August 6, 2026

PAGE 15 SURF’S UP?

Plans are moving forward on the Britannia Beach surf park PAGE 3 TROUBLESOME CAMPERS: WHAT THE PROVINCE SAID Provincial government weighs in on overnight campers on Crown land

THURSDAY, AUGUST 6, 2026

SQUAMISH RIVER DIKE UPGRADES COMPLETE AFTER

PROJECT

The project raised and reinforced 900 metres of dike, built to withstand 1-in-500-year flooding in Brackendale and Garibaldi Estates

LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

Upgrades to a dike on the Squamish River are officially complete.

On July 30, District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford, Coun. John French and District staff, alongside Kelly Greene, minister of emergency management and climate readiness, and Suzie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour, toured the dike at the Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough.

The $5.4-million project was funded through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, with money coming from the province, the feds and the

DIKE: Continued on 2

PHOTO BY DAVID BUZZARD PHOTOGRAPHY/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF THE INDUSTRY THAT BUILT US: Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival wrapped up on Sunday, including the parade through downtown. The festival honours the forest industry

District (DOS). The project raised about 900 metres of the Squamish River dike on private land between Wai’wakum Reserve and Aik’wuck’s Squamish Nation land.

“Completed project works to date include the raising and widening of approximately 900 metres of the Squamish River dike, a new culvert, adding stone riprap erosion protection for the raised portion of the dike, and a new vehicle turnout and upgraded access ramp,” according to a press release about the project.

“We were able to deliver under budget, and so with that external funding opportunity, we’re actually now working to see if there’s an opportunity to do additional upgrades to the north, partnering with Squamish Nation,” said Reid Plasterer, project manager and civil engineer with the District of Squamish.

While some materials could be reused from the existing dike, contractors for the DOS brought in 24,000 cubic metres of material, according to Plasterer. Some gravel was purchased from a local pit, and much of the riprap—large boulders—came from Whistler, he added.

FLOOD PREPARATION IN SQUAMISH

The upgrades were identified through the DOS’s Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan (IFHMP) in 2017 as a highest-priority project, and are now built to withstand 1-in-500-year flooding.

Initial upgrades began in 2019, when the dike was raised and widened to a 1-in-200-year level, according to Plasterer. Because of concerns raised in the IFHMP, crews returned in 2025 and enhanced the protection.

“This project is really responding to increased flood risk that we’re seeing with climate change and being prepared for that eventuality,” Plasterer said.

“These upgrades are critical to improving flood protection in Brackendale, Garibaldi Estates and on Squamish Nation land, and we are grateful to the provincial and federal governments for the grant funding,” Hurford said in a press release.

A 1-in-500-year flood does not mean the flood will only happen once in 500 years, according to the province. It is “the likelihood that a flood of a given size will occur in any year, known as flood frequency.”

Two terms are used to describe flood frequency: annual exceedance probability (AEP) and return period. The AEP is given as a percentage, and the “return period is the inverse of AEP and is expressed as a ratio,” says the provincial explainer.

For this dike, the AEP is 0.2 per cent—a 0.2 per cent chance of a flood happening in any given year.

The IFHMP identified areas for flood

These upgrades are critical to improving flood protection in Brackendale, Garibaldi Estates and on Squamish Nation land, and we are grateful to the provincial and federal governments for the grant funding.

protection improvements by: 1) addressing all known deficiencies in the existing dike network, 2) upgrading the existing sea dike to protect against current and future anticipated sea levels, and 3) adopting a higher standard of protection for the Squamish and Mamquam River south dikes in light of the significant development they protect.

The District of Squamish’s flood history infographic shows the first recorded dike proposal dates back to the 1890s, alongside Squamish Nation oral history. Floods are described as “a constant struggle to protect human settlement from the natural forces that have frequently led to flooding.” With five rivers and the town situated on an ocean fjord, floods present one of the greatest hazards to Squamish residents.

Through community consultation and risk analysis, the Squamish River dike was identified as high priority because it lies within the heart of the community, according to the report.

“Economic damages could exceed $450 million, and nearly 60% of the community’s residents could be displaced. The loss of municipal facilities like fire halls, pump stations, and the wastewater treatment plant

would create widespread hardship throughout Squamish.”

Planning for these floods is done by the DOS and the Squamish Nation on their reserve lands.

FLOOD HISTORY IN SQUAMISH

In the 1950s, there were five separate flooding events. In 2003, the Squamish and Cheakamus rivers experienced the largest flood on record, when 369 mm of rain fell in four days. Dikes were nearly topped, evacuations were ordered and the BC Rail line was damaged, according to the report.

The total economic consequences for dike breaches in the 1-in-200-year scenarios for dikes on the South Mamquam River, Lower Squamish River, Upper Squamish River and North Mamquam River total $447 million. An estimated 10,400 people would be displaced, and 37,000 tonnes of debris would be generated, according to the plan.

The Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough is named after a Squamish Nation hereditary chief (Squamish name Swahsh), according to the Museum of Vancouver Online, whereas Judd—first name Harry—was one of the first permanent colonial settlers in Squamish.

According to oral history from the Nation, a legend called The Flood tells of a time of discord between members who failed to heed elders, which led to flooding.

“The waters rose and the people had to anchor their canoes to Nch’kay’ (Mt. Garibaldi). When the waters receded, the people who survived came to their senses and listened to their elders. Then the game and the fish and the berries returned in abundance,” according to the oral history in the flood management plan.

The report also notes dike conditions in the DOS vary—while most fall under provincial regulation, others are privately owned or the responsibility of the Squamish Nation. Some may fall under federal jurisdiction or lack any regulatory body.

The report also notes dikes built in the last 30 years have reduced flood damage throughout the town.

Dike breaches may not seem catastrophic in the abstract, but history shows otherwise.

During Hurricane Katrina, almost 1,400 people died and more than $150 billion in economic damage occurred after levees were overtopped. Abbotsford’s breached dike in November 2021 destroyed homes and farms. A post-disaster analysis showed engineers had repeatedly warned the diking system was inadequate.

“Investments in disaster mitigation are essential as communities face the realities of a changing climate,” Greene said in a press release. “These upgrades protect a significant portion of Squamish and address one of the community’s most pressing needs. I’m grateful for the collaboration between the Province, the federal government and District of Squamish that made this important project possible.”

PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

From left to right: DOS Coun. John French, Kelly Greene, Minister of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, Mayor Armand Hurford, Suzie Chant, MLA for North Vancouver-Seymour, Sarah Baillie, Director of Engineering for DOS and Reid Plasterer, project manager.

DIKE: Continued from 1

MAYOR ARMAND HURFORD

GOT NEWS?

Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

PROVINCE CITES ‘LACK OF STABLE HOUSING’ FOLLOWING CONCERNS ABOUT OVERSTAYING CAMPERS ON CROWN LAND

The SLRD had requested ‘enhanced provincial oversight’ for campers exceeding their maximum allowed stay on Crown land, including the Squamish Valley

INA PACE

ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

Sea to Sky governments have long been concerned about environmental hazards from squatting campers, yet they’re aware some may have limited choice.

On March 20, the Squamish-Lilooet Regional District (SLRD) chair Jen Ford wrote to the province for help monitoring overnight campers, who were literally outstaying their welcome on Crown land. The SLRD is looking to mitigate risks of environmental and cultural damage, such as that from wildfires caused by campers, in areas of “intensified impact.”

These areas, which are technically outside the SLRD’s control, are Anderson Lake, the Squamish Valley, WedgeWoods and Wedge Forest Service Road, and Cheakamus Lake Forest Service Road.

On July 10, B.C. Minister of Forests Ravi Parmar responded to Ford’s concerns, with assurance about the province’s ongoing collaboration with relevant local agencies. Ford had requested “enhanced provincial oversight and enforcement of the maximum 14 consecutive-day overnight camping provision on Crown land within the SLRD.”

According to Ford’s letter, this encampment activity presents significant risks; including wildfire hazards, environmental degradation, and unmanaged waste. Such hazards and concerns are a result of campfires during bans, unsafe storage of flammable materials, target shooting, and abandoned vehicles, all of which

have been reported and “threaten” ecological and cultural values, including those of the First Nations.

“As a regional government, the SLRD does not have authority to regulate or enforce activities on Crown land … current provincial capacity (through the Natural Resource Officer Service and the Conservation Officer Service, as well as the Report All Poachers and Polluters program) is insufficient to ensure

compliance,” Ford’s letter reads.

In his response to Ford’s concerns, Parmar notes that issues related to the work of Natural Resource Officer Service (NROS) has now been transferred to the Ministry of Environment, but he addresses Ford’s concerns nonetheless given the letter was from before the handover, which occurred on July 1.

Parmar relayed the plans and action enforced by the Natural Resource Officer

Service (NROS) over the last year, which “remains committed to ongoing, collaborative efforts with partner agencies.”

According to Parmar, the NROS has been monitoring encampment activity within the Squamish Valley and along the Wedge and Cheakamus Forest Service Roads, identifying, for example, wildfire risks, unauthorized tree cutting, and waste management.

As a result, there’s now enhanced signage, and more “risk-based enforcement” in these areas.

Site inspections, Parmar explained, were coordinated in April by a Natural Resource Officer, who initiated a coordination meeting planned for May, including several agencies such as BC Parks, municipal bylaw representatives, the SLRD, Recreation Sites and Trails BC, the RCMP, BC Wildfire Service, and Indigenous Guardians.

NROS also met with BC Hydro on April 15 to discuss site access and management support. What was determined from these meetings, Parmar explained, was that the campers who are exceeding the maximum consecutive overnight allowance in the valley and on the service roads, are a combination of transient workers and those without stable housing. “Limited availability of suitable (housing) options within the Squamish and Whistler areas continue to influence these situations,” Parmar’s response reads.

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 BY T SCHOFIELD/ ISTOCK/ GETTY IMAGES PLUS, The SLRD turned to the province for help to monitor squatting campers in March.

LEGACY OF SERVICE REMEMBERED FOLLOWING THE DEATH OF MICHAEL COYLE

Tributes are flooding in from across the province for Michael Coyle, a Sovereign’s Medal recipient and co-founder of the BC Silver Alert system, who died on July 25

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

The overwhelming respect and admiration for Squamish’s Michael Coyle is evident by the outpouring of grief at his passing. Coyle died July 25 on a local trail where he had been mountain biking, his partner, Sylvia Fuller, announced on his Bluesky social media account the next day.

He was found unresponsive on the trail and died “despite the best efforts” of other riders and Squamish emergency health services, Fuller wrote.

A Squamish local, Coyle was a Coquitlam Search and Rescue volunteer for decades.

“We are heartbroken by the sudden loss of Mike Coyle yesterday while mountain biking,” wrote Coquitlam Search and Rescue on social media. “Having started with us almost 27 years ago, he leaves a lasting mark on our team. He will be dearly missed. Our deepest sympathies are with Sylvia, Eamon, and all his family and friends.”

The late Michael Coyle, of Squamish, was a dedicated search and rescue advocate and volunteer.

For his extensive donation of time and effort to search and rescue, Coyle received the Sovereign’s Medal for Volunteers, the highest honour for volunteer service that an individual can receive within the Canadian Honours System, in 2018.

Search and rescue groups across B.C. were quick to mark Coyle’s passing and honour the man.

SQUAMISH BAHÁ’Í COMMUNIT Y

“Mike worked closely with Kamloops Search and Rescue in the development and advancement of SAR drone operations, helping shape a capability that has become an invaluable tool in search and rescue across the province,” wrote the Kamloops rescue team on its social media. “His passion for innovation, his generosity in sharing knowledge, and his collaborative spirit helped many teams, including ours, grow and better serve those in need.”

Many B.C. search and rescue organizations have expressed shock and sadness, but also appreciation of Coyle for all he accomplished.

“Every SAR flag flies at half-mast for Mike Coyle,” wrote the Lions Bay Search and Rescue.

BC SILVER ALERT

A software engineer by trade, Coyle’s skills and devotion to others reached far and wide.

As North Shore Rescue noted in its memorial post, Coyle created a program that many rescue teams use to get GPS coordinates off people’s cellphones and mapping software.

Coyle was also a co-founder behind BC Silver Alert, which advocates for community alerting systems to notify the public when folks with dementia, autism or other cognitive issues go missing.

“Following the disappearance of my father, Shin Noh, in 2013, Michael helped bring the BC Silver Alert to life in 2014 with a vision of improving the response for vulnerable missing adults across British Columbia,” wrote Sam Noh, BC Silver Alert co-founder.

and rescue community. He was deeply respected by those who had the privilege of knowing him and serving alongside him,” wrote Squamish SAR on social media on Monday.

“Many in the Squamish outdoor community also knew Mike, and his loss will be felt by all who crossed paths with him on the trails and in the mountains,” the post continued.

“Thank you, Mike, for your decades of selfless service and for the legacy you leave behind. You will not be forgotten.”

In addition to being an avid and thoughtful commenter on local social media forums, one of the things Coyle did was share his learnings and insights on his blog, Oplopanax Horridus. A few of the things he shared there—and with The Squamish Chief staff over the years—was his desire to change tropes in the media.

He didn’t like the “risking their lives” narrative about search and rescue volunteers.

“If we are doing our jobs right, and following all of the safety guidelines, we are not risking our lives,” he wrote.

That feeds into another thing he wanted to change, the perception that rescue members are paid, or should be, something that pops up in stories from time to time, particularly after high-profile rescues.

Baha’i Faith

Baha’i Faith

Reconciliation is Justice

Striving for a balance between the physical and spiritual.

In this day and age humanity is accosted with the competing forces of living with each other and living for oneself, using all the advancements and ‘stuff’ now in the world. The ‘stuff’ is not inherently bad nor is it good. It is all in how it is used depending on the priorities humanity attaches to it.

The Universal House of Justice explains: “ it is important to reflect on the very complex arena in which man plays out the drama of his existence. There are a number of elements involved. For example, man is a spiritual being located within the material creation; hence he is subjected to opposing forces, and has to live in accordance with values which refer to two worlds, the material world with all its imperfections and the spiritual world with its perfections. Tension derives from the fact that “In man there are two natures; his spiritual or higher nature and his material or lower nature. In one he approaches God, in the other he lives for the world alone.”

Finding the balance requires attention to both material and spiritual education. The education people usually experience is lear ning the skills and knowledge of the physical world-the arts, the sciences, history, etc. Spiritual education is the lear ning of principles and virtues such as truthfulness, kindness, honesty, forgiveness, justice, courage, love, humility, patience, understanding, open-mindedness, and so forth that can be viewed as the building blocks of the tree of character within a person Life’s jour ney is the purposeful, continual, lear ning of both modes of education, in order to base one’s thoughts and actions on spiritual principle in service to the betterment of the life of humanity

• Abdu’l-Bahá states: “As for the spiritual perfections, they are man’s birthright and belong to him alone of all creation. Man is, in reality, a spiritual being, and only when he lives in the spirit is he truly happy.”

www.squamishbahais.com

“From the very beginning, he poured his heart into the BC Silver Alert. He gave countless hours to supporting families, raising awareness, advocating for change, and improving the response for vulnerable missing adults. His dedication and determination were instrumental in bringing the BC Silver Alert to life and advocating for vulnerable missing adults and their families.”

EDUCATING ON KIDNEY DISEASE

Search and rescue has been at the core of his life in more ways than one. Since 2017, Coyle had been very public about experiencing kidney failure due to polycystic kidney disease (PKD).

In June 2019, he made a public appeal for a donor, something he said was “one of the hardest things I’ve ever done.”

He said in a PKD Foundation of Canada feature that a friend’s partner, from the search and rescue community, was tested and was a match. He got a new kidney in 2020.

Coyle continued to give back as he regained his health.

LASTING LEGACY

“Although Michael served with Coquitlam Search and Rescue for more than 25 years, his kindness, leadership, and dedication to helping others left a lasting impact on the entire search

“Charging for search and rescue (SAR) makes my job harder, endangers my SAR colleagues, and makes SAR outcomes more perilous for the subjects as well. Any media reporting on a story about SAR should avoid any hint that this is an option—allegations of charging for rescue should immediately be met with a phrase such as ‘of course it’s well known that search and rescue is free in Canada and SAR organizations are universally against any charge for their services’,” he wrote.

He also didn’t like the “foolish hiker,” narrative about rescues.

“Everyone we rescue to some extent got into a situation that overwhelmed either their capabilities, skills, or equipment in some way that made them require external assistance. There is a broad spectrum of what is considered ‘prepared’ and it depends on season, location, and conditions. Most of the people we rescue are only guilty of being badly informed,” he wrote.

“To serve the cause of backcountry safety I encourage reporters to get to the heart of what the root cause of an incident is without treating the subjects, or their imagined bad behaviour as part of the story. This puts the focus on the events and how to avoid them.”

His ability to communicate clearly helped reporters, and the general public understand rescues and the risks of the backcountry better.

Coyle leaves behind his partner and son, and a provincial and local community grateful for his efforts to help and educate.

According to Fuller, a celebration of life is planned for Aug. 9 at Dogwood Pavilion in Coquitlam, from 4-5:30 p.m.

EX-BANKER BANNED AND FINED $50K AFTER FORGERY, TAKING MONEY FROM DEAD CLIENTS

Christina (Lorna) Cole expressed regret at a Vancouver regulatory hearing but was fined for taking money from client accounts, including those of deceased clients

GRAEME WOOD

BIV

The Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization has fined a former mutual fund dealer at the Bank of Montreal in Squamish $50,000 and permanently barred her from registered securities work after she misappropriated more than $118,000 from client accounts, some of whom were deceased.

The industry-led regulator for registered investment representatives reached a settlement agreement with Christina (Lorna) Cole following a June 24 hearing in Vancouver after alleging what it describes as “misappropriation” on Cole’s part.

At the hearing Cole admitted to the misconduct—that CIRO enforcement counsel described as intentional and egregious—and said she was now on the verge of homelessness.

Cole was a registered dealing representative with BMO Investments Inc. between Nov. 19, 2020 and Jan. 9, 2024.

Her troubles began on Oct. 19, 2023 when she was asked by bank staff to close bank accounts belonging to client “AS.”

Cole did so, apart from one account that was left open.

Oct. 23, 2023, in a matter initially unrelated to AS, Cole was notified by bank staff her investment client “WA” had died.

Cole booked an appointment with WA’s daughter and estate executor “DM,” who wished to commence the estate process.

The next day Cole processed a $24,258 redemption of a guaranteed investment certificate (GIC) investment for WA’s estate but directed it to an internal suspense account used by the branch.

Thereafter Cole issued herself a replacement debit card that was associated with the AS account by forging AS’s signature on the application form.

Three days later Cole directed $23,801 from the suspense account to a ledger account, and then to AS’s open account before withdrawing the money.

Cole deposited a bank draft into her personal credit union account, and spent approximately $3,000 on personal expenses and debts.

Cole then used the AS account to handle money from another deceased client “LB,” who had died on July 1, 2023. Cole was instructed on Nov. 27 by LB’s spouse “RB” to redeem $94,471 from a TFSA account.

Cole did so but not before routing the money through the suspense account, then allegedly siphoning $1,000 to the AS account and then using the replacement debit card to withdraw the money.

Concurrently, the bank discovered Cole’s activities and suspended her before she could withdraw additional funds.

The bank recovered $23,000 from Cole’s personal credit union account on Oct. 8, 2024 and also compensated RB and WA for their losses, including interest.

At a June 24 disciplinary hearing Cole expressed regret, claiming she struggles with extreme depression and is on the verge of homelessness in supporting an unemployed husband on a nearly minimum wage job while living in her father’s condo in Red Deer, Alta.

Cole argued she has little ability to pay any fines. She added she has no assets and is in the process of a consumer proposal.

However, the CIRO hearing panel noted Cole only provided a limited picture of her finances.

“It was apparent from her testimony that [Cole] had other bank accounts at other institutions, but no documents were provided for those accounts. [Cole] provided no specific details

regarding her debts or her consumer proposal,” the panel stated.

The panel also noted that Cole never voluntarily paid back the money.

“Rather she acquiesced to transfer the funds to the [bank] from her Vancity account after being advised of the request by Vancity, and upon the recommendation of her lawyer,” the panel said.

The panel then weighed Cole’s testimony against CIRO enforcement counsel’s position.

“The misconduct involved a pattern of intentional and egregious misconduct involving three clients, including accounts of deceased clients,” counsel stated.

Cole’s “misconduct was so serious that it is necessary to remove her permanently from the securities markets to protect the markets in the future. A significant fine is also required to reflect the seriousness of her misconduct,” added counsel.

In coming to the $50,000 fine and order to disgorge $1,801 the panel noted that “effective general deterrence outweighs the respondent’s inability to pay.”

CIRO does not disclose whether it forwards specific investigations to RCMP and did not do so in this case as well. Cole has no criminal record or pending charges.

COUNCIL BACKS PLAN FOR NON-PROFIT TO OWN EIGHT UNITS IN NEW DEVELOPMENT

District council voted unanimously to support $660,000 going to Squamish Housing to purchase eight townhouses in the Garibaldi Springs development

‘A REALLY GREAT OPPORTUNITY’

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

More Squamish rental homes will likely soon be in the hands of the local housing authority, Housing Squamish, after a decision at council on July 21.

Council voted unanimously to make amendments to the Garibaldi Springs Land Development Agreement, between the District and developer Polygon. They also directed staff to pursue a 2026 budget amendment to meet Housing Squamish’s funding request of $415,000, from the District’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund.

Finally, council directed a further Housing Squamish funding request of $245,000 from the Affordable Housing Reserve Fund to be added to the 2027-2036 financial planning process.

This all came about because Housing Squamish—which has an operating agreement with the District to 2029—asked council to allow Polygon to reduce the number of affordable homes it was set to have available in this phase of its Garibaldi Springs neighbourhood, in exchange for the local housing authority being able to buy eight of the homes at a much reduced price.

Polygon was a partner with Housing Squamish on the request.

They also asked council for the $660,000 toward down payments for the homes.

Ultimately, the council agreed.

BACKGROUND

The District’s Jessie Fletcher, acting director of community development, noted that the Garibaldi Springs Land Development Agreement was first adopted in 2018 with the adoption of the Garibaldi Springs rezoning, which rezoned the former golf course of the same name to a three-phase housing development made up of mostly townhouses and duplexes.

As part of this land development agreement, 18 units of below-market housing were required.

Of the 18 units Polygon was to have as affordable rentals, eight were completed in 2024 as part of the Highline project. Those were purchased by BC Housing, and operated by Housing Squamish.

Five more of the 18 were completed this year, and are ready to go.

Those are the ones that Housing Squamish wants to be purchasing right away.

Then the next five, to round up the 18, would be completed in 2028.

Of those five, under this agreement with the District, Housing Squamish would be buying three, and then Polygon would be selling two on the market.

“We could never build these units for what we’re offering to buy them for,” Sarah Ellis, executive director of Housing Squamish told The Squamish Chief, prior to the council meeting.

Housing Squamish is able to buy the homes from Polygon for $330,000 each.

The units are two and three-bedroom townhouses with a one-car garage.

“It would cost probably double for us to build (these) units,” Ellis said. “So that’s really our motivation for going for this. We see this as a really great opportunity at a time where there’s really not a lot of opportunities for us.”

Beyond the $660,000, the rest—75 per cent of the purchase price—will be paid for by a Vancity loan.

According to Fletcher’s presentation to council, $415,000 was requested this year for the down payment of the first five units, and $245,000 was requested for 2027 for the purchase of the remaining three units.

The money from the District’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund grew from contributions from development and taxation.

Ellis noted that funding from other levels of government to build affordable housing has dried up.

“We wouldn’t be making this ask of the District if we had other options at the table, but we’ve seen this great opportunity come to us, and we’re really excited to make it happen,” Ellis told The Squamish Chief.

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT TO THE COMMUNITY?

Fletcher noted that the District’s own analysis showed the largest need in town is deeply affordable or subsidized units.

“These are not,” Fletcher said, “These units are below market as defined by the perpetual affordable housing policy.”

So, if they aren’t our greatest need and low and middle-income families were going to get more housing without this deal, why do it?

Ellis stressed that this move ensures the housing is in a non-profit’s hands, that has local needs in mind.

“Why Housing Squamish exists is because we believe that there is value to the community in having housing like this in community hands in the long-term,” she said.

“So, yes, those other two units would be secured at the low-market rates, but we don’t know who the operator would be long-term. …

We think we bring something to the operation of these units that’s just above and beyond what’s in a legal covenant on title.” Ellis pointed to the units that Housing Squamish has been involved with so far, which she says have a very transparent community-wide lease-up process

“We have a clear application process. Anyone

can apply. And then we are really motivated to minimize rent increases as much as we can over time,” she said.

“We want to make sure that, where possible, we’re prioritizing folks who are at especially high risk of housing insecurity—so lone-parent families, for example. We really want to go above and beyond, and we think that’s really the benefit of having these homes in the hands of the community and a community-based non-profit provider.”

Ellis added that the below-market units would prioritize one-parent families fleeing intimate partner violence.

Fletcher also told council some of the same things, noting public ownership of affordable housing “provides a path to improved affordability of these units over time.”

There will be a clause within the agreement that on the off chance Housing Squamish doesn’t survive as an organization, the District will get first right of refusal for the units, Fletcher said.

SAMPLE COUNCIL COMMENTS

Staff had originally recommended that the $660,000 from the District’s Affordable Housing Reserve Fund be moved to the 2027-2036 financial planning process, rather than making a budget amendment this year.

This recommendation was because of the District’s lack of staff capacity to pull it all together.

“If council directs staff to bring forward a 2026 financial plan amendment, staff will work to bring forward the amendment in September of 2026. A financial plan amendment outside of the financial planning process is a substantial undertaking. It will require a minimum of three to four full days of staff resources, which coincide with the weeks leading up to the 2027 financial planning workshop delivery, and will have implications on that preparation,” Fletcher told council. “A financial plan bylaw amendment requires public engagement, bylaw creation, readings and adoption, resubmission of the financial plan and bylaw to the province, several reports to council and updates to financial systems. Reallocating staff resources during the peak of the budget planning period will be impactful to what can be achieved and completed on the 2027 financial work plan.”

However, Ellis confirmed to council that the lion’s share of the funds was needed now to move forward with the purchase.

Without moving the funds to 2026, the deal will fall through, in other words.

Thus, Coun. Jenna Stoner then put forward a motion, supported by her colleagues, to move the funding to 2026.

Stoner, and others on council, acknowledged the trade-off of taking District staff time by moving the funding forward, but she expressed several benefits to the deal.

“I think what we gain for our community in terms of community housing, a community asset of affordable housing is worth that price. … We do know, and I truly do value, that there’s a difference in the ownership structure of affordable housing that if they’re owned by for-profit entities that there is lesser control,” she said.

Coun. John French voted in support, but said it would likely be his last time supporting more funding for Housing Squamish.

“Squamish taxpayers have invested a massive amount of money into the organization and there has to be an end point. With double digit property tax increases planned for 2027 and 2028 we can’t keep coming back to the landowners of Squamish and demanding more,” French said, adding that he sees the deal before them as a way for Housing Squamish to become more self-sustaining.

“I see this as a solid investment in future below-market housing in our community—the best way to create the leverage that the housing society needs to be successful.”

Stoner later noted that since launching in 2023, Housing Squamish used just under $1.5 million of district contributions to attract nearly $11 million in partnership funding.

Mayor Armand Hurford argued that this type of purchase deal is what the affordable housing reserve is for.

“Now, the matter of ongoing funding for the housing society, I think that as we look at our new community partnership agreements … there’s a lot of upsides to continuing to fund housing work and having an outside entity do that. This is work that needs doing on behalf of our community and the District may not be best positioned to do that. That’s essentially what has led to the creation of the housing society. So, I would argue strongly that ongoing support for the housing society is warranted. And, further to that, every effort should be made so that ongoing funding isn’t key to its operations. I think that this is also a step in that direction by securing assets for the entity. So, happy to see this move forward.”

Next, as Fletcher noted, District staff will bring a 2026 – 2035 financial plan amendment before council in September.

NEED HOUSING?

Anyone interested in the homes Housing Squamish has made available can go to housingsquamish.ca.

For example, there are 22 homes Housing Squamish has secured at The Collective at MTN Village by Anthem, located at 1940 Centennial Way. Monthly rents range from $1,236 to $2,930. Applications opened July 24.

“Really anyone and everyone should sign up for the (housing) interest list because that’s where we will email the community about opportunities like Anthem,” Ellis noted.

TRAFFIC CALMING PROJECT DRAWS COMMUNITY FIRE

A controversial project is underway to discourage speeding in the Garibaldi Highlands neighbourhood

WILL JOHNSON

For The Squamish Chief

They won’t be told to stay calm.

As work commenced in the Garibaldi Highlands on a traffic-calming project north of Portree Way, some residents are taking to the symbolic streets to make their displeasure known to the District of Squamish. Their contention is that the project didn’t go through a proper consultation process with the neighbourhood, and it won’t actually accomplish the safety goals it aims to hit.

“Last month, the District (gave) notice (for) a plan for the section north of Portree: narrow the travel lanes to an unlined 6.6-metre roadway, remove the centre line entirely, and convert the bike lane to a 2.5-metre multi-use lane. None of this was among the options staff presented in 2020 or surveyed in 2021 during five years of consultation,” resident Evan Drygas told The Squamish Chief.

“I sent engineering and council a sourced submission setting out why the plan is likely to make the street less safe. The marking guidance itself calls for centrelines at curves and restricted sightlines, the multi-use lane sits below the provincial three-metre minimum and BC Transit’s own design guide puts its widest bus at 3.2-metres with mirrors inside.”

According to Drygas, the District’s manager of transportation has defended the plan, but did not provide the District’s analysis on topics such as sight distance, per-segment traffic counts, and collision history.

“I proposed the District simply trial the layout with cones for a few weeks before spending the money. No answer. Then residents learned through social media that the work is proceeding anyway.”

Drygas believes this signals a shift in how the District approaches construction projects, pivoting away from community engagement and relying instead on their own expertise.

“The District appears determined to build first and answer questions later.”

The topic has attracted rowdy conversation on Facebook, particularly in the group Garibaldi Highlands & Estates Neighbourhood Forum, where feedback on the construction announcement is overwhelmingly negative.

One 12-year resident, Meghan Gimson, wrote a letter to the District decrying the project, which she shared with The Squamish Chief.

“Narrowing the road won’t necessarily change the [number] of people that use it. If your plan is to make it so annoying that people on Jay Crescent will choose to go down Perth instead, then consider the daily nuisance it will be for those of us that mandatorily use Highlands Way North. This would be a major inconvenience and safety issue due to frustration and blind spots from congestion,” she wrote.

She believes speed bumps would be more effective.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Some residents in Squamish’s Garibaldi Highlands are voicing strong opposition to a new trafficcalming project they claim was implemented without proper consultation.

“Please address the actual problem and consider a simple speed bump. The number of vehicles using Highlands Way North is not a concern. Speed is.”

In the discussion on Facebook, Drygas took issue with a comment from a District councillor, saying they “engaged in defence of the plan and wrote that speed limit signs are ‘fully ineffective except as a legal device in court.’ That sits oddly beside council’s own decision in February to sign all of downtown and the Oceanfront to 30 km/h on ICBC collision data.”

According to the District’s media relations and content specialist Steven Hill, survey numbers support the current project, despite it attracting some strong-minded opponents.

“The District did explore a potential closure of Pitlochry Way at Pia Road as part of the 2020 Highlands Way North/Perth Drive traffic-calming project. One of the steps outlined for the project included public consultation. A public survey was opened in spring 2021 and received 541 completed responses,” he told The Squamish Chief.

“Feedback from those 541 survey responses showed a majority did not support restricting access at Pitlochry. The strongest concern raised by residents was speeding, not traffic volumes.”

Their current traffic-calming efforts are aimed squarely at discouraging speeders.

“The District proceeded with measures focused on reducing vehicle speeds, including speed tables and raised crosswalks along Highlands Way North. More recently, Highlands Way North between Pitlochry Way and Portree Way was again identified as a priority location for additional traffic calming,” he said.

“As with the earlier project, residents identified speeding as the primary issue. In response, the District recently narrowed vehicle travel lanes and widened space for people walking and cycling. These changes are intended to slow vehicles and improve safety by

giving pedestrians and cyclists more room to travel and pass each other without entering the vehicle lane.”

But Hill said there’s still room for compromise, and for altered plans.

“A closure at Pitlochry Way is still a possible future option. However, there would be impacts on emergency response access as well as road maintenance challenges, so it is not the first measure being implemented,” he said.

“Additional speed humps may also be considered, though they also come with potential impacts such as increased emergency response times, reduced comfort for transit riders, added wear on buses and other vehicles, increased noise, and making snow clearing operations more challenging.”

There’s one option that’s off the table, though.

“A full road upgrade of Highlands Way North is not being considered at this time due to the significant cost.”

No ti ce of Pu bl ic He ar in g ElectoralAreaD

Thursday, August 10, 2026 at 6pmvia Zoom

PublicNoticeishereby given in accordance with Section 466ofthe Local Government Actthat a public hearing will be held electronicallyregarding thefollowingbylaws:

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Electoral Area DZoning Bylaw No. 1350-2016,Amendment Bylaw No. 1955-2026.

PURPOSEOFBYLAW1955-2026

To permit aBed and Breakfast use within anexisting dwelling at 14988 SquamishValley Road, a propertyzonedAgriculture 1inthe SquamishValley.The proposed Bed and Breakfast would operate in accordance with the provisionsofSection4.6 of the Area DZoningBylawNo. 1350-2016, whichestablishesstandards for Bedand Breakfastoperations, includingthe maximum number of guestrooms, change of use permitrequirements, andparking requirements

The guest accommodationsare intended to support seasonal agritourismactivitieswhile providing supplementaryincome to thefarm operation.Noexpansion of theexisting buildingsorstructures is proposedaspart of the application.

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Acopy of the proposed bylawand relevantbackgrounddocuments maybeinspected at the Regional Districtoffice,1350Aster Street, Pemberton,BC, during officehours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm not including weekends and statutoryholidays,or by requesting an electroniccopyfrom planning@slrd.bc.ca. All personswho believe that their interest inthe property is affected by the proposed bylaw shallbeaffordedareasonable opportunitytopresentwritten submissions respectingmatters contained in the bylaw.

1. Submit Written Comments to theBoard:

Written submissions must be addressed to “SLRD Board of Directors,” andincludeyourname and communityofresidence. Until 4:00 pmonAugust10, 2026,writtensubmissions (mailoremail)will be received at thefollowing:

Email:

Hard Copy: planning@SLRD.bc.ca

Squamish-Lillooet RegionalDistrict Planning Department PO Box 219, Pemberton,BCV0N 2L0

2. Participate viaZoom:

The publichearingwill be conductedelectronically viaZoomonAugust10, 2026, at 6:00 PM. To attend or participate, please contact the Planning Department at planning@slrd.bc.ca to requestthe meeting link and access instructions. Aresponse with thenecessary detailswillbeprovided promptly.

Infrastructure Upgrades

•Depot Road ActiveTransportation Upgradescontinue in Brackendale. Residents should expectincreased noiselevels andsingle-lane alternating traffic during construction hours (7 a.m.to5 p.m., Monday to Friday).

•Annual Line Painting continues.

• Wastewater System Upgradescontinue in Dentville,on the Madill Forcemain. Construction work is paused.

• Annual Watermain Upgrades continue in Brackendale.

•Phased construction work on SquamishRiver DikeatHarrisand DrydenPump Stations and Central Lift Station continuesthrough November. squamish.ca/building-our-future

Development Review

• 2163 Mamquam Road Development Permit

• 37757,37765, 37773 Cleveland Avenue

Zoning Amendment squamish.ca/review

Business Opportunities Requests for Proposals

• Fleet MasterPlan

• WastewaterTreatment Plant MasterPlan

•DistrictofSquamishRiverChannel Surveys squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district

Sprinkler and Automated Irrigation

Twodaysper week based on street address.

•Odd side: Thursdays and Sundays

Sprinkler 4–10 am and7–10 pm

•Even side: Wednesdays and Saturdays Hand Watering andDrip Irrigation Trees, flowers, shrubs or gardens is allowed anytime.

Automated Irrigation 10 pm–4 am Try to limit your watering to one hour!

For moreinformation and to see the full water restrictions, head to our website: In the District of Squamish, certain types of fires arebanned year-round:

• Campfiresinpublic spaces

Strength &Balance

Alow-intensity workout,paired with strength trainingusing resistance bands, light weightsand balance exercises,then afloorworkcool down/stretching.

Men on the Move

Low-intensity trainingfor menthat includes aerobics, strength training, coordination, balance,stretching anda whole lot of laughter! It is aperfect fit for those whowould notgenerally participate in fitness classes.

Chair Fit

This low-intensity workout combines cardio, strength and flexibility, with resistancebands and light weightsto give youaworkoutwithout being on your feet.A perfectoption forthose just starting an exercise routine, those with balanceissues, or recovering froman injury or surgery

Theseprograms aredesigned for those 55y+ andcan be adaptedtoall levels of ability. Visit squamish.ca/rec for details and registration. Online: August

• Open airburning •Category2&3fires

Residential CampfireBan in effect.

ResidentialCampfires areonly allowed with apermit, and not at all during afire ban. For more information, head to: squamish.ca/fireban

SECRET SEA TO SKY SAUNAS AND ROGUE COLD PLUNGES: HOW SAFE ARE THEY?

Before taking a dip in a local ice bath or wooden sauna, public health experts explain pathogen

hazards,

heart risks, and the questions you should ask before you plunge

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

In the Sea to Sky, “secret” or do-it-yourself saunas and rogue cold plunges abound.

People around the world enjoy saunas and cold plunges, and there are health benefits related to them.

And for locals, they may seem like a fun and relaxing addition to our hardcore play, but how safe is it to put your tush on that wooden sauna seat, or dip your butt into that cold plunge?

Experts say when unmanned and unregulated, there are risks people may not think about. Ultimately, it is user beware.

WHAT ARE THE RISKS?

Tina Chen, an environmental health and knowledge translation scientist at the National Collaborating Centre on Environmental Health (NCCEH) says the primary microbial risks in recreational water such as swimming pools and cold plunge tanks “is the shedding of fecal and non-fecal organic matter from bathers through accidental release of fecal material, shedding of skin, and open cutaneous (skin) infections, among other sources.”

WHAT MAKES PLUNGES AND SAUNAS VULNERABLE TO RISK?

With cold plunges, Dale Chen, program head of the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Environmental Public Health program, notes that chemical reactions are slower when the temperatures are lower.

“So when you’ve got lower temperatures, it actually makes the sanitizers less effective,” he said.

Tina concurred what makes cold plunges vulnerable is that although cold water inhibits the growth of some pathogens, it does not kill or

inactivate them.

“Some pathogens such as E. coli and salmonella are able to survive and even grow in cold water. Survival of some pathogens such as Giardia actually increases at cooler water temperatures,” she said. “Inactivation of pathogens by disinfectants such as chlorine also occurs more slowly in cold water; residual chlorine also dissipates more slowly at lower temperatures.”

In saunas, porous wooden surfaces may harbour pathogens as they are not easily cleaned

and disinfected, she added.

Further, unless well constructed and monitored, the wood in a sauna may not have the chance to completely dry out.

“If somebody’s sitting there and they’re not clean, then you put your naked butt on there or whatever the case may be. … there’s possible transmission of those pathogens,” Dale said. Also with saunas, there’s a risk of things like mould.

Beyond pathogens, Dale notes a concern with “secret,” secluded or backyard saunas can be other physical dangers, particularly if it isn’t constructed properly.

“With a public sauna, the health inspectors are out there and they’re going out there making sure ‘OK, the doors open from the inside. It can’t be locked. There’s a clock available. People can see in from the outside’—making sure you’re OK, that kind of thing.”

Tina noted the additional risks of cold plunges.

“Compared to spa users, cold plunge bathers may be more likely to submerge their head in the water, exposing their eyes, ears, nose, and mouth to water in the cold plunge tanks. Bathers may choose to use a cold plunge tank after exercise, which introduces organic matter into the water,”

Call for Expressions of Interest

The District of Squamish is seeking expressions of interest to lease portions of the Squamish Adventure Centre

Create a standout food and beverage/retail experience in one of Squamish’s most visited destinations! This is a rare chance to secure a high-profile food and beverage/retail space right at the gateway to the Sea to Sky Corridor. Located inside the iconic Squamish Adventure Centre, this space’s unparalleled visibility ensures your business stands out to everyone driving along Highway 99.

For more information or to apply, head to squamish.ca/adventure-centre-eoi or contact Nav Triplett, Portfolio Manager at ntriplett@squamish.ca

PHOTO BY ALEKSANDARNAKIC/E+/GETTY IMAGES Experts says one preventative measure is for users to shower before saunas or cold plunges.

PHOTO BY DAVID BUZZARD PHOTOGRAPHY

THEY ‘SAW’ IT: What was your favourte part of the loggers sports festival?

SAFE: Continued on 11

Voter Information Candidate Information

Advance Registration andList of Electors

The Squamish Voters Listisbeingprepared for the generallocal election to be held on Saturday October 17, 2026.

If you wereregistered in Squamish for thelast provincial election or the 2022 Local Government Election,then you should automatically beon the Squamish Voters List.

If you wish to confirm that your name is on thelist, email election@squamish.ca

To update your name or address, visit the Elections BC websiteat elections.bc.ca/register.

Advance Registration

Advance Registration for Resident andNonResident Property Electorsis availableuntil 4:30 p.m., August 25, 2026. Advanceregistration closes August 25, 2026,and reopensMonday October 19, 2026, followingthe 2026 General Local Election.Toregister or to updateyour voter information,visit the Elections BCwebsite at elections.bc.ca/register or call 1-800-661-8683

If YouMiss Advance Registration

The provincial list of voters becomesthe District of SquamishRegister of ResidentElectors as ofAugust 26, 2026. If notonthe list,qualified RESIDENT ELECTORS can register at the time they vote after providingproof of identity(2pieces of ID, one must have asignature, and one should showresidence).

Qualified NON-RESIDENT PROPERTY ELECTORS can register at the time theyvoteby providing proof of identity,propertyownership (for example, the state of title certificate; please note that the property tax notice does notshowall owners where thereare morethan two) and consentof other registered owners of the property.Callthe ElectionOffice if youhave questions.

Who is Eligible to RegistertoVote?

Youare eligible to registerasanelector, if you:

• Areage 18 or older; and

•Are aCanadian citizen (nolanded immigrants, permanent residents, or corporations);and

• Arenot disqualified by lawfromvoting; and

•Have lived in BC for at least sixmonths immediately precedingregisteringtovote; and

• Youare aresidentofthe District of Squamishat the timeofregistration; OR

• Youhavebeen theregistered ownerofreal property (Non-Resident Property Elector) in the District of Squamish for at least 30 days immediately precedingregisteringtovote.

Voters List

StartingTuesday,September1,2026, until the closeofgeneral votingonOctober17, 2026, acopy of theVoters List will, upon signature,beavailable forpublic inspection in theSquamishElection Office, and at thevoting locationsduring Advance Voting and General Voting.

ObjectiontoRegistration of an Elector

If you areaneligible electorinSquamish you may objecttothe registration of aperson on the VotersList, by submitting awritten objectiontothe Chief Election OfficeratMunicipal Hall, during the period of 9a.m.September 1, to 4p.m. September 11, 2026.

Omitting Personal Information From the Voters List

Votersmay request that their addressand other informationbeomitted from or obscured on the VotersList to protect their privacy or security. For moreinformation, visit Squamish.caorcontact the Squamish Election Office.

Notice of Nomination forthe 2026 General Election

On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Squamishvoters will have the opportunity to votefor the next Mayor and sixCouncillors,aswellastwo School Trustees for the District of Squamish.

If you arethinking of running for one of these positions,the nomination package is available from Municipal Hall or on theDistrict of Squamishwebsite at: squamish.ca/nomination-information-and-forms The package contains all the information that you need to submityour nomination.

If you areinterested in running,but unsure about the commitment,pleaseattend one of two candidate orientation sessions at the Emergency Operations Centre at Firehall1 (37890 Clarke Drive):

•August13, 2026, at 6p.m.

•August20, 2026, at 6p.m.

Qualifications forOffice

To qualify to be nominated, elected,and to hold office as amember of local governmentyou must meet the following criteria:

•A Canadian Citizen (not alanded immigrant or permanent resident)

•18years of ageorolder on general voting day (October 17, 2026)

•A residentofBritishColumbia for at least six months immediately beforethe daynomination papers arefiled(lastday to meet six-month BC residency requirement is March 10, 2026)

•Not disqualified by law from voting in an election, being nominatedfor,elected to, or holding office in BritishColumbia.

•Are nominatedbytwo eligible Squamishelectors.

Contactinformation forthe Squamish Election Office and the Chief Election Officer Email: election@squamish.ca Phone: 604-892-5217 MunicipalHall: 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C.,V8B 0A3 |Monday–Friday,8:30 am–4:30 pm (excluding statutory holidays)

CandidateInformation

Nomination Period AndNominationSubmission

Thenominationperiodwillcommenceat9 a.m. on TuesdaySeptember 1, 2026, andwillend at 4p.m.onFridaySeptember 11, 2026.

Candidates must make asolemndeclaration,witnessedbythe ChiefElection Officer(or Deputy), alawyer, notary or Commissioner forTakingAffidavitsin BritishColumbia.

Nomination documentsmay be filed with theChief Election Officerby:

• In Person

•Email

•Mail

•Courier

Campaign Period ExpenseLimits

In accordance with theLocal ElectionsCampaignFinancing Act, forthe 2026 generallocal elections, thefollowing expense limit forcandidatesduringthe campaign period applies:

• Mayor(District of Squamish): $27,688.95

• Councillor(District of Squamish): $13,928.14

• School Trustee(SeatoSky School District): $13,845.32

Third-PartyAdvertising Limits

In accordance with theLocal ElectionsCampaignFinancing Act, forthe 2026 generallocal elections, thefollowing third-partyadvertising limitsapply:

• Squamish ElectoralArea: $1,384.45

• SeatoSky School District ElectoralArea4:$924.28

Forfurther informationoncampaignperiodexpense limitsand third-party advertisinglimits, please contactElections BC: Toll Free Phone: 1-855-952-0280

Email: electionsbc@elections.bc.ca

Website: elections.bc.ca

Please contactElections BC if yourequire more informationorhavequestions relatedtofinancingyourcampaignorthe financial reportingrequirements.

Contactinformation forthe Squamish Election Office andthe ChiefElectionOfficer

Email: election@squamish.ca Phone: 604-892-5217

MunicipalHall: 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, B.C.,V8B 0A3 Monday–Friday,8:30 am–4:30 pm (excluding statutoryholidays)

she added. “Exposure to cold water is associated with gastric emptying, increasing the risk of fecal contamination relative to traditional pools. The smaller size of cold plunge tanks would increase the ratio of bathers per unit volume of water compared to a swimming pool, which means microbial contamination would not be mitigated by dilution,” she said.

Portable inflatable cold plunge tanks may have creases, which make cleaning and disinfecting more challenging, she added.

She also noted the physical risks.

“Apart from microbial risks in cold plunge tanks, sudden cold water exposure can lead to several physiological reactions, some of which can be fatal.”

She and Dale noted cold water exposure triggers the “cold shock response,” which causes an increase in breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure, and places stress on the heart, which can lead to non-fatal or fatal arrhythmias.

Saunas used with cold plunge tanks may contribute to additional health risks, Tina’s study found, particularly for people with underlying health conditions.

“Rapid cooling of the body after sauna use may cause sudden vasoconstriction of the skin, leading to an increase in systolic blood pressure and a reflex decrease in heart rate. As such, individuals with hypertension should avoid sudden cooling after sauna use,” her study reads.

DIY VS. REGULATED

Tina said that the lack of disinfection and filtration in “unmanned and unregulated” cold plunge set-ups may pose infection risks to users if the water is not changed and the tank cleaned and disinfected between users.

“Cold plunge pools that are built like conventional swimming pools and have recirculating filtration and disinfection systems and are operated according to current swimming pool regulations and guidelines do not pose additional microbial risks to users,” Tina said.

“However, small, single or double occupancy cold plunge vessels that do not come equipped with a recirculating filtration and disinfection system, or do not meet the current requirements for hot tubs, require additional scrutiny,” Tina said. “These systems are typically small-volume tubs or tanks designed for one user at a time. Many are originally manufactured for residential use. For systems without continuous recirculation, filtration, and automated chemical controllers, the most protective approach is to drain, clean, disinfect, and refill the vessel between bathers. This process should include complete draining, thorough cleaning to remove biofilm, application of an appropriate disinfectant,” she added.

Her research also advises that users should be required to shower before entering, and people with open sores or injuries should not be taking a cold plunge.

HOW PREVALENT ARE ISSUES?

Tina said her work hasn’t found outbreaks associated with cold plunge tanks in personal service establishments (spas), “but underreporting could be a factor as well as the current lack of regulation that govern these types of

facilities.”

Dale agreed.

“It’s very much buyer beware,” he said. SAFE: Continued from 9

“People aren’t necessarily reporting it or going to the doctor,” he said, noting if someone gets diarrhea after a sauna or cold plunge, they may assume it was something they ate, rather than related to the activity. Same with new sores on their body. They may assume it was from the hike to the plunge or sauna, or something else.

“If it’s a tub in the woods, maybe a dozen people use it and maybe half of them get sick. Putting two and two together, it’s really hard in terms of getting those numbers together.”

Unless somebody goes to the doctor and gets themselves tested, you usually don’t pick up on illness related to these activities.

“So it’s really more about prevention rather than anything else,” Dale said.

Tina said NCCEH did come across outbreaks associated with athletic teams, however.

“Outbreaks of Staphylococcus aureus, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), Streptococcus pyogenes, and some types of fungi have been documented in athletes, and the practice of sharing a whirlpool, clothing, or towels were identified as potential routes of transmission,” she said. “Poor hygiene practices in the shared facilities of an Australian professional football team, including a shared ice bath, were identified as potential risk factors in a methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) outbreak among the players. Another investigation by Public Health England found that several practices, including sharing towels, razors, and ice baths, may have contributed to an (methicillin sensitive staphylococcus aureus) MSSA outbreak in a rugby team.”

TIPS FOR CONSUMERS

Smaller outlets, like single-plunge businesses, are regulated by both Vancouver Coastal Health and Fraser Health, depending on the area, as personal services, similar to a nail or hair salon. The regulations aren’t super specific, but the operator has a duty to not cause a health hazard, Dale said.

If you want to go to a sauna or cold plunge, Dale notes the larger, commercial or public cold plunge facilities, like a professional sports centre, a high-end spa, then they’re being basically treated like a hot tub under the pool regulations. They often have water plumbed in.

“There’s requirements around chlorine levels and water turnover and mechanical requirements and all of those kinds of things,” he said.

Before you pay to plunge or sauna, Dale’s advice is to ask questions and for backup paperwork. Ultimately, it is user beware.

He said he would ask the owner or operator if they have logs of maintenance and sanitation, what the maintenance schedule is, and what training the person has, if any.

He also said there should be some access to medical help if need be.

“My personal feeling about it, I wouldn’t say that the risks are extreme. Most of the pathogens themselves are well known. There can be complications, so it’s not risk-free,” he said. “It just depends on each individual.

Immunocompromised people obviously need to take care of themselves a lot more than others when it comes to those types of things,” he said.

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EDITOR

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@ lodestarmedia.ca follow @thuncher

REPORTER

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REPORTER

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SALES MANAGER

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MULTI- MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE

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CIRCULATION MANAGER

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PUBLISHER SARAH STROTHER sstrother@lodestarmedia.ca

The Squamish Chief is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact Editor Jennifer Thuncher at jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

Reproduction of any material contained in this publication is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publisher.

EDITORIAL

PAUSE BEFORE YOU DIG

In the wake of the gas main strike downtown recently, locals may have been wondering what the role of authorities is in such circumstances.

In the recent instance where an external party seems to have inadvertently damaged a FortisBC gas main, causing it to spray gas from the ground, drawing Squamish Fire Rescue and shutting down the block for hours, the District said it would not be taking action.

Squamish Fire Rescue and the District emergency program “did not endure extra operating costs as a result of the natural gas leak call,” said municipal manager of communications Rachel Boguski. “The fire rescue crew and emergency response was within scheduled staffing and operations.”

Fair enough.

FortisBC said that when responding to damage to its system, the company creates an emergency order to track and bill costs for associated repairs back to the responsible party who caused the damage. This includes labour, equipment costs and anything else required for its crews to safely make the repairs and restore service, a spokesperson said.

“FortisBC takes this step to recoup costs from the responsible party rather than absorbing those costs ourselves, which would ultimately place them back on our customers.”

When the damage is caused by someone on the job, when does WorkSafeBC get involved?

A spokesperson told us that while not every utility strike may be immediately reportable to WorkSafeBC, “employers are required to carefully evaluate all incidents, and immediately report serious incidents, including those involving a major release of a hazardous substance.”

When WorkSafeBC gets involved, a prevention officer may:

•Go to the site to assess worker safety.

•Determine whether regulatory requirements for excavation and utility-locate activities were followed.

•Issue orders requiring corrective action.

•Issue stop-work orders where there is a high risk of serious injury.

•Consider further enforcement if warranted. Where officers identify non-compliance, WorkSafeBC has a range of enforcement tools, including:

•Orders

•Stop-work orders

•Compliance agreements

EDITORIAL:

CRAZY SEASON

IEDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

JENNIFER THUNCHER

think I have PTSD from past elections. People get so tense and all common sense goes out the window.

It has sometimes felt like if we cross the street, a candidate or their supporters will accuse us of bias. Not to mention the conspiracy theories and weird shadow campaigns that try to discredit certain candidates or promote others that muddy the waters. There are also those “community” groups that pop up on Facebook that actually have an election agenda.

There are always emails and calls accusing one person running of something devious enough for a Netflix documentary. Squamish is a trip and a half! It is enough to make a newspaper editor and reporter go a little nutty.

In response, with the help of my fellow reporters over the years, I have developed an election system in our newsroom that rolls out with almost military precision.

When I first started, I saw each candidate and event as one-offs, not as part of a larger campaign, which is a marathon and a sprint combined.

A journalist’s instinct is to go to everything, talk to everyone and give the voter every kernel along the way.

But alas, what ends up happening is that we can’t humanly get to all those kernels so we could end up with uneven coverage (unpopped popcorn, if you will). That isn’t right. Candidates need to be treated fairly so that we don’t unfairly sway voters.

After covering 10 elections at various levels of government, we are now dialed in. Personally, I am not as easily intimidated by candidates, their moms, sisters-in-law, spouses or handlers.

I know that we do our darndest to be fair and balanced and keep the voter centred in all our coverage.

Election coverage this week, and all weeks going forward, will start on page 4. Each candidate will get the same word count. We will attend the same number of events, ask the same number of questions of candidates, and keep our press opportunities equal.

Now, if a candidate doesn’t fill out our survey in time, make our video shoot days or show up at the all-candidates debate, that is on them. We are not chasing folks who say they want to run this booming town, but disrespect your paper of record along the way.

NOTEBOOK: Continued on 13

Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7 tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw

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

NOTEBOOK: Continued from 12

What we focus on, though, will depend in large part on you, dear reader.

This year, reporter Liz McDonald had a great suggestion—to dig deeper to find out what matters to you. We have a readers’ election survey. I really

hope you fill it out, as this is your town, your news and, well, your election.

The results will tell us what you care most about and what you don’t and therefore where we should laser-focus.

Here’s the QR code.

See you on the campaign trail.

were as many laughs as golf swings on the Squamish Valley Golf Club greens on July 29, as close to 50 of the Squamish Valley Senior Men gathered to play. The men golf every Wednesday at the club, with a di erent friendly competition each week—this week it was two-person best-ball. This particular Wednesday’s agenda also included a luncheon.

EDITORIAL: Continued from 12

•Warning letters

•Administrative penalties in more serious cases or where there is repeat non-compliance

Contacting BC 1 Call (1-800-4746886), the number to call before digging, is not enough, the

LETTERS POLICY

spokesperson said. Employers still have to make sure their information is accurate, understand site conditions, follow utility-owner requirements, and control risks throughout the excavation process.

What is clear from talking to the authorities is that these incidents are almost always preventable.

Approximately 90 per cent of damages to FortisBC gas lines are preventable by following safe excavation practices, according to the company.

Hopefully, this recent gas main strike was a lesson well learned for not just the crew involved, but for all of us who may be planning to dig around town.

The Squamish Chief welcomes letters to the editor of up to 400 words. Letters should be exclusive to this publication and are meant to respond to a local story in The Squamish Chief or raise an issue happening in town. Please include your name, neighbourhood and daytime phone number. The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for Thursday’s edition. Full names and neighbourhood will be published with the letter. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit letters for length and clarity or to address legal concerns. Email letters to: editor@squamishchief.com.

JOIN US ONLINE

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Did you attend the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival this year?

Have your say at squamishchief.com

Do you feel safe swimming at Squamish outdoor water spots? (Top 3)

MOST READ STORY

Squamish man cradles dying bear’s paw after Highway 99 collision

TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK

This week, reporter Ina Pace took in the Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival bed races downtown. See all the fun on our TikTok page @squamishchief.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF FORE FUN!: There

‘DANCING UNDER THE STARS’ CELEBRATES FIFTH ANNIVERSARY

The O’Siyam Pavilion will transform into an open-air ballroom on Aug. 8 for a free evening of community connection and movement under the Squamish night sky

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

Acouple hundred strangers who became friends moving their bodies to music under the Squamish night sky—that is the vision and history of “Dancing under the stars in Squamish.”

This year’s event, set for Aug. 8, will be its fifth anniversary.

Held at O’Siyam Pavilion, the free evening features swing and Latin dancing and is aimed at any and everyone, according to event organizer Gerald Cote, of GNR Dance.

“It’s really open to anyone who wants to try it out,” he said, confirming families are welcome. It is couples dancing, with everyone switching partners throughout the evening (though you don’t have to).

The evening starts with small beginner group classes to let participants try out different types of dance.

“We support everyone. We’re very open to everyone dancing—lead or follow—and it makes it very welcoming.”

Cote said between 30 to 40 of his regular class participants will be on hand to help, pair up or answer questions.

The event came about as restrictions were easing out of COVID-19 back in 2021. Dance classes were starting back up and one of Cote’s students had seen a similar outdoor dance event in another city and proposed the idea. The rest is history.

Each event has seen anywhere from 200 to 300 people-turned-dancers involved.

The result of everyone dancing together under a bright Squamish night sky is a sense of connection—people to each other, and mind to body.

“We live in a very mind-driven culture. Very rarely do we actually go into the feeling state of embodiment. … And dancing is a big, big part of reintroducing our awareness of the body,” he said.

For those who may have been on the fence about participating in previous years, Cote says to give it a whirl this time, understanding that everyone feels a little shy at the start.

“You’re not unique in your experience of feeling uncomfortable. Usually, when you take dance lessons, the most awkward or uncomfortable place is five feet outside the door. I’d say in a park, it’s probably 20 feet in the bush trying to look in from on the outside,” he said.

We support everyone. We’re very open to everyone dancing—lead or follow—and it makes it very welcoming.

GERALD COTE

“Whether it’s biking, hiking, doing gymnastics, or trying something new, we’re all self-conscious in a certain way. And as soon as we meet that head on, we realize that that’s more of an illusion than anything else.”

The event is rain or shine, but Cote said the stars have come out all five years, and the forecast is looking good so far, at 25 C. There is no registration required; just show up in regular clothes or however you are comfortable.

“Come with your sense of humour, because we like to laugh,” Cote said.

Group lessons begin at 7 p.m. and social dancing begins at 8 p.m.

The evening runs until 11 p.m.

DEVELOPMENT PERMIT SUBMITTED FOR SOUTH BRITANNIA

SURF PARK

Phase 1 of the proposed seven-acre surf park and residential complex is set for completion in 2029

INA PACE

ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

Surf’s up! Canada’s one step closer to getting its first surf park, and it’s in Britannia Beach.

The development permit application for South Britannia was submitted by Tigerbay Development Corp. on July 24, meaning steps towards construction can now officially begin.

South Britannia, which will be located by Minaty Bay, will include a residential neighbourhood of 900 market and 150 non-market homes, with tourist accommodation, and neighbourhood retail and public amenities, according to the project’s website.

Tigerbay’s head of development Tony Petricevic posted to his LinkedIn page on July 24 to announce the “major milestone,” commencing Phase 1 of the project.

“The permit included a seven-acre Wavegarden surf park with a dissipative shoreline, alongside a 2,800-square-metre hub building that will be home to the surf academy, café, bar, restaurant, retail, and a 700-squaremetre outdoor deck,” the post reads.

“Next steps are breaking ground later this summer with construction to commence in the new year.”

Phase 1 of the South Britannia development includes the construction of the surf park, and a hub named The Beach House which includes a restaurant, bar, and cafe, alongside retail, conference facilities, and a surf academy. Cabins, saunas, and hot tubs will be built around the surf park, and a mountain bike trail network will also be established.

Phase 1 of the South Britannia development includes the construction of the surf park, and a hub named The Beach House which includes a restaurant, bar, and cafe, alongside retail, conference facilities, and a surf academy.

The masterplan for South Britannia was formally approved last May by the SquamishLillooet Regional district (SLRD). Originally designed to be only a residential complex, the concept of a six-acre surf park was added in 2019, and created momentum for the project.

Petricevic told The Squamish Chief that Tigerbay has been working on the “detailed design” of The Beach House since the SLRD’s approval, before which there were around eight years of rezoning and planning.

“We’ve partnered with our contractor as well to build it, so it’s all very real now,” he said.

Petricevic explained that the construction of earthworks will begin this summer to help prepare for site construction next summer, which if all goes to plan, means the park will open mid-2029.

But why build a surf park next to the ocean?

“Convenience. Also, there’s an audience of very sports-focused people driving on the Sea to Sky Highway … It makes sense,” Petricevic said.

“What we’re hoping to achieve is a sports facility focused on surfing, and then to capture the sports community and the surf culture, and then bring it to this area … (The wave park) gives

the project an X factor.”

Rest assured, Petricevic continued, there will be “a large aquifer” underneath the property to supply the water, so folks need not be concerned about any interference with that of Átl’ḵa7tsem (Howe Sound.)

The surf park itself, which will be powered and developed by Wavegarden, will be one of around 13 in the world. Other Wavegarden surf park locations include the U.K. and Australia.

All ages and abilities, from child beginners to professional athletes are welcome, Petricevic confirmed.

To surf will cost between $80-$120 per hour depending on the time of year and difficulty.

“The idea is to open (the surf park) for the majority of the year, if the demand is there,” Petricevic said.

“The winter months are going to be the time to generate more of a surf community. That’s when everybody goes surfing in Tofino because that’s when the swells are the largest. So just as long as you’re comfortable with some colder temperature waters, then it’ll be cheaper to surf.”

Shoreside surf cabins, wellness facilities, and workforce accommodation will follow in a supplementary development permit which will complete Phase 1 of South Britannia, according to Petricevic’s LinkedIn post.

Phase 2 of South Britannia is set to begin from 2030, and will focus on establishing the residential community. Phase 3—to complete the village and surrounding amenities, including recreational green space—is proposed from 2035.

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.

PHOTOS BY DAVID BUZZARD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

SQUAMISH DAYS PARADE: Hundreds lined the streets downtown for the parade on Sunday. Particpants included the Black Tusk Caledonia Pipes & Drums Band, UFC champ Jamey-Lyn Horth and plenty of logs and logging trucks.

RENDERING COURTESY OF TIGERBAY DEVELOPMENT CORP.

20 26 Ge ne ra lL oc al El ec ti on s Notice of Nomination -Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistrict

Public notice is hereby giventhatnominations fora four-yeartermfor thefollowing officesofthe Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistrict:

Director representing ElectoralAreaA -1 position

Director representing ElectoralAreaB -1position

Director representing ElectoralAreaC -1 position

Director representing ElectoralAreaD -1 position will be received by theChief Election Officer(or designated person)asfollows:

HowWhen

By hand or courier:

Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistrict

1350 AsterSt.,Pemberton,BCV0N 2L0

Attention: Chief Election Officer

By mail:

Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistrict

PO Box219, 1350 AsterSt.,Pemberton,BCV0N 2L0

Attention: Chief Election Officer

Byemail: abelsham@SLRD.bc.ca

By fax: (604)894-6526

From 9:00 a.m. on TuesdaySeptember 1, 2026 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday September11, 2026 (excluding Saturday,Sundayand Labour Day)

From 9:00 a.m. on TuesdaySeptember 1, 2026 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday September11, 2026

NOTE:Postmarks arenot accepted as proofofsubmissionbystateddeadline.

From 9:00 a.m. on TuesdaySeptember 1, 2026 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday September11, 2026

Interested personscan obtain informationonthe requirements andproceduresfor making nominationsfromthe Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistrict(SLRD) websiteat SLRD.bc.ca/2026Elections.Candidate nomination packages arenow availableinprinted andelectronicform: printedcopiescan be picked up during regularbusinesshours at theSLRDoffice (1350 AsterStreet in Pemberton) or email elections@SLRD.bc.ca to receivea packageelectronicallyorbyregular mail.

Qualifications forOffice

Apersonisqualified to be nominated, elected, andtoholdoffice as an ElectoralAreaDirectorif, at therelevanttime, they meet allofthe following requirements:

Must be at least18years of ageasofOctober 17,2026;

Must be aCanadiancitizen;

Must have been aresidentofBritish Columbia foratleast six(6) months immediatelyprior to thedatenominationpapersare filed; Must notbedisqualifiedunder the LocalGovernmentAct or anyother enactmentfromvotinginanelectioninBritish Columbia or from beingnominated for, beingelected to,orholding theoffice, or be otherwisedisqualifiedbylaw

Campaign PeriodExpense Limits

In accordance with the LocalElections Campaign FinancingAct, forthe 2026 generallocal elections, theexpense limitfor candidates during thecampaignperiodin eachofthe SLRD’s electoralareas is $6,161.89

ThirdParty AdvertisingLimits

In accordance with the LocalElections Campaign FinancingAct, forthe 2026 general localelections,the thirdparty directed advertisingexpense limitof$924.28 appliesineachofthe SLRD’s electoralareas.The thirdparty cumulative advertisingexpense limitis$184,856.70and appliestodirectedand issueadvertising in allelectionareas.The totalvalue of alladvertising sponsoredcannot exceed this limit.

Forfurther informationonthe nomination process,pleasecontact Angela Belsham, ChiefElectionOfficer (604) 894-6371 ext. 240or(toll-free) 1-800-298-7753 or abelsham@SLRD.bc.ca.

Forfurther informationon campaign period expenselimitsand thirdparty advertisinglimits,pleasecontact Elections BC at (toll-free)1-800-661-8683or electionsbc@elections.bc.caorvisit theirwebsite: Elections.bc.ca

20 26 Ge ne ra lS ch ool El ec ti on s Notice of Nomination -School District No.48(SeatoSky)

Public notice is hereby giventhatnominations fora four-yeartermfor thefollowing officesofSchool District No.48(SeatoSky):

will be received by theChief Election Officer(or designated person)asfollows:

By hand or courier:

Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistrict

1350 AsterSt.,Pemberton,BCV0N 2L0

Attention: ChiefElectionOfficer

By mail:

Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistrict

PO Box219, 1350 AsterSt.,Pemberton,BCV0N 2L0

Attention: ChiefElectionOfficer

By email: abelsham@SLRD.bc.ca

By fax: (604)894-6526

From 9:00 a.m. on TuesdaySeptember 1, 2026 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday September11, 2026 (excluding Saturday,Sunday andLabourDay)

From 9:00 a.m. on TuesdaySeptember 1, 2026 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday September11, 2026 NOTE:Postmarksare notaccepted as proofofsubmission by stated deadline

From 9:00 a.m. on TuesdaySeptember 1, 2026 until 4:00 p.m. on Friday September11, 2026

In addition to theabove,completed nomination papers forTrustee ElectoralArea4 andTrustee ElectoralArea5 will be received by theChief ElectionOfficer’s designated person (preferablybyappointment) as follows:

By hand only:

School District No.48(SeatoSky)

37866 Second Ave.,Squamish, BC

Attention: SecretaryTreasurer

From 9:00 a.m. on TuesdaySeptember 1, 2026until 4:00 p.m. on Friday September11, 2026 (excluding Saturday,Sundayand Labour Day)

Interested personscan obtain information on therequirementsand procedures formakingnominations from theSchoolDistrictNo. 48 (Sea to Sky) website: SD48seatosky.org/apps/pages/trusteeelections2026. Candidatenominationpackagesare nowavailableasfollows:

Printedcopiescan be picked up during regularbusinesshours at theSchool District No.48(SeatoSky)office(37866 Second Ave. in Squamish)and at theSquamishLillooetRegionalDistrictoffice (1350Aster St.inPemberton).

Electronic copies canbedownloadedfromthe School District No.48(SeatoSky)website: SD48seatosky.org/apps/pages/trusteeelections2026

Qualifications for Office

Apersonisqualifiedtobenominated,elected,and to hold office as atrustee if,atthe relevant time,theymeetall of thefollowing requirements: Must be at least18years of ageasofOctober 17, 2026; Must be aCanadiancitizen; Must have been aresidentofBritish Columbia foratleast six(6) months immediatelyprior to thedatenominationpapersare filed; Must notbedisqualifiedunder the LocalGovernmentAct or anyother enactmentfromvotinginanelectioninBritishColumbiaorfrombeing nominatedfor,being elected to,orholding theoffice, or be otherwisedisqualifiedbylaw.

Campaign Period ExpenseLimits

In accordance with the LocalElections Campaign FinancingAct,for the2026general school elections, theexpense limitfor candidates during thecampaignperiodinTrustee Electoral Area 4and TrusteeElectoral Area 5is$6,161.89.

ThirdParty AdvertisingLimits

In accordance with the LocalElections Campaign FinancingAct,for the2026 generalschool elections, thethird partydirectedadvertisingexpense limitof$924.28appliesto TrusteeElectoral Area 4and TrusteeElectoral Area 5. Thethird partycumulativeadvertising expenselimit is $184,856.70 andapplies to directed andissueadvertising in all election areas. Thetotal valueofall advertisingsponsored cannot exceed this limit.

Forfurther informationonthe nomination process, please contactAngelaBelsham,Chief Election Officer(604) 894-6371ext.240 or (toll-free)1-800-298-7753or abelsham@SLRD.bc.ca.

Forfurther informationon campaign period expenselimitsand thirdparty advertisinglimits,pleasecontact ElectionsBCat(toll-free) 1-800-661-8683 or electionsbc@elections.bc.caorvisit theirwebsite: Elections.bc.ca

ANISHINAABE DJ TO BRING ‘GOOD MEDICINE’ TO SP’AKW’US FEATHER SHAKEDOWN

The outdoor music festival returns Aug. 8 to celebrate culture and community

INA PACE

ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

It’s that time of year again when the Squamish community gather at the oceanfront to shake their tail feathers. We’re of course talking about the Sp’akw’us Feather Shakedown, returning Saturday, Aug. 8, from 4 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Squamish Oceanfront. The show will feature eclectic acts performed by local and nationwide artists, including those from Indigenous groups.

Oceanfront developers Matthews West have actually just renewed their partnership with Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and the Nation’s economic development arm Nch’ḵay.

“The updated agreement creates a clearer path forward for Cheekeye and Oceanfront Squamish, strengthens Nch’ḵay’s role in managing the Nation’s ownership interests and supports long-term prosperity for current and future generations,” Nch’ḵay’s Facebook post reads.

Among the Shakedown line-up are Vancouver’s Garret T. Willie and Blonde Diamond, also Anishinaabe DJ and producer Boogey The Beat. Nation dance group Welhtima Kexwusum will also perform.

Boogey the Beat (real name Lesley Boulanger) spoke with The Squamish Chief about his inspiration for incorporating Indigenous culture into his work, and his inspiration and drive in producing his unique genre.

Boulanger, who is Ojibwe from Winnipeg, has a background in hip-hop and EDM, and Indigenous drumming and vocals are instrumental to his collaborative production. He is returning to perform at the Shakedown for a second year. What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.

Q: What brings you back to perform in Squamish?

A: First of all, the land is beautiful, and a major part of my music is connecting with the land and also reconnecting with it through my Indigenous roots.

Q: You announced on your Instagram last month that you were bringing “good medicine” to the Shakedown. Can you elaborate on that?

Q: How do you modernize your music whilst still paying homage to long-term Indigenous traditions?

A: I think, to categorize some of what I’m creating, it is modern, especially in the past couple of years. A lot of these drum groups have created their own songs because sometimes we have songs in our culture that are strictly used for ceremony and prayer, and these sorts of things have a place and time. So I’m always mindful of that. We all hang out, have a chat, and then I try not to offer too much direction, just because sometimes a big recording studio is a new environment for some of these drum groups to be in, or for them to drum to a metronome.

Q: Are there any particular synths or chords that make your style instantly recognizable?

A: I’ve always tried to build a cinematic sound, whether it’s in the intros or a nice build, instead of your usual EDM drop ‘four four boom boom boom.’ I like to build around traditional powwow vocals, and use dreamy synths and dark sounds to accentuate them. Then we fiddle around with the drum group samples.

A: I was fortunate enough to come from a very cultural family, and they always taught me about not only our physical medicines that we get from the land, like tobacco, cedars, sage, sweet grass, but also medicine in the form of music. Whatever makes people feel good, or taking care of your mind, body, and spirit, right? Bringing the good medicine to people.

Q: Besides getting ready for the Shakedown, what are you currently working on?

Q: What’s something you learned about the Squamish community at your last show here?

A: I’ve been doing shows across the world, but with Squamish in particular, I love the energy and the positivity of everybody. What I noticed was they weren’t too cool to dance. As performers we kind of feed off that energy. To be able to come into such a welcoming, warm space is absolutely incredible.

I was a shy kid growing up, but I like to think I found my voice through music, and how to tell my own stories, especially as an Indigenous person.

Q: Who or what are you most inspired by, as an Indigenous artist?

A: I find inspiration comes from all over the place. I do a lot of collaboration with drum groups, and Indigenous singers. I’m grateful because they’re essentially gifting me a song, a story and a teaching. I really have to take care of that and respect the spirit and intent of this music, and turn it into something new. I do hold a lot of these teachings close to me, and I have to carry them, you know, accordingly.

A: I’m putting out a new album by the end of the year. It’s got a lot of amazing drum groups, Indigenous rappers and vocalists. There’s a lot of love and spirit behind this project. It’s just a bit more elevated, but you know, the good medicine is there for sure.

The Sp’akw’us Feather Shakedown will have limited on-site paid parking, and complimentary bike parking available. Food and alcohol will be sold on site.

Folks may also buy a limited-capacity VIP Zone ticket online for $26.95, offering premium stage views, a private bar, exclusive washrooms, and shaded seating areas.

General admission is free.

According to a Squamish Arts press release, the festival site will be fully fenced for the first time this year, with security conducting bag checks at all entrances. Outside alcohol will not be permitted.

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 LESLEY BOULANGER

Among the Shakedown line-up is Anishinaabe DJ and producer Boogey The Beat.

PRODUCTIVE AND FUNCTIONAL: DOG TRAINER RETURNS TO SEA TO SKY TO LAUNCH NEW PET SUPPLY STORE IN BRITANNIA

A dog trainer, inspired by the development of Britannia Village, has launched a pet supply store to bring together community with common functionality

INA PACE

ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

Residents of Britannia Village and passersby alike it seems, are going wild for Wild Paw Supply Co., the community’s latest business. After moving away from Squamish in 2018, business owner and dog trainer Laura McAlduff returned to the Sea to Sky to launch Wild Paw in Britannia Village.

The pet supply store, established in June, is for all things doggy-related, and a space that McAlduff said is both productive and functional for customers not wanting to drive to Squamish or Vancouver specially.

“I’ve learned (Britannia) is a really interesting space to be opening a business right now,” she said.

“The people coming here are really excited about a space that’s productive and functional. I love it when people are excited about a space as opposed to grumbly about it, which I think can happen a lot when there’s a lot of development going on.

Everybody here has dogs. Everybody passing through has dogs. It’s just nice to be able to

provide an element of functionality.”

McAlduff is a strong supporter of other local businesses and artists, and about buying Canadian products; Smack pet food, and Chilly

Dog jackets to name a couple. She said she is also largely inspired by other dog-owners and walkers she knows, and buys in their (often hand-made) products, from treats and pick-up bags, to collar accessories.

“One of the things I’m passionate about in this space is sharing the trails, it’s not all about our dogs,” McAlduff said, regarding the pick-up bags.

The Wild Paw website elaborates that “Wild Paw is rooted in respect for the land, for others, and for the shared spaces we all move through … (McAlduff) aims to help dog owners feel more connected to the life they want with their dogs, and to each other, through a more intentional and shared way of experiencing the outdoors.”

The Wild Paw brick and mortar store encourages documenting such shared connections, with photo walls for customers to come in and stick up polaroids of their “wild adventures” with their dogs, and with a bench for customers to sit in front of an “Instagrammable” neon sign reading “Happiest when wild.” She also has some dog-themed tarot cards (not for sale) at the counter.

McAlduff owns a border collie and a german shepherd, which she called the “essences” of her life, and hosts enrichment training classes from the village. She hopes in the future to also launch

Everybody here has dogs. Everybody passing through has dogs. It’s just nice to be able to provide an element of functionality.

LAURA MCALDUFF

a series of crafting workshops, monthly hikes, and weekly community walks.

“Britannia Village is adorable. The changes that have been coming to the village are really inspiring. (I’ve been inspired) to take my experience with people and their dogs, and turn it into an opportunity to bring people together in a time when it’s so easy to be isolated … stuff that I’m really passionate about,” she said.

“I like being the business. I moved here thinking ‘roots,’ and I moved here thinking ‘community,’ and feeling like I’m a part of something, in getting to know the people around me.”

PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Laura McAlduff launched Wild Paw Supply Co. in Britannia Village this June.

and last year’s World Cup overall leader, came in at a blistering time of three minutes and 11.005 seconds.

THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES, LOGGERS SPORTS FESTIVAL

and

PHOTO BY CLINT TRAHAN

WINNERS!: 2026 Specialized Canadian Open Downhill podium at Crankworx Whister, left to right: Troy Brosnan, Matilda Melton, Aletha Ostgaard, Jackson Goldstone, Eliana Hulsebosch and Luke Meier-Smith. Squamish’s Goldstone, reigning UCI World Champion

PHOTOS BY DAVID BUZZARD PHOTOGRAPHY

The 69th annual Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival was one for the memory books. Sunday’s marquee day started with the pancake breakfast (middle), followed by the parade (far left), which featured a tribute to the late Bryan Couture, a man who contributed so much to the event over the years,

ended with world-class loggers sports athletes athletes show. That show also featured Couture’s daughter, Amy, hanging his axe on the grounds (far right bottom).

Barbara EllenSwift

, age 90, of Squamish, British Columbia, passed away peacefully at Hilltop Housein Squamish, British Columbia, on July 25, 2026, surroundedbyher loving family.

Barbara is lovingly remembered by her devoted husband, Bob Swift; her daughters, Carla Gratton (Gary Gratton) and Shelly Meston (Fred Meston); and her cherished grandchildren, Jarid, Alisa,Laresa, Brody, and Scott.She also leaves behind extended familyand many dear friends whoselives were enriched by herlove, kindness, and generosity. Her memory will be treasured alwaysbyall who knew and loved her.

Barbara’s kindness, strength,and unconditional love will remain in the heartsofeveryone whohad the privilege of knowing her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother,and friendwhosewarmth and compassiontouched countless lives. Though she is no longerwithus, her legacy will liveonthrough the family sheloved so deeply and the memories shecreated with those closestto her

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionatestaff at Hilltop House forthe care, comfort, and dignity they provided Barbara throughout her time there

Afuneral service to celebrate Barbara’s life will be held at alater date. To write acondolencetothe family pleasevisit www.squamishfuneralchapel.com

Celer it y is a fast-growing Squamish-based star tup de‐veloping a groundbreaking ship design

We are seeking a skilled and hands-on Electr ical Technician with strong electronics exper i‐ence to suppor t the design, in‐tegration, testing, and mainte‐nance of electr ical and elec‐tronic systems for our DACV protot ypes and future produc‐tion vessels You will play a key role in br inging innovative mar ine propulsion, power management, control sys‐tems, and avionics-st yle elec‐tronics from protot ype to real‐it y

More infor mation: https://cel er it ycraft com/careers/# positions

FOREST OPERATIONS MAP (FOM) NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW & COMMENT

Notice is hereby given that Black Mount Logging Inc. (BML) is seeking public review and comment on FOM requirements on proposed blocks and roads, located near Squamish as part of Forest License A19215. FOM ID 3369 is managed under BML Forest Stewardship Plan #962. The 30-day review period is between August 6th, 2026 to September 5th, 2026.

Land Act: Notice of Applicationfor aDispositionof CrownLand

he latest localheadlines delivered to your inboxevery morning, before rstcup of coffeeisevenfinished.

The FOM can be viewed at: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects and/or at the BML office in Squamish by appointment only (email, call or text to set up appointment): 2021 Paco Rd, Squamish, BC, V8B 0J6.

Getthe latest localheadlines delivered straight to your inboxevery morning, before your firstcup of coffeeisevenfinished.

Comments can be submitted anytime during the 30-day period via the Gover nment website: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects ; or e-mailed to: engineering@bmlogging.com ; or text/call: 250-830-7784 ; or mailed to the address as noted above. Please reference the FOM ID when commenting.

Following the review and comment period, this FOM may be relied upon to apply for a road permit or cutting permit for a 3-year period ending September 5th, 2029.

Meet charming Parker!

He has come a long way since we first met him as a frightened kitten. He is still learning to trust people, but he has become a master-napper and we often find him stretched out and waiting for a belly-rub But don’t let that fool you, as it is his way of recharging for the next play session. A patient, quiet home will be what he needs to let his true character shine through.

Parker is comfortable around other cats, as he came from a home with many, many cats, and would get a confidence boost if he had a kitty companion--either a friendly resident cat or one of his siblings!

Take noticethat we,Northwest SquamishForestry Ltd.,fromSquamish, BC, haveappliedtothe British Columbia Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship(WLRS), SouthCoastRegion foran industrialcampsituated on Provincial Crownland locatedatapproximately 2.7kilometers along the SquamishRiver Forest ServiceRoad (FSR)which is accessedvia Squamish ValleyRoad WLRS invitescomments on this application. The Lands File is 2413103. Writtencommentsconcerningthisapplication shouldbedirectedtothe Senior LandAuthorizations Specialist, South CoastRegion, WLRS,at Suite200, 10428 153rd Street,Surrey, BC,V3R 1E1. Commentswill be received by WLRS up to September 5th, 2026 WLRS maynot be able to consider comments received afterthisdate. Pleasevisit theApplications,Commentsand Reasons forDecision Databasewebsiteat http://comment.nrs.gov.bc. ca/for more information. Be advised that any responsetothisadvertisement will be considered partofthe public record Access to theserecords requiresthe submission of aFreedomofInformation (FOI)request. Visit http://www.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOIsubmissions

Little piggies

41. Empty spaces 45. Air part

Provoke

Child

Gutter site

Domain

Bleater

Acts like

Midterm, e g.

Pipe joint

Taunt

Anytime

Large truck

Garden tool

Litigate

Anybody

Rude person

9. Surmounting: 2 wds. 10 Labyrinth

Beseeched 19 Nixon’s gesture

Crescent

Forays 24 Companion

King’s better

Female pronoun

Baste

29. Golf’s Sutton 30 Lode yield

Strive 32. Bark 34. Board member 37. Request 38. Beer-pack number 40 Large inn 41 Unruly kid 42. Old Italian bread

Pub orders 44. Uncluttered 46 Datebook period 47. Rubberneck 48. Consistent 49 Lofty abode

52. Hooter

Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling

ARIES March 21-April 19

You’ll relish your cozy cocoon, enjoying intimate family time and moments of rejuvenating solitude Your relationship will be in the spotlight, and you’ll express your creativity even in the simplest everyday gestures

TAURUS April 20-May 20

A desire to change vehicles may lead you to compare prices, haggle and listen to long-winded pitches. In your professional life, you’ll showcase impressive powers of persuasion and negotiation—skills worthy of a natural salesperson.

GEMINI May 21-June 20

The urge to treat yourself will be overwhelming: think new clothes, a refreshed look and lively outings with loved ones. Your social calendar will be buzzing. At work, you’ll be clocking extra hours to boost your income.

CANCER June 21-July 22

You may find it hard at times to follow long explanations, preferring instead to listen to your inner voice Make more room for your intuition; it will guide you toward the right choices while a protective presence watches over you.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

A strategic step backwards is necessary for you to bounce back stronger and contemplate a real turning point. You’ll take stock of what truly inspires you and consider how to better manage everyday stress

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Outings, invitations and social gatherings could strain your wallet. Even if you’re used to careful budgeting, it will become harder to maintain control and repay your debts.

LIBRA Sept 23-Oct. 22

You’ll go to great lengths to present yourself in the best possible light, both within your family and in social settings. The success of your children or loved ones will fill you with pride, and you’ll seize every opportunity for prosperity

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21

Training or professional development will open the door to new career opportunities You’ll adjust your goals to align them with your core values and your need for inner harmony.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

Even if you haven’t planned a long vacation, you’ll consider a relaxing getaway. A break from your daily routine will be like a virtual fountain of youth, leaving you feeling rejuvenated and restoring your energy and enthusiasm

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’ll try to please everyone, only to realize that this quest is exhausting. By choosing to act according to your heart and intuition, you’ll build your confidence and set healthier boundaries

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18

After a great holiday, getting back into the swing of things will require real effort, and fatigue will set in quickly Your loved ones will need more attention, but time for rest will be essential to getting through the week with ease

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

A special acknowledgement will highlight your efforts and clear up any confusion Words of thanks, compliments or recognition of your work will put you in the spotlight and boost your self-confidence.