January 11, 2024 - Squamish Chief

EAGLES COUNTED

The annual eagle count in Brackendale is complete

PAGE 7

ASSESSING LOCAL HOUSING

NEW

PAGE 10

The BC Assessments are in

Weekend Forecast Inside

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

S Q U A M I S H C H I E F. C O M

NEARLY $100M OWED TO FIVE CREDITORS OF DELAYED SQUAMISH RESORT PROJECT The project is backed by the families that own the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars BOB MACKIN BIV

T

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS

ISABELLE: The ship that is slated to serve as a floatel (worker accommodation) for the construction of the Woodfibre LNG (WLNG) plant in Squamish has arrived in Vancouver from Estonia where it last served as a refuge for folks fleeing the Ukrainian invasion. It still needs a permit from the District of Squamish. Once it has approval, the 169 metre-long Isabelle will be moored at the WLNG site on Howe Sound to house up to 600 construction workers.

PARADISE VALLEY

he two companies behind a delayed ski and snowboard resort near Squamish owe $99.5 million to five creditors.

That is according to a Dec. 14 list published by Ernst & Young, the court-appointed receiver for Garibaldi at Squamish Inc. (GAS Inc.) and Garibaldi at Squamish LP (GAS LP).

“The receiver will seek to undertake a sales solicitation process for the property with a view of maximizing recovery to stakeholders,” said the Dec. 14 document.

It also said that Garibaldi’s most recent financial statements date back to Dec. 31, 2021 and show no cash, but an $80-million book value for property under development.

The project is backed by the families that own the Vancouver Canucks and Dallas Stars.

Company registrations for the three secured creditors all include Roberto Aquilini as director: GAS: Continued on 5

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A BRIGHT SIDE TO LESS WHISTLER SNOW FOR LOCAL BUSINESSES

Bad skiing conditions in Whistler have increased visitors to Squamish businesses in some cases, but may have reduced traffic in others STEVEN CHUA For The Squamish Chief

W

histler’s pain, in some cases, could be Squamish’s gain.

While this season’s El Nino winter resulted in poorer-than-average ski conditions over the holidays, some organizations benefited from the milder weather.

Perhaps the clearest case is the nonprofit Britannia Mine Museum.

Tamsyn Jenkins, the museum’s sales and marketing manager, said visitation numbers from Dec. 20 to Jan. 2 increased by 67% compared with the previous season.

“I think it’s fantastic,” said Jenkins.

She noted the lower numbers during the previous 2022 to 2023 winter holidays were partly due to four days of closures.

Last season, the mine closed for two days over the Christmas break. On top of that, there were additional closures on Dec. 22 and 26 for a snowstorm and a power outage, respectively.

But while last season’s closures certainly played a part, Jenkins said the lack of snow and ice on the highway this winter made it easier to access Britannia.

“The 27th, 28th, 29th and the 30th were record-breaking days for us for sure, for this time of year,” said Jenkins on Jan. 3.

Aside from a snow-free highway and fewer ski options, Jenkins theorized another factor driving visitors to Britannia is the general comfort level around COVID-19.

The Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association’s executive director also said she believed a less snowy year could have a potential upside for local businesses.

Kerry Neil said her observation from talking to some local entrepreneurs was that the holiday season started slow at the beginning of December, but there appeared to be an increase in business as time went on.

“Things certainly ramped up in the last couple of weeks. Leading up to Christmas, it was much busier.”

She suspects that the lack of snow in Squamish this year made parking much easier, so shoppers have been less hesitant to venture downtown.

Neil also noted that Squamish may have an advantage over Whistler for this kind of

PHOTO BY EDB3_16/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Britannia Mine Museum saw a big uptick in visitors this holiday seasons, compared with last year.

weather. For example, she’s noticed some people were choosing to go mountain biking in Squamish instead of skiing further up north.

Some downtown businesses, such as Pearl’s Value and Vintage, said the lack of snow and skiing conditions in Whistler hasn’t affected them at all.

“We’ve been super busy,” said Valerie Nagy, the assistant manager at Pearl’s. Her observation was that there hasn’t been any effect from the milder weather.

Not far down the street, the owner of another downtown business, Billies Flower House, said that it was too early to tell.

However, a warm winter could have a negative impact.

Janine Reynolds said that business during the Christmas season was unchanged, as the shop doesn’t generally draw Whistler skiers. It relies mainly on local traffic during that time.

However, after Christmas is when there could be a noticeable difference, Reynolds

said.

“It’s definitely something that affects us,” she said. “Skiers coming up and down … stop here either on the way up because they’re bringing gifts to the people that they’re staying with ... or they’re just going for a shop on the way back down to Vancouver.”

On Jan. 3, Reynolds said her store had only had a handful of people coming from Whistler so far.

Another business noted the potential impact of a lack of skiers in the early season, but said other customers were helping to make up the difference.

“Sure, the lack of skier and snowboarder good vibes in the corridor is palpable, but holiday gatherings, family outings and even muddy mountain bikers are making up for it,” wrote Brad Skerrett, the director of operations for Howe Sound Brewing, on Dec. 30.

Finally, Mark Enright, general manager of the Sandman Hotel, said poorer ski conditions have had an effect, but not a large one.

On Jan. 2, Enright noted some people opted to cut their stay short once experiencing the sub-par Whistler conditions.

However, the other side of it is that the milder weather also helped improve attendance, he said.

In previous years, when snow and ice surrounded the hotel, many guests and workers had difficulty getting to the Sandman, with some abandoning their trips altogether.

The lack of early snow this year prevented that issue from happening, he said.

Aside from that, there is still demand from non-tourist clients for lodging at the Sandman.

“Our numbers are pretty healthy right now just because we have so much construction here in Squamish,” Enright said.

The Squamish Chief was unable reach the Chamber of Commerce and Tourism Squamish for comment.

squamishchief.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 | 5

GOT NEWS? Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com ahughes@squamishchief.com

PHOTO BY DARRYL SCHWANKE

SPECTACULAR SQUAMISH: Houses shine across the Mamquam Blind Channel.

GAS: Continued from 1 Aquilini Development LP, Garibaldi Resort Management Co. Ltd. and 1413994 B.C. Ltd. GAS Inc. and GAS LP owe them a combined $79.4 million.

Until June 2022, Garibaldi Resort Management’s directors included David Negrin.

In 2016, Negrin left the presidency of Aquilini Investment Group and Aquilini Development and Construction to become CEO of MST Development Corp., the real estate partnership

of the Musqueam Indian Band, Squamish Nation and Tsleil-Waututh Nation.

The two unsecured creditors are Northland Properties Ltd. and Garibaldi Resorts (2002) Ltd., who are owed $6.37 million and $13.8 million, respectively.

Northland Properties owns Revelstoke Mountain Resort and Grouse Mountain.

Founder and chairman Bob Gaglardi is also president of Garibaldi Resorts (2002) Ltd., the company whose secretary is Aquilini Investment Group founder Luigi Aquilini.

The registration lists his mailing address in Brescia, Italy, the Aquilinis’ ancestral home.

When he approved the receivership application on Dec. 4, B.C. Supreme Court Justice Paul Walker set Jan. 15 as the next court date.

GAS Inc. was established in 2001 to develop a resort on Squamish Nation land at Brohm Ridge.

The 2016 provincial environmental approval for the estimated $3.5 billion project was extended in 2021 with a January 2026 deadline to begin construction.

GAS Inc. board minutes filed in the

receivership process indicate a split between directors affiliated with Aquilini and Northland.

GAS Inc. chairman Jim Chu and director Bill Aujla, both Aquilini executives, denied they are in conflict of interest.

GAS Inc. defaulted on $65 million owing to the three Aquilini companies, prompting the September receivership petition.

“However no construction has been commenced,” the court petition said. “GAS and the project generate no income and are entirely dependent on third party funding.”

Connecting you to a world of learning, discovery & creativity. www.squamishlibrary.ca

Antarctica: A Journey to the White Continent Tuesday / January 16 / 7-8:30 pm / Community Meeting Room Learn about Carrie Antoniazzi’s incredible voyage aboard the National Geographic Explorer in Antarctica. Registration required.

Community Book Club: A Minor Chorus Thursday / January 25 / 7-8:30 pm / Library In partnership with Sea to Sky Allies, this book club is reading A Minor Chorus by Billy-Ray Belcourt. Registation required. Everyone welcome!

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NEWS

6 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

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DAVE REID POSTHUMOUSLY AWARDED MEDAL OF GOOD CITIZENSHIP Reid, who died in a kayak accident in August 2022, was announced as one of the 21 recipients for 2023 for his community weaving ANDREW HUGHES

ahughes@squamishchief.com

T

he province has posthumously awarded Squamish’s Dave Reid the Medal of Good Citizenship.

According to a Jan. 3 news release, Reid and 20 others have been awarded the medal for their extraordinary contributions to community life.

Reid, who died in August 2022 in a kayak accident, was a huge trail builder in Squamish, known for his enthusiasm.

“Reid’s legacy unfolded over 15 years of voluntary dedication to trail building, crafting 18 exceptional mountain biking trails that form the core network in Squamish,” reads the release from the province. “Drawing more than one million trail enthusiasts annually, these trails contribute more than $10 million to Squamish’s economy. But Reid’s vision extended beyond biking, he uniquely sought to unite diverse trail communities—hikers, runners and dirt bikers—under a shared vision of a world-class trail network.”

Reid took on the roles of trail crew manager

FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF SORCA

The late Dave Reid with his son working on a trail.

and lead builder for Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association (SORCA) in 2019.

“He loved to share great outdoor experiences with people and help enable people to find great

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experiences,” Jeff Norman, president of SORCA, told The Squamish Chief in August 2022. “He loved to do that. And … he was great at it.”

Solana Green, co-owner at Capra Running,

told The Chief in August 2022 that Reid believed the trails were for everyone.

“This town has so many great different sports in it,” Green said at the time. “And sometimes people can be a little touchy when it comes to, you know, who’s sharing the trails and how we’re doing that. And Dave was the opposite. Dave wanted everyone to enjoy the trails.”

The provincial government called Reid a “community weaver.”

“Trails, the veins of connection, were his medium,” reads the release.

“Beyond being pathways for walking, hiking, running, skiing and biking, Reid recognized their profound role in uniting British Columbians. These trails were not just recreational, they were the meeting grounds after work, where stories were shared and connections deepened.”

Premier David Eby also noted the contributions of medal recipients.

“They have shown kindness and generosity while making sacrifices for the benefit of others.

Their contributions serve as a reminder to all of what we can do in ways large and small to improve life for everyone.”

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NEWS

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RESIDENTIAL PROPERTY VALUES DROP BY ABOUT 1 TO 2% IN SQUAMISH

2024 BC Assessment values single-family homes at median of $1.475 million, strata homes at $830,000, a 1 to 2% drop compared to 2023

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 | 7

School Registration for the 2024/2025 School Year Opens January 23rd-26th, 2024 Kindergarten, French Immersion Programs, and All New Students to the District School District No.48 (SD48) is welcoming registrations for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year starting January 23rd, 2024, at 8:00 am and ending January 26th, 2024, at 4:00 pm.

There will be two key steps: Step One: Parents and Guardians will be asked to fill out an online webform through the school district website. This includes basic contact information such as name, email address, physical address and student name and grade. Parents will register as a new student to the district or a current student registering for French Immersion.

Step Two: Make an appointment to complete your registration at your English catchment school by booking online through the district website or by contacting the school directly.

Note - French Immersion registrations must be completed through your English catchment school, not the French catchment school. For Cultural Journeys and Learning Expeditions, complete your registration directly at St'a7mes School.

PHOTO BY ANDREW HUGHES/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Brackendale was similar as single-family homes stayed almost the same, only dropping by 0.2%, and strata homes dropped by 2.8%.

ANDREW HUGHES

ahughes@squamishchief.com

B

oth single-family and strata homes in Squamish have dropped in value by 1% and 2% respectively since last year, according to the newest valuations.

According to the newly released 2024 BC Assessment, which conducted valuations in July 2023, single-family homes in Squamish dropped from $1.496 million to $1.475 million on average. Squamish strata homes, such as townhomes or condos, dropped from an average of $844,000 to $830,000.

“Across the Lower Mainland and throughout B.C., the overall housing market has generally stabilized in value,” said Bryan Murao, an assessor with BC Assessment, in a news release. “Most homeowners can expect only modest changes in the range of -5% to +5%. These assessment changes are notably less than previous years.”

Different neighbourhoods in Squamish earned different valuations.

In the Garibaldi Highlands, single-family homes dropped by 2.5% and strata homes dropped by 4.2%.

Garibaldi Estates saw an increase in value

for single-family homes by 2.6%. Strata homes in the neighbourhood dropped by 2.9%.

In Dentville and downtown Squamish, single-family homes were nearly the same, only dropping 0.1% whereas strata homes in the area dropped by 2.4%.

What BC Assessment calls “Middle Squamish,” which includes Northyards and the Loggers East area, single-family homes barely increased by 0.5% and strata homes dropped 3.4%.

Brackendale was similar as single-family homes stayed almost the same, only dropping by 0.2%, and strata homes dropped by 2.8%.

Valleycliffe had the largest drop in valuation of all the neighbourhoods. Single-family homes in Valleycliffe dropped by 4.9% and strata homes dropped by 7.1%.

Across Squamish, properties in the business and other class saw an increase of 6.4% in value, which includes retail properties, office buildings and most warehouses.

The light industry class saw an increase in value by 20.4%, which includes properties used for extracting, manufacturing or transporting products including ancillary storage, according to the BC Assessment website.

Please note the following important information and new changes for this year: A lottery system will be used to determine priority placement order for all pre-registrations on the webform. This will provide a more equitable process where space may be limited.

Parents and guardians will have 10 days to complete the registration process at their catchment school. After 10 days, the priority placement order obtained from the lottery will be forfeited.

Parents and guardians who miss the availability of the webform can register by contacting their English catchment school to book an appointment. In this case, a time and date stamp on the registration form will determine priority placement order.

For more detailed information visit: www.sd48seatosky.org or contact your English catchment school principal. We encourage parents and guardians to register as soon as possible to help schools plan for September 2024.

8 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 A8

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DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH DEVELOPMENT REVIEW

• 1940 Centennial Way - Phase 3 - Development Permit squamish.ca/review

DROP-IN with the

2024 LANDFILL TIPPING FEES

On January 2, 2024, the tipping fees at the Squamish Landfill changed to the following:

CHAT

MAYOR

$8

Commercial & Residential Waste

$232/tonne

Construction Waste and Asphalt Shingles

$232/tonne

Clean Wood and Yard Waste

$122/tonne

Dirty Wood Waste

$174/tonne

Contaminated Wood Surcharge* * if wood load is contaminated over 5% by weight or volume.

$137/tonne

RSVP: communications@squamish.ca

Banned Materials Surcharge * * garbage containing more than 5% organics or recyclable materials.

$290/tonne

All are welcome!

Mattresses and box springs

$22/piece

Tires with and without rims

$27 and $11 per piece respectively

Appliances requiring refrigerant removal (fridges, freezers, air conditioners)

Free

Asphalt

Free

SIGN UP FOR ENEWS Sign up for the District’s weekly e-News to get important updates in your inbox every Friday.

squamish.ca/enews

•

University Reservoirs 2 & 3 - Ongoing construction.

•

Wastewater Treatment Plan Expansion and Improvements – Construction is underway through summer 2025 on a new secondary clarifier and concentric bioreactor. Learn more: squamish.ca/wwtp-expansion

•

Queens Way Lift Station Manhole – Construction continues to replace the inlet manhole and reline the wet-well. Please follow traffic control measures.

•

Sewer Rehabilitation – This work includes excavated and trenchless style repairs for both sanitary and storm utilities. There will be traffic and parking disturbances during this work, with signage and traffic flaggers in place.

Let’s talk about housing in Squamish!

Minimum Landfill Charge

More than 15 materials continue to be accepted for free recycling at the Landfill Recycling Depot and Transfer Station. These include cardboard (large quantities), plastic bags, books, clothing, and white foam packaging. squamish.ca/landfill

INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

Special Guest: MP Patrick Weiler Wednesday, January 17 Howe Sound Inn (Garibaldi Room) 37801 Cleveland Avenue 3 to 5 p.m.

WHAT’S HAPPENING

IN RECREATION AND CULTURE

squamish.ca/building-our-future

Sensory Friendly Activities at Brennan Park Sensory Friendly Swim for an all-inclusive leisurely time for those who may have sensory processing challenges or are simply looking for a quieter swim - Last Saturday of the month until March.

Sensory Friendly Skate is the first Friday of each month. Skate aids and strollers with clean wheels are welcome - First Friday of the month.

Healing Fitness Targeted fitness classes for the healing body: Neuro-Fit: Hand and Arm Stroke Recovery Hip &/or Knee Recovery SMART Back Exercises

Drawing & Painting Get creative by expressing your art using inspirations from anything and everything!

Watercolour Painting Classe starts January 18

for details and registration visit: squamish.ca/rec

9 THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 | A9

squamishchief.com

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE Tuesday, January 16 at 6 p.m.

WHAT’S PROPOSED: Rezoning to facilitate the development of 26 townhomes.

PROPOSED BYLAW: District of Squamish Zoning Bylaw No. 2200, 2011 Amendment Bylaw (40279 Government Rd) No. 3004, 2023

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS: To rezone a portion of the property highlighted

4 In Writing

in black on the Location Map, from Residential 2 (RS-2) to Multiple Unit Residential 2 (RM-2) to facilitate the development of 26 townhomes.

HIGHWAY 99

OA D

40279

Deliver a written submission to hearing@squamish.ca, or drop off to the Corporate Officer at Municipal Hall before 3 p.m. on the date of 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.

Participate electronically through the use of the WebEx platform by Electronic Participation visiting squamish.ca/public-hearings-and-meetings. Instruction for

participation in the WebEx virtual Public Hearing can be found at that site.

Visit squamish.ca/public-hearings-and-meetings in advance of the scheduled Public Hearing time for:

NM

Instructions on how to set up WebEx and how to log in;

•

How to get on the speakers’ list;

•

An opportunity to test your computer’s connection to the WebEx platform.

GO

•

VER

EN

TR

40279

Persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed Zoning Amendments will have an opportunity to be heard and to present written submissions for the Public Hearing.

Written submissions may also be made during the Hearing by emailing hearing@squamish.ca. Council will not consider submissions received after the close of the Public Hearing.

LOCATION MAP:

PORTION OF THE PROPERTY

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE IN A PUBLIC HEARING

AFFECTED PORTION OF LANDS: 40279 Government Road, Squamish BC

HOW TO VIEW THE PROPOSED REZONING

By Telephone

Participate by telephone during the Public Hearing by calling 1.604.449.3026 and entering the Access Code 146 367 8438.

A copy of the proposed Bylaw and related information that has been or may be considered by Council may be inspected online or at Municipal Hall.

• squamish.ca/public-hearings-and-meetings

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. You will hear a message that “your line has been unmuted” when it is your turn to speak.

•

Prior to the meeting, please visit squamish.ca/public-hearings-and-meetings for detailed instructions.

37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, British Columbia, from January 4 to 16, 2024 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Questions? Contact the Planning Department: 604.815.5002

In Person You may participate in person during the Hearing in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, British Columbia.

All submissions will form part of the public record.

Please note that Council may not receive further submissions received from the public or interested parties concerning the Bylaw described above after the conclusion of the Public Hearing.

This is the second of two notices of Public Hearing.

Dated this 11th day of January, 2024 at Squamish, British Columbia.

squamish.ca/public-hearings-and-meetings

Capacity in Council Chambers is limited and so participation electronically via WebEx, or by telephone is encouraged.

Watch the meeting without speaking 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 squamish.ca/live-meetings.

10 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

NEWS

squamishchief.com

BRACKENDALE EAGLE COUNT SEES 996 EAGLES

The 38th Brackendale Winter Eagle Count took place on Sunday, Jan. 7 and resulted in the most eagles seen since 2019 ANDREW HUGHES

ahughes@squamishchief.com

T

PHOTOS BY (LEFT) ANDREW HUGHES/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF: (RIGHT) KEVIN DSOUZA.

About 60 volunteers hit the trails on Sunday for the eagle count.

overall. In fact, the 2024 count resulted in the most eagles counted since 2019.

Going backward from 2022 to 2018, the count has resulted in 799, 848, 747, 1,157, and 961 eagles. It should be noted that the 2022 eagle count with 799 birds was partially impacted by a heavy snowstorm that prevented volunteers from accessing certain parts of the typical areas

for the count in the Squamish Valley.

By far, the largest count was the 1994 count, which found 3,769 eagles. The 1994 count was part of a run of 16 years between 1992 and 2007 that saw at least 1,300 eagles each year, with several years seeing over 2,000.

Di Corrado said he was grateful for “all the volunteers who return each year and the new

ones who helped for the first time” and the folks at the Brackendale Art Gallery and Instream Fisheries Research for the help throughout the day.

If interested in learning more, the count’s data goes back as far as 1986 and can be found on the Squamish Environment Society’s website at squamishenvironment.ca.

2024

he Squamish Environment Society Brackendale Winter Eagle Count flew into Squamish to start the 2024 new year.

The 38th annual event saw over 60 volunteers suit up at the Brackendale Art Gallery on Sunday, Jan. 7, before heading out into Squamish, Brackendale, Paradise Valley and Squamish Valley to tally up as many eagles as they could find.

Christopher Di Corrado, the co-ordinator for the count, said the number of volunteers was higher this year compared with the last several years, which were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The weather treated the volunteers reasonably well, with the sun in the sky and a cool temperature hovering around 1 to 3 C throughout the morning and afternoon.

By the end of the day, Di Corrado told The Squamish Chief that the volunteers had counted 996 eagles total. This included 541 adults, 447 juveniles and eight unclassified eagles.

Di Corrado said volunteers in the Upper Squamish areas reported hearing more than they could see. He called the total “a wonderful number.”

This year’s count was slightly more than last year, as the 2023 count resulted in 916 eagles

A comprehensive guide to health, wellness and medical services in the Sea to Sky Corridor

Publication

IN STANDS February 2024

Deadline

AD SPACE BOOKINGS Fri, January 19th, 2024

Distribution 7,000 Copies Distributed in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.

Contact To book your advertising space, call your sales rep: Cathie Greenlees Sales Manager

604.815.3506, cgreenlees@squamishchief.com Squamish Chief: 38117 Second Avenue, Squamish, BC, V8B 0B9 www.squamishchief.com | www.glaciermedia.ca

Kim Boatman Multi-Media Sales Consultant 289.404.1525, kboatman@squamishchief.com

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WHAT DOES THE 2024 BC ASSESSMENT MEAN FOR HOMEOWNERS?

NEWS

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 | 11

SFU’s Andy Yan says we will need more data to see if the valuations are a peak, plateau or cliff

PHOTO BY ANDREW HUGHES/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Compared with other communities in the Lower Mainland, Squamish’s residential percent change ranks in the middle and on the lower end of the spectrum.

PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA

ANDREW HUGHES

ahughes@squamishchief.com

T

he 2024 BC Assessment saw Squamish single-family homes and strata homes drop slightly in value, by -1% and -2% respectively, but what does that actually mean?

According to Andy Yan, the director of Simon Fraser University’s City Program, these numbers largely indicate no change from 2023 to 2024. More information on next year is necessary to determine a pattern, he said.

“It’s virtually flat,” said Yan about the 2024 BC Assessment for Squamish. “With changes that small, it’s somewhat [an] effect of the methodology as opposed to a market change.”

To calculate value, BC Assessment considers the characteristics of homes and comparable sales of homes. Yan said in smaller communities like Squamish, outliers can play some role in shifting the overall assessments.

“If it meant that two or three commercial buildings sold for slightly higher amounts—5% higher than what occurred last year—then it means prices would go up,” he said about the business category increase of 6%.

Notably, the light industry class had an increase of about 20%. Yan said that could be due to several factors, including new classifications of properties, which could be more of an administrative change than a market change.

Yan said we will mostly have to wait and see until next year if valuations are at a peak, plateau or cliff to determine market patterns.

This wait-and-see approach is somewhat because the last five years have seen mostly positive increases in residential valuations in Squamish.

Starting in 2019 to 2023, Squamish saw single-family home values largely increase with

changes of 8%, 0%, 10%, 35%, and 8%.

Over the same period, strata home values were a little more volatile but still mostly positive increases with changes of 19%, -4%, 2%, 24%, and 16%.

The 2024 percent change looks similar to that of the 2020 assessments of 0% and -4%, which would have occurred on July 1, 2019. However, those percentage changes turned out to be just a one-year occurrence rather than a pattern.

The following years saw tremendous percentage increases, partly due to changing hybrid work requirements from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ultimately, Yan called the 2024 assessment for Squamish “kind of dull.”

“Dull isn’t necessarily bad,” he countered.

“It’s no real surprise,” he continued. “The motivation for transactions diminishes because of how high interest rates are and how high prices are.”

With rumours of interest rates potentially lowering, Yan said, “It really is going to be what’s going to happen over this year in terms of transactions that is going to shape where real estate prices are.”

WHERE DOES SQUAMISH RANK IN THE LOWER MAINLAND? Compared to other communities in the Lower Mainland, Squamish’s residential percent change ranks in the middle and on the lower end of the spectrum.

In single-family homes, Squamish ranks 19 out of the 33 Lower Mainland communities released in the 2024 BC Assessment. In strata homes, Squamish ranks 18 out of the 19 Lower Mainland communities.

Last year, Squamish ranked 22 out of the 33 for single-family homes and 6 out of the 19 for strata homes.

FEATHERED FRIENDS: Have a photo you would like to see in our pages? Send it to news@ squamishchief.com.

THANK YOU The Squamish Seniors Centre Society would like to say thank you to the following for a wonderful Christmas Banquet.

An event such as this is only made possible by the help of these people.

DONORS

• • • • •

Save on Foods Random Sea to Sky Gondola Xoco Chocolate Independence Foods

• • • • •

Funky Monkey Andy Anissimoff Hearth & Mantle Lucas Tea Starbucks (downtown)

• • • •

Anna’s Interiors Mark’s Margaret Frenette Alta Lake Electric

ENTERTAINMENT • • • •

John French - MC & DJ Music Squamish Academy of Music Singers Lia Braun, Estelle Joel, Lauren Bloom, Willow Paull, Sophie Bella - Aquino, Sephria Drzymala Squamish Seniors Line Dancers - Teacher Sharon Slater

• • • • •

Howe Sound Secondary Student Servers: • Hebe, Kiana, Daisy, Gavin, Ash, Florence, Elleana, Abby & Anja • Rosella Bianco- For always Organizing and helping the students with serving and cleanup • The Seniors Social Committee: Joy Boulier

Mayor Hurford District of Squamish Squamish Seniors Centre Society The 55 Activity Centre Staff The Works Catering - Mara Williams, Sasha Nahanee & Team • Barbara Rudkin - Grace • Kees & Elise Venekamp, Amy Fast - Cash Bar

Thank you also to everyone who helped with decorating, set up and cleanup

12 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

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Reproduction of any material contained in this publication is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publisher.

EDITORIAL

TIME TO STEP UP

T

hink, if you will, of an alternate reality where locals did not buy the Brackendale Art Gallery, but it was sold to a developer proposing condos.

Not that there would have been anything necessarily wrong with that, but just imagine the uproar that would have followed.

Instead, as was their wish, former owners Dorte and the late Thor Froslev were able to realize a dream and see it sold to locals set on revamping it into a vibrant, modern arts and culture hub.

Not only that, but the owners are successful locals who have also worked to pay homage to the original facility’s charm and history.

When the announcement of the sale was made about a year ago, there was a huge sigh of relief.

Many locals commented under our story about it on our social media channels with enthusiasm.

Since then, the remaining previous owner has been happy with where things are headed.

“It is a huge pleasure to watch the transformation that will take The BAG onto its new life,” said Dorte in a recent public letter to the community.

“It will be different because the times are very different, but the heart will be the same, and it is my hope that the BAG community, new and old, will support and love the New BAG the same way they have for the past 50 years.”

Indeed.

So now it is time to show that we are more than just words and online comments, Squamish.

This week, Jessica Rigg, one of the new owners of The BAG, revealed several of the plans in the works for the extensively renovated community hub. The plans were a result, in large part, to the meaningful consultation they have done with locals.

There will be live music and theatre, movie screenings, an eatery and cafe, workspaces, and more.

The owners are trying to make it everything we asked for, in other words.

They are also working with the owners of the new speakeasy Trickster’s Hideout; another example of a few residents digging in and offering entertainment, and more to town, which locals should support to the degree they once frequented Zephyr cafe, which closed the day Trickster’s opened. (Zephyr’s former owner, Adrian Blachut, is a co-owner in The BAG.) Squamish folks are known for being very last minute. Almost every time we do a story on an event our reporters hear that tickets were not bought until very close to show time, something that gives event planners indigestion, to say the least.

The BAG has a membership drive on now until the end of the month to help them be all we asked them to be.

Please financially support this drive to the level you are able. (Go to brackendaleartgallery.com/ support.) It is time to put our money where our mouth is, Squamish.

RUNNING INTO 2024 MOUNTAIN VIEWS

ANDREW HUGHES

T

he celebration of the New Year is often about leaving behind old things.

A lot of it is about changing bad habits and building new ones. Admittedly, sometimes these are fair assessments of yourself. After all, only you can really make the changes you seek.

But, not everything we built in 2023 should crumble. That’s why this year I am focusing on carrying forward a habit I started to build at the end of the year.

And that, my friends, is running.

Hey, I know what you’re thinking, “This man ain’t built like a runner.”

Oh trust me, I know.

From leg chafing to my behind jiggling like your grandma’s jello, I know I don’t look the part of a slim, slender, no-meat-on-the-bones runner. Rather, I’m looking more like a pre-hibernation grizzly bear tumbling, stumbling, bumbling along in the backwoods.

Even better, I don’t even really know what I’m doing. I sort of bought some trail running shoes and started shuffling my legs. I even bought one of those vests that holds a couple of water bottles, after one of the employees had to tell me that I was trying on a women’s one by accident. (I appreciate you whispering it to me.) Whoops!

Despite that mishap, I started with lower distances and slowly started doing longer runs. Some beautiful days got the best of me, when I accidentally ran more than I thought I was planning to. And it’s certainly not

All that really matters is I started a healthy habit (I think?) and I’m trying my best much like anyone else who made it this far into my column. all running, there’s a lot of walking to go alongside the huffing and puffing, which I truly think could actually blow down a brick house. (Somewhere out there, a trainer is shuddering in disbelief.)

But my point in saying all of this is rather simple: If I can find at least one good thing to carry forward, then I bet you can too.

Obviously, I’m never going to be Scott Jurek. But I have signed up for three races in Squamish and I’m excited and nervous. (Oh my god, what have I gotten myself into.) I’ve never run in an official race before, so I’m hoping to place, at least, DFL. Maybe after they’re over, I’ll quit and move on to something else. God knows my feet would welcome the break. Or, maybe I’ll sign up for another race.

Who knows?

All that really matters is I started a healthy habit (I think?) and I’m trying my best much like anyone else who made it this far into my column. For anyone who looks back on 2023 and only remembers dreariness, I promise you there’s a nugget somewhere in there that’s worth polishing.

Whatever that nugget is, make sure you find it, cherish it, and continue carrying it toward the finish line. (If the nugget you find is actually gold, then maybe just sell it though.)

squamishchief.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 | 13

Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR PRESENT PERFECT

E

veryone has joyous memories from childhood. And those memories are often associated with feelings of excitement and awe. Everything’s new and the world is up, figuratively, and literally.

Even the language of a child is up: ‘What’s up?’ ‘Wait up!’ ‘Shut up.’ ‘Mom, can’t I just stay up?’

As kids, the future is perfect.

We are always looking forward to milestones: Christmas break, summer vacation, birthday money, getting into high school, our first car, our first date.

And in this chaotic state of mind, where today’s Christmas gifts are old and our birthday money grossly insufficient, we cannot conceive of savouring the present; perhaps it’s because there are so many new and exciting things to have and experience.

And then, as adults, we romanticize and regret not cherishing the small and the big: endless days spent exploring or that first car.

I know I am not alone when I recall how I should have cherished those moments fully.

What’s ironic is that we then make the same mistake twice: instead of enjoying all the capabilities of being an adult and what’s currently happening, we frequently travel into the past with music, photos, shows, games, and saying, “You remember when…”.

A child is similar to a growing town in many ways: small, simple, wild, and eager to reach milestones and become sophisticated.

The government of a town invites people and developers and business and growth with enthusiasm. And the chaotic thinking and pandemonium of a government enthusiastically expanding its horizons is like that of a child: “The last building, road, and development is good, but the coffer is still lacking, and you know what, we still don’t have a _____.”

The future is perfect.

But maybe it’s time to learn a lesson: The present is perfect.

As Squamish residents, we should presently relish in Squamish’s beauty and simplicity.

Yes, it has changed a lot and is changing quickly. But this is even more reason to

walk along the estuary, head up to the Smoke Bluffs to look at the stars, or drive out to Paradise Valley.

Let’s take a moment to be present and enjoy how majestic and wonderful it all is.

One day, inevitably, it’ll all be different; beautiful, but different. The past is gone, the future will be great, but the present is perfect.

Anthony Bianco, Squamish

IN A WORD: DELUSIONAL

W

hat did we learn in 2023 about new NDP leader David Eby, and his government’s stated intention of meeting our climate obligations?

As My Sea to Sky’s Tracey Saxby and her colleagues show, the government’s support for Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) renders its climate plans “glaringly incoherent.” In a word: delusional.

Central to this flawed, outdated economic development strategy is support for Woodfibre LNG (WLNG), a fracked gas liquefaction project dating back to the BC Liberal government of a decade ago. It couldn’t be more disjointed from the District of Squamish’s economic development plans, made in consultation with the community and focusing on the future: green economy, clean tech, recreational technology and sustainable tourism.

For anyone new to town or to the WLNG project, despite its name no biomass or forestry-related products are involved. In fact, like “natural gas”— which many say should be called “fossil gas”—there’s nothing wholesome or green about Woodfibre LNG. It simply inherited the name of the former pulp and paper mill on Howe Sound south of Squamish.

Fracked fossil gas requires vast amounts of energy to be liquefied, and then shipped in tankers through our recovering marine environments, to be burned for fuel in Asian countries, creating more heat-trapping carbon pollution and off-shoring our accountability for it.

In addition, the volume of methane gas leaking into the atmosphere during extraction and transport is much greater than we’ve been led to believe. WLNG claims of “net zero” only apply to the liquefaction process at the Woodfibre site, but the upstream and downstream

processes produce vast amounts of climate-warming emissions.

It’s like a cigarette factory implementing a no-smoking policy and then claiming that it is a “zero lung cancer” facility!

Aside from the climate and health impacts, hundreds of workers are already in town and more to come—and they need accommodation.

WLNG has acquired a “floating hotel” to be moored near the Woodfibre LNG site, but gas supplier FortisBC is proposing to house its workers in a work camp near the new Capilano University campus.

Squamish council will vote on whether to approve this request early this year.

Either way, the most likely outcome is to inject hundreds of workers into a local housing market already in crisis, with disastrous results.

B.C. is lining up as a key battleground in the fight for climate leadership and a livable planet, with the United and Conservative parties playing politics—using the affordability crisis as a smokescreen—and supporting the government’s greenwashing of LNG. New fossil fuel projects grow the problem we need to solve. Life will become even less affordable when we have to clean up the mess that LNG and other fossil fuel development will leave behind.

A billion dollars fighting wildfires this past summer, another billion rebuilding from the atmospheric river in 2021, on top of the billions of increased insurance premiums and critical adaptation measures to reduce flooding, landslide and other climate-related risks. These impact most families’ bottom line far more than any revenue-neutral price on carbon.

I wish it weren’t so, but global heating, climate change and extreme weather events are an existential threat to our children and grandchildren, more challenging than anything our human species has faced collectively.

Status quo and business-as-usual aren’t good enough—we need systemic change that takes care of people during the energy transition and creates jobs in the new green economy. In my experience talking to Sea to Sky residents, most people realize that this is the defining issue of our time Jeremy Valeriote , BC Green MLA candidate, West Vancouver-Sea to Sky

LETTERS POLICY The Squamish Chief welcomes letters to the editor of up to 400 words. Letters should be exclusive to this publication and are meant to respond to a local story in The Squamish Chief or raise an issue happening in town. Please include your name, neighbourhood and daytime phone number. The deadline is 5 p.m.

Monday to be considered for Thursday’s edition. Full names and neighbourhood will be published with the letter. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit letters for length and clarity or to address legal concerns. Email letters to: editor@squamishchief.com.

JOIN US ONLINE QUESTION OF THE WEEK How hopeful are you feeling about 2024 in your personal life?

Have your say at squamishchief.com LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

Are you contemplating a move in 2024?

NO, STAYING PUT 68% YES, I’M PLANNING A MOVE 19% MAYBE 10%

MOST READ STORY

Nearly $100M owed to five creditors of delayed Squamish resort project

TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK This week,reporter Andrew Hughes headed out with volunteers for the Brackendale Winter Eagle Count held Sunday.

See this and many other videos on our TikTok channel @squamishchief.

NEWS

14 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

squamishchief.com

TOP 10: HERE ARE THE PROPERTIES WITH THE HIGHEST VALUES ACCORDING TO BC ASSESSMENTS

Chieftain Plaza and Squamish Station were again near the top while a new rental property, called Ashlu, was among the newcomers ANDREW HUGHES

ahughes@squamishchief.com

B

C Assessment released the most valuable properties in Squamish, and some familiar properties are on the list once again in

2024.

BC Assessment released the 2024 property assessments on Jan. 2. These valuations are based on reviews conducted in July 2023, which always happen in July every year.

This year’s most valuable properties are listed in order below: 1. 1339 Pemberton Ave. – $58.4 million – Chieftain Centre area 2. 1200 Hunter Pl. – $56.1 million – Squamish Station 3. 1201 Commercial Way – $52.3 million – Business park area 4. 39480 Queens Way – $49.9 million – Advance Self Storage 5. 39400 Government Rd. – $45.1 million – BC Rail owned land 6. 40238 Glenalder Pl. – $39.6 million – Portion of Garibaldi Village Shopping Centre (Phase 3 section) 7. 38012 Third Ave. – $36.8 million – Ashlu property, rental apart-

ments and commercial space 8. 39210 Discovery Way – $34 million – Walmart 9. 39300 Discovery Way – $33.4 million – Business park area 10. 1940 Centennial Way – $30.3 million – Anthem Properties development The list above does not include tax-exempt properties, such as Capilano University, formerly Quest University, which has a 2024 assessment value of $59.6 million.

The value assigned by BC Assessments doesn’t necessarily mean that is what the property would sell for on the real estate market.

Both the Chieftain Centre and Squamish Station were at the top of the list last year, though Chieftain Plaza took the top spot this year. Both, however, decreased in value in 2024, with Squamish Station dropping about 12% and Chieftain Centre dropping about 6%.

Again, the business park area on Commercial Way ranked third with an increased value of about $5 million compared to 2023. Advance Self Storage is new to the list, having jumped up over double from about $23.9 million to $49.9 million.

The BC Rail-owned land is also new to the list and has no previous assessments available. It is

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Also a newcomer to the list is the Ashlu building on Third Avenue, which will have 67 rental apartments and commercial space on the ground floor. The property sold for $38 million in 2023.

the land found on the east side of Government Road as drivers near the turn for the Squamish Spit.

Bryan Murao, an assessor with BC Assessment, wrote in an email to The Squamish Chief that new folios are created when provincial land is leased out, which is what he said was likely happening in this case.

An Assessment Roll Report shows BC Rail Properties as one of the owners and FortisBC as an additional owner, but FortisBC says that is incorrect.

A spokesperson for FortisBC wrote to The Squamish Chief that they are associated instead with the civic addresses at 39000 and 39050 Government Rd. They will be following up with BC Assessment as to why they are listed as an additional owner for 39400 Government Rd. The Garibaldi Village Shopping Centre property once again made the list. Its value stayed nearly the same, with an increase of about $1.2 million from 2023 to 2024.

Also a newcomer to the list is the Ashlu building on Third Avenue, which will have 67 rental apartments and commercial space on the ground floor.

The property sold for $38 million in 2023.

Finally, the last three properties were on the 2023 list, and all have increased in value.

Walmart increased from $25.5 million to $34 million in 2024’s assessment, the business park property at 39300 Discovery Way increased from $25 million to $33.4 million, and the Anthem Properties development increased from $29.5 million to $30.3 million.

Go with

Pronounced you-mo!

BC Transit’s new electronic fare system, Umo, is now ready for use in the Squamish Transit System. Umo allows you to select the best payment method for your lifestyle and travel habits.

It’s your choice how to use Umo – app or reloadable card.

Every rider must carry their own payment method and may choose between: Downloading the Umo Mobility app from the Apple App or Google Play stores

or

Picking up a reloadable Umo card for free from a BC Transit vendor

Buy passes or load cash through the app, online at ca.umopass.com, Umo’s customer service line at 877-380-8181, or through a vendor.

Visit bctransit.com/umo for more info or call 877-380-8181 toll-free for support.

8365

NEWS

squamishchief.com

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 | 15

FIRST BABY TITLE GOES TO MOM AND SON IN 2024 Cameroonian mom makes waves as Squamish General Hospital celebrates first baby of the year JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@squamishchief.com

I

t is already a banner year for local mom, Sodetou Ayanajemi.

She moved to Squamish in 2023 from Cameroon and gave birth to her first baby, a boy, on New Year’s Day at Squamish General Hospital.

To top it off, son Ayan is the first baby of 2024 to be born in the entire Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region.

VCH’s jurisdiction encompasses Richmond, Vancouver, the North Shore, the Sea to Sky Corridor, Sunshine Coast, Powell River, Bella Bella and Bella Coola.

Ayan came into the world at 2:19 p.m. on Jan. 1, weighing 7 lbs, 8 oz, or 3,425 grams.

He was due on Jan. 4, Ayanajemi said from her Squamish hospital bed on Jan. 2.

Her labour was relatively easy, she said, because she had suffered such back pain

throughout her pregnancy that the birth was a relief.

“Compared to that, it was really manageable,” she said, adding that “everyone is great” to her at the hospital.

She was surprised when she found out she had delivered the first baby of the year.

“It’s exciting, right?”

She had moved to Squamish for a fresh start and to try something new, she said.

So far, life here has certainly given her that.

She looks forward to going home with her little boy on Jan. 3, she said.

The provincial government announced that B.C.’s first baby of the year was born at 12 a.m. at the Royal Columbian Hospital, weighing 6 lbs. 14 oz.

According to The Province, the baby girl is named Taylor Stutsky.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH

Sodetou Ayanajemi and her son, shortly after his birth.

WE VALUE BC

If you’re among BC’s approximately 2 million property owners, you should receive your 2024 property assessment in the mail early in January. If you haven’t, call us toll-free at 1-866-valueBC. Access and compare property assessment information using our free assessment search service at bcassessment.ca.

The 2024 assessments are based on market value as of July 1, 2023.

If you have questions or want more information, contact us at 1-866-valueBC or online at bcassessment.ca.

For more property information and assessment highlights, visit bcassessment.ca

The deadline to file an appeal for your assessment is January 31, 2024.

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ANNOUNCEMENT OBITUARIES

Frank Manuel Obituary What do you say about a man like Frank Manuel?

We shall start with the formal announcement to get it out of the way.

Ladies and Gentlemen, Frank has left the building.

He passed peacefully in his sleep at home on January 3, 2024.

He was ready. True to his nature, he went with class, dignity, and quiet reserve.

Frank was a Brit, born in Wallasey, England on May 22nd, 1943. Wallasey is across from Liverpool, which Frank would say made him almost a Beatle.

His playground with his two brothers, John and Phil, was a field of WWII bomb rubble behind their home. His father was in the North Atlantic maritime fleet during WWII and by happenstance once put ashore in Canada. He saw Vancouver and vowed to bring his family. They arrived in 1953. The rest, as they say, is history.

Frank’s occupations and hobbies were manifestations of his identity.

Working backwards: Frank loved people, so he spent years as Santa in communities across the globe. Most recently, he was known as the Squamish Santa and a stalwart volunteer at The Hotspot in Squamish.

Frank loved to learn and to teach; he was an educator in China for over a decade.

Frank enjoyed technology and tinkering; he got formal training and

served as a computer technician at Simon Fraser University.

Frank was a rebel so he annoyed the Canadian Air Force for over 20 years.

There were also stints as an actor, doing Trager massage, and working as a deckhand on a troller.

His legacy lies in the connections he made with everyone he met.

Frank touched the lives of so many people. He had a smile and a witty comment for all. If you asked Frank a question, he always had an answer, and that answer was always four.

His wife, Victoria, survives Frank, as does his brother, John.

In addition, he will be missed by his children Marie, Rob, Gayle, Faith, and James, as well as a legion of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, two ex-wives, and two cats.

A Celebration of Life will be held Online on Sunday, January 14th, at 11 am. Please email Victoria at vmorrisott@gmail.com for the Zoom link.

Donations to ALS Society of British Columbia (ALS BC).

Email: info@alsbc.ca

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Harold(Hal) Eric Stathers

i

Hal Stathers passed away peacefully in his sleep at his Toll Springs Ranch home in East Lillooet on December 21, 2023. He was 93 years of age.

Hal is survived by his wife Cathy, six children (Eric, Catherine, Robert, David, Mark, and Lorraine), thirteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his brother Jack, his first wife Louise Stathers (nee Manten), and his parents.

Payless Towing will dispose of the following: 1996 Honda Civic VIN 2HGEJ6656TH903991 Debtor: Nonalyn Hernandez Amount owing: 6,323.10 Payless Towing 39550 Galbraith Ave, Squamish, BC., V8B 0A3 Auction on December 14, 2023 for non payment.

• 1, 2 & 3 Bdrm Apts from $1999.99/mo

(Operating in the Sea to Sky Corridor for 12 years)

• Secured, Bright, Spacious • Beautifully landscaped grounds • Common Laundry & Storage • Near Bus, Shopping & Schools • Proactive Building Manager • Pet Friendly Complex

Cleaning, Housekeeping, Windows.

Squamish Home 604-898-2333

Looking for Apprentices (All Levels) & Electricians Work Sites located primarily in Squamish & Whistler. Also cover West Vancouver & Pemberton

BENEFITS

604-849-2296

Full time work • On Job training • Company Vehicles

SUITES FOR RENT

Please send resumes to

For Rent BSMT Suite In Brackendale, female preferred Includes Utilities & Internet call 778-952-1855

poultonpower@gmail.com Questions, call: 604-698-8488

MARKET APPLIANCES

Vacasa’s forward-thinking approach and industry-leading technology help set us apart as the largest full-service vacation rental company in North America.

HOME SERVICES CLEANING

HIRING NEW EMPLOYEES

POULTON POWER Electrical Services Residential/Commercial

A private family celebration of life will be held later.

By virtue of the Warehouseman’s Lien Act

CLASSIFIEDS.SQUAMISHCHIEF.COM CRAFT FAIRS/BAZAARS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

- Squamish BC -

Hal loved his dogs, fly fishing, jazz, playing the organ, sketching, gardening, cattle ranching, and spending time with family camping and fishing.

LEGAL NOTICES

EMPLOYMENT

EDGEWATER PLACE

• Includes Heat, H/W & Parking

Hal was born on September 17, 1930, in Vancouver, B.C. to parents Eric Prince Stathers and Joan Mary Stathers (nee Uhrich) of Squamish. He worked as a pharmacist and business owner in Kamloops, Lillooet, and Squamish where he operated Stathers Drugs, Stathers Home and Building Centre, and Lillooet IDA Pharmacy until his retirement at age 79. Hal was recognized by the BC and Canadian Pharmacists Associations for his contributions to community pharmacy and public service. Hal’s community service to Lillooet since 1957 has included volunteer and elected service with school and hospital boards, the regional district, alderman, acting mayor, senior housing committee, water committee, the Masonic Lodge, and various other community service organizations.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 | 17

We are seeking individuals with a passion for providing exceptional vacation experiences for our Owners and Guests.

Range for sale $1,400 KitchenAid 5-element electric convection range with steam rack. Model YKSEG700ESS. 604-905-0669 bbarnett@telius.net

We offer competitive wages and benefits: Travel allowance for Squamish/Pemberton-based employees OR Ski Pass/Activity allowance, Extended Medical, RRSP match, Fun & Safe Work Environment-Great Team, opportunities to grow and more.

Housekeeping Supervisor

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT

EMPLOYMENT

(**SIGNING BONUS** $1000 FT) $24.50 per hour

COMMERCIAL

CLASSIFIEDS.SQUAMISHCHIEF.COM CRAFT FAIRS/BAZAARS CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Owner Relations Manager

INDUSTRIAL/COMMERCIAL SHOP SPACE FOR LEASE AVAILABLE JANUARY #2-1575 Pemberton Ave. Downtown Squamish High exposure to Highway 99.

Approximately 1270 sq ft. floor mezzanine/office - high ceiling, bay door, parking

plus

Please contact us

by Email: office@west-barr.com or

by Phone: 604-892-9390 for more information.

Dental Reception/ Administration Position available: previous dental/medical reception experience preferred.

Please send resume to info@atwelldental.com

(Full-Time, Year-Round) Annual Salary $55,000

Guest Service Agent (Full-Time, Year-Round) $23.25 per hour

Apply online today! https://www.vacasa.com/careers/positions or email: paul.globisch@vacasa.com or call to find out more details at 604-698-0520 We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

squamishchief.com

16 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 18

BUY

RENT

WORK

FIX

DRIVE

SHOP

EMPLOYMENT

Structural Steel Project Manager Squamish Based Ironworker

squamishchief.com

Currently Hiring:

CLASSIFIEDS.SQUAMISHCHIEF.COM

We’re Hiring!

CLASSIFIEDS.SQUAMISHCHIEF.COM

Certified Heavy Duty Mechanic, Certified Commercial Truck Mechanic, 3rd or 4th year Heavy Duty Apprentice $40-$50 per hr. depending on experience and extended benefits after 3 months

Must have a valid BC driver’s license.

Send resume to kelly@kjcltd.ca or call 604-892-7874 These are rewarding career opportunities in the structural steel industry.

Both positions are integral members of the project team.

PM is responsible for all stages of structural projects of varying size and complexity.

Ironworker will assist senior installer and crews on various Squamish sites.

Full-time permanent positions, competitive wage & benefits package.

Send Application to - info@wwswelding.ca

WE ARE HIRING! CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT ($30-35) RECEPTIONIST ($22-27) • Full time or Part time • Employee Benefits • No weekends or evenings • Locally owned and operated family practice • "Best Dental Office 2023 as voted by readers of Pique Newsmagazine" Please send your resume and a little about yourself to: managercreeksidedentalwhistler@gmail.com.

YOUR TOWN. YOUR NEWS.

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND SNOW SERVICES BUILDING AN EXCELLENT COMPANY, PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS, AND RESULTS

PROFESSIONALISM

RELIABLE AND HONEST

PROBLEM SOLVERS

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

STRONG WORK ETHIC

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES HYDROVAC OPERATOR, Squamish - Valid Class 1 or Class 3 with air brakes required. Manual transmission. 2 years experience preferred. $32-$37 per hour.

SNOWPLOW OPERATOR, Whistler - Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence required. Must be available from November 15 through March 31. Prior work experience an asset but all those with a willingness to work hard and learn are welcome to apply; on-the-job training is provided. $28-$33 per hour.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, Squamish - Minimum 5 years or 5,000 hours operating experience on excavator. Full-time, Monday – Friday. $33-$42 per hour.

HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC, Whistler – Red Seal Certified, Commercial Truck & Transport, Transport Trailer required. CVSE Inspector’s ticket, Air Conditioning ticket, Class 1 or 3 with air brakes, and several years’ experience preferred. $37.70-$39.80 per hour.

NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY OFFICER – NCSO® Designation and commitment to building on existing OHS program with team required. We are COR® Certified. $32-$35 per hour.

Y APPL

coastalmountain.ca/careers instagram.com/coastalmountainexcavations

TAKE A BREAK

squamishchief.com

CROSSWORD

SUDOKU

ACROSS 1. Outs’ opposites 4. Pimples 8. Wharf rodents 12. Connecting link 13. ____-a-lug 14. Bouncing sound 15. Cutting drastically 17. Was untruthful 18. Stitched edge 19. Keats wrote them 20. Obedient 23. Winter jacket 27. Be 29. Blame 33. Chicago trains 34. Highway 36. Court romantically 37. Downfall 39. Arouses 41. Favorable votes 43. Pale 44. Record 47. “____ About You?”

49.

50.

55.

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60.

THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024 | 19

Object of worship Afghans Healing plant Uncommon Comedian Costello “____ Twist Again” Current measures, shortly Soft toss

DOWN 1. Part of TGIF 2. Naught 3. Caribbean or Caspian 4. Need a massage 5. Ape 6. Sort of sister 7. Hen’s creation 8. Fill again 9. Amino ____ 10. Biblical pronoun 11. Puts down grass 16. “____ So Cold” 20. Prepared a golf ball

21.

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35.

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Car part Unmarried girl Extremely serious Disintegrate Understood Ancestry chart Fleecy females Nocturnal insect Overly curious Switch positions Rides a bike Bird of prey Pointy Knob Lazy Dirt Wallet stuffers Bathing-suit top Getaway Plumbing joint Furthermore Hero sandwich

March 21-April 19

LIBRA

If you’re still unsure about your career path, you’ll finally have a revelation that will guide you in the right direction.

Someone close to you will need your support, requiring some form of mutual aid on your part.

Sept. 23-Oct. 22

TAURUS April 20-May 20

May 21-June 20

June 21-July 22

Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Nov. 22-Dec. 21

You didn’t get a chance to get together with all your loved ones over the holidays, but now’s your chance! You’ll perform remarkably well at work and home. No matter how hard you try, some people will be difficult to please.

CANCER

CAPRICORN

You’ll feel the need to go on holiday and won’t hesitate to go solo or with your partner to an exotic location or charming chalet with a roaring fire. You’ll be delighted to reignite your social life.

You’re craving conversation. Whether telling stories about your family or the holidays, words will flow easily. At work, your remarkable sociability will enable you to make fruitful transactions.

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

AQUARIUS

Nothing is more important than your health. Your doctor will finally identify the source of your discomfort and suggest an appropriate treatment, enabling you to recover quickly. Have faith in their expertise.

A bit more refinement is needed. You’ll receive an unexpected promotion. However, you’ll feel stressed, fatigued and confused at times.

Jan. 20-Feb. 18

PISCES

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

You’ll receive congratulations for various reasons. You could be admired after a brilliant success. You’ll have plenty to be proud of. With this assurance, you can undertake any project.

SAGITTARIUS

In response to professional changes, you’ll need to utilize your unique skills to achieve exceptional results. At home, you’ll coordinate a major cleanup with your entire family.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

Paperwork, emails and calls are piling up. You’ll double down to make up for lost time. You’ll work hard to maintain a clean and tidy home.

SCORPIO

The holidays are over, and it’s time to get back to routine.

You’ll manage to maintain a dynamic social life, even if it’s just on social media. You must also get some rest.

GEMINI

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.

SCRIBBLE BOX

HOROSCOPE WEEK OF JANUARY 11, 2024 - JANUARY 17, 2024 ARIES

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.

LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:

At work or in other aspects of your life, you’ll have to negotiate or mediate. You’ll find solutions to overcome every obstacle, from employee disputes to unhappy customers.

Feb. 19-March 20

You’ll be on the move and attract a lot of attention. People will likely notice you for various reasons. You’ll be creative or appreciate some form of art, if only for the sake of contemplation.

The Parish of

YOUR PLACE OF

St. John , the Divine Squamish

Holy Communion and Morning Worship

Sundays at 10:00 AM Rev. Cameron Gutjahr

1930 Diamond Road 604-898-5100 www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca info@squamishanglicanchurch.ca

Exalting Jesus, Equipping His Followers, Engaging the World

Worship Service Sundays 10am on our website and Facebook Live

Coram Deo

Reformed Presbyterian Church

2262 Read Cres.

604-898-3737

2:00 Lord’s Day Worship Service Held at Centrepoint (United Church) 38014 Fourth Ave

www.squamishbaptistchurch.org

Coramdeorpc.org

See Website for Service times and location

Share your PLACE OF WORSHIP with Squamish for $10.25/week - Call today to book your spot 604.892.9161

200 | THURSDAY, JANUARY 11, 2024

squamishchief.com

™

5

99

Chıcken Breast Fresh, Boneless, Skinless, 13.21/kg

lb

Bean Around The World Coffee

10

ea

100g

Selected Varieties

Whıstler Chocolate Bar Selected Varities, 80g

Selected Varities, 340g

99

1

99

Hummus

6

Maplehurst Large Organıc Free Range Eggs 1DZ

99 ea

3

99 ea

genestra

PRESCRIPTIONS WHILE YOU SHOP 8am to 6pm, 7 days a week, 604.892.0226

See all of our flyer offers online. nestersmarket.com

Dioscorea cream is a vegan topical herbal medicine which supplies a pure source of wild yam extract which has been shown to stimulate progesterone production and thereby assisting with hormone balance from puberty to menopause. Nesters’ also stocks other Genestra supplements to support your health.

Nesters Market Squamish 710 1200 Hunter Place, 604.815.0733 Prices effective at Squamish Nesters from Thursday, Jan 11 to Jan 17, 2023. We reserve the right to limit quantities.

Sale limited to stock on hand. Some items subject to tax, plus deposit, recycling fee where applicable.