January 9, 2025

COUNTING EAGLES

The annual Brackendale event tallies a record number of bald eagles

JANUARY 9, 2025

Find out how it is doing now

2025 BC PROPERTY ASSESSMENTS SHOW MINIMAL CHANGES

Find out how your property’s value has changed in the newly released BC assessments, reflecting ongoing market trends as of July 1, 2024

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Have you checked what your Squamish property is worth?

The 2025 BC Assessment property valuations, which reflect market value as of July 1, 2024, have been released for Squamish BC Assessment is a provincial Crown corporation that produces annual property assessments for all property owners in the province

Typical single-family residential properties in Squamish have increased by 1%, to $1,483,000 for 2025, up from $1,475,000 in the 2024 assessment. (This data was calculated based on median values.)

In terms of our Sea to Sky neighbours, the Village of Pemberton saw a bigger jump, up 4% year-over-year

In Pemberton, a typical single-family home was assessed at $1,390,000 for the 2025 assessment, up from

ASSESSMENTS: Continued on 2

PHOTO VIA VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH

FIRST BABY OF THE YEAR: Squamish General Hospital’s first baby of the year is Zorawar Singh Aujla. He is the firstborn child of mom Jaspreet Kaur and dad Sapinder Singh, born 4:30 a.m. on Jan. 1, weighing 3.08 kilograms (6.8 pounds). Welcome to the world, little one.

ATM STOLEN IN WHISTLER AND DUMPED AT CAT LAKE

Owner says little cash was taken in pre-Christmas theft from a cafe

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Squamish-based ATM company K&D ATM contended with a Christmas grinch (or grinches) who stole one of their ATMs from a Whistler coffee shop about 10 days ago. It ended up smashed and dumped at Cat Lake Recreation Site, near the upper parking lot at the entrance to the lake

ASSESSMENTS: Continued from 1

$1,340,000 in the 2024 assessment.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler saw a -1% drop for single-family properties At $2,821,000 for 2025, down from $2,842,000 for the 2024 assessment.

The City of North Vancouver saw almost no change, year-over-year: $1,990,000 for 2025; $1,988,000 in 2024.

In terms of condos and townhouses in Squamish, they have also seen a 1% increase year-over-year

The 2025 assessment is $833,000; at the time of the 2024 assessment, condos and townhomes in the district were assessed at $829,000

The Resort Municipality of Whistler and the City of North Vancouver saw virtually no change from the assessments published in 2024 and those published for 2025.

For Whistler, the 2025 condo assessment is $1,344,000; for 2024 it was $1,349,000.

For the City of North Vancouver, 2025 was $839,000 versus 2024, which was $836,000

In the case of strata homes, Pemberton’s data was too small to be of value, according to BC Assessment.

Like the rest of the province, these Sea to Sky figures are pretty flat, said Bryan Murao, an assessor with BC Assessment.

“Across the Lower Mainland and throughout B.C., the overall housing market has generally stabilized in value for a second consecutive year,” said Murao, in a Jan. 2 news release

“Most homeowners can expect only modest assessment changes in the range of -5% to +5%.”

In terms of Squamish specifically, it is on par with the rest of the province, Murao told The Squamish Chief.

“There were some years when you might have looked at Squamish as going up more People were leaving Vancouver, leaving the suburbs, and moving out to Squamish, Pemberton, or even outside of the Lower Mainland, Sea to Sky. But this year, it just seems to all be the same, and I attribute that mostly to interest rates,” he added.

David Mason, owner of the local company, said that the thieves didn’t get much, as not a lot of funds were in the machine—less than $1,000

“So they didn’t get very much,” he said, noting that from the debris, the thieves didn’t seem to know what they were doing, as they broke components that would not have been of value to them

“They even broke into little power supply boxes It’s like they were thinking there was money hidden in any nook and cranny They

tore every part of it apart, which just shows the lack of skill that they had in the way that they were thinking was not logical,” he said

The machine itself is worth about $4,000 to replace, said Mason, who has lived in the Sea to Sky Corridor for about 20 years.

The company has machines in about 150 locations.

Mason said it is very rare for the ATMs to be taken; he said about five years ago, one was broken into in Whistler, but no money was

“I think that interest rates have been the biggest influencer of property values for the past few years here. And you see that across the board; interest rates impact every property, and that hits every market quite similarly.”

Locals can check their property’s value online at bcassessment.ca, and the 2025 Property Assessment Notices are being mailed to each property owner.

(BC Assessment notes that with the recently resolved Canada Post strike, mailed assessments may be delayed.)

“If a property owner is still concerned about their assessment after speaking to one of our appraisers, they may submit a Notice of Complaint (Appeal) by Jan. 31 for an independent review by a Property Assessment Review Panel,” said Murao, in the release.

Property Assessment Review Panels, independent of BC Assessment, are appointed annually by the provincial government, and

typically meet between Feb. 1 and March 15 to hear formal complaints.

Property owners with questions about their assessment can also contact BC Assessment toll-free at 1-866-valueBC (1-866-825-8322).

NOT TIED TO PROPERTY TAXES

“It is important to understand that changes in property assessments do not automatically translate into a corresponding change in property taxes,” said Murao, in the release.

“As noted on your assessment notice, how your assessment changes relative to the average change in your community is what may affect your property taxes.”

For the 2025 assessments, BC Assessment evaluated 2,207,009 properties, about a 1% increase from 2024

The total value of B.C. real estate for the 2025 assessments is about $2.83 trillion, an increase of about 1.5 % from 2024.

accessed

Mason said had they gotten in that time, the thieves would have gotten $5 for their efforts. He said the RCMP are on the case and have been taking fingerprints from the broken ATM.

Staff Sgt. Kris Clark, senior media relations officer with the provincial RCMP E Division, told The Squamish Chief that parts of the ATM were recovered at Cat Lake yesterday, however the actual ATM may have been recovered over a week ago.

NON-RESIDENTIAL

Top 10 non-residential properties’ valuations for the 2025 assessment roll in Squamish: (The properties of the port and Woodfibre LNG are in a different category, not included here.)

*Note: This top property didn’t come with a civic address; through the Parcel Identifier (PID), we can determine it is part of the SEAandSky/ Waterfront Landing South development. This parcel has an active rezoning and OCP amendment application with the District of Squamish **Note: Though residential, these also have commercial components so are included in this list.

GOT NEWS?

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

DEVELOPERS BEHIND BRACKENDALE CO-LIVING SPACE WITHDRAW VARIANCE PERMIT

The District of Squamish says they are still considering a building permit for one single dwelling unit

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

The developers behind a proposed co-living space in Brackendale have withdrawn their variance permit to allow for two principal dwelling units on the same lot

The variance permit application for the development located at 41824 Government Rd would have allowed for two buildings, each with 16 bedrooms, with self-contained washrooms, a shared living room and one kitchen space.

Additional parking spaces were also included in the application with up to 33 parking spots to be made available on-site, 14 of those built underneath the building.

In an email shared with The Squamish Chief on Dec. 9, District planner Kerry Hamilton said the proposal for one single dwelling unit is still being considered by the muni.

“A Building Permit for one single dwelling unit is still under review with five parking spaces and one driveway access,” she wrote.

“Should a Subdivision application or different Development Variance Permit be submitted, a new development sign will be posted on the site Please note, no signs are posted for Building Permit applications.”

The development has caused a kerfuffle amongst the local Brackendale community with a number of residents voicing their

dislike over the proposal at an information night held on Nov. 14.

Repeatedly throughout the two-hour

session, audience members reiterated the notion that the co-living house was, in fact, not a house but more like a hostel, hotel, or

A Building Permit for one single dwelling unit is still under review with five parking spaces and one driveway access.

KERRY

HAMILTON

commercial business

Frustration over a lack of community consultation was also a hot topic as were fears for children and parent safety when they walk and bike to the nearby schools as a result of an increase in cars.

During the information session, the developers Michael Oord and Grant Gillies said the parking variance application would have provided more parking spaces than if they were to go down the subdivision route. It would also have meant there would be only one driveway on the property, as opposed to two, should council have rejected the variance application.

“Either we do this or we subdivide, it’s one of the two,” Gillies said

The Squamish Chief reached out to the developers behind the project to ask for the reason behind the variance permit withdrawal but did not receive a response by publication time.

SQUAMISH NATION RESPONDS TO MEMBERS’ LNG QUERIES

The Nation reassures community members with updates on emergency preparedness and environmental safety

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

With the construction of the Woodfibre LNG export facility and its associated FortisBC pipeline underway, members of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) had some lingering questions.

The Nation is an environmental regulator of the projects, having granted its Squamish Nation Environmental Assessment Agreement to Woofibre LNG on Oct. 14, 2015

On Oct. 24, 2024, Nation members convened at Totem Hall for a focus group session dedicated to emergency preparedness in light of the Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC Eagle Mountain Gas Pipeline projects

Organized by the Nation’s Emergency Planning & Response Department, the meeting offered a platform to address members’ safety, environmental, and infrastructural concerns

However, some of the members of the Nation had additional questions. And thus, the Nation replied in its newsletter published

Baha’i Faith

SQUAMISH BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY

HarmonyofScience and Religion

Civilization as we knowithas been built withscienceand influenced by religion, but it seems science is over-riding religion tothe detriment of humanity’s happiness and prosperity.

The Baha’i writings point to abalanceand harmony between science and religion as being essential for global wellbeing.The principle of the harmony of science and religion means not only that religiousteachings should be studied with the light of reason and evidence as well as of faith and inspiration, butalso that everythingin this creation, all aspects of human life and knowledge, should be studied in the light ofrevelation as wellasinthat of purely rational investigation. UHJ-January3,1979

Civilization itselfdoes not arise merelyfrommaterial progress, butrather isdefined byand founded upon the ideals and sharedbeliefs that weld society together What uniquely defines the human experience is the transcendent component of life. It is this dimension of existence that enriches,ennobles and provides direction to human beings. It is this dimension oflife that unlocks the creative capacities within human consciousness and safeguards human dignity. Institute For Studies In Global Prosperity -Science,Religion and Development:SomeInitialConsiderations – November20, 2008

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in December.

One critical question asked was the age and durability of LNG carriers.

The Nation confirmed that these carriers, designed to withstand up to 40 years of service, normally retire after 25 years. “The carriers will begin operations at the age of seven years,” the Nation stated in its newsletter

Another pressing concern revolved around dust generated by construction activities at the FortisBC rail site

In response, the Nation said that FortisBC has recently paved the road behind the Yekwaupsum reserve, near the Railway Museum of British Columbia, to reduce dust.

“Additional measures for dust control will be implemented during the 2025 spring and summer seasons,” the Nation said, noting that Indigenous monitors will oversee these efforts to ensure compliance with environmental standards.

A member enquired about emergency alerts and evacuation protocols for Yekwaupsum residents.

The Nation said that FortisBC’s emergency plans align with Squamish Nation protocols. Additionally, the Voyent Alert app will be used to notify members of critical events, including evacuation orders, via text, email, or phone.

The availability of alternate escape routes, such as the Spit Road Gate, was also discussed.

The Nation confirmed that FortisBC

Community members are encouraged to report further discrepancies to the Emergency Planning & Response Department.

manages access to the gate, which will be opened if additional emergency exits are required. “Co-ordination with local emergency services will ensure seamless evacuation processes,” the Nation added in the newsletter

Concerns about inaccurate online maps failing to show correct house numbers were raised.

The Nation acknowledged this issue, confirming updates have been made to reflect accurate house numbers for Yekwaupsum residents.

“Community members are encouraged to report further discrepancies to the Emergency Planning & Response Department,” the Nation said

Questions about the monitoring and safety of the EGP pipeline were also addressed.

The nation confirmed FortisBC will use a fibre-optic leak detection system monitored from their Surrey Operations Centre “to detect any concerns and is capable of shutting down sections of the pipeline as needed (even during a power outage).”

Environmental concerns were raised about contaminated soil at the BC Rail site.

The Nation said that all contaminated soil from earlier construction phases had been transported to approved facilities in Vancouver. “The only stockpiles remaining are clean material and FortisBC has been notified to ensure appropriate coverage,” the Nation said

Lastly, members were curious about the origin of materials used in the pipeline construction

FortisBC confirmed that the steel for the pipeline is manufactured in Germany

To learn more details and explore all the responses in depth, read the newsletter at squamish.net/woodfibre-lng.

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

FILE RENDERING VIA WOODFIBRE LNG

The Woodfibre LNG export faciility is currently under construction

WHAT IS CONDENSATE, AND WHY IS WOODFIBRE LNG APPLYING FOR AN EAO AMENDMENT?

The Woodfibre LNG application is for the ‘construction and operation of increased condensate storage’

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Woodfibre LNG has applied for an amendment to its Environmental Assessment Certificate, which was granted by the provincial government in 2015

It is common for projects to apply to the Environment Assessment Office (EAO) for amendments to the certificate, as any changes to the project as it was originally assessed must be approved by the EAO.

The Woodfibre LNG application for an amendment, which was dated Nov. 26, 2024, is for the “construction and operation of increased condensate storage” from 300 cubic metres (m3) to 1,500 m3.

So, the company wants to have a bigger tank on the property than originally planned, in other words.

The company says this request is in order to “align with current industry practices and reduce the frequency that condensate needs to be removed from the project site.”

But, hold up—what is condensate?

“Condensate is a mixture of hydrocarbons extracted from natural gas as part of the production of LNG,” said Woodfibre LNG spokesperson Sean Beardow in a Dec. 31 email to The Squamish Chief.

“Condensate is stabilized to allow for safe shipping and can be used in the production of multiple products such as gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, and heating fuels.”

The condensate produced at the Woodfibre LNG export facility will be shipped off-site, Beardow said

“The shipping location for the condensate will depend on the buyer, but it is anticipated that the condensate will be safely shipped to the Lower Mainland,” he added.

In addition to the increased size of the tank, the amendment application proposes corresponding changes to its foundation and secondary structure to hold a larger quantity of condensate

“By increasing on-site storage capacity, Woodfibre LNG can decrease the frequency of condensate barge activity to once per month. This decreases impacts of marine transportation and the frequency of transferring condensate to barges,” Beardow

Condensate is stabilized to allow for safe shipping and can be used in the production of multiple products such as gasoline, jet fuel, diesel, and heating fuels.

SEAN BEARDOW

said.

The amendment application seeks a higher storage volume, but the makeup of the condensate and the rate at which the facility will produce condensate remains unchanged, according to Woodfibre LNG.

“The environmental and safety aspects of the condensate storage are carefully

considered in WLNG’s design approach In the highly unlikely event of condensate release from the tank, a secondary containment system is in place that features an impermeable barrier and can capture 110 % of the total volume of the tank,” said Beardow.

The EAO published on its site on Dec. 19 that it has received the amendment application and is currently reviewing the request.

A public comment period will be announced soon, according to the EAO. Woodfibre LNG is an under-construction liquefied natural gas export facility to be fed by the associated FortisBC Woodfibre-Eagle Mountain pipeline.

Woodfibre LNG is expected to produce up to 2.1 million tonnes per year of LNG that will be exported overseas.

“It will also include [a] land-based natural gas processing and liquefication facility, condensate storage, floating storage tanks to store up to 250,000 cubic metres, and offloading unit with an associated jetty floating accommodations for workers, and supporting buildings,” reads the EAO site

PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA

DRESSED FOR WINTER SUCCESS: Bentley enjoys his winter hike, but doesn’t leave home without a fashionable sweater. (Send us your cute dog photos to share: news@squamishchief com.)

BARRED-OWL ‘YOTA’ ENDS 2024 WITH A BANG

The little owl known as Yota was rescued from Squamish Toyota on Dec. 31 after he flew into their window giving himself serious brain trauma

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

Asweet little owl has had a rough end to 2024 after he flew into the window of Squamish Toyota.

Yota, a barred owl, was found on the ground next to a window on Dec. 31 by employees of the car dealer who whipped into action to take care of the little guy.

“My colleague found the owl when she came in to work on Tuesday morning and came and got me, and we realized it was injured,” Squamish Toyota service advisor Erik Yaremkewich told The Squamish Chief.

“So I called [Tim Cyr, local wildlife rescue volunteer], and he gave us some instructions on how to handle the owl, and then he came and picked him up.”

Yaremkewich said Yota, named after his workplace, was dazed and had obvious signs of head trauma when he was found

“When we tried picking him up, he tried to fly back into the window, but we got him into a box and wrapped up in a blanket until Tim got here.”

WILDLIFE RESCUE

Cyr, who is also a well-known local photographer, collected Yota that same morning and monitored his condition for a few hours before opting to take him to OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) Rehab in Delta.

“I went down and they already had him in a box, so I got him, and I took him home to my house for a couple of hours just to see if he was going to come around, and after about an hour, he didn’t. There was no change at all; he was still just really docile,” Cyr said.

“I figured we better get him down to the city, so I made a phone call and threw him in my car and drove down to Vancouver. One of the volunteers picked him up for me and then took him out to OWL.”

Cyr said Yota was found to have significant head trauma but no broken bones or problems with his wings.

OWL REHAB

OWL general manager Rob Hope told The Squamish Chief that Yota is showing signs of improvement.

“He’s a lot perkier today. He is eating, and he’s made quite a come around from even yesterday,” Hope said.

“They’re a pretty hardy animal, and they do come around sometimes, but sometimes they don’t. So far, though, he’s on the up and up, but we won’t know what long-term damage there is; something might still pop up … But as of right now, he looks pretty good.”

Hope said Yota could be in their care for a few months, but if he makes a full recovery, he will be released back into the wild in Squamish

WILSON UPDATE

Another beloved Squamish animal Cyr has been trying to help is Wilson, a Canada Goose who has been living with a 33-inch arrow lodged in his rump for the past seven months.

They’re a pretty hardy animal, and they do come around sometimes, but sometimes they don’t.

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After finally getting his hands on a net gun, a non-lethal weapon designed to fire a net which entangles the target, Cyr and a team attempted to catch Wilson late last year but he flew away before they could capture him.

But they hope to try again around Jan. 14.

“He’s had that arrow in him for six or seven months now, and he can live with it in him; he’s proven that, but we haven’t given up,” Cyr said

“We do have a bit of a plan We’re going to try to set up a blind, so we’re going to put a black tarp on the soccer goal post, and have a guy sort of hiding in behind it, and we’re going to try to herd the geese towards the net, and then he’s just going to try to shoot it from there with our net gun.

He joked that Wilson has become a pro at outsmarting the humans trying to help him.

“He’s not a bird brain; we are the bird

brains,” Cyr said with a laugh.

“I say we can catch him, but we have to outsmart him. They have facial recognition, so he knows me, he knows my car, and he knows when I come into the Brennan Park area So it’s going to be hard to get him, but we’re going to try again, and hopefully, we can catch him.

“We just ask people to leave him alone. The more people that go to try to catch him, the harder it is for us when we get there with the net gun.”

WHAT TO DO IF YOU FIND AN INJURED BIRD?

According to Cyr, the best thing to do is pop them into a box and not to feed them.

“What you’re supposed to do is put them in a box with a blanket or something, and then just keep them in the dark and the quiet and never, ever give them any food,” he said

“Sometimes they’ll come around after a couple of hours, depending on how hard they hit the window But lots of times, I’ve had people phone me, and I just tell them to leave them in the box and just give them a little time and then see what happens.

“Lots of times they’ll come around, and they’ll fly away, but lots of times they don’t. I’ve taken probably a couple of dozen birds down to OWL over the last three-four years, and not too many of them survive.”

Why shouldn’t you feed them? Well, according to Cyr, it’s just like when humans go into surgery and are advised not to eat prior

“It’s the same as when you go in for surgery yourself; they tell you not to eat after midnight or anything like that, right? It’s the same thing with birds because if they have to do surgery, then they don’t want them to have a full belly,” he said

He also suggests placing stickers on large windows to mitigate birds flying into them

“They can’t see [that it’s a window], so they just fly and smash right into it Just putting a couple of things on there to deflect them away will help them see it and realize it’s a window.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ERIK YAREMKEWICH The wee barred owl.

DISTRICT REDUCES ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT TEAM TO ONE PERSON

Tourism Squamish and Chamber of Commerce react

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

The District of Squamish has reduced their Economic Development department team down to just one employee as part of the 2024-2029 budget

The department was previously comprised of a minimum of three staff members but will now leave the District’s economic development in the hands of one person.

This decision has left representatives from both Tourism Squamish and Squamish Chamber of Commerce concerned about what the town’s economic future will look like.

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH

According to the District of Squamish website, the Economic Development team “provides business intelligence to help inform the decision-making process in support of the local business community and future sector development.”

“We manage and conduct research and provide economic development expertise to internal staff and external stakeholders. Our research work informs policy development, investment and business decisions,” reads the website.

District of Squamish spokesperson Rachel Boguski said the decision to reduce the team was

made during the 2024-2029 budget amendment process undertaken in April 2024

(The 2025-2029 Financial Plan was adopted by council on Dec. 17.)

“The District’s Economic Development department’s workplan was re-prioritized to meet council’s overall strategic priorities and the District funding needs,” Boguski said

“Staffing of the Economic Development department previously comprised three full-time employees, with additional staffing, at times, funded through successful grant applications.

“As a result of the re-prioritized workplan, and a number of unsuccessful grant applications, the staffing now comprises the position of the Economic Development Officer.”

Boguski said the department will continue to deliver on the District’s priorities and work with partners and leaders on key initiatives.

TOURISM SQUAMISH

As a close collaborator with the Economic Development team, Tourism Squamish told The Squamish Chief that members are concerned the reduction of employees will have a negative effect on the community.

“Tourism Squamish recognizes the District of Squamish’s decision to reduce its Economic Development team as a significant shift that will impact the support available for business growth and investment attraction,” Tourism Squamish

executive director Lesley Weeks said

“As a Destination Management Organization, we often work closely with the District’s Economic Development team to align strategies, share resources, and address challenges collaboratively.

“The reduction in this team will lead to gaps in business support services, funding opportunities, and economic data collection, which are critical for informed decision-making.”

Weeks said that Tourism Squamish is “committed to stepping up where possible” to ensure the local economy has continued support.

“But this change underscores the need for broader community partnerships and innovative solutions to sustain momentum,” she said.

For Weeks, one of her biggest concerns is that it will be difficult for the District’s Economic Development department to keep up with the demands of supporting business growth and development.

“This will lead to increased pressure on non-profits like Tourism Squamish and the Chamber of Commerce to fill the gaps left behind,” she said

“While we are committed to supporting the business community, we believe the District must take responsibility for maintaining economic development initiatives and not rely solely on outside organizations to carry the load.”

She said another concern is their ability to

CHRISTMAS TREE DISPOSAL

respond to enquiries from businesses looking to move to and invest in Squamish

“These inquiries are often time-consuming but can lead to significant opportunities for economic growth,” Weeks said

“The economic development officer and Tourism Squamish have frequently collaborated on these types of inquiries, particularly when they relate to tourism. With reduced staffing, the capacity to respond effectively to these opportunities will be diminished, potentially impacting Squamish’s ability to attract new investment.”

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Late last year, the Squamish Chamber of Commerce drafted a letter to the District over their concerns about the cuts.

“The work of the Economic Development department is vital to the intentional growth of our business community,” Squamish Chamber of Commerce executive director Anne MacKenzie told The Squamish Chief.

“While the chamber is well positioned to provide training, support and other resources to our members and existing businesses, I see the role of economic development as one of continuing to foster new business, attract new investment, and to highlight new opportunities here in Squamish

“It is disappointing to see that work be de-prioritized.”

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WHAT’SHAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE

Volunteer driver needed at The55ActivityCentre to help provide more out-trip opportunities. Call 604.848.6898 or email recreation@squamish.ca

PaymentOptions Changing

As of December 31, 2024 the DistrictofSquamish no longer accepts creditcardpayments over the phone.The following paymentoptionsare available:

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TheDistrictisdeveloping aplan forDowntownand tourism-based parking management. We areseeking insights from the publictohelp shape our plan to ensureitwill meet the needs of our community.

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Doyourkidslovetoknowhow things work, buildthings, create projects andlearn newfacts?

Well,KiddoSTEAMAcademy maybethe place forthem.

Thescience,technology, engineering, arts and mathematics(STEAM) basedacademy runby TeresaPeñaand LucianoCabrera,has officially opened afacilityinSquamishafter months of beingacamp-only experience.

Nowwithapermanent base to call home, KiddoSTEAM planstohostafter-school programs andholiday campsthatteach avariety of skills,including coding,robotics, art, design andchemistry.

“Inthe summer of 2023,westarted lookingfor aplace.Thatwas abig questtofinda real place here in Squamish,” Peña told TheSquamish Chief.

“SoinMarch this year,westarted with apilot at Skyridge Montessori forone week as aspring camp. It wasagreat startbecause we realized thereisthe need here forSTEAM programs and thereare kids that really want it.”

Afterasix-month delay, KiddoSTEAM officiallyopenedtheir facilityatthe beginning of December at Unit 105, 39668Government Rd

“Weare here now, andwe arepreparing programs forfull-daycamps,springand summer camps, after-school programs,and we arealsogoing to do Spanishclasses on Tuesday, Wednesdayand Saturday foradultsand kids,” Peña said.

WHAT IS KIDDOSTEAM?

Thelearningprogramsand campsare based onSTEAM subjects.

“Because we arebothengineers,wetry to find subjects that they canrelatetoin day-to-day life, so they will know whythingshappen,” Cabrera said

“Itisalsoabout exploration. Here,theycan discover earlyinlifewhattheyare passionate about, andevenifit’snoneof thesubjectswe’re teaching,they’ll know that maybethese fields aren’t forthematanearlier age…which canalso behelpful forparents to know too.”

Aregular dayatone of thesessionsfocuses on some theory before jumpingintohands-on experiments

AccordingtoCabrera,the experimentsallow forthe kids to really seehow things work

“One example[of aproject]isinthe art category;weuse paint, butthe kids create the paint,”hesaid.

“Theyfirst create thepaint,learn howto combinethe colours, andwhatare thechemicals behind it,thenafter they canpaint with it. “Itissimple, butyou canhearthe kids talk with theirparents aftershowing that notonlydid they create this beautifulpainting, butalsothe

painttoo.”

Thekidsalsolearn aboutchemistry by cooking.

“Wemadecookies,and thekidscould see whatwould happen if we used certainingredients.Because this is achemicalreaction, they learnedchemistry throughcookies,” Peña said Throughout thefacility, thereare anumberof differenttools andprops forkidstoexperiment with

At onetable is aproject wherethe kids move a robotmouse around aseriesofobstacles by implementing coding directlyintothe mouse.

Anotherisanelectricity tool whichshows how tomakeaclosedcircuit to turn on asmall lightbulb.

“Wesee here with thekids, some areinthe flow fortwo hours, threehours …whentheyfind something they arepassionateabout,” Cabrera said.

Butit’snot just aboutlearning; both Peña and Cabreraare firm believersthatplaytimeis just as important as theory

Thereare anumberofplayzones throughout the facility,and during theholiday camps, the KiddoSTEAM team will take thekidsto playgroundstohelpburnoff some of that never-ending kidenergy.

HOW TO GETINVOLVED

As of January2025, after-school programs will officially launch at theKiddoSTEAMAcademy for children aged five to 12

“Wewilldoafter-schoolpickups andthenwe arehereuntil 6p.m.every daywithadifferent subjecteach day,”Peñasaid.

“Mondaywillbeabout science, Tuesday is technology,Wednesday is engineering, Thursday is art, andFridayismaths.”

Kids will be splitintodifferent agegroupsto help foster continuededucation.

Fees forthe after-school programstart at a dailyrateof$37.50.

Atwo-weekspringcampisalsolined up in March2025and costs$400per week

As they both hail from Venezuela, Peña and Cabrerahavedecided to also host Spanish lessonsatKiddoSTEAMfor both kids andadults. Adultclasses areonWednesdayeveningsat 6:15 p.m., andchildren’sclasses areonTuesday evenings at 6:15 p.m. andSaturdayafternoonsat 12:15p.m.Classes are$125per month.

Formoreinformation on theafter-school learning programs andholiday camps, visitthe KiddoSTEAM Academywebsite

PHOTOS BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF KiddoSTEAM founders areTeresaPeñaand LucianoCabrera

Britannia Mine Museum gratefully acknowledges their communitysponsors:

School Registration forthe 2025/2026School Year

Opens January21st-24th, 2025

Kindergarten, FrenchImmersionPrograms, and AllNew Studentstothe District

School District No.48(SD48) is welcomingregistrationsfor the upcoming2025-2026 school year startingJanuary21st, 2025, at 8:00 am andending January 24th, 2025, at4:00pm.

Therewill be twokey steps:

Step One: Parentsand Guardianswill be asked to fill outanonline webformthrough theschool district website. This includes basiccontact informationsuchasname, emailaddress, physicaladdressand student name and grade. Parentswill register as anew student to thedistrictor acurrent student registering forFrenchImmersion.

StepTwo: Make an appointment to complete your registration at your Englishcatchment school by bookingonlinethrough thedistrict websiteorbycontacting theschool directly Note- French Immersionregistrations must be completed throughyour Englishcatchment school,not theFrenchcatchment school.For Cultural Journeysand Learning Expeditions,completeyourregistration directly at St'a7mes School.

Pleasenotethe following importantinformation:

Alottery system will be used to determine priority placement order for allpre-registrationsonthe webform. This will providea more equitableprocess wherespace maybelimited. Parentsand guardianswill have 10 days to complete theregistration process at theircatchment school.After10days, thepriority placement orderobtained from thelottery will be forfeited. Parentsand guardianswho miss theavailability of thewebform can register by contacting theirEnglish catchment school to book an appointment.Inthiscase, atimeand date stamponthe registration form will determine priority placementorder.

Formoredetailedinformation visit: www.sd48seatosky.org or contact your Englishcatchment school principal. We encourageparentsand guardians to register as soon as possibletohelpschools plan for September 2025.

DISTRICT MULTIPLEX DESIGN COMPETITION WINNERS ANNOUNCED

See who won the competition aimed at increasing the supply of small-scale housing options

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

The District of Squamish has announced the winners of its Multiplex Design Competition.

The competition, which launched on Sept 5, aims to help increase the supply of small-scale housing options in Squamish as part of the Housing Action Plan

“This competition showcases options for property owners who want to take advantage of the new provincial legislation and add important new housing forms that will contribute to the housing supply we need as a community,” District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford said in a news release.

“All submissions have shown a level of thoughtfulness and creativity for each of our unique neighbourhoods, and we are grateful to everyone who took part in the design competition.”

Winners from 16 entrants were chosen by the District of Squamish Advisory Design Panel.

According to the District release, the panel specifically looked for unit designs that incorporated “creativity, sustainability, affordability, and appeal” across three categories: second-storey dwellings, elevated dwellings and ground-level dwellings.

“Residents who wish to build the winning designs on their property will be able to purchase the neighbourhood-tailored plans directly from the architects and design firms,” reads the release.

“Please note building permit applications will still be required to meet all site-specific requirements as outlined in the Zoning Bylaw, Building Bylaw, Official Community Plan, Subdivision and Development Control Bylaw, Soils Management Bylaw, and Floodplain Management Bylaw.”

THE WINNERS

Category 1: Second Storey Dwellings

1st Place:

Higher Ground

Haeccity Studio Architecture

2nd Place:

The Alcove

Paula Alejandro Vazquez, TAG Panels Ltd.

3rd Place:

Umbel

Sideyard Architecture

Category 2: Elevated Dwellings

1st Place:

The Tusk

Brendan Callander, Callander Architecture

RENDERINGS VIA DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH

Top: Second Storey Dwellings, first place: Higher Ground, Haeccity Studio Architecture Middle: Elevated Dwellings; first place The Tusk, Brendan Callander, Callander Architecture Bottom: Ground Level Dwellings, first place. C Plex, Haeccity Studio Architecture

2nd Place:

Double Double

Haeccity Studio Architecture

3rd Place:

Encore

Guy McLintock, McLintock Architecture

Category 3: Ground Dwellings

1st Place: C Plex

Haeccity Studio Architecture

2nd Place: The Tusk

Brendan Callander, Callander Architecture

3rd Place: Blended

Paula Alejandro Vazquez, TAG Panels Ltd.

SQUAMISH ELEVATION EXPLAINED: HOW IT STACKS UP IN THE SEA TO SKY

Elevation seems like a simple idea that we all understand—how high a community is—but what is topographic elevation, exactly?

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

What is Squamish’s elevation compared with other communities in our region?

This is a question The Squamish Chief put to local Murray Journeay, emeritus scientist at the Geological Survey of Canada (NRCan). Elevation seems like a simple idea that we all understand—how high a community is—but what is topographic elevation, exactly?

“Topographic elevation refers to the height of land features or points on the Earth’s surface relative to a reference baseline. The most common of these reference baselines is mean sea level (MSL),” explained Journeay, in an email exchange with The Squamish Chief.

Journeay said factors that have influenced the elevation of land features relative to mean sea level in the Sea to Sky region include the formation of the Cordilleran ice sheet, deglaciation and isostatic rebound of the Earth’s surface, tectonic uplift and related mountain-building, as well as climate change and related erosion processes OK, let’s break that information down into chunks so it is easier to understand Cordilleran ice sheet: The Cordilleran ice sheet covered most of Canada west of the Prairies, between 20,000 and 18,000 years

ago, according to a Government of Canada website. “It attained a thickness of about two kilometres, and it briefly fused with the Laurentide ice sheet in the east The retreat of the ice sheets was rapid, geologically speaking, taking only about 4,000 years.”

Isostatic rebound: The “isostatic rebound of the Earth’s surface,” means “the process by which the Earth’s crust rises when the weight from large ice masses, such as glaciers, is removed,” reads StudySmarter

UK, an educational app. Tectonic uplift: “Tectonic uplift is the geological process where Earth’s crust is

elevated due to tectonic forces, often resulting from plate movements or volcanic activity,” according to the app.

So what has all this meant for Squamish and the Sea to Sky?

Journeay notes Átl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound was carved by glaciers of the Cordilleran ice sheet over 18,000 years ago.

“The weight of the ice sheet depressed the Earth’s surface as much as 45 metres below its current elevation,” Journeay explained.

As the ice sheet and valley glaciers melted—between 14,000 and 11,000 years ago—marine waters extended Howe Sound up as far north as the Elaho Valley.

“Uplift of the land surface caused by isostatic rebound resulted in a relative drop in sea level to what we see today,” he said. It is important to note that elevation is dynamic—always changing—especially in coastal locations like Howe Sound.

“Ongoing tectonic uplift, mountain building and erosional processes caused by climate change have resulted in relative fluctuations in sea level and corresponding heights of land over time Collectively, these processes contribute to both current and expected future coastal flooding hazards for many communities in our region,” Journeay said

PHOTO BY EDB3_16/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

As the ice sheet and valley glaciers melted—between 14,000 and 11,000 years ago—marine waters extended Howe Sound up as far north as the Elaho Valley

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS

JUST DUCKY: A local northern pintail.

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EDITORIAL

DROP THEINSULTS

The SeatoSky Corridorispartofthe Left Coast; there’snodenying that.

Having electedthe firstGreen PartyMLA on themainlandand having a—some wouldargue extreme—environmental-leaningcouncil that fought WoodfibreLNG toothandnail, it is clearthat we tend to lean left politically.

Butoutside of ourbubble, it seemsinevitable Conservative PartyleaderPierrePoilievre will be the next primeminister. It would behooveustoask why.

Instead, many leftwing folksinsult, dismissand deridePoilievre andhis supporters.

Theycherry-pick oddballthingstomakeout like he,his partyand hissupportersare nuts

This wasespeciallyclear afterthe recent two-hour Jordan Peterson interviewwithPoilievre

OnX,NDP leader JagmeetSingh accusedPoilievre ofsayinghewould cuthealthcare. He said no such thing. AnotherXpostersaidPoilievre’s supporters were either rich or “peoplewithlow intelligence.”

Others ranted abouta commercial during the Petersen interviewbeing fora pro-life organization.

Abortion wasn’t mentionedonceinthe lengthy interview. AndPoilievre hassaidhewould nottouch abortion rights.

This does nothingtofurtherthe left’s perspective.

Thosewho watchedthe wholePoilievre interview havetoacknowledge that he’s smart, self-aware and in tune with what many areconcernedabout.

They want ahouse andgroceries they canafford, safestreets,and hope forthe same fortheir kids.

This is nottosay they arealsoconcerned about otherthings, like theenvironment.

As an analogy, though,ifyou arelostinthe backcountry, outofwater,and youcomeacrossa discardedwater bottle,you drinkfromit, grateful.

Theother partiesare symbolically yellingabout it beinga single-use plasticbottle.

Meanwhile, Poilievreisofferingwhatpeopleneed to feel secure enough to worryabout other, less immediatethings.

Poilievresaidareasonthe Conservativesare pollingsowellright nowisthattheyhave“aclearer missionstatement,and people know exactlywhy we areinthis.”

He’s right. As much as hisoft-repeated“Axethe Tax,”“Buildthe Homes,”“Fixthe Budget,” and“Stop the Crime” areannoyingAF, votersknowwhathe andthe partystand for.

Were theresome problems with some of thethings that he said in theinterview?Yes,for sure.

Butany politician whoisn’t addressing people’s core needsand concerns is missingthe point. Andso are theirsupporters.

This doesn’tmeanmoreleft-leaningvaluesof social andenvironmental justicearen’timportant.

Butresidents,politicians andlocal leadersneedto drop thevitriol andtry to understand what Poilievre andhis partyare offering that hissupportersare buying.

RESOLVINGTOSAY THEHARDTHINGS

AsIhavefor thelastfew years, Ispent part of my days offduringthe holidays judgingthe Better Newspapers Competitionput on by the OntarioCommunity NewspaperAssociation

Forcontext,thisisacompetition forjournalists at news outletsthatare aboutthe size of TheSquamish Chief, only in Ontario.

Idoitfor aselfish reason;Ialwayssee ways my journalism andour team’s storiescould be better Also,itislikebeing on aroadtripthrough these townswithout having to leaveSquamish.

Youget to seewhatmatters to thereporters andthe folkswho live there. I particularly like themorerural storiesthatinvolve farm issues becauseitisn’t aworld Iknowmuchabout

This year,Ijudgedthe columnistofthe year category

Thereisaset of criteria youhavetoassess: the qualityofthe writing, theimagination of thewriter, andreaderappeal.

Theopinion pieces that struck me most were the columnsthatIknowthe writer probably took some heat for. I don’t want to saytoo much andjeopardize thecompetition results, so Iwon’t getintodetails. Writingopinion pieces in asmall town is much harder than in bigger cities.

Forone thing, in larger centres, at bigger news outlets, thewriters of opinionpiecesusually aren’t also reporters. ThinkSusan Delacourt, LesLeyne or

Kirk LaPointe;those columnists aren’t also covering thelocal polarbearswim, eaglecount,council meeting, mountain bike park openingorthe like. Small-town newsroomsoften don’t have theluxury of adedicated columnist.

And, unlike in city centres, politicalfigures often wear otherhats. Acolumnist writingabout theprime minister is notgoing to encounterhim hourslater coaching thelocal baseball game,for example. In smallercommunities,those dualroles are common

Thus,whenareporter(or editor)pissesoff someone with theircolumninasmaller community, sheoften then hastogobacktothatsamepersonlater to askfor aquote or explanationasareporter.

Notfun foreitherparty

Andinmarkets that arelesspopulated,likethese Ontariotowns andSquamish,reporters gettoknow thepeoplebehindthe roles.

Notinthe nefariousway we areaccused of online—money changing handsorconspiracies hatched, butinaveryhuman,“Iheard your childwas sick forthree weeks?”kindofway

We mayalsoshare aloveofgoatyoga, climbing or hiking

Therefore, we oftencometo generallylikethe people we have to criticizeincolumns.

Allthistosay,thatiswhy,whenI read some of these columnsthatcalledout unjust policies at thelocal school boardorhighlighted troublingcouncil decisionsorthe dangerousculture of silenceinthe locker room,Iknowwhatittooktotypethe words, as well as thebacklashthe reporter likely took in their owncommunity.

NOTEBOOK: Continuedon13

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK JENNIFER THUNCHER

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)

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS

MOUNTAIN VIEWS INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

To set a New Year’s resolution or not to; that is the question I ask myself every year

Personally I’m someone who has set a number of resolutions over the years and has achieved some, and failed miserably at others

C’est la vie (such is life), I would say, because life, despite our best attempts to control it, can be out of our hands sometimes.

But as I welcomed 2025 in my new home of Squamish, I couldn’t help but feel the urge to set myself some goals for the next 12 months

According to Statistics Canada, “less than half (45%) of Canadian adults met the recommended 150 minutes per week of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity” in the decade leading up to the pandemic While I imagine not many of those people live in Squamish (yes, I am talking to the people I see going on a run in the middle of a winter downpour), I can admit that I probably do fall into that category. Now don’t get me wrong, since living in

NOTEBOOK: Continued from 12

Canada, and in Squamish in particular, I have found myself doing one form of physical activity or another on my days off.

I love a good hike and since Whistler Blackcomb opened, I’ve done my best to hit the slopes and improve on my snowboarding skills.

But these occasions tend to be done on one day, at best two, and then I find myself back into the routine of working a 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. job, where any time before or after that is buried in darkness during winter

So, with that being said, I’ve decided I’m committing myself to a year of physical activity—this town simply has too many recreational activities not to jump on board.

Since I arrived here, I’ve said my goal is to hike Panorama Ridge, and this stands true going into the new year I made it as far as Garibaldi Lake back in November, but this year, I’m determined to make it all the way

Who knows, maybe I’ll even take up climbing—for anyone who wants to show me the basics, I am all ears—but one thing is for sure, mountain biking is still not on the cards for me (sorry, folks)

Also on my resolution list is to read more books and find the perfect gluten-free bread recipe.

Lastly to give myself a little bit of grace.

The beauty of New Year’s resolutions is that

Saying the hard thing is an important job of columnists. After all, the columnists are also in a position to call a spade a spade in a way many others can’t because it would jeopardize their jobs or reputations.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Indigo-Lemay Conroy and partner, Isaac.

they are goals, and we have no obligation to achieve them all at once, or even at all.

Showing up and taking the first step towards whatever resolution you have set for yourself is an achievement in itself

And sometimes, simply surviving all the things the year throws at us is all we can do and that in itself is enough, too.

So, as we march into 2025, I want to wish you all good luck in whatever New Year’s resolutions you have set for yourself, if any, and hopefully, this next year is one to remember.

So, my 2025 resolution to you, dear readers, is that we will take more opportunities this year to be brave, to say the hard things, and to criticize even when it causes backlash.

As long as our sources and readers who disagree with us know, we still want to chat about your sick kids and great hikes. It is not personal. We are just doing our jobs.

JOIN US ONLINE

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Who should be the next leader of the Liberal Party of Canada?

Have your say at squamishchief.com

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

If the federal election were held today, who would you vote for? (Top 3 answers)

MOST READ STORY

District of Squamish reduces Economic Development team to one person

TIKTOK OF THE WEEK

This week, Bhagyashree Chatterjee headed to the Brackendale Winter Eagle Count on Sunday Check out this and many other videos on our TikTok channel, @squamishchief

PHOTO BY MYKEL THUNCHER/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

HAPPY 2025: Hundreds greeted the new year with a cold dip at Oceanfront Squamish on Jan. 1.

THE FUTURE OF WINTER IN SQUAMISH: WARMER DAYS AND SHRINKING SNOWPACKS?

A look at the impact of climate change on local seasons

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

What will fewer below-freezing temperature days per winter mean for Squamish?

The recent study, Lost Winter: Abovefreezing days added by climate change, by U.S.-based research group Climate Central found that global warming is adding more winter days above freezing, which affects snowfall, winter sports, ecosystems, and more.

Over a decade, communities on Vancouver Island—Nanaimo and the Cowichan Valley—led Canada in winter days lost, with 18 and 17-day increases in above-zero temperatures, according to the study.

Metro Vancouver saw its non-freezing winter days spike by 16 over the last decade

For Squamish, the data shows the district had lost four winter—or below-freezing—days.

But the study doesn’t tell the whole story, where Squamish and the Sea to Sky is concerned, says Robert Whitewood, a climate scientist with Environment and Climate Change Canada who reviewed the study’s data Neither he nor Environment Canada produced the report, he stressed.

While interesting, the Lost Winter report doesn’t do justice to Squamish because it looks only at December, January and February, months that are typically the coldest for the district

The same issue is true for more northern locations, he said.

“It is generally a cold place, well below freezing, so it takes a lot of change in order for it to get close to that line,” he said. “So because of the time period that we’re looking at, it doesn’t really reflect very well on the changes that are actually being seen on the ground.”

According to Whitewood, winter time temperatures in the southern B.C. area have changed somewhere around three or four degrees over the last 70 years.

(He noted that the Lost Winter study looked at a “remarkably short” period of time

‘IT’S A VERY PEACEFUL DEATH’: DEMYSTIFYING MEDICALLY ASSISTED DEATH IN B.C.

Can you access MAID if you have dementia?

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Content warning: This story deals with death and dying in plain language, including the process used in assisted death.

Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) became legal in Canada in 2016 and underwent legislative review and changes again in early 2021.

While many in B.C. are familiar with it, others may not be, at least until they or a relative considers it

WHAT IS IT

MAID is when a doctor or nurse practitioner provides medication that causes the death of the person who has requested it or when they give the patient the medication that they can self-administer to cause death.

There are several criteria to be able to qualify for assisted death in B.C. and Canada, including having a grievous and irremediable condition This means, among other things, that the person is in an advanced state of decline that cannot be reversed.

Also, the condition the person suffers from can not be relieved in ways that the person considers acceptable

Further, right before MAID is provided, the practitioner must give the person an opportunity to withdraw their request and ensure that they are still able to express consent.

A person requesting MAID falls into one of two so-called tracks

According to Health Canada, Track 1 applies to those whose natural death is reasonably foreseeable. Track 2 is for folks whose natural death is not reasonably foreseeable.

In simple terms, there are more obstacles for those who are in Track 2.

According to recently released federal government data, in 2023, 95.9% of MAID cases were people whose death was reasonably foreseeable (Track 1), and 4.1% were individuals in Track 2.

STEPS TO ACCESS MAID

Alex Muir, chair of the Metro Vancouver chapter of the charity Dying With Dignity Canada, notes that in B.C., each of the five regional authorities, plus the First Nations Health Authority, have MAID teams set up within them

“They are really good at helping people navigate the system and navigate through the whole procedure and how it happens,” he said.

The ill person who wants assisted death has

to fill out a request form, which has to be witnessed by someone. The form then goes to the regional health authority.

For folks in the Sea to Sky Corridor, that would be Vancouver Coastal Health Authority (VCH)

Then, the applicant has to have two independent medical assessments done to prove eligibility.

“These assessors basically have to make sure that the person meets the criteria,” Muir said

“Once you’re approved, then you can set the date which you can also change at any time.”

Track 2 folks, as noted, have to reach a much higher bar to be approved for MAID

“You have to go through an assessment, and one of the two doctors has to have expertise in the condition that you’re suffering from, and then they have to go through all the different supports that the person may not have considered,” Muir said, adding, for example, mental health supports or other services that haven’t yet been tried.

There’s a 90-day minimum waiting period

“To make sure that the person has had

access to these different resources, which may change their mind,” Muir said

It should be noted that some people suffering solely from a mental illness may be able to access MAID as of March 17, 2027, but this allowance will not include neurocognitive and neurodevelopmental disorders or other conditions that may affect cognitive abilities.

VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH

For its part, a spokesperson for VCH said the health authority “recognizes the deeply personal nature” of a decision by any individual to seek assisted death.

“We do everything we can to support patients through their medical care journey,” the spokesperson said.

VCH works with the provincial government through the Medical Assistance in Dying Travel and Training Assistance Program (MAIDTTAP), which provides funding to assist health authorities in providing services to residents in rural communities such as in the Sea to Sky.

“VCH Assisted Dying Program works with local medical practitioners to support their

local clients, of which there are some in the Sea to Sky Corridor,” the spokesperson said.

“Through that program, VCH has several physicians and nurse practitioners who travel to the Sea to Sky region on an as-needed basis to provide MAID services.”

The number of providers was not given.

WHAT ACTUALLY HAPPENS DURING A MAID DEATH?

“It’s a very peaceful death,” said Muir, of having witnessed the process.

First, an IV line is put into the person’s arm, and a sedative or calming drug is put in.

“Some people actually fall asleep right then from the first drug,” Muir said

Then, lidocaine, a numbing agent, is provided.

“It goes through your veins so that the person won’t feel the other drugs going through,” Muir explained.

Next, anaesthesia, similar to what is used in surgeries but about five times the dosage, is injected.

“That puts them into a deep coma,” Muir said.

The very last drug stops the lungs and heart muscles from working.

(More on the drugs used can be found on the Dying With Dignity Canada website.)

DEMENTIA AND MAID

Currently, someone with dementia can access MAID, but it is tricky, said Muir.

The person applying must be able to understand what they are agreeing to, not only when they request it, but also during their eligibility assessments.

“It is very, very tricky because, at the time of consent, they can’t lose mental capacity, right? So, they have to catch them at a time when the assessors say, ‘Yes, your condition is grievous and you’re basically on the downward slope. You’re not going to get better.’ But you can’t be so far along that you’ve actually lost the capacity to make medical decisions for yourself,” he said.

“And so some people have been able to qualify because they’ve caught it at just the right point, but there are so many people that have missed it because it’s just so tricky catching that window That’s why we need advanced requests So that people aren’t caught in this So it is not luck of the draw, which is what it is right now, quite honestly,” he said.

WHAT DOES DYING WITH DIGNITY WANT?

The organization wrote to the newly minted Minister of Health, Josie Osborne, noting the desire for the ability for people with

PHOTO BY LPETTET/E+/GETTY IMAGES

Continued from 15

neurodegenerative disorders and dementias to be able to request MAID in advance.

This would mean a change in legislation.

Thus, Dying with Dignity is asking the B.C. legislative assembly to pass an amendment to the Health Care and Care Facility Act to add an advance request option for MAID

“This change would benefit those with early-stage dementia and other degenerative disorders, furnishing them with a mechanism to defer MAID until the occurrence of future triggering conditions, without risking the inability to proceed at that time should the applicant lose capacity in the interim,” reads the letter to the health minister, which was forwarded to The Squamish Chief.

Muir said advance requests for dementia are the “number one” question the organization gets asked about.

MLA RESPONSE

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote is relatively supportive of the move to add advanced requests.

“Noting this is a federal area of legislation and responsibility, I do support the measure of advance directives for medical assistance in dying,” he told The Squamish Chief. “I understand there is concern that MAID has proceeded quickly since the Supreme Court order to provide for it and agree we need to be very conscious of the possibilities of it being used improperly It should be carefully regulated and never be more accessible than essential supports like health care, mental health care, or housing,” he added.

“In the case of degenerative cognitive decline, it should be possible for a person to

set their conditions in advance if they expect to at some point be deemed mentally unfit to make such a decision. I fundamentally agree with the right of all people to die on their own terms and at a time of their choice, and this request from Dying with Dignity Canada is a reasonable extension of the current framework.”

Muir said that he often hears the concern that MAID could be applied to vulnerable populations, like the unhoused.

That concern is misplaced, he said

“They have to meet the medical criteria,” he stressed “That’s the most fundamental thing, is you have to have a grievous and irremediable medical condition to qualify for MAID No assessor is going to approve you without that. You see these stories out there about people who are able to access it, who are in those situations ... they have to have a grievous and irremediable medical condition. That’s what qualifies them. It’s not the fact that they’re poor.”

PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT POSITION

Asked if the provincial government would be willing to change the legislation to allow for advanced requests, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Health said, basically, not until the federal government changes the Criminal Code

“All provinces and territories in Canada must adhere to the federal legislation for MAID to provide this service, as mentioned on Health Canada’s website,” the spokesperson said in an email to The Squamish Chief

“The federal legal framework for MAID is set out in the Criminal Code, which outlines

the eligibility criteria and stringent safeguards that apply across Canada, including with respect to consent for MAID … In Canada, the provision of MAID based on an advance request is not allowed at this time.”

Muir notes that Quebec residents do have access to the option of prior, written advance requests for assisted death, even though the federal government still needs to change the Criminal Code to allow for advance requests

“We want to make sure that people don’t suffer at the end of life,” said Muir

Asked about going the route of Quebec, the Ministry of Health spokesperson didn’t respond directly to what was possible for B.C.

“The province of B.C. supports the federal government’s consultation with the public It is essential that any expansion of the eligibility criteria for MAID fully considers the well-being and rights of individuals, as well as additional legislated safeguards that may be required,” the spokesperson said.

“B.C. looks forward to the results of the consultations and further discussions with federal, provincial and territorial partners to ensure the safe as well as appropriate delivery of MAID in our province.”

BY THE NUMBERS

The Fifth Annual Report on Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada, 2023, notes that last year, 19,660 requests for MAID were made to Health Canada, with 15,343 people dying with it; the remaining cases include 2,906 people who died before receiving MAID, 915 individuals were deemed ineligible, and 496 individuals withdrew their request.

Dementia was reported as a medical condition in 241 people who received MAID

WINTER: Continued from 14

For climate studies, he said scientists tend to look at 30 years or greater.)

“You are seeing greater changes in the wintertime than you are in the summertime,” Whitewood said, noting that he doesn’t drill down to the community level but is speaking about our region

Because of this, there will be impacts on our shoulder seasons, the spring and fall, according to Whitewood.

“You’re going to see changes in the form of precipitation So you’ll get more rain than snow than you used to,” he said

In the spring, this will mean earlier melting.

“That will have an effect on things like the snowpack for forestry If you don’t have that snowpack at the right time of year, you’ll have drying in the summertime, and you’ll have a greater risk of forest fires, for instance,” he added.

With less snow and more rain, you are going to have an increased risk of pests, he noted.

Warming winters will also have an impact on things like tourism.

“So you look at things like ski resorts, they have to potentially make more snow.”

Overall, of course, climate change is

Noting this is a federal area of legislation and responsibility, I do support the measure of advance directives for medical assistance in dying.

JEREMY VALERIOTE

in 2023. Dementia was the only medical condition in a little less than half of those.

In 2023, the median age of MAID recipients was 77.6.

Requests from British Columbia accounted for 18% of those provided.

The top reason for being denied MAID in 2023 was a ‘no’ to the question: “Was the person capable of making decisions with respect to their health?”

The federal government is currently seeking input on the issue of advance requests

Go to www.canada.ca, “Share your thoughts: Advance requests and medical assistance in dying” to participate.

The survey will close to new input on Feb. 14, 2025

negative, but not all the impacts will be.

“Slightly positive things like a lower cost for snow removal, transportation could potentially be benefited from that. But also in other places in the country where they’re dependent on ice roads, you’re going to have a shorter season,” he said

“For getting around Christmas time, you don’t have as much snow on the ground, so people can travel; also, plowing streets and things like that, you’ll have cost savings for putting in salt if you use felt in your area So there are cost benefits sometimes with these changes But is that really worth it when you look at the grand scheme of things?”

Ultimately, we are going to have to adapt to the inevitable impact of climate change, Whitewood said

“We’re going to be living with these changes for a long time Even if we stop producing CO2 right now, it’s a persistent gas in the atmosphere, and it will continue to affect our climate until it can work its way out of the system. Between 10 and 50 years of continued warming is what we would expect, even if we were to shut off all the greenhouse gasses that are being created right now, which we’re not.”

—With files from Stefan Labbé/Glacier Media

PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA BEAUTIFUL SQUAMISH: Have a photo to share? Send it to news@squamishchief.com.

PHOTOS

BRACKENDALE’SEAGLESSOARAGAIN: ALMOST 1,300SPOTTED

2025

BrackendaleWinter EagleCount sawrecordparticipation andpromising

runs andclear weather

BHAGYASHREECHATTERJEE

LocalJournalismInitiativeReporter

How many eagles soared over the Squamish RiverValley thiswinter?

Thanks to asunny day and64eager volunteers,the BrackendaleWinterEagle Count tallied1,288 eagles on Jan. 5, 2025.

It’s thehighest countsince 2007 andahopeful sign forthe localeagle population.

“Thiswas probably thebestweather we’ve ever hadfor acount,” said ChristopherDi Corrado, oneofthe countorganizerswiththe Squamish EnvironmentSociety

“Itwas greattosee so many people—from righthereinBrackendale andevenasfar away as Vancouver—come together for this tradition.”

ACOMMUNITY EFFORT

Withbinocularsinhandand maps in their packs,volunteersheadedout to 17 zonesalong theSquamishand Stawamus rivers

Thewarmweather andlow waterlevelsmade iteasiertoaccessareas that areusually blocked by snow,helping teamscover more ground.

Please Contact the SPCA for more details! Visitour website:spca.bc.ca

Meetthe 7English Princes

Zebra finches areactuallyAustralian, but theseboysare all namedafter Princes both here and gone.Finchesliketobein agrouporasthe proper term fora group of Zebra finchesiscalled,a waltzing of finches. We have theboysinagroup of 4and agroupof3.They are nota bird whoeasily hand tamesbut aremore aboutenjoying theirsong(sounds likea squeaky toy) andfor watching thetiny, livelybirds wholove to sittogetherona perch in arow

“Thiswas ourbiggest countinthe last four years,”DiCorrado said.“Thecohosalmonrun wasreallystrong, so theeagleshad plenty of food.That’salwaysagoodsignfor thehealthof theecosystem.”

Whilethe numbersdidn’t quitematch the 39-yearaverage of 1,319, they show asteady climbcomparedwithrecentyears-996 in 2024, 916in2023, and 799in2022.

Volunteers countedadults, with theirstriking whiteheads andtails,and juveniles, stillbrown andgrowing into theiriconiclook. In some spots,likeAshlu andElaho,teams estimatedup to 200moreeaglesthat they couldn’t officially tally.

EAGLEWATCH

Fordecades,the counthas been aboutmore than just numbers. It’s also achancetoteach people aboutthe eagles andhow to watchthem responsibly.

This is wherethe EagleWatch program shines

“Eagle Watchstarted as an education program, with volunteers on weekends teaching

EAGLES: Continuedon19

EAGLES: Continued from 18

people how to respect the eagles,” said Katelyn West, another organizer.

“But during COVID, it grew into something bigger—a citizen science program where we started doing daily counts.”

From November to early January, volunteers come out twice a day to monitor the birds and share tips with visitors

They also remind people—especially photographers—to give the eagles space so they can feed and rest without being disturbed.

“This year, the peak eagle viewing was in

November, with 78 spotted in one day,” West said “Now, most of them are moving upriver, following the last of the salmon runs.”

A TEAM EFFORT

The count wouldn’t be possible without the support of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), who allow access to their ancestral lands, or the Brackendale Art Gallery, which reopened its doors this year after renovations.

The gallery has long been the heart of the count, offering volunteers a place to gather, plan, and share stories.

“It felt like a real comeback year,” Di Corrado said “Having the gallery back, the strong turnout, and the perfect weather, it all came together beautifully.”

A raft team led by Luke Irwin and supported by Instream Fisheries Research, also played a big role “The rafters covered some of the harder-to-reach spots and made a huge difference,” Di Corrado added.

LOOKING AHEAD

While 1,288 eagles is far from the record 3,769 counted in 1994, the upward trend is encouraging.

“This isn’t just about counting birds,” West said “It’s about connecting with nature, working together, and making sure these incredible animals have a future.”

For more details and the count’s full history, go online to “Results for the 39th Brackendale Winter Eagle Count: January 5, 2025 –Squamish Environment Society.”

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

TilburyPhase 2LNG Expansion Project

FortisBC proposes to expand its existing LNG facilityonTilburyIsland in Delta, B.C., by increasing its storage capacityby2.5 times to 142,400cubic meters and increasing production capacityupto7,700 tonnes per day through the construction of astorage tank,liquefaction facilities and supporting infrastructure.

In-Person OpenHouse

4:00pm -8:00pm PT January23rd, 2024

Coast Tsawwassen Inn, 1665 56 St, Delta, B.C.

5:00pm -7:00pm PT January21, 2024

To Register, Visitthe link or QR code on the right

In case of substantial snowfall,the open-house will be conducted virtually.Checkthe linkat rightfor updates.

CL AS SI FI ED S

BOOK YOUR AD 604-892-9161

classified@squamishchief.com

Dora Rourke (née Hubbard) passed away suddenly in Squamish on ChristmasDay 2024 at theage of 90. Dora achievedhergoaloflivingindependentlyinherhomeher entirelife.BorninLangleyonOctober11th,1934,Dorawas along-time resident of Squamish,movingfromMission to Squamish in 1965. Shewas marriedtoDan Rourke for62yearsuntilhispassingin2018.Dorawasanactive member of many partsofthe community,mostnotably attheSquamishValleyGolfandCountryClubandasthe first womantoserve as Commissionerofthe Squamish SoccerAssociation.Doraislovinglyrememberedbyher family,her daughter andson-in-lawCindy andSteve Sellers,grandchildrenStephanieandScott(Amandaand sonElliott),andhersonDale,grandchildrenSpencerand Avonlea Collins(Chris) andgreat-grandchildren Jesse andRoryaswellasher sister June Eatonand brother BenHubbard.She will be dearly missed.A serviceof remembrancewillbeheldat11:00amonTuesday, January14th at theSquamishFuneral Chapel

WAREHOUSEMANLIEN

Byvirtueofthe Warehouseman’s Lien Actand on behalf of AutoMind CollisionRepair we will disposeofgoods belonging to PatrickRichard dbaRocketRally Racing, namely: Variousvehicle andmotorcycleparts to recover $30450.00plusaccruingstorage andany/all other expenses related. Thesegoodswillbemadeavailable for saleonJan 28th 2025 by public auction. Goodsare currentlybeing stored in BurnabyBC. Contact 604-434-2448 forfurther information.

IMPORTANTNOTICE

Squamishchief.com –Classifieds

To writea condolence to thefamily, please visit www.squamishfuneralchapel.com

Dale Kingston age76years diedpeacefullyathomeon January1st,2025

Survivedandlovinglyrememberedbyhis wife,WilmaKingston(Ray),children,Anita KingstonandTrinaDawson;Grandchildren, DarrenSchnurr(Kayla),RyanKingston, BradFyles(Tonya),andMikeFyles;Great Grandchildren,DanielFyles&NicolasFyles; brothers,DeanKingston& JeffKingston(Sonya)andhismanynieces, nephews,andfriends

DaleispredeceasedbyhisfatherLeonardKingston& MotherFlorenceKingston(neeJohnson).

DalewasbornandraisedinWoodfibreandmovedtoSquamishin1967. HejoinedtheSquamishValleyGolfCourseandwasanactivememberforover fiftyyears.Hewasasportsenthusiast,playingcompetitivesoftball,soccer,and wasagreatandavidbowlerformanyyears.WhilelivinginWoodfibre,Dale wasacompetitiveswimmer,accumulatingmanymedalsthroughouthisyouth

HeworkedatSquamishTerminalsfrom1974to2017whenheretired. Dalewillbemissedbyallhisfriendsandfamily.Noservicebyrequest.Towrite acondolencetothefamily,pleasevisitwww.squamishfuneralchapel.com

TO:AllownersoflotswithinBlock“I”ofSubdivisionPlans 10396,10640, 10931, 13439, 19227 andEPP68803 (the “Block IRespondents”). Petitiontothe CourtClearwater ParkGPInc.(“Clearwater”)isthe registered ownerofthe propertylocatedat40343ParkCrescent,Squamish,B.C.(the “Property”).ClearwaterhasfiledaPetitionandsupporting affidavits in theSupreme Court of BritishColumbia, VancouverRegistryNo. S-248952, pursuanttosection 35(2)ofthePropertyLawActseeking,amongotherthings, an orderthatthe District of Squamishisthe designated “ApprovingOfficer”inrespectofthecommonlawbuilding schemeregisteredintheLandTitleOfficeunderregistration number487600L (the “BuildingScheme”). TheBuilding Scheme encumbersmanypropertieswithin theGaribaldi Estatesneighbourhood.Inthealternative,Clearwaterseeks acourtordercancellingormodifyingtheBuildingsScheme suchthatClearwatermaydevelopthePropertypursuanttoa developmentpermitapprovedbytheDistrictofSquamish. TheB.C.SupremeCourtwillhearClearwater’sPetitionat thecourthouseat800SmitheStreet inVancouverin2025. YoumayaccessthePetitionandsupportingaffidavitsonline at:www.garibaldiestatespetition.com (the “Website”).All BlockIRespondentsarenamedasrespondentstothePetition becausetheirinterestsmaybeaffectedbythemodificationor cancellationoftheBuildingScheme.BlockIRespondents areentitledtomaketheir viewsknowntothe Court and mayfile aResponsetoPetitionand anyaffidavit evidence they feel is appropriate.Ifyou intend to do so,you should filea ResponsetoPetitionwith thecourt registry on or before February 5, 2025, andprovide acopy by emailto PeterJ.Roberts, K.C.,legal counsel forthe Petitioners,at proberts@lawsonlundell.com.You will find aformof ResponsetoPetitionavailableontheWebsite.ThisNotice is forinformationpurposes only. BlockIRespondentsare encouragedtoconsulttheir professionaladvisers if there areany questions or they areuncertain as to theirrightsor obligations

Dora Rourke

ACTIVITIES

Payless Towingwilldispose of thefollowingvehicles:

1999 HondaCivic VIN#: 2HGEJ6685XH904064

Debtor:Michael Robinson

Amount owing: 3,646.94

2004 GMC Savana VIN# 1GTGG29V641105601

Debtor:The ArtisanBake Shoppe Ltd

Amount owing: 3,930.94

2013 Ford E-Series VIN# 1FTNE2EW5DDA45501

Debtor:The ArtisanBake Shoppe Ltd

Amount owing: 4,017.36

Payless Towing 39550 GalbraithAve, Squamish, BC., V8B0A3

Unitsmay be sold by Auction on January 23,2025 fornon payment.

Enzo andPam Razzano wouldliketoannounce theengagement of their sonMarcusRazzano to MalaynaNadon.

Both families

Enzo &Pam Razzano, Roland Nadonand Marisa Massignan and GrandmaOlivia Massignanare delighted to announce thewedding will be September2025in Bowden Alberta.

EMPLOYMENT

Squamish 55+ Community Society AGM January 27,2025. 10 am at 55 Activity Centre Positions open for nomination: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Communications, Programs &Membership.

Moreinformationat squamish55community society.ca

CDA- Certified Dental Assistant

Full timeorParttime available! MondaytoThursday 8am-5:30pm

Wage range $28 -$38 +benefits

Onlyqualifiedcandidates will be contacted

Send resume to: Nancy@atwelldental.com

HOME SERVICES

NOWHIRING

HEAVYDUTYMECHANIC

Permanent,Full-Time

Cardinal Concrete, ADivision of Lafarge Canada Inc is theleading supplierofready-mix concrete in the Sea to Sky Corridor.Weare currently seeking acareer oriented individual tofill the role ofCommercial Transport/Heavy Duty Mechanic at our Head Office Location in Squamish, BC. This is askilledposition which primarily involves preventative maintenance and repair of a largefleet of commercial transportvehicles including concretemixertrucks, dumptrucks, trailers, forklifts and light-duty trucks

Minimum Qualifications:

•B.C. Certificate of Qualification,and/orInterprovincial TicketasaCommercial TransportMechanic, and/or Heavy Duty Mechanic Ticket

•3-5 years related experience and/or training; orequivalent combination of education andexperience

Compensation $45.57 to $49.07

To view afull copy of thisJob Description visit: www.cardinalconcrete.ca/about/careers

Apply to: info@cardinalconcrete.ca For moreinformation visit www.cardinalconcrete.ca/about/careers

Health &Wellness Plan available

HYDROVAC OPERATOR – ValidClass 1or Class 3with air brakes required. Manual transmission. Ground Disturbance II. 2years operatinghydroexcavationequipmentpreferred. $35-$40.45 perhour.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, Squamish – Minimum 5years or 5,000 hours operating experience on excavator.Full-time,Monday– Friday.$33-$42 per hour

HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC - Commercial Truck&Transport, Transport Trailer, Class 1or 3air brakes preferred. 4x10or5x8 schedule. RedSealcertified receive$200/month tool allowance. $39.70-$47.90per hour.5%premiumonhourly wage forLeadHandposition

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER – Greatopportunity to learn on-the-job. Staminafor physically demandingwork andperseverance to braveinclementweather required. Previousexperience preferredbut notrequired. Trainingprovided. $25-$32 per hour

SNOWPLOW OPERATOR, Whistler –Valid Class 5BCDriver’sLicence required. Must be available from November15through March 31.On-the-job training provided. Wage depending on experience. $28-35.02per hour

Shaggy ox

44. Gooeyliquid

45. Require 47.Stadiums 51.Provoker

55. Orderly

56. Bill and 57.Guitar’skin

58. Overhanging roof part

59.Shipping weight

60.Drove over the limit

61.Small portion DOWN

1. Mimic 2. Fifty-fifty

3. Bargain offering 4. Side streets

5. Come to aclose 6. “Perry Mason” star 7. Lamb’scomment 8. Blackboards

9. Attorney’scharge

10.Botch

11. Had being 17.Nasty

19.Posed fora picture

22.Barrel

24._ the way

25. Mineralresources

26.Printed matter 27._ Cass

28. Frozen 29.Appear 30.Cherry seed

34. Young bug 37.Dye

38. Robs

40.Small quantity

41.Pressed

43. Raise: 2wds.

46. on (love excessively)

48. Puton, as clothes

49.Liquid rock

50.Flowersupport

51 Treadthe boards

52. Muck

53. Electrified particle

54. Ruby-hued

Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling

HOROSCOPE WEEK OF JAN9,2025-JAN 15,2025

ARIES March 21-April 19

You’ll spend alot of time looking for anew home.You mayalsoconsider changing yourdecor or making home improvements.Beprepared for unexpectedfamily needs that mightdemand your energy

TAURUS April 20-May20

Your wordswon’t go unheard, especiallybythose who want to silence you Speaking yourtruth could be thesecrettoovercoming challengesand forginga path to success.

GEMINI May21-June 20

Getready for some fun events this week! At work, you’ll be assigned new responsibilities.Totop it all off,you’ll be given araise in recognition of yourhard work

CANCER June 21-July 22

Stayingactiveisa greatway to shakeoffany feelings of sadness. Whether you’re following atraining program or participatingina sport, movingyourbodyiscrucial for burningoffpent-up energy

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

You’ll soon receive the guidance needed to take yourcareertothe nextlevel. You’ll finallyfind the perfect solutiontoa long-standing health issuethat’s been botheringyou.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

At work,you’ll be swamped with customers; at home, there’ll be non-stop familyactivities to organize. Everyone is countingonyou to plan everything.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

You’rebackatworkand impressing otherswith your efficiency. This hard work will lead to awell-deserved promotion. You’reontrack to be offered the boss’s chair or an opportunitytostart yourown business.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

After adisagreement, you’d rather seek outnew adventuresthanget caught up in conflict.With your wisdom,you’ll enjoy life to the fullestand steerclear of negative influences

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

You’ll feel quitesensitive this week.Itwill be easy to feel likethe worldisworking against you.This could be life’s wayoftelling you it’s time to startmakingthe changesyou need to feel moreatpeace with yourself.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Beforeyou make any decisions,takea moment to weighthe pros and cons.Anopportunitywill presentitself,whether it’s achance to dressupfor a fancybusinessdinner or a romantic eveningout

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18

You’ll have alot of work to do this week and lots of importantdetails to keep trackof. Carefullylistento conversations and speeches, as crucial information will be revealed.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

You’ll accomplish something that will putyou in the limelight. Evenifyou’renot used to all the attention, you’ll findthe confidence to bask in yourwell-deserved successand embrace the spotlight

HOWTOPLAY:

LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:

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

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