Ayear canmakea worldofdifference, as the District of Squamish councillorshaveproven, aftervotinginfavourofissuing WoodfibreLNG atemporary usepermit(TUP) fornot onebut two floatels.
It wasa roller coasterofa meetingonTuesday night, whichsaw councillorsrequest deferringtheir decision on theTUP untilSeptember to allowfor athird-party assessment on HenrietteLakeDam,and evena suggestion toreduce theTUP length from threeyears to nine months.
Butultimately, councillorsvoted 5-2infavourof supporting atwo-yearTUP forthe WLNG floatels with some additional minor amendments.
WLNG: Continuedon2
A BRIEF HISTORY
In 2024, Squamish council voted to reject a one-year temporary use permit for the first WLNG floatel.
However, after a BC Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO) order was issued on June 17, 2024, which required the company to address its worker housing issues, WLNG moved the ship into place.
Floatel1 has been moored at the WLNG site and occupied since June 21, 2024, without a TUP in place.
According to a report to council, since the first floatel, MV IsabelleX, became operational over a year ago, the District’s bylaw department has not received any formal complaints related to its use oroperations.
“Additionally, no compliance or enforcement issues directly related to the floatel have been posted on the BCEAO website,” reads the council report
On May 1, WLNG announced it was seeking to placea second floating workers’ accommodation at its site, which would accommodate 900 more tradespeople.
On July 8, the call was made by councillors at their regular meeting to bring TUP for both floatels back to a future council meeting for a decision, withouta public hearing.
THE ROLLER COASTER
The evening’s meeting on July 29 kicked off with a request from Coun Jenna Stoner to defer the decision on the TUP until September.
“While I do recognize that we are on time for our evening agenda. We did not actually complete our afternoon special business meeting. So thisis our second special business meeting on the fifth Tuesday at the end of July. All the other items that are presented to us are time sensitive and urgent in nature, whereas I don’t think that this one meets that criteria,” she said.
“SoI would urge my council colleagues to allow us to advance the ongoing business that
we have in our other meeting and we can defer this until September. I don’t think that that has any particular challenge to the proponent as presented, because they’re still waiting fora decision from the province, until at least November.”
While this request did garner support from councillors Chris Pettingill and Lauren Greenlaw, it was ultimately voted down 4-3.
Another attempt at delaying the decision over the TUP came in the motion from Coun. Pettingill, who moved that District staff completea third-party assessment of the Henriette Lake Dam, “inclusive of, but not exclusive to, debris impacts FLNRO (Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations) consequence of failure to change.”
This saw support from Coun. Greenlaw was defeated 5-2, a move which Coun Andrew Hamilton explained was due to a “level of
trust” in District staff and their recommendations.
Eventually, the staff recommendation to authorize the TUP for three years for both floatels was moved by Coun John French.
The motion included a $4 million security deposit from WLNG (increased from the $2 million originally proposed), and the daily charge amount for every day the floatel is in use after the permit has expired, increased from a total of $10,000 for both boats to $10,000 per vessel.
It would also see that WLNG could apply for one additional TUP extension fora length of three years.
Mayor Armand Hurford proposed an amendment to reduce the length of the original TUP from three years to two.
“I think that approvinga three-year [TUP permit] now, would give four years of use whichI think is sort of rewarding the
behaviour,” Hurford said
He noted that shortening the TUP length to two years would see Floatel1 in operation for a total of three years (including the one year it operated unpermitted), as well as two years for Floatel 2.
“[This] would align with the projected date and they would have the opportunity to apply for an extension, which wouldneed to come back to the council of the day for consideration.”
The motion was carried unanimously.
Coun Pettingill then proposed a second amendment to reduce the length of time for the initial TUP from the amended two years to nine months, whichhe said would ensure that WLNG stuck to the timeline of a 2027 completion date.
This, however, was knocked back 4-3 with councillors Eric Andersen, Hamilton, French and Hurford voting against the motion.
The last amendment proposed was by Coun. Stoner, who requested that a condition be added to the issuance of a TUP, that would require shore power to be sourced from BC Hydro for Floatel 2, a practice already ongoing for Floatel 1.
“That wasa commitment that was made in order to secure their extension of their environmental assessment certificate in 2020, and they have a shiny website that specifically speaks to their pathway to net zero and being the world’s firstnet zero LNG facility,” Stoner said
“And I would suspect that if they can do it for Floatel 1, they can do it for Floatel 2.”
This was supported 5-2, with councillors French and Andersen voting against it
HENRIETTE
LAKE DAM
Henriette Lake Dam is upstream on Woodfibre Creek and there has been some concern the dam could not resist an earthquake and could possibly be breached and initiate a debris flow.
PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Council deliberates on the Woodfibre LNG application fora temporary use permit for its floatels, on July 29
WLNG: Continued from1
GOTNEWS?
Emailyournewstip or storyideato: jthuncher@squamishchief.com ilemayconway@squamishchief.com inapace@squamishchief.com
PHASE3OFGARIBALDI SPRINGSCOMMUNITY SECURESBUILDING PERMIT FROM COUNCIL
Councilsupportiveofthe proposal forthe finalstage of thecommunity,which will add123 more townhouses
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
DistrictofSquamish councilhas votedin favour of issuingadevelopment permit for Phase3 of theGaribaldi Springs development.
Thefinal phasewilladd 34 buildingswith 123townhouses to theneighbourhood, adding on to the127 housingunits currently beingbuilt in Phase2,and 60completed mixedresidential unitsinPhase 1, knownas Highline.
At aspecial business meetingonJuly29, District planning consultant Jessie Abraham gave councillorsarundown of thedevelopment permit applicationand what Phase3 will look like.
TheGaribaldi Springsdevelopment,built by PolygonHomes,isbeing constructedonwhat was previously theGaribaldi SpringsGolf Course,which underwentarezoningprocess in 2018.
Theresidential spaces,located at 2100 Newport RidgeDrive,include unitsthatare twoand threestoreys in height.The proposal includes 87 three-bedroomunits and36 four-bedroomunits.
“Parking is containedingarages in each townhouse. Visitorparking is provided by surfacestallsdispersed throughout thesite,” Abrahamsaid.
Atotal of 277parking spaces areprovided (246 residentialand 31 visitor—sixofwhich areaccessiblestalls).
VARIANCES
Oneofthe threeminor technicalvariances includedinthe proposal is thereductionof theminimum driveway length from six metres to 0.7metres.
“Due to thesiteconstraints andcurvature of theroad, aminimum six-metredriveway length cannot be maintained throughout the site.The applicanthas agreed to entera no-parkingcovenantfor drivewaysshorter than sixmeterstobeenforcedbystrata,” Abrahamsaid.
Accordingtothe report to council, Phase2 received asimilar variance,tovarythe minimumdrivewaylengthfrom6mto1.6 m,
due to similardevelopment constraints.
Asecondvariancewould seethe minimum building setbackbereduced from twometres to onemetreto allowfor smalltrees to be planted.
LocalresidentCam Cairns wasthe only member of thepublictospeak andraisedthe issueofparking alongNewport Drive.
“Myconcern is NewportDrive will be filled with cars.Peopleneedtopark, andat123 units, there’sgoing to be parkingrequirements,”hesaid.
He askedwhether thedevelopershad any planstoconsideraresident-only parking system in thecul-de-sacs on NewportDrive orone-sidedparking.
“Where will allthese cars go?Because if there’s123 carports,there’s goingtobe123 cars,and Ihad afamilyoffive, andIhad five cars,” he said.“It’s aconcern forparking,it’s always been this issueinSquamish,but if someonecould addressthat, Iwould appreciate it.”
Aspokespersonfor Polygon Homesspoke on theissue of parkingearlier in theevening andsaidthatstratawas very good at cracking down on incorrectparking within the developmentarea.
“The wayweset up ourbylawsthatwegive to thestrataisthatthere areverystrictrules aboutparking.Mostofitgetsdealt with by explaining to thestratathatifyou have acar on theapron that’s notallowed to be there, thefiretruck can’tcomeinand your insuranceisvoid,”the spokesperson said.
“And that very quicklygetsthe strata policing it andgetsthe cars offthe aprons.
“The otherthing that we do is that Isit on thestrataasa member forsix to eightmonths. Thereare usuallyjustafew offenders repeatedly [doing it], buteventuallyyou tow someoneand then it’s over.”
He also notedthatthe Highline phasehas been up andrunning in asimilar setupwith no issues.
“Wehavebuilt thefirst phaseofthis community, Highline,and homeowners have been living therefor acoupleofyears now,
EMERGENCY-TRAINED CLIMBERS AID PARAGLIDER
What began as a casual day of rockclimbing for Sean Renwick and Izumi Uno quickly turned into a life-saving mission when they witnessed a paraglider crash into the cliffs of Squamish’s Malamute area
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Sean Renwick and Izumi Uno had just finished rock climbing on Squamish’s Malamute—a beloved 10-hectare area with great views and more than 30 climbing routes—in the early afternoon on July 26 They were about to leave to grab some lunch when their day took an unexpected turn.
Nearby,a paraglider suddenly crashed into the rockface.
The couple had seen the pilot struggling in the gusty wind while they were climbing, but otherwise hadn’t paid much attention to him, Renwick recalled.
“Then, I sawhe hit the wall and [thought], ‘Oh, that’s not normal,’” added Uno.
Luckily, the climbers, who were in town from Canmore, Alta., to camp and climb, are trained for emergencies.
Renwick has worked as a paramedic and mountain guide, and Uno is on ski patrol.
The two swung into action to help the man.
“His kite hita tree It just caught a tree, andhe hung up fora few seconds. And, in that moment, we kind of saw a plan that we could make to quickly secure ourselves to the mountain and get
down to him and then [secure] him to the mountain,” Renwick said, noting that had the kite’s precarious snag on the tree been released by the strong gusts of wind, the unconscious man may have continued falling to his demise.
Another piece of luck was that there were two climbing anchor bolts right where the paraglider landed.
“I got to him first, and Izumi was building anchors, and then also calling 911,” said Renwick.
“I attached him to the mountain and quickly assessed him [with] a rapid body survey, to see what was going on, so we could convey that to emergency services over the phone.
Then we juststabilized him as best as we could on the side of the wall and waited for backup.”
Members of Squamish Fire Rescue, Squamish Search and Rescue (SSAR), BC Emergency Health Services and Squamish RCMP were involved in the rescue.
Renwick said it was impressive how quickly advanced life support (ALS)help arrived.
A spokesperson for Squamish SAR told The Squamish Chief that Squamish Fire Rescue and SSAR “then worked together to complete the technical rescue, with both rope and [Helicopter External Transport System] HETS techniques, to extricate the subject.”
A spokesperson for the Mounties told The Squamish Chief the paraglider ultimately had non-life-threatening injuries
SSAR noted the significant impact the climbers’ actions had.
“The quick response of the climbers in this case was instrumental in supporting the
NEWS BRIEF
HIKER DIES AT CROOKED FALLS
It was another tragic start to a Squamish summer weekend.
On July 31, Sea to Sky RCMP- Squamish say a hiker fell into Crooked Falls in the Squamish Valley.
Squamish Search and Rescue (SAR) volunteers located the individual, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
subject, Squamish Search and Rescue and Squamish Fire Rescue by offering equipment and communication on scene at the beginning of the task,” the spokesperson said.
All told, it was five or six hours before the climbers were on their way again.
Telling The Squamish Chief about the incident, the pair took it in stride
IF YOU ARE A BYSTANDER
Squamish Fire Rescue deputy Chief Shaun Swerdfeger reiterated that bystanders should ensure they are safe and then call 911.
“If bystanders are in a safe space and are willing and able to assist without risking their personal safety, they can try and assist where needed,” he said. “Sometimes, all it takes is for someone to stay with the person who is injured for support. Another way to help is to assist with the locationof the injured person. Having people show first responders to an injured person can be very helpful, saving valuable time,” he added.
“When enjoying the great outdoors in the Sea to Sky, we recommend people plan and prepare appropriately. Conditions can change quickly, and the terrain in our area can be challenging.”
The SSAR spokesperson added that after calling 911 immediately, bystanders should continue to monitor their phones.
“We will be trying to contact you for further information about the location and conditionof the subject. When we are executinga rescue, it is very helpful if bystanders can give us space to work, especially when helicopters are required.”
their dedication and efforts at this tragic event.”
Mounties say that out of respect for the family of the deceased, no further details will be released.
Last weekend also took an early tragic turn in Squamish when, on Friday, July 25, a man died in the Squamish River.
Crooked Falls is a picturesque waterfall along the Sigurd Trail, which is popular with hikers The falls rush over several rocks, and the route up to it has a steep, rocky section.
Due to challenging terrain and fading daylight, recovery of the hiker was not possible until Aug. 1.
There is no indicationof criminality and the BC Coroners Service is now investigating to determine the cause of death, police said
“We extend our sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased during this difficult time,” Const. Kelly Wu, spokesperson for Sea to Sky RCMP- Squamish, said in a news release.
“We would like to thank Squamish SAR for
Squamish RCMP said that the man was located unresponsive along the Squamish River where it meets the Cheakamus River, west of the municipal airport.
Based on the information received, the RCMP said they believed that two individuals were operating personal watercrafts on the river when they became separated.
“Upon relocating the second rider, the first individual found him unresponsive with his [life-jacket] keeping him afloat and pulled him to shore,” police said at the time.
The BC Coroners Service is investigating to determine the circumstances surrounding the death; however, based on the initial information, it is believed to be a medical event that caused the man’s passing.
PHOTO SUBMITTED
Izumi Uno, one of two climbers who rushed to aid a downed paraglider on July 26.
and we haven’t had any complaints,” he told councillors
For the most part, councillors had no issues with the development or its requested variances, with all but Coun Lauren Greenlaw is supporting the proposal
“All told, it looks like these are all actually very fairly small variances which are contingent on somewhat technical details of our zoning bylaw for what is a fairly large development. So I am happy to speak in
support of these variances,” Coun. Andrew Hamilton said.
“I’ll perhaps also take the bait on the parking question.I think that one of the things that we need to do within our community is charge fair market value for the parking that we do provide on the street, so that people are willing to pay for fair market value for parking on their property.”
Coun Jenna Stoner said she was also supportive of the development permit and all that it included.
“The component of the reduction in
project outside of the bounds of our community.”
As part of the WLNG application for the TUP, the Henriette Lake Dam Breach and Consequence Classification Analysis was completed.
According to the report to council, “Henriette Lake Dam discharges into Howe Sound via Woodfibre Creek, near the southern boundary of the WLNG site.”
“In the event of a dam breach, questions have been raised regarding the potential risks to the floatels. Based on the information provided, Staff consider there to be minimal risk to the floatels in the event of a potential breach,” the report states.
While the report has been provided to District staff, it remains confidential from councillors and members of the public.
WLNG shared a memo to the District website, which revealed that “the maximum wave resulting from a breach of Henriette Lake Dam would not be significantly larger than the annual average wind-induced wave height (0.4 metres) and would be substantially smaller than the reported five-year wave height (2.6 m).”
“Model results indicate that the dam breach-induced wave within Howe Sound would be no larger than the annual average wave height at a location approximately 75 metres offshore from the mouth of Woodfibre Creek,” the memo reads.
FINAL COUNCILLOR COMMENTS
While many councillors weren’t thrilled to support the TUP, they did acknowledge that it was thenext step that needed to be taken to move the floatel issue along. In favour
“While I would have liked to seea shorter timeframe for the temporary use permit, I think we are where we are, and it’s late,” Coun Stoner said at approximately 9.30 p.m. (three and a half hours after the meeting began)
“In order to move this along, and given where we are at,I think that this is sufficient. It provides some level of security from a bonding perspective, which is something that we raised the first time around
“It ensures that there’s no diesel generators and no fossil fuels used for Floatel 2, which is a commitment that we have long expressed to boththe EAO and the proponent as an expectationof this file, and it does address the issues ofhousing workers for the growth of this
She did note that issuing the TUP would not address issues raised by council previously around securing “long-term housing” out of the project, but acknowledged it “does do part of the job.”
Coun. Andersen said that it was time to move forward and builda good working relationship with WLNG.
“Weneed to look forward beyond a diesel generator issue to what we can accomplish together … like marine planning collaboration, waterfront facilities planning, employee housing, local industrial space here in Squamish, and how to bringa fair share of federal and provincial tax revenues from this project back to Squamish,” he said.
“All of this depends on a good working relationship What we need to build is goodwill so that we can get on, move forward to those other, more important issues that we need to solve together with this applicant.”
Hurford saidhe was glad to see the TUP timeframe reduced to two years, with the optionof extending to an additional three years.
“Although in the last year, we’ve seen Floatel 1 exist in an un-permitted state. The impact of having the folks that are on the floatel, in the community, is not something I’m interested in entertaining,” he said.
“SoI think this legitimizes the use of Floatel 1, and it also doesn’t reward the un-permitted use by saying ‘Congratulations, you’ve earned an extra year of a temporary use permit.’”
Opposed
Coun Pettingill saidhe was “infuriated” by the government “finding comfort in silos” instead of looking at the whole forest and was missing the “pine beetle infestation” of WLNG
“If we allow ourselves to be pushed into silos and ignore the things that are just slightly out of view, we end up withthe bad outcome,”he said.
“By enabling this TUP, we are saying, proponents can roll intotown, spend $200 million-plus on temporary housing in the middle of a housing crisis when we need permanent housing.
“We might have to wait a couple of years to get it, because the proponents are using it in the interim. But then there’sa lasting legacy that actually hasa really meaningful impact on the housing challenges we’re having.”
Pettingill acknowledged the fear locals may
driveway length,I think, is reasonable and functional given that there is already parking made available within the sites,” she said.
“Having spent some time in the first phase of this development up in Highline because Housing Squamish is managing the affordable units up in that space, it is actually a really effective method that has been established up there, where there are no cars that are actually just lingering on the strata roads.
“SoI think that the system that we have is working and is proving to be functional.”
Mayor Armand Hurford saidhe was glad that the development proposal did not includea parking variance, as many others often do, but agreed that a system for public on-street parking was something that needed attention by council in the future
“It does deserve more attention as things move forward, whether that’s resident parking only or whatever the appropriate measures are in the various areas,”he said. For more information on the development and others going on around town, visit the District of Squamish website.
have over the province overruling their decision if they were to go against the TUP for a second time
“I know there’s a fear [that] the province might just override us let’s let the province live withthat Our communityneeds to see us fighting for them and doing everything we can. They don’t expect us to win every fight, but they expect us to come out swinging for them,” he said
“Right now, we are just rolling over and saying, ‘Hey, the proponent wants to waste $200 million on temporary housing. You know what, we’ll just let them do it because we’re afraid of what the province may do.’ But let the province own their own bad decisions. We don’t have to.”
Coun. Greenlaw, who has long spoken out against the project, said that the timing of the
Faith
TUP decision felt like an “intentional” move by the WLNG.
“Approving this permit, given the contentiousness of this project in our community, in the evening of a fifth Tuesday in the middle of summer, when the majority of our community is paying little to no attention to what we are doing, on a day we shouldn’t even generally be having a meeting, could be construed by some as an intentional lack of transparency at the behest of the proponent,” she said
“[This] will not help in cultivating trust with the public, which we know is waning.”
Councillors voted 5-2 in favour of issuing WLNG a TUP for both floatels, with councillors Pettingill and Greenlaw opposed.
According to District staff, the TUP will be issued from the date of approval, July 29, for two years, expiring on the same date in 2027.
In theBahá’íview, recognition ofthe onenessofmankind“callsfor nolessthan the reconstructionandthedemilitarizationofthewholecivilizedworld—aworld organicallyunifiedinalltheessentialaspectsofitslife,itspoliticalmachinery,its spiritualaspiration,itstradeandfinance,itsscriptandlanguage,andyet infinitein thediversityofthenationalcharacteristicsofitsfederated units.”(UniversalHouse ofJustice-1985)
www.squamishbahais.ca
WLNG: Continued from2
GARIBALDI SPRINGS:: Continued from3
Baha’i
PHOTOS BY DAVID BUZZARD PHOTOGRAPHY/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF SQUAMISH DAYS!: That is a wrap on the 2025 Squamish Days Loggers’ Sports Festival
The final day of the four-day festival included the famous pancake breakfast, hosted by the Squamish Elks, the beloved parade and, of course, the World Class Open Loggers’ Sports Show
AirSealingYour Home
Joinour AirSealing Workshop Seriesandlearn how to identifyandsealairleaks foracozier, morecost-effectivelivingspace.
TheDistrictofSquamishis constructingnewprotectedbikelanesalong Victoria Street to expandimportantbikelane connectionsthrough Downtown.Roadwork on Victoria Streetbetween ThirdAvenueand Second Avenuebeginsnext week.
•Installation work onthe watermainnearBill’s Place hasbeenpausedandwill resumeearly September.
•Sanitaryforcemainupgradeon PiaRoad continues.
•WatermainupgradeonBirken Road continues.
•Annual roadpainting refreshprogramisunderway. Crews areworking at nighttolimittraffic impacts. squamish.ca/building-our-future
Checkout thepool schedule:
CULTURE
WHAT’S HAPPENINGIN RECREATION AND
NEW! Youcannowskiptheclicksandheaddirectly to registrationwithournewURL. It’s supereasy! squamish.ca/booknow
Menonthe Move at The55ActivityCentre Newsessionstarting August5
Low-intensitytraining formenthatincludes aerobics,strengthtraining, coordination,balance, stretching,and a lot oflaughter!
It isperfect forthosewho generallydonotparticipate in fitnessclasses. op-insWelcome.Reserveyourspot!
FALL PROGRAM GUIDE
Onlineviewing August19
RegistrationBegins 8 am,August26
squamish.ca/rec squamish.ca/rec/pool
August Swimming Lessons
atBrennan ParkRecreation Centre
We still have afewspotsopen forour summerswimminglessons! Come joinus fora funand friendly wayto improveyourskillsin the water.
FeeltheMusic at The55Activity Centre
August6–27,1–2:30 pm
Thismood-liftingclass inspired by various formsofmusicuseschairs forwarm-upandsupport–afun exercise forthemindandbody.All levels welcome.
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Development Review
TemporaryUse Permits
•GaribaldiSprings Phase 2Sales Centre
•3021UniversityBoulevard
•3041UniversityBoulevard squamish.ca/review
Stage 1Outdoor WaterUse
Restrictions remainin effect. squamish.ca/water
During Stage1,lawn wateringwith asprinkler isallowed twodaysper weekfrom4–10 am and7–10 pm basedonstreetaddress.
•Oddnumberedaddresses can water on Thursdays andSundays.
•Evennumberedaddresses can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
U-PICK FLOWER FARM EXPERIENCE IN THE SQUAMISH VALLEY
At Bloom+ Breeze Farm, there’s no cell service—just rows of vibrant flowers waiting to be picked by hand. It’s an unplugged experience like no other
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@squamishchief.com
The world travels at a breakneck pace, but at Bloom+ Breeze Farm in the Squamish Valley, time slows down and seems to melt away.
Part of the calm of the place comes from the fact that there is no cellphone service at the family-owned and operated flower farm.
But the peace is curated by being immersed in a field of lavender, and in the U-pick flower experience onoffer.
Guests can literally fill their cup— well, in this case, an adult or kid-sized vase—with blooms they pick themselves, after moving through the rows of dahlias, zinnias, sunflowers and more.
“It’s perfect for families, stagettes, kids,a girls’ night out or just because,” says farm co-owner Paula de Jong.
“We just want you to get lost in the flower joy.”
In addition to the U-pick aspect and garden parties, and a farm stand, the business offers a bulk bucket of flowers that can be purchased The flowers are sold at the Squamish Farmers’ Market, with local Nutrient Dense Farm’s produce.
“They have our flowers at the market every weekend, so you can get the local Squamish veggies and flowers every Saturday,” de Jong noted.
In the spring, the farm blossoms with thousands of tulips.
In the winter, the farm sells dahlia bulbs.
HOW IT STARTED
De Jong moved to Squamish at 19, about 20 years ago. Over the years, her family always eyed the Squamish Valley, but it was hard to find a suitable property Then, about 10 years ago, she andher husband found this piece of their
paradise.
“We stumbled ross this, and it was empty, raw land,” she recalled.
“So everything on the property, from the wells to the septic, has been built by my husband and I—well, my dream, he’s the builder,” she said, with a laugh.
As for the flower farm, de Jong said she had always been drawn to lavender, but it was visiting a U-pick dahlia event in the Lower Mainland with her mom and then-baby daughter that sparked theidea for the current state of the farm.
“We were trying to think of what we could [grow] on the property,” she recalled, “and it was such an incredible experience being out in the flowers in the evening as the sun was setting I was like, thisis what we need to do in Squamish.”
That was three seasons ago.
The farm opened to the public in 2023.
WHERE IT’S GOING
As for the future, De Jong said that every year they are continually growing and learning.
“Every single year, there are really big learning lessons. I’m constantly taking notes and adjusting what my crop plan is,” she said. “Certain flowers are better for U-pick, other flowers might just grow once and then die off, so it’s just taking up a lot of space. I’m constantly fine-tuning, and once I get into something, I really learn by hands in the dirt.”
The farm is located at 14988 Squamish Valley Rd. Visits have to be pre-booked online.
An adult large bouquet with field entry is $35, a kid’s bouquet with entry is $20. Go to the Bloom+ Breeze Farm website to book or learn more, or visit the business on Facebook and Instagram.
The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news To be considered, please reach out to news@squamishchief.com.
While funding for this coverage was provided, The Squamish Chief maintains full editorial control over all content.
Brought to you by Community Futures Howe Sound, The Sea to Sky’s resource for financing and free business support to help local businesses and entrepreneurs in the area Connect with them directly and learn more at cfhowesound.com or email Kieran at kieran.hale@cfhowesound.com.
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Paula de Jong, owner of Bloom+ Breeze Farm,a family flower farm in the Upper Squamish Valley.
Canadian jobs starthere
Realjobs.Realenergy.Realopportunity.
At WoodfibreLNG, we’rebuildingmorethana world-class facility—we’re creating real opportunities forCanadians.
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EDITORIAL
LESS DIVIDED
Withthe District of Squamish’s granting of thetemporary usepermits for WoodfibreLNG’s twoworkeraccommodationfloatels, perhaps we canmove forward, notunited,but less divided.
Sincethe topicof theLNG export facility at the oldWoodfibre mill site enteredSquamish’s consciousness about12years ago, therehas been adividethathas grownmoreand more heated as theyears went on.
Theproject itself divided us,but so toodid the reaction to it,withsomeofthose opposedand some of thoseinsupport drawing linesinthe sand that they couldnever seem to move.
Politicianshaveusedthe issuetocurry favour, getelected,tograndstandortotry to bring unity.
Thetruth of thematterislocals—andlocal government—never hadmuchsay over theplant coming or not.
It wasa provincial,Sḵwxwú7meshÚxwumixw (SquamishNation) andfederal decision.
We were merely thevenue forit.
The environmentalmovementmadethe project better in some ways we should acknowledge andbegratefulfor,and stoked thefire, perhaps unintentionally, that turned many againstskilled andhard-workingtradesworkers.
Thecompany’s leadership andstaff made thingsbetterfor many,too,inwaysthathaven’t been significantlynoted,and they endured abuse that wasn’t deserved.
But therewerealsotone-deaf company misstepsalong theway that areregrettable.
With thepassing of theTUPsand thecompletion of theproject in sight, we need to heal, debrief andhopefully,learn from thelegacyof this last decade.
We have alllearned alot,for good or ill.
Therewereopportunities taken, butmany were missed.
It is unfortunatethatmorewasn’tmadeabout the Nation’s environmentalassessmentprocess beingthe firstlegally-binding.Instead,the Nation’sinvolvement wastokenized by some and dismissedbyothers.
Thinking that theproject couldbestopped meant councils missed thechancetoextract more good from it.
That is aloss.
But it is thenew dawn of anew day.
Theproject is areality.
Folkswho opposeditfromthe startaren’t going to change theirstance, andthose who supporteditfiercelylikelywon’t understand thefearofthose whofoughtit. Butwecan all agree to disagree.Like anyfamily, thereisso muchmoretoour relationshipsthanthisone project. Ideally, thenextdecadewillfocus more onfinding that common ground.
YOUTHEXPLAINER:RECONCILIATION IN ACTION
YOUTHCOLUMN
Editor’s notebook:Squamishhighschoolstudent Auni Dayton hasbeenaninternatThe Squamish Chiefthis summer.Aspartofher work as ajuniorreporter, she went through thememorandumofunderstanding betweenthe Squamish Nation andthe District of Squamish.
Sheput together this explainertohelpother youth understand theimportant agreement.
Inanimportant step towardsreconciliation, the Squamish Nation andthe District of Squamish have agreed to be equalpartnerstorepairpastharms, protectthe land,and shapeafuturebased on respect, trust, andcollaboration.
TheSquamish Nation is agroup of Indigenous people whohavelived on thelandfor thousandsof yearsand have theirown culture, language,and laws. TheDistrictofSquamishisthe localgovernmentthat runs thetownand is in charge of making decisions aboutinfrastructure(roads, parks, housing, andmore) andpolicy.
Theagreement that thesetwo groups made is called aMemorandumofUnderstanding (MOU), whichisa promisetoworktogetherinthe future.
TheMOU wascreated to repair averydamaged relationship.Alongtimeago,whensettlersarrived here,theytookoverSquamishNationlandwithout asking,which caused alot of harm.Now,boththe Squamish Nation andthe DistrictofSquamishare trying torepair that relationship andmakedecisions together in thefuture. TheMOU is aboutreconciliation (rightingpastwrongs),partnership (working together insteadofseparately),and respect(listening andvaluing each other’sopinions).
Thetwo groups will useseveral principles to help guidethe decision-makingprocess.These principles will help them to make fair decisionsthatare positive forthe people andthe land.
These twogovernments have agreed to make severalchanges that will help them move forwardinto amoreunited, fair partnership. TheDistrictof Squamish hasagreedtotakeresponsibilityand publicly apologizetothe Squamish Nation forall of theharmthatcolonizationand settlement have done to thepeopleand theland. Both groups have agreed to talk to each othermoreoften andtomeetatleast twice ayearinorder to discussplans,ideas andproblems. In ordertomoveintothe future together,the two governmentswillworktogethertowards thesame goalsfor howthe land will be used andprotected.This meansthattheywillagree on theconstructionofnew buildings, roads, andthe useofthe land.
(Wehavegoodfeelingsthatwe live,weworkand we play on thelands of theSquamishNation)
YOUTH:
Continuedfrom12
will thinkabout ways of returninglandto theSquamish Nationor managing it together.The District hasalsoagreedto pauseany developmentonthe BrackendaleFarmers InstituteParkwhile they discussthe possibilityofgivingthat land back.
Though theseagreementsare not actually law, they areaserious promise basedontrust andreconciliation.This agreementwillhelppeopleunderstand andfix themistakesofthe past andagree to make decisionstogetherinthe future. It will help to heal past wounds and improvethe relationshipsbetween Indigenous people andsettlers. Thetwo groups’dedicationtoworking together as equals showshow twogovernments can work together andmakefairchoices.
LETTERSTOTHE EDITOR
MAYBE JUST CALM DOWN ALITTLE
So,there’s goingtobeanapartment building on ClevelandAvenuethatdoes notinclude parkingspots.Judging from thereaction, youmight thinkcouncil hadvoted to outlaw andphysically removeall parkingaltogether. This very newspaperthinkscouncil’s decision puts us allonthe road to hell,noless.
[“Editorial:Is Squamish readyfor car-free living?” July 26.]
Wait,hell? Like,lakes of fire andeternal tormentand wailingand gnashing of teeth andstuff—thathell? I’dliketo suggest that mightbejustalittleoverly dramatic.
Yes, Squamish is largelyacar-dependenttown. Yes, most peopleuse their vehicles daily—to drivetowork, shuttle the kids around,accessrecreation,haul gravel, whatever.Fairenough.
But—andit’sabig “but”—thereare also people in Squamish whoare notcar dependent. Believeitornot,thereare even peopleinSquamish whodon’t owncars. Whyshouldthose people have to payfor parkingspots forcarstheydon’t own? Why shouldn’tthere be housingoptions availablefor thosepeople, optionsthat don’t have parkingcosts bakedintothe rent,the mortgage,the stratafees, the property taxes? Seriously, why not?
Andif—outoffairnessifnothing else—we’re goingtoallow people who don’t owncarstoliveinhousing that doesn’tforce them to payforparking spotsfor cars they don’t own, where betterthanonCleveland Avenue,where groceries andbanks andparks and doctorsand dentists andvarious other shopsand services areall within easy walkingdistance?
If this building wasproposedfor Paradise Valley or theHighlands or somewhereupNine-Mile way, youcan betIwould have some questions. Butit’s
LETTERSPOLICY
smackinthe middle ofdowntown,the perfectlocationfor it,soI don’tsee the problem.
If most people in Squamish need or want to payfor parkingaspartoftheir housing costs,theycan.There areseveral thousand housingunits in Squamish that,one wayoranother,include parking inthe cost,sotakeyourpick. Thereare many more currentlyinthe planning or buildingstages, and therewillbestill many more in theyears to come.
Thefactthatamere20downtown apartments will notforce theiroccupants topay forparkingspotsfor cars they may not even ownisnot goingtoputanyone on theroadtohellso, everybody, maybe just calm downa little.
MurraySovereign Squamish
WHERE IS THEPROVINCE ON RAIL?
Regarding“What couldCNdiscontinuing itsSea to SkyCorridor line mean?”
[Published July 17.]
CongratulationstoMLA Jeremy Valerioteand MP PatrickWeilerfor jumping on thisissueimmediately after CN’s publicannouncementofits discontinuance plans. Unfortunately, the provincial NDPgovernmenthas been less than forthcomingabout itsplans, even though theGordonCampbell government’sBCR Revitalization Agreement with CN,statesthatCNmust notify theprovincialgovernmentofits discontinuance plansbeforenotifying the public or anyother government authority. Thus, theprovincialgovernment knewthe discontinuance was impendingand hasbeenmum on the issue. Theagreement also allows the provincial governmenttosellthe line to CNfor $1.(bcrail_revitalization.pdf Article3,Section 3.5, Clause (a)). The one-yearperiodbeforediscontinuanceallows time forconcerned citizens,
CN states thereisnofreighttraffic on thesectionsbeing discontinued (Network Efficiencies|Who We Are|About CN| CN.caRailLineDiscontinuance). However, it canbeasked,how hard did CN trytobuild business,given its business modelisbased on very,long trains carryingbulkcommodities.A more nimble,entrepreneurial,local operator maybe able to generate significantbusinesstorun asuccessful operation.
Thosewho suggestpassenger operationsare notjustified becausethey requiresubsidization should be reminded that allpassenger transportationissubsidized, includinghighways. The VictoriaTransportation Policy Instituteestimates B.C. subsidizes highwayusers to thetuneof$800per capita each year.(Transportation ExpendituresCompared)
TheBCR corridor is also an alternate rail routefromthe Interior to thecoast, much as Highway99isfor highwaytravel. Considering climate change-induced weather, fire, landslides,and other disasters, it is avaluableresiliencytool shouldthe Fraser Canyon rail routes be shut down.
Thecurrent provincial government seemstohavenointerestinrailissues butistalking bigonresource development,which wasthe rationalefor the PGE/BCR/BC Rail’s construction (British Columbia Railway-NorthernBC Archives). It is time to revisitthatvision and create arailcorridorthatBritish Columbians can be proudof.
Rick Jelfs Secretary–Transport Action
BritishColumbia
Vancouver
TheSquamishChief welcomes letterstothe editor of up to 400words.Letters should be exclusivetothispublication andare meanttorespond to alocal story in TheSquamishChief or raiseanissue happening in town.Pleaseinclude your name,neighbourhood anddaytime phonenumber. Thedeadlineis5 p.m. Mondaytobeconsideredfor Thursday’s edition. Full namesand neighbourhoodwillbepublishedwiththe letter.The publisherreservesthe righttorefuse andeditletters forlengthand clarityortoaddress legalconcerns. Emaillettersto: editor@squamishchief.com.
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QUESTION OF THEWEEK
Do youthink we canmoveonless dividedoverthe LNGplant?
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WEEK’S QUESTION
Couldyou live in Squamish without owning avehicle?(Top4)
MOST READ STORY
Body of missingman IllyaRechytskyy recoveredinDaisy Lake
THEBIG WEEKEND:AerialSilks were on display at TheBig WeekendfromJuly25to27. Thefamilyfriendly event wasput on by Squamish Arts and theDowntownSquamishBusinessImprovement Association.
PHOTOBYBRIAN AIKENS
REOPENINGOF BROHM LAKE FOOTBRIDGE EXPECTED BY MID-AUGUST
Hikers will soon be able to complete the full loop around scenic Brohm Lake again, as construction on a new metal footbridge nears completion
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
The footbridge over Brohm Lake, which has been closed since 2023, is finally set toreopen
The crossing, which allows hikers to make a complete loop of the lake, was dismantled due to rotting wood that made it unsafe.
However, anew metal bridge is almost complete.
Recreation Sites and Trails expects work to be done and the bridge to be opened by early to mid-August, according to a spokesperson for the Ministry of Environment and Parks.
“Completion of the bridge will restore visitor access to the loop around the lake, significantly enhancing the experience for visitors,” the spokesperson said.
Sea to Sky contractor Howler Contracting Limited is doing the work.
The ministry says the existing sills are made of yellow cedar, while aluminum forms the new bridge structure. The bridge decking is rough-sawn cedar, which was chosen as it is safe for fish and seen as a safe, conservation-friendly alternative to pressure-treated wood.
The total value of the contract for this pedestrian bridge is $92,000, the spokesperson said.
Asked how long thenew bridge is expected to last, the spokesperson said the design and materials for the bridge construction were chosen with longevity in mind.
“We expect the bridge to last for up to 20 years,” the spokesperson said.
“Due to the design, as materials degrade, it will be easier to repair while maintaining the integrity of the bridge.”
The spokesperson also took the opportunity toremind folks that parking at Brohm Lake is limited.
“Visitors are encouraged to carpool and ensure they are obeying all traffic laws in accessing this location, as well as to not park in unauthorized locations, specifically along the highway shoulder adjacent to the site,” they said.
PHOTO BY MYKEL THUNCHER/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The new footbridge accross
SP’AKW’US FEATHER SHAKEDOWNRETURNS FOR ITS FIFTH YEAR
Get ready to shake your tail feathers at the oceanfront on Aug. 16 from 4 to 11 p.m.
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Get ready to shake your tail feathers at the fifth annual Sp’akw’us Feather Shakedown.
Returning to the oceanfront, the music event will take place on Saturday, Aug. 16, from 4 to 11 p.m.
“What began as a free community party in a dusty building lot has evolved into a signature Squamish event at Oceanfront Squamish’s breathtaking Sp’akw’us Feather Park,” reads a news release from Squamish Arts.
Executive director Clea Young noted in the release that “the event has maintained its original character: it’s still free to attend–thanks to the support of our sponsors and community partners–and stacked with great entertainment.”
But while it is free to attend, visitors travelling by car will have to cough up some loonies and toonies to park.
“Due to extremely limited on-site parking, organizers encourage guests to walk or ride.
Complimentary bike parking will be available, and pay parking will be in effect ($5),” reads the release.
The event will kick off with Squamish-raised
singer/songwriter Alex Badger, followed by the soulful Leo D.E. Johnson, the vibrant Squamish Nation Cultural Dancers Welhtima Kexwusem, and Western Canadian Music Awards
BreakingNews
nominees, Astrocolor
The evening portion of the Shakedown will see Fort Knox Five, 2024 Juno nominees Smalltown DJs, and pioneering DJ, producer,
Meet Clove!
and local favourite The Librarian take the stage, respectively.
Feeling thirsty or hungry after all that boogying? No problem. There will be a selection of food vendors on site ready to feed the crowds, anda site-wide liquor license ensures that attendees can enjoya beverage anywhere in the park.
No personalalcohol is allowed, and security will also be conducting bag checks at entry points.
New to the Shakedown this year is a ticketed VIP zone, which includes great sight lines of the stage, a private bar and washrooms, shade, and seating options.
VIP tickets are $20 and are available in advance online at the Squamish Arts Festival website.
Matthews West president John Matthews said in the release that the Shakedown is “emblematic” of the future of the Oceanfront Squamish community.
“What began as a one-time event has become something truly special, and we’re humbled by the support. Oceanfront Squamish was always meant to be more than a development. It was meant to be a gathering place, and we look forward to welcoming you on Aug. 16,” he said. For more information on the Sp’akw’us Feather Shakedown, visit the Squamish Arts Festival website.
This sweetheartfelineloves to roll around thefloor,displayingher magnificentpattern and tiger-like hues.Her piercing eyes will mesmerize youmorethan anymagicianonthe LasVegas strip. Like atiger,Clove preferstobethe only catroaming her space, and we love that diva attitude. Herpersonalitycan’t be summedup into words, so come in andfallinlove with herinperson!
FILE PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Attendees enjoying the sunshine and music at the Sp’akw’us Feather Shakedown, 2024.
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It is with greatsadnessthatweannounce thepassing of Rick Eby, after acourageousfightwithcancer. Rick wasbornonJuly24,1950 andpassedawayonJuly18,2025. He is dearly missedbyhis wife Evelyn,their grandchildrenMason andAva andmanyfamilyand friends.
HewaspredeceasedbyhisparentsEldonand Sarah,Eileen,hisdaughterJo-ann. Richlovedsports.Hewas agreattennisplayer.HewastheSquamishGolf Championin1972.WhenslowpitchstartedinSquamish,heplayeduntilhe nolongercould.Thenhebecame an umpireandwas known as“MrRules.”
SpecialthankstoDr. Simmons,Dr. Weir,theOncologyteamatSquamish, Dr. Lisset,Dr.Campbell, Dr.Piper,Dr. Miller,andSeatoSkyHospice. AmemorialservicewillbeheldattheSquamishBaptistChurch, August 9th,2025at3:00pm.
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JamesFredrickHagen ofSquamishBritishColumbia passedawayonJuly15,2025at the age of88.
Jimwillberememberedby familyandfriends.
Hewaspredeceasedbyhisparents, Sarah and ArnoldHagen. He is survived byhischildrenJames Hagen (Joan)and Kimberly Hagen (John) Noservice byJim’s request
CRUSHING& EARTHWORKS MANAGER– Must have experiencewithmobilecrushingplant andheavycivilconstruction.$33-$46 perhour.
CONSTRUCTION LABOURER– Greatopportunity tolearnon-the-job.Stamina for physically demandingworkandperseverance to braveinclement weather required. Previousexperiencepreferredbut notrequired.Trainingprovided. $28-$33perhour.
Yourdetermination willhelp you achieve yourgoals.It’simportant to feelcomfortablein your professionalenvironmentifyou want to thrive. Taking amoment to reconsider yoursituation couldbringpositivechanges. Expect yourpartner to shower you with attention, makingway for romanticmoments.
TAURUS April20-May20
Alarge-scale eventwillbring many people together.Asan artist, yourimagination will help you create somethingtruly exceptional.Trustyourinstincts; they’ll guide you to make wise choices.
GEMINI May21-June20
Time will be oftheessencethis week.You’llneed to organize rigorouslyto meetall your commitments.Rememberto carveout sometimefor yourself to unwindand recharge.Use thisbreaktoreconnect withold friendsand strengthenthose valuable relationships.
CANCER June21-July22
Beforetheendof summer, treat yourself to awell-deserved vacation. Paycloseattention to thesmallestofdetails,especially forimportantprojectsor work.
SUDOKU
Aparty—mostlikelythrownfor you—will giveyou the chance to relaxand have fun.
LEO July23-Aug. 22
Youmay feel oversensitivethis week,whichcould cause youto go overboard. Keepan eyeon yourfinances to avoid making impulsivepurchases.Treat yourself to somethingyou truly enjoy butremember to practice moderation.
VIRGO Aug.23-Sept.22
Youmay getapromotion,which willprompt you to upgrade your wardrobe to match your new role.Investinginyour appearance willenhance both your professionaland personal image, helpingyou make astrong impression.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
You’ll juggle severalurgenttasks at work.Fortunately, yourhard work will be rewarded witha significant promotion. In your personallife,a newromance mayblossom. Youmay even go so faras to startconsideringalife together.
and wisdom will payoff at work, as wellasin yourromanticlife, deepeningyourrelationship.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21
You’ll spend part ofthe week at home,possiblydue to aunique situation. You’ll have to shoulder severalresponsibilities,especially if you have young children.If you’resingle,anunexpected encounter could surpriseyou.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan.19
Prepareformoretravelthanyou anticipated this week,andthings maytakelonger than expected. Acceptinvitationsfromfriends andfamily;it’s importantto unwind. Arealestatedealmay turn outtobequitebeneficial.
AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb.18
You’ll find solutions toa persistentfinancialissue. Don’t hesitateto askforadvicefrom professionalsandfriends.You’ll receiveapproval to fund aproject that means alot to you.
PISCES Feb. 19-March20
You’ll seizeevery opportunity to treatyourself this week.You mightoffer financialhelp toa friendinneed.Aworkproject promises to enrichyour life. However, don’tforgettorestand manage yourenergy.
HOWTOPLAY: Fillinthegridsothat every row, every columnand every 3x3box contains thenumbers1through 9onlyonce. Each 3x3box isoutlinedwith adarker line. Youalreadyhave afew numbers to getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeatthenumbers1through 9in thesameline, columnor 3x3box.
Holy Communionand Morning Worship
Sundays at 10:00AM Rev. Cameron Gutjahr 1930Diamond Road 604-898-5100