January 16, 2025

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BC TRANSIT TO BUILD FACILITY CAPABLE OF HOUSING 50 BUSES

The Crown corporation has bought a piece of land to build an operations and maintenance facility

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

Anew BC Transit operations and maintenance facility capable of housing up to 50 buses is on the way for Squamish

Public transportation corporation, BC Transit, has bought a piece of land at 1130 Resolution Way in a bid to help expand transit services across the Sea to Sky.

“The strategic acquisition of land for a future transit operations and maintenance facility is a critical step to secure the ability to increase the transit fleet, add transit service, and support the transition to battery electric bus alongside the local development plans,” BC Transit senior media relations and public affairs advisor, Jamie Weiss, told The Squamish Chief.

Weiss said that the site was officially purchased on Oct. 23, 2023 for $15,737,500.

“Additional planning and design work are needed to further develop plans and a business case to secure support, funding and ultimately construct a new facility that would support fleet expansion of up to 50 buses in the next 25 years,” he said

While they weren’t able to share an exact timeline for

PHOTO COURTESY OF RON LAWRENCE

HAPPY HIKERS: The OverTheHill gang of local hikers head out

their last hike, they headed to trails above the Sea to Sky Gondola

‘WORST WE’VE EVER SEEN IT’: RESIDENTS CALL FOR URGENT REPAIRS TO PARADISE VALLEY ROAD

Officials promise upgrades to Paradise Valley Road in 2025

YEARS OF NEGLECT ON A BUSY ROAD

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

If you’ve driven down Paradise Valley Road lately, you’ve likely felt the bumps and seen the damage.

Paradise Valley Road continues to suffer from large potholes and deep ruts. Despite years of complaints and media coverage, the road remains in poor condition.

TRANSIT: Continued from 1

the construction of the facility, Weiss said the next steps include:

- Developing an investment strategy

- Developing a Facility Planning and Design project to identify concepts and costs of necessary site improvements

- Determining the investment strategy to help secure local government support and inform the development of business cases for future funding applications

As for when they anticipate the facility to be up and running, Weiss said it was again “too soon to determine.”

“However BC Transit and the District of Squamish have begun the procurement process to acquire consultants for the Planning and Design project and expect to have developed a layout concept by fall 2025,” he said.

COUNCIL COMMENTS

The District of Squamish received a letter from BC Transit at their regular council meeting on Jan. 7 where councillors shared their excitement

Rebecca Drewry has lived in Paradise Valley for 37 years.

She says the road has never been this bad.

“This is basically the worst we’ve ever seen,” Drewry said

“They graded it about a week ago, and that was the worst it ever has been The road is beyond its life cycle. The base is eroded, and massive boulders are surfacing. It needs a complete overhaul, not just periodic grading.”

over the project.

Coun Chris Pettingill said the announcement of the facility was “kind of a big deal.”

“It doesn’t really look like it from the title, but you know, BC transit has acquired some property which apparently can house, over time, up to 50 buses,” Pettingill said

“We know in terms of increasing our transit, many people want that With regional transit and all of these things, there’s been a number of obstacles; buses is one, and a place to put buses has been another obstacle

“So this doesn’t solve all the problems, but with the price of land and the unavailability of land, having this piece is a huge, huge deal for our community, and so it’s really worth celebrating. It’s been a long time coming, so it’s really exciting to see this.”

Coun. John French said it was more than “kind of a big deal.”

“It’s not kind of a big deal, it is a huge deal, and this is very important for the future of not just our transit system here in Squamish, but potentially, probably, hopefully, regional transit,” he said

The worst section runs from where the pavement ends past Midnight Way to the Jack Webster Bridge The District of Squamish maintains this portion, but beyond the bridge, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) takes over

“The road also serves as part of the Sea to Sky Trail, which is part of the Trans Canada Trail. It sees a lot of traffic, but the District doesn’t seem to recognize that. They think there are only five properties here, but that’s not true,” said Drewery.

He also took the opportunity to shout out Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote, whose election campaign focused on the need for regional transit.

“Our new MLA, Jeremy Valeriote, has been talking a lot in the last little bit about regional transit It sounds like he has got the provincial NDP seeing the benefits and agreeing with us here in the corridor that it is no brainer,” French said

Mayor Armand Hurford said the acquisition of the site was an “important piece of the puzzle” to advancing transit services in Squamish

“It is something that is much needed, should, or when the provincial powers endorse a path forward for regional transit. So, I do think this is an important piece,” he said.

“We have been challenged even with implementing our internal expansions here, so this addresses that and leaves capacity that I think is best used for that regional piece. So hopefully, this is the first piece of multiples that will advance our public transit in Squamish and hopefully the Sea to Sky as a whole.”

VEHICLE DAMAGE AND SAFETY CONCERNS

The road’s poor condition is damaging vehicles and raising safety concerns

“Our trucks are big—F-350s and larger—but that’s why we need them. When I walk, I find tires and car parts. One poor guy even had his whole front end fall off. This road has caused a lot of damage,” Drewry said.

PARADISE VALLEY: Continued on 4

THE LETTER

In the letter to the muni, BC Transit senior government relations manager, Rob Ringma, said it is common for the corporation to buy land when looking to expand their facilities across B.C.

“When making long-term investments with communities BC Transit has a preference to own lands and facilities for business continuity purposes, competitive proposals for transit operating contracts, long-term financial predictability, and to advance strategic initiatives, such as the implementation of local and regional transit services and battery electric bus (BEB) fleets,” Ringma said.

“This investment will …support the transition to a BEB fleet, and enable improvements in five distinct networks: Frequent Transit, Local Transit, Custom Transit (handyDart), Regional Transit (within Sea to Sky Region), and Interregional Transit between the Sea to Sky and Metro Vancouver Regions.”

For more information on transport services in Squamish visit the BC Transit website.

GOT NEWS?

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

GREENS’ VALERIOTE, VOCAL OPPONENT OF LNG, SAYS SHARES IN OIL AND GAS COMPANY AN ‘OVERSIGHT’

Sea to Sky MLA commits to divesting $172 worth of shares in PrairieSky he says was leftover dividend from retirement investment

BRANDON BARRETT

bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com

Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote, whose election campaign was defined by his opposition to a liquefied natural gas facility in Squamish, said he plans to divest his remaining shares in an Alberta oil and gas company after a media report this week brought the investment to light.

On Monday, Jan. 6, The Tyee reported on the “surprising” financial holdings of some BC MLAs, based on the disclosure statements all candidates are required to complete, and found the BC Greens’ Valeriote owns shares in PraireSky Royalty Ltd., a Calgary-based company with crude oil and natural gas interests across Western Canada The company reportedly holds interest in approximately 9.7 million acres of land with petroleum and/or natural gas rights, plus gross overriding royalty interests in another 8.5 million acres.

“I appreciate The Tyee for bringing this to my attention. This was an oversight which I am taking action to resolve,” Valeriote said in a statement to Pique. “The $172.08 I have in PrairieSky shares is a leftover dividend from past retirement investments in fossil fuels, which I have been actively divesting from over the years. While this highlights the systemic challenges of transitioning pensions away from oil and gas investments, I am committed to leading by example as the representative for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky and will be removing this investment immediately.”

Valeriote’s historic campaign centred around his fierce opposition to the Woodfibre LNG facility being constructed on Howe Sound, which helped make him the Greens’

2232 Crumpit Woods Drive

first-ever candidate elected on the B.C. mainland. Last month, he told The Squamish Chiefit was “tremendously disappointing” the NDP wouldn’t agree to cancel the controversial project as part of its powersharing agreement with the Greens

I am committed to leading by example as the representative for West VancouverSea to Sky and will be removing this investment immediately.

The Greens’ 2024 election platform promised no new LNG projects, no permits for new fracking wells or pipelines, and vowed to set a date to begin phasing out gas production in the province

Valeriote’s disclosure lists other investments, including shares in companies dedicated to sustainability and reducing carbon emissions. They include wind power company Innergex, electric and hybrid vehicle producer Azure Dynamics, and Foremost Lithium Resource and Technology. The MLA also invests in the telecommunications giant, Telus Corp.; plane and snowmobile manufacturer, Bombardier; cybersecurity and software provider, BlackBerry; Toronto-Dominion Bank; water management consultants Paradigm Environmental Technologies; drug developer Arbutus Biopharma; and IM Cannabis Corp., among others

FILE PHOTO PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/PIQUE NEWSMAGAZINE

Jeremy Valeriote, second from left, with members of Frack Free BC protesting oil-and-gas industry practices outside of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler in July

But it’s not just about vehicles.

“If someone has a medical emergency, ambulances and fire trucks could be delayed. If someone has a heart attack, it could take too long for help to arrive,” Drewry said PROMISES,

BUT NO PROGRESS

Last summer, residents met with Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford.

“The mayor agreed that something needs to be done, but nothing has happened. We have not seen any plan or proposal,” Drewry said.

In an email to The Squamish Chief, the District of Squamish said they plan to add more material and reshape the road in spring 2025.

Community voices concerns online

Residents have also taken to social media to voice their frustrations.

On the Cheekye/Paradise/Squamish Valley Community Board group on Facebook, numerous locals have shared photos and comments highlighting the deteriorating state of Paradise Valley Road

Many have echoed concerns about vehicle damage, safety risks, and the lack of timely maintenance.

RESIDENTS PUSH FOR REAL SOLUTIONS

Drewry and other residents say past fixes haven’t worked.

“There was no proper ditching for water runoff, and they didn’t use a compactor after grading. The material just washes away. It wasn’t

done right.”

Adding to the frustration, property taxes have gone up “Our property taxes increased by 43%, but we don’t see any improvements,” Drewry said

Some neighbours have asked the SquamishLillooet Regional District (SLRD) to help maintain the road

“Neighbours on the SLRD side have contacted them, thinking they should pitch in It’s been an ongoing struggle.”

Residents have suggested practical solutions. They want traffic counters to measure how much the road is used and small sections paved

each year “When we first moved here, they paved 500 meters every year If they just paved 100 meters a year now, it would eventually get done. Anything would help.”

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH RESPONDS

In response to concerns, the District of Squamish acknowledged the condition of the road in an email to The Squamish Chief. “Paradise Valley Road is a rural road that services approximately 15 properties within the District of Squamish and additional properties outside District boundaries within the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD),”

said Rachel Boguski, media relations and content specialist for the District of Squamish.

“Residents located within the SLRD could inquire directly with the SLRD about requesting road maintenance.”

Boguski added in the email, “All gravel roads within the District are graded regularly, including Paradise Valley Road; however, work is weather dependent. Paradise Valley Road is graded on average between 20 and 30 times annually In 2023, new material was added to most of Paradise Valley Road.”

“Work is planned for spring 2025 to add more material and reshape the road Grading will continue to occur on a regular basis, weather permitting.”

WHY DO ROADS ERODE?

Ever wondered why roads like Paradise Valley Road seem to fall apart so quickly?

It’s a mix of heavy traffic, poor drainage, and tough weather, according to a study published in Earth Surface Processes and Landforms.

When water doesn’t drain properly, it soaks into the road base, making it weak This leads to potholes, ruts, and erosion.

Cold weather doesn’t help either—freeze-thaw cycles can crack the road even more

Regular maintenance, good drainage systems, and properly compacted materials are key to keeping roads in better shape for longer, the study found.

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

PHOTO COURTESY OF REBECCA DREWRY

The District said they plan to add more material and reshape the road in spring 2025

A YEAR OF ‘COMPLEX RESCUES’ FOR SQUAMISH SAR

What did 2024 look like for Squamish Search and Rescue?

Complex rescues mostly as a result of hiking, biking and climbing

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

It’s been quite a year of rescues for Squamish Search and Rescue, but what was the biggest theme of the past 12 months?

According to Squamish SAR communications director Christy Allan, the theme for 2024 was “complex rescues.”

“We had several long and complicated tasks in 2024 requiring highly technical skills, large numbers of team members and multiple agencies,” Allan told The Squamish Chief.

In total for the year, SSAR completed 121 rescues, which was just shy of their 2023 tally of 126 rescues.

But it was August that proved to be their busiest month with three notable rescues.

The first was when SSAR responded to a call for two injured climbers on the Stawamus Chief

“These climbers had been hit by falling rocks suffering serious leg injuries,” Allan said.

“The rescue involved helicopters, ropes, technical skills and above all else teamwork between SSAR members and our partners like Squamish Fire Rescue.”

The second notable rescue was for an injured hiker on the Watersprite trail.

“The elderly male had fallen and was not able to walk out on his own. A team of 20 members responded to the scene and began a five-kilometre stretcher carry over rock, roots and narrow water crossings, which took over three hours,” Allan said

While we all think of SSAR as responding to humans who have gotten into trouble in nature, their third most memorable rescue acted as a friendly reminder that the local search and rescue team will help anyone (or anything) in need

“Our team was called to help locate Maverick, a dog who had fallen into the Cheakamus River,” Allan said.

“Thanks to some nearby climbers who heard his barks, and the incredible assistance of Draganfly Inc’s thermal-sensing drone, we found Maverick tucked in a small cave just above the water.

“This technical rescue involved navigating both swift water and very steep terrain. Our team was able to lower one of our swiftwater technicians down to reach Maverick and successfully brought him back to safety.”

Much like in previous years, SSAR received the most calls for hiking, biking and climbing-related tasks.

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BIGGEST TAKEAWAYS FROM 2024

If there’s one thing Squamish does best, it’s supporting the local organizations, and for SSAR it was one of their biggest takeaways of the year.

“We are so grateful for the support of the Squamish community. Because of the support, we brought home the LandRover Defender and celebrated with a community event in June,”

Allan said

“Being recognized in the Community Builder category of the Squamish Chamber Business Excellence awards and the Best Volunteer organization in the Squamish Chief Readers Choice awards is greatly appreciated by the team.”

Allan also said that the team’s involvement in the second episode of the Search and Rescue Series on the Knowledge Network “gave a great behind-the-scenes look” at what SSAR does.

“The filmmakers followed our team for two summers and documented several of our tasks,” she said.

WHAT DOES 2025 HOLD IN STORE FOR SSAR?

A move is on the horizon.

With their lease set to expire soon on their current base near Brennan Park Recreation Centre, Allan said the organization has their eyes set on a new home

“We are very focused on our move to a new compound at the airport in 2026. Our lease is expiring on our current compound, and we are working closely with the District of Squamish on the move,” she said

“Our team is planning the logistics of the move so that there are no service disruptions, project managing the build and planning a capital fundraising campaign to support the move to the new compound.”

WORDS OF WISDOM

One thing SSAR wants Squamish residents and visitors to remember is communication and trip planning when headed out on an adventure.

“Communication and trip planning are key when heading out into the mountains at any time of year. The winter brings its own challenges with shorter days, cold temperatures and complex terrain,” she said

For more information on how to be safe when adventuring into the backcountry or even hiking the Stawamus Chief, visit adventuresmart.ca.

Allan said there is an ongoing need for fundraising and support in 2025

“The dedicated team of 80+ volunteers is committed to keeping our community safe in the backcountry.”

To donate, visit www.squamishsar.org.

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COUNCIL HESITANT TO APPROVE MIXED-USE DEVELOPMENT IN VALLEYCLIFFE

Council holds public hearing over a Valleycliffe mixed-use development that would see the construction of a six-storey building with rental-only units

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

District of Squamish councillors have referred a development permit application for a mixed-use rental building in Valleycliffe back to council over concerns over a height variance

The proposed development by developer Jirout Martin, Westway Center Corp., located at 38201 Westway Ave., consists of a six-storey building featuring commercial space at grade, surface parking, four rental residential levels (45 units), and a rooftop indoor and outdoor amenity area.

Four zoning bylaw variances were requested as part of the development application:

• A building height variance from 10.68 m to 20.57 m

• A change of usable open space from 1,670 square meters to 312 sq m.

• A parking variance from 96 spaces to 82

• To change the number of trees per off-street parking spaces from one tree per eight parking spaces to one tree per 13 parking spaces

On Jan. 7, the District held a public hearing during their regular council meeting to allow

the public to voice their opinions on the development, which has been two years in the making

District planner Philip Gibbins gave a rundown of the proposal before public comment. He explained the current uses of the site include a “mixed use building to be retained, attached commercial building unit to be demolished and associated parking.”

“The proposed development is a purposebuilt rental which is to be secured in perpetuity,” Gibbins said

“The proposed commercial space includes three new smaller units to replace the existing larger unit which, according to the applicant, had been difficult to find a tenant for.”

PUBLIC COMMENT

The general themes from the public hearing were both for and against the development.

One Valleycliffe resident said he was in favour of the development as it would “alleviate the current housing shortage in the Squamish” and “rejuvenate the entire neighbourhood, replacing the outdated structure with a modern and appealing building.”

Another resident said they were glad it would provide more Squamish renters with a sense of security that they wouldn’t lose their home due to owners “moving back in.”

“There’s a critical difference between purpose-built rentals like these units and a basement suite. There’s no owner to move in to kick you out. You’re fully protected by B.C. tenant laws,” they said

“This project is an opportunity for housing security for those who might never be able to afford the million-plus dollar price tag on the single-family homes; we desperately need more apartments of this type in Squamish.”

OPPOSITION CONCERNS

For those who were against the development, the main issues were around the proximity to a riparian area, and how the height variance would reduce light to existing buildings nearby.

“We saw from some of the diagrams that on the two median days of the year, never mind throughout the entire winter, it is going to

significantly limit the access to sunlight with the development to the northeast—that would be one of my major concerns,” Squamish local Spencer Fitschen said

Thomasina Pidgeon said that market-rate rentals wouldn’t equate to affordable housing, which is what Squamish needs.

“I’d just like to speak as someone that has lived here for like, 26 years. Market rate is not affordable; making the spaces smaller, and then calling it affordable because it’s smaller so it’s going to be a little bit cheaper, doesn’t also make it affordable It’s still a market rate,” she said

“Who wants to pay an arm and a leg to live in a cubby? You might as well live in a vehicle, which helps explain other things in this town and you can’t call that affordable. That’s actually called elitism.”

COUNCIL COMMENTS

Despite the staff recommendation to authorize a development application, council opted to send it back “for more information.”

Coun John French initiated the motion, saying that the large solar impact the proposed building would have on the Creekside townhomes made the application “simply unsupportable.”

“I could stomach the proposed height increase if the shade impacts on neighbouring property weren’t as drastic as what is expected through this proposal The other variances are reasonable, I can wrap my head around them,” French said

“In addition to my shade concerns, I’m hearing too many other concerns from my council colleagues to allow this to move forward, so I’d like to see this come back to us, reconfigured, to address the significant solar impacts on neighbouring property and the other concerns expressed by my council colleagues.”

Coun. Andrew Hamilton said he was supportive of a unit like the one proposed, as well as the rental tenure that would be supported by it, but had concerns over the height variance.

“I am concerned about the variance in height, and it’s not fundamentally because I don’t think that buildings should be that tall in Valleycliffe,” he said

“I think that in that zone of Valleycliffe, that’s a central, sort of commercial hub I think that the buildings will get that high My concern is that this variance is a 10-metre variance on a 10-metre limit; that’s a very large variance in my mind.”

Coun Lauren Greenlaw also supported sending the application back to staff because it was “consistent with the majority of the written public feedback” they received.

“Doubling the height of a building and quartering the usable open space is a significant change … Our housing needs reports indicate that, yes, we need rentals, but more specifically, we need affordable rentals, and even more specifically, two to three-bedroom rentals,” she said.

HOW CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS INSURANCE COSTS LOCALLY

And how mitigation efforts can help tackle both

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

As home insurance costs increase due to climate change, mitigation efforts can help residents stabilize their costs.

“We’re seeing more wildfires, floods, and storms driving up insurance costs,” said Justine Bowman, branch manager at Westland Insurance Group.

Over the past decade, the cost of claims related to natural disasters in Canada has tripled, reaching over $2 billion annually on average, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC).

“This reality pushes communities like Squamish to focus on reducing risks and strengthening defences,” Bowman said in an email to The Squamish Chief.

WHY ARE INSURANCE PREMIUMS GOING UP?

“Home insurance premiums have risen due to inflation and more frequent climate-related events like wildfires and floods,” said Bowman “These adjustments ensure that providers remain ready to support clients during disasters.” According to Bowman, the following are some of the reasons for the rising insurance:

• Higher claims from severe weather: Wildfires, floods, and other disasters are happening more often, driving up insurance costs to cover these risks.

• Global risk sharing: Insurance premiums are set to reflect risks worldwide, helping communities like Squamish maintain access to coverage.

• Keeping insurance sustainable: Companies balance their finances to ensure coverage remains available and affordable for most households.

CAN INSURANCE HELP SQUAMISH ADAPT TO CLIMATE CHANGE?

“While [rising premiums] can be challenging, these premium adjustments help ensure that insurance providers remain prepared to support clients when they need it most.”

Insurance companies set rates based on global risks to stay stable, but local actions to lower risks are also key.

WHAT IS SQUAMISH DOING TO REDUCE CLIMATE RISKS?

These efforts are visible throughout Squamish, in both government-led initiatives and grassroots community actions.

The District’s climate work includes building bigger dikes, upgrading infrastructure, and investing in wildfire preparedness

“Flood management is an important aspect of this work,” said Rachel Boguski, media relations specialist for the District of Squamish

“Since 2017, the Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan has helped secure over $14 million in grant funding for dike infrastructure construction and upgrades.”

The plan outlines over 100 recommendations, including addressing deficiencies in the dike network, upgrading sea dikes to withstand future sea-level rises, and implementing new hazard policies to guide resilient development.

These initiatives have also been allocated $7.5 million for climate adaptation and $15.6 million for mitigation in the District’s five-year financial plan.

IS FIRESMART HELPING SQUAMISH FIGHT WILDFIRE RISKS?

According to the government of British

Pursuant to Section467(1)ofthe Local Government Act notice of theintent ofthe Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) to consider thesubject bylawatthe January29, 2025 SLRD Boardmeeting is provided:

“TheSUBJECT BYLAW”

-Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistrict Electoral Area DZoning BylawNo. 1350-2016,Amendment BylawNo. 1887-2025.

PURPOSE OF THESUBJECT BYLAW:

The LocalGovernmentAct wasamendedonDecember7,2023, to require localgovernments to updatetheir zoning bylawstoallow secondary suites or accessory dwelling units(ADUs)inall single-family zonesand whereapplicable, permit aminimum of 3-6units of small-scale,multi-unit housing (SSMUH)inzones otherwiserestricted to single-family dwellings or duplexes.Zones restricted to single-family dwellings or duplexes as of December 7, 2023,are referredtoasRestricted Zonesinthe legislation.

The SLRD amendedthe Electoral Area A, B, C, andD zoning bylawsin advanceofthe June 30,2024deadlinefor compliance. The Province has since determined that theSLRD Master Planned Communities of Britannia Beach, Furry Creekand Porteau Cove arenot considered within an urban containmentboundaryfor thepurposesofthe SSMUH legislation. As such, thethree to sixdwellingunitrequirementsdonot apply.

The subjectbylaw removesthe additional densitiesadded to theFurry Creek neighbourhood. Revisionsincluderemovingthe 3-4dwellingunitprovisions fromthe FCR3 Zone andCD3 Zone. Secondarysuites arenow allowedin allresidential zonesand an additional accessory dwellingunitisallowed in some residentialzones (dependentonlocation,sizeand servicing)

Thesubject bylawapplies to landslocatedinthe Furry Creek neighbourhood of SLRDElectoral Area Dwhere theSSMUH requirements areapplicable.

INPUT:

Acopyofthe subject bylaws maybeinspectedatthe Regional District office,1350Aster Street,Pemberton,BC, during office hours8:00amto 4:00 pm fromJanuary 15 to January29, 2025 notincludingweekends andstatutory holidays.You canalsolearn more about thesubject bylaws when theJanuary 29,2025Board agendaispostedonthe SLRD website (https://www.slrd.bc.ca/inside-slrd/meetings-agendas)onFriday, January 24th. Additionalinformation maybefound on the SLRD website here: https://www.slrd.bc.ca/inside-slrd/current-projects-initiatives/smallscale-multi-unit-housing-legislation-bill-44-housing

TheSLRDBoard will be considering first reading of the subject bylaw at the January29, 2025 SLRD Board meeting Allpersons mayprovide written submissions respectingmatters containedinthe bylaws. Written submissions must be addressed to “SLRDBoard of Directors,” andinclude yournameand communityofresidence

Until 4:00 pm on January 28,2024, written submissions will be received at the following:

Email: planning@slrd.bc.ca

Hard Copy: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Planning Department PO Box219, Pemberton,BCV0N 2L0

PHOTO BY EDB3_16/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

Wildfire mitigation is a key focus, with the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) implementing the FireSmart program since 2020

Business Opportunities

• LiftStation Repairs – Request forProposals

• CommunityWildfireResiliencyPlan

SURVEY EXTENDED!

Now taking responses until January 22.

WHAT’SHAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE

Your Next 55+

Bus Trip

Lonsdale/Shipyards

Choose your own adventure!

Saturday, January22

Book your seattoday!

Volunteer drivers needed at The55 ActivityCentretohelp provide moreout-trip opportunities

Call 604-848-6898 or email recreation@squamish.ca if youare interested

Public Notice

TemporaryUse Permit –No. DTU00064

LetsTalkSquamish.ca/ parking-management

NEWAQUATIC HOURS

Excitingnews! TheAquatic Centre is nowopen until10 pm MondaytoFriday. This includes access to thehot tub,steam room, and warm pool.

RestrictedAccess to Auditorium

Access to theauditoriumfromthe east(Arena) entrance lobbywill be restrictedasphase twoof construction continues.Temporary washrooms (accessible and non-accessible) will be available along the southwalloutside theauditorium.

We kindly ask patrons to use the south entrance to access theauditorium until further notice. Wayfindingsignage will be in placetoassistyou. Thank youfor patienceand understandingaswe work to improvethe space!

Drop-in Activitiesand Programs

Don’tforget to pre-register to avoid having to check in at frontdesk

NEWEXCITING PROGRAM!

CapoeiraClassesfor Kids &Families

Move,connect, andgrow together!

Preschool (3–5 yrs): Strengthen family bonds through playful Capoeira.

Parent included in registration.

Update – Request forProposals squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district for details:

School Age(5–13 yrs): Build confidence, agility, and positivitywith CapoeiraAché Brasil

Drop-inswelcomeifspacepermits

Classes start Saturday, February 1.

NOTICE is hereby giveninaccordance withSection 494 of the Local GovernmentAct thatthe Districtof Squamish has received application andwillbeconsideringissuanceof aTemporaryUse Permit as indicated herein. TheDistrictofSquamish will receiverepresentations from persons who believethattheir interest in property is affectedbythe proposed temporary use(s).

AFFECTED LANDS

38054Fourth Avenue,Squamish BC

EXISTING ZONING

R-1, Residential 1

PROPOSED TEMPORARYUSE

Under the District’sZoningBylawNo. 2200, 2011, short-term rental use is not permitted in adwelling unit that is not aprincipal residence;short-term rental use is also not permitted in a secondarysuiteoraccessory dwelling unit(coach house). If approved,the Temporary UsePermit would allowthe short-term rental use in the secondary suitefor aperiod of three years.The applicantcan apply to renew the permit foran additional periodofupto three years following the expiryofthe original permit.

Acopyofthe proposed Temporary UsePermit No.DTU00064 can be emailed out by requests sentto planning@squamish.ca,from January 16, 2025 to January24, 2025.The documentcan also be reviewed on the District’sonline DevelopmentReview at squamish.ca/development-review Enquiriesregarding the proposed DevelopmentPermit maybemade to the Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002.

If youdonot have access to the internet or acomputer,please contactthe Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 and we would be happy to arrange to havethe permitand drawings made available to you. Public input will be considered by the Districtinreview of the application. Persons who believethattheir interest in property is affectedby the proposed temporaryuse permit maysubmit written submissions to planning@squamish.ca or,in person to the DirectorofCommunity Planning.Written submissions can be addressed to the Directorof CommunityPlanning and will be received up until 4p.m. January24, 2025

All submissions will form partofthe public record.

Datedthis 16 dayofJanuary, 2025 at Squamish, British Columbia.

LOCATION MAP

CLIMATE: Continued from 7

Columbia’s Wildfire Service website, during the 2024 wildfire season, 51 evacuation orders were issued, impacting over 4,100 properties, and 112 evacuation alerts affected more than 12,500 properties

Wildfire mitigation is a key focus of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD), which has been implementing the FireSmart program since 2020

Funded by the Union of BC Municipalities, FireSmart offers free home assessments, clean-up days, and financial rebates to help homeowners reduce wildfire risks.

“Participation in FireSmart activities has

WESTWAY: Continued from 6

“Very few of the families would care to live in a 460 square foot studio apartment together without any storage.”

Greenlaw was also concerned that the proposal would affect the salmon population due to the proximity of the development to the riparian area.

“There is a direct correlation between salmon population decline and runoff from roadways I’m already concerned with the proximity of the developments on this site, with the active spawning creek behind this building, and to not only ignore that, but to compound it with significantly increasing the traffic in immediate proximity to the salmon habitat just does not seem prudent in the land of the salmon people,”

increased by 185% between 2023 and 2024,” said Maude Lussier, wildfire mitigation lead for the SLRD.

“This means more residents are aware of the risks and are taking steps to minimize them, from removing flammable vegetation to retrofitting their homes.

“The real success story is how residents have supported and believed in the program,” added Lussier in an email to The Squamish Chief.

“Every small action, whether it’s raking brush or planting a deciduous hedge instead of cedars, contributes to a more resilient community.”

The District of Squamish also has a FireSmart initiative

she said

Coun Chris Pettingill echoed many of previous councillors’ comments and suggested the application might be “better as a full site rezoning” but had trust in staff to pass on their feedback so that the developers could return with “something workable as a variance.”

While he said he would support the motion purely on the issues of additional height and shadowing Coun. Eric Andersen said he was mostly in favour of the development.

“As a long-time resident of this area of Hospital Hill, I know that this provides attractive commercial space, and we’re moving towards the commercial hub that Valleycliffe and Hospital Hill deserve. I think this is a good value in addition to the market rental and the smaller units, which I support,” he said

CAN FIRESMART SAVE YOU MONEY ON INSURANCE?

FireSmart doesn’t just protect homes from wildfires; it could also save you money.

“FireSmart practices significantly lower wildfire risks and may also lead to reduced insurance premiums,” said Lussier.

“Insurers like BCAA and Co-Operators now provide incentives for properties adopting these measures.”

“With the new FireSmart BC Wildfire Mitigation Program launching in 2025, homeowners can increase their fire resilience and save money on their insurance at the same time,” Lussier added.

Still, challenges remain in encouraging

He also addressed the riparian zone from the perspective of someone who is a “caretaker” of it.

“This is a riparian zone I’m intimately familiar with, and have been a caretaker of this immediate area for a number of years with other community volunteers,” he said.

“I’m very happy with the clarifications made by the development proposal team regarding the parking lot, and I will only repeat that a robust fence is necessary. The key issue for protecting this riparian zone at this location is to restrict access, especially if we have housing introduced to this block.”

Coun Jenna Stoner and Mayor Armand Hurford both said they were hesitant to support sending the application back to staff as they weren’t sure it would achieve what council

proactive participation.

“Helping residents stay focused on actions within their control is often a challenge,” noted Lussier. “We recommend starting early in the season rather than waiting for the first wildfire to appear.”

As climate change drives the intensity and frequency of natural disasters, local leaders emphasize collaboration and forward planning

“We meet regularly with FireSmart leads and neighbouring Indigenous communities to share successes and challenges,” Lussier said “This collective effort is key to staying ahead of climate risks.”

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

wanted in the long run.

“I think the refer back to staff and a change in height might just be the same as voting this down, as far as the viability of the project. I think that it’s important to recognize that we arrived here considering this and being asked for what is a sizable variance in height, in an effort to not displace the tenants,” Hurford said.

“I think that referring this back might just kill this project and see it come back in a form that may not be better for the community, so I’m very hesitant to support this motion as it sits.”

Council voted 4-3 in support of sending the application back to staff for more information with Mayor Hurford and councillors Andersen and Stoner opposed.

To read the report on the Westway development visit the District of Squamish website.

Public Notice

TemporaryUse Permit –No. DTU00067

NOTICE is herebygiven in accordance withSection 494 of the Local GovernmentAct thatthe Districtof Squamish has received application and will be considering issuanceof aTemporaryUse Permit as indicated herein. TheDistrictofSquamish will receiverepresentations from persons who believethattheir interest in property is affectedbytheproposed temporaryuse(s).

AFFECTED LANDS

3292 Mamquam Road,Squamish BC

EXISTINGZONING

UH-1, Residential 1

PROPOSED TEMPORARYUSE

Under the District’sZoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, short-term rental use is not permitted in adwellingunit that is not aprincipal residence; short-term rental use is also not permitted in a secondarysuiteoraccessorydwelling unit (coach house). If approved,the TemporaryUse Permit would allowthe short-term rental use in thesecondary suitefor aperiod of threeyears.The applicantcan apply to renew the permit foran additional periodofupto three years following the expiryofthe original permit

LOCATION MAP

Acopyofthe proposedTemporary UsePermit No.DTU00067 can be emailed out by requests sentto planning@squamish.ca,from January 16,2025 to January24, 2025.The documentcan also be reviewed on the District’sonline DevelopmentReview at squamish.ca/development-review. Enquiries regarding the proposed DevelopmentPermit maybemade to thePlanning Departmentat 604-815-5002.

If youdonot have access to the internet or acomputer,please contactthePlanning Departmentat 604-815-5002 and we wouldbehappy to arrange to have the permit and drawings made available to you. Public input will be considered by the Districtinreview of the application. Persons who believe thattheir interest in property is affected by the proposed temporary use permit may submitwritten submissions to planning@squamish.ca or,in person to the DirectorofCommunity Planning. Written submissionscan be addressed to the Directorof CommunityPlanning and willbe receivedupuntil 4p.m. January24, 2025. Allsubmissions will form partofthe public record.

Datedthis 16 day of January, 2025 at Squamish,British Columbia.

Public Notice

TemporaryUse Permit –No. DTU00069

NOTICE is hereby giveninaccordance withSection 494 of the Local GovernmentAct thatthe Districtof Squamish has received application and willbeconsideringissuanceof aTemporaryUse Permit as indicated herein. TheDistrictofSquamish will receiverepresentationsfrompersons who believethattheir interest in property is affectedbythe proposed temporary use(s).

AFFECTED LANDS

38832 NewportRoad,Squamish BC

EXISTING ZONING

R-1, Residential 1

PROPOSED TEMPORARYUSE

Under the District’sZoningBylawNo. 2200, 2011, short-term rental useis not permitted in adwellingunit that is not aprincipal residence;short-term rental use is also not permitted in a secondarysuiteoraccessory dwelling unit(coach house). If approved,the Temporary UsePermit would allowthe short-term rental use in the secondary suitefor aperiod of three years.The applicantcan apply to renewthe permit foran additional periodofupto three years following the expiryofthe original permit

Acopyofthe proposed Temporary UsePermit No.DTU00069 can be emailed out by requests sentto planning@squamish.ca,from January 16, 2025 to January24, 2025.The documentcan also be reviewed on the District’sonline DevelopmentReview at squamish.ca/development-review Enquiriesregarding the proposed DevelopmentPermit maybemade to the Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002.

If youdonot have access to the internet or acomputer,please contactthe Planning Department at604-815-5002 and we would be happytoarrange to have the permit and drawings made available to you. Public input will be considered by the Districtinreview of the application. Persons who believethattheir interest in property is affectedby the proposed temporaryuse permit maysubmit written submissions to planning@squamish.ca or,in person to the DirectorofCommunity Planning.Written submissions can be addressed to the Directorof CommunityPlanning and will be received up until 4p.m. January24, 2025.

All submissions will form partofthe public record.

Datedthis 16 dayofJanuary, 2025 at Squamish, British Columbia.

LOCATION MAP

MAYOR ARMAND HURFORD END OF THE YEAR Q&A

See what Hurford has to say on some of the biggest topics of 2024, including parking, housing affordability, Woodfibre LNG and FortisBC decisions

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

The Squamish Chief sat down with Mayor Armand Hurford for our annual review of the year that was.

What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.

Q: As Mayor, what would you say were some of the biggest moments of 2024?

A: I think there were a few things that really stood out for me. We had our sister city [Shimizu] visit and they were here for Truth and Reconciliation Day.

Spending time with them is wonderful; there’s so much to learn, but walking with them and the Squamish Nation down Cleveland Avenue and sitting together at the event was quite memorable.

I also have these giant scissors for cutting red ribbons, and I had the opportunity to use some at the new fire hall, which was really a great moment Not just because of the comically large scissors, that’s probably more for my amusement, but really these projects are really important for our community, from a safety and resiliency perspective, and then from council and the District overall, they’re extremely challenging to execute. So I was really happy to see that project come online and be able to mark that with the community.

Q: What were some of your favourite events that happened in Squamish this year?

A: I think being together with the community at Sp’akw’us Feather Park for the Squamish Arts Festival was pretty amazing. I did the mayoral duties earlier in the day, because that was the official grand opening of the park. Then I went home and came back as a participant for the festivities. And it was just really cool to see it all working, and to see Squamish embracing our new status as a beachfront community. There were so many events happening [throughout the year]. There were three different things happening the same day as the Arts Festival Everybody thought that the event that they were at was “the” event, whereas, you know, in the past, any one of those things would have been the event of the month So, I think that really speaks to the vibrancy that we’re seeing in Squamish

Q: What would you say were some of the biggest council decisions to affect the community?

A: I think the most impactful piece of work that we do is budget. Through that process, we work from our strategic plan, which is where council does a lot of work to understand the areas where we are aligned as a group, and those are the areas that we can move the furthest, fastest together. That process, I think, is really the most critical process for the

municipality.

That should be true every year, and I think it has been in my time, but then you get the more site-specific or topic-specific pieces We’ve had some big public hearings on some decisions related to the WLNG and Fortis projects Those were important decisions and important processes. I don’t know that they’re the most impactful over time, but those were definitely the ones that got the most direct engagement from the community.

Q: Leading on from that, as a whole, how do you feel about the decisions made about Woodfibre and FortisBC this year?

A: I think that’s an interesting one. With all these things, you can only run one scenario in real-time, so it’s really hard to compare. When we’re conceptualizing, when something’s proposed, you have all these possible outcomes, and at the end of the day, only one path will be the one that the journey takes, right? So on the Fortis piece, which was the workforce accommodation and the laydown yard, I think that it ran its course, and the decisions were made, and I’m happy with that The WLNG floatel was a good process and then got complicated with the withdrawal of their application [for a Temporary Use Permit] and that’s still something that needs resolving. So, that’s still really an outstanding issue that certainly didn’t run through to a conclusion and that doesn’t leave me very content. We need to get to a conclusion of that process and figure out how, if it’s possible, to have them come into compliance with our land-use regulations in some way.

Q: The topic itself caused a bit of a divide in the community. Is there anything that you wish you could have done differently to handle that?

A: [Public hearings for this topic] weren’t required, it wasn’t a legislative requirement. In other processes, we have a legislative

requirement to do a public hearing and a process. And the council felt that the public engagement wasn’t up to our expectations A public hearing is not a very good tool for public engagement, but it’s one that we had, and that we had some control over I would love to have the community have more information about what’s proposed, what’s

happening, and when, and also to see some more responsiveness by both of those proponents to the community’s concerns It’s really challenging to have nuanced conversations. I think in our world right now, you know, the simple binary this or that, which side of this are you on, is sort of the prevalent process. But very few things are that black and white. Especially when you look at the specific question we’re contemplating, it’s really challenging.

Q: How do you balance the community perception of transportation and parking needs versus future District goals?

A: I try not to challenge the premise of the questions too much, but I’m going to challenge this one a little bit. The District goals should, and in this case are, based on community feedback and community aspirations through many initiatives. I mean, the OCP (Official Community Plan) captures that, but the OCP doesn’t drop from the District, the OCP is, and actually won awards for, public engagement in the process. So, the District goals are based on community feedback over time Now, on this particular topic of parking, we’ve heard from the

MAYOR: Continued on 15

THANK YOU

The Westwinds Residents Committee andthe Westwinds Residents would liketothank allthe businesses fortheir support ofdonating amazing door prizes to our Christmas Events. Your generosity brought alot of joy to our community over the holidayseason.Itwas ahuge success!!

TheSquamish LiquorStore

Shoppers Drug Mart

Anna’s Interiors

Kaos Kids

SamuraiSushi

T&ANails

Save on Foods

BobMalcom

WhiteSpot

NestersMarket

Omni Eyes

Cloud9 Spa

Scandinave Spa

Westwinds Senior Living

SeatoSky Hotel

Foxand Oak

CopperCoilStill &Grill

Starbucks StyleZone

WatershedGrill Home Depot

Empire of Dirt

PlungeWellness

TheSea to Sky Gondola WoodfibreLNG Marks

PHOTO COURTESY OF JILL KILLEEN

(L-R) Lucas Berube, Bosa Properties; Lorne Segal, Kingswood Properties ;Deanna Lewis, Squamish Nation ; Mayor Armand Hurford ; Sandra Aeng, Bosa Properties ; Derek Lee, PWL; Jonas Velaniskis, District of community development at the SEAandSKY park opening in 2024

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EDITOR

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REPORTER INDIGO LEMAYCONWAY iLemayConway@ squamishchief.com

REPORTER BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE bchatterjee@ squamishchief.com

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CIRCULATION MANAGER

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PUBLISHER SARAHSTROTHER sstrother@wplpmedia.com

TheSquamishChief is amemberof theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependent organization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethica 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 written consentofthe publisher.

EDITORIAL

TOLD TO GO?GO

Watching thehorrors of theCalifornia wildfires, locals can’thelpbut imagine facing them here,inSquamish.

It is heart-wrenchingtosee thedeath toll rise and to hear thestories behind thesetragicends, onea man whodiedholding agardenhoseinhis hand.

It is panicattack-inducing to learnthatfolks became trappedintheir cars in thegridlocktothe pointmanylefttheir vehicles andran forit.

With ourHighway 99,thatfeels toorelatable

Thebiggest tragedyisthatU.S.officials saythatif residentshad listened andleftwhentoldto, there wouldhavebeenmuchlesssuffering

“I know it’s chaotic, it’s stressful, it’s noteasy. Importantpaperwork,yourmedication, your pets, maybesuppliesfor your pets.Those kind of things—havethose readytogo,”L.A.CountySheriff

Robert Luna is quoted as sayingin LAist.

“You’veheard me sayitthe last couple of days, every miraculous storyofa rescue or tragediesthat we’reencountering? Themajorityare people who didnot heed thewarning to leave.”

Yes, therehavebeenissueswiththe alertsystem andgiven theextentofthe crisis,information is coming fast andfurious,but in anatural disaster,we have to trustauthorities,overour ownlimited knowledge,overwhatour neighbours aredoing and overwhatfolks on social mediasay.

Misinformation anddisinformation arecommon now,especiallyduringnatural disasters.

TheRed Crossnotes,“Disinformation is ...false information that is beingsharedtointentionally misleadpeople. ...Misinformation is information that is inaccurate,” though perhapsnot intentionally so.

We seebothwiththe California fires—the Hollywood sign wasn’t burning,firefightersweren’t askingthe public to come help.

AswehaveseeninL.A.and in otherdisasters closer to home,evacuations dosavelives.

In Squamish,wemustknowwhatthe orders mean andfollowthem.

Theprovincialgovernmentexplainsthatan evacuation alertmeans to be readytoleave on short notice.An evacuationorder meansyou areatrisk. Leavethe area immediately

Atacticalevacuationis“whena sudden threat to liferequiresimmediate action,and thereisnotime to prepareor issuewritten warnings.These typesof evacuations areoften co-ordinated by theRCMPor localpolice, with assistance from otheragencies.”

Giventhe hazardsinour region,itismoreamatter ofwhenthanifwewillbeinadisastersituation.

Take aminute nowtofigureout your neighbourhoodzone, andlocal transportation muster point, whichare foundatsquamish.ca (search“evacuate”).

When anatural disaster happens, remember to avoidthe rumour mill online,verify factsbeforeyou share, andget outsafewhenyou aretoldto.

Thestakesare toohighnot to.

AGUIDE FORSUMMERFASHION

YOUTHCOLUMN THEODORPARIAL

Whatisthe fashionofSquamishyouth for thesummer? Thereare so many different styles around theworld,but howdothe youthofSquamish dressand stylethemselvesfor theupcomingsummerof2025, and wherein Squamish canyou locallybuy these clothesand accessories?

Thecurrent styles andtrendsofSquamishyouth from past summerswereruffled tops,skirts, jean shorts,eyeletdresses,poplincircleskirts, transparent skirts,polos,and so muchmore.

Thefashion of thesummerof2024was called “staying cool andcomfortable,” accordingto Vogue magazine.

Butwhatfashion trends will summer 2025 uphold?

Sourcesfrom Vogue and Marie Claire,which are fashionmagazines,say thesummerof2025will bringback“moto-boto” style, whichincludesflowy dresses,slouchy boots,suede fringe jackets, summer hats,denim on denim, animal prints,lace skirts,and alot more with boho-chicelements.

Thereare also summer colours, includinga range

of differenttypes of pale to deep blues, bright and electric yellows, lilacand violets, andbabyto Barbie pinks.

Theclothing styleofsummer2025isvery versatilefor goingtothe beachand allthe summer activities,and nowweneedtoknowabout which accessoriestopairthese fabricswith.

Accessoriesyou will always need foratimeless summer wardrobe aresun hats,sunglasses, handkerchiefs, sandals, strawbagsand hats, beaded bracelets, andshell jewelry.

These differentstylesofclothes andaccessories youcan actually getlocally in Squamish

These area fewshops that carryclothingand accessoriesfor youtowearthissummer, 2025

Shopslocated in Downtown Squamish include StyleZone, WhistleShopBoutique, Wild andHeart, FunkyMonkeyBoutique, TEAG +GRAY(Fashion &Lifestyle Boutique ), Random &Co, Treeline Collective,Pearl’s ValueVillage andEmpireofDirt.

Thereare afew more shopsaroundSquamish that arenot downtown,likeFasinFrank,Urban Alpine andMonsRoyaleOutlet.

Thereare so many shopsaroundSquamish that areaffordable. Iwilldefinitelybecheckingthese outand buying clothesand accessoriesfor the upcoming summer!

TheodorParialisaSquamishteenwho is also a member of theSquamishYouth Council.

(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

RE: EDITORIAL: DROP THE INSULTS

The Squamish Chief’s editorial team states [Drop the insults, published Jan. 9) that “Poilievre is offering what people need to feel secure.” In truth, Poilievre and his federal Conservatives are using the spectre of the dumpster fire that is our current economic reality to divide Canadians

He’s focusing on dividing Canadians to distract from the reality that he doesn’t have any real plans to ease our economic anxiety, but rather to continue to serve the fossil fuel industry, big corporations, and billionaires.

The Chief is right—I want a home, “groceries (I) can afford, safe streets,” and the same for my kid. I also know that Poilievre’s empty promises, misleading statements, and trickle-down economics masquerading as a platform will not get any of us the future that we are yearning for. What it will get us is growing inequality and a worsening climate crisis. And that’s not the future that any of us want.

We need a leader who will tax Big Oil, billionaires and Canada’s richest corporations, not party at their mansions and private clubs.

We need a leader who will center Indigenous peoples’ knowledge and leadership who will adequately invest resources to support Indigenous communities.

We need a leader with a commitment to investing in healthcare, education, childcare, social services, and a resourced national public transit plan

This is how we build and sustain strong and thriving communities. This is how we bring Canadians together rather than divide them

This is how we build a future that works for all of us

Vanessa Senecal Squamish

GAPS IN MAID

“It’s a very peaceful death” [published Jan. 9] presents a sanitized view of medical assistance in dying (MAID). While it aims

LETTERS POLICY

to reassure readers of the process’s safety and compassion, it overlooks systemic gaps, troubling evidence, and the experiences of families like mine My mother, Donna Duncan, received MAID in October of 2021 despite untreated depression and a suicide attempt 72 hours prior

Her death followed months of seeking answers for worsening symptoms and unexplained weight loss after a minor car accident She believed she had central sensitivity syndrome, but her specialist appointment was scheduled two weeks after her death.

Her case, the first MAID death in Canada investigated for criminal negligence, was closed after Fraser Health refused to release critical documentation If even the police cannot verify compliance, how can the system claim transparency?

Considering whether individuals with dementia can access MAID, the Alzheimer Society of Canada notes dementia often shifts a person’s identity, meaning individuals who once feared the condition might later find joy or comfort. Allowing advance directives to override present wishes risks enforcing death against one’s current consent. This mirrors broader systemic failures in MAID: assumptions about suffering and lack of oversight. Dr David Muir claims that MAID provides “a very peaceful death.” However, [some] evidence contradicts this MAID lacks national standardization for drug protocols, and organizations like Dying with Dignity do not have access to data verifying peacefulness In Ontario, Alexander Raikin’s A Pattern of Noncompliance uncovered over 400 negligence cases, including practitioners administering incorrect medications. Without independent oversight, such claims are unverifiable. Dr Joel Zivot, an anesthesiologist, has raised significant concerns about MAID drugs. His research, supported by the British Medical Bulletin, highlights troubling gaps in understanding the drugs’ effects at MAID doses

The lack of peer-reviewed guidance means no single or combination of drugs is agreed upon as the most effective. Zivot warns these drugs may suppress outward

signs of suffering while causing hidden distress, such as pulmonary edema—a buildup of fluid in the lungs. My mother’s autopsy revealed her lungs were filled with fluid, raising profound questions about hidden suffering in supposedly “peaceful” deaths Targeting vulnerable populations are claimed as “unfounded.” Yet evidence shows marginalized groups are disproportionately impacted. Dr Ramona Coelho, a family physician and MAID expert, has documented numerous cases of patients seeking MAID due to systemic neglect.

One example is an autistic woman whose family intervened after she was approved for MAID Veterans, too, have been inappropriately offered MAID instead of mental health care, highlighting how MAID is becoming a default solution in a failing healthcare system. In Vancouver, Dr. Ellen Wiebe raises alarming concerns. In one case, she provided MAID to a psychiatric patient, leading to a criminal negligence lawsuit. In another, a judge issued a temporary injunction, halting Dr. Wiebe from providing MAID to a woman whose only condition was mental illness. These cases highlight the dangers of discretionary power and inadequate safeguards. Dr. Christopher Lyon’s research on healthcare serial killers (HSKs) further underscores the risks of unchecked authority in healthcare systems. Lyon’s work emphasizes how systemic gaps and minimal oversight expose vulnerable populations to harm, even within legal frameworks

As Canada prepares to expand MAID eligibility to include individuals whose sole underlying condition is mental illness in 2027, the risks to vulnerable populations will only grow Expanding access without addressing systemic failures will lead to irreversible decisions made under desperation or neglect. My mother’s death reflects these systemic issues She did not receive care to live but was offered death instead. Reform is urgently needed to ensure MAID’s promises of peace, dignity, and compassion are guarantees—not empty assurances.

Alicia Duncan Mission

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FOUR PILLARS FOR THE FUTURE: INSIDE THE SQUAMISH NATION CLIMATE PLAN

From land stewardship to green jobs, the Nation’s strategy outlines actions to protect the environment and adapt to climate change

BHAGYASHREE CHATTERJEE

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

What kind of world do we want to leave for our children and grandchildren? How can we take care of the land and waters we all depend on?

The Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) has created a plan to answer those questions. And it’s called the Climate Legacy Strategy

This strategy lays “the foundation for sustainable development, environmental stewardship, and community resilience across their territory” reads the 35-page long PDF.

This strategy is built upon four pillars, which outline the key areas for action needed to create a healthy and resilient climate. According to the Nation, each pillar includes clear visions, goals, and steps to

low-carbon transportation options like electric vehicles and public transit.

2. Land and Water Stewardship: With a goal to protect 30% of the territory by 2030, the strategy includes restoring degraded ecosystems and expanding land and water monitoring through an enhanced Guardianship Program.

3. Green Economy: The strategy aims to double the number of green jobs available to Nation members by 2040

4. Community Resilience: Emergency preparedness, food security, and public health form the backbone of this pillar

QUICK WINS

Eleven priority actions are already underway, including banning new fossil fuel projects, creating more green spaces, and launching a Climate Warriors Program.

Banning new fossil fuel projects raises questions about how this goal aligns with the Nation’s partnership in the Woodfibre LNG project.

guide the Nation’s efforts.

One of the features of the strategy is its focus on two distinct areas: actions within the Nation’s jurisdiction and areas where they can collaborate through co-jurisdictional influence.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

The strategy lays out a plan “to tackle climate change in Sḵwxwú7mesh Aysáych (Squamish Territory).” It intends to support global climate goals, including the target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2050, as outlined by the United Nations.

This work began in July 2019, when the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw council declared a climate emergency and set initial goals to address the crisis.

The council also decided to create the Climate Legacy Strategy to guide policies and projects aimed at sustainability By the fall of 2021, a team working under the Rights and Title Department (Ta na wa Yúus ta Stitúyntsam) started a two-year process

THE FOUR PILLARS

The Climate Legacy Strategy is built on four foundational pillars:

1. Low-Carbon Infrastructure: The Nation plans to implement high-efficiency standards for all new buildings, reduce emissions through retrofits of existing structures, and expand access to

The strategy does not address whether this collaboration impacts its broader climate objectives or how the Nation plans to navigate this apparent contradiction.

The Nation hopes that these initiatives spark immediate change while the broader strategy is rolled out.

One community member put it in the PDF, “Our responsibility as Indigenous people is to the land. We are the land, and the land is us.”

COMMUNITY LAUNCH EVENTS

The Nation is inviting Nation members to celebrate the launch of its Climate Legacy Strategy this January. To mark the release of the strategy, two celebratory events will take place:

Squamish Valley:

Date: Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025

Time: 5:30–8 p.m.

Location: Totem Hall

The events will feature presentations on the Climate Legacy Framework, a summary of community input gathered during the process, and details of the final strategy

To learn more, visit the Nation’s Facebook page

Note: The Squamish Chief has contacted the Sḵwxwú7mesh Nation regarding the Woodfibre issue and will update this story online when we receive a response.

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

Continuedfrom11

communitythe challenges.We’ve donea lot of work over time to look at what theparking situationis, what thecapacityis, what the demand is,whatthatlooks like,and what possible scenariosare availabletous. We hear this sort of narrativesometimes in thecommunity andI’m like,‘Well,ifyou’re nothappy with howparking is operating, we’re lookingatwhatwecan do to positively impactyourexperience, andthese arethe tools that areavailable to us.’ Andwedon’t have atimemachine to go back andmake differentlanduse choices. We also can’t change wherethe watertable is,orwherethe flood risk is;these arethe pieceswecan move and that we have controlover, andare deemed reasonable from an engineering perspectiveaswellasa financialperspective The otherpiece is sort of more broadly, as a society, howdowewantto getaround in our townand howdowewanttobuild our communities? Ilikethinking aboutthings in extremesbecause it helpsmeunderstand whereIam, andmostthingshavea spectrum So,onthe spectrum of acitybuilt whereyou needacar to participateinany wayinsociety, andone whereyou do notneeda caratall to participatefully in society, Ithink we’rea little moretowards thecar than theother wayat this point. Itotally thinkthatwe’re evolving in theright direction, butit’snot,like, tomorrow Youknow, I’ll hear,‘Well,Ican’t move abaleof hayaroundonthe back of my bike,soI’m goingtodrive my truck.’That’sfine. No one’s

goingtocomeand take your truck; that’s not what’s happening. We’retalking abouthaving morechoices on howweget around.

Q:Whendo youthink we’llbeata placein Squamishwhere we have affordable housing?

A: Allthe housingneeds reportsarticulateall the manywaysthatweneedhousing affordability, andthathousing affordabilityisaproblem I’malsoarenter, andI’m acutelyaware of this challenge. Ithink that affordabilitymeans something differenttoalmosteverybodywho you talk to.

We know we need below-market,wealso knowthatthere’s aneedacrossthe whole spectrum. So,pushing on havingthe variety offorms of housingthatwillthenhave differentvaluesand be sittingat different pricepoints, either forpurchaseorrent, and there’sno endgametoany of this.Thisis somethingthatweneedtobeaware of at all times

Ithink everylanduse decision that’s made, needstohavethisaffordability lens in it However,the communityand folkswho are experiencing ahousingcrisistoday look at almostevery decision as like ‘Well, that’s not goingtosolve affordable housing’ andit’snot. Butovertime, we need to have this factor in frontofmind, as we go forward. Butifthere wasone thingtodofor housing affordability, it wouldhavebeendone.

Q:You’rehalfway throughyourtermnow,can you reflectonthe past twoyears andwhat

hopefullythe next twoyears will look like foryou?

A: Thelasttwo yearshavebeenfulloflearning. In 2018,Iran forcouncil,and Ifound rightat thestart of that,all theway through, to be really an introspectiveprocess.Ithink alot of people live theirlives,where they have their values there, butthey’re notnecessarily checking in with them daily. AndIfeel like howI’vebeenapproaching this role has resulted in me checkinginwiththatdaily.So, you’re learning aboutyourselflike, ‘WhatdoI thinkabout this andwhere do my values siton that’aswellasjustthe continued learning from everything. AndIhonestly don’t expect that to change. I’ve also really enjoyedworkingwithmy councilcolleagues. Icomefromanentrepreneurial background,and when you’re asmall businessowner,and youmakea decision, rightorwrong, you’re notonlymakingthe decision,you’reusually executingthe decision …So around thecouncil table, there’sjust such awealthofknowledge andperspective thatitgives me alot of comfort, even when I’m on thewrong side of avoteorsomething like that, becauseIknowthateveryone’sgiven it a lotofconsideration,and we’vebeenadvised by ourprofessionalstaff,toreallyinformit. So it’s been areallygreat processthatway,and I expectthattocontinue.

Q: Is thereanythingthatyou wouldliketo achieveinyournexttwo years?

A: That’s really articulatedthrough thebudget. So,Ithink some of thebig pieces in thereare

thecontinued investment in BrennanPark. We hear from thecommunity that there’sa strong desire formorefacilities, andwe’re workinghardonthat. I’malsoreallylooking forwardtoexperiencing when downtown Squamish expands to the SEAandSKY. So that pedestrian bridge is supposed to be online .thiswinter. butI thinkthat’ll be really big. Thenew park over there[Miyíwts Park]onthe waterhas apaved pump track, there’sakids’ playground andI thinkthere’s abasketballcourt down the northend.I don’tthink that everyone really grasps that untiltheywalkoverthere andsee it.SoI’m really excitedabout that.

Q: Last question:whatare some of thelessons you’ve learnt from thepastyear?

A: I’ve been reflecting on giving topics an appropriatespace.Wehavethe opportunityto seethingsatcommittee thewhole,sobefore we vote,wegiveinitial feedback andthe vast majority of thetime, we getitright about whichonesneedthatbeforetheycometoa regular[councilmeeting]. Butthere’s been a couple of timeswhere thingsmaybe didn’t get thespace that they needed,and then it became more challenging. So,tryingtogivethatspace andtakethose lessonsonand that’s notjustfor council, it’s also forthe community. When Ithink about thetimes wherethe communityhad maybea wave of interest or feedback or fearsand concerns,perhaps some of thosetopicscould have hadanextra step theretomakesure everybodyunderstood what washappening

Search andcompare property assessmentinformation at bcassessment.ca

If you’reamongBC’sapproximately2millionproperty owners, visit bcassessment.catofindyourupdatedpropertyassessmentinformation

The2025 assessmentsare based on marketvalue as of July 1, 2024

Havequestions or want moreinformation?Visitusonlineat bcassessment.ca or contact us at 1-866-valueBC. Thedeadline to file an appeal for your assessment is January31, 2025.

BritanniaMineMuseum gratefully acknowledges their communitysponsors:

SLRD TO CONSIDER CLIMATE STRATEGY AMENDMENTS

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is considering stronger emissions targets, additional ways to assess climate action and new climate policies under a bylaw amendment

more stringent targets suggested by Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change

LUKE FAULKS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) will consider a bylaw update that changes the way the district measures, talks about and addresses climate change at its upcoming Jan. 29 board meeting.

The amendments address updates to the SLRD’s Regional Growth Strategy (RGS), which, per the Local Government Act, was put up for review in 2024 The update mostly targets the last of 11 goals in the RGS: taking climate action

Here’s what’s up for discussion in the climate action file

STRENGTHENING EMISSIONS REDUCTION TARGETS

The amendment moves the SLRD away from B.C.’s provincial emissions targets to the

The provincial targets aim for a 40% reduction of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions below 2007 levels by 2030, 60% by 2040 and 80% by 2050

The amendment will see the SLRD strengthen its targets to a 45% reduction below 2010 levels by 2030 and reach a net-zero region by 2050 to avoid catastrophic global warming exceeding 1.5 C. Member municipalities are asked to contribute to meeting targets, but the bylaw recognizes a disparity in their abilities to take action

“Looking at the broad level—Braylorne, Gold Bridge and Lillooet—we are trying to achieve reduced gas emissions, of course, but it’s definitely harder for us because we don’t have regional transit options at this time,” noted Lillooet Mayor Laurie Hopfl.

The language contained in the proposed amendment asks member municipalities to “adopt Regional Context Statements that identify how local land use, transportation and solid waste policies will contribute to meeting” district-wide goals, rather than meet the new SLRD goals themselves.

“It’s through the Regional Context Statements that the member municipalities communicate how they’re contributing to that regional target,” said Claire Daniels, senior planner with the SLRD

Those targets are expected to shift over time, so the draft proposal says future targets will be based on the “best science” at the time.

MEASURING CLIMATE ACTION

The original RGS considered two annual indicators to help determine progress on climate change: the total energy used and total level of planet-warming greenhouse gas emissions.

The new bylaw adds three new indicators: the amount of energy used by residential, commercial and some industrial buildings; community-level data on greenhouse gas emissions from on-road transportation; and estimates of greenhouse gas emissions from waste disposed at regional district landfills.

LOW-IMPACT TRANSPORTATION

The plan also calls for municipalities to develop creative ways in Official Community Plans (OCP) to reduce “vehicle-kilometres-travelled” within communities. Where those kilometres can’t be reduced, the plan aims to make travel less emissions-intensive. The proposed amendment suggests “expanding and enhancing the electric vehicle infrastructure network across the region,” and working with the provincial government to deliver regional transit and connections to transit hubs outside of the SLRD

The amendment also calls for the promotion of “active transportation options, including e-bikes and other zero-emissions options” through OCP and Active Transportation Plans and by identifying gaps in the active transportation network— ensuring proximity to essential services, safe routes, and providing “end-of-trip facilities at community and regional nodes/hubs.”

PROMOTING CLIMATE EQUITY

The report calls for community planning to “support climate equity by considering the needs of vulnerable populations who may be unduly affected by climate policies and actions.”

Climate-induced disasters exacerbate existing inequalities within society; those with fewer resources or access to services are often the most affected during a disaster and the least able to recover once the initial damage is done.

The bylaw suggests “local government decision-making processes consider climate equity and by working with community organizations, local governments and

It’s through the Regional Context Statements that the member municipalities communicate how they’re contributing to that regional target.

CLAIRE DANIELS

provincial agencies/authorities.”

ESCHEWING CARBON OFFSETS

Carbon offsets are a way to promote emissions reductions through tradeable certificates that balance out greenhouse gas emissions by funding projects that reduce, remove or prevent emissions elsewhere. Questions have been raised about whether they’re an effective form of climate action, or whether they consist of “green-washing,” a practice that makes a product or activity seem more environmentally friendly than it actually is

The amendment nixes a previous plan to use local carbon offsets and to explore the creation of a regional carbon trading system that would promote local sequestration projects

“I’ve never figured out how you can sort of do the wrong thing but if you spend a bunch of money and buy offsets, you can balance it,” said SLRD Area D director Tony Rainbow. “It makes you feel better and that seems kind of wrong because we’re not actually solving the problem, we’re buying our way out of it.” While offsets may be off the table, the bylaw continues to prioritize natural sequestration systems that naturally draw down and hold onto planet-warming carbon dioxide, like trees and wetlands The amendment includes a new category of natural sequestration—coastal ecosystems So-called “blue carbon” is stored in spaces like tidal marshes, mangroves and seagrass meadows.

The SLRD gave first reading to the proposed bylaw amendment on Nov. 27. Second reading, third reading and the adoption of the amendment will be considered at the Jan. 29 meeting of the board.

GOLDEN CRUST CLOSES DOORS AFTER 22 YEARS

The bakery will close in mid-February with a community drop-in day to say goodbye

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

After 22 years of baking sweet and savoury treats, Golden Crust Specialties bakery is closing its doors in Squamish

Husband and wife duo Patricia and Wade Yendall kicked off 2025 by breaking the news to their customers and friends on social media.

“We kept putting it off; we were dreading making the announcement because … well, what do you say and how do you do it,” Patricia Yendall told The Squamish Chief.

“It’s been 22 years here in Squamish and we are moving, which is the main reason we are closing, but it’s also time for us to go on an adventure and move into the next stage of our lives.”

THE GOLDEN CRUST EXPERIENCE

Prior to opening Golden Crust, Yendall was a pastry chef working at a variety of hotels all the way from Whistler to New Zealand.

But it was the little home bakery she started in 2003 that opened the door to locals’ hearts—and stomachs.

“Some of our long-term customers would remember going there and picking up their baked goods,” she said.

“Then a few years later, we moved to this spot, and [we’ve] been here for 17 years,” she added, of their 5-38924 Queens Way location.

“It’s funny because a lot of people don’t know us because we don’t have a sign on the road, so we kind of call ourselves the secret pie shop because we are tucked away in this old building in the industrial park.”

Throughout those years, Yendall, her husband and two children, Vanessa and Jaxon, would sell their baked goods at a number of markets along the Sea to Sky, including one of the very first Squamish Farmer’s Market (before it was named that).

“We were one of the original Squamish vendors but we haven’t done this one in the last five years. Back then, there were like five people, and it was called the Wild Cherry Market,” she said.

Since then, pocket pies, fruit pies and butter tarts have been the best sweet sellers for Golden Crust, with the chicken and vegetable pie being the savoury favourite.

HIGHLIGHTS OVER THE YEARS

As you can imagine, there are plenty of highs and lows to be had over 22 years of business, but the top thing Yendall cherishes the most is the relationships made with the community.

“Christmas and Thanksgiving are a highlight for us [in the store] People are always so happy to come in and get good home-baking style goods. They’re always so appreciative and thankful at those times,” she said.

“And with the markets, the highlight was the relationships we built with customers and

vendors. Just to be able to please people and make them happy, it’s why we work so hard.”

Another key moment for them was when they shared their kitchen with Norwegian baking company Din Baker during the 2010 Winter Olympics.

“They approached us because they were looking for a space for their bakers to bake bread for their team, and they liked ours Then they sent all their ingredients over and filled our whole loading bay with Norwegian flour and all kinds of stuff,” Yendall said

“It was pretty fun because they baked for our store, and they didn’t want any money for it They just said, ‘We’ll bake bread, and you can sell it,’ and they were very generous.

“They taught us to bake their bread, and we continued making it for a while, but we stopped because we didn’t have the equipment for it, and we were doing it all by hand—and my hands were killing me from it.”

WHAT’S NEXT?

Yendall said the plan is to relocate, most likely to Vancouver Islan,d to pursue an “idyllic next stage of life.”

“We will probably move to Vancouver Island because we want to stay on the coast, and our son lives there. I want a garden and to grow food and have some acreage—just a different type of lifestyle,” she said

The duo plans to take a year off work to transition to life out of Squamish and will spend a portion of that travelling and adventuring.

“We want to visit friends and family and go on a road trip across Canada and visit friends overseas,” Yendall said.

“Because when you’re working like we have been, when everyone else is off, we’re not; it’s the opposite, so we never get to see family during the holidays and things

“So we are going on an adventure.”

While they currently have no plans to open up a bakery on Vancouver Island, Yendall did say she plans to keep baking for people

“We want to have our own property with our own kitchen. Maybe one day during the week, we would let people come and get pies or something, but we wouldn’t do a seven-day-aweek bakery.

“Maybe we’ll do a local farmers market, who knows.”

One thing they are looking into is releasing a cookbook.

“We may do a recipe book in the future with our Golden Crust story and recipes,” she said

A COMMUNITY SEND-OFF

Golden Crust will keep producing products until the end of January, but after that, they will be packing up shop and selling whatever goodies they have left

For those wanting to say goodbye in person, their last day of business will be Feb. 15, where they’ll host a drop-in day for the community.

“It will be a customer appreciation day where people can drop in all day, and we will have coffee, tea and goodies,” Yendall said.

“It’s so people can just come and have visits with us because we have good relationships with a lot of our customers.”

Yendall said the reaction from the community to their impending closure has been heartwarming

“People have been sad, but they’re very happy for us, which makes us feel good They’ve just flooded us with comments on Facebook about how much they valued and appreciated us over the years,” she said.

“One thing about the people of Squamish that we love is that they appreciate the fact that we want to live a life, and they understand the benefit of just living and not just existing.”

Reflecting on her business experience in Squamish, Yendall said she is most happy that they added value to the community.

“I think that was all we could have asked for. I know my husband was thinking we should have done more with the business and made a coffee shop or something similar, but I told him, ‘I don’t think you realize what we’ve done—we’ve added joy to people’s lives,’” she said

“I don’t think I’ll ever stop trying to please people; that won’t ever change because that’s what I love to do So anything that happens in the future, hopefully people will come.”

Grab one of the final treats from Golden Crust. The store is open Tuesday to Saturday between 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICIA YENDALL Patricia and Vanessa Yendall.

HARMONY VETS EXPANDS HOUSE-CALL SERVICE TO SQUAMISH AND BRITANNIA BEACH

The house-call only general practice launched in the local area in November

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

iLemayConway@squamishchief.com

If you’ve ever had a pet, you know how stressful a vet experience can be for both you and your furry (or scaly) friend.

The second they smell that familiar scent of the veterinary building, the puppy dog eyes come out, perhaps some cries and behavioural traits that can be completely out of the norm for them.

In a bid to make the experience as stress-free and positive as possible, Whistler local Dr Caroline Alms has recently expanded her at-home veterinary services to Squamish and Britannia Beach.

Harmony Veterinary Services launched in Whistler and Pemberton a year ago in December as a way to service the local pet communities.

“I’ve been living in Whistler for three years now, and I’ve been working at all the different vet clinics up and down the corridor, and I saw this need for more vet care particularly in Whistler,” Alms said.

“I’m super passionate about doing fear-free practice and I see so many really frightened animals in a vet clinic, and they’re just so much happier at home.

“So, I saw this opportunity to start it up, and

it’s honestly just been such a lovely experience doing the veterinary work in people’s homes with pets who love you and are super happy to see you, instead of running away, hiding or trying to bite and scratch.”

Since Nov. 18, Harmony Vets has been servicing the Squamish and Britannia Beach area.

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“We had a lot of requests for heading to Squamish, and it was always something that I wanted to do,” Alms said

WHAT SERVICES DO THEY OFFER?

Much like house-call doctors, travelling vets offer a variety of services similar to that of a clinic.

“We can offer pretty much everything that you get in a consult room,” Alms said

“So that includes wellness exams, vaccines and urine and blood tests. We can also do skin and eye workups. We’ve got tools for measuring eye pressure and a microscope, so all of this can be done in someone’s living room.”

But there are some things they can’t offer.

“We don’t do anything with general anesthesia, so surgeries, X-rays and dental work we don’t do,” Alms said

“But we work with some of the other vets in Squamish, where we can refer our patients to them, and we can do the pre-anesthetic blood work, get them on some anxiety meds before they get to the vet for surgery, and just facilitate the process a lot more easily.”

FEAR-FREE PRACTICE

For Alms, providing fear-free practice was a big priority for Harmony Vets.

“I am fear-free certified. … It’s a course that you do to learn more about animal behaviour and what techniques we can do as vet professionals to reduce fear and stress,” she said.

“Since doing the course, it’s made enormous amounts of difference to how pets respond to me. But the big thing is that [by having this knowledge] each time we visit, the pets have a more and more comforting experience, which builds their trust, and it makes for a safer visit to the vets, particularly if they’re going for surgeries and things.”

IS A HOME VISIT MORE EXPENSIVE?

Surprisingly, having a vet come to your home doesn’t cost an extra arm and a leg.

“We just charge an extra $60 for the at-home call out, but our exam fees are comparable to the fees that clinics charge,” Alms said

“In fact, it’s slightly less, because I wanted to make this service accessible for people.”

A standard wellness appointment is $115 plus the call-out fee.

For more information on Harmony Veterinary Service, visit their website.

The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news To be considered, please reach out to news@squamishchief.com

Brought to you by Community Futures Howe Sound, The Sea to Sky’s resource for financing and free business support to help local businesses and entrepreneurs in the area Connect with them directly and learn more at cfhowesound.com or email Kieran at kieran.hale@cfhowesound.com.

PHOTOS COURTESY (LEFT) AUSTYN CLARKE (RIGHT) CAROLINE ALMS

Since Nov. 18, Harmony Vets has been servicing the Squamish and Britannia Beach area

INDIGENOUS ARTAND SQUAMISH PRIDEPARADEAMONG GRANTHIGHLIGHTS

Theartsand cultureprogram sees increasedfunding to $64,000

BHAGYASHREECHATTERJEE

LocalJournalismInitiativereporter

Whatmakes acommunity vibrant andconnected?For Squamish,it’s theever-growingpassion forarts andculture

TheSquamishArts&Culture Grant(ACG) program is seeing more interest than ever. Thisyear, 29 localartists andgroupsapplied forfunding,upfrom17lastyear.

MORE MONEYFOR MORE IDEAS

Since2010, Squamish Arts hasmanaged this grant, funded by theDistrictofSquamish through theCommunity EnhancementGrant Program. Thegrant fundslocal projects that focusoncommunity engagement,environmentalinitiatives,diversity,healthetc

This year,the grantfunding increasedto $64,000 from $54,000

Theextra fundsallow formoreprojectsget offthe ground

Explaining howfunds were allocated, Squamish Arts executivedirectorCleaYoung said in an emailtoThe Squamish Chief, “The volunteer membersofthe jury hadtwo weeks toreadthrough andscore theapplications accordingtoa matrix.”

Sheadded,“Once thescoreswere combined,the jury metinpersonto review multiplefunding scenariosand decide how the fundswould make thebiggest impact.”

“For example, thejuryconsideredawarding thetop-scoring projects theirfullasks, but thisfundedtoo fewdue to higherfunding

MANY,MANYDAFFODILS TO GOLDEN CRUST fortheir continualsupport to Hilltop House. Theresidents have so appreciated your donations of goodiesoverthe years. Alongwithour many thanks, we wish youall theverybest forthe future ~Hilltop HouseSupport Society

DAFFODILSTOLONDONDRUGS andtheir many customerswho fill thesenior’s wish listshungonthe tree in December. Everyyear, it is so heartwarming forus volunteerstoreadthe messages andreflect on thegenerosityofthe Squamish community. Your kindness meantwecould ensure everyresidentinHilltop Househad

requests across allapplications this year,” Youngsaidinthe email.

“The jury felt thereweremanyworthy projects that wouldbeleftout in this scenario.”

“Theyworkedhardtodistributethe funds across asmanyprojectsaspossiblewhile ensuring each wasstill viable with the amount awarded,”she said

PROJECTS BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER

ForYoung,among this year’s standout projectsisthe onebyVanessa Williams,the Indigenous regaliacreations andconnections initiative, celebrated forfostering knowledge sharingthrough artand cultural expression.

“TheIndigenousregalia creationsand connections projectexcited alljurorsasan opportunity forknowledge sharingthrough art andculture,” Youngsaidinthe email.

Another projectisPride Squamish,which willdebut theSquamish PrideParade.

“Pride Squamish is settomakeawelcome splashintownwithits inauguralSquamish Pride Parade,which aims to become an annual celebration,”Young said

The2025grant recipients are:

• BrackendaleArt Gallery: Artist Mentorship, Collaboration &NetworkingProject

•Cheakamus Foundation forEnvironmental Learning:Art OutdoorsEvent

•Vanessa Williams:IndigenousRibbonSkirt & Shirt MakingWorkshops

•CreateMakerspaceSociety:EDIAand ReconciliationProgram

•Jessica Lee: TheLongand theShort Storytelling Series

•DreaMoothu: Soul HouseCulture and

CommunityRevival

•Act AliveAcademy:2025Musical Theatre Season

•EmmaClarke: Skills ShiftCollectivefor injuredathletes

•Squamish FarmersMarketAssociation: MusicatThe Market

•SquamishCommunity MusicFestival: Public adjudicatedmusic festival

•Valleycraft Makers Market:Local artist showcases in Valleycliffe

•The SoundMillArt Society: TheWorld DrummingSessions

•ThomasinaPidgeon:The Secret Livesof VehicleResidents Sessions

AccordingtoYoung,“ReceivinganArts& CultureGrant canmakethe difference betweenaproject beingrealizedornot,and, consequently,between thecommunity havingaccesstovibrant cultural events or not.”

Thenextintakefor these grants is in thefall of 2025

Forprojectsthatalign with community enhancementgoals beyond arts andculture, folksare encouraged to look into the CommunityEnhancement Grantoffered by theSquamishCommunity Foundation

They worked hard to distribute thefunds across as many projects as possible while ensuringeachwas stillviable with the amount awarded.

CLEA YOUNG

Note that applicants mayonlyreceive fundingfromeitherthe Arts &Culture Grant or theCommunity EnhancementGrant. Formoreinformation on theArts&Culture Grant, contactinfo@squamisharts.com

BhagyashreeChatterjeeisThe Squamish Chief’s Indigenous andcivic affairsreporter. This reportingbeatismadepossiblebythe Local Journalism Initiative

the pleasure of receivinga bagofpresentsfromSanta.Thankstoyou all for making theirseasonsospecial ~Hilltop HouseSupport Society

Gotsomething niceto sayorsome constructivecriticism? Send your Darts& Daffodils: Email:news@squamishchief.com or drop off at The Chief office(38117 Second Ave.)during businesshours.Deadline forsubmissions is Monday at 4p.m.for Thursday’spaper.All submissions must be signed and includea phone number forverification. Maximum length is 75 words. Dartsare intended to be an anonymous critiquebetween privateparties Dartsmustnot directlyorindirectlyidentify an individualorbusiness.

Please Contact the SPCA formoredetails! Visit our website: spca.bc.ca

Meet the7 English Princes

Zebra finchesare actuallyAustralian, but these boys are all namedafter Princes both here and gone.Finches like to be in agroup or as the proper term fora group of Zebra finchesiscalled,a waltzing of finches. We have theboysinagroup of 4and agroup of 3. They are nota birdwho easily hand tamesbut aremore aboutenjoying theirsong(sounds like a squeaky toy) andfor watching thetiny, lively birds wholove to sittogether on a perch in arow

To view moreofour adorablepetsup foradoption, please visit petfinder.com Squamish SPCA •604.898.9890

SEA TO SKY FILIPINO COMMUNITY FORMS NEW SOCIETY

‘We want to keep our culture because it’s what makes Filipinos very unique and happy almost all of the time’

BRANDON BARRETT bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com

In the Philippines, there’s a term, called bayanihan, that lies at the heart of the Southeast Asian nation’s rich culture. Loosely translating to “a spirit of co-operation,” it’s a concept best exemplified in a particular historical custom: in the past, when a family moved, the entire neighbourhood would band together to, quite literally, lift their house and carry it to its new location.

“In Filipino culture, we help each other to do anything. When we do parties, no one leaves until the place is cleaned up,” said Hannyliz Villafuerte.

It’s that strong sense of community and co-operation that inspired Villafuerte to create Barangay Sea to Sky, the corridor’s first registered Filipino non-profit society. The group’s aim, Villafuerte explained, is to create a deeper sense of belonging and promote Filipino culture and representation locally.

“We want to keep our culture because it’s what makes Filipinos very unique and happy almost all of the time—because we know we belong to somebody,” she said

Like many tourism destinations around the world, Filipinos have a strong presence in Whistler, making up roughly 4% of the resort’s

BreakingNews

population and more than a third of the community’s total visible minorities, according to the 2021 census Yet, because they frequently work in behind-the-scenes service jobs, local Filipinos’ many contributions to the community can go overlooked, a consequence of being a part of what the Whistler Multicultural Society has called Whistler’s “invisible immigrant” class.

“I’m really hoping that by being very present in Whistler, Squamish and Pemberton, and presenting our best selves, we will inform and create awareness for our neighbours that this is

who we are,” said Villafuerte. “When people know who you are, they won’t treat you differently. That’s the hope.”

Villafuerte, who organized Whistler’s first Philippines Independence Day celebration in 2023, said Barangay Sea to Sky will host cultural events, social gatherings, and activities that celebrate Filipino heritage and foster camaraderie among its members. The group will also play an advocacy role, with a particular focus on combating racism and nurturing inclusivity in the corridor

“When we belong, we feel happy and function better Local Filipinos will be more happy to work and stay here if they feel there is a group they can run to when they need anything.” Villafuerte said.

Another mission for the society is to get a better understanding of just how large the Filipino community is in the Sea to Sky.

“Most of the Filipinos living in Pemberton and Squamish are working in Whistler. That’s why the scope of this society reaches out to those two towns—because we are so interconnected,” Villafuerte said “That’s also the reason why we are doing this formal organization: We want to keep track of who is where, what they are doing—and also for [job] protection We want to know they are well taken care of, paid well, all of that stuff.”

Previously, the local Filipino community has organized events under the Whistler Multicultural Society banner Formalizing as a society “gives us the capacity to raise funds for the community, as well as make more events that can cultivate Filipino culture, especially for those who were born here,” Villafuerte said. “They don’t always get to experience how it is to be a Filipino, that spirit, that vibe.”

Learn more on the Barangay Sea to Sky page on Facebook.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HANNYLIZ VILLAFUERTE

The local Filipino community hosted Whistler’s first-ever Philippines Independence Day celebration in 2023

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS

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

More informationat squamish55community society.ca

Missing Cat - Our cat Potato went missing, please help us find her. 778-388-6664

Missing Grey Cat $50 reward for aconfirmed photo or video of Blu. Do not chase or follow. 778-388-6664

By virtue of the Warehouseman’sLien Act

Payless Towing will dispose of the following vehicles: 1999Honda Civic VIN#: 2HGEJ6685XH904064

Debtor: Michael Robinson Amount owing: 3,646.94

2004 GMC Savana VIN# 1GTGG29V641105601

Debtor: The Artisan Bake ShoppeLtd Amount owing: 3,930.94

2013 Ford E-Series VIN# 1FTNE2EW5DDA45501

Debtor: The Artisan Bake Shoppe Ltd Amount owing: 4,017.36

Payless Towing 39550 Galbraith Ave, Squamish, BC., V8B0A3 Units may be sold by Auction on January 23,2025 fornon payment.

WAREHOUSEMAN LIEN

By virtue of the Warehouseman’sLien Act and on behalf of Auto Mind Collision Repair we will disposeofgoods belonging to Patrick Richard dba Rocket Rally Racing, namely: Various vehicle and motorcycle parts to recover $30450.00 plus accruing storage and any/all other expenses related. These goods will be made available for sale on Jan 28th2025 by public auction. Goods are currentlybeing stored in Burnaby BC. Contact 604-434-2448 for further information.

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classified@squamishchief.com

Deadline: Monday3pm Squamishchief.com –Classifieds

Wilhelm Schulte

passed away suddenly on Dec 31, 2024 in Lions Gate Hospital at the age of 79.

Predeceased by his beloved son Oliver, Wilhelm is survived by his wife Gaby, his son Manuel, his sisters Heidi and Barbara, and so many relatives and friends whom he cherished dearly

After marrying in 1968 in Germany, Wilhelm and Gaby emigrated to Canada via Montreal, then toured the US and Mexico, before finally settling in Squamish

A steel fabricator and carpenter by trade, but a student of the human condition at heart, Wilhelm sought depth in all that he did He delved into work as he did into play, with vigour and creativity. A skilled tradesmen, he worked many years at BC Rail, before becoming a sought after home renovator among his many friends. It was with his friends, too, that he forayed into the rugged wilderness that he adored, organizing many, many trips all over BC – hiking, paddling, mountaineering – always inviting people along

A quiet dissident, he sought to improve the world through discussion With a generous and open spirit he persistently sought out thought provoking conversations, and loved joking, always seeking to go beyond the superficial, drawing people into topics of social or personal import with a skillful charm that was uniquely Wilhelm

We will miss him dearly.

Aservice of remembrance will be held at 12pm on Saturday,January 25th, at St John the Divine, Anglican Church in Squamish.

TO:AllownersoflotswithinBlock“I”ofSubdivisionPlans 10396, 10640, 10931, 13439, 19227 andEPP68803 (the “Block IRespondents”). Petitiontothe CourtClearwater Park GPInc. (“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 Schemeencumbers many propertieswithin theGaribaldi Estatesneighbourhood.Inthealternative,Clearwaterseeks acourtordercancellingormodifyingtheBuildingsScheme suchthatClearwatermaydevelopthePropertypursuanttoa developmentpermitapprovedbytheDistrictofSquamish. TheB.C.SupremeCourtwillhearClearwater’sPetitionat thecourthouseat800SmitheStreetinVancouverin2025. YoumayaccessthePetitionandsupportingaffidavitsonline at:www.garibaldiestatespetition.com (the “Website”).All BlockIRespondentsarenamedasrespondentstothePetition becausetheirinterestsmaybeaffectedbythemodificationor cancellationoftheBuildingScheme.BlockIRespondents areentitledtomaketheir viewsknowntothe Courtand mayfile aResponsetoPetitionand anyaffidavit evidence they feel is appropriate.Ifyou intend to do so,you should fileaResponsetoPetitionwith 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 isfor informationpurposes only. BlockI Respondentsare encouraged to consulttheir professionaladvisers if there areany questions or they areuncertain as to theirrightsor obligations

HEAVYDUTYMECHANIC

CardinalConcrete, ADivision of Lafarge CanadaInc is the leading supplier of ready-mix concrete in the Sea to Sky Corridor.Weare currently seeking acareer oriented individual to fill the role of Commercial Transport/Heavy Duty Mechanic at our Head Office Location inSquamish, BC.

This isaskilled position whichprimarily involves preventative maintenance and repair of alarge fleet of commercialtransportvehicles including concrete mixer trucks, dump trucks, trailers, forklifts and light-duty trucks.

Minimum Qualifications:

•B.C. CertificateofQualification, and/or Interprovincial Ticket as aCommercial TransportMechanic, and/or Heavy Duty MechanicTicket

• 3-5 years related experience and/or training; or equivalentcombinationofeducation and experience

Compensation $45 57to$49.07

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

Apply to:info@cardinalconcrete.ca

time or Part time

or evenings •Locally owned andoperated family practice •"BestDentalOffice2023as votedby readersofPiqueNewsmagazine" Please send your resume and alittle about yourself to: managercreeksidedentalwhistler@gmail.com.

CROSSWORD

1. Statefurther 4. Halt, to ahorse 8. Bear’shome

12. Misfortune

13. Beardmaterial 14. Sad sigh 15. Long, skinnyfish 16. Out of action

17.Cozyplaces

18. Float aimlessly 20.Eroded 22.Confederates, forshort

41. _rehearsal

43. You_ whatyou sow

45. Huck’sfriend

47.Fellows

51.Skillfully

54. “_ _the Woods”

57.Periodoftime

58. Amtrak travel

59.Partofspeech

60.Feel ill

61.One of apair

62. Fidgety

63. Youngster DOWN

1.Deeply impressed 2. Busyperson

3. Sandwich spot 4. “The Shadow” 5. Onceheld 6. Black gold

7. Field of study

8. Academystudent

9. Beerlikebrew

10.Family vehicle

11. Curvy shape

19.Provided at no charge

21. Stadium part

23. Huffed and puffed

24.Grave

26.Black-____ Susan

27.Insignificant

28. Back talk

29.Served perfectly

30.Scorch

31. This place

33. Unmannered

36. Mediocre: hyph.

37.Ogle

42. Method

44. Pain

46. Quarry

48. Shipshape

49.The Stooges, e.g.

50.Season

51.Chair part

52. Sheep sound

53. Kindled

55. Agree wordlessly

56. Yank

Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling

HOROSCOPE WEEK OF JAN 16,2025 -JAN 22,2025

ARIES March 21-April 19

Although you mayfeelsome reservations,get ready to soar to new heights.This achievementwill be talked aboutfor years, and it will boost yourconfidence even more.

TAURUS April 20-May20

Amidsttakingcareofyour home and family,don’t forgettocarve outsome timefor yourself. Youmay whip up some delicious meals to nourish yourloved ones who need it most.

GEMINI May21-June 20

Getready for upcoming travels! Your family and friends will rely on your supportand attentiveear In return, expecttobe showeredwith gratitude and heartfelt appreciation.

CANCER June 21-July 22

You’ll have love on your mind this week.Ifyou’re single,you’ll meet an exceptional person who’s readytomakea commitment. If you’rein arelationship,big plans areonthe horizon that will bringyou and yourpartner even closer together

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

You’ll exude charismaand energy this week.You’ll plan an eventthatwill be ahuge success. Your actions will have an astonishingimpact on your career and other futureaccomplishments.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Getready for non-stop action and mind-blowing twists and turns! Time will become yourmostprecious asset. Adream will startto feel within reach, even if the path ahead is still unclear

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22

Youmay feel abit worn outafter afew stressful days.Nevertheless, asurge of creativityisonits way! Preparetobeinspired and create somethingtruly amazingthat will propel you toward greatsuccess.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Your time is precious;don’t wasteitbyprocrastinating on certain tasks.Atwork, you’ll be taskedwith handlingurgentsituations and crucial documents, whichwill help you advance yourcareer.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

You’ll have to work hard to getthat promotion. However, yourhardwork will not go unnoticed. Fortune smiles on the bold. Embrace spontaneityand plan an excitingouting or trip.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Dealingwithchanges in yourfamilylife mayleadyou to think aboutmovinginto anew place that better suits yourneeds.Makingsucha bigdecision requires careful consideration.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18

Youmay feel the urge to go back to school or take atrainingcourse. At work or elsewhere, you’ll have to negotiatewithpeople from differentcultures and converseina different language.You’ll welcome the challenge

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

At work,you’ll have to deal with aseeminglyendless listofdetails.Inhealth matters,you’ll find the right treatmentormedication to solvea problem that’s been weighingonyourmind.

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

SUDOKU