For example, that money could be directed to mental health supports, thereby reducing or eliminating the need for officers to respond to mental health calls, activists say.
Find out with for Brohm Ridge
PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS SUNNY SQUAMISH: Sunflowers, as they are commonly known (Helianthus annuus to the greenest thumbs) are in full bloom around town, like this one, which seems to be reaching for the sky — or maybe the top of the Stawamus Chief. Have a favourite flower photo to share? Continued
THETOTORESPONDINGTHECALLDEFUNDPOLICE
THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 SQUAMISHCHIEF.COM
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RCMP and local leaders weigh-in STEVEN CHUA steven@squamishchief.com
on 4
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“I know for my police officers on the front line, it’s been deeply impacting,” said Insp. Kara Triance, the Sea to Sky’s officer-in-charge.
the project planned
At the time, Triance was speaking to The Chief in August as the top cop in the Sea to Sky. However, as of this fall, she will be transferring to Kelowna.
‘STACKED’ OR ‘ICON’ LOGO CORPORATE / NON-MASTHEAD / SOCIAL MEDIA REVERSED + COLOUR PALETTE VERSIONS 16 BACK TO SCHOOL Navigating uncertainty — and what youth are thinking about
Many of those demonstrating have advocated for taking at least some of the money allocated to police and placing it in services that would increase the welfare of the population and reduce the need for officers in the first place.
Garibaldi at Squamish
F
ollowing the death of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis police in May, a reckoning over racial justice has swept the United States and spread all over the world. Squamish was not exempt from this. Here in town, hundreds gathered at O’Siyam pavilion as part of an anti-racism demonstration inShortlyJune. after, before council discussed RCMP funding, residents sent letters to elected officials that urged the politicians to defund theIndeed,police.defunding the police has become a widespread mantra that is being repeated across the world and also in Squamish. What does ‘defund the police’ mean?
These demonstrators also say that money directed to social services or education would increase opportunities and reduce poverty, thus reducingOfficerscrime.intown have not gone unaffected by the rallying cry to defund them.
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Some costs, like those for the victims’ services program, have increased over the years but not necessarily because of more crime.Officers say that this is because policing is becoming more sophisticated and much more attention to detail is given to cases.
“[There’s] a gap in data,” said Natasha Golbeck, the municipality’s general manager of community services. “If there’s one point that we really want to hit home, it’s better data.”
Triance said that as an example, a criminal harassment file from 2017 created a small mountain of paperwork.
“That didn’t happen in the same regard when we were dealing with a file 20 years ago. And 20 years [ago], you didn’t have electronic disclosure. You had a short, six-page written — sometimes hand-written — report to Crown counsel. So policing has changed so much and I think if your question is, ‘Are we paying for policing in the right way,’ I think the complexities of it are so Nevertheless,huge.”
“As a municipal government, we recog nize that a simple call to defund the police is not a solution. In fact, if we reduce our
there are still some who think that money is better spent elsewhere.
Authorities agreed that policing needs to be improved and re-examined, but the municipality and the RCMP stopped short of saying that they would outright support defunding the police.
“We can’t transfer that money to some thing like a mental health crisis unit, so we expect that the province will...put that money down. That is what their respon sibility is under the health file,” said Stoner.
“We’ve had police officers who’ve come home and had just terrible days out there. The language and sentiments towards the police have not been great. And then we’ve had the turn of support from a lot of people who’ve said, ‘Thank you.’”
RACISM: Continued from 1
“We had 2,000 pages of disclosure with 27 police officers from seven different agen cies,” she recalled.
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One big issue, said acting mayor Jenna Stoner, lies in how Canadian governance is structured. Stoner was sitting in for Elliott, as she was away during council’s summer break.Municipalities are in charge of funding fire departments, police, roads, infrastruc ture and land use. However, they are not responsible for education, social services or mental health support. Those responsibilities lie with the province.Stonernoted that a major hurdle to transfering funds, as called for by demon strators, is that if funding was taken from police, it would be unclear where that money would then go.
In Squamish, the RCMP cost about $4.7 million in 2019, with the District of Squamish paying the lions’ share of roughly $4.6Themillion.municipality pays about 90% of the RCMP member costs and 100% of the costs for municipal support staff who assist the officers.TheSquamish force has the equivalent of about 25 full-time officers and also offers community policing and victim services. Each officer costs about $163,000 and altogether they account for roughly $3.9 million in municipal spending.
Insp. Kara Triance said that Floyd’s death has rightfully prompted soul-searching in law“Canadaenforcement.hasn’t been removed from the impacts of this either. We are seeing that there are problems in policing across the country,” said Triance. “And so we’ve had to really dig deep and look hard at the work that we’re doing to make sure we’re doing it well. But while we’re doing that, you’ve got to take care of your police officers. Because for me, if I’m not taking care of my police officers, and they’re going out there on the street, and feeling jaded and frustrated and not cared for and not well — this is when we’re going to see problems happen.” Triance said policing needs to be re-exam ined, but she did not support defunding the force, as she said there aren’t societal structures in place to replace the work officers are doing. “Defund the police isn’t an acceptable solution — we have to defund the police with a plan in place to make sure that’s replaced,” she said. Authorities said that while systemic racism is a widespread problem, they said there is not enough data to conclude whether it exists in Squamish or not. This also makes it hard to create a case for defunding the police. For example, it’s not always clear how many police calls could have been diverted to a mental health unit or another service.
While some could argue that the munici pality could use its community grants program to give the money to nonprofits like Helping Hands or Sea to Sky Community Services, Stoner said that there is a risk in this practice. If the municipality does go that route, it risks creating a download of services from theThenprovince.themunicipality, with its fewer resources, would be left responsible for problems bigger than it can handle, she said.Stoner also pointed to a letter that the District sent to the province, urging Safety Minister Mike Farnworth to explore ways to improve policing and recording data about officers’ interactions.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Jahmar Farrugia-Armstrong, speaking at the Squamish anti-racism rally in June. Canadian policing, in general, has deep-rooted problems, he says.
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What follows is a discussion between authorities, a demonstrator and a racial justice educator about whether this protest slogan can or should be translated into a reality.
“Systemic and institutional police bias towards racialized individuals and communities needs to be dismantled,” wrote Tricia Kerr in a letter to council in June.“This isn’t just an American problem or a recent problem; this is present and welldocumented in Canada. Council needs to address defunding the police. While this will broadly need to be addressed at the national level, the District of Squamish can still act at the municipal level and redirect funding for RCMP to local social programs and resources. Police reform has been unsuccessful and more attempts at reform will yield the same results.”
SQUAMISH RCMP & THE DISTRICT
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More money would be in municipal coffers, but the municipality would not be able to spend that cash on services that activists have outlined. Instead, that money would likely have to be funneled to infrastructure projects, like roads, signage, sewage and other areas that are the responsibility of local governments — not social services or mental health.
Regarding the municipality’s writing a letter to Minister Farnworth, FarrugiaArmstrong said it was a good first step, but that without much other action, it’s an empty gesture. He called for regular updates on how the lobbying is going and challenged authorities to show tangible results.
“It’s one thing to do training on making sure they’re collaborating with the community and make sure they’re using the right language and things like that, but it’s another thing to actually train individ uals and as a team to understand those biases.”
SPEAKING OUT Jahmar Farrugia-Armstrong, who spoke at the Squamish anti-racism rally in June told The Chief that he believes that police should not be outright abolished, but that the system is profoundly flawed.
squamishchief.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 5
“If people don’t want to give up the power, then you have to take the power away from them.”Farrugia-Armstrong said he hopes that if the defunding movement for the police doesn’t work out, as an alternative, he would like to see new branches in the police department that can adequately deal with mental health and social service calls.
A local diversity, equity and inclusion educator centred on racial justice said that she agrees that with officials that defunding the police is not a silver bullet in a small town likeNadiSquamish.Jonesnoted that defunding the police is an argument better suited to large American cities that have militarized their officers.Inthose cases, it’s a more obvious choice to redirect funding that would be used for quasi-military equipment to social programs, Jones said. There are also differences in the funding structures and the amount of money police receive in the U.S..
Under this program a crisis worker who is a registered nurse, registered social worker or occupational therapist is teamed up with a specially trained police officer to respond to mental health crisis calls.
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“I think there’s a problem at a system[ic] level that we need to look at and readjust. It seems like things aren’t set up properly in the first place. And now that we have a problem that we’re trying to fix here, they’re kind of throwing it back at us,” said Farrugia-Armstrong.“Itseemslikethegovernment needs more work than they’re willing to do to fix this problem.”Farrugia-Armstrong also said that it’s incorrect to think that racism doesn’t exist in a town like Squamish. There is a tendency for people in smaller communities to believe that such problems are city problems only, but he noted that in small towns, minorities don’t have the same visibility.
“[Unless they do that] I believe what we need to do is replace these people,” he said.
“Decolonization and reconciliation truly has got to look at that and say, ‘Yes we own a piece of that and how are we going to move together shoulder-to-shoulder ensuring we are policing in a violence-free manner and that we are ensuring that we change, and that we work together and that we move forward in a manner that is not racist.”
Many officers, he said, have their hearts in the right place, but the system is, in many cases,Canadianbroken.policing, in general, has deep-rooted problems — even if some people are refusing to acknowledge it, Farrugia-Armstrong said.
“True reconciliation is an acknowledg ment that Canada was built on colonization, that the mounted police was sent to march west and that this is a police force that has colonial roots,” she said.
“I can tell you the only mental health calls we attend are people in crisis. So we don’t attend for somebody who is not a risk to themselves or to others,” Triance said. Triance also emphasized that Squamish RCMP have been trained and continue to be trained in cultural sensitivity, as well as the colonial legacy of the RCMP.
“I’d say I want to make sure they’re doing the right kind of training. That they are investigating individuals’ anti-blackness and anti-Indigenous patterns and routines,” said Jones.
As a result, Jones said it’s better for a community like Squamish to focus on training its officers to deal with their conscious or subconscious racial biases. She said it’s possible to use psychological questionnaires to gauge how subjects feel about people of colour, and red flags could be dealt with either via training, or, if necessary, barring a potential recruit from entering the force.
“It seems like systemic racism is deeply embedded in the core of law enforcement and policing. They use profiling. They use profiling to do their jobs every day,” he said. In the case of authorities saying they couldn’t divert part of police municipal funding to mental or social services, he said he understood what authorities were saying, but had criticisms about those comments.
“The problem with small towns is people of colour, minority people, don’t really have a big voice,” he said. “And the small-town folks think they do. But that’s not really the case. Minorities tend to speak in a way that makes people feel comfortable around them, and if you’re in a small town surrounded by people that make you feel like the minority, you’re going...to say or do things that make other people feel comfortable and not necessarily challenge the status quo. Especially if you’re living a somewhat productive...lifestyle. You’re really not going to want to break that, especially when you see images of people that don’t have those Farrugia-Armstrongthings.”saidthat the fact that an anti-racism rally was held in Squamish should indicate that there are issues in the town.Hesaid that the RCMP needs to admit that one of their founding purposes was rooted in racist colonial practices, such as displa cing Indigenous people from their lands.
“If they’re not willing to come outright and just outright admit these atrocities and bear the weight of the effects of that past, which will inevitably be some emotional weight...I think until you actually start to do that, then you’re not going to have a system that can begin to heal or work for the people,” Farrugia-Armstrong said. He said he believes most in the force are good, honest people with the right inten tions, but the RCMP as an institution needs to come clean and fully admit its racist past, because the organization is in danger of corrupting from within.
It’s a good start the top cop in Squamish has acknowledged the colonial legacy of the force, but officers in town need to keep reaching out to communities, FarrugiaArmstrong said. He also added that for healing to occur they need to be specific about what types of injustices were done, and not just vaguely say that bad things happened.
As one example, he said the Peel Regional Police in Ontario have created a mental health response program.
local governments’ police budget, that money would not go to mental health and addictions services — as that is provincial jurisdiction — but rather to roads, sewers, and other programs within our own jurisdiction. That said, as our local RCMP officers are called to respond to ever more mental health and overdose-related calls, we are in effect funding mental health and addictions services through our police force,” reads the letter sent by Elliott on June 30.“In recognition of the complexity and multi- jurisdictional nature of this issue, the council of the District of Squamish is writing to: 1) request that a process be initiated in consultation with local govern ment that allows us as a province to reimagine how we provide public safety and community health services; and 2) to call for transformative investments in the delivery of public Triancesafety.”saidthat at the moment, there’s no ability to break down statistics to show non-violent mental health calls. That is, mental health calls that could’ve instead been handled by a mental health or social worker instead.
CORRECTION: In the story, “Squamish vanlifers weigh in” published online Aug. 11, it was incorrectly stated that the Mamquam River Campground allows campers to stay five days. It actually takes campers for 14 days. They also do take long-term stays between October and April for $250 per month.
6 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.comNEWS NEWS BRIEFS COVID-19 CONFIRMEDEXPOSURE
Little and big readers are welcome back inside the library.
Take-out option to remain as well
Alocal adventure business had to close down temporarily due to a COVID-19 case. Canadian Outback Rafting has shut for a time due to a pandemic exposure, the company says. “We were recently made aware by Vancouver Coastal Health of a COVID exposure at our rafting company,” reads a statement to The Chief from the company sent Aug. 19. “We have made the decision to close down for the time being as our number one priority is the safety of our staff and guests.”
THE CHIEF STAFF
SQUAMISH PUBLIC LIBRARY BRINGS BACK IN-PERSON SERVICE
G ood news for bookworms: the Squamish Public Library has re-opened its doors for browsing and borrowing. Readers can enter the library from 1 to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday for “express browsing” and borrowing of materials, in addition to computer and printing access. In addition to standard recommended protocols of washing or sanitizing one’s hands often, wearing a mask, staying home when sick, and keeping at least two metres from others, visitors are asked to limit their time inside, ask for staff help when necessary and touch as few items as possible.
ART IN THE PARK
Staff with the company have informed all guests who were rafting with them on the dates in question, the statement says, and they are working closely with Vancouver Coastal Health on the next steps.
“We are proud of the work that has gone into setting up our facility and training our staff to be able to safely resume these in-person services, and are very happy to be able to serve the community inside the building again,” director of library services Hilary Bloom said in a release. The library will continue to offer its takeout service for those who would prefer not to enter the“[L]ibrarybuilding.take-out has proven to be a popular and convenient method for providing access to library materials since we launched it three months ago, and it aligns with our efforts to encourage safe physical distancing to the fullest extent,” Bloom said. The takeout service, where readers pick up items at the back of the library, will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday, except for Wednesday, when hours are extended until 8 p.m.Formore information, visit squamish. bc.libraries.coop/.
Two art workshops for Squamish Seniors (55+) given by professional artists at the O’Siyam Pavillion, Squamish.
All had fun at the August workshops. Here are 2 more! Presented by the Squamish Seniors Centre Society and made possible with a grant by the Emergency Community Support Fund, which is hereby gratefully acknowledged. These are 6 hour workshops and are heavily subsidized. Fee: $20.00 each class, cash or cheque upon registration. We will practice Covid-19 precautions - bring your own mask. Information: http://www.vch.ca/covid-19. Registration, supply list (bring chair) and further details: Patricia: 604 815 0805 or by email to admin@squamishseniorscentre.comwww.squamishseniorscentre.com Wed, Sep. 9 Ciarra Douglas Pen and ink wash Wed, Sep. 16 Enda Bardell Fast and loose watercolour HEAT PUMPS, ONE SYSTEM FOR YEAR ROUND COMFORT Quiet - Energy Efficient - Low C02 Financing & Rebate Programs available. Our Services Include: • Commercial HVAC Services • Boiler Sales & Service • Heat Pump InstallationS • Custom Designed Systems to fit any home or business. Contact us today! 778-994-3159 Add UV Air Treatment or High Efficiency Filters to your HVAC system for added protection. https://www.westerntechnical.net/
SQUAMISH NATION APPOINTS NEW DIRECTOR OF FINANCE The Squamish Nation has appointed a former BC Cancer executive as its new director of finance.TheNation announced on Aug. 20 that Denis Murphy, a chartered accountant with 15 years of experi ence, has taken up the post. “I’m delighted to be joining Squamish Nation at a time when there is a great deal of excitement about the future and a real desire to make a positive economic and social impact. It’s an honour to be trusted with the task of ensuring the members have confidence in the financial perform ance of the Nation. I’m confident that together we can continue to build the prosperity of the Nation,” said Murphy in a news release. When Murphy was working at BC Cancer, he was responsible for developing financial plans and funding programs as part of an initiative to bring care closer to home, particularly for rural patients. As part of the BC Cancer executive team, he worked to secure additional funding to improve cancer care and deliver services within the community.“Wearehappy to welcome Denis as the new director of our finance department, where he will continue working to rebuild trust with member ship through fiscal transparency and policy-driven, responsible allocation of the Nation’s resources,” said Syeta’xtn (Chris Lewis), spokesperson for the Nation, in a news release.
PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES
“I am not adverse to a mark selective fishery,” Jordan said, adding that DFO is currently studying the idea. “I think that it’s definitely a possible way forward. I think that there are issues that need to be addressed with regards to how we implement that fishery.”Onesignificant issue Weiler and Jordan did not address during the town hall was a call from the First Nations Leadership Council to close sockeye fisheries on the Fraser River and declare the stock “collapsed.”
Weiler also asked Jordan about how DFO is handling illegal gillnetting practices that some have pointed to as a major danger to salmonJordanstocks.saidwhile there are some new regulations, “we cannot put a complete moratorium on gillnets because that would cause undue hardship to many First Nations who rely on the gill net as one of their traditional ways of fishing.”
squamishchief.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 7NEWS
SEAN ECKFORD Coast Reporter F ederal Fisheries Minister Bernadette Jordan says the Liberal government remains committed to a transition away from open-net fish farms and tough meas ures to preserve the chinook salmon stock. Jordan and West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler held an online town hall on Aug. 19 that drew more than 50 participants from the riding and“I’vebeyond.heard from a lot of constituents, including First Nations, with concerns about open-net salmon aquaculture and the impact that it has on ocean health and in particular on salmon stocks,” Weiler said, telling Jordan he’s had more correspondence on that issue than anything related to COVID and praising his predecessor Pam Goldsmith-Jones for her work on the file. Jordan acknowledged her mandate letter from the prime minister instructs her to have a transition plan in place by 2025. “This is a mandate commitment, this was a platform commitment, and it’s something that we are going to do,” Jordan said. “We have every intention of meeting that commitment, but it’s not an easy commit ment to meet because there are a lot of factors that we have to take into consideration.”Thosefactors include addressing the concerns of coastal communities and First Nations as well as environmental issues, “and of course, working in collaboration with the province.”Jordanalso said that the COVID pandemic delayed the start of consultations on a proposed Aquaculture Act but a discussion paper is now online and people will have until Jan. 15, 2021 to make comments.
Another potential conservation measure raised by Weiler during the town hall was “mark selective” fisheries, the practice of allowing anglers to retain hatchery salmon, marked by fin clipping – an idea supported by the Sport Fishing Institute of B.C. and already used in Washington state and Alaska.
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“My riding’s home to a lot of recreational and commercial fishers who are disappointed with the chinook conservation measures that were outlined in June,” Weiler toldTheJordan.minster said the measures were developed with input from “a number of organizations and individuals,” including sport fishing advisory boards and First Nations.Shealso said ongoing input led DFO to look again at smaller areas that are not in the chinook migratory path, allowing them to open two. One is the area known as 28-9, near the mouth of the Capilano River in West Vancouver.“Theseare very difficult decisions [and] this is not something I take lightly. I recog nize that people’s livelihoods absolutely depend on the fishery,” Jordan said. “I come from a fishing community myself. I know firsthand what it’s like to see a collapse, but we have to recognize that the chinook are in serious decline, and we need to do everything possible to address that chal lenge... There’s no silver bullet.”
PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES “I recognize that people’s livelihoods absolutely depend on the fishery,” said Minister Bernadette Jordan.
MP says he’s heard more concern from constituents over open-net salmon aquaculture than COVID-19
(Search “Share your views: Federal Aquaculture Act.”) Jordan and Weiler also discussed the measures the government has imposed to protect chinook salmon stocks.
DFO recently estimated the sockeye return could hit a record low this year, with about 283,000 fish expected to make it to the Fraser River spawning grounds – well below an earlier estimate of 941,000.
FISHERIES MINISTER ADDRESSES CONSERVATION AND OPEN-NET FISH FARMS IN ONLINE TOWN HALL
Applications are being accepted from those interested in volunteering on the District of Squamish Advisory Panel.
8 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.comFEATURE: BACK TO SCHOOL Facilities Status • Municipal Hall - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Seniors’ hours from 10 to 11:30 a.m. In-person services are limited to payment and purchases of: • Squamish Public LIbrary: Express Browsing & Computer Lab Hours: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Take Out Hours: Monday - Friday, 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and Wednesdays 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pick up holds at the back of the library building. DISTRIC T OF SQUAMISH • Transit passes • Dog licences • Property taxes • Utilities • Business licences • Building permits How to contact staff: Municipal Hall 604.892.5217 or info@squamish.ca Public Works To report an operations emergency after hours, please call 24-hours: 604.815.4040. Bylaw Enforcement 604.892.5217 or bylaw@squamish.ca Recreation Services 604.898.3604 ForandCOVID-19FacilitiesServicesUpdatesafulllistofcurrentservicemodifications,pleasevisit squamish.ca/covid-19 • Brennan Park Recreation Centre Showers Daily - $2 7 a.m.-10 a.m. & 6 p.m.-9 p.m. • The 55 Activity Centre – Closed • Municipal Campground – Open for monthly rentals • Squamish Adventure Centre – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. #myheartbrennanpark COVID-19 BackWelcometo VisitParkBrennansquamish.ca/rec to learn more and plan your visit. Brennan Park Aquatic Centre reopens September 8 with a phased approach and new COVID-19 safety measures. Book your space in advance. No drop-in visits permitted. Please plan to wear your swimsuit to and from the pool as change room access will be limited. Lockers will be closed. • Environmental Coordinator – Temporary Full-Time • Bylaw & Animal Control Officer – Casual/On Call • Building Inspector – Casual/On Call squamish.ca/careers Business Opportunity • Appraisal Services for Insurance PurposesRequest for Proposals squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district goodtimes.gov.bc.caHangoutinsmallgroups.Givespace.Cleanyourhandsoften.Payattentiontomentalhealth.Hookingup?Doitsafely.Stayoutside.Don’tpassaroundsnacks,drinks,smokes,tokesandvapes.Hangoutwithpeopleyouknow.Feelingsick?Stayhome. Seeking Advisory Design Panel Volunteers Career Opportunities
The Panel reviews and provides advice regarding development permit applications and any other matter referred for review by Council. The Panel comprises twelve members including professionals nominated by their institutes or associations.
Applications must be received by September 4, 2020.
The District is currently seeking Squamish residents with an interest in local development and design as members at large.
Zero Waste Tip Get that fresh air scent! Save electricity by skipping the dryer and line drying your clothes. daYsumMercamPs EXTENDED !!! There is no better way to spend your day o than with us! Come play games & sports and make crafts. Activities will depend on weather and ages. Five year olds may be registered if they are currently enrolled in kindergarten. Campers will be outside all day. September 8-11 September 14-18 9$55/Daya.m.to 4 p.m. SeptemberRegistration:2 squamishlive.ca squamishrecreationservices @squamishtown
Applicants should complete an application form and submit with their resume to: Vanessa Jenkins, Agenda Coordinator, District of Squamish, 37955 Second Avenue, P.O. Box 310, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3 or by email: vjenkins@squamish.ca.
Design
The Advisory Design Panel Bylaw, meeting agendas, minutes and committee application form can be found at: squamish.ca/committees.
Written submissions are strongly encouraged to be made prior to the Public Hearing. If technical issues occur for a person during the Hearing, submissions may be made by emailing hearing@squamish.ca and staff will distribute to Council and make available on the website. For those participating via telephone or electronically, the District is encouraging written submissions to be made as well. In Writing
Rezoning for Child Care Facility on Falcon Crescent
By Telephone
Deliver a written submission to hearing@squamish.ca, or drop off to the General Manager of Corporate Services at Municipal Hall before 3 p.m. on the date of the Public Hearing.
FALCONCRESCENTBLUE JAY
All submissions will form part of the public record. Council will not consider submissions received after the close of the Public Hearing. This is the first of two notices of Public Hearing. Dated this 27th day of August, 2020 at Squamish, British Columbia.
A copy of the proposed bylaws and related information that has been or may be considered by the Council may be inspected online or at Municipal Hall.
BYLAW: District of Squamish Zoning Bylaw 2200, 2011 Amendment Bylaw (39319 Falcon Crescent) No. 2706, 2019 PROPOSED ZONING AMENDMENT: To amend Comprehensive Development Zone 38 (CD-38) to allow for a Child Care Facility of up to 24 children on Lot 4 (39319 Falcon Crescent) of the Ravenswood subdivision, as shown on the Location Map at right: AFFECTED LANDS: 39319 Falcon Crescent, Squamish BC WAY 39319
Participate electronically through the use of the WebEx platform by visiting meetingssquamish.ca/public-hearings-and. Instruction for participation in the WebEx virtual Public Hearing can be found at that site. Visi meetingssquamish.ca/public-hearings-andin advance of the scheduled Public Hearing time for:
• How to get on the speakers’ list;
Electronic Participation
It is recommended that those who attend in person prepare a written submission that can be read aloud to the meeting in case the maximum number is exceeded. Safety and distancing requirements will be in effect and the public are encouraged to wear a mask. Pursuant to the Order of the Provincial Health Officer for Gatherings and Events, attendees will be required to provide their contact information in the event that it is required for contact tracing on the part of the medical health officer.
Council members will be given the option to attend the meeting electronically or in-person and may not be in attendance physically. In Person
The PUBLIC HEARING is to hear and receive representations from persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the following proposed amendments to the District of Squamish Zoning Bylaw 2200, 2011 Amendment Bylaw (39319 Falcon Crescent) No. 2706, 2019. The meeting will also be live streamed, for viewing purposes only with no participation at squamish.ca/live-meetings.
On the District website squamish.ca/public-hearings-and-meetings
Limited in person public participation is available for this Public Hearing for those unable to participate by electronic means in the Stawamus Chief Activity Room located at Brennan Park
MOCKINGBIRDCRESCENT
Due to COVID-19 related public health orders and limitations on available physical space, public attendance will be limited to 30 people to comply with the Order of the Provincial Health Officer for Gatherings and Events.
HOW TO VIEW THE PROPOSED BYLAW 4 WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
SpeakingWatchsquamish.ca/live-meetings.theMeetingwithout
squamishchief.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 9FEATURE: BACK TO SCHOOL
The public is strongly recommended to participate electronically via WebEx, by telephone and/or provide written submissions to hearing@squamish.ca
Participate by telephone during the Public Hearing by calling 1.604.449.3026 and entering the Access Code 146 802 2903 Dial *3 to ‘raise your hand’ indicating that you’d like to speak. You will be placed on a speakers’ list and alerted when it is your turn to speak.Youwill hear a message that “your line has been unmuted” when it is your turn to speak. Prior to the meeting, please visit meetingssquamish.ca/public-hearings-andfor detailed instructions.
If you do not wish to participate but would like to watch the meeting and hear the submissions, you can do so by watching the meeting at
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 6 p.m.
Persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed bylaw will have an opportunity to be heard and to present written submissions for the Public Hearing. There are four ways to participate:
At Municipal Hall 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, British Columbia, from August 27 to September 8, 2020 between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., Monday through Friday.
• An opportunity to test your computer’s connection to the WebEx platform.
• Instructions on how to set up WebEx and how to log in;
DISTRIC T OF SQUAMISH PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE
NOTICE is hereby given that Council of the District of Squamish will hold an electronic and in-person PUBLIC HEARING that will stream live on the WebEx platform. In person attendance is limited and intended for those who cannot participate electronically and will be in the Stawamus Chief Activity Room at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre, 1009 Centennial Way, Squamish, British Columbia on September 8, 2020 at 6 p.m.
The local company says it’s taken a step forward to develop carbon capture facility
“The Carbon Engineering business model is to license our technology to developers around the world to enable rapid and widespread global deployment of DAC [direct air capture] technology,” said Steve Oldham, Carbon Engineering’s CEO in the release.“This partnership marks Carbon Engineering’s first licensing agreement in the U.S. and is a critical next step in the commercialization of DAC technology. It will prove the technology at large, climaterelevant scale, validate the cost, and demonstrate that DAC is now a feasible, available and affordable tool that can be added to the global climate toolkit. It will also allow Carbon Engineering to grow and meet the increasing demand for carbon removal from the private and public sectors. We are looking to replicate this licensing model in other markets around the world so we can deploy DAC as quickly and broadly as possible, and start to make a meaningful impact on the huge climate challenge.”
The 100-acre facility is expected to be built in the Permian Basin, an oil-rich area in the southwestern United States. Construction is anticipated to start in 2022. Carbon Engineering says that carbon dioxide captured at the facility will be used in lower-carbon oil production, which permanently stores CO2 as part of the process.Theoperations will also include geologic sequestration, which essentially buries carbon dioxide in the earth. It will prove the technology at large, climaterelevant scale, validate the cost, and demonstrate that DAC is now a feasible, available affordableandtool.
Join District Staff to learn about the Proposed Density Bonus Systems including the background rationale and the mechanics of the systems. A moderated discussion will be held followed by opportunities for questions and comments from participants.
DISTRIC T OF SQUAMISH
THE CHIEF STAFF Adevelopment company has been created to raise funds and deploy Carbon Engineering’s direct air capture technology, which sucks carbon dioxide from the air. On Aug. 19, the Squamish company announced in a news release that a subsidiary of oil giant Occidental Petroleum and private equity firm Rusheen Capital Management have formed a development company called 1PointFive.
NEWSFUNDS RAISED FOR CARBON ENGINEERING’S TECHNOLOGY
Carbon Engineering has signed a licensing agreement with 1PointFive that would enable the commercial development of what it calls the world’s largest direct air capture facility.According to the release, this is a first step toward delivering the technology on an industrial scale throughout the United States.
10 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.com
Density Bonus System Open House
Wednesday, September 2
Two Virtual Open Houses will be held:
• Virtual Open House 1 This event is intended for Squamish builders and developers. Wednesday, September 2 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.
• Virtual Open House 2 This even is intended for the broader Squamish Community, all members of the public are encouraged to attend. Wednesday, September 2 from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Permissive Tax Exemptions are a method that the District of Squamish, supported by Council, may support voluntary non-profit organizations by exempting land or improvements or both, from taxation under section 224 of the Community Charter.
T H AN K Y O U F O R RE C Y CL I N G T H I S N E WS PA P E R .
The District of Squamish is now accepting applications for Permissive Tax PreviousExemptions.successful applicants of Permissive Tax Exemptions will be receiving notice if they need to reapply.
STEVE OLDHAM
The District of Squamish is hosting two Virtual Open Houses regarding a Proposed Density Bonus System for Squamish as part of the 2020 Zoning Bylaw Update. A Density Bonus System is a tool that can be used by municipalities to support the provision of community benefits such as affordable housing or active transportation infrastructure. The proposed density bonus system will encourage reduced greenhouse gas production in new buildings and increased density to support transit and walkable neighbourhoods.
Section 224 of the Community Charter and the requirements of the District of Squamish Permissive Tax Exemption policy apply. If your organization can demonstrate eligibility you are welcome to apply for an exemption. The application and policy is available online The deadline to apply is August 28, 2020 for exemptions beginning for the 2021 taxation year. For more information, please contact us at 604.892.5217 squamish.ca/grants
PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA HOW YOU DOING?: A Squamish vulture surveys the world beneath him. Have a photo to share? Send it in to news@squamishchief.com.
0 2
2021 Permissive Tax Exemption
To register for these sessions please visit squamish.ca/density-bonus-system.squamish.ca/density-bonus-system BY LAW UPD 20ATE
Applications - DEADLINE FRIDAY, AUGUST 28
If this land is swallowed up by commercial ventures like retailers or restaurants, industrial businesses may get driven out of town.
ith the future of industrial land in town at stake, municipal planners from the District of Squamish presented their vision for the business park, which, like much of the town, has been subject to a zoning overhaul.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF A number of commercial spaces have specific space needs that they’ve indicated can’t really be easily met in Squamish’s existing commercial sectors, District planner Matt Gunn says.
There are few other places for industrialtype businesses like car shops to go in town, they warned.
“Numerous businesses have indicated that...allowing their business to add a commercial component to the industrial activity really increases their flexibility and expands their ability for success and stability…. A number of commercial spaces have specific space needs that they’ve indicated can’t really be easily met in Squamish’s existing commercial sectors, and the expanded commercial activities area provides an opportunity for these businesses to locate in the business park where those space needs can be met.”
Last year, in response, council imposed what they called a temporary freeze on new non-industrial ventures in the park.
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This was met with much opposition during a public hearing, with business owners warning council that these measures could hurtNevertheless,entrepreneurs.council went ahead, saying the intention was to create a “stopgap” to buy temporary freeze. Option 2 would keep things as they are under the freeze. Commercial-type activities
Britannia Mine Museum gratefully ackn B r i t a nn ia Uncover a century of mining history and watch it come to life at BOOM!, the educational live-action, special-effects show that takes you back in time. GO DEEPER is now volunteerrecruitingfirefighters squamish.ca/fire-rescueIfyou’reinterestedinjoiningadynamicteamandarewillingtomakeaminimumthree-yearcommitment;wewanttohearfromyou.Contact Squamish Fire Rescue at 604.898.9666, or visit our website for more information. NEW! Apply online at the link below. for a Join Our Team Challenge Looking ? Accepting applications until October 5, 2020 FireSquamishRescue
District staff outline a proposal to take the business park out of its freeze on new commercial activity
“It reflects a cautious approach to increasing commercial activities within the business park,” he said. “It does represent a variation from our [Official Community Plan] policy, which is kind of saying, really the focus should be industrial areas in this area.”
THE FUTURE OF INDUSTRIAL LANDS REVEALED
It’s expected that in the coming months this proposed vision for the business park will go to council for review and possible approval.
squamishchief.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 11NEWS
The future of the business park has been a subject of much attention, as District staff have said that non-industrial activities in the park threatened to drown out the supply of industrial land in town.
“The intention is that spot zoning will remain in place for those businesses, and any business that is currently existing will, under the Local Government Act, be provided, essentially, grandfathering — it’s called non-conforming status,” Gunn said.
a survey at 44%. “This option was selected based on several factors. It balances a range of inputs received during stakeholder engagement,” he said.
The next most popular was Option 1 at 33%. Option 2 was the least favoured, trailing at 22%. Existing commercial businesses that are outside of the proposed expanded commer cial activities area will be grandfathered in and allowed to continue their operations, GunnThosesaid.businesses were provided spot zoning when the freeze occurred.
STEVEN CHUA steven@squamishchief.com
For the new commercial activities area, there are some stipulations that businesses mustCommercialfollow. activities must be subordinate to the industrial activity being done on the site. So for example, a brewery can sell its beer in a tasting room. There can also be products that complement the primary product being sold. Outside the commercial activity area, things like restaurants and fitness centres won’t be allowed.
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“That is why it is important right now that people learn about it so that they are ready to roll when that time comes,” Giles said. Just as we scan the waters off our shores for the majestic orca, it is worth keeping our Squamish eyes on this issue in the coming months.Watch www.wildorca.org for updates.
12 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.com
The public comment period has ended for the Navy’s permits, now, the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) will review the permit request — and feedback like the letter — to decide if the Navy’s permit will proceed, as is. At that point, there might be a way for the public to engage again.
C ANADIAN COMMUNIT Y NEWS PA PER AWARD 2013 2013 CCNA Reproduction of any material contained in this publication is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publisher.
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FALLOON:
“That might look like the whales going from foraging to travelling or from resting to travelling,” Giles said. “We are only talking about 72 individual animals, so that equates to 68% of the population that may be impacted minimally or up to a degree that is less than killing them in a year.”
Continued on 13
The signatories to the letter ask that the Navy lean more on already available sightings networks — such as Orca Network and the Pacific Whale Watch Association — that do near real-time monitoring of where these whales are so the Navy can avoid testing their weapons in areas where the whales at that time. The Navy has said they have human observers, but Giles says that is not accurate enough.TheNavy could also invest in additional underwater monitors that would record the sounds of the ocean and thus determine precisely when the orcas are in the area.
ith all the news swimming by on the sea of our social media feeds, it is likely many marine lovers in Squamish missed this news, but it should be on our radar.
“We are talking about a population of animals that is food-deprived... and so any time that a whale is disrupted from foraging, it has the potential to cause harm to this population,” added Giles. The whales travel together and depend on each other.
T here are few things my wife loves more than calendars (myself included, quite Ourpossibly).houseboasts two calendars that are normally chock-full of events, and even our living room’s visual eye-catcher is a 1.2-by-0.9-metre black and white Stendig calendar. There’s a separate wall calendar for reoccurring dates, too. She has more datebooks and agendas than I can count, and we’ve already ordered, received and inputted all of our important events into our 2021 editions.Butshe took down the bright, cheerful, floral Rifle Paper Company calendars — row upon row of blank boxes were a droning reminder that there’s not much to look forward to these days. Being, of course, cognizant of the fact that we’re trying to do our small part to head off a global health crisis, it’s started to become more challenging as the weeks have dragged on.Maybe the novelty is starting to wear off as some of the benefits, such as enjoying hot, homemade lunch every day and pushing snooze a couple more times before starting work each morning, just become parts of the new normal. As we approach the end of August, there’s the overhanging dread that the whole summer has been kind of a bust without any of the traditional beach day, carnival, or outdoor concert fun. Then throw in the realization that it might be, well, a while before things start to truly return to “normal.” Development and distribution of a vaccine has long been considered the benchmark of when largescale events could start happening again. But the fastest vaccine development, from collecting viral samples to licensing a drug, still took four years and was created to combat mumps, according to National Geographic “A year to 18 months would be absolutely unprecedented,” Peter Hotez, dean at Baylor University’s National School of Tropical Medicine, said in the April 10 story. How long do we have before we start to see serious noncompliance, though? The impatience is clear all around: there’s impatience to socialize, to reopen businesses, to go back to the “Before Times” at a juncture when several jurisdictions are experiencing the worst new case count numbers of the entire pandemic. And if there’s no real end in sight, it’s understandable to be overwhelmed by a wave of futility. Some never were going to abide by whatever precautions are recommended for whatever reason, and some’ll likely continue to hermit even after it’s OK to start getting back out there. But what of the mushy middle, though?
The 72 remaining southern resident orcas, which make their way to Howe Sound, usually during the winter, face an increased threat from the U.S. Navy that 29 organiza tions are trying to mitigate. They have penned a letter expressing their distress over the Navy’s plans to increase their ocean military testing from two “takes” to 51 per year in known killer whale habitat starting in November and lasting for seven years. These tests, carried out from northern California to Alaska, aren’t new, but it is now known the military test zones overlap with the whale’s critical habitat, Deborah Giles, a research scientist at the University of Washington’s Center for Conservation Biology, told The Chief. Giles also works with the non-profit Wild Orca, a signatory to the letter. A “take” is an allowance to temporarily disrupt the whales.
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THE PANDEMIC’S DOG DAYS
GIVING 110% DAN FALLOON JOIN US ONLINE More than 260 new COVID-19 cases since Friday in B.C. Beware the injured bear, Squamish (VIDEO) What are you considering for back to school? LAST WEEK’S QUESTION MOST COMMENTED ON POST Basone Guitars opens Squamish location TWEETEDMOST BACK TO CLASS 59% 45 STILL AT HOME 7% 5 1ST TIME HOME 22% 17 OTHER 12% 9 How much time do you spend in front of screens per day? QUESTION OF THE WEEK Have your say at squamishchief.com THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERY THURSDAY BY GLACIER MEDIA INC. 38117 Second Avenue Box 3500, Squamish BC, V8B 0B9 MOST STORYREAD PRINTED GLACIERTHURSDAYEVERYBYMEDIA INC. T: 604-892-9161 news@squamishchief.com ads@squamishchief.com classifieds@squamishchief.com subs@squamishchief.com production@squamishchief.com obituaries - tpisch@squamishchief.com SARAHPUBLISHERSTROTHER sstrother@wplpmedia.com CIRCULATION MANAGER Denise dconway@squamishchief.comConway
Anecdotally, it’s clear to see a sense of
“If these activities are happening anywhere in the vicinity of these whales trying to engage in these basic biological functions, it has the potential to have certainly short term impacts, but it may have long-term impacts, too.”
That should concern everyone who loves to see these iconic animals in our waters.
DISTRIBUTION Jacqueline Siemens PRODUCTION MANAGER Lou lstevens@wplpmedia.comO’Brien
WATCH FOR ORCAS
The Squamish Chief is a member of the National Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about contact Editor Jennifer Thuncher at jthuncher@squamishchief.com. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for
EDITORIAL
There could, on the flip side, be a sense of inevitability: “If I’m gonna get it, may as well get it over with!” But that, of course, ignores how little we know about the long-term effects and whether getting COVID once bars the doors to coming down with it again for some length of time. What’s not working? On the one hand, here in B.C., we’ve been fortunate to have avoided a government-mandated blanket lockdown and have had to work within rigid guidelines instead. Challenging, for sure, but not impossible.Itjustgoes to show the importance of both hope and human connection. There are only so many experiences that can be Zoomed, and even then, it gets pretty tedious pretty quickly. We all need a glimmer of hope to look forward to rather than years and years of proverbial winter. And not the good kind that brought us here, either.
FALLOON: Continued from 12
Nicholas Terry has been a Squamish resident since 2011 and is currently a student at the Peter A. Allard school of law at UBC.
GUEST COLUMN NICHOLAS TERRY
Best chance [for this bear] is in the wild.
As a person who came to disability late in life, I am consistently surprised at the difficulties one faces. Recently, I took the trail around the north end of Alice Lake in my wheelchair. When we arrived at 9 a.m., the parking lot was filling fast and we were lucky to get the last disabled parking spot. It seems to me that Alice Lake would be a perfect showcase for disabled tourism however the opposite proved to be true. I had several alarming difficulties on a very poor trail surface. It was marginal and obstructed by roots and run-off areas from the roadway above. The trail was so inaccessible in a very popular provincial park. I became very appreciative of the access ibility standards of the trails we have locally in the District of Squamish. Our trails are District maintained and repaired. Recently, the Squamish Trail Society and the Senior Smoothers have resurfaced many. I have come to accept a standard of safety on trail surfaces that gives confidence to people in wheelchairs and as a result, people of all abilities can travel with assurance. I feel confident in going by myself on the Nature Trail; it is a wonderful experience to be alone in nature at this stage of my life. This is definitely not the situation in Alice Lake Provincial Park. I am curious that in such a well used Provincial Park trail standards for accessibility fall so far below our local municipal efforts. I was under the impression that some areas of accessibility were part of the standards in many of our provincial parks. As we grow our tourism infrastructure I hope that accessibility will be held as a goal for our local development as well as provincially.
None of this is to say we cannot distin guish between groups or acknowledge statistical realities. It is to say, however, that our default reaction should be to treat people as Precisionindividuals.isimperative to effective communication and argument. One of the best ways I have learned to argue more precisely is to replace ‘general’ words such as “those,” “these” or “they” with more ‘specific’ words such as “some,” “many,” or “often.” This tweak in our communication can give significant credibility to what we are actually trying to say.
PHOTO BY RICK MELOFF SPECTACULAR SQUAMISH: Have a stunning photo to share? Send it to news@squamishchief. com.
MORE ACCESSIBILITY IN PARKS NEEDED
If they’re not going to help this bear they should put it down before someone gets hurt. Not nice to say, but the truth.
Andrew Burch
While COVID-19 continues apace and we spend more time on social media, perhaps now more than ever the consequences of communicating imprecisely are highlighted. Loose speech becomes particularly dangerous when combined with the natural human fear of “outsiders.”
he ability to make a clear and concise point is often the difference between making a persuasive argument and exposing yourself as an ignoramus. As a lawyer in training, I receive a lot of feedback on my communication skills — and spend a lot of time trying to avoid the latter.
Dan Falloon is the sports editor for Pique Newsmagazine and is writing about various topics for The Chief.
squamishchief.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 13
This observation is perhaps best represented in a somewhat disturbing statement from John Horgan, B.C.’s premier, made on July 27, 2020: “With respect to those who have offshore plates and are feeling harassed, I would suggest perhaps public transit… [or] that they ride a bike.”
Innocent on its surface, perhaps, this statement lacks the liberal mindset and principles that form the basis of many Canadians’ national pride. That Horgan later said we should “hold judgement” is no defense: most Canadians would not stand for this reasoning in any other context, regardless of the extenuating circumstances.Injudgingour times, we must remember that we are concerned about people who have, or who are spreading, COVID-19. We are afraid of a virus, not people. There is good “precedent” on how imprecision can manifest in ugly ways. The homophobia that sprung as a result of the AIDS pandemic is not, and never was, justified by the higher rate of AIDS in the gay community. Fear of “outsiders” who might come from a population with a higher rate of COVID-19, though less morally obscene, shares parallel and equally unfounded justification.
attitudes or policies any more acceptable.
In one story, a Canadian-American couple attempting to marry (and re-unify in Canada) were accused by many commenters of trying to blatantly skirt laws or of needlessly putting other Canadians in danger — neither of which was evidenced on the facts. In other stories, some Canadian commenters supported vandal izing of cars with out-of-province plates. In others, borderline vigilante-style Facebook posts are “outing outsiders” for simply being “outsiders.”Thisimprecise social reaction to COVID-19 is poorly reasoned and devoid of evidence. We should judge people on whether they follow the rules society has adopted, not their group identity. To the extent policy is based on group identity, we should tread extra carefully. Our justice system is built on individual culpability, not group affiliation, and there is no reason our feelings during COVID-19 should be radically different.
T
Beware the injured bear, Squamish (VIDEO) OUR SOCIAL NETWORK Comments on facebook.com/squamishchief
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
If even 99% of people in a particular group have tested positive for COVID-19, it is not the case that “those people have the virus.” Many of the people in that group have the virus.
Simply because COVID-19 is more transmissible than AIDS does not make generalized, imprecise, and xenophobic
Laura Wallace LETTERS POLICY
invincibility in some segments. There’s an acknowledgment that there’s a pandemic going on, that some precautions need to be in place, but they can have a get-together because it’ll be fine. What could go wrong?
Whistler has certainly recognized the importance of accessibility along its Valley Trail and accessible community standards. With an aging population nationally, the unfortunate consequences of high-risk sports and activities, in addition to Canada having the world’s highest incidence of MS, it seems to me that this is a logical direction of Wedevelopment.haveinSea to Sky Country an inter national reputation for mountain bike trails. My hope is that we can be as successful with the integration of disabled tourism with the benefits for visitors and residents. Riun SquamishBlackwell
Slight changes in rhetorical precision can have a drastic impact on what we think an acceptable policy solution (or an appro priate Facebook comment) might be, well beyond the COVID-19 context.
The Chief reserves the right to decline to publish letters. Letters are the opinions of their writers only and do not reflect the opinions of The Chief. Send your letters to news@squamishchief.com.
Once “those people” become “many of those people,” we are reminded of the remainders, and hopefully about the effect our imprecise arguments can have on each other.
THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT WE SAY AND HOW WE SAY IT
The Chief welcomes letters to the editor of up to 400 words. The deadline for submission is 5 p.m. Monday for Thursday’s edition. All letters must be signed and include a phone number for verification plus the name of the writer’s hometown or neighbourhood. Unsigned letters will be discarded. The Chief will not publish phone numbers and addresses. Letters may be subject to editing for length, clarity, grammar and legality.
Whether in discussions of “vanlifers,” foreigners during COVID-19, or something more sinister, there is a very fine line between principled argument and xenophobia.Lately,xenophobia seems to be winning.
The “dark side” of our COVID fears are well exhibited in social media reactions to recent news stories.
Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land
TRAFFIC — AND WALKING — HAZARDS ON THE SEA TO SKY HIGHWAY
Take notice that Skookum Creek Power Partnership Holdings Inc. from Squamish, BC has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNROD), Surrey for Waterpower situated on Provincial Crown land located by Skookum River with legal description THAT PARCEL OF LAND IN THE VICINITY OF DISTRICT LOT 8204, GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER DISTRICT. The Lands File Number for this application is 2412362. Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways: 1) Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision Database website at: https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Squamish: 38077 2nd Ave, Squamish, B.C. // 604.848.9273
Local shares concerns about Brohm and Alice Lake entrances
In a statement to The Chief, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure said people should not park along the shoulder of the Sea to Sky Highway in contravention of No Parking signs. “Improperly parked vehicles risk being ticketed and towed,” the statement said. The ministry also said it continues to work with enforcement authorities to ensure existing signage is enforced and that “the highway functions as safely as possible for all road users.”
t is a familiar local scene. Driving up or down the Sea to Sky Highway, nearing a packed Brohm Lake parking lot, a gaggle of individuals walk single-file along the shoulder.Somecarry towels or coolers, others have large inflatables. At the Alice Lake turn off, a car skirts out into the heavy traffic of the intersection, barely fitting in between two speeding vehicles.Bothparks are bursting at the seams with visitors.These are familiar scenarios to locals who dare to travel the highway on summer weekends.Onarecent Sunday afternoon, local Bob Brant headed up the highway to the Callaghan Whistler Olympic Park. “What we encountered at Alice Lake, Brohm Lake and Lucille Lake was scary,” he told The “ParticularlyChief. at Brohm Lake, where, as we drove by, there were six cars in the north bound turn lane trying to get into the Brohm Lake parking lot, while there was another line up in the southbound entrance approach,” he said. “The entrance was packed and unapproachable. As well, there were people walking down the hill on the shoulders with large inflatables. They had parked at the top of the northbound hill. All of this certainly made for a dangerous traffic situation.”
Brant stressed that “it is certainly understandable why people — up from the city and locals — want to get outside.”
Whistler: #107 - 4368 Main St, Whistler, B.C. V0N 1B4
14 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.comNEWS
Regarding Alice Lake, the ministry said there are no plans to install a traffic signal on the Sea to Sky Highway at the entrance to Alice Lake Provincial Park. It added that BC Parks staff is aware of the challenges associated with the high visitation at Alice Lake Park during the summer season. Park operators manage the parking lots and the roads within the park.
Serving sea to sky for 18 years Land Act:
I
“BC Parks is also looking at measures including improved communications and signage,” the statement said. The Highway 99 intersection for Alice Lake Park is managed by the Transportation and Infrastructure Ministry.“Anymeasures BC Parks considers will be done in concert with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and the RCMP.”Asfor Lucille Lake, Canadian National Railway confirmed to The Chief that during the month of August, CN has had illegally parked vehicles removed from the areas where people park to access the lake. These vehicles have been towed from CN’s right-of-way as they “interfere with the safe passage of trains or personnel,’ reads a statement emailed to The Chief. “CN has signage in place to clearly indicate CN’s right-of-way and our property is not open for public use.” More information on rail safety is available at www.cn.ca/safety or www. operationlifesaver.ca.
He gets it, he said. In addition to traffic, he also worries about the possible spread of COVID-19 at these local parks. “I would call them jam-packed. Certainly not social-distancing situations. In light of the recent increase in COVID cases in Squamish, this is a concern. Especially as any of this crowd travel south and stop at any of our local eateries, coffee shops.” He would like to see regulated entrance/ access control put in at these locations. “I can appreciate that this is not an easy situation to come up with and implement a solution. And likely many areas in B.C. are facing these problems. But it is one that demands something be done and pretty quickly. Certainly, if there were a top-down solution, it would be more effective.”
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF There is no plan for traffic light at Alice Lake turn off, says MOTI. BC #765 - 604.938.3511
a
Dawna Dixx Milstein , OT. COTBC # AA0201 - 604.938.3523
2) By mail to the Senior Land Officer at 200 – 10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1. Comments will be received by the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations until September 25, 2020. Comments received after this date may not be considered. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact Information Access Operations at the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services in Victoria at: www.gov.bc.ca/citz/iao/. There were people walking down the hill on the shoulders with large inflatables. They had parked at the top of the northbound hill. BOB BRANT
Mountain Psychology and Neurofeedback Centre Stephen L. Milstein , Ph.D., R. Psych.
squamishchief.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 15NEWS
The money raised by this campaign will go toward the team’s ultimate goal of creating a racing league of mechs.
The participants of this Alpha Mech Piloting Program will help with the research and design of the second generation of mechs.
FILE PHOTO BY DAVID BUZZARD/ FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Prosthesis with pilot Jonathan Tippett in the Northyards last January.
StrongStart BC Families of Preschool Children are Invited to Register for StrongStart Programs Children attending these free programs must be accompanied by a parent, other adult family member or caregiver. Ages 0-5. Registration Opens on September 8th at www.seatoskykids.ca StrongStart program begins on September 14th BIRTH CERTIFICATE REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION StrongStart Centers - Elementary Schools: Squamish | Valleycliffe | Signal Hill
“Mech racing will be a high-powered, zero-emissions sport that is unlike anything we’ve seen before. Learning to pilot a mech is a testament to our innate human drive that moves us to push boundaries and achieve excellence through practice and physical conditioning,” added Tippett in the release. The online campaign will remain open until Oct. 1. To find the campaign online, search on www.kickstarter.com for “Prosthesis: Mech Racing | Alpha Mech Pilot Program.”
“The time has come to not only begin training mech pilots but also to continue the development of our technology and the human experience we have created,” said Prosthesis inventor, pilot and lead engineer, Jonathan Tippett, who has been working on the project for the last decade.
THE CHIEF STAFF A n online fundraising campaign to further develop Prosthesis, the world’s largest four-legged mech, according to the Guinness World Records, has exceeded its goal within 24 hours. The goal was to raise $30,000, but so far, the fund is at almost $50,000.
MECH STOMPS FUNDRAISING GOAL IN LESS THAN 24 HOURS
Prosthesis and the team behind it train in Squamish
Prosthesis, created by Furrion Exo-Bionics, a Canada-based engineering company, has been in Squamish with its team to train.
Those who donate can sign up for a mech pilot training via the Kickstarter crowd funding“Prosthesiscampaign.iscalled ‘the anti-robot’ because it has no automation and is 100% controlled by the person inside via the exoskeletal interface. [This is] why it is what is known as a mech, not a robot and this mech is built for all-terrain sport,” reads the press release about the campaign. With the campaign, if groups of 15 or more sign up for the Alpha Mech Pilot Training reward, the team behind the project will bring the mech to the group’s city for a training session.
TUTORS If students need extra support during the year, local tutoring services are ready to stepRickup.Smith of Squamish Tutoring observed a significant drop-off in students in the spring after schools started to shut down, with only about half of the 100 students the service welcomes each semester carrying on.
NAVIGATING UNCERTAINTYEDUCATIONAL Tutoring, childcare fields strive to remain ‘nimble’ as pandemic continues
“In the real world, we have problems. We think we’ve done something well, but there is an unexpected problem. We have to figure it out and manage our frustrations. I almost think they learn more when the robot fails because, in the process of getting it right, they really have to understand their work.”
S
In the fall, two of Smith’s tutors will continue to work remotely, providing assistance using newly purchased 60-centi metre-by-60-cm whiteboards, while the remainder will operate out of the Tantalus Road office, which has been outfitted with precautionary infrastructure such as Plexiglass, disinfectant, hand-washing stations and signage. While the format is primarily one-on-one, there are occasions where a tutor will help two students at once.
DAN FALLOON For The Squamish Chief
The organization generally sees Grades 7 to 12 for help in math and science, but will take older elementary students on a case-by-case basis. Smith saw it was mostly younger students who carried on in the spring. The rationale, he thinks, is the type of work that those students do makes it easier for them to work independently, whereas senior classes found the adaptation difficult.
Not only does working with robots provide hands-on STEM experience, it also teaches students real-life lessons, says Carol Huang, owner of Dr. “Sometimes,Panda.thekids feel frustrated because they think they did the coding correctly, but then the robot doesn’t perform according to the program. So they have to go back and figure out what went wrong,” she says.
NEW SQUAMISH TUTORING BUSINESS HELPS STUDENTS EXCEL ACADEMICALLY Sponsored Content 236-865-6588 • info@drpanda-academy.com #1- BC
38013 Third Avenue, Squamish,
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The service also provides English and math
While Smith offers traditional tutoring, Carol Huang of the newly opened Dr. Panda Academy is taking a bit of a different approach. While offering services such as French tutoring, it also provides students an opportunity for growth outside of school with robotics and coding courses.
“Squamish is growing and I wanted to provide something unique to support the students here,” Huang says. To learn more about Dr. Panda Academy’s programs, visit its website www.drpanda-academy.com.at:
A new school in downtown Squamish provides after-school science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) education, English as a second language (ESL) courses and French courses for students from kindergarten to grade 12.
16 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.comFEATURE: BACK TO SCHOOL
eptember is a time for young sters to get back to class and resume learning, of course. But back-to-school also means businesses and organizations in related industries are ramping up as well. Here’s a quick look at how some of them are preparing to help give students and parents peace of mind in the 2020-21 school year.
“Senior teachers had a very challenging time delivering curriculum in the senior math and senior science courses online,” he said, adding that the online format made it difficult for students to learn collaboratively in class, noting the “gentle hum” found in productive classrooms.
Calls for service are picking up in advance of the new school year, he said. With the provincial Back to School Plan allowing for the possibility of suspending in-class learning if necessary, Smith stressed that he and his tutors can work to help students adapt, along with providing guidance for online learning along with the actual“We’vecoursework.alldoneonline courses ourselves,” he said. “Giving kids tips on how to handle it is naturally what we do.”
“We also want to provide high-quality classes to help students who especially have interests and a need in a certain field. We want to help them achieve their dream,” she said.Huang said the set-up is four students per class to ensure students have adequate space and that physical-distancing requirements areBeingmet.a new business, Huang is looking to learn from local families about what they’re looking for in order “to provide more classes to cater to their interests and their needs.”
Officially opened since July, Dr. Panda Academy encourages enthusiasm in STEM by offering age-appropriate robotics courses to students of all grades. Students learn basic coding by writing the programming for the robots and, as they get older, work on the mechanics of Dr.building.Panda offers high-quality instruction from teachers with advanced degrees in their subject areas.
In addition to robotics courses, Dr. Panda also specializes in online English courses for ESL
Dr. Panda’s robotics programs are also a great opportunity for students to learn in a small setting. Due to COVID-19, all classes are currently being capped at four students.
“Mystudents.teachers are very high quality. Some of them can speak Mandarin really well. They have a very rich experience and are very capable. Not only do they provide help, they also provide our students with emotional support,” Huang says. Huang works closely with the school board’s international department to provide timely support for international learners who require assistance. Previously students in Squamish who wanted to do IELTS courses would have to travel to Vancouver. Now, they’re able to stay locally and learn online through Dr. Panda.
tutoring, especially to international students and new immigrants.
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“I’m proud that we have followed the guidelines, adjusted our programs, been adaptive and resilient at the same time, and are providing a safe and secure environment for families and children to receive care in the Sea to Sky corridor,” she said. SCSS has filled all 176 of its out-of-school spots for school-aged children in Squamish and Pemberton, and 68 preschool spots in Squamish. It is creating waitlists, but also offers referrals to other childcare centres. As the mother of five-year-old twins, Russell can relate to parents’ concerns heading into September. “As parents of young children, the No. 1 concern as we return to work is childcare,” she said. “Now, with the added layer of the pandemic and the uncertainty of returning children to school, what that long-term projection is going to look like from a pandemic standpoint — where will we be and how long will children remain in school? — given what the anticipated surge is going to look like in the fall, I know a lot of parents areThat’sanxious.”because, Russell said, the contin gency plan relies on childcare being available.“[Parents] are trying to manage a busy work schedule and managing the concerns they have to have their children attend a safe, supportive and healthy environment in childcare,” she said, adding that the nonprofit society worked closely with the Sea to Sky school district in the spring, and it is prepared to adapt once again if necessary.
As for extracurricular opportunities within schools, SD48 Supt. Lisa McCullough confirmed that offerings can only occur under a strict set of circumstances.
“What we’ve learned over the past five months is that we have to remain flexible and nimble,” she said. “This plan that we have can be scaled up or scaled back, depending on the severity of the pandemic.”
“All of those programs throughout the corridor have and continue to see a demand,” sheAssaid.amember of the Mayor’s Task Force on COVID-19 Response and Recovery in Pemberton, Russell is further helping to address the need for childcare in the community.
Interschool sports are currently off the table, though BC School Sports executive director Jordan Abney is looking to find ways to safely return.
CHILDCARE Jaye Russell, executive director of Sea to Sky Community Services (SSCS), which offers both childcare resources and referral from Squamish through to Pemberton, said the organization will be offering all of its regular programming in September. After the pandemic hit this spring, the organization limited services to families of essential workers.SSCS,Russell stressed, has worked to follow all guidelines and protocols to ensure all programs are ready for operation.
CAROL HUANG FEATURE: BACK TO SCHOOL PHOTO BY GETTY IMAGES How are you coping with back to school? Send us a letter: editor@squamishchief.com. UPDATE: SD48 STUDENT REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN SD48 encourages families to register their child ASAP! www.sd48seatosky.org If you register before August 31st, please contact the SD48 School Board Office at 604-892-5228 to register. On or after August 31st, please contact your catchment school.
SPORTS, CLUBS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
With some corridor facilities changing their offerings or remaining closed during the pandemic, Russell said that creating more childcare spaces is a “constant” need.
squamishchief.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 17
“[W]e are making every effort to present a case to the government to allow a modified school sport to return safely and responsibly based on the Return to School Sport work that has been prepared this summer,” Abney wrote in an Aug. 13 memo. “We have also received a lot of questions from parents and AD’s about the discrepancy between school sports and those happening already in the community. We understand the frustration and are communicating those to the government.” also want to provide highquality classes to help students who especially have interests and a need in a certain field. We want to help them achieve their dream.
“Extracurricular activities including sports, arts and special interest clubs can only occur if: physical distance can be maintained between members of different learning groups [and] reduced physical contact is practiced by those within the same learning group,” she wrote in an email.
On the second Wednesday of every month, Sounding Room Squamish hosts a Queer Conversation.Formoreinformation, visit com/soundingroomsquamish.www.facebook.
I think our work is always focused on promoting diversity when it comes to how schools will approach students and giving students choice in classrooms.
A QUEER CONVERSATION
“There’s always a bit of a challenge when promoting diversity,” said Phillip Clarke, the director of instruction: learning services at Sea to Sky School District 48 (SD48).
Don Ross Middle School student James Fujimagari is one of the Equality Club leaders. “Everyone is a person, everyone deserves to be treated as a person,” says Fujimagari. “We should all be given equal opportunities regardless of our views or backgrounds. I do not think that there are any situations where that should be ignored.”
*Turn off your sound notifications and banners. It’s a normal human reaction to check our phones when we see or hear an alert.*Take a tech break. Pick one app, like Snapchat and give yourself a day or two without checking it. “Even before the pandemic locking us all down, teens spent over five hours a day on screens. As we head into the school year, perhaps teens and parents alike can take a fresh approach,” McLeod adds.
BOGUSKI For The Squamish Chief L ocal schools are bringing more oppor tunities to learn about diversity and acceptance to youth. The Don Ross Middle School Equality Club and Howe Sound Secondary School Diversity Club each support LGBTQ2S+ students.
INVOLVING YOUTH IN DIVERSITY
I n Squamish, the Arts have always had an impact on the community. It has served as the anchor to the environment of the town and continues to thrive to date. Throughout town, there are excellent displays of the arts, such as murals throughout the downtown area, and the U Siyam Pavillion that hosts community events such as the Squamish Wind Festival and Amped in the Park. Art flows through Squamish. When you look at Squamish, you see many examples of art, however, opportun ities for live music aren’t offered very often inThereSquamish.arefew venues for all-ages live music: the Brackendale Art Gallery, Eagle Eye Theatre and U Siyam Pavillion. The Squamish Wind Festival and Amped in the Park both showcase local artists, but those are annual events that only run during specific times through the summer. These venues are great, but how is the community participating in keeping Squamish’s music scene alive? Amped In The Park has recently adapted to COVID-19 by renaming the event ‘Amped in your Neighbourhood’. It’s a great way to spread live music through Squamish and it’s keeping the music scene alive, with many people attending each of the events. One of the reasons why there are many people attending concerts is because there is a demand for it. Live music is scientifically proven to do things like reduce stress, boost moods and relieve pain. It’s a feel-good activity. What can you do to help keep the Squamish music scene alive? Hosting driveway concerts, attending and spreading the word about upcoming concerts can help make a difference. Keeping the music scene alive requires a team effort and anyone can help. Though it can be difficult to host concerts, attending one is a great way to show your support. Look around town for upcoming concerts and put them down in your calendar.Thebenefits of a thriving music scene will make an impact on where we live and everyone will feel great about it. Live music can help move you, increase reflection time, help you to meet new people and so much more.
“There is no question tech can help in many ways. Tech has the power to teach, inform, connect and so much more,” said Everyday Leaders’ Christine McLeod, a local leader and mom of two teens/tweens. “When we all hit lockdown in March, for many it was a bit of a free-for-all until the end of school in June.”Countless articles talk about eliminating screen time, but there’s not as much talk
PHOTO BY GRANT BOGUSKI Don Ross Middle School.
Kristin Trotter, a registered clinical counsellor who works closely with youth, said there are still challenges for young people who identify as LGBTQ2S+. “One of the main challenges that I see youth facing around diversity and accept ance is the tendency to be misunderstood and negatively judged,” said Trotter. “People can make critical statements or behave unfairly towards those who identify within the LGBTQ2S+ spectrum, or who represent other diverse identities. I would love to see continued support for equality and diversity type groups/clubs. Ensuring that these spaces exist and are safe to access is important for youth who want to further explore the diversity of their identity.”
KEEPING SQUAMISH MUSIC ALIVE
YOUTH COLUMN GRANT BOGUSKI
may lose your drafts by deleting the app, everything else on your account stays. *Download the Chrome extension ‘Stayfocused’ on your laptop and add the websites you want to block and for what period (i.e. Instagram block for one hour, or two hours a day maximum).
18 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.com
GRANT BOGUSKI For The Squamish Chief D uring quarantine, stores closed and gatherings stopped. One of the ways youth occupied themselves was on their devices. So, how can youth lower their screen time without reducing it completely?
about optimizing screen time. Optimizing screen time serves as an alternative way to reduce the use of devices. Instead of eliminating screen time, users lower it. “I do work with social media and teens in many different forms and am passionate about the balancing act,” McLeod said. “It’s bad for your ‘streaks’ but good for your mentalChristinehealth.”recommends the following tips for optimizing screen time: *Use the screen time monitoring on your iPhone and simply observe your patterns. Look at the last day, the last week, the last month. What do you notice? What could you tweak?*Take TikTok off your phone for a week and see if your screen time goes down. It’s one of the most addictive apps and although you
FREE YOUTH EVENTS
EDITOR’S NOTE: This page is a dedicated youth page run as a pilot project. We worked with ‘youth’ reporter Grant Boguski to create content geared to young Squamish residents. Let us know what you think of this initiative by writing editor@squamishchief.com.
FEATURE: BACK TO SCHOOL - YOUTH FOCUS SCREEN TIME: OPTIMIZE, NOT ELIMINATE
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 9 at 6 p.m. / Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 6 p.m. / Wednesday, Nov. 11 at 6 p.m. WHERE: Zoom: RSVP to kristentrotter.comroomsquamishwww.facebook.com/soundingoremailinfo@
GRANT
AMPED IN NEIGHBOURHOODYOUR
Keeping Squamish’s music scene alive is important for the diversity and health of our community. If anybody wants to get together to play music, let me know.
Grant Boguski, 13, is a performer with Amped in the Park.
PHOTO BY GRANT BOGUSKI How much time do you spend in front of screens? Let us know by writing editor@squamishchief.com.
“We will always support the LGBTQ2S+ community and also all of our diversity. I think our work is always focused on promo ting diversity when it comes to how schools will approach students and giving students choice in classrooms. The creation of the revised education plan is one of the most important things that we can do as a district.”
The Sea to Sky School district has a revised education plan that aims to support and encourage diversity in Sea to Sky Schools.
PHILLIP CLARKE
WHEN: Thursday, Aug. 27 at 7 p.m. WHERE: Various locations More info: amped-in-your-neighbourhood/squamishartscouncil.com/
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com Editor’s note: This story deals with violence against children. If you are in crisis, call the crisis line 1-877-890-5711.
Step 3: Type in the tab “Run to end children and youth from violence and abuse” Find more information on Cyr’s Facebook page: “Run to end children and youth from violence and abuse.”
Supporters can also donate to Cyr’s run by going to www.Canadahelp.org.
Step 1: Go to “Fundraise”
Congratulations
SEA TO SKY WOMAN RUNNING 110 KMS FOR KIDS Fundraising campaign to support Howe Sound Women’s Centre’s PEACE program
PHOTO COURTESY MAUDE CYR Maude Cyr, who is combining her passions for running and caring for children with a fall fundraising effort.
During COVID-19, programs moved online for a time. “We saw the need for all services provided by HSWC increase throughout the past several months,” Oakes told
BOOKBAGS FULL OF DAFFODILS to the Squamish Public Library. Their expert librarians have selected books throughout the summer for my grandchildren to read, without concerns about COVID-19. We’re happy the library is now able to open up for express browsing.
DARTS & DAFFODILS inSummerReliefCarriersNeededAllAreas! Contact Denise : 604.892.9161 • dconway@squamishchief.com You receive a gift certificate to....
Twenty-nine girls also attended summer camps in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton facilitated by PEACE counsellors.Further,620 students in Grades 5 to 7 in schools in Squamish and Pemberton received BELIEVE presentations, which teach children about violence prevention, consent, and healthy relationships.
M aude Cyr is running for Sea to Sky kids who face violence. Cyr, a Pemberton resident, mother of two, and education assistant, will leave from Squamish’s Howe Sound Women’s Centre office on Sept. 26 and run 110 kilometres to Lil’wat Nation territory on the Sea to Sky Trail. “I have always been working with children and their well-being is my priority,” said Cyr, who has been an EA for 13Thisyears.fundraising campaign — “Run to end children and youth from violence and abuse” — is to gain funds for PEACE, (Prevention, Education, Advocacy, Counselling, Empowerment) a Howe Sound Women’s Centre program that offers individual counselling and support groups for children and youth aged three to 18, and their families, who have experienced violence and/or abuse in the home. The program also supports families who are going through a difficult separa tion or Accordingdivorce.toAshley Oakes, executive director of the centre, 124 children and youth received free counselling with the centre’s counsellors in 2019/2020.
squamishchief.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 19
Oskar Sandell Carrier of the month
Got something nice to say or some constructive criticism? Send your Darts & Daffodils: Email: news@squamishchief.com or drop off at The Chief office (38117 Second Ave.) during business hours. Deadline for submissions is Monday at 4 p.m. for Thursday’s paper. All submissions must be signed and include a phone number for verification. Maximum length is 75 words. Darts are intended to be an anonymous critique between private parties. Darts must not directly or indirectly identify an individual or business.
Step 2: Go to “Find a fundraiser”
TheCyrChief.says these services offered by the centre are the things she sees as being very needed, especially during the stress ofSheCOVID-19.isalsoa runner by nature, so this method of fundraising fits perfectly, she“Thesaid.addition of knowing there are children around me in the school who have witnessed or even been the victim of an act of violence or abuse makes me want to do something else [other] than just think about it,” she said. “The drive to help in some way, that I had during the beginning of COVID, was very strong. I couldn’t think about anything else. I knew there were some students who are not in a safe place at their home and who are stuck there with nobody who can identify the violence they go through and where there is nobody who can be their confidant. Also with all the stress that parents have during COVID makes the risk... higher for the children who are regularly abused.” She says while the schools do their best and have a plan to help vulnerable kids, the staff aren’t in each house verifying that kids are OK. “So that is why I really want to send a message to our community about violence [that] abuse is happening in families,” sheShesaid.said most cases of violence are intergenerational.“Theadultwhohas been abused... and has not been seen by a counsellor or psychologist, will potentially be a violent person,” she said, adding these adults need help to break the cycle of violence.
PARADISE VALLEY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Lawrence Lambrou with the Paradise Valley Community Association, a group which spearheaded the opposition to the resort drawing water from the valley, told The Chief he does believe that the project is moving forward in good faith looking to find on-mountain water.
The project, being developed by Aquilini Development and Northland Properties, applied to the provincial Environmental Assessment Office to extend the Environmental Assessment Certificate that was issued to Garibaldi at Squamish Inc. in January of 2016.
W
To recap, the resort slated for the Brohm Ridge slopes of Mount Garibaldi will include 130 ski and snowboard trails, 21 lifts, and a network of multi-use trails. At build-out, the resort could accommo date 15,000 skiers in winter and about 14,000 guests in the summer.
“This would equate to an annual skier visitor count of approximately 995,000, with an average daily demand of 7,000 visitors during the peak winter season and additional visitors during the summer,” reads the project’s Transportation Concept document, which takes these numbers from the project’s master plan.
“Project development has not advanced as quickly as initially planned, due to challenges encountered in attempts by Garibaldi to reach agreement-in-principle with local government before submitting a master plan to the Mountain Resorts Branch of the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations,” reads the application.
Asked why the work hadn’t been done in previous years, FooFat said there were plans to
RENDERING BY PWL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS/GARIBALDI AT SQUAMISH
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH Sea to Sky governments, including the District, have not been supportive of the plan for the resort thus far.
drill at the mountain site last winter, but an early snowfall made it impossible.
The existing EAO certificate expires in January, so FooFat hopes to hear back from the office regarding the applications by December, she said.
The on-mountain concept also didn’t surface as a possible priority of the project until 2018, sheThesaid.EAO office is reviewing the applications.
The new resort design drawings that were crafted with Squamish Nation representatives.
“And I really do think if they do find water there and it is suitable, it will be a win-win situation,” he said. He added that years ago, when David Negrin was the CEO of Garibaldi at Squamish, Negrin met with a large group of valley residents.
“Our request is to remove the specific fixed deadline for these conditions to allow for sufficient time to complete fulsome and thorough on-mountain water investigation, before moving to implement the Paradise Valley water system from the Cheakamus Aquifer,” reads the EAO application.
In the ministers’ decision letter from January 2016, when the EA Certificate was issued, it read:“We also note that an amendment to the RGS would require unanimous agreement from all member municipalities and adjacent regional districts, including the Resort Municipality of Whistler. If one or more of the SLRD member municipalities and adjacent regional districts choose not to accept the amendment, dispute resolution provisions of the Local Government Act would then apply.”
We definitely have a preference to water,on-mountainpursueitmakes a lot of sense, but it requires 12 months of data.
“It was absolutely crucial to moving forward and working together, and, for the most part, we have,” he said. “Getting them to look at alternate [water] sources was absolutely crucial. It has been a long, drawn-out process, but it appears that they are doing that and at the same time, ultimately, if things aren’t looking good and the members are really unhappy about the outcome, then there is always that promise to go back on.”
hile things may seem quiet where the all-season resort Garibaldi theconcerned,Squamishatisbehindscenesthingsare moving forward, albeit slowly.
The project is now working toward the provincial dispute resolution process, FooFat said.
For the resort’s part, FooFat says only the SLRD board or a member municipality of the SLRD can request an amendment to the RGS.
“However, the District advised the proponent on February 21, 2020, on the required next step of applying for and pursuing a Regional Growth Strategy (RGS) amendment through the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. We have not been informed that such an application has been made to the SLRD. Should the proponent be successful with an RGS amendment, we will then have a basis for future planning discus sions. Our direction on the requirement to pursue the RGS first was conspicuously missing in the proponent’s letter to the EAO regarding their extension request.”
“Garibaldi can’t do this, as we are not a member municipality of the SLRD,” she said.
“In that meeting, he actually promised us one thing, he said, “If you don’t want us in the valley, ultimately, we will leave,’” Lambrou recalled, adding that while Negrin is not the CEO anymore, the association has reminded the proponents of that promise.
“There are certainly fundamental aspects of this proposal that remain unanswered and are a concern to the District,” Mayor Karen Elliott told The Chief in an emailed statement.
PLANNING CONTINUES FOR GARIBALDI AT SQUAMISH Catch up with the latest on the all-resort project slated for Brohm Ridge
SABINA FOOFAT
RECENT HAPPENINGS
FooFat said that the design team is focusing on getting water for the resort from the mountain, rather than from Paradise Valley, an early plan which has been a sore spot for many residents there.
The new application, which was accepted and posted to the EAO website in early July, was to extend the entire certificate by five years.
“That is one example of what the EAO will look at to determine if the new legislation impacts the certificate when they extend it.”
Three 2016 EA conditions required that the proponents go into Paradise Valley and drill six test wells and confirm the location of the potential main pumping well before January 2021.“We talked to the EAO office and said we really want to pursue research into on-moun tain water, but because the certificate was written so there is a hard deadline for those conditions, we would like to amend the timing.”Theyare asking that the Paradise Valley requirements not have a deadline at all, as they may not need to do them in the end, she said. “Say that we are successful in our search for on-mountain water. The EAO condition is written so that we would have to put test wells and drill wells in the Paradise Valley, regard less. And what we are saying is if we don’t have to do that work, if we are not withdrawing from the Paradise Valley, we don’t want to disturb the Paradise Valley,” she said.
One month after the original EA certificate was issued in 2016, the provincial government introduced the Water Sustainability Act and that act regulates any commercial industrial access to water to ensure that the usage doesn’t detrimentally impact the environment, FooFat said.FooFat said a lot of the work in the EA certificate the project was pursuing overlaps with the Act.
“It is likely that the District of Squamish is well aware that we are not able to apply for an RGS amendment without the District or SLRD leading the amendment process.”
20 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.comSPECIAL FEATURE
“We gave them a number of drafts and they actually advise changes they want to see,” said Sabina FooFat, Garibaldi at Squamish’s project director regarding the EAO extension applica tionTheprocess.project has also asked to amend the timing of requirements of some conditions of the Environmental Assessment Certificate.
“We definitely have a preference to pursue on-mountain water, it makes a lot of sense,” she added, but it requires 12 months of data.
FooFat said that the project did reach out and have conversations with the Ministry of Transportation, but those talks didn’t get far in terms of a solution for traffic in the corridor, she“Itsaid.isnot evident to me that there is a lever to change the status quo,” she said.
For opening day, the vision is for visitors to ride private buses to and from a central hub within the resort and that those who opt to drive will be able to park once and use active transportation, including electric micro-transit and electric buses to get around. Later, the idea is for a robust bus service to and from the resort. Visitors could be able to park in the Lower Mainland and ride to the resort or to a gondola to get to it.
“The Ministry, when we spoke to them, is aware of our EAO requirement for a transpor tation plan, but they are also aware of the fact that transportation on the highway has its peak congestion nightmares — I think we can call them — and the resort will generate more traffic, but the resort isn’t the sole generator of traffic,” she said.
“The first step in developing a plan is to understand the transportation vision, goals and priorities for the resort, and to develop these we retained Fehr and Peers Transportation Consultants,” FooFat said about the July 2020-published Transportation Concept.Thegoals are outlined in the introduction of the“Thedocument.transportation strategies outlined in this Transportation Concept are intended to create a resort environment that is forwardlooking, ecologically minded, and highly accessible. The Garibaldi Resort will generate additional travel demand along the Sea-to-Sky Highway. Many strategies considered in this Transportation Concept balance reducing traffic impacts with the goal of ensuring that the resort is simultaneously accessible and environmentally responsible.”
That work will continue in the fall and include consultation with, in addition to the Nation, other agencies. The on-mountain water research continues, too.Mapping of wells, a round of which was completed by contractors in July, found two “very promising” well locations in the main village area.
What really needs to happen is a regional solution, FooFat said.
A: The province partners with local governments to provide BC Transit services in over 130 communities serving 1.8 million people. In 2020/21, the province is projecting to spend $116 million for its share of transit (the Provincial share depends on the type of service, but on average, the province contributes approximately 50% toward the cost of transit.) British Columbia is the only province in Canada that supports regional transit with this kind of cost-share model. Our priority is to ensure that transit is affordable for people across B.C., and also to support BC Transit in delivering reliable and safe service to passengers.
this task was a bit tricky during COVID, but we managed to use online meeting platforms to have a number of working sessions with PWL Landscape Architects, Aquilini’s Squamish Nation staff member, and the Squamish Nation Board member to develop a series of illustrations of what the resort could look like as guided by Squamish Nation cultural sharing,” FooFat said. That is how the new images were developed.
Also, updates to the Master Plan are underway, including the sustainability section to ensure it is as environmentallyfriendly as it can be.
The Squamish Nation did not respond to The Chief’s request for comment by press deadline.
The ultimate Garibaldi at Squamish plan for traffic aims to reduce that impact.
“I would love for the resort to be a catalyst to really make effective regional solutions happen... Ultimately, a holistic solution is the better one.”
Q: By the time the project is built out, is there a Ministry vision for rail, robust regional transit, for example? Or is this transportation plan to accommodate increased traffic placed entirely onto the resort itself?
The resort slated for the Brohm Ridge slopes of Mount Garibaldi will include 130 ski and snowboard trails, 21 lifts, and a network of multiuse trails.
The 2014 Traffic Assessment assumed that near Depot Road, traffic at peak times would increase by 25% to 50%. South of Squamish, it was expected to add 12% to 17% overall to daily traffic and 15% to 25% to peak-hour traffic by project build-out.
“And that was a really fair comment. Those renderings were probably from 2003,” FooFat said.They went back to the drawing board to redo the“Completingdesigns.
Recently, there has been more Squamish Nation input in the designs of the Garibaldi at Squamish project, according to FooFat. In January, the team behind the project met with Squamish Nation’s Nch’Kay Economic Development Corporation and showed the design plans.
SPECIAL FEATURE
WHAT DOES THE MINISTRY HAVE TO SAY?
“This level of development will negatively impact non-motorized backcountry winter recreation, summer front country recreation, and devastate the pristine wilderness for which Garibaldi Provincial Park is known,” the federation said in a statement.
squamishchief.com THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 21
Last year, we were told the stake holders—which include District of Squamish, Pemberton the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and Lil’wat and Squamish nations—put forward a proposal at the end of 2018, but that the province had not responded to it with a funding model?
MORE SQUAMISH NATION
NEXT STEPS FooFat said that working with the Squamish Nation is the highest priority currently. “That the resort is what they want to see,” sheTheresaid.are also other conditions to meet.
T he Chief asked the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure questions in relation to the project and regional transit. Here’s an edited version of that exchange.
RENDERING BY PWL LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS/GARIBALDI AT SQUAMISH
“Everything we do at the resort will have to be guided by Squamish Nation. They would have to approve all use of imagery and culture. Our hope is that, when we get the master plan process up and running, we would also do an Indigenous tourism plan with Squamish Nation to ensure that there is cultural appropriateness and respect and protocol for use of culture and language.
One of the first comments was that the designs didn’t effectively represent Squamish Nation culture and tradition.
Q: Where does the bus regional transit plan for the Sea to Sky stand currently?
As a regional motor fuel tax has not been approved, the local share of funding is not in place, and consequently there was no expansion funding allocated for Sea to Sky regional transit in 2020/21 as part of Budget 2020.
Where new industries or tourist attractions are established which would benefit from public transportation, the local government works with the private company and BC Transit to determine what service is required.
MOUNTAIN CLUB OBJECTIONS
“So we are going to need to mobilize — ideally, to get up and drill those wells before the snow falls again. As well, we want to get surface flow monitoring underway again.”
Right now, there is one surface flow monitor high up on the site on a tributary of the Brohm River, more flow monitoring for additional water courses on the mountain are required.“Thatis to establish your surface flow baselines,” she said. “So you have your surface flow baselines throughout the year and then you have test wells and you do a number of pump tests on those wells to draw down water and the goal is to monitor if there is any impact to surface flow.”Squamish Nation has identified that it is really important to them that the environ ment isn’t impacted by wells and well drilling so that is work that the project hopes to roll out in the next three months.
Q: What role does the ministry have, if it sees it has a role, in ensuring a sustain able regional transit system that can keep up with the increase the Garibaldi at Squamish resort will bring (that will coincide with increased traffic from the Whistler Blackcomb expansion and other projects, such as the Sea to Sky, Woodfibre LNG etc.)
The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, which represents 46 clubs and around 5,300 individual members in the province, told The Chief it is not in support of the project.
TRANSPORTATION Condition 11 of the Garibaldi at Squamish EA Certificate is that the project must prepare a Transportation Plan to be approved by the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
“The District of Squamish has a large commuter population... and so likewise, even though Squamish is a growing community, in the OCP I didn’t find a clear requirement for a regional transportation plan,” she said.
“It has been a lot of work, but really, really good work,” she said.
The Sea to Sky Gondola is a good example of a co-operative arrangement to provide transportation from Squamish to theTheGondola.District of Squamish had an agreement with the Sea to Sky Gondola and BC Transit.
The BC Transit service provided transportation for employees while also making more parking available for visitors.
A: This vision belongs to the region, not the B.C. government. The Government of B.C.’s priority is to ensure that transit is affordable for people across B.C., and also to support BC Transit in delivering reliable and safe service to passengers.Wherenew industries or tourist attractions are established, the local government works with the private company and BC Transit to determine what level of transit service, if any, is required.
A: An ideal collaborative funding solution between the local partners and the province has not emerged. The local partners have advocated for a regional motor fuel tax to fund their share of the cost of a regional transit service.
Longer-term, the vision is that visitors will have rail, bus, and ferry services with central hubs in the Lower Mainland. But this would require the Ministry of Transportation to get on board with regional transportation in the corridor.
“Only some of them are pre-construction, but they include things like the biology retention-ecology management plan and so that is the wildlife, flora, and fauna manage ment plan,” she said, adding that consultants are working on that plan and it is nearing the first-draft stage.
For more, visit teamsquamish.ca.
DAN FALLOON
full document visit visit www.squamishbahais.com/principles
Outside of those competitive slots, Lowe has been grateful for the opportunity to ride thrice per week with the team, with varying focuses on both the enduro and crosscountry disciplines. Among the more memorable rides, she said, have been the old Test of Metal course and Whistler’s famed Dark“I’mCrystal.justriding and having lots of fun,” she said. “It’s definitely opened up more oppor tunities to explore new places.”
“There was some frustration, of course. We would have had, definitely, some national champs this year,” he said. “But they’re taking the opportunity to focus more on the skills and... they’ve gone on some epic rides that are more“There’sskill-based.almost a lot more riding because you don’t need to taper for the races.”
22 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.com
Some newer members of the team have also been welcomed, as Eric Sol moved from South Korea to be a mountain biker, while the three Roldan sisters from Yukon have fit right in.“They’ve been a good asset to the team with very positive energy,” Charuk said of the trio.
TEAM SQUAMISH ADAPTING IN PANDEMIC SUMMER
Be fair in thy judgement, and guarded in thy speech. Be unjust to no man, and show meekness unto all men. Be as a lamp unto them that walk in darkness, a joy to the sorrowful, a sea for the thirsty, a haven for the distressed, an upholder and defender of the victim of impression. Let integrity and uprightness distinguish all thine acts. - - Baha’u’llah from Overcoming Racism – for
“Usually, we’ll be in Quebec for a couple of weeks and Ontario for a couple of weeks, and California, but because of those events they cancelled, we’re staying closer to home and riding a lot more locally,” he said. “We’ve got world-class trails here, so everyone’s been enjoyingAmongit.”those who have taken strides this year are Cam McCallum and Jasper Fleming on the boys’ side, as well as Lowe.
GOT SPORTS? Email the upcoming event info to: jthuncher @squamishchief.com
PHOTO COURTESY MIKE CHARUK Team Squamish is usually rolling through multiple competitions at this time of year, but not with COVID-19. Still, the young team is making the best of the extra time in town.
Head coach Mike Charuk, meanwhile, recalled the pandemic’s effects on the team hit swiftly, as some riders were down in California for UCI races at Vail Lake and Bonelli Park when the borders were being shut down, resulting in a bit of a mad dash to get“Wehome.had to cut it short and get back to Canada,” he said. However, since then, the team has been able to put together a positive summer all things considered, with additional coaches and better administration this year, he said, noting Tobin McCallum taking the lead at the Abbotsford races, which have been a positive for the “We’reclub.the most represented team in British Columbia down there and the riders have been doing really well,” Charuk said. While club members have had to deal with the disappointment of missing higher-level competitions for 2020, Charuk said they’ve managed to find silver linings.
Additionally, Charuk said, riders have more than enough access to trails to hone their skills and be in race shape for when competition ramps up again, so the loss of travel isn’t a huge loss in that sense.
Squamish WatershedRiverSociety INTERMITTENT & FULL ROAD CLOSURE NOTIFICATION FOR CULVERT REPLACEMENT SQUAMISH TRAINING BERM (SPIT ROAD) SINGLE LANE CLOSURE: AUGUST 10 - 31 FULL LANE CLOSURE: SEPTEMBER 1 - 24 For more information contact www.squamishwatershed.comsrws@shaw.ca
Youth riders building skills closer to home in 2020
Excerpt
For The Squamish Chief F or Marin Lowe, this summer was supposed to be filled with cross-Canada travel and a run at a national title. But, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic having wiped out the bulk of races — even local Toonies — and harnessing riders closer to home, the Team Squamish member is taking it all in stride. Most recently, Lowe has excelled in the Throwdown Thursday events in Abbotsford, a six-race time-trial series held every other week. After missing the first two, Lowe has claimed victory in the three most recent events.“They’ve been really fun. Getting a little bit of competition is all that counts for us,” she said. “It’s been really good that we actually have a chance to race.”
Baha’i Faith SQUAMISH COMMUNITYBAHÁ’Í
“She’s ahead of the curve on her develop ment,” he said of Lowe.
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YOUR PLACE OF
GEMINI Your boss will likely encourage you to sign up for a training program that will open doors to a more promising future, or at least a promotion. A vacation to celebrate is also on the horizon.
SAGITTARIUS You’ll be on the go more than usual this week, and it’ll likely be to ferry loved ones around. You’ll also spend a fair amount of time on the phone or social media. You’ll be motivated by curiosity and find it easy to speak your mind.
Holy Communion and Morning Worship Sundays at 10AM Rev. Cameron Gutjahr 1930 Diamond 604-898-5100Road www.squamishanglicanchurch.cainfo@squamishanglicanchurch.ca
mingleth
Open Your Heart to the Adventure Sundays at 10:00 am Don Ross Middle BrackendaleSchool, Little Dippers - Ages 0-4 River Kids - Grades K-6 The Bahá’í Faith Devotional Gatherings, Study SQUAMISHASSEMBLYChildren’sCircles,Classes.@SHAW.CA
LEO You’re not always comfortable in a crowd, but it’ll be up to you to plan a large-scale event. Sometimes you need to step out of your comfort zone to be successful.
YOUR ARTWORK COULD BE IN THE NEWSPAPER!! SEND US YOUR ARTWORK OR COMPLETED COLOURING PAGES! Send us any artwork or finished colouring pages that you want to show off to the community! Remember to include you name, age and any details you want to include with your submission so we know who these masterpieces belong to! You can scan and send to: Fiona@glaciermedia.ca squamishchief.com TH URSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 | 27 CROSSWORD HOROSCOPE WEEK OF AUGUST 27- SEPTEMBER 2, 2020SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3 x 3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3 x 3 box. ACROSS 1. Trunk 5. Amazes 9. Common ailment 12. Made cloth 13. Rock and ____ 14. Electrified atom 15. Matured 16. Soda choice 17. Building parcel 18. Church district 20. Office writer 22. Shaggy ox 23. “____ kingdom come . . .” 24. Thick substance 26. What’s the big ____? 29. Mama’s mate 33. “____ She Sweet?” 35. Be incorrect 36. Garlic feature 37. Mirth 38. Power unit 40. Poet’s output 41. Bashful 43. Cleopatra’s snake 45. Picture 48. Grab 51. Lower limb 52. Touched ground 55. Peeve 56. Tin ____ 57. Eastern staple 58. Hoodlum 59. Jungle animal 60. Profound 61. Outcomes DOWN 1. Substitute 2. Caesar’s garb 3. Each person 4. The press 5. Curved structure 6. Court, as a sweetheart 7. Addition to a house 8. Make slits in 9. Folder 10. Waterfowl 11. “Do ____ others . . .” 19. Glide over snow 21. Memo mistake 23. Pungent 24. Practical joke 25. Tin Man’s request 27. Wet with morning drops 28. Division of time 30. Taking on (of a child) 31. Pea packet 32. “____ You Lonesome Tonight?” 34. Exam 39. Sunbather’s color 42. Stash 44. Beetle superiorBailey’s 45. Guilty, e.g. 46. Pile 47. Mythical monster 48. Gait 49. Dunce 50. Coop mothers 53. Be less than truthful 54. Skater’s surface ANSWERS/LAST WEEK:
Mar. 21 Aug.MayApr.to20Apr.21to20May21toJun.21Jun.22toJul.23Jul.24to23 Sep. 24 Oct.to 23 Oct. 24 Nov.to 22 Nov. 23 Dec.to 21 Dec. 22 Jan.to20Jan.21toFeb.19
PISCES Stress is ubiquitous these days, so it’s important to occasionally take a step back and relax. Doing so will help you gain a better perspective, and the new outlook will make everything easier.
Sunday Gatherings at 10:30am
Aug. 23 Sep.to 22 Feb. 19 Marto20
ARIES Your friends may invite you to join them on a weekend getaway, or your significant other will take you on a romantic adventure. A bit of solitude would do you a world of good.
CANCER September offers you a fresh start. You’ll take the opportunity to thoroughly assess your daily routine and make sure your lifestyle is in line with your values.
“Open,andCompassionateSeeking” 38014 - 4th 604.892.5727Ave
Exalting Jesus, Equipping His Followers, Engaging the World WorshipSundaysService11am on our website and Facebook Live 2262 Read Cres. 604-898-3737 ww w.squamishbaptistchurch.org
SquamishUnitedChurch ww w.intheriver.ca
LIBRA Loved ones will encourage you to sign up for a weekly activity to help you stay in shape this winter. The experience would also be great for your self-esteem.
SCORPIO You’ll dedicate considerable time and resources to creating the perfect love nest at home. You’ll find a lot of joy in this project, but it’ll be hard to get you out of the house.
VIRGO You’ll have a lot on your plate at work, with a number of urgent matters to settle at home as well. Don’t hesitate to ask a family member to lend a hand — they’ll be happy to help.
CAPRICORN You’ll have a pile of paperwork to get through at work. Although this will be a source of considerable stress, the additional income will surely be welcome.
AQUARIUS You’ll feel more energetic and optimistic. There’s a good chance you’ll find a way to treat yourself. Friends will convince you to go on a fun outing or shopping spree with them.
The Rev. Karen Millard Sunday Worship and Sunday School begins at 10am www.squamishunitedchurch.org
Blessed is he who with all men in a spirit of utmost kindliness love. BAHÁ’U’LLAH Share withPLACEyourOFWORSHIPSquamish$10.25/week
The Ledge Community Co ee House Located at 38055 Cleveland Ave. KidsRock Church for Grades 1-6 www.therocksquamish.com
and
The Parish of St. John theSquamishDivine, - check websites for details 604.848.8007
TAURUS You’ll be given new responsibilities at work that will lead to an exciting career opportunity in your field. You should anticipate needing a bit of extra time to complete all your projects.
28 | THURSDAY, AUGUST 27, 2020 squamishchief.com Thank You Sea to Sky Community Services would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to those in the community who have supported our agency and the community during the COVID-19 health crisis. Thanks to your generous donations, SSCS has continued providing care, comfort and connection to those in need during this difficult time. $10,000+ Canadian Women’s Foundation Foodbanks BC Resort Municipality of Whistler Squamish Community Foundation United Way of Lower Mainland Vancouver Foundation Whistler Blackcomb Foundation $2,000+ Community Foundations of Canada Fortis BC Home Depot Sky High Cannabis TELUS $200+ Michael Adams Ian BenbowArgueCustom Homes Bob GeorgeBissillion&Barbara Brooks Patricia Carson Reid & Laura Carter Ann CraigJulieJBJInnovationMikeChrisSteveKristenScottDavidMartinBeaGrantLisaSarahDavidHaniRayBrynDavidGinnyCoastalChadwickChiassonChomlackCultureSportsCrawfordCruickshankCurrieDierolfDurzy&TraceyFaheyFroodGeddesGilliesGonzalezGouinGreenfieldHadleyHamilton&SandiHancock&JulieHughes&JudyHumphries/RalstonBuilding/VidorraDevelopmentInvestmentsLtdKellyKillian Todd MountainberryMichaelKeithCamMikeHeidiKaraleeBernardNancyLaneyLeeLerouxMachumMatterMcDonald&TammyMcIvorMcIvorMillerLandscaping Ltd Mountainview Storage Ltd Philip Nee Nee New Leaf Contracting Daphne Nielsen Corinne Oberson Cynthia K Patton Rodney Payne Peak Electric Ltd Erol PriorVickiPekuzPowellSnowboards and Skis Proventus Asia Real Estate Tony StuartRainbowRempel Resilience Contracting Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium Rotary Club of Pemberton John SilverhornSee Automotive Ltd Elizabeth Smith Jeff SummitSmythHospitality Services Ltd. Leif Andree-AnneSverre Tardif Tesla Utilities Consulting Inc Mary Jo WhistlerKittLorraineJayneDonovanTewinkelTildesleyTouchetVollmerWescottImmigration Ltd. Wayne Wiltse Rome & Paula Wright WRM Strata Management & Real Estate SusanServicesYoungsman The COVID-19 health crisis continues to affect those most vulnerable in the community. We still need your help to continue providing our critical social services and programs. Please give generously www.sscs.ca/ways-to-help/ Join Us Please join us for our Annual General Meeting on Sept. 9 at 6pm. Learn how every year SSCS helps thousands of children, youth, adults, and families find the supports and care that build healthier communities. To register for the SSCS aGM and receive the Zoom login and password, please contact admin@sscs.ca.
