October 24, 2024

PAGE 23

NEW CRICKET PITCH

Much-needed pitch being installed

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2024

GREEN WIN

The Green Party’s Valeriote overcame two-party ‘binary narrative’ to earn historic win

BRANDON BARRETT bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com

Jeremy Valeriote is certainly familiar with close calls; he’s less familiar with coming out on the winning end of one.

Four years after coming within 60 votes of toppling incumbent Liberal MLA Jordan Sturdy, Valeriote won a tight race of his own Oct. 19, beating the upstart Conservatives’ Yuri Fulmer by less than three percentage points. Valeriote garnered 10,221 votes, representing 38.15 per cent of the count. Fulmer, meanwhile, had earned 9,554 votes, 35.66 per cent of the vote, while the BC NDP’s Jen Ford garnered 7,017 votes and 26.19 per cent.

PAGE 4 E-BIKE RULES

The RCMP remind residents of the rules of the road for electric vehicles

“I’m extremely grateful for the people that helped me get here and the voters of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky who saw a different way, and chose it,” Valeriote said when reached at his election watch party at Howe Sound Brewing after the results were announced.

REVERSED + COLOUR PALETTE

important. People see we are a serious party, we recommend science and evidence, we’re professional and capable of influence at all levels of the B.C. Legislature and I think that allowed us to move forward,” he said.

In the end, Sea to Sky voters went with their conscience on election night, countering what Valeriote called a two-party “binary narrative” that effectively boiled down one of the most unpredictable elections B.C. has ever seen to a choice between the governing NDP and the out-of-nowhere Conservatives.

“It just feels like the message that we need more Greens resonated here, and that’s really

“I’m really sad about Sonia’s seat,” he went on, referring to Green Party Leader Sonia Furstenau losing in her Victoria-Beacon Hill riding, “and I think it reinforces that two-party narrative that I don’t think serves British Columbians and that we want to get away from.”

Valeriote fought through a related narrative his political opponents latched onto at every opportunity throughout his campaign, and one

he will likely have to continue fighting once in office: that a Green in the legislature amidst a sea of orange or blue will not be able to affect major change in Victoria.

“We’ll see in the next few weeks if that narrative has any validity,” he said. “We don’t even know the results of tonight and where the final [seat] count lies and I think the speculation that I won’t be able to be effective or be of influence, I think it’s a mistaken understanding of what an MLA is, which is to serve the people of the riding and not necessarily be a part of the government or opposition.”

It’s true that much remains to be seen with

how the final balance of power will shake out in B.C. The provincial election turned out to be as close as pollsters predicted, with the final outcome sitting on a razor’s edge given that a pair of races were too close to call late Saturday night. At press time, the NDP was projected to claim 46 seats—one shy of a majority—to the Conservatives’ 45, and the Greens’ two, Valeriote’s included. As it turns out, however, close races in the Juan de FucaMalahat and Surrey City Centre electoral districts will go to judicial recount—as the Sea to

GREEN: Continued on 2

PHOTO BY DAVID BUZZARD/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Jeremy Valeriote celebrates at Howe Sound Inn & Brewing on Saturday night.

Sky’s did in 2020—with the final winners not determined until Oct. 26 to 28.

However things pan out, the Greens look to hold considerable leverage with their pair of seats in Victoria.

AN OCEAN OF DIFFERENCE

While only 667 votes separated Valeriote and Fulmer on election night, there was an ocean of difference between their respective campaigns. Fulmer relied on his economic acumen and message of financial prudence, where Valeriote focused on environmental innovation and his opposition to a Woodfibre LNG project and “sunset” fossil fuel industry that he believes should be left in the past. Fulmer was a political newcomer who only came on the scene in recent months, where Valeriote was a known entity throughout the corridor who began his campaign in earnest a year and a half ago.

“I think it showed a commitment to run again and finish the job that we started in 2020,” Valeriote said of his early campaigning. “It definitely put us in a good position and allowed me to meet with hundreds of people, attend meetings, and understand the riding better and made me a better candidate than I was in 2020.”

Although Fulmer undoubtedly turned some heads with his oratory skills and grasp of policy at the Oct. 1 and Oct. 2 Whistler and Squamish all-candidates meetings, it may have been his relative lack of presence in the Sea to Sky that made the difference on election might. After missing an environmentally themed debate in Squamish to attend an economic forum with BC Green Leader Sonia Furstenau and former NDP Minister Moe Sahota, Fulmer skipped the Pemberton All-Candidates Meeting on Oct. 8, explaining he was focusing the remainder of his campaign “engaging with voters directly” door-to-door. (Days before Oct. 19, his campaign said Fulmer would not be taking calls on election night, instead referring media to Conservative Leader John Rustad’s speech that night.) Fulmer also had to contend with a party and leader whose social, Indigenous and

environmental policies certainly rubbed a segment of British Columbians the wrong way. Fulmer got most defensive at the Oct. 1 debate in Whistler when asked about Rustad’s stance on COVID vaccines, climate change, and Indigenous land rights, which may have ultimately swayed voters who would have otherwise been drawn to his economic vision.

LEADERS’ SUPPORT

“Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) would like to extend our congratulations to Jeremy Valeriote on his victory in West Vancouver – Sea to Sky, said Sxwixwtn,  Wilson Williams, Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw spokesperson and council member in an emailed statement.

“We look forward to working collaboratively with both Mr. Valeriote and the Green Party in furthering meaningful Reconciliation within our traditional territory.”

Squamish’s mayor also sent congratulations.

“I’d like to congratulate Jeremy Valeriote on becoming the MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky,” said Mayor Armand Hurford.

“After coming so close last election, his ability to bounce back and mount a successful campaign shows a tenacity that should serve us all well as he steps into this new role. I look forward to working with him on the issues important to Squamish.”

NDP’S FORD

Progressive voters in the Sea to Sky had a tough call to make on Oct. 19, especially those whose primary objective in the voting booth was keeping Conservatives out of office, an outcome that is essentially a toss-up at this stage. Do they vote for a Green candidate who came within a whisker of heading to Victoria in 2020, or a homegrown and highly accomplished NDP candidate who nonetheless belonged to a governing party that had left many British Columbians wanting these past seven years?

It was that dichotomy that arguably defined and, in some cases, dragged down Jen Ford’s bid for higher office in 2024. Undoubtedly the candidate with the most political experience,

Ford, a three-term Whistler councillor, former Union of B.C. Municipalities president, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) chair, and Whistler Housing Authority board member, seemed at times caught between highlighting her extensive and laudable political record and relying too heavily on her party’s talking points.

“Maybe that’s why we’re here,” Ford said Monday, Oct. 21. “I can only lean on the experience that I had and the ideas that I have, but you can’t come in and rewrite a platform on behalf of a policy just because it’s going to get you elected. In a local government campaign, you can say, ‘Hey, I’m going to lower taxes and go 0, 0, 0, as we’ve seen platforms in the past. When you’re not attached to a party that has a mandate already, it’s a tough thing to do. I also really like most of what the NDP platform included but I’m not a robot and I would have pushed for things to be stronger.”

Ford’s ample experience in Sea to Sky politics may ultimately have been a double-edged sword, she conceded.

“I heard a lot on the doors that people like the work that I’ve done. There were also people who don’t like the work I’ve done on council and don’t agree with the decisions I’ve made,” said Ford. “That’s the interesting part about having this experience behind you: People could challenge me on things they didn’t like. Recent decisions on council changed their opinion of me as a person. That’s the risk of putting myself out in your newspaper: People can go back and they can judge me based on what I have done. I think 7,000 voters liked what I did or were voting for the party because they liked what the party did.”

Although too soon to say whether she will have another run at provincial office, Ford said her election push has equipped her with more tools to serve the region, both at the Whistler council table and at the SLRD.

“I’m changed by this experience, so I’m hoping I bring some new persperctive that I didn’t have a month ago, because I have heard more and learned more from people about what’s important,” she said. “I’m excited. All of this is a learning experience.”

QUESTION OVER CONFLICT-OFINTEREST LOOMS

Another question that will follow Valeriote to Victoria, and one he was forced to address on the campaign trail, surrounds his apparent conflict of interest as an MLA given his wife Ginny Cullen’s role as the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s top staffer and Chief Administrative Officer.

It was an issue raised more than once at the Oct. 8 Pemberton All-Candidates’ Meeting, and one Valeriote will surely have to speak to in more detail now that he’s headed to the legislature.

“There is potential for conflict of interest, but we’re both professional engineers. We’re both professional people. We both have a strong sense of ethical and moral duty,” Valeriote said at the debate. “We know what the rules are about confidential information, and we absolutely respect that … This does happen in small communities, when people put on different hats and they have to be trusted to figure out which hat they’re wearing and compartmentalize that. I can do that, and I’ve shown I can do that for many years, and so has my spouse.”

Ford questioned Valeriote’s ability to represent the Sea to Sky in Victoria given the potential conflict.

“My experiences as a current elected official, three times elected in Whistler and at the SLRD, is that when we go to advocate with the province on behalf of our community, we take our MLA with us. Typically, that MLA provides support,” she said at the debate. “If that person can’t go, free of conflict, to that advocacy meeting, it’s a challenge for the local council.”

VOTER TURNOUT

In total, 26,794 voters cast their ballots amidst heavy downpours and flood warnings across the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding (although an unknown portion of those were advance ballots). It’s unknown at press time how many eligible voters there were in the riding, although in 2020, before its boundaries were changed, the riding counted 42,786 eligible voters.

~With a file from Jennifer Thuncher

SPLASH PARK WILL GO AHEAD WITH WATER-SAVING RECIRCULATING SYSTEM—BUT NO PLAYGROUND

The highly anticipated splash park will be built without an adjacent playground but could have one in the future

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

The final details on the long-awaited splash park and playground have been decided, and it looks like only one of the two will go ahead.

Now before parents panic, the good news is the splash park is still on its way to Brennan Park; however, the District of Squamish council has decided not to include a playground at the site—yet.

At a special business meeting on Oct. 15, council members voted in support of the staff recommendation to prioritize the construction of the splash park and increase the project budget by $200,000 to include a water recirculating system to reduce water usage. Council was presented with four options for the project:

• Increase the project cost by $200,000 and install only the splash park and recirculating system.

• Increase the project cost by $1.2 million and build both the splash park, playground and recirculating system.

• Maintain the existing budget and build the playground only, with the potential for groundwater play.

• Cancel the project and return the $1.8 million funds back to the community amenity contribution fund.

COUNCIL DECISION

Council members unanimously supported the first option and said with confidence that they believed it was the decision the

community would also endorse.

“We know that adding the recirculation system to a splash park is really important given where we are at with regards to a climate emergency and ensuring fair and equitable water use. We also know that a splash park is a hot topic in our community and something that our community has asked for, for many, many years, and so I think delivery on this project is of utmost importance to me,” Coun. Jenna Stoner said.

“While I would really love to have a playground co-located next to a splash park, we have the oceanfront, we have the waterfront park, we have another community park being

built in Dentville at the end of No Name Rd., so there’s lots of park development underway.

“I think that this is a good placeholder for a future park, but I think what our community is expecting and anticipating is the delivery of a splash park, so I would like to support that moving forward.”

Coun. Lauren Greenlaw agreed that the decision to put pause on the playground was in the best interest of the community.

“I think our community would be happy not to allocate this extra $1.8 million for a park at this moment. I’m happy to hear from staff that this can be constructed in phases and if we do decide in the future that we would like to build

a park there, we can just keep that door open,” she said.

Coun. John French said there was only one clear decision for him.

“For me, Option A (the splash park only) is the only option here. Some of my friends would argue that this splash park is not two years behind schedule, more like 20 years behind schedule,” he said.

“This is a long-term conversation around having a facility like this, and we’ve set an expectation that a splash park was going to be here by now, so there’s many disappointed families that were hoping they might get to use a splash park back in August. Clearly, that’s come and gone, and we’re not there.

“I heard clearly that we should not have the expectation that this facility will come this summer, it’s the summer of 2026 and if we do get it for a couple of weeks in 2025 that would purely be a bonus—I hope that’s how it plays out.

“Pushing [the playground] out a few years works just fine for me because our community surveys have clearly indicated that a splash park is the highest priority for young families in our communities.”

The installation of a recirculating system was first tossed around at a committee of the whole meeting on July 9 as a way to reduce water usage with the splash park.

According to the U.S. National Recreation and Park Association, “larger aquatics facilities rely on recirculation systems to keep the water clean. They use a series of tanks and pipes to supply water, then capture that same water and convey it to a collection tank where it is treated so it can be safely reused.”

For more information on the splash park, visit the District of Squamish website.

PHOTO BY SEAN FOSTER ON UNSPLASH Families in Squamish have long had a splash park on their wish list of amenities needed in town.

Spacious 2bed, 2bath, plus denand flex/storage at Cleveland Gardens. Viewsofthe Chief &the Tantalus Range.Two additional bike storageareas, one parkingspot, anda common rooftop deck.

NOT ALL E-BIKES ARE CREATED EQUAL, WARN SEA TO SKY RCMP

Officials explain what’s legal—and

what’s not—on public

roads

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Ever wondered if your new e-bike needs insurance? Or maybe you’ve seen those electric unicycles around and wondered if they’re street-legal? Good news, folks—the Sea to Sky RCMP and the District of Squamish are here with a few friendly reminders to keep you safe and informed as e-bikes continue to take off around town. With more people turning to e-bikes to navigate Squamish’s scenic streets and trails, officials are encouraging riders to follow a few key rules to ensure everyone can share the road safely.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT E-BIKES

Not every electric ride on the road is treated the same. In B.C., e-bikes fall under the category of motor-assisted cycles. That means they don’t need insurance, registration, or a licence—but there are some key

restrictions, the RCMP said in a news release.

• Speed and power: E-bikes are limited to 32 km/h, and motors must be capped at 500 watts.

• What counts as a highway: The

definition of a highway includes not only major roads but also bike lanes, sidewalks, parking lots, and any place the public uses to park or access vehicles.

• Some devices aren’t allowed on

public roads: Electric unicycles are banned, and electric dirt bikes exceeding 500 watts aren’t street-legal either.

• Two types of e-bikes in B.C.: There are two official e-bike categoriesStandard e-bike: Riders must be at least 16 years old. These bikes can reach up to 32 km/h and offer throttle assist.

E-bike light: Riders as young as 14 can use these bikes, which have a maximum speed of 25 km/h. However, throttle assist isn’t allowed.

RIDE SMART AND STAY SAFE

Here are some quick tips to make sure your ride is both fun and safe:

• Obey traffic signs and signals— just like any cyclist.

• Wear a helmet: Helmets are mandatory on e-bikes.

• Ride single file unless passing.

• Stay sharp: Don’t ride while distracted or impaired.

• No passengers under 16: And only carry passengers if your bike is designed for it.

• Use hand signals to communi-

cate your next move.

• Be visible after dark: Equip your bike with a white front light, a red rear light, and a reflector.

COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN AIMS TO BOOST SAFETY

The Sea to Sky RCMP - Squamish is rolling out an educational campaign with school visits and targeted enforcement throughout the community.

“Together, we can create safer roads for everyone. Let’s commit to being vigilant, obeying traffic laws, and looking out for one another. Your cooperation makes our community stronger and our streets safer.” said Sea to Sky RCMP - Squamish Sgt. Dallas Langley, in the news release.

For more information, visit the websites e-bike rules of the road and personal mobility devices: what you need to know.

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

PHOTO BY VANDER FILMS/UNSPLASH

What is your position on e-bikes? Send a letter to the editor on the issue to editor@ squamishchief.com.

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH ANNOUNCES PERMANENT KITEBOARDING BAN AT SP’AKW’US FEATHER PARK

The decision comes after a District of Squamish investigation following the death of North Vancouver resident Gray Taylor on July 1

hoping for.”

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

The kiteboarding community in Squamish has been dealt with another blow as the District announces a permanent ban on the sport at Sp’akw’us Feather Park. Squamish Windsports Society (SWS) vice-president Olivier Corbeil told The Squamish Chief that the ban—implemented on Oct. 16—means kiteboarders have no access to the ocean during the off-season.

The restriction comes as a result of a District investigation on the safety of watersports at the park following the death of North Vancouver resident Gray Taylor while kiteboarding in Squamish on Canada Day.

SQUAMISH WINDSPORTS SOCIETY REACTION

“We’ve been involved with the District on the investigation, so we’ve given recommendations since the incident, and also prior to the incident, on how to make it safe, and to make sure everything would go well,” Corbeil said. “So obviously this is not the outcome we were

According to a District of Squamish press release, staff reviewed the usage of the beach and surrounding areas to determine if any changes were required following the tragic accident on July 1.

“While the risks of the downwind hazards and difficult onshore winds were known, the review further identified a significant level of risk to bystanders who may get in the way of long lines from kiteboards,” the press release reads.

“This dynamic interface between kiteboarders and the wide range of park users, and the challenges of implementing effective separation measures, has led to the decision to close the beach permanently to kiteboarders.”

The restriction is only on kiteboarding, with wingfoiling and windsurfing still permitted “due to their contained nature.”

‘NO PUBLIC ACCESS TO A WATERFRONT FOR KITEBOARDERS’

Corbeil says the ban not only means a lack of year-round water access in Squamish, but also an increase in pressure on the SWS, which was forced to get a shuttle service to transport members to Pepahím Island following the removal of Spit road.

EM ERGENCY PL ANNI NG FOR AG RI CU LTUR E

“When they removed the Spit road, the access to Pepahím Island, we were kind of led to believe, and I think it was a sentiment, that the Watersports Beach would be the new location for all-year-round access,” Corbeil said.

“[The road removal] was less than ideal for us. It cost us hundreds of thousands of dollars to get a shuttle service, and our operation costs are quite up, because now we have to shuttle people over to the island…we get well over 100 to 150 people a day on the island in summer months,” he added.

“So we were hopeful that we would get access to the [Watersports Beach] back, but unfortunately with the outcome of this investigation, there’s going to be a permanent ban at this location instead.

“Which means that now in Squamish, when the Windsports Society is not operating and running the shuttle service to the island, there’s no public access to a waterfront for kiteborders.”

Currently, the SWS is only allowed to run their shuttle service to Pepahím Island from May 15 to Sept. 15, according to District instruction.

As for what the future holds, Corbeil says it feels “underwhelming.”

“We don’t really know where to go from now on. We’re hoping to work with the District to find

a solution, although, from our experience, it takes a long time and as of right now, there’s just no access for kiteboarders in the whole town, which is a problem that we want to solve right now,” he said.

“The (Watersports Beach) was already the plan B and unfortunately there is no plan C.”

The District said in the press release that they will continue to engage with the Squamish Windsports Society “as they work to facilitate ongoing access to windsports in Squamish.”

“The District acknowledges that much work by marine, parks and windsports experts went into designing and providing feedback on Sp’akw’us Feather Park, and that the Watersports Beach was anticipated to be accessible to advanced/ expert kiters as an alternate launch to Pepahím (Spit Island).”

Mayor Armand Hurford also acknowledged the inconvenience the ban would have on the local kiteboarding community.

“We ask the windsports community to understand and appreciate the District’s decision in considering the broader safety concerns,” he said in the release.

The full press release on the District of Squamish decision to restrict kiteboarding at Sp’akw’us Feather Park can be read on its website.

UNDERSTANDING SQUAMISH DRY SUMMER TRENDS: THE IMPACT ON FISH CHANNELS

A Q&A with DFO expert about drying channels near the golf course beside the Mamquam River

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

There are few more beautiful and accessible walks in Squamish than those beside the Squamish Valley Golf Club, next to the dynamic Mamquam River.

If you have walked these trails over the last couple of months, since about mid-August, you likely noticed how dry the fish-bearing channels are.

This isn’t a new phenomenon, it increasingly happens in the late summer.

The Squamish Streamkeepers rescue coho fry from the channels when the water levels drop and the Squamish River Watershed Society actively studies the channels and is working with the golf course on long-term solutions.

The Squamish Chief caught up with Murray Manson, the section head of Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) Habitat Restoration Centre of Expertise, to get some background and insight on the channels.

What follows is an edited version of that conversation.

Q: First, as a bit of background fact-checking, the area around the golf course used to be

the riverbed of the Mamquam, right?

A: Well, it’s all part of the floodplain of the Mamquam River. It’s now combined between a

dike on both sides. So, it used to be free to sort of move around over hundreds of years, and now it’s sort of stuck between the two dikes.

Q: And the channels beside the river, next to the golf course, were constructed by the DFO, correct?

A: Yes. I think the first one went in, in the 80s. At the time, we had dug a number of these groundwater channels at different locations, sort of throughout B.C. They would go onto the floodplain, and often in areas where there’s a dike, if you dig down, you could reach the point where you encounter the groundwater surface, and then if you dig a channel out, there’s usually beautiful gravels right there, and the water just begins flowing down, and you create an outlet back to the main stem of the river. And they’re very popular with chum salmon and coho use them really a lot too. They built a bunch of them at the time, and they’ve been really successful over the years.

Q: I saw coho using the channels; what else uses the channel?

A: Chum salmon would have been the main focus, then right from the getgo, coho moved in.

It was an interesting sort of dynamic between the coho, because they spent a year in the freshwater, and then the yearling will eat the

STREAMS: Continued on 9

This is Selina

She is an energetic and ver ysocial young tuxedo. Selena willgreet you with big chirpsand her happygolucky attitude is contagious.You can’tbeinabad moodaround Selena andher amazing personality.

She seems to be fine with other cats and hasmet the older kittens we haveincare and became their surrogate big sister.They would follow her around and didtheir best toget her to chase them and play.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

The Mamquam River, next to the Squamish Golf Club.

Let’sTalk

Does theDistric t’sdraft Financial Plan align with your community priorities? What have we missed?

Community input is invited online and in personwhile Council discusses thedraft budget.

letstalksquamish.ca/budget-2025

Community Climate

Ac tionPlan

TheGoal: Reduce Squamish’s emissions by 45% by 2030

Please completeour survey to shareyour ideas on howwecan update ourclimate plantoimprovehow we live, work ,and playinSquamish.

letstalksquamish.ca/ccap -update Enterthe draw to win a$10 0giftcertificate! Sha re yourideas!

WHAT’SHAPPENING

IN RECREATION AND CULTURE

FamilyDJHalloween Party

3–4:30 pm, Saturday,October 26

Join Village Vibe Collectivefor an interactiveFamilyDJDance Halloween Partywith acurated playlist of upbeattunes and interactivedance games.

in-person event to learnmore!

sitd ow nfor ac hata nd

LEAR NM OR EATO UR

Op en House 6– 8 pm,November6

BrennanParkRecreationCentre

Coffeew it hCouncil lors

5–7 pm,October 28 at Locavore

10 am–12 pm,October 30 at Caffe Garibaldi 8–10 am,October 31 at BrackendaleBean

Seniors Wellness and Information Fair

10 am–1 pm, Saturday, November 2 The55ActivityCentre

Come join the excitement!

Drop -inregistration is available if spacepermits

Halloween Skate

6:45–7:45 pm, Wednesday, Oc tober 30

Come showoffyour costume under ourdisco lights and sk atetoour fun Halloween playlist!

Join us at this FREEshowcaseof resources available to the55+ communityofSquamish where therewillbeoppor tunities to engage with local suppliers and have questionsanswered Come have some fun- the fairwill offer entertainmentas well as lightrefreshments.

Pool schedule: squamish.ca/rec/ poolschedule

for details: squamish.ca/rec

Want to know more about cost-effective energy efficiencymeasures such as insulation options,windowenhancements,air sealing methods,and water- efficient fixtures?

Energy Efficienc ySeminar

4–7 pm,November1

Black Tusk Room, Brennan Park Recreation Centre

STREAMS: Continued from 7

emerging fry from the chum. So there’s a lot going on in those tunnels.

The coho, it comes out of the gravel in the spring, and it’s going to stay there for a full summer and over that next winter, and then it’ll be there in the spring the next year, when the chum that came in that fall come out of the gravel. So, the coho will be, say, eight centimetres long, and chum will be three and a half centimetres long, and so the coho will eat them.

Q: What about steelhead? Do they not use the channels?

A: Juvenile steelhead, that’s not the kind of habitat that they are typically going to go in and spawn in. They are going to be in the main stem. But, you would see both cutthroat and steelhead trout poking in there, probably in the juvenile phases, though, for the most part. Cutthroats are predators, and they might come in and eat some of the fry at certain times a year. And we find a lot of sculpins and just the typical small freshwater aquatic species that are common in streams, too—and amphibians, too.

Q: We can see refuse boxes—wooden boxes dug deep into the water of the channels. Can you tell me a bit more about them? They are put in by DFO, correct?

A: We just put in two. We try to get them as tall as possible, like about eight feet—a sheet of plywood high. You dig a hole in the stream bed, and then you lower this box down into your hole until just the upper bit of the box is out. When the water level comes up in the fall, that box will be full of water, and fish could swim in and out of that slot on the front of the box.

It’s for the juveniles, and particularly coho, because, like I was saying, the coho are going to have to spend their first summer after coming out of the gravel in the channel. We’ve placed those boxes in areas where the juvenile coho, as the water is dropping, will be seeking out refuge areas, and we’ll get in there. And then when the water does go subsurface in the channel, there’s still four feet of water in the box because the box is so deep. The hope is that they survive the dry period, and then when the flows come back up, they can swim out of the box and go about their merry way.

There’s been two boxes in those channels for a while, and one of them has been really successful. The other one wasn’t working so well, and so we took it out. There are three in there now, in total.

Q: Since these channels were originally put in, we’re getting more dry periods or starting to see more dry summers with climate change. Does the DFO have a plan for the area? Or what are you thinking about what could work?

A: You heard about the [Squamish River Watershed Society] groundwater study, and so we’re just trying to get a sense of where the groundwater level at throughout the season. How does it change? How does it link the flows in the river, and maybe, what else is going on? And then, you know, then we can sort of start coming off with a coherent plan to how we

should treat these channels. If we just dig them deeper and then there continues to be trending in climate, then we may be just sort of chasing water down continually. And we don’t really want to get into that. It’s also really costly. If we were to drop all those channels by a metre, and you got to take the material somewhere. So, maybe what the solution is, is we dig some areas that sort of become ponds during the season, when the channels between the ponds go dry, maybe the fish can survive in ponds. But we’ll have to find the right locations for those. So, we have to come up with a plan that everybody’s happy with, and then we will try to implement it over the next couple of years.

Q: What depth and temperature of water do the fish need?

A: With regard to the depth, if it gets really shallow, they become very susceptible to predation. And so, if we were to design a pond for rearing, we would try to get it like at least a metre and a half deep, and we would have logs and things in there so that the fish could hide and seek cover from predation. For temperature, salmon are coldwater-loving species, and when temperatures start getting up sort of above 15 C, when they get to 18 to 20 C, then the fish start getting stressed. The other thing that happens with water as it warms up is that it holds less oxygen, so there’s a double stressor there—they start running out of oxygen to breathe because the oxygen level will drop.

It’s a sort of a combined challenge for fish in the pond. Hopefully, in the middle of the summer, they’d still be at 15 C or less. The colder, the better there.

The dissolved oxygen just has to stay high enough so that the fish can continue to respire.

Q: During the heat dome in 2021, what did we see with the fish in those channels?

A: We certainly saw fish stranded. And then, you know, when the water drops away entirely, they just, they’re just high, dry, and they expire, right? And we see a lot of that, actually, not only in the heat dome, but it’s something that happens in the summer during the overflow periods across the landscape, right?

Not just in the Mamquam.

When you start looking at the kinds of dry summer, low snow packs that we’ve been having in recent years with climate change, there are certain streams that may have been marginal for coho, and now they’re becoming impossible for coho to survive the summer. We may see streams that were productive coho streams becoming much less so with the way things are going with the climate and streamflows.

Q: Anything else you’d like people to know about those channels in particular?

A: I would emphasize that we are still trying to understand exactly the dynamic between the river flows and the level of groundwater that we’re seeing and the water usage as well. We don’t have any 100% answers yet. But there’s a lot of interest, and the golf course management has been helpful. They’re working with the Squamish River Watershed Society and they are communicating well.

Age-Friendly Community

TheDistric tofSquamishiscreatinganage -friendlycommunity plan!To help create our plan,weare reaching outtocommunity membersofall ages —especially seniorswho arecomfortable sharingtheir experiences. LetsTalkSquamish.ca

BuildinganAccessory Dwelling Unit with Pre-Reviewed Plans

1. Visit squamish.ca/adu to review thepre -reviewedplans availabletobuild in theDistric tofSquamishand to determine whetheryourpropertymeetsthe requirements anddimensions foryourselec tedAccessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).

2. Contac tthe ADUarchitect or designer fora consultation.Yourselec ted pre-reviewed plan mayneedtobeadjustedaccordingly to meet site -specificrequirementssuchasflood mitigation measures.

3. Submit theupdated pre-reviewed plan alongwitha buildingpermit applicationtothe District ’s building department.Yourapplicationwillbe placed in apriorityqueue forsite-specific review andapproval.

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Spit Road Temporar yRoadClosure

Squamish RiverWatershed Societyisconductingworkalong theSquamish Training Berm,alsok nown as Spit Road,until November 15, 2024.Trailssouth of Fisherman’sentrance(at Government Road)are closed to pedestrian traffic. This work is part of theCentral Estuar yRestoration Projec ttoinstall athird large fish-friendly boxculvert.For projec tdetails,pleasevisit restoretheshore.ca

PLUNGE WELLNESS HOT AND COLD THERAPY OPENS

The studio has a sauna and four cold plunge tubs which help with relaxation and healing

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

How do you typically unwind from a stressful day at work or recover from an injury while exploring the backcountry?

Well, a new business in Squamish is here to help with all facets of relaxation and recovery with the use of cold plunges and saunas.

Layne Jordan launched Plunge Wellness Studio, at 112-1111 Pioneer Way, in May this year after discovering the benefits of contrast therapy following an accident in 2019.

While chaperoning an under-aged event, Jordan says she was assaulted and suffered an annular tear in three places in her back. Her main goal was to address the inflammation throughout her back. As you probably expect, this is how she stumbled across ice baths.

“Everyone kept telling me to use ice to help with the inflammation. But I hated ice baths,” Jordan said.

But it was during COVID, when the rise of saunas and ice baths as a magic combo became popular, that the idea for Plunge Wellness came about.

Having always loved saunas, she tried out contrast therapy—where you spend a certain amount of time in a heated environment before plunging into cold temperatures for the reward of relaxation and pain relief.

“I absolutely loved it. Going from the sauna to a cold plunge that was really cold, but not ice bath cold. It helped so much and I always felt so calm after,” she said.

“So after things settled after my incident, I thought, you know what, I’m going to take something awful that happened to me and use whatever I get out of it and my savings, and I’m going to open a cold plunge and sauna business so that others can feel the same benefits that I did.”

According to a study in the Journal of Athletic Training, intervals of hot and cold can improve one’s health.

“It is thought that alternating the application of

hot and cold water causes intermittent vasoconstriction and vasodilation that induce a vascular pumping effect, which results in increased tissue blood flow and oxygenation that improve healing, enhances tissue waste-product transportation that reduces edema, improves limb function, and promotes a quicker recovery,” reads the study.

While she was born in Whistler, Jordan said she had no plans on opening Plunge Wellness there because Scandinave Spa in Whistler already has the market well and truly covered there.

In the Squamish Valley there is the

long-standing AIKA, which offers hot and cold cycles, as well as other personal services, and classes; there’s also the more recently opened The Finnish Sauna, at Cheekye Ranch; however this is the first such operation in Squamish’s core.

“So, I decided to do it in Squamish instead. It took us a long time to find this place because of zoning issues, but as soon as we found a spot that allowed cold plunges and a sauna, I jumped on it,” she said.

The front of the store is the WellNest, a shop run by Jordan that offers a variety of female

founded small businesses’ wellness products as well as a selection of pre-loved items.

“I love consignment goods, so I wanted to offer a selection of things to the public at affordable prices. We have Lululemon, Aritzia and other big-label items at low prices.

“So if you bring in a bag of quality pre-loved goods, you can get a free cold plunge. You can use it whenever you want as well; it doesn’t have to be immediate,” she said.

The back of the store is the heart and soul of Plunge.

“There’s an eight-person sauna that we have, but we limit it, there’s not going to be eight people in there when you come here. The sauna is approximately between 89 and 92 degrees Celsius. It’s an electric heater, but you can dump water on it. There’s normally a little bit of eucalyptus oil in the water as well, just to give more of a spa vibe,” Jordan said.

“Then we have four cold plunge tubs. Normally the water is at about seven or eight degrees Celsius as well. So, you’ll do 10 to 15 minutes in the sauna, and then you’ll go into the cold plunge. You can go for three seconds, or you can go for five minutes, however long you want. Personally, I go for about a minute

“After that you do 10 to 15 minutes of rest, stretching and connection in the Plunge Lounge area.”

Memberships start at $99 for an intro pass that gives you four cold plunge and sauna sessions to use within 14 days.

All sessions are on an appointment basis only and must be booked 12 hours in advance.

As for what the future holds for Plunge, Jordan says she plans to expand the business to include yoga and pilates.

For more information on Plunge Wellness or the WellNest, visit the website.

‘Squamish business beat’ is a series that arose from feedback from locals who wanted to see more business-related news. To be considered for this series, which focuses on establishments that are brand new or closing, please email news@ squamishchief.com.

PHOTOS BY IAN ROSE Plunge Wellness is a new business located at 112-1111 Pioneer Way.

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EDITORIAL

THANKS

The votes have been cast, and the decision has been announced.

For the first time in 11 years, someone other than Jordan Sturdy of BC United (formerly British Columbia Liberal Party ) is headed to B.C.’s Parliament Buildings to represent West-Vancouver Sea to Sky.

Congratulations to the Green Party’s Jeremy Valeriote on an historic win.

While to the victor belong the spoils (each MLA receives about $120,000), a heartfelt thanks— huy chexw— to each of the candidates who ran: Jen Ford, Yuri Fulmer and Valeriote.

It is no easy thing to put your name forward. In fact, there are very few other examples in life where someone must run the gauntlet like a candidate for office!

To get to this post-election stage of the process, you must convince your chosen party you are a good choice—well, after convincing your family that this is a good idea.

There are months of long days away from said family as you make the rounds of door-knocking, all candidates meetings, and answering annoying questions from pesky reporters who pester you with a diverse array of questions with short deadlines. You must endure attacks from random strangers on the internet, in person or at all-candidates meetings, and more strategic hits from your opponents.

Not to mention all the paperwork before, during and after campaigns that candidates have to do. Win or lose, what you did matters. Having folks like you willing to put yourselves out there is one of the key foundations of our democracy.

Though many of us likely don’t think of it this way, to ensure our right as citizens to run for political office assumes there are folks willing to put themselves through that.

And thank you for a civil campaign where real and diverse ideas were raised and debated. Each of you showed you really believe and care about the Sea to Sky Corridor. There can only be one MLA to come out of this election, but each of you should be proud of having been willing to offer your fellow citizens a viable choice in who should represent us provincially.

Whether we voted for you or not, each of us should be grateful to you for that.

And to Mr. Sturdy—who has been in some form of political office for over the last two decades, having served three terms as mayor of Pemberton prior to being elected our MLA in 2013—thank you for your dedicated service. Thank you as well to your family, who let you put us before them time and again. We hope you find plenty of joy and peace in the politics-free time ahead.

Next up for the rest of us—unless there’s another provincial election [egad!]—will be the federal election with a new cast of candidates.

HOW AND WHY WE COVER FATAL CRASHES

OEDITOR’S NOTEBOOK JENNIFER THUNCHER

ne of the significant issues I see with media is that we could better explain ourselves. For people who make a living telling stories, we don’t tell our own enough, in other words.

Like with any job or service, where there is mystery, suspicion or misinformation ensues.

There was recently a National NewsMedia Council decision that readers may find enlightening in understanding some of the more controversial aspects of journalism.

The National NewsMedia Council is a voluntary, self-regulatory ethics body for the news media.

It is a place journalists turn to check on ethics and standards and where readers can turn to file a complaint about a story.

The results of those complaints are then published.

I learn something from every decision, and I think readers might, too.

The case Herman v Castanet is particularly interesting in that The Squamish Chief often covers highway crashes as well.

It centres around a fatal crash on a busy stretch of highway.

The case is 2024-39: Herman v Castanet

The complainant alleged a breach of journalistic standards against Castanet (a sister outlet to The Squamish Chief) over the use of photos and coverage of sensitive matters, namely the death of her brother in a vehicle crash.

A June 4, 2024, story published by Castanet reported

on the fatal motorcycle crash. It included an image the newsroom edited that included a small oval that obscured the body of the deceased, her brother. “She felt that the image and reporting were insensitive and requested that the image be removed. The complainant stated her main concern was about the use of the image.”

She objected to the photo, statements from a witness that were included in the text of the story, and she found it insensitive that her family was asked by a journalist if they wanted to make a statement about the death.

The decision noted that newsrooms have a duty to be sensitive to those suffering the trauma of such events, but it dismissed the complaint.

I invite readers to read the full decision, as I can’t do it justice in this space, but ultimately, the council’s decision reinforced that newsrooms cover these stories and release photos of these tragic events for the public good.

Regarding the picture, the council noted that while not ideal given the need to blurr a portion of the image—undoctored photos are always preferred for news items—it also did not show the victim or anything graphic.

“Photographs are powerful tools that may serve to educate readers about the impact of an event or ongoing situation in a community. The [council] likewise recognizes that images of tragic events may provide cautionary accounts or indicate the need for change, such as better safety measures. In this way, it is standard practice for news organizations to report on such matters as a way to inform the community and promote accountability. Journalists are tasked with weighing which information and images to share with the public as a way to balance these community

NOTEBOOK: Continued on 13

Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7 tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw

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

NOTEBOOK: Continued from 12

interests with respect for individuals affected by the situation at hand.”

The council decision also noted that seeking comment from families impacted by a tragedy is a difficult but important opportunity for loved ones, if they so wish, to share their feelings or thoughts. An opportunity some find insensitive but others welcome.

I would add that reporters hate making those calls to get comments from family or friends and often shed a tear or two after, but it is part of our job.

The decision notes that “the NNC does not support the removal of content except in rare cases, such as egregious editorial error.”

(Glacier Media has a committee that deliberates on all such requests; it isn’t up to the individual editors, for the record.)

Ultimately, while unpleasant for all involved, these difficult and sad stories are better told than not, in my view.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

WHY CYCLISTS ARE IN THE WAY

As a bicycle commuter for about four decades, here are the many reasons I am in your way.

Reason 1

The one space that, in theory, a bicyclist should not be in your way is in a bike lane. However, these are often beside a parked car. Having been hit and injured by a car door that accidentally opened in front of me, I cannot bicycle near a parked car. It is not possible to see if a car driver is in the car when approaching it, so the only safe alternative is to ride a bicycle quite far from the parked cars. In Squamish, one bike lane for three blocks is good—the one on the south side of Pemberton Ave. The ones on Queens Way and Government are almost far enough away, and the ones on Tantalus Road and The Boulevard are too close.

So I’m in your way. If there were some way to remove some of these parked cars (one side of the road?), there would be room for bicyclists to be separate from cars and car doors.

Reason 2

People park their cars on the side of the

LETTERS POLICY

road, and the only safe space is in the middle of the road. This is particularly true on Westway Avenue, Guildford Drive, and most roads downtown (especially from Loggers Lane to Fourth Avenue).

Reason 3

Often, the place for a bicyclist on a road is the shoulder of the road. The shoulders of our roads are dirty most of the time. Occasionally, the District can sweep the shoulders free of gravel and leaves. Up until one year ago, they were pretty good at doing this. This past year has been terrible. The shoulders can be so filled with gravel that it is hard to want to bicycle on the shoulder. It is impossible to see if anything such as glass might be mixed with the gravel, and if there is the right amount of gravel on the pavement, this creates a surface that is easier to slide on.

Reason 4

The road system says to “share the road.”

This doesn’t make much sense because bicycles and cars go at different speeds. This occurs mainly on Cleveland Avenue downtown.

Reason 5

One of the main ways that municipalities deal with bicyclists is to put us on multi-use paths. Now, we can be in the

way of pedestrians. Or is it the other way around? Regardless, since pedestrians and bicyclists travel at different speeds (all the more different now that we have e-bikes), this is not a good solution either. For a commuter bicyclist, these paths are not suitable. Now, we get to annoy pedestrians instead. The worst trail for this is from Brennan Park to the Adventure Centre. It is busy, has roads that intersect it, and slippery wet bridges. If you would like bicyclists not in your way so much, you need to ask the District to invest more in bicycle-only spaces. We have one—between the two ends of Willow Crescent. Nice, but it creates a problem when you want to turn left onto Government Road at the west end. You could also not park your car on the busier public roads. You could support the removal of on-street parking to make space for bicycle commuters. You could ask the District to find ways to clean the shoulders more often.

But if you don’t want to do this or don’t want to give anything up, then, at least now, you know why that bicyclist is in your way!

Tom Brown 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

Did the rain keep you from voting on Oct. 19?

Have your say at squamishchief.com

Where do you get your Halloween Costume?

MOST READ STORY JOIN

Squamish splash park will go ahead with water-saving recirculating system—but no playground

TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK

This week, Indigo LemayConway headed to the polling stations during a record rainfall. See this and many other videos on our TikTok channel: @squamishchief.

PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA CIRCLE OF LIFE: Have a photo to share? Send it to news@squamishchief.com.

SQUAMISH NATION TO UNVEIL 25-YEAR ROADMAP FOR THE FUTURE

Housing, healthcare, and economic independence take centre stage in long-term vision

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Building a future that lasts generations takes time, trust, and a plan. On Saturday, Nov. 2, the Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) will unveil its Úxwumixw 2050 Generational Plan—a vision for the next 25 years aimed at strengthening the Nation’s connection to its people, land, and culture.

The event, open to the Sḵ wx wú7mesh community, will run from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chief Joe Mathias Centre in West Vancouver. The plan reflects years of community input and focuses on sustainable growth, self-sufficiency, and governance designed to meet the challenges of the future head-on.

WHAT’S THE PLAN?

Public Notice

Canadian NavigableWatersAct

Distric tofSquamishherebygives notice that an applicationhas been made tothe Minister of Transpor t, pursuant to the Canadian Navigable Waters Act forapproval of theworkdescribed herein andits site andplans

Pursuant to paragraph7(2)ofthe said Ac t, District of Squamish has depositedwiththe Minister of Transpor t, on theon-line Navigable Waters Registry (cps.canada.ca) andunder registry number 11288 or,under theNPP File Number 2024-513102 adescription of the following work ,its site andplans: wastewater treatmentplant outfall ex tensionin, on,over, under, through or across theSquamishRiver at approximately49° 43’39.48” N, 123° 9’ 48.6” W, on unsurveyed foreshore or land coveredbywater beingpar t of thebed of Squamish Riverinfront of lotnumberBlock B, District Lots 4273, 7957, Section3,Township50, Group 1, NewWestminster District, in theProvinceofBritish Columbia.

Commentsregarding theeffect of this work on marine navigation canbesentthrough theCommon Projec tSearchsitementioned above underthe Comment section(search by theabove referenced number) or,bysending your comments directly to #820-800 BurrardStreet, VancouverBC, V6Z2J8,ifyou do nothaveaccesstothe internet. However, commentswillbe considered only if they areinwriting (electronicmeans preferable)and are received notlater than 30 days after thepublication of thelastnotice. Although allcommentsconforming to theabove will be considered,no individual response will be sent. Datedthis24thday of Oc tober2024.

The Úxwumixw (Nation) 2050 Plan builds on the Nation’s long-standing tradition of planning for its people, lands, and communities. This strategy is a community-driven initiative aimed at reconnecting Sḵ wx wú7mesh People with their traditions, culture, and history while ensuring secure housing, access to healthcare, and strong governance frameworks.

At the core of the plan are four guiding principles– trust, security, purpose and belonging.

In a video shared by the Nation on Facebook on Oct. 15, Mestl’áxwts Jessica Walker—a social worker— narrates these four principles as the essential “pillars of a longhouse,” metaphorically supporting the entire structure of the plan and the community’s future.

“Everyone plays a role,” the plan states, “whether as individuals, families, communities, or government.” The vision is to restore connections among the Sḵ wx wú7mesh People, ensuring future generations thrive on their own terms, backed by cultural knowledge, environmental stewardship, and economic stability.

A COMMUNITY VISION FOR 2050

The Sḵ wx wú7mesh Nation’s long-term vision emphasizes both cultural revival and practical measures to secure the well-being of its people. By 2050, the plan imagines:

• Housing for all members, accompanied by access to healthcare and social services.

• Cultural spaces—from longhouses and forests to recreational areas—for people to gather and connect.

• Reviving the Squamish language, with use by young and old across generations.

• Economic independence, ending reliance on external funding.

• Healing journeys that address

intergenerational trauma and rebuild trust within the community.

The vision also includes a strong visible cultural presence across the Nation’s territories, with residents and visitors alike learning about the Sḵ wx wú7mesh People’s history and language.

REFLECTIONS ON TRUST AND UNITY

“Trust involves openness and understanding between ourselves, our government, and our leaders. We can improve our feelings of trust by strengthening communication, restoring our ability to rely on one another, and holding each other accountable,” Walker said in the video.

The Nation hopes that, within a generation, every member of the Sḵ wx wú7mesh Nation— whether living in the Squamish Valley, on the North Shore, or abroad—would feel connected through trust. “It truly is a collective effort where everyone in our community has a part to play—from our government and departments to the many families, neighbourhoods, and each of us as individuals,” Walker said.

“We can strengthen our feeling of trust with our values of Siám (honour) and Wánám (respect). By acting and showing respect to all our relations out of love and good intentions, we honour our connections to each other and the land,” she said.

A PROCESS ROOTED IN TRADITION AND COMMUNITY INPUT

The Generational Plan idea came from the Nation’s 2020-2023 Strategic Plan, which called for a long-term vision shaped by community input. To help achieve this, the council added a plan for future projects in 2021. This work also ties into the Nation’s 2022 to 2026 goals and strategies for land development. The planning process follows three main phases:

• Phase 1: Where Have We Been & Where Are We Now?

A comprehensive review of the Nation’s past and current strategies, identifying the progress made so far.

• Phase 2: Where Do We Want to Go?

Community members were asked to share their hopes, fears, and dreams for the future, helping shape the long-term goals of the plan.

• Phase 3: How Will We Get There?

The development of specific strategies and action plans, with staff and community leaders working together to identify priorities and “easy wins” alongside long-term objectives.

Attendees will have the chance to connect with leaders, explore the plan’s details, and learn how they can contribute to bringing this vision to life. For more information, visit https://www. squamish2050.net/.

Note: The Squamish Chief has contacted the Sḵ wx wú7mesh Nation for additional comments and will update the story upon receiving a response.

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

FILE PHOTO BY BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Squamish Nation dancers at the Sept. 30 event.

THIS OCTOBER, HAVE COMPASSION FOR YOURSELF AND OTHERS

World Mental Health Day takes place annually on October 10. Created by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH), the event raises awareness of mental health issues and encourages people to take action to improve their mental well-being.

Compassion is vital to human nature, with tangible effects and real power. The WFMH stresses that showing compassion and empathy toward yourself and others can create a supportive environment and help break the stigma surrounding mental health issues.

WHAT’S COMPASSION?

Compassion is sometimes mistaken for empathy, the ability to feel and understand someone’s pain. However, compassion goes beyond just feeling empathy. It involves an emotional response to other people’s difficulties and a strong desire to help alleviate their suffering. In other words, compassion consists

of empathy and action, making it a more complete response to the suffering of others.

WHAT IMPACT DOES IT HAVE ON MENTAL HEALTH?

Compassion has a significant impact on mental health. When you care for others or yourself and act with kindness and understanding, it releases a hormone called oxytocin, which helps you feel good. Scientists say helping others in pain can make you feel as good as experiencing something pleasurable yourself.

Receiving compassion from yourself and others can also help you manage emotional distress and calm your mind. It can also improve your relationship with yourself, leading to greater optimism and happiness. Visit wmhdofficial.com to learn more about Mental Health Day and how to take action and create lasting change. ~ Newspaper Toolbox

Mental Health Matters

Sea to Sky Safety Net is an online resource to help residents in the Sea to Sky Corridor connect to local mental health and substance use support services

Sq ua mi sh Dr op -i nC en tr e 38 02 1T hi rd Av en ue Mon-Tue 10am-4 pm Wed 10am-6p m Thu 10am-4pm infos quamish@p earlspa ce .ca 60 4-892-5 748

Wh is tl er Dr op -i nC en tre 15 19 Sp ri ng Cr eek Dr Mon-Thu 10a m-4 pm in fow hi stle r@ pea rls pa ce .ca 604 -9 6 2- 87 11 PearlSpace Drop-InCentresare asingleaccess point for crisis support,resources, andreferralsfor women,Two-Spirit, gender diverse, non-binary, transpeople andtheir children. Wheretofindus?

CURIOUS ABOUT SḴWXWÚ7MESH PLACE NAMES?

Discover the history and identity behind the rivers, mountains, and trails of Squamish, where every name carries a story

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Ever hiked the Stawamus Chief and wondered about the “7” in Sḵ wx wú7mesh? Or stood by the Mamquam River, curious about how to pronounce its name? In Squamish, the names of rivers, mountains, and trails carry more than just geographical meaning—they reflect the deep history, identity, and culture of the Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

According to Tourism Squamish, even “Squamish” is an English adaptation of Sḵ wx wú7mesh, which loosely translates to “mother of the wind” and “people of the sacred water.” For years, the Sḵ wx wú7mesh Nation has lived on these lands, and today, their place names remain powerful reminders of their connection to the region.

WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Let’s explore the stories and meanings behind some key landmarks and learn how to say them the right way.

Xwáw chayay (Porteau Cove)

Pronunciation: h-wah-wchah-yay

*To pronounce the “xw” sound in Sḵ wx wú7mesh sníchim, position your tongue as if preparing to make a “k” sound, but instead, let out a soft, hissing breath. This creates a “hwah” effect.

“The relationship between people and this area dates back thousands of years, rooted in a time when humans and animals could communicate as a family. The cove is deeply connected to the ancestors who fished and lived in the area,” said Matthew Van Oostdam in a BC Parks post on its website, highlighting the Indigenous teachings connected to Xwáw chayay.

Nch’ḵay (Mount Garibaldi)

Pronunciation: in-ch-KAY

According to BC’s Geographical Names Office and the Squamish Nation (2023), the Nation has long referred to the mountain as “Nch’ḵay .” The name, meaning “dirty place” or “grimy one,” reflects the muddy appearance of the Cheekye River. This discoloration occurs due to volcanic debris that impacts the water and surrounding landscape. Sḵ wx wú7mesh

This sacred mountain is central to oral history and cultural practices. According to Sḵ wx wú7mesh stories, Nch’ḵay played a

critical role during a great flood. As waters rose, the Sḵ wx wú7mesh people tethered their canoes to the mountain’s summit with ropes made from cedar trees, waiting for the flood to recede.

The mountain is linked to Xwech’tál, a hero who trained on its slopes to defeat a serpent that once threatened the region.

Siy ám Smánit (Stawamus Chief)

Pronunciation: see-YAM

According to the BC’s geographical names website and Sḵ wx wú7mesh teachings, the mountain was once thought of as a longhouse, transformed into stone by the Xáays (Transformer Brothers). The cleft along the cliff’s face is said to be a scar left by Sínulhka, a giant two-headed sea serpent, whose corrosive skin marked the rock as it slithered across.

If you look closely, you can spot outlines of animals and people on its surface, captured mid-celebration when the change happened. A dark vertical line along the cliff marks the path of Sínulhka, the giant two-headed sea serpent, whose corrosive skin left a permanent trail as it moved across the rock.

Ch’iyákmesh (Cheakamus)

Pronunciation: ch-ee-yahk-mesh

In a video series by Sḵ wx wú7mesh Nation member Aaron William, viewers can explore

the meaning behind the name Ch’iyákmesh.

“Ch’iyák means fish weir, and the ‘mesh’ is a suffix meaning people. So, Ch’iyákmesh translates to ‘people of the fish weir,” said William.

The video, available on YouTube, offers an engaging introduction to pronouncing Squamish place names and understanding the stories behind them.

SḴWXWÚ7MESH SNÍCHIM

The Squamish language, Sḵ wx wú7mesh sníchim, was traditionally oral with no formal writing system until 1990.

According to a report, by 2010, the language was considered critically endangered, with only about 10 fluent speakers left.

However, through significant efforts by the Nation, that number has grown to nearly 100 fluent speakers today, with more learners joining every day.

Every name in Squamish holds a deeper meaning—connecting people to the land, the water, and the animals that live here.

The Sḵ wx wú7mesh Nation is leading efforts to preserve their language and heritage. Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.

RECORD RAINFALL: STORM SETS NEW HIGH LOCALLY BUT PALES IN COMPARISON TO OTHER REGIONS

First atmospheric river event of the season is a good reminder to get prepared, says District

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

The first real storm of the fall season packed a hefty punch, with the record for rainfall being broken in Squamish on Saturday; however, overall, the district was relatively unscathed compared with other regions.

Over the storm—which led to rain warnings and flood watches from authorities— Squamish received 161 millimetres of rain from Friday to Sunday at 7 p.m., according to Environment and Climate Change Canada.

By comparison, in Coquitlam, where a woman died when her house was taken up in a landslide, 256 mm fell; in West Vancouver, where roads, basements and garages were flooded, there was 203 mm.

During the atmospheric river event on Saturday—election day—several daily rainfall records were set, including in Squamish. A record 67.7 mm fell on Oct. 19, breaking our old 67.6 mm record set in 2000.

Records in this area have been kept since 1959. Again, by comparison, though, we got off lucky.

In West Vancouver, a new record of 134.6 mm was set Saturday, smashing the old record of 34.8 mm set in 1970.

Records in that area have been kept since 1961. But what is an atmospheric river anyway?

“Atmospheric rivers are relatively long, narrow regions in the atmosphere —like rivers in the sky – that transport most of the water vapour outside of the tropics,” reads a description from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

DISTRICT RESPONSE

According to the District, municipal emergency program staff were on alert throughout the weekend to monitor updates from Environment

and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), the River Forecast Centre and BC Hydro and to issue public safety alerts or instructions that may have been needed. Staff continually monitored weather updates from ECCC, Coastal Tides and the Cheakamus Hydrometric Station.

On Friday afternoon, Public Works crews set up a self-serve sandbag station, including shovels, at Brennan Park Recreation Centre Residents for residents who needed them.

Over the course of the weekend’s storm event, Public Works crews were out to handle a variety of tasks:

• Inspection of all rivers, streams and creeks

• Maintenance of all pumps and gates

• Inspection of bridges

• Inspection of dikes

• Response to calls for service on a variety of storm-related issues

“Storm season is to be expected in Squamish, and the Sea to Sky and the District of Squamish increases readiness in anticipation of a storm event,” said District spokesperson Rachel Boguski.

“Municipal staff conduct inspections and preparation of all flood protection infrastructure in advance, and our Emergency Operations Centre may be activated if the situation worsens.”

Boguski reminds residents to keep catch basins clear and free of debris, ensure vehicle and home emergency kits are prepared with essentials to last for up to 72 hours, and stay clear of fast-flowing rivers and potentially unstable riverbanks during high-streamflow periods.

“Residents should also subscribe to the District’s Squamish Alert emergency notification system. The system allows the District to deliver critical information and instructions to residents in less than a minute. This tool is utilized to alert residents of High Streamflow Advisories and Flood Watch notices,” she said.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

The Mamquam River was high on Saturday, when Squamish saw record rainfall.

MAMQUAM ELEMENTARY PARENT LAUNCHES CROSSING GUARD INITIATIVE

Local dad takes matters into his own hands after witnessing near misses on Government Road

ALYSSA NOEL anoel@squamishchief.com

Miles Randell decided to take matters— and a stop sign—into his own hands.

The Squamish dad had been walking his son to Mamquam Elementary School near his home when he noticed a pattern of cars whizzing through the well-marked crosswalk on Government Road near the school.

“I’ve been in emergency services for 30 years—I’m traffic conscious,” Randell said. “But we’ve had near misses with vehicles.”

Last school year, he said he spoke to the outgoing principal about organizing a crossing guard at the crosswalk, and he was supportive. But he was also retiring.

“He was outgoing, but he told me to get a hold of the incoming principal in July,” Randell said. “He also told me we wouldn’t be allowed to set up a system of volunteers because it would be in breach of union rules. It had to be someone in the union.”

Randell said he reached out to the administration several times before getting a response on the issue.

He said they replied that it was not in the budget, but volunteers could organize a crossing guard program.

(The Sea to Sky School District was given nearly a week to respond to The Squamish Chief, but a spokesperson said they had an “extremely busy schedule” and were unable to reply.)

“It was pretty disappointing,” Randell added. “I’ve been socially engaged in this community for 25 years doing all kinds of things. To get a message like that was disappointing, to say the least.”

But Randell decided to roll up his sleeves and get to work. He bought a stop sign and a safety vest, and on Friday, Oct. 11, he started his first shift as a crossing guard.

“So far, it’s been incredibly successful,” he said. “There’s been lots of support from parents rolling their windows down and yelling support. I’ve had a few people offer support as well.”

The one downside: he no longer has time to walk his eight-year-old to school.

“The only reason I don’t let him walk to and from school by himself is that crosswalk is so dangerous,” he added. “[Now] I can get him to the crosswalk.”

Going forward, Randell is hoping that some other parents will join his volunteer crossing guard program. “I do look forward to getting some more parents stepping up to help,” he said.

Ideally, the school district would eventually offer help, he said.

“I hope we can set something up,” he said. “I would love for drivers to pay more attention and understand that child safety is incredibly important. Being in emergency services, I’ve

seen what happens when kids and cars meet, and it’s never good … I would like drivers to pay better attention everywhere.”

To volunteer with Randell email him at milesrandell@yahoo.com.

DARTS & DAFFODILS

A CARLOAD OF DAFFODILS to the young lady and all the gentlemen who pulled a very embarrassed paper lady out of the ditch last Saturday night. —The paper lady

Got something nice to say or some constructive criticism? Send your Darts & Daffodils:

Email: news@squamishchief.com or drop off at The Chief office (38117 Second Ave.) during business hours. Deadline for submissions is Monday at 4 p.m. for Thursday’s paper. All submissions must be signed and include a phone number for verification. Maximum length is 75 words. Darts are intended to be an anonymous critique between private parties. Darts must not directly or indirectly identify an individual or business.

PHOTO BY MILES RANDELL

Mamquam Elementary School dad Miles Randell started a crossing guard initiative this month.

THE FIRST PERMANENT CRICKET PITCH TO BE INSTALLED

The new permanent cricket pitch will be built at Brennan Park for the Squamish Cricket Club to utilize

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

The future is looking bright for Squamish cricket enthusiasts as the District approves a cricket pitch for Brennan Park. The new pitch was approved by council at a special business meeting on Oct. 15 and will be built between fields three and four.

SQUAMISH CRICKET CLUB REACTION

The Squamish Cricket Club (SCC) originally applied for a permanent cricket pitch in 2022, and members are thrilled with the council’s decision.

“We’re ecstatic! After almost three years of effort, seeing the pitch approved has given the club and its members a huge boost of enthusiasm,” SCC vice-president and secretary Taurean McCarthy told The Squamish Chief.

“It’s a major win for cricket in Squamish, and we’re excited for what it means for the future of the sport here.”

COUNCIL DECISION

While the staff recommendation was for the District to fund the entirety of the $49,000 project through community amenity contribution funds (CAC), council opted for an alternative motion to share the costs with the Squamish Cricket Club.

“I think this is an issue of fairness; we held the same bar for the folks from pickleball… there was an expectation that they put money forward, and I think with every community group I have spoken to, this continues to be something that I’ve definitely reiterated,” Coun. Jenna Stoner said.

“So I think it’s an important standard to uphold. I also want to recognize that our community amenity contribution pot is not endless; there’s only $1.5 million left in it at the end of the day, and we just added $200,000 to the splash park unto itself again. So while it feels like a small amount of money, every dollar counts when we’re trying to achieve the community recreation benefits for our community as a whole.”

The alternative funding arrangement will see council fund $14,500 of the project through CAC funds while receiving $34,500 previously fundraised by the Squamish Cricket Club.

Coun. Lauren Greenlaw echoed Stoner’s comments and encouraged her fellow council members to vote in favour of the alternative funding method.

“I think it’s important to take advantage of the potential financial input from user groups. We have a lot of expenditures coming up, and as Coun. Stoner mentioned, every dollar counts,” she said.

Despite councillors John French, Eric

Andersen and Mayor Armand Hurford opposing the alternative recommendation—which passed 4-3—all members voted in favour of the shared funding arrangement to ensure that the cricket pitch would be built.

“While I voted against the amendment, that was not enough of a reason for me not to support this form of funding,” Hurford said.

Coun. French agreed and said the main focus was to support the local cricket community.

“I have exactly the same thoughts. I support cricket. How we get there, how we fund it is a bit secondary to just having a pitch and having the sport in Squamish,” French said.

THE FUTURE OF SCC

While the possibility of having the pitch fully funded would have “made things easier” for the SCC, McCarthy said the club members understand there are “many priorities in our community.”

“We’ve seen the amazing contributions from other groups, and we’re happy to do our part,” he said.

“From the start, we anticipated that the club would need to contribute, and we’ve been working hard to secure grants and in-kind contributions to help make this project a reality.”

The current estimated time for the completion of the pitch is the end of 2025, but McCarthy is optimistic about an earlier finish line.

“We’re hoping it will be ready closer to the beginning of the quarter so we can host some friendly games and showcase what cricket is all about to the community before the rain starts in September or October,” he said.

Council noted that a second pitch could potentially be built at the park in the future.

As for what the future of cricket looks like in Squamish, the answer is “bright.”

“The future looks bright. The last few years have been tough, as transporting and setting up a 150-pound carpet every time we wanted to

play has restricted our club’s activities,” McCarthy said.

“Understandably, our players just want to focus on playing cricket, and having to arrive 30 minutes early to set up the mat was a real deterrent. With a permanent pitch in place, we’ve removed our biggest barrier to success.”

The SCC is continuing their fundraising efforts to support the installation of the new pitch, as well as the sport as a whole in Squamish.

To donate, visit the BC Amateur Sport Fund page, and to learn more about the Squamish Cricket Club, visit its website.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SQUAMISH CRICKET CLUB

The team in yellow are West Vancouver, who Squamish Cricket Club played in West Van at the end of last year and they visited Squamish for a game in the summer.

Campbell, Marie Lee Anne

January 20, 1941 -October 3, 2024

Marie Lee Anne Campbell, beloved mother of sons David (Andrea), Daniel (Sharokena &Riley), Sandy (I-Ki &Caleb), and Luke (Jean, Brendan &Larissa), and many other relatives and friends. Marie was born and raised in Strathclair, Manitoba. After completing high school, she left Strathclair to attend the University of Manitoba at the age of 17. After graduation, she moved to the West Coast, finally settling in Squamish in the 1970s. Marie raised her family in Squamish and was apart of many community groups and organizations. She was afounding memberofthe former Howe Sound Women’s Centre, now calledPearlspace, and was involved with Friends of the Library, amongothers. She was communityminded and always ready to help support family, friends, and neighbours along with many other community organizations. Marie was loved by her family and friends and will be dearly missed by them all.

ACelebration of Life for Marie will be held at adate to be determined in Squamish. Marie’s interment will be at the Bend Cemetery in Strathclair.

In remembrance of Marie’s life and love, the family asks that donations be made to Pearlspace (Formerly the Howe Sound Women’s Centre). pearlspace.ca/donate

NO WH IRIN G Join our team!

HEAVYDUT YMECHANIC

Permanent, Full-Time

Cardinal Concrete, ADivision of Lafarge CanadaInc is the leadingsupplier of ready-mix concrete in the Sea to Sky Corridor.Weare currently seeking acareer oriented individual to fill theroleofCommercial Transpor t/Heavy Duty Mechanic at ourHeadOffice Location in Squamish, BC

This is askilled positionwhich primarily involvespreventative maintenance andrepair of alarge fleet of commercial transpor tvehicles including concrete mixer trucks, dump trucks,trailers, forklifts and light-duty trucks.

MinimumQualifications:

•B.C. Cer tificateof Qualification, and/or Interprovincial Ticket as aCommercial Transpor tMechanic, and/orHeavy DutyMechanic Ticket

•3-5 yearsrelatedexperience and/ortraining; or equivalentcombinationofeducation and experience

Compensation $45.57 to$49.07

To view afullcopyofthis Job Description visit: www.cardinalconcrete.ca/about/careers

Apply to:info@cardinalconcrete.ca For more informationvisit www.cardinalconcrete.ca/about/careers

BLACKCOMB HELICOPTERS GROUND CREW

TITLE Ground Crew

STATUS Permanent, full-time

ABOUT US

Blackcomb Helicopters is awell-established full-service, multi-fleet helicoptercompany with flight andmaintenance services.Wehavebases in Vancouver, Squamish,Whistler, Pemberton, Calgary, andLillooet.

ABOUT THE JOB:

Reporting to theGroundCrewSupervisorand Director of Tourism, this position will requireyou to:

• Support facility equipment repairs andupkeep;

• Groom andprepare aircraft;

• Pickup anddeliverparts,equipment andvehicles;

• Cleanand maintain hangar andhangarequipment;

• Re-fuel aircraft andmaintainfuelquality standards;

• Assist on remote jobs with pilotrequests andlongline operations;

• General assistance with wildfireoperations;

• Assistingwithpassengers andpassenger equipment or luggage;

• Tourism shuttle driving (Class 4driver ’s licensepreferred, or canbeobtained upon hire)

• Andother duties as needed

It is worthnoting thatthispositionwill not lead to flying or engineering opportunities. This positionisprimarily basedfromthe Whistler heliport but mayrequire youto work from different bases occasionally

WE ARELOOKING FOR:

•Excellent communication andproblem-solvingskills;

•The abilitytoworkwithinateamframework; •Flexibility andadaptability;

•The abilitytoworkwithinahigh-pressureenvironment; •A driver ’s license(ideallyclass 4);

• Good rapportwithcustomers andexcellent customer serviceskills,aswell as agood attitude andsuperior work ethic.

THEFINE PRINT

Blackcomb Helicopters is an equal opportunity employerand to that end, we want all barriersremovedtoensureafair screeningprocess forall candidates.All resumeswill be reviewedwith an eyetoskill set and experienceonly, andare considered without attentiontoage, race,color,religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender identity,national origin,veteran or disability status.Tothisend,weask all applicants to ensureyou do notinclude anypersonalinformationonyour applicationand remove pictures from your resumeifyou have them. Resumes canbesent directly to amcdowell@blackcombhelicopters.com and kbate@blackcombhelicopters.com

38. Into pieces 40. Graceful trees

Symbol

Punching tool 46 Lean

Out-of-date 52. Detective’s need 53 Adore to excess

Feel unwell 55 Mind 56. Needles’ holes

KO caller

Deed

Bogey beater 3. Tango requirement 4. Declines 5. Hawaiian hello 6. Large weight unit 7. Cardigan 8. Exile

Frosted 10 Sis’s sibs 11. Shipped

16. Gospel author 20. Pout

21. Compress

22 Phonograph: hyph. 23. Hill insects

25. Beneath

28. British noble

29 “For the Bell Tolls” 30 Drains

32. Conduit

33. Apple pie ____: 3 wds.

36 Like popcorn

37 Jail chamber

39 Sample 41. Engrave with acid 42. 5,280 feet

43 “____ Velvet” 45 Misfortunes 48 Young fellow

Lobe’s place

Hitch 51 Gremlin’s kin HOROS

ARIES March 21-April 19

Negotiations always require effort and compromise. You’ll make some significant changes that will promote your health and improve your quality of life for years to come.

TAURUS April 20-May 20

Significant success and recognition await you, whether in the form of a promotion or a professional change You’ll also have a health win after a difficult period

GEMINI May 21-June 20

You may have the opportunity to find a more spacious property for your family this week. You must make changes to your daily routine to become more efficient, which will prevent conflicts among your family members

CANCER June 21-July 22

Don’t forget to charge your electronic devices every night to avoid communication mishaps from a dead battery. Expect to play taxi driver for your family this week

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

Your honesty will shine this week as you openly express what others are thinking. You won’t hesitate to point out your partner’s excessive spending or impulse buys

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

You’ll feel great this week! You must swiftly handle an urgent situation at work to avoid complications. You’ll be promoted, and despite the changes and stress associated with this change, you’ll be happy.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

You’ll soon finish a task you’ve been putting off To avoid health issues, take some time to rest before taking on new challenges.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Waiting for medical test results for yourself or a loved one will be stressful. However, you’ll receive a positive response, which will help alleviate your worries The prospect of a bright future will dispel anxiety and allow you to sleep peacefully.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Tread carefully when dealing with family or professional matters You may need to adjust your schedule to accommodate a promotion. The pay and nature of the work will make your decision easy

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19 It’s time to start thinking about your end-of-year vacation! Booking things in advance, regardless of whether you’re going alone or with family, friends or a significant other, will make things easier and avoid complications

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb 18

You may be responsible for international assignments or training at work You might find it challenging to communicate with people who aren’t comfortable speaking English PISCES Feb. 19-March 20 You must communicate openly with your partner to reignite the spark in your relationship. You’ll need to make some adjustments to avoid emotional conflicts

HOW TO PLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3 x 3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3 x 3 box.