December 26, 2024

DECEMBER 26,

SQUAMISH COMMUNITY FOUNDATION HONES IN ON LOCAL LIVING WAGE

Organization contributed data to this year’s Living Wage BC report

ALYSSA NOEL news@squamishchief.com

The living wage for Squamish has gone up by more than a dollar in the last year

To be exact: $1.63 from $25.13 to $26.76

“That was quite a jump, and it was also mostly due to rent—a rent increase,” said Karen Clarke, executive director of Squamish Community Foundation “So that was surprising to me.”

While Living Wage BC, along with the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives BC Office, released the living wage—what it costs for a two-parent family of four to get by—for 25 B.C. communities last month, it’s local organizations that provide much of the data

Locally, the Squamish Community Foundation provided numbers and then released their own report honing in on this community last week

“A striking gap exists between the 2024 Squamish

WAGE: Continued on 2

PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

NEWS BRIEFS

MARINE CRASH INVOLVING WOODFIBRE LNG VESSELS

A crash occurred between two marine vessels working on the Woodfibre LNG project on the night of Dec. 18, authorities confirm.

“One individual was sent for medical assessment and subsequently released,” said Woodfibre LNG’s spokesperson, Sean Beardow, in an email to The Squamish Chief.

The Woodfibre LNG site is located approximately seven kilometres southwest of downtown Squamish, on the west side of Howe Sound.

A spokesperson for the Transportation Safety Board of Canada the Squamish Chief that the incident occurred at 7:47 p.m.

A tug, the Haisla Northwind, towing a barge, crashed into a 22-foot North River Seahawk vessel at the Woodfibre LNG site, causing the Seahawk to sink at a depth of approximately 200 metres

A Very high frequency (VHF) radio mayday call reported the man overboard.

A BC Marine Logistics (BCML) vessel rescued the sole occupant of the boat, who confirmed there were no others on board.

living wage and B.C.’s current minimum wage of $17.40 per hour,” the report said “Based on this living wage, a family of four in Squamish must earn a gross household income over $91k. Housing alone commands $2,993 monthly from their budget, while food, the second largest expense in the family budget, adds an additional $1,359 per month.”

This year, for the first time, Living Wage BC also calculated the living wage for a single parent with one young child ($29.13 with expenses over $57,300) and a single adult ($26.03 with expenses over $40,000).

“I think it’s a better representation of the

Scott Shaw-MacLaren, media spokesperson for Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR), Station 4-Squamish, said RCM-SAR 04 was tasked to the boat crash, with the possibility of persons in the water, but the incident was mostly resolved by the time the volunteers arrived.

RCM-SAR arrived and recovered some debris and then returned to its Squamish base

The Seahawk was carrying fuel when it sunk, according to the TSB.

“A hydrocarbon sheen was observed, and booms were deployed. The tug and barge did not suffer any damage or spillage. Sonar is being used to locate the sunken vessel and a decision will be made by the vessel’s insurer on salvage,” the TSB spokesperson said.

“Woodfibre LNG continues to investigate the incident in conjunction with the parties involved and appropriate regulatory agencies,” Beardow said

This incidence is still being evaluated by the TSB.

It is too early to say how long this investigation will take before completion, the spokesperson said

population, and it just gives us more information about the reality of people’s expenses and what they need to live, so definitely the single parent was higher than the family of four, and that’s significant,” Clarke said Overall, Squamish ranks sixth on the list, while Whistler tops it with a living wage of $28.09.

Every year, tweaks are made to the report, including where it draws its data from. Child care, for example, is listed at $596 a month for Squamish. That’s meant to include one spot for full-time licensed group care for ages 3 to 5 for a year with a fee reduction and before-andafter school care for a seven-year-old for 10 months with a fee reduction.

LANDSLIDE BODIES RECOVERED

The body of the second person who was swept away in their home during the Lions Bay landslide on Dec. 14 has been recovered, RCMP say.

The mudslide occurred on Highway 99 beside the Brunswick Road exit ramp early last Saturday morning, taking with it one house.

One of the two occupants in the residence when the slide hit was found dead on Dec. 15

The search has continued since for the second person.

At approximately 5:30 p.m. today, Dec. 21, the body of the second resident was found by emergency crews.

The Village of Lions Bay released a statement this evening, identifying the deceased as David and Barbara Enns.

“David Enns was found on Dec. 15th. Barbara Enns was found today, Dec. 21st, following an intense co-ordinated and skilled search,” the release states, noting that the names were being released with the permission of the family.

“Our hearts go out to the family and loved ones during this devastating time,” reads the release, which is signed by Lions Bay Mayor

“That was one issue we never completed talking about with Living Wage BC,” Clarke said of the child-care numbers. “We felt it was low as well I think we’ll have a better look at it next year.”

With the cost of housing on the rise each year, for many people, the goal of spending only 30% of their income on rent is no longer attainable. In 2021, 38% of renters in Squamish were spending more than 30%of their income on rent and utilities, according to the Squamish Community Foundation’s 2023 Vital Signs report.

“I think the reality is people are paying more than 30%,” said Alanna Gillis, marketing co-ordinator with the foundation “That’s just

Ken Berry.

“This is a profound loss for the family, friends, neighbours and all of the Village of Lions Bay residents. We join together in our sorrow and send our love to the family.”

Resources, including counselling services and financial assistance, are being made available to those who need it

The municipality, which has a population of about 1,500 residents, has been working with provincial authorities since the slide, according to the release.

“The recovery was made possible through the tireless efforts of search and rescue teams, local volunteers, and emergency responders who have worked around the clock under challenging conditions. This has involved a Co-ordinated Emergency Team from Lions Bay, Metro Vancouver and the Province of BC, including extensive personnel and equipment.”

While the cause of the slide remains under investigation, the release states that the Battani Creek debris flow originated in Electoral Area A, just outside the northerly border of Lions Bay. The State of Local Emergency declared on Dec. 15 remains in effect

reality. And it’s significantly higher There’s so many systemic issues that go into affordability.”

The goal, ultimately, is just to provide communities with data For some, it can be referenced when setting wages, but the Squamish Community Foundation also recognizes challenges to small businesses, too.

“I think the main thing is just how much it costs to live in Squamish and you know what the reality is for business owners, landlords, any employers at all and is it possible for them to offer a living wage and, if so, what does that mean for their business?” Clarke said. “And I think, overall, that’s what we want people to take away.”

NEWS BRIEF

FAMILY MOURNS SEA TO SKY MAN WHO DIED IN HIGHWAY 99 CRASH

The family of a driver killed in a car crash on the Sea to Sky Highway, between Squamish and Whistler last weekend, are mourning the loss of the man they say exuded “positivity” and had a “giving spirit.”

Manpreet Sanghera, 36, died in a single-vehicle rollover crash on Highway 99 at Chance Creek Forest Service Road on the evening of Saturday, Dec. 14

“It is with profound sorrow and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Manpreet Sanghera, beloved husband, father, son, and friend,” the family said in an email to The Squamish Chief.

According to his family, Manpreet was born on Jan. 26, 1988, in Jammu, India.

“Manpreet was a shining light in the lives of those who knew him. His selflessness, unwavering kindness, and generosity touched countless lives and left a lasting impact on everyone he met,” a spokesperson for the family said.

“Manpreet is survived by his loving wife, Jaspreet, his cherished newborn daughter, Anhad, his parents, sisters, and his nephews and nieces, all of whom will miss him dearly. His positivity, giving spirit, and happy soul will forever live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who were blessed to know him.”

A funeral service for Manpreet was to be held on Sunday, Dec. 22, followed by a prayer at the Squamish Sikh Temple

GOT NEWS?

Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com iLemayConway@squamishchief.com bchatterjee@squamishchief.com anoel@squamishchief.com

IS MAMQUAM-RING ROAD OPEN YET?

Work is ongoing on the Mamquam-Ring Road which once completed, will only be open to industrial traffic

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

There is still more work to be completed on the Mamquam-Ring Creek Road before it is considered safe for industrial traffic.

The District organized a risk assessment on the road which revealed six hazards that could impact road user safety.

The assessment was undertaken in August by a geotechnical engineer retained by the District.

On Nov. 26, council received the Mamquam Ring Road Failure Repairs Update report which informed councillors of the hazards and how to best fix them

BACKGROUND

An atmospheric river in 2021 caused significant damage to the Mamquam-Ring Road including cracking and erosion along a number of areas.

“There was [also] a landslide on one of the upper portions of the road that was on private property,” Jesse Morwood, capital projects manager at the District of Squamish said in the meeting.

Previously, the road was used by industrial and recreational vehicles; it was also a secondary emergency access road for the University Heights area.

Due to the damage, the road has been closed to all users since 2021.

Morwood said work to repair the atmospheric river damage was completed in the spring of 2023, but more cracking was identified in 2024 due to subsequent wet weather events

According to Morwood, the District has spent

approximately $475,000 to date on the repairs with some of this reimbursed through government grant programs

NEW ISSUES

The risk assessment revealed six hazards which could impact road user safety.

“That included slumping and tension cracking of the roadway; slope erosion, undercutting of the slope from the Mamquam River, a deep-seated slope instability, rock fall from the upper slope, slumping of the upper slope due to over-steepened slopes or erosion and seepage,” Morwood said

“The results of the risk assessment showed that there is a one in 3,900 risk to loss of life for an individual driver that makes 100 trips per year.”

The report compared this risk to other voluntary risks seen in day-to-day life

Driving in B.C. has a one in 10,000 chance of life loss risk per year, a one in 65,000 chance of electrocution per year, a one in 200 chance for smoking per year and a one in 10,000 chance for skiing based on 100 hours per year

“The risk assessment also concluded that risk from the upper slope is roughly 10 times greater than risk arising from the lower slope,” Morwood said.

The report recommends that prior to opening the road, the risks should be mitigated.

The primary recommendations are to reduce the upper slope angle, install ‘No Stopping’ and reduced speed signs, maintain an existing rockfall ditch and an existing drainage swale, and complete periodic geotechnical reviews.

The District is also collaborating with the land owner to address work on a private section, however, they “don’t have a schedule on when this work will be done” but hope it will be completed “as soon as possible.”

THE FUTURE

Morwood said that the District’s intent is to open the road to industrial traffic only.

“The reason is that in [some] locations, this road has been reduced to single lane traffic,” he said

“Currently, the road is closed to all traffic, and the objective that we’re working towards is to reopen the road to industrial traffic and to active transportation, not concurrently, but active transportation most of the time, and then during periods of industrial use that it would be solely for that use.”

The likelihood of general traffic being able to use the road is also not on the cards any time soon

“To open the road to anything beyond that would require additional investments in the road because, as I mentioned, there are fairly lengthy single-lane sections where it’s not suitable for something like reopening the road to public access in its current state,” Mordood said,

“So that would require further future investment.”

Councillors voted unanimously to receive the report.

Those interested can read the full report on the District’s website.

~With files from Jennifer Thuncher/The Squamish Chief

Ryan Kinghorn

FIRESWARM SOLUTIONS SECURES $500K FOR ADVANCED WILDFIRE-FIGHTING DRONE TECHNOLOGY

Squamish-based startup FireSwarm Solutions Inc. has secured the funding to further develop its autonomous drone technology for wildfire management

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Squamish-based FireSwarm Solutions Inc., a startup that develops autonomous drone technology for wildfire management, announced it has $500,000 in funding from the BC Centre for Innovation & Clean Energy (CICE)

CICE is an independent not-for-profit corporation that funds “clean energy innovators.”

Other past projects it has invested in include the electrification of snow plows and funding for a company that aims to make lithium battery manufacturing cleaner, among others. In the spring, CICE put out a call to companies developing “ground-breaking solutions to better manage and mitigate the growing threat of wildfire.”

They awarded $3 million to six of the 74 companies that applied for the 2024 Wildfire Tech Call for Innovation, including FireSwarm Solutions.

CICE claims this is Canada’s first-ever

funding opportunity for wildfire technologies

The $500,000 will speed FireSwarm’s deployment of long-endurance, heavy-lift autonomous drone swarms to detect, map, and suppress wildfires.

It is non-dilutive funding; this means financing that doesn’t require the business to give up any percentage of ownership of the company.

“The CICE investment is fast-tracking our commercialization timeline, enabling pilot projects and integrated training exercises with B.C. communities and First Nations across B.C., which will be partially supported by the CICE grant,” said Melanie Bitner, co-founder of FireSwarm, in an email to The Squamish Chief.

“As a Sea to Sky company, FireSwarm is committed to supporting wildland firefighters with tools that fill gaps in suppression, making aerial suppression safer and effective at night and in low visibility when helicopters and waterbombers can’t fly,” she added.

“We’ve already started building relationships with local governments, First Nations, and industry partners Our goal is to collaborate with partners to build and pre-position a network of fleets across the region that can respond quickly in high-risk areas, enhancing wildfire management and safety.”

Bitner said that scaled testing of its swarm algorithm—the drone-agnostic software that enables unmanned aircraft system technology to autonomously pick up water and perform manual drops—is well underway in

This project is vital for addressing the escalating threat of wildfires with innovative, effective solutions.

ALEX DESLAURIERS

Squamish

“Once we receive the ultra heavy-lift ACC Innovation Thunder Wasp drones in 2025, testing will expand to the Squamish Valley, pending approval from the necessary regulatory agencies,” she said.

She added that as the company gains customers, the plan is to establish a local Operations Centre similar to the maintenance and support facilities provided by aircraft manufacturers.

This centre would feature a research and development lab “to continually improve the solutions we offer our clients.”

Currently, FireSwarm employs four locals, and Bitner expects this number could grow to up to 40 as its operation expands.

According to the provincial government, wildfires in 2024 resulted in 51 evacuation orders, affecting more than 4,100 properties, and 112 evacuation alerts, which affected more than 12,500 properties

As of Nov. 1, the estimated cost of wildfire suppression this year alone was $621 million.

According to a news release, FireSwarm’s drones will be able to carry up to 350kg and will be able to detect hotspots, execute precise water drops, and deliver real-time data to remote or nighttime operations.

The company estimates its product could result in a 30% reduction in the amount of area burned by wildfire, potentially preventing up to 3,900 tons of CO2 emissions annually in high-risk regions.

“This project is vital for addressing the escalating threat of wildfires with innovative, effective solutions,” said Alex Deslauriers, CEO of FireSwarm Solutions Inc., in the release.

“By supporting FireSwarm and our partner, Data Blanket, CICE is enabling us to revolutionize wildfire and forest management through autonomous drone swarms that detect, map, and suppress fires with precision and speed. CICE’s support is accelerating the development and commercialization of this transformative technology, which will allow us to support the wildland fire industry to protect lives, communities, and ecosystems.”

PHOTO BY SHOOTTHEBREEZE/ ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

A forest fire burns a residential area in the Okanagan Valley, in August of 2023 FireSwarm Solutions Inc aims to deploy drones that would aid fire fighters.

GET READY FOR SQUAMISH’S COLDEST NIGHT OF THE YEAR

Squamish Helping Hands set to take part in national fundraiser in February for a second year

ALYSSA NOEL news@squamishchief.com

Last year, when Squamish Helping Hands Society took part in the Canada-wide Coldest Night of the Year fundraiser walk for the first time, they were surprised to see just how much money the community raised.

Well, not so much surprised as “thrilled,” clarified Amber Cowie, community partnership and fund development manager for the society.

“We have some really incredible volunteers and partners at Squamish Helping Hands,” she said “It shouldn’t have been a surprise at the level of participation last year, but we were pleasantly thrilled so many people came out.”

Their inaugural event saw 285 people raise $83,096—four times the national average for a first-year location, they said.

“By walking together in the chill of the night, participants will better understand the experience of being on the streets during a cold Canadian winter, while raising general funds to aid the work of Squamish Helping Hands Society in providing much-needed support,” according to an event press release.

The second annual walk is set for Feb. 22, 2025 and organizers are hoping to attract 400 to 500

participants with a goal of raising $150,000 to support the work they do helping the community’s vulnerable population.

“It’s a really important fundraiser for a couple of different reasons,” Cowie said. “At Squamish Helping Hands we have a big job to do and there’s a huge need for general funds, which allow us to accommodate unexpected events that happen at the shelter. We never know what to expect on any given day. [This money] allows us to be nimble and responsive to all our community needs.”

That flexibility to support the community has

become even more important in recent years as the cost of living—and housing—has soared.

“Anecdotally, we hear these stories all the time that break your heart or turn your stomach— making a choice between putting food on the table or winter tires on cars. Working moms who have been barely getting by for a long time because of the price of everything,” Cowie said. While the event might support a serious cause, the goal is to bring the community together for a good time

Participants are encouraged to sign up, ask friends and family for donations and then hit the

pavement for a 2 km or 5 km route. (As a bonus, anyone who raises over $150—or $75 if you’re a youth—will get a Coldest Night of the Year toque for the walk.)

The event will culminate in a celebration afterwards at Howe Sound Inn and Brewing.

“The biggest call to action right now is [to] start a team,” Cowie said. “The way the Coldest Night of the Year works is if you remember old-school fundraising like Jump Rope for Heart, you list yourself as an existing team or start one yourself or join the Squamish Helping Hands team and ask friends, neighbours, anyone to pledge you as a walker and raise money for Squamish Helping Hands.”

While people often open their hearts—and wallets—for good causes in December, charitable giving can fall away by February It can also be a notoriously gloomy month.

“What’s cool about Coldest Night of the Year is it gives people something to look forward to,” Cowie said. “This event is intended to be fun. It’s meant to show different folks—from kids to elders, everyone in between—in a community celebration that really recognizes and values what we have and opens the door for inclusivity for everyone to be a part of our community.”

To sign up for the Coldest Night of the year visit cnoy.org and select Squamish

PHOTO BY ROSIE WILLIAMS

Coldest Night of the Year participants taking part in the walk in 2024

LOCAL COO EARNS WOMEN OF INSPIRATION AWARD

Theresa Eriksson took home honour last month in the authentic leader category

ALYSSA NOEL news@squamishchief.com

For a town of just over 23,000 people, there are a surprising number of industry leaders who quietly call Squamish home

Take Theresa “Tess” Eriksson, for example. Having earned a PhD that focused on kindness in business—pay-it-forward kindness, in particular—Eriksson serves as chief operating officer of JTS Consulting, which focuses on smart infrastructure

Last month, she took home a Women of Inspiration Award in the Authentic Leader category in New York City.

“The industry we work in—which is consulting in the smart infrastructure space, utilities, oil and gas—they are spaces in which you often see men in leadership positions,” said Heather Quigley, senior manager, people and culture, at JTS, who was part of the group nominating Eriksson for the honour.

“Tess has worked in this space … and has managed to navigate her way up to chief operating officer. She’s held different positions over the years and managed to achieve a pretty high-level role in a space that you’d normally see men in We felt as though that’s a good reason to submit an application for her for a female leadership award.”

On top of that, she added, “She is somebody who leads with authenticity and is quite an admired leader in her role She’s a people-centric, people-first leader.”

Eriksson was up against other nominees from across Canada and the United States

“I feel very excited and grateful,” Eriksson said “It’s been wonderful.”

The award ceremony was part of three days of events For Eriksson, the highlight was meeting so many different people

“I’m a big believer in everyone has a story and it was such a wonderful reminder that everyone has a story,” she said

While she attended the award ceremony knowing she was nominated, the moment her name was announced as a winner was “amazing.”

“I feel so much gratitude for that,” she said. “Particularly because of the category—authentic leadership. For me, especially early in my career, I was kindly coached, ‘don’t be too much to people.’ ‘Don’t thank people for doing their jobs.’

I always thought it was the right way … I did my PhD on kindness in business, particularly on pay-it-forward kindness. Now I feel older and experienced enough to say with credibility, if you’re authentically engaging in meaningful relationships, it’s worth a lot.”

But, she added, she didn’t earn it alone. “I don’t believe for a second this award is just for me,” she said “You don’t get anywhere without

Theresa Eriksson, chief operating officer for JTS Consulting, recently won a Women of Inspiration award in New York City

She is somebody who leads with authenticity and is quite an admired leader in her role. She’s a

people-

centric, people-first leader.

HEATHER

QUIGLEY

your community and colleagues and friends— standing on the shoulders of giants. I really believe that to be true.”

Eriksson first moved to Canada 17 years ago as part of a job that involved working on Whistler Olympic Park and the sliding centre. “Back then, I lived in the city, and the highway was being fixed up,” she said. “It was a very slow drive to Whistler.”

While she commuted from the city for some time, she and her husband started to take note of Squamish and, in 2011, moved to town.

“I feel a lot of gratitude to work in the industry I work in and live here,” she said. “We love it here.”

VOLUNTEER DRIVERS NEEDED AT THE 55ACTIVITYCENTRE!

We’relooking forVolunteer Driversto helpprovide more out-trip opportunities forour members.

Requirements:

•Class 4driver’slicence

•Driver’sabstract

•Policeinformation andvulnerable sectorcheck(cost coveredbyus)

Ifyou’redynamic,community-minded, and ready to make adifference,we’dlove tohearfromyou!

PHOTO COURTESY OF JTS CONSULTING

PaymentOptionsChanging

AsofDecember31, 2024 theDistrictofSquamish willnolonger accept credit cardpayments over the phone.The following paymentoptions are available

•Inperson paymentat37955Second Avenue with credit card(maximum$2,000), debit card,cheque, or cash.

•After hours cheque drop boxat 37955 Second Avenue.

Please include your contactinformation, account number or folder number (e.g.Buildingpermit number,Developmentpermit number) or your address and reason for payment.

DevelopmentReview

• 38054 Fourth Avenue – Temporary UsePermit squamish.ca/review

WHAT’SHAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE

LicenceRenewals

Business and dog licencerenewalreminders and utilitynotices were mailed in early December, however, please expectdelays duetothe 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

Business Opportunities

• Xwu’nekwPark SeaDike& Upgrades

- Request forProposals

• Sanitary SewerMaster Plan Update -Request forProposals

• LiftStation Repairs -Request forProposals

squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district

NewYear’s Activities; Wednesday, January1

SparklePublic Skate

2025’sfirst skateis your chanceto bedazzle in your sparkly outfit! 12 -3 PM

Public Swim

9 AM -3 PM

Winter Programs

Thelast Youth Swim of the year! December 28, 7-9 PM Rally your friends!

Know before yougo! squamish.ca/pool

Knowbeforeyou go! squamish.ca/arena

Startyour year off right-our Winter sessions beginJanuary7

There’s still plentyof time to findyourperfect fit.Signupnow and make this winteryour best one yet!

for details: squamish.ca/rec

View this ad online.

Outstanding Utilities Payments

Property owners areresponsible forpayment of utilities regardless of whether or not areminder noticeisreceived.New owners should ensureutilities arepaid 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

NewYear’s Eve Fireworks Permit

Permit applications forNew Year’s Evefireworkswill open on Thursday, December 26 .The permit is free and can be applied foronline in just afew minutes.

Permits areonly valid between 8p.m. Tuesday, December 31, 2024 and 12:30 a.m. Wednesday, January1,2025.

Permit applications close December 31. Amap of the number of permits in each neighbourhood will be published on December 31.

squamish.ca/fireworks

WaytogoSquamish!

Squamish has been the first community in British Columbia to offer acurbside batteryrecycling pilot programthrough acollaboration with Call2Recycle,GFL, and the DistrictofSquamish.

During one week each in June and November,Squamish residents were asked to put their collectedbatteries on topof their recycling bins to be collected.Atotal of 683 households participated.Over1,300 kg of batteries were collectedfor recycling.

Batteries arehazardous and can never be left in residents’curbside totes. However, they can be dropped off year-round at many locations in Squamish. Find all the Squamish drop-offlocations 2025 batterycollection dates: April 21 -25& November 3-7

squamish.ca/battery-recycling

Holiday Hours

Please notethe following exceptions to regular hours of operation duringthe holidayseason.

Call

Afterhours or on holidayscall Squamish RCMP:604.892.6100

(Hours open to the public) (Online Services available 24/7)

23 to December 27

Nevermiss a collectionday! Visitour websiteto geta free reminder email,app notification, or phone call.Just enteryour address or download the free app.

HARBOUR SEAL PUPS RELEASED BACK INTO PORTEAU COVE PROVINCIAL PARK

Eight rehabilitated rescue harbour seal pups released into the ocean for Christmas

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

Is there anything cuter in this world than a baby animal? The answer is yes; multiple rescue baby harbour seals being released back into the ocean for Christmas.

On Dec. 12, the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society (VAMMR) released the final eight pups of the year in their care back into the ocean at Porteau Cove Provincial Park. THE RELEASE

“We have eight big fat harbour seal pups ... that are being released today and it’s very exciting,” VAMMR executive director and Vancouver Aquariam veterinarian, Dr. Martin Haulena told The Squamish Chief.

Aged between four and five months old, Alcatraz, Bali, Blossom, Ravioli, Bahamas, Lucky, Wobble and Binson were all rehabilitated in time to be released for Christmas.

“They’ve been with us since they were really little, sometimes days old and for a lot of them, it’s really the first time they’re going back into the open ocean.

“So they’ll take some time going in, some of them you’ll see, they’ll turn around and go back into the transport carrier, but some will kind of go, this is cool [and go straight in].”

Usually, the team sends rehabilitated seal

pups back into the ocean in groups of three or four, but during this festive season, they decided to send all eight back home for the holidays

But despite spending the last few months together, Haulena said the pups are likely to go off on their own adventures

THE REHABILITATION

Haulena said that VAMMR usually gets between 80 and 120 rescue seal pups a year

“July is kind of a peak for us, going into August. Harbor seal pupping season is a very

WE WISH YOU

narrow period of time, and they all kind of pup in the same three or four-week period,” he said

“They’re usually coming to us days or weeks old, sometimes very, very young, still with an umbilicus attached.”

He said most of the pups that end up with VAMMR are a result of maternal separation reasons.

“Usually, it’s due to human activity; people just doing their thing and not letting animals do what they need to do, so it’s an urban wildlife issue,” Haulena said.

“We don’t go into parks looking for seals; they kind of come to us, and then it’s a matter of slowly refeeding them and addressing all those emergency things on the front end, which is metabolic disorders and hyponatremia and hypoglycemia, hypothermia.”

The seal pups can also have secondary problems such as wounds, bird pecks, dog and seal bites as well as boat trauma and entanglement issues

In order to be released back into the wild, the seal pups have to bulk up to a healthy weight

“We’ve got a minimum release weight of about 24 kilograms. They usually come to us at about six to eight kilograms. So getting them to that weight, and feeding on their own, free of any infectious disease [is our goal]. and then off they go back home,” Haulena said

“This year, we’re running just over 80% release

HAPPYNEW YEAR & Happy

Holidays

rate, so success rate, which is really fantastic, and a huge kind of kudos to the volunteers that do everything.”

VAMMR uses Porteau Cove Provincial Park as one of many locations to reintegrate rescue seals back into their natural habitat.

“We release them here on purpose. We have other harbour seals, so we know this is a good habitat for them [because] there’s plenty of resources ... but invariably, they will move off and go quite some distances,” he said.

HOW TO GET INVOLVED

For anyone who wants to get involved in the rescue and rehabilitation of marine mammals, VAMMR takes on new volunteers every year.

VAMMR assistant manager Emily Johnson said the best way to apply is through their website.

“We’re coming into our slower season now. But what we’ll do is, if people want to get involved, we do have a volunteer program,” Johnson said

“We do a recruitment process in the spring and we accept applications for new volunteers.”

Currently, VAMMR has over 200 volunteers working with them

Visit the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Mammal Rescue Society website for more information on how to get involved with the team’s rescue efforts.

PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Seals heading into Howe Sound.

andaspecial

It’s afestivefeelingall year round for the Squamish Days Team thankstothe unwavering support fromthe CommunityofSquamish and all those who make the Squamish Days Festival asuccess and continuedtradition. We wish all in Squamish and around the globeawonderful holiday season and look forwardtobrighttimes in 2025 full of health,happiness and new adventures.

2024 sawthe continuedcelebration of a67-year legacy that continues to grow thankstothe strength and generosityofthe Squamish Community, ourdedicated athletes,and everyone who plays apartasa volunteer,sponsor,spectator,orsupporter.Welookforward to giving backtothe Community Groups who instrumental in the execution of the four-daycommunity event. SquamishDaysisproud to be anon-pr association run entirely by volunteers with 100% of the festival profits going back to local non-profits.

HappyHolidaysSquamish

shoutout to allthosebelow whoplayedapartinanotheramazingyea

Community Groups

quamish Rotary–RotaryBeef BBQ

Squamish Elks No. 119 –PeterHarris Pancake Breakfast

Squamish Valley Equestrian Association –Axe Throw Invitational and Concessions

Howe Sound Curling Club –Parking and Gates

RoyalCanadian Legion Branch 277 –BedRaces

Howe Sounds Marine Rescue Society– Parade

Britannia Beach VolunteerFire Fighters’ Association –First Aid/Medical

2024 Board/CommitteeMembers &Event Heads

President, Festival Coordinator &Sponsorship -Jacqulin McNicol

Vice President &Timber Training Coordinator -Meghan Aasen Hall

Director &ShowSecretary-Rebecca Bolkowy

Treasurer,IT-Dara Sklar

Secretary&Soft Sponsorship -Lurene McNicol

Director –Chelsea Hurford

Director -Marie Grindlay

Director –MattLittle

Director -Russ Robertson

Grounds Logistic Specialist -Rob Drygas

ShowChairman and HeadOfficial -Dale Addis

2024 Sponsors

Chief Forester

Woodfibre LNG

InlandTruckand EquipmentLtd

Ops Manager

Sea to Sky Gondola

Wood Boss

Triton Automotive and Industrial

AJ Forest Products

Alta Lake Electric

Fortis BC EnergyInc

HusqvarnaGroup

JR Transport

Sqomish ForestryLP

West-Barr Contracting

Rental Network

High Rigger

Squamish Valley Golf Club

Sleeman’sBrewing

Kiewit

Stong’s Market

Polygon Homes

BackcountryBrewing

The Strait &Narrow

High Tower Truck and Crane

Squamish Motor Sports

Hard RockConstruction

Howe SoundEquipment

Infinity PacificStewardship Group

Miller Capilano

Hook Tender

Lafarge Canada

Rona Inc.

TruckLoggers Association

The Squamish Chief

Alpine Axeceleration

Mountain Fitness

Sea to Sky Hotel

Firetail Pets

Aiki Daily

Foxand Oak

Nesters Market

Save On Foods

Airhouse

Pure Bread Bakery

Kaos Kids

Sandman Hotel

Be Clean Naturally

Outbound Station

SquamishLegion

Locavore Bar and Grill

Purebread

XOCO Westcoast Chocolate

Taste of Saigon

2 S h

ShowOfficials –Sean Lumb, LarryLeblanc, Scott Campbell, Dave Stitt,

ShowEmcee -Armand Hurford

ShowOffice -Debbie Patterson

Head Lather –StacyBell

Events Wood Crew -Stacy Bell,DaveStitt, StirlingHart, PascalMorneau

Rob Drygas, Darren Doak

Sound/Audio –Andrew Storie(DJ Poundz) &Chris Pettingill

Head Grounds Crew –Kirby Reid

Tree Act -Brian Bartow

Photographers –Gerald Wolfe &Shane Reside

Head Timers -Serena Karwatski and Stephanie Cascanette

HeadofLoggers Lounge/Beer Garden -Amy Fast and Fiona VonHahn

Loggers Sponsor Lounge –Elise Venekamp, PatCouture, Jennifer Woudstra, Tanya Sinnes, Hannah Cheramy

Kettle Boil and LumberjackChili Challenge –Tricia Auton and Lurene McNicol

Chair Carve -Stirling Hart &Team

Kids Festival -Shannon White

Timber Training -Nick and MeghanHall

Competitor and Volunteer Dinner -Alma Lewis

Social Media -Alex Crowther,Dara Sklar and Jacqulin McNicol

AshlaurTrading

Oceanview Forest Products

Fountain Tire

Badger Industries

Baker Tilly

Greg Gardner Motors

SkytechYarding Ltd.

Sureus-Murphy Joint Venture

WaypointInsuranceSquamish

GFL Environmental

DistrictofSquamish

Bull Bucker

Coast Mountain Excavations Ltd

Stella Jones

BlackMount Logging

BlackTusk Helicopter Inc.

Pepe’sChophouse

Chokerman

Active Chemicals Ltd.

Kal Tire

Solutions Pest Control

Executive Hotel

Chartwell Resource Group Ltd

HearingLife Canada Ltd.

Dominos Pizza

Westland Insurance

FireSwarm Solutions Inc.

Chaser

Sunflower Bakeryand Café

ArrowGames

Seed Studio

Cedar RockStudio

Brennan Park RecreationCenter

Local Roots

Bosley’sPets

Breath Fitness Studio Squami

Act Alive

Special FX Hair Design

Panago Squamish

SquamishChildren’sFestival

Mark’sSquamish

Fall Line Fitness

Freshii Squamish

Tantalus Bikes

Cloud Gymnastics

Salted Vine

Corsa Cycles

White Spot

Starbucks

Cloverdale Paint

Timberwolf

PRINTEDEVERY

CONTACTUS

THURSDAY BY GLACIERMEDIA INC.

T: 604-892-9161

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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, 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

THINGS CHANGE

Thistimeofyearhas us lookingbackatstories from Christmasespast, in particular, from the first year we were published, 1991.

Theoverarching themeis that themorethings change, themoretheystaythe same.

In 1991,the cover of theveryfestive editionofthe paper, publishedonDec.24, hasthe coverstory, “Brohm skihillcalled‘unlikely.’

The more they stay thesame, huh?

There’san adorable photoofa youngMaryann and RosanneAmorsnuggling rabbitsatapetting zoo.

This past weekend, bunnieswereonthe agenda for kids andgrown children at GlacierValleyFarm.

In 1991,a storytells of acrash on thehighway that killed aWhistlerwoman.Sadly,thisisanother exampleofthingsstaying thesame, with theDec.14 death of alocal on thehighway by Chance Creek.

In1991, in aStylezone advertisement,owner Trish Jamespromoteda“knockout”BoxingDay sale. Men’sand ladies’501 Levi’s were $29.99 each,and ladies’ eelskinwallets were $18.99.Put that ad in boththe more things change andmorethings stay thesamecategories.

In “Scene andHeard”inthe 1991 paperisthe joke: “Whatdoyou call aWhistlerresidentwho is not speedingonthe SeatoSky Highway?”

“Atow truck” is thepunchline.

Ok,well, it seemslikethe Squamish-Whistler divide we sometimessee todaywas aliveand well backthen, too.

Aphoto in the1991paper showsPastorJackPurdie loadingupvolunteerstodeliver Community Christmas Care hampers. Volunteers delivered196 hampersto localfamiliesinneedin1991.

Community ChristmasCarevolunteersdelivered around430 hamperstothose in need this year.

The Dartsand Daffodilssection of the1991paper is an exampleofthingschangingand stayingthe same:“Dartsto allthe restaurantsinSquamishthat eitherdonot supply non-smokingorgiveusatoken three tables,” readsa1991dart.

ThefactthatThe Squamish Chiefstill runs its Darts andDaffodils 33 yearslater is awin forthe “stayingthe same”sideof theledger.

Thedifferencebetween thethree decadesismost drasticinthe rental housingportion of the classifieds.

Atwo-bedroom duplex across from Mamquam School rentsfor $550 permonth in the1991paper.A 1,800-square-foot,three-bedroom home in Brackendalewithafinishedbasement, 1.5baths and a wood-burning stovewas on offerfor $128,500.

Therearen’thomes forrentorsaleoften in the current classifieds.

We will leaveitatthat.

As we enter2025, we canbe sure therewillbe changes, butwecan also countonsomethings stayingthe same,likethispublication beingthere for its readersand youbeing therefor us.

Forthat, we areall grateful.Happy NewYear.

GOODBYESEA TO SKY

INSIDERVIEWS ALYSSA NOEL

Iwish Icould be thekindofpersonwho sneaks away.Popsupina newplace.Prompts a confused scroll or two.

But, in away,thisisthe endofalovestory,and it deserves acknowledgment

Whistler took me in 12 yearsago as alost, mildly depressed20-something.

Ihated it forawhile,but then,thankstosome people whoturnedout to be an importantstop, I learnedtolovethe mountains. Ilearned to just be foraminuteafter yearsofhustlingand moving and striving.Ilearned to runand hike andsleep in the alpine,miles away from otherpeople.

Most importantly, thething Iwillalwayscarry with me:Ilearned to appreciate smallmoments of beauty in away Ihad proclaimed Inever would.

In my earlydaysatWhistler’sPique Newsmagazine—whenIwas stillstrugglingto make senseofWhistler, with people lugging snowboards down thehighway,everyonepartially employed by choice andsharing abedroom with multiple people—I distinctly remember acoworker trudgingupstairstolookout thebig picture windowsone late afternoon. “Lookatthe alpenglow!” shedreamilymused,gesturing at thehazeof pink on thesnow.

Ididn’tget it.

“I will never,”Ithought,“getthatexcited about lightonamountain.”

ButhereIam, more than adecadelater,an admirerofand fawner over notonlythe alpenglow

butalsowildflowers,dewymoss, unfurlingferns, thefirst popofyellowonaspringskunk cabbage, salmon tailsthatslosh in theriverscomefall, the rhythmsofthe seasonsthatquietly carryus throughone year to thenext.

Andmylifeissomuchricherfor it.

Themountains in theSea to SkyCorridor usheredmefromthe edge of newadulthood into middle age.

Awife. Momoftwo

MountCurriewatched me say“Ido” to my love in themidst of global chaos. Calm,steady, ametaphor forwhatIhopeour marriage will be

On an impossibly hotJulynight thenextyear, I became amotherunder theshadowofthe Stawamus Chief. Twoyears later, on anothersticky summer night, that towering monolith wasthere againasour family became complete

“What’sthatmountain, Mom?”mythreeyear-old askedmefromher carseatthismorning

“That’sAtwellPeak” Itold her.

“And that one?”

“That’sCloudburst.”

“Mom,doyou know everything?”

No,I certainlydon’t,but I’ve come to intimately know so many of thesemountains andI’m deeply sadtolet them go

It just suddenly became harder to picturea future here—but also impossible to pictureafuturethat wasn’t here.Soweloopedaroundand around for months untilweweresodizzy we couldn’t standit anymore. Andwemadeone of thehardest decisionsofour life.

We love this place, living in Squamish,but we long foradeeperconnectiontofamily.Wewanta little more spacethatdoesn’t come at such asteep

GOODBYE: 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)

BC GREENS SETTLE FOR SMALL WINS THAT KEEP EBY IN DRIVER’S SEAT

PROVINCIAL VIEWS

ROB SHAW

The BC NDP don’t need the Greens to govern, and they showed as much in their new co-operative agreement. It’s a deal that gives the Greens little of what they campaigned on, outside of tentative progress on two health-care policies

Both sides trumpeted the merits of the “co-operation and responsible government accord” on Friday, a “four-year framework for cooperation and responsible government” that is “subject to annual renewal at the sole discretion of each of the parties.”

The NDP got an agreement that the two Greens will vote alongside them on confidence and supply matters. The NDP has a one-seat majority, so it can pass legislation and maintain confidence in the legislature without the Greens. But adding the two Green MLAs creates a kind of safety buffer in case a New Democrat gets sick, misses a vote or leaves caucus

In exchange, the Greens got a promise by the NDP to test drive integrated community health centres, and limited public coverage of psychologists for mental health issues

“Instead of focusing on our differences, we chose to shine a light on our common ground,” said Jeremy Valeriote, the Green MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky.

“This is how government should work, and it’s what British Columbians expect and deserve from their elected officials.”

The community health centres won’t be in every riding, as promised in the Green election platform Nor will they replace existing NDP Urgent and Primary Care Centres. But if they improve any type of access to health care, they’ll be eagerly welcomed by many.

“I think there’s a commitment to try this model and bring it along in parallel with UPCCs, knowing that one model will be

GOODBYE: Continued from 12

cost—a cost that cuts into our girls’ future.

better suited to some communities in some situations than others,” said Valeriote.

The NDP agreed to earmark $50 million “to expand public coverage of psychologists,” which is not nothing, but also not quite the same as funding six visits per year for every British Columbian as stated in the Green platform

The rest of the agreement contained smaller items the NDP would likely have done on its own in the future anyway increased shelter aid for seniors, increased rental assistance for low-income families, expanded regional transit, more funding for heat pumps and a review of social assistance and disability rates.

Missing was any action on the major policy positions that had formed the backbone of the BC Green Party over the last two years.

A ban on fracking of natural gas?

Nowhere to be found. An end to fossil fuel subsidies or even a reduction in provincial support? Nadda. Cancelling permits for Woodfibre LNG (the main issue Valeriote campaigned on to win his riding)? Nope.

The best the Greens got was an agreement to move up a review of the CleanBC climate plan one year earlier than scheduled.

What about eliminating Freedom of Information fees, which the Greens said in their platform would improve government transparency? No dice, even though Rob Botterell, the new Saanich North and the Islands Green MLA, helped pen the original FOI law in 1992

Did the Greens secure a back-down on involuntary treatment for those suffering addictions, after months of blasting the NDP for moving forward with the idea?

Spoiler alert: Also no The NDP, perhaps better reading the public mood on street disorder than the Greens, held the line on involuntary care.

“We will have different opinions about many topics, you raised one,” said Niki Sharma, the deputy premier, when asked about that issue.

The Greens similarly struck out on proportional representation. They are the only party still pushing for it after two

Life and priorities change and that can be a good thing—even if sometimes it’s painful, too.

We’re saying goodbye, but the truth is this place will forever be etched in me—taking up an outsized portion of my life story because it holds the most important moments.

failed referenda, mainly because they’d benefit the most from the change (as many as seven seats in the last election under pro-rep, instead of two)

The NDP would only agree to an all-party committee in 2026 to study improving voter participation in the electoral system

“We have different perspectives as parties on where we’re at with proportional representation,” said Sharma Translation: It’s not happening, no matter what the committee says On Indigenous reconciliation, the agreement was silent Former federal attorney general Jody Wilson-Raybould, the first Indigenous person to hold that post, blasted the two sides on social media.

“I see the agreement between @bcndp and @BCGreens has no priorities related to Indigenous peoples and true reconciliation,” she wrote. “Absolutely shameful and unserious.”

For the Opposition BC Conservatives, the deal means the likelihood of an early election has diminished greatly. Leader John Rustad said of the Greens: “They got 8% of the vote in the province, and they’ve got to give their stamp of approval on everything that happens.”

Rustad accused Premier David Eby of veering “further left, further into the woke agenda, because that’s what the Greens wanted him to do.”

But it’s hard to see that in this agreement If anything, New Democrats appear to have given the Greens the bare minimum, and refused to budge on most major issues In return, they’ve picked up support they don’t need, but would prefer to have

The Greens, with limited leverage and limited bargaining power, extracted limited results.

Rob Shaw has spent more than 16 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for Glacier Media. He is the co-author of the national bestselling book A Matter of Confidence, host of the weekly podcast Political Capital, and a regular guest on CBC Radio.

I became who I needed to be here, and now it’s time for the next adventure.

Alyssa Noel is a former Pique Newsmagazine and recent Squamish Chief reporter. As of this week, she resides in Edmonton.

JOIN US ONLINE

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Do you make New Year’s resolutions?

Have your say at squamishchief.com

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MOST READ STORY

Body of second person swept away in Lions Bay landslide recovered

TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK

This week, reporter Indigo Lemay-Conway visited Glacier Valley Farm and its Winter Wonderland. Go to our TikTok channel @squamishchief to see this and many other videos.

NoticeofIntentiontoDispose of Land

WHAT’SPROPOSED: Disposition of Districtowned road allowancebordering 1360 Victoria Street forcanopies extendingfromtheAegeanHomes Development.

TheDistrictofSquamish (“District”)herebygives noticepursuanttoSection 26 of the Community Charter that the Districtintends to grantaneasement, beginning afterJanuary2, 2025, thatwill expirewhen the building is demolished or significantly structurally altered,to1158307B.C. Ltd., fora69.1m2 portion, forthe purpose of twocanopies, over Districtowned road allowancebordering 1360 Victoria Street,with alegal description of PID 012-002836 LotABlock 18 DistrictLot 486 Plan 3960, fora$1,000 processing fee.

Thisisthe first of twonotices,dated this 26th dayofDecember,2024, at Squamish, British Columbia.

NoticeofIntentiontoDispose of Land

WHAT’SPROPOSED: Disposition of Districtowned road allowance over thatportion of Sp’awk’us Landing Village Crescent bordering the Oceanfront Squamish Presentation Centre (37010 Village Crescent)for the purposes of an awning.

TheDistrictofSquamish (“District”)herebygives notice pursuanttoSection 26 of the CommunityCharterthatthe Districtintends to grantan easement, beginning after January2,2025, thatwill expire when thebuilding is demolished or significantlystructurally altered,toMatthewsWest Developments Ltd.,for a9.8m2 portion,for the purpose of an awning,overDistrictowned road allowance(Sp’awk’us Landing Village Crescent) bordering37010 Village Crescent, with alegal description of PID 031-768-865 LotCDistrictLot 5717 Group 1New Westminster DistrictPlan EPP115271, fora$1,000 processingfee

2025 Landfill Tipping Fees

On January2,2025, the tipping fees at the Squamish Landfill will change to the following:

charge forwaste

wastewith no recycleorreuse options

Banned materials surcharge contains more than 5% recyclables or organics

Recyclable materials

with Ammonia

and boxsprings

and lighttruck only

board

Food waste from residential sources

Invasiveplants

Residential sources(small load)

Commercial sources with Invasive-Free Certification

Commercial sources without Invasive-Free Certification

Clean wood and yard waste suitable forcompost

Dirtywood

painted, glued etc. suitable forbiofuel

Surcharge forcontaminatedwood load (> 5%)

(Bin locatedatRecycle Depot)

$43/tonne

$91/tonne

$128/tonne

$185/tonne

$144/tonne

Concrete(up to 110kg)$183/tonne

Surcharge if concreteis>110kg$87

RV,Boats,Trailers

Dismantled and liquids and recyclables removed

This is the first of twonotices,dated this 26th dayofDecember,2024, at Squamish, British Columbia.

$300/tonne

Glass >100kg$80/tonne

Weighing service$48/load

Morethan 15 materials continue to be accepted forfreerecycling at the Landfill Recycling Depot and Transfer Station. Theseinclude cardboard, plasticbags, books,clothing,and whitefoam packaging squamish.ca/landfill

BACKCOUNTRY BREWING RELEASES PROTECT OUR WINTERS CANADA COLLAB

Beer can for limited-edition brew features the art of the late Chili Thom

POW merch–including this t-shirt–will be available soon to raise money for an environmental charity.

ALYSSA NOEL news@squamishchief.com

Beer, snow, and art.

It might sound like the recipe for a good time in Squamish, but it’s also the ingredients for Backcountry Brewing’s collaboration beer with the environmental charity Protect Our Winters (POW) Canada

This year marks the sixth year the local brewery has released a collaboration beer with a charity—featuring art from the late and much-loved Chili Thom While the early years benefited the BC Cancer Foundation, last year Backcountry decided to partner with POW.

“We’ve done a whole bunch of work on our end [with sustainability],” said Ben Reeder marketing director at Backcountry Brewing. “I wanted to support an organization I thought was making a difference The people who care about the backcountry—that’s our people It seemed to fit really well.”

The organization’s mandate—which brings together professional athletes, industry brands and outdoor enthusiasts to advocate for climate change and policy solutions—was also in Thom’s purview. (He passed away in 2016 after a battle with cancer and wanted his art to benefit cancer research and the environment.)

“Chili was such a master at capturing the feeling of being out in nature and transferring it to his canvases,” Reeder said, in a news release. “As we continue to see wilder weather events every year, it makes sense to raise funds in his name for a charity fighting to protect all those incredible natural environments Chili loved.”

While a winter landscape—made up of Thom’s distinct dreamy clouds and trees—adorns the cans for this fundraiser, people can also

HappyHolidays!

Chili was such a master at capturing the feeling of being out in nature and transferring it to his canvases.

BEN REEDER

purchase prints, beer labels as stickers (without the words) and forthcoming merch to support the cause.

“We donate $1 from every four-pack to Protect Our Winters, then $0.50 from every sleeve, as well as every keg we sell to restaurants, we donate $50,” Reeder said

In total, over the last five years they’ve raised $62,000 for charity.

This year’s charity beer saw head brewer Peter Charles tweak the pale ale, layering “Mosaic, Simcoe and a new hope varietal Krush for a tropical and stone fruit bonanza! Big juicy citrus flavours follow with a subtle dank hop finish,” according to the release.

“We’re really happy with it,” Reeder added. “A second batch is coming up in mid-January.”

They’re expecting the limited-time beer to last through the winter until March.

Another way—besides imbibing—to help the cause?

“We’re trying to encourage people to sign up to the Protect Our Winters newsletter and become members,” Reeder said.

“It’s free to become a member. You get email updates on where to go and support them.”

Holiday Deadlines

Office HolidayHours:

Open 27th, 30th &31st

Closed January1st

January 2nd paper

Sales Deadline: Friday, December 27th at 12 pm

CreativeDeadline: Monday, December 30th at 10 am

HOW LOCAL INDIGENOUS PARENTS ARE RECLAIMING LOVE

Three Indigenous parents share how they are raising children with love, culture, and strength

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Content warning: This article contains references to residential school trauma, physical and emotional abuse, intergenerational trauma, domestic violence and substance use.

Parenting is never easy

It’s a journey filled with joy, challenges, and constant learning.

How can you raise children to feel loved, secure, and proud of themselves while you’re still healing from generational wounds?

For many Indigenous families, this question isn’t just about parenting—it’s about survival, healing, and rediscovery.

Randall W. Lewis, Deanna Lewis, and Anjeanette Dawson have all asked themselves these questions.

Their journeys as parents show their commitment to their children and their efforts to heal, and rebuild connections to culture, family, and identity.

These are stories of resilience expressed through everyday acts of love and hope.

A FATHER’S PROMISE: TA’HAX7WTN’S STORY

“I told myself my kids would know they are loved every single day,” Ta’hax7wtn Siyam, who is also known as Randall W. Lewis says, while

sitting on a bench near the Welcome Gate sculpture at the Squamish oceanfront.

(The Squamish Chief is using first names with sources who share the same last name.)

Randall is a Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw member and a founder of the Squamish River

Watershed Society.

His voice carries both pride and reflection

“Every morning, I hugged my sons, told them I loved them, and they did the same.”

For Randall, this commitment wasn’t just about his sons, Randall Jr and Dallas, it was about changing the story of his family

‘THEY BEAT THE LOVE, THE HUGS, THE KINDNESS OUT OF HIM’

Randall’s parents, Elizabeth Pauline Rush/ Lewis of Port Alberni and Allen F. Lewis of Squamish, carried the weight of their own painful histories.

Despite the traumas they endured, they found each other and began a life together far from the residential schools that had shaped so much of their early years.

“They met in Seattle at a Glenn Miller concert,” Randall said. “My father bolted from B.C. to escape the prejudice and colonization of the time. My mother fled Port Alberni for the same reasons. That’s where their story began.”

Elizabeth attended Alberni Residential School, while Allen was taken to St. Paul’s Residential School in North Vancouver.

For Allen, the trauma began when he was just seven years old, when he was punished for speaking his Sḵwxwú7mesh language.

PARENTING: Continued on 18

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Deanna Lewis (far right), with her family

Asher Bryce Gregory & Jason Isabel Sawyer Olivia & Zoe Keinan, Liam &Emma

Hayden

Mya Neela Olive

Terry Madison Viena, Sela &Mac

Zach Lucas

Isla

Lily

Erik

“He didn’t speak for three or four years after being taken to residential school,” Randall recalls. “He didn’t even understand why he was being punished until another student told him, ‘Stop speaking your language.’”

The punishments were harsh and unrelenting.

“My dad endured beatings, whippings, and days locked in closets,” Randall says.

“Imagine being a child and going through that. My dad didn’t know how to show love because they beat the love, the hugs, the kindness out of him.”

Randall saw this struggle firsthand as he tried to connect with his father

“I tried to hug my dad and tell him I loved him, but because of residential school, he didn’t know how to reciprocate or show love,” Randall shared.

Elizabeth’s experience at Alberni Residential School was equally harrowing.

As a young girl, she witnessed and heard about atrocities at the school, including sexual abuse and worse.

‘WHAT HAPPENED TO RAND’S ARM?’

The trauma Elizabeth carried shaped her parenting in ways she later came to regret

The “discipline” she imposed on her children mirrored the harsh methods she had learned in the residential school system

Randall recalls one traumatic incident from his childhood

“My sister Linda and I had started a fire while trying to burn tall grass around the house to help with chores My mother got very upset and disciplined me She ran my arm up and down

the flame of a propane stove, and I got severe burns.”

When his father came home, he noticed Randall’s injuries immediately.

“He asked, ‘What happened to Rand’s arm?’ My mom said, ‘He was playing with fire, so I burned him.’ My dad immediately took me to the hospital, where they treated me for third-degree burns.”

Years later, when Randall was in his 30s, his mother apologized for what she had done

“She saw the scars on my arm and said, ‘I’m sorry, son. I did that to you.’ I told her, ‘Mom, it wasn’t your fault. That was what you were taught in residential school I don’t hold it against you. It wasn’t you—it was the system that taught you those ways.’”

‘I BROUGHT BACK LOVE, DIGNITY, AND HONOUR TO MY FAMILY’

For Randall, breaking the cycle isn’t just about words—it’s about action

“I brought back love, dignity, and honour to my family It wasn’t just for my children; it extended to my nieces and nephews, too. We became a hugging family, always telling each other we love one another,” he said

Parenting, Randall explained, has been profoundly shaped by the impacts of colonialism.

“Parenting has changed a lot for us because of the impacts of residential schools and the social issues that followed,” he said, gazing at the ocean where his ancestors once paddled their canoes

The trauma of colonialism, he believes, made his communities more vulnerable to challenges like addiction

“My parents struggled with alcoholism. When they were sober, they were loving and strong, but alcohol created a lot of chaos,” he shared.

“When my father drank, he became violent. He would beat my mother, and as kids, we’d pile on him to protect her.”

Randall’s resolve to break the cycle became clear when, at just 15 or 16, he stood up to his father.

“I told him, ‘You’re not doing this anymore.’ From that moment, I made a promise to myself: I wouldn’t drink, and I wouldn’t act that way with my kids,” he said.

“Carrying an ancestral name means you honour it by not tarnishing it with alcohol or drugs. You show respect by honouring yourself and living in a way that upholds the dignity of the name,” he explained.

“A healthy, happy life leads to healthy, happy children,” he said.

‘RESIDENTIAL SCHOOLS TOOK SO MUCH FROM US’

Randall and his family focus on “building a better community by prioritizing education and maintaining zero tolerance for harmful behaviours like drugs and alcohol.”

He believes that rebuilding the connections severed by residential schools is key to healing.

“Residential schools took so much from us—our culture, our language, our connection to the land,” he says

“Losing those connections created the social ills we face today. Drugs, alcohol, and the resulting tragedies have taken so many lives. If residential schools hadn’t existed, we’d still have our traditions, like puberty rites, which helped guide young people into adulthood.”

But for Randall, the focus is not on what was lost—it’s on what can still be reclaimed.

“It’s about actions,” he says, a smile breaking through.

“The hugs I share with my children and grandchildren, the milestones we celebrate together, and the pride I feel when I hear my granddaughter speak our Squamish language fluently That’s what healing looks like choosing love, every single day.”

A MOTHER’S PATH: KALKALILH’S STORY

Kalkalilh, Deanna Lewis is a Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) councillor

Her journey also shares this dedication, but her path has been deeply influenced by her grandfather’s experiences in residential school—a history that continues to shape her parenting and daily life to date

‘THEY JUST CALLED HIM BOY’

“My grandfather and grandmother both went to residential school,” Deanna begins

Her grandfather, Norman Lewis, was born on December 25, 1920, the same year the amendments to the Indian Act made attendance compulsory for First Nations children aged seven to 16

Enforcement of this policy, however, varied across regions and over time

At age five, he started school, unable to speak English. “For two years, they refused to call him by his native name—they just called him ‘boy,’” she recalls.

Every child was assigned a number, a

PARENTING: Continued on 21

PHOTO SUBMITTED

The late Allen F. Lewis and Elizabeth Pauline Lewis.

Garbage Compost Battery Recycling

January 1st(NewYear'sDay) collection will occuron Saturday,January 4th, 2025.

Weekly Compostservicesfrom May5th -October 24th.

December 25th, 2025 (Christmas Day) collection will occuronSaturday, December 27th, 2025.

Reduceattractant odours by freezing or disposingofcompost on collection day.

Reduceattractant odours by thoroughly rinsingall itemsplacedin therecycle tote

Depotsiteitems include:Styrofoam,glass, film& flexiblepackaging,electronics & hazardouswaste

Complimentary curbside battery collection on your serviceday:April 21st- 25thand November 3rd- 7th.

Collect your householdbatteriesina clearbag On garbageweekthe bags will be hand collected from on topofyourRecycle Tote The RecycleTotewill indicate your participationand preventthe batteries from beingtippedintothe garbagetruck

Download theSquamish Curbside Collection apptostay updatedonimportant schedule changes

For tote repairsincluding critter-guard andclaspsorserviceissues, please email: squamishtotes@gflenv.com

DepotSiteLocation Hours

Squamish DOXRecyclingDepot Site 40446 Government Rd RecycleDepot • Open Daily:9:00am- 4:30pm

7daysa week -closedChristmas andNew Year’s Day

Squamish Landfill 100 Landfill Road Landfill andRecycle Depot Open Daily:9:00am- 5:45pm Open 7daysa week -closedChristmas andNew Year’s Day

GFLEnvironmental 38950 QueensWay Electronics/HazardousWaste Open Daily:7:30am- 4:00pm Closed Sundays andStatHolidays

District of Squamish 2025

Curbside Collection Calendar

Reducenegative human-wildlife interactionsbylocking and storing attractanttotes in an enclosure.

Have totesunlockedby7:45amon your serviceday;latch clipstogetherto avoiddamage duringservice

We arethe first community in BC to offer acurbsidebatterycollection program. In 2024, we collected 1,318 kgsof batteries from thecurbsideservice alone. This equals our2023depot site collection of 1,358 kgs!

Servicetimeswillvaryfromweek-to-week On your serviceday:ensuretotes arekept outand unlockedontime,leave 1meter of clearancearound each tote fortruck access.

•Downtown •Dentville• Northyards •Sea &Sky •ShannonEstates •TantalusCrossing •UniversityHeights

•Valleycliffe •St'a7mes• Hospital Hill •Angelo'sTrailer Court •TimbertownTrailerCourt •WillowCrescent• LoggersEstates •ParadiseValley• UpperSquamish

•Garibaldi Estates• WillowVillage •Viresence •Skyridge• Kaw'tin

•Garibaldi Highlands

•Brackendale •Wiwk'em

No compostableorbiodegradable plasticsinorganics totes

Happy Holidays!

PARENTING: Continuedfrom18

dehumanizing system that stripped them of theiridentity.

“Thatnumberwas on your desk,yourbed, andyourclothes, andyou were responsiblefor thosematerials,” Deanna says

Though shenever learnedher grandfather’s number, sheknows thepainitrepresented Norman’stimeinresidential school left lasting scars

“Hehad to teachhimself howtoread, write, anddomathlater in life becausehebecamea logger—a boomer—averyprestigious job at the time,” shesays.

Butevenwithhis success, theschools taught him neithernurturing nor love

“Hebelievedbeing agood parent just meant providingfood andshelter.”

This lack of nurturingcreated arippleeffect, deeplyimpacting thenextgeneration.

‘SHE STRUGGLESEVERY DAY’

Deanna’smotherborethe bruntofthis emotional absence.

“Mymom hadaveryhardrelationshipwith herfather,”Deannasays. Strict rulesand emotional distance definedher mother’s upbringing.

Yet, Deanna experienceda differentsideofher grandfather.“He waskindtomeand taught me aboutour culture,”she shares.

Histransformationas an Elderrevealedhis deepregrets.“He admitted he believed in tough love andthatitwasn’tthe rightway to raise children.”

Though hermotherhas been soberfor 34 years, thetraumapersists. “She strugglesevery day with intergenerationaltrauma.”

‘HEALING IS ONGOING.IT’SA LIFELONG JOURNEY ‘

ForDeanna, thecycle of trauma stopswith her “Healing is ongoing,”she says.“It’s notlike yougotoa camp oneday,and everything is better.It’salifelongjourney.”

Shemadeintentional choicestoensure her children’s upbringing wouldbedifferent “I neverhad alcoholaroundmykidswhen theywereyoung,” sheexplains.

“I spentyears notdrinking, especially during theirfirst five years.”

Deanna believes it’s essentialtomodel healthy habits andshowher children that they can breakcyclesofaddiction and self-medication

Herefforts have hadaprofoundimpactonher threechildren.

“Whenmyeldestdaughterwas about10or11, Itold herIwantedher to be better than me,” she recalls.

Herdaughter’sresponse?

“‘Mom, you’re alreadyamazing.That’s ahigh bar.’”

Now, herdaughterleads plantwalks at Stanley Park andworks as an artist andguide.

Deanna’s sonisstudyingpower engineering atthe BritishColumbiaInstitute of Technology, and heryoungestdaughter, at just 11 yearsold,is already demonstratingleadershipqualities.

“Shecould have done theopening forthe eventweattendedthismorning,” Deanna

proudlyshares.

‘WEPRAYTOGETHER, TAKE RIVER BATHS,SINGOUR SONGS’

For Deanna,culturalimmersion is integral to raisingher children.

“Wepraytogether, take riverbaths,singour songs, andperform ourdances,”she says.

Thesepractices reinforcetheir identity and sense of belonging. “Mykidsknowour legends andhistory becausewecomefromanoral tradition,” sheexplains.

Deannaemphasizesthe importance of “walkingintwo worlds”—blending modern education with cultural teachings.

“Both areessential toolsfor life,” shesays.

Forher,thisbalance hasbeenlifesaving. “Growing up,Icould have easily gone down the wrongpathand become astatistic,” sheadmits.

“Buthavingself-identity is thebestgiftIcan givetoanyonein my family or community.”

‘ISTAND HERE AS ASTRONG INDIGENOUSWOMAN’

Despitethe challenges,Deannahonours the strength of herfamily.

Hergrandfather,aLacrosseHallofFame inducteeand talented artist,remains aguiding influence. “Hetaughtmeour language,” she says.

Yet, histraumanever fullyhealed.

“He wouldnever have said he wasaproud Indigenous person becausethatpride was beaten outofhim.”

Deanna recallsa heartbreakingmoment shortlybeforeher grandfatherpassed.

Asshe helped himprepare fora lacrosse game,hescrubbedhis skin with Dettol,aharsh cleaningproduct meantfor mildew.

Whenshe askedwhy,hereplied,“I’mgoing to hellfor thecolourofmyskin.”

The nuns at theresidential school hadtold himsoasa child.

“Itbroke my heart,”Deannasays.

“That’swhy Idothe work Ido—becausehe

didn’t have avoice.I standhereasastrong Indigenous womanbecause my grandparents andmymom neverhad theopportunity to be proudofwho they are.”

“For parenting, Iwas taught that children mirror what they see,”she says.“Parentsare theirfirst teachers.”

Shecontinues,“My eldest daughter,Saraf, leadsplant walksatStanley Park now. Once, some of my friendsand distantcousins went on hertour, andtheytoldme, ‘Itsounded just like youtalking to us.’ That’s howdeeplythey’re immersed in ourculture.”

By immersingher children in theirculture andleading by example, she’sensuringthe next generation canwalkconfidently in both worlds

AGRANDMOTHER’S LEGACY: SPELEXÍLH’SSTORY

ForSpelex ílh, also knownasAnjeanette Dawson,a Sḵwxwú7meshNation Knowledge Keeper,thisjourney is just as personal,but it starts from aplace of quietrealization

“Growing up,Ididn’tknowwhatresidential schoolswere,”Dawsonsays, hervoice steady but tinged with emotion.

“I didn’t hear thetermuntil Iwas 15.Bythen, I alreadyknewsomething waswrong—whatfelt normalwasn’treallynormal.”

Like Deanna,Dawson’spathtohealing has been shaped by thelongshadowofresidential schools

‘GROWING UP WITH RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SURVIVORS’

“Growing up with residentialschoolsurvivors,

it’s exactlyasyou’veheard,” says Dawson.

“Whenpeoplesay,‘Getoverit,’theydon’t understand what happened to children in those institutions.Itexplainsalot abouthow we gotto whereweare todayasIndigenouspeople.” Dawson’s parentsbothattendedresidential schools.

Herfathercarried immensetraumafromhis experiences, whileher mother neverspoke of hers

“Lookingbackasanadult,I’verealizedwhat felt normal wasn’t actually normal.But it seemed normal becauseeveryoneIgrewup with hadparents whowerealsoresidential school survivors,”she says NO

HUGS,NOKISSES

Dawson recallsthe lack of affectioninher household

“Myparents didn’t know howtoshowloveor affection. Therewerenohugs, no kisses nothinglikethat,”she shares

Shealsouncovered unsettling storiesabout life in residentialschools,suchashow children were treatedfor basicneeds likeoralhygiene.

“Instead of teaching kids howtobrush their teeth, they oftenpulledthemout,” sheexplains. “Somesurvivors I’ve spokenwithhaven’t had theirown teethsince theywereseven or eight yearsold.”

This lack of basicguidancetrickleddownto thenextgeneration.

“Parents didn’t teachoralhygiene because theydidn’thaveteeth themselves.Itcreated this

PARENTING: Continuedon22

Meet the 7English Princes

Zebra finchesare actuallyAustralian, but these boys are all namedafter Princes bothhereand gone.Finches like to be in agrouporasthe proper term fora group of Zebra finches is called,a waltzing of finches. We have theboysinagroup of 4and agroupof3.Theyare nota bird whoeasilyhandtames butare more aboutenjoyingtheir song(sounds like a squeaky toy) andfor watching thetiny, lively birds wholove to sittogether on a perch in arow

PHOTOSUBMITTED

Annalise Lewis, thenextgenerationofSquamish childrenwho benefit from thecycle-breaking of theirparents

ripple effect, and dentists made a fortune. I remember kids coming in with 10, 12, even 20 cavities because no one taught them how to brush or floss.”

TWO PARENTS, TWO PATHS

Dawson’s parents emerged from residential schools with starkly different perspectives

“My mom came out a devout Catholic, while my dad wanted nothing to do with religion,” she says

Her mother raised Dawson and her siblings with a strict focus on cleanliness—mirroring what she was taught in residential school

“She brought us up the same way she was raised. The house had to be spotless,” Dawson explains.

Her father, by contrast, was shaped by his own experiences in ways that left him distant. The disconnect between her parents reflected the lasting impact of residential schools on their lives.

Culture and traditional teachings were absent during Dawson’s childhood.

Her parents, raised by nuns and priests, hadn’t been exposed to their own ceremonies, protocols, or language

Later in life, Dawson’s mother sought out cultural mentors.

“She started picking up our traditions in the 1980s and 1990s,” Dawson says “But by then, I had moved away from home for 12 years, so I didn’t see her reclaiming our culture firsthand.”

When Dawson returned home to be with her

mother in her final years, she saw glimpses of that transformation.

“She wanted to learn more, but it was too late in her life to fully embrace it She picked up a few words here and there, but nothing substantial was passed down or shared with her,” Dawson says

Like her mother, Dawson found herself seeking out knowledge on her own.

‘CULTURE SAVED MY LIFE’

“Culture saved my life,” Dawson says with quiet conviction

Her commitment to reclaiming her identity as an Indigenous woman has not only been transformative for her but also for her children and grandchildren.

“For me, my ‘religion’ is my culture. That’s where I come from, and that’s how I’ve raised my kids—and probably how I’ll raise my grandchildren too,” she says.

Dawson ensures her children have access to cultural teachings but doesn’t force them to participate.

“If they want to attend ceremonies or learn, that’s their choice. But I support them fully and connect them with cultural people in my life who can guide them,” she says

‘I

MAKE INTENTIONAL CHOICES TO PARENT DIFFERENTLY’

For Dawson, parenting is about consciously breaking cycles

“I’ve worked hard to be aware of the patterns that came from my parents’ trauma,” she says “I make intentional choices to parent

differently.”

One of her core principles is fostering open communication

“I give my kids and grandkids the freedom to express their feelings, something I didn’t have growing up,” she shares “I want them to know they have a voice, and they should use it.”

Dawson also ensures her children grow up in a safe, supportive environment free from the harmful behaviours she experienced as a child.

“My husband and I committed to no drinking, no drugs, no smoking. Children learn by what they see and hear, so we wanted to create a healthy home.”

This intentionality extends to her work supporting other families as an educator and mentor

“In my role, I help parents understand that some of the patterns they’re perpetuating aren’t normal—they’re the result of residential school trauma,” she says.

“It’s about teaching them that healing is possible, even if it feels like starting from scratch.”

‘BREAKING CYCLES TAKES TIME’

Dawson’s commitment to breaking cycles and reclaiming culture is as much about the future as it is about healing the past

“When I had my own children, I became more aware of the trauma I’d experienced and knew I didn’t want them to go through the same,” she says

For her, parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress

“There are moments when you wonder if

I’ve worked hard to be aware of the patterns that came from my parents’ trauma … I make intentional choices to parent differently.

ANJEANETTE DAWSON

you’re doing enough, or if you’re inadvertently passing something down,” she says.

“But breaking cycles takes time. It’s about healing together as a family and creating a safe space for future generations.”

Between 1870 and 1996, more than 150,000 Indigenous children were taken from their families and placed in residential schools.

If this story was triggering, The Indian Residential School Survivors Society operates a 24-hour crisis line to support survivors and families across British Columbia and beyond. Call: 1 (800) 721-0066.

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

GYSBERS, JOHN T.

December 29,1952-December21, 2024

It is with very heavyheartswe announce the passingofour belovedJohnGysbers.Johnwas an avid outdoorenthusiast from snowboardingand sledding to biking and hiking and he loved making trails for everyone to enjoy. He washis very happiest beingoutdoorswith nature. John wasawonderful father,brother, uncle, friend and Opa. He loveda good competitive card game and lots of laughter.After alonghard foughtbattle, John passed peacefully with hisfamilyby his side.Nearing the end we opened thehospice room windowand told dadhecould go back to theoutdoors he lovedsomuch, moments laterhewas gone.Johnwill be dearly missed by his daughters, grandkids,siblings, nieces and nephews and his many friends. Happytrails John, youare free at last.

Therewill be no funeral service,but acelebrationoflife will be held in theNew Year.Inlieu of flowers,please consider adonation in John’s memorytoSquamish Trails Society or SeatoSky Hospice Society.

Noticeofdisposition ofabandoned property

Publicnoticegivenunderpart 6ofthe manufacturedhome parktenancyregulationorany otherregulationrelatedtothis noticethatthe propertyhas been abandoned. Theowner of themanufactured home identifiedbelow,TroyKofoed, isdeceased

Owner of theparkisGrace Chung, representativeDaniel Cassell.

Thepremises beinglocated at1511830MamquamRoad, SquamishB.C.alsoknownas TimberTownEstate

Thepropertyconsists of amanufactured homeand contents

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Modular homeRegistration number024572. Thehome andcontents will be on site for 30 days from thedateof thisnotice. If thereisanyone whocan establisha claimora rightto possession.Theycan make an applicationtothe courtto establisharighttopossession oftheProperty.Within30days fromthedateofthisnotice.

If youfailtodoany of the abovewithin thespecified time period, thelandlord or theiragentwilldisposeofthe propertyandyouwillloseany claimtoit.

Pleasecontacttheofficeatby telephone at 604-898-5688 or by e-mail at timbertown@ shaw.caorbyvisitingthe officeat2421830Mamquam rd SquamishB.C.assoonas possibletoarrange forthe retrievalorstorage of your property.

call your salesrep:

www.squamishchief.com www.piquenewsmagazine.com

Timber town estate 1830 MamquamRoad, Squamish B.C. Box3963Garibaldi Highlands,BCV0N1T0

FAMILYLAW ASSISTANT

•Part-time

•Flexible hours to accommodate schoolhours

• Minimum 2years experience

Please forwardyour resume in confidence to

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Only successful candidates will be notified. 201-1364 PembertonAvenue, Squamish, BC

NOWHIRING

HEAVYDUTYMECHANIC

Permanent, Full-Time

CardinalConcrete,A DivisionofLafarge Canada Inc is the leading supplierofready-mix concrete in the Sea to Sky Corridor.Weare currentlyseeking acareer oriented individual to fill the role of Commercial Transport/Heavy Duty Mechanic at ourHead Office Location in Squamish,BC. This is askilledposition which primarily involves preventativemaintenance andrepair of alargefleet ofcommercial transportvehicles including concretemixertrucks, dump trucks, trailers, forklifts and light-duty trucks.

Minimum Qualifications:

•B.C. Certificate of Qualification, and/or Interprovincial Ticket as aCommercial TransportMechanic, and/or Heavy Duty Mechanic Ticket

• 3-5 years related experienceand/or training; or equivalent combination of education 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 Formoreinformationvisit www.cardinalconcrete.ca/about/careers

•Excavator Operatorwith minimumof3 yearsexperience

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CIVIL CONSTRUCTION

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Employee Health &Wellness Plan available

HYDROVAC OPERATOR – Valid Class1 or Class 3with airbrakes required. Manual transmission. Ground Disturbance II 2years operating hydroexcavation equipment preferred $35-$40.45per hour.

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 - Commercial Truck &Transport, Transport Trailer,Class 1or 3 airbrakes preferred. 4x10 or 5x8 schedule. Red Seal certified receive $200/month tool allowance. $39.70- $47.90 per hour.5%premium on hourly wage for Lead Hand 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’sLicence required.Must be available fromNovember 15 through March 31. On-the-job training provided. Wage depending on experience. $28-35.02 per hour

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Gingerbread takes the cake

Plentyoffoodsareassociated withChristmastime,but noneperhaps asfamiliarasgingerbread. Althoughthe slightlyspicyandwarmingtang ofgingerbreadoften isenjoyed incookieformorbakedintopanelsused to creategingerbreadhouses, thespicecombination ofginger,clovesandcinnamoncanimpartadelicious flavor to cakesas well. Thisholiday season, whipup thisrecipefor“TenderGingerbreadCake”from“Butter, Flour,Sugar,Joy”(Sourcebooks)byDanielleKartes.

Tender Gingerbread Cake

Yield: 1cake

1cup packed muscovadosugar (dark brown works great)

½cup plus 2tablespoonsbutter,softened 1teaspoonvanilla extract

2eggs, room temperature

¼cup plain full-fat Greek or plain yogurt

1¾ cups all-purpose flour

1teaspoonbaking powder

½teaspoonkosher salt

½teaspooncinnamon ¼teaspoongroundcloves

¼teaspoongroundginger

¼teaspoonapple pie spice

1cup hotwater

¾cup molasses

Garnishes

½cup confectioners’ sugar

1cup pomegranate arils

Publication IN STANDS March2025

Distribution 7,000 Copies

Preheat oven to 350ºF.Line a9-by-9-inch cake pan with parchmentpaper

Cream the sugar,butter,and vanilla on low speed, 3minutes. Addthe eggs one at atime andmix until just incorporated,then scrapedown the sides of the bowl andgently fold the yogurt into the batter.

Inaseparate bowl, whisk the flour,baking powder,salt, andspices together.

In athirdbowl, mixthe hotwater and molasses together.

Now mixthe dryingredients into the batterin3additions, alternating with the hot molasses water.Donot overmix. Pour the batter into your lined pan and bake 25 to 30 minutes until the cake is well baked.Allow the gingerbreadto cool,then dust with confectioners’ sugar andpomegranatearils. This cake is also lovely with creamcheeseicing! Serve and enjoy

1. Adult nits

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Desk light

12. Type of surgeon

Lamb’s mom

Awoodwind

Adhere

Height

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Annoy

22.“ Gotta Have It”

24.Young chap

26.“ the Night”

Not on

Pipe joint

Loop of rope

Busyasa_

37.Darn

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1.Earring’s place 2. Curling device 3. Frankly 4. Olderperson 5. Corrode

6. Cobbler’stool

7. Until now

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23. Fireman’sneed

24.“ Girls”

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Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling

LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:

HOROSCOPE WEEK OF DEC26, 2024 -JAN

ARIES March 21-April 19

Getready to shine as the ultimateparty planner.You’ll arrangeone of the most memorable events for your lovedones.Yourenthusiasm will be contagious,especially when you getinvolved in the entertaining.

TAURUS April 20-May20

Feelinglucky?You maywant to consider buyinga lottery ticketwith yourfamily—you mightjusthit the jackpot! You’ll solidify plans with your lovedones,quitepossibly goingonaspontaneous journey.

GEMINI May21-June 20

If familytensions arise, you’ll be the master of defusing them with yourcreativity and problem-solvingskills. You’ll earn the title of family herowith yourorganizational finesse.

CANCER June 21-July 22

You’ll succeed in uniting familyand friends, overcomingthe challenge of bringingtogether two familiesthat aresometimes at odds with one another Your attention to detail and generous nature will

work wondersineasing tensions

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

During yournextgathering, whether you’rehostingor attending, yournurturing naturewill shine through. Youhavea strong urge to be helpful, from serving to tidyingup, you’ll be the ultimatehelper

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Gatherings,big or small, will be yourstage to shine.Get readytosteal the spotlightwith your captivatingremarks.You’ll be surprisinglycharismatic this week

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Someone from adifferent background will join one of yourgatherings.They’ll stimulateyourcuriosityto learn abouttheir culture and sharemoreabout yours You’ll introduce exotic tastes and musictospice things up

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

You’ll be the life of the party, lightingupthe atmosphere and gettingeveryone in the mood to celebrate. Be smartonyourlate-night adventures; don’t getbehind

1, 2025

the wheel afterindulgingin certain vices

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Nowisn’t the best time to overspend,but your generositywill warm hearts, even thoseofstrangers.You’ll alsospoil yourself abit

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Parties and gatheringswill be yourplaygroundbecause you’ll feel the need to move, dance and relax. You’ll come up with creativeideas and stimulatinggames to geteveryone involved and participatinginthe festivities.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18

Avoid stayinguptoo late so you don’t spoil your enjoymentofthe festivities Take time to catch up on your sleeporget ridofanasty cold or flu bug.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

Preparefor unexpectedvisits that mightrequireextra effort and planning. You’ll be fully committedtomakingita memorable time for your lovedones.Rememberto takecareofyourself too!

HOWTOPLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3box contains the numbers1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. Youalready have afew numbers to getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box

TheParish of St.John the Divine, Squamish

Holy Communion and MorningWorship Sundays at 10:00 AM

Rev Cameron Gutjahr 1930 Diamond Road 604-898-5100

www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca info@squamishanglicanchurch.ca

Exalting Jesus,Equipping His Followers,Engaging theWorld

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

SUDOKU