TheannualSquamishhighliningfestivalwas in town last weekend. Pictured is athleteGeraldSituonaGoatRidge slackline before thefestivalbegan
Unitsare thefirst availablefor rent throughthe Squamish Community HousingSociety
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Eight newhomes in oneofSquamish’snewest neighbourhoodsare up forrent, forlessthan market prices.
TheSquamish CommunityHousing Society (Housing Squamish), in partnershipwith Polygon Homes, theDistrictofSquamish, andBCHousing, announcedtoday that applications to rent thenew affordable homes arenow open.
Thebrand newunits arelocated at 2050,2052, 2054 Highline Mews,and 41225Garibaldi SpringsWay,in theHighlinecommunity at GaribaldiSprings.
BC Housingownsfourtwo-bedroom homesand four three-bedroomhomes,which will be managedby HousingSquamish.
Theeight homesweresecured by theDistrictof Squamish as acommunity contribution and constructedbyPolygon Homes.
STARS, AND VALUES, ALIGN
MARKET: Continued from 1 We acknowledge there is still work to do. However, this is a
Sarah Ellis, executive director of Housing Squamish, said these first official units on offer from the new housing authority are due to values aligning
“It’s an alignment of the District policies that required these units, Polygon, which built them and did such a good job, and then BC Housing which purchased them and then us who are operating them. So, you can kind of see all the links in the chain of what it takes to get these affordable units done,” she said.
Applications are open as of today and successful locals can expect to move into their new homes in November.
Families will be prioritized in the application process, and applicants must live and work in Squamish for a minimum of 20 hours per week
“It’s important to us that families who are working in Squamish, and that earn a moderate income, are prioritized for these units. The District’s Housing Needs Report that just came out last year identified the need for housing, basically across the continuum of households and family types, but really identified families as an area that is really being underserved, especially the housing of the size that they need,” Ellis said
To apply, there are also income requirements—households can’t have a combined annual income of more than $134,000—and employment and asset verification requirements.
Ellis said she knows there can be pushback from area residents when affordable housing moves in, but she is confident the new homes are a win-win for the community.
“There’s a lot of people who might have an idea in their mind when they think of belowmarket housing, but really what we know about the folks who need housing in this community, is there are folks who are working good jobs, earning reasonable incomes, but who are still
ARMAND HURFORD
having to make pretty serious compromises and trade-offs to make it work,” she said “I think these are great community members who are just going to add to the community. So we’re really excited to be good neighbours.”
AFFORDABLE HOUSING ‘CRITICAL’
Mayor Armand Hurford said in a news release about the units that housing affordability has been a key focus of the District for 10 years.
Ellis said the society has much more to offer the community, with an announcement of more local housing expected this fall Applications can be found on the Housing Squamish website. BELOW
“We know that providing affordable housing is critical to ensuring our community stays vibrant, diverse and with the workforce we need to continue to support a thriving local economy,” he said. “We acknowledge there is still work to do However, this is a significant step forward, and through continued support from the development community, BC Housing and Housing Squamish we are well-positioned to realize additional affordable units going forward.”
Minister of Housing, Ravi Kahlon, said in the release his NDP government, which is up for election this fall, will continue to support more housing like this
“Having safe, affordable housing will make a huge difference in the lives of eight Squamish families who will live here,” Kahlon said, in the release.
“We’ll continue to deliver homes just like these across B.C. through the Homes for People plan.”
MORE INFORMATION ON APPLYING
Other things to note about the application process for the eight homes:
• All eligible applicants will be entered into a lottery
• On Sept 3, Housing Squamish will use
randomization software to randomly assign all applicants a number, which will establish a priority order.
• During the second week of September, applicants will be informed of their listing number on the list and the first eight will be asked to complete income, employment and asset verification.
“It is important that no one provide notice at their current home until they have an official housing offer and rental agreement with Housing Squamish,” the release states.
All new residents will have 30 days prior notice before their move-in date.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
A few of the units for rent
SEA TO SKY HEALTH-CARE NEEDS REPORT SHOWS CRITICAL SERVICE GAPS
The study is part of a threephase, 30-year master plan which will create a ‘vision’ for health care
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@wplpmedia.com
Public engagement for a new health care plan from Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) shows what residents already know services are stretched, and residents need more locally accessible infrastructure
Pemberton, Whistler and Squamish, as well as rural communities outside these towns, were recently surveyed by Vancouver Coastal Health on health-care needs in the Sea to Sky. The survey will inform a 30-year master plan and site plans for health-care called Health Vision Sea to Sky.
The planning process started in June 2023 and includes three phases The first phase, What We Heard, was released in December 2023, and seeks to create a “vision for the future of acute, long-term care and community health-care services within the Sea to Sky corridor.”
VCH also released a separate report in consultation with local First Nations.
The second and third phases of the study include a draft clinical services plan and draft master site plans for Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.
The report focused on “critical gaps and challenges around current health services in the Sea to Sky corridor, as well as future priorities and opportunities.”
GAPS IN THE SYSTEM
Highlights in healthcare gaps and challenges include long wait times for emergency and urgent care, limited access to specialized care
and diagnostic imaging, few options for long-term care and insufficient access to primary care
The only local hospital in the Sea to Sky is Squamish General Hospital, which isn’t equipped for specialist care People needing
maternity and oncology specialists often travel to Lions Gate Hospital
Long-term care beds are at capacity, and there aren’t enough senior living options. Primary care practitioners are either retiring
Hospital
or overwhelmed.
Pemberton Health Centre and Squamish General Hospital both lack computed tomography (CT) scanners, despite the “considerable” demand
While the local population of the Sea to Sky ballooned between 2016 and 2021, according to data from Statistics Canada, another factor straining health care is tourism Visitors flock to the corridor for mountain biking, skiing, hiking and climbing, which “puts additional pressures on local health services,” according to the report.
Finally, a lack of public transport exacerbates the problem when people need to commute to a health centre away from home, and frequent closures of Highway 99 add to the frustrations
New infrastructure for Sea to Sky?
Heidi Butler is the operations director of community care for VCH, and said information from the report will inform VCH’s vision.
“We’ll probably have Phase 2 and 3 very closely tied together, because when we look at what clinical services we need, we also are looking at what infrastructure will be needed to then support those clinical services,” she said. “So, we’ll probably be combining Phase 2 and 3 together that will start in the fall of this year and carry on and through the winter.”
Butler couldn’t confirm yet what infrastructure will go where, and said the infrastructure plans are recommendations.
“The infrastructure plans are really just to say, what would we recommend to support that level
of clinical service over the next 30 years,” she said. “We’ll be talking about what that looks like in the fall of this year.”
Shoring up acute, long-term care, and community services will require a lot of money, and Butler said VCH will continue to work with the Ministry of Health and other funding partners to strategize and implement the plan.
“It won’t happen overnight, and it’s something that we’re going to have to continue to work to
prioritize the areas that are of greatest need and work with our ministry partners and other funding partners to ensure that we can implement the plans,” she said.
While the exact nature of which healthcare sites will go where has yet to be revealed, Butler did note that a CT scanner is slated for operations at Squamish General Hospital next year
CORRIDOR PRIORITIES
While the Sea to Sky corridor’s populations and health care are interconnected, each community has distinct needs. Butler said the vision aims to accurately understand these needs, create site plans for Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton, and find integration.
“So as a part of the planning, there will be three distinct site plans, the one for Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton, as well as an integrated, high-level plan that will speak to how those three sites will integrate together, share services, rely on each other, and then also how the Sea to Sky will also integrate with the North Shore and other areas in Vancouver,” she said.
While there were overarching themes that spanned the length of Sea to Sky communities, the report found each area had somewhat different priorities
The top three services identified by the public as a local priority were urgent primary care, diagnostic imaging services and mental health services
Other desired additions include lab service and physicians for minor or moderate injury care
Co-location of services was targeted as a potential opportunity for filling these gaps, with respondents pointing to Whistler 360 and The Foundry in Squamish as successes.
Squamish’s challenges align closely with the corridor’s themes, due to the respondents representing 64 per cent of all those surveyed.
For Whistler residents, specialist care is a challenge, and for Pemberton, long-term care space is more commonly a challenge than other communities.
By gender, men reported needing urgent or emergency care access more commonly than women, and women reported receiving long-term care was a challenge more often than men.
Gender-diverse, two-spirit, trans or non-binary respondents noted more commonly than other groups that communication between hospitals and primary care providers is challenging.
Indigenous communities, meanwhile, responded that culturally appropriate care is more commonly a challenge.
While the survey responses skewed heavily towards the District of Squamish, consultation with municipal leaders, town planners and hospital foundations helped ensure Phase 1 heard from stakeholders throughout the corridor, according to Butler
“I would encourage people to engage in Phase 2,” she said “If they haven’t had the opportunity to in Phase 1, there’s still opportunity. We really want to hear from people.”
To read the reports or provide feedback, visit VCH’s website.
HEIDI
SQUAMISH COULD SOON HAVE A WALMART SUPERCENTRE—WITH FRESH PRODUCE—IF A DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION IS APPROVED
The DP would see the restrictions around the sale of fresh produce removed.
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
iLemayConway@squamishchief.com
It has been a topic of discussion for over 20 years, but it looks like the Squamish Walmart could finally be on the way to becoming a Supercentre.
The supermarket giant opened at 39210, Discovery Way in Squamish in 2006 after agreeing not to sell perishables such as fresh meat, fish or produce.
But as of 2024, the company has applied to amend the zoning which will remove the restrictions around the sale of fresh produce.
“We’re delighted to share we’ve submitted an application to convert our Squamish Walmart store to a Supercentre to better serve our Squamish customers,” a Walmart Spokesperson told The Squamish Chief.
“Squamish customers will benefit from having an expanded assortment of products and the ability to choose to shop in-store or online with in-store pickup or delivery,” they said
District of Squamish spokesperson Rachel Boguski said the development permit application has been displayed on their website since July 10 and includes “improvements and upgrades to the facade, signage
and parking areas.”
“Walmart is not currently permitted to sell fresh produce and has restrictions on the amount of floor area which can be used for sale of non-perishable food items,” Boguski said
“The application is a combined rezoning and development permit application. The District has provided initial feedback to Walmart regarding the application and is awaiting additional information.
Boguski said no date has been set for bringing the application before council and no feedback from the public has been received to date.
A BIT OF HISTORY
In 2004 the council posed a 6,410 squarefoot limit on the food sales area and a 1,135 square-foot limit on the area set aside for confectionery.
It was also a requirement that Walmart would not apply for a rezoning on any issue related to food sales for at least five years after the store was built.
Plans for the upgrades to the current Walmart building to turn it into a Supercentre can be found on the District of Squamish website.
—With a file from Adam Daff/Pique Magazine
PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The Squamish Chief has a poll about the prospect of an expanded Walmart. Find it at squamishchief.com.
SQUAMISH SAR: PREPARE FOR ‘SELF-RESCUES’ AND LONGER WAIT TIMES THIS WEEKEND
With helicopter focus on the BC wildfires, Squamish SAR are warning outdoor enthusiasts to be prepared to self-rescue or to have to wait longer than usual for response times
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
iLemayConway@squamishchief.com
Squamish Search and Rescue is warning locals and visitors to be prepared for “self-rescues” and longer wait times as helicopter focus is turned towards the B.C. wildfires.
“Helicopters are not as readily available for Squamish SAR tasks due to the BC wildfire,” Squamish Search and Rescue spokesperson Christy Allan told The Squamish Chief.
“Be prepared for self-rescue or potentially longer response times by our team,” Allan said.
The long weekend held on the first weekend of August saw the rescue numbers rise again with hiking related rescues undertaken by Squamish SAR volunteers.
“The long weekend was busy with three hiking-related calls from Goat Ridge, The [Stawamus] Chief and Lake Lovely Water,” Allan said
To date, we have responded to approximately 75 calls this year, which is on par with the call volumes from last year.
CHRISTY ALLAN
“To date, we have responded to approximately 75 calls this year, which is on par with the call volumes from last year.”
SAR was also called to the Slhanay bluffs on Aug. 7 to assist an injured base jumper
Rare point-of-view footage from the helicopter, showcasing the technical nature of a
long line rescue can be seen on Squamish Search and Rescue social media.
But it’s not just hikers, climbers and BASE jumpers that have required the help of SAR this past year, with the mountain biking task volume “increasing steadily” over the past six years.
“Back in 2018, we had 11 mountain biking related tasks. Last year we had more than double that at 27,” Allan said.
“From 2018 until now, we have responded to 127 mountain biking tasks.
“Hiking is still the most common activity but
over the years mountain biking has surpassed climbing as the second most tasked activity,” she said.
For tips and tricks when planning your outdoor adventures, Allan recommends checking out the AdventureSmart website.
FILE PHOTO BY GERALD WOLFE/SQUAMISH SAR Squamish SAR has responded to 127 mountain biking tasks since 2018 They are able to reach more rescue areas, thanks to their new Land Rover Defender, which they won in November
NEWS BRIEF
MANDROWNSATPORTEAU COVE
BCEmergency Health Services and Squamish RCMP have confirmeda mandiedfollowing adrowning incidentinPorteau Cove Provincial Park on Aug. 3.
“Two ambulances were dispatched,one withadvancedcareparamedicsand one with primarycareparamedicsand were on sceneat10:51 a.m,”saidaProvincialHealth Services Authorityspokesperson.
“Two supervisorsand a[Critical Care Program]helicopterwerealsodispatched. No onewas transportedtohospital,”theysaid.
“Officersdeterminedthatthere wasno criminalityand have turned theinvestigationovertothe BC CoronerService.”
TheRCMPhavenotifiedthe man’snext ofkin of hispassing
Theman’s identity is notbeing released
“SquamishRCMPwould like to thank allthose whoassistedinthe rescue attempt,”saidCpl.Brett Urano, an RCMP spokesperson,
“Our condolencesgoout to thefamily andfriends of this manduringthistragic incident.”
the2024SquamishArtsFestival, whichisonthrough Aug. 17
Aluminium powder was given to minersin Canada andthe United States between
and
before each shiftwas thought to prevent silicosis among miners, butwas laterfound to have no
PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
SQUAMISHARTS: Downtown Squamish came even more aliveonSaturday, with
BritanniaMineMuseum gratefully acknowledges their communitysponsors:
INDUSTRIAL WAY/ HIGHWAY 99
DITCH REMEDIATION
INFRASTRUCTURE
• Annual Watermain Upgrades: Tantalus Road projectcomplete. Work underwayon GovernmentRoad near Depot Road.
•Flushing and video inspections of large diameter sanitarymains in the downtown areaisunderway and will be ongoing through therest of August squamish.ca/Building-Our-Future
ProjectScope: Stormditch remediation work at the intersection of Industrial Wayand Highway 99 will take placebeginning mid-August and continue through mid-September.This will increase ditch capacity, improvehydraulics and decrease surcharging issues in the Industrial Way stormsystem. TheDiscoveryTrail will be closed intermittently throughout the upgrades.Signage and flaggers will be in placetodirecttrail usersto reroutevia Production Wayduring the closure Closuredates: August15–16 and September 12–19 Check
SP’AKW’US KITE CLOSURE
Thewatersports beach at Sp’akw’us Feather Park on the oceanfrontistemporarily closed to kitesand kiteboarders.While an investigation is underway, kitesare being restrictedout of caution to ensure public safety. Wingfoiling and windsurfing continue to be permitted.
Summer isn’t over yet, but it’s not tooearly to startplanning your back-to-school routine Savethe dates!
Online viewing: Wednesday, August21
Registration begins: Wednesday, August28, 8 am
Last chancetojoin an ActiveKids Camp! NEW! Daily drop-in available. Register online Spacestill available! August26–30
TheDistrict of Squamishhas developed aDraft TransportationMasterPlan to create atownthateveryone canget aroundin. To finalize the Plan,weneedyour feedback to help shape our transportationfuture.
Youcan: Fill out our survey AND/OR Stop by an upcoming pop-uporopen house to speak with keystaff. TO LEARN MORE AND JOIN THE CONVERSATION, VISIT:
CREATIVE COLLABORATION: TEENS BRING NEW LIFE TO SKATE PARK WITH ARTISTIC WATERMELON MURAL
The hot pink watermelon paint job was completed by youth at a four-day summer camp
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Looking over the Squamish Skate Park, a teen boy sums up his thoughts about the bright new watermelon paint job on the park’s bowl
“It is awesome,” he says, noting he lives in the neighbourhood. “Really cool.”
He is riding his bike this day, but skateboards, too, he says.
The hot pink watermelon paint job was completed by youth at a four-day summer camp, put on last month by Squamish Arts and Squamish Youth Services, with funding from the District
Alex J. Fowkes is the artist who shepherded the project, and the 11 youths at the camp, through the blistering hot days of mid-July.
Fowkes said a watermelon theme is not new to skate bowls—it is bright, summery and associated with the fun of childhood, and it also has practical characteristics.
“The main part of it was creating something that had a cohesive feel, but also was engaging and fun for the kids to do But ultimately, for me, it was something that we could achieve in four days,” he said.
“So, in terms of mural execution, the design is very simple, really. But I knew it would have a lot of impact.”
Indeed, the bright pink, combined with the colourful greens of the fruit’s rind, stands out from several metres away, and from above.
Fowkes said the hope is that the bowl’s artwork will be changed and added to over time.
“The idea is that it doesn’t have to last forever. The idea is that someone’s going to come along and spray paint it, someone’s going to add to it, someone’s going to evolve it, someone’s going to change it—that’s inevitable,” he said “It’s not meant to be perfect forever. And that’s kind of a cool lesson for the kids as well: you make something, and it’s about the making of it, not just always the final piece, because it will get marked up, it will get changed. People are going to scratch it up, mark it up; it’s going to evolve. I’m hoping that people collaborate with it.”
For Fowkes, the park bowl wasn’t just a canvas; he has skateboarded for about 22 years.
ENGAGING YOUTH
While Fowkes determined the watermelon theme, the youth were engaged with every step of the execution of making it come to life, he said, noting they went through 35 gallons of
paint, which they got for a deep discount from Cloverdale Paint.
“A lot of the kids said the stencil part was their favourite because they added all the seeds on—they got to stencil those themselves—and then they got to view the final product.”
Fowkes praised the youth’s enthusiasm, even in the up to 33 C heat
“They were just super helpful in every aspect, so, that just makes it all worthwhile They’re so excited. They had all the energy all day,” he said.
A few of the kids even skated on the finished product.
Fowkes said he is looking forward to the new paint job being centre stage at the upcoming Beef Under the Chief competition, which is part of the Bowl Series, on Aug. 10
’GOBSMACKED’
Clea Young, executive director of Squamish Arts, said that this being her first year in her role,
she was “gobsmacked” by the program and its results.
“I just love to see this continue in other parts of the skate park because I think it really transformed it. And I do love this relationship with Youth Services I think it’s really great,” she said
Sea to Sky Community Services executive director Jaye Russell said that the project not only engages the youth, but also the wider community.
“It gets the curiosity brewing through the rest of the community, like, “What’s going on there? What’s happening,’” she said, adding it also sparks the interest of other area youth who may then be interested in joining in the action at the youth centre and participating in some of the activities and programs offered by Foundry Sea to Sky.
She noted that this camp didn’t require the youth to have any experience in art or skating.
“It was very inclusive that way,” she said She encourages any young people to stop by the Youth Hub, at 38648 Buckley Avenue, to see what may spark their interest.
It is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 3 to 7 p.m. for drop-in for any youth in the community from 12 to 24 years of age.
“We have a dinner club We have skateboarding programs for girls. They go hiking, have ice cream parties, movie nights, and do gardening projects,” Russell said.
On Wednesdays, there are drop-in youth counselling services, as well.
Find out more on the Squamish Youth Services website.
Find out about Squamish Arts programs on their site
Note: the teen quoted at the story’s start was not with a parent at the time of the interview, so The Squamish Chief chose not to name him.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
A drone view of the new paint job at the Squamish Skate Park
EXPERIENCE LIVING BOOKS AT HUMAN LIBRARY EVENT
Join ‘Person to Person: Bridging the Gaps’ at the Adventure Centre for insightful dialogues challenging prejudices from neurodiversity to hospice care
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Many bookworms have likely wondered what it would be like if books came to life
Well, in a way, they are in Squamish with the upcoming human library experience “Person to person: Bridging the Gaps,” event.
The event, set for Aug. 24 from 10 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., will be at the Squamish Adventure Centre Tourism Squamish is hosting the event.
It will be “a festive community gathering that aims to challenge stereotypes and prejudices through dialogue,” reads a release about the event.
Not a new phenomenon, human libraries involve individuals, who are like the “books” that attendees can check out and then sit down and “read,” meaning have a conversation with.
The books, or individuals, coming to the Squamish event to be “read” will touch on topics such as their experience or knowledge with neurodiversity, ADHD, musical cognitive therapy, hospice care, new help available in indigenous health, home care assistance, and living with blindness.
Event organizer D’Arcy McCrea, of the Squamish Accessibility Commitment, said what the attendees take away from the event is that people who face challenges have an incredible ability to adapt, and a “can-do” attitude
“These are inspiring stories.”
Each conversation is 20 minutes in length, and McCrea said the aim is to have between 20 and 30 human books for attendees to connect with.
Tommy Leung, peer support and program advocacy lead with the British Columbia and Yukon division of CNIB has been a human book
OVERDUE BUSINESS LICENCEFEES
2024 BusinessLicence fees arenow overdue. Anybusinesslicences whichremaininarrears will be cancelledbySeptember 30,2024.
UnderScheduleEofthe MunicipalTicketInformation Bylaw1832, the fine foroperating withouta businesslicence is $100 per day. If youhaveceased operations or requireacopyofyour invoice,pleaseemail businesslicence@squamish.ca
NOTICE OF INTENTION TO DISPOSE OF LAND
What’s Proposed
DispositionofDistrict-ownedroadallowancebordering 1365 Victoria Street forcanopies extendingfromthe MilagroDevelopment
TheDistrictofSquamish (“District”) hereby givesnoticepursuanttoSection 26ofthe Community Charterthatthe Districtintends to grantaneasement, beginningAugust2024, that will expire when thebuildingisdemolishedor significantly structurally altered, to Megadex InternationalInvestments (Squamish)Corp., No.BC1045600, fora 112.8m2 portion, for thepurposeoffourcanopies, over District ownedroadallowancebordering1365 Victoria Street,withalegal description of PID012-023-515 LotD Block2 DistrictLot 486Plan3960, fora $1,000 processing fee.
event will take place inside and outside of the Adventure Centre
previously and intends to be at the Squamish iteration with his guide dog, Elk.
Leung lost his eyesight about two decades ago when he was in university, due to a severe case of Glaucoma.
He said he originally signed up to be a human book out of curiosity and to help reduce stigma in his community.
“I come from a South East Asian background, and it is a very stigmatized thing to have a disability. So, I wanted to be out there to be able to stand up for myself to say that this is not a shameful thing; it is actually part of life.
The meetings will take place outside, inside, and around the Adventure Centre
The theatre will also be used for screenings and interactive sessions
Leung has tips for event participants who would like to speak with him.
He says when you approach him, or anyone who has vision loss, introduce yourself and anyone else in the group.
He recalled a situation he ran into where a person was talking to him for some time and then encouraged her child to speak.
Leung said he had no idea the child was there, so it was disconcerting.
In terms of his guide dog, Leung noted Elk is not allowed any dog treats, so please don’t bring or offer any.
Also, don’t interact with Elk without speaking to Leung first.
“Make sure that you could have talked to me before you talk to the dog,” he said
Beyond that, Leung said he is an “open book,” and happy to answer any questions people have. Find the event on Facebook at Person to person: Bridging the Gaps.
DARTS & DAFFODILS
A BIKE BASKET FULL OF DAFFODILS, to Brian at Bluebird for changing my flat in short order so I could get back on and finish my ride! He’s RAD!
DARTS TO THE DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH A new full-service grocery store was opened on Cleveland Ave this year, yet Walmart has been trying for years and years to put in a full-service grocery section and hasn’t been able to Why? Seems unfair to me
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.
FILE PHOTO
The
LOONY: Ared-throatedSquamishloon coming in fora landing.
The Squamish Chiefisa member of theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependent organization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contact Editor Jennifer Thuncher at 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 contained in this publicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.
EDITORIAL
WALMART, YES
There were good reasonsthe councilofthe day didn’t allowa WalmartSuperstorewithfresh itemsbackin2004.
Legitimate concerns were raisedthatthe mammoth storewould hurt localgrocery stores.
Fair.Thus, 20 yearsago,representatives forthe planned85,000-square-foot Walmartagreednot to sell perishables, such as freshmeat, fish or produce. Andin2024, we still certainlydon’t want to push outlocalgrocers who supportour community and provide jobs to locals
We also don’twanttothreatenfarmers’markets or familyfarms,community gardens, andfamily businesses like FarmersonDutydue to aU.S multinational retail corporation, whichisone of the five chains that control80% of thegrocery market
However, in 2024,after inflationand theskyrocketingcostofhousing in town,wealsoneedtobe practical.
Some people arereallystrugglingand need an inexpensivealternative,which WallyWorld will undoubtedlyoffer.
Thus,council should OK theproposedWalmart expansionintofresh goods.
Therewill undoubtedlybesomefolks whocan afford to shop wherever they want whowill decrythe move forhigh-brow reasons. Butthe people whoare goingtoshopthere likely can’tcurrently afford what is on offerelsewhere andinstead aregoing without freshoptions or turning to ourfoodbank.
Squamish’s food bank serves about400 people monthly, with over 1,000visits. Last year sawthe highestlevel of food bank useinCanadaonrecord, accordingtoCanada’sFood PriceReport, 2024.
At thesametime, folksare spending less on food. Canadianswentfromspending$261.24 percapitain August of 2022 to a monthlyspend of $252.89in August 2023.
“Canadians arefacingstricterbudgets as they contendwithhighercosts of living as rent continues toincrease, interest rateshaverisen,and household debt is up,” readsthe report,which also predicts continuedrisingcosts this year
Theincreaseinfood prices “can be predominantly attributedtothe rising costsofinputs, heightened transportationexpenses,and thedetrimental effects of climatechangeoncropyields.”
So,ifweare gettingrealhere, we need to offer affordabilitywhere possible.Mostof ourcurrent optionsaren’tcheap,so Walmartcan fill that gap.
As abonus,the storeisalready here,sowearen’t talkingabout increasing trafficorfurther damaging theenvironment.
Ourchoiceisreallytosay no andwatch ourfood bank line-ups grow,orwe canallow asolutionto grow at Walmart.
MEET BHAGYASHREE: YOUR NEW JOURNALIST ON THEBLOCK
REPORTER’S NOTEBOOK BHAGYASHREECHATTERJEE
Namaste (NAH-muh-stay) Squamish—yet anotherpersonhas fallen in love with this community
As ajournalistwho relocatedfromDelhi to Vancouverin2022, Inever expected to discover a piece of paradise in Squamish.Myfirst visitto Squamish wasinthe winter of 2022,withpartially snow-coveredroads.The warm coffee from Fox& Oak that Iclutchedinmyhands wasthe idealremedyfor thecold weather.
Equipped with an Indigenous knowledgecertificate, Ihavecovered everythingfrom majorinternational events like theInternational MarineProtected Areas
[D]iscovering a senseofbelonging in aplace like Squamishisthe most ironic twistlifehas presentedmewith. BHAGYASHREECHATTERJEE
Congress(IMPAC5)conferencetocommunity gatherings such as Vancouver’sWomen’s Memorial March.
Ihaveexperienceworking with variousorganizationssuchasCBC,AlJazeera,The Wire,Xtra Magazine andthe Global ReportingProgram at UBC. Andnow,Iamatyourservice.
In this role Iwillbeabletotellstories from Squamish,the Squamish Valley andParadiseValley.If youhaveastory youthink Ishouldtell, letmeknow. Youcan reachmeatbchatterjee@squamishchief. com.
And, if youeversee me outwalking my dog— Barfi—come andsay hey!
BhagyashreeChatterjeeisThe Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairsreporter. This reportingbeatismade possible by theLocal Journalism Initiative.
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
WHIP IT: The whippets were back in town racing this past weekend. Two clubs—the BC Whippet Racing Club and Pacific Northwest Racing—hosted the North American Nationals at Brennan Park
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LNG NOT RIGHT FOR CANADA
I feel compelled to write to you today after seeing the stream of pro-LNG letters being published in The Squamish Chief, like the letter, “It is time to get real on LNG” [published Aug. 8].
First let’s talk about the supposed positives such a project might offer to Squamish Some might say it will create jobs; it won’t. Once the short-term boom from the construction is completed, the project will only employ a skeleton crew of 100 employees, most of whom will not be coming from the local area
Some might say that there will be tax revenue; there won’t be In fact, our tax dollars are being used to subsidize this project, meaning we are paying them to destroy the local ecosystem. I cannot see any other possible benefits someone might think such a project could provide.
Now on to the negatives and unlike the positives, these are very real. First, we can start with the obvious damage that fracking causes to our environment.
LETTERS POLICY
When these companies extract gas through fracking, they inject high-pressure chemicals into the ground to free the gas trapped there. This poisons the water supply of often wild and remote wildernesses.
Next, these pipelines require enormous amounts of energy to compress and transport this gas over huge distances to ports. In our specific case, the pipeline will be running directly underneath the estuary, a sacred and extremely sensitive ecosystem that could be utterly destroyed if a problem were to occur, as has happened before with similar projects
Next, there is the issue of flaring natural gas, which Fortis has conveniently glossed over, which will create not just a disgusting smell for us living here, but will also threaten our health.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. I won’t even get into the fact that this LNG will likely never be sold at a profit, some of the green hydro energy from Site C being diverted to power the pipeline or the effects the increased shipping traffic will have on marine life in the Howe Sound. This project represents a step backward in the global fight to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In 20 years’ time, we will likely look back at this project as not just a waste of time and money, but as a embarrassing example of the short-sightedness of Woodfibre LNG and the B.C. government. If you want to “get real on LNG” I suggest
you do some research into what the actual consequences of this project are and stop hiding behind the guise of jobs and taxes.
Lee Salo Squamish
DRIVING ADVICE
Regarding the editorial, “Stop the Sea to Sky Highway Insanity [published Aug. 8.], maybe we should start teaching kids to drive in high school again.
And maybe the government should do something about the sale of licenses Personally, I live in my car—for three years now.
If people were aware of the risks on the road, plus knew how to drive, it would be safer out there.
Speed is not always the problem; knowing how to drive well is Plus, if drivers would stay in the right lane and not react, that would save lives. So many Karens try to play hero That kills themselves and the other drivers!
Life’s a game; choose your play!
Manufacturers will sell the public a 1,000-horsepower beast, then sell the authorities the super high-tech radar, cloud linked, AI powered beast to catch them
It is a game!
Soon you’ll be living out of an RV, Van or car too as property tax is about to shoot to the moon!
Jonathan Forlin 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
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Where is your favourite Squamish place to swim?
Have your say at squamishchief.com
Would you take Sea to Sky regional transit if it were regular and inexpensive?
READ STORY
See the 2024 Squamish Days Loggers’ Sports photos
TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK
This week, Indigo LemayConway checked out the Squamish Arts Festival Find this and other videos on The Squamish Chief’s TikTok account @squamishchief
PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS
‘THE INDIGENOUS ECONOMY SHOULD BE LED BY INDIGENOUS BUSINESSES,’ SAYS ‘BEARS’LAIR’ WINNER
Indigenous winner of Dragon’s Den-type shows advocates for economic self- determination, highlights challenges faced by Indigenous entrepreneurs.
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter bchatterjee@squamishchief.com
“TheIndigenouseconomyshouldbeledby Indigenousbusinesses,notdividedupby non-Indigenouscorporations,”Pettitsaid Bears’ Lair, airing since 2022, on APTN, highlights Indigenous entrepreneurship by featuring 18 First Nations, Inuit and Métis entrepreneurs competing for $180,000 in cash prizes
Pettit also shared the financial struggles she faces compared with non-Indigenous
READY TO ADVANCEYOUR EDUCATION?
Take high school upgrading courses atCapUSquamish this fall!
Coursesare tuition-freefor Canadian citizens andpermanentresidents.
DON’T MISS OUR ONLINE INFOSESSION: Monday, August 26, 7–9 p.m.
Scan the QR code to register or contactusat upgrading@capilanou.ca
entrepreneurs. “When I talk to people, they say things like, ‘Oh yeah, I’m bootstrapping my business too. I cashed out my 401(k).’ But I don’t have those resources. I don’t have a house or anything to fall back on If this didn’t work out, I’d just have to go back to working at the mall again,” she said
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous and civic affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
SEA TO SKY BEARS HOCKEY AXED FOR 2024/25
The league cited difficulties with ice time and coach recruitment as reasons for the cancellation
DAVID SONG
dsong@wplpmedia.com
Local hockey players and their families received disappointing news on Aug. 2 when the upcoming Sea to Sky Bears campaign was officially called off.
Jointly run by the Whistler and Squamish Minor Hockey Associations, the Bears aim to provide high-level play for competitive youth who remain based in their home communities. However, various logistical difficulties have proven to be insurmountable
“The intention for the U18 Bears for the 2024/2025 season, was to run an A1 and A2 team, as having two teams with players from both associations would reduce the already maximized ice situation in the corridor,” said a Bears representative in an email. “The associations set the deadline to recruit the coaches as July 31, knowing we needed to update each association and those in the program, no later than August 2 at 12 p.m.
All sorts of Whistlerites, Squamolians and Pembertonians made their mark on the Canada Cup DH Provincials at Silver Star, held over the BC Day long weekend.
Despite being a U17 rider, Cami Bragg notched the fastest overall time among women (3:05.88). Jenna Foreman was a distant second (3:22.53) and Tayte ProulxRoyds got in for third (3:23.93)
It was Sophi Lawrence who earned gold in the pro ladies’ division (3:10.45). Ainhoa Ijurco grabbed silver (3:15.32) and Bailey Goldstone was just relegated to bronze medal position (3:15.55).
The pro men crowned Johnathan Helly as their winner (2:34.42) as runner-up Patrick Laffey (2:35.53) and Hugo Langevin in third place (2:39.23) also acquitted themselves well
The email also urged people to voice their concerns with the District of Squamish Community Planning Department, stating that ice time limitations at the town’s lone rink threaten to compromise other aspects of Squamish Minor Hockey (SMHA) programming.
Further updates will become available on the SMHA website.
Newly minted Stevie Smith Memorial Award recipient Mack Manietta led a Pembertonian podium sweep (2:47.95) alongside fellow U15 boys Holden Adams (2:56.37) and Xavier Harrisson (3:00.62).
Theo Rothdram (2:52.75) and Cody Kelly (2:53.93) finished one-two in the U17 sport men category, with Rhys Vath joining the top three (2:54.69).
Meanwhile, Megan Bedard emerged victorious among UCI junior women (3:18.63). Pemberton Secondary School students Emily Wilson (3:21.20) and Rebecca Beaton (3:23.37), fresh off a third consecutive provincial banner, took silver and bronze respectively.
Other winners from Silver Star include Arleigh Kemp (U15 girls), Jordan Evans (junior sport men), Jonty Williamson (U17 expert men), Anthony Shelly (UCI junior expert men) and Jason Lorenz (masters men).
PHOTO COURTESY OF PAULA PALMER Kevin Sopp behind the bench during a Whistler Winterhawks practice
FROM SQUAMISH TO SAN FRANCISCO: LOCAL SAILORS COMPETE AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Will Morris and Matt Lees advocate for inclusive sailing while gearing up for the 2024 Melges 24 World Championship after their recent regatta victory
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Squamish locals Will Morris and Matt Lees love to share their passion for sailing with others
Their excitement and dedication to the sport are evident in their recent success as Raven Racing in their keelboat at the Squamish Yacht Club’s Squamish Open Annual Regatta in late July; they won in the Melges 24 Class.
“This is not only challenging because of the local conditions, but also because of the fierce competition from many very skilled teams with fast boats,” Morris told The Squamish Chief.
Morris, a Valleycliffe resident, co-founder, owner and head sailing instructor at Inflow Adventure Company, and Lees, a local realtor, have been pushing hard this year competing in the Melges 24 class across North America.
Morris described Lees as a “phenomenal” sailor who was professional before coming to Canada
“And now he’s also passing on that passion of sailing with other people We had the younger sailors, university-level sailors, on the boat with us, which was really, really cool,” said Morris
“Matt is really passionate about sharing his knowledge with the younger community as well.”
Next, the two will travel to San Francisco to compete in separate teams at the Diversified 2024 Melges 24 World Championship from Aug. 17 to 24
“We’ve been training really hard,” Morris said As the name suggests, the competition draws sailors from around the globe.
“And really, really high-performance teams. There have been professional teams in there as well,” said Morris.
He and Lees will compete in the amateur Canadian division.
“We’re just going to go down there and do our best,” he said
Morris said he knows the perception of sailing is that it is reserved for well-heeled folks, but he believes it doesn’t have to be that way.
He and Lees hope to draw more people from all sorts of backgrounds to the sport.
Morris got into sailing as a kid in Australia.
“My mom’s side of the family sailed. And we sailed out of a really grassroots club ... We weren’t a high socio-economic family at all. We were just sailing on small boats, having a lot of fun,” he said
“What I’m really trying to do with my Inflow Adventure Company now is make sailing as accessible as possible for people who are trying to get involved and learn how to sail.”
Morris also touted the Squamish Yacht Club’s “really accessible” junior programs for youth.
SQUAMISH ATHLETIC YOUTH COMPETE IN 2024 BC SUMMER GAMES
Six local students represented Vancouver-Coastal at the games held on July 17 to 21 in Maple Ridge
Held on July 17 to 21, the games are British Columbia’s “biennial celebration of sport and community, bringing together British Columbia’s best emerging high performance athletes, trained coaches, and certified officials for four days of competition” reads the BC Summer Games website.
Youth compete in a number of sports including swimming, athletics, baseball, equestrian, and soccer.
The BC Games were founded in 1977. This year, Squamish’s Jenaya Clegg took first place in the Super Sprint Triathlon, F1 Triathlon and the Aquathon and fourth place in the Duathlon.
“My experience at the BC Summer Games was amazing. I tried a new sport and learned about the rules and techniques that came with it,” Clegg said.
“It was also so cool to see how many other athletes there were from different sports and has widened my perspective.”
She said the whole experience gave her the chance to accomplish some “unexpected things”.
“It was also so amazing to see all the other athletes competing in their sports It was like summer camp for athletes!” Clegg said Sisters Allie and Payton Spence competed as duo rowers and placed 6th in the under 19 pairs category, and together with teammates came 5th in the quad category
“I had a wonderful time at the BC Games, I loved getting the opportunity to race with my sister and meeting a lot of new people from different sports and making all sorts of new friends from all across BC,” Allie said.
“It was a great way to experience my first race and I am grateful that I have gotten to come home with a lot of memories with my sister, the rest of my team and some of the other athletes at the BC Games.”
Sadie Hitchmough competed in her first BC summer games in basketball and her team came home with a bronze placement.
Klara Fielding took part in the equestrian competition and placed seventh, eighth and ninth in the mixed category
In his first and only chance to compete in the BC Summer Games, Diego Castellanos said he swam his best times in the freestyle categories.
“This was my first time competing at the Summer Games; it is actually the only opportunity I had, because each athlete can only take part in the games once in a lifetime,” Castellanos said
“I was one of the youngest because of this but I am grateful for the chance If I waited another two years I would have aged out.
“It was a different experience because we travelled, lived and raced with the team.
The swimming was the same but the team travel aspect was new and exciting. I did pretty well
“At the end of the meet I swam my best time in the mile I was very happy,” he said Castellanos placed 18th in the boys 50m freestyle and the boys 400m freestyle.
More information about the event can be found on the BC Summer Games website.
PHOTO BY ROBERT TOROK PHOTOGRAPHY/VIA WILL MORRIS Squamish locals Will Morris and Matt Lees love to share their passion for sailing with others
PHOTO VIA SQUAMISH PIRATES Sadie Hitchmough and Jenaya Clegg at the 2024 BC Summer Games.
‘WITHOUT EVEN KNOWING IT, I HAD THE PERFECT TRAINING’
Rhys
Verner reflects on his promising career despite an underwhelming 2024
DAVID SONG dsong@wplpmedia.com
At one point, Rhys Verner considered himself an underdog
While he grew up riding his bike and playing various other sports like soccer and football, he also didn’t enter his first Enduro World Cup (EDR) race until his 20th year At that point, Verner was a cross-country rider who’d hit a bit of a wall: juggling high-level athletics with a bachelor’s degree in economics is no easy feat, particularly if you also want some semblance of a social life.
With very few accumulated points compared to many of his opponents in Europe, Verner found himself starting most events at the back of the pack. Sometimes, the field was so congested that he’d walk through his first lap. It was a reality check for an accomplished talent with Nationals and World Championships experience.
Fortunately, it was 2017 and enduro was beginning to take off. Verner’s network supported him on a trip to Finale Ligure, Italy for his inaugural competitive outing in the discipline. He struck gold, in the process having “the most fun weekend ever.”
And he never looked back
“Perfect timing for me,” Verner recalled “I needed a change and it suited my skill set from the beginning. If enduro was popular when I was a kid, I probably would have just started there, but I was in this weird cross-country and downhill mix.
“The reality was: I’d been riding enduro my whole life I went up climbs and pinned it on some pretty technical descending Without even knowing it, I had the perfect training to eventually make enduro my main sport.”
Riding the wave
Verner’s breakout campaign came in 2023, as he secured the first EDR triumph of his life It all came together on June 15 in Leogang, Austria as the Squamolian powered to a trio of stage wins and a top-five placing in the other three. The opposition was stiff, with two-time American EDR titleholder Richie Rude and French veteran Alex Rudeau on the podium in second and third, respectively.
Mere weeks before that breakthrough, Verner locked up a silver medal in Pietra Ligure, Italy as he gave Whistler-based standout Jesse Melamed a run for his money.
Melamed has always spoken well of Verner in regard to his dedication, overall athleticism and potential to take over the long stages of any given race. Both got to bask in some more glory together with a gold-and-silver finish in the 2023 Canadian Open Enduro—Melamed on top.
Verner concluded last season with four top-15 results (including a fourth place) in addition to the aforementioned medals
“There’s not ever going to be one specific thing that makes [consistent success] happen, and if I knew, I would have done it again,” he remarked. “I really value the people around me I’ve had Jesse up there the whole time He’s always been successful Once you realize that [you’re almost on his level], you get some confidence Things
HOWE SOUND HAWKS MAKE STRONG EFFORT AT PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIPS
Under-11 Hawks’ success marks second year making it to Provincials
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
The Under-11 Howe Sound Hawks A baseball team made a valiant effort at the Provincial Championships this past weekend in Mission.
The team lost the semi-finals 3-4 against last year’s provincial winners from White Rock
The local team played for bronze against North Delta 1, with a final score of 10-9, for North Delta, a team Howe Sound beat twice before.
“It just wasn’t our game,” said Donn Oberg, the team’s manager, in an email to The Squamish Chief.
But the team achieved a lot just making it that far, he noted.
Second
year ever for 11U Howe Sound
to have a
summer
ball team and [we] made it to be provincials.
DONN OBERG
“Second year ever for 11U Howe Sound to have a summer ball team and [we] made it to be provincials.,” he said.
“We are very proud of these boys.
The team qualified by placing in the Top 4 of the 11UA West Division, which included eight teams from the Lower Mainland.
The Hawks went undefeated in the regular season, which ran the month of July.
were clicking last year, it felt pretty easy and I rode the wave.”
But 2024 has not been so kind to Verner
His only EDR top 15 as of this writing materialized in Leogang, but his campaign opener in Finale Ligure was a blazing hot, cramp-filled nightmare. He laboured to 24th, then absorbed a thumb injury that limited him to 19th in
Bielsko-Biala, Poland.
More disappointment unfolded at this year’s Crankworx.
Though Verner placed a very respectable seventh at the Garbanzo DH (won by Rude), he bowed out of the Canadian Open Enduro after Stage One. Melamed and Remi Gauvin landed atop their home turf podium again, but he couldn’t join them
Verner feels that several of his recent results are not indicative of his physical potential. He admits to asking himself, more than once: if I’ve won before, why am I not doing so again?
But then he puts it all back into perspective. EDR contains the world’s best athletes, and if it was easy to podium, everyone would do it.
“Now I’m just trying to get back to the mindset I was in last year, where you’re stoked to get the opportunity to race,” said Verner. “The good results come when you’re not crazy stressed. You take it seriously and try as hard as you can…but the reality is, I was just having fun when I was doing super well. I shouldn’t change that now.”
Other Canadian performances also tend to raise the Squamolian’s spirits. Melamed remains in the mix, with Gauvin, Kasper Woolley, Jack Menzies and Elliot Jamieson distinguishing themselves at various junctures too.
Now it’s time for Verner to get back in the saddle and remind folks of what he can do
Please Contact the SPCA for more details! Visit ourwebsite: spca.bc.ca
Meet Fable
Fable is probablyone of thenicest cats you will ever meet.She is superfriendly, gentleand calm.Not much seemstoruffle herfur This petite girl is both independentand also social, whichisa nice combination of both.
Fable came to us abandoned with 3ofher older kittens and with a nastycut across her neck. Even with needing surgerytoclean and stitch her wound,Fable just remainedassweet as ever.The Vetclinic gavethe nicknameofHappy feet.
PHOTO BY ROB PERRY
Rhys Verner blazes a trail through the forest during the 2023 Canadian Open Enduro
LOCAL SKI JUMPER HAS HER SIGHTS SET HIGH
Help Sofia Aragon, Grade 11 student and competitive ski jumper, reach new heights by supporting her journey to the World Juniors
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@squamishchief.com
When 15-year-old Sofia Aragon isn’t flying through the air for her sport, the ski jumper is often flying in an airplane to access places to train.
The Sea to Sky Nordics alum is fundraising to continue training and pay for her trip to the World Junior Championships in Lake Placid, U.S.A., in February, 2025
“My goal is to become one of the best athletes in my sport, and I need your help to turn the impossible into a reality,” she says on her online campaign page on the MakeAChamp platform
“To excel, I need to be constantly pushing my limits I am ready to work hard, but at the same time, I know that the road to success will be costly.”
She is aiming to raise $3,000 with the campaign.
Aragon, a member of the seven-strong Canadian Provincial Team, has designed sets of waterproof playing cards that come in a tin case, as a reward for donations over $25.
HOW IT STARTED
Aragon got her ski jumping start at about 10 years old in the Callahan Valley.
She said her parents were looking for activities to keep the family busy while they were in a trailer awaiting the completion of their house They proposed cross-country skiing on Wednesdays, but Aragon recalls she was having none of it
BreakingNews
“I was a little 10-year-old who was downhill-obsessed, not cross-country obsessed. And I was like, ‘I’m not doing that.’ So, they found the jumpers program, and then I started doing it every Wednesday night,” she said, recalling her early days at Whistler Olympic Park
The rest is history.
HOW IT IS GOING
Because she cannot access a 60-metre jump (only 10, 20, 40 and 90 metres) she travels to train.
She also needs to train more often than she could locally; Aragon was based in Park City, Utah for the 2020 to 2023 seasons.
She also went to Slovenia in 2022, and to Poland in 2023.
When her parents are not able to accompany her on these trips, Aragon said she feels quite at home being independent. Her dad is from Mexico, and she started flying down to see relatives at a very young age, using the airport’s child travel program.
“I got very independent, very quickly, literally, travelling by myself at eight,” she said, with a laugh.
HOW IT COULD GO
Her ultimate dream, not surprisingly, is to
compete in the Olympics one day.
But for this next season, her goal is to compete in the Junior Worlds, which is in Lake Placid, New York, one of the places she trains often.
Aragon is heading into Grade 11; she studies online to be able to travel and fit in her training HOW GOING
OFF GOES
When asked how she overcomes fear at the top of a jump, Aragon said she hasn’t felt scared in a while because she trusts the process.
“Ski jumping is a relatively safe sport because not anyone can go try it You have to have your coach send you up a hill, and if he or she doesn’t think you are ready, then you can’t go up So it’s very safe to know that if your coach thinks you’re ready, you’ll go up a hill And if he or she doesn’t think you’re ready, then you won’t,” she said, noting her coach is Rogan Reid
“If you are up there, you are a safe jumper for that hill.”
One thing that can make her a little nervous, she added, is if there’s a lot of headwind.
“We want headwind, but if there’s a lot of headwind, it gets a little scary, because you’re at the top of it, you are like, if I have a good jump, I’m going to go really far.”
Aragon said she is buoyed by the support of people in Squamish, particularly from Sea to Sky Nordics and its president, Rick Smith.
“They were very helpful with this whole process,” she said. “They’ve always been very supportive.”
Support Aragon’s online campaign at “Be part of my journey to the podium!”
COURTESY SOFIA ARAGON Sofia Aragon in action
CL AS SI FI ED S
Get theadded punch to make your businessad standout with aclassified display ad. Free ad design, colour and options. Contacta sales rep today.
604.892.9161
AD RATES REGULAR CLASSIFIEDADS: 3Lines $9.00 -Each additional Line $2.50
BIRTHDAY AND ANNIVERSARY: 1X4 -$31
GARAGE SALES : $25.00 INCLUDES KIT WITH SIGNS, BALLOONS, DIRECTIONS AND CLASSIFIEDAD.
BOLD,ALL CAPS, WORDS, UNDERLINED, CENTERED ADS:
$1.50 PerLine BOOK YOUR AD
604.892.9161
classified@squamishchief.com ORIN PERSON DEADLINE
MONDAY4:00 PM
JULIEDESJARDINS MEMORIAM
FEBRUARY 16, 1927 –JULY27, 2024
It is with heavy hearts thatweannounce the passingofJulieDesJardins, our beloved Motherand Nana. Her love, devotion and dedication to herfamily will be deeply missed.
Juliewas born on February16, 1927, named Julia Estelle Carmichael, untilaname change was registered as Julie Grant Munro Juliehad the verygood fortune, and privilege of being adopted by Alex Sr.and Christina MunroofSquamish, BC. Juliewas predeceased by her husband, Robert DesJardins,mother,Christina, father, Alex Munro Sr., brothers George and Alex Jr., and her sister MaryGoad.
Julie’sfamily owned 54 horses of whichher favourite was “Maude”. She spent manysummers with her Dad and brothers taking the horses north up to Alpine Lodge and running pack trainsof tourists by horsebackinto Garibaldi Park. Some of her fondestmemories were spent hiking up to Black Tusk, throughPanorama Ridge, and sunbathing on the shores of Garibaldi Lake. Juliewas one of the original telephone operators in Squamish when party lines still existed. She worked at the WaltzInn Café and alongside ‘Uncle Bill’the blind baker in the verysame bakery, we nowknowasthe Sunflower.Julie was an avid, competitive softball player and spent manyyears playing as astar shortstop, and batter with agreatthrowing arm. Julie wasalwaysknown for her amazing homemaking skillsand fabulous baking and pastry. Julieand Bob raised their children Janice, Robin, and David in Squamish.
Juliedeeply loved her community and made several legacycontributions. Shesuccessfully lobbied the District of Squamish to install an asphalt running track beside the Howe Sound SecondarySchool for the purpose of competitive sporting events and encouraging youth to participate in athletictraining and provincial events. Julie also met Eric Anderson aftercontacting himabout howtocorrect various inaccuracies in the Squamish Libraryhistoric photo information. She and Eric would meet at the Library, which turned out to be more than afew sessions. Julie’s extended family,over the years, donatedlarge collections of rare photosofearly Squamish, Garibaldi Park, and the Britannia Minestothe Squamish Public Library. Julietook the initiative to followupwith the Libraryand provide valuable information, including corrections and background to agreatnumber of these photos locatedinthe Library’shistoric archives. Julie wasina rare position to share information about our early community contributors and builders and was veryproud to offer alink to thepre-WW1 “Newport” era of our town through her father, HenryAlex Munro. Juliewas especially proud of Mayor Corinne Lonsdale's public dedication of theValleycliffe Fire hall, subsequentlythe new Squamish Fire hall No.1 to her father,Alex Munro Sr., which followed alifetimeofhis and hisfamily's service to the community of Squamish. Juliealso advocatedfor “Safe RoutestoSchools” before such aprogram existed. She single-handedlyand successfullylobbied the District Council and the Dept. of Highways for aMamquam Blind Channel highway bridge pedestrian underpass, first installed in the late 1970s Juliedeeply loved her family and her 4Grandchildren –Rachel andDaniel Scott(Janice), Jacob and Sydney DesJardins (Robin), and Barclay DesJardins (David).Mom, Nana……you have been veryloved and will be deeply missed. Rest in Peace.
Acelebrationoflife will be held at theSquamish Funeral Chapel on Saturday,September 21st, from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.
We wish to extend our gratitude and thank you to Dr.Malherbe, Dr.Miller, Dr. Sabatini, Lisa Chapeskieand all of the StaffatHilltop House who cared and comforted our Mom and Nana.
God Bless you All
To make adonation to Hilltop House Support Societyinhonour of Julie please visit: hilltophousesupportsociety.org/donate
To sign the book of condolences, please go to squamishfuneralchapel.com
Ebert,Daniel Blake July 11, 1951 -July 27, 2024
Daniel Blake Ebert passed away on July 27, 2024, and was predeceased by his parents, Dan and Blanche. Heissurvived by his partner Laurel,sister and brother-in-law Laurie and Rob, nephews Daniel (Emily) and Maxwell. Dan will be remembered fondly by his extended family and friends. He was born in New Westminster, grew up in Maple Ridge, and lived many years in Squamish. He always remembered the many trips he took as achild with his parents and Laurie. He was very happy with his career path as asign maker. Artistic in nature, Dan took great pleasure in his designs and his ability to create. Dan had awicked sense of humour, came up with so many great lines and enjoyed a good laugh.
Behind Dan’s sometimes edgy exterior,hewas avery kind, caring personand truly loved his family and friends. He was aunique person who was loved dearly and will be greatly missed. Celebration of Life service will be announced at afuture date.
3bdrmhome, in GaribaldiEstates Avail. Sept 1st. $4,000./permth 604-849-2471/604-849-2470
BlackCorner Cabinet $40. Tall 6drawerDresser $40. Two matching nighttables $20.Small blackfreezer $100.WaterDispenser (Cold &Hot)with2refillable bottles$100. Plus more items. Call/textDiane 604-404-3870
Superior Home Cleaning from the inside andout! Squamish Home 604-898-2333
HYDROVAC OPERATOR -Valid Class 1orClass 3with airbrakes required. Manualtransmission. Ground Disturbance II. 2years operating hydroexcavation equipment preferred. $35-$40.45 per hour
HEAVYEQUIPMENT OPERATOR, Squamish -Minimum 5years or 5,000 hoursoperating experience onexcavator. Full-time, Monday –Friday.$33-$42 per hour
HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENTMECHANIC, Whistler –Red Seal Certified preferred, Commercial Truck& Transport and TransportTrailer preferred. Class 1or3withair brakes preferred. Tools available for rent. $39.70 -$47.90 perhour
CONSTRUCTIONLABOURER– Greatopportunity to learn on-the-job. Stamina for physically demanding work and perseverancetobrave inclement weather required. Previous experience preferred but notrequired. Training provided. $25-$32 per hour
Vacasa’sforward-thinking approach andindustry-leading technology helpset us apart as the largestfull-service vacation rental company in North America.
We areseeking individuals with apassion for providing exceptional vacation experiences for ourOwners and Guests.
We offer competitive wages and benefits:
Travel allowance for Squamish/Pemberton-based employees
OR Ski Pass/Activity allowance, Extended Medical, RRSP match, Fun &Safe Work Environment-GreatTeam, opportunities to grow and more
Please call 604-938-6699 to enquireabout our open positions and ask to speak to the hiring manager forthat role. Unfortunately we areunable to offer employee Accommodations.
We thankall applicants for theirinterest butonly thoseselected for an interview will be contacted.
»squamishchief.jobfind.findem.ca
We're ateamofpassionate individuals focusedon developmentofDirect AirCapture,right here in Squamish.And we're hiring.
Joining Carbon Engineeringprovidesyou more than a career.Its acallingfor thoseready to actonclimate.
Benefits of beinga part of theCEteaminclude:
•Competitive salaries & benefits
•Progression opportunities
•Extended health& dental benefits
NOW HIRING
COMMERCIAL TRANSPORT/HEAVYDUTYMECHANIC
Permanent, Full-Time
Cardinal Concrete, ADivision of Lafarge CanadaInc 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/HeavyDuty Mechanic at our Head Office Location in Squamish, BC.
This is askilled position which primarily involvespreventative maintenance and repair of alarge fleet of commercialtransportvehicles including concrete mixer trucks, dump trucks, trailers,forklifts and light-duty trucks.
MinimumQualifications:
•B.C. Certificate of Qualification, and/or Interprovincial TicketasaCommercial TransportMechanic, and/or Heavy Duty Mechanic Ticket
•3-5 years related experienceand/or training; or equivalent combinationofeducation and experience
Compensation $45.57 to $49.07
To view afull copyofthis Job Description visit: www.cardinalconcrete.ca/about/careers
Apply to:info@cardinalconcrete.ca
OpenRoles
•Engineering
•Healthand Safety
•IntellectualProperty
•Maintenance
•Marketing &Communications
• Operations
•Procurement
•Projects
•TechnologyDevelopment
Formoreinformation: carbonenigneering.com/careers
38. Implants
40.Bunch
41.Football measure
45. Reed instrument
48. Miners’ quests
50.Makeaknot in
51.Twicetwo
52.Ensnare
53. Poem
54. Placefor Old MacDonald
55. Devout
56. se DOWN
1. Affirmatives
2._ of arms
3. Ballerina’sskirt
4. “____ aSmall World”
5. Sell to the public
6. Blade
7. Rigorously enforced
8.Hoard
9. Baked fruit dessert
10.Classified items
11. Hair holder
19.Immerse to clean
21. Spun
23. Less wealthy
24.Petty argument
25. Word in athreat
26.Garden invader
27.Plumbing tube
28. Not employed
29.Gobyship
31. Slipshod
35. Level
36. Revoke
39.Beast of burden
40.Infection carrier
42. At the peak of
43. Go by horse
44. Fawn’smother
45. Light-switch position
46. Squeezing snake
47.Possessivepronoun
49.Agent
HOROSCOPE
ARIES March 21-April 19
If you closelyexamine your budget,you’ll discover you canturn yourdreams into reality. The funds you need to achieve one of your greatest dreams will be within yourreach.
TAURUS April 20-May20
Although your responsibilities mayseem overwhelming, yoursteady progress will giveyou confidence in yourabilities From nowon, nothingwill be able to stop you.You’ll have the couragetoact
GEMINI May21-June 20
Sometimes,you must take astepback to gain clarity At work,achievingyour ambitious aspirations will requireincremental progress.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Although you’rebarely back from yoursummer holidays, you’ll already start planningthe nextone with yourfriends.You’ll organize alargemeetingatwork, bringingtogether the entire company
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Youdesireintellectual and spiritual growth.You maybecontemplatinga career change or takingan enrichingpersonaljourney. Don’t be afraid of change! It’s good for you.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Youmusttakesome time to reflect beforemaking an importantdecision aboutyourpersonal or professional future. Negotiations arenecessary. Youmustweigh the pros and cons beforefinalizing anything.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Compromiseisn’t always possible,especiallywhen thereare conflicting opinions.You’ll need to use yourimagination to keep the peace with thosearound you and resolveconflicts
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Afew small wins will help restoreyourself-confidence, givingyou the boost you need to move forward with aproject near and dear to yourheart
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Creatingafunctional home office will be atop priority this week.After careful planning, yourleadership skills will emerge,allowing you to startyourown business.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Love will takeaprominent place in yourthoughts this week.Subtle gestures,small tokens of appreciation and wordsoflovewill help you deepen yourfeelings for yourpartner.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
The ideaofsellingorbuying apropertywill crossyour mind. Youcould find moreaffordable housing to improveyourfamily’s qualityoflife and getyour hands on alarge sumof money.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
Some individuals may repeatedly requestyour assistance,requiringyou to travel frequently. This could allowyou to treatyourself and even consider buyinga new car.
HOWTOPLAY:
LASTWEEK’S ANSWERS:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3box contains the numbers1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. Youalready have afew numbers to getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box
In preparationfor construction of thenew EagleMountain-Woodfibre GasPipeline(EGP),crews will be verifyingthe location of existing undergroundutilities. Thisworkincludessurveying,electronicroadway scanning, waterpressure(hydrovac)and otheractivities to help identify thelocationofunderground utilities.
When: Mid-August into September2024
Where:Finch Driveand Industrial Way
What:There will be single-lanealternating traffic andconstruction-relatednoise on both FinchDrive and Industrial Way. Traffic controlflaggersand signagewill be in placetohelpkeeptraffic flowing safely.
We thank youfor your patience as we complete this work safely,and as quicklyaspossible. If youhaveany questions aboutthiswork, please reachout to us at 1-855-380-5784 or egp@fortisbc.com.
For more informationabout theEGP Project, visit talkingenergy.ca/EGP.
