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GOT A BASE?
THEY LIKE US!
Marine rescuers seek permanent home base
Purple martins return to the Squamish Estuary
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
S Q U A M I S H C H I E F. C O M
LOCAL MOM FINALLY SEES INVOLUNTARY CARE GUIDELINES PUT IN PLACE THAT MAY HAVE SAVED HER DAUGHTER Premier David Eby announces guidelines for involuntary care for youth JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
B
ereaved Squamish mom Brenda Doherty has been waiting eight years for what she heard Nov. 5. Doherty and her husband Andrew were at a press conference at the Vancouver Cabinet Office on Friday morning where Premier David Eby announced guidelines under the application of the Mental Health Act that will strengthen access to involuntary care for young people, if the health-care provider treating them and the child’s parents think it is in the youth’s best interest. Doherty, whose daughter Steffanie GeorginaAnne Lawrence, 15, died of fentanyl poisoning in 2018, has been advocating for clarity on
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Premier David Eby announces involuntary care guidelines, as Brenda Doherty looks on (in pink).
involuntary care since days after her child’s death. Lawrence, shortly after turning 15, was experiencing mental health and addiction
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that context [of Lawrence], they could not intervene.” The guidelines make it more clear that parents can be involved and that, in the best interest of the child, they can be held.
CARE: Continued from 1 Doherty has repeatedly said that if her child had been held, it would have given her family and medical support team time to come up with a plan that could have saved her life. At the press conference, Eby said that up until these guidelines, how a child like Lawrence would be dealt with depended on which doctor they were seen by or which hospital they went to in B.C.
OPIOID BLOCKERS
GUIDELINES PROVIDE CLARITY The guidelines make it clear and uniform what the options are. The guidelines are not new legislation, but rather work with the already existing Mental Health Act provisions. B.C.’s chief scientific adviser for psychiatry, toxic drugs and concurrent disorders, Dr. Daniel Vigo, who crafted the guidelines with a team, said that up until now, physicians have often felt they shouldn’t or couldn’t contact parents or hold a young person against their will. He has developed the guidance document for doctors and psychiatrists that makes clear how the Mental Health Act can be applied to provide involuntary care for young people younger than 19. A minor 16 years old and older cannot be admitted against their will at the request of a parent. The parental consent aspect is for minors under 16. Voluntary care is always preferred, and involuntary care remains a last resort, Vigo said. To be considered for involuntary admission and treatment, the youth must: • have a mental disorder that seriously impairs their ability to react appropriately to their environment or associate with others, and requires treatment; • requires care, supervision and control in or through a designated facility to prevent their substantial mental or physical deterioration, or for the protection of the person or for the
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Squamish mom, Brenda Doherty.
There is also medication, long-acting opioid antagonist (blockers) that can be administered, but only if under care, while the person is detoxing. It requires a period of time in hospital to have it be given. “It is not, but it is almost like a vaccine against overdose for a period of time,” Eby said. He said if a child who is addicted receives that medication, it gives them protection against brain injury and death due to overdose. “These are the kind of treatments that can be administered with a brief involuntary stay when a young person comes in,” he said. Involuntary care not only gives the youth an opportunity to be stabilized in a health-care environment with their parents, physicians and social workers in hospitals and potentially to connect with services in the community, but also gives the physician the chance to administer the drug to help protect them.
CHANGE OF PERSPECTIVE protection of others; • the person cannot suitably be admitted as a voluntary patient. “A minor under 16 years of age may be admitted on the request of a parent or guardian if a physician or nurse practitioner examines the minor and concludes that they have a mental disorder for which inpatient treatment would be indicated, but a minor 16 years old and older cannot be admitted against their will at the request of a parent,” the guidelines read. Vigo said that in a case like Lawrence’s, the girl was smart and articulate and presented well in the emergency room so was let to leave as a “mature minor.” “My colleagues had been told to think that in
While parents like Doherty have been advocating for the clarity these guidelines provide for years, Eby said that it took trying everything else to get him to the place where he could support the guidelines. “Around young people, my apprehension came from advocates saying, ‘Look, what you are going to do if you involuntarily treat a child in hospital is that if that child overdoses in community, their friends are going to be more reluctant to call an ambulance. They are going to be reluctant to call for help because they understand that it might result in the child being detained,” he said. “That’s is a powerful argument. We want people to call for help. We want people to go to hospital when they are in crisis,” said the
Had we had something like this in place, it may have helped save her life. BRENDA DOHERTY
premier. He said Vigo’s research makes it clear that if intervention happens at the moment when the child is in crisis—and they can be held—the chance of the child dying or suffering a brain injury can be significantly reduced. He said what “drove it home for him” was sitting across the table from parents like Doherty. “Brenda came to my office, just down the hall here and spent time with me and shared the story of her daughter and the profound failure of the system,” he said. “There is no answer I could even contemplate that would explain why the system acted the way it did in response to that obvious crisis. It was a catastrophic failure and completely unacceptable,” he added. “Those horrific stories, as terrible as they are, give us what we need to respond to the reasonable arguments on the other side.” He said those opposed to strengthening involuntary care have a strong argument, but “at the end of the day, sending a kid out with a bus pass, instead of with a medication that could save their brain and save their lives and letting their parents know—there is just no argument. There’s no answer except that we have to do this.” Doherty summed up what the guidelines would have meant for her daughter and family. “Had we had something like this in place, it may have helped save her life,” she said.
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GOT NEWS? Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
HOUSING ADVOCATES URGE DISTRICT TO RESERVE REMAINING PIONEER WAY LANDS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Zero Ceiling’s Lizi McLoughlin and DWIFT Housing Society are calling on the District to set aside public land for nonprofit housing delivering community amenities such as parks, commercial space, child care and social services. “But most importantly,” she said, “they would provide stable, affordable homes for the people who keep Squamish running, who are raising their families here, who love this town, and want a future for themselves here.” She also cited analysis showing Squamish now has the second-highest cost of living in B.C., behind Whistler, as part of the pressing need for affordable housing.
LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
H
ousing advocates in Squamish are urging the District to reserve remaining public land on Pioneer Way for affordable housing instead of selling it to private developers. Lizi McLoughlin, a Squamish resident and Whistler-based co-executive director of Zero Ceiling, a non-profit who provides housing and employment support to at-risk youth, appeared before mayor and council on Dec. 2, calling on the District to preserve a portion of 8.5 acres on 1221 and 1311 Pioneer Way for community benefit. “As a community member and a resident, I was disappointed to see that another 8.5 acres of public land is about to be sold for private development,” she said. “Public lands are our greatest assets, and once they’re gone, they’re gone. They can no longer be used to bring long-term benefit and opportunities to our community.” McLoughlin said an affordable housing provider has already submitted a proposal to acquire part of the land. “For me, this is a vital opportunity that we cannot afford to pass up,” she told council. “Please put the community’s most pressing need first … and prioritize affordable housing developments.”
A PUSH FROM DWIFT HOUSING SOCIETY The applicant she referenced is DWIFT Housing Society, led by Sean Easton, who also
WHY THE DISTRICT IS SELLING THE LAND
FILE PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
A graffitied for sale sign beside Highway 99 advertising Lot 38/39 located at 1221 and 1311 Pioneer Way.
works with McLoughlin at Zero Ceiling. DWIFT submitted an expression of interest to purchase a portion of the site in early 2025 to deliver permanently affordable housing. On its website, DWIFT says it deprioritizes profit by building “homes for less money and [selling] them at cost … We are striving to make home ownership attainable for Squamish residents.” Easton said the town’s escalating prices are pushing many longtime residents away. “Squamish has so much potential,” he said in an interview. “I’ve had many friends have to leave this community because of the rising costs.”
DWIFT has hired real estate veteran Robert Brown—who helped establish Catalyst Community Developments and was appointed to BC Housing’s board in 2023—to advise on the project. A related change.org petition asking for community support that council considers DWIFT’s proposal has gathered more than 900 signatures.
ADVOCATES SAY PUBLIC LAND COULD DELIVER HOMES AND AMENITIES
McLoughlin said selling the land to non-profit housing providers could still raise funds for critical infrastructure while also
The District is preparing to close on half of the land at Pioneer Way Dec. 9 to Solterra Acquisitions Corp. for $13.3 million. Staff say the money is needed to fund major infrastructure replacements. “[The] Pioneer Way land sale is offsetting budget pressures from major capital projects as part of the original strategy to fund facility replacements (in particular Public Works) using land disposition proceeds,” a District spokesperson said in an email. The cost of replacing the Public Works Facility climbed from $26.4 million to $37 million. In a 2023 explainer, the District said industry consultants underestimated the pace of post-2021 inflation, supply-chain volatility and labour shortages. Costs also rose because of delays linked to a second Alternative Approval Process, new climate-resiliency and emissions standards—including flood and 2030 GHG requirements—along with contamination cleanup and expanded HOUSING: Continued on 4
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4 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
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MARINE RESCUERS PUSH FOR SQUAMISH BASE AS WATER SAFETY NEEDS GROW
RCM-SAR says a new facility in Blind Channel would strengthen emergency response, training and public access on Howe Sound LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
T
he Royal Canadian Marine Search and Rescue (RCM-SAR) is calling for a permanent base in Squamish’s Blind Channel, saying the community urgently needs dedicated water safety infrastructure. In a letter to the District of Squamish, the volunteer marine-rescue organization outlined its case for a new facility that would bolster emergency response, training capacity and public safety along the northern waters of Howe Sound. “Squamish currently lacks dedicated water safety infrastructure on our oceanfront, and an appropriately sited facility is urgently needed to improve response capability, training capacity, and public safety,” the group wrote. RCM-SAR says it has spent the past five years fundraising for a boat shed and training facility, but has exhausted its search for a suitable site with long-term security. Its preferred location fronts X̱wún̓eḵw Park at the east end of Main
FILE PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Crew members left to right: Heidi Specht, Kelly Dean, Danielle Samels, Helen Honig, and Will Turner, at Squamish Harbour.
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Learn more at seatoskynordics.ca/jump
Street. Mayor Armand Hurford pulled the letter for council discussion, asking staff to report back on the concerns and proposed solutions. “I appreciate the detailed recommendations in the letter,” he said, adding council needs staff’s assessment of what is possible on the site before giving more specific direction. “This likely turns into a combination of capacity, budget and priorities, but I want to understand what that actually looks like before moving forward.” Coun. Eric Andersen noted the district’s Marine Action Strategy, endorsed in 2018, HOUSING: Continued from 3 archaeological work. Additional scope, including relocating salt sheds, further increased the price.
COUNCIL RESPONDS McLoughlin spoke under “unscheduled public attendance,” a rarely used mechanism reserved for time-sensitive issues tied to agenda items. The format allows community input but not debate. Coun. Jenna Stoner thanked McLoughlin and acknowledged the tension between competing needs. “There are limited opportunities with public land … to actually advance the issue of affordable housing,” she said. “We also as a municipality need to provide fire halls and
already identifies many of the needs outlined by RCM-SAR. “We should be mindful that the tasks or requests outlined here are all addressed in that strategy. We just haven’t got to it yet,” he said, urging council to integrate staff’s comments into an updated work plan. Coun. Andrew Hamilton added that as Squamish becomes more connected to the water, demand for marine search and rescue services will grow. “We absolutely will need more marine search and rescue service,” he said. “We need to keep pursuing all the opportunities we can here.” Coun. Jenna Stoner also supported Hurford’s motion, noting “the offer for capital funding commitments is always beneficial and makes supporting these sorts of works a little bit easier.” RCM-SAR’s letter highlights gaps in existing resources, including limited marina space and reduced readiness for marine incidents in the upper Sound. The proposed concept includes a non-motorized public dock, secure moorage for rescue vessels, and space for equipment storage and training. The dock would also need to accommodate a new RCMP patrol boat and Squamish Search and Rescue’s swift water jet boat. “A public non-motorized access dock [can be] integrated to preserve and enhance recreational access while separating motorized safety operations from non-motorized uses,” the letter states. “We believe that a new water safety facility can be integrated with the intended public access dock currently designed.” The group is asking council to direct staff to collaborate with partners on a water lot plan, hire consultants for technical design, and begin pursuing provincial and federal permits. The Squamish Paddling Club and Squamish Search and Rescue have also expressed support, saying secure moorage and shared infrastructure would benefit multiple parties. public works facilities.” She said the District spent a year exploring alternatives before moving ahead with the sale. “We knew that we needed to dispose of some land in order to pay for the over $70 million that we have invested in core infrastructure.” Coun. John French said McLoughlin’s concerns were “real and legitimate,” and committed to reviewing DWIFT’s petition. Coun. Lauren Greenlaw emphasized the need for multi-level advocacy. “[Housing] is something we take seriously around this table,” she said. “It is a crisis that’s affecting our entire nation.” Mayor Armand Hurford thanked McLoughlin for bringing the matter forward, noting discussions about the remaining lands will occur at a future meeting.
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 5
SEE HOW MANY TIMES SPECIALIZED RCMP TEAMS WERE CALLED TO SQUAMISH Various I-Teams were called in from Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025 to support local Mounties
warrants. These officers come in for situations where there’s extreme danger, involve firearms or are above the ability of the local RCMP detachment.
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
I
f it were a western movie, a character would say the local police “called in the big guns.” In the Squamish context, it is calling in the I-Teams to support the local Royal Canadian Mounted Police detachment. A report from Bert Ferreira, chief superintendent, officer in charge of the Lower Mainland Integrated Teams (LMD I-Teams), which includes Squamish, was submitted to council for Dec. 2, which outlines the times I-Teams were called in from Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025. The I-Teams work with municipal police services throughout the Lower Mainland— which is the Mounties in Squamish—to provide specialized policing services such as collision analysis, emergency response, forensic investigation, homicide investigation and police dog services.
ICARS There were 11 calls for the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) from Oct. 1, 2024 to Sept. 30, 2025, with five
IPDS There were 88 calls for the Lower Mainland District Integrated Police Dog Service (IPDS), spread out over the time period. Six of those were to assist the IERT, seven were for a break and enter call. Other calls included one homicide, and 11 weapons calls.
IFIS FILE PHOTO VIA RCMP ICARS
ICARS team members are expertly trained in the use of highly sophisticated equipment that helps them investigate the factors that caused a crash.
coming in the third quarter of the year, July, August, September. ICARS is the specialized unit of the BC RCMP that investigates serious or fatal motor vehicle collisions.
IHIT The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) was called in once, in the first quarter of 2025. IHIT is called in to investigate homicides,
suspicious deaths, and high-risk missing persons where foul play is suspected.
IERT There were four calls for the Lower Mainland District Integrated Emergency Response Team (IERT) to assist the Squamish RCMP over the time period, all were in the first quarter of 2025, January, February, and March. One was for a barricaded person, the rest were for search
The Lower Mainland District Integrated Forensic Identification Services (IFIS) was called in 22 times, seven in the third quarter of 2025, six of those seven were for stolen vehicles.The IFIS team provide specialized forensic support for local detachments, such as crime scene examinations and the collection and recording of physical evidence. I-Teams receive funding from the three levels of government: federal, provincial and municipal. The teams cover The Lower Mainland District (LMD) RCMP and Integrated Teams cover from Pemberton to Boston Bar and south to the United States border.
6 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 7
NEWS BRIEFS FALL NOT CRIMINAL, SAY POLICE
T
he Vancouver Police Department (VPD) says its investigation into the death of eight-year-old Squamish girl, Gandom Taheri, who fell from a Yaletown high-rise last month has found no criminality. Investigators from VPD’s Major Crime Section have concluded that criminality was not a factor in the child’s death, and that the Nov. 11 fall was the result of a “tragic accident.” “Vancouver Police extends its condolences to the child’s family, friends, and everyone impacted by this horrible tragedy,” reads the VPD news release published Dec. 4.
SNOWBOARDER DIES
S
adly, French Canadian beloved snowboarder Martin Gallant died on Nov. 28, after battling Stage 4 pancreatic cancer, which he was diagnosed with in August. “It’s a hard one, friends; it’s a sad day to lay to rest another one of our precious snowboard community mentors and members,” reads the GoFundMe page previously organized by friend Megan Pischke to raise funds for Gallant’s fight against the disease. “As I drop into this final update, we honestly thought Martin would be the miracle, and that with his tenacious will to get through the roughest road of his life, he could beat this,” she wrote. “If there’s one thing we know and understand about this unfair situation— everyone’s love, support, hugs, prayers, wishes, kind thoughts, and financial support made all the difference in the world to Martin, Nat, and his family. Unfortunately, cancer is vicious, and it takes, but it will never take away our memories and the love we have, or the stories—the endless stories in the Book of Mart.”
NATION DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY
O
n Dec. 4, a new State of Emergency was announced due to the toxic drug crisis. Sḵwx̱w ú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) council declared the emergency as a response to the ongoing toxic drug crisis, and its disproportionate impact on Indigenous people, families and communities. The crisis “is causing deep and lasting harm to Squamish families, communities and loved ones,” the Nation’s website reads.
According to the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA), Indigenous people made up 17.7% of toxic drug deaths in the first six months of 2023, despite accounting for just over 3% of B.C.’s population. Furthermore, the crisis is responsible for a rapidly declining life expectancy rate among Indigenous people in B.C. The FNHA explains that between 2015 and 2021, life expectancy for Indigenous people decreased by 7.1 years due to the dual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the toxic drug public health emergency, declared provincially in April 2016. Emergency public safety measures are now being implemented by the council, while long-term planning takes place. “These actions are being set in place to strengthen community safety, protect our people, and build pathways toward long-term healing grounded in Squamish teachings and values,” the Nation’s website continues. The council wrote a letter to Nation members, which can be viewed on the website. According to this letter, emergency safety measures include: - The address of drug trafficking on reserve, - Enforcing tenancy and safety standards, including eviction processes for dangerous individuals, to protect community members, - Establishing an administrative team comprised of Nation council and community members, including Elders, to plan culturally grounded, land-based healing and treatment options, - Collaboration with external partners to address prevention and recovery support. “Our people have carried too many losses for too long. Council acknowledges the deep pain felt across the Nation, and we extend our prayers, strength and compassion to all who are hurting. This State of Emergency is an urgent call to action,” the letter reads. “It reflects our responsibility to protect the safety, health, and well-being of our people.” The letter explains that the council’s approach will remain true to cultural values and collective care. “All actions will follow … the guidance from community knowledge keepers and frontline workers,” the letter continues. The Squamish Nation Emergency Fund will support the emergency measures during the next four months. The Nation’s Health & Wellness team provides direct helplines and services for treatment access. The province also continues to expand its mental health and addictions services,
acknowledging that the crisis has “become more dangerous, with stronger and less predictable drugs.”
GOT A CHRISTMAS TREE?
T
hinking of legally cutting your own Christmas tree this year? You’ll need a permit. Anyone planning to harvest a Christmas tree on Crown land must obtain a free permit from the B.C. Natural Resource District where the tree will be cut. For those celebrating in the Sea to Sky, several designated locations are available. According to the permit, “Christmas trees may only be cut from areas of Crown land on power line rights-of-way … defined by the cleared area immediately under the power lines.” In Squamish North, permitted areas include the hydro right-of-way from Highway 99, past Squamish Valley Road and across the Cheekye River. In Squamish South, trees may be harvested along hydro corridors from Valley Drive past Guilford Drive, above Plateau Drive, and east of Powerhouse Springs Road. Permits became available Dec. 1 and are valid until Dec. 31. Each permit allows one
tree per person. Applications are completed through an online form. Once submitted, the permit is emailed directly to the applicant and outlines where trees may be cut, size limits, and conditions of use. The province also provides maps for Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton, including links compatible with mobile mapping apps. Safety on forest service roads The province urges caution when travelling into remote areas to harvest a tree. Drivers should be prepared for winter conditions and limited cell service. Recommended supplies includes bringing “ropes, gloves, tools, tire chains, a first aid kit, phone and warm clothing,” according to the province. Christmas tree cutting etiquette To ensure safety and environmental care, the province advises: - Choose your tree before you cut it. - Make sure it will fit in or on your vehicle. - Cut the tree cleanly at the base of the trunk. - Avoid leaving sharp, unsafe stumps. - Pack out all branches and debris to reduce wildfire risks.
Inlailawatash Limited Partnership Forest Operations Map FOM ID: 2683 Notice is hereby given that Inlailawatash Limited Partnership is seeking public review and comment on the following Forest Operations Map (FOM) for a thirty-day period between December 11th, 2025 and January 11th, 2026. FOM ID: 2683 Natural Resource District: Sea-to-Sky Timber Supply Area: Soo Landscape Unit: Mamquam Maps are available for review and comment through the following Government of British Columbia website: https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects. Printed maps can also be made available for review by appointment only at the Inlailawatash Limited Partnership Office in North Vancouver, BC, between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm. Appointments may be arranged via the email address below. Comments may be submitted online during the thirty-day review period at https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects, by email to matthew.marziali@ inlailawatash.ca, or by mail to Inlailawatash Limited Partnership, 3178 Alder Court, North Vancouver, BC V7H 2V6. If commenting via mail or email, please reference the FOM ID. This FOM may be relied upon during road and cutting permit submissions for a period of up to three years, ending January 11th, 2029. 3178 Alder Court North Vancouver, BC V7H 2V6
8 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
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View this ad online:
Tree Management Bylaw Review The District is reviewing its Tree Management Bylaw to align with the latest best management practices and the community’s environmental stewardship values.
We’re looking for community input to help us shape the bylaw. For more info and to complete the survey, head to: LetsTalkSquamish.ca/tree-bylaw
Business Opportunities Requests for Proposals
• Government Road Active Transportation Upgrades Design • Community Planning Services Support • Supply & Delivery of Fleet Vehicles – Preferred Dealer squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
Dance the night away... Join one of our exciting dance classes this winter! NEW Belly Dance Clogging (Beginner and Advanced) FREE International Traditional Dance Line Dance (both 19yrs+ and 55yrs+, various levels) FREE Reduced Mobility Folk Dance NEW Salsa & Bachata Dance Fitness Move ‘n’ Groove Zumba
Kids’ Toy, Book & Clothing Swap
!
Free Event
Toys Books Accessories Clothes Shoes
December 13 10 am–3 pm
Brennan Park Recreation Centre
Infrastructure Upgrades • Sanitary lift station rehabilitation on Pia Road continues. • Construction of a new chlorine injection chamber near Powerhouse Springs is now complete. • Victoria Street Active Transportation will continue next year. • Xwu’nekw Park Sea Dike upgrades continue. • The Garibaldi Cemetery expansion continues. • EV Charging Stations installation work at Junction Park continues. • Loggers East Storm Sewer project continues on Finch Drive. squamish.ca/building-our-future
Winter programs are now online! Registration opens December 16 at 8 am
Regular Pool Hours
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN
RECREATION AND CULTURE
Regular Pool Hours Begin December 21 Monday to Friday: 6 am–9 pm Saturday and Sunday: 9 am–8 pm Swim lessons will resume in January 2026! Visit squamish.ca/rec to register beginning December 16.
Check out the arena and pool schedules!
For hours and schedules visit
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 9
SEA TO SKY COMMUNITY CELEBRATES SEASON WITH LIGHTS IN BRITANNIA VILLAGE For the first time, Britannia Village has launched its annual festive light display
View this ad online:
Public Notice of 2026 Council Meetings Section 127 (1) of the Community Charter provides that Council must make available to the public a schedule of the date, time and place of Regular Business meetings and give notice of the availability of the schedule at least once a year. The following is a list of meetings of the Municipal Council of the District of Squamish for 2026. This schedule is also available on the District’s web page and is posted on the Notice Board at Municipal Hall. Regular Council meetings will take place on the first and third Tuesdays of each month unless otherwise noted. Meetings will be held in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C., commencing at 6 PM unless otherwise indicated. Visit our website to find information about Council, meeting videos, schedules, minutes, and more. squamish.ca/meetings
Regular Business Meetings
Including Public Hearings (If Required)
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
E
verything is merry and bright in Britannia Village. The community development, located at Britannia Beach on Highway 99, has launched the first of its annual light displays for the holiday season. The festive decorations include an illuminated tree, visible from the highway, and a selfie spot located by Autostrada Oyster Bar & Grill: a giant photo frame with a glowing maple leaf. There’s also a boulevard of illuminated trees on the road leading into the main square, where the shops, pubs, and buildings are decorated with more lights and garlands. These include the Britannia General Store, Copper Beach Bar & Kitchen, Beaucoup Bakery, and Copper & Fern boutique. “The holiday season is a special time in Sea to Sky country. We’re very excited to launch the first year of what will be our annual holiday light celebration in Britannia Village,” said president of Macdonald Communities, Rob Macdonald. “We hope locals and visitors alike will find the spirit of the season while wandering through our historic village all wrapped in festive lights.” The village is also home to EV chargers, a kids’ adventure playground, and the recently opened Sea to Sky Gallery in the Community Hall, which features rotating exhibitions by contemporary and First Nations artists. Britannia Village was transformed this year from a historic mine site—with some buildings over a century old—into nine original buildings. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter. This reporting was produced through the Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
January
January 6, 2026 January 20, 2026
February
February 3, 2026 February 17, 2026
March
March 3, 2026 March 17, 2026
April
April 7, 2026 April 21, 2026
May
May 5, 2026 May 19, 2026
June
June 2, 2026 June 16, 2026
July
July 7, 2026 July 21, 2026
August
PHOTOS COURTESY OF BRITANNIA VILLAGE
Britannia Village is lit up for the holidays.
No Council Meetings
September
September 1, 2026
October
October 6, 2026
November
November 3, 2026 (Inaugural Meeting) November 17, 2026
December
December 1, 2026 December 15, 2026
General Local Election – Voting Day: October 17, 2026
10 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
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Holiday Hours
Please note the following exceptions to regular hours of operation during the holiday season.
Curbside Collection
December 24
9 AM–4 PM
December 25
Closed
December 26
9 AM–3 PM
December 31
9 AM–4 PM
January 1
9 AM–3 PM
January 2
Closed
December 25 & 26
Closed
Transit Holiday Service
January 1
Closed
Dates not listed will operate on the regular schedule.
MUNICIPAL HALL (Hours open to the public) (Online Services available 24/7)
December 22–26
Closed
January 1
Closed
PUBLIC WORKS OFFICE For emergencies, call 604-815-4040
December 25 & 26
Closed
January 1
Closed
SQUAMISH FIRE RESCUE OFFICE For emergencies call 911
December 25 & 26
Closed
January 1
Closed
BRENNAN PARK RECREATION CENTRE
Community Bylaw Services Call 604-815-5067 After hours or on holidays call Squamish RCMP: 604-892-6100
December 24 SQUAMISH PUBLIC LIBRARY
THE 55 ACTIVITY CENTRE
SQUAMISH LANDFILL
December 25–27 December 31
10 AM–3 PM Closed 10 AM to 3 PM
January 1
Closed
December 21 to January 1
Closed
January 2 & 3
9 AM–4 PM
December 25
Closed
December 24 & 31 January 1
9 AM–2:45 PM Closed
NO CURBSIDE PICKUP
COLLECTION CHANGED TO
Thursday, December 25
Saturday, December 27
Thursday, January 1
Saturday, January 3
squamish.ca/collection-schedule
December 25 & 26 Sunday Service December 31
Extended Regular Service (extra late-night Route 1 service) Transit free after 8 PM
January 1
Sunday Service
Field User Requests
Season 1: March 1–August 31, 2026 Request deadline: December 22, 2025. Fields: Centennial Fields (1–4, 7, 8), Field 5 (Homer Dome), Field 6 (LaRoy Watt), Hendrickson Fields, Artificial Turf, Howe Sound Secondary Community Field, and Beer Garden or Tournament use within the District of Squamish. 2026 Field Closures
Hendrickson Fields: March 30–April 10 Centennial Fields 1–6: April 20–May 1 Hendrickson Fields & Centennial Field 5: June 22–July 3 Centennial Fields 1–6: July 6–17 Hendrickson Field & Centennial Field 5: August 3–7 Centennial Fields 1–6: August 17–28 Contact Recreation Services at bookings@squamish.ca or call 604-898-3604 for the Field User Request forms. A Field Allocation Meeting will be held on January 28, 2026, at 6 p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Calendar will be posted online no later than February 16, 2026. squamish.ca/rec
squamishchief.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 11
RAILWAY MUSEUM OF BC TO RESTORE CENTURY-OLD CAR SHOP DOORS
The Railway Museum of British Columbia has secured a $50,000 grant, matched by its own funds, to restore the massive barn-style doors on its historic Car Shop building—one of the last remaining structures from the Pacific Great Eastern Railway era
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
T
hey are a gateway to history, literally. The Railway Museum of BC has received a $50,000 grant, matching the museum’s own $50,000 to restore five giant barn-type doors of the Car Shop building. The so-called Historic Railcar Maintenance Shop Conservation Project by the West Coast Railway Association involves the entrance doors to the building, which was originally built in 1914 by the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE). The building is the oldest of only five remaining structures from the PGE era and is now the oldest industrial building in Squamish. A 1917, The Contract Record describes the doors as equal to the height of a two-storey building, at 14 feet by 22 feet (four by seven metres). “You can see the condition is very poor,” said museum operations manager Tom Arnott, pushing the giant doors open, letting in a wall of outside light. “Also, the framing at the top needs replacing.” This work, which will be commissioned to a local company, will be one of a couple of phases to complete the door restoration. The aim is for the work to begin in January. Asked to explain the importance of maintaining such structures, Arnott can rattle off reasons that amount to it being “historic.” “It’s the oldest industrial building, probably in Squamish. It’s one of only five left, that we know of, of PGE railway historic buildings. And plus it’s got that historic part of [the building] being moved in one piece as well,” he said. “As an outsider ... there’s not a lot of [preserved] history in Squamish,” he said. The building allows the biggest event of the museum’s fiscal year to occur, too. “And without it, we can’t really function very well as a museum,” he added, “We cannot survive without the North Pole Express. And without that kind of facility... this organization couldn’t exist.” (The North Pole Express is currently on at the museum, running Dec. 13-14, 20-21.) Arnott noted that a group of folks made sure the building was moved to the current site at the museum in the early ‘90s, so restoring the doors is respecting that community effort.
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Some of the doors to be restored; (Right) An article about the building being moved.
Back in 1991, BCRail donated the building, which sat at the Squamish shop complex, south of the current museum site. The 80 foot by 151 foot structure had been used to repair freight and passenger cars as well as for maintenance of equipment. In the summer of 1991, Supreme House Movers Ltd. moved it into its current location. According to a history presented at the museum, it was the largest building ever moved in one piece in B.C. Restoration of it began in 1992. The funding for the latest door restoration is part of Heritage BC’s latest release of close to $500,000 in grants awarded to support heritage projects across British Columbia through the Heritage Legacy Fund. Arnott said he knows the museum is lucky to have gotten the grant, as there was stiff competition. In 2025 alone, Heritage BC received grant requests totalling more than $1.8 million. “We are proud to support this year’s projects, yet it is clear that the need is far greater than the funding available,” said Keri Briggs, chair of the Heritage BC board of directors, in a news release. “We truly wish more projects could have been supported. We will continue to advocate for the resources required to preserve the heritage that enriches our communities and strengthens our province.” Find out more about the museum on the Railway Museum of BC website.
Britannia Mine Museum gratefully acknowledges their community sponsors:
TToys Toys ooyyss TThrough hhrrouughh tthe hhe D Decades eca eeccadeess Through the Decades D TToys Through the Decades D DEC 13th& 14th 2025 | 10AM – 3PM Walk through a twinkling display of 50 years of toys, from the 1970s to the 2020s, and capture nostalgic family photos with Santa. No booking required and no admission fee!
*Underground Tour and BOOM! show not included.
12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
squamishchief.com THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERY THURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA 38113 Second Avenue Box 3500, Squamish BC, V8B 0B6
CONTACT US PRINTED EVERY THURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA T: 604-892-9161 news@squamishchief.com ads@ squamishchief.com classifieds@squamishchief.com subs@squamishchief.com production@squamishchief.com obituaries: ads@squamishchief.com EDITOR JENNIFERTHUNCHER jthuncher@ lodestarmedia.ca follow @thuncher
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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
A MOTHER’S FIGHT
N
ever doubt a Squamish resident can have a provincewide impact. Readers likely saw the news about the provincial clarification of involuntary care for youth on all the major networks, and they may have noted that local mom Brenda Doherty was involved. But she was much more than that. We were at the press conference Friday, and it was clear that she had a massive role in convincing the premier that clarity was needed. Doherty convinced the powers that be that parents need to be more involved when a youth in crisis ends up sitting across from a medical professional, and that sometimes involuntary admission and treatment is a lifesaving opportunity for kids and their families. As most locals know, Doherty’s beautiful, smart and articulate 15-year-old daughter, Steffanie Lawrence died eight years ago from an overdose. Hours before, she had been brought to Lions Gate Hospital by the RCMP, but she was released from the hospital with a bus pass. Her mom was never contacted to let her know her daughter was there. At the hour-long press conference in Vancouver, Premier David Eby said that the story told by Doherty had a big role in convincing him that while the arguments against involuntary care for youth—including that it would discourage youth from calling for help for themselves and their friends—were strong, they weren’t as strong as the reality of dead children and staring into the eyes of a bereaved and broken parent. “What really drove this home for me was sitting across the table from people like Brenda,” Eby said. “Brenda came to my office just down the hall here and spent time with me and shared her story of her daughter and the profound failure of the system. And there is no answer that I could even contemplate that would explain why the system acted the way it did in response to that obvious crisis,” he added, standing inches from Doherty in front of the bright lights of the province’s media. What was also missed by those cameras was his acknowledgement that the system failed Doherty, and her daughter. “It was a catastrophic failure and completely unacceptable,” he said. “Those horrific stories, as terrible as they are, give us what we need to respond to the reasonable arguments on the other side…. At the end of the day, sending a kid out with a bus pass instead of with a medication that would save their brain and save their lives and letting their parents know, there’s just no argument. There is no answer except for that we have to do this,” he said. After an eight-year painful but undaunted fight, a Squamish mom changed the province, and hopefully saved some of its children. While nothing will ever bring her daughter back, this surely did right by her.
A GUIDE FOR WINTER FASHION FROM SQUAMISH YOUTH YOUTH COLUMN
THEODOR PARIAL
W
hat are the latest winter trends in Squamish? Winter has officially started and old fashion trends have fallen away like autumn leaves and new trends are coming. With these new trends, how are the youth of Squamish dressing and styling themselves for the upcoming winter of 2025, and where in Squamish can you locally buy these clothes and accessories? The current styles and trends of Squamish youth from past winters were cosy, oversized knits; layered outfits like dresses over pants; statement belts, especially over coats; and the resurgence of specific accessories like balaclavas and slouchy boots. This winter 2025, fashion trends include jackets with fur outlined hoodies, long suede or velvet oversized jackets, oversized puffer coats, camo, deer print hoodies and pants. The winter colours are cool tone rich colours like icy blue and deep red. There are also timeless winter accessories like scarves, gloves, fur hats, and boots. With these new winter trends, we have to know where to shop around Squamish. These are a few shops that carry clothing and accessories for you to wear this winter, 2025. Shops
This winter 2025, fashion trends include jackets with fur outlined hoodies, long suede or velvet oversized jackets, oversized puffer coats, camo, deer print hoodies and pants. THEODOR PARIAL
located in downtown Squamish include The Social Line (inside Empire of Dirt), Whistle Shop Boutique, Wild and Heart, Funky Monkey Boutique, Random & Co, Treeline Collective, and Pearl’s Value Village. There is also F as in Frank, Urban Alpine and Mons Royale Outlet. There are so many shops around Squamish that are affordable. I will be checking these stores out for the winter festivities. Theodor Parial is a Squamish teen who is also an alumni of the Squamish Youth Council.
squamishchief.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 13
Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw
JOIN US ONLINE
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
THE UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES OF DRIPA LAND AT BC NDP’S DOORSTEP PROVINCIAL VIEWS
ROB SHAW
W
hen the BC NDP government passed the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA) into law in 2019, it went out of its way to say, repeatedly and explicitly, that it should not be used by a future court one day to strike down other provincial laws. “There will be no immediate effect on laws,” said then-Indigenous relations minister Scott Fraser. “We are not creating a bill here that is designed to have our laws struck down.” Still, there was much confusion on the issue. New Democrats admitted they would not be able to control what judges might do when a First Nation used DRIPA as a tool to challenge other laws in court. “Bill 41 is not bestowing any new laws. … The legislation does not create any new rights. … It does not bring the UN Declaration into legal force and effect,” were just some of the phrases Fraser used, as he shepherded what was then Bill 41 through the house. Fast forward almost seven years, and the thing New Democrats said wouldn’t happen has in fact happened. The BC Court of Appeal last week struck down the Mineral Tenures Act, because it said a lack of consultation and accommodation with First Nations over a new online mineral claims-staking system violated DRIPA. All of B.C.’s laws are now “justiciable” over whether they violate the Indigenous rights set out in DRIPA, the court ruled in a split two-to-one ruling. That’s something judges will decide on a case-by-case basis—of which, suddenly, there is expected to be many. Premier David Eby sharply criticized the ruling, saying it was an overreach by judges into the sensitive issue of Indigenous reconciliation, which is to be handled by elected governments in the
legislature. “To be frank, it is absolutely crucial that it is British Columbians through their elected representatives that remain in control of this process, not the courts,” he said. “Too much rides on it in terms of our province’s prosperity and certainty going forward.” New Democrats hailed themselves as “the leader in the world” on Indigenous rights when they crafted DRIPA in 2019. It promised to “take all measures necessary to ensure the laws of B.C. are consistent with the declaration,” including requiring free, prior and informed consent of First Nations on projects, removing colonial language from laws, rooting out systemic racism and enshrining a duty to consult and accommodate Indigenous communities in government decisions. But it would all take time, the government said. It would happen over many years (perhaps as many as 20), with annual reports and no set deadline. During debate in 2019, then-opposition BC Liberal MLA Mike de Jong asked Fraser if, until then, “none of the provisions in Bill 41 could be used to strike down existing legislation?” “What you’ve described, captures our intention,” said Fraser. “You can’t tell the courts what to do specifically,” the minister added. “But our commitment and intention is to bring our laws into alignment with the UN declaration over time.” Prophetic words, as the courts begin to sail into the jurisdiction of MLAs at the legislature. The latest ruling effectively declares open season on using DRIPA as a hammer with which to smash any B.C. law, opening up the floodgates to court challenges, judicial rulings, appeals and counter-appeals. B.C. may appeal the mineral tenure case all the way to the Supreme Court of Canada, said Eby. Or it could amend DRIPA, he said. “I think it just as likely, or perhaps more likely, that we would proceed with
amendments to provide clarity around what was clearly intended when we introduced this legislation,” said the premier. Legal opinions are a dime a dozen. But there were several prominent lawyers back in 2019 who warned publicly that DRIPA set an impossible standard for government to ensure every statute and regulation that affected Indigenous people was consistent with DRIPA. MLAs spent 20 hours over five days debating the bulk of the bill in the house. Much of it centred on whether DRIPA gave First Nations a “veto” over projects by requiring government to obtain their free, prior and informed consent—a debate still playing out today, with varying answers. There was also debate over whether DRIPA would impact private property rights—perhaps the hottest topic of 2025 after the courts ruled Aboriginal title sits above private property rights in the Cowichan Nation’s victory over lands in Richmond. “A person with a fee simple interest in lands that are within the traditional territory of an Indigenous group, need not become afraid that somehow Bill 41 and the attachment of the UN declaration are going to negatively impact that person’s fee simple interest in their lands?” de Jong asked in 2019. Fraser: “That’s correct.” In theory anyway. Almost everywhere you look, the big issues of DRIPA are still playing out in court seven years later, often in ways that are totally contradictory to what New Democrats in government said would occur at the time. “We’re hoping we as a model can show how to do this right,” Fraser said at the time. Unfortunately, it looks like the opposite occurred. Rob Shaw has spent more than 17 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for BIV. He is the co-author of the national bestselling book A Matter of Confidence, host of the weekly podcast Political Capital, and a regular guest on CBC Radio.
LETTERS POLICY 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.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK Do you agree with the federal government’s MOU with Alberta? Have your say at squamishchief.com
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
Is it easy to make friends in Squamish? (Top 3 answers) NO, I FIND IT VERY HARD TO MAKE FRIENDS HERE IT IS SOMEWHAT DIFFICULT TO MAKE FRIENDS HERE IT WAS HARD, BUT I DID FINALLY FIND MY PEOPLE
MOST READ STORY
Squamish letter: ‘Destruction of a partnership’
PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
SQUAMISH EXCELLENCE: . Squamish Nation councillor K’ána Deborah Baker speaks at the opening of the Squamish Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards held at CapU on Friday night.
49% 25% 9%
14 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
squamishchief.com
SH P LOCAL PLAY
ENCHANTED FOREST Now Open for Winter 2025.26
LOCAL
Upcoming Events
Kids visit FREE* till Jan 4th Story Time Sunday, Dec 21st at noon
Embrace the
Holiday Season:
Movies on the Boardwalk Everyday Dec 20th till 24th at 2PM Selfies with Santa Paws Everyday Dec 20th till 24th from 11AM till 2PM
As you prepare for the holidays, think local at every step.
Holiday Adventure Pick up your FREE adventure pack at check-in
From purchasing your holiday wardrobe at a local boutique to curating your menu with homegrown ingredients or selecting beverages sourced from nearby distilleries or breweries, you have so many opportunities to support and showcase your community this season.
Local Annual Pass
Year-round access plus perks for
$55
*Limit one free child ticket (12 & under) per adult/senior ticket purchase.
Let’s support our local businesses when holiday shopping! squamishcanyon.com squamishcanyon.com squamishcanyon.com
Shop small and support local artists this holiday season.
Visit The Squamish Store, located inside The Adventure Centre.
q Open daily from 8:30am - 4:30pm 38551 Loggers Lane, Squamish
THE SQUAMISH STORE
A CHANGE IN DECOR FOR THE NEW YEAR, OR SOMETHING SMALL FOR UNDER THE TREE Anna’s Interiors has the latest in furnishings & décor to fit your lifestyle! QUALITY HOME DÉCOR • FREE IN HOME DESIGN CONSULTATIONS • Quality Home Furnishings & Decor • Custom Solid Wood Furniture • Sofas & Recliners in Fabric or Leather • Mattresses & Bedding • Unique Accessories & Gifts
38052 Cleveland Ave Squamish, BC 604.892.6369 annasinteriors.ca
IS YOUR VEHICLE READY FOR WINTER ON HWY 99? 9 9 Y W
KLIST ON H C E H C NTER WI
TS EXPER E H T H T WI EDS D TALK ING NE V N I A R D N I TER OME
COME IN AND TALK WITH THE EXPERTS ABOUT YOUR WINTER DRIVING NEEDS YOUR RECYCLING DROP OFF FOR BATTERIES OIL, ANTIFREEZE & METAL (all types from auto to cell)
NAPA
Top quality parts and service for the heavy truck parts market
AUTOMOTIVE AND INDUSTRIAL | 604.892.5951 | WWW.TRITONAUTOINDUSTRIAL.COM
16 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
School Registration for the 2026/2027 School Year Opens January 20th-23rd, 2026 Kindergarten, French Immersion Programs, and All New Students to the District School District No.48 (SD48) is welcoming registrations for the upcoming 2026-2027 school year starting January 20th, 2026, at 8:00 am and ending January 23rd, 2026, at 4:00 pm. There will be two key steps: Step One: Parents and Guardians will be asked to fill out an online webform through the school district website. This includes basic contact information such as name, email address, physical address and student name and grade. Parents will register as a new student to the district or a current student registering for French Immersion. Step Two: Make an appointment to complete your registration at your English catchment school by booking online through the district website or by contacting the school directly. Note - French Immersion registrations must be completed through your English catchment school, not the French catchment school. For Cultural Journeys and Learning Expeditions, complete your registration directly at St'a7mes School. Please note the following important information: A lottery system will be used to determine priority placement order for all pre-registrations on the webform. This will provide a more equitable process where space may be limited. Parents and guardians will have 10 days to complete the registration process at their catchment school. After 10 days, the priority placement order obtained from the lottery will be forfeited. Parents and guardians who miss the availability of the webform can register by contacting their English catchment school to book an appointment. In this case, a time and date stamp on the registration priority yp placement order. form will determine p For morre detailed information visit: www.sd48seatosky.org or contact your English catchment school principal. We encourage parentts and guardian ns to register as soon as possible to help schools plan for September 2026.
squamishchief.com
VOLUNTEERS HELP PURPLE MARTINS REBOUND IN SQUAMISH ESTUARY
With only a handful of natural nesting sites left decades ago, the survival of B.C.’s largest swallow now depends on community-driven projects like the one underway JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
S
quamish’s unique seasonal residents settled in nicely this past summer—and we aren’t talking about international kite boarders, though they share the same part of town as these fine-weather locals. We are talking about purple martins that returned to the 30 nest boxes erected in the Squamish Estuary by Nature Squamish. This season, 15 of the boxes were used by purple martins to nest, meaning that at least one egg was laid in the nest box, according to the purple martin volunteer project co-ordinator, Davina Dubé. Volunteers saw 35 chicks, but Dubé said that is likely a conservative estimate. “We can often only see two at a time poking their heads out, so there could be more,” she said. Of the chicks, 14 likely fledged from the boxes, meaning flew away. “Every year we’re seeing more,” Dubé said. According to the Purple Martin Conservation Society, the adult birds “exhibit site fidelity, which means that as long as they had a successful breeding season the year before, they will return to that same nesting site.” Seven of the boxes were used for overnight roosting by the purple martins. Several boxes were used by European starlings, which are an invasive species. One box was completely vacant.
MONITORING METHODS Dubé said Nature Squamish volunteers, like conservationist John Buchanan, monitor the nest boxes from about early May to early September. The volunteers also do nest box inspections and cleaning at the end of the season. “We go in and clean the nest boxes, and we
gain a lot of information from doing that, including if the nest boxes were being used for nesting, and then a lot of data on if there’s any eggs or chicks remaining, if there were any mortalities, things like that,” Dubé said.
A LITTLE HISTORY Since 2016, Nature Squamish (Squamish Environment Society) has managed the project, with support from the Squamish birders and the wider community. Prior to that, it was started in 2015 with the Squamish River Watershed Society (SRWS) and involved the installation of a single nest box on a marine piling in the central channel of the Squamish Estuary, then, over the years, more boxes and cameras were added. In 2023, the boxes were moved to their current new specially-designed land-based structure in the estuary.
WHY THE BIRDS’ RECOVERY MATTERS According to the provincial government, by the 1980s, the number of natural purple martin nesting spots in British Columbia had dwindled to less than 10. “These declines were mainly due to competition from non-native bird species, and to housing and other development in nesting areas,” the province says. “During this time, the species was almost lost in B.C., but through collaborative recovery efforts over the last 30 years, purple martins are now assessed at a lower level of conservation concern, being blue-listed by the BC Conservation Data Centre.” Dubé provided a more detailed explanation of the threats the birds face. “Some of the factors are habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, decline in insect populations—because they’re aerial PURPLEMARTINS: Continued on 17
DARTS & DAFFODILS A STRING OF DAFFODILS in the
shape of a seatbelt to bus driver Troy with Squamish Connector for the safe ride to the city.
Got something nice to say or some constructive criticism? Send your Darts & Daffodils: Email: news@squamishchief.com or drop off at The Chief office (38117 Second Ave.) during business hours. Deadline for submissions is Monday at 4 p.m. for Thursday’s paper. All submissions must be signed and include a phone number for verification. Maximum length is 75 words. Darts are intended to be an anonymous critique between private parties. Darts must not directly or indirectly identify an individual or business.
squamishchief.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 17
LOOKING TO NEXT SEASON
PHOTOS COURTESY OF NATURE SQUAMISH
Purple martins have taken to the nesting boxes in the Squamish Estuary.
PURPLEMARTINS: Continued from 16 insectivores—as well as nest site competitions from non-native species, like the European starling we are seeing in Squamish, as well as the house sparrow.” (Being aerial insectivores means that purple martins feed exclusively on insects while flying.)
COMPLEXITY TO RECOVERY Thanks to the work of volunteers putting up
nesting boxes, the birds have rebounded. Today we’re up to anywhere between 1,800 to 2,200 individuals spread across 120 colonies in the province, Dubé said, noting they aren’t out of the woods, however. “They are a migratory species, so this adds a level of complexity to their recovery. We have to protect them in Squamish, but also in South America where they spend the winters. [And] also along their migratory paths. They travel 22,000 kilometres on their migratory route, so everywhere they stop over, it’s a risk.”
The birds currently rely entirely on humanmade nesting boxes. “They are secondary nesting cavity users, which means that they rely on other birds to excavate their cavities, but because of habitat loss, a lot of these cavities have been lost, especially around developed areas where they often like to be. So that’s why, at this time, they rely almost entirely on artificial nesting cavities,” Dubé said. “So without those, we don’t have purple martins at this point.”
Nature Squamish aims to address the European starling issue for next season. “This year was the first year we saw so many,” Dubé said. “We did some research and we need to adjust the size of the box entrances to limit their access, This will mean shrinking the entrances to the boxes a little to keep the invasive starlings out. “In the meantime… because the European starlings stay over the winter, we’ve blocked off all the boxes to make sure they don’t get habituated to roosting in the boxes,” she said. Also, looking ahead, volunteers are half way through a two-year study to measure the temperature variations in seven different types of nest boxes. “We’re hoping to collect enough data to create a new nest box design that’s better going to insulate the purple martins from increasing temperatures associated with climate change.” “Hopefully, the new design will be out in 2027 and then we’ll be able to share it with other purple martin landlords in North America and upgrade all of our 30 boxes.” Dube said anyone interested in this project can reach out to Nature Squamish. “If people are curious about the project and are interested in supporting or whether they have experience or not, we’re super keen on sharing our knowledge and inviting people to come monitor for a day or two or the whole season if they’d like.” Find out more on the Nature Squamish website, www.squamishenvironment.ca.
Construction Progress at Woodfibre LNG The Woodfibre LNG site is taking shape. On land, crews are progressing on foundations after placing the pipe rack modules. Offshore, piling has begun for the first permanent supports for the floating storage tank — a major step in marine construction. All marine work is supported by marine mammal observers and hydroacoustic monitoring. These safeguards pause work if underwater sound nears regulatory limits or if marine mammals enter exclusion zones. We’re proud to be building the world’s first net zero LNG export facility safely, responsibly, and under the oversight of the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) — follow us to see how it’s taking shape right here in Squamish.
Marine piling underway, July 16, 2025
woodfibrelng.ca/news
18 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
squamishchief.com
OUTDATED RULES LEAVE HOWE SOUND WHALES AT RISK, ADVOCATES WARN British Columbians living along key shipping corridors are demanding stronger protections for marine mammals after a string of fatal whale strikes highlighted gaps in current vessel monitoring practices
Alanna Kelly noted that British Columbians and researchers increasingly see detection technology as one of the few immediate tools available to reduce collisions.
LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
WHALES AND SHIPS SHARE A NARROW CORRIDOR LEADING INTO SQUAMISH
W
ith humpbacks feeding offshore and industrial marine traffic expected to increase near Squamish, advocates and politicians say B.C. must move faster to prevent whale strikes by requiring ships to use advanced detection technology in Howe Sound. Graham Parkinson, who lives on Bowyer Island, and Chris Roper of Pender Island live along major vessel corridors leading into Howe Sound. They say the risks are growing—and that the communities connected to Howe Sound, including Squamish, have a lot at stake. “Shipping is reaping the benefits of using these waterways, but other beings use them too. Someone has to take responsibility so they don’t hit anything,” Parkinson said. Three humpback whales were killed and one injured in recent weeks on B.C.’s coast, prompting renewed attention from residents and scientists. A recent CBC report by
PHOTO BY NICOLAS COTTREL
A humpback breaching in front of Graham Parkinson’s property on Bowyer Island, looking towards Snug Cove on Bowen Island.
Howe Sound has seen a dramatic ecological rebound over the last decade— something celebrated widely in Squamish. Humpbacks now feed regularly on anchovy schools in the same waters used by B.C. Ferries, crew boats, barges, cargo vessels and Woodfibre LNG. “Shipping users are assuming they can have their freeway right through the children’s playground,” Parkinson said. “Humpbacks corralling anchovies are focused entirely on feeding. They’re not watching for vessels.” With WLNG, BC Ferries, Hullo Ferries and tourism operators all moving through the Sound, advocates say the local collision risk is not abstract—it is immediate and growing. “This is happening in our backyard,” Parkinson said. “We can’t ignore it.” WHALES: Continued on 19
Eagle Mountain – Woodfibre Gas Pipeline (EGP) Project Construction starts soon along Finch and Industrial in Squamish. Scan here, or visit talkingenergy.ca/egp to subscribe to our enewsletter and get the latest project updates.
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WHALES: Continued from 18
‘WE SHOULD BE SMARTER’: TECHNOLOGY EXISTS, BUT NO ONE IS REQUIRED TO USE IT
Roper, whose background is in sensors and monitoring, points to the Whale Spotter infrared system he hosts on Pender Island—technology he says could be adopted in Howe Sound if regulators required it. Developed by the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Whale Spotter detects the heat signature of a whale’s blow and can identify whales seven kilometres away, including in darkness or fog. More than 60 commercial vessels globally use the system. “This year alone, Whale Spotter has spotted well over 100,000 marine mammals,” Roper said. “The technology is very mature. We have the smarts. We should be smarter.” While some ships voluntarily use the Whale Report Alert System (WRAS), Roper and Parkinson describe the broader monitoring landscape in Howe Sound as inconsistent. “It’s a patchwork,” Parkinson said. “Without clear requirements, companies aren’t obligated to use tools that work.”
MLA SAYS OUTDATED ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTS CAN’T KEEP PACE
BC Green MLA Jeremy Valeriote, whose
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025 | 19
riding includes Squamish, says the issue is tied to deeper policy gaps. “It really highlights the challenges of having environmental assessments done 10–12 years in the past,” he said, referencing WLNG. “Suddenly you have northern resident orcas that weren’t there before, and there’s no mechanism for regulators to adjust those conditions.” He said regulators rely on the “goodwill” of companies—something he argues is inadequate when whale populations are involved. “As we’ve seen with BC Ferries, they don’t have the three and a half million dollars needed to optimize the whale-detection system, so they don’t spend it,” he said. “If they don’t have to under regulation, then they probably won’t.” Valeriote plans to speak with MP Patrick Weiler, chair of the federal Fisheries and Oceans committee, about whether detection technology could be mandated. He says the issue is becoming increasingly relevant in Squamish as residents express concern about both whale safety and the growing industrial use of Howe Sound. “With 74 remaining Southern Resident orcas and a couple hundred in the north, this is a symbolic species we need to protect,” he said. “That responsibility needs to be put into regulation.” The Squamish Chief reached out to the Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) but did not received comment by deadline.
INDUSTRY: MEASURES ARE ALREADY IN PLACE
Woodfibre LNG says its crew boats, the BridgeCAT 450 and Amia-X, already use FLIR thermal imaging systems and WRAS. “Together, these tools provide crews with the best available information to avoid marine mammals and reduce disturbance,” the company said. BC Ferries said whale sightings are common across its 1,600-kilometre coastal network, but strikes are rare. Its crews complete Whales in Our Waters training, follow internal protocols for encounters and participate in the ECHO Program to reduce vessel noise.
ADVOCATES SAY VOLUNTARY ACTION IS TOO SLOW FOR HOWE SOUND
Parkinson and Roper say industry interest in whale-detection tools is growing, but voluntary uptake cannot keep pace with rising marine traffic and the rapid return of whales to Howe Sound. “It does take whale strikes to get everybody’s attention,” Roper said. “It’s like traffic lights—three deaths before they get installed.” They argue the fjord is exactly the kind of high-risk, narrow habitat where mandatory measures are needed. Their recommendations include: - vessel-mounted infrared detection on commercial traffic - strategically placed land-based cameras
Introducing the elusive and talented NEO.
Suddenly you have northern resident orcas that weren’t there before, and there’s no mechanism for regulators to adjust those conditions. MLA JEREMY VALERIOTE
- expanded WRAS alert coverage - integration with AIS vessel-tracking systems - updated detection requirements in environmental assessments for local projects Valeriote agrees that regulation is ultimately necessary but hopes operators will act more quickly than government timelines allow. “I don’t think an individual operator should be OK with striking and killing an orca or other marine mammals,” he said. “So it’s in everybody’s best interest to adopt some of these tools voluntarily until we can get regulation or legislation in place.”
The legend. The ninja. The cat that evaded an entire team of rescuers. He’s finally here and can finally feel safe after enduring more battles outside than we will ever know. Surviving outdoors means that Neo doesn’t recognize other animals as friends, so he needs to thrive in an environment where he can be the only prince of the castle. He is very affectionate and often vocally demands you don’t walk away from him without a few more minutes of love together. We are reviewing applications at this time; as we have certain criteria with Neo’s potential home.
PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS
EAGLE FEST: How many eagles have you spotted this season so far? Did you know that in the 1994 winter eagle count, Squamish had the world record count of 3,769 eagles? It is true!
20 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2025
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LOCAL SKATERS KEEP GLIDING THROUGH ICE HARDSHIPS
From early morning drives to borrowed gym space, the community behind Skate Sea2Sky went above and beyond this fall—helping their young athletes succeed against all odds Pushing through fatigue, travel, and months of disrupted training to deliver some of their strongest skating yet.
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
I
t is no secret that for sports that need a sheet of ice, this fall has been rough in Squamish, with the closure early on due to humidity in the rink related to the Brennan Park Recreation Centre renovations and then again due to the labour strife at the District. However, head coach and senior director of the Skate Sea2Sky Club, Kari-Ann MacDonald, says the club’s skaters and the wider community rose to the challenges. “This fall has tested the strength, adaptability, and determination of Skate Sea2Sky athletes like never before—and our skaters rose to the challenge with extraordinary heart,” MacDonald told The Squamish Chief. “After losing the first week of September ice to a dehumidifier malfunction and a further two weeks while training temporarily shifted to Whistler, our skaters still held strong and delivered impressive performances at Autumn Leaves in Chilliwack,” she added, of the Oct. 2-5 competition. All 17 skaters competing—across 23 events— earned personal best performances, according
KARI-ANN MACDONALD
PHOTO COURTESY OF KARI-ANN MACDONALD
Skate Sea2Sky Club skaters who competed in October and November.
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to MacDonald. Six of the athletes competed in two separate disciplines. “Pushing through fatigue, travel, and months of disrupted training to deliver some of their strongest skating yet,” she said. “Our coaching team could not be more proud of each and every one of our skaters—and parents filled the stands with cheers that reflected the strength of our entire club community.” Then came the second major setback, she recalled, a full facility shutdown during the District’s CUPE lockout from Oct. 16 to Nov. 14, eliminating all local ice access just as skaters were preparing for BC/YK Sectionals in early November, and the Jingle Blades competition in late November. “Despite these disruptions, the Skate Sea2Sky community rallied,” she said. One skater, Faeryn Sherry, returned to the ice Nov. 15, only days before Jingle Blades. “And still had the courage to step onto competition ice and skate with determination,” MacDonald recalled. “Though our CanSkate registration numbers are at a record low due to lost ice time, our commitment to delivering quality programming to Sea to Sky families remains unwavering.”
DRIVING TO SKATE With limited options for ice, MacDonald, who was away in Utah at the time of the closure announcement, immediately began contacting every rink and training partner she could think of.
She was able to secure weekly ice in Whistler on Mondays and Tuesday afternoons, as well as an early 6 a.m. ice time on Saturdays. She also slotted in training in West Vancouver on Wednesday and Thursday mornings. Additional run-through sessions were booked at Harry Jerome Community Recreation Centre. Families and the community stepped up too. UFC flyweight fighter Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels opened The Sound gym, at no cost to support off-ice conditioning, MacDonald said. “A core group of dedicated parents joined in co-ordinated carpools, helping skaters get to practices that often meant leaving school early or arriving late, balancing academic stress with competition readiness,” she said. “Even with every effort, not all Star and Competitive skaters were able to train consistently—but those who did showed remarkable grit.” MacDonald said.
A MODIFIED SHOW GOES ON Unfortunately, due to the ongoing Brennan Park renovations and repeated facility closures, Skate Sea2Sky will not be able to host the beloved annual holiday Ice Show, a tradition since 2009, and the club’s largest yearly fundraiser. “Even throughout COVID, the show lived on through a special video presentation—but this year’s circumstances simply made it impossible,” MacDonald said, however she couldn’t have no event at all, so there’s “A Magical Christmas Gala” on Dec. 19th at 5:30 p.m. It will include all Star and Competitive skaters, with a “special appearance,” by junior Star skaters. “Unfortunately, due to the renos we are not able to include all current members with limited access in Brennan Park, MacDonald said. There will be limited seating and donations accepted at the door for this event. The Skate Sea2Sky Club is planning to hold its annual end of year show April 18 and 19, 2026. There will be two matinée performances and one evening. Find out more on the Skate Sea2Sky Club website, skatesea2sky. com.
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TAKE A BREAK
HOROSCOPE WEEK OF DEC 11, 2025 - DEC 17, 2025
CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1. Fueled 4. Commentator’s page: hyph. 8. Iranian ruler, once 12. Pub drink 13. Surface 14. Cat-o’-____-tails 15. Sick 16. Dogwood or pine 17. Bettor’s numbers 18. Onion’s kin 20. Knight’s garb 22. Lessen 24. Second airing 28. Delicate 32. Narrative writing 33. Lenient 34. “____ of a Salesman” 36. Mend 37. Eyed 39. Bookworms
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41. Flock members 42. One or more 43. Boasts 46. Gain 50. Female voice 53. Smart kid 55. Opponent 56. Broil 57. Sole 58. Chimp 59. Slight amount 60. Wise seasoning? 61. Blushing color
7. Reckon 8. Noisy sleeper 9. Stashed 10. Additionally 11. Males 19. Barrel 21. Waif 23. Auction attendee 25. Increased 26. Customer 27. Facts 28. Whip 29. Craze 30. Car part 31. Lobe place 35. Taunting 38. Accompany 40. Tint 44. Great-horned birds 45. Stop! 47. Yonder 48. Lasso 49. Poverty 50. Fire remnant 51. Luau wreath 52. Stocking color 54. Final letter Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
ARIES March 21-April 19
You’ll find it hard to keep everyone satisfied, even if you try hard and make compromises. Whether it’s on the job or in your personal life, you’ll need to weigh the pros and cons and take a more nuanced approach.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
You’ll breeze through your to-do lists, both at work and in your holiday preparations. At home, your keen attention to detail will help you create a flawless and harmonious atmosphere.
GEMINI May 21-June 20
Your heroic gesture will bring you praise and recognition this week. Your volunteer work could earn you an award or, at least, a meaningful token of appreciation.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Be ready for last-minute changes to your holiday plans and decorations. Take the time this week to give special attention to a family member who needs it.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
You may consider treating yourself to a new car this
Christmas! You’ll be busy with last-minute shopping and numerous trips, so be prepared to manage all the little details.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Spend quality time with your family this holiday season. However, you may have issues with paying your bills because of a system failure. In your love life, you’re craving more tenderness and attention from your partner.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Although the shortest day of the year is fast approaching, you’ll still feel full of energy. Certain activities will help break up the monotony of daily life. You might plan a trip to celebrate the holidays in style.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
If you want a little more peace in your life, limit how often you read the news. Instead, focus on reading inspiring stories or watching entertaining TV shows. This shift will help you feel a little more peaceful and lighthearted in your daily life.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Your ability to bring large
groups of people together will be invaluable. You may find yourself in a crowd where you don’t feel entirely comfortable. Take the time to review your social media contacts.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You’ll be responsible for organizing the festivities this year. You have many tasks to complete at work before the end of the year. Time is running out! Certain relationships could prove exhausting and demand special attention.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18
You might dream of escaping the harsh winter for a warm getaway on sun-kissed sands in the tropics. This retreat could evolve into a spiritual journey that inspires a personal revelation.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
It won’t take much for you to feel emotional this week. By making a few small changes to your daily routine, you may rekindle your zest for life. Attending holiday get-togethers will put a smile back on your face, so don’t hesitate to accept any invitations that come your way.
SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3 x 3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3 x 3 box.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:
DOWN 1. Flop 2. Fashion monthly 3. Take out, as text 4. Choose 5. Moralistic story 6. “Don’t ____ Leave Me” The Parish of
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Squamish Chief Christmas Giving Giveaway Contest rules: No purchase required. The contest begins on December 5, 2025, at 10 a.m. PST and ends on December 19, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PST. There is a total of one [1] prize available to be won (click on the boxes above for prize details). Skill-testing question required. Open to legal residents of British Columbia, Canada, who are the age of majority in the province at the time of entry. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received before the contest closes. Limit 1 entry per person.