Encampments of unhoused folksremain, including in downtown Squamish,asmunicipal authorities advocatefor solutionsamidrepeatedconcerns from neighbouring residents.
THEENCAMPMENTCRISIS: CONCERNS ESCALATEDTOPROVINCE
Squamish residentshaveforwarded multiple concerns to theprovincialgovernmentand theDistrict of Squamish in recent months,and shared them with TheSquamishChief, regarding, in particular,an expandingencampmentsitelocated downtown Some area neighbours claimthere is disruptive behaviourcomingfromthe site.Thisincludesfighting, open fires, theconstructionofouthouses,and the
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UNHOUSED: Continued from 1
cutting down of trees, as well as drug paraphernalia, which attracts wildlife and creates other hazards, and contributes to the contamination of neighbouring waterways.
The encampment, which is located behind the community hub Under One Roof, near 1400 Vancouver St and adjacent to 1251 Bailey St., is one of approximately eight in Squamish
District general manager of public safety Pascale St-Louis clarified in a regular council meeting, held on July 15, that a mixture of vehicles, RV and erected structures with at least 47 individuals make up [the approximation of] encampments across Squamish, as of June 24.
“Several encampments within Squamish have been identified as entrenched, meaning that they are firmly established and or are unlikely to be decamped through voluntary compliance alone,” St-Louis said
“These include encampments located behind Under One Roof, near 1400 Vancouver St and adjacent to 1251 Bailey St There are additional entrenched encampments in the outer perimeter of the district, namely near the airport and the Squamish landfill
Mike Young, who said he brought the encampment crisis to the attention of the province and District in February last year, at a time when tenting residents were also asking for empathy amid neighbours’ concerns, is a resident of a neighbouring community to the encampment behind Under One Roof.
Three other residents expressed concerns to The Squamish Chief as well, though they did not go on the record for this story.
Young shared some of his written correspondence to the District and province with The Squamish Chief. This correspondence included listing numerous grievances and
recommendations of “next steps” for the District and for various individuals.
In an email dated April 11, which he gave The Squamish Chief permission to publish from, Young described the encampment as having grown “from a single tent to a rapidly expanding tent town,” with the situation being “increasingly alarming and unmanageable having profound negative impacts on neighbouring properties and the broader community.”
Despite receiving numerous replies from both the District and province this year, Young says, as of July 29, there is a “continued lack of provincial support for [the] encampment crisis in Squamish.”
“We are not asking for day-to-day political interference; we are asking for your direct and visible advocacy in line with your formal role and commitments,” Young wrote, regarding his expectation of the province’s adherence to government initiatives.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE— AND WHAT ISN’T?
Support services for some encampments across B.C. are provided by the Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART) and the Homeless Encampment Action Response Temporary Housing (HEARTH) program, which, as Young notes in his correspondence to the province dated July 29, is not applicable to Squamish
According to Young’s email correspondence with the province, the latter cites HEART and HEARTH as “non-partisan,” and not something that can be leveraged “on a day-to-day basis,” since the program is an “annually-negotiated agreement.”
“We feel strongly that the explanation provided does not adequately address the severity, duration, and urgency of the crisis on the ground in Squamish,” Young wrote.
According to the BC Housing website, priority community selection is based on factors such as gap analysis of a community’s existing services, their coordination with other services, and
trend data on homelessness and encampments. The Ministry of Housing has to date signed HEART and HEARTH memorandum of understandings with Prince George, Kelowna, Abbotsford, Nanaimo, and Victoria
A PROVINCIAL ISSUE: IF THE DISTRICT HAS DEPLETED ITS RESOURCES, CAN THE PROVINCE DO MORE?
In an email dated July 25, Young queried Jeremy Valeriote, MLA for West Vancouver-Seato-Sky, why the province is not fully utilizing his role “to secure HEART or HEARTH designation for Squamish.”
Valeriote is also the BC Green Party’s interim leader and a signatory of the Cooperation and Responsible Government Accord (CARGA)—a 2025 agreement with the New Democratic Party (NDP)—which works to prioritize deliverables such as the removal of barriers in establishing community health centres, and in creating tens of thousands of units of affordable non-market housing, according to the BC Greens’ website.
The agreement reads that $30 million of the HEART and HEARTH’s funding will be dedicated to “provide solutions for those most vulnerable” as part of an initiative to tackle homelessness.
The Squamish Chief spoke directly with Valeriote for comment on July 14
“We need to remember that any one of us could be one of these people with a different set of circumstances, so we need to look at them that way, and try to figure out how to help them,” Valeriote said.
“From my perspective, the District is doing absolutely everything they can, including setting up Under One Roof with 44 supportive beds and 26 shelter beds, [now it’s] really time for the province to step in. My office is working to try and get Squamish designated as a HEART and HEARTH community. It’s definitely … deserving, it’s obviously time.”
Valeriote acknowledged Young’s concerns about the need for immediate action, rather
than only long-term solutions, such as the proposed build at Government Road and Centennial Way that would include 60 support units, in partnership with Squamish Helping Hands, and that the District has done all it can using its current resources.
“I think we need acute help The District doesn’t have any more resources that can be put into this The mayor [Armand Hurford] has written to the minister of housing to try and free up funds [for the HEART and HEARTH program] We really wanted to focus on homelessness and forge new models to try and sort this out, find the balance between supporting people and their neighbours’ safety, and other concerns.”
According to the B.C. government website, a controversial bylaw amendment introduced in late 2023 made the dismantling of encampments illegal unless the municipality had “reasonably available” alternate shelter. Any alternate shelter would need to be available overnight, be staffed, and offer bathroom facilities, as well as a meal
Young told The Squamish Chief directly that encampments became an issue in 2023 when the District bylaw department became overwhelmed.
“And now we’re in a position where nothing’s being done, [public services have] gone from doing patrols and helping clean up to “we don’t have the resources to manage the encampment,”” he said
Valeriote elaborated on the concept of the encampment’s dismantlement and the need for a proactive approach
“I don’t think the District can legally take away the encampment, so what we need to do is find a way of managing it. We need to be able to read causes before the RCMP have to respond.”
Valeriote said he was looking to the council meeting held on July 15 for clarification about what could be done.
COUNCIL DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS ONGOING CHALLENGES
At the July 15 regular council meeting, a panel
of public serviceofficersprovidedanupdateto councillors on theencampments across Squamish
Thepanel included St-Louis,community bylawservice managerHarry Gill,manager of public worksJodyBarron, Squamish Fire Rescue deputy fire chiefShaun Swerdfeger and Squamish RCMP staffSgt.GarethBradley
St-Louis said thepurpose of theupdatewas to help“providefurther contexttostrengthenany advocacyefforts to theMinistryofHousing and Municipal Affairstopetitionthatthe District of Squamish be designated as aHEART and HEARTH community.”
“That’sjustsayingthatpeopleneedtobe compassionate,” he said
St-Louis putthe complexissue into perspective at thecouncil discussion
“There arecomplex issues at play here,thatof homelessness, substanceuse andmentalhealth, andI want us to be mindfulthatthisisoften a matterofsurvivalratherthanchoice, forpeople wholiveinencampments,” shesaid.
“There arenoeasysolutions here,and individualized solutionsare generallythe only meaningful wayout.”
“Atpresent,the province provideslimited insightintothe HEARTand HEARTH designation process, as thereisnoformalintakeorany predeterminedcriteriathatissharedtolocal governments,” shesaid.
“Todate, provincial ministry supporthas been limitedtoproviding advisory supportat some of ourmulti-stakeholder meetings,they have come on site to supportsomeoutreach, andtheyhaveprovidedsomeone-timefunding
to alocal operator here in the communityto provide that encampment outreach worker
“Unfortunately,until Squamish is designated as aHEART andHEARTHcommunity, provincialsupportswillremainlimited,aswe have been told thattheyhavescarceresources that areprioritized fordesignatedHEART and HEARTHcommunities,and we will be limited in ourability to supportdecampmentefforts of existing entrenched encampments.”
Shesaidthatatpresent,all District activities are currentlyfocused on managing existing encampmentsand trying to minimize new occurrenceswhere possible,which includes the supportive housingsiteatGovernmentRoad andCentennialWay.
Like Valeriote, sheacknowledgedthe significanceofthisdevelopment notbeing an immediate solution.
“While this is agreat step forward, this does notprovide ashort-term solution to thosewho are currentlylivinginencampments.Webelieve that designationasaHEART andHEARTH communitywould be instrumental in providing that interimsolution, to help bridge thatgap.”
PUBLIC SERVICERESPONSE,AND THEENFORCEMENT OF BYLAWS
In conjunction with Young’sconcerns,the councilmeeting on July 15 identified riskssuch as fire hazards, andwildlifeattractants and relayedrelevantpublicservice response,in accordance with bylawenforcement
According to St-Louis,Squamish Fire Rescue hasidentifiedsignificant fire risk at all encampment locationsdue to propaneheat sourcesbeing used in encampmentstructures, significantdebrispiles anda stockpileof near-empty propanecylinders,lithium batteries andgasoline.
“In2025, Squamish Fire Rescue hasattended eight significantfires at encampments, which includetrailer andtentfires at these locations, whichnoteanescalationinencampmentfire activity since2024,”she said St-Louis said thateachencampmentsitehas unique response requirements
GOTNEWS?
Emailyournewstip or storyideato: jthuncher@squamishchief.com ilemayconway@squamishchief.com inapace@squamishchief.com
“For example, theencampmentlocated behindUnder OneRoofhas ahighrateof medicalaid responses,asover94% of those SquamishFireRescue callsat that location are supportcriticalmedical aids,whereas 84%of callsfor theencampments locatednearBailey Street areoften fire-related due to burning complaints,” shesaid.
“Overall,Squamish Fire Rescue responses to these encampments have alreadyhit 90%oflast year’s call volume in the firstsix months,which highlights aconcerningtrend forlifesafety concerns at encampments. Also,RCMP responsesvarytoeachsite, butoverall,the call volume forthe RCMP to theseencampments is already67% of last year’s call volume in thefirst sixmonthsofthisyear.”
Swerdfeger said that thetotal call volume for Squamish Fire Rescue as of July 14 was813 calls forservice forthe entirety of thedistrict.
“Calls forservice to thethree encampments (behindUnder OneRoof, VancouverStreetand Bailey Street)were131 callsfor service. That makesupfor 16%oftotal call volume forSFR,” Swerdfeger said He also putthisintoperspective forhow it compares to othercalls that SFRgets.
“Our largestcalltypeisalarms. So we have many multi-storystructuresthathavecomplex alarmsystems.Thatmakes up fora totalof 10.7%asofyesterday,and that wasuntil ourdata collection up untilMay of this year,” he said.
“The next very busy type volume call we have, is motorvehicle incidents, that make up 5.6% of ourtotal call volume ... andthennon-encampment so smokeand burningcomplaints, which areveryprevalent this timeofyear... 50 calls throughout thedistrict, andthatmakingup about6%approximately of ourtotal call volume forthe year
“SoI wanted to highlightthe 16%because it’s astrongnumber. We arespendingalot of time with resourcing andproviding servicetothe
encampmentswithinour community.”
St-Louis said that District staffwho visit encampmentsare required to attend with a minimumoftwo people,and will oftenrequest RCMP attendance if deemed warranted.
St-Louis also said that bylawenforcement at the encampmentsoften includes finesfor violations butis“generallylimited in theireffectiveness to obtain voluntarycompliancefor encampments.”
On thesubject of theenforcement of bylaws, Youngtold TheSquamishChief that “it’s completely feasibletoenforce bylaws as they existagainst theseencampments.”
Astatement wasissuedonbehalfofthe District by mediarelations andcontent specialist LillyMarie Peterson
“Weunderstandthatnavigatingthe impacts of encampmentswithout seeing aclear path towardsasolutionisa frustratingexperiencefor allthose involved,including forthose living in encampments,”the statementreads.
“The District continuestoleverage allthe toolsavailable to amunicipalitytoaddress public safety andcommunity concerns in a thoughtful,compassionate, andresponsible manner,[whichinclude]Squamish Fire Rescue, Squamish RCMP andCommunity Bylaw Services [conducting] twice-weekly walkthroughs of allencampments
TheDistrictsaidits bylaws areusedto
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YOUNG HIKER REMEMBERED AS KIND AND CURIOUS SOUL
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the family of Ben Touesnard-Deschênes, a 21-year-old from New Brunswick who died while exploring Crooked Falls
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Ben Touesnard-Deschênes was unique in the best possible ways, says close family friend Annie Cormier.
Touesnard-Deschênes, 21, died hiking Crooked Falls in the Squamish Valley on July 31 Cormier knew Touesnard-Deschênes through her little brothers, whom he grew up with in New Brunswick.
As a little kid, he was “super happy” and creative, “super comfortable in his skin, and got along with everyone,” Cormier said.
“He loved people. Loved socializing. I just remember my little brothers and Ben running around our family cottage in the summer, and they were filming a movie together, dressed up, and they were just so innocent and pure and [he was] such a kind, kind soul.”
Cormier also shared a description of him that his mother has posted “Hispassionfornaturewasequalledonlybyhis drivetoexploreit Hewasalwaysathishappiest whenhewaschallenginghimself Aboveall,Ben waskind,caringandcompassionate.Hismind wasbeautiful.Hewasalwayslearning Always reading.Alwaysdiggingforanswers ToBen,the word‘why’onlyopenedthedoorforhimtolook
deeper Wewillallmissthat.”
Touesnard-DeschênescametoB.C.totreeplant.
“He came out a little while ago just to try something new, see different parts of Canada, and meet new people. And he loved it. He absolutely loved it. Loved the people that he met there,” Cormier said, adding that he became more outdoorsy here, hiking and canoeing.
She said that his mom, Krista Lea Touesnard, is a musician and music teacher who is greatly involved with her community of Fredericton’s arts scene, always stepping up to spearhead fundraising drives
“She’s always putting herself up first to help raise funds. So when I heard about this, I was like, well, I need to reciprocate,” Cormier said “My mother just passed away from ALS this
February, and Krista, for the last four years, has helped raise money for the ALS Society. She was always, always there. So I’m doing this.”
The funds raised will help his parents with travelling to Squamish to recover TouesnardDeschênes and bring him home, as well as other significant costs associated with the loss
“I just want them to have a little bit of a cushion afterwards,” Cormier said
There is a celebration of life for Touesnard-
UNHOUSED: Continued from 3
incentivize property owners to reduce the impact of encampments on neighbouring community members.
The Squamish Chief also reached out to the provincial government, which issued a response from the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General.
“Funding programs are available to support police to enhance their operations focused on street disorder such as vandalism and theft, and to help them address issues with repeat violent offending,” the Ministry’s response reads.
Both programs, which are administered by the RCMP on behalf of the Province, will work closely with the latter to explore funding opportunities for Squamish.
The Squamish Chief also asked BC Housing for comment; how they may assure their residents who are or will be in supportive housing, as well as neighbouring communities, that they may be kept safe
BC Housing issued a statement clarifying that the proposed supportive housing site at Government Road and Centennial Way would have at least two staff onsite 24/7 to support residents (adults who are aged 19+ of all genders, including seniors, people with disabilities or any others who need support), and provide a point of contact for neighbours, and that a direct phone number for the housing would be shared with neighbours when it is available.
Furthermore, BC Housing will apply crime prevention practices to all supportive housing building projects, which may include fenced grounds, a single point of entry, and security cameras and lighting.
“We all want a safe community. BC Housing is committed to working with partners who are best positioned to address safety issues beyond our housing projects, such as the RCMP or bylaw officers who support neighbourhood and street
Deschênes this upcoming Saturday
Reflecting on his too-short but full life, Cormier said she doesn’t think he would change any of the decisions he had made along the way.
“Obviously, he was a free spirit, and he was such a great kid, and I don’t think that he would want to change anything, because he got to live that little part of his freedom out in B.C. He would just want us to continue celebrating life and all the beauty that it has.”
The Squamish Chief reached out to Under One Roof for comment and was directed to BC Housing.
COMPASSION, BUT INACTION? HOW CAN THE COMMUNITY REALLY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
Before councillors voted unanimously to receive the report at the council meeting on July 15, Hurford said that he would like to “empower the community broadly” to be a part of the path forward through the encampment issue.
“So find those volunteer opportunities, find those ways to advance this work inside of the sphere of control that we have and the funding that is available while we continue to advocate to other orders of government to take action in a meaningful way for our community,” he said.
He said that he wrote a letter to Ravi Kahlon, then-minister for housing and municipal affairs to advocate for inclusion in the HEART and HEARTH program.
“However, absent of that, and I would argue, even if we get that, there’s still work to do coming together as a community to figure out ways to address these concerns and minimize the impact to the community and to the folks finding themselves in needing to make a choice to live in an encampment as well,” he said
“As we heard earlier, that choice is often based on what it takes to survive, not something that is really a choice, as we would generally understand it, to be in this [place] in our lives,” he said
In speaking with The Squamish Chief, Young also emphasized the need for community efforts, but primarily the need for empathy and sympathy for individuals in the encampment, rather than a focus solely on public safety
“This isn’t a punitive measure by any means ... We need to balance rights over public safety. They’re human beings [and] it’s not safe for them [either],” he said.
Reflecting on his correspondence as a whole with the District and province, and the discussion put forward in the council meeting on July 15, Young continued to comment on municipal inaction.
“Themainthingrightnowisthateverybody’s
UNHOUSED: Continued from 4 justaskingforcompassionanddeferring…Asking thepeoplethatarereportingtoourmayorand counciljusttobecompassionateisnotfair.We needsomesolidanswersanddirections.
“On a municipal level, they’re deferring everything to the provincial government, which is disappointing because they have gone outside of their jurisdiction on things that are more close to home for them personally, like LNG, for example, that’s not a municipal thing.
“Everybody has compassion, and everybody cares about people, but we also have to have compassion for the people that live in the neighbourhoods.”
The Squamish Chief asked Young how he will continue his advocacy for unhoused individuals and community safety going forward.
“I think I’m going to continue to follow up with our MLA and his constituency,” he said.
“It’s a provincial issue … I’m not championing this myself, but I’m just trying to make a difference.”
To help those in need of safe and permanent housing in Squamish, you may donate or find further information on the Squamish Helping Hands website.
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter. This reporting was produced through the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) which supports original civic journalism across Canada
WOODFIBRE LNG CONSTRUCTION COSTS SURGE AMID PERMIT DELAYS, MORE FLOATELS
Enbridge, which owns 30% share of the project, has nearly doubled its share of capital costs to US$2.9 billion
DAISY XIONG dxiong@biv.com
Construction costs for the Woodfibre LNG project have increased partly due to permitting delays, stakeholder Enbridge Inc. reported on Aug. 1.
The Canadian pipeline company holds a 30% stake in the project. Enbridge updated its share of capital costs to US$2.9 billion from the previously committed US$1.5 billion during its second-quarter 2025 earnings call last week.
“We’ve had some changes in building codes and permitting delays—not a new issue for most jurisdictions,” said Matthew Akman, Enbridge’s executive vice-president of corporate strategy and president of power, during the call.
He added that the project is adding additional flotilla housing—otherwise known as floatels to accommodate about 900 more workers during construction, which has also contributed to the rising costs.
Despite the cost increase, Enbridge still expects to earn a return of more than 10% on its investment, according to Akman.
Woodfibre LNG is a 2.1 million-tonne-per-year liquefied natural gas export facility with 250,000
cubic metres of floating storage capacity
Pacific Energy Corporation Ltd. owns the remaining 70% stake in the facility near Squamish. The two companies announced an agreement to jointly invest in the construction and operation of the Woodfibre LNG project in 2022
Theprojectisexpectedtobecompletedby2027
“Our partner, which owns 70% of the project they do take capital cost risk, but they get the benefit of selling the LNG commodity,” said Akman.
“So I think it’s a really good balance of interest there.”
PHOTO VIA WOODFIBRE LNG
The under-construction Woodfibre LNG site, about seven kilometres southwest of downtown Squamish
NEXT STEPS IN THE REPLACEMENT FOR HILLTOP HOUSE
Vancouver Coastal Health has put out a request for qualifications to ‘invite interested parties to submit responses indicating their interest’
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is one step closer to replacing Hilltop House, announcing the health authority is on the hunt for qualified personnel to help the building come to life
Squamish’s Hilltop House is a long-term care facility in a two-storey building that was built in 1984 and expanded in 2009
It is connected to Squamish General Hospital via a walkway and serves the entire Sea to Sky Corridor
VCH has launched a request for qualifications process for the project at 42000 Loggers Lane that will bring 152 beds in the new long-term care home, nearly doubling the capacity of the current Hilltop House.
The health authority bought the property from the District in 2024 for $17.49 million.
The $285-million project, which was announced in September 2024, is scheduled to begin construction in 2027, with doors expected to open by 2030.
The new facility will be on Loggers Lane, just seven minutes from the current Hilltop House.
“The new Hilltop House will be designed to
create a more home-like environment for residents, with a care model that includes small group living arrangements, private bedrooms and bathrooms, and shared spaces for dining, recreation, and outdoor access,” reads a press release from VCH.
In the initial announcement for the project last year, it was said the five-storey home would add 58 new long-term care beds and four hospice beds
“It will also replace 90 beds at Hilltop House, including 85 long-term care beds, one respite bed and four hospice beds The new home will also offer a 10-space day program for older adults and child-care space for 37 children,” the announcement read
The new site will be built, owned, and operated by VCH.
According to the BC Government website, the purpose of the request for qualifications “is to invite interested parties to submit responses indicating their interest in, and qualifications” for the project. It is not a tender, offer, or request for proposals.
“Based on these responses, Vancouver Coastal Health Authority intends to select, in accordance with the terms of this RFQ, a shortlist of up to six qualified proponents to
be invited to participate in the next stage of the competitive selection process, the request for proposals stage,” reads the website.
Construction timelines will be confirmed once procurement is complete, with the bid process expected to conclude by spring 2026
The RFQ, however, is not solely for the Squamish project, it is also for the West Vancouver Long-Term Care Facility Project at 525 Clyde Avenue
According to the VCH press release, the West Vancouver RFQ is to help explore opportunities for increased long-term care capacity at the former location of the Capilano Care Centre, which closed in 2022
“This proposed site is anticipated to have a minimum of 210 long-term care beds,” the press release said
Previously, the Capilano Care Centre was run by the private firm Revera. In 2021, the company deemed the aging 205-bed facility first built in 1973—to be too old, outdated and expensive to bring up to modern standards. Vancouver Coastal Health bought the property in 2023 for $34.5 million.
~With files from Brent Richter/North Shore News.
Construction Progress at WoodfibreLNG
TheWoodfibre LNGsiteistaking shape.Onland,crews are progressing on foundations afterplacing the pipe rack modules.Offshore, piling hasbegun forthe first permanent supports forthe floating storage tank —amajor step in marine construction.
Allmarine work is supportedbymarine mammal observers and hydroacoustic monitoring. These safeguards pausework if underwater sound nears regulatory limits or if marine mammalsenter exclusionzones
We’reproud to be building the world’sfirst net zero LNG exportfacilitysafely,responsibly,and under the oversightof the Sḵwxwú7meshÚxwumixw (Squamish Nation) —follow us to see howit’staking shape righthereinSquamish.
SEA TO SKY RECREATORS ISSUED $18,400 WORTH OF FINES FOR ILLEGAL CAMPFIRES
Squamish Valley was the place with the most illegal campfires over the B.C. Day long-weekend
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Think you can have a campfire during a fire ban in the Sea to Sky? Well, think again. Over the first long weekend since campfire bans came into effect, Conservation Officers (COs) issued $18,400 worth of fines to recreationalists in the corridor who flouted the no-fire rules.
COs handed out 16 tickets across the three days in the Sea to Sky with the Squamish Valley being the number one hotspot for illegal fires.
Conservation officer Calvin Rochon told The Squamish Chief there were a few different locations where people tried to have fires without being caught.
“I won’t go into detailed specifics, but a lot of them [were] down the Squamish Valley. We’re seeing a lot of non-compliance down there, as well as up in Pemberton, in the In-SHUCK-ch and some at up the Mamquam,” Rochon said “But the main concentration would be the Squamish Valley.”
As for the reasons why recreators thought it was okay to have illegal fires during a Category 5 (or extreme) danger rating, Rochon said it came down to ignorance.
“It’s kind of a wide range of excuses, going from ignorance to the fire ban all the way to just thinking they wouldn’t get caught, to be honest, and just using it for food and for warmth,” he said
Rochon said that Aug. 1 was the day with the most tickets handed out across the long weekend.
The BC Wildfire Service prohibition for the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes the corridor, went into effect on July 17
The campfire ban went into effect within the District of Squamish as of June 10
HOW MUCH IS A FINE FOR ILLEGAL CAMPFIRES?
According to Rochon, the baseline ticket for “light, fuel or use fire against restriction” is $1,150.
“That’s for just using a fire during a fire ban, no matter the size of it,” he said.
“If it is an egregiously large fire, officers can use discretion to stack other sections of The Wildfire Act to go a bit higher if needed.”
BE SMART
Despite the rainy weather across the Sea to Sky this week, Rochon is urging recreators not to assume it is safe to have a fire
“People tend to think, with a little bit of rain, that the forest will get nice and wet and not have any risk of fire, but it is still quite dry out there, just the immediate depth layer,” he said
“If you just go kick the ground, you can see how dry it is still underneath, and all of the fuel does not get nearly wet enough under the canopy until there’s a very large volume of rain
“That’s not for us to decide, that is for the wildfire guys to decide when it is wet enough, but we’re not even close to that yet.”
He said that the conservation office is urging people to make themselves aware of the campfire restrictions and to follow the rules that go along with them, because “it is an expensive fine” if you are caught doing the wrong thing.
“If there was a fire to go in the Sea to Sky or anywhere in the province, and there’s an investigation done on it, if the people found responsible for the fire are actually found responsible for the fire, they can be on the hook for the large penalties for the fire suppression, which can get up to hundreds of thousands of dollars,” he said.
According to the BC Wildfire Service website, “if your fire causes or contributes to a wildfire, you may be fined up to $1 million and/or sentenced to up to three years in jail, as well as be responsible for all firefighting and associated costs.”
For information on the campfire ban in the Sea to Sky, visit the BC Wildfire Service website.
PHOTO BY LUKE PORTER/UNSPLASH
Victoria Street ActiveTransportation Upgrades
TheDistrictofSquamish is constructing new protectedbike lanes along Victoria Street to expand important bike lane connections through Downtown. Roadwork on VictoriaStreet between Third Avenue and Second Avenue is underway.
Please expectthe following:
•Worktaking placebetween 7a.m. and 7p.m.,MondaytoFriday.
•Increased noise levels
•Short-term traffic disruptions due to construction.
•Localized road closures along Victoria Street.
Work is anticipatedtolast forapproximately four months.All efforts arebeing made to minimizeimpactstothe area.
NEW! Youcan now skip the clicks and head directly to registration with our new URL. It’s super easy! squamish.ca/booknow
Squamish
Stage 2Outdoor WaterUse Restrictions
begin Monday, August 18. squamish.ca/water
During Stage 2, hand wateringtrees,flowers, shrubs and vegetable gardens is allowed anyday from 6–9 am and 7–10 pm.
Recreation and Culture
We areseeking enthusiastic, energizedand fun-loving locals who love flexible work hours to join the District’srecreation team!
squamish.ca/careers
Lawn watering with asprinkler is allowed one day perweek based on neigbourhood:
•Odd numbered addresses: 6–9 am
•Evennumbered addresses: 7–10 pm
Monday Valleycliffe, Hospital Hill and SEAandSKY
TuesdayDowntown
Wednesday Dentville,Business Park and North Yards
Thursday Loggers Lane East and UniversityHeights
FridayGaribaldi Highlands
SaturdayGaribaldi Estates
SundayBrackendale
SQUAMISH ELDER RECEIVES PROVINCE’S HIGHEST HONOUR
An Elder in Squamish has revitalized the Nation’s ‘ways of knowing,’ and in doing so has received the most prestigious award from the province
INA PACE
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
The Order of British Columbia (B.C), which was established in 1989, is the highest form of recognition that the province can extend to its citizens
Elder Gwen Harry (Chésha7 / Wigistame), 94 years, is one of 15 people who will be receiving the Order of B.C. at a ceremony at Government House in Victoria, held on Tuesday, Sept 16
The 2025 recipients are being officially recognized for their “extraordinary contributions to the province and beyond,” a news release reads.
Harry will receive the award for her “lifetime of transformative leadership in education, healing and economic development, all while inspiring collaborative reconciliation in B.C,” the website continues.
Harry is a Sk_wx_wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) member and District of Squamish resident
A residential school survivor, Harry has devoted more than 70 years to education, advocacy and cultural preservation
Her achievements and work include the founding of Totem Preschool in the 1960s—one of Canada’s first Indigenous early learning centres. She also served as a Nation councillor, and has secured key agreements such as the Sea to Sky Highway and Aboriginal Enhancement Agreements
Furthermore, in aiding the founding of Quest University, Harry received its first honorary doctorate, inspiring the Gwen Harry Award for Indigenous Students.
“Gwen Harry’s work has been foundational to Squamish Nation’s cultural resurgence, and her leadership in oral storytelling, ceremonial practices, and land-based teachings has deepened ties between generations. This honour reflects her unwavering commitment to healing, education, and the revitalization of Squamish ways of knowing,” said Nation spokesperson and councillor Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams
This isn’t by far the first time Harry has been honoured for her contributions.
SHE ALSO RECEIVED:
• Queen’s Jubilee Meda—nominated by former Squamish mayor Corinne Lonsdale
• Freedom of the Municipality—awarded by former Squamish mayor Patricia Heinzmann
• Remarkable Woman Award—from the City of
Vancouver; this recognition was posted in post offices across the Lower Mainland
• Squamish Nation Leadership Award—from Squamish Nation Chief and Council
• Youth Encounter Blanket Exercise Award— from the Multicultural Society
“[I] had no degree, but I have the passion, volunteer and desire to empower our children in our community,” she said, in an email to The Squamish Chief.
“My kids have their passion, [for] example, some went into business, culture, policing, art, coach, chairman of council, art business, spiritual—all went [their] own way,” she added.
“I didn’t teach my kids, but I did in a way—but my kids chose their own desire. And now it’s nephews and nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren who are learning about our language and culture. “
Harry was clear that she also learned from those who came before her.
“[I] had mentors, and respected our elders of the day as they taught us their knowledge.”
Wendy Cocchia, Lieutenant Governor of British Columbia and Chancellor of the Order of British Columbia, called it a “profound
privilege” to recognize this year’s recipients
“Their dedication, compassion and vision have left a lasting mark on communities across our province By lifting others and leading with purpose, they are helping to shape a stronger, more inclusive British Columbia for generations to come,” she said
In addition, Premier David Eby shared his sentiments and congratulations.
“Every one of you has made life better for your fellow British Columbians Your contributions inspire all of us to do great things and give back to our communities,” he said
Find more information about the Order of B.C., and how to go about nominating someone, on the government website.
~With a file from Jennifer Thuncher/The Squamish Chief
Disclosure: While it is The Squamish Chief’s policy that sources do not see a story before it is published, we have made a rare exception in this case
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada
PHOTO COURTESY OF SQUAMISH NATION Gwen Harry.
THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERYTHURSDAY BY LODESTAR
Many of us have connectionsonthe Sunshine Coast, BowenIsland, or VancouverIsland.
Some locals work forBCFerries.
Butitisincreasinglyhardnot to be grumpy about theferry service.
In thesummeroronany long-weekend or holiday it is challengingtobookaferry forthe timeswhen youwantorneed to go over,asroutessellout fast—unless wouldyou like to go over to Nanaimoon Sundaynight on the10:40 p.m. sailingand return on the6:15a.m.sailing on Mondaymorning.(Forthat youstill need to book aweekormoreinadvance.)
According to thepress release, theHorseshoe Bay terminalhas been in continuous operationfor 65 years, serving7.1 millionpassengersand three million vehicles in 2024 alone.
Itistired.
However, allthismakes it increasingly unattractive to travel to theplacesthat, let’sfaceit, all rely on tourismto some degree.
Canyou imaginebeing an unwittingtourist family, spending theirhardearnedmoney to cometo “Beautiful B.C.,” showingupatthe terminalto go to the island only to discover,not onlywillittake abig chunkofthe holiday budget, youcan’t get on theboatwithout having previously bought aticket, whichthere arenone of unless youwanttogoand come back on a Tuesday betweennoonand 5p.m.?
Unfortunately,itwillbetemptingfor many to take their validfrustrationsout on thefrontline workers atBCFerries,whentheylikelydon’t like it anymore thanthe rest of us.
Allthistosay,BCFerries,wewanttosupport you, especiallythose of us in theSea to SkyCorridorwho areyourHorseshoe Bayneighbours, butour patience is increasingly settingsail—destination, grumpyisland.
‘UPLIFTED’:SONNIETROTTER REFLECTS ON CLIMBING,RISK,AND COMMUNITY
YOUTHCOLUMN AUNI DAYTON
World-renownedprofessional rock climber
Sonnie Trotterhas made anamefor himself on some of theworld’s most challenging rock facesand recently opened up abouthis motivationsand experiencesinhis book Uplifted:The evolutionofaclimbinglife.
“I just hopethatmystories will inspirepeopleto explorethe worldaroundthem,”Trotter said in an interviewwithThe Squamish Chief. “And maybeto have alittlemorecourage to go aftertheir dreams That wouldbenice.”
Trotter’sclimbingcareerhas spanneddecades,from earlydayswhenclimbingwas relatively unknown, to now,whenitisawell-known sportwithOlympic recognition. Despitethe changing climbing scene, he says that thespiritremains thesame.
“The climbing communityissomuchbiggerthanit was when Istarted,” he said.“Butthe overallenergyis similar—lotsofgoodtimes,laughs, jokes,and just a supportive communityingeneral.”
Trotterhas always prioritizedsafetyinhis climbs, choosing to avoidrisky situations.“I’ve always triedto pickclimbsbased on theirlow objectivehazards,” he
Lots of good times,laughs.
SONNIE TROTTER
said. “Every onceina while, there’dbesomething a little more dangerous, andI’d almost always optto rappel down,ratherthanstayand roll thedice.”
Still, he admits to mixedfeelingsabout some of the climbs he hasdone. “There were afew climbs that I didwithout aropethatleftmewithmixed feelings,” he said.“On theother hand,there were some that were amongmybestmemories. It’s always afineline, andI’vealwaystried to learnfromeachofthem.”
As afather, hisrelationshipwithriskhas changed significantly. “I trytoanalyze therisks alot deeper now. Iabsolutelydonot ever want to be injuredor worse,”hesaid. “I do my best to balanceitall.”
Hisbook, Uplifted,servesasbotha memoir andashout-out to thepeoplewho supportedhim throughout hisjourney “It’sabout this community—my wife, my climbing partners,” he said.“My entire journeyhas been aboutbeing inspired by others.I’m honouredtobepartofitall.”
Though writtenfromaclimber’s perspective, Trotterhopes thebook resonatesbeyondthatniche.“It’s a climbing book, firstand foremost,but I’d be honoured if abroader audience picked it up andtookawaysomething positive.”
Looking back,hecredits hisparents, wife,and nowhis children as hisgreatest role models in life andclimbing. “Everyonehas theirown story, andthat’s thebestthing,wecan take bits andpieces
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR
WEARE HUMANBEINGS
Ihavelived in Squamish for30years. Ihavealwayshad aplace to live until two yearsago.Now Iliveina tent with my girlfriendand ourdogs. Iagreeand understand that things canget alittle. crazy behind UnderOne Roof,but if we hadhousing,thingswouldn’tbethe way they are.
Idon’t thinkpeoplereallyunderstand whatwehavetogothrough everyday. It’s noteasylivinglikethis. We never askedfor this life.Yet here we are. Notonly dowehavetostruggleevery day, butwe also have to worryabout thecommunity. What do they think, howtheytreat us.
Noteveryoneisagainst us,and we thankthose whodropoff suppliesfor us—food, clothing
People should tryand live amonth in ourshoes,evenaweek.
Having absolutely nothingbut theclothesonyourback, no money, no nothing.
Tryitinwinter, like we have hadtodo. Think aboutthatwhile people sitintheir warm houses with nice beds
Wewould alllovetolivein aperfect world, butthat’snot goingtohappen. We don’t want anyproblems. We just want to be able to live withoutbeing judged,frowned upon,talkedabout.We need more affordable housing. We need thegovernment, themayor to step up and helpus.
DonnyWeisz Squamish
LETTERSPOLICY
that we resonate with from different people’s lives, andhopefully it canhelpto make ourown life alittlebetterand alittle more fun.”
Uplifted is publishedbyPatagonia andis also availableatlocal retailers, including ClimbOn.
Auni Dayton is alocal teen and wasaninternatThe Squamish Chief thissummer.
SEATOSKY—ONTRACK
What do NewFlyer,LionElectric, National Steel, Bombardier,and Alstom have in common?Theyare Canadian companiespotentially readytoplan, buildand installthe Seato Sky Commuter Rail Line.
This greenand environmentally positive concept mighthave momentum. Canada is seeking projectstoengagenew levels of national andregional economicgrowth. TheSea to Skyneeds otherforms of transportation beyond theincreasingly busy highway. TheEarth needssmarter ideas. Howoften does serendipity happen?Itcould be happeningnow as CN Rail’s plan callsfor adecommissioningof theirraillinenorth of Squamish.MPPatrick Weiler andMLA Jeremy Valeriotehavevoicedsupport for areviewofcommuterservice
In earliertimes,passenger rail wasa splendid waytotravel. Canada didan amazingjob of building theCPR andthe CNRinthe past butthe gasengine industry prevailed. Today, thereisa stronger senseofbuildingsustainable public transportation
Thecompanies mentionedare thirsty for projects that engage thepublicand privatesectors. They areCanadianand at lastcount,Canadahas steeland aluminum,and copper andgoodnessknows what else cangointothe building of aSea to Skycommuter. TheBuddcar wasan attempttocatch thelastofthe passenger traffic. Now, thinkrailvehicleslikethe articulatedbuses that plycitystreets.
Thegovernmentcontinues to fund the highways; allthe whilebemoaning the costofrepairs,upgrades, policing, accidentresponseand thepollution they
bring. What woulditlooklikeifsomeof that fundingwenttolocal commuter rail?
Speaking of funding, theICBC budgetmight kick startthe pilot research study. BC Ferries startedasa governmententerpriseand has morphedintoasemiprivate entity.The governmentdid theearly heavylifting to getitunderway. Thegovernmentis notinthe ferrybusinesssothe private sector will need to engage in arail solution.Europeantrainsasprivate corporationscompete successfully.If youhavetravelled by rail in Europe, you must have askedthe question whycan’t Canada have such amazing trains?Wecan.Wejustneedtodoit. CentralCanadaalsoneeds fast rail. However, that is amassive undertaking. Better apilot projectheretoworkout the wrinkles before tackling that bigone Thereisnobetterplace than theSea to Skytoundertake apilot projectofthis nature.Mentioningnature, think of the plus side with electrifiedrailinstead of dieseland gasengines.MentioningNature again, thinkofthe magnificentscenic beauty of sittinginasky view coach withoutconcentrating on thehighway Howe Soundisthatidea?
Sounds easy,right?No, it is not. It is a complexundertaking that will require excellentleadership, intensivediscussions, carefulplanning, andamazing implementation This requires asharedvisionofa preferredfuturethatisinharmony with the Earth andwhatisbetterfor people Howcan this become reality? Now, Squamish planning needs to consider thelocationfor the commuter stations.
LarryMurray Squamish
TheSquamishChief welcomes letterstothe editor of up to 400words.Letters should be exclusivetothispublication andare meanttorespond to alocal story in TheSquamishChief or raiseanissue happening in town.Pleaseinclude your name,neighbourhood anddaytime phonenumber. Thedeadlineis5 p.m. Mondaytobeconsideredfor Thursday’s edition. Full namesand neighbourhoodwillbepublishedwiththe letter.The publisherreservesthe righttorefuse andeditletters forlengthand clarityortoaddress legalconcerns. Emaillettersto: editor@squamishchief.com
QUESTION OF THEWEEK
Howmuchhaveyou been personally impacted by the tradewar with theU.S.?
Have your sayatsquamishchief.com
Do youthink we canmoveon less dividedoverthe LNGplant? (Top 4answers)
MOST READ STORY
Squamish Muay Thai fighterwinsgoldinItaly
TOPTIKTOKOF THEWEEK
This week,reporterIndigo Lemay-Conwaytooka stroll around town to seesomeofthe murals downtown.See this and many othervideosonour TikTok channel, @squamishchief
MUAY THAI FIGHTER WINS GOLD IN ITALY
Ayden Collier took home the gold at the 2025 WBC World Muay Thai Festival in June
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Three fights was all it took for a local Muay Thai fighter to win gold in Italy.
In his first trip to Europe, 20-year-old Ayden Collier claimed the top spot in his division at the 2025 WBC (World Boxing Committee) World Muay Thai Festival
Held in Verona from June 25 to 29, the “amateur tournament” saw fighters from all over the world compete for the chance to win
“It was an amateur tournament, meaning [fighters wore] headgear and shin guards and it was international, so people from different countries came to Italy to compete,” Collier told The Squamish Chief.
MuayThaiisafull-contactcombatmartialart.
Surrounded by hundreds of people ready to take part in the competition, Collier said the enormity of the event helped to take a bit of the pressure off himself.
“When I got there, I was a little stressed out. It’s tough going into something so big. But, you know, once all of the fighters are there, you feel a little bit small. Everybody’s just trying to get to their fight and rushing around like chickens with their heads cut off,” he said
“There’s 900 fighters walking around so it was very busy every single day. That kind of took up some of the pressure off of the whole event for
me personally, just in comparison to competing here in Squamish, it was a lot more stress-free, and the nerves were a lot less.”
Competing in the 91+ kilogram class C division, Collier was up against adults of all ages
“I won my first two by decision One guy was
FESTIVAL: Continued on 13
But a knockout win in round three secured him the gold medal.
PHOTO BY DARYN COLLIER In his first trip to Europe, 20-year-old Ayden Collier claimed the top spot in his division at the 2025 WBC (World Boxing Committee) World Muay Thai Festival
MAN WITH OSTOMY RUNNING ULTRAMARATHON TO RAISE AWARENESS
Alex MacInnis will be attempting the Squamish 50/50 race of more than 130 kilometres to raise funds and inspire people living with ostomies
ZAIN ALRAGHEB zainalragheb@gmail.com
ANorth Vancouver man is out to prove that you can still climb mountains, literally and figuratively, while living with an ostomy
“People think that an ostomy ends your life,” said North Van resident Alex MacInnis “But I want to show that it doesn’t.”
MacInnis was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease at age 12. Much of his childhood was spent in and out of hospitals. Though he had time to recover and reclaim his health after his college years, the disease struck back forcefully in his early 30s. His health continued to deteriorate, and, once again, MacInnis was back in hospitals.
In 2018, he underwent a major health surgery, having his large intestine removed. Today, he lives with a permanent ileostomy, which is a surgically created opening in the abdomen that allows for the small intestine to be brought up to the surface of the skin This is done so that waste can be passed directly out of the body.
Despite what he has gone through, MacInnis has a strong message for everyone: his life is far from over
This month, he will take part in the Squamish 50/50, one of Canada’s most gruelling ultramarathon challenges The race spans more than 130 kilometers over two days.
MacInnis will be running it with an ostomy bag strapped to his body.
His campaign will be named Ultras for Ostomies, and he plans on raising funds for the Ostomy Canada Society, a national organization
MUAY THAI FESTIVAL: Continued from 12
from Germany. I spoke to him afterwards and he was really nice The second was a guy from the United States, and then my third opponent was also from Germany,” he said
But he didn’t realize immediately that the win by knockout was enough to claim the top spot
“I think I was just having this feeling of relief I’m a very stressed-out person when I’m in situations like that So when I won the fight, I was just like, thank God. I don’t have to do this anymore,” he said with a laugh.
“I walked back over to my corner and was talking to my dad and my coaches, and then it kind of clicked.”
Despite a love for the sport, Collier says he’s not a huge fan of confrontation.
“I had been working at it for a couple of months. So the preparation was the hardest part, in my personal opinion. I train every single day, so it’s a lot to think about, and I’m not a very confrontational person, so when I have to think about fighting people, it’s not very pleasant for
which provides support, education, and advocacy for those living with ostomies
“Ostomy Canada was a huge part of my recovery, not just physically, but emotionally,” said MacInnis. “They help people see that their life isn’t over after surgery. That they’re not alone.”
MacInnis has always loved being in the mountains. They have been a place for him to be
me,” he said.
But it was a love for combat sports and physical activity that got him into Muay Thai in his late teens.
“I’m a very hands-on person, so I like physical activity And I wanted to try it out when I was a bit younger, but I never really had the time for it,” he said
“So in my late teens, I started practising when I had moved to Mexico a little more consistently Then I decided I wanted to compete, and I got the opportunity when I moved back to Canada in 2023.”
Collier hopes to line up another fight in the coming months
“I’m looking for a fight in October, which I may or may not get. I’m looking for an opponent, and then I’m looking to fight at the Squamish Fight Night 3,” he said.
“I’m just staying ready and keeping busy. I’m still training and looking forward to competing later in the year.”
To keep up with Collier’s upcoming fights, check out his Instagram page.
himself, a site for activity, and now, a place for him to raise awareness and continue his path of healing.
This wouldn’t be his first time attempting the Squamish 50/50. Last year, he was only three kilometers short from completing Day 1 of the ultramarathon. That result meant he couldn’t tackle Day 2, but that didn’t discourage him from trying again.
“That was heartbreaking, but it fuelled me,” he said “I’ve spent the past year training hard, right here in the North Shore mountains, and I’m ready.”
This year’s race will be held Aug. 16 to 17. Those interested in supporting and donating to MacInnis’s Ultras for Ostomies campaign may do so here. All of the proceeds will go to Ostomy Canada’s programs, helping others who undergo major surgeries find the right resources and communities.
MacInnis’s journey can be found on his website, Tales From The Bag.
“I want to inspire anyone with an ostomy to believe in themselves again, to feel proud of their body and everything it’s survived,” he said “And I want people to know there’s a strong community out there, backing them.”
PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTESY ALEX MACINNIS North Vancouver’s Alex MacInnis is ready to tackle the Squamish 50/50 ultramarathon this month, all while racing with an ostomy bag strapped to his body. He’s hoping to raise funds for the Ostomy Canada Society.
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7. Lyric poem
8. Somewhat hot
9. Concertsolo
10.Dent
11. On_ (tense)
19.Patch the roof,again
20.Squid squirt
21. Departed
22.Spindle
24.Designs
25. Assistance
28. Performer
29.Glassmaker’stool
30.Delayed
31. Gazed upon
33. Lifestory,for short
36. Brewery beverage
39.Sandal
41.Colorful
42. Biting
43. Brought up
44. Telescope glass
HOROSCOPE WEEK
ARIES March 21-April 19
Thisweek, you’ll openlyexpress what othersare thinking, grabbingeveryone’s attention. You’ll alsofind effectiveways to restorebalance if you’reina tricky financial situation.
TAURUS April 20-May20
Expect an enticingjob offer from acompetitor that will be impossible to refuse. You’ll be busy goingbackand forth when arelativereaches outfor support. When it comes to your love life, someone will surpriseyou with abold confession, leavingyou feelingconfused.
GEMINI May21-June20
Anew chapterinyourlife is unfolding, bringingyourdreams closer to reality. You’ll feel excited aboutthe opportunities comingyourway.Amemorable encounterwith averyromantic person could turn your life upside down
You’ll plan an excitingnature getaway. Youdeserve avacation, and organizingeverything in advance will make this a memorable adventure for you and yourloved ones.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov.21
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21
Beforemakingadecision that affects others, it’s important to asktheir opinions.Atwork, lengthynegotiations will lead to an especiallylucrativefinancial agreement.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Prioritizeself-carethis week Adopt new, healthyhabits to boost yourenergy and restoreyourzestfor life Your doctor maysuggest making afew changesto yourlifestyle to improve yourhealth.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
You’ll be in the spotlightthis week as you lead agroup or advocatefor yourcommunity. Your charisma will shine through,and otherswill look to you for answers.This will boost yourself-esteem
3. More visionary 4. Falcon’scousin 5. Wrong 6. Containertop
46. Yesvotes
48. 100 percent
49.Gardening tool
51.Oil derrick
52. Small cask
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:
You’ll need astrongcup of coffee to startyourday and boost your energy.Ifyou’vebeenfeeling unwell, you mightdiscover treatments to improveyourwellbeing. Trytoturnyourstressinto motivation to poweryou through the day.
SUDOKU
Youmay feel abit apprehensive when tacklingmajor projects at work.However,your perseverance is yourgreatest strength.Embrace change as an opportunityfor growth.Ifyour emotions arestill heightened, takeamomenttopause and find yourinner peace.
If youhaveyoung children, you’ll spend alot of time preparingfor the new school year.Amovemay be on the horizon, or you couldbeundertakingmajor renovations at home.If you’resingle,you couldfall in love at first sight.
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
