VEHICLE RESIDENTS GIVEN NOTICE TO LEAVE DOWNTOWN LOT
Bylaw officers visited Districtowned lot on Dec. 5
ALYSSA NOEL
anoel@squamishchief.com
Bylaw officers were onsite at a small encampment of RVs and vehicles on District-owned land in downtown Squamish on Thursday, Dec. 5.
The District of Squamish issued notice to the vehicle owners adjacent to 1400 Vancouver Street with a letter on Nov. 25 informing them they were not permitted to park or store their vehicle on the property While it said they had until Dec. 5 to remove their vehicles and belongings, the vehicles were not towed that day.
“The District plans to remove any abandoned vehicles and remediate the site, while continuing to work with any remaining occupants toward voluntary compliance with the Traffic Bylaw,” said District spokesperson Rachel Boguski, in a statement.
“The District approaches encampments with dignity and compassion for those who may be living on the property Community Bylaw Services staff conduct routine patrols to notify encampment occupants of District bylaws and aim for voluntary compliance rather than enforcement. We recognize this is a complex issue, and staff works with key organizations to engage and support unhoused individuals to access available services.”
PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS
WHAT IS UP WITH CELLPHONE CALL RECEPTION IN SQUAMISH?
Locals share struggles, while Rogers says two new cellular sites are expected to be completed by the end of the year
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Over the last couple of years, multiple Squamish Chief readers have noted that cell service in the Sea to Sky Corridor seems spotty.
Locals have said that it seems to have gotten worse over the last 18 months to two years.
One such resident is John Redpath, who lives around Tantalus Road
“When I get a business call on my phone, I either switch to FaceTime, or I have to call them back on my landline. If I stay on my iPhone, I
DISTRICT: Continued from 1
Thomasina Pidgeon, who is part of the Vehicle Residents of Squamish advocacy group—which shared the original notice to its Instagram page—said the term voluntary compliance is misleading.
“They do not want to leave, so it’s not voluntary,” she said. “They need somewhere to park their vehicles They’re calling them unhoused. They aren’t unhoused Their vehicles are their houses Their vehicles provide them with the privacy and dignity they do not get at the shelter. People need to understand vehicles are a form of housing.”
The residents had been parked in the area all summer, she added. It provided an ideal spot: an empty lot close to downtown resources
Two or three of the vehicles had started to accumulate piles of belongings outside of them, she added. While many vehicle residents follow the rules of continuously moving and not leaving anything behind, it’s important to remember the community is diverse, Pidgeon said.
“Some of the folks there have belongings that
am always told I’m dropping out. It drops out every time,” he said He noticed the problem started about two years ago.
“I’ve been a customer in Squamish for at least 10 years, and there was no problem anywhere trails and all neighbourhoods.”
Squamish’s Jason Ross has had several issues with his cell service in Squamish.
“The service is not great in areas inside townhouses and apartment buildings all over town,” he said “The neighbourhoods with the worst service are in Valleycliffe and in the Pia Road area in the Garibaldi Highlands,” he added.
The reception doesn’t seem to be much better, whether it is Rogers or Telus, two of the big players in the region.
One reason for the reception issues could possibly be the increase in development, says David Michaelson, University of British Columbia, professor of electrical and computer engineering.
“Maybe things are blocking those sites that weren’t blocking them before. That can certainly sometimes cause problems,” he said “So, if there’s been a lot of construction, maybe blocking some of the lines of sight that could be changing things,” he said
(See map of local cellphone tower locations.)
Routine testing by providers is usually done by drive testing, he said, so driving down the road to see how the cell service is, which doesn’t take into account what reception is like in all buildings.
NOT THE MOVE TO 5G?
The fifth generation of mobile networks (5G) uses higher radio frequencies that are less cluttered, which allows it to carry more information at a much faster rate
CELLPHONE: Continued on 5
don’t fit in their vehicles,” she added. “Their belongings are not garbage to them Sometimes it’s necessary to meet people where they’re at.”
Furthermore, she said, if vehicles won’t start, owners are left with little choice when asked to move them.
“The District needs to recognize people have found a creative housing solution. If the problem is garbage, put a garbage can there and a toilet,” she said. “There needs to be supportive and inclusive policy, rather than a tow truck.”
Only one vehicle resident was onsite when The Squamish Chief went to the lot on Friday They declined to comment, but watched as several bylaw officers knocked on RV doors.
Pidgeon said the written notice included a brochure on designated camping spots in Squamish, but almost all of those sites are out-of-reach for many—with high prices or closures for the winter
“The QR code [on the letter] didn’t work and it’s misleading,” she said. “Vehicle living isn’t camping. It’s another form of living. This needs to be recognized by all levels of government.”
GOT NEWS?
Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com iLemayConway@squamishchief.com bchatterjee@squamishchief.com anoel@squamishchief.com
DISTRICT LOOKS TO SELL OR LEASE 17 ACRES IN THE BUSINESS PARK
Why does the muni want to use the land for an innovation hub?
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The District of Squamish is considering the creation of an Innovation Area within the Squamish Business Park, aiming to stimulate economic development and generate funding for community projects
In a press release on Monday, Nov. 25, the District announced it is seeking expressions of interest from developers and organizations interested in purchasing or leasing up to 17 acres of municipally owned land
The site is being marketed for various uses, including commercial, industrial, and mixed-use developments, to maximize its potential for employment and collaboration opportunities.
“Squamish has an enviable lifestyle and a supportive entrepreneurial culture, and an innovation hub could provide ways to create solutions to some of today’s most pressing issues, while also increasing opportunities for people to work locally,” said Mayor Armand Hurford in the release.
WHAT IS AN INNOVATION AREA?
An Innovation Area is a special kind of space designed to bring people, businesses, and organizations together to work on new ideas, solve problems, and grow the local economy.
Think of it as a hub where creativity and technology meet These areas often include offices, labs, factories, and educational spaces, all located close to each other to make collaboration easier.
The goal is to create a place where businesses can share resources, exchange ideas, and work with schools or research groups to develop new products or services.
Squamish has an enviable lifestyle and a supportive entrepreneurial culture, and an innovation hub could provide ways to create solutions to some of today’s most pressing issues, while also increasing opportunities for people to work locally.
MAYOR ARMAND HURFORD
According to the release, this can lead to more jobs, stronger partnerships, and an overall boost to the economy
For the District, the Squamish Business Park, spanning over 215 acres, is considered an ideal location for such a hub. Already home to light industrial, recreational technology, and warehousing enterprises, it offers proximity to Highway 99 and is a 40-minute drive from Vancouver and Whistler
WHY SELL OR LEASE MUNICIPAL LAND?
The District of Squamish is using a strategy called the Real Estate and Facilities Strategy (REFS) to fund upgrades to important public facilities, reads the release.
Some municipal properties, like the 17-acre parcel in the Squamish Business Park (known as Lots 38 and 39), have been identified as surplus. This means they’re not needed for District operations in the next 25 years, so they can be sold or leased to generate money for projects like:
The Brennan Park Master Plan – Upgrades to Squamish’s main recreation centre
The Civic Block or Municipal Hall – A plan to improve essential public buildings.
BACKGROUND ON THE PROJECT
In 2023, the District amended its financial plan to include a project to explore how District-owned lands could be better used. This led to studies on the feasibility of creating an
Innovation Area on the Lots 38 and 39 site. Following this research, in July 2024, council approved moving forward with a “Request for Expressions of Interest” (EOI).
This process invites developers, businesses, or academic institutions to propose their ideas for buying or leasing the land Proposals will be evaluated to determine which option brings the most benefits—such as jobs, partnerships, and economic growth—to the community.
These 17 acres are the largest remaining development-ready land in the Squamish Business Park.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
PHOTO BY AUNI DAYTON/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF These 17 acres are the largest remaining development-ready land in the Squamish Business Park
Graham Laschuk
NEWS BRIEFS
POLAR BEAR SWIM RETURNS
It is back!
After a few years of being held at Porteau Cove, the 14th annual 2025 New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim returns to the oceanfront
“After what seems like ages, we are back at the Squamish Oceanfront for our annual New Year’s Day,” say organizers Mike Wight and Katie Coombs on the Facebook event page
The event, set for the beach at Sp’akw’us Feather Park, will see swimmers head into Howe Sound at 12 p.m., sharp “rain or shine, snow or arctic outflow.”
Everyone is welcome, swimmers and spectators alike, organizers say.
Even on the years the event has been held in Porteau Cove, it has drawn about 75 people.
In addition to a towel, water shoes are recommended.
“Don’t be late See you there,” say organizers
On Wednesday, Jan. 1, low tide is at 1:11 p.m (3.56 metres).
In January, the average temperature of the water in Howe Sound is 6.5 C, the minimum temperature is 5.1 C and the maximum temperature in the first month of the year is 7.8 C, according to seatemperature.info.
Tips from the Canadian Red Cross
While Polar Bear swims are a blast, they aren’t without some risk
The Canadian Red Cross provides the following advice.
°Before jumping in the water, stand on a blanket or towel and only remove your clothes right before you enter the water.
°Wear socks, aqua boots, neoprene surf boots or running shoes to stop your feet from sticking to the snowy or icy shore and prevent cuts and scrapes from the frozen ground
°If you wear glasses, secure them with a strap or bathing cap.
°Once it’s time to jump in, ensure you have a spotter on the shore keeping an eye on you at all times.
°It’s especially important that you do not stay in the water longer than two minutes.
“One of the most common causes of hypothermia is cold-water immersion, particularly in water below 10 C. Cold water draws heat away from the body approximately 20 times faster than air of equal temperature. Young children, the elderly and those with smaller body types, lower body weight and lower body-fat content are at an even higher risk for hypothermia. Get in, and get out,” reads the blog post.
°As you get out of the water, you should have someone ready and waiting for you with a dry towel or blanket, dry clothes, socks, and shoes. Immediately use the dry towel/ blanket to warm your feet and head, and, if possible, find shelter to warm up and change into your dry clothing
Follow the Squamish polar bear swim details on Facebook at 2025 New Year’s Day Polar Bear Swim
HOUSE FIRE ON SATURDAY
A house fire in Valleycliffe sent one person to hospital and caused significant damage to the home
At approximately 6 a.m. Saturday morning, Squamish Fire Rescue members were on the scene of the house fire on Myrtlewood Crescent.
“The home sustained significant damage and one person was taken to Squamish General Hospital for assessment,” a spokesperson for the District said in an email to The Squamish Chief.
The cause of the fire is unknown at this time and is under investigation.
THANKYOU
Thankyoutoall thecommunity memberswho presented theircareersand career pathstoour students.
We hadoverfifty presenters from avariety of professions whovolunteered theirtimeand expertise
KristenTrotter SquamishCounsellingClinic
Ian Mackay Registered Nurse
Dr.James Cranston SquamishGeneral Hospital
MaggieScarlett-Phillips SeatoSky Sports Physio
Marc Wilkinson HydraMarineServicesInc
JaneAbbott SquamishBarbell
IanHarland IanHarland Photography
ScottBorkowski Grateful TattooSquamish
KirbyBrown SeatoSky Gondola
Martha McLellan Realtor
DarcyWittenberg Anthill films
Seth Tidsbury SquamishFireRescue
Kyle Derksen SquamishFireRescue
James Akey SquamishFireRescue
JonathanHarper SquamishFireRescue
Kirsten Lee DFO
Jeremy Ritchie Caylent
KatrinaDoherty School District48
RuairidhMackenzie EagleviewVeterinaryHospital
KaelaLaktin EagleviewVeterinaryHospital
Jordan Elenko Race &Company LLP
Tara-Leigh Cain Play in Motion
Bill Caswell AirCanada
Candace Rose-Taylor Cascade Environmental
BenjaminKineshanko DistrictofSquamish
BrentMcMurtry DistrictofSquamish
Paul McBride STARKArchitectureLtd
Josianne Berube STARKArchitectureLtd
Sean Kolton Piranha Game
Larina Bouwman SunLife Financial
Matt Lafreniere EA Sports
ChristyAllan SeatoSky Gondola
Katti McLaren NewEra Plumbing
TylerLangstaff NewEra Plumbing
ZacVerloop NewEra Plumbing
ChuckBolger NewEra Plumbing
JamesWalt AraxiRestaurant
Cam Rattray Renegade DieselService
RobAskew CorporateElectric
Dave Gaudin CorporateElectric
CharleneWilliams SquamishNation
Cheryl Simpson SeatoSky Community Services
Julie Black Capilano University
BJChute BC EmergencyServices
Leanne Sommers BC EmergencyServices
Bianca Adolf BC EmergencyServices
Matthew Gillespie BC EmergencyServices
Sabrina Poulin BC EmergencyServices
Gerry Wolfe ChartwellResource Group Ltd.
Rachel Amundsen ChartwellResource Group Ltd.
Nicholas Loubser Multivista
Isabel de Gainza Vancouver Film School
Julie Waterhouse-Morris Hershel
Cst. Virginia Bessette RCMP
Cst.Kelly Dean RCMP
Cst.Kelly Wu RCMP
Cst.Fraser Young RCMP
JenniferThuncher SquamishChief
BhagyashreeChatterjee SquamishChief
IndigoLemay SquamishChief
DarrenMcPeake MountainFM
MelanieDarcy AirCanada Flight Attendant
Randall Lewis SquamishNation
Kate Hullah Carbon Removaland Sequestration
PHOTO ANASTASIA KOGAN
TOASTY SANTA: Santa and Mrs. Claus warm up at Squamish at Dusk
Some locals have pondered if the move to that technology, which started rolling out in the Lower Mainland in about 2020 for Rogers and Telus, is to blame.
Michaelson says nope
“The move to 5G would not really be the answer because 5G has been installed on top of the existing 4G networks, and for the most part, 5G doesn’t offer voice. It’s mostly just data They still use the same 4G infrastructure for voice. So, if it’s a case of dropped voice calls, it would not be reasonable to assume, at first glance, that any 5G capability was going to impact any of the voice infrastructure.”
Michaelson said providers can’t realistically check inside every building or even buildings in neighbourhoods, so they need to be told if the coverage isn’t up to snuff.
MOUNTAINS AN ISSUE?
Does our mountainous terrain play into the problem?
It definitely doesn’t help, said Michaelson
“You increase the probability you’re going to get areas where the signal drops out, for sure,”
Michaelson said
“It’s certainly worse when you have that terrain, when you have lots of tall trees, or you have lots of tall buildings, and it’s certainly much better in places like the Southern U.S., say Houston or Dallas or in Arizona; those are good places [for coverage], because it’s flat and not a lot of foliage, and it’s almost ideal,” he added.
“It is no accident that in the United States, the very first cellphone tests were done in Chicago because Chicago was literally flat as a pancake.”
IMPROVEMENTS COMING
“Geography and building structures can impact the strength of cell signals. In this case, there are many new residential buildings that have been developed in recent years,” a spokesperson for Rogers said.
“We’re committed to delivering a reliable, consistent wireless experience for our customers and are enhancing our network in Squamish to strengthen connectivity for residents and businesses in the area Two new cellular sites are expected to be completed by end of year, with services turned on soon after.”
The new cellular sites that are expected to be completed are in the Garibaldi Highlands and downtown, with additional sites being considered for the area, according to the spokesperson.
The spokesperson noted that when reports are received on cell coverage issues, Rogers’ operations team will review and conduct tests as needed, including drive and spot tests.
A Telus spokesperson told The Squamish Chief that the company regularly evaluates its networks “to deploy more efficient and advanced technologies that provide our customers with the best experience possible.”
The spokesperson noted that factors that can impact wireless connectivity include distance to the tower and other buildings or construction materials that could obstruct signals.
“In response to increased demands for
wireless bandwidth in Squamish, Telus completed a series of network upgrades in November to significantly increase capacity,” the spokesperson said
“Additionally, we will begin another network upgrade in Squamish early next year to further improve voice and data services for customers on our network by spring.”
INDEPENDENT CONSUMER HELP
Michaelson said that cell service providers don’t want service to be poor; it doesn’t serve them, he said, so reaching out to them is the first step for unhappy consumers.
If that doesn’t work there is a free and independent option.
The Commission for Complaints for Telecom-television Services (CCTS) is an independent organization whose mandate is to help resolve customer complaints about Canadian telecommunications and television service providers.
“We are the ombuds service for the telecommunications industry What that means is that consumers can come to us and file complaints about their service providers. Our services are free for customers, and we offer services in both English and French. We are an independent agency that helps customers resolve problems that they haven’t been able to fix directly with their service providers,” said Janet Lo, assistant commissioner of the CCTS. The organization has 400 service providers that they can help customers with, and over the past 15 years, they have helped to resolve over 190,000 complaints, ranging from those about reception discussed here, and also complaints about landline service, internet and subscription television services
According to Lo, nine out of 10 complaints
The only caveat is that before complaining to the organization, the consumer must have first tried to resolve the complaint with the provider. “Bring the issues to their attention, give them a chance to address it or resolve it Make clear what it is that they want, and if they’re not getting a resolution there that’s satisfactory, then they can come to CCTS to file a complaint,” Lo said
In terms of broader issues that impact many customers, such as in Squamish with reception, the CCTS can also play a role
“We track every complaint that comes to CCTS, and we report to the [Canadian Radiotelevision and Telecommunications Commission]. And the CRTC expects us to report on all of the complaints regularly to the industry,” Lo said.
“Our annual and mid-year reports … all of that data is not only published publicly for the regulator and government to see, but [it] is also shared directly with service providers, and we present it to make sure that the landscape understands the trends of what’s happening for consumer experiences, and they have an opportunity to consider where improvements might need to be made to better serve consumers.”
According to CCTS data from Aug. 1, 2023, to Jan. 31, 2024, quality of service was the fourth raised issue for consumers.
There were 1,756 issues about quality of service; 761 of those were wireless-related.
that CCTS accept are resolved within 20 days, to the satisfaction of both the customer and the service provider
“So we do see wireless quality of service issues. It is one of the top issues we see,” Lo said.
Business Bulletin
PHOTO BY ASCENTXMEDIA/E+/GETTY IMAGES
Both Telus and Rogers say improvements are coming that should improve local service.
Holiday Hours
Please notethe following exceptions to regular hours of operation during the
Curbside Collection
Afterhours or on holidays call Squamish
HALL (Hours open to the public) (Online Services available 24/7)
Transit HolidayService
Nevermiss a collectionday! Visit our websiteto get afreereminder email,app notification, or phone call.Just enteryouraddress or download the free app
SALMON VS. CLIMATE CHANGE: HOW SALMON ARE SURVIVING CLIMATE SHIFTS
Tenderfoot Creek Hatchery adapts to protect salmon against a changing climate
(gravel moving events) and drought that would impact the Pink salmon in their natural spawning habitats
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
What happens when a creek runs dry, and the fish that call it home can no longer make their way upstream?
For the team at Tenderfoot Creek Hatchery in Squamish, it’s a challenge they’re tackling head-on as the impacts of climate change ripple through the watershed.
While many hatcheries focus on large-scale harvests, Tenderfoot Creek is all about conservation.
“We focus on conservation and rebuilding stocks, which is pretty unique,” said Jordan Uittenbogaard, the hatchery watershed enhancement manager. “Our goal is to boost survival rates and ensure more salmon return to spawn.”
It’s a straightforward process on paper—collect salmon returning to spawn in low-population areas, fertilize their eggs, and rear them until they’re ready to be released back into the wild
But with unpredictable rainfall patterns, rising temperatures, and flooding in the Sea to Sky, the seven-person team at Tenderfoot Creek has had to adapt in big ways
FIGHTING DROUGHT
“One of our biggest challenges in recent years has been drought,” Uittenbogaard said. “It’s a significant issue—not just for Tenderfoot
Hatchery but also for others
“We rely on two water sources: a shallow infiltration gallery pump and a deeper well The gallery pump is more cost-efficient, and we prefer using it as costs are rising.”
However, due to hot, dry summers, the groundwater table has been dropping year after year.
“This means the water level is now below the pump line, so we can’t use that equipment anymore,” said Uittenbogaard.
Over the last 100 years, average temperatures in British Columbia have gone up by about 1.4°C, according to the British Columbia Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy.
This has changed how and when it rains or snows, and it has also led to less snow building up in the mountains.
When asked how long the groundwater had been above the pump line, Uittenbogaard explained, “It was usually always above the pump line It’s only in the past 10 years or so that we’ve seen the groundwater table drop so drastically that we can’t use the pump anymore.”
Why is this such a challenge? Uittenbogaard broke it down
“In a hatchery, having redundancy in pumps is crucial. If one pump fails, salmon need water immediately—especially at critical life stages.”
“If there’s no water for even 20 minutes, you
SchoolRegistrationfor the2025/2026 School Year
Opens January 21st-24th, 2025
Kindergarten, French ImmersionPrograms, and AllNew Studentstothe District
SchoolDistrictNo.48 (SD48) is welcomingregistrations forthe upcoming 2025-2026 school year startingJanuary 21st, 2025, at 8:00 am andending January24th, 2025, at 4:00 pm.
There will be twokey steps:
Step One: Parentsand Guardians will be askedtofill outanonline webformthrough theschool district website. This includes basiccontact information such as name,email address,physicaladdressand student name andgrade. Parentswill register as anew student to thedistrictor acurrent studentregistering forFrenchImmersion.
Step Two: Make an appointment to complete your registrationatyour English catchment school by booking online through thedistrict website or by contacting theschool directly.
Note -French Immersionregistrations mustbecompleted throughyour English catchment school,not theFrenchcatchment school.For Cultural Journeys andLearningExpeditions,completeyourregistrationdirectly at St'a7mes School.
Pleasenotethe followingimportant information:
Alottery system will be used to determinepriority placementorder forall pre-registrations on thewebform.Thiswill provide amore equitableprocess wherespace maybelimited.
Parentsand guardians will have 10 days to complete theregistration processattheir catchment school. After10days, thepriority placementorder obtainedfrom thelottery will be forfeited
Parentsand guardians whomissthe availability of thewebform can register by contacting theirEnglish catchment schooltobookan appointment.Inthiscase, atimeand date stamponthe registration formwill determine priority placement order.
Formoredetailed informationvisit: www.sd48seatosky.org or contact your English catchmentschoolprincipal.Weencourage parentsand guardians to register as soonaspossible to help schools plan for September 2025.
PHOTO COURTESY OF JORDAN UITTENBOGAARD
Pink eggs in Incubation The program provides a safe haven for the eggs at the hatchery to mitigate against floods
Landfill Construction Delays
ImpactNotice: Construction at the landfilltransfer stationbegan on December 9, and we anticipatemajor delays for1-2 weeks.
Impacts include:
•Limited access: Only one car will be allowedat the transfer station at atime,with limited access to bins
• Special items not accepted:
•Tires (accepted forfreeatOKTireand KalTire)
•Large appliances (accepted at ASMSquamish)
•Small electronics andappliances (accepted at GFL depot on Queensway).
•InvasiveSpecies Disposal: Thedisposal of invasive species willnot be accepted during this period
Normal operating hours willremainineffect,but we kindly ask the public to limit wastedrop-offsduring this time. Thank youfor your patienceand understanding
WHAT’SHAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE
HolidayCamps
Nowavailable forregistration!
Various daysand camps to choose from.
Ugly Sweater Skate
Saturday, December 21 12-2:15 pm
Come and meet up with friends and socializewhile skating in thisfun environment. Wear your best ugly sweatertoget in the holidayspirit!
Youth Stick &Puck 13-18y
Various datesand timesduring school holidaybreak.Check the online schedule fordetails!
Youth arewelcome to practice their stick-handling and skating skills in asupervisedenvironment. Helmet,gloves, andstick required No goalies or scrimmages. Parental consent form must be filledout prior to attendance. Registration opens 72 hours beforethe startof the program.
Know beforeyou go! squamish.ca/pool
Bald Eagle Presentation
December 14, The55ActivityCentre
Interested in learning moreabout Bald Eaglesand their habitat in Squamish?
Join us on Saturday, December 14, at The55ActivityCentre from 12 to 3:30 PM foranengaging session in partnership with the SeatoSky Eagle Awareness Program.
Dr. Judith Knapp and Wolfgang Pauli sharefascinatingfacts about the bald eagles thatwinterinSquamish. Spaceislimit,soregister nowat squamish.ca/rec
SHAPETHE FUTURE OF DOWNTOWN ANDTOURISMBASEDPARKING
TheDistrictisdeveloping aplan forDowntownand tourism-based parking management. We are seeking insights from the public to help shapeour plan to ensureitwill meet the needs of our community.
Your input will influencethe District’sdraft Parking ManagementPlan.
We inviteyou to shareyour lived experiences through our communitysurveytohelp us understand the various parking needs and challenges
Thesurveyincludes questions specificto:
•Downtownresidents
•Downtownbusiness owners
•Employees of Downtown businesses
•Residents of SeaANDSky
•The broader communityand neighbouring areas
LetsTalkSquamish.ca/parking-management. Find the survey, parking data and background information at
Winter Parking Restrictions
Parking on selectstreets in Squamish is restrictedto one sideonly until March1,2025.
This ensures snowplows and emergencyvehicles can safely navigate during winter conditions.
Foralist of affectedstreets and moredetails,visit squamish.ca/winter-parking
could lose all of the salmon.”
“Additionally, relying on deep wells is significantly more expensive to operate, which is a concern in today’s economy.”
To mitigate this issue, the hatchery received significant investment to upgrade its infrastructure
“Specifically, we twinned the lines leading to the aeration tower. It’s a bit technical, but essentially, we had two deep wells connected to a single line, which limited our capacity.”
Upgrades completed in late 2023 involved adding a separate line for each well, allowing the hatchery to run both wells simultaneously
“Now, during drought conditions when we can’t use the infiltration gallery pumps, we can rely entirely on the deep wells to run the hatchery. This was a major project that took about four to five months to complete,” Uittenbogaard said.
FLOODING: A DUAL THREAT TO SALMON
Flooding hasn’t been a major issue for the hatchery itself because of its location.
“We’re a bit removed from the river’s edge, situated on Tenderfoot Creek, and the facility was built up to protect it from flooding,” Uittenbogaard said
That said, it does have a large storage area near the groundwater table that can flood during heavy rain events
“For example, during the atmospheric river in 2021, that storage area did flood, but we keep all
sensitive equipment in elevated areas, so the impact was minimal,” said Uittenbogaard.
While the hatchery may be safe, flooding significantly impacts wild salmon populations.
“Big floods move gravel dramatically, which can kill eggs and alevins in the gravel These events harm salmon populations,” Uittenbogaard said
To counter this, the hatchery has a program specifically for pink salmon
“Floods tend to affect pink salmon the most because they are shallow spawners,” he
explained.
“Our pink salmon program involves collecting over a million pink salmon eggs each cycle to use as a backup in case of severe flooding. This ensures that we can support the salmon population through these challenging events.”
PREPARING FOR FIRES
In 2023, all salmon enhancement programs, including hatcheries and spawning channels, underwent a fire audit by a third party.
According to Uittenbogaard, Tenderfoot Creek Hatchery performed well in the audit, but some upgrades were still required to reduce wildfire risks.
“We added fire suppression equipment, cleared the perimeter of the site, and removed wooden structures, like a deck, to reduce fire risk,” Uittenbogaard said
These measures were funded through the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative (PSSI), a program providing resources to address environmental impacts from floods, fires, and droughts.
The hatchery’s success is thanks in part to its partnership with the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Uittenbogaard said.
Together, they’ve worked on projects like turning an old lawn into a pond that provides a safe space for young coho salmon during droughts
“That pond used to be a lawn where staff had to cut grass. During droughts, the natural lake would dry up, leading to the loss of thousands of coho fry rearing there.
“We collaborated with the Sḵwxwú7mesh
Nation to secure funding and redesign the area.”
“Together, we dug a deeper pond—about 10 feet or two metres deeper than the original lake—and added vegetation to naturalize it. This pond now acts as a refuge for fry during droughts, helping us save thousands of fish.”
The hatchery also works closely with the Nation’s Natural Resources fisheries department.
Despite all the challenges, Uittenbogaard is constantly inspired by the salmon themselves
“You’d think these big environmental changes would wipe out salmon populations,” he said
“But they keep coming back It’s amazing to see how resilient they are.”
Uittenbogaard hopes more locals will get involved in helping salmon
He pointed to groups like the Squamish River Watershed Society and Squamish Streamkeepers, which do habitat restoration and education work
“Volunteering with these organizations is a great way to make a difference,” he said.
He also invites the community to visit the hatchery to learn more about salmon.
“When people learn about salmon and their importance, it usually leads to respect and a better understanding of why we need to protect them,” he said.
“We’re doing everything we can to protect these fish,” Uittenbogaard said “It’s all about giving them a fighting chance for the future.”
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative
PHOTO BY BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The hatchery partners with Squamish Nation for the health of the fish stock.
SALMON: Continued from 7
PHOTO BY TONY JOVANOVIC
NoticeofBylawReadings
DistrictofSquamish Zoning Bylaw No. 2200, 2011, AmendmentBylaw (RM DensityBonus) No.3107, 2024
AFFECTED LANDS
Properties Currently Zoned RM-2, RM-3 andUH-1
PROPOSED BYLAWAMENDMENT
Thepurpose of the proposed Bylawis to addnew densitybonus options in theRM-2 andRM-3 zones thataim to incentivize thedevelopmentofprivately held affordable rental housingor affordable rental housingthatissold to anon-profit housing provider at 20% belowmarket rate.Theamendments to the UH-1 zone intendtoallowstudentand facultyhousing in all areas of theUH-1zone.
BYLAWREADINGS
Consideration of first, secondand thirdreadings of the proposed Bylaws will be at theRegularMeeting of Council on December 17, 2024 at 6 PM in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955SecondAvenue, Squamish BC. No public hearingwill be held forthis application.
NO PUBLIC HEARING
In accordancewith Provincial legislation, Section 464(2) of the Local GovernmentAct,local governments areprohibited from holding public hearings relatedtorezoning applications that are consistentwith the local government’s Official CommunityPlan (OCP)
THE PROPOSED BYLAW
Acopyofthe proposed bylawand related information thathas been or maybeconsidered by Council,can be inspectedonline or at Municipal Hall:
•Online at: squamish.ca
•Municipal Hall at 37955 SecondAvenue, Squamish, British Columbia,from December 3to17, 2024 between 8:30 AM. and 4:30 PM,Mondaythrough Friday. Enquiries regarding theproposed amendment bylawmay be made to thePlanning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca
This is the second of twonotices,dated this 12thday of December,2024 at Squamish, British Columbia.
NoticeofCouncil ProcedureBylawupdate
PursuanttoSection 124(3) of the CommunityCharter, noticeisherebygiven thatDistrictof Squamish Council will be consideringadoption of District of Squamish ProcedureBylaw 3032, 2024 at the December 17, 2024 Regular Business Meeting at 6PM. If adopted,this bylaw willrepeal DistrictofSquamish ProcedureBylaw 2099, 2009.
Thepurpose of aCouncil ProcedureBylaw is to establish expectationsinrelation to process,procedure andconductatCounciland Advisory Body meetings
Key proposed changes include,but arenot limitedto, the following:
•Simplified and modernizedlanguage
•Alignmentoflanguage with the Community Charterand Local GovernmentAct
•Expanded definitions.
•New section for“NoticeofMotion”
•Re-sequencing of Regular Business Meeting agenda items
•Updatedprocess forElectronic Participation and Electronic Council Meetings
•Include new contenttoprovide clarity regarding conductatmeetings
•Updatedprocesses for“Public Comment Opportunities”including requests:
•Tospeak under “Unscheduled Public Attendance”
•Toappear as adelegation.
•Tospeak under “Open Question Period”.
Theproposed bylawand accompanying staff report areavailable on the Districtwebsite: squamish.
ca.Copiesof the proposed bylaw areavailable at Municipal Hall during regular business hours (Monday thru Friday, 8:30 AM -4:30 PM).
Thepublic is invited to submit written comments:
•ByEmail:corporateofficer@squamish.ca
•ByMail:Attention CorporateOfficer,POBox 310, Squamish, B.C. V8B 0A3
•In- Person: 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, BC
Written comments received beforeDecember 17, 2024 at 3PM. will be forwardedtoCouncil fortheir consideration in advanceofthe meeting.
Formoreinformation,pleasecontactMelissa von Bloedau,CorporateOfficer:
By email: Corporateofficer@squamish.ca or by phone: 604.815.5023
This is the second of twonotices datedthis 12th dayof December,2024 at Squamish, British Columbia.
2025 Field Allocation
Season 1:
March1,2025 to August 31, 2025
Please apply nowfor Field User Allocation consideration. Deadline forall submissions is December 20, 2024 forany field (Centennial Fields Fields 5&6,Hendrickson Fields,and Howe Sound SecondaryCommunityField), beer garden or tournamentuse within the DistrictofSquamish.
AField Allocation Meeting
Brennan Park Recreation Centre January29, 2025 6 pm
Afinal calendar will be posted online no later than March1,2025.
Fordetails of howtoapply and to download the Field Allocation Calendar fillable pdf,please visit the DistrictofSquamish websiteorcall Brennan Park Recreation Centre at 604.898.3604 to request apaper copy.Completed formscan be emailed to: bookings@squamish.ca
Fornew user groups and tournaments,additional information is required.Visit our websiteorcall Brennan Park Recreation Centre at 604.898.3604. squamish.ca/field-allocation
Hendrickson Fields March24-April 6
Centennial Fields April 14 -May 4
Centennial Fields June 30 -July 13
Hendrickson Fields August 18September 1
Business Opportunities
• Xwu’nekwPark SeaDike& Upgrades –Request forProposals
• Loggers East Storm SewerUpgrades –Request forProposals
• SanitarySewer Master Plan UpdateRequest forProposals
squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
AND THE BUSINESS WINNERS ARE...
Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards celebrate 2024 winners
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Rain fell softly as the Cheakamus Centre in Paradise Valley lit up on Friday night.
Car headlights cut through the darkness as around 200 guests arrived for the 2024 Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards
The event celebrated the hard work and success of local businesses and individuals, with 120 nominees across 12 categories and more than 5,000 votes cast by the community.
Inside the centre, the December chill was quickly forgotten. Among the early arrivals were MP Patrick Weiler and Mayor Armand Hurford who mingled with attendees while appetizers were served.
The night began with an opening by Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Coun. K’ána Deborah Baker.
She spoke about the importance of education, entrepreneurship, and community resilience Baker highlighted how far the community has come and reflected on the Nation’s strong history of trade and entrepreneurship, even before European contact.
“Education got us into this mess; education will get us out,” Baker said, quoting the late Senator Murray Sinclair
After her speech, Baker invited Hurford on stage. Together, they sang a traditional Sḵwxwú7mesh song, setting the tone for an evening of connection and celebration.
THE WINNERS
The room filled with applause as the winners were announced.
• Arts & Entertainment Award: Brackendale Art Gallery: Café & Culture Centre, for its lasting impact on arts and culture in Squamish.
• Bill Manson Citizen Award: Antje Cavanagh, honoured for her dedication to community service.
• Business Innovation Award: Carbon Engineering, for leading the way in clean energy technology
• Business Leader Award:
Felipe Angel of Squamish Connector, celebrated for his leadership and work in local transportation
• Community Builder Award: Squamish Search and Rescue, for its essential role in keeping the community safe.
• Emerging Entrepreneur Award: Emily Shimwell of Graze Wilder/Dine Wilder, for her creativity in the culinary world.
• Environmental Impact Award: Squamish Climate Action Network, for its work in sustainability and climate action
• Indigenous Business Award: Spirit School, for empowering Indigenous voices through education.
• Medium–Large Business Award: Sea to Sky Gondola, for its contribution to tourism and local business
• New Business Award:
Arrow Wood Games, recognized for its fresh and innovative approach.
• Small Business Award: Fall Line Fitness, for encouraging health and wellness in the community.
• Workplace Award: Sea to Sky Gondola, for its inclusive and supportive work environment
HOW IT ALL WORKED
The winners were chosen through a three-step process.
First, the public nominated businesses Then, the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and a judging panel reviewed the nominees and narrowed them down to three finalists in each category.
Finally, the community voted, casting over 5,000 votes to pick the winners.
This year’s judging committee included Kieran Hale, Ashley Oakes, Agustina Coccarro, Kirby Brown, and Mike Van Capelle.
A NIGHT TO REMEMBER
The awards gala wasn’t just about the winners—it was a chance to bring people together and celebrate what makes Squamish special.
Guests enjoyed a sparkling reception, a three-course dinner, and an after party with music from DJ Steintology.
About 200 people attended the awards on Friday night in Paradise Valley
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EDITOR
JENNIFERTHUNCHER jthuncher@ squamishchief.com follow @thuncher
REPORTER INDIGO LEMAYCONWAY iLemayConway@ squamishchief.com
REPORTER BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE bchatterjee@ squamishchief.com
REPORTER ALYSSA NOEL anoel@ squamishchief.com
SALESMANAGER
CATHIE GREENLEES cgreenlees@ squamishchief.com
MULTI- MEDIASALES REPRESENTATIVE KIMBOATMAN kboatman@ squamishchief.com
CIRCULATION MANAGER
DENISE CONWAY dconway@ squamishchief.com
PUBLISHER SARAHSTROTHER sstrother@wplpmedia.com
The Squamish Chiefisa member of theNationalNewsmedia Council, which is an independentorganization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contact Editor Jennifer Thuncher at jthuncher@squamishchief.com. If you arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteat mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information
Reproduction of anymaterial contained in this publicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.
EDITORIAL
HOLIDAYSPENDING
Judging by thenumberoflocalsshoppingdeals at Pearl’sValue &Vintage andatWalmart—and the almost universallocal supportfor it becoming a superstore with perishableslikeveggies and meat—and anecdotalconversations,morethana fewresidents arestrugglingfinancially.
Manyofusare in increasing debt.
This isn’tjusta Squamish problem.
Canada hasthe highesthousehold debt level amongG7countries,according to Statistics Canada
InSquamish, it is easy to guesswhy locals are pinched—inflationand high housingcosts,the higher cost of gas, groceries andchildcare—toname justafew of theincreases in recent years.
“MoreCanadiansthaneverbeforeare only making theminimum required payments on their debt,” accordingtothe 2024 Consumer Debt Report by theCreditCounselling Society.
In thesociety’s survey,55% said that spending more on essentials —housing,food,transportation— is areasonfor theirworsening financialsituation.
For some,bankruptcyisthe only waytheysee out of underthe mountain of debt.
Accordingtothe Office of theSuperintendentof Bankruptcy,inthe thirdquarter of this year,there was an increase of 13.5%in thenumberofinsolvencies compared with thesamequarter last year.
This time of year,the pressure to give beyond our meansisintense.But we canchoosetoopt out.
Forparents,thismay be agood time to talk about finances openly—and age-appropriately—with our kids.
Spending beyond our meansisrisking theirfuture, afterall.
We maybesurprised howmuchtheyvalue aquiet dayathomein pyjamaswithusoverattending a pricey holidayevent.
At theveryleast,asadults, we canbeopenand honest with each other if participatinginthe office gift exchange,givingtofriends,orgetting theteacher agiftwould causefinancial strain that will cutinto ourability to give ourfamilythe basics or putus furtherindebt.
This canseemimpossible, with thesocialnorms around theholidays, butitiskindofnutsthatthisis thecasewhenyou thinkabout it
We shouldn’tbe goingfurther into debt forpeople whosupposedlycareabout us.Weall know this
“Ifweworkwiththe financialshame that arises before theconversation, it’s goingtokeepthe conversationmoregroundedand less activated,” says ChantelChapman,CEO of Trauma of Moneyin TheCanadianPress.
“Whatifyou came up with areplacement idea?” shesaid. “You couldsay:‘Insteadofgifts,Iwantto focus my energyon spendingtimewithyou.’”
It is possible.Our future,lessindebtedand stressed selves will thankus.
Andsomight ourfriends andfamilybecause, chancesare,theyare feelingthe strain,too.
I’MDREAMINGOFANUNAESTHETIC CHRISTMAS
SQUAMISH VIEWS
ALYSSA NOEL
Wehaveanew Christmaswreathhangingon ourdoorthisholiday season
It’s cutout of cardboardand hasgobsof whitegluesecuringforaged ferns, driedleavesand clippedtwigs to it
This newcreationreplacesa priceywreathI purchasedatBilliesinSquamisha fewyears back in a flurry of holy-shit-I’m-a-mom-I-have-to-make-Christmas-specialpanic. ButI’llhappily pack away that arguablymoreaesthetic offering in placeofthis cut-and-paste versionbecause my three-year-old saw that neighbours hadwreaths on theirdoors andshe wanted to makeher own.
It hasalready blownoff thehangeronce, butIfished it outofa puddle,gaveita shakeand hung it back up. It brings me so much joytosee this handcrafted holidaycheer on ourdoor.
Allofthisisbuild up to my controversialopinion: your whiteChristmas lights suck.
OK,theydon’t suck.Theyactuallylookreallygreat.I cantellyou’reclassyand puta lotofeffortintoyour decorations.
Imean, nowthatI’m thinking aboutit, youprobably neverhavetorewashyourlaundry becauseitsat in
thewashing machinetoo long,doyou?Ibet your car is vacuumed regularlyand youbuy newwinterboots before they have afull-fledgedholeinthem.
Wait,doIwanttobeawhite-light person?
Maybe, butIdon’t thinkyou canswitch. You’re born oneorthe other.
Butbacktomyargument. Whitelightsare notwhat Christmasshouldbe. It shouldn’tbecrisp,formal adultwhites. It should be funand whimsical, messy andbright.
Santaisn’t sleek. He’s bigand bouncy.His cheeks aretoo redand hisbeard is toolong. He’s notgoing to greetyourkidswithafirmhandshake.He’sgot a warm lapand ahug andheisready to hear aboutall thepriceyitems your little onehas dreamedup. Next you’re goingtotellmeyou outsourced your gingerbreadhouse to professionalsand youbought oneofthose fake treeswiththe lights permanently installedinthemsotheydon’t look haphazardand twisted.
Come to thinkofit, I’dhazarda guesscolouredChristmas-lightpeoplelikemeare theoneswho go andcut down akind-of-shitty/kind-of-charming CharlieBrown Christmastreewhile white-light people arethe ones whoare buying agloriouslybushy, perfectlygrown versionfromaChristmas tree lot. White-lightpeople, youwould notlikethe tree we gotlastyear. Itsbranchescould barely hold up ornamentsand when we left forthe holidays we forgot
VIEWS: Continuedon13
Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
VIEWS: Continued from 12
it needed watering and then, when we tried to get it out of the house, it shed literally EVERY SINGLE needle onto the floor. No, I’m not exaggerating for effect We found stray brown tree needles until March.
But, you know what, we strapped on a baby and grabbed a be-mittened toddler and a saw and we went on an adventure to get that tree And afterwards we made hot chocolate—actually, I’m not going to lie,
I’m pretty sure we bought it from Starbucks and also I think the dog licked the snowman cookie and I had to go back and get a second one—and decorated the tree and made a Christmas memory Christmas is meant to be tacky, messy, and joyful (Like looking in a mirror!)
Tinsel? That stuff is a beautiful, sparkly nightmare!
Inflatable lawn decorations? My one-year-old learned the word “penguin” when she saw our neighbour’s because it brought her so much joy.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
DON’T HAVE BIKE PATHS
This letter is in response to a recent letter about bike paths. I am glad to see some discussion on this topic.
I agree with the comment that we have many places to bicycle that are not on the road fighting with traffic.
However, I need to point out that these paths are not bike paths, they are multi-use paths and, as such, they also are used by pedestrians, dogs, inexperienced bicyclists, etc. And they are fantastic for that.
They do create a small amount of conflict between bicyclists and pedestrians because each group travels at different speeds They are not compatible users on the same path They only work in Squamish currently because there are few enough pedestrians and bicyclists
We do have one bike path It goes from the east end to the west end of Willow Crescent, so is about one block long
The multi-use paths are less fantastic for a person who is using their bicycle to commute to work They go many places but not all places I agree that the District has done a great job of creating a system of paths that can be used by many to move around the district I think of them more as recreation trails And I think for a community of this size, they have done a great job. They take it seriously.
However, they don’t help the commuter bicyclist who is using the transportation system in the same way most people use their car downtown is a disaster from a bicycling point of view. The bike lanes in some places are OK. As someone who has been hit by a car door, I just cannot bicycle
LETTERS POLICY
close to a parked car. There is only one three block long bike lane beside parked cars that I feel comfortable on Two, I can’t really stay in the lane when cars are parked.
I agree that the multi-use paths; are quite well taken care of—usually kept clear of debris and salted when cold.
The bike lanes and shoulders of the roads where I need to travel for other journeys are very dirty. They used to be OK. In the last year or so, they have been filthy most of the time. I am really hoping that the District will spend the money on buying the sweeper that is needed for keeping the shoulders clean.
If you, too, would like this machine to be bought I’d show your support by contacting the council or District
The one multi-use path I have an issue with is the one that goes to Valleycliffe Just south of Scott Crescent, there is a section that has barely enough room for a baby stroller to pass through, is filled with water ankle deep when it rains heavily and prevents one from seeing oncoming traffic.
I also do not like the one to the west of Loggers Lane between the Adventure Centre and Brennan Park It has wooden bridges that get slippery when wet, are windy like a good recreation path and north of Industrial Road has a number of crossroads that make me nervous about whether a car would stop when crossing it
Tom Brown Squamish
THINGS CAN BE AS WE HOPE
Imagine a community that gave back to people what they put in, where they have the opportunity and financial
Stockings hung by the chimney with care? They look best when the letters that used to spell your name are falling off because of decades of greedily ripping them open in the pre-dawn on Dec. 25 Christmas Day itself? It’s wrapping paper everywhere and piles of dishes and noisy families and general chaos. At least, I would argue that’s the best way to do it
But you can t1ake my opinion with a grain of salt because I’m not a white-light person
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What is your favourite part of the holiday season?
Have your say at squamishchief.com
means to make the right decisions for themselves and their families Imagine a sustainable community that supports its residents now and long into the future Imagine a community of opportunity that is built for and by those who compose it. Imagine a community where the goods and services produced in the community were—first and foremost —for the betterment of its residents. Imagine a community where housing was built for the people, not profit. Imagine that this is possible. A sustainable community has everything it needs to sustain itself. A collective purpose resonates throughout it—with its resources and the efforts of its people being directed towards supporting one another. A shared purpose and a commitment to care for each other unites us Rather than working to serve ourselves, we support the community, and in turn, the community supports us We, as a community, are greater than the sum of our parts.
Our vision is a community that enriches the lives of all its members. Hope alone will not bring about the future we desire We are the benefactors and beneficiaries of our efforts. We are both the supporters and the supported. We can create the community we desire and deserve. We are the change that we have been waiting for.
We must stop waiting. We must start building. Squamish, do you have what it takes?
We think you do!
Sean Easton DWIFT Housing Society
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
Do you expect MLA Jeremy Valeriote to be able to achieve what he promised in his term?
MOST READ STORY
Base jumper dies on Stawamus Chief in Squamish
PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA A LIGHT SNACK: There are plenty of eagles around right now enjoying our fishy offerings How many have you spotted?
WHY YOU SHOULD DONATE YOUR GROCERY RECEIPTS TO BC SPCA SEA TO SKY
Receipts from Hector’s Your Independent Grocer that get donated to the Squamish BC SPCA get turned into store credit for the non-profit group to use
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Are you someone who typically throws your receipts away after buying your groceries? Well it turns out if you shop at Hector’s Your Independent Grocer you could be putting them to better use.
The BC SPCA Sea to Sky branch takes part in a program with the supermarket chain to turn receipts into store credit for the non-profit to use.
It is the prime example of that saying where one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Branch manager Krista Larson gave a rundown of the program to The Squamish Chief to let locals know how they can participate
“How it works is people can bring in their Independent receipts which we collect, and then we add them up to as close as we can to $5,000 and then that bundle gets us a gift card fo $2 ” id
Dockets of any value can be brought in so long as they are from the current year
“It’s amazing, they’re so handy for us,” she said
“When we had rabbits, we were going th h like ’v ls had
parrots and we needed fruits and vegetables and we would have been stuck without the vouchers
“But it also goes towards things like laundry soap and dish detergent, the vouchers go really far for us.”
Holiday Holiday
The Squamish BC SPCA along with 34 other animal shelters help to “care for abused and homeless animals until they are adopted into new homes,” according to their website.
RECEIPT DONATIONS
Larson said the Squamish branch stops taking receipt donations after the first week of December as they need time to go through all the figures with a 2024 time stamp.
“It’s a fair amount of work for someone to sit down and count all the receipts but people can definitely start bringing them in again in January for the 2025 year,” she said.
The program has been running for at least six years—longer than Larson has been working at the local non-profit—and has been getting more popular each year.
“I think every year, as word gets out, it’s becoming bigger and bigger and bigger for us,” she said.
“It’s a great way for people to support us if they don’t have the ability in some other way.”
Anyone who would like to donate their Independent Grocer receipts can stop by at the BCSPCA Sea to Sky branch at 1005 Industrial Way.
The branch is open Tuesday to Sunday from 12 to 4 p.m.
PHOTOS BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Cats available at the Squamish SPCA when The Squamish Chief visited recently
PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS
“HOW YOU DOIN’”: Seagulls and harbour seals compete for a salmon lunch.
Trailblazers
LicenceRenewals
Business and dog licencerenewal reminders and utilitynoticesweremailed in early December,however,please expectdelays due to the Canada Post Strike.
Allbusiness licences and doglicences expireDecember 31. It is strongly recommeded thatowners renewtheir licences online.
Please visit our websitetolearnhow to findorrequest your accountnumber squamish.ca/online-services
Utilities andProperty Taxes
Property owners areresponsible forpaymentofutilities regardless of whether or not anoticeisreceived.New owners should ensureutilitiesare paid on their property.Ifthereisany doubt,please contactus.
Financial Services:
•utilitybill@squamish.ca or 604-815-5010
•propertytaxes@squamish.ca or 604-815-5035
squamish.ca/taxes-and-utilities
Age-Friendly Community Let’sTalk About...
TheCircular EconomyTrailblazer Programhas wrapped up,marking amilestone for our community’sjourneytoward sustainability.
This innovativeprogram broughttogetherchangemakers across industries to explore circular economyconcepts, implementpracticalstrategies,and foster collaboration.
Here’swhatweaccomplished together:
•22organizations participatedin3hands-on workshops and received one-on-one support.
•Over50% of participantsare adopting more sustainable procurementpractices.
•Over75% of participantsreporteddiscovering new partnerships and collaborations,with 15+ active initiatives underway.
•A wide range of sectors participated, from construction and textiles to food and social enterprises, demonstrating the powerof collectiveaction.
•$110,000 in grants awarded to supportcircular initiatives, includingfunding forthree keycommunityprojects and 10 local businesses, thanks to the ProvinceofBC’sRegional Economic Diversification and InfrastructureProgram.
Visit LetsTalkSquamish.ca
Print-
Fullpage$550 and½ page $300. Bothwith colour!
DigitalOnline Community displayads -$200 (10,000adimpressions) OR
3Newsletter ads, delivered directly to over 3,500 inboxes 6days/wk with a49% openrate.
UP YOUR BIRD-WATCHINGGAME
Thescavenger hunt runs untilJan.15and five winnerswill take home aBCBirdTrail prizepack
Fill outthe scavengerhuntPDF,scanitor take aphoto of it,and submit it on theBC Bird Trailwebsite or emailittothemat info@bcbirdtrail.ca.
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY iLemayConway@squamishchief.com
Winnerswillbedrawn in Januaryand contactedbyemail
Book now for December 12th,19th&26th printdates Tonsofvisibilityata greatprice! It’s our wayofsayingTHANK
To redeem this not-to-be-misseddiscount contact one of our friendly salesreps. Cathie Greenlees 604-815-3506 KimBoatman 289-404-1525
Are youanavidbirdwatcher?Well, your eagle-eyecould winyou some funprizesthankstoanew BC Bird TrailScavenger Hunt goingonright here in Squamish.
TheBCBirdTrail,incollaboration with TourismSquamish, launched thescavengerhunt in Octoberasaway to get people into bird hotspots anddiscoverthe naturalwonders amongstthe SeatoSky region.
Howtotakepart?
Step one: Download theScavenger Hunt PDFasaguidefromthe BC Bird Trail website. Theguide canbeusedonlineor printedtohelpkeeptrack of yourprogress. By fillingitout andsubmittingthe completedpage, youcould winone of five BC Bird Trailprize packs. Thepacks includeapackoffourlimited edition enamel pins featuring birdscommonly foundinSquamish, aBCBirdTrail hatand abandana
SOME INFO ON THEBIRDING HOTSPOTS AROUND TOWN
BrackendaleEaglesProvincialPark
Accordingtothe TourismSquamish website, “Brackendale is oneofthe continent’smostsignificant areasfor wintering Bald Eagles.”
Theeaglescan be seen alongthe Eagle RunVista Point, locatedonthe dike along Government Road.
“Ifyou arevisitingduringthe months of December andJanuary,you canjoinan eaglecount,hostedbythe Squamish EnvironmentSociety.”
Squamish RiverEstuary
“Located in thewetlandswhere the Squamish Rivermeets Howe Sound, the estuaryisaprime birdinglocationwith approximately200 speciesreported, includingthe endangered Purple Martin,” TourismSquamishwrites.
Step two: Go find some birdsatone (or two, or all) of thelistedlocations below. Checkoff whichplacesyou visitonthe guide.
-SquamishBirdTrail
-StawamusChief Provincial Park -Sea to SkyGondola -RosePark
-Skwelwil’em Squamish EstuaryWildlife Management Area
-Mamquam River
-Brackendale Eagles Provincial Park
-Fisherman’s Park
-Alice Lake Provincial Park
Step three: Play some birdwatchbingo usingthe guide.
Step four: Afterall that exploring, head into town fora drinkorbitetoeat “We’re allabout celebratinglocal businesses.Stopbyone of thelocal businesses on theSquamishBirdTrail Itineraryand show them some love,” reads theBCBirdTrail blog
Step five: Time forsomebirdtrivia. Try your luck at answeringsomeof thebird trivia questionsonthe PDF. (Answers are foundatthe bottom of thepagetocheck your work.)
Step six: Learnsomewords in thenative Sḵwxwú7meshlanguage. Scan theQRcode on thePDF to watchavideo on thenames of some familiar animalsand birds. (Hint: this will help youinthe birdingtrivia!)
Step seven: Submit yourcompleted scavengerhunt before Jan. 15,2025towin.
Herringhavereturnedtothe shorelines, whichattractsanumberofmarinebirds Bears, coyotes, sealsand sealions canalso be spottedinthe area
Stawamus ChiefProvincialPark
TheStawamusChief is anesting ground forperegrine falcons.
Ruffed grouse canalsobespotted in the park.According to AllAbout Birds, “ruffed grouse arefairlysmall grouse with ashort, triangular crestand along, fan-shaped tail. They have shortlegsand oftenlookslimmer than othergrousespecies.”
Rose Park
Anumberoflocal andmigratory birds canbespotted at theviewing platforms alongthe waterfront trail. Thebirds are attractedasaresultoftidal waters from the BlindChannel
Fisherman’sPark
Want to spot buffleheads, trumpeter swans, common mergansers,and belted kingfishers? This is theplace in Squamish to find them.Asabonus,you gettofeel some sand underyourtoesand hear the sounds of theSquamishRiver
AliceLakeProvincialPark
Visitthe AliceLakeProvincialParkforest to view Swainson’s thrush,warblingvireo, andavariety of flycatchers.
AccordingtoTourism Squamish,ravens arealsoverypresent in thepark. Thebirds canbespotted whilebiking, hiking, paddling andswimmingthroughoutthe park.
Formoreinformation on thescavenger hunt,visit bcbirdtrail.ca.
FORMER QUEST UNIVERSITY FRIENDS LAUNCH CAMBIO: INTO THE WILD BESPOKE CARD GAME
Josh Visser and Dan Ellis launched the card game in November on Kickstarter after playing it throughout their degree
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
iLemayConway@squamishchief.com
Are you a fan of a game of cards—Snap, UNO, Go-Fish, and all that jazz?
Well, two former Quest University students launched their own card game in November with the hopes that it will become the game of choice for friends and family this Christmas.
Josh Visser and Dan Ellis created a bespoke card game deck called Cambio: Into the Wild—a game that saw them through their university degrees and backcountry adventures.
CAMBIO: INTO THE WILD
“We both went to Quest and fell in love with the school, but also fell in love with this game called Cambio, which we always loved to play,” Visser said
“It’s an amazing game, and it kind of got taught through the university, just by word of mouth. It brings lots of people together, and we’ve made a lot of friends over it.”
Cambio already existed prior to the duo’s creation, but there was no dedicated deck of cards made specifically for the game
“So we had this idea a few months ago on a surf trip in Morocco while we were playing this game to create a bespoke deck,” Visser said “Something that we thought was artistically beautiful and would bring people in, but also would enhance the gameplay by including all the rules and special powers and everything you need to know about how to play the game within the pack itself.
“No one’s really made a bespoke deck or a version of it before. So we wanted to turn it into a game that was small and packageable enough that you could fit in your pocket and that you could take on adventures.”
This was an important feature for the duo, as Visser recalls having played Cambio on many global adventures together
“We’ve played it all over the world on surf trips, ski trips, in the backcountry, or at the bottom of the climbing crag between routes,” he said
The design of the deck was also of the utmost importance, with little Easter eggs hidden throughout the design of each card
“The gorilla [on the pack] was our hero image, and we love this one because this is how we feel when we play the game—it symbolizes bold, fierce competitors,” Visser said.
“Then we went through and picked 13 different animals … that tell the story of the game a little bit once you get to know it.
“We also dropped a bunch of Easter eggs for our friends and community. The number three card has a shark eating a surfboard, and then there’s a little camel that’s on the sticker on the surfboard, to just remind us of Morocco and when we came up with the game
“Then the negative one card has a little chief in it It’s the best card in the game, and it’s got this little rock that was supposed to be the Stawamus Chief, so it’s a little ode to Squamish.”
HOW DO YOU PLAY?
In Cambio, players aim for the lowest score.
“Combining the speed of Snap with the strategy of Poker, the game challenges memory, strategy, and luck,” Visser said
“Players peek at their starting cards, draw to improve their hand, and ‘slam’ matching cards to reduce their score. Special powers add excitement, and the final round begins when someone calls ‘Cambio.’”
Much like many other games, it can get heated and competitive—but that’s all part of the fun!
“I would say that I’ve made an equal amount of friends and enemies over this game,” Visser joked.
WHERE CAN YOU BUY IT?
Cambio launched on Kickstarter (a crowdfunding platform for creative projects) on Nov. 26
The duo have printed 1,000 decks which sell for $35 and come with free global shipping
“Our tagline is into the wild, and we want it to be very animal and adventure-themed,” Visser said
“The idea with into the wild was to get people into nature and get people offline There’s a big movement right now, with people [going] offline… and wanting to connect in person.
“We thought there’s no better way to do that than through a card game.”
THE FUTURE FOR CAMBIO
After the festive season, Visser hopes to get Cambio into adventure stores across Canada.
“One of my dreams is to get into [Mountain Equipment Company],” he said.
“The idea is that it would be a perfect little pick me up, so when you’re going to buy your tent, or your camping gear and you go through the checkout and think ‘oh, I should bring a game’ [Cambio would be there].”
The Cambio Kickstarter link will be live until Dec. 14; after that, you can find the game via their Instagram.
Holiday Deadlines
December 26th paper
Sales Deadline: Friday, December 20th at12pm
CreativeDeadline: Monday, December 23rdat10am
January 2nd paper
Sales Deadline: Friday, December 27th at12pm
CreativeDeadline: Monday, December 30th at 10 am
PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA SQUAMISH SUNRISE: How lucky we are to wake up here every day!
PHOTO BY BRONWYN FINDLAY
Two former Quest University students launched their own card game in November with the hopes that it will become the game of choice for friends and family this Christmas.
GETREADY TO GLIDE: ‘BLADESHIT BROADWAY’ATSKATE SEA2SKY HOLIDAYSHOW
Join over 200talentedskaters forauniqueholiday performancethatcombinesfigureskating with Broadway classics donations accepted forentry
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Whatdofigureskaters,baseballbats, andOliviaNewton-John have in common?
They will allbefeaturedatthe upcoming SkateSea2Sky holidayshow, Blades Hit Broadway.
“Wepickedsomeofour favourite Broadway hits,and allthe skatersare going to bringittolifeonthe ice,”saidheadcoach Kari-Ann MacDonald.
Performances will include Grease, The Lion King, MammaMia!, Aladdin, Cats and Wicked
Approximately200 skatersof allagesand levels areinthe show
Theperformancesare on Dec. 14 and15.
On Saturday,catch thematinee at 1p.m orattendat5:30p.m.; on Sunday,there’s a1 p.m. show.
Askedifshe is ever temptedtorevive previous showsratherthana newone each year,MacDonald quicklysaidno.
Shelikes thechallenge of starting from scratcheachyear.
“One is achallenge,and it’s fresh. And then,the communitygetstosee something unique year afteryear, andthe kids seem to ampup. They getall excited. They want to know what’s goingon, andtheyjustturnit on, andthey’re readytoperform,” shesaid.
Entrancetothe show is by donation.
SkateSea2Sky is anon-profit organization.
“I really stress to ourcommunity we do [each show]out of theloveofour hearts.Itis ourlargest fundraiser.We don’t puta price tag[on it]. We askthatyou paywhatyou can afford to paytocomeenjoy theshow. We also have aconcession. There’s[gift] baskets, as well as this year we went back to asilentauction.”
Theonlineauction ends on Dec. 15 at 4 p.m.
Find outmoreabout Blades HitBroadway at skatesea2sky.com.
‘IT’SVERYEXCITING’
Numbersfor theskating club have never been higher,MacDonald said,notingthat Squamish is restricted by only having one sheetofice
“Our numbersfor fall arethe highestI have seen,” shesaid. “So, it’s very exciting Unfortunately, it’s keepingusjammed, and there’sobviously notenoughice with having one [rink].”
PHOTOBYJENNIFERTHUNCHER/THESQUAMISHCHIEF
SkateSea2Sky members hadfine showings at therecentJingleBladescompetition
We askthatyou paywhatyou can afford to paytocome enjoythe show.
KARI-ANN MACDONALD
Theadult skateprogram is thriving,too, she said
“That’sreallyneat. Imean, skatingisnot just forthe young. If youhavethe desire to put on apairofbladesand letyoursteel hit the ice, we will help youfigureout howto make it happen,” shesaidwithasmile.
Registration forthe winter programs is open butfilling up fast.
STARSONICE
Thecurrent skatershad afineshowing in the annual 2024 Jingle Blades Competition, heldatthe endofNovemberinNorth Surrey
“Wehad 33 events.Wetookhome12 medals outofit, as well as allour skaters performedtothe tops of theirabilities with highperformancesand alot of reportcards andfinishings,”MacDonald said.
PleaseContact the SPCA for moredetails! Visit our website: spca.bc.ca
This is Augusta
We are thrilled to announce that Augusta hasbeenadopted and is officially in her forever home! After waitingfor theperfect family,she’s foundthe love and care shetruly deserves. We’re so excitedfor her new journey and can’twaittosee all thewonderful moments ahead!
Memorial Servicefor MarieCampbell
Amemorialservice forlongtimeSquamishresident Marie Campbell (1941-2024) will be held at the WestwindsSeniorLivingFacility, 38275 3rd Avenue,SquamishBConWednesday, December 18, 2024 from 2:30-4:30 pm.
Marietouched thelives of many in the Squamish-Pemberton area.The family will be gathering andwould be honoured if you’djointhem.
Refreshments anda light lunchwillbeserved.
CIVIL CONSTRUCTION
JobOpportunity:Crusher Operator
Whistler Aggregates is seekingaskilled CrusherOperator with astrong backgroundinmaintenance andsafetytojoinour team.Thisisa year-round position offeringcompetitivewages,excellent benefits, and theopportunity to workinasafe, supportive environment
Position Highlights:
5.Location: Whistler,BC
6. Role: Operatethe crusher from thecontroltower,ensuringoptimal performanceand safety
7. Requirements:
1. Strong understanding of crushersand operational procedures
2. Proficiency in lock-out/tag-out protocolsfor safe maintenance andrepairs
3. Preferredbackground in equipment maintenanceand troubleshooting
4.Abilitytoworkeffectivelyunder theguidelines of theMineAct
8. Expectations: Safety-focused, reliable, and diligent in daily tasks
JoinatrustedteamatWhistlerAggregates!Ifyou’readedicatedcrusheroperator withthe skills and commitment to safety we’relookingfor,we’dlovetohear fromyou.
ApplyNow andbecomepartofa team that values safety,skill, and teamwork inevery task.
1. Hot spring
Mail drop
Paper money
Curedsalmon
Listen to
Confused
out aliving
Lighten 17.Arctic transport 18. Ties the knot
Of the eye
Kayak’scousin
Annoy
Minister
43. Information
47.Unmannered
48. Competent
50.Polish
51.Burn balm
52. Hickory,e.g.
53. Addition shape
54. Chums
55. James Jones
56. Cee’sfollower
DOWN
1. Largenumber
2. fun at 3. Cutdown
4. Ship’s pronoun
5. Paged(through)
6. Desertstops
7. Candies, e.g. 8. Crushing blow
9. Land amid water
10.Sly gaze
11. “____ and the Tramp”
19.Sever
21. Male feline
23. Go backward
24.Bunny’sstep
25. Monkey
26.“ aGift”
28. Rowed
29.Switch positions
30.Also
31. Biddy
35. Describe
36. Kitchen device
38. October sign
39.Mantle
40.Hawaiian dance
41.Matinee figure
42. Casual shirts
44. Thunderstruck
45. Saga
46. Pivot
49.Slippery fish
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
HOROSCOPE WEEKOFDEC 12,2024- DEC18, 2024
ARIES March 21-April 19
Your familymay be counting on you to handle all the holiday preparations
Consider delegating some tasks to distribute responsibilities moreevenly this year
TAURUS April 20-May20
You’ll have plenty to talk aboutthis week! You’ll start wrappingyourChristmas presents,addingyourpersonal touchtoimpress your loved ones and delightthe kids,even if it takes some time
GEMINI May21-June 20
You’ll find yourself in the spotlightasyou work on a specialproject.You maybring the familytogether for an impromptutriporaspecial holiday activity.
CANCER June 21-July 22
You’ll receivemany invitations,whichyou mayinitiallywantto decline.However,you maychangeyourmind at the last minute, especiallywhen it comes to participating in the festivities
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Youmay find sticking to your budget to be abit of astruggle, asyou mightbeinclined to choose moreexpensive gifts than planned. Youmay alsogivecertain lovedones preferentialtreatment.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Your credit card will geta workoutthis season! You’ll have to choose whether to buyChristmas presents, participateinsocialactivities or go on afamilytrip. You must digdeepasyou consider youroptions over the nextfew days
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Your home will be bustling with activityevenbefore the festivities begin. Your children will turn yourabode into abasecampwiththeir friends beforethe holidays officiallystart,addingtoyour responsibilities
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
You’ll be carried away by the magic of Christmas, even if you thoughtyou could escape it this year.You’ll dedicatetime to charitable causes,bringing
joytothe people who need it most.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
You’ll embrace the excitement of Christmasthis year,feeling cheerful and excited to participateinthe celebrations You’ll eagerly visit bustling shoppingmalls to enjoy yourselfand join in on the fun.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
The thoughtoftakingatrip or goingonagetawaymay crossyourmind, asignof yourdesirefor adventure and new experiences.You might consider workingabroadfor a change of scenery.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
Dependingonyoursituation, goingbacktoschoolcould considerably improveyourlife Agreat opportunitymay arise, bringingsignificantmaterial gain and providingrelief from yourfinancial stress.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
It maybetime to re-evaluate yourpersonaland social mediaconnections.You don’t need toxicinfluences in yourlife sowing discord and harmingyourrelationships
HOWTOPLAY:
LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3box contains the numbers1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. Youalready have afew numbers to getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box
TheParish of St.John the Divine, Squamish
Holy Communion and MorningWorship
Sundays at 10:00 AM
Rev Cameron Gutjahr 1930 Diamond Road 604-898-5100
www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca info@squamishanglicanchurch.ca
Exalting Jesus,Equipping His Followers,Engaging theWorld
WorshipService Sundays 10am on our website and Facebook Live 2262ReadCres. 604-898-3737 www.squamishbaptistchurch.org
SUDOKU
