September 19, 2024 - Squamish Chief

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GROWTH AT SEA&SKY

New neighbourhood set to expand, while residents fear more parking woes

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2024

ANTI-LNG RALLY HELD

Indigenous and non-Indigenous leaders gathered and marched downtown

DOG DAYS OF SUMMER: Brian Aikens and some buddies headed up to Elfin Lakes on their bikes late last week, taking advantage of the last days before fall, which starts on Sept 22 Squamish Search and Rescue reminds adventurers that sunset comes earlier and earlier now, setting just after 7 p.m. Thus, plan accordingly.

CANYON: Continued on 2 enous ed downt

SQUAMISH CANYON CONSTRUCTION NEARS HALFWAY POINT WITH OPENING DATE ON HORIZON

Tourism attraction contends with FortisBC’s TUP application for worker lodge

ALYSSA NOEL anoel@squamishchief.com

Robin Sherry is standing on a stretch of elevated yellow cedar boardwalk just off of Powerhouse Springs Road

The sun is streaming through the skinny, secondgrowth trees and it’s not hard to picture how his long-time vision for the Squamish Canyon will look when it’s completed in late spring 2025

Just minutes earlier, hikers were wandering around searching for the nearby trailhead to Mamquam Falls—a short hike that’s gone from a locals’ secret to social media famous in the last couple of years.

“I think the hike now has been posted as the top three things to do in Squamish,” Sherry says “I’ve been in town 17 years and lived in Valleycliffe This is a huge recreational junction there’s kayakers, the kayak access, there’s climbers, all of our mountain bike intersections, trail running and hard gravel biking Then all of a sudden, boom, the TikTok, a

couple of leisure channels, picked up Mamquam Falls last summer, then this summer it went ballistic.”

His crew has been onsite all season building the 1.3 kilometres of boardwalk that will snake through the forest under the Mamquam Falls bridge, along the picturesque canyon and end at a “forest lounge,” with a children’s play area, a concession stand, education area, and small artisan booth.

The goal, he says, is to offer Squamish a year-round attraction that is accessible to nearly everyone, concentrating tourism in one area and educating those tourists about the land

“[The popularity of the falls] reaffirms that it’s a good idea what we’re doing. It reaffirms it’s needed for the community. It reaffirms Squamish has changed. You can look at that in a positive way or a negative way. There’s good and bad that comes with everything. It’s how you plan for it and how you put in place things to absorb that and make those experiences and interactions good for the community and visitors,” he says.

(It should be noted that the regular hiking route to the falls will remain open and free to the public. Kayak access, likewise, will remain.)

The project saw some push back from community members—namely those who wanted to see the area untouched and wild. But with approvals in place and construction nearing the halfway point, Sherry says he’s looking forward to the attraction’s opening next year, a decade after he first conceived of the idea.

“We’re not quite 50% complete, but we certainly have overcome our biggest risks, which is the foundational risk when you’re working along a forest and a cliff wall—what the rock is actually going to entail You can only do so much surfacing, digging, inspecting until you get into it,” he says.

As Sherry’s tour approaches the concrete bridge located above the power project

generating station near the falls he pauses Currently, access to the road that crosses the bridge has been very limited, something he said they built their plans around

But FortisBC is waiting to find out if District of Squamish council will grant a temporary use permit (TUP) for the company to build a workers’ accommodation lodge in the area, which could mean many vehicles crossing that bridge on a daily basis

“Understand everything that we were asked to design around for the last 10 years was a road that was gated off that accesses our aquifers. We invested time and money and energy understanding that to be the case,” Sherry says.

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CommunityBookClub: ThereThere

Thursday/ September26/ 7:00 -8:30pm

Everyone is welcome to join thecommunity book club!This monthwe will be reading ThereThere by TommyOrange.Registrationisrequired.

Supporting YourselfThrough the Stages of Menopause

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For its part, FortisBC said in a written statement that it “understands the importance of reducing impacts to local businesses.”

“We have engaged Squamish Canyon over the past number of years and have committed to several mitigation measures to reduce project construction impacts on them, should we receive approval from the District of Squamish to construct and operate the temporary workforce lodge,” it continues.

It lists: providing dust control and maintenance of the Mamquam River Forest Service Road and Powerhouse Springs Road (which would be Squamish Canyon’s job); reducing traffic over the bridge by changing their approach and using the Valleycliffe

Construction Laydown Yard for personal vehicle parking and the temporary workforce lodge as overflow; shuttles to reduce traffic; upgrading the Mamquam River FSR from Highway 99 to the Powerhouse Springs Road intersection; and collaborating on field signage and opportunities to promote Squamish Canyon when it’s operational.

“We believe these measures will not only reduce impacts to Squamish Canyon during the construction and operation of the temporary workforce lodge, but may also provide longer-term benefit to Squamish Canyon,” it concludes.

Sherry maintains those measures aren’t enough.

“Squamish Canyon has tried for over two years to engage with Fortis but discussions were discontinued due to the lack of recognition of the impacts and mitigations related to the proposed 600-man work camp TUP,” he said, in a follow-up email. “While Fortis has made some necessary updates to the [Mamquam FSR] to improve safety for all users, this does not offset the significant financial losses caused by operating a 600-man work camp, serviced by trucks, personal vehicles, and shuttle buses, running through a nature-based tourism experience, especially during its critical start-up years. We cannot overstate this impact, nor do we have the space to list all the negative effects and disingenuous interactions we’ve experienced. No TUP should be granted that negatively affects a business, as outlined in the Squamish OCP.”

But whether or not the lodge TUP is approved, Squamish Canyon continues to move closer to its opening day.

“What we’re excited about is that this is a long-term sustainable business that is infrastructure that is needed,” Sherry says “It’s an amazing investment in the entire corridor that will be sustainable economics and tourism for generations, not for a short period of time. And temporary things should not be interrupting things that allow benefits for generations.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF SQUAMISH CANYON The Squamish Canyon is nearly half finished building its infrastructure
CANYON: Continued from 1

WOODFIBRE LNG ISSUED A WARNING FOR NON-COMPLIANCE BY ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATOR

Company says it is now in compliance and that the letter speaks to the first quarter of 2024

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Woodfibre LNG was given a warning letter by the provincial regulatory body, the Environmental Assessment Office (EAO), over not having a specific committee formed.

The Aug. 19 letter, which was posted to the EAO project website, says that on June 18, a compliance and enforcement officer found that Woodfibre was not in compliance with one of the conditions of its environmental assessment certificate [EAC].

This is laid out in its inspection report.

“Condition 14, amendment 3 requires [Woodfibre LNG] to establish a committee to engage the District of Squamish (DOS) and its community organizations, no less than once per quarter, and consult with parties identified in this condition, with participation from FortisBC, on issues that impact workforce housing, safety and community services,” the letter reads, noting that the letter served as a warning to the company.

The letter also notes that the maximum penalty for failure to comply with a certificate is $1 million and, on each subsequent conviction, could be a fine of not more than $2 million.

The letter says that there will be further follow-up inspections by the EAO.

WLNG NOW ‘IN COMPLIANCE’

In response to the warning letter, Woodfibre LNG told The Squamish Chief that the letter speaks to the first quarter of 2024

“Since that time, Woodfibre LNG has been in

compliance with the conditions of the EA, and a cumulative impacts committee comprised of Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC representatives has been established,” said WLNG spokesperson Sean Beardow.

A spokesperson for the EAO told The Squamish Chief that at this time, Woodfibre LNG is in compliance with condition 14 relating to holding quarterly stakeholder meetings A third quarter meeting is required to be held prior to Oct. 1.

Beardow said the first meeting was held in May and included stakeholders such as the District of Squamish, PearlSpace, Squamish RCMP, Vancouver Coastal Health and the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, Beardow said.

The District of Squamish confirmed this meeting took place.

The most recent cumulative impacts meeting

was held on Sept 5, Beardow said, with the next being scheduled before the end of the year “Joint meetings with Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC had been discontinued in the first quarter of this year at the request of District of Squamish staff, which would have made it challenging to have a separate meeting on cumulative impacts,” he said “Monthly joint Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC meetings have since restarted as of June, following the District’s request,” Beardow said.

For its part, the District of Squamish said there are multiple versions of meetings at which the District engages with WLNG and FortisBC, including a Cumulative Impacts Committee, Technical Working Group meetings, and Community Services and Infrastructure Management Plan meetings.

Spokesperson for the District, Rachel Boguski, told The Squamish Chief that a Cumulative

Impacts Committee meeting was held on May 30, 2024

“The focus for this meeting was to discuss the composition and purpose of the committee, and seek input from participants on which organizations should be engaged by the committee.”

Boguski said the other meetings were not established to satisfy Condition 14 of WLNG’s Environmental Assessment Certificate, but rather to exchange technical information relating to each project with the District.

“There have been some timeline gaps with the more formal Technical Working Group due to the shared interest in updating the terms of reference, and the time it took to gain acceptance. During that gap, regular weekly meetings with project representatives continued and any project-related concerns were raised,” Boguski said

“Whether or not the meetings noted above meet the requirements of the proponent’s various approvals is for the regulator of the specific requirement to determine,” she added.

Beardow said that Woodfibre LNG “appreciates the guidance” of the BC Environmental Assessment Office and “is regularly engaged with Compliance and Enforcement staff to ensure and maintain compliance with all aspects of the EAC.”

Originally, Spencer Fitschen of the grassroots group Rising Tide Squamish wrote a letter to the EAO alleging that Woodfibre LNG was not in compliance, which a compliance officer followed up on, according to a letter Fitschen forwarded to the Squamish council and The Squamish Chief.

“We want to emphasize that this is a serious case of non-compliance that highlights the shallow and performative commitment of WLNG and FortisBC to our community of Squamish,” Fitschen said.

RENDERING VIA WOODFIBRE LNG Rendering of Woodfibre LNG at build out. Construction on the project has begun.

RALLY AGAINST WOODFIBRE LNG PROJECT HELD

Health, environmental risks highlighted by representatives of Indigenous and non-Indigenous groups

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

On Saturday, several leaders of Indigenous nations and their allies gathered in Squamish to protest the expansion of liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects on unceded Indigenous territories in B.C.

The demonstration opposed the Woodfibre LNG project, which will have the capacity to export 2.1 million tonnes of LNG per year, and the associated FortisBC’s Eagle Mountain–Woodfibre Gas Pipeline, a 47-kilometer pipeline expansion to connect Port Coquitlam to the Woodfibre site in Squamish.

The Woodfibre LNG project and the FortisBC pipeline were subject to the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) environmental assessment (EA) process, which was the first legally-binding Indigenous-led environmental assessment of a project in Canada. The Nation’s approval of Environmental Certificates for the Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC projects triggered the creation of an Environmental Working Group for each project, which monitors the work Pre-construction preparations for the Woodfibre LNG project and FortisBC pipeline have begun.

The Saturday rally, which organizers say saw about 160 to 200 people attend, began with an Indigenous-led witness ceremony at Junction Park and continued with a one kilometre march through downtown Squamish

Protesters carried signs reading “Stop LNG” and “Protect Our Land,” calling for the provincial government to cancel LNG permits. The demonstration ended with speeches from Indigenous leaders, climate activists, and a health professional

Speakers included Tioutenaat (Jackie Williams), a Nation Elder; Chief Na’Moks (John Ridsdale), Wet’suwet’en Nation Hereditary Chief of the Tsayu (Beaver Clan); Gwii Lok’im Gibuu (Jesse Stoeppler), a member of the Wet’suwet’en and Gitksan Nations and co-executive director at Skeena Watershed Conservation Coalition; Will George, a Tsleil-Waututh Nation member; Janelle Lapointe, an Afro-Indigenous climate justice organizer from Stellat’en First Nation and senior advisor at the David Suzuki Foundation; Squamish’s Tracey Saxby, executive director of My Sea to Sky; and Dr. Larry Barzelai, a Vancouver family physician and chair of the B.C. Branch of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)

Ridsdale highlighted the significance of the gathering for him: “It means that people who are

Business Opportunities

• PiaLiftStation Upgrade –Request forQuotations

• JimmyJimmy(Judd)Slough Dike Upgrade –Detailed Design– Request forProposals squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district

Infrastructure

• Annual Watermain Upgrades: Work will continue within the Mamquam EastIndustrial Area.

• UtilityInspections: Downtown utilityinspections will resume the last week of September squamish.ca/Building-Our-Future

DevelopmentReview

• 4311 Paradise ValleyRoad – Subdivision

• 39660 GovernmentRoad – DevelopmentPermit

• 38332 NewportRoad – DevelopmentVariancePermit

Sp’akw’us Kite Closure

Thewatersports beach at Sp’akw’us Feather Park on the oceanfront is temporarily closedto kitesand kiteboarders. While an investigation is underway, kites arebeing restricted out of caution to ensurepublic safety. Wingfoiling and windsurfing continue to be permitted

• 2933 SnowberryPlace– Short-TermRental –TemporaryUse Permit

• 38117/38113 Second Avenue – DevelopmentPermit squamish.ca/review

during the rally on Saturday

like-minded and like-hearted work together to get full information, instead of having to receive the greenwashing, which they’ve received for a number of years, not only by corporations and industry, but the government itself.”

Concerns over the cultural, environmental, and economic impacts of LNG projects on

Indigenous communities were also raised. “In Squamish, it’s at so many levels,” Ridsdale said “I don’t think they’ll realize how absolutely terrible this will be until those heavy equipment are digging up their yards to bring it through communities. It’s quite amazing that they actually got permission to do that, and then where the facility is, like on the end of the inlet, if you stand at the end of it, that wind blows straight from there into the community.”

Potential health impacts were also at the forefront of the protest.

“I was very pleased that CAPE, which is the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment, spoke up and talked about the health issues that are common, and these are proven health issues,” Ridsdale said.

“They are physicians, so they’ve done the studies. They’re not like industry or government, who can greenwash,” he said.

CAPE raised concerns in a press release on Aug. 13 about the link between LNG projects and respiratory problems, as well as birth defects, highlighting that long-term exposure to emissions from LNG facilities can have serious health consequences.

Solidarity between Indigenous and RALLY: Continued on 5

Brennan Park Aquatics EntranceClosure

Thesouth (Aquatics) entranceatBrennan Park Recreation Centre will be closedstarting on Monday,September 23. This work is partofthe Green and AccessibilityRetrofit Project.

Customers will have access to the icearena, gymnasium, pool (upon reopening), and facilityusing the east(Arena) entrance.

Formoreinformation,please visit squamish.ca/rec

BuildinganADU with Pre-ReviewedPlans

1. Visit squamish.ca/adu to to review the pre-reviewed plans available to build inthe DistrictofSquamish and to determinewhether your property meets the requirementsand dimensions foryour selectedADU.

2. Contactthe ADU architect or designer foraconsultation. Your selected pre-reviewedplan mayneedtobeadjusted accordingly to meet site-specific requirements suchasflood mitigationmeasures

3.Submit the updatedpre-reviewed plan along with abuilding permit application to the District’sbuilding department. Your applicationwill be placed in apriorityque forsite-specific review and approval

4. Learnmoreabout the building permit application process at squamish.ca/building-permit

Participants gather in the rain below the Stawamus Chief

NEWS BRIEF

‘WEAPONS-RELATED INCIDENT’ SUNDAY: RCMP

Squamish police say two suspects are in custody, and a victim was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries after an incident on Sunday

In a news release, RCMP said that on Sept 15, at 2:27 p.m., the Squamish RCMP responded to a “weapons-related incident” near Government Road and Garibaldi Way.

Several locals noted that a portion of Government Road, from the Garibaldi Way intersection to Mamquam Elementary, was shut by Mounties to local traffic for a portion of the afternoon.

An ambulance was also on the scene.

Two suspects were arrested and taken into custody, where they remain, and the victim was taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries, police say.

The investigation is ongoing.

RALLY: Continued from 4

non-Indigenous communities was a key theme of the protest. “Working together is how humans are supposed to be It doesn’t matter if you’re Indigenous or non-Indigenous The fact that they’re harming not only communities, but the planet, means humans need to stand together,” Ridsdale said

He called for the B.C. government to cancel

“This was an isolated incident and there is no active or ongoing threat to the public,” said Staff Sgt. Kris Clark of the BC RCMP in the release.

Anyone with any information who has yet to speak with police is asked to contact the Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100

Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) also posted a Community Notice on Monday about the incident

“The Nation will be taking immediate action to remove all residents implicated in this incident and any unauthorized structures on community land,” reads the notice posted to the Nation’s social media.

The incident was near the Nation’s Kowtain reserve land

The notice advised members who need support related to this event to email Ta na wa Téywilhaylhem (Public Safety) at public_safety@squamish.net or call 604-982-9938.

LNG permits. “First and foremost, that their voices matter. They can make a difference.”

This demonstration is part of a larger movement across British Columbia calling for a halt to the expansion of fossil fuel infrastructure, with opposition from both environmental and Indigenous groups Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative

OUT WITH THE OLD, IN WITH THE NEW—FOOTBRIDGE AT BROHM LAKE

The new bridge is expected to open in late spring 2025

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

If you have headed to Brohm Lake for a hike or even driven by the lake on Highway 99, you likely noticed that the aging wooden footbridge has been out of commission for some time

It has been closed since late 2023

More recently, the deconstruction of the bridge took place.

So what is the deal?

Turns out it is set to get a dramatic face lift WHY WAS IT CLOSED?

A spokesperson for the provincial Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy told The Squamish Chief that the bridge had deteriorating components that were identified as part of routine monitoring.

“Members of the public had also communicated that the decking was becoming worn out and boards were beginning to break,” the spokesperson said in an email.

As a result, the bridge was closed for the public’s safety, and a reconstruction plan was laid out.

“The bridge was fully assessed, and it was determined the pilings could be retained, but

the bulk of the remaining structure will be replaced,” the spokesperson said.

The work will include replacing the bridge stringers, decking and railings.

Some wooden parts of the bridge will be replaced with aluminum to improve durability

The new bridge is expected to open in late spring 2025

In the meantime, a nearby, easily accessible trail alternative is Cheakamus Canyon, which is about a 20-minute drive north.

The total project cost is approximately $110,000

PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF SEA TO SKY CLASSIC VEHICLE CRUISE DOWNTOWN: The 2nd annual car show and cruise was held on Sunday, organized by local Singh Biln
PHOTO BY SCOTT TIBBALLS/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The footbridge has been deconstructed.

NoticeofPublic Hearing

DISTRICTOFSQUAMISH OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAWNO. 2500, 2017, AMENDMENT BYLAW(DPA1UPDATE) NO.3078, 2024

Theproposed Amendment Bylawisintended to:

•Remove Section 34.2(d) as it isprocedural wording.

•Remove or revise DPA1 exemptions that donot currently alignwith the provincial Riparian Areas Protection Regulation.

• Re-organizeguidelines and update wording forclarity:

•SeparateSection“34.7–Aquatic Guidelines (Riparian Areas +Wetlands)”intotwo sections:

•Section 34.7 –Aquatic Guidelines (Freshwater +Riparian).

•Section 34.8 –Aquatic Guidelines (Ditches).

•Remove General Guideline requirements for parcels whereonly ditch Environmentally SensitiveAreas occur.

•Update definitions, acronyms,and references to senior regulatory legislation.

DISTRICTOFSQUAMISH OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAWNO. 2500, 2017, AMENDMENT BYLAW(LOGGERS EAST UPDATEAND CORRECTIONS) NO.3080, 2024

TheproposedAmendmentBylaw is intended to:

•Add institutional uses to the Rural/Low DensityMultifamilyland use designationto allowfor institutional uses typically found within residential neighbourhoods,such asschools and places of worship.

•Change the language inthe Employment Lands Policy5.4.6 from‘Residential use inMixed Use Developmentshall comprise no more than 40% ofthe total gross floor area of anydevelopment’ to‘Residential use in MixedUse Development shouldcomprise no morethan 40% of the totalgross floor area of anydevelopment’to allowfor flexibility/Councildiscretion in the ratio of residential-to-employment spaceinthe Mixed UseDevelopmentdesignated areas.

DISTRICTOFSQUAMISH OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAWNO. 2500, 2017, AMENDMENT BYLAW (DEVELOPMENT PERMIT AREA 3UPDATE) NO.3079, 2024

Theproposed Amendment Bylawisintended to:

•Remove developmentpermit requirements formulti-unit developments comprising fourorfewer stratified units

•Streamline DevelopmentPermit Area 3Guidelines.

DISTRICTOFSQUAMISH OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN BYLAWNO. 2500, 2017, AMENDMENT BYLAW (ACCESSIBILITYUPDATE) NO.3086, 2024

Theproposed Amendment Bylawisintended to:

•Amend text to alignthe use of universal, adaptable,and accessible termswith Zoning Bylawdefinitions and uses.

•Strengthen policyrecommendations foradaptability.

• Addpolicytoconsider accessible units as partofaffordable housing deliverable

NOTICE is herebygiven that PUBLICHEARINGS for each of the above proposed Bylaws will be heldin the Council Chambers at the DistrictofSquamish Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia on September 24, 2024 at 6:00 pm sothatCouncil mayhear and receiverepresentations from persons whobelievethattheir interests in the affectedproperties and/or bylawamendmentswould be affectedbythe followingproposed amendments to the DistrictofSquamish Official CommunityPlan.

Acopyofthe proposed bylaws and related information thathas been or maybe considered by Council maybeinspected:

• Online: squamish.ca

• In person: Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, British Columbia,fromSeptember 19, 2024 to September 24, 2024 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm,Mondaythrough Friday. Enquiries regarding the proposed amendment bylawmay be madetothe PlanningDepartmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca. This is the second of twonotices of bylawreadings. Datedthis 19th dayofSeptember,2024 at Squamish, British Columbia.

HOWTOPARTICIPATE

September 24, 2024 at 6:00 pm Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, BC Learnmore

Persons who believethattheir interest in property is affectedbythe proposed Official CommunityPlan amendments will have an opportunitytobeheard and to presentwritten submissions forthe Hearing. Thereare four ways to participate:

1. Written. Youmay deliver awritten submission to hearing@squamish.ca,ordropoff to the CorporateOfficer at Municipal Hall before 4:00 pm on the date of the Hearing.For those participating via telephone or electronically,the Districtisencouraging thatawritten version oftheir statementbesubmitted as well

2. Telephone. Youmay participate by telephone during the Hearing by calling 1-604-449-3026 and entering the Access Code: 277 351 97595 Dial *3 to‘raise your hand’indicating thatyou’d like to speak.You will hear amessage that “your line has been unmuted”when it is your turn to speak.Prior to the meeting,please visit squamish.ca/participate fordetailed instructions.

3. Electronic Participation. Youmay participate electronically in the Hearing through the use of the WebEx platformbyvisiting squamish. ca/participate Instruction forelectronic participation on WebEx can be found at thatsite.

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

If youhaveany questions regarding participation in electronic hearings,please call the Districtat 604-892-5217.

Council will not consider submissions received afterthe close of the Public Hearing.

Allsubmissions will form partofthe public record.

Let’sTalk About...

Age-Friendly Community

Seeking LibraryBoardMembers

TheDistrictofSquamish is creating an age-friendly communityplan!

To help create our plan, we arereaching out to communitymembers of all ages— especially seniors who arecomfortable sharing their experiences.

Completeour surveyto shareyour thoughts!

letstalksquamish.ca

WHAT’SHAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE

Annual Pool Closure

The Municipal Library wasestablished in 2003 pursuanttothe provisions of the LibraryAct of British Columbia. The Library Boardhas the responsibilityfor oversightofthe deliveryofpublic libraryservices in the DistrictofSquamish. The Boardconsists of one member of Council and eightmembers of the public appointedbyCouncil.Membersofthe Boardwill servewithout remuneration. Members are expectedtoattend all meetings of the Board, which areheld on the thirdWednesdayofeach month, and share in other Boardactivities andresponsibilities

All residents and electors of the Districtare eligible forappointment, unless they aremembers of the Municipal Council or employees of the Districtor the LibraryAssociate.Please indicate on your application anyparticular interests,experience or qualificationsyou have in relation to public libraryservices There arefour vacancies to fill.

An information package and application formsare available at the Libraryand online at: squamishlibrary.ca/library-board

Applications should be received no later than 4:30 pm on October 4, 2024. Please directto HilaryBloom at hbloom@squamish.ca or by mail: DistrictofSquamish, 37955 Second Avenue,POBox 310, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3

Drop-In withthe Mayor

Join MayorArmand Hurford foropen communityconversation. Allare welcome!

September 23, 12:30 pm

MunicipalHall,37955 Second Ave (in Council Chambers)

BrennanParkAquatic Centre is closed forannualmaintenance until Saturday, October 5. This includes the steam room, hot tuband showers.

Healing Fitness Classes: Posture& Balance

Reduceaches and pains with slow,low-impact movements, including standing and floor-based work.All levels welcome. EveryWednesdayatThe 55ActivityCentre

Dance

Time to move those hips and learna newdance! Alllevels arewelcome, including beginners! Choose from:

•Line Dancing

•Beginner Clogging

•International Traditional Dance

•Swing or Latin Dance

•Burlesque

for details squamish.ca/rec

Check out the fall arena schedule! squamish.ca/rec/ arenaschedule

Stage 2Outdoor WaterUse Restrictions remain in effect squamish.ca/water

Squamish MultiplexDesig Competition

TheDistrictofSquamish invites residents of B.C. aged 19+ to submit adesigninone or all competitioncategoriesand help support innovative, diverse, and attainable housing in Squamish. Thethree designcategories are:

•Second Storey Dwellings

•Elevated Dwellings

•Ground LevelDwellings

First placeineach categorywill receiveacash prizeof$10,000.

Formoreinformation visit the competitionwebsite:

squamish.ca/multiplex-design-competition

SQUAMISH NATION RESPONDS TO 53% REDUCTION IN ALLOWABLE TIMBER HARVESTING

‘The future generations can be assured this is the first step towards maintaining and restoring a healthy ecosystem,’ Nation spokesperson says

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The forests around Squamish, once heavily logged, will soon see a reduction in timber harvesting as the province’s deputy chief forester reduces the allowable annual cut (AAC) for Tree Farm Licence 38 (TFL 38) by 53%.

The new limit of 117,500 cubic metres is still higher than the average annual harvest of 72,000 cubic metres but marks a significant shift towards sustainable forestry, according to Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, Squamish Nation spokesperson and council member

He said he sees this reduction as a necessary step

“This 53% reduction from the previous AAC is an important step toward restoring a healthy ecosystem in our territory,” Williams wrote in an email to The Squamish Chief. Williams stressed that the reduction addresses long-term damage

“The future generations can be assured that this is the first step towards maintaining and restoring a healthy ecosystem from what remains after heavy industrial resource extraction over the last 100-plus years,” he said.

In an Aug. 29 press release, the Ministry of Forests said that several factors influenced the decision, including wildlife habitat, terrain stability, cultural resources, and protecting old-growth deferral areas while long-term management strategies are developed.

The new rules allow for most of the timber to be harvested from lower-elevation areas, but limit how much can come from older forests.

SḴWXWÚ7MESH NATION’S INFLUENCE IN FORESTRY MANAGEMENT

“This is not an agreement, but we are working toward co-managing these lands through projects like the Sunshine Coast Forest Landscape Pilot Project,” Williams said

Ownership of Northwest Squamish Forestry (NWSF), which now manages TFL 38, has allowed the Nation to assert more control over land use. “TFL 38 was previously owned by Interfor, a large multinational corporation that did not have the Sḵwxwú7mesh Nation’s interests in mind when planning within the TFL,” Williams said.

“The TFL is now owned by Northwest Squamish Forestry, and NWSF is owned by

the Sḵwxwú7mesh Nation.”

While the AAC determination rests with the chief forester, the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has a significant role in shaping forestry practices.

“Although the Nation does not make the final determination on AAC, the Nation effectively influences the determination through both its governmental role and its ownership of the license. This unique arrangement provides the Sḵwxwú7mesh Nation with control to plan forest harvesting in alignment with its stewardship values and economic interests.”

“Squamish Nation Indigenous Law and Protocol has influenced the land from the beginning of time, and is heavily ingrained all plans, strategies, and frameworks that scrutinize the review process for all files, including this determination of the Office the Chief Forester,” Williams said

The Nation uses the Squamish Connect portal to review all forestry activities

“Squamish Nation utilizes the squamishco nect.com portal to provide reviews for archaeology, culture, and environmental lenses of all files,” Williams said.

A HISTORY OF DISPOSSESSION

According to Xay Temíxw Land Use Plan produced by the Nation, over the past 150 years, the Nation has suffered tremendous economic, political, and social damage due the influx of settlers into their territory and the exercise of power by federal and provin governments

The intrusion of massive numbers of peop led to the systematic and illegal denial of access to the Nation’s lands and resources. During this time, Indigenous communitie were largely excluded from decisions abou land use, and their rights were disregarded favour of industrial development.

As the Sḵwxwú7mesh Nation continues reclaim its role in forestry management, Williams expressed hope for future collab tion with the province

“The Nation will continue to push for ecological integrity and recovery and maintenance as we have for generations, and over time this will be reflected in future AAC determinations that we hope will be made in a collaborative fashion between the province and the Nation.”

Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative

BritanniaMineMuseum.ca
BritanniaMineMuseum gratefully acknowledges their communitysponsors:

NoticeofPublic InputOpportunity (public hearing)

ImportantNotice

Please note that this publicinput opportunityisonly forcommentsabout TemporaryUse Permit No.73–FortisBC Temporary Workforce Accommodation, not TemporaryUse Permit No.74–FortisBCTemporaryConstruction Yard.

What’sProposed:

FortisBCTemporary WorkforceAccommodation

TemporaryUse PermitNo. 73

PROPOSEDTEMPORARYUSE

To allow fortemporaryworkforce accommodation on theproperty outlined in blackonthe Location Mapbelow,for aperiod of threeyears.The accommodation will consist of single storey,wooden structurecomplexes which will accommodate576 beds,with the option to add36more.

AFFECTED PORTION OF LANDS

DISTRICTLOT 513,GROUP 1NEW WESTMINISTER

DISTRICTEXCEPT PART IN PLAN LMP18787

LOCATIONMAP:

Ways to Participate

Persons who believethattheir interest in property is affectedbythe proposed TemporaryUse Permit will have an opportunitytobeheardinperson and to providewritten submissions

IN PERSON

Youmay participate in person during this public input opportunity at Brennan Park Recreation Centre (gymnasium), 1009 Centennial Way, Squamish, B.C.Comments must be contained to 3minutes and be relevant to theTemporaryUse Permit under consideration.

ASpeakers Listwill be established. Youmay register to speak in advanceofthe public hearing by emailing phspeakerslist@squamish.ca orbycalling 604-892-5217. Youcan also register in person on the dayofthe hearing,between 5:15 pm and 6 pm at theBrennan Park Recreation Centre (gymnasium entrance).

Everyonewill beprovided an opportunitytospeak. Those not on theSpeakers List who wish to providecommentsat thehearingwill be provided an opportunitytospeak after everyoneonthe Speakers List has addressed Council

*Please note thatdue to technical capacityconsiderations and in order to ensureafair andundisrupted hearing, electronic and phone-in participation will notbeavailable.

IN WRITING

If youare unabletoattend the public hearing,ordonot wish to speak at the hearing,you can still participate in this public input opportunitybysubmitting your written commentsto hearing@squamish.ca or by delivering them to Municipal Hallto the attention of the CorporateOfficer.

In order to allowCouncil timetoreviewall written submissions prior to the Public Hearingand decision on theproposed TUP,please submit your comments by noon on September 24, 2024.All comments will form partofthe public record.

*Pleasenotethatany comments received afterthe close of the Public Hearing can not be considered by Council

WATCHTHE MEETING

If youwould like to watchthe meeting and hear the submissions,you can do so by watching themeetingat squamish.ca/live-meetings.

What’s Proposed:

FortisBC TemporaryWorkforce Accommodation

TemporaryUse Permit No.73

PROPOSED TEMPORARYUSE

To allowfor temporaryworkforce accommodation on the property outlined in black on the adjacentLocation Map, foraperiod of three years.The accommodation will consist of single storey,woodenstructurecomplexes which will accommodate 576 beds,with the option to add36more.

AFFECTED PORTION OF LANDS

DISTRICTLOT 513, GROUP 1NEW WESTMINISTER

DISTRICTEXCEPT PART IN PLANLMP18787

TAKE NOTICE THAT DistrictofSquamish Councilmay consider adecision regarding the TemporaryUse Permit No.73at theSpecial Business Meeting scheduled forSeptember 25, 2024 at 6pminthe Stawamus ActivityRoom atBrennan Park Recreation Centre,1009 Centennial Way, Squamish, BC.

September 25 at 6 pm at BrennanPark Recreation

What’s Proposed:

FortisBC TemporaryConstruction Yard

TemporaryUse Permit No.74

PROPOSED TEMPORARYUSE

To allowfor atemporaryconstruction yard on the property outlined in black on the adjacentLocation Map, foraperiod of three years. Theconstruction yard will serve as ahub forcoordination and supportofconstruction activities

AFFECTED PORTION OF LANDS

DISTRICTLOT 8029, GROUP 1NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICTASSHOWN ON PLANBCP24944

TAKE NOTICE THAT DistrictofSquamish Council mayconsideradecision regarding the TemporaryUse Permit No.74atthe Special BusinessMeeting scheduled forSeptember 25, 2024 at 6pminthe Stawamus ActivityRoom at Brennan Park Recreation Centre,1009 Centennial Way, Squamish, BC.

Acopyofthe proposedTemporaryUse Permits and relatedinformation thathas been or maybeconsidered by Council maybeinspectedonline or at Municipal Hall.

• squamish.ca/public-hearings-and-meetings •37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, from September 19 to 25, 2024 between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm,Mondaythrough Friday, excluding statutory holidays. Questions? Contactthe Planning Department: 604-815-5002

LOCATION MAP
LOCATION MAP

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EDITOR

JENNIFERTHUNCHER jthuncher@ squamishchief.com follow @thuncher

REPORTER

INDIGO LEMAYCONWAY iLemayConway@ squamishchief.com

REPORTER

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE bchatterjee@ squamishchief.com

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MULTI- MEDIASALES REPRESENTATIVE KIMBOATMAN kboatman@ squamishchief.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER

DENISE CONWAY dconway@ squamishchief.com

PUBLISHER SARAHSTROTHER sstrother@wplpmedia.com

TheSquamishChief is amemberof theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependent organization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns about editorialcontent,please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@squamishchief.com. If you arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additionalinformation

Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.

EDITORIAL

THEY RAN, WALKED ANDROLLED

Kudos to Squamish TerryFox Runorganizers, sponsors andvolunteersfor itswholesome, family-friendlyevent.

Sundaymorning,morethan200 took to the CorridorTrail underthe welcomelateSeptember sunshine.

Therewererunners,ofcourse, butalsowalkers, rollerbladers, bike riders,youth on scooters,parents pushingstrollers,and petownerswithleashed dogs

Theparticipantsrangedfrombabiestoseniors

Some were hittingthe pavement forthe eventfor the firsttime, whileothershad completeditupto40 times.

It washearteningtosee family andcommunity unite forsuchanimportant cause, raisingmoney for cancerresearch, somethingalmosteveryonehas beentouched by in oneway or another.

As of Monday, thelocal eventhad raised almost $19,000 andcounting.

Terry Fox, theyoung manwho wasgonefar too soon,isa hero we canall rallyaround. He represents the bestofusall;hetookwhatcould have been a devastatingnegativefor aman in hisearly 20sand, ratherthanmakinghim bitter andinsular,he, instead, showed empathy, respect, honesty, integrity, caring, perseverance,courage andteamwork, as the website forthe foundation in hisnamenotes.

Credit to hisfamily, too, though,who have carried Fox’snameand passiononthrough the43years sincehis death. They areheroestoo.

AtSquamish’sevent,seeingthe many runners with stickers on theirshirtssayingwho they hadlost tocancerorwho they were running forput alumpin one’sthroat—from parentsand spousestofriends,to folkswho themselves face or have facedcancer.

Whilethe Squamish eventwas aserious affair, there were also plenty of smiles,laughsand high-fives to go around.

Theevent hadanauspiciousstart,withparticipants leadingtothe starting“rainbow” by bagpiper

Devin Biln

Having Squamish Fire Rescue members—anda laddertruck—onhandthrilledmanyofthe youngest participants(even when parents told tots they couldn’t climbthe giantladder)

Firefighters also cheeredonparticipantsatthe finishline, righttothe last finisher

It wasan all-around greatmorning of community andcamaraderie.

This year marked thefirst eventfor thenew organizers,who took over last winter.

We can’twaittosee what next year’s eventwill bring.

What wouldmakeitevenbetterisifevenmore localsturnedout.

TheSquamishTerry Foxrun will be back on Sept. 14, 2025.

THESQUAMISHCHIEF SECURESTOP HONOURS AT NATIONAL MEDIAAWARDS

The Squamish Chiefteamiscelebrating this weekafter it scoopedupsix awards in the 2024 Canadian CommunityNewspaper Awards (CCNA) competition

Whileeditors andjournalists aremuchmore comfortablebehinda keyboard or microphonethan in thenews, Iamreallyhappy forour hardworking team to celebratethe wins with ourreaders

TheawardswereannouncedonlineonSept. 16

Thenationalannualawardsfeature 27 categories honouringoutstanding editorial, photography, multimedia andoverall excellence in community newspaperpublishing.

The2024winners were selected from 760entries for work publishedin2023.

Thejudgesare volunteers whoworkinthe industry across Canada.

In theGeneral Excellence category,which compares publications of thesamecirculation,The Squamish Chiefpickedupfirst placefor Best EditorialPage.

Forthisaward,the judges lookedatthe outlets’ printopinion pieces,including columnsand letters.

We took home second placefor Best All-Round Newspaperofour size

“The Squamish Chieftakes news seriouslybut hasfun doing it.It’sgot aclean,accessiblelook,” bright andcontemporary,”reads thejudges’ comment.

We also gota third-placefinishinthe Best Front Page category

In thePremier Awardcategory, Iwas awarded firstplace forBestNewsstory forthe December 2023 story, “DoEAO restrictions on construction workersstigmatizeavital workforce?”

Iamsquirming to includemyown win, butI will take theopportunity to thankthe sourcesinthis storywho shared theirperspectives, knowingthat they weren’tnecessarily popularones.

Former reportersStevenChuaand Andrew Hughes andIwereawarded Second placeinthe FeatureSeriescategoryfor “OpioidCrisis,”which included aseriesofstories that were allpublished in oneprint paperand online at theend of Maylast year dedicatedtoexploring howthe toxicdrug crisis hasimpactedlocals.

That series meanta lottousall,asthe toxicdrug crisis hashad an impact on so many folkswecare aboutintown.

Hughes also wona third-placenod in theBest Multimedia Breaking News Coverage category for hisAugust2023story ‘Quest University lands bought by Capilano University in Squamish deal.” Readerscan allthe CCNA winnersonits website.

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK JENNIFER THUNCHER

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND?

In the past years, I’ve been getting a new kind of seasonal summer depression

This year felt kind of alright: Here in Squamish, we didn’t choke on wildfire smoke, the heat was only mildly oppressive, and it even rained a fair bit. Pretty nice overall. Minus the suspiciously low groundwater table that left the channels at the Mamquam golf course without flows (good luck to those juvenile fish left high and dry or deprived of oxygen).

Minus the Mamquam River itself being thick and milky-white awash with the silt of morose glaciers (good luck to those few chinook salmon trying to find their rare mates in the dark and to their fertilized eggs–if any–that may all be covered in a suffocating layer of slickness). Minus Jasper National Park and township being devastated by wildfire (good luck to their inhabitants, too).

Out of sight, out of mind?

Meanwhile, Woodfibre LNG (WLNG) and the FortisBC pipeline are gaining momentum with construction.

Meanwhile, WLNG continues to advertise to not have “major impacts,” while omitting that the BC Environmental Assessment Office issued a Warning Letter for WLNG’s failure to comply with the requirement to establish a joint committee with FortisBC to assess the cumulative social impacts on the community of the District of Squamish

Meanwhile, the FortisBC’s tunnel seems to require copious pours of concrete so close to the estuary.

Meanwhile, in central BC, the magnitudes bigger Prince Rupert Gas Transmission Pipeline (PRGT) is announcing the start of construction, although its destination facility, Ksi Lisims LNG, is not even fully approved.

How will there be enough power to electrify all those “net-zero” LNG plants that are supposed to come online in the coming years? With the widespread drought conditions we are experiencing, energy security through hydropower is standing on a shaky leg. Which watersheds—and with that, whose livelihoods —will be the next sacrifice zones?

A controversial proposition: Would it not be smarter to “leave it in the ground” as a (hopefully not needed) backup for

POLICY

domestic energy needs while we diversify our energy portfolio with renewables rather than racing the methane to artificially created markets that will lock us in with sunk cost fallacy?

These are certainly topics of great complexity in which a diversity of voices is dearly needed.

A MESSAGE FROM FORTISBC

For FortisBC, the safety and well-being of the Squamish community is extremely important to us

We spent 10 years engaging with the community and conducting rigorous environmental protection planning that culminated in the Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the BC Environmental Assessment Office approving the Temporary Workforce Lodge in 2023.

We are now more than a year into construction on FortisBC’s Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline (EGP) Project. Our goal has always been to incorporate community feedback and minimize impacts.

During extensive engagement, we heard the overwhelming preference was a single site to house all non-local workers. Based on this, we developed a plan for a Temporary Workforce Lodge to house all our workers on one site to ease pressure on local services

The lodge will have its own food, medical support, Wi-Fi, and exercise and recreation services, all to reduce pressure on local housing and community services

The proposed locations for the lodge and Temporary Laydown Yard would keep a significant portion of construction-related traffic outside of town When workers visit Squamish outside of working hours, we’ll operate a regular shuttle bus service.

We’ve also developed a Worker Code of Conduct that outlines the high standard of behaviour expected at all times of everyone involved in the project. The lodge will have a no-unauthorized visitors policy and 24/7 security on site

We’ve worked with local Indigenous communities and non-profit groups to develop mandatory education and materials on important issues related to community safety, cultural awareness, and environmental protection.

The lodge would also include a Squamish Nation Elder in Residence to support Indigenous workers and cultural learning opportunities.

The final step for lodge approval is to secure permits from the District of Squamish, including a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) that was first applied for in December 2022

This would allow the land (currently zoned as resource) to be temporarily used for lodging. We continue to work with the District through this process.

We have emphasized the importance of securing all necessary permits by Nov. 15, 2024 for the lodge to remain feasible and operational prior to our peak construction workforce arriving in summer 2025

In the absence of timely approvals, we would seek to implement alternative measures to reduce the impact of our workforce on the community. For example, this could include a portion of our workforce living in the Lower Mainland and being transported to the project site daily during peak periods of construction.

While we await the District of Squamish’s TUP decision on the lodge, we have pro-actively implemented measures to reduce existing workforce-related impacts. This includes:

• Mandatory in-person gender and cultural safety education for the project workforce

• A health and medical clinic for workers’ use, to support well-being and reduce project-related use of local health services

• A third-party reporting line for community members to report concerns regarding the respectful conduct of EGP Project workers in Squamish

Pending TUP approval, we will also develop a Gender and Cultural Safety Plan, which must be in place before the Lodge is operational. This plan will be developed in consultation with Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw, the District of Squamish and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation We’ve been a neighbour in Squamish for over 30 years and we care about the input we receive. We are ready to move forward provided we receive a timely approval with feasible conditions from the District Whatever the District decides, we will continue to be guided by our values of being a good neighbour and remain

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Do you know who you are voting for in the provincial election next month?

Do you think the new long-term care home will meet the needs of the Sea to Sky Corridor? (Top 3)

Have your say at squamishchief.com Rally against Woodfibre LNG project held in Squamish on Saturday MOST READ STORY

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

LETTERS: Continued from 13

committed to working with the community and Indigenous groups to reduce impacts as best we can.

Doug Slater

Vice President, Indigenous Relations and Regulatory Affairs, FortisBC

THANKS TO THE MEDICS

Throughout the time when the pandemic first hit, those in the medical profession were pushed to the hilt trying to care for the sick and dying, putting their own health and lives at risk

And to thank them, and give support, at 7 p.m. in the evening, people were on porches and balconies, ringing bells and bashing pans to show their gratitude.

Recently, I had a scare. I couldn’t raise my left arm, and when I tried to, it was very painful. A few years back, around the time of COVID, I’d had a mini-stroke. Now, the heart is on the left side, so my inability to raise my left arm, I took seriously. (I had a droopy face too!)

A neighbour drove me to emergency because the drop-in clinic here in Squamish was so busy, daily appointments were filled by noon I admit to being a medical phobic, hate needles and am queasy about blood and giving it And, after a few hours, of being x-rayed, poked and pricked, I became testy, fearing I might have to stay, and was demanding when I could go home By then, emergency was bustling with

patients in hospital gowns and beds on wheels. I have great respect for anyone in the medical profession. They face life-and-death situations on a continuous basis. I could not do their job. After all the tests, and patience on their part, I’m okay My heart’s soldiering on I can raise both arms. (Maybe I couldn’t raise my arms, from overdoing the downward dog Yoga exercise.)

Right now, medics are still challenged daily, looking after us and our loved ones I think it’s time to start ringing bells and giving thanks, again.

And my personal scare brought home to me, how blessed we are here, in Squamish, with kind and proficient medical professionals, and the relevance these days, to help promote global peace

Donations to the Squamish General Hospital Foundation would be put to good use.

Melody Wales, Squamish WHOO HOO!

Ithrow a big hat in the air as a salute to the fabulous local volunteers and sponsors who worked endlessly to make the 2024 Brackendale Fall Fair an amazing experience for the locals of Squamish Thank you to all of you!

Without you, the fall fair, which has been an event in Squamish since 1915, would not happen

Here’s what your volunteer, sponsorship, or attendee support did for our local community.

1 You kept dollars in the community.

2. You embraced what makes us unique.

3. You created local jobs.

4. You supported local farmers.

5. You aided local service organizations and small businesses

6. You inspired creative activities

7. You encouraged neighbours to grow food

8. You contributed to volunteerism by generously giving back to the community you love

9. You built strong community.

10 You protected a beautiful, natural setting in our ever-expanding town

We keep our gate fees affordable (We don’t pay any shareholders, event planners or staff) so we can:

1. Ensure everyone can enjoy the day.

2. Donate Fall Fair proceeds to making this community special.

3. Give our children a great place to build their lives toward successful adulthood.

We get it. This town is driven by adrenaline, a chemical reaction to stress (good or bad), which is energized by consuming food. So race the race, climb the mountain, but please support your local Farmers Institute. The mandate written way back in the last century still applies today.

This famous poem sums it all up succinctly

The Farmer

The king may rule o’er land and sea, The lord may live right royally, The soldier ride in pomp and pride, The sailor roam o’er ocean wide; but

this or that, whatever befall, The Farmers, they must feed them all.

The writer thinks, the poet sings, the craftsmen fashion wondrous things, the doctor heals, the lawyer pleads, The miner follows the precious leads; but this or that, whatever befall, The Farmers, they must feed them all.

The merchant may buy and sell, the teacher instruct civic duty well; but citizens may toil through busy days, or citizens may stroll through pleasant ways; From king to beggar, whatever befall, The Farmers, they must feed them all.

The farmer’s trade is one of worth; they partner with the sky and earth, they partner with the sun and rain, And no one loses for the gain; people may rise, or people may fall, but The Farmers, they must feed them all.

May we honour the folks who sow the wheat, who find us milk and fruit and meat; May their purse be heavy, their heart be light, the cattle and corn and all go right; May we honour the seeds their hands let fall, For The Farmers, they must feed us all.

Again, thank you to the volunteers and everyone who supports the Brackendale Farmers Institute and Fall Fair

With grace, we will see you in 2025, stepping up to participate and volunteer in your community to make it strong and free Glenne Campbell, event producer Brackendale Fall Fair

Public Notice

TemporaryUse Permits

What’sProposed

TheDistrictofSquamishisconsidering issuance of three(3) Temporary UsePermits applications to allowfor short-term rental use.Under theDistrict’sZoning Bylaw No.2200, 2011, short-termrentaluse is not permitted in adwellingunitthatisnot aprincipal residence; short-term rental use is also not permitted in a secondary suiteoraccessory dwellingunit(coach house).Ifapproved, theTemporary UsePermits would allow theshort-term rental use in thesecondarysuite for aperiod of 3years.The applicants can apply to renewthe permit foranadditional period of up to 3years following theexpiryofthe originalpermit.

AFFECTED LANDS:

2933 Snowberry Place, Squamish BC

Lot92 DistrictLot 512Plan73434

TEMPORARYUSE PERMIT NO.DTU00060

41240 RockridgePlace, Squamish BC

Lot3 Section 14 Township50Plan38848

TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO. DTU00061

41748 HoneyLane, Squamish BC

Strata Lot1Section 23 Township 50 Strata Plan EPS8689

TEMPORARYUSE PERMIT NO.DTU00063

A copy of the proposed Temporary UsePermits areavailablefor review at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish B.C. MondaytoFridayfrom8:30a.m.to4:30p.m.A copy of theTemporaryUse Permits canbeemailed by request at planning@squamish.ca or online on the District’s DevelopmentShowcase at squamish.ca/showcase. Enquiriesregardingthe proposedmay be made to the Planning Departmentat604-815-5002.

Allpublic inputwill be consideredbythe Districtinreview of theTemporaryUse Permit applications.Personswho believethattheir interest inproperty is affectedbythe proposed temporaryuse permit maysubmit written submissionsto planning@squamish.ca or,inwritingto the Senior Director of Community Planning. Written andemailsubmissions will be received up until4:00p.m.September 27, 2024. Allsubmissions will form partofthe public record.

Datedthis19th dayofSeptember,2024 at Squamish, BritishColumbia.

NoticeofTax Sale

Notice is herebygiventhatpursuant to Sections 645&647 of the Local Governmentact,the properties listedbelowmay be offered forsale on Monday,October 7, 2024at10:00 am,inCouncil Chambers,Municipal Hall,37955 Second Ave, Squamish, B.C., unlessthe delinquenttaxes plus interest arepaid.

PID Civic Address

MHR 49604 67 -1830MAMQUAM RD GROUP 1, NEWWESTMINSTERLANDDISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOMEREG.# 49604, BAY#67, 08338 TIMBERTOWN MANUFACTURED HOMEPARK, MHPROLL#08-338-300-0067744.000

MHR 24572 151 -1830MAMQUAM RD GROUP 1, NEWWESTMINSTERLAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOMEREG.# 24572, BAY#151, 08338 TIMBERTOWN MANUFACTURED HOMEPARK, MHPROLL#08-338-300-0067744.000

MHR 29376 208 -1830MAMQUAM RD GROUP 1, NEWWESTMINSTERLAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOMEREG.# 29376, BAY#208, 08338 TIMBERTOWN MANUFACTURED HOMEPARK, MHPROLL#08-338-300-0067744.000

MHR 17963 76 -40157GOVERNMENT RDGROUP 1, NEWWESTMINSTERLAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOMEREG.# 17963, BAY#76, 08338 SPIRAL MANUFACTURED HOMEPARK, MHPROLL#08-338-300-0070348.000

029-168-643 40156 GOVERNMENT RD LOT8 SECTION 11 TOWNSHIP 50 NEWWESTMINISTER DISTRICTPLANEPS637PARTSW1/4 BCAGROUP 1TOGETHER WITH AN INTERESTINTHE COMMON PROPERTYINPROPORTION TO THE UNITENTITLEMENTOFTHE STRATALOT AS SHOWN ON FORM1ORV,ASAPPROPRIATE

026-578-743 401 -40437 GOVERNMENT RD LOT63SECTION 11 TOWNSHIP 50 NEWWESTMINISTER DISTRICTPLANBCS1695 TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THECOMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOTASSHOWN ON FORM 1ORV,ASAPPROPRIATE

026-822-041 36 -40137 GOVERNMENT RD LOT36SECTION 2TOWNSHIP 50 NEWWESTMINISTER DISTRICTPLANBCS2028 BCAGROUP 1&SEC 11, TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATALOT AS SHOWNONFORM 1ORV,ASAPPROPRIATE

LEASE/LICENCE 238364 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICTPLANLMP53420 BCAGROUP 1 LEASELICENCENUMBER 238364 LANDBRANCHFILENUMBER 2407414 LICENSE RE ROWPLLMP53420 FOR EXCAVATING FOR, CONSTRUCTING, OPERATING,REMOVING, REPLACING, REPAIRING&SAFEGUARDING THEREONA WATERLINE

029-283-141 39737GOVERNMENT RD LOTA SECTION 3TOWNSHIP 50 NEWWESTMINISTER DISTRICTPLANEPP34586 BCAGROUP 1

MHR 409542 -39884 GOVERNMENT RD GROUP 1, NEWWESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT,MANUFACTURED HOMEREG.# 40954, BAY#2,08338 SOUSTERS MANUFACTURED HOMEPARK, MHPROLL#08-338-400-0068852.001

027-402-436111 -39012 DISCOVERYWAYLOT 11 DISTRICTLOT 1305 NEWWESTMINISTER DISTRICTPLANBCS2779 BCAGROUP 1&DL5032, TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMONPROPERTYINPROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOTASSHOWN ON FORM 1ORV,ASAPPROPRIATE

030-959-896 46 -39769GOVERNMENT RD LOT51SECTION 3TOWNSHIP 50 NEWWESTMINISTER DISTRICTPLANEPS3776BCAGROUP1 TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST INTHECOMMONPROPERTYINPROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATALOT AS SHOWNONFORM V

PID Civic Address

025-928-201 38723BUCKLEY AVELOT EBLOCK 24 DISTRICTLOT 759+6814

025-928-210 38717BUCKLEYAVE LOTF BLOCK 24 DISTRICTLOT 759+6814

BCAGROUP 1

BCAGROUP 1

028-647-572305 -1212MAINST STRATA LOT70, PLANEPS264, DISTRICTLOT 486, GROUP1,NEW WESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, TOGETHERWITH AN INTEREST INTHE COMMONPROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THEUNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THESTRATALOT AS SHOWN ON FORM V

028-647-921503 -1212 MAIN ST LOT105 DISTRICTLOT 486 NEWWESTMINISTERDISTRICTPLAN EPS264 BCAGROUP 1PHASE2,TOGETHERWITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTYINPROPORTION TO THEUNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATALOT AS SHOWN ON FORM 1ORV,ASAPPROPRIATE

029-968-208 37 1188 WILSONCRES STRATA LOT43, PLAN EPS3019, DISTRICT LOT4261, GROUP1,NEW WESTMINSTER LANDDISTRICT, TOGETHERWITH AN INTEREST IN THECOMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THEUNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THESTRATALOT AS SHOWN ON FORM V

031-074-944 1351 PEAKSIDE PL STRATA LOT73PLANEPS4831 DISTRICTLOT 486 GROUP 1 NEWWESTMINISTERDISTRICTTOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST INTHE COMMONPROPERTYINPROPORTION TO THEUNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATALOT AS SHOWN ON FORM V

031-063-608602 -37881 CLEVELAND AVESTRATALOT 103 PLAN EPS6562 DISTRICTLOT 486 GROUP 1 NEWWESTMINISTER DISTRICTTOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMONPROPERTYINPROPORTION TO THEUNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOTASSHOWNONFORM V

030-859-875 2906 HUCKLEBERRYDRLOT 104 DISTRICTLOT 512 NEWWESTMINISTERDISTRICTPLAN EPP73434 BCAGROUP 1

023-114-95911- 38247 WESTWAYAVE LOT11DISTRICT LOT515 NEWWESTMINISTERDISTRICTPLANLMS2033 BCAGROUP 1&DL833, TOGETHERWITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMONPROPERTYINPROPORTION TO THEUNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THESTRATALOT AS SHOWN ON FORM 1ORV,ASAPPROPRIATE

LEASE/LICENCE 243115 DISTRICTLOT 4268 NEWWESTMINISTERDISTRICTBCAGROUP 1 LEASELICENCENUMBER 243115 LANDBRANCHFILENUMBER 2408480 LICENSECOVERS -&PTOFPCL 1DL4271, 4272, 486 PL LMP50907 -FOR LOGHANDLING &STORAGE PURPOSES

MHR 21091 103-40157 GovernmentRdGROUP 1, NEWWESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOME REG.# 21091, BAY#103, 08338 SPIRAL MANUFACTUREDHOME PARK,MHP ROLL #08-338-300-0070348.000

Please notethatunder Section 648 of the Local GovernmentAct apersonauthorized by council maybid forthe municipalityup to amaximum amountset by council

Anypersonupon being declaredthe tax sale purchasermustpay the full amountofthe purchase pricebycash or certified cheque by 3 pm the same day. Failuretopay will result in property being offeredfor sale againat10 am on the following day

Property purchased at the tax saleissubjectto redemption by the registered property owner within one year from the date of the annual tax sale.

TheDistrictofSquamish makes no representation expressorimpliedasto thecondition or quality of the properties being offered forsale Thepurchase of atax sale property is subject to tax under theProperty Transfer TaxAct on the fair market value of the property.

This is the second of four such publications of this noticedated September 19, 2024. TheDistrictofSquamish acknowledges that payments fordelinquent taxes mayhavebeen received during theperiodwhich the listings areprepared and theirsubsequent publication in the newspaper

SEAANDSKYRESIDENTS RAISEPARKING CONCERNS AT PUBLIC HEARINGFOR WATERFRONTDEVELOPMENT

Aproposedtwo-houron-street time limitwas themostraisedissue by locals whoalreadystruggletofindparking near their homes

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

Anumber of currentresidents of the SEAandSKYwaterfrontdevelopment raised concerns over parkingata District of Squamish public hearing.

Thehearing held on Sept.10wentfor just over four hoursand sawmorethan30residents sharetheir currentparking struggleswithin therelativelynew community, locatedoff of Highway99at38011 Laurelwood Rd,and fears of it worseningwiththe proposed SEAandSKY Southexpansion.

(The projectisreferredtoasbothWaterfront Landing andits more recent branding of SEAandSKY.)

Followingthe public hearing, developers Kingswood Properties andBosaProperties received thirdreading approval from councilfor official communityplanand zoning bylawamendmentsfor Waterfront Landing (SEAandSKY)South that will add1,062 new homes to theproject,including 301market rentalsand 25 below-market rental units.

PUBLICATION

TheSub Area Plan wasamended at second readingtoremovereferencestonatural gas infrastructure andtoinclude policy language that discouragesthe useofnatural gasinnew buildingsonthe property

At thepublichearing,council askedfor further naturalgas conditions and amotionto require“registration of anogas covenant forall uses”was addedtothe conditions priorto adoption forthe zoning bylawamendment

Inregards to parking, councillorsvoted in favourof an amendmentmadebystaff to direct SEAandSKYon-street parkingregulations to be included in theDistrictofSquamishdowntown parkingstudy,which is currently underway.

“The rationalefor this [amendment]isthata number of theconcerns thatwe’re hearing todayaroundthe two-hour parkingare on Districtroads,” District plannerKerry Hamilton said

“It’saproblem that we have today, andit should be reviewed as part of thelargerreview that’s happeningdowntown.”

Coun.LaurenGreenlawopposed allmotions Residentswho spokeatthe meetingdidn’t raiseany majorconcerns over theadditional

unitsincludedinthe changes; thebiggest concernwas whereeveryonewould be able to park

Parkingsolutions included in theproposal forthe amendments suggested changing on-streetparking to timedtwo-hourperiods, with thepotential forpaidparking to be addressedatalater date

PARKING ISSUES

“I took about30photosofour blockand there is almost notone single person on aTuesday morningat7a.m.... that hasparkedinany of thelines,” SEAandSKYresidentPaulArcus said.

“There areseven or so vehicles completely violatingthe footpathsand thegrass knolls wherethe fire hydrants are. Bringing in fines for thesepeopleisnot goingtohelpthe problem; they’redesperate forpark[ing],” he added.

“I came home from abusinesstripacouple of weeksago andhad to park at thehospitalat4 a.m. in themorning.”

Arcus, ashift worker,has been aresident sinceOctober 2023 andsaid thetwo-hour limitedparkingwould only make theirtough

Icamehomefrom abusinesstripa couple of weeksago andhad to park at thehospitalat4 a.m. in themorning.

parkingsituation tougher.

“I thinkthe onething that scares us themost as residentsisthe two-hour parking. That’s the thingthat’sbeenbrought up themost,”hesaid.

“Residents cangeneraterevenue forthe District of Squamish by buying annual passes to park.We’dratherdothatthanhavetwo hours. That’s what’s gotusall here tonight, the fear of thetwo hours.”

Fellow shiftworkerand resident Ashley Grover said shehas also hadtoparkatthe nearby hospital in themiddleofthe night

PARKING: Continuedon19

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because there was no parking available near her home.

“We are a two-car household and we’re both commuters. I’m a flight attendant, so I have shift work I come home sometimes at 2 a.m., and again, like someone said, had to park at the hospital,” she said

“As a female, I find it a little disheartening that safety isn’t considered; that I would have to walk multiple blocks, by myself, in the middle of the night, which is not sitting easy as a female walking in the dark.”

She, too, raised concerns over the two-hour on-street parking, which would not be feasible with her work hours.

“The two-hour parking I think, would affect a ton of us, and especially as shift workers that sleep during the day,” Grover said

“I can’t get up and move my car every two hours … so I really urge that you consider to not approve the two-hour parking.”

Her husband Steve Grover invited the entire council over for dinner the following Tuesday evening at 8 p.m.—if they could find a parking spot to park their car in at that time.

Kama Guezalova said she chooses not to go out in the evenings, so she doesn’t lose a parking spot

“I have asked people to pick me up because parking is so tight to come back in the evening after going mountain biking, going for a trail run, whatever it is, you can’t find parking, especially evenings and weekends,” Guezalova said.

Jessica Bryce rents a room in her house to fellow hospital workers and said the lack of parking options has been a “massive issue.”

“They come on one-to-three-month contracts. As you can imagine, housing is a critical shortage for them. They come stay with me, and they have nowhere to park, and it is a massive, massive, massive issue for them,”

Bryce said

“I cannot buy parking anywhere I cannot rent parking anywhere So, I’d like the council to consider that it’s not just people with two cars living there, it’s also renters and other groups that have more than one car per household.”

DEVELOPER COMMENTS

“Our partnership with Bosa Properties to bring the south half to realization marks a significant milestone for the SEAandSKY masterplan,” Kingswood Properties president Lorne Segal said in a news release about the addition of the new units to the larger SEAandSky project.

“Our shared vision for the community responds to Squamish’s rapid growth, with a clear focus on meeting the housing and amenity needs of current and future residents, while contributing to the District’s broader goal of creating sustainable, walkable neighbourhoods.”

Construction of the first phase of SEAandSKY South is expected to begin in the fall of 2025

The downtown parking study is expected to return to a committee of the whole meeting in December

NOTICEOF PROPOSED TEMPORARY USEPERMIT

Tiger BayDevelopmentCorp. –Skateboard Facility& CommercialFilming–

TemporaryUse Permit No.76

PUBLIC NOTICE is herebygiven in accordance with Section 494 of the Local Government Act that the Regional Boardwill be considering the issuance of the above-mentioned permit at its regular Boardmeeting on September 25, 2024.The purposeof Temporary Use PermitNo. 76 is to allow the following temporary use for aduration of three years:

 private skateboardfacility– to takeplace in the area identified as “Skate Ramp” on the map below; and,

 development of acommercial filming set –totakeplace throughout properties outlinedin redon themap below

Thesubject applicationapplies to the following properties outlined in red:

Acopy of Temporary Use Permit No. 76and relevantbackground documents is available by request. Please email planning@slrd.bc.ca for more information on this application, as well asfor any questions or concerns.

Squamish-Lillooet RegionalDistrict

Box219, 1350 AsterStreet, Pemberton,BC, V0N2L0

P:604-894-6371 TF:1-800-298-7753

HOW INDIGENOUS EDUCATION COUNCILS INFLUENCE THE SEA TO SKY SCHOOL DISTRICT’S POLICIES

‘We need to weave [Indigenous] knowledge into the fabric of our public school system,’ says the director of instruction for Indigenous education for SD48

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ayear after the creation of Indigenous Education Councils (IECs) by the provincial government, through the 2023 amendments to the School Act, these councils are giving Indigenous communities a voice in shaping school policies across British Columbia.

According to Colleen Hannah, director of instruction for Indigenous education at the Sea to Sky School District, the IEC’s influence has already been felt.

“Last year, we invited people from different areas like Feeding Futures, mental health, and early childhood education. The council provided input on how programs should look and how we could engage parents and the community,” Hannah said

Although the IECs are still being formalized, a similar framework, also called the ‘Indigenous Education Council,’ has already been in place. “The main change is that trustees, who previously had voting power, no longer do They can still participate in discussions, but they will not have a vote,” she said

The decision to bring on programs like Feeding Futures—a B.C. initiative providing $214 million over three years, that started in fall 2023, to support school food programs addresses food insecurity in Indigenous households—also reflects the council’s influence.

“For example, someone wanted a presentation on how Feeding Futures dollars were being used, and how we could best engage parents and community members to make sure they were aware of and could access those resources,” Hannah said.

Data from the BC Centre for Disease Control British Columbia shows that 28.2% of Indigenous households experience food insecurity, compared to 11.2% of non-Indigenous households.

Mental health resources for Indigenous students are another priority, with the council helping reduce barriers to access “Last year we put together an agenda based on what the council members wanted to focus on Mental health in schools was another big topic—how to reduce barriers for Nation members,” Hannah said Indigenous student success has steadily improved over time. The How Are We Doing? report showed a six-year completion rate of 75% for Indigenous students in 2022, compared with 90% for non-Indigenous students in B.C. Hannah who has both Syilx (Okanagan) and Scottish roots reflected on her own experience in the education system. “Growing up, I didn’t realize how much of my culture was missing

from my education. It wasn’t until I was in my teacher training that I realized we hadn’t been taught anything about Indigenous history or culture.”

The importance of language preservation also looms large.

“Indigenous languages are disappearing, and that’s heartbreaking,” Hannah said “Language is deeply tied to culture—many teachings I have received emphasize that you cannot fully understand cultural practices without the language that underpins them. Our languages are complex, often verb-based, and descriptive, making them difficult to translate into English. So, how can we continue important cultural ceremonies if we lose the language that brings them to life?”

The 2016 Canadian Census reports that only 15.6% of Indigenous people in B.C. speak their traditional languages.

“We need to keep striving for better, never assuming the work is done There is always more to learn about Indigenous ways of knowing and being, and we need to weave that knowledge into the fabric of our public school system.”

Hannah relies on the teachings of her Elders

“A teaching I’ve received from various Elders is that we should be thinking seven generations ahead when making decisions. So, when we make changes, we need to ask ourselves, ‘What will this look like seven generations from now?’ That mindset is crucial.”

WHY THIS ALL MATTERS

According to the Colleges and Institutes Canada, the legacy of residential schools and ongoing structural challenges like food

PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The Survivors’ Flag outside SD48’s building

HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS GIVEN LAPTOPS THIS YEAR

The new program comes after cellphone restrictions were mandated on Sept. 3 across all B.C. schools

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

Howe Sound Secondary students will each have access to a Chromebook for the 2024-2025 school year

The new program “aims to ensure each student has a device for their exclusive use,” Sea to Sky School District communications officer and executive assistant Jenn Morris said.

“This program is designed to ensure equitable access to learning technology, fostering a digitally inclusive educational environment,” she said.

Students also have the option to bring in a family-owned laptop or Chromebook to use during school hours.

The new initiative comes after the provincial government mandated restrictions on student cellphone usage across all B.C. schools as of Sept 3.

“Howe Sound Secondary has a personal

device policy in place that limits the use of personal digital devices during instructional hours, ensuring a focused and conducive learning environment for all students,” Morris said

“That means no personal digital devices are permitted for use in class unless directed by an educator for specific purposes related to current learning activities or accessibility, accommodation, medical and health needs.

“Students are permitted to use personal devices during break and off-schedule times.”

Morris said that HSS cellphone use policy would be amended to include more specific parameters, with “feedback gathered from district partner groups, including students, parents, staff, regarding the use of personal digital devices in schools.”

In a press release, Minister of Education and Child Care Rachna Singh said she hoped the decision to implement cellphone restrictions would allow students to focus on their education during school hours.

LAPTOP: Continued on 22

Please Contact the SPCA for more details! Visit our website: spca.bc.ca

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Porsche is alovely tabby whoisdone with herdays of raisingkittens. Porsche is nowlooking fora home where shecan relaxand enjoy therest ofher 9lives. She is affectionateand sweet and doesn’tseem to reallycare oneway or theother about thecats shesharesthe room with at the center Staffget big greetingsfromPorsche everymorning with chirps andmeows Welike to think it is because sheisexcited to see us, and notabout getting breakfast

To view more of ouradorablepetsupfor adoption, please visit petfinder.com | Squamish SPCA •604.898.9890

LAPTOP: Continued from 21

“We want to ensure that when kids are in the classroom, they can learn without distractions that take away from their ability to thrive in school,” Singh said.

“This work will help to minimize some of those distractions so we can set students up for success, and we can then focus on

INDIGENOUS: Continued from 20

insecurity, limited access to educational institutions, and a lack of childcare continue to impact Indigenous education These barriers, compounded by intergenerational trauma, have long cast a shadow over the education system for Indigenous students in Canada.

BreakingNews

St Paul’s Indian Residential School in North Vancouver was one of 139 federally funded Christian institutions in Canada where thousands of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis children were forced to attend as part of a mandatory program to assimilate Indigenous peoples into Canadian society that began in the late nineteenth century. Children were stripped of their culture and native languages and forced to become Christians.

Many people were physically, verbally, and sexually abused in the schools, as well as suffering from serious health problems such as malnutrition because of neglect.

According to the Truth and Reconciliation

empowering students to develop safe, informed, healthy habits when using technology and social media.”

Chromebooks were distributed during the first week of school at Howe Sound Secondary, and will remain with students until June 2025.

“Devices have specific directions around care, usage, and security both at school and at home,” Morris said

Commission of Canada (TRC) many Indigenous children from communities like Squamish went to St Paul’s, where they faced the same hardships as other children in residential schools. The impact of that trauma is still felt in the community today, affecting survivors and their families.

Among Indigenous populations, First Nations youth face numerous challenges

These include higher rates of young parenthood, low-income households, and rural residence, contributing to a disparity in post-secondary completion rates compared with non-Indigenous youth.

As a result of these challenges, non-Indigenous youth are twice as likely (72%) to have completed or recently attended a post-secondary program as First Nations youth (37%), according to Statistics Canada

Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative

Howe Sound Minor Ball Association Notice of Annual General Meeting

JOIN THE FUN: WOMEN’S SQUASH WEEK KICKS OFF AT SQUAMISH CLUB, SEPT. 23 TO 29

Free intro sessions aim to get even more women playing this skill-based sport

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@squamishchief.com

It is that squash time of year again, folks!

It is almost time to harvest that squash from the garden and try out squash at the club

Women’s Squash Week at the Squamish Squash Club is coming up Sept 23 o 29

What is women’s squash week? We are so glad you asked.

It’s a free nationwide event that includes free introductory sessions to encourage more people, specifically women, to try the game

It sells out every year

“Our braggable claim to fame is that our membership is nearly half female—where the national average is only 23%—much of which we attribute to our successful execution of Women’s Squash Week each year,” said the Squamish Squash Club’s Dara Sklar in an email to The Squamish Chief.

For Sklar, an enthusiastic promoter of squash, one of the things she loves about the game is that it’s a skill-based sport.

“Which means that you don’t have to be the fastest or best athlete to be competitive or even a spring chicken in order to get good at it,” she said. In 2023, the club had 49 women brand new to

squash attend intro sessions as part of Women’s Squash Week. They ranged in age from 24 to 65, with the average age being 41, according to Sklar.

“Squamish can be a very intimidating environment because of how fit the population is,” she added. “I love that I can run someone around the squash court, even if they’d beat me in a race up a mountain every day of the week.”

She added that the club has players of all levels of fitness and shapes and sizes who love the sport because it allows participants to get

exercise that’s “so fun” that it doesn’t feel like a workout.

“Plus, as you master hitting the squash ball in the sweet spot of the racquet, you can definitely take your frustrations of the day out on the court,” she said.

For anyone who has negative flashbacks of getting hit with a dodgeball in elementary school and may be worried about the safety of playing a racquet and ball sport in an enclosed space, Sklar notes the instructors teach safety as part of

the game, and players wear goggles.

“Dodgeball-like injuries are not part of the game,” she said “In fact, hitting the ball, and moving out of its way to make room for your opponent to come hit it ends up looking like a beautiful—sweaty—dance, once you get into the flow of it,” she said

Another fun thing about squash week is that new players meet and grow together

“We bring in such a big cohort of beginners each fall [it] means you are meeting friendly folks who are on the same squash learning curve as you,” she said “So you progress together, and bond over the things you’re achieving together, which makes it a great environment to foster new friendships.”

While this one week of the year is genderbased, nearly all of the club’s programming the rest of the year is not.

“You generally just play with other squash players at your level,” she noted.

Local women interested in giving squash a try can sign up on the club’s website for one of the six free women’s introductory sessions during the week.

You can also find the event on Facebook.

The Squamish Squash Club is located within the Squamish Valley Golf Course, located at 2458 Mamquam Rd.

BrendaMoores

December14, 1948 –September 22,2023

As Istop to count my blessings, There isone thatrings true, Iwill always be sograteful, Forthe friend Ifound in you.

Grateful to have found someone, as good and kind as you, Toshare myfinestmoments with, Andshare my sorrows,too.

And when Ilook upon our lives,Whatmatters in the end, IsIfeel verylucky Brenda, To have had you as my friend. Imiss you dear friend Angie

Previously Century21, ouroffice hasbeen providing exceptional real estate salesand rental accommodation services in the SeatoSky Corridor &throughout BC.

WE’RE HIRING

•Manager of Facilities,PermanentFull-Time

• Manager of PublicWorks,PermanentFull-Time

• DirectorofCorporate Administration, Permanent Full-Time

•Financial Services Specialist,Regular Full-Time Reach greatheights in a Full-Time Position at the District of Squamish

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

ACROSS

1. Punching tools

5. Doctor’s portion

9. Plump

12.Boutique

13. Show boredom

14. Point-scoring serve

15.Shoddy

16._ out (barely makes)

17.Feminine pronoun

18. Gown fabric

20.Cleaned, in away

22.Refined

25.Cloth scrap

28. Romance

29.Open

33. Plug-in choo-choo: 2wds.

37.President’s no

38. Near the bottom

39.Honeyinsect

40.Severe

44. Teetertotter

47.Frosty

51.Yes, to Popeye

52. Cloth belt

55.Fish story

56.Styling aid

57.Spear point

58. Balanced

59.Station-break airings

60. Recipedirection

61.Brinyexpanses

DOWN

1. Poisonous snakes

2.Horse command

3. Booty

4. Parsleyportion 5. Tint

6. Majestic tree

7. Native of Stockholm

8. Develop

9. Quick

10.Feel pain

11. Mounted on agolf peg

19.Politician Gingrich

21. Slanderous remark

23. Neither’s companion

24.Labors

25.Vroom the engine

26.Brewery order

27.TV’s“ Smart”

30.Grab

31. “____ Hard”(Willis film)

32.Single unit

34.Atlantic fishes

35.Canvasbed

36.Double

41. Grates

42.Look forward to

43.Quotes

44. History

45.Observed

46.Slithery swimmers

48.Tar

49.Urgent request

50.Yearnings

53.Godownthe slope

54. “____ Alibi”

HOROSCOPE WEEK OF SEPT 19,2024-SEPT 25, 2024

ARIES March 21-April 19

Your funnyside canbe powerful in diffusing conflicts and creatinga relaxedenvironment. Your opinions carryweightand sparkinterestinthose around you.

TAURUS April 20-May20

Facinganunexpected expensemay be unsettling, butitcould reveal that you have the resources to achieve yourgoals,suchasbuyinga houseorplanningatrip.

GEMINI May21-June 20

Yourfriends mayinviteyou to participateinsocialand athletic activities duringthe upcomingcolder months

Maintainingyourphysical and mental fitnesscan enhance youroverall wellbeingand help you develop a balancedapproach to life

CANCER June 21-July 22

If work is overwhelming, takingabreak canbe avaluable source of rejuvenation. Despitethe organization’sseeming complexity, the experience canoffermuch-needed clarity and peace of mind.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

If you’refeelingchronically tired,consider gradually transformingyourlifestyle Exploringspiritual activities canhelp you regain energy and vitalityand achieve a balance betweenthe physical and the spiritual.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

You’reclimbingthe ranks at work,increasingthe likelihood of apromotion. Financial successisalsoon the horizon, with fruitful returns onyourinvestments despitethe economic climate.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

The ideaoftakingatrip mayreflect adeepdesirefor change and alignmentwith yourvalues.Startingalargescale project, alone orwith family, could be atangible expression of this aspiration.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Good news aboutfinancing one ofyourdreams confirms yourabilitytoovercome fears and anxieties.Successwill boost yourself-confidence and remove anyobstacles in yourpath.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Your role in adifficult decision will be crucial. Make sure to gatherall necessary information to make informedchoices The confidence placedin you is arecognition of your discernment.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Your health maybe challengedbyoverworking despitebeingsuccessful at your job. Make sure to prioritizerestand well-being after achievingsuccess

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18

Receivingrecognition for your accomplishments will be gratifying. Youcould win an awardorbenominated for something. This will boost your self-esteem and strengthen yourconfidence, markingamomentofpride and achievement.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

Youmay strongly desiretobe in the comfortofyourhome

Rearrangingyourliving space to create astreamlined atmospherecould help bring clarity and peace to your everyday life.

HOWTOPLAY:

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

TheParish of St.John the Divine, Squamish

Holy Communion and MorningWorship Sundays at 10:00 AM Rev Cameron Gutjahr 1930 Diamond Road 604-898-5100

www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca info@squamishanglicanchurch.ca

Exalting Jesus,Equipping His Followers,Engaging theWorld

WorshipService Sundays 10am on ourwebsite and Facebook Live 2262ReadCres. 604-898-3737 www.squamishbaptistchurch.org

SUDOKU

RebeccaBelmore is an internationallyrecognized multidisciplinary artist.Rootedinthe politicaland social realitiesofIndigenouscommunities,Belmore’s works make evocative connections betweenbodies, land, andlanguage. Amemberofthe LacSeulFirst Nation on traditionalAnishinaabe territories in Northwestern Ontario, her performative practicefocuses on issues of placeand identity whileconfronting contemporary challenges facedbyindigenouspeoples throughout NorthAmerica

In 2005,she wasCanada’sofficial representative at theVeniceBiennalewhere shecreated Fountain for theCanadianPavilion.She wasalsocommissioned by theCanadianMuseumfor HumanRights, in 2014, to producean original work entitled trace,which consists of ablanket of hand pressedclaybeads.As aperformance-installationbased artist,Belmore’s places of residencehaveoscilated betweenVancouver andToronto over thecourseofher extensive practice.

Throughout her career Rebecca Belmorehas received multiple awards,including theJackand DorisShadbolt Foundation’s VIVA Award(2004), theHnatyshyn Visual Arts Award(2009), theGovernorGeneral’s Awardin Visual andMedia Arts (2013),the GershonIskowitzPrize (2016),and Honorary Doctorates from OntarioCollege of Art&DesignUniversity(2005)and EmilyCarrUniversity of Art+Design(2017).

The Audain Prize for thevisualartsisone of Canada’s most prestigioushonours.Worth $100,000,the prize is awardedtoa senior artist in recognitionoftheir outstanding contributions tothe arts.Recipientsof theAudain Prizeare highly acclaimed Canadian cultural icons. Since2004, theAudainPrize hasbeenawarded to 19 of BritishColumbia’sleading visual artists, selected each year by an independentjury.

CONGRATULATIONS

Courtesy of theArtist. PhotobyScott Benesiinabandan.

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