THURSDAY, MARCH 20, 2025
An opening ceremony, which involved Skwxwú7mesh singing, dancing, prayers, and blessings from guest speakers and performers, took place on March 11 at Eskékxwi7ch tl’a Sp’ákw’us Place (meaning the gathering place of eagles). The new housing development on the Siyich’em reserve was officially completed last April.
The District has agreed to push forward with paid-parking at only one of seven proposed tourism-based locations after community survey results
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
The District of Squamish council has decided to move forward with a paid-parking pilot project at Darrell Bay in time for the summer season
The decision was made at a committee of the whole meeting on March 11 and means that paid-parking will not move forward in downtown Squamish until at least 2027
In December 2024, council agreed to prioritize the implementation of a paid-parking pilot project at several tourism-based locations around town
These locations included Darrell Bay, the Squamish Adventure Centre, Smoke Bluffs parking lot, Perth Drive trailhead area, the north end of Tantalus Road, Mamquam Dike access west of Government Road near the Public Works Yard and Fisherman’s Park
District manager of transportation, Brent McMurtry, told council that following an online
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community survey, which ran for seven weeks, staff were recommending moving forward with implementing paid-parking only at Darrell Bay.
“These [parking lots] are predominantly used by visitors to Shannon Falls and the Sea to Sky Gondola as overflow parking in the peak summer months Additionally the parking area closest to the water is used by WLNG employees who are accessing their worksite,” McMurtry said
“The recommendations include peak season parking rate of $3 an hour, up to a max of $10 a day, and this is consistent with what we see at parks throughout Metro Vancouver with paid parking, as well as reflects the parking rates of $10 a day cap seen at the Sea to Sky Gondola.”
McMurtry said that staff recommended introducing a resident parking pass system as an opportunity for them to learn how that system could work
“Additionally, we’re recommending to operate year-round with paid parking required throughout the low season at a reduced rate,” he said
McMurtry said that part of the rationale behind this decision was to allow staff to see the data during the low season.
The paid-parking would also be enforced by a third-party operator and not bylaw officers.
“Assuming the staff recommendation for the pilot project is supported, we would engage a contractor to operate and enforce the pilot parking system and have that in place in advance of the summer months,” McMurtry said
The pilot project would end in 2026, with staff expected to return to council with an evaluation in early 2027.
District public engagement specialist, Fiona Rayner, gave a rundown of the results from
the community survey, which ran from Dec. 3, 2024 to Jan 22, 2025
“As we know, the District of Squamish is in transition and parking availability has become more of a challenge in Squamish as the community has experienced significant growth over the last 10 years,” Rayner said.
“Parking pressure is most notable downtown where land is limited and valuable and tourism is a key industry bringing visitors to our community.
“Community input has been gathered to help shape the District of Squamish’s parking management plan which aims to address these challenges particularly regarding parking availability.”
The survey received 2,675 respondents, with 42% aged 30 to 39.
Rayner said that key themes from the survey were:
- Challenges with the cost of living in Squamish, and that paying for parking would further exacerbate affordability challenges
- Concerns about where downtown employees will park
- Business owners being worried about a potential loss in revenue due to customers choosing to shop where parking is free
- Challenges with transportation alternatives, such as the frequency of buses and biking infrastructure concerns, including safety
- Frustrations with the amount of parking provided by new developments
- The need to specifically address the parking challenges and associated needs of seniors and people with mobility issues
Of the respondents, 74% said they “would avoid tourism-based areas if they had to pay for parking, with many stating they would avoid these parking areas by parking elsewhere or simply not visiting,” Rayner said “Respondents expressed that these are places they frequently visit and restricting access would feel exclusionary, negatively affecting their mental and physical health.”
Of the tourism-based locations announced
in December, respondents rated the Squamish Adventure Centre, Darrell Bay and Smoke Bluffs as the most effective locations for tourism-based paid parking.
Mamquam Dike, Fisherman’s Park and the north end of Tantalus Road were rated the least.
Around 10% of survey respondents were downtown business employees and 3% were downtown business owners (approximately 80 respondents)
Rayner said that over three quarters of those noted that “parking shortages are currently an issue for their customers with 82% not having dedicated customer parking spaces.”
If paid-parking were to move ahead, a common theme amongst all respondents was a desire for a local pass system.
Despite agreeing that the paid-parking pilot project should go ahead, the specifics on exactly how were tougher for the council to come to a resolution on
In the end, council voted unanimously to move forward with paid-parking at Darrell Bay, however, without a resident pass, meaning that all who parked there would have to pay.
“I’m hesitant on what value we add from adding a resident pass system to the pilot project,” Coun. Jenna Stoner said.
“I did hear from staff that there’s an unknown on what the cost of implementing would do, so depending on the agreement with the provider So, I think that given that there are other alternatives relatively close by, both free or paid—included in your pass at the gondola—and or free across the street that it’s cleaner just to make this a paid parking lot, generally.”
Mayor Armand Hurford said he wanted to remind community members that the decision to just implement paid-parking at Darrell Bay was as a result of their input.
“I do want all of us at this table and tuning
in or watching this in retrospect, to refer back to this report that we received here, and [see] that we are taking action in the form of studying,” he said.
“But in the form of impacting the performance of the parking in downtown and SEAandSKY, we are choosing to step back until 2027 to have more data at the request of the public on the feedback we’ve received here
“So when we leave this meeting, and we talk to the community about the concerns around parking downtown, we need to be clear, that’s what happened I’m comfortable taking that step, given that was the feedback, but community, this is your feedback, and we’re acting upon it now, which does mean not taking steps to address it until 2027 in a meaningful way.”
Coun. Stoner made an additional motion for council to direct staff to “scope improvements to accessible parking downtown and implement low barrier solutions where feasible, or bring them back to future budget discussions if needed.”
Stoner said that it was an important part of the feedback council received from the community survey and members of the community had the right to have access to accessible parking.
“While I appreciate it was a small number of the respondents, I think the vast majority of folks who needed accessible parking identified that what is available to them either sometimes or rarely meets the needs that they have,” she said
“At some point, unfortunately, the vast majority of us will have accessibility challenges, and so it’s not just addressing those who have had to respond to the survey at that point in time, but we will all, at some point in time, have to use those accessible parking spaces for various reasons.
“So I think it’s important for us to make sure that there’s ample accessible parking … and that we address that sooner than 2027.” Her motion was also carried unanimously.
Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com iLemayConway@squamishchief.com
Weiler and the Squamish Chamber of Commerce held a townhall meeting on March 12 to talk about all things tariffs with tips for business owners
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.come
West Vancouver–Sunshine Coast–Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler says his Liberal government aims to “make our country more resilient.”
Weiler teamed up this week with the Squamish Chamber of Commerce to talk about all things tariffs.
On March 12, Weiler, alongside government relations and public affairs principal Megan Veck, hosted a townhall meeting at the Squamish Adventure Centre to answer any burning community concerns around the tariffs and trade war.
Weiler said to the approximately 20 residents and business owners that were gathered in the theatre room at the Adventure Centre that the focus has been to avoid U.S. tariffs being imposed.
“Canada’s main approach here is, Number 1, to try to avoid any tariffs being brought into place. Number 2, if tariffs doˆ come into place, to have a strong plan to respond to them,” he said.
“Then the last thing is, as much as possible, to make our country more resilient by increasing opportunities for trade within Canada, as well as to take advantage of free trade agreements that we have with 50 other countries.”
Weiler said he believes U.S. President Donald Trump initiated the tariffs against Canada to get businesses to set up across the border
“Tariffs are harmful for both countries, but by
bringing the threat of tariffs, it is actually a really effective tool for the U.S. to cause uncertainty in Canada,” he said.
“Because there are so many businesses that, in Canada, rely on exporting to the U.S. [so] by creating this uncertainty of access to this market, it actually creates an incentive for those Canadian companies to establish operations in the U.S.—which, in my view, is actually the main intent behind all of this.”
He also acknowledged that even as a politician, he too finds it hard to keep up with the constant tariff changes.
“It is hard to follow because one day there’ll be
tariffs, the next day there’ll be less tariffs, the next day there’ll be no tariffs,” he said talking about Trump’s tariff indecisions.
“The reason for tariffs some days is fentanyl, some days it’s trying to deal with trade imbalances, the next day, it’s about on-shoring so I have a hard time following it as well.”
On Feb. 1, Trump signed orders to impose 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and 10% tariffs on energy exports from Canada imported into the U.S.
These were put on hold for one month while the countries entered into negotiations, but came into full effect on March 4.
In retaliation, the Government of Canada imposed 25% per cent tariffs on $30 billion in goods imported from the United States on March 4.
These items include alcohol, peanut butter, orange juice, appliances and motorcycles.
On March 12, the U.S. imposed tariffs of 25% on Canadian steel and aluminum products.
In retaliation again, on March 13, the Canadian Government imposed 25% tariffs on a new list of products including candles, golf clubs, tableware, iron, steel and aluminum sheets, stoves, and furniture.
“Our main focus with tariffs is that they’re going to have the maximum impact upon the U.S. and have the minimal impacts on Canadians, including Canadian businesses,” Weiler said
The only way to deal with a bully, is to stand up to him, says Weiler
“You have to stand up to a bully. I think that’s the key, and that’s why we’ve committed to bringing in dollar for dollar response to the tariffs,” he said
“Because we’re being bullied, we’re being tariffed and Trump’s talking about Canada being the 51st state. If we succumb to those things, it’s just going to encourage more and more of that behaviour to happen. So, you know, Canada needs to stand strong.”
He said that Canadians have come together across the country with the federal government working with both provincial and municipal governments—even Quebec.
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A year after Caroline Favot’s death while snowmobiling, the beer and a Women’s Day event honour her adventurous spirit, while helping SSAR
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
On a day that could have been bleak, folks at a Sea to Sky brewery made it special.
Squamish’s Caroline Favot died March 9, 2024, while snowmobiling, leaving behind a grieving family in Ontario and plenty of friends in the Sea to Sky.
Staff at Squamish’s Backcountry Brewing, where Favot worked part-time as a server, have created a “Ride With Caroline” beer in her honour.
They also hosted an event for her on International Women’s Day, last weekend.
“Women’s Day is not only this Saturday It’s every day. Girls run the world, after all. This year, and every year hereafter, we’re remembering one of our own—our sweet, sweet Caroline,” reads a Backcountry Instagram post.
“Grab this beer with intention. Smash the patriarchy Follow your passions Do the thing Love purely Take nothing for granted.”
Favot was known for her adventurous spirit
“Caroline lived her life with an unwavering spirit of generosity and adventure,” her family said in her obituary “She was a free spirit and
approached each day with boundless energy; embracing every moment with enthusiasm and grace that touched all who knew her.”
Backcountry’s co-founder Ben Reeder credited his female staff for the initiative
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“It was run all by women. So, it was very organic. The women got together and wanted to honour her, and figured that International Women’s Day would be a perfect day to do that,” he said.
“They brewed the beer, they designed the beer. One of her good friends designed the label. So, it was really nice, and I think well received.”
Funds from the beer will go to Squamish Search and Rescue
The beer, a spicy margarita sourbeer, contains 5.5% alcohol, with 8 IBU (International Bitterness Units), meaning it has low bitterness
“A sour brewed in collaboration with the women of Backcountry who helped to design this beer concept,” said Reeder, in a follow-up email to The Squamish Chief.
“Our sour base, with a healthy amount of lactose, conditioned on lime puree and spiked with a mix of hot peppers, orange zest and agave flavour. A balanced sour with a hint of lingering heat—a margarita in a can!”
The can’s label is designed by Ashley Baechler
The Saturday event wasn’t advertised: it was for friends and family, Reeder noted, including Favot’s parents who came out from back east
Reeder said he thought it “was a good healing moment.”
“It’s always good when the parents get to meet their kids’ friends and see the outpouring of support,” Reeder said
“I’ve been there. I’ve had some close family pass and I know that these kinds of things, they really do, help start the healing process, however long that takes.”
Favot’s mom, Jane Ohlke, who spoke to The Squamish Chief on behalf of the family, said they were touched by the support.
“We are overwhelmed by the kindness of the people at Backcountry Brewing who thought of a way to honour Caroline and to have a get-together for her family and friends,” Ohlke said
“Everything you could think of that would be nice, they did. There was food, flowers, and ‘Ride with Caroline’ beer they served and gave to people before they left. They shared funny stories, too,” she added.
“On the one-year anniversary of Caroline’s passing, she was recognized for International Women’s Day. We will always cherish that.” The public can find the Ride With Caroline beer at Backcountry, of course, throughout the Sea to Sky and in the Lower Mainland Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub and RMU Whistler are carrying it, too.
“You’re even seeing the sovereignty movement in Quebec really take a back seat and Quebecers coming out in support of Canada, which, to me, has been something I haven’t seen in my lifetime,” Weiler said
“So we need to come together, and we’re going to need to be willing to withstand some economic harm.”
Weiler took a moment to remind guests that “Trump is not forever, it’s four years.”
As a way to help business owners to make it through the trade war, Weiler mentioned three financing tools available.
- Export Development Canada’s Trade Impact Program
- Business Development Bank of Canada loans for businesses in sectors directly targeted by tariffs
- Farm Credit Canada financing to reduce financial barriers for the Canadian agriculture and food industry
He also noted that the government has introduced temporary flexibilities to the EI Work-Sharing Program.
“If you’re facing a slowdown because of tariffs, this will allow you to reduce the hours of your employees and have support from the federal government for essentially, for them being on EI half the time and working for you half the time, or somewhere in between,” he said.
Weiler said businesses could also get remission for items—not having to pay the tariffs—if they meet a select criteria.
“It has to be for a product that is not available within Canada, with the exception of very exceptional circumstances where it would have major impacts on the Canadian economy, which is a more case by case study,” he said “If there are goods that you need from the U.S. for building housing, and you can’t get them in Canada, those are things that remission orders should be used for.”
With the government focusing heavily on the trade war and upping Canada’s dependency on the industry sector, Weiler said he doesn’t think it will have a negative effect on the Squamish environment.
“One of the ways that B.C. has responded to it is that they’ve identified some priority natural resource projects that they want to move ahead, and they’re changing the regulatory system out of the environmental assessment process into the B.C. oil and gas regulator, so that’s a way of expediting those projects,” he said
“Whether that is the right thing to do or not, I think is a good question, because when you’re doing that, you’re removing some of the environmental oversight, and you’re basically making a value judgement there about how best to move ahead with it.
Coun. Lauren Greenlaw has been tapped as the West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country Green Party candidate for the upcoming federal election
BRONWYN
BEAIRSTO
Coast Reporter
Squamish councillor Lauren Greenlaw has been tapped as the West VancouverSunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country Green Party candidate for the upcoming federal election
“A scientist, municipal councillor and dedicated advocate for environmental and social justice, Greenlaw brings both deep expertise and a bold vision for a more sustainable and equitable future,” said a March 11 press release from the Green Party.
The exploration geologist, geochemist and mother of two was elected to Squamish council in 2022, campaigning on environmental issues, affordability and livability, among other things. Climate change was of particular concern.
“With a background in geosciences and public service, I’ve seen firsthand how deeply interconnected our environmental, economic and social challenges are,” said Greenlaw in the Green Party release. “As a
MP: Continued from 4
So we need to come together, and we’re going to need to be willing to withstand some economic harm.
MP PATRICK WEILER
“I don’t know if that will particularly affect any project in Squamish, thinking of things like Woodfibre. That’s a project that’s already been permitted and is well underway to be constructed.”
While the Liberal Party of Canada is currently behind the Conservative Party of Canada in the poll predictions, Weiler acknowledged that the trade war has seen a boost in favour of his party.
“A lot has changed in the last couple months. I think number one, there’s a big appetite for change in Canada, and I think there was a big frustration with our current Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau,” he said
[On Friday morning, Trudeau officially resigned. Mark Carney is now prime minister.]
“In a time of crisis and seeing what’s happening south of the border, I think it’s
municipal councillor for Squamish, I’ve fought against fossil fuel expansion, advocated for gender equity, and worked to
made people want to have someone who has a steady hand in those crises, and someone that’s going to have some real solutions, you know not the kind of chaos, and I think that’s what’s really made people attracted to someone like Mark Carney,
“They want something more serious, even maybe a little bit more boring as well, in politics And so I think you would have to chalk [the change in polls] up to that as well
A lame duck government?
But what can the current government actually do before an election is held?
Weiler said he doesn’t think people will have to wait long to find out.
“There could be an election soon, or there could be an election not until October—it’s likely that it’s going to be happening very quickly,” he said.
“The prime minister and cabinet, they stay in their roles, they’re able to respond to things. So much of the measures we talk about tariffs, that can be done by executive order very quickly.
“If there’s anything that needs to be done immediately, those changes can be made The larger changes, if anything requires passing legislation, like, if there’s new spending that needs to be approved, that has to go through parliament, and so that would require the election to be over, the new parliament to convene and pass a legislation that way.”
For more information on the tariffs and how they affect the everyday Canadian, visit the Government of Canada website.
strengthen our local economy. Now, I’m ready to take that fight to Parliament because our communities deserve
leadership that prioritizes people over corporate profits.”
Green Party co-leader Elizabeth May said Greenlaw would be an “outstanding” MP, calling her a “fighter for real solutions.”
“She understands that the climate crisis is no longer primarily an environmental issue It is a security threat It is about fairness, health, and economic stability. We could not be more pleased to have her stand for the Greens in West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country,” said May in the press release.
Green Party co-leader Jonathan Pedneault concurred. “We are at a crossroads in Canada. Lauren Greenlaw knows what’s at stake, and she has the experience and vision to push for bold climate action, economic justice, and a fairer democracy,” he said in the release.
Other candidates for West VancouverSunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country include Conservative Party candidate Keith Roy, incumbent Liberal MP Patrick Weiler, newly acclaimed NDP candidate Jäger Rosenberg, People’s Party of Canada candidate Peyman Askari and Animal Protection Party of Canada candidate Sanaz Mani
Regional Districtsare required to adopta five-yearfinancial plan,setting outthe proposed expenditures andfunding sourcesfor each service. Thefinancial plan is to be made available forpublic consultation.
Accordingly, membersofthe public areencouragedtoprovide writtensubmissions andcomments on theSquamish-Lillooet Regional District’s Draft2025-2029 FinancialPlan.
The2025-2029 DraftFinancial Plan is availablefor review at www.slrd.bc.ca. TheSLRDBoard will consider abylaw to adopt the2025-2029 FinancialPlanatthe March26Board meeting.
Submissionsand comments c to theSLRD: Email: info@slrd.bc.ca Mail: Box 219, Pemberton, BC,V an be sent V0N 2L0
Discover how Rose Laure Agbazan, also known as Kadisha, a local belly dancer and spa owner, is bringing the art of belly dancing to Squamish, including an upcoming performance on March 28 at Match Eatery & Public House
Belly dancing may not be what you think is synonymous with Squamish, but one local may be single-handedly changing that Rose Laure Agbazan, the owner of Sugaring Beauty Boudoir, is also a professional belly dancer
As Kadisha—her belly dancing stage name—she will be performing at Match Eatery & Public House on March 28, with a mini class at the end of the show to pass on her passion for the dance.
The Squamish Chief sat down with the busy Agbazan at her spa on her day off to learn more about how she got into belly dancing and what she loves about it.
What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.
Q: How did you first take up belly dancing?
A: When I was 18, I took two years of it in France. After that, I took all kinds of dance. Six years ago, I decided I wanted to go back to belly dancing. I was missing it. I took
some classes in Vancouver. Last year, I decided to do it professionally. I asked my teacher if I was ready to perform and she was really supportive. I performed at some festivals in Vancouver last summer. I did some performances in
restaurants—and a little bit every month after that.
Q: Do you remember what you liked about it when you were 18?
A: I think it was the costumes and I like the music too. It’s really beautiful. You have slow music, a variety of traditional music, or you can have modern music. You have so many diverse options. And I like that you can use different styles, or props—you can use a veil or a cane, for example.
Q: Some of the belly dancing outfits are very elaborate. Are the ensembles expensive?
A: Some can be really expensive—like, USD$800—because it is custom made Some you can order online, or there are big markets where they are sold And sometimes you can buy them from Facebook for cheaper. I also tried to make my own costume. I had never sewed in my life, but I tried it It was not too bad.
Q: What was it like when you first turned professional, performing in front of people?
A: The first time, it was in Vancouver in a Turkish restaurant I was dancing for 20 minutes for a birthday, and there were, I think, maybe 50 people.
It was really stressful, because I didn’t know if they were going to like it. And also, because you are dancing for so long, you don’t know if they are going to enjoy it or if they will like the music. But, people started smiling and getting more relaxed, and I thought, “OK, they enjoy the show.”
Everyone came and danced with me, and they gave me tips too! It was a really nice evening. After the manager was really happy. The first minute is always like that for me, though. I have all these things in my head.
Q: When you were a kid, were you comfortable
performing in front of people?
A: When I was young, I was always passionate about dancing. I remember watching music videos and I would be dancing the same way—mostly salsa or Latino music. I remember I would put on a small, tiny dress, and I was dancing like they were on TV But my dad didn’t want me to take dance when I was a kid. He wanted me to do karate and track and field. He thought dancing was not a real sport. That is why I was waiting to turn 18 to be able to dance, and my first class was belly dance.
Q: You said before that performing in Squamish was a little bit more nerve wracking, being your home community, but you have done quite a few shows now, right?
A: Yes, it has been really busy recently. I did a performance at Match Casino at the end of January, and at the Multicultural Day festival at Totem Hall. I performed at the Squamish Wedding Network and Tradeshow at Trickster’s Hideout, and I danced at Saha Eatery last Sunday. Then, at the end of the month, I am back at Match.
Q: Because you’re a business woman with a lot going on, how do you balance your time with everything you do and not get totally stressed out?
A: My dance practice has really helped me with stress I go into my own world when I dance. For me, it’s not really like work, because I feel it’s just like a meditation When I dance, it’s like my medicine That is why I do it
Q: How often do you practice?
A: Every day. I’m practicing with the music, and I create my own playlists. I try to change it up every time I put on a new show And, also, I have class in Vancouver, usually on Sunday
Q: What kinds of events would you still like to dance at that you haven’t, weddings?
A: It would be nice to do weddings or corporate events I am available for private parties, restaurant shows and festivals, too.
Q: What would you say to folks who are nervous to try this type of dancing but who are curious about it?
A: It’s a really amazing dance. It’s good for feminine energy. And it is good for your body. And it is for every age, too.
To learn more about Agbazan’s belly dancing, go to her Instagram, @kadishabellydancer , Facebook, or contact her by email: kadishabellydancer@gmail.com.
Tickets for Belly Dance Night on March 28 at Match Eatery & Public House are available on Eventbrite.
About a local is a semi-regular column about interesting residents. If you have a suggestion for someone we should feature (and their permission), send the name and contact along to news@ squamishchief.com.
On March 22 to 23 at the Railway Museum of British Columbia, with 35+ vendors, exhibits
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
If you—or your kids or grandparents—like trains, planes, automobiles, miniatures and more, this upcoming event may be the family fun you are looking for.
The Sea to Sky Model Train and Hobby Show is back in Squamish at the Railway Museum of British Columbia on March 22 and 23
With about 35 vendors and exhibitors, there’s something for almost anyone
For its fourth year, the two-day event includes new exhibitors, including the Vancouver Lego Club. Members are bringing a large display featuring familiar Canadian trains, and a village.
Hot Wheels, toy car racing, is also a new addition.
The Miniature Club of BC will be on hand to showcase ‘doll house style’ custom-designed houses, interiors and miniature accessories.
Those attending the event include clubs from the Fraser Valley and Vancouver Island.
attendees all weekend long
The CN Maintenance of Way Track Speeder will be available for rides too. It will take riders north from the Museum onto the connecting spur to the CN line and back
Last year, the event saw about 1,500 attendees according to one of the event organizers, Gordon Hall
Hall said that a lot of devotion, money and time go into the event with an aim to entertain families
The museum, too, is predominantly run by volunteers
“Most of our show is the people putting on the displays and they’re spending their own time and money to get here,” Hall said
WE ARE A GROUP OF SENIOR LADIES who would like to send a huge “Thank you” daffodil to Mark Enright and the friendly staff at the Sandman Hotel and Suites in Squamish Your support made a world of difference to us!
“So they’re buying the ferry fare, their hotels, and it’s not cheap. By the time they give up their weekend, they spend their time and money to get here … and plus their wear and tear and stuff too. So they’re doing it because they want to help us present the museum to the public... to help share it with families.”
The popular RC Pit Stop is back with its RC Racetrack and Hill Climb Crawler Track for kids of all ages to try out remote-controlled vehicles.
Luz Tacos will be set up to feed hungry
Of course, there are homegrown favourites like the Sea-to-Sky RC Flyers, whose members bring their radio control planes to display.
The museum always welcomes more volunteers, so if interested, email volunteer@ wcra.org.
Find out more or get tickets on the Railway Museum of BC website.
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Seniors’Open Gym at Westwinds
Tuesdays,11:30 am–1 pm
Thursdays,12–1:30 pm
The55Activity Centre has awidevarietyofdrop-in programs available. Trysomething newthis week!
Paint&Sketch
Wednesdays,9 am–12 pm
Ukulele Thursdays,12–2 pm
Intermediate Volleyball
We’reexcited to resume
Volleyball Drop-ins at DonRoss Middle Schoolfor Apriland May. Online pre-registration opens 72-hoursin advance.
Crib Club
Thursdays,1–3 pm
Sewing &Quilting Fridays,10 am–2 pm
Ping Pong Social Fridays,1:30–3 pm
Carpet Bowling Fridays,1:30–3:30 pm
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CollaborativeInput & Connections Workshops
Workshop 1: March26, 9–11 am
Workshop 2: March31, 2–4 pm
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The Squamish Chief took a tour of the Britannia Mine Museum to see all the new and old things at the national historic site
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
If you’re new to Squamish, chances are you’ve driven past the multi-level white building built into the cliffside next to the Sea to Sky Highway in Britannia Beach and wondered what it is
But for those who have called Squamish home for a while now, the tourist hotspot, the Britannia Mine Museum, has been a place everyone has likely visited at least once.
On Feb. 14, The Squamish Chief took a tour of the national historic site to see all the things new and old that are happening at the former copper mine and mill.
A visit to the Britannia Mine Museum includes a 75-minute guided tour into the underground mine as well as entrance into Mill No.3 to watch their BOOM! Show.
After the tour, visitors get to explore the site and learn about life from when the mine was operational and the after effects it had on the community when it closed.
The tour begins with a three-minute train ride down into the mining tunnel, giving visitors a glimpse of how miners began their day for 70 years.
Once arrived, a tour-guide takes the group to three different locations—two spots inside, one outside—to demonstrate some of the drills and machines used over the years.
One demonstration includes an eerie (but very safe) experience where the tour guide cuts the lights, leaving the tunnel lit solely by a candle This gives visitors the opportunity to experience what life was like working in the tunnels prior to electricity.
Following the tunnel tour, visitors get a front row seat for the BOOM! show, an award-winning live-action special effects experience that recreates life inside the 20-storey mill
Visitors can expect a mixture of sound, visual and even scent effects as part of the show
Afterwards, guests are free to explore the whole site, visiting a range of different buildings and learning centres, each tailored to a different mine specialty.
These include:
- The 1908 Machine Shop, which is home to a number of historic machines and equipment donated by mining companies from across the country.
- Core Sheds, which house an archive of rock core samples drilled from the mountainside and collected throughout Britannia’s mining years.
- A-Z Administration Building, which also doubles as a fully restored heritage building that is now an exhibition centre to showcase the stories of the Britannia Beach
This year also brings the 50th anniversary for the Britannia Mine Museum and in May, they will launch a special anniversary exhibit in honour of the occasion
community from 1904 to 1974.
- Beaty-Lundin Visitor Centre, the central exhibit hall that houses several theatrical mining displays, a mineral gallery and theatre space.
- A 17-metre (56 ft) long Model 3200B diesel electric haulpak truck used to haul ore to a concentrator for processing
- A gold panning area where people can spend hours panning for real gold (that you get to keep!)
When The Squamish Chief visited, the Terra Lab featured the Ore and Orcas exhibition displaying specimens from the Howe Sound ecosystem, and a real killer whale skeleton
The exhibition kicked off in April 2024 and wrapped up on Feb. 28
Now that it has ended, the Terra Lab space will be transitioned into an exhibition called Howe Sound /Átl’ḵa7tsem: A Recovering Ecosystem.
“This exhibition will continue to focus on the remediation story of the area, draw a connection to the diversity of species in the area and how these are all interconnected through the food web,” curator of collections and engagement Laura Minta Holland said.
“The area at the front of the Terra Lab will continue to feature information that highlights the past use of the building during the mine’s operations, as an Assay lab and be a space where we present our school programs ‘lab’ offerings.”
This year also brings the 50th anniversary for the Britannia Mine Museum and in May, they will launch a special anniversary exhibit in honour of the occasion.
To learn more about the museum or to book a tour, visit their website.
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Asmuchaswewishitwereso, life is neveras blackand whiteassomemakeitout to be.
Onthe face of it,the massivepatriotic proclamations of beingproudly Canadian and buyingCanadianatthe grocerystore andelsewhere is astraightforward rallying cry.
In this moment,withtalkofannexationand tariffs, of course we should be supporting Canadian businessesand suppliers.
Elbows up forCanada; apolite“no thankyou”to U.S.— anything
Take tires, whichwewill be swapping to summer versionsinApril
KalTireisawhollyowned Canadian company based in B.C.
Canadian? Check! Easy peasy.
Butscratch thesurfaceofthe redand whiteand the waterbelow is as murkyasthe MamquamBlind Channel in August.
As KerryNeil, theexecutive director of the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (DSBIA), notedinarecentSquamish Chief story, some very localbusinessespreviously purchased andstocked some goodsfromthe U.S.
So,are we doinganyoneany favoursbyrefusingto buyour neighbour’sstock?
Andthenthere arethe companiesthatseemlike theyshould be in theno-go column,until youdig a little.
Forexample, recently,the firstUbercar startedup in Squamish.
Theride-sharingcompany is basedinSan Francisco,CA.
BootoUber! Right?
TheSquamishChief is amemberof theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependentorganization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@squamishchief.com. If you arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information
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Well,the fellow whoisoperating thefirst Uber herehas livedinSquamishfor 40 years. (Moreon thatinourpagesnextweek.)
Arewedoing theright thingby boycotting a personwho hasbeeninthistownlongerthanmany of us?
And take McDonald’s.
Next to thosegiant “No. 1” foam fingers, nothing is more American than that,right?
Actually,inthe SeatoSky—Squamish, Whistler andPemberton—the franchisescouldn’thavea moreCanadianbackstory,withthe couple whoown them B.C. locals,through andthrough (Theiroriginstory is pretty cute—startingwith co-owner Ryan Oliver workingatthe fast food restaurantinSurreyat 15,meeting hiswifeBri there andthe couple eventually owning allthree in the corridor.)
Allthistosay,buy Canadian,support Canadian, but give your decisionssomethought. Do abit of onlinegoogling.
Make sure that your buyingdecisions aren’t unintentionally shooting afellowlocal in thefoot. (Sources forthe origin of that saying aren’t clear, but giventheir penchant forguns, that hastobea U.S. saying,don’t youthink?Ormaybe not.)
Premier DavidEby hasbeensteadilydialling up therage, as theTrump assaultonCanada became an inescapablereality
Hisinitial reactionslastNovemberweremild —a call forCanadianunity anda reassurance that “wehavemoreincommonwithAmericans than what separatesus.”
By Januaryhewas callingthe tariff and annexation threats“an attack on B.C. families,an attack on Canadians.”
By last week he wascalling it “a declarationof economicwar on ourcountry Elbows up,here we go.…We’re goingtoensureAmericans understand howpissedoff we are.”
On Thursday,Bill7— theEconomic Stabilization(Tariff Response)Act —was introduced.Eby’s fear,frustration,and angerat perceivedneedfor it were dominant. (“Thebeast is stillcomingat us full speed.”)
When he firstsaidthatlegislative changeswere coming to better equiphim forthe crisis,hesaidit wastoprovide “flexibility”and allowfor nimble responses.
Thebillgoesfar beyond that.Itlooks like at
almost everypoint wherethere wasachoice betweena lighttouch anda heavyhand, he opted forthe maximumconsolidation of potential powerpossible.
Key“dueprocess”mechanisms—those checks andbalancesthatcurbpoliticians’discretion —are stripped away in Bill 7. When it passes,Eby will be themostpowerfulpremier in B.C.’s history forthe twoyears theemergency measures arein effect
Theonlylimitsonthe powers arethe sunset clause,which canbeextended, andthe protection of Indigenous consultation andnatural resource environmentalmeasures. They areoutside the scopeofthe newlaw
To limitthe public sector’s procurementof goodsand services from theU.S.($600 million worthinthe last fiscal year)cabinet gets new authoritytooverride purchase orders.Any legal proceedingsbythe agencies againstgovernment decision-makersare barred.
To allowfor newcharges on U.S. trucks transiting B.C. en routetoAlaska, cabinetgets newauthority to collectpersonalinformation and disclose it.B.C.Ferries is included in thesphere wherethose chargescan apply.
EbyacknowledgedthatAlaskaisfunding roadwork on theCanadiansideofthe Alaska Highway, thejointly builtSecondWorld War
VIEWS: Continuedon11
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, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
VIEWS: Continued from 10
project ($43 million was committed for a stretch in the Yukon last year.)
But he wants to pressure state officials to work on calling off the tariffs.
Trump started the war, but if Eby starts a truck tolling battle, it could bring Canada-bound trucks, full of food, into play
Under the heading “response powers” cabinet can order regulations in three broad areas: challenges “or anticipated challenges” arising from foreign powers, supporting interprovincial cooperation or “supporting the economy of B.C. and Canada.”
In other words: virtually anything, anywhere Bill 7 prevails over most other laws. Eby said the retaliatory powers would only be used if Trump
forces him to use them, but “we probably will need these extraordinary powers.”
To give an idea of how powerful the bill is, the section on freeing up internal trade appears to unilaterally wipe out over a century’s worth of interprovincial trade restrictions in a few brisk sentences. He hopes other provinces reciprocate, but B.C. is going ahead regardless It overrides any and all regulations about production, quality, inspection or certification, etc. If a minister makes a “request” the regulatory authorities have 60 days to comply or they will be overruled.
He made his case for the power grab by describing the upcoming crisis in the starkest terms possible He even invited speculation on the U.S. cutting off the Canadian entitlement to
U.S.-produced power from the Columbia River, under a treaty Skeptics may be wondering privately about self-serving political motivations, but Eby veered onto that topic unprompted all by himself.
If the bill somehow gets voted down in the legislature (unlikely, but not impossible) there would be an election, he said
“I would stand and tell British Columbians that this bill is to do exactly what I’m telling them today. It is to respond to nightmare scenarios that are within the realm of the possible with this president.
“My guess would be that they support us.”
Les Leyne covers legislature sittings He has written an opinion column since 1995 and was a political, municipal and general assignment reporter prior to that.
The Squamish Chief welcomes letters to the editor of up to
and edit letters for length and clarity or to address legal concerns Email letters to: editor@squamishchief.com
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Have your say at squamishchief.com
How affected are you by the change for daylight saving time? (Top 3)
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Squamish letter: $1.5 million dollars is nothing for WLNG
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This week, Indigo LemayConway went to the Guns and Hoses charity hockey game, held last Friday night. See this video and many others on our TikTok channel @squamishchief
Husband and wife duo William and Laura Donnellan opened the new Irish pub in September 2024 and say all are welcome
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Blink and you could miss it while driving along the Sea to Sky Highway, but a mighty Irish pub is giving people a new reason to turn into Britannia Beach.
William Donnellan and wife Laura of IRL Group opened Copper Beach Bar + Kitchen in September last year with the hopes of bringing Irish pub vibes to the Sea to Sky.
The company owns a string of Irish pubs across Vancouver, with their original venue, Donnellan’s Irish Pub, located on Granville Street.
“I came here to B.C. in 2009 with my girlfriend at the time, Laura, who’s my wife now, and our group is called IRL. People always say ‘is IRL an abbreviation for Ireland’, and I say no, it means ‘It’s Really Laura’s’,” Donnellan said with a laugh.
The duo started out as a construction group, running the Irish pub as more of a side hustle, which has since grown into their main hustle
But for Donnellan, the two job industries have been in his blood since birth.
“In Ireland, my mom was involved in hospitality, Irish pubs, and my dad in construction. So that’s how we got bitten by both bugs here,” he said.
“I’m a carpenter by trade. I also had a pub in Ireland from the age of 19 to 24, and that’s when we came to Canada But I have a real passion for hospitality and Irish pubs in particular, because that’s our culture, that’s our history.”
While it might have Irish flair, the building was once used as a dry room for the former Britannia Mine.
“The dry room was when the miners were working in the mine, and it was wet and damp, and at the end of the end of the day, they would go into the dry room and they would hang up all of their working clothes, and they’d put on their going home clothes, and they would head off home,” Donnellan said
“When they would come in the next morning, their clothes would be dry and ready for work again.
“So this building was moved from the mine and brought over here. The new footings, foundation and basement were all cast in place and the building was put on top of it, so it was all repurposed.”
When he was approached with an offer to view the potential business location, Donnellan said he couldn’t pass it up
“You never know what might happen, I really believe that everything happens for a reason and
nothing is a waste of time,” he said.
“We came up here to see the place and it was just basically a bare lot at the time and we just said, this is a very special place.
“We saw the master plan, and we said, this is exciting It’s on the way up to Whistler, you’ve got seven million vehicles passing here every year [and if you can] get a small percentage of them to stop in, you could do OK.”
And by September 2024, Britannia Beach officially had a pub.
Good food, and even better vibes.
“We are a pub group. A lot of people think that this is a restaurant,” Donnellan said
“Of course, any good pub has to have good food The food might get your customers in but the Guinness will keep them
“We sell a lot of Irish options like Guinness and Magners. You wouldn’t believe how many people will come in for a Guinness. Then you have your chicken wings and your burgers and your Irish stew, and your fish and chips, the typical pub grub.”
As for what kind of demographic the pub is tailored towards, Donnellan insists everyone is welcome.
“It’s very casual, nothing fancy. You can come in your construction clothes covered in concrete, and you’re going to be welcomed,” he said.
“We say, in Ireland, if somebody comes in and they leave concrete dust on the floor or mud from their muddy boots after coming off a wet construction site, in particular in the winter time where there’s muck, there’s luck.”
One thing he hopes to organize in the future is signage along the highway, as people can often drive past without realizing the pub is there.
“We need great signage on the highway out front, so people, if they miss it on the way up, at least they know it’s here on the way back,” Donnellan said.
Since opening, the team at Copper Beach Bar has been around for two Highway 99 closures that halted many drivers’ plans for an extended period of time
On Dec. 14, a landslide of mud and trees tumbled from Magnesia Creek spilling debris across Highway 99 at the north end of Lions Bay.
Donnellan said that his team brought food and drinks to first responders on the scene.
“I was actually away in Ireland at a family wedding, when there was the landslide, which was so unfortunate it did such harm But we went down there with food and drinks for the people that were down there, and particularly the emergency services,” he said
“We brought them down some hot food, some drinks, [because] that’s how you support your
community.”
Then on Feb. 9, when Highway 99 was blocked again in both directions near Murrin Provincial Park, the venue kept their doors open for customers to stay warm and dry.
As the weather warms up, Donnellan plans to open up the patio to customers, with live music and trivia nights held weekly Copper Beach Bar + Kitchen is open seven days a week and can be found at 101 Main Street,Britannia Beach.
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
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
Meet the Squamish man who spent nearly a decade working at Britannia Mine and is now sharing its history with visitors from around the world
When Squamish’s Marshall Tichauer first set foot in Britannia Mine in 1965, he was 18 years old.
He’d taken the job as a wet-behind-the-ears West Vancouver Secondary School grad who had been told by his dad to get a job
He likely wouldn’t have guessed that about 60 years later he would be touring visitors from around the world through his former workplace, which is now Britannia Mine Museum. Britannia Mine operated as a copper mine from 1904 to 1974.
Tichauer worked in the mine from 1965 to ‘74.
He did multiple jobs during his tenure, including mine sampler, geologist engineer, ventilation assistant, mine clerk, warehouseman, inventory clerk, purchasing agent, safety officer, assistant employment officer, and captain of the mine, rescue team and first-aid team.
He’s been a tour guide at the mine since 2011. The Squamish Chief sat down with the affable Tichauer in the A-Z Administration Building for a wide-ranging talk about his career and time in the Sea to Sky Corridor. What follows is a version of that conversation that has been edited for length and clarity.
Q: Can you tell us about when you started at the mine?
A: A friend of mine worked here and said they needed somebody, and so I came up and started working here in the mine in ‘65. It was actually a well-paying job for a person who never worked in the mines I got a room in the bunk house, $20 a month. I was making $300 a month, which in ‘65 was pretty good I became a sampler. So, a person who takes samples of the rocks, takes them to the assay lab [a place to test a substance to determine its ingredients and quality] to be tested. So, that was my very first job
Q: Do you remember how it felt that first day going down in the mine?
A: It wasn’t that bad, because when you get onto the train, they give you a light, and you get dressed, and you go in there, and, of course, everybody’s there. So, it’s not a big deal. And one of my high school friends had a job here, so we both went on the train together.
And of course, you know, when you’re 18 years old, you’re cool. You didn’t want to show any fear. I got on the train car, and it was a 40-man car with no windows in it. We sat knee-to-knee or back-to-back, and you just rode underground for anywhere from 30
to 45 minutes and it just rocked you to sleep. Even when I first got here, it just didn’t bother me at all.
The train left at eight o’clock in the morning. If you weren’t on that train, you missed a shift, and because it was good money, you didn’t do that too many times.
Q: I bet. And you met your wife Marianne here, correct?
A: My wife started here in 1970 and the lady that was the personnel secretary here said to me, ‘Why don’t you start dating someone here?’ because there were single women in the office I said, no I didn’t want to date someone at work If it didn’t work out and then you still have to work with them I started dating her, and we got married in October, ‘71. She was the receptionist She was actually going to get promoted to the manager’s secretary after a few years, but she got pregnant.
Q: You did a lot of first aid jobs. What sorts of injuries did you have to help people with?
A: We had a sawmill on site here, because they cut their own wood. A fellow was using a big chop saw. He pulled it across, and then he turned his back and it came back, and it cut him from here all the way down. That was just after I got my first aid ticket. We went up there, and there he is, lying across the board. He was fine. It just took a lot of time to get all the clothing out of his cuts. That was my first experience
We used to get calls from the RCMP all the time for highway accidents. We could be the first responders on scene before rescuers coming from Squamish or Vancouver. We did a lot of highway accents as we could get people out of the cars We were trained on how to do that
But here we were mostly dealing with cuts, bruises, twists, ankles, things like—fingers
The worst accident was when I first started here, there were three of us from high school who all worked here We were all within four months of working here, and one of our buddies got killed in the mine He got squashed by the train. He shouldn’t have been where he was, unfortunately. Fortunately, I didn’t have to handle it My two other friends quit right away I stayed I needed the job
Q: Britannia Beach was a company town, and many folks now aren’t as familiar with that concept. Can you tell us more about what it was like?
A: The company—Anaconda—owned everything. They owned the land, housing, timber rights and mineral rights. But they also supplied everything. They supplied the teachers, they supplied the doctors and everything like that. These were self-sufficient communities. It was good. It was a tight community. Everybody went to
the dances. And you put the kids to bed under the table and let them sleep, and you just keep dancing all night long. If you had to go home, you just walked home. Your rent was 10% of what you were making. We didn’t pay for electricity. We had our fire department here. We used to have firemen’s balls. The whole thing that
they do now, the big barbecues, beer, beef and corn on the cob. The company was very good to the people They sponsored all sporting events, like if you had a baseball team, they sponsored the kids They put first aid courses on for the kids Every kid here, at the age of eight, could do first aid.
Q: What was it like to come back to the mine as a museum after working here?
A: The first time I came back, and that was probably the first time I’d gone underground in 30 years, I walked into the tunnel and the smell. It’s not a bad smell. It’s just—it’s a smell. It’s like going into a pulp mill There’s the unique smell It did send chills down my back
Q: What else would you like people to know about the museum?
A: Visit the mine. It’s different. It gives you a good history of what this place is. And they keep doing more and making it better all the time.
Find out more about the Britannia Mine Museum on its website.
About a local is a semi-regular column about interesting Squamish residents. If you know someone who you think would be a good subject (and they agree), email us at news@squamishchief.com.
Spike is averypersonablecat who would like to be the light in your shadow!
He weaves in and out of legs, has to be apartof everything you are doing and will happily take over your lap when you sit down. He also hasthis very cute ‘delayed’ meow,where he opens his mouth but it’safew moments before anything actually comes out. His voice is sweetlysoft and his love bites are gently given. He willdefinitely let youknow if he is overdue some food or attention!
We are working on finding out thecauses of some inappropriate behaviours that currently mean this handsome boy might need to be the onlyfeline in the home. Spike wouldlovetobewalked witha harness to help with his frustration. Please enquire for more information. We willupdateascauses and solutions are identified
Friends Lizanne Tolmie and Ania Mari have combined their love of thrifting to create a new store in town with secondhand goodies and artisan products
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
What does a love of a good bargain and eight years of friendship equal?
A new thrift store in town, of course
On March 4, Lizanne Tolmie and Ania Mari launched the Makers Flea Trading Post at the Squamish Town Hub.
Each already with their own businesses in the hub—Tolmie owns Bo and Ko. Kids and Mari runs Dew Hair Studio—the decision to join together for a new venture was more like “fate.”
“This was actually part of Ania’s [building] and she didn’t need this space, so she was going to sublease it,” Tolmie told The Squamish Chief.
“And we thought, we both love fashion so much, and we love thrifting, and we love sustainability and we love home decor, so why don’t we just come together?
“We talked about it for about a year and it was always just like a dream and like a funny thing, and then we just pulled the trigger, and here we are.”
Makers Flea Trading Post is wedged between both businesses and consists of a mixture of thrifted goods as well as Canadian and locally made artisan products
We talked about it for about a year and it was always just like a dream and like a funny thing, and then we just pulled the trigger, and here we are.
LIZANNE TOLMIE
‘If you were in this store that day, you would have heard me,” Tolmie said with a laugh.
“I remember one time I picked up these gold cowboy boots and I went, ‘Oh, yeah’ and then across the store, I can hear Ania [doing the same]. So we really are into it ... it’s like a high getting something good.”
“So far, it’s really worked out. People are really drawn to it, because I think it’s priced well for people, and it’s economical and it’s sustainable,” Tolmie said
“And a lot of stuff we have in here is Canadian made, there’s hats made in Paradise Valley, we’ve got stumps made from a Squamish local, we’ve got makeup artists from Squamish So we really try to bring in as many local artists, and now more than ever, Canadian made.”
The duo met just under a decade ago when Tolmie was in need of some hair sprucing
“Ania’s been doing my hair for about eight years. I would go get my hair done and we would talk, because, that’s what you do with your hairdresser,” she said with a laugh.
After many trips to Vancouver to thrift together, Tolmie said the opportunity to launch a joint thrift store was too good to pass up
“We know what it’s like to be a mom entrepreneur, we both know what it’s like to run a business. So we already had that, and we already have leases here. So it felt like everything was just landing exactly how it was supposed to,” she said.
“We couldn’t really deny that this was meant to be.”
So, what exactly do two women, each with their own unique style, look for when stocking up their inventory?
“Our mantra, every time we go into thrift stores, is would we wear it,” Tolmie said
“It doesn’t matter if we think someone else might wear it, if we wouldn’t, we don’t [buy it]. Luckily, we have a little bit of a different style, so we have been able to reach a wider [audience].”
On any given thrifting experience, Tolmie said the duo can spend easily a few hours looking through second-hand goodies. In fact, on a recent trip to Coquitlam, they spent four hours perusing without uttering a word to each other.
“We drove down, and then we [went our separate ways] and came back together four hours later and showed each other what we got,” Tolmie said.
While they might be quietly focused on the bargain hunt, they aren’t afraid to shout it from the rooftops when a score is found.
How are things priced?
It depends entirely on the piece found.
“It totally depends on the piece; we could get a good score on something and maybe knock it up a bit, but we know what it’s like to get a good deal,” Tolmie said
“So, for most of the things we just double what we paid for it, just for the overhead charges of what this place costs to run.
“We’re not really trying to actually make much money off of the items we just want to make enough to keep this place running and keep doing this, because we both have our own businesses already.”
On the evening of March 4, after much anticipation, the Makers Flea Trading Post opened to the public.
“We dragged on the opening for about a month and a half just talking about it. We had intended to open Feb 1, but because we pushed it to March 1, there was a lot of hype about it, which was great, but it was totally unintentional,” Tolmie said.
Most of the inventory on the night was from each of their respective closets that was never thrifted to be sold
“So when I was watching people buy the items [I thought] I remember where I was when I bought that, and who I was with, and what country or town I was in It’s a cool feeling,” Tolmie said
The opening night ran from 4 to 8 p.m. and, according to Mari, there was a lineup outside the store before the doors opened.
“We had a fire pit outside, we had appetizers and champagne, and people just rolled in constantly,” she said
The store’s inventory will be constantly changing so shoppers can expect new items regularly.
The Makers Flea Trading Post can be found at 4-1861 Mamquam Road and opens Tuesday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Celebrate 20 years of Soccerfest this April 12-13 with 72 teams from the Sea to Sky, Lower Mainland, and Fraser Valley competing in a weekend of soccer, giveaways, and family fun
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@squamishchief.com
When the Squamish Soccer Association (SSA) took over hosting the annual Soccerfest tournament in 2005, organizers could never have imagined that two decades later, they would still be at it
This April (12 to 13) marks the 20th anniversary of the non-profit association hosting the annual event.
Registration is open now until March 24.
The weekend typically consists of 72 teams—from the Sea to Sky, Sechelt, the Lower Mainland and the Fraser Valley. The games consist of 36 men’s and 36 ladies’ teams playing soccer all weekend long starting at 8 a.m. through to 8 p.m. each day at Brennan Park Recreation Centre fields.
Jose Oreamuno, who has been an organizer with the event from the start, says he hopes to see a lot of families come out this year.
“It is an adult tournament, but we want kids to look at [players] and say, ‘One day I’m going to be playing here,’” he said.
The money raised through the event allowed the first artificial turf field to be built in Squamish
Now, organizers and supporters hope to make a second turf field happen
“It’s very hard, but we are looking forward to that,” said Oreamuno
“I think that we have help from more people, more organizations now, like from Squamish Youth Soccer and the Howe Sound Soccer League They all want the second field.”
Local hotels often sell out with the tournament and the association has the Squamish Municipal Campground reserved for festival camping.
Oreamuno said that is often where the after-game fun goes down
“It’s so much fun for the teams together,” he said.
“The teams are barbecuing and … doing stuff like that. I remember when I used to have teams, that was the best part of the evening, when everything was off after the games, you get the team together and have fun by the barbecue.”
Teams have roasted a pig and a lamb, for example.
One year, a team brought a generator and they set up a big screen and were watching soccer, he added.
There are giveaways over the weekend, while supplies last, of soccerfest backpacks,
stress balls, sunglasses and frisbees
Massage therapy will be available by donation for tired players, or exhausted spectators
Again this year there’s a team dress-up competition on Saturday at 5 p.m., with a prize for the winning outfitted team
Some of the organizers’ favourite costumes have been roller derby players, devils and cops.
“They were arresting everybody. They arrested me,” Oreamuno said, with a laugh.
There’s music, a beer garden—with local suppliers Howe Sound Brewing and Cliffside Cider—and the concession will be well stocked and hopping again, the organizers say, with hamburgers, smokies and breakfast sandwiches—eggers—available each day.
“It’s very popular and we do eggers all day long,” said fellow long-time organizer Jeanette Levett.
Organizers welcome more volunteers to help with the event.
“The more people, the merrier, who can come out and help us,” said Levett.
The event goes ahead rain or shine.
To register for the event or learn more, go to the Squamish Soccerfest website.
December 5, 1955 –December 29, 2024
Donpassedawaypeacefully at home, aftera courageous battle with cancer,surroundedbyhis belovedfamily and hisloyaldogs.Donwasamanwhosekindness,generosity, andgentle nature touchedall whoknewhim.
GrowingupinSquamish,Don’s life wasfilledwith adventures—whether he wasfishing, dirt biking, playing pool,orhanging out with hisclose friends.Don hada green thumb, enjoyedbeing out in nature,and wasa nonjudgmentalpersonwho wouldhelpanyone in need,no matterthecircumstance.Hefoundfulfillmentinthesimple momentsthatbrought people together.Family andfriends were always welcometodropinfor avisit, enjoying his good senseofhumor andwarmhospitality.Don hada numberofcherished dogsthroughout hislife, with Marina,Betty,and Tuffinobeing his most recent loyalcompanions.Don beganhis working years at Weldwood Sawmill beforespending many yearsatthe helm of SquamishTug and Squamish WaterTaxion HoweSound.
Donispredeceased by hisfather, BobRobson, andhis sister,Deb Robson. He will be deeply missedbyhis loving spouse, Lorna Rodd; hismother, EthelRobson; hisbrother, Gary Robson (Jan); andhis sister,Brenda Robson. He will also be fondlyremembered byhisnieces,Dawnandherchildren,HaileyandJackson;Kyla(Matt)andtheirchildren, Addisonand Emme; Meghan(Scott) andtheir son, Parker;and hisnephew, Bill. He will alsoberememberedbymanygood friends
Don’smemorywill be cherishedbyall whoknewhim. He will be deeply missedand lovinglyremembered.
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