June 13, 2024 - Squamish Chief

DEVELOPING SQUAMISH

Learn about anew housingproposal

THURSDAY,JUNE 13, 2024

ABOUTA LOCALTOW TRUCKOPERATOR

What he sees on theroadand wishes folksknew

SAR CONTINUES TO ANALYZE DRONE FOOTAGE

No sign of missingmountaineers whodid notreturnfromatripto Atwell Peak May31

ALANNA KELLY

ForThe Squamish Chief

Search-and-rescue memberscontinuetobebusy analyzingdrone videofootage forany sign of threemissing mountaineers

Threepeoplewentonamountaineeringtripto Atwell Peak on May31but neverreturned.

Afamilymemberreportedthemmissing,and the search forthembegan

Squamish Search andRescue, Whistler Search and Rescue,North ShoreRescueand RCMP have been searchingfor thetrio, butthere hasbeennosignor word from thegroup

Drones,avalanche dogs,helicopters,RECCO detector andlocal mountain guides have allhelpedin thesearchtotry to find them

Squamish SARmanager B.J. Chutesaysthe airand ground search is paused pendingareviewofall the footageand conditions.

During thevideo footageanalysis, SARmembers will search forclues aboutthe individuals, including clothing,tracksand signs.

Kayakers head down theMamquam BlindChannel on Saturday.Thursdaymay offer the last opportunityfor a fewdaystoget outonthe waterunder thesun,asrainand showersare expected throughMonday,accordingtoEnvironment Canada SAR: Continuedon5

CREEK OASIS GHAN

77-UNIT MCNAMEE PLACE PROJECT ADVANCES DESPITE ISSUES

Proposal aims to bolster local housing options through a blend of market-sale residences and affordable rentals, amid council debates on tenant relocation plans

SCOTT

TIBBALLS stibballs@piquenewsmagazine.com

The District of Squamish (DOS) council has given first reading to a rezoning for a new proposal for a 77-unit development near the Dentville neighbourhood. Projects need to pass three readings, plus adoption before they move forward. They then need a development and building permit before shovels are in the ground

First considered by council at the June 4 regular council meeting, the proposed development by ReCanvas Development Inc.

would be made up of two five-story buildings joined by a shared parking structure: A larger building of 66 units that would be available for sale; and a smaller building of 15 affordable rental units.

Split across two lots on McNamee Place, the development requires a rezoning to proceed. Of the two lots, one is currently vacant, while the other is occupied by nine three-bedroom rental townhouses

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommended that council give first two readings to the rezoning, with a third reading to go forward pending unresolved servicing and frontage issues together with habitat restoration agreements.

After questions and discussion, the council voted 5-1 to give the proposal a first reading instead of a second, and staff were directed to seek more information about a proposed tenant relocation plan provided in the council package Coun. Chris Pettingill was the first to bring up his issues with the tenant relocation plan, and made the motion for first reading.

RELOCATION PLAN

Pettingill said that he generally liked the proposal and recognized there were more units proposed than what currently exists, but was concerned about current residents. He said his hesitation on the project came in part from the timeline to completion together with a lack of protections for existing tenants should they want to move to a new unit, citing the three months rental assistance with a potentially long construction period as likely ending up with residents out of the community.

“I want to signal general comfort, but it is not clear to me that the tenant relocation plan actually is able to keep any of the existing tenants in a unit,” he said

“I understand there will be some disruption but I would like to see some comfort for the folks that want to be in the new units, there’s an actual plan to do so.”

The proposed tenant relocation plan for existing tenants includes financial compensation of three months’ rent, a minimum of four months’ notice of eviction, some moving expenses and the first right of refusal to move

into one of the new units when completed. Coun Lauren Greenlaw also zeroed in on the plan as one of her issues, and voted against proceeding with first reading due to her concerns

“I am concerned that this will be a continuation of the displacement of people from Squamish from effectively, gentrification,” she said of her vote against. She also listed parking and livability as concerns.

On livability, floor space was cited as a

Continued on 3

RENDERING VIA DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH REPORT Rendering of the project slated for McNamee Place.

HOUSING:

This photo, taken by Tony Jovanovic, was

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SENIORS DEMONSTRATE ON THIRD AVENUE

The locals are calling on drivers to slow down and the District to implement traffic calming measures on the busy road that passes two seniors’ homes and is a route for kids to school

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

“What do we want? Speed bumps! When do we want them? Now!”

More than one dozen Squamish seniors chanted and waved placards at the crosswalk on Third Avenue in front of the Westwinds Senior Living residence on Friday and Saturday

They are calling on drivers to slow down and for the District of Squamish to install traffic calming measures, such as speed bumps. The stretch of road is not only in front of two seniors’ homes but is also a popular route to school for children.

In response, Mayor Armand Hurford said the muni hears the residents’ concerns.

“District staff have been polling residents about traffic safety concerns as part of a

discussion topic.

The proposed affordable rental units would be made up of three studios ( at 392 sq ft), three one-bed units (at 588 sq ft), seven two-bed units (at 642 and 894 sq ft) and two three-bed units (at 986 sq ft).

Greenlaw said that those floor spaces, combined with limited storage were “not very livable for Squamish.”

PARKING

On parking, the zoning requires 138 stalls;

the proponent is proposing a reduction to 102 parking stalls

According to staff, they had supported this reduction due to the project’s proximity to downtown and the walkability of the neighbourhood.

In questioning the number of stalls, Coun Andrew Hamilton was seemingly surprised that the District did not require any parking stalls for affordable rental units, as per a recently adopted bylaw from May 21 associated with the province’s bill 44.

He ceased his line of questioning after staff confirmed there was no requirement.

‘SLOPPY’ PROPOSAL

Coun John French also supported first reading, but said the proposal appeared sloppy, and he wanted a sharper plan from the proponent in the future

“At a higher level, the amount of attention to detail with this project doesn’t meet our usual high standards,” he said, before listing off a few examples of errors in the proponent’s package such as saying Squamish has a mining museum (it’s in Britannia Beach) and typos such as the mis-spelling of ‘Garibaldi’ as “Garabaldi’ and ‘McNamee’ as ‘McName’.

“These are just red flags for me that make me a

Council is expecting to hear from staff in the coming weeks and will ensure the feedback from today is brought into that discussion.

MAYOR ARMAND HURFORD

project to review speed limits, and we have heard about numerous areas of concern across the community,” Hurford said in a statement sent to The Squamish Chief.

“Council is expecting to hear from staff in the coming weeks and will ensure the feedback from today is brought into that discussion.”

little bit nervous about this project. If they can’t get these things correct, how are they going to get important things like the tenant relocation plan nailed?”

NO PUBLIC HEARING

Council voted 5-1 to give the rezoning proposal first reading. Staff will provide more information on tenant protection and storage for units to ensure livability.

As the proposal falls within the purview of the province’s bill 44 on housing and is aligned with Squamish’s official community plan, a public hearing is prohibited, so will not be held.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Seniors protesting on Friday morning.

HOUSING: Continued from 2

Ryan Kinghorn

PEARLSPACE EXPANDS VIOLENCE IS PREVENTABLE PROGRAM

“It makes an enormous difference’: $20k Telus grant helps the program reach more youth

BAILEY MARTENS

For The Squamish Chief

PearlSpace Support Services Society, a non-profit that works to stop genderbased violence and to support survivors, is set to expand its prevention program across local schools thanks to a $20,000 Telus Friendly Future Foundation grant.

According to PearlSpace executive director, Ashley Oakes, all kiddos in Grades 5, 6, and 7 attending a Squamish, Whistler, or Pemberton-based school will take part in the Violence is Preventable educational initiative, as they have since 2007 But this year, thanks to the grant, 900 additional students will be able to access this program.

PearlSpace is looking to expand into private schools—specifically noting hopes to get into Waldorf, Montessori, and Coast Mountain Academy.

“We want to make sure that all [kids in] this age group has the toolkit that they need to understand what a healthy relationship looks like, and understands consent,” said Oakes. The presentations also share tools to deal with bullying and create online safety.

According to PearlSpace executive director, Ashley Oakes, all students in Grades 5, 6, and 7 attending a Squamish, Whistler, or Pemberton-based school will take part in the Violence is Preventable educational initiative, as they have since 2007 But this year, thanks to the grant, 900 additional students will be able to access this program.

The school-based educational program typically costs PearlSpace, $30,000 annually— most of which goes to “adequately and appropriately compensating trained professionals to deliver this programming,” said Oakes.

According to Telus Friendly Future Foundation, in 2023, the organization provided more than $9 million in grants to more than 550 Canadian charities. “We are proud to be able to support PearlSpace Support Services Society, with a Community Board grant in order to help them deliver youth education presentations,” wrote the executive director of Telus Friendly Future Foundation, Nimtaz Kanji in a news release.

According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, addressing gender-based violence is an urgent need. Not just because four in 10 women will experience intimate partner violence, but because the kids who grow up seeing it are at double the risk of mental illness.

The PearlSpace program specifically works to disrupt cycles of violence by not only providing resources to those who may be experiencing violence, but making sure folks are not perpetrating it either According to Oakes, a core aspect of the program is helping children dismantle how gender stereotypes may be harmful—this could look like jokes about someone’s body or holding the belief that certain genders are better suited to particular jobs As well as discussing the ever present gender wage gap.

Up until this point, the program has largely been funded through private donations With the Telus Friendly Futures Foundation funding, PealSpace can use those donations to support other underfunded areas, said Oakes.

“It makes an enormous difference,” she said.

Disrupting cycles of violence

PEARLSPACE: Continued on 5

PHOTO BY SKYNESHER/E+/GETTY IMAGES

gathered in town since shortly after the men went missing.

Chute is telling people to “stay away” from Atwell Peak.

RCMP is also continuing to urge people to avoid entering the area of Mount Garibaldi and Atwell Peak

Family and friends of the missing men have

PEARLSPACE: Continued from 4

“When we want to disrupt heteronormative stereotypes we want to do so by including, traditionally, men and boys in the feminist movement because it is just as much on the shoulders of men and boys to call out inequity,” said Oakes.

The Squamish Chief is aware of the mountaineers’ identities but, at the families’ request, is keeping that information confidential for now.

The family has asked for privacy during this difficult time

Just as the program aims to increase awareness of gender normativity, it also looks at heteronormativity—the idea that heterosexuality is the only standard According to Oakes, the 2SLGBTQ+ community experiences higher rates of gender-based violence and is at higher risk of intimate partner violence, sexual assault, sexual harassment,

BE

Black bears, their cubs and yearlings are out and about in town Be sure to keep a distance—use a long lens, if taking photos—and make sure trash is out of sight and smell around your home and work

and discrimination

Despite this, According to the Canadian Women’s Foundation, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals are less likely to be able to identify genderbased violence because examples rarely showcase these types of relationships, which is why Oakes says it is important to explicitly include this community in the educational

presentations. “Our youth have the capacity in this generation more than any other generation in the past to have dialogue around consent and safety These kids know this language,” said Oakes. “And our hope is that we can continue to expand this program in an age-appropriate way.”

SAR: Continued from 1

PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA

BEAR AWARE:

PHOTO BY ALANNA KELLY/GLACIER MEDIA

SAR has pressed pause on air searches as members look through a lot of recent drone footage of the area.

MARLOW THE BRAVE: LOST PARADISE VALLEY DOG RESCUED AFTER COYOTE ATTACK AND 3-DAY ORDEAL

The incredible story of a missing rescue dog’s survival and the community that rallied to save him

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@squamishchief.com

He is called Marlow The Brave and has earned that name, to be sure

Eight-year-old Marlow, a black-haired rescue who hails from the streets of Mexico, went missing from his Paradise Valley home on May 8.

The saga he and his fur parents endured is quite the tale

LOST

As his fur dad, Thomas Matthew, tells it, Marlow ran into the woods behind his neighbour’s house to chase something and did not return when called, which was not like him.

“My nerves began to spark. I started calling him and climbed into the hills to investigate,” Matthew recalled in a written account he sent to The Squamish Chief.

“Calling felt silly. Marlow doesn’t wander off, and he doesn’t need to be called home. I knew that he was either gone to coyotes, trapped/ injured somewhere, chased away and lost, or ‘rescued’ and brought home with someone.”

That first day turned to night, but no Marlow. Coyotes are often heard howling very loudly

nearby, and given that it is birthing season for pups, for more than two days, his human parents worried and feared the worst.

The day after he went missing, Matthew set out looking for Marlow with one of his dog buddies, Pedro.

“I brought one of Marlow’s canine friends out to sniff around, but we found zero sign of our buddy,” Matthew said. They did, however, find a coyote den.

“We actually ended up encircled and squaring off with multiple wild canids, but our fearless presence asserted dominance over the situation and the dogs receded. Not before darting between us though, snapping at Pedro and attempting to separate the two of us,” Matthew said.

A team of friends arrived that afternoon, and they attempted to comb the nearby hills for Marlow.

I brought one of Marlow’s canine friends out to sniff around, but we found zero sign of our buddy.

THOMAS MATTHEW

“The sun set on day two, and still no sign of Marlow.”

DAY 3

“Day three was numb, but we remained positive,” Matthew said.

“It felt like there was nothing we could do, but we couldn’t do nothing.”

A former neighbour arrived with a 10-month-old Shepherd mix named Keo, a friend of Marlow’s.

Hope returned, Matthew said.

“My body was tired and battered from scaling the rocks for two days, but I suddenly didn’t notice it and felt ready for another trip,” he said.

MARLOW: Continued on 7

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THOMAS MATTHEW Left: Marlow, with bite marks in his head; Right: Thomas Matthew, Arielle Cohen and Marlow

SQUAMISH BUSINESS BEAT: VIRAL TIKTOK HAS MCDONALD’S TEAM DANCING

‘This is the thing that we love to do:’ Video to Taylor Swift song hits 50,000 views

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Many local Squamish businesses have pretty cool social media game—we have a young demographic and a lot of creative folks here, after all.

But the Squamish McDonald’s crew stands out, especially on TikTok recently

If you attended the recent McHappy Day, you likely saw some of the staff in real life, belting out karaoke and dancing.

One of their recent videos, posted to @mcds2s, has been viewed nearly 50,000 times. It doesn’t hurt that the team is dancing to Taylor Swift’s mega-hit, Shake It Off, but its popularity is also due to the creativity and happiness of the dancers, all local McDonald’s employees.

Sheryll Cu told The Squamish Chief that the team started this TikTok account when the store reopened after extensive renovations in December.

They look for TikTok trends and try to use them to promote the store, upcoming promotions or special events.

“I just want to have shaking while we are having fun at work, right?” said Jan Leigh, adding that the viral video only took two

takes to be post-ready, and hardly any editing.

Cu said that while the employees are very busy working most of the time, the team loves to sing and dance when they can.

“From a customer perspective, as well, when they see that people are constantly moving and that it’s a fast-paced restaurant, [we are] using the TikTok videos not to only engage guests for new products and

promotions that we have, but also to showcase that it is fun working here. No matter how hectic and busy it would be, our staff do enjoy working here.”

Staff member Mea Amoranto added that it makes them all feel good to see comments from locals, who are proud to see their town and their McDonald’s represented on the popular platform.

“This is the thing that we love to do. That’s

why it’s never hard for the team to [translate] that happiness to the viewers. That’s why I think the engagement is really high,” she said. They plan to do more videos as the summer ramps up.

‘Squamish business beat’ is a series that arose from feedback from locals who wanted to see more business-related news. To be considered for this series, please email news@squamishchief.com.

“We let Keo sniff Marlow’s collar and set off saying, ‘Where’s Marlow?’ while the excited pup—who was slightly disinterested after an already busy day of playing and training followed the two of us improvisationally up the mountain.”

FOUND

At a plateaued area, the humans noticed a change in Keo. They watched the dog’s energy and focus shift.

Keo’s owner stopped as he thought he heard a bark, and Keo was honing in on some fallen trees.

“I crouched down over a basketball-sized gap under a mossy log and called in, ‘Marlow?’” Matthew said

“After a couple of confused barks and whimpers, the mossy hole in the rock began to emit a rhythmic cadence of excited barking.”

Marlow was found on May 10 down a very narrow six-metre (20-foot) hole, about a 20-minute hike up a mountainous slope.

Extracting Marlow was another ordeal that took the help of climbing equipment and skilled human friends.

“After an exciting rescue mission, we took him to the vet where all of his puncture wounds were uncovered, and it was clear that he had been lured, attacked, and chased by at least two coyotes,” reads Marlow’s Instagram story.

(Of course, Marlow has his own Instagram, run by his fur mom, Arielle Cohen: Marlow The Brave.)

MARLOW, THE BELOVED

Matthew credits “the beautiful team at Garibaldi Veterinary Clinic” for caring for Marlow, as well as the community of dog lovers who have come forward to offer support and well wishes for the pooch and his family

“The amount of love and support that’s been pouring in from friends, family and social media is wonderful,” he said

Matthew says that Marlow is happy and soaking up the love around him, but does seem traumatized by the ordeal

When he recently heard coyotes howling nearby he got scared

“He was in the middle of the room whimpering, and he’d peed on the floor, and he’d never done that,” Matthew told The Squamish Chief.

“He is Marlow The Brave, and he’ll greet you with a toothy smile and kind, playful eyes. Some people have been calling him a fighter, but he’s really a lover. This is my new favourite magical love story, and I’m very glad to be able to share it.”

Cohen has launched a GoFundMe that tells more of the story. Funds will go toward Marlow and Keo. Go to “Marlow’s Miracle: Help us Cover Unexpected Veterinary Costs to donate or to read more.

Squamish Transit Service Change

 Route 5South Parksisreturning for thesummer season. This seasonal route will be in operation until September 2. It has been extended further toprovide service to Sp’akw’us Feather Park and the OceanfrontareaofSquamish on some trips. It willcontinue to provideservice to the Squamish AdventureCentre, Darrell Bay, the Sea to Sky Gondola, Stawamus Chief, and Chances Casino.

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

Visit bctransit.com/squamish to view schedules.

SQUAMISH MCDONALD’S

The Squamish team: 3rd from the right is Jan Leigh; 4th from the left is Mea Amoranto; 6th from the left with the glasses is Sheryll Cu

MARLOW: Continued from 6

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH

2024 PROPERTY TAXAND UTILITIES PAYMENTSARE DUE JULY2,2024

Alatepenaltyof5%will be applied afterJuly 2, 2024. Asecond 5% penaltywill be applied afterJuly 31,2024.

Property owners will be sentseparate property tax and utilitynotices.

Please note, property owners are responsible for payment of the 2024 property taxes and utilities regardless of whether or not notices arereceived.

If youhavenot received your notices by June10, please contactFinancial Servicesfor assistance.

New owners should ensuretaxes andutilities are paid on their property.Ifthereisany doubt,please call Financial Services at 604.815.5035

MunicipalHall,37955 Second Avenue

MondaytoFriday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Online Banking

Property Taxesand Utilities are separatepayees.

Utilities

WAYS TO PAY

By Mail

Cheque only.Donot mail cash. Postmarks will not be accepted as date of payment.

AfterHours Drop Box

Payee: DistrictofSquamishUtilities Account#: 7digit number

Property Taxes

Payee: DistrictofSquamishProperty Tax Account#: 13 digit number/rollnumber

Some financial institutions hold payments beforeforwarding to us or areindifferenttime zones.Avoid the risk of apenaltybypaying twotothree business days beforethe due date

NEW! ActiveKids Camp

Getyour kids outdoors this summer! Ournew ActiveKids Camp is an opportunityfor your kids to learnnew skills,makenew friends and have alot of fun!This camp offers arange of activities and games each dayincluding Yoga, hiking,gymnastics,soccerand much more!

*Notethis camp does NOTrun out of BrennanParkRecreation Centre. This camp willmeet at Rose Park Areyou on the waitlist foraRecreation and Culturesummer camp?

Check out the new opportunities that have been addedfor children 5.5 -7years

Cheque only.Donot leavecash in the drop box. Theyellowafter hours drop boxis locatedatMunicipal Hall on the wall to the rightofthe doors.Please deposit cheques only. Do not leave cash in thedropbox.

In Person

Cheque,cash or debit (Payments by credit cards will not be accepted.)

Please be suretocheck your daily spendinglimit beforeyou arrive.You may need to request atemporaryincrease from your bank.Nopost-dated cheques.

with the

IN RECREATION AND CULTURE for details and registration visit: squamish.ca/rec Monday, June 17 11:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m.

Municipal Hall Council Chambers 37955 Second Avenue RSVP: communications@squamish.ca

LOCAL’SLIFEONSEA TO SKY CORRIDOR ROADS

Meet BrendanGrieve: The dedicatedtow truckoperator who’s been clearing vehicles in theSea to SkyCorridorfor morethan30years

ABOUTALOCAL JENNIFER THUNCHER

His office is histruck,a2023FordF-550 Squamish’s BrendanGrievehas been a towtruck operator in theSea to Sky Corridor formorethan30years He hasbeenintownfor aboutthe same length of time,havingmoved up from North Vancouver.

Grieve worksfor PaylessAutoTowing, which wasboughtbyReliableTowingServiceslast year,after thefounder of PaylessAuto, Gordon Carmichaelpassedaway.

Payless hasoperatedinthe corridorsince 1973,and thenew ownershiphas maintained the name outofrespect forits history.

Thecompany hasfouroperators andtrucksin Squamish, includingGrieve, andcoversthe regionfromDeepCovetoLillooet. (There are two more operatorsand trucks in theWhistler/ Pembertonregion.)

TheSquamish Chiefsat down with the friendly andstraight-talkingGrieveatthe Squamish headquarters on GalbraithAvenuefor a chat abouthis job, what he wishes folksknew andsomeofthe things he sees on theroad. What followsisaversion of that conversation editedfor length andclarity.

Q: Tell me more aboutyourtruck andwhatit cando.

A: My truck, specifically itsextendedcab,allows metotakemorepassengers. Ihaveall the equipmenttodoslightlybiggertruck tows and heavierrecoveries. Iamset up for motorcycles.

Ourtrucksusually have about150 feet of cable,thenwehaveextra rollsherethatare anywhere from 50 to 100feet, plus straps and chains Ihaveanonboard aircompressor, afloor jack, blocks,and frameforks forvehicleswith no suspension left on them

Q:Whatare allthe services youprovide?

A: It couldbethe RCMP callingustocomeget a vehicle. We getcalledtocrashes to remove the vehicles.Oritcould be apropertyowner, forsomeone parked illegally,and we get alot of callsfor roadside service, so like BCAA Idoalot of recoveries up in Ring Creek, up the MamquamForestService Road,and up in theSquamishValley, off-road. We pull out peoplewho have gone down an embankment.Ican pull anything outfrom10feet down to 200feetdown. That takesa lot of extracable

Q: Tell me aboutyouraverage day.

PHOTOBYJENNIFERTHUNCHER/THESQUAMISHCHIEF

BrendanGrieve, with histruck,atthe Squamish yard

A: Iusually startaround8a.m.and usuallyfinish at 8p.m.atnight.

Everyday is different. Oneday Icould be spendingmy dayinthe bush doingoff-road recoveries. OtherdaysIcould be anywhere betweenNorth Vanand Pembertondoing differentjobs.

Q: Is thatwhatyou like aboutit, thevariety?

A: Everyday is anew day. Youlearn something newevery day. Like,withall these new vehiclesthatare coming outnow,it’sa learningprocess what andhow youcan tow them.Somevehiclesdon’t come with spare tiresanymore,so youhavetotow them.When itcomes to electric cars,there arealot of specs to them. They have to be toweda certain way—flatdecks only or dollies. Andyou gettomeetnew people daily. Iactuallyworkwiththe Squamish Fire Department.Wetakethemscrap cars so they can train. They also have us come up onceina while anddolikeatrainingday with them Whentheyhavepublicopenhousesand stuff likethat, that’s when they have us come in—so,the communitycan seewhatwedo. I enjoy doingit. I’ve made good friendswitha lot of people around here

Q:Whatischallenging aboutit?

A: You’reout on that truckall by yourself.So, thereare days when it’s pretty boring;you get lonely. Andwedealwithalot of angry, stressed,people.

People lash outatus, notrealizing that they’re in thewrongbecause they’renot paying attentiontothe parkingsigns.Atthe endof theday,somebodyhas contractedusto

SaintJohn theDivineChurch

1930 Diamond Road

Please attendthe workshop forthe focus area relevant toyou (seemap):

•Area3: June 19 from 6to8 p.m.

•Area4: June26 from 6to8 p.m.

•Area1: dateto be confirmed

Garibaldi Neighbourhood Planning ProcessStage 4

Resiidents areinvited to attend oneofour upcoming w workshopeventswherestaffwill presenta draftofthe Garibaldi EstatesNeighbourhood Plan.Each sessionwill offer:

•Informationabout the draftplanupdateswith an opportunitytoask questions

•A focusonone specific neighbourhood area to support amorein-depth discussion.

•Anopportunity to workshop your ideas on theplan’s policieswith your neighbours.

•Anopportunity to discuss potential actionsto mitigatebothshort-termand long-termchallenges.

Please noteregistrationisrequired. Although we anticipateall interested residents will be accommodated, preference forattendance will be giventoresidents of the subarea.

We look forwardtoseeingyou there!

Acopyofthe draftplan alongwith aforum forcomments isavailable online at LetsTalkSquamish.ca

BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

•Landfill EngineeringSupport -Request forProposals squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district

RECREATION ANDCULTURE FIELDUSER REQUESTS

Field User Requests for– Season 2

September 1, 2024 to February 28,2025

Request deadline: June 21,2024

Fields: Centennial Fields, Hendrickson Fields, ArtificialTurfField &HoweSound Community Field

HowtoRequest:

Field Allocation Meeting forSeason2

Wednesday,July17, 2023 at 7p.m.

Brennan Park RecreationCentre

Please completethe Field Request Form forSeason2,available at squamish.ca/field-allocation

Questions?Please contactRecreation Services at 604.898.3604

DISTRICTOFSQUAMISH

ANNUAL MUNICIPALREPORT

Noticeisherebygiven that theDistrictofSquamish’s2023 Annual Municipal Reportwill be presentedattheJune 18, 2024 SpecialBusiness Meeting in Council Chambers,Municipal Hall,locatedat37955SecondAvenue,Squamish, BC.

The 2023 Annual Reportis available forpublic viewingeither:

•Inperson at Municipal Hall (37955 SecondAvenue,Squamish, BC)during regular business hours Monday–Friday8:30am- 4:30p.m

•Online at the District’swebsite squamish.ca

Questions and input from thepublic arewelcome and maybesubmitted by:

• Email to info@squamish.ca

•Mail to PO Box310, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3

•Hand deliveryto37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, BC

Thedeadline forwritten submissionsis12p.m.onJune 18, 2024.

Council will receivethe 2023 AnnualReportatthe June 18, 2024 Special Business Meeting.Members of thepublic can watchthe Council meeting in person or view the livestream at squamish.ca/live-meetings.

Pursuanttosections 98 and 99 of the CommunityCharter, municipalities in British Columbia arerequired to produceanannual reportbeforeJune 30 each year and to make the reportavailable forpublic inspection. Theannual reportmustinclude the following:

•The audited annual financial statementsfor the previous year.

•Information and amounts of each permissivetax exemption provided.

•A reportrespectingmunicipal services andoperationsfor the previous year.

•A progress reportrespectingthe previous year in relation to the objectives and measures establishedfor thatyear.

•Any declarations of disqualifications made under section 111 of the CommunityCharter.

•A statementofmunicipal objectives,andthe measuresthatwill be usedto determine progress respecting those objectives,for the current and next year.

•Any other information thecouncil considers advisable.

INFRASTRUCTUREPROJECT

• Work to upgrade andrepairselectwatermains throughout Squamish is underway. In June,workwill take placeonTantalus Road near Starview Place.

ANNUAL GENERALMEETING

Noticeisherebygiven thatthe Squamish SustainabilityCorporation annual general meeting,forthe receipt of the 2023 financial statements and annual report, will be heldduring the June18, 2024 Special Business Meeting in Council Chambers,Municipal Hall,located at 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, BC.

Copies ofthe financial statements areavailable forinspection on the District’s website squamish.ca/AnnualReport.

Themeetings can be live streamed at squamish.ca/live-meetings.

LET’S TALK COMMUNITYPRIORITIES

Join us forour last pop-up of the season to discuss your community priorities with council and staff.

We would love to see you from 10 a.m.to2p.m. at Stan Clarke Park on SaturdayJune 15! And fill out our survey to let us know whereyou stand

LetsTalkSquamish.ca

2025 PERMISSIVE TAX

EXEMPTION

APPLICATIONS

PermissiveTax Exemptionsare amethod thatthe DistrictofSquamish, supported by Council,may supportvoluntarynon-profit organizations by exempting land or improvements or both,fromtaxation under section 224 of the Community Charter.

TheDistrictof Squamish is nowaccepting applications forPermissiveTax Exemptions. Section 224 of the Community Charterand the requirements of the DistrictofSquamish PermissiveTax Exemption policyapply.Ifyourorganization can demonstrateeligibilityyou arewelcome to apply foranexemption.

Theapplication and policyare available online.The deadline to apply is July 31, 2024 forexemptions beginning forthe 2025 taxation year.

Formoreinformation, please contactusat604.892.5217

squamish.ca/grants

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH

NOTICEOFBYLAW READINGS FOR ZONINGAMENDMENTS

DistrictofSquamish Zoning Bylaw2200, 2011 AmendmentBylaw(Agriculture1)No. 3054, 2024

AFFECTED LANDS: 41060Government Road,41020 Government Road,41015 Government Road,40820 GovernmentRoad,and 1880 HarrisRoad, Squamish, BC

PROPOSED BYLAWAMENDMENT:

Theproposed AmendmentBylawisanew Agricultural 1 Zone to alignthe District’sZoning Bylawwith the Agricultural Land Commission Actand Agricultural Land Reserve UseRegulation. Five propertiesthatare actively farmed, within the serviced area of theDistrictofSquamish andwithin the AgriculturalLand Reserve areproposed to be rezoned to the newAgricultural 1 Zone

BYLAWREADINGS:

Considerationoffirst,second and third readingsofthe proposed Bylawwillbeatthe Regular MeetingofCouncil on June 18, 2024at6p.m. in Council Chambersat Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue,SquamishBC. No publichearingwillbe held forthis application.

NOPUBLIC HEARING:

Inaccordancewith Provincial legislation, Section 464(2) of theLocal GovernmentAct,local governments arenot requiredtoholdpublic hearingsonproposedzoningbylawamendments ifanOfficial CommunityPlan (OCP) isineffectand the zoning bylawamendmentsare consistentwith the OCP. This proposal meetsthose requirements

DistrictofSquamish Zoning Bylaw2200, 2011 AmendmentBylaw(Tantalus at Paradise Valley) No.2974, 2023

AFFECTED LANDS: Theparcelofland in the Districtof Squamish,legally described as: PARCEL 1DISTRICTLOTS

1519AND 1250 GROUP 1NEW WESTMINSTER DISTRICT PLAN BCP39687, locatedonanunaddressedparcelon Paradise ValleyRoad.ParcelIdentifier:027-811-352

PROPOSED BYLAWAMENDMENT:

Thepurpose of the proposed BylawAmendment istorezonethe property from Resource (RE) and Comprehensive DevelopmentZone 52 (CD-52) to Resource (RE) to alignthe property’s zoning with its Official CommunityPlan Land UseDesignation of Resource and Recreation

BYLAWREADINGS:

Consideration of first, second andthirdreadings of the proposed Bylawwill be at theRegular Meeting of Council on June 18, 2024 at 6p.m. in CouncilChambers at MunicipalHall, 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish BC. No public hearing will be held forthis application.

DistrictofSquamish Zoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, AmendmentBylaw(LowCarbon Step Code Zoning BylawUpdate)No. 3085, 2024

PROPOSED BYLAWAMENDMENT:

TheDistrict of Squamish proposes to remove thelow carbon densitybonus from theZoning Bylaw. This work eliminates redundancybecause Zero Carbon Step Code performance standards of EL-4 will become arequirement under the District of Squamish Building BylawNo. 1822, 2004. All references to thelow carbon incentiveprogram,including heightbonuses,will be deletedfromthe Zoning Bylaw. Thedensitybonus will be removedfromthe following zones:

•CaretakerDwellings (s.4.3)

•Multi-Unit Flex Units (s.4.39)

•Residential 1(RS-1)

•Residential 2(RS-2)

•Residential 3(RS-3)

•Multiple Residential 1(RM-1)

• Multiple Residential 2(RM-2)

•Multiple Residential 3(RM-3)

• Multiple Residential 5(RM-5)

•Residential Modular Home 2(RMH-2)

• Local Commercial (C-1)

• Downtown Commercial (C-4)

BYLAWREADINGS:

Council will consider first three readings andadoptionofthe proposed Bylawattheir Regular CouncilMeetingon June 18,2024 at 6p.m. in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish,BC.

HOWTOVIEWTHE PROPOSED AMENDMENTS

A copy of the proposedbylaws and relatedinformation thathas been or maybeconsidered by Council maybe inspected:

•Online at:squamish.ca

•Inperson: Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, British Columbia, from June 6, 2024 to June 18,2024 between 8:30 a.m.and 4:30 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday.

This is the second of twonotices of bylaw readings

Datedthis 13th dayofJune 2024 at Squamish,

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EDITOR

JENNIFERTHUNCHER jthuncher@ squamishchief.com follow @thuncher

SALESMANAGER

CATHIE GREENLEES cgreenlees@ squamishchief.com

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PUBLISHER SARAHSTROTHER sstrother@wplpmedia.com

EDITORIAL

THEWLNG‘BABY’

The resistance by some on counciltothe WoodfibreLNG floateltemporary usepermit (TUP)isakintofolks standing around whilea baby is beingborn, debating themeritsofa pregnancy.

Thebabyison itsway,folks.

Theoptionisnot whetherornot to have ababy, but whetherwe arepreparedfor it,bestwecan.

Maybe this is notagoodtimefor ababy, or maybe we neverwantedkidsatall—noted

But that ship hassailed; excuse thepun

Theoptionnow is to make thebestoflifewiththis baby.But councilseems to be in the‘let’sargue about gettingpregnant’ purgatory.

Andwhatisworse,the District isn’tevena parent of this “baby.”Atbest, theDistrictislikeanauntand uncle, at leastinterms of poweroverthe kid.

Theother levels of government,SquamishNation, theprovincialgovernmentand thefederal government, agreed to this baby.

Andyet,the “auntand uncle” aredoing everything theycan to make thearrival an obstacle course.

Alltheyhavethe powertodowiththe floatelis approve or deny theTUP.

If thecompany hasmet therequirementsof a TUP, then it should be passed.

Councilmembers aretypically thoughtful folks doingtheir best fortheir community.

Butnot on this issue.

Thereseems to be aconflationofpersonalidentity (‘Iam an environmentalist opposedtofossilfuels’) with thenecessity of doingwhatisright andwithin their purviewasasitting councillor.

BC NDPFOCUSES ON HEALTHCARE

PROVINCIAL OUTLOOK ROBSHAW

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Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.

Hasthe groupapplyingmet thestandards that are equally andfairlyapplied to allthose whosubmitan application?

If so,weneed theTUP passed andthe floatelin operationsothathundredsofworkers canhavea decentplace to sleepwhile they earn theirliving.

Thecommunity andcouncil askedfor asolution forworkers that wasnot in town;thisisit. They will bekeptonaboatseven kilometres away.

Beyond apossiblelawsuit that taxpayerswould have to foot thebillfor,the feet dragging andmoving the goal postson this companycould have other far-reaching ramifications.

Let’ssay awindenergycompany is considering ourcommunity as asitefor awindfarm.

They maylookatthe wayWoodfibre LNGhas been treated, notjustbycouncil,but by afaction of the publicand say, “You know,wedon’t thinkwewantto go somewherewhere theworkers whowillbuild it arevilified. Even if we getapprovalfromthe Nation, theprovinceand thefeds, andevenifwecheck all theboxes setout in theirguidelines, they maykeep movingthe goalpostsno matter what we do.”

If theresponseisthatthe wind farm wouldnot have theprocess draggedout andthe ruleschanged onit, andits workerswould notbevilifiedas predators, then what is really at play here?

Embeddedinvirtually everyBCNDP candidate announcement these days —and thereare alot of them —isalinethatmight surprise you. It’s about thegoverning party’ssuccesses in thehealthcare system,withmoredoctors hired, more hospitalsbuilt and better services provided to BritishColumbians

It’s notsomething youwould expect aseven-year incumbentgovernmenttocelebrate,given the constant stream of negativity aboutERclosuresin ruralcommunities,longwaittimes in hospital hallways andstaffingshortagesacrossthe province

Butthere is acalculation here from NewDemocrats thatnogovernmentwillevertruly be free of negative storiesinsucha large, complex, multifaceted system as B.C. healthcare.And with thepublic system facing proposalsfromother partiesfor more privatizationin theupcomingelection, NewDemocratsfeelit’stimeto starthighlightingthe quietsuccesses of thepublic system.

At thecentreofall this is B.C.’s longest-serving healthminister, Adrian Dix.

“Sometimes we have individual storiesthatgetalot ofattention,” he said in an interview.

“But thepublichealthcaresystemand public

healthcare responseshavebeenexceptional over the last fewyears andwe’ve released some reportsthat show this.”

Most NDPcandidate announcementsare accompanied by thelinethatsince 2017 thegovernmenthas been:“Strengtheninghealthcarebycreatingmore beds andserviceslocally andhiring700 more doctors andlicensing internationallytrained health professionalstoworkacrossB.C.”

Thefigurehas been vouchedfor by DoctorsofBC, in largepartdue to thenew fundingmodel forfamily doctorsthatreplacedservice fees with aflatratefor each patient, improvingfinancial incentives and recruitmentfor doctorswho hadotherwise left the family practice system

It hasnot,byany means, solved thedoctorshortage —but it hasmadeadentinthe roughlyone million people unattachedtofamily physicians,downto 885,000inthe most recent survey

Dixalsopointed to quietprogressinother areas, includingMRI andCTscans (usedtodiagnosea varietyofailments) as well as surgical wait times.

MRIexams areup83% since2017and CT scans43%, accordingtothe health ministry.Inpart, it’s because B.C. hasbought18moreMRI units, nine more CT scanners,trained 373moreMRI technicians(a 133-per-cent increase)and improved benchmarks across theboard,saidDix.

“While it doesn’tsometimes catcha lot of attention againstissues, when youtalkabout 322,000people

ELECTION: Continuedon13

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)

ELECTION: Continued from 12

getting an MRI exam, that’s a huge difference in a short period of time,” he said.

“We went from the bottom to the top.”

On surgical wait times, B.C. logged a record number of surgeries last year, according to the ministry In part, that comes from the government purchasing a private surgical centre in Vancouver Coastal Health and two in Fraser Health

Dix said it also comes from maximizing use of public operating rooms and diagnostic times, including operating some services 24-7

“People are surprised they get an appointment at 3 a.m.,” he said “But when you need an MRI, getting an appointment at 3 a.m. is a good idea And those people tend to show up.”

Critics like BC United Leader Kevin Falcon have said Dix is fudging the numbers, or at least only selectively releasing an avalanche of statistics to back up his claims of progress. Across the province, especially in rural areas, there remain extraordinary delays and pressures

on the system. The system is straining under record population growth, almost entirely due to immigration.

New Democrats, though, are proactively backstopping the public system for what they anticipate will be an attack in the election by parties like United and the Conservatives who say increased involvement of the private sector into public healthcare will provide better results.

Falcon in particular has called for reforms, and said continuing to throw more money at healthcare is not improving outcomes. Conservative Leader John Rustad has encouraged looking abroad for a mix of privately delivered services within the public system

There are other political manoeuvres as well, including United’s pledge Saturday to provide free shingles vaccines for British Columbians over the age of 50, something New Democrats have been considering but yet to enact. And the Conservatives have pushed hard to end the mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirement for nurses and other healthcare professionals, to improve staffing.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

COUNCIL, RECONSIDER

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

Iam a Garibaldi Highlands resident and property taxpayer

I am appalled at the manner in which council has proceeded with respect to the TUP for the floatel at the WLNG site

The public notice for the meeting clearly stated that “this meeting is not an opportunity for public input.”

Nevertheless, council made what appears to be an impromptu decision to allow several protesters to make presentations after which a number of essentially peripheral issues that were raised by the protesters were cited as reason to again deny the TUP.

One can only conclude that the reconsideration of the TUP was not done in good faith or without prejudice. It did not adhere to the ‘no public input’ limitation. It did not reflect democratic principles of procedure by selectively listening to protesters. Rather, council demonstrated a lack of respect for the process as soon as it deviated from the meeting notice by

LETTERS POLICY

allowing outside input. It demonstrated bias by giving a vocal minority the opportunity for input but denying that opportunity to the general public Council further demonstrated prejudice against the applicant by expanding the list of issues and/or regurgitating previously considered issues that are not directly relevant to the temporary zoning being requested or may be outside District jurisdiction

This entire episode is a betrayal of public trust and in my opinion, demonstrates a lack of integrity. There is potential for lawsuits that may well prove costly to all of us who are taxpayers Council should remember that they are accountable to ALL taxpayers, not just those who share their ideologies Councillors cannot be expected to abandon their beliefs, but they must not allow their personal ideologies to blind them to other aspects of community interest and they must never allow a personal ideology to take precedence over the betterment of the community.

I appeal to council to convene an in-camera meeting as soon as practicable to:

The NDP has spent extraordinary sums on healthcare spending is up 74% since 2017, which equates to an extra $15 billion in the system from when the party first took office.

While there are still all sorts of individual horror stories of patients unable to find a doctor, and stuck on waiting lists for diagnostics and surgeries, the governing party is trying to highlight some success stories, for fear of having the single-largest budgetary expense be an overwhelmingly negative campaign issue.

“There will be lots of people who will read your column and say, well I’m waiting too long,” said Dix.

“And I agree with them. But we had a situation prior to that, in the North for example, where in most cases you couldn’t get one [an MRI] I’m happy with the argument we should be doing better I think we should be doing better But this was an area of care fundamentally neglected over time.”

Whether it’s enough, will be a matter for voters in October.

Rob Shaw has spent more than 16 years covering B.C. politics.

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK

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Have your say at squamishchief.com

LAST

Is your opinion swayed by protests? (Top 3)

• contemplate both the procedural and ethical legitimacy of Tuesday’s meeting as it unfolded;

• considering the deviation from the meeting notice and the acceptance of inputs from protesters while excluding the general public, assess the legal legitimacy, if contested in a court of law, and the moral legitimacy, as in the court of public opinion, of the outcomes of the meeting;

• rescind the decisions made at that meeting; and

• convene a further Council meeting and either approve or reject the TUP based only on issues directly related to the TUP (not WLNG in general, FortisBC, or other extraneous issues) with due consideration of the fiscal and economic impact on Squamish, both the District and local businesses

Whether or not I personally agree with the eventual decision is not relevant: I will respect it if it is made in good faith, without prejudice or favouritism, and in a procedurally proper manner.

Rae Simpson Squamish

The Squamish Chief welcomes letters to the editor of up to 400 words. Letters should be exclusive to this publication and are meant to respond to a local story in The Squamish Chief or raise an issue happening in town Please include your name, neighbourhood and daytime phone number The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for Thursday’s edition. Full names and neighbourhood will be published with the letter The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit letters for length and clarity or to address legal concerns. Email letters to: editor@squamishchief.com

MOST READ STORY

B.C. mountaineers missing eight days as drone footage being analyzed

TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK

This week, Bailey Martens wrote about a massive fish caught in the Fraser River. See the video of it on our TikTok account @squamishchief

LOCALANGLERWRANGLESINFAMOUS‘MONSTER’ STURGEON ‘Pig

Nose’isa fishinglegend

BAILEY MARTENS

ForThe Squamish Chief

Joe Eppele andNickMcCabewereinfor quitethe surprise when they reeled in a three-metre(10-foot) sturgeon recently,in the Fraser River.

Squamish’s Eppele—hostof TheEdge on Wild T.V.— andMcCabehad agreat dayfishing the daybefore; they caught some juvenile fish, gettingtomicrochip one, andsomeother big two-metre(seven-foot)longfish. So,they decidednot to film thesecondday of theirtrip andfocus on having fun.

Thatiswhentheycaughtthe massivesturgeon.

“Wewentbackintoone little fishinghole, and we couldsee some good fish on thesonar.But we didnot seethe absolute monsterthatwas underneath,” said Eppele.

McCabe setthe line—after Eppele struggled to—and it immediatelystarted “screaming off the reel,”saidEppele.

Neitherofthemcould have predictedhow largethe fish was, buttheyknewtheywerein for alongfight.

“I’d have to lock my arms,leanbackand reel as

fast as Icould to tryand gain enough line back on thereelbasically .Itwas aconstantbattle, andmyarmsweredefinitelyscreaming,” said Eppele

AccordingtoEppele, sturgeonsoften breach thesurface of thewater whilebeing reeled in, allowing thefisherto seehow bigofacatch it is.Thistimewas different.

Thesturgeondidn’tcomeuptothe surface. It wasnot untiltheysaw howfar away thetail wasfromthe line that they knew just howbig of acatch it was. AnditiswhenMcCabespotted markings indicating it wasthe famous Pig Nose

“His eyes litup.Helookedatme, andhesaid, “That’s PigNose. We have to play this perfectly,’ andeverybody’s energy changed,”saidEppele. PigNoseisa317 kg (700 pound) sturgeon estimatedtobeanywherefrom80to100 years old, butcould very possibly be as old as 200 yearsold,saidEppele. McCabe firstcaughtPig Nose nine yearsago,whenhefirst tagged him. It wasthenthe fish gotits uniquename. Anosebyany othername

Most B.C. sturgeonstravelupand down the bottom of theFraserRiver,where rockstumble into theriver from theshoreline.Sturgeons will bump theirnoses on rocksatthe bottom of the riverorbebonkedbyfalling rocks. This

FISH: Continued from 14

sometimes results in a bit of a blunt tip of their head from running into bottom rocks or getting hit by those falling. Because of Pig Nose’s age, he has encountered a lot of rocks. And thus, has a very blunt head—just like a pig’s snout.

McCabe has caught Pig Nose a number of times since that first time Eppele said the fact that Pig Nose has been caught and released so many times goes to show that the fishing protocols are working to keep sturgeons safe

“If you were only catching these fish once, and then they were never catching them again, then there might be a concern that it wasn’t a sustainable method for gathering this information,” said Eppele

According to the Government of Canada, White Sturgeons are the largest freshwater fish in Canada

They are also an at-risk species as their population has declined as a result of overfishing, polluted water, lessened food sources, and dikes and dams Groups like Fraser River Sturgeon Conservation Society and other scientists work to monitor and conserve these fish alongside anglers who measure, record, and chart where they catch and release these fish.

Eppele has been fishing since he was a child but he has never come across a fish like Pig Nose

Before Pig Nose, the wildest aquatic encounter Eppele has had was when a pod of killer whales approached his boat.

TOW: Continued from 9

remove that vehicle. They treat us like we’re the bad person, that we’re in the wrong.

Q: How do you handle that?

A: For many years, I’ve told many people that if they have a discrepancy, they could call our office and talk to our management or go back to the spot where they were parked—at the building or apartment—and talk to that manager.

Q: What are some of the more interesting things you have towed?

A: A few months back, I got a call for a dump truck on its side in Lions Bay. My truck pulled it over, with no problem. I’ve had to pull trucks and trailers that have got stuck in a boat launch A couple of years back, I got called down to Cates Park; by the time we got there, with how much the water had come in, you could only see maybe the front fenders on this guy’s truck.

He said he locked the doors of the truck and it was in neutral.

Another time, going south, right by the star, a car carrier full of new cars lost its load around the corner The cars were destroyed. Last year, a guy came around the corner from Squamish Valley Road onto the highway, and I guess his boat wasn’t properly secured on his trailer. When I got there, I asked where the boat was, and he said in the bush

Q: What do you wish people knew about what you do?

A: The number one law I wish people would understand and would actually follow is to

He turned off his motor and watched them swim around until they were a safe distance away to restart the engine.

But Eppele is excited to catch more fish and possibly see Pig Nose once again. For now, people can soon see the catch when it airs on his T.V. show, The Edge

DARTS & DAFFODILS

A FORKLIFT OF DAFFODILS to the kind folks who helped this handsome klutz get back on his feet after the tumble in front of Save-On. And thanks to the gentleman who brought a bottle of water to wash down the dust Much appreciated.

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.

slow down and move over when they see us working. We have a busy highway, everybody’s always in a rush. For the 12 hours that I’m in that truck, I put my life on the line. I’ve put our pylons out on the road, and people have hit them. I’ve had it to where they’re so close to the truck that I can either jump or dive out of the way.

People seem to understand they have to watch out for first responders but we’re cleaning up accidents. We have to pull cars out of the ditches for the RCMP or the fire department so they can do their jobs.

Q: You are on the road so much, what else do you see with people driving on the Sea to Sky Highway that you would like drivers to know?

A: Slow down and move over, especially as this is now motorcycle season People need to be more aware of their surroundings Last year, in the first week of motorcycle season, we dealt with seven motorcycle accidents between Squamish and Furry Creek hill

Q: Anything else you want people to know?

A: At the end of the day, we’re there to provide a service. It doesn’t matter if people are stressed or in a good mood We’re out there doing our job to make sure that person gets home or gets to their destination safely We’re in our trucks all day, and we’re in danger zones. We all have families So, respect us so we can go home safe, too.

About a local is a semi-regular column that celebrates interesting locals If you have an idea for someone we should feature (and their permission), let us know at news@squamishchief.com

Thisspecial guide will be loadedwithvaluable informationfor residentslooking fortradesinall areasof homerepairs andnew construction, forbothresidential andcommercialapplications

Distributed in Squamish, Whistler andPemberton Distribution10,000 Copies

604.892.9161 ads@squamishchief.com

38117 Second Avenue, Squamish,BC, V8B0B9 www.squamishchief.com

NorthSquamish Volunteer Fire Brigade Society formswith Seed Funding from Paradise Trails

The leadership of the Squamish Nation is joining forces with the proponents of Paradise Trails Eco Villageand Equestrian Centretocreate anew,non-profit society,-TheNorth Squamish Volunteer Fire Brigade Society.

“After what happened in Lytton, Kelowna and Fort McMurray,itis clear the issue of wildfires is critical, not onlyfor Nation membersbut forall those who liveinSquamish,” says hereditaryChief Dale Harry. The North Squamish Volunteer Fire BrigadeSocietyplans to build afirehall, train volunteersand equip themselvestofight potentialwildfires

Keytothe society’s formation is a$200,000 donation pledgedbyParadise Trails,led by Michael Goodman. Goodman says the level ofwildfirefear became clear to him when his companybegan local consultations about theproposed eco village and equestrian development forParadise Valley. “I personally went up and down Paradise Valleyand the Squamish Valleyfrom2008- 2012 asking people what theymost wanted as acommunity benefit, if Paradise Trails wasapproved by Squamish Council. The numberone issue wasprotection from wildfire.”Goodman said. Cheekye Village resident Paul Lewis says, “Anearly response by firefightersfromthe brigade could mean thedifference between saving the beautyofthe region or watching it burn.Weare asking the Band Council to allowushereinCheekye to donateland for the firehall. We think this makesgood sense, asitisatthe confluenceofthe Paradise andSquamish Valleys.Since we liveonthe reserve,I would be surprised if the Band did not grant along-termlease to the Society.”

line.” Chief Harrystated, “The SLRD Volunteer Fire Department in Britannia Beachistoo farawaytoput out small firesbeforetheyturnintoabig one.We need agroup of people hereinSquamish with equipment and training to act quickly.”

Goodman has already seeded $50,000 in funds to tackle the duties of funding theorganization and overseeing building the firehall to house the equipment. We’reexcited that some progress has been made.Lewis went on to say, “If the District of Squamish trulywants to work with the Nation, theyshould help us withthis initiativeand that is as simple as helping Paradise Trails.That is what reconciliation is about -working together The Nation is already training people to fight wildfires and we need all the help we can get.”The Squamish Nation has supportedthe Paradise Trails project since 2007,when Chief Gibby and Chief Harry were on the Squamish Nation Council. Chief Harryhas not given up which is why he suggested setting up aformal society. He is hopeful that will finallyget the current Squamish Council to see howvital this initiativeis. “Littonwas arealwakeupcall. Idoubt anyone else will get this going if we don’t.”

Over50First Nations membershavesigned apetition in supportofParadise Trails and the VolunteerFireBrigade.“Awildfirecould sweep down the valleys and wipe out all of Squamish likeitdid in Hawaii.”Lewis says,“Squamish means MotherofWinds in our language.This heavilyforestedareais fartoo valuable to leave unprotected. Iwas born on Cheekye Reserve.Our forestlands encompass 5,000 acres plus tree farm licenses,which coverapproximately eight kilometersinwidth by 112kms long. Formillennia, we have used the trees responsibly and selectively,” Lewis said.

Lewis continued, “I supportParadise Trails and its intention to assist in creating and equipping the volunteerfirebrigade.Last year theremust have been 5,000 illegal campersvisitingour lands.Myson spent agood part of his time traveling up and down the Squamish Valleytelling people to put out campfiresduring the fire ban.”Hepoints to ablazein2020 that highlighted howreal the threat of wildfireis. “The wildfirestarted in the Squamish Valleyand wasburning over the hill towardsParadise Valley. It wassobad people were getting ready to evacuate. Anotherblazeoccurred 10 yearsago.ItburnedNation members’ homestothe ground becausethe DoS would not respond.”

Mike Goodman says,“Much of the region is currentlyoutside of the District of Squamish’s fire protection area. Thereare concerns about how, and if,future fires will be fought. Most people in Squamish do not knowthereisanimaginary line cutting through the Paradise and Squamish Valleys.This line separates the District of Squamish(DoS) from the Squamish and Lillooet Regional District (SLRD). The DoS willnot fight ahouse fire or wildfireonthe other side of that

Additionally, Goodman stated, “We listened carefullyand want to provide the most requested communitybenefit, equipment abuilding to house it. There are17other communitybenefits the development legallyagreedtoprovide. However, over the yearsthe planning staffhas continuallyfrustrated our efforts to proceed. District plannershaveplaced unconscionable roadblocks in processing our application. Theyrecentlygave us only9business days’notice that theywill be attempting to take away the project’sright to proceed. This is scheduled to happen at the Council meeting on June 18.Please attend if youcareabout this initiative.”

“When Council rezoned the Paradise Trails Eco Village and Equestrian Centre property in 2012,DoS plannersrefused to accept our promised $200,000 donation. We insisted those funds be tied to building and equipping the volunteer fire brigade.Instead, theywerere-allocated by the District to the other communitybenefits theywanted. At that point in history, DoS did not care what had been promised to the Nation, or the community. Today, hopefully, that haschanged. According to staffatthe time,itwas toomuch of aliability. They did not carewhat we hadpromised the Squamish Nation and the community.” Goodman said

Goodman remains hopeful, with communitysupport, knowing what happened in Hawaii, and Fort McMurray,the DoS will change their mind about the need forthe brigade.Hebelieveslocating the fire hall on Squamish Nation land will resolve the liability issues forthe DoS.Everyone nowknows,wildfireprotection is of utmost importance

Membersofthe public can visit the Society’swebsiteat: https://www.northernsquamishfirefighters.ca. Please supportthis initiative bysigning the petition urging Council memberstosupportthe Fire Brigade Societyand Paradise Trails.

Media inquiries: 778-895-5365 or hello@northernsquamishfirefighters.ca

It is witha heavy heart to announce that ourson, brother, uncle, cousin, nephewand friend, Norman Gratton passed away May 28 2024after a hard battle with cancer.

Norm was borninSudbury OntarioSeptember 51965. His familylived there forafew yearsbefore moving to Squamish wherehegrew up. Squamish washis home untilhis final day.Normenjoyedplaying sports and refifng hockeywhenhewas young. He was also known as the gas station guy as he workedfor manyyears at the old Shellstation thatwas on ClevelandAvenue.Normand his wifeMichellelovedtogocampingand they would go as oftenastheycould. As he gotolder, hishobbies changed to collectingeverything wolf relatedand trap shooting. He enjoyed his weekendsatthe Squamish Gun Range with agreatbunch of people.

Norm was predeceasedbythe loveofhis life Michelle nee Rockwell and his motherNorma Gratton. He is survived behis father Paul Gratton Sr., father in lawDaleRockwell, brothers Paul Gratton (Heather),GaryGratton (Carla)and sister Coline Stefiuk (Dan) and many niecesand nephews. Norm will definitelybemissedand will foreverbeinour hearts. No moresuffering Norm.Finally, at peaceand back withhis love Resteasy Norm. Love youforever.

Inlovingmemoryof THESE,Hendrik

March31, 1944 -May 17, 2024

Hendrik These passed away on May17, 2024, while he wassurrounded by hisloving family. Hismemorywill be carried in the hearts of his children, Nicki(Scott) and Karl (Nancy),and his grandchildren who he adored:Sophieand Rowan (and their father, Mike), and Avaand Kaden. He will also be missed by his sister,Trudi,and brother-inlaw,Alex; his nephews, Daniel and Aaron; hisniece, Kristi; and brother-in-law Nic. Born in Germany toRudiand Ruth These,Hendrik wasthe eldest of 3children. His spirit nowjoins his parents and his sister, Heidi, who predeceased him. Hendrik dedicatedhis whole career to logging andran a successful companyinSquamish, BC.His senseof humour wasone of his most endearing qualities And,asananimal lover, Hendrik wasespecially fond of dogs,cats, and birds -all the birds, even the crows.Hendrik is dearly missed,and will never be forgotten. Condolences,photos, and memories may be sent to thefamily by visiting hisobituary page at www.springfieldfuneralhome.com

With

ability to move freely in aclean and

environment designed just for their

with play equipment and toys that are specific to support their current stage of development and encourage skill and social development.

Our services require active parent or guardian participation.

Follow us on instagram: @tinytotsgymsquamish facebook: Tiny Tots Gym www.tinytotsgym.ca

North Squamish Volunteer Fire Brigade Society is hiring! Looking for Community Engagement Representative to fundraise, canvass, and gather signaturesfor brigade. Search "Community Engagement Representative on Squamish-jobs.com" for details

squamishchief.com

604-813-3194

www.kymarguttersinc.net

NOWHIRING

COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT/HEAVYDUTYMECHANIC Permanent,Full-Time

Cardinal Concrete, ADivision of Lafarge Canada Inc is the leading supplier of ready-mix concrete in the Sea to Sky Corridor.Weare currently seeking acareer oriented individual to fill the role of Commercial Transport/Heavy Duty Mechanic at our Head Office Locationin Squamish, BC. This is askilled position which primarily involves preventative maintenance and repair of alarge fleet of commercial transportvehicles including concrete mixer trucks,dump trucks, trailers, forklifts and light-duty trucks.

Minimum Qualifications:

•B.C. Certificate of Qualification,and/orInterprovincial Ticket as aCommercial TransportMechanic, and/orHeavy Duty Mechanic Ticket

• 3-5years relatedexperience and/ortraining;or equivalent combination of education andexperience

Compensation $45.57 to $49.07

To view afull copy of this JobDescription visit: www.cardinalconcrete.ca/about/careers Apply to: info@cardinalconcrete.ca

Grinding material

Scepter

Angelic instruments

Small branches

Is in debt

Conveyor

Duplicate

Through

Specific flavor

Passed with flying colors

Heehaw

Adore

Flock mothers

Prepare a salad

Nutritious bean

Spinning plaything

Corn serving

Moistureless

SUDOKU

March 21-April 19

ARIES

Having shared goals is the key to a happy and healthy relationship Taking a step back will enable you to better appreciate what you have and what you want so you can move forward together Sept 23-Oct. 22

TAURUS

April 20-May 20

You’ll deal with some rather stressful negotiations this week Someone will confess their feelings to you, but you won’t know how to react, especially if you’re in a relationship, as they won’t be let down easily Oct 23-Nov. 21

GEMINI

May 21-June 20

Sometimes, you must put your ego aside to reach your goals It can be challenging to stand in front of a crowd of people Learn to trust yourself 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.

YOUR PLACE OF

July 23-Aug. 22

One of your children will achieve something significant, such as taking their first steps or getting a diploma. This will amaze you and fill you with happiness and pride You’ll stand out at work for your honesty and openness, earning praise.

LEO

Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’ll start a new chapter when you decide to sell your home Your children have left the nest; it’s time for new challenges and enriching experiences. You’ll accept change with peace and optimism. Jan. 20-Feb 18

VIRGO

Aug. 23-Sept. 22

You must create a detailed budget to manage your finances. This will allow you to treat yourself to a holiday full of adventure and discovery alone, with your significant other or friends. Get ready for lots of fun ahead! Feb. 19-March 20

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

LIBRA

You tend to act quickly in any situation, which can sometimes be a quality or a flaw Seek the advice of those close to you. Don’t rush into things to avoid unnecessary expenses

SCORPIO

If you’re constantly questioning your future, a dream could guide you toward a professional solution. An unexpected discovery could positively illuminate your path

SAGITTARIUS

You’re under a lot of pressure and need to recharge your batteries Take this opportunity to let your creativity run wild. You’ll get a lot of original suggestions to decorate your home

CAPRICORN

You’ll organize an event that will bring some of your friends together, and you’ll have a lot of people to welcome and entertain You’ll need to be creative and diplomatic to ensure everything goes smoothly.

AQUARIUS

Every great project starts with a dream. You’ll find the inspiration you need to turn your ideas into reality. Your dream for the future is reflected in both your personal and professional lives, strengthening your determination.

PISCES

An unforeseen event will evoke intense emotions and make you question your choices You may have the urge to go far away on a spiritual journey that will shed light on your future.

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