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MANAGED RETREAT?
r ?
What is it and has it been considered for Squamish
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
LIONS BAY LANDSLIDE: HOW SQUAMISH RESPONDED
Why didn’t Squamish open up a receiving centre Saturday night?
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
It wasn’t the weekend anyone expected.
Early Saturday, Dec. 14, a landslide changed the trajectory of the day, and weekend, for thousands of people Mud and trees tumbled from Magnesia Creek, affecting Glendale Avenue at the north end of Lions Bay, and spilling debris across Highway 99, near the Brunswick Beach exit, stopping traffic in both directions for almost 24 hours.
Some residents were evacuated, and tragically, one home on Glendale Drive in Lions Bay was displaced by the slide.
One of the residents believed to be in the home was found dead by search crews on Saturday.
As of publication time, a second person was still unaccounted for.
The Village of Lions Bay declared a state of emergency on Sunday night.
NEXT TIME, JAMEY!
C Jame n H els narr ly loses lat
UFC champ Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels narrowly loses latest bout SQ UA MISHCHIEF.COM PAGE 16
The landslide brought down mud, trees and debris across Highway 99 Saturday morning.
In a press release, the municipal government cited the debris flow “that has caused property and structural damage and loss of life.”
“We extend our deepest [sympathies] to the family and members of our community. In addition, we would like to thank all first responders and supporting agencies for their
dedication and professionalism during this challenging time,” reads the release.
The cause of the slide above Magnesia Creek is under investigation.
Ministry of Transport and Canada Task Force 1 geotechnical engineers investigated and determined further slide activity was unlikely
WORKING TOGETHER
With the highway shut, many people were trapped on either side of the slide, unable to get
PHOTO BY MATT GUNN
to their destinations
Thankfully, the cleanup took less than 24 hours.
The highway reopened on Sunday morning, Dec. 15, at about 6:30 a.m.
Agencies whose personnel worked to make sure the road was clear were the Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure (MOTI), RCMP, BC Ambulance Service, Miller Capilano Highway Services, Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Squamish Nation, the District of Squamish, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, the Village of Lions Bay, the North Shore Emergency Management, and Health Emergency Management B.C.
SLIDE: Continued from 1 Our focus was to ensure impacted individuals were aware of the available resources in the area and kept up to date on the highway closure.
DISTRICT SPOKESPERSON
While North Vancouver and Whistler municipalities both opened receiving centres for those trapped overnight without a place to stay, the District of Squamish did not.
Asked about this, a spokesperson for the District told The Squamish Chief that events such as the landslide at Lions Bay are a coordinated effort between local and provincial emergency management and response teams through the Sea to Sky Corridor.
“Due to the limited supply of hotel accommodations in Squamish and that many of the individuals impacted were located in Whistler, the District did not open a reception centre in Squamish,” the spokesperson said “The Resort Municipality of Whistler was well equipped to receive travellers and were able to open a reception centre at the Fairmont Chateau. Our focus was to ensure impacted individuals were aware of the available resources in the area and kept up to date on the highway closure.”
The municipality considers opening a reception centre when there is a localized event that impacts Squamish directly.
“As reception centres are resource intensive, we work with our neighbouring communities to determine where resources are best used to meet the needs of those impacted.”
Historically speaking, the closure was minor compared to past incidents, such as in 1990, when the Loggers Creek landslide closed the highway north of Lions Bay for 12 days
BE PREPARED
The District of Squamish warns residents to be prepared for the unexpected when travelling in B.C., especially during weather events.
“Know the risks and ensure that you are informed about the latest advisories in areas that you may be travelling through.”
“The District is grateful to all Squamish residents and businesses who supported those impacted by the landslide.”
During this difficult time, the Sea to Sky community came together in remarkable ways Strangers opened their homes to those stranded, offering beds and meals, and even took stranded strangers to a Christmas party with their friends. On the Sea to Sky Road Conditions page on Facebook, messages of gratitude poured in, thanking locals for sharing updates, giving rides, and lending a helping hand.
~With a file from Bhagyashree Chatterjee
GOTNEWS?
Emailyournewstip or storyideato: jthuncher@squamishchief.com iLemayConway@squamishchief.com bchatterjee@squamishchief.com anoel@squamishchief.com
WHAT THECOMMUNITY SAID ABOUTTHE 2025-2029BUDGET
Fundingand supportfor kiteboarding as well as investmentsinrecreational activities andfacilitieswerethe top prioritiesraisedbyresidents in thebudgetengagementperiod
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
iLemayConway@squamishchief.com
The District of Squamish has given the 2025-2029 budget itsfirst threereadings, but what didthe communitymostwantto see included in thenew five year financialplan?
In late November,council receiveda Budget Engagement -WhatWeHeard report which detailedthe public’s feedback on priorities for the future
WHAT TOPPEDTHE LIST?
Thefallbudgetengagementkickedoff on Oct. 1 andwrapped up on Nov. 20 followingthe Budget Open House.
Accordingtothe report therewas atotal of 303 comments,“questionsand letterswererecorded from residentsand communitygroups throughout theengagementperiod, as well as communityorganizations who submitted formalbudgetresponses.”
Toppingthe list of public requests was additionalfunding andsupport to reopenor expandaccessfor kiteboarding
TheDistrictmadethe announcement on Oct. 16 that it hadimplemented apermanent banon kiteboardingatSp’akw’us FeatherPark.
Therestriction came as aresultofa District investigation into thesafetyofthe sportatthe park followingthe deathofNorth Vancouver residentGrayTaylor, whodied whilekiteboardinginSquamish on Canada Day.
Around30% of thepeoplewho participated in thepublicengagementrequested thesupport of kiteboarding, whichtheysay cannolongerbe accessedinSquamish during theoff-season due tothe ban.
Requests forinvestments in recreation and
cultureservicesand facilities came in second with 23%ofresponses.
Thereportrevealedthatthe community requesteda“second icerink; arts facilities and programs funding;lawnbowling;swimming poolcapacityconcerns andplaygroundrequests withinBrennan Park area neighbourhoods.”
Around11% of resident responses included concernsover theimpending 9.6% jump in taxes in 2025 to meet theDistrict’stotal revenue requirement of $46,934,788.
“Taxincreaseischallenging andunaffordable; ‘needs notwants’shouldbeprioritized,”reads the report
About 8% of thepublicasked for“improved local transit frequencyand regional service” and alsohad “concernsofdowntownpaidparking impacts.”
Lastly,7% of thepublicfelta“need for affordable anddiverse housingoptions” with concerns that “developersare notcontributing enoughtoaffordable housingand other communityamenities”.
They also voiced that they wouldlikeservices and supportfor small businesses andgrant writing support.
Since thepublicengagementperiodended, one amendmenthas been made to the 2025-2029budgetand that is to reduce the Public Works Facility budget from $38.3million to $37.9 million. This decision wasmadeatthe Nov.19 regularbusinessmeeting
COUNCILLOR COMMENTS
At thespecial business meetingonDec.10, allseven councillorsvoted to supportthe first threereadings of thebudget.
Mayor Armand Hurfordnoted that he was “quite proud” of theDistrict’sasset management planfromthe budget.
“I thinksomehighlightsherefor me are[the]
overarchingpieces, [like] largeinvestments in public safety. Some of thosewehad achoice in, like expansionatthe fire serviceand others are an increasedinvestmentdrivenbycontract negotiation, saywiththe RCMP,” he said.
“Aswellasbeing prepared forthe future, we’vegot … contributionstoourasset management plan,which Ithink is really important andI’m quiteproud of this council’s support of that particular initiative,asitiswell outsideafouryearelectioncycle—which is oftenthe driver formanyinitiatives.”
Coun.Jenna Stoner thankedthe membersof thepublicwho took part in thebudget engagement this year
“I just want to thankfolks againfor coming outtothe open house, responding online, providingfeedbackonsurveys andcomingto thecoffeewithcouncil.There were some really fruitful discussionsthere,” Stoner said.
On thetax rise,she notedthatthe 9.6% budgetincreasewas a“bigask of our community” butthe infrastructure investment tocomewould be worthwhile.
“A 9.6% budget increase this year,witha 10.5%average increase over thenextfiveyears is alot to askoffolks,especiallyinatimewhere we areall feelingthe pinch. ButIthink it’s important to recognizethatalot of that increase is actually driven by thethingsthat we’reall feeling, inflationary pressures,”she said.
“The 2025 budget hasover$50 million in capital investment in ourcoreinfrastructure. So Ihopethat thecommunity hearsusloud andclear that we aremakingthose investments in both thedollars thatwe’re putting forward, butalsoinareallyconscious wayto makesurethatitisplannedfor andresponsive to thegrowththat we’reseeinginour community.”
Coun.Chris Pettingill encouraged residents to remember that Squamish is in thelower tax ratesbracket in comparison with otherareas.
“I’vesaidita fewtimes,but Ithink it bears repeating—we have had, compared to other communitiesingeneral,lower taxrates overall. We’vetypically been in thebottomthird;and so when youbuild an averageincrease... on top of that,overall historically,we’re stilllower,” Pettingill said
“But in that year,[when]the change happens, whichisthisyear, it stillfeels like abigger jump,especiallywhenyou’reusedtoalower number
“WhenIrun thenumbers,we’re asking from theaverage existing taxpayer,anextra $29a monthwithall of theexpenses that people are facing andall theother increases,itcan be a challengingpilltoswallow,but Isortofwonder why.
“WhenIlookatmonthly grossgrocery bill changes, or interest ratesonyourmortgageand so on,theyfar outstrip typically$29 amonth, andwe’re dealingwithmanyofthe same cost increases.Soall thingsconsideredfromthat perspective, Ithink we’vereallymanaged to containthese costs,”hesaid.
He also urgedlocalstoremember that councilors andDistrictstaff areall taxpayers andfeelthe bruntofthe increase too.
“I want to remind everyone that around this table, we aretaxpayers,eitherdirectlyas homeowners, or indirectly,asrenters.Sowe feel this thesameaseveryoneelse, andthisis ourbestattemptlooking at allthe competing priorities andchallengesoffiguringout how we move forwardasacommunity,” he said
The2025-2029 budget will return to council foradoption.
To seewhatisinthe budget go to the District’s Let’sTalkBudget2025webpage.
WINGSUITBASEJUMPERDIED ‘DOING WHAT SHELOVED’
Family andfriends aresharing memories of theaccomplishedwoman whowas well knowninthe BASE jumpingcommunity
ALANNA KELLY GlacierMedia
Hundredsofcondolences arepouring in fora womanwho died whilewingsuitBASEjumping in Squamish.
Apersoncrashed into thetrees near thetop of the “apron” on thewestsideofthe Stawamus ChiefonDec. 5.
Search andrescue members, paramedics andpolice allattendedthe sceneat12:56 p.m. Policesaidthe base jumper waslocated deceased on site
“There is no easy waytotellyou this,” saidAngeline Escott Farrow.“KatelynCompton Escott died doing what sheloved,ina placethatshe loved.”
Escott wasanaccomplishedbasejumperand a member of theCanadianSport ParachutingAssociation “Weknowhow deeply lovedand respectedshe is.She wanted people to celebrateher andrememberall the fun,silly adventures that youhad with her,”saidFarrow.
Escott grew up in Wells, B.C.
Herbrother wrote, “evenasmylittlesister, I’ve always lookeduptoher.She’s theonlypersonIknowthathas chased theirdreamsonthe levelshe did.”
AmemorialFacebookpagehas been createdtoshare
KatelynCompton
Escott died doingwhatshe loved, in aplace that she loved.
ANGELINEESCOTTFARROW
memories of her. Many people have been posting cherishedmemorieswithEscott.
“Her legacy will continue to inspireand uplift us as we carryforward thelessons andloveshe so generously shared,” said onepersononFacebook.
Others wrote, “Katelyn wasa forcetobereckoned with—someone whoknewwhatshe wanted and pursueditwithunmatched passion.”
Afundraiser— “Katelyn ComptonEscott”—has been createdonGoFundMetoassistthe family during this time.
Thefamily is asking forany videos or photos of Escott to be emailedtoSledneckanize@gmail.com forthe family to have.
“She flys on (sic),”saidFarrow.
HappyHolidays!
CHAMBER AND CAPILANO UNIVERSITY LAUNCH YOUTH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PROGRAM
Collaboration focuses on preparing students for leadership in the local economy
BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Learning how to start a business isn’t something most high school students get to experience—but a new partnership between Capilano University (CapU) and the Squamish Chamber of Commerce aims to change that.
The partnership is aimed at fostering youth entrepreneurship in the Sea to Sky Corridor.
The partnership is part of the Chamber’s Emerging Entrepreneurs program, which helps high school students learn business skills and get advice from experienced professionals.
The program, created by the Squamish Chamber of Commerce and the Sea to Sky School District (SD48), is currently offered at Howe Sound Secondary. Activities include pitching business ideas to local business owners and connecting with mentors who can share their knowledge under the initiatives Youth Business Pitch and Youth Connect.
“We are excited to partner with the district and the Chamber of Commerce to support educational pathways for Sea to Sky students,”
said Brian Storey, associate vice-president at Capilano University Squamish, in a press release on Dec. 9. “The new CapU Squamish campus extends
our ability to transform lives through working with key partners like the chamber to create new business opportunities. Our commitment is to support students from high school
through university—by connecting youth with resources and accessible education, we are not only investing in their futures, but also in the future of our community and the economy,” he said
Capilano University’s recently opened Squamish campus is expanding its offerings, including business administration diploma and certificate programs launching in January 2025. Applications are currently open for fall 2025 programs.
Anne MacKenzie, executive director of the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, highlighted the initiative’s broader implications in the press release, “By equipping youth with the skills, mentorship, and opportunities needed to succeed, we are investing in the future of leaders and innovators who will drive economic growth and sustainability in the Sea-to-Sky Corridor.”
The announcement was first made during the annual Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards at Cheakamus Centre on Dec. 6.
Bhagyashree Chatterjee is The Squamish Chief’s Indigenous affairs reporter This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
FILE PHOTO COURTESY COURTESY OF CAPU Capilano University, Squamish campus
NEWSBRIEF
EARLYMORNING HOUSEFIRE
Ahouse fire in Valleycliffe sent onepersonto hospital forassessmentand caused significant damage to thehome.
At approximately6a.m.Saturdaymorning, Squamish Fire Rescue memberswereonthe sceneofthe housefireonMyrtlewood Crescent.
“The homesustained significantdamage and onepersonwas takentoSquamish GeneralHospitalfor assessment,”aspokesperson forthe District said in an emailtoThe
Squamish Chief.
Amemberofthe family posted to social mediaSaturdaythateveryonewas OK,but thefamilycat wasmissing
Thecat waslater foundsafe, accordingto an updatedpost.
Thecause of thefireisunknown at this time andisunder investigation, accordingto Squamish Fire Rescue
TheSquamish Chiefhas reachedout to a member of thefamily. We will update this storyiftheywanttocomment
Courtesy of OisinMcHugh -Squamish Chief.
View this ad online.
PaymentOptionsChanges
As of December 31, 2024 the DistrictofSquamish will no longer accept credit cardpayments over the phone.The following paymentoptions are available.
•In-person paymentat37955 Second Avenue with credit card(maximum $2,000),debit card,cheque, or cash.
•After hours cheque drop boxat 37955 Second Avenue.
Please include your contactinformation, folder number (e.g.Building permit number,Development permit number) or your address andreasonfor payment (e.g.water on/off,bulk water provision).
WHAT’SHAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE
Brennan Park Recreation Centre will be closed
December 25
HolidayActivities; Thursday, Dec 26
LicenceRenewals
Business and dog licencerenewalreminders and utilitynotices were mailed in early December, however, please expectdelays due to the Canada Post Strike
Allbusiness licences and doglicences expire December 31. It is strongly recommended that owners renewtheir licences online.
Please visit our websitetolearn how to findorrequest your accountnumber.
squamish.ca/online-services
Public Swim and Lane Swim
9 AM -3 PM
Parent and childhockey (online registration recommended)
9:30- 10:30 AM 10:45 -11:45 AM
Public Skate 12 -3 PM
Know beforeyou go! squamish.ca/pool
HolidayFun Awaits!
Join aHoliday-themed Public Skate
Saturday, December 21 Ugly Sweater Skate 12 –2:15 PM
Tuesday, December 24
Utilities Payments
Property owners areresponsible forpayment of utilities regardless of whether or not anoticeis received.New owners should ensureutilities are 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
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.
Field Allocation Meeting: Brennan Park Recreation Centre
January29, 2025 at 6 pm
Coming up...
Don’tmiss the last Youth Swim of the year!
December 28, 7-9 PM Save the date!
Giveyourkidsa fun and activeholidaywith our exciting Day Camps!
They’ll enjoygames,crafts, and new friends in asafeand welcomingenvironment.
Book one or multiple days –flexible drop-in optionsavailable!
Red &Green Skate 12:30 –3 PM for details: squamish.ca/rec
Afinal calendar will be posted online no laterthan March 1, 2025.
Fordetails of howtoapply and to download the Field Allocation Calendar fillable pdf,please visitthe District of Squamish 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
Fields March24-April 6
Centennial Fields April 14 -May 4 Centennial
13
1
THE ROWDY TOWN MAKES SOCKS
Local acrobat, slackliner expands brand featuring sporty stick figures
ALYSSA NOEL anoel@squamishchief.com
Back in 2021, Joëlle Comeau was set to run off and join the circus
More specifically, the Squamish resident—an acrobat, slackliner and highliner—had gotten a contract to perform with a circus and was set to leave the Sea to Sky Corridor for a time
“I was sad to leave my friends,” Comeau said “I wanted to give them a gift before I left—the slackline and highline community— all my friends.”
She came up with a simple idea: she drew an image of a stick figure on a highline and put them on 100 pairs of socks.
“When I was thinking about a gift. I was thinking everyone has too many shirts and hoodies. Something everyone is needing is socks,” she said. “I gave 50 of them to friends before I left.”
But shortly after leaving, she got injured and had to return home. “I think I was having more fun in Squamish anyway,” she added with a laugh.
With 50 pairs of socks leftover from her goodbye giveaway, she decided to sell them “Six months later they were all gone,” she
said. “A second edition sold out in two weeks. [I realized] Oh, there’s something there.”
Since then, Comeau has branded the project The Rowdy Town and added several new pairs to her offerings.
They’re hemp, cotton, and merino wool and all feature stick figures doing Squamish sports from skydiving to biking, hiking and disc golf
By the third run, Comeau managed to get the items into local stores, including at the Sea to Sky Gondola, Random & Co., Funky Monkey Boutique and Evolution Whistler—in addition to her website.
“The stores keep asking for more, so I know they do sell,” she said
She’s since added bucket hats, a goggle cover and patch, but socks remain her focus.
“Something kind of fun about the socks is there’s always a secret message hidden under the cuff,” Comeau said. “In the ski sock the secret message is, ‘Nice calves.’ It’s always a fun message in the cuff. That’s one touch.”
More recently, she’s used her Rowdy Town website to launch a twice-a-year free magazine It’s partly to build the brand and partly to share different stories.
“I wrote an article called ‘The Power of
ROWDY: Continued on 11
Public Notice of 2025 CouncilMeetings
Section127 (1) of the CommunityCharter providesthatCouncil must make available to thepublicascheduleofthe date,timeand place of Regular Business meetings andgivenoticeofthe availability of the scheduleatleast once ayear. Thefollowing is alist of meetingsofthe Municipal Council of the District of Squamish for2025. This scheduleisalsoavailable on the District’s webpage andispostedonthe NoticeBoard at Municipal Hall.Regular Council meetings will take place on the first and thirdTuesdaysofeach monthunless otherwise noted.
Meetingswill be heldinthe Council Chambers at MunicipalHall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish BC commencing at 6 PM unless otherwise indicated.
Visit our websitetofind information about Council,meeting videos,schedules, minutes,and more. squamish.ca/meetings
REGULAR BUSINESS MEETINGS
January January7,2025
February
January21, 2025
February 4, 2025
February 18,2025
March March4,2025 March18, 2025
April April1,2025 April15, 2025
May May6,2025 May20, 2025
June June3,2025
June17, 2025
July July15, 2025
August No Council Meetings
September
September 2, 2025
September 16,2025
October October 7, 2025
November
December
October 21,2025
November 4, 2025
November 18,2025
December 2, 2025
December 16,2025
BusinessOpportunities
• Xwu’nekwPark SeaDike&Upgrades- Request forProposals
• Sanitary SewerMaster Plan Update -Request forProposals
• Lift Station Repairs -Request forProposals squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
Holiday Hours
Afterhours or on holidayscall Squamish
HALL (Hours opentothe public) (Online Services available 24/7)
Nevermissa collection day! Visitour websiteto geta free reminder email,app notification, or phone call.Just enteryour address or download the free app
Laughter,’”she said.“When Iwas lookingfor asubject Ithought,‘Laughing is thefoundation of theRowdy Town brand.’Italkabout whythingsare funny, what happenstoour brains when we laugh, howcan we cultivate happiness.”
It turnsout it “was alot of work,” shesaid.
“[Iplanto] do it twicea year—the same time I releasenew sock editions.”
In themeantime, thesocks “are agreat stocking stuffer,” shesaid.
“The goal is to make greatsocks.Idon’t want to make socksthatwillget holesin them.I want to make good qualitysocks Socksthatpeopleactuallywanttowear.”
To find outmorevisit therowdytown.com.
Wednesday, December 25th, 2024
residentialservice will occur on Saturday,December 28th
Wednesday, January1st,2025 residentialservice will occur on Saturday,January4th
ManyThanks toour Generous Donors andSponsors!
Patti’sLadybug Cancer Fund (Vancouver Foundation)
BlackTuskRealty BravoBeer Peter& MairiBlair Rick Brezezowski
BetterComputers BlackMount Logging Cascade Environmental ColdwaterConstruction DiamondHeadMotors
FraserWoodIndustries Godecke Plumbing &Heating Rick Hunter Company Norm Halvorson KRCLogging
RossMader Squamish Mills Squamish Savings Scotia Bank MichaelSuter Marks Save On Foods
WestBarrLogging WhittikerEquipment YardWords Continental Electric Valley DrivingSchool
The CuttersBarbershop
Thank youtoall themembers of ourcommunitywho have provided financialsupport!Without your generosity ourprogramswould notbepossible. Thankyou also to theSea to SkyHospice Societyfor theirinvaluablesupport
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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
TheSquamishChief is amemberof theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependent organization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@squamishchief.com. If you arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information
Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.
EDITORIAL
LANDSLIDE SHOWSTHE TOWN’S HEART
One of themanythingsthisweekend’s landslideatLions Bayand thealmost 24-hourroadclosure that followed highlights is that theSea to SkyHighway is the artery in theheart of theSea to Sky.
There is no viable alternateway outorinto ourregionifHighway 99 goes out.
Longtime locals know this andhavelived throughlongerclosuresthanthisone,such asin1990, when arockslide closed the highwayfor 12 days,costing $7 millionfor repairsand many landslide-prevention geotechnical structures to be putinplace
Watching non-locals scramble foran alternateroute Saturday andthenbe shockedthatthere isn’tone drives home the vitalinfrastructurethe highwayisfor Squamish, particularily, butalsofor Whistler and Pemberton.
This incident also showed that blindly relyingonapp maps is afool’sgameand dangerous.
Hopefully, no oneattempted themountainousroute shown on certainonlinemaps.
Theincidentalsoshows clearlyhow many of us travel to andfromthe city—especially at this time of year to catchflights,see family, celebrate, shop andattendevents.
Driversgoing to andfro arelikethe blood flowfromthe heart—allvitally
interconnected.
Theweekend also demonstrated once againhow hazardouslifealong theSea to Sky canbewiththe harrowingcrash at Chance Creekand housewithtwo occupantsthat wasdisplaced with theslide.
Ourheartsgoout to allthose impacted by thosetragicevents.
Most heartwarmingly,the reaction to the landslideshowed—despiteour many differences—trulyhow good many people are. It wasbeyondheartwarming to seethe onlineposts offering places to stay,resources andsolid advice to folksfromnearand far who were trapped, uncertainorconfused.
(Here’slooking at you, Sea to SkyRoad Conditions Facebook group.)
Forall thehavoc online discoursecauses, this wasa time whenitshined.
Kudostothe businesses wholet folks hunker down,likethe Squamish McDonald’s, wheresometravellersstayedall night.
Andathank youtothe firstresponders andcrews whotookcareofbusinesssowe couldall getbacktoour livesinunder 24 hours.
Happyholidaystoeveryonewho was trapped, whohelpedand whoimprovised andmadethe best of it over this weekend. Well done.Weheart you.
ACHRISTMAS TREASURE
MOUNTAIN VIEWS INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
Haveyou ever been givena Christmasgiftasa childthathas stuckwithyou fora lifetime?
BecauseI have
Now, forsomebackground, Igrewupina tiny countrytowninthe middle of Australia. Christmasday wasalwaysover45Cand wasspent with my parentsenjoyinggoodfood andbetter company.
Theday wasnever fancy; we didn’t have alot of moneygrowing up,but we always spentthe time trying to focuson thethingsthatmatteredmost— winningour annual Christmas card game competition.
Now, Iwas always thechild whowas determined to catchSanta Clausand Iwenttoextreme lengthstodo it.One year,I even triedtying string from thedoorto my stocking,tomyfingers so Iwould wake up if someonecameinmyroom.
Unsurprisingly,I nevercaughthim.
WhileI’m confessing my secrets, Iwas also thekid whowrote alettertoSanta to convincehim Iwas a well-behaved child.But as theoverachieverthatI was, I’dtry so hard to convince himthatevery year (for longer than Icaretoadmit)thatIwould writedown everybad thingIdid that year to tryand provethatin theschemeofthings—Iwas actually relatively well behaved.
Essentially, Ijustouted myself to thebig guyand confessedmywrongdoing to twopeoplewho probably hadnoideaabout half of my childcrimes—like throwing my half-eaten sandwiches outthe window so Icould getasweet treat.
Ilaugh aboutitnow,but Iamstill mortified. Now, back to thestory.One year,while trying to catchSanta as anine-year-old,Iwokeupinthe early hoursofthe morning devastated to seemystocking wasempty …but instead, therewas anoteonmydoor.
I’dbeengiven ascavenger hunt to find my Christmas presents from Santa. Afterfinding twohula-hoops hidden in thehouse,the last gift wassaidtobehidden in aplace with lots of light.
When Itellyou Ilookedunder everylight in our houseImeanit—butitwas nowheretobefound. Eventually,ataround4a.m.Igaveupand satonthe couch, staringatour Christmastreeindefeat; it was
then that Isaw atinylittlebox on thetreebranch hidden betweensomelights. Inside wasatinypairofsapphireearrings. Iwas mesmerized.
Standing in frontofthe coloured lights of thetree, I putinthe earrings,and Irememberfeeling like the luckiest girl in theworld.
As Iwrite this now, 20 yearslater,wearing thesame pair of tiny blue earrings, Ithink back to that little girl whotried to catchSanta Clausand instead foundher favouritechildhood Christmas gift.
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
HOW I FOUND MY ‘BROWN CHRISTMAS’ MAGIC IN CANADA
Growing up in Delhi, where every festival was celebrated with so much joy and colour, my “brown Christmas” was magical in its own way.
Even though so many desis were obsessing over a perfect “white Christmas,” it was about visiting school fetes, decorating a small Christmas tree, and tearing into presents with excitement
But who am I to say when I too was dreaming of celebrating Christmas in the snow—just like in the white movies?
That dream came true last year, though in a way I didn’t expect. I cut my Europe backpacking trip short to rush home to my two favourite beings in the world: my puppy, Barfi, and my partner, Naman.
Since moving to Canada, I’ve learned a hard truth—immigrants don’t just make friends; they adopt them as
family And those who know me, know I am a pro at making friends via osmosis.
This Christmas, just like the last two, I won’t be celebrating with my didi and Maa in Delhi but with my chosen family here
And let me tell you, our Christmas is anything but traditional.
We’re a group of immigrants, so our potluck is a delicious mix of everything: turkey with a Mexican mole twist, samosas that disappear faster than they’re served, and random snacks we all pretend are festive. (I’m looking at you, Costco cookies.)
What makes this season special, though, is that it still feels magical— even as a grown-up who knows Santa isn’t real and that “holiday sales” are a scam
There’s just something about the holidays that makes everything seem a little brighter. The saddest streets suddenly look Instagram-worthy thanks to fairy lights, and people smile more, even if it’s just because they’re tipsy on spiked eggnog.
For a brief moment, it feels like kindness is contagious—or maybe
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LISTEN WITHOUT JUDGEMENT
If I stood in front of you and told you that I’ve been sober for a year Would you clap?
Would you applaud me for my accomplishments? Would you get me the most bedazzled cake after 365 days of sobriety?
Probably
Now, what if I told you that I have been sober for 72 hours, 72 of the most gut-wrenching hours, where I watched the hour hand slowly tick by?
Sometimes, swearing to God that it was going backwards, not forwards, because why the hell would the universe punish me more when all I wanted to do was get sober?
What if I told you that I had contemplated exiting four times in 72 hours?
I’ve picked up my demon and seriously searched for my will to live so many times this past 72 hours, but I didn’t. I didn’t give in to the temptation of
LETTERS POLICY
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
Do you want there to be an early federal election?
being numb
What if I did this alone while having tears of pain stream down my face, and no one was there to give me even a sliver of cake?
Would you cheer me on, then? I doubt it
What if I told you that day 365 was nothing?
I didn’t want a cake
But day three of those 72 hours of gut-wrenching horror was the hardest day. Day three was the day I needed someone to get me a cake
Actually, what I needed was someone to stop and say, “Hey, what do you need?”
My God, what I would have given to just have one person stop staring at me like I was some worthless junkie who didn’t even deserve a second of your time.
Somewhere along the way, someone
everyone’s just trying to make up for being terrible the rest of the year
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 HOLIDAY VIEWS BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE
It’s also the one time we can escape our 9-to-5 routines that slowly turn us into screen-addicted zombies. Suddenly, we’re baking cookies we don’t even like, hunting for gifts that no one asked for, and spending time with people we’ve avoided all year And somehow, it’s amazing. The holidays remind us to pause, laugh, and actually connect with the people we love—or at least tolerate
It’s easy to get lost in the monotony of everyday life, but this time of year makes even the little things feel special.
Whether it’s sharing a meal, swapping goofy gifts (why does someone always give socks?), or just sitting around watching Christmas lights blink in synchronized chaos, there’s joy in the simplest moments.
Of course, I miss celebrating with my family back in India, but here, in this beautiful chaos of mixed traditions and cuisines, I’ve found my own version of Christmas magic.
It’s messy, loud, and a little unconventional—just the way I like it.
Have your say at squamishchief.com
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
What is your most favourite part of the holiday season ?
has told you that until you’ve made it 365 days of sobriety there is no celebrating.
But what if that method doesn’t work for you?
What if you are your higher power? What day would you eat the cake? Correct me if I’m wrong, but if you ask an addict—whether that addict be active, recovering, newly sober, 17 years sober or five minutes sober— they would tell you that all they needed was for someone to listen to them without judgement.
Someone who sees them, hears them and provides them with exactly what they need
I bet if us “addicts” were given the chance to be seen every step of the way through our journey, we could change the lives of so many more individuals who are suffering in
LETTERS: Continued on 14
MOST READ STORY
One resident found dead after Lions Bay home hit by landslide, RCMP say
TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK
This week, reporter Indigo Lemay Conway watched the release of seals at Porteau Cove See this and many other local videos on our TikTok page, @squamishchief
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
LETTERS: Continued from 13 silence.
By sharing our stories and bringing light to the darkness
The only way to battle the war on drugs, homelessness, and mental health is to fight it head-on. Bring awareness to these crises, bring awareness to the darkness that is robbing our youth of the beauty this world has to offer.
What better people to raise awareness of the dark side of addiction than the ones who have truly lived through it all?
Our community needs to give us “drug addicts” a chance, a chance to see the beauty again, a chance to have stability, consistency and purpose—a chance to be members of this community.
Our community needs to recognize the strength of the individuals who are fighting battles in silence that everyone shames.
Amanda Mead Squamish
VERIFIABLE FACTS
Re: ‘Former LNG Canada Executive Takes Helm At Woodfibre LNG’, Squamish Chief, Nov. 28
I’d like to remind Messrs Ratnesh Bedi, president of Pacific Energy Corporation (“Advancing Canada’s leadership in delivering sustainably produced energy to the world “ Squamish Chief, Nov 28) and Luke Schauerte, CEO of Woodfibre LNG, (“Woodfibre LNG is demonstrating exceptional leadership through its commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Chief, Nov 28) that the precinct of commerce is not recluded from the necessity of facts. The verifiable facts are that LNG is not sustainable, by any measure.
Julie Malcolm Squamish
DECK THE HALLS WITH POOP BAGS?
Here we are at the end of another year. Homes are being decorated for the Christmas season and everything is looking merry and bright.
I would like to thank the dog owners who have so nicely adorned the bushes and trees along McNamee Pl with their colourful bags of doggie do-do.
Picking up after your dog and then throwing it into the bushes to hang off the branches surely does add to the scenic view from my
kitchen window.
I can not understand the intellectual level of these people. What are you thinking? Picking up after your dog is the law, but throwing it in the bushes is not.
I get a little tired of some dog owners who have little or no respect for the yard around the apartment building where I live This is private property and not a dog park I do not appreciate opening my blinds in the morning to watch a dog doing his business as I am trying to have my breakfast. Come on dog owners, you know who you are, and all you are doing is giving good dog owners a bad name
Patricia McCaffrey Squamish
TIME TO SHELVE BAND AID SONG
I enjoy listening to our local radio station, Mountain FM, most of the time.
I have emailed Rogers Media Head to ask our radio station to stop playing the Band Aid song “Do they know it is Christmas?” I have asked the station by phoning in and explaining to the station why it is an inappropriate song But the station stated that they will continue playing the song because it’s popular. However, I have strong
objections, as shared by Ed Sheeran and others recently.
In this day and age, we should not be promoting a racist and disrespectful song that tries to raise money for those who we are actually insulting. If you read the lyrics, there are negative stereotypes of all Africans who live in “dread and fear” where “nothing grows, no rain or rivers flow” with “only water flowing is the bitter sting of tears.”
The song others people of the Global South, for example, asking to “pray for the other ones” and being smug about “thank(ing) God it’s them instead of you” suffering. The white saviour complex is so evident. By raising money to donate, our collective responsibilities end there. World hunger is a complex issue that should not be taken lightly, and this song is complicit in spreading ignorance. As you are aware, there are many issues that lead to hunger remnants of colonialism, war, and climate change, to name a few.
I think that it is time to shelve the song “Do they know it is Christmas?”
Ji Ai Cho
Squamish
Editor’s note: Reached for comment, the station said: “A representative from Mountain FM is happy to hear and discuss their concerns.”
PHOTO BY DARRYL SCHWANKE
SAILING INTO THE HOLIDAYS: The Squamish harbour looks festive with boats decked out for the holiday season
DARTS & DAFFODILS
I WANTED TO SEND OUT A BIG THANKS to Squamish Canadian Tire for again hosting the Cub Scouts & Beavers Christmas tree sales. It is the single biggest fundraiser for our local kids, and we couldn’t do it without the generous help of Canadian Tire. In an era of corporate greed, I’m very pleased to see generosity and thoughtfulness.
DAFFODILS TO THE LOVELY IZZIE at Stong’s Market for giving free popcorn to a woman dealing with bad period cramps—your kindness made her day!
DARTS TO THE DOG OWNERS who throw their poop bags that end up hanging off the trees and bushes along McNamee Pl I see them every morning when I open my blinds, and it’s disgusting Why bother picking up after the dog if the bags are just being thrown in the trees?
HUBCAPS FULL OF DAFFODILS for the staff at Kal Tire, who are offering a discount for customers who bring in items for the Food Bank. They’re filling up a corner of the store!
BUNCHES OF DAFFODILS for Shabeen and the Mags 99 Restaurant along with the Society’s thanks for sponsoring our Social Fundraiser on Dec. 3. Volunteers, residents’ family members and staff had a great time and the resident’s will have a brighter Christmas with your donation of $500 Thanks also to Ian Brown and his choir for volunteering their time for our evening.
- Hilltop House Support Society
DAFFODILS TO THE CUSTOMER at the checkout in Nesters who insisted on paying our bill for the party goodies intended for the Hilltop House residents. John, you are an example of the great Squamish community we live in - Hilltop House Support Society
Got something nice to say or some constructive criticism? Send your Darts & Daffodils:
Email: news@squamishchief.com or drop off at The Chief office (38117 Second Ave.) during business hours. Deadline for submissions is Monday at 4 p.m. for Thursday’s paper. All submissions must be signed and include a phone number for verification. Maximum length is 75 words. Darts are intended to be an anonymous critique between private parties Darts must not directly or indirectly identify an individual or business.
EXPLORING MANAGED RETREAT: LESSONS FROM CLIMATE CHANGE AND FLOOD RISKS
Former Quest University student’s study on managed retreat reveals insights into Squamish’s response to flooding and climate challenges
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
In the face of mounting climate change impacts, while it isn’t something Squamish needs or wants to employ now, managed retreat may be something district residents could consider in parts of town in the future. That is one of the key takeaways of Emi Kingan’s UBC thesis De/constructing flood risk: plans and perceptions of managed retreat in Squamish, British Columbia
The former Quest University student says what sparked her interest in the topic of managed retreat was the atmospheric river that had such a devastating impact on the Fraser Valley in 2021
That year, from Nov 14 to Dec. 2, extreme rainfall caused flooding and mudslides in that region
“I started my master of arts degree at UBC in geography in 2022, and that was right after the 2021 atmospheric river event,” Kingan recalled. “And that event brought a managed retreat
into the news as communities like Abbotsford and Merritt started to think about this strategy And so I wondered, is Squamish considering the strategy ... or how do … practitioners and experts, view managed retreat? And so that motivated my study.”
But wait, what is managed retreat?
“Managed retreat is the purposeful and co-ordinated movement of people, infrastructure and services away from harm’s way,” Kingan said
“That term, harm’s way, is often used because it’s not just in response to flooding. It could be in response to wildfires, or even an instance in New Zealand, in Christchurch, after the earthquake there, there was managed retreat. But most often, it’s in response to river flooding—coastal flooding and sea level rise.”
Ultimately, her thesis speaks to “how managed retreat both destabilizes and creates opportunities to reimagine the traditions and practices
RETREAT: Continued on 17
Continued from 16
that direct how communities develop and live with water.”
WHAT SHE FOUND
Through research and interviews with 11 practitioners and experts, Kingan found the District was considering retreat between 2014 to 2017 during the drafting of its Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan
“What I found was that a lot of managed retreat programs we hear about in the news are about property buyouts but the District of Squamish’s main approach was to do with their own public infrastructure,” Kingan said.
An example of this strategy being employed in Squamish was moving the central fire hall operations from Garibaldi Estates to the new Valleycliffe fire hall and moving the emergency operations centre from the RCMP building on Finch Drive there as well.
“In some ways, that is a managed retreat, because the most important services were moved out of the floodplain.”
Other strategies include accommodate, where the facility isn’t moved, but rather accommodations are made to make them more flood-resistant, such as building the District works yard up higher
“Often in these new buildings, the first floor is not for people to live in,” she said “In the Dentville area, and further over there, it’s where people park their cars. And so that’s accommodate. And then with retreat, that’s what I focus on. Then there is the strategy of avoid, which is
just to restrict further development in areas prone to flooding,” Kingan said.
The municipality has been quite progressive, she added.
“I think the District of Squamish was somewhat ahead of their time in considering managed retreat back in 2014 to 2017, and their approach of moving their public infrastructure out of harm’s way is an important one, and one that other communities throughout B.C., I think, can learn from,” she said
NOT A NEW IDEA
Squamish has had a history of floods, as most locals know
During her research, what surprised Kingan most was that managed retreat wasn’t at all a new idea in town; in fact, it had been talked
about long before she was born, though historically, it may not have been called that.
One of the proposals was considered before Squamish was incorporated as a district municipality in 1964
“The historical research I did showed that past researchers and community members suggested what would today be called a managed retreat. They suggested that this downtown area—back in the late 50s and mid-60s—. should be more industrial as opposed to residential and that the main residential area be moved away from downtown, closer to Brackendale and Cheekye area.”
Words like “relocation” were used at that time
“That shows to me that these ideas of maybe it’s not best to build near hazards, and maybe relocation could be involved, have been a part of the community for decades,” she said.
DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD
“I show how settler colonialism and the development patterns within this area increased flood risk because people were settling in the midst of rivers and the sea, and then with the construction of dikes, while that did protect communities to some degree, it also encouraged development that has increased flood risk,”
Kingan said
With climate change making for more extreme weather, it also means more people and buildings are in areas that would have been too risky before mitigation
“So, it’s sort of this weird conundrum where dikes have, up until now, made the community safer, but have also increased risk, if, say, the dikes fail, or if they’re breached, and especially with climate change projections suggesting that sea levels will rise and floods may become more extreme or weather events,” she said.
Kingan also notes that the processes which produce our heightened flood risk aren’t purely negative They have actually defined what Squamish is in terms of its social, cultural, economic, and even political identity, like with incorporation, which occurred in part to deal with flooding
“The fact that flooding was such a major problem brought together Squamish, Brackendale and Mamquam to form this political entity, to manage the situation better and to secure funding from the province.”
Even today, with recreation and adventure, Squamish’s calling card is because it is in the
RETREAT: Continued on 18
PHOTO BY ASCENTXMEDIA/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Emi Kingan notes floods cause harm, but also opportunities.
Please Contact the SPCA for more details! Visitour website:spca.bc.ca
Meetthe 7English Princes
Zebra finches areactuallyAustralian, but theseboysare all namedafter Princes bothhereand gone.Finchesliketobein agrouporasthe propertermfor agroup of Zebra finchesiscalled,a waltzing of finches. We have theboysinagroup of 4and agroupof3.They are not a bird whoeasily hand tamesbut aremore about enjoying theirsong(sounds likea squeaky toy) andfor watching thetiny, livelybirds wholove to sittogetherona perch in arow.
To view more of ouradorablepetsup foradoption, please visit
RETREAT: Continuedfrom17
midstofthe rivers andthe sea, shenoted.
“Sothere’s this double-edged swordinaway,” shesaid.
“Floodingcausedlotsofdamageand harm, butthe reasonswhy people continue to live throughitare becauseofthe beauty and. more recently,the recreational opportunities Squamish provides.”
MANAGEDRETREAT CHALLENGED
Opposition to theideaofmanaged retreatis alsonot new.
“It’sveryeasytounderstandthe cons,” shesaid.
“It’sveryclear that theideaofgovernment telling people to move in fortheir owngood, supposedlybecause of climatechange, is disruptive andisviewedaslimitingpeople’s freedom. Ithink thewordisdisruptive, andthat comes up alot in newspapers,” Kingan said.
“But thereisalsoanimportant valueto considering managedretreat in that unlike buildingflood controlinfrastructures higher, which couldfail, as wasthe case in Abbotsford, managedretreat promises to reduce that risk more significantly, especiallyfor homes or people that arehighlyexposed.Itcan also reduce continualharmthattheymay go through if flooding occurs year afteryearorevery few years.”
CONCLUSIONS
Throughher research,Kingan, particularly speaking to the11professionals andexperts, foundmanaged retreattobeseenastrickyand
complicated.
“Wehaveinherited past developmentthat defineswhere buildingsare today. Butwealso have to consider thefuturewithclimate change projectionsontop of present-day changesin communitypopulation andchanges in council everyfouryears,” shesaid, adding that thereare also complexjurisdictionalissuesfor planners andlocal governments to consider Butultimately, thesecomplexitiesalsocreate opportunities, accordingtoKingan.
“I,along with otherresearchers,suggest that this complexity presentsanopportunity maybemanaged retreatcan be used as away to addressother connectedproblemsbeyond climatechange,”she said,referencing issues such as affordable housing.
Shestressedthatmanaged retreatdoesn’t have to look like thegovernmentswoopinginand moving people.Itcan be grassroots
“Withinmanaged retreatliterature, thereare discussionsastohow coercive it canbeand how it canbevoluntary andreallyempoweringfor communities. There’sdefinitelyaspectrum, and anycommunity that considersmanaged retreat, involvingpeopleintheir homes, needstoreally accountfor this spectrum andengagewiththe public,or, even better,havethe public lead the process,”she said.“If communitiesrealize .. now or well into thefuture, that they don’t want to experience repeated flood events,and yetthey don’t have themoney to move.Let’s come together.Let’s have communityorganizations supportusand work with thegovernment.”
RETREAT: Continuedon19
‘USEFUL INSIGHTS TO CONSIDER’
District of Squamish staff participated in interviews for Kingan’s project and reviewed the final thesis paper.
“The thesis included a comprehensive review of historic community flooding impacts as well as many useful insights to consider as part of future mitigation approaches As well, the thesis laid out both the opportunities and challenges associated with managed retreat,” said District spokesperson Rachel Boguski in an email to The Squamish Chief.
Asked about the role of retreat in current or future plans, Boguski said the current Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan (IFHMP) includes mitigation measures within the categories of:
• Protect, meaning improving flood protection;
• Accommodate, meaning ensuring new development is built safely in consideration of flooding
• Avoid, meaning restricting development in high-risk areas, and
• Retreat, meaning removing development from flood-prone areas.
“The District plans to review and update the IFHMP beginning in 2027 A full consideration of mitigation approaches, including managed retreat, will be considered holistically along with other mitigation approaches as part of the update,” added Boguski.
In terms of involving the community in plans around this discussion, Boguski said the District completed significant community engagement
as part of the IFHMP between 2014 and 2017, including community open houses, stakeholder meetings, open council meetings and public surveys.
“The District also engages with the community through the implementation of the IFHMP’s recommendations—[for example] Floodplain Bylaw adoption, incorporating flood policy in the Official Community Plan, ongoing dike upgrade projects, etc.—The District will engage with the community as part of the forthcoming IFHMP update,” she said
PREPARE
Kingan said doing her study made her think about her individual role in her own safety
“While governments play some role in reducing flood risk and other natural hazard risk, individuals and communities also play a role,” she said. “And so this project has helped me learn more about what I need to do to prepare and, perhaps even people in Squamish, too, can also learn more.”
The thesis was primarily funded through a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council Canada Graduate Scholarship and the Larry Bell Urban Research Award.
Kingan recently graduated from UBC with her master of arts She is next looking to work with either local governments or nonprofits to help with disaster resilience, or with researching and developing flood policy or affordable housing.
“Looking at climate change action and adaptation and connecting that with all the other issues that people in B.C. are experiencing today,” she said
Holiday Deadlines
December 26th paper
Sales Deadline: Friday, December 20th at 12 pm
Creative Deadline:
Monday, December 23rdat10am
January 2nd paper
Sales Deadline: Friday, December 27th at 12 pm
Creative Deadline: Monday, December 30th at 10 am
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE CAPILANO UNIVERSITY TURF FIELD?
CapU athletic director Georgette Reed hopes to bring more international groups and competitions to town
INDIGO
LEMAY-CONWAY
iLemayConway@squamishchief.com
The new Capilano University turf field has stood the test of time (or hundreds of feet) and came out unscathed after the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) Women’s Soccer National Championships.
The turf was given a $1.1 million revamp, especially for the national tournament held on Nov. 6 to 9, which saw the Capilano Blues take home the bronze medal.
“It looked fantastic; you’d never even know that it was used,” CapU athletic director Georgette Reed told The Squamish Chief.
“The field itself is phenomenal, and it’s one of those facilities that is probably one of the best, I’d say, in Western Canada.”
WHAT’S NEXT FOR THE FIELD?
Reed hopes that following the success of the national tournament, CapU will be able to bring more events to Squamish in the future
“I don’t know if other people feel this way, but my hopes are to be able to start transforming that facility into something that not only can be used by the community through rentals and other programming but also where we’re able to bring in international soccer groups that want to maybe have that space for a training camp,” she said.
“Or to be able to run other kinds of camps, whenever they do the FIFA [International Federation of Association Football] international soccer here, so that maybe Squamish could be a training location for it.”
She said she would love it if CapU could bring the new women’s professional league to Squamish to do an exhibition game or a practice for the community to get involved with “It would really give an opportunity for all these groups to learn about Squamish, about the community, and then hopefully bring some events into the community,” Reed said.
There’s also talks to potentially expand the facility further to create a bigger community hub.
“I’d love to expand the facility, where we could actually even do more with it, and have a real gym outside,” Reed said.
“To have some rooms that overlook the field, multi-purpose rooms, a weight room and some other things to really make it a world class facility and a community hub, that would be fantastic.
“I’m in talks with our executive leadership, and telling them that this is the way that I think we should go So it’s just up to them if they think that’s in the cards.”
CAN LOCALS USE IT?
The turf field is complete (minus some lettering still to be added), so can the average Squamish resident use it recreationally?
Yes and no
Local sporting teams and leagues will be able to rent the field out, as well as schools wanting to use the space for a sporting purpose.
“It’s done through rental because it is owned by Capilano University, so it’s not a community field, but we’re working with the community by
rental to have access to it,” Reed said
“It’s not something that’s just open, and people can access it anytime that they want to play casually, or to walk their dogs on or anything like that. It may have been used that way in the past, but because we’ve put such an investment into this facility, we want to make sure that we maintain it to the highest standards possible.
“So, casual use will probably not be allowed, but it will be allowed for teams and maybe leagues to rent it on a regular basis for a period of time, to be able to have their games, or to have organized practices or those types of things on it.”
Schools will also be able to book the field through the CapU rentals.
“This way, we can hopefully open up to as many groups as possible to be able to use it, as long as they want to use it in a positive way that’s going to help promote sport,” Reed said.
A CCAA RECAP
Following a slightly unsuccessful season, the
CapU Blues were able to show off their skills at the 2024 CCAA Women’s Soccer National Championships to bring home a bronze medal.
In the all-Quebec final match-up, Nomades de Montmorency clinched the gold medal with a score of 3-0 over Aigles d’Ahuntsic, who took home silver.
“It was an up-and-down year for us. We really hadn’t had a whole lot of success, even though the team fought really, really hard,” Reed said “So for them to be able to only win two games through the season, but then go through nationals to the point where they lose their first game and win the last three games in a row, by playing four games in less than four days and coming home with a bronze medal—it was amazing.
“You hope that when you host something like this, that you’ll have that kind of an opportunity, and we did, and they took every opportunity to really show up and get on the podium.”
The tournament saw over 400 daily spectators as well as 12,000 viewers who streamed the games online.
PHOTO COURTESY CAPU MARKETING AND DIGITAL EXPERIENCE The new CapU Squamish soccer turf field
UFC FIGHTER JAMEY-LYN HORTH WESSELS LOSES AGAINST MIRANDA MAVERICK
In a close but unanimous decision, the American took home the win 29-28 in Tampa, Florida
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY iLemayConway@squamishchief.com
UFC fighter Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels narrowly lost her fight to American pocket rocket Miranda Maverick on Saturday, Dec. 14
Maverick might have been the favourite to win the bout, but Horth Wessels didn’t make it easy for her, only narrowly taking the win with all three judges scoring the fight 29-28. Held in Tampa, Florida, the two flyweights spent an equal amount of time on the fence and the canvas, each taking turns dominating the fight and looking for a takedown
With an extra 3.5 inches of height, Horth Wessels made sure to use every bit of fuel in the tank and reminded everyone why she deserved the card so soon after her last fight a mere six weeks ago.
ROUND 1
The first round saw the American land kicks to the Canadian’s legs before attempting a takedown against Horth Wessels. She spent a good portion of the time trying to get the Squamish-beloved fighter onto the mat, and only succeeded once but it was short lived and Horth Wessels was back on her feet as the round ended.
During the fight, Horth Wessels was given a warning for an illegal elbow.
ROUND 2
Maverick led the charge in the beginning again, wasting no time pushing the Canadian against the fence into the same position as when the previous round ended.
This time, Horth Wessels was able to de the attempted takedowns and the two trad dominating positions on the mat.
ROUND 3
Both fighters traded a few punches and kicks in the beginning of the round.
Maverick was able to get Horth Wessels down, but an ankle lock proved to be the winning attack, and the Canadian was back on her feet with 30 seconds left
The two traded blows, but it was Maverick who came out on top in a unanimous decision
PRE-FIGHT
Horth Wessels agreed to take the fight against Maverick only four days after her split-decision win over Ivana Petrovic on Nov. 2 in Edmonton.
She replaced the 12th-ranked women’s flyweight contender Tracey Cortez, who withdrew from the UFC Tampa main event due to injury.
Prior to the fight, Horth Wessels told The Squamish Chief she was shocked to get the opportunity to fight again so soon
“I was surprised to be offered the fight, but we didn’t hesitate,” Horth Wessels said
“My coaching staff is always looking for the next move, and seeing her opponent was out they had already started watching tapes.
“I think it’s another tough fight. Every fight is going to be this way in the UFC. But I am excited to get back in there, and all the pressure is on her.”
With the loss, Horth Wessels UFC comes away with seven wins and two losses in her professional career. Maverick leaves with 17 wins and five losses.
FILE PHOTO BY NICOLE CHOMECHKO
Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels and her husband Kasey Smith at the new location of The Sound Martia Arts
Sunshine Coast FunFacts number 1 1
Sunshine Coast FunFacts number 2 2
Sunshine Coast Fun Facts number 3 3
The TVshow The Beachcomberswas filmedon theSunshineCoast.
The SunshineCoast has numerous white sand beaches and pristine waterwaysalongside lush rainforests and Heritage-listed nationalparks, with charming historic villages
The is lookingfor an Special ProjectsAdvertisingSales Representative
If youare thinking of relocatingand want abetterquality of life! Send your resume to Patrick@coastreporter.net
LOCALIN‘THENUTCRACKERONICE’
Shows take place twice a day as part of the PNE Winter Fair
ALYSSA NOEL anoel@squamishchief.com
Gabby Duarte found skating “a little later.”
“I was eight, turning nine,” she said “In the skating world, that’s later.”
The Squamish resident was on a field trip with her school at Brennan Park when she first discovered the sport. She hasn’t looked back Duarte is returning to the rink to perform The Nutcracker on Ice as part of the PNE’s Winter Fair in Vancouver for the second year in a row—also her second professional contract
The PNE Winter Fair takes place all month, with the last skate performance on Dec. 23
The Nutcracker is free with fair admission.
“It was so much fun,” she said of last year. “It went really well. It was the first year there was a skating show at the PNE Winter Fair, so they were choreographing it from scratch.”
Again this year, Duarte is serving as part of the “ensemble,” meaning she plays various characters in the small crew of 10.
“I’m in all the group numbers—anything other than the solos,” she added.
The half-hour show takes place twice a night during the Winter Fair at 6:30 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.
“Skaters will perform breathtaking high-speed leaps and back flips, awe-inspiring acrobatics, and sublime ice dance to make The Nutcracker
on Ice a festive treat that will enchant the ages,” according to a release on the show.
While skating in so many performances in a short period of time can be tiring, the cast remains full of enthusiasm, Duarte said “It can be [tiring] at some point, but our cast is just so good at keeping the energy up and making sure we have enough rest, but also recovery time and warming up our muscles together and working through the whole show together,” she said
“It really doesn’t feel that exhausting Our cast makes it easy to be a part of the show.”
Duarte, a long-time member of Skate Sea2Sky, also coaches in Squamish She hopes to see a few familiar local faces in the crowd.
Another highlight she looks forward to: “There’s a moment at the end where everyone pulls out their flashlights, and it’s such a cool moment to be down on the ice seeing that.”
After recently finishing university where she earned a bachelor in business administration, Duarte is hoping to add more professional skating gigs to her resume.
“I took this past year to finish up with university and see what I want to do with my professional career, but [this performance] has definitely put in my head that I would love to keep doing this or do more shows,” she said Go to the PNE Winter Fair website for more information: www.pne.ca/winter-fair
In Memory Of
Ruth Fenton (nee Carson)
October22,1925-November29,2024
It is with heavyhearts andsadness that we announce the deathofa loving mother,grandmother, great grandmotherandgreatgreatgrandmother.
RuthwasborninTorontoandpassedawayinSquamish withherfamilybyherside.
SurvivedbydaughterJudy(Roy),sonsLyle(Bev),Ian(Kathy)daughterBeverly(Bruce) SisterBetty Foote, brother’sBruce (Bup) andBill Carson. 7grandchildren12great grandchildren, and1great great granddaughter.Predeceased by herhusband Douglas FentonanddaughterCarolRaffaele.
Ruth movedtoSquamish with herfamily in theearly l930’s. Thefamily settledin Brackendale,latermovedtoahomeonRiverRoadnowknownasLily’sGardeninRose Park.She lovedtogarden, hada passion forquiltingand wasactiveintheACW. Ruth lived afulllifewith compassion anddignity.Family wasveryimportant to herand they willforevertreasureherspiritofloveandgrace.RestinPeace.
ServicewillbeheldatSt.JohntheDivineAnglicanChurch,1930DiamondRoadSquamish, B.C.atonSaturday,January4,2025at11:00a.m.
Inlieuofflowers,donationsmaybemadetoSt.JohntheDivineAnglicanChurchorSea toSkyHospiceSociety
Tosignthebookofcondolences,pleasegotosquamishfuneralchapel.com
Home 604-898-2333
Noticeofdisposition ofabandoned property
Publicnoticegivenunderpart 6ofthemanufacturedhome parktenancyregulationorany otherregulationrelatedtothis noticethatthe propertyhas been abandoned. Theowner of themanufactured home identifiedbelow,TroyKofoed, isdeceased
Previously Century21, ouroffice
Owner of theparkisGrace Chung,representativeDaniel Cassell.
Thepremises beinglocated at1511830MamquamRoad, SquamishB.C.alsoknownas TimberTownEstate
Thepropertyconsists of amanufactured homeand contents
Modular homeRegistration number024572. Thehome andcontents will be on site for 30 days from thedateof thisnotice.
If thereisanyone whocan establish aclaim or aright to possession.Theycan make an applicationtothe courtto establisharighttopossession oftheProperty.Within30days fromthedateofthisnotice.
If youfailtodoany of the abovewithinthe specified timeperiod, thelandlordor theiragentwilldisposeofthe propertyandyouwillloseany claimtoit.
Pleasecontacttheofficeatby telephone at 604-898-5688 or by e-mail at timbertown@ shaw.caorbyvisitingthe officeat2421830Mamquam rd SquamishB.C.assoonas possibletoarrange forthe retrieval or storageof your property
Timber town estate 1830 MamquamRoad, Squamish B.C. Box3963Garibaldi Highlands,BCV0N1T0 Join our team as aCareAide
Ready to make an impact? AsaCare Aideat HilltopHouse, you’ll work with amultidisciplinary and supportive team to provide personal care, assist with meals, monitor client progress, and ensurea safe environment for our residents.
FAMILYLAW ASSISTANT
•Part-time
•Flexible hours to accommodate school hours
•Minimum 2years experience
Please forward yourresume in confidenceto
MalloryEmeryatmemery@toewsco.net
Only successful candidates will be notified. 201-1364 Pemberton Avenue, Squamish, BC
»squamishchief.jobfind.findem.ca
-Squamish
HEAVYDUTYMECHANIC
Permanent, Full-Time
Cardinal Concrete, ADivision of Lafarge CanadaInc is the leading supplier of ready-mixconcrete in the Sea to Sky Corridor.Weare currently seeking acareer oriented individual to fill the role of Commercial Transport/Heavy Duty Mechanic at our Head Office Location in Squamish, BC.
This is a skilled position which primarily involves preventative maintenance and repair of alarge fleet of commercialtransportvehicles including concrete mixer trucks, dump trucks, trailers,forklifts and light-duty trucks.
MinimumQualifications:
•B.C. Certificate of Qualification, and/or Interprovincial TicketasaCommercial TransportMechanic, and/or Heavy Duty Mechanic Ticket
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, Squamish – Minimum 5years or 5,000 hours operating experience onexcavator.Full-time, Monday –Friday. $33-$42 per hour
HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC - CommercialTruck &Transport, Transport Trailer,Class 1or 3air brakes preferred. 4x10 or 5x8 schedule. Red Sealcertified receive $200/month tool allowance. $39.70- $47.90 per hour.5%premium on hourly wagefor LeadHand position.
CONSTRUCTION LABOURER – Great opportunity to learnon-the-job. Stamina for physically demanding work and perseverance to braveinclement weather required.Previous experience preferred but not required. Training provided. $25-$32 per hour
SNOWPLOW OPERATOR, Whistler – Valid Class 5BCDriver’sLicencerequired.Mustbeavailable from November 15 through March 31. On-the-job training provided. Wage depending on experience. $28-35.02 perhour
•3-5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combinationofeducation and experience
Compensation $45.57 to $49.07
To view afull copy of this Job Description visit: www.cardinalconcrete.ca/about/careers
Apply to:info@cardinalconcrete.ca
1. Scoundrel
4. Came out on top
8. Rooster,e.g.
12. Work by Shelley 13. Scorch 14. Yokedbeasts
15. Word of agreement
16. Pulled apart
17.Crack abook
18. Dangers 20.Totals
21. Shudder 23. Eyeailment
25. Desertsprings
26.Steeped beverage
27.Uneven
30.Bring legal action
Masts
(for)
35. Misspeak 36. Subject 38. Take advantage of 39. Carrier 40. Cover 43. Safes
45. Snakyfishes
46. Yard unit
47.Slick
50.Foundation
51.Rustic hotels
52. Animal park
53. Glimpse
54. Fewer
55. Age
1. Affectedly shy 2. Grape drink 3. Hated 4. Jolie et al.
5. Singing group
6. Nobleman
7. Chest of drawers
8. Wiggly fish
9. Chopped 10.Foremost
11. Football linemen
19.Adam’smate
21. Average: hyph. 22.Lug
24.Tacky
26.Surfacing material
27.Extralarge
28. Tencents 29.Elk
32. Winout
37.Beret, e.g.
38. Aggravated
39.Scorches
40.Entanglements
41.Gather
42. And
44. Skin problem
48. Pigeon’scry
49.Mateofhither
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:
HOROSCOPE WEEKOFDEC 19,2024- DEC25, 2024
ARIES March 21-April 19
In romantic matters,you may receiveamarriageproposal, either from someone you don’t knoworduringatrip with yourpartner.This week holds surprises that will be good for you
TAURUS April 20-May20
You’ll have alot to do at work to finalizefiles beforethe holidays. However, everything will go accordingtoplan. You’ll finish offthe year with a senseofaccomplishmentand leavewith peace of mind.
GEMINI May21-June 20
You’ll putthe finishing touches on yourholiday decorations after finding outlastminutethat you’ll be hostinganimportant gathering. Your desireto outdoyourself will push you to do everythinginyour powertostandout
CANCER June 21-July 22
You’ll find time to manage the household, takecareof the children and serveashost for the get-togethers. You’ll be involved in acommunity activitythat will make you feel an extraburst of gratitude.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Youwon’t mince your wordsthis week! You’ll openlyexpresswhatothers arethinking. Youmay alsoneed to dispelsome nastygossiptoprevent it from complicatingyour relationships
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
You’ll need to make more purchases, whichwill causeyou to spend beyond yourbudget. However, the presents will be greatly appreciated, earningyou warm thanks.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
You’ll need to make lastminutearrangements at work or at home.Atthe office,you’ll be the first to arrive and the last to leave. Forthis,you’ll earn the trustofmanagementfor an upcomingpromotion.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Be careful not to wear yourself outbeforethe start of the holiday season. You’ll have to taketime to rest to getoveracold that’s causing fatigue. There’snothinglike
an inspiringreadatatime likethis
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Stress at work maymakeyou feel likeyou’reinturmoil. Fortunately, you’ll regain yourself-confidence just in time for Christmas. You won’t leaveyourgood friends alone for the holidays.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You’ll excel at work and in preparingfor the holidays. You’ll completeall yourtasks on time.This will giveyou peace of mind duringyour time off
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
Your friends mayinviteyou to travel with them.You’ll accept the offer without hesitation. If not,you may takepartinamulticultural celebration with yourloved ones duringthe holidays.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
Youmay feel amix of emotions as the holidays approach.This year’s celebrations will be different, evokinga senseofnostalgia that maybring outyour sensitiveside
HOWTOPLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3box contains the numbers1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. Youalready have afew numbers to getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box
Holy Communion and MorningWorship Sundays at 10:00 AM
Rev Cameron Gutjahr 1930 Diamond Road 604-898-5100
Exalting Jesus,Equipping His Followers,Engaging theWorld
www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca info@squamishanglicanchurch.ca WorshipService Sundays 10am on our website and Facebook Live 2262ReadCres. 604-898-3737 www.squamishbaptistchurch.org
SUDOKU
