RESOURCE GUIDE INSIDE
Find our annual guide—with a new seniors’ section—tucked in the paper
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024
PAGE 12
ORPHANED BEAR CUB’S JOURNEY
Locals rally to save injured black bear
HEATWAVES ARE RESHAPING OUR RIVERS
What it means for the community
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
If you’ve noticed some curious changes along the Squamish and Cheakamus rivers lately, you’re not alone.
New research from Simon Fraser University shows that heatwaves are shifting the timing of river flows, causing snow to melt earlier and extending low-flow periods in summer and fall.
By analyzing data from over 860 river basins, it seems these changes could affect water supplies, ecosystems, and tourism, especially in regions like B.C.’s west coast, including Squamish Valley and Paradise Valley.
Sam Anderson, a postdoctoral researcher at SFU, warns that these shifts could have wide-reaching impacts on everything from salmon populations to tourism and infrastructure.
In an interview with The Squamish Chief, Anderson said that “the connection between heatwaves and river flows” first caught his attention during the record-breaking heatwave of June 2021.
“Many rivers saw extreme floods, but others had very low flows. It got me thinking: What if this kind of heatwave had happened in the 1970s—or what if it happens in 2070?” he said.
RIVERS: Continued on 2
YOUNG VOICES: MLA-elect Jeremy Valeriote spoke to Squamish Elementary School students ahead of election night. Squamish Elementary School cast ballots in a student vote on Oct. 17. Students voted 64% in favour of the Green Party, 18% for NDP, and 13% for the Conservative Party.
WARMER WINTERS, SHRINKING SNOWPACKS
A predictable cycle of winter snowfall and spring melt is required to sustain the region’s rivers through the dry summer months.
But Anderson’s research shows that this cycle is breaking down as the region warms.
“A little bit of warming means more precipitation falls as rain instead of snow,” Anderson said.
“This eats away at the snowpack earlier in the year, reducing the amount of water available later in spring and summer.”
This shift could create serious problems for salmon that rely on cool, flowing rivers during their fall runs.
“If the snowpack melts too early, we’ll have lower water levels and warmer river temperatures by the time salmon need to migrate and spawn,” Anderson said.
The Cheakamus River, known for its salmon runs, may be especially vulnerable to these changes.
Anderson’s findings align with broader research showing that shrinking snowpacks across the Sea to Sky region are already affecting rivers.
The earlier snowmelt shortens the period when streams are fed by cold runoff, leaving them more prone to drying up just when water demand is highest—from both people and ecosystems.
“It’s during summer when municipal water use peaks, and it’s also when fish and plants need water the most to survive,” Anderson said.
HEATWAVES + ATMOSPHERIC RIVERS = A PERFECT STORM
According to Anderson, extreme weather events tend to “cascade” into one another, making things worse.
In 2021, when a heatwave dried out the landscape in June, it was followed by heavy autumn rainstorms that caused flooding
and landslides, for example.
“These overlapping events show how climate change amplifies risks,” Anderson said.
“When heatwaves dry out the land, it becomes more vulnerable to erosion and floods once the rains hit.”
Anderson warned that with climate change, atmospheric rivers are becoming warmer, delivering more rain and less snow—even at higher elevations.
“This amplifies flood risks in the fall and winter, while reducing flood risks in the
spring melt season,” he said. However, this shift creates new challenges for flood management. “Communities will need to prepare for more frequent fall and winter floods while still being ready for occasional spring floods when snowpacks remain high.”
RIPPLE EFFECTS ON TOURISM AND HYDROPOWER
Anderson also said that the changing behaviour of rivers could also affect Squamish’s tourism and energy sectors.
“Tourism activities like kayaking, rafting, and fishing all rely on predictable river flows,” Anderson said.
“When river levels fluctuate more unpredictably, tourism operators will need to adapt their schedules.”
Squamish also relies on several run-ofriver hydroelectric facilities, including the Upper Mamquam and Cheakamus plants, which generate renewable energy for BC Hydro’s grid. However, shifting river flows due to climate change could disrupt these operations by reducing water availability during critical periods.
“If rivers dry up earlier in the season, it could disrupt energy production just when electricity demand is highest,” Anderson said.
THE PATH FORWARD
Anderson sees an opportunity for the community to take action. “Squamish is highly sensitive to even small temperature increases,” he said. “That’s daunting, but it also means that every bit of warming we prevent can make a big difference.”
“We need to understand whether heatwaves are becoming drier or wetter, and how these patterns will change in the future. That knowledge will be critical for managing water supplies effectively,” he said.
Anderson hopes his research will serve as both a warning and a call to action.
“Heatwaves aren’t just temporary inconveniences—they’re events that reshape our rivers, our infrastructure, and our way of life,” he said.
For residents, that means advocating for climate solutions, supporting research efforts, and preparing for a future where river flows are less predictable.
“[It is] important for readers to advocate for climate solutions that prevent these impacts from accelerating,” Anderson said.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS Cheakamus River.
RIVERS: Continued from 1
GOT NEWS?
Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com iLemayConway@squamishchief.com bchatterjee@squamishchief.com anoel@squamishchief.com
KILLING B.C. BLACK BEARS DOESN’T REDUCE HUMAN CONFLICT, FINDS STUDY
The pre-print study found little evidence that lethal interventions, which often account for upwards of 500 bear deaths a year, lead to a decrease in human-wildlife conflict
STEFAN LABBÉ
Glacier Media
Anew study has found little evidence that the lethal control of black bears in British Columbia has led to a longterm reduction in human-bear conflict.
The research, led by University of Victoria associate economics professor Felix Pretis and co-authored by colleagues there and at the University of British Columbia, was uploaded to Social Science Research Network’s pre-print server last week. Pre-print studies have not been peer-reviewed.
The BC Conservation Officer Service (BCCOS) killed about 3,000 black bears over the course of about 67,000 conflict events spanning 2013 to 2021, according to the study. In an interview, Pretis said those numbers come from a single official database and are likely an undercount of conflicts because not everyone reports them.
The economist said they did find a transitory reduction in conflict events, but over the long term, the number of humanbear conflicts bounced back.
Annual lethal encounters have been remarkably consistent in recent years, hovering at about 500 per year since 2011, according to Lesley Fox, executive director of the non-profit group The Fur-Bearers. Last year, she said the number of black bears killed in B.C. bounced up to 603, one of the highest numbers ever recorded.
“We’re caught in a cycle of killing. And the statistics show that,” said Fox.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS DRIVING CONFLICT
The study found cold spring weather and hot and dry fall conditions led to the most conflicts. An increased abundance of salmon, on the other hand, led to less conflict with humans.
When the researchers controlled for weather, human settlement density, seasonal effects and salmon abundance, they found little evidence that lethal control interventions lead to a decrease in conflict.
The evidence, they write, suggests conflict is being driven by the “availability of human food sources and a lack of natural food sources, rather than by problem black bears.”
Climate change, they added, will likely
deepen the environmental conditions that lead to conflict, sparking more conflict. In turn, “new black bears will likely continue to recolonize areas where lethal control interventions previously occurred, resulting in a continuous cycle of human-black bear conflict,” the study says.
The study adds to other research that has found little success in controlling humanbear conflict through translocation or lethal measures.
Some studies have found some success in conditioning bears to leave an area with pepper spray and non-lethal projectiles; others have looked to scaring away bears with dogs.
A 2021 study out of UBC using computer modelling to track bears movements around Whistler, B.C., found reducing attractants was the single most effective way to avoid conflict.
CONSERVATION OFFICERS IN ‘CHALLENGING POSITION’
The researchers acknowledged conservation officers and the agencies that manage wildlife are in a “challenging position” that requires them to ensure human safety and reduce conflict with wildlife.
Pretis said officers have to deal with questions of direct liability, and conflict situations might be getting treated on an event-by-event basis.
“Their mandate is not necessarily to reduce long-run conflict in the area,” said the economist.
A spokesperson for the BCCOS did not directly respond to a request for comment. In an email, the spokesperson said communications “are limited to critical health and public safety information, as well as statutory requirements” due to the B.C. government’s ongoing caretaker mode after an undecided election.
We’re caught in a cycle of killing. And the statistics show that.
LESLEY FOX
NEXT STEP IS TO FIGURE OUT ‘WHAT DOES WORK?’
In their study, Pretis and his colleagues recommend shifting away from lethal control measures and focus more on the role the human and natural environment are playing. Next, he said they plan to analyze different strategies to reduce conflict, and try to answer the question, “What does work?” he said. Advocacy groups, the province and municipalities already have programs focus on education — either through programs like Bear Smart or going door to door to hand out flyers. But Fox said enforcement to reduce food attractants like garbage is still falling flat. She blames part of that on officers’ reluctance to hand out tickets, either because they worry the scofflaw might not be able to pay or because they think the case will later get thrown out in court.
Fox also said more municipalities need to pass bylaws that require residents to take responsibility for attracting black bears and sending them into a spiral of human conflict.
She said the latest pre-print study is “really powerful” because it recognizes the problem is not the bears—but people.
“We’re wasting time, and we’re needlessly killing bears. It has to stop,” she said.
PHOTO BY GREG NORGAARD/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
B.C. Black bear (stock photo).
Ryan Kinghorn
NEWS BRIEFS
CHRISTMAS HAMPER APPLICATIONS OPEN
With the skyrocketing cost of living over the last year, it’s not hard to imagine Christmas will be extra challenging for many families this year.
Enter Squamish Community Christmas Care. The organization is now accepting applications for families with children, seniors, and couples to receive its Christmas hampers.
In 2023, it put together and delivered 400 hampers, helping over 1,000 locals celebrate the season.
The deadline to request a hamper is Friday, Nov. 15. Application forms can be picked up and dropped off at most Squamish churches, PearlSpace, Under One Roof, and Sea to Sky Community Services.
You can also download an application from communitychristmascare.com.
(If you encounter any issues, email squamishchristmas@gmail. com).
If anyone would like to make a donation, register as a volunteer, or
sign up their organization or business to help, they can visit the organization’s website at communitychristmascare.com.
NEW ON THE BUS
BC Transit is replacing its old fare products in the Squamish Transit System with Umo-enabled options starting Dec. 1, 2024. This change will phase out the Adult Monthly Pass and the Student/Senior Monthly Pass, making way for a new system designed to make paying for rides easier, BC Transit said in a media release.
New fares and how to pay Riders can load fares onto the Umo app or a reloadable Umo card, both available at retail locations, online, or through Umo customer service. Passes and tickets will also be available onboard and from select vendors.
• Single Ride: $2
• DayPASS: $4 (also available on the bus)
• 30-Day Pass – Adult: $39
• 30-Day Pass – Concession: $20
• Semester Pass – Student: $80
• 10 Single Ride Tickets: $18 The Umo app offers a cash
balance feature that works like a pre-paid wallet. After two trips in one day, the fare automatically caps at $4, converting to a DayPASS for unlimited rides until midnight.
Improved Umo Fare Products
• Cash Balance: This option works like a pre-paid wallet, where riders load money onto the Umo app or a reloadable Umo card. Each time a rider pays for a trip, the fare is deducted from the balance. If two rides are taken in one day, the fare automatically caps at $4, converting to a DayPASS for unlimited travel that day.
• DayPASS: Riders get unlimited local travel for the entire day. If they use the Cash Balance option and pay for two rides in one day, a digital DayPASS is automatically applied to their Umo app or card.
• 30-Day Pass: This pass replaces the old monthly pass. It can be activated on any day of the month and offers unlimited travel for 30 consecutive days. The countdown starts from the first time it is used, not when it is purchased.
Transition period
Old passes will still be accepted until used up. Cash fares and the BC Bus Pass will continue to be valid. BC Transit will also introduce a Umo-compatible token to support social programs that provide free or discounted rides.
For more information and support with the Umo app, visit bctransit.com/umo or contact BC Transit at 1-877-380-8181. Debit and credit card payments will be added onboard buses at a future date.
MORE CAPU COURSES
Capilano University (CapU) is adding five new programs to its Squamish campus.
Starting in fall 2025, the school’s offerings will include: bachelor of business administration, bachelor of environment and society, education assistant certificate, diploma in kinesiology, and tourism management co-operative education diploma.
“The additional programs complement the existing courses that have been curated to meet the needs of students and businesses in
the Sea to Sky region and beyond,” a press release said.
The university, which opened its campus in September, currently offers adult basic education, an arts associate degree, a business administration certificate and diploma, an early childhood care and education degree and diploma, as well as an interdisciplinary studies degree.
“For students seeking an innovative and distinct university experience, CapU Squamish provides the ideal backdrop. Students will benefit from small classes and individualized support in an exceptional learning environment,” said Brian Storey, associate vice president of CapU Squamish, in a release. “At the same time, they are part of a larger regional university that spans the Sea to Sky Corridor, where they can draw on work-integrated learning experiences in tourism, early childhood education, environmental stewardship and more.”
CapU is currently accepting applications for its fall 2025 semester.
Find out more on the Capilano University website.
ATV AWOL– THIRD THEFT HITS SQUAMISH VALLEY EQUESTRIAN ASSOCIATION Donation helps replace stolen equipment
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
What would you do if the one tool you rely on every day suddenly went missing, especially if it wasn’t the first time it happened?
That’s the dilemma the Squamish Valley Equestrian Association (SVEA) faced earlier this month when a thief stole their ATV (fourwheeled quad) —a vital piece of equipment used to maintain their riding arenas.
It wasn’t just any piece of machinery, though; it was something essential to the club’s operations, helping volunteers keep the footing safe for horses.
“We use the quad to harrow and maintain our riding arenas. Having a quad enables us to maintain the arenas ourselves. It’s one of the ways we keep operating costs down, as we don’t have to hire someone with equipment to do it for us,” said Stephanie Golder, treasurer of the SVEA.
They noticed the theft on Oct. 10.
“The theft could have happened the previous week, as we had not been into our sea can for a week,” she said.
The quad was the only thing stolen.
The theft was reported to the police shortly after it was discovered.
“They responded quickly—just a couple of
as Batman.
hours after I filed the report. They came out, asked a few more questions, and actually took a crowbar left behind at the scene as evidence,” Golder said.
Despite upgraded security, this theft marks the third time the club has had equipment stolen.
Similar incidents occurred in 2019 and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Woodfibre LNGhouses non-localworkers on a floatel, reducing pressure on localhousing in Squamish.
“On both occasions, we were able to recover the quad after members of the public spotted someone using it and reported it to the police. The police retrieved it both times. Unfortunately, this time we haven’t had any luck,” she said.
A donation from Daniel Pitts of Ocean Rock Art helped the association to purchase a replacement.
“Dan and his wife own horses and participate
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in cowboy challenge clinics, which they also host at our club. He understands how important the equipment is to us and wanted to help us get back on track,” Golder said.
WINTER PREPARATIONS
In preparation for winter, the new quad will also be fitted with a snowplow attachment.
“Which means we will be able to keep our arenas accessible during the winter months,” Golder said.
Community support for the volunteer-run organization is essential.
“We don’t receive government funding, only occasional grants.”
“One of the conditions of our lease with the District of Squamish is to keep membership fees low to ensure accessibility. So, every large expense, like purchasing a new quad, impacts our budget. Donations like this mean we don’t need to dip into our funds or raise fees,” she said.
To avoid future thefts, the new ATV will be stored off-site.
“We’ve upgraded the locks, but the new quad won’t be kept on-site. I’d rather not give whoever took the previous one any ideas,” Golder said.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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The new ATV donated by Pitts; Priscilla Cannon on a white horse dressed
LOCAL WOMAN’S TERRORISM CHARGES DEFENCE NEEDS EVIDENCE REVIEW TIME
Kimberly Polman of Squamish was arrested and charged by the Pacific Region RCMP
JEREMY HAINSWORTH
Glacier Media
ASquamish woman charged with alleged ISIS-related terrorism offences will return to Vancouver Provincial Court on Nov. 7.
The RCMP’s Federal Policing Integrated National Security Enforcement Team said in July it had arrested and charged 51-year-old Kimberly Polman.
Court documents indicate she left B.C. July 21, 2015, information that is in count one of charge documents.
It alleges Polman left Canada to knowingly participate in the activity of a terrorist group for the purpose of enhancing the ability of such a group to perform its activities.
That is alleged to have happened in Richmond.
A second count alleges she participated in the work of the Islamic State between July 25, 2015 and July 27, 2019. That is alleged to have happened in the Syrian Arab Republic.
Articling student Brittney MacBean, appearing on behalf of defence lawyer David Ferguson, told Judge Patricia Stark on Oct. 24 that Polman’s defence team needs further time to review Crown disclosure in the case.
She requested a three-week adjournment.
Federal Crown prosecutor Ryan Carrier told Stark the disclosure had been provided three weeks ago and suggested two weeks.
Stark agreed to set the next appearance for Nov. 7.
Polman was repatriated to Canada in October 2022 and was placed on a series of bail conditions. She has been subject to a terrorism peace bond since Nov. 7, 2023.
PHOTO BY REBECCA LANDRY
SPECTACULAR SQUAMISH: Have a great photo to share? Be like Rebecca Landry and send it to news@squamishchief.com.
ENROLMENT UP AT SQUAMISH AND PEMBERTON SCHOOLS
Howe Sound Secondary also saw a notable increase in students, jumping from 722 to 779
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@wplpmedia.com
Enrolment for Pemberton Secondary School is significantly higher than expected this year, according to enrolment data shared at School District 48’s (SD48) public board meeting Oct. 9.
While elementary enrolment fluctuated slightly in SD48, middle and secondary school enrolment went up “significantly” at Pemberton Secondary School.
Last year, there were 280 students enrolled, which increased to 334 this year. Considering how small Pemberton is, the increase was considered “huge” by board members.
Howe Sound Secondary also saw a notable increase in students, jumping from 722 to 779.
Whistler Secondary School, on the other hand, dropped from 499 to 462 students.
Assistant superintendent Paul Lorette explained in an email the sizable increase in Pemberton came from an influx of elementary students.
“The ‘bubble’ that was referred to at the October Board of Education meeting refers to a situation where there is a large class of younger students moving up through the system. There was a large Grade 7 cohort of students that transitioned to Pemberton Secondary and there was a smaller Grade 12 group that left the school last year,” he said.
Because the Ministry of Education and Childcare funds schools on a per-student basis, PSS received increased funding to support staffing requirements, according to Lorette.
In total, the “headcount” of in-person students in the district amounts to 5,133 enrolled in Kindergarten through to Grade 12, with an additional 188 international students.
The number of full-time enrolled students, which is the total number of courses students are signed up for, plus distance learners, is 5,337.
The number of students in the district increased by 33 from last year (5,100 to 5,133) which Lorette described as “stable” growth.
There was a large Grade 7 cohort of students that transitioned to Pemberton Secondary and there was a smaller Grade 12 group that left the school last year.
PAUL LORETTE
DISTRICT ENROLMENT TRENDS
Eight-year district enrolment trends in the largest communities, Pemberton, Squamish and Whistler, shows Squamish school enrolment consistently growing each year. In 2023, Squamish had 3,244 students, and this year it has 3,313.
Pemberton’s enrolment over eight years has stayed relatively flat, but between 2023 and 2024 enrolment went from 725 students to 769.
Whistler’s overall enrolment over the last eight years has decreased, with fewer students in 2024 (1,051) compared to 2023 (1,081). Enrolment this year is less than what it was eight years ago, too, with 1,084 students in 2017.
When asked by a fellow board member about the increases in Pemberton overall, Lorette said he wasn’t sure exactly what the reason was, though some board members speculated it had to do with new housing development in Pemberton.
He noted district-wide, there was a large cohort of Kindergarten students about six or seven years ago and that cluster is moving through the education system, and at the same time, there were fewer kids in high school.
“So that big cluster of kids from five years ago
SCHOOL: Continued on 9
Squamish Community Forest Annual Open House
Let’s Talk Budget
Communit y input is invited online and in person while Council discusses the draft budget.
LetsTalkSquamish.ca/budget-2025
Communit y Climate
Ac tion Plan
Please complete our sur vey to share your ideas on how we can update our climate plan to improve how we live, work , and play in Squamish.
LetsTalkSquamish.ca/ccap-update
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE
6– 8 pm, November 7 Brennan Park Recreation Centre LEAR N MO RE AT OU R
Infrastruc ture
Op en House
Does the Distric t’s draf t Financial Plan align with your community priorities? What have we missed? Have your say online Our Open House has a new date!
10 am–1 pm, Saturday, November 2 e 55 Ac tivity Centre
Join us at this free showcase of resources available to the 55+ community of Squamish where there will be oppor tunities to engage with local suppliers and have questions answered.
Come have some fun - the fair will offer entertainment as well as light refreshments.
• Annual Watermain Upgrades: Work continues on Thunderbird Ridge.
• Watermain Flushing: Continues throughout Squamish. squamish.ca/building- our-future
Grief and Loss Ar t Therapy Wednesdays, 6:30–8:30 pm November 6–27 FREE
For those grieving or anticipating the loss of a loved one
Please register with Sea to Sk y Hospice Society.
Parent & Child Skate Mondays, 9:30–11 am Tuesdays, 2–3 pm
• 1549 Depot Road – Proposed two lot subdivision under the existing zoning squamish.ca/review for
Arena schedule: squamish.ca/rec/ arenaschedule
Business Oppor tunities
• Xwu’nekw Park Sea Dike & Upgrades Request for Proposals squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the -distric t
4–7 pm, November 1 Black Tusk Room, Brennan Park Recreation Centre
2021 CENSUS DATA HIGHLIGHTS INDIGENOUS IDENTITY GAPS
Historic policies like enfranchisement still impact identity for many, census data suggests
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Did you know that 5.4% of Squamish’s population identifies as Indigenous?
That’s 1,285 people—mostly people from First Nations and Métis —who call this scenic town home.
The 2021 census paints a picture of how Indigenous identity is growing and evolving in Squamish, revealing trends that go beyond just numbers. Let’s dive in.
INDIGENOUS IDENTITY AND ANCESTRY - WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE?
The census data shows that while 1,285 residents in Squamish identify as Indigenous, 430 more report having Indigenous ancestry but don’t actively identify as such. What’s going on here? Simply put, it’s a matter of how people feel connected to their heritage. Some people know they have Indigenous roots
but may not engage in cultural practices or identify within the community’s legal or social frameworks.
This distinction isn’t unique to Squamish. The historical context plays a significant role. According to Indigenous Foundations at UBC, under earlier versions of the Indian Act, Indigenous women who married non-Indigenous men lost their legal Indian status, a process known as enfranchisement.
Their children were also denied status, severing ties to their Indigenous communities and cutting them off from cultural and legal recognition.
While Bill C-31, introduced in 1985, sought to correct these gender-based injustices by the reinstating status to some individuals, the effects of enfranchisement according to a report by Assembly of First Nations, continue to this day. Many descendants still face challenges reconnecting with their heritage and communities, especially if family ties were weakened over generations.
SCHOOL: Continued from 7 are moving up and so our middle school and our high schools are growing quite a bit. And then kindergarten registration for the last couple of years has kind of levelled off and even gone down a little bit. So, kindergarten is kind of slowing, but our overall numbers continue to grow,” he said.
FRENCH IMMERSION
French immersion has “levelled off and declined” over the last few years, a trend
Across Canada, people are now exploring and embracing Indigenous identity in new ways. As Statistics Canada states, “the reasons people are more likely to identify as Indigenous may be related to social factors and external factors, such as changes to legislation or court rulings.”
THE FAST-GROWING INDIGENOUS POPULATION
The Indigenous population in Canada is booming. Nationally, it grew by 9.4% between 2016 and 2021, much faster than the non-Indigenous population, which only grew by 5.3%.
Although the pace of growth has slowed.
In Squamish, this growth means the community is becoming more diverse—and that may create opportunities for deeper cultural connections.
As the Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) leads projects like the housing complex Esḵéḵ xwi7ch tl’a Sp’á ḵ w’us Place in Squamish, and Sen á ḵ w in Vancouver and strengthens its role, this growth shows
happening provincially.
“We did do a French immersion review last year, and one of the things that we learned is that more families are realizing or finding earlier on that perhaps French immersion may, for whatever reason, not be a good fit for the family, for the
how economic progress and Indigenous leadership are connected.
CHALLENGES STILL EXIST
Even with growing numbers, Indigenous communities in B.C. and across Canada face hurdles. Overall employment rates for Indigenous peoples remain lower than those of non-Indigenous populations, and many live in homes needing major repairs according to Statistics Canada.
But there’s good news too—Indigenous children are 60% more likely to live with their grandparents than non-Indigenous kids, reflecting a tradition of intergenerational care and knowledge-sharing.
“Grandparents play an important role in passing down values, traditions, and cultural knowledge,” says Statistics Canada.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
child, and so we have we have students leaving the program in Grade 1 [or] 2,” Lorette said.
“That didn’t happen as much in the past, so the conclusion that we’re coming to is families are more likely to leave the program if it isn’t working, rather than sticking with it for a longer time.”
Please Contact the SPCA for more details! Visit our website: spca.bc.ca
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EDITORIAL
DRUG DEATH FATIGUE
Compassion fatigue seems to have hit many of when it comes to toxic drug deaths.
With the ongoing tragedy of unrelated drug deaths being unrelenting for close to a decade, many of us seem to have reduced feelings of empathy and sensitivity when it comes to the opioid crisis.
The B.C. health officer declared the province’s first public health emergency on April 14, 2016, in “response to an alarming increase in drug-related emergencies and deaths in British Columbia.”
These days, the crisis is often not a hot casual or professional discussion and only makes headlines sometimes.
Like the lobster in a pot analogy, all of us have gotten used to the news of folks in our community dying from toxic drug deaths and overdoses.
This applies to journalists as much as it does to policymakers and residents.
There are only so many ways you can yell “fire!” in other words, before it fails to register as an emergency.
But the thing is, there is still a crisis, and we all need to snap back to attention.
Last week, the BC Coroners Service revealed that 1,749 people died due to drug toxicity in the first nine months of 2024.
While that is an 8% decrease from 2023, it is still an appalling number of human beings dying.
Many of us in Squamish know someone impacted.
A Sḵwx wú7mesh Úxwumixw council public release declaring a Health State of Emergency in March noted that “2023 was one of the most devastating years on record for toxic drug overdoses and overdose deaths” within the Nation.
“The toxic drug overdose crisis we are currently facing has far-reaching consequences, touching every one of us in the community,” the council said.
The Coroners Service doesn’t release data for Squamish specifically, only for the Howe Sound Region; it shows that 46 people died of toxic drug poisoning from 2016 through this August.
Nine of those deaths were last year.
Were people dying from anything other than unregulated drugs, it is hard to imagine the deaths would have been allowed to add up for so long.
This summer, we saw a massive recall of several plant-based drinks after people became ill from listeria; three people died.
The Public Health Agency of Canada investigated; all production at the facility where the toxins originated was stopped; the manufacturing lines were disassembled, and the facility was renovated.
Production at the facility could not restart until the necessary corrective measures were taken.
Of course, the solution to the toxic drug crisis is more complex, with more players. But it has also proved more deadly.
One of the cures for crisis fatigue is choosing your battles.
We commit to not looking away from this critical crisis and hope our leaders and readers don’t either.
HALLOWEEN COSTUMES, CANDY PROVE TO
BE DIVISIVE FOR CANADIANS
with the proposed change (45%) than residents of Ontario (41%), British Columbia (also 41%), Atlantic Canada (40%), Alberta (37%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (34%).
On Halloween, maybe you have things to do in the afternoon or night, meetings to attend (either virtually or in person) or matters to oversee. If you have young children, you may want to accompany them on their “Trick or Treat” run. The inevitable sugar rush that follows will make it very challenging to arrive at school on time on Friday.
Young adults also like to have fun on Halloween. There has not been a lot of research on productivity on “All Saints Day,” but hangovers and tired eyes and limbs are not unusual for those who show up at the office after partying on Oct. 31.
A few years ago, an internet petition in the United States called for moving Halloween to the last Saturday of October, thereby providing more time for kids and adults to recover. When we asked in 2019, just over two in five Canadians (41%) liked the idea. By 2022, support for a yearly Halloween on Saturday increased to 44%.
In 2024, we are back where we started from, with 41 % of Canadians (down three points) welcoming the idea of a set weekday for Halloween, and 44% (up five points) decrying it.
Canadians aged 18-34 are slightly more likely to endorse the notion of moving Halloween to the last Saturday of October (45%) than their counterparts aged 35-54 (39 %) and aged 55 and over (also 39%).
On a regional basis, Quebecers are more in tune
An issue that has become controversial in the past few years is related to costumes. This year, we see majorities of Canadians who think two types of costumes for children are inappropriate: those that represent an ethnic stereotype (58%, down two points) and those that change the colour of the child’s skin (53%, down four points).
Fewer Canadians find fault with costumes for children that incorporate toy or replica weapons (48%, down three points), refer to a culture that is not the child’s own (42%, down one point) or represent a social stereotype (such as a jailbird or vagabond) (41%, up one point).
There is agreement across the board on the inappropriateness of a child’s costume that evokes ethnic stereotypes, with majorities of Canadians whose origins are South Asian (54%), Indigenous (57%), East Asian (58%) and European (65%) taking the same view.
The numbers fluctuate slightly for adult garments. We continue to see majorities decrying adult costumes that represent an ethnic stereotype (60%, unchanged) or where the adult’s skin colour is altered (54%, down six points). At least two in five adults are also against adult costumes that feature toy or replica weapons (45%, down five points), refer to a culture that is not the adult’s own (46%, down four points) or represent a social stereotype (41%, unchanged).
While we continue to see larger proportions of Canadians saying that costumes that change skin
HALLOWEEN: Continued on 11
GUEST COLUMN MARIO CANSECO
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)
HALLOWEEN: Continued from 10
colours—for kids and adults—are inappropriate, animosity is lower than in 2022. Still, this is not the most contentious matter as Halloween approaches.
Our questions on food and drink reveal some clear winners. Seven in ten Canadians (70%, up four points) like pumpkin pie, and more than two-thirds (67%, up nine points) enjoy pumpkin spice-flavoured cakes. For the first time, a majority of Canadians (52%) like pumpkin spice-flavoured drinks, up eight
points since 2022.
Candy corn remains exceedingly divisive, liked by 47% of Canadians (up five points) and disliked by 45% (down three points). Canadians 18-34 (50%) and Ontarians (50%) are more fond of this confectionery, while Canadians aged 35-54 (47%) and Quebecers (49%) probably will not go near it. As we prepare to celebrate Halloween in 2024, two issues are evident. The notion of moving Halloween to the weekend every year has lost some steam. And candy corn is more contentious than
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE SMELL OF MONEY
Editor’s note: This was originally published in The Watershed, a Lions Bay community news blog.
After the provincial election with the two major parties committed to Woodfibre LNG, I thought this piece I recently wrote about living in Howe Sound for 52 years might be of interest.
“It’s the smell of money,” the skipper said as we tied three chip scows up to the buoys at Woodfibre 57 years ago. All around us were large yellow bubbles floating on the surface of the deep brown water. A noxious smell filled the air, which became familiar to me at the other pulp mills up and down the coast.
As we left with empty scows in tow, we could see the deep brown water coming into the Sound from the creek flowing out of Britannia Mine ( once the largest copper mine in the British empire).
In those days, Howe Sound was so polluted there was little marine life at the northern end. This was added to by the pulp mill at Port Mellon, and if you purchased one of the new townhouses at Furry Creek in 1993, you had a view of two pulp mills belching out their smoke into the air.
When we moved to Lions Bay in 1972, on a November evening with overcast skies and rain, the stench of the pulp mills filled the car as we came around the corner at Horseshoe Bay. As we rushed from the carport to the house, it smelt as though the pulp mill was in the village.
When Britannia Mine closed in 1974, the sound remained polluted for decades to
LETTERS POLICY
come until a massive cleanup of Britannia Creek finally achieved results. After the closure of Woodfibre in 2006, the sound slowly started to recover.
After 2010 protective cladding was installed on pilings around Squamish, and the herring population started to rebound. This resulted in the return of dolphins, porpoises, sea lions, humpback and killer whales after a nearly 100-year absence.
Whale-watching tours now operate from Sewell’s Marina in Horseshoe Bay, and it has become a common sight to see whales in the sound off Lions Bay.
The big question is, will the “smell of money” and the opening of an LNG facility at Woodfibre LNG result in the whales and other larger marine life abandoning the sound again?
It’s hard to believe that our two major political parties are in favour of an LNG facility in this incredible wilderness half an hour’s drive from Vancouver.
John Dudley Lions Bay
NOT A BIKE-FRIENDLY TOWN
Iam writing after reading the very well-written letter from Tom Brown in last week’s Letters to the Editor section: “Why cyclists are in the way.”
I ride an e-bike, I live downtown, and I follow the rules of the road and try to be responsible and aware of my surroundings. I can no longer ride on the “bike trails” due to the mixed-use of pedestrians, horseback riders, runners, walkers, bicycles, scooters, unicycles and, of course, e-bikes. Nobody is safe.
costumes that make light of social stereotypes.
Mario Canseco is the president of Research Co.
Results are based on an online survey conducted from Oct. 21-23, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
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There is no speed limit and no policing. Every single paved trail just ends.
There are lights, medians, narrow bridges, pedestrian bridges, underpasses, and major roads to try to safely cross to continue.
Take the dikes they said—.they go nowhere, either. You still end up on a major roadway to continue your ride.
So, because of the frustration of trying to be a responsible rider, I have decided to eliminate the trails to use for my destination choice and ride on the main roads.
I find the vehicle drivers, for the most part, courteous and easier to deal with than the aforementioned traffic on the bike trails.
I can go from point A to point B with few interruptions.
However, this marked bicycle shoulder ends as well at the Brackendale Art Gallery, so I’m back on the main road.
I won’t repeat everything already written in Tom’s letter, but he did mention the poor maintenance on the separate marked bike trails on most of the main roads.
I often ride to Brackendale, and at this time of the year, there are leaves, fruit and other detritus, including gravel, on the road, which forces me to ride on the road with the traffic for safety reasons. I see very few signs of shoulder sweeping this past year on any of the roads.
This should not be advertised as a bicycle-friendly town with lots of wonderful trails. Believe me, It’s not that friendly.
Pennie McNutt 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.
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Squamish letter: Why cyclists are in the way
TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK
This week,editor Jennifer Thuncher went to the District’s Repair Cafe at The 55. Check out this and many other videos @ squamishchief.
ORPHANED BEAR CUB’S JOURNEY: HOW RESIDENTS SAVED JURA
Locals rallied to rescue an injured bear cub recently spotted alone in their neighbourhood
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Human-bear conflict is an ongoing concern in Squamish and beyond, as people encroach on the bruins’ habitat, and the bears sometimes react defensively.
We have seen cases of black bears swatting at hikers in the estuary, for example.
However, humans can work together to help their black bear neighbours.
Case in point, in Squamish, recently, neighbours banded together to help a furry friend.
It all started when residents in the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood spotted a tiny bear cub out and about in their hood.
It had an injured leg and was on its own—no mother bear in sight—though it didn’t seem to be old enough to make it solo.
Over days, residents spotted it and posted their sightings to a Kintyre Drive Facebook page.
As the days went on, the photos grew along with the concern, says Emma Gray, one of the residents.
The bear was spotted on his own over about 10 days.
The Conservation Officer Service was called by many.
The Critter Care Wildlife Society’s Emma Robson came out and set up a trap for the bear with food.
It has been nicknamed Jura, for Jura Crescent, one of the streets where the bear was seen hanging out.
Gray saw him while out walking with her mom and her dog; she was shocked at the male cub’s size, guessing it was not much bigger than her 14-pound pooch.
“When you see the posts on Facebook, you can’t really tell the size until you actually see it in person. And it was the tiniest little bear cub. It was so cute. And I was like, ‘Oh, my God, this bear cannot be by himself’.”
Dark and early last Monday, a neighbour heard crying in her yard. The cub was finally in the trap and none too happy about it.
The young cub was transferred to the Critter Care centre in Langley.
Robson, the centre’s wildlife supervisor, who sees up all the bear care, told The Squamish Chief the male bear is about eight months old, likely having been born in February.
It is 12.7 kilograms or 28 pounds.
She said the gash on its leg was quite severe, but it has been cleaned, and the cub will be treated with antibiotics for about three weeks.
It will then be moved in with the other bears of a similar size.
According to Robson, it is likely that the bear was hit by a car, resulting in its injury, and that it had been orphaned since early to mid-summer, judging by its stunted growth.
“Our main concern right now is obviously the
leg injury and making sure that heals up nicely, but also making sure he gets enough nutrients so his body kickstarts back into growing, which doesn’t usually take too long, usually a couple of weeks,” she said.
The centre is currently caring for eight orphaned cubs.
Caring for bears is no easy or cheap task.
There are costs associated with their medical care, such as antibiotics and de-worming treatments.
And they eat a lot.
Robson said that the cubs are started on plain white rice and a meal replacement, like Ensure or Boost. (They like the berry flavour, not surprisingly, and aren’t given the chocolate flavour.)
They can consume six per day, which gets costly.
Once they are eating a more regular diet, for protein they are given fish.
For those who want to help, the centre has an Amazon wish list, or folks can donate directly to the centre.
UNITY FOR THE CUB
So many people came together for the bear, Gray said, which was heartening to see.
“It was really nice to see that everybody was really working together,” she said.
She gave credit to many neighbours, in particular a neighbour who hosted the trap and Martine Dubec, who acted like a director of operations during the whole situation, posting
updates and making calls.
She also lauded Candace Maines, who kept the cage in her backyard for two weeks.
Gray said the situation brought home how vital locals’ support is for the animals and those who care for them, such as the folks at Critter Care.
“I think the main thing is that there are so many bears, obviously, in Squamish, and it’s so important that these bears get the care that they need so that when they get let go into the wild, they’re supported.”
She was shocked to learn that caring for a single bear can cost the centre $85 per day and that the little animals need so much special attention.
She hopes sharing the story brings support for the centre, she said.
“I think this is a great lesson and reminder to be bear aware,” added Gray. “We are in their habitat, and we need to do better as a community in Squamish to pick our fruit, put away our bins and be vigilant while driving to ensure these bears are not getting into food they shouldn’t be or put in harm’s way.”
Robson echoed Gray’s statement and added that sometimes bear cubs aren’t orphaned, though seen alone. She stressed that folks who spot a bear on its own should never approach it but call Critter Care, where staff will work with conservation to investigate the situation.
She said more information on Jura will be released on the centre’s social media: critter_ care_wildlife on Instagram.
The Squamish Chief reached out to the
We are in their habitat, and we need to do better as a community in Squamish to pick our fruit, put away our bins and be vigilant while driving to ensure these bears are not getting into food they shouldn’t be or put in harm’s way.
EMMA GRAY
Conservation Officer Service for comment, but a spokesperson said a comment could not be provided as the election results are still pending.
“As we are still in the provincial election and interregnum period, the government is in a caretaker mode, and all Government of B.C. communications are limited to critical health and public safety information, as well as statutory requirements,” he said.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF EMMA GRAY
Residents spotted the injured bear several times before the male black bear was captured.
NEW PRIMARY CARE CLINIC WELCOMES SQUAMISH NATION FAMILIES
‘The need for primary care services inspired its creation,’ says spokesperson Wilson Williams
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Anew medical clinic has opened near Totem Hall to provide health care services to Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) members and their families.
The Kal’numet Primary Care Clinic, located at 1221 Chief Billy Drive, began operating at the end of September 2024, addressing the region’s primary care access gap.
“We are happy to announce the opening of our new medical clinic in the Squamish Valley,” reads a statement from the clinic’s team, which currently operates out of the Health Hub.
The facility aims to offer “culturally safe, family-centred, holistic care,” inspired by the success of its sister clinic in West Vancouver, which has been operating since 2015.
Sxwixwtn, Wilson Williams, spokesperson and council member for the Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw, said in an email to The Squamish Chief that the need for this clinic was clear.
“The need for primary care services for Squamish Nation people and their families inspired its creation. Currently, there is limited access to physicians and [Urgent and Primary Care Centres] UPCCs in the Squamish area.”
EARLY STAGES WITH PLANS TO EXPAND
The Kal’numet Clinic is starting small, with part-time family physicians Dr. Lee Glazier and Dr. Elizabeth (Liz) Willsey leading the delivery of care. Paige Coutlee provides additional support through nursing services.
“We are hopeful to be offering full-time services soon,” the clinic’s team said in a statement on a promotional poster.
“The team is slowly building up services and are hopeful to eventually offer primary care to all Squamish Nation people and their families living in and out of the community,” said Williams.
For those looking to join the patient list, the clinic encourages community members to reach out. “If you are a Squamish Nation person or family member in need of a family doctor, please call or email us to be added to the patient list,” the clinic urged in the poster.
MENTAL HEALTH AND TRADITIONAL HEALING INTEGRATED
The clinic’s services will go beyond physical health. Williams confirmed that mental health support and traditional healing practices are core components of the care provided.
“The clinic supports mental health services and traditional healing practices in partnership with the Community Health and Wellness division of Yuustway Health & Wellness,” he said.
While the clinic’s partnerships with other health care providers are still in the works,
Williams emphasized that building strong local relationships is a priority.
“Not yet, but we are looking to build strong relationships with local health partners in Squamish,” he said.
ONGOING HEALTHCARE CHALLENGES
Access to health care has been a challenge for the First Nations at large across British Columbia.
A report titled ‘First Nations Population Health and Wellness Agenda (PHWA): First Interim Update’ indicates that avoidable hospitalizations, life expectancy, and chronic conditions like diabetes remain significant issues for First Nations peoples in B.C.
The report also shows that mood and anxiety disorders are among the top reported health issues, further highlighting the need for mental health services alongside primary care.
For more information or to be added to the patient list, Nation members can call 604-898-6771 or email svclinic@squamish. net.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
INDIGENOUS-SCOTTISH MUSICIAN DON ROSS SET TO PERFORM
‘The guitar has kind of been like a boat that I’ve floated around the world on,’ says Ross
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
What do funk legends, Celtic melodies, and Mi’kmaw roots have in common?
For guitarist Don Ross, they all come together in a sound as unique as his life story—and Squamish audiences are about to have a chance to experience it firsthand.
Canadian guitarist Don Ross will perform two shows at the Brackendale Art Gallery on Nov. 5.
The day will begin with a 1 p.m. concert for students from Don Ross Middle School and Howe Sound Secondary, followed by a 7 p.m. performance for the community.
A BLEND OF MI’KMAW AND SCOTTISH HERITAGE
Raised in Montreal by a Mi’kmaw mother from Nova Scotia and a Scottish father, Ross notes that both heritage and environment have shaped his career.
“In the summers, we’d visit family on the reserve lands in Nova Scotia. As I got older and started touring, I’d also visit Scotland every once in a while,” he said.
“But even with those influences, my music has always reflected my urban roots. Every now and
then, there might be a Celtic flavour, and I’ve written a few songs about Indigenous issues, but most of what I do is shaped by growing up listening to James Brown and Stevie Wonder.”
(Bruce Cockburn and Joni Mitchell among others are also on the list.)
So, how did the 63-year-old musician’s journey begin? A guitar appeared in Ross’s home when he was just eight years old, and he’s never looked back.
“My brother picked up the electric bass, and I stuck with the acoustic guitar. I started with a flat pick like everyone else, but I loved the way you could play bass lines, melodies, and chords all at once with your fingers.”
A PARTNERSHIP BUILT THROUGH SOCIAL MEDIA
Ross will perform alongside German guitarist and singer-songwriter Jule Malischke, with whom he has collaborated over the past year and a half. Their shows blend solo performances with duets, providing a varied and engaging experience.
Malischke and Ross’s partnership began in the most modern of ways—through social media.
“One day, the Facebook algorithm played one of her videos, and I thought, ‘Wow, she’s amazing!’ We connected online, and that turned into us working together.”
Breaking News
Locals in Squamish will get to experience their chemistry firsthand now. “We split the show between solos and duets—it’s more fun that way,” Ross said. “You’ll hear everything from folk to jazz to a bit of Celtic flavour.”
WORLD TRAVELLER, CANADIAN AT HEART
Ross’s guitar took him to places such as —“Australia, India, Russia, China, South Korea, and a dozen European countries.”
However, travel has also deepened Ross’s appreciation for his home country.
“I think travel has made me appreciate, first of all, what a lovely country I get to live in. I mean, there are a lot of other places I love, but I realize that Canada is a very special place in the world.”
“When I was young, I always wanted to travel and see the world. And, you know, the guitar has kind of been like a boat that I’ve floated around the world on.”
He’s also learned to appreciate the charm of smaller community performances.
“Sometimes, when you play in big cities all the time, you get a little bit lost in the shuffle.
There’s too much going on, and sometimes it’s even hard to draw a crowd because there’s so much happening. But in a smaller community, it’s much more of an event when you come through,” he said.
And yes, Ross is just as amused as everyone
else about Squamish’s connection to the other Don Ross, the middle school and the man who inspired its moniker.
“It’s hilarious that there’s a school with my name!”
That other local Don Ross was the long-time secretary treasurer of the Howe Sound (now Sea to Sky) school district from some time in the late 1940s or early 50s into the 80s.
“Squamish’s Don Ross was a very active citizen, as well as a big supporter of kids’ sports, especially soccer,” said retired principal and former school board chairperson, Rick Price, in a press release.
This is the first school concert presented by the BAG Society.
“Part of the mandate of the BAG Society is to bring arts education experiences to Squamish youth,” said Catherine McInnes, artistic director of the Brackendale Art Gallery Society in the press release.
“They will experience it in an authentic space, on stage at an iconic heritage arts venue, just down the road from their school,” she said.
For those who’d be interested in buying tickets, visit eventbrite.ca and search for “Don Ross & Jule Malischke.”
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
Effective December 1, 2024, BC Transit will cease the sale of legac y fare products to offer more convenient options such as Umo Cash Balance, a digital DayPASS, or a 30-Day Pass Get ready for the benefits of travelling with Umo and download the Umo Mobility app or pick up a free reloadable Umo card at one of our vendor locations today.
Scan to learn about all available fare produc ts in the Squamish Transit System. Visit bc transit.com/umo for more information about Umo or call 877∙380∙8181 toll-free for support.
BAKER,BRANDON JOHN
December 8, 1981 -September 27, 2024
It is with heavy hearts that we sadly announce the passing of our beloved son, Brandon John Baker, who passed away on September 27, 2024, after acourageous battle with cancer.
Brandon’s zest for life was evident in hisadventurous spirit and love for the outdoors. An expertdownhillmountain biker and skier, he thrived on the thrill and challenge of the mountains. Beyond the mountains,Brandon also enjoyed golf, ocean kayaking and agreat game of chess.
Brandon will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family, friends, his dog and best friend Hobbes, and all of those who had the privilege of sharinghis many adventures.
Acelebration of Brandon will be held in the Spring of 2025 at his mountain bike trail (DieselWolf) in Pemberton, BC.
Rest in peace, our sweet boy. May your journey be smooth, your trails endless and your spirit forever free.
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
•Secured, Bright,Spacious
•Beautifully landscaped grounds
•CommonLaundry& Storage
•Near Bus, Shopping &Schools
•Proactive BuildingManager
•Pet FriendlyComplex
Previously Century21, ouroffice hasbeen providingexceptional real estate salesand rental accommodation
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:
Reportingtothe Ground Crew Supervisor andDirector of Tourism,thisposition will requireyou to:
• Support facility equipment repairs andupkeep;
• Groomand prepareaircraft;
• Pickup anddeliverparts,equipment andvehicles;
• Cleanand maintain hangar andhangarequipment;
• Re-fuel aircraft andmaintainfuelquality standards;
• Assistonremotejobswithpilot requests andlongline operations;
• Generalassistancewithwildfireoperations;
• Assistingwithpassengers andpassenger equipment or luggage;
• Tourismshuttledriving (Class 4driver ’s licensepreferred, or can be obtained upon hire)
• Andother duties as needed
It is worth noting 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 ability to work withinateamframework;
•Flexibility andadaptability;
•The ability to work withinahigh-pressureenvironment;
•A driver ’s license(ideallyclass 4);
• Good rapportwithcustomers andexcellent customer service skills,aswell as agood attitude andsuperior work ethic.
THEFINE PRINT
#1-1575 Pemberton Ave. Downtown Squamish High exposure to Highway99. Approximately 1300 sq ft. floor plus mezzanine/office -highceiling, epoxy floors, automaticbay door, comeswith1500 sq ft. parkingarea.
comeswith1500 sq ft. parkingarea.
Please contactus by Email:office@west-barr.com or by Phone: 604-892-9390 for moreinformation
Nov.1st
$1,800/mth.+ Hydro. Coin laundry Ph: 778-998-7265/1-604-324-5857 604-418-7258or email: takhar79@hotmail.com
Blackcomb Helicopters is an equal opportunity employerand to that end, we want all barriersremovedtoensureafair screeningprocess forall candidates. All resumes will 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
-Squamish BC -
WAREHOUSEMAN LIEN
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NO WH IRIN G Join ourteam!
HEAVYDUT YMECHANIC Permanent, Full-Time
Cardinal Concrete, ADivision of LafargeCanadaInc is the leadingsupplier of ready-mix concrete in the Sea to SkyCorridor. We arecurrently seeking acareer oriented individual to fill therole of Commercial Transpor t/Heavy Duty Mechanic at our Head Office Location in Squamish, BC. This is askilled position which primarilyinvolvespreventativemaintenance and repair of alarge fleet of commercialtranspor tvehicles includingconcrete mixer trucks, dump trucks,trailers,forkliftsand light-duty trucks.
MinimumQualifications:
•B.C.Cer tificateofQualification, and/or Interprovincial TicketasaCommercial Transpor tMechanic, and/or HeavyDuty Mechanic Ticket
•3-5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combinationofeducation andexperience
Compensation $45.57 to $49.07
To view afull copyofthis JobDescription visit: www.cardinalconcrete.ca/about/careers Apply to:info@cardinalconcrete.ca
Flat-topped formation
Pod inhabitant
Went like mad
October stone
Place for scientists
Imprison
of CD
36. Hankering 37. Verse poem 38. Impoverished 40 Statistics
42. Jazz instrument
43. Grand Coulee and Hoover
45. Bear’s extremity
47. Night fliers
51 Geologic periods
52. Less than three
53. Kite feature 54. Telegraph
55. Corn unit
56. Notion
57 Tibetan oxen 58. Stain 59. Coin DOWN
Vogue
Long narrative
3. Window frame
4. Recessed area of a room
5. Fabric fold 6. Grey tea
7. Side by side
8. Book type: hyph. 9. Eden
10 Self-images 11. Fender flaw
22. Broad neck-scarf 24. Dinner plates 25. Poison 26 Game cube
27 Historic structure
28. Hole in one 30 Blushing 31. Crucial 34. Modified
39. Strange
41. Beasts of burden
42. Cursed
43. Wet, as grass
44. Opera solo
46. On vacation
48. Walk in the surf
49 Debtor’s burden
50 Narrow board
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
HOROS COPE
ARIES March 21-April 19
Even if your choices seem clear-cut, take all the time you need to make a final decision. New information could come to light, clarifying the situation and making you see the bigger picture.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
Change your diet and find time to relax to avoid heartburn. Balance your lifestyle to maintain your physical and mental health
GEMINI May 21-June 20
Expect to receive special attention from a loved one You may feel anxious about a medical exam However, you must be patient The results will take a little longer than expected.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Your leadership skills will be in high demand this week You’ll fill in for your boss while they’re on vacation and replace a colleague who’s on medical leave. You’ll be the right person to take on these responsibilities
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
A family getaway is in the works. However, sorting out certain details will take longer than expected. You’ll be on the move a lot this week, which will make you appreciate the comforts of home
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Your networking prowess will be needed this week You’ll be asked to help plan an event that requires your communication, organization and negotiation skills
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
You’ll be working overtime this week! Fortunately, your hard work will be rewarded After adjusting your schedule, take the time to spoil yourself and enjoy the results of your efforts.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
After laying low for a while, you’ll finally be ready to act Family and friends will challenge you. You’ll have the money to tackle a special project or treat yourself to some welldeserved luxuries
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Although you may feel as if you’re treading water, everything will soon pick up speed Carefully look over your bills to avoid being dinged for a mistake.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You and your team will accomplish a remarkable feat. You’ll be awarded in front of a crowd. This experience will boost your self-esteem and self-confidence.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb 18
Your impressive roster of clients will bring in additional income this week Explore spiritual practices or adopt a lifestyle in line with your convictions.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
Keep an eye on your deadlines to complete your tasks on time You may spontaneously plan a trip, which will make you very happy. Remember the saying, “Slow and steady wins the race.”
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.
