime provided. Email: admin@baseelectric.ca
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY
EmployeeHealth &Wellness Plan available
HEAVY EQUIPMENTOPERATOR – Minimum 5years or 5,000hours operating experience on excavator.Full-time, Monday –Friday.$33-$46per hour
CRUSHING &EARTHWORKS MANAGER – Must have experience with mobile crushing plant and heavy civil construction. $33-$46per hour.
constructioncompany.
The Sea to Sky corridor’stop civil
Applicants should beprofessional and safetyminded,with acommitment to contributing positively to our team environment.
We are seeking aqualifiedindividual for the following position:
Please Email resume to: info@whistlerexcavations.com
CONSTRUCTION LABOURER– Great opportunity to learnon-the-job. Stamina for physically demanding work andperseverancetobrave inclementweatherrequired. Previous experience preferredbut not required. Training provided. $28-$33 perhour
PIPE LAYER –Minimum5years experience in civil construction Full-time,Monday –Friday.$33-$43 per hour
PROJECT MANAGER –Minimum10yearsexperience preferred.Civil Engineering degree or Civil Technology diploma preferred. Full Time, $90,000to$125,000per year depending on experience and qualification
PROJECT COORDINATOR –Minimum2years experience preferred. $29-$40 per hour
1. Tale starter
5. Pixie
8. Pour forth
12. Bland
13. “____ Man in Havana” 14. Bear’shome
15. Refinement
17.Sour compound
18. No way!
19.Dogs’ shelters
21. Modify text
23. Closet bar
24.Blemish
26.Benefit
28. Hornets, e.g.
Sickens
Fishing snare
Tempt
41. Quarrel
42. Young louse
44.Icicle hanger
46. Plaited
50.Type of prisoner
53. Trademark
54. Noon
56. Fragrance
57.Tent stake
58. Saharan
59.Entreats
60.Valuable rock
61.Permits DOWN
1. Signofthe future
2.Cairo’sriver
3. Slyly
4. Sharpened 5. Timespan
6. Good fortune
YOUR PLACE OF
7. Moreindependent
8. Public disgrace
9. Gait
10.Vice
11. Takesaspouse
16. Operatic highlight
20.Presently
22.Lightweight metal
24.Teed off
25. Broadcast
27.Society miss
29. Guaranteed
30.Con’sopposite
31. Attach abutton
33. Superiors
35. Foot part
38. Relieve
40.Partition
43.Beat
45. Very important
46. Small lump
47.Took ataxi
48. Fascinated
49.Woodland animal
51.Release
52. Scarlet and carmine
55. Stone or Bronze Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:
HOROSCOPE WEEK OF OCT 2, 2025 -OCT
ARIES March 21-April19
There’sabuzzofexcitement around youthisweek! Despite your heavyworkload, unexpected opportunities for fun will pop up.Thekey will be to focuson striking abalance betweenyour responsibilities and moments of lightheartedness.
TAURUS April20-May20
During this uncertain time, you maybetempted to resist change. Instead, stay open to thesigns and followtheir guidance.Pay closeattention to your well-being and listentowhatyourbodyis tellingyou
GEMINI May21-June20
Social mediaisavaluable tool for expandingyourknowledge and making new friends.However, jugglingafulfillingfamilylife with abusyschedule requires disciplineand organization. Findingthe rightbalance is key.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Youhaveajam-packedschedule this week! Make sure you completeyourtasks on time, but don’t forgettocarve outsome time for relaxation.Goingon afun outing, such as seeinga comedy show,could putasmile back on your face andlighten your mood.
SUDOKU
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Plan agetawayand embrace aspirit of discovery.Learning anew skill could lead to unexpectedcareeropportunities
Whether you’resingle or in a relationship,let inspiration take you outofyoureverydayroutine.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept.22
Dare to think bigand fuel yourambitions with passion! Boldnessand determination will help you turn yourplans into reality. Focusonyour aspirations rather than seeking to pleaseeveryone else.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
You’ll bringtogether colleagues or clients to celebratethe closing of amajor contract or to ease tensions.Inyourlovelife,a meaningful gesturefromyour partner will warm yourheart.If you’resingle,you’ll be irresistibly charming.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov.21
Work and health will be your toppriorities this week.Make adjustments that will benefit yourfuture. In yourlovelife, acandid conversation will ease tensions,deepenyour connection and help you plan for what’s ahead.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21
If you taketime for yourself,your hard work will be recognized.Be proudofyour accomplishments! If you’reina relationship,express youraffection moreoften to keep the passion aliveand strengthen yourbond.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You’ll discoverawellspringof happinesswithin yourself that will make youraurashine.Each daywill be filledwith moments of joyyou’ll sharewith your lovedones,allowing this positive energy to grow and multiply.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
Travel will be important in both yourpersonaland professional life.Stayvigilant abouthygiene to protect yourself from germs. In your relationships,you must choose yourwords carefullyto expressyourtrueemotions.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
If you putyourheart into yourwork, you’ll seethe rewards, includinga pay raise. Your superiorswill recognizeyourefforts.Don’t forgettoopenuptoyour significantother;sharing yourfeelings will bringyou abundantaffection.
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
