May 30, 2024 - Squamish Chief

LOCALHEROCELEBRATE

THURSDAY,MAY 30,2024

SP’AKW’US FEATHERPARK OPENS

Hundreds came outtosee thenew park on theshores of Howe Sound

ANDREW HUGHES ahughes@squamishchief.com

Aceremony earlySaturdaymorning marked theofficialopening of Sp’akw’us FeatherParkand then hundreds showed up in theafternoon

In themorning on May25, over 100invited attendeespackedthe Presentation Centre down atOceanfrontSquamishtocelebrate the openingofthe oceansidepark. Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (SquamishNation) hereditary Chief Dale Harrystarted theceremonythathonoured many communitymembers whocontributed to thenewestamenity.

Harrywas especially complimentaryofthe developerMatthewsWest.

“Theylistenedand they heardthe Squamish Nation,” he said.“You’ll seethatreflected in the park.”

Earlymorning risers couldbeseenperusing thenew amenitywhich hasa playground,two beaches, lawn areas, localart,and more.And by theofficial2p.m.opening,hundredsofpeople were at theparkfromfamiliestowindsports athletes to slackliners.

In anewsrelease leadinguptothe opening, presidentofMatthewsWest, John Matthews,

Learn about aSquamishman whosav asenior from his burning home

Catch Squamish SARmembers in aTVdocu-series

said there is still some work to be donebut they couldn’t wait anylongertoopenthe park.

“While we stillhavesomeworktofinalizeon thepark,we didn’t want to wait anylongerto share this spacewithour community. Squamish hasbeenanoceanfronttownwithout access to the waterfor toolong,”hesaid.

Additionally,inthe release, Nation spokesperson andcouncillor,SxwixwtnWilson Williams,highlighted theworkthatNation

children andyouth addedtothe park.

“I’m particularly proudofthe work of our Squamish ménmen(children)indesigning the playground basedonanimportant Squamish oral history—this importantpiece of cultural recognitionwillremindeveryonewho visits that they areonSquamishland,”hesaid.

Theplaygroundhas QR codesthatwill play audiorecordingsoflocal children andyouth from St’a7mes Elementary,who shareNation

storiesand culturefromthe surroundingland. Additional signagewithNationculture and language is installedthroughoutthe park as well.

TheDistrictofSquamishwill officially take over maintenanceofthe park,thoughMatthews West will maintain some permitting requirementsfor afew years.

TheDistricthasbudgeted$1.2million for lighting,signage,contributiontothe playground, furnishings, sodlawnand wi-ficonduit

PHOTOBYBRIAN AIKENS People checkout thenew park on openingday,Saturday.

PAGE 5

NEWS BRIEF

PLANECRASH DEATHS

Police have confirmed that thetwo people on board aplane that went down near Squamish on May24bothdiedinthe crash.

RCMP Sgt. JamesGilmour,Pemberton operationscommander withthe RCMP,told The Squamish ChiefonSaturdaythatthe families of thedeceasedhad been notified andthe bodies have been recovered and extracted from thesite.

Insp.RobertDykstra,officer in charge of theSea to SkyRCMPsaidearlierthatday that Squamish RCMP were alertedbyacrash notification near 6p.m.onFriday, May24.

“Yesterday,atapproximately 5:47 p.m.,the S2S RCMP Squamish detachment received a smartphone automaticcrash notification registered to aresidentofthe SeatoSky,” said Dykstra, on Saturday

“Infollowing up,geolocation of thephone indicateda remote location between EllesmereCreek andPotlatchCreek across theinlet from FurryCreek.Thisareawas not

immediatelyaccessibleby emergency services duetoweather conditions and terrainrequiring access only by helicopter.”

Dykstrasaidthe initialinvestigation indicatesthe notification came from thepilot of asmall plane, whichwas carrying two people in total.

TheRCMPisworking with the Transportation Safety Board(TSB) andthe BC Coroners Servicetodetermine thecause of this incident,according to aMay 26th news releasefromthe Mounties.

TheTSB is afederal independentagency that investigates seriousincidents that occur with theair,marine, pipeline andrailmodes of transportation.The resultingreports can take months or yearstobecompletedand released to thepublic.

“The RCMP wouldliketothank Squamish Search andRescue,Blackcomb Helicopters andseveral membersofthe public whowere integral in locating andaccessing thesiteof thecrash,” readsthe RCMP’s May26release

TheBritannia Mine Museum is hostingthe 2024BC Provincial Mine RescueandFirst AidCompetition on

JUNE

7th and8th,2024

Organized by Ministry of Energy,Mines andLow Carbon Innovation, this 66th annualevent highlightsBC's mining safety andrescue practices Mine rescueteams from across theprovincewill showcase their emergencyresponseskills

PHOTOBYAAFREEN ARORA

THOMAS IS IN TOWN!: Thomas theTankEnginechugged throughtownonthe weekend. He will be back at theRailway Museum of BritishColumbiaJune1and 2.

WHISTLER’S JEN FORD CONFIRMED AS NDP CANDIDATE FOR WEST VANCOUVER-SEA TO SKY

Provincial election to take place on or before Oct. 19

SCOTT TIBBALLS

stibballs@piquenewsmagazine.com

It’s official: Whistler’s Jen Ford will serve as the NDP candidate for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in the upcoming provincial election.

Ford, who has served as a councillor with the Resort Municipality of Whistler since 2014, threw her hat into the ring for the NDP nomination back in March, and two months later she has been acclaimed with no challengers rising to compete for the role in a riding that has traditionally not had a strong NDP presence.

Her official campaign launch kicked off in Whistler Village on May 21, with supporters gathering at the Raven Room in Whistler for her formal acclamation.

Local riding association president Craig Keating touted Ford’s long resumé in leadership positions in the warm-up for the modest crowd of friends and supporters, pointing to her “great and unparalleled record in leadership” across local government and interfacing with provincial government.

Ford gave a brief stump speech, acknowledging the work ahead towards the provincial election.

“I know that all of you and everybody in this corridor, we can take this riding to Victoria in October,” she said. “And I am ready to work, ready to listen, and I know that everybody here will have a part of this work ahead.”

Ford drew on her experience as a councillor since 2014, and the issues she has focused on over that time, listing child-care, health-care,

housing, affordability and transportation

Child care came up again quickly in her brief speech, recounting her belief in the previous government of John Horgan, and the current government’s progress.

“I believe this government of David Eby has really committed to child care in the corridor and across the province,” she said.

Housing—which Ford has been dealing with directly as a municipal politician—is another area she said the government is making the right moves on

“We have seen over and over that they are not afraid to make hard decisions,” she said “The

recent slate of housing legislation has delivered very important goals, and I believe we can get there, and we need to continue to work forward on that legislation, and all of these different policy issues that really affect the people that we live with, that we know, and that affect the well-being of our whole community.”

After the event, Ford said it was a privilege to stand up to represent the NDP in the riding and that the reception was good.

“It has been really supportive talking to people all over, in Pemberton, Whistler and Squamish—across the region It’s been nothing but wonderful,” she said “I have been

challenged by people and I will continue to be challenged by people on where the sticking points are and how we can turn people who would not support NDP, and will now consider supporting the NDP.

“It’s a great chance for us to change minds and hear from people who are passionate about this work.”

Ford enters a relatively vacant field considering the recent competitiveness of the riding: West Vancouver-Sea to Sky has long been held by the anti-NDP party of the day, and in the 2020 election the BC Green Party candidate came within a whisker of securing it as the first riding on the mainland to go to the environmentalist party.

The same candidate from 2020—Jeremy Valeriote—was also the first candidate out of the gate for this election Valeriote was announced as the Green candidate in April 2023, giving him a year and change worth of a head start over Ford, who can only now hit the campaign trail in any official capacity now she has the nod from the provincial NDP.

No candidate has been named for the incumbent party. Current MLA Jordan Sturdy of BC United announced earlier this year he would retire as of the election, and despite party leader Kevin Falcon saying the riding would have a BC United candidate within 45 days of a March 7 interview, as of May 21 (75 days later), no candidate has been announced. Likewise, the resurgent BC Conservative Party is yet to announce a local candidate. Ford made no mention of any of the other parties at the campaign launch, sticking to hear earlier assertion that she is focused on the issues and not the opposition

The provincial election will be held on or before Oct. 19 this year

FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT TIBBALLS/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Graham Laschuk

COUNCIL RUBBER-STAMPS NEW HOUSING REQUIREMENTS

Council approves three readings for new zone allowing multiple dwelling residential units; adopts fewer parking requirements for numerous housing forms

ANDREW HUGHES

ahughes@squamishchief.com

The District of Squamish is one step closer to completely aligning itself with the new provincial policy for housing.

At the May 21 regular business meeting, Squamish council unanimously approved the first three readings for an amendment to zoning that will create a new residential zone called R-1 that will replace many current residential zones across town. Areas with high flood or debris flow hazards, such as the future Cheekye neighbourhood development, are not yet subject to the changes but may have zoning alterations in the future. These changes will align the District with the province’s Bill 44 in terms of small-scale, multi-unit housing. These changes need to be made by June 30

The new zone will allow what the District is calling multiple-dwelling residential (MDR). An MDR is three or more attached dwelling units The zone would also allow single and

two-unit residences The maximum height for a single or two-unit residence remains unchanged at nine metres, and an MDR can be either three storeys or 11 metres, whichever is smaller.

Accessory dwelling units (ADUs), commonly called coach houses, will have reduced setbacks and increased height up to eight metres A new change from the last time the council discussed this amendment is that ADUs can be up to 90 square metres in size, and properties may now have more than one, though, in total, they cannot exceed 90 square metres in size.

Outside of the new R-1 zone, there will be relaxations on housing in comprehensive development (CD) and rural residential (RL) zones, now allowing two-unit residences if the area already could have a single unit, is serviced by muni water and sanitary services, and is not on agricultural land reserve.

OFF-STREET PARKING CHANGES

Reductions in off-street parking are also coming to some forms of housing, as council unanimously approved three readings and adopted a bylaw to reduce parking require-

ApplyToday!

RENDERINGS FROM DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH

Top: Fourplex MDR and ADU on a typical Garibaldi Highlands lot. Parking in shared driveway Bottom: Triplex in blue and secondary suites in brown on a Dentville or downtown Squamish lot with three parking spaces

ments at the same meeting.

With the adoption, there will no longer be off-street parking requirements for secondary suites, ADUs and multi-unit flex units. The staff report to council says doing so is a way to “incentivize infill rental housing” and is also recommended by the province

The District will maintain a minimum of one parking space per dwelling unit within an MDR, meaning that a fourplex would require four parking spots. This move actually goes against provincial recommendations that suggested a maximum of one parking stall per unit, but the District opted for a more conservative approach.

Finally, the District will eliminate the requirement for one parking stall per dwelling

unit for affordable housing projects

“This is intended to further incentivize the development of affordable rental housing given the high costs of construction,” municipal planner Bryan Daly told council.

The report further states that there is a “growing consensus among housing advocates that minimum parking standards are a significant barrier to housing supply.”

Daly said the District had yet to receive an application taking advantage of affordable housing density relaxations, which was approved in November 2023, so the District opted for further design flexibility.

More information about these changes can be viewed from the District’s report on council’s May 21 agenda.

LOCAL HERO GETS NATIONAL RECOGNITION

Chris Evans broke down a door to lead a resident to safety last month

SCOTT TIBBALLS stibballs@piquenewsmagazine.com

ASquamish carpenter has received national recognition after being named in the House of Commons in Ottawa by our local MP for his efforts to successfully save an elderly resident from a house fire last month.

Chris Evans told his story in an interview with The Squamish Chief, recounting how his morning commute to work took him past the scene of a fully engulfed home on Government Road on April 10, and how he broke down the door to try to find anyone inside: And all without any formal emergency services training.

“I drove by the house first and saw smoke

and thought to myself the guy should clean his chimney, and as I drove by I saw smoke coming out of the other side of his house. I kept driving for a second but it didn’t feel right, so I reversed back down the road, and when I pulled in the driveway and saw the house again, it was fully engulfed,” he said

“I parked my truck a little bit away from the house because I didn’t know if it was going to explode or not, and I ran up to it shouting ‘fire, fire, get out of your house’ because there was an old car in the driveway, and I just pictured an old couple laying in bed. I went up and tried the door, but it wasn’t open I looked in the window and saw tons of smoke, and I realized I had to do something and kicked in the door.”

It was a task that was surprisingly easy.

“I kicked it once and my foot went through it and all the smoke came billowing out.

SHOW ME THE MONEY: DOS LOOKS TO BORROW MONEY FOR PROJECTS

Council unanimously approved three readings of several bylaws, allowing DOS seek residents’ approval to borrow money for local infrastructure projects

ANDREW HUGHES ahughes@squamishchief.com

If everything goes according to plan, the District of Squamish will take out some loans to put toward work in the community.

On May 21, Squamish council unanimously approved three readings of numerous bylaws that would allow the District to borrow money for local infrastructure projects. With the approval, the District now must go through an electoral approval process prior to adoption, which will either be a referendum or, as staff recommended, an alternative approval process (APP)

Some of the projects involved include the

expansion of the cemetery, adding the sea dike to Xwu’nekw Park, installing a drainage pump at Whittaker Slough, and bridge resurfacing at Mamquam Bridge

In total, the District is taking on about $27.5 million in borrowing, with the majority going towards the Wastewater Treatment Plant Headworks building replacement project at about $12 million. That project would add an annual cost of about $86.20 each to property owners, as it is funded through wastewater utility fees.

Meanwhile, by combining the other projects, residential property owners can expect to pay an annual increase of about $5.94 per $100,000 assessed value.

An average detached home based on the 2024 BC Assessment in Squamish was $1.475 million, which would equate to about an increase of

$87.62 over a year From the same assessment, an average strata home lands at approximately $830,000, equating to an increase of $49.30 over a year

Owners of businesses will owe a little more annually at $14.90 per $100,000 assessed value.

The director of financial operations for the District, Reann Sousa, noted to council that this borrowing keeps the District below its self-imposed 20% of revenue limit, only reaching 15.7%.

Council also unanimously approved repealing some loan authorization bylaws as the funding sources had changed for them.

These bylaws will be forwarded to the Inspector of Municipalities for approval first before going ahead with the electoral approval process.

View the projects and implications in full on the May 21 council agenda at squamish.ca.

FILE PHOTO BY ANDREW HUGHES/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

One of the projects involves the Mount Garibaldi Cemetery, which is municipally operated

FILE PHOTO BY ANDREW HUGHES/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

The scene on the day of the fire that destroyed Armand Constantin’s home

HERO: Continued on 7

SQUAMISH SAR: SEE THE ULTIMATE TEAM OF VOLUNTEERS BEHIND THE SCENES

Get an inside look at the dedication and challenges faced by the local team in a featured episode of ‘Search and Rescue: North Shore’

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

If you have lived in Squamish for any length of time or have even visited, you may think that you know what Squamish Search and Rescue members do

After all, Squamish SAR are well known in the Sea to Sky Corridor as one of the busiest rescue organizations in the province.

Locals often read headlines about their latest calls to retrieve injured mountain bikers, climbers, stuck hikers, paragliders and others

But you don’t know Squamish SAR like they are shown on the upcoming second episode of the new season of Search and Rescue: North Shore.

The entire second episode of the second season, airing June 4, on Knowledge Network is dedicated to our local rescuers.

In it, you see the co-ordination, professionalism and efficiency of the organization’s members.

Sue Nicholson, a retired nurse, is one of Squamish SAR’s volunteers featured in the episode.

She also serves on the organization’s board.

The footage shows her to be a devoted, skilled and invaluable member, as well as a dedicated mountain bike-riding grandma.

“I would hope that [viewers] would get the behind-the-scenes view of what goes on with North Shore and with Squamish [SAR] to see what our common [calls] are, and the uncommon ones, so they can understand what goes on,” she said, adding that seeing what can go wrong while adventuring may prevent similar incidents.

“Hopefully, we can save some lives and prevent some of these things from happening in the future. But also [show] the impacts these rescues have on family, friends and volunteers to mitigate some of that as well.”

The calls and their outcomes clearly take a toll on the volunteers, especially in a close-knit community like Squamish, where those being rescued can be strangers, neighbours, friends, acquaintances or colleagues

Nicholson noted that in 2023, Squamish SAR answered 126 calls, which was slightly less than in some previous years, but three more than in 2022.

The team currently has 80 volunteers, the most it has ever had, but there has also been turnover as members moved out of the district.

The sometimes edge-of-your-seat dramatic footage in the episode was shot two summers ago

Asked how she felt seeing herself on screen when the team got to preview the episode, Nicholson said it was “odd,” but she felt

humbled and honoured to be in the show

In terms of doing the work of rescuing injured adventurers with cameras filming, she said it didn’t faze her.

“It was a scramble always coming out the door to get a camera on our helmets and a mic down our shirts. But you know, we’re kind of hardwired to just respond to the task and not be distracted by anything that’s going on around us,” she said, noting that the film crew were talented and respectful throughout

“Our team just kept going, and they kind of danced around us You know, it felt like business as usual, honestly.”

TOGETHER IS BETTER

Without giving away any spoilers from the episode, the show also highlights the strong relationship the various other first responder agencies have with SAR, from the RCMP, to Squamish Fire Rescue, the BC Ambulance Service, and their sister rescue agencies, such as North Shore Rescue

“We work closely, and we respect them and enjoy the opportunity to work together,” Nicholson said

The episode also showcases the incredible landscapes and technically challenging

areas of the corridor that the team is called to.

It takes an incredible amount of training, equipment, resources and finances to perform some of the rescues Squamish SAR is called to, Nicholson said.

The series is directed and produced by Silvapark Films’ Grant Baldwin and Jenny Rustemeyer.

“The complicated retrievals the teams are performing are incredible to see, and we wanted to document more of the process for how these are done—ultimately giving the audience a real sense of what is involved with the rescues they see on the news,” said Baldwin, in a news release. “Modern-day innovative technology, equipment and teamwork with other first responder organizations are helping both [North Shore Rescue] and Squamish SAR save lives, and we’re proud to continue to highlight these inspiring stories for Season 2.”

The season will air on Knowledge Network on Tuesdays until June 25 at 8 p.m. It will also be available to stream for free across Canada at www.knowledge.ca/searchandrescue and on the Knowledge Network app.

THE BIG DEFENDER REVEAL

Nicholson said the Land Rover Defender 130, which the team won in the Search, Rescue and Emergency Services category of the 2023 Defender Service Awards in the fall, has been decked out and picked up by the local team. There will be a community celebration of the arrival. Stay tuned to the team’s Facebook and Instagram for details.

HOW TO SUPPORT SQUAMISH SAR

Squamish SAR is an entirely volunteer-run organization that depends on donations from the government, corporations and individuals.

In addition to collecting donations for their continued operations, Nicholson said that Squamish SAR has to leave their current home base near Brennan Park Recreation Centre when its lease expires, so will be moving in April 2026

“We have an opportunity for some land, but we don’t have a building So it’s a millions-of-dollars capital project,” she said

Support the team by donating on the organization’s website.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SILVAPARK FILMS.

Squamish SAR members in action in ‘Search and Rescue: North Shore.’

HERO: Continued from 5

I regained my composure and then kicked the handle and booted it in. The door just shattered; it was an older door.”

Once inside, he said the kitchen was “glowing orange,” and his shouts must have alerted the resident—90-year-old Armand Constantin—who had been sleeping on the second floor.

“I put my back to the wall and started making my way up to the voice that I heard, and it was Armand who was halfway down the staircase. He said he had heard screaming and yelling and bashing so that got him out of bed.”

Evans took hold of Constantin’s wrist and led him out of the burning home to safety thankfully unharmed.

“It just worked out so well that Armand was already up and making his way down the stairs and we bumped into each other, and then I just guided him out the rest of the way.”

“He was fine, we were both just wide-eyed.”

“I asked him over and over if there was anyone else in the house because he was in a bit of shock, because I thought there could have been someone else in there and he said no one was. I was happy because it meant I didn’t have to go back in.”

Evans said that Constantin was well enough that they could sit and chat while the Squamish Fire Rescue responded and did their part.

“We had a good 40 minutes to sit and chat

Armand almost certainly would have died if not for Chris’s selfless bravery.

MP PATRICK WEILER

and watch his house burn, so we had a lot to chat about,” said Evans.

“He was very nice and kind, a sweet old fellow and I feel so bad that he’s lost his home at this age.”

Constantin is now settled into his new home at Hilltop House.

He said he is “doing real fine,” now and credits Evans with saving his life that day.

It was a funny way for the pair to meet, he said, stressing he wanted to thank Evans again.

“He made a good effort,” he said “It turned out very well.”

About losing his home, Constantin was pragmatic in his response

“Well, things like that happen You can’t do nothing about it.”

The story of the rescue was told by West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP, Patrick Weiler in the House of Commons on May 22, with Weiler describing Evans’ efforts as heroic.

“Armand almost certainly would have died if not for Chris’s selfless bravery,” said Weiler.

Evans said the recognition was an honour, and his actions had come as instinct.

“You hear about this stuff and you think ‘oh my god that was so crazy,’ but actually having gone and done it now, it’s not that crazy. It just happens.

“You just go with your instincts, and next thing you know you’re sitting in your truck and it’s all over.”

DARTS & DAFFODILS

A FOREST FULL OF DAFFODILS to Sherry for organizing Darlene and Larry’s (her mom and dad) 60th wedding anniversary party. We loved being included in their wonderful celebration.

With thanks, hugs and kisses

~From the FS retiree oldtimers

GARDEN BEDS FULL OF DAFFODILS to Rona and Home Depot who kindly donated beautiful annuals and perennials to enhance the flowerbeds in Hilltop House’s courtyard and entranceway. Also a big thank you to our volunteers that helped to plant them.

The scope of the fire on April 10 was intense: Squamish Fire Rescue said to The Squamish Chief in a statement on the day that it required four fire apparatus and five support vehicles on scene with a crew of 20 fire fighters and two chief officers.

The origin and cause of the fire is under investigation.

~With a file from Jennifer Thuncher/The Squamish Chief

BUSHELS OF DAFFODILS to Rona of Squamish for their donation of patio tiles and plywood to help us construct a sturdy foundation for our new garden shed at Hilltop House. It looks fabulous

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.

ONNOWUNTIL September 2nd 2024

Delve deep into theevolutionof safetypractices that have shaped the mining industry.

From theperilous earlydaysofminingtothe cutting-edge innovations of today andbeyond, this temporaryexhibitilluminates thepursuit of safety beneaththe earth'ssurface and its profound impact on miners' lives andthe industry at large.

BritanniaMineMuseum gratefully acknowledges their communitysponsors:

DISTRICTOFSQUAMISH

LET’S TALK

Community Priorities

We’reseeking earlyinputintothe District of Squamish 2025-2029 Financial Plan to better understand whatmatters most to you.

Fill out our survey and join Council andstaff at one of three upcomingpop-ups:

•Saturday, June 1:10a.m. -2p.m. at the Garibaldi Village Neighbourhood Nook

•Saturday, June 8:10a.m. -2p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre

•Saturday, June 15:10a.m. -2 p.m. at Stan Clarke Park

LetsTalkSquamish.ca

WHAT’SHAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE

Leadership camps | 10-13yrs

HOUSE

Squamish Housing Action Plan Updatingthe Official Community Plan OPEN

Local developers,builders,general contractors,architects,and residential designers areinvited to an in-person open house on Wednesday, June 5from4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Howe Sound Inn&Brewing(Garibaldi Room) to learnmoreand providefeedback on howthe District isproposing to streamline the developmentpermitprocess forbetter housing deliveryin Squamish. Changeswill include:

• Deleting redundantdevelopmentpermit guidelines.

• Making developmentpermit guidelines morelocation appropriate.

•Adding clarity to theintentofexistingguidelines

•Adding new guidelines where thereisanidentified policygap

• Amending the ZoningBylawand DevelopmentApplication Checklisttoinclude regulations andinformation requirements mentioned above.

Staff will be available to answer questions in advance of Council consideration of these bylawchanges.Refreshments will be provided!

NOTICE OF ASSISTANCE DIRTWIZARDS JUMP PARK ASSOCIATION

Flower Bouquet Workshop

Kickstart your child’s summer learning with thiscertification course! Participants will gain leadership skills in afun, safe environmentwhile taking part in creative activities, games and havethe chancetopractice their problem-solving skills by handlingreal lifesituations

Successful participantswill become certified in the Babysitter TrainingCourse.

June 26, 11 a.m. –12:30 p.m.

Professionalflorist Bernadette will lead students in creating their ownfresh seasonal flowerbouquet to take home. Students must supply their ownvase.

Registration closes oneweek prior to workshop to allow forthe rightnumbers of fresh flowers to be pre-ordered

for detailsand registration visit: squamish.ca/rec

PursuanttoSection 24 of the CommunityCharter, the DistrictofSquamish herebygives noticeofits intention to grantassistance to the DirtWizardsJump ParkAssociation by allowing use of aportion of land at 37890 Clarke Driveand the adjacentparcel, with a legal descriptionofPID: 008-908-303, LotB,Except Part in Plan 17066, Secondly Part DedicatedRoad on Plan BCP30210, DistrictLots 4266 &4267 Plan 12335, and PID 011-459-760, Block E, Except portions in: (1) Plan 13853 (2) Plan LMP39837; DistrictLot 912 Plan 4627, forfive years forone dollar per annum, forthe purposes of operating,maintaining and monitoring a jump park.

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

•Sewer CCTV Reporting &Rehabilitation ProgramRequest forProposals

•Landfill Engineering Support -Request for Proposals

squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district

DISTRICTOFSQUAMISH

TEMPORARY USE PERMIT RECONSIDERATION

Tuesday, June 4, 2024 at 6p.m.

TAKE NOTICE THAT the DistrictofSquamish,inaccordancewith District of Squamish ProcedureBylawNo. 2099, 2009, will reconsider their decision regarding the WLNG TemporaryUse Permit No.76atthe Regular Council Meeting scheduled for June 4, 2024, at 6p.m. in the Council Chambers at District of Squamish Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, BC.

Thepurpose of the Temporary UsePermit is to allowfor atemporaryfloating worker accommodation (Floatel) use on the property outlined in black on the Location Map, foraperiod of up to three years.The Floatelwill consist of 652 privaterooms with ensuitewashrooms,central cooking,dining,and recreation facilities

LOCATION MAP:

Please notethis meeting is notanopportunityfor public input.

Acopyofthe proposed TemporaryUse Permit and relatedinformation that has been considered by Council maybeinspected online or at Municipal Hall

•squamish.ca (Listed under “Upcoming Meetings”onthe home page.)

•37955 Second Avenue,Squamish,British Columbia, from May23to June 4, 2024,between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Mondaythrough Friday, excluding statutoryholidays

Questions relatedtothe TemporaryUse Permit canbedirectedtothe Planning Department: 604.815.5002.

NOTICE OF BYLAWREADINGS FOR ZONING AMENDMENT

DistrictofSquamish Zoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, Amendment Bylaw(1006 and 1018 McNamee Place) No.3031, 2024

AFFECTED LANDS: 1006 and 1018 McNamee Place, Squamish BC

PROPOSED BYLAWAMENDMENT: Thepurpose of the proposed Bylawisto rezone theparcels FROM Multiple Unit Residential 2(RM-2) and Residential 4(R-4) TO aComprehensiveDevelopment(CD)zone to develop afivestorey apartmentcomplexwith 150 squaremetres of neighbourhood commercial space.

BYLAWREADINGS: Council will consider first and second readings of the proposedBylawattheirRegular Council Meeting on June 4, 2024 at 6p.m. in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish BC.

LOCATIONMAP:

NO PUBLIC HEARING: In accordancewith the new Provincial housing legislation, Section 464(3) of the LocalGovernment Act,local governments arenow prohibited from holdingpublic hearingsrelatedtorezoning applications fordevelopments thatare primarily residential and areconsistentwith the local government’sOfficial Community Plan (OCP).This proposal meets those requirements

HOWTOVIEWTHE PROPOSED BYLAW

Acopyofthe proposed bylawand relatedinformation thathas been or may be considered by Council maybeinspectedonline or at MunicipalHall.

•Online at:squamish.ca/showcase

•37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, from May23toJune 4, 2024 between 8:30 a.m.and 4:30 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday, excluding statutoryholidays

Enquiries regarding the proposed amendmentbylawmay be made to the Planning Departmentat604.815.5002 or planning@squamish.ca.

This is the second of twonotices of bylawreadings.

Datedthis 30th dayofMay 2024 at Squamish, British Columbia.

WOODFIBRE

DISTRICTOFSQUAMISH

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE

WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

Persons who believe thattheir interest in property is affectedbythe proposed OCP and Zoning Bylaw amendments will have an opportunitytobeheardinperson and to provide written submissions.

In Person

PROPOSEDBYLAWS: DistrictofSquamish Official CommunityPlanBylaw No.2500, 2017, AmendmentBylaw (CheekeyeRiver Development) No.2615, 2018; and DistrictofSquamish Zoning BylawNo.2200, 2011, AmendmentBylaw (Cheekeye RiverDevelopment) No.2306, 2013

PROPOSED AMENDMENTS: To re-designate the lands identified in Figure1from“Civic and Institutional”, “RestrictedIndustrial”, “Residential Neighbourhood”and “Parks,GreenwayCorridor and Recreation”to“Residential Neighbourhood”and “Parks, GreenwayCorridor and Recreation”inorder to allowthe proposed CheekeyeRiver Development.

TheCheekeyeRiver Developmentproposes approximately 1215 residential units including small and medium lotsingle detached housing,townhomes,apartments,neighbourhood commercial establishment, as well as a parkdedication of the Brackendale Farmers Institutelands and RayPetersTrail

To extend the Growth ManagementBoundarycontained in Schedule “C”tothe OCP in order to include all of the proposed developmentarea.

To reduceDevelopmentPermit Area No.10(DPA10) Map contained in Schedule “M”tothe OCP to excludethe proposed developmentarea from Intensiveand Restricted Industrial DPA10designation.

To add apolicystatementtoPart3ofthe OCP recognizing the proposed development.

To rezone the lands identified in Figure2fromRS-1 (Residential 1) and RE (Resource) to Comprehensive DevelopmentZone 82 (CD-82), which will be comprised of Zone Parcels AtoH,inorder to permit the proposed CheekeyeRiver Development.

LOCATION: Thelands subjecttothe twoOfficial CommunityPlan and Zoning BylawAmendments abut the east side of GovernmentRoad and both sides of Ross Road

HOWTOVIEWTHE PROPOSED BYLAWS

A copy of the proposed Bylawand relatedinformation that has been or may be considered by Council maybeinspectedonline or at MunicipalHall

•squamish.ca (Listed under “UpcomingMeetings”on the homepage.)

•37955 Second Avenue,Squamish,British Columbia, from May30toJune 11, 2024 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday, excluding statutory holidays.

Questions? Contactthe PlanningDepartment: 604.815.5002

Allsubmissions will form partofthe public record.

Please notethatCouncil maynot receivefurther submissionsreceived from the public orinterestedparties concerning the Bylawdescribed above afterthe conclusion of the Public Hearing.

Thisisthe first of twonotices of Public Hearing.Dated this 30th dayofMay,2024 at Squamish, British Columbia.

In Writing

Youmay participate in personduring the public hearing at Brennan Park Recreation Centre (gymnasium), 1009 Centennial Way, Squamish, B.C.

ASpeakers List will be established.You may register to speak in advanceofthe public hearing by emailing phspeakerslist@squamish.ca or by calling 604.892.5217. Youcan also register in person on the dayofthe hearing,starting at 5:30 p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre (gymnasium entrance).

Everyone will be provided an opportunityto speak.Those not on the SpeakersList who wish to provide commentsatthe hearing will be provided an opportunitytospeak aftereveryone on the SpeakersList has addressed Council.

Speakers areprovided3minutes to make comments to Council regarding the bylaws being considered

*Please notethatdue to technical capacity considerations at this venue and in order to ensurea fair and undisrupted hearing, electronic and phone-in participation will not be available.

If youare unabletoattendthe public hearing,ordonot wish to speak at the hearing,you can still participate by submitting your written comments to hearing@squamish.ca,orbydropping them off at Municipal Hall before4:30 p.m. on June 11, 2024 to the attention of the CorporateOfficer

Written submissions will be accepted up to and during the hearing and will form partofthe public record. Anysubmissions received afterthe close of the hearing cannot be considered by Council.

Watchthe meeting withoutspeaking: If youdonot wish toparticipate but would liketowatch the public hearing, youcan do so by watching the meeting at squamish.ca/live-meetings.

NEW DOC SPOTLIGHTS INDIGENOUS FORESTRY WORKERS

Explore the evolution of sustainable forestry practices through the lives of Indigenous families deeply rooted in the industry, as showcased in the documentary ‘Stewards of the Forest’

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

“My dad was a boom man, my brother was a boom man, my uncle George was a boom man,” says Squamimsh’s Tom Harry, in the new Indigenous Resource Network documentary, “Stewards of the Forest: Indigenous Leadership in Forestry.”

A “boom man” is a skilled worker who walks on the logs in the water and uses a pole to move them into a bundle

The 16-minute documentary, which is now available on YouTube, features many other locals who work in the forest industry, including Paul and Roger Lewis, Kayla Buckley, and Daniel Morckinson.

Each local talks about their deep connection to the forest industry and the land.

They also speak to the changes in the industry over time that have made it more environmentally sustainable.

“Things have become so much more environmentally friendly,” says Buckley, a log sort manager with Nch’kay Forestry, the economic development arm of the

Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

Those featured are part of families who have been in the industry for generations.

“My grandfather was a logger, my uncle was a logger, my father died as a logger,” Morckinson says, in the video. “All my uncles were loggers and, really, you are in a town that was pretty much 90% logging.”

The piece was shot in January and includes current and historical footage of people and

locations of logging in the region.

Indigenous Resource Network (IRN) executive director John Desjarlais told The Squamish Chief that the IRN was excited to showcase the local voices in the film and their “world-class relationship” with the resource industry.

“It’s inspiring to see, and I think it’s an important story to tell,” he said.

While the film provides some historical context for the role of Indigenous foresters in the

Sea to Sky Corridor, Desjarlais said it isn’t just about the past; it is about the vital contribution Indigenous foresters are making today and well into the future

“Indigenous people are owning development projects, owning development corporations and entities, and they’re participating progressively and actively along all the different sides of that different management—from ownership and authority and governance and supervision and management And, of course, still the entry-level side too. And so, it’s really exciting.”

According to IRN, 17 million hectares of Canadian forest are under Indigenous forestry management, and the Forest Products Association of Canada says that there are 1,400 Indigenous-owned forestry businesses that employ approximately 11,600 Indigenous workers

The second half of the two-part series digs deeper, Desjarlais said.

“Into the back end of some of the activities, and then focuses on some other communities and some other areas as well, too, in terms of the entire value chain. How Indigenous people are involved in the entire value chain in forestry.” See all the IRN videos on its YouTube channel.

Recreate responsibly:

•Beaware of wind,tides andmarine conditions

•Keep out of sensitivehabitats includingnewly planted shorelines.

•Staywithinyour abilitylevel and carry personal safetyequipment

•GoSlow! Watchfor wildlife,people at play and marine trafficonthe workingwaterfront.

•Keep your distancefrom marine mammals (400 metres fromOrcas).

TheOCEAN is CALLING

• Leavenotrace,andCLEANDRAIN DRYyour watercraft to prevent spread of aquatic invasive species.

•Use designated marine pump outfacilityatSquamishHarbour Authority (free)

•Dial*16 or#SARonyourcell phone forCoast Guardand Marine Rescue Volunteers.

•Viewcommunity marineaccess maps and facilitiesat squamish.ca/marine.

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REPORTER ANDREW HUGHES ahughes@ squamishchief.com

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TheSquamishChief is amemberof the National NewsmediaCouncil, whichisanindependent organization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour.Ifyou have concerns abouteditorial content, please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@squamishchief.com. If you arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information

Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior written consentofthe publisher.

EDITORIAL

NO GOINGBACK

Thoughnot yetfully complete,Squamish’s Sp’akw’usFeather Park hasdramatically spread oneofits wingswithits openingthis weekend.

It is hard to overstatewhatthisparksignifies for the town.

Thereare undoubtedlythose whochecked it out this weekendwho miss theunscriptedversion of the former industrial area,withits rough-andtumble appeal,but that versionofSquamish—and thewaterfront—is going, going, gone.

Even thenaysayers (and the‘Gosh,itistoo windydownhere!’folks)likelyhad to acknowledgethatitwas nice to walk down to thewater andsee parentsand tots do thesamewithout havingtowatch forrebar sticking outofthe ground or stareatcreosotepilings.

Many of us also likelyimaginedthe cool factor of bringingout-of-town friendsand family down to thenew pubonahot daytowatch thekite boarders do theirthing in Howe Sound.

Andthatnew stunning playground was certainlypackedall daywithsmiling parentsand kids,despite thewindand occasional rain showers.

TheinfluenceofSḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (SquamishNation) youthindesigning the playgroundisapowerfuladditiontothe newbest playgroundin town (the newone at SEAandSKY, across thechannel,isaclose second.)

After literaldecades—through the2004 purchase of theland by theDistrict, thecontentiousand dramatic “community visioning process,”and thesaletodeveloper Matthews West (asitisnow known) in 2016—itishardtodenythat Oceanfront Squamish hascreated abeautiful spot forlocalsand tourists alike.

Walkingalong thenow pavedpathalong the water, with itsuniquepublicart,pastthe Harbour Airdock, it is also hard to deny that thereisno goingbacktothe quietand affordablelittlemill town we used to be.

Squamish is adestinationwhere folkswanttobe andbeseen.

Soon,there will be awhole newcommunity on the24 hectares (59.1acres)ofoceanfrontland, (and 18 hectaresofwater lots), with 7,000 new residents.

Thetransition—some wouldsay gentrification comeswithplentyofpain, particularly in termsof housingpricesand pressure on ourfavourite outdoorspots andresources,but it also comes with plenty of perks, like aplayground rightonthe water, andaccessibletrailsand beaches.

As locals explorethisnew,shiny waterfront “room” of ourcollective“house,”manyofuswill weighall that we have gained againstwhatitall costs us,figuratively andliterally.

Whatever we individually decide,one thingisfor sure,collectively, there’snogoing back.

SEEYOU LATER, SQUAMISH

Bythe time some of youreadthis, my desk will already be cleared, my to-dolistchecked,and my computer wiped. My last dayatThe Squamish Chiefwill be May31.

Therearen’ttoo many jobs in theworld whereyou get to tell aswath of strangers(andsomefamiliar faces) whyyou’releaving,thoughIsuppose Icould justsolve thatwitha post to Facebook

Theanswerofwhy is always more complicated than mywordcount will allow—as is thecase with many storiesIfollowedthroughoutmytimehere. Perhaps, it was more amatterofwhen.

I’ve always been someonewho gets lost in existential questionsand whoalwayshas more questions than answers(likely whyI wasagoodreporterwhile here). Forexample,one time my friend Kyle came in throughmydoorasI waswilting awayonthe couch andIwasjustlying there, shouting,“THERE’SNO FREEWILL!”repeatedly. So yeah,it’ssafetosay Ioften like to getlostinquestions with no answers.

Lately,though, thequestions haven’tbeenso daunting,but their answershavefeltout of reach. Questionslike, when will Ibeabletoown ahome? Whencan Ithink abouthavinga family?Whenwill I retire?

These questionsare certainly areflectionofmeand my choices. Yet, they arealsocertainly areflectionof Squamish

Butoftentimes, when Ifeelfrustrated, angryor upsetbywhat’sout of reach, Ithink back to theadvice my friend Teal gave me yearsago:Ifyou have complaints aboutsomething,thenwhatare youdoing to fix it?

So Isuppose thesimplestway to putitis: Starting freshawayfromSquamish is howI’m fixing what feels outofreach to me

It’s notlostonmethatmany otherpeopleherehave thesesamequestions.It’snotlostonmethattheir answersmay look alot differentthanmine. Those discrepanciesare just asmall sample of thesheer complexity of theworld.And that’s kind of what makeslifesodamnmaddening andsodamn beautiful.

In theend,I’m immenselyproud of what IaccomplishedatThe Squamish Chiefand my character alongthe way. Iamproud of howItackled difficult subjects,asked thehardquestions,and didn’t hold back even when Iwantedto. Thebestpartisthose qualitiesare alla productofthe organization and the people behind it—sothose qualitieswon’t soon go away in this town.

As forSquamish overall, it wasexactly theplace I needed to be foralongtime. It helped me grow up, fall in love,try newthings, learnCanadian, make a boatload of friendswho Iwillcherish (and visit) forever, and just so,so, so much more. Now, it’s just time formetodomoreofthat elsewhere.

MOUNTAIN VIEWS ANDREW HUGHES

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

APPROVE THE TUP

Editor’s note: this letter was sent to Squamish council and copied to The Squamish Chief.

IAs a long-term resident of Squamish for 21 years, I have closely followed this project from its inception. Although I initially opposed the LNG plant, the compressor station, and the twinning of the FortisBC gas lines, it is evident that the project is moving forward with approval from both the province and the Squamish First Nation WLNG has complied with all requests made by the District of Squamish (DOS) and has continually made adjustments throughout the process.

The reality is that the DOS cannot halt this project. It is perplexing why the DOS would vote against the TUP for the floatel, given the extensive efforts made by WLNG to meet all stipulated requirements. The current strain on housing and hotel accommodations in Squamish due to the influx of workers and contractors exacerbates our housing crisis and negatively impacts tourism. Without the floatel, these workers will still need housing, further stressing our local resources.

Moreover, the environmental consequences of not having the floatel are significant. The increased transportation of personnel to and from the WLNG site will have detrimental effects on the environment, including the health of Howe Sound, which has seen a resurgence of marine life. The logistics of workers commuting from Squamish to Richmond and then taking a boat to the site, only to return, is both impractical and environmentally unsound.

Additionally, the restrictions preventing workers on the floatel from spending their off time in Squamish result in a loss of potential revenue for local businesses and tourism. Despite these challenges, WLNG has complied with all DOS requests, including the last-minute demand for a $10 million security deposit.

I have accepted the reality that this project is happening. Canada is a natural resource-driven country, and Squamish was put on the map due to its natural resources. As such, I have set my “NIMBY” opinions aside.

LETTERS POLICY

I urge you to reconsider your vote on June 4th for the TUP for the floatel. It is imperative that we collaborate with WLNG to mitigate the environmental impacts and address the housing crisis effectively WLNG has demonstrated a willingness to cooperate and has fulfilled all conditions set forth by the DOS. Please make the right decision for our environment and community by approving the TUP for the floatel.

Lisa Elbertsen Squamish

CONSIDER THE SOURCE

The intent of this letter is to inform people of who, in fact, owns the major share of Woodfibre LNG, and of their track record

In the recent Squamish Chief story about Woodfibre LNG and the lack of a tax agreement with the District, Woodfibre said that it “has been engaged in good faith discussions with the District of Squamish aimed at achieving a 10-year tax agreement.” [“District of Squamish releases future tax rate for Woodfibre LNG,” published April 25 in print.]

Let’s remember now that 70% of Woodfibre LNG is owned by Pacific Energy Corporation, which is in turn owned, and chaired by Sukanto Tanoto, of Royal Golden Eagle Group.

This was widely reported in all the major papers at the time and written about by My Sea to Sky, the Concerned Citizens of Bowen Island and others But that was about nine years ago, and most people I speak to have no idea about who exactly we are subsidizing to do business with or their history.

In 2015, the National Observer wrote, “Some fear that this could lead the province to approve an LNG deal with Indonesian billionaire Sukanto Tanoto, whose massive tax evasion and rainforest destruction record across the Pacific has put his business reputation into serious question.”

Just two months ago, the Rainforest Action Network called on the RGE Group to cease doing business, primarily based on evidence of deforestation, saying, “Rainforest Action Network is calling on all actors that finance, do business with, source from, or associate with the Royal

Golden Eagle Group to immediately suspend business or association with the RGE Group and investigate our findings.”

This information should be included in the discourse about Woodfibre LNG.

Julie Malcolm Squamish

‘DEGRADING AND DISCRIMINATORY ACTION’

Editor’s note: This letter was sent to Squamish council and copied to The Squamish Chief.

Iam absolutely amazed that the municipality is accepting that workers, to be housed on a ship at the LNG site, are a threat to the community.

The employees and contractors have been banned from entering Squamish and now seemingly are unable to temporarily reside anywhere in the area. The ship placement is a response to a housing concern expressed much earlier. You know that.

The objection to its presence is an obvious scam. Certain people do not want the facility constructed. They have tried every avenue open to prevent it. They have lost every approach. Permits have been issued, studies completed and now they use a last gasp attempt to block a reasonable and expensive solution to a problem identified or created by the District of Squamish This is indefensible

On a human level, how would any of the council members feel if they or a relative were banned from entering the community or even temporarily residing near it?

This position is predicated on an attitude that construction workers are a threat to civilization and humanity How disgusting to support this perversion of reality completely unrelated to the cause behind it This idea is found in the debates of decades and centuries ago as major infrastructure projects were completed.

It has been dragged out in certain parts of the United States in recent last-ditch attempts to destroy approved initiatives. It is a red herring and a degrading and discriminatory action. Please be sane, civil and responsive to reality in your decisions.

Murray Barton Furry

Creek

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

What do you think of the new Sp’akw’us Feather Park?

Have your say at squamishchief.com

MOST READ STORY

RCMP confirm two dead after plane crash in ‘remote’ Howe Sound location on May 24

TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK

This week, as his last Saturday assignment before he leaves us, reporter Andrew Hughes checked out the new Sp’akw’us Feather Park Find this and all his videos from the last year on TikTok @squamishchief

FAREWELL:AMY REID’S JOURNEYTOHER NEWONTARIO HOME

Reid is settoheadoff on herbig move across Canada to amoreaffordablearts-focusedcommunity

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Soon, well-known Squamish theatreand screen actress—andbeloved local—Amy Reid will load up theU-Haulwithher family’s belongings,and thecar with herself, herdaughter, herdogsand alizardfor a cross-Canada trip to hernew home in Ontario.

Though sheloves Squamish andall thefolks shehas bonded with over theyears,after 13 years in thedistrict, Reid is pullingupstakes foramoreaffordable, arts andculture-based community, Picton

Though it is admittedly hard to leave, it seemedasignshe wasmakingthe rightmove when sherecentlydiscovereda70-acreformer Second WorldWar airtrainingbaseinPrince EdwardCounty, ashortbikeridefromher new home, that agrowing master-planned communitybased around arts andculture, called Base31

“It’scrazy,” shesaid. “They’ve alreadytakena numberofthe differentvenueson there, like

I’ve gotnice friendsand they recognizethis asadifficultand challenging thing, tomoveacrossthe country,and they wanted to help. Butitisweirdand uncomfortable.

AMYREID

theold airporthangarand awhole bunchof differentlocations andmademusic venues and littlelike comedy club kindsofvenuesand art installations and food trucks andfoodculture.”

Findingthatmadeher feel like this move, thoughdifficult,was meanttobe.

Reid’s good friend,Sue Dinsmore, has launchedaGoFundMecampaignto help the

AREYOU APARENT OF AGRADUATE IN SQUAMISH?

Celebrateyour child’ssuccess with an ad in ourGradfeature!

Show your supportto all of our Squamish grads in the 2024 Grad Feature.

Show your support forour Graduates in ourAnnualGradSupplement Keepsakeissue on June 20th

AD SPACEBOOKINGS Friday,June14th, 2024

SUBMITTEDPHOTO AmyReid.

family on theirway to anew life

Deadlines

AD ARTWORKSUBMISSION Monday,June17th, 2024

Publication IN STANDS

“For anyone who hasmoved thenew adventureiscertainly daunting,and very exciting.It’salsoexpensive,veryexpensive,” readsthe “Amy’s Ontourio Road Show Picton or Bust!” campaign.

differentworld.SoI’m hoping that the friendshipsthatare sethereand therelationshipsthatI’vemadeherewillcontinuefor many more yearstocome. Andeverybody needstocomeout thereand visit,”she said

LEAVINGONAHIGHNOTE

Thursday,June20th, 2024 ads@squamishchief.com 604-892-9161

Reid said to feel less awkwardabout the campaign sheistryingtothink of it like the oncecommonhousewarmingparty,thoughin reverse, or ababyshower.

“I’vegot nice friendsand they recognizethis asadifficult andchallenging thing, to move across thecountry,and they wanted to help Butitisweird anduncomfortable,” shesaid.

Therewill be onefinal trip with therestof the stuff, herson andthe cats in mid-June

Andwhile fartheraway, sheisn’t gone from Squamish forgood, sheisproducing on BetweenShift Theatre’sPeter andthe Starcatcher, withthe youthfromthe company’s mentorship program,The Studio Andshe will continue to audition in Vancouver, shesaid.

“[It’s]so easytostayintouch withpeople remotely, with Zoom andFaceTime. It’s a

Reid is leavingtownona high note.Earlier this month, thecastand crew of Between Shifts Theatre, includingReid, wonbig for ‘GirlInthe Goldfish Bowl’atthe TheatreBC NorthShoreZoneFestivalawards. Theplaywon for:

•BestProductionDesign—Props

•People’sChoice award—Outstanding Production

•People’sChoice Award—Oustanding Performance—Sara Marrocco

•ArtisticAchievement Award—AmyReid

•ArtisticAchievement Award—Sara Marrocco

•ArtisticAchievement—Set Design

•Backstage CooperationAward

•FlorenceGoodwin Best Newcomer Award—Eva Baleshta Shore

INDIGENOUS WRITER BILLY-RAY BELCOURT TO DO LOCAL READING

Hosted by the library, Belcourt will also answer questions at the Eagle Eye Theatre on June 11

ANDREW HUGHES ahughes@squamishchief.com

The Squamish Public Library is hosting best-selling author and poet Billy-Ray Belcourt for a reading from his newest book and to answer audience questions.

According to a news release, the event will take place at the Eagle Eye Theatre on June 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Belcourt’s newest book, Coexistence: Stories, is a collection of stories about Indigenous love and loneliness The book was released on May 21

“It is an honour for our library to host such an accomplished and thoughtful writer! His work is intimate and relevant, and I am personally a fan of both his poetry and his prose,” said Rachel Bergquist, programs and outreach co-ordinator with the library, in the release.

“The library is thrilled to bring Belcourt to Squamish in June, a month that celebrates both Pride and Indigenous History Month,” the release states.

Belcourt is from the Driftpile Cree Nation. His previous books explored themes of colonialism, queerness, grief and Indigenous joy. All of his books are available at the Squamish Library to borrow. He has won and been a finalist for numerous literary awards for his debut collection of poems, This Wound Is a World, as well as his memoir, A History of My Brief Body

At the event, Gather Bookshop will have a table with copies of Coexistence: Stories. Register for the event at squamishlibrary.ca

PHOTOS COURTESY OF SQUAMISH PUBLIC LIBRARY Billy-Ray Belcourt is coming to Squamish next month.

PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA BE BEAR AWARE: The bears are back in town. Be sure to give them a wide berth and ensure trash and other attractions are locked out of sight (and smell) at home

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS CATCHING AIR: A kiteboarder makes the most of the wind in Howe Sound.

PLACE TO PLAY COMMITTEE HOPES TO COLLABORATE WITH DOS ON SECOND TURF FIELD

The committee hopes to speed up the timeline for upgrades to the turf field and facilities, as a spokesperson described it as overused

ANDREW HUGHES ahughes@squamishchief.com

Some local sports groups are coming together in hopes of collaborating with the District of Squamish to add another turf field and revamp the surrounding facilities at Brennan Park

For its part, the District seems open to community partnerships to make projects more feasible

The local group, called the Place to Play Committee, recently sent a letter to the District outlining some of the troubles with the current turf field and facilities A spokesperson for the group, Philippa Clark, discussed the concerns and potential solutions in a follow-up interview with The Squamish Chief.

Generally, the committee would like to see upgrades to the turf field area and the addition of another turf field within the next five years rather than the next five to 15, when the upgrades are currently slated with the District

“We don’t have the facilities to support today; we just simply cannot wait another 10 years for a second turf,” said Clark.

Squamish Transit ServiceChange

Effective June 10,2024

 Route 5South Parks is returningfor the summer season. This seasonal route will be in operation until September 2.Ithas been extended further to provide service toSp’akw’us Feather Park and the Oceanfront area of Squamishonsome trips. It will continue to provide service to the Squamish AdventureCentre, Darrell Bay,the Sea to Sky Gondola, StawamusChief, and Chances Casino.

 Free summer service on all routes on weekends (Saturdays and Sundays) and statutory holidays until September 2,2024.

But Clark reiterated their intent is not to go against the District; they want to work together to find these solutions sooner rather than later.

“Understanding both of our constraints; they can’t do it because they don’t have the money or the funds, we can’t do it because we don’t have the District knowledge,” said Clark.

“We can help get the funds together; you bring your knowledge.”

In response to an inquiry from The Squamish Chief, the District seemed open to collaboration.

“We recognize sports user groups are also requesting additional facilities, such as pools, ice rinks and sports fields. It is difficult to fulfill all of these needs without the support of additional funding, either from grants or community partnerships. Funding from community partnerships help to make a project more feasible and, in some cases, could help to have a project completed sooner than planned,” wrote District spokesperson Rachel Boguski.

As an example, Boguski said Brennan Park

Recreation Centre upgrades were funded, in part, due to a $14 million federal grant. However, that specific grant was ineligible for park or turf upgrades

The committee is already trying to make headway in the funding aspect, as Clark said they are working to get a cost estimate completed for a second turf Once the group has that, they plan to start fundraising.

The District also noted that many local infrastructure upgrades were underway

“Squamish is rapidly growing and the District is under pressure to meet the needs of our community, including for essential facilities and needs, such as the Public Works building, and infrastructure upgrades.”

Additionally, the District pointed to the memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Capilano University that “allows the University and the District to build additional capacity via funding applications and partnerships, among other initiatives, through shared community recreation, arts and culture infrastructure amenities services and programs.”

While that MOU may be beneficial in the long term, a representative from CapU, Linda Munro, told The Squamish Chief that its turf field will soon be undergoing repair and that the community will be notified when the university finalizes the details.

As for specific upgrades to the area outside of an additional field, Clark said the road to the field is littered with potholes There are only portable toilets, which are not accessible to those with mobility challenges and have been vandalized a number of times. Furthermore, she said spectator seating is limited, and there is insufficient lighting throughout the area.

That said, the District is promising to upgrade the road this year.

“Currently, the driveway to the turf field is scheduled for paving in 2024,” said Boguski. In the last year, numerous sports groups across Squamish have stated that the community has quickly outgrown the recreation facilities available.

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4X4TWCB22DT011902 John Alan Murphy owing $6,982.50

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do”

Lively

Carry on

In the sack

Playwright Coward

SUDOKU

Final

Long timespans

Voter sampling

Lots

Breakfast favorite

Ranch unit

“Paint Wagon”

Several

Least difficult

Unpleasantly damp

Wipe away

Suit pieces

Nibble

Theme-park attraction

Prayer ending

Kook

‘50s dance party

“____ Town” (play)

Without moisture

HOROSCOPE WEEK OF MAY 30, 2024 - JUNE

ARIES

March 21-April 19

You could have a sudden epiphany or dream that reveals a solution to your financial or emotional problems You’ll gain a better perspective on your situation, and everything will fall into place Sept 23-Oct. 22

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

You’ll take the necessary steps to move forward and improve your situation. Inaction isn’t the answer. You’ll overcome your fears and move towards your aspirations and ambitions Oct 23-Nov. 21

GEMINI

May 21-June 20

You may discover new artistic talents Your creativity will shine, and you could volunteer for a cause close to your heart. You could find new skills by following your intuition. Nov. 22-Dec. 21

CANCER

June 21-July 22

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.

It’s time to get rid of friends who don’t respect you. Avoid lending money to those close to you. Transparency will help strengthen any relationship. Dec. 22-Jan. 19

LEO

You could be given more stimulating responsibilities at work A promising opportunity will present itself if you’re looking for a job. A friend could also help you professionally. Jan. 20-Feb 18

LIBRA

You’ll be determined to rise to any challenge despite feeling some intense emotions. Moving house or changing jobs could bring you closer to a dream. Sometimes, you must step out of your comfort zone to change and grow.

SCORPIO

You’ll be thinking a lot about your love life Thoughts of love may make you feel anxious Relationships involve commitment, and you’ll take time to reflect before taking this all-important step

SAGITTARIUS

Your health is top of mind, and you’ll start a diet better suited to your goals Although you’re considering starting a home-based business, it will take some time and patience to turn it into a stable source of income

CAPRICORN

You’ll experience a boost in your self-esteem, making you more aware of your worth. This will increase your self-confidence Your nearest and dearest will express their appreciation for you, helping you to feel better about yourself

AQUARIUS

July 23-Aug. 22

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

A summer getaway is on the horizon. You’re on a tight deadline, so don’t overlook your preparations All forms of learning will lead to contentment. Your social life could lead you towards physical, psychological and spiritual well-being. Feb. 19-March 20

YOUR PLACE OF

TheParish of St.John theDivine, 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

You’ll focus all your attention on your family this week You may have a spat with someone close to you and need a little distance to calm down If a move is imminent, anxiety could increase as time goes on.

PISCES

If you’re worried about something, you’ll find someone to confide in. You won’t go out of your way to talk about what’s bothering you, knowing you can use words that won’t hurt anyone

ExaltingJesus,Equipping His Followers,Engaging theWorld

WorshipService Sundays 10am

on our website and Facebook Live 2262ReadCres. 604-898-3737 www.squamishbaptistchurch.org

coastalchurch.org/squamish