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ABOUT THAT ALBERTA MOU Sea to Sky MP Patrick Weiler on his perspective
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
S Q U A M I S H C H I E F. C O M
SQUAMISH HOSTS B.C. SAR SUMMIT ON DRONE OPERATIONS
Rescue teams from the South Coast gathered in Squamish to compare lessons from the field and explore Eagle Eyes Search LIZ MCDONALD
emcDonald@lodestarmedia.ca
T
he Coast Mountains offer world-class adventure terrain–and complex rescue challenges. As drone use becomes more common in search-and-rescue responses, Squamish Search and Rescue (SAR) is working with teams across the South Coast to standardize how the technology is deployed. On Dec. 6, Squamish SAR hosted members from nine volunteer teams for a full day drone workshop at the organization’s operations base. The session included a technical overview from Squamish SAR drone program coordinator Dustin Wales, a
PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
On Dec. 6, Squamish SAR hosted members from nine volunteer teams for a full day drone workshop at the organization’s operations base.
demonstration of Eagle Eyes Search program, and a wide-ranging Q&A with SAR members from Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, the North Shore, Coquitlam, South Fraser, Salt Spring, Arrowsmith and Lions Bay. Representatives from Emergency
Management BC and Whistler Blackcomb also attended. “This is the first of its kind,” Wales said. “Drone programs are relatively new, and for the first time, all of our members are getting together to discuss how we’re going to propel
this discipline into more safe operations, the use of better technologies and standardizing our approach so that we can help each other in mutual aid.” SAR: Continued on 4 PHOTO BY RICH DUNCAN
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SEA TO SKY MP ON THE FEDERAL MOU WITH ALBERTA
Liberal MP Patrick Weiler is defending a contentious energy agreement between Ottawa and Alberta, arguing it’s about national unity JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
T
he Canada-Alberta Memorandum of Understanding has come as a shock to some in B.C. and the Sea to Sky since Prime Minister Mark Carney and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith signed it in front of media cameras on Nov. 27. “At this pivotal global moment, Canada and Alberta, working closely with Indigenous Peoples and industry, must work together cooperatively, and within their respective jurisdictions, to foster the conditions necessary for infrastructure, including pipelines, rail, power generation, a strong and integrated transmission grid, ports and other means that will unlock and grow natural resource production and transportation in Western Canada,” the MOU reads. “Alberta and Canada will work together to achieve the shared objective of establishing Canada as a global energy superpower, unlocking the growth potential of Western Canada’s oil and gas—including liquefied natural gas (LNG)—renewable energy, critical minerals, and other resources that the world needs.” Premier David Eby has been outspoken in his disagreement with this deal, particularly the reference to a potential new oil pipeline from Alberta to the B.C. coast. “My anxiety about the pipeline proposal that has come from Alberta that is a key part of this agreement is that it runs the very significant risk—that has already partially
been realized—of taking our eye off the prize, of distracting the federal government, distracting resources and pulling time away from real projects that can be delivered in the near term,” he said at a press conference the day the deal was announced. He listed LNG Canada’s Phase 2, in Kitimat, which would double the production of LNG, making it the second largest facility of its kind in the world, as one of the projects the federal government should be focused on. Some First Nations have also opposed the agreement. An emergency resolution was unanimously passed at the Assembly of First Nations Special Chiefs Assembly earlier this month, “rejecting the federal-Alberta deal and demanding that the government uphold the large oil tanker ban on the coast of northern B.C. and reaffirm the right of affected First Nations to decide on any pipeline in B.C.” Lodestar Media caught up with Liberal member of Parliament for West Vancouver— Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country, Patrick Weiler, for his perspective on the MOU. What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity. Q: I think for a lot of people in B.C. the MOU with Alberta is a bit of a head scratcher. The very basic question is, why do this? A: I’d say that the most important part of this is that it is a detente with Alberta. I don’t think there’s ever going to be a way of convincing some of the more radical elements in the United Conservative Party of Alberta about the value of being part of the federation. But I think what
this MOU does is it sends a strong signal to the vast majority of Albertans, moderate Albertans, that they have a place in the federation—that we are listening to the concerns that people are having and trying to find ways of working together. And I think that’s always important, but particularly with the separatist movement that Premier Danielle Smith is stoking... and particularly with dealing with the threat from south of the border. We do need to be united as a country. That means trying to find ways of working together. I think the message that this MOU sends to Alberta is that we are willing to work together on things. Q: That makes sense, but doesn’t this same agreement risk peeving off Quebec and stoking that separatist fire? A: I’m not a Quebecer, so I can’t speak to that personally. I know some people have mentioned that, including my colleague, MP Steven Guilbeault, recently. I certainly get that, but I think that this is really focused on Alberta. But the same type of co-operative federalism really needs to be part and parcel of the work with all premiers and with all provinces. And I think that’s something that the prime minister has done a really strong job of. You’ve seen that with regular meetings. You’ve just seen the friction with the federal government and the provinces really be tamped down. I think that’s really important. Q: You mentioned Guilbeault, and you’ve said on social media that he was a big part of why you wanted to be an MP. What do you make of him resigning
from the cabinet due to the MOU? In particular, he said it was a betrayal of the Green Party’s Elizabeth May as it went against what was promised to get her to agree to the budget. He said he felt it was the only thing he could do: resign. A: Steven’s someone who I’ve had great respect for for a long time. And it’s not easy for someone like him to come from the world of activism to politics, where, especially as a minister, politics is really about compromise. That’s a difficult position to be in. But he did tremendous things as minister bringing in climate policy that, for the first time, had emissions being reduced in Canada. He’s had a tremendous impact. I respect that he’s also a man of principle. It’s not easy, I can imagine, to decide to resign from the cabinet. But, when you are in cabinet, one of the functions of it is you have to have cabinet solidarity and so if you disagree, fundamentally, with the direction of the government, that’s your option that you have: if you disagree, you can resign from cabinet. Not many people would do that, but I think it really speaks to how committed he is in this space. I think it is a big loss for the cabinet not to have him there. But I’m really, really grateful that he’s going to stay in our caucus and I’ll look forward to continuing to work with him as a caucus member. Q: What about for you? Is that the difference then, you being an MP, because you also have a strong environmental stance. And you were an environmental MOU: Continued on 3
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MOU: Continued from 2 lawyer. How are you able to keep going if you don’t agree with it? A: Well, as a member of the governing party, not being part of the cabinet, I have a role of holding the government to account as well. That’s a role I take very seriously. So, I will say things that are critical of the government. Because, at the end of the day, I am here to represent the constituents of West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country. It is my role to hold the government accountable and ensure that we’re going to be able to meet the commitments that we’ve made as a party and what constituents want to see happen as well. Q: Looking closer at the MOU, you have said that some of the headlines are missing the point and that there’s more to it. Can you speak to that? A: Everybody kind of focuses on the pipeline aspect of it. The viability of a pipeline seems very, very in question. We’ve made commitments that we are not going to pursue listing a pipeline as a national interest project, unless it has the consent of First Nations and the province of B.C. There is no consent for a pipeline to the northwest coast, much less to remove the tanker ban to enable that. But just the business case really seems very remote to me. But as you mentioned, this is about a lot more than a pipeline. This is about building interests with B.C. and Alberta. This is about pursuing a nuclear strategy. This is about enabling the electricity that’s going to be needed for data centres and AI. Recently, we’ve really seen the need to make sure that we’re able to house our data nationally, given the direction the U.S. is going with their national security strategy. So the whole aspect of data sovereignty is so important. This week, we’ve seen a major investment of $19
billion from Microsoft into AI infrastructure in Canada. So that takes a tremendous amount of power and we need to be able to supply that. This agreement touches on some of these very disparate areas. A detente with Alberta is important, but particularly also for climate action. Pretty much every environmental and climate policy the federal government’s brought in since I got elected has been challenged in court by the government of Alberta and other provinces. Some have survived court challenges. Some have not. It is really important to have a long-term certainty that there are going to be climate policies in place that are not going to be fought in court or that you wouldn’t have a future government that’s going to try to lift them. Q: With court challenges, though, couldn’t there be B.C. court challenges because of it? A: I don’t think so. If you’re talking about a potential pipeline, we’ve been down that road before in B.C. There’s pretty clear jurisdiction for the federal government on projects that are interprovincial. So, I mean, we had this play out with the Trans Mountain Pipeline (TMX) project. (The Supreme Court of Canada upheld the federal government’s approval of the project.) I would say if you are building a pipeline where you don’t have the consent of First Nations, that is likely where you’re going to see litigation. So it is critical that the prime minister has given that commitment that these projects won’t move ahead without the consent of First Nations. Q: But doesn’t the MOU say that it promotes pipeline co-ownership with Indigenous governments, but it doesn’t require their consent? A: There’s what’s in the MOU and then
there’s the commitments that have been made on top of that. In the MOU are things the federal government and the Alberta government agree on. And then there’s the things that the federal government will do on top of that. What the prime minister has said is that these are necessary conditions, but not sufficient conditions. I think the one other part that is critically important here that maybe doesn’t get as much of a focus is that the federal government has committed that it’s not going to finance this project. That points to needing to have a business case and a private sector proponent to bring it forward. Q: What about the tanker ban you mentioned earlier. Can you speak to the concerns there? A: I would say the same thing about that as I would about the pipeline to the northwest coast. It’s not possible unless that ban would be lifted or somehow either amended or otherwise. So, again, that’s something that is foundational for a lot of the work that’s being done with First Nations in the northwest. That would be something that we have committed not to move ahead with unless these conditions are in place, including having consent of First Nations. Q: Can you speak to the greenwashing provisions of the Competition Act that they’re talking about removing in this MOU and how you feel about it? A: The greenwashing changes in the MOU are very light on detail. It keeps the changes for products. So, if you say your product is something, you have to be able to prove that it is. That is not being changed. What’s being changed is last year there was a change brought in to require that if you’re a company, and you make an environmental claim about your company overall—the entirety of the impact of your company—you would
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need to provide proper substantiation of that. And on top of that, you would need to use an internationally recognized methodology to be able to prove it. What this new legislation, or what the Budget and Implementation Act (BIA) proposes, is getting rid of having to prove it with an internationally recognized methodology as well as getting rid of the ability for a third party to bring an action. My personal view is I think we should continue to have this private right of action because it already has to meet a pretty high bar to bring forward a case. Q: But having to bring forward international methodology sounds like a reasonable request of companies, no? A: I think so, because there’s lots of internationally recognized methodologies. I’m a little biased on this because I helped draft [the greenwashing legislation], but there were some folks in the finance sector who thought this was causing some uncertainty. The hope was that the competition bureau would provide guidance that would alleviate those concerns. Even after that guidance, there’s some who still have that. There’s other ways where you could specify rigorous standards to report with, but the BIA has chosen to just get rid of that requirement for internationally recognized methodology, which I don’t agree with, but I understand. Q: Do you think it’s still possible to meet the government’s 2030 climate change targets—to reduce emissions by 40% to 45%? A: I don’t think with what is in place right now it’s possible. There’s going to need to be more to be done. To be fair, we weren’t quite on track to getting to our climate targets by 2030 regardless. We needed to do more even before the changes of this year—getting rid of the MOU: Continued on 5
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SAR: Continued from 1
REWARDS OUTWEIGH THE RISKS, SAR SAYS
Drones bring added complexity to rescue operations–including potential conflicts with helicopters, flying over people, or losing sight of an aircraft at high altitudes. But Wales said the benefits far outweigh the risks. He noted drones can vastly improve reconnaissance, expand the area teams can search, and help rescuers choose safer routes in hazardous terrain. “The rewards … sort of trump that because we’re able to have more reconnaissance, have better situational awareness [and] offer more opportunity to cover larger swaths of land when looking for a subject,” he said. “While the risks exist, the rewards are great, and the best way to mitigate those risks is to have standard procedures.” Navigating Canadian Aviation Regulations also presents its own challenges, he added, particularly around where and how drones are permitted to operate. Wales said the technology has become so integral that Squamish SAR brings drones on every callout. Teams interested in establishing their own drone program can reach out to any of the groups represented at the workshop for guidance. He also urged members of the public not to fly personal drones near rescue scenes. “If you have a drone and you’re not on SAR, and you see SAR operators out in the
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field flying a drone, please refrain from flying your drone,” he said. “While I recognize that it can feel very helpful to put a drone in the air, it can often make it much more dangerous—not just for our operators, but for the programs we’re trying to build. So leave it to the SAR professionals to do that task.”
PAYLOAD DRONES COMING TO A RESCUE NEAR YOU? Squamish SAR currently relies on the DJI M30T–a drone equipped with thermal sensors, zoom and wide-angle lenses–which Wales calls the team’s “workhorse.” It helps spot heat signatures, assess inaccessible terrain and zoom in on areas rescuers can’t safely reach. But larger drones capable of carrying equipment may soon become part of the toolkit. “There may be a need to build a system that can deploy a line across a river without having a human go across,” Wales said. “Then you can pull a line and pick up people who are stranded. That’s a great use case.” He said future heavy-lift drones could also deliver care packages such as tents or first-aid kits to people stuck in hazardous locations. “That’s another great use case for bigger drones,” he said. “We have a couple of these things–we don’t use them, they’re in development. For us, we’re focused on the safest, most reliable and most usable systems, like the M30T.”
SOFTWARE SUPPORT: SQUAMISH FIRM DEMONSTRATES SEARCH TOOL The workshop also highlighted how software tools can support aerial searches. Eagle Eyes Search, a Squamish-based company, has developed a computer-vision program that runs on drone controllers and laptops to help identify missing people. “It has a computer vision system that identifies colour and motion anomalies to help point them out to the operator, and it makes the drone talk to the team’s operational maps so everyone on the team can see where the drone is and vice versa,” founder Peter O’Connor explained. Although the technology could be used for military or policing applications, O’Connor said he built the company specifically to support public-safety work. “We want to use technology to help people. Search and rescue is a clear-cut case of that,” he said. “I want to work on things where I can be confident that it’s going to be a net good for people and I have a clear view on how it gets used.”
COMPENSATING FOR THE HUMAN FACTOR During his presentation, O’Connor played a selective attention test video and asked participants to count the number of times actors tossed a ball. Many performed well—but most missed a person in a gorilla suit walking through the frame, a classic
I want to work on things where I can be confident that it’s going to be a net good for people and I have a clear view on how it gets used. PETER O’CONNOR demonstration of how human attention works. “Human visual systems are pretty flexible and amazing … even if they are demonstrably fallible and miss stuff all the time,” O’Connor said. “I see our detector as a way of compensating for some of the weaknesses of human vision, like failure to pick out small objects and [the] tendency to hyperfocus on one area … and ignore other relevant clues in a search.” But human oversight is still essential, he emphasized. The detector can produce false positives or false negatives, and people have instincts computers lack–such as recognizing terrain features where someone may be trapped and choosing to investigate. “They’re also required because these are still expensive robots flying around in the air, above things,” O’Connor said. “Law and common sense require that the pilot be attentive and in control of the system at all times.”
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025 | 5
SQUAMISH HELPING HANDS URGES SUPPORT AFTER ASSAULT
With one person hospitalized and a suspect still at large, advocates are calling attention to systemic issues contributing to homelessness and related dangers in town LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
F
ollowing an alleged altercation with a weapon at an encampment in downtown Squamish, Squamish Helping Hands Society is calling for a co-ordinated community response to reduce the risk of violence against people living outdoors. In a press release, Squamish Helping Hands Society (SHH) said it is assisting with the Squamish RCMP’s ongoing investigation and is focused on the safety of all involved. Police responded to a targeted attack outside the 3700 block of Third Avenue, near Under One Roof, which is operated by SHH, shortly before 6 a.m. on Dec. 10. One person was taken to hospital for treatment, and the suspect remains at large. Police do not believe there is a risk to the public. “Incidents like this are a call to action regarding the deep need for concerted and compassionate care for people experiencing
MOU: Continued from 3 consumer carbon price had a significant impact. The changes that are in this MOU have an impact. Not having the cap on emissions from the oil and gas sector will have an impact. We’ve removed a number of key measures and there’s going to need to be more done to fill those gaps. Q: Like what? What are other ways? How could we still do it? A: There are all kinds of ways. There are some things that the government has talked about, like new sustainable finance measures to really drive investment into decarbonization. That is really critical, because right now the federal government is doing the heavy
homelessness in our town,” said SHH executive director Lori Pyne. “This is a community problem that requires community solutions.” SHH provides services aimed at addressing homelessness and service gaps in Squamish, including food programs, emergency shelter and access to medical support. According to the organization, there are 10 known encampments in Squamish where people are sheltering outdoors. Pyne said encampments are the result of multiple systemic factors, including a lack of affordable housing, poverty, institutional trauma, addiction and complex mental-health challenges. “It is critical that we work together to find real answers to these issues without stigmatizing or blaming one organization or a group of people already facing dire circumstances,” Pyne said. SHH emphasized that it does not manage encampments, but its outreach team provides support to individuals living in them to help reduce public-safety risks, including violence, the spread of disease, fire hazards and
waste-related concerns. Between September and November 2025, 71 people were turned away from Squamish’s emergency shelter due to a lack of available beds, according to SHH. The most recent Point-in-Time Homeless Count identified 125 people experiencing homelessness in Squamish, including 48 encampment residents who are meaningfully engaged with SHH outreach workers.
lifting on this. There can be more done. Some of the things that we’re working on right now is the pan-Canadian grid [ to connect the country’s electricity systems together]. So, being able to connect not only B.C. to Alberta but across the country and to scale up renewable energy so that we can transition away from not only coal, which we will be transitioning away from by 2030, but from natural gas as well. That’s something that can have a really big impact. We’re going to need to continue to work on reducing emissions from the transportation sector. That’s about a quarter of our emissions. And the transition to electric vehicles is stalled, and there’s work that
needs to be done there so people can access the cheap EVs they really want to buy, but we can’t get them here. Without a doubt, the most important area is reducing emissions from the oil and gas sector, because that’s almost a third of emissions in Canada. And this MOU means we’re actually going to be scaling back some of the planned policies that we’re bringing forward, and that’s going to make it really, really hard. And so that has to be a focus on how we’re going to get there. Q: Anything else on this you want to add? A: It’s certainly not as simple as the headlines that people would read at the beginning that the federal government is building a pipeline. It’s not quite that
SQUAMISH RCMP SEEK SUSPECT Police say the incident occurred around 5:45 a.m. on Dec. 10. The suspect is described as a man between five-foot-eight and six feet tall with a medium build. He was wearing black clothing and white running shoes. Investigators are asking anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage recorded between 5 and 6:15 a.m. from Main Street and Third to Fifth avenues, or anyone who witnessed or heard anything unusual in the area, to contact police. Squamish RCMP are working with the Sea to Sky RCMP Major Crime Team to determine events leading up to and transpiring during
It is critical that we work together to find real answers to these issues without stigmatizing or blaming one organization or a group of people already facing dire circumstances. LORI PYNE
the incident. Anyone with information is asked to contact Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100. Anonymous tips can be submitted through Crime Stoppers.
simple. This is about, again, a detente with Alberta, and this is really about finding ways of agreeing on policy measures so that we’re not fighting to be united in that sense. But it does provide some gaps that have to be filled. Those are things that I’m going to be concerning myself with in the coming months. The last part is, so much of what’s in this MOU is subject to negotiations. There is a deadline of April 1 for many of these negotiations to be completed in terms of what the industrial carbon price is going to look like over time and otherwise. That is going to be really important to meet the commitments that we’ve made.
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EXPERTS URGE CULTURALLY INFORMED MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT FOR B.C. YOUTH
The BC Coroners Service is calling for a province-wide strategy to reduce suicides among young people after a new report found significant gaps in support systems—especially for Indigenous communities Findings showed that, on average, there were 22 deaths of 9-18-year-olds, and 65 deaths of 19 to 25 year olds annually.
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RATES WITHIN INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES
Content warning: mention of suicide statistics in young people. Those experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide can go directly to the Squamish Hospital emergency or can call 9-8-8 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline 24/7 or 1-800-SUICIDE.
T
here is a consensus about the need to do better in supporting B.C.’s young people in terms of their mental health. BC Coroners Service issued a report by the death-review panel about deaths by suicide in young people, published Oct. 14. It includes recommendations about how to constructively and informatively reduce deaths by suicide by youth, including those who belong to Indigenous communities.
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ABOUT THE REPORT
There is help, if you need it. Those experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including thoughts of suicide can go directly to the Squamish Hospital emergency or can call 9-8-8 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline 24/7 or 1-800-SUICIDE.
The report, Creating Connection, Supporting Strengths: A Review of Youth and Young Adult Deaths by Suicide In British Columbia, 2019-2023, was created in consultation with
front-line service providers and experts, in fields such as youth mental health, education and child care, and Indigenous health.
The report reviewed the deaths of 435 young people in B.C. who died as a result of suicide between Jan. 1, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2023.
The report insinuates that voices of Indigenous communities have not received adequate responses nor attention from provincial health care or social support systems. Within its summary, it says that the rate of suicide among Indigenous youth and young adults was 17%, which, according to the report, is four times higher than the provincial rate. 23% of 9-18-year-old suicide deaths were Indigenous, and 15% of 19-25-year-old suicide deaths were also Indigenous. Currently, the BC Coroners Service is unable to distinguish whether the Indigenous decedents are First Nations, Métis and/or Inuit. Disproportionate representation, and continued discussion over Indigenous rights According to the 2021 Canadian Census, MENTAL HEALTH: Continued on 7
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MENTAL HEALTH: Continued from 6 9.1% of the B.C. population under 25 identified as Indigenous. This percentage is likely underestimated, and therefore Indigenous youth and young adults are disproportionately over represented among those who die by suicide in B.C. “National health data systems lack Indigenous identifiers, do not capture data from some regions, and do not routinely engage Indigenous communities in data governance,” the report reads. The report also addresses the ongoing erasure of inherent Indigenous rights, and how Indigenous people may be supported amidst oppression. “The erasure of inherent rights to self-determination, land, family, community and health through systematic colonization and continued racism and discrimination has resulted in lasting and ongoing impacts on the wellbeing of Indigenous communities. “Indigenous approaches are shifting focus towards life promotion and conditions that support … strength and capacity in the face of oppressive policies.”
THE REPORT’S RECOMMENDATIONS The panel’s discussion culminated in striving for solutions. The panel issued the following recommendations, intended to prevent future deaths and improve public health and public safety for youth and young adults in B.C.:
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025 | 7
• Create and implement a provincial suicide-risk-reduction framework specifically focused on youth and young adults. • Improve data collection, information sharing and reporting processes to better understand and support diverse communities throughout B.C. • Review existing social and emotional health-related resources to ensure they meet the needs of the diversity of school-age students in B.C. • Create an educational model to ensure doctors, nurses, paramedics and other emergency medical professionals are appropriately trained in early identification, assessment, management and followup of youth and young adults who are at higher risk of death by suicide. • Co-develop a “third spaces” strategy to create venues for young people to develop and maintain connections in their own communities. Chair of the death-review panel Ryan Panton shared his sentiments about these recommendations. “We know that losing a young life to suicide is devastating … These actions will help reduce the risk, while supporting better mental-health outcomes,” he said. Furthermore, BC Coroner Services’ chief coroner Dr. Jatinder Baidwan said that young people should be assured of the support they need, and when they need it. “I am confident this report will help ensure those supports are available and accessible to all,” she said.
ALIGNING WITH INDIGENOUS APPROACHES
Significantly, the content of the report appears to align with Indigenous approaches to treatment. It explains that Indigenous approaches to suicide prevention embrace culture as treatment, and land as medicine, and that these approaches have been shown to reduce anxiety, depression, and suicidal ideation. The First Nations Health Authority (FNHA) website describes the significance of community as the “best way” of suicide prevention; traditional values such as family connectedness, and emotional safety. This is part of the FNHA’s Hope, Help and Healing approach in relation to the provincial practice of Prevention, Intervention and Postvention (PIP), The FNHA acknowledges that traditional knowledge and interconnection creates a balance to achieve wellness. “We offer suicide-related supports [which] honour our cultures and traditional wellness methods, lead with First Nations ways of knowing and being, and utilize cultural practices and protocols,” The FNHA said in an emailed statement. “It is a strengths-based approach rooted in First Nations knowledge systems and cultural teachings,” continues the statement. “These strategies support the development of meaning and identity … and help our people develop healthy relationships with nature, spirit, family, community and culture.”
PROVINCIAL RESPONSE The Ministry of Health explained in an emailed statement to The Squamish Chief that they are taking the panel’s recommendations seriously, and that they are under careful review. “We have begun work on a dedicated framework for youth suicide prevention. Building on the suicide prevention framework for adults released in May, 2025, this new framework will provide clear clinical guidance to help health-care professionals better support young people,” the statement reads. “The Province is working to build a full continuum of care for mental health and substance use across B.C., making sure services are accessible, welcoming, and respectful of different cultures and communities.” Further resources for children and youth groups can be found on the HelpStartsHere, HealthyMindsBC and Erase websites. The Squamish Chief also reached out to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) for comment, regarding culturally appropriate training and resources the Nation may wish to be prioritized in the Sea to Sky, but a reply was not received by press deadline. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
8 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
squamishchief.com
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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.
Business Opportunities Requests for Proposals
• Community Planning Services Support • Supply & Delivery of Fleet Vehicles – Preferred Dealer squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
Development Review
• 37870 Cleveland Avenue – Zoning Amendment squamish.ca/showcase
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.
For more info and to complete the survey, head to:
• X̱wún̓eḵw Park Sea Dike upgrades continue.
• The Mount Garibaldi Cemetery expansion continues. • EV Charging Stations installation work at Junction Park continues. • Loggers East Storm Sewer project continues on Finch Drive.
LetsTalkSquamish.ca/tree-bylaw
squamish.ca/building-our-future
10-Year Financial Plan Viewable Online
Sign up for eNews squamish.ca/enews
Christmas Eve ‘Red & Green’ Skate Wednesday, December 24 12:30–3 pm Join friends for a fun skating session in your best red and green holiday colours. Skate patrol are on the ice to supervise and support skaters. Sorry, no strollers on the ice during this busy skate time. Payment is required first before entry at our Customer Service desk accessible through the main lobby. Entry to the arena is currently located through the emergency exit on the north side of the arena..
See how the District plans to manage future growth, upgrade facilities and infrastructure, and create complete neighbourhoods, ensuring that tax increases to residents and businesses are manageable. View the interactive budget tool: LetsTalkSquamish.ca/budget-2026
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN
Holiday Camps – Daily Drop-in!
Enjoy creative indoor and outdoor activities during your days off from school. Reserve your spot today!
Regular Pool Hours
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! Registration is on now! Visit squamish.ca/rec.
Check out the arena and pool schedules!
For hours and schedules visit
squamish.ca/rec
squamishchief.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025 | 9
CELEBRATION OF SUCCESS AT SQUAMISH BUSINESS EXCELLENCE AWARDS
It was a night to remember at the Squamish Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Awards
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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 website 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) PHOTOS BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Acting Mayor Andrew Hamilton and Deborah Baker during the opening welcome of the awards at CapU.
INA PACE
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
S
quamish businesses were awarded for their outstanding achievements at the annual gala on Friday, Dec. 5. The Squamish Chamber Business Excellence Awards are an initiative celebrating excellence across various business sectors; performance, innovation, and community impact. The event ran from 5.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. at Capilano University (CapU), 3200 University Boulevard. Awards categories included Indigenous Business, Environmental Impact, Business Leader of the Year, Arts and Entertainment, and Bill Manson Citizen of the Year. The full list can be found on the chamber’s website, www.squamishchamber.com. Individual and collective accomplishments were both rewarded after more than 3,000 community members voted, with the outlook to inspire other innovators and creative minds within the Squamish community. Nominations for the award categories opened on Sept. 14 and closed on Oct. 5., after which the Squamish Chamber team determined the nominees’ eligibility. Submissions and a Finalist Vetting Period (three per category) ran until mid-October, after which public voting opened until Nov. 3.
AMONG THE WINNERS WERE: • Act Alive Academy - Arts of Entertainment Award, • Gather Books and Lovely Things - Small Business Award, owner Julie Wilkins won
Business Leader of the Year • Sea to Sky Community Services Community Builder Award, • Mother Made Canada - Environmental Impact Award, • Blue Water Concepts - Medium-Large Business Award, and Workplace of the Year Award, • Create Makerspace - New Business Award, • Douglas Hackett - Bill Manson Citizen of the Year Award, • Sḵwálwen Botanicals - Indigenous Business Award. The gala opened with a drinks reception and acoustic musical entertainment from the Squamish Academy of Music, before guests were seated for a buffet dinner and welcome ceremony. The welcome ceremony was conducted by K’ána Deborah Baker from Sḵwx̱w ú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and acting Mayor Andrew Hamilton, who joined Baker in singing and drumming whilst the audience clapped along. The buffet consisted of chicken, salmon, and an array of vegetables, with sticky toffee pudding and Nanaimo bars for dessert, with an open bar also on site. Fleurescent Blooms provided the decor. Awards were received categorically with thanks, and speeches of appreciation. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
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
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 18, 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.
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 MUNICIPAL HALL (Hours open to the public) (Online Services available 24/7)
December 24 SQUAMISH PUBLIC LIBRARY
THE 55 ACTIVITY CENTRE
SQUAMISH LANDFILL
December 25–27 December 31
10 AM–3 PM Closed 10 AM–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 18, 2025 | 11
NEW GREEN BURIAL AND SCATTERING GARDEN COMING TO LOCAL CEMETERY
With cremation rates rising and interest in sustainable practices growing, Squamish is updating its historic cemetery to reflect modern needs—and values
Garibaldi Highlands Residential
Service Changes Recycling/Organics December 25th will be picked up December 27th Garbage – January 1st will be picked up January 3rd As of January 2, 2026, all Residential totes will be required to be out curbside by 7:15am
604-892-5604
CSRSquamish@gflenv.com
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The expanded area of Mount Garibaldi Cemetery as seen Dec. 3.
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
T
he end of life is not something most of us address openly too often in our culture, but local government leaders have to keep mortality in mind with the growth of a community’s population. More people means more space is needed for the dear who have departed. Thus, with more residents living in Squamish and being planned for, comes the need to expand Mount Garibaldi Cemetery, as it is nearing capacity. The cemetery, which is owned and operated by the municipality, was established in the early 1920s. The site is 4.77 hectares, but only one-third was developed prior to this recent expansion. Currently, at the cemetery, located at 44500 Government Rd., the District offers burials, with marker and vase installations, cremation interments in dedicated plots and above, full burials, memorial bench donations, and exhumations. Within the cemetery, there is a columbarium—a wall containing compartments for cremation urns—and a memory book of memorial plaques for those interred elsewhere, that is operated by the Squamish Funeral Chapel through an agreement with
Britannia Mine Museum gratefully acknowledges their community sponsors:
the District. The newly created expansion—costing $1,400,000 million in the 2025 capital budget—is a portion of a 30-year build out. It is anticipated to provide interment space for roughly 12 to 15 years. After that, there is a plan to expand again to meet the total 30-year timeframe. According to the District Mount Garibaldi Cemetery Master Plan, there will be a demand for around 2,800 interments over the next 30 years, of which around 80% will be cremations. Cremation is increasing and is currently at around 85% in B.C., according to the plan, and green burial is of growing interest and is being offered by more cemeteries. Therefore, the almost complete Squamish cemetery expansion, which will also include a walking path and more benches, will increase services offered to include green burial and a scattering garden. (It is important to note that no existing grave sites, or loved ones’ remains have been impacted by the expansion.)
WHAT IS A GREEN BURIAL? Green burial “involves returning a body as naturally as possible to the earth. The body GREEN BURIAL: Continued on 16
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Gift Destination
12 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 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 REPORTER LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@ lodestarmedia.ca REPORTER INA PACE ipace@ lodestarmedia.ca SALES MANAGER CATHIE GREENLEES cgreenlees@ squamishchief.com MULTI- MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE KIM BOATMAN kboatman@ squamishchief.com CIRCULATION MANAGER DENISE CONWAY dconway@ squamishchief.com
PUBLISHER SARAH STROTHER sstrother@lodestarmedia.ca
The Squamish Chief is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact Editor Jennifer Thuncher at jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. Reproduction of any material contained in this publication is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publisher.
EDITORIAL
DECK THE POLLS
S
quamish Chief readers often know best and they always, always have an opinion— which we love. As we look at our recent online polls, we see a range of perspectives. To our most recent question, “Do you agree with the federal government’s MOU with Alberta?” the most popular answer was “I strongly disagree,” which isn’t surprising. But if you dig a bit deeper, the dominant perspective is less, well, dominant. It got the top percentage of the vote, at 19%. The next top answer, with 18% of the vote, was “I don’t know enough about it.” The third top answer, at 16%, was “It depends how it plays out in the end.” The jury is still out on that issue, at least among those who took our poll. It caught us a bit by surprise, which perhaps it should not have, that in answer to our question, “How many weeks of vacation do you get from work per year?,” the top answer, with 16% of the vote, was “I work for myself.” The second top answer was four weeks, while three weeks came in the bronze position. To our question, “Is it easy to make friends in Squamish?” what was most interesting about the top answer is that it was the exact opposite from what we found when we did our street interviews downtown on the same issue. In person, folks told our reporters that it was easy to find their friend group here. In answer to our online poll, however, 40% of respondents said, “I find it very hard to make friends here.” The second highest response was, “I found it somewhat difficult to make friends here.” That response garnered 23% of the vote. The answer, “No, it was hard, but I did finally find my people,” garnered the third highest number of responses, at 10%. Finally, in answer to our question, “Are you more determined this Christmas to shop in Squamish (local) for presents?” most folks— 27%—answered “Depends on the item/person.” The second highest percentage was “No, I will shop online more this year,” which garnered 16% of the vote. We are surely biased here at The Squamish Chief, but we are hoping more locals will follow the lead of the 13% who said “I always shop local so not more or less this year.” However you celebrate the coming weeks— vacation or no vacation, friends or no friends, gifts or no gifts—we wish you a safe and happy holiday season. If you are looking for something to do in between the stockings and the turkey, check out more of our online polls at squamishchief.com and weigh in on our latest question: “Do you predict your financial situation in 2026 in Squamish will be better, worse or the same?”
A SEASON TO GIVE: HOW TO MAKE AN IMPACT OVER THE HOLIDAYS YOUTH VOICES AUNI L. DAYTON
A
s days get shorter and weather turns cold, the warmth of our community can be seen in the generosity of its people. The holiday season is not only a time for celebration, it’s an opportunity to support our neighbours. As all Squamish residents are aware, living in such a beautiful place comes with a high, and rising, cost of living that some struggle to keep up with. Now that the gift giving season has arrived, many people have found themselves wondering how they can make an impact on our community. The answer lies in giving, whether through donations, volunteering, or simple acts of kindness. Need for donations to charities and non-profits rises dramatically in winter months when the cold weather creates additional challenges for those facing housing or financial insecurity. For families that are already stretched thin, the season can be especially difficult. Rising food and heating costs and the need for warm clothing make community care especially important. Squamish offers a wide range of donation or volunteer opportunities that have become increasingly crucial as the days get colder and the
nights get longer. Squamish Helping Hands is holding a shoebox gift drive that encourages people to fill a shoebox with “little items that make a big difference to unhoused people,” reads their website. Community Christmas Care is also doing their part, providing gift baskets for families, groceries, and toy drives so that every child experiences the holiday cheer. You can also spread the holiday spirit by donating to Pearl’s Value and Vintage or by volunteering with Squamish Helping Hands or the Squamish Welcome Centre Along with food and holiday gifts, the need for warm winter clothes also drastically increases in December. Jackets, sweaters, scarfs, boots, blankets, sleeping bags, and camping style pads are needed. Squamish Helping Hands accepts these items all year-round, but the need is greatest during the coldest months. Another organization that is always happy to accept your clean, gently used items is PearlSpace Value & Vintage, located at 38130 Cleveland St. 100% of PearlSpace’s proceeds directly support survivors of gender-based violence and their children in the Sea to Sky area. They also work in partnership with other local non-profits and provide essentials to people in need through a voucher program. Whether you are hoping to thin out your closet or find new—to you—clothes, PearlSpace could help you make a meaningful YOUTH: Continued on 13
squamishchief.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 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) YOUTH: Continued from 12 local impact. By donating to local initiatives you ensure that your contributions stay in the community and go on to benefit
neighbours, coworkers, and friends. Whether you donate food, warm clothing, time, money, or simply a kind and thoughtful act, your contributions can help ensure that no one goes without love and cheer this holiday
season. In a season that is difficult for many, the kindness of our community and the spirit of giving thrives. Auni Dayton is a Squamish teen and a youth intern with The Squamish Chief.
LOCAL DEMANDS ANSWERS AS FOSSIL FUEL EXPANSION CONTINUES GUEST COLUMN
JULIE MALCOLM
T
he first quarter of the 21st century is behind us now and the discord and confusion are upon us like weather. Who could have guessed that the promise of the Age of Information would be colonized by misinformation, or foreseen the Post-truth Era? The greater media landscape is, at best, unstable. Over the course of the past decade I, and others, have written many letters to the editor that lay out facts to challenge the politicians in power, pundits and corporate players who push expansion of the fossil fuel industry. My letters have been specifically directed to those who champion Woodfibre LNG; it seems reasonable, in a civil democracy, to expect a response to our collective challenges, but all we get is ghosted. Fracking LNG has accelerated since I first questioned its consequences: In the Peace River district, where there has been ongoing drought, the LNG industry’s water use has escalated from “six million cubic metres in 2023 to more than nine million in 2024. Currently, the industry’s treatment of its wastewater, which is laden with heavy metals, is essentially no treatment at all but holding it for reuse or pumping it underground for permanent disposal’. (Tyee, Oct. 9, 2025). No response. I have questioned the ethics of our alliance with Sukanto Tanota, the major shareholder in Woodfibre LNG, of whom
the National Post wrote in 2015, ”Some fear that this could lead the province to approve and LNG deal with the Indonesian billionaire Sukanto Tanoto, whose massive tax evasion and rainforest destruction record across the Pacific has put his business reputation into serious question.” Woodfibre LNG is now suing the municipality of Squamish, aka tax-payers, over taxes. Surprise. No response. In 2024, the Rainforest Action Network called on “All actors that finance, do business with, source from or associate with the Royal Golden Eagle Group to immediately suspend business or association and investigate our findings.” No response. I have called out the disturbing lack of division between government, the fossil fuel industry and its lobbyists over years. For example, Michelle Mungall, former NDP minister of Energy, Mines and Resources, former lobbyist who sits on the Woodfibre LNG Gender Safety Committee and criticized the then Green MLA candidate (Pique Newsmagazine Letters to the Editor) but didn’t respond to a counter challenge, which contained facts. No response. I have challenged the post-truth statements that LNG is “green energy, clean energy and a bridge fuel.” Even when the processing facility is electrified, according to the Cornell University Study, ‘The Greenhouse Gas Footprint of Liquefied Natural Gas’ (2024), when the entirety of the process is measured, LNG for export has higher GHG emissions than coal. The study’s author, Robert Howarth, concluded that “if you want to slow global warming
immediately, the best strategy is to move as quickly as possible away from Natural Gas.” No response. I have written letters to the editor concerning the health of Howe Sound; flaring; uncounted wildfire GHG emissions; consecutive warnings from the International Panel on Climate Change and Canada’s projected failure to meet 2030 GHG emissions reduction targets. No response. The UN Emissions Gap Report, published before COP30, calculated that we are on track to see an increase of temperature between 2.6 and 2.8 C and stated the following: “ Current commitments still point to climate breakdown”; the global community have “collectively landed off target”, that “We need unprecedented cuts to GHG emissions, now in an ever compressing time frame.” And that “Proven solutions are available at low cost and are sufficient for course correction, strong economic growth, better human health, more jobs, energy security and resilience.” COP30 is over now. According to StandEarth 1,602 oil, gas and coal lobbyists attended: the consensus among climate scientists echoes the director of the Potsdam Institute of Climate Impact Research that “the purpose of the meeting was to deliver a plan to accelerate phasing out of fossil fuels, and to protect carbon sinks. Neither occurred.” Response? Anyone? Julie Malcolm is an editor and committed letter writer, who still believes that the pen is mightier than the sword.
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 predict your financial situation in 2026 in Squamish will be better, worse, or the same? Have your say at squamishchief.com
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
Do you agree with the federal government’s MOU with Alberta? I STRONGLY DISAGREE 22% I STRONGLY SUPPORT IT 16% IT DEPENDS HOW IT PLAYS OUT IN THE END 15%
MOST READ STORY
Squamish one of the hardest hit with power outages, says BC Hydro
PHOTO COURTESY OF DEREK PICKFORD/ SURERUS MURPHY JOINT VENTURE
THE GIVING KIND: Employees from Surerus Murphy Joint Venture, which is working on the Eagle Mountain-Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project, recently donated more than $33,000 in cash and toys for Squamish Community Christmas Care.
14 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
squamishchief.com
squamishchief.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025 | 15
Your future starts here Global energy. Local opportunity. As Canada’s LNG industry grows, so does the opportunity to help build something bold, different and built to last: an electrified, net zero facility shaped in partnership with Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and rooted right here in the Sea-to-Sky. Whether you’re just starting out or looking for a meaningful next step, this is your chance to build a long-term career with a company that will help power the world for decades to come — right here in Squamish. woodfibrelng.ca/careers
16 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
squamishchief.com
Holiday Deadlines
December 25th Paper will be delivered on Wednesday, December 24th* Booking Deadline: Friday December 19th at Noon Creative Deadline: Monday December 22nd at Noon
January 1st Paper will be delivered on Wednesday, December 31st* Booking Deadline: December 23rd at Noon Creative Deadline: December 29th at Noon
*Delivery dates subject to change
Ads@squamishchief.com
604-892-9161 • Squamishchief.com
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Mayor Armand Hurford and parks planner Elaine Naisby during a tour at the cemetery on Dec. 3.
GREEN BURIAL: Continued from 11 being interred is not embalmed or cremated; it is placed in a simple biodegradable shroud or casket and buried without a liner or vault. Vegetation is planted … and allowed to naturalize, and the names of those interred in an area are typically inscribed on a communal marker or plaque,” reads the master plan. This type of burial has less of an environmental impact, compared to full burials with caskets, liners and embalming, with the potential to significantly reduce local greenhouse gas emissions from interments. It also often costs less than a full burial.
WHAT IS A SCATTER GARDEN? Elaine Naisby, parks planner with the District, explained that typically in a cemetery, cremated remains are interred either in an urn in the ground or in the columbarium. With the scattering garden, the ashes are naturally and respectfully placed in a hole in the earth. Final details and administrative preparations for both green burials and the scatter garden still have to be worked out, Naisby said, to decide such things as if green burial customers will choose a spot or if it will be sequential burials, and to make sure public works staff are trained on the procedures. “The next fees and charges bylaw update is in the middle of next year, so it won’t happen before that,” Naisby said. “So that’s what we’re working towards. But we need to make sure that our public works staff are able to offer these, so we need to do some internal work for that.” Naisby noted that an ornamental planting bed next to the columbarium was nearing the end of its life so it was also given an “ornamental update” with the expansion. “If people have been coming here visiting their loved ones for some time, they’ll see that also was a change. But we’ve got some new trees and some new plants that are in there now. So it’s gonna look great,” she said.
Jesse Morwood, District capital projects manager, said the main construction item that’s left as part of this phase of expansion at the cemetery is the maintenance facility yard. Currently, there is a simple shed on site. “Based on the new alignment and future growth, we had to move it,” Morwood said. “It also wasn’t meeting the needs of our public works department for now or in the future, so … there’s a new works yard [planned]. The intention is the building will be in by the end of February.” Morwood also noted that there will be a change to available parking at the cemetery in that the current spots will be available around the clock. “We’re not expanding the existing parking lot. We’re just providing parking seven days a week, 24-7,” he said, adding that eventually there will be more parking, but not as part of this phase of the expansion. Mayor Armand Hurford, whose grandparents are interned in the cemetery, said while it is challenging to think about death, it is a local government’s responsibility to plan for it. “What happens to us or loved ones when they pass, is something we often don’t think about until it’s happened. And broadly, this work of local government is to do that look-ahead and make sure that the services we need … as a community, are available when we need them,” he said. “We know that as the community evolves, and as society’s preferences for burial or cremation or whatever that is, including different faith-based practices evolves, it will need space, and the plan, I feel, can evolve to meet community needs.” Naisby noted the cemetery is considered part of Squamish’s park system and therefore open for public use. “It’s a quiet, open space that is here for people to come and go for a walk. It’s really good for contemplation, and it’s really beautiful—surrounded by nature. And as we build out, the plan includes a perimeter walking trail, and there are the existing paths here already as well,” she said.
squamishchief.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025 | 17 We are the first community in BC to offer a curbside battery collection program. In 2025, we collected 1,250 kgs of batteries & electronics from the curbside service alone.
District of Squamish
2026 Curbside Collection Calendar Garbage
Recycling
Compost
Battery
Reduce negative human-wildlife interactions by locking and storing attractant totes in an enclosure.
This equals our 2024 depot site collection of 1,318 kgs!
Have totes unlocked by 7:15am on your service day; latch clips together to avoid damage during service.
Service times will vary from week-to-week. On your service day: ensure totes are kept out and unlocked on time, leave 1 metre of clearance around each tote for truck access.
January 1st (New Year's Day) collection will occur on Saturday, January 3rd, 2026. December 25th (Christmas Day) collection will occur on Saturday, December 26th, 2026. Weekly Compost services from May 4th - October 23rd. Reduce attractant odours by freezing or disposing of compost on collection day. Reduce attractant odours by thoroughly rinsing all items placed in the recycle tote. Depot site items include: Styrofoam, glass, film & flexible packaging, electronics & hazardous waste. Complimentary curbside battery collection on your service day: April 20th -24th and November 2nd - 6th. Collect your household batteries in one clear bag & in a second clear bag collect your small electronics, cell phones, tablets, laptops, video games, cables & cords. On garbage week the bags will be hand collected from on top of your Recycle Tote. The Recycle Tote will indicate your participation and prevent the batteries from being tipped into the garbage truck. Download the Squamish Curbside Collection app to stay updated on important schedule changes
For tote repairs including wildlife damage or service issues, please email: squamishtotes@gflenv.com
Depot Site Location Hours Squamish DOX Recycling Depot Site: 40446 Government Rd Recycle Depot Open Daily: 9:00am - 4:30pm Open 7 days a week - closed Christmas and New Years Day Squamish Landfill: 100 Landfill Road Landfill and Recycle Depot Open Daily March - November: 9:00am - 5:45pm December - February: 9:00am - 4:45pm GFL Environmental: 38950 Queens Way Electronics/Hazardous Waste Open Daily: 7:30am - 4:00pm Closed Sundays and Stat Holidays
•Downtown •Dentville •Northyards • Sea & Sky •Shannon Estates •Tantalus Crossing •University Heights •Valleycliffe •St’a7mes •Hospital Hill •Angelo’s Trailer Court •Timbertown Trailer Court Tuesday •Willow Crescent •Loggers Estates •Paradise Valley •Upper Squamish
Monday
Totes must be unlocked by 7:15am on your service day
Wednesday
•Garibaldi Estates •Willow Village •Viresence •Skyridge •Kaw’tin
Thursday
•Garibaldi Highlands
Friday
•Brackendale •Wiwk’em
Curbside Collection Reminders: Leave 1 meter of clearance Latch clips together to avoid around totes for truck access damage during service
No compostable or biodegradable plastics in organics totes
18 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
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Mountain Psychology and Neurofeedback Centre
Stephen L. Milstein, Ph.D., R. Psych. BC # 765 604.938.3511
Dawna Dixx Milstein, O T. COTBC # A A0201 604.938.3523
Squamish: 604.848.9273
Whistler: #107- 4 368 Main St, Whistler, B.C. V0N 1B4
PHOTO JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
SQUAMISH TKO: Cheers erupt at The Sound gym as her supporters watch on TV as JameyLyn Horth-Wessels wins with a TKO of Tereza Bledá in Las Vegas, Dec. 13. Watch for a full interview in next week’s paper.
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What can you tell from a rotten egg smell? It could be a gas leak. 1
Stop what you’re doing.
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Call us at 1-800-663-9911 or 911.
Learn more at fortisbc.com/smellgas. Connect with us @fortisbc
FortisBC Energy Inc. uses the FortisBC name and logo under license from Fortis Inc. (23-005.29 06/2023)
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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025 | 19
SQUAMISH EYES EASTERN LANDFILL EXPANSION TO MANAGE GROWING WASTE
A recent tour of the Squamish landfill revealed both progress and challenges as the site nears capacity, prompting a push for an eastern expansion and improved diversion rates. HEADING EAST JENNIFER THUNCHER
The previous $6.5-million Landfill Vertical Expansion Project—building the landfill upward—increased the lifespan of the landfill from 2018 until 2028/2029. Plans and permits for the eastern expansion still need to be finalized. The District says staff have applied for a sponsored Crown grant for the parcel of land east of the current landfill. This process takes years, and is still underway. When it is laterally expanded, the intention is that the layout of the landfill will be different than it is now. The area after the scale and where residents drop their items—household waste brought by individuals and companies, for example—will be moved southeast. The old area will become a drop off for items that qualify for free drop off. “The southern bit [of the eastern expansion land] would be the transfer station and the new scale,” said White. “It will be built in phases and so when we look at the budget
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
W
hen we throw just one apple core into the household trash, or one bag of Styrofoam into the dumpster at our business, we don’t often equate our actions with a financial cost to the municipality—and so by extension to us. Nor do some of us really likely understand the environmental cost of our collective action. But at the Squamish landfill a battle has long been waged to accommodate trash, deal with the gasses it creates, and plan for the future flotsam and jetsam of our daily lives that ends up at the dump. The landfill is now reaching capacity. The Squamish Chief took a guided tour of the refuse site, fittingly located on Landfill Road in Brackendale, with District representatives, including Mayor Armand Hurford and integrated solid waste specialist Shannon White.
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
A GFL Environmental truck at the Landfill on Dec. 3.
LANDFILL: Continued on 20
ENCHANTED FOREST Now Open for Winter 2025.26
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Kids visit FREE* till Jan 4th Story Time Sunday, Dec 21st at noon Movies on the Boardwalk Everyday Dec 20th till 24th at 2PM Selfies with Santa Paws Everyday Dec 20th till 24th from 11AM till 2PM Holiday Adventure Pick up your FREE adventure pack at check-in
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LANDFILL: Continued from 19
Happy Holidays! The Squamish Chief Holiday Hours The office will be closed December 25th & 26th 2025 & January 1st 2026 With reduced hours on December 24th & 31st.
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please call – 604-892-9161 Editorial ext 45228 or Sales Ext 45230
right now it’s only phase one … in the current upcoming budget and so essentially we would dig north to south right along [the landfill road] and then lay garbage up on top of the landfill and then it would progress [east] very continually laying garbage,” she said. “It wouldn’t just be a big hole right away, bearing garbage right away. And that’s done for financial reasons and operational reasons.” Long term, another solution will have to be found. “This is a short, medium-term solution for Squamish,” said White. “But we are actively working with the SLRD [Squamish-Lillooet Regional District] who technically is responsible for waste in the region as to what’s next, what are we going to do as a region for waste management.” This isn’t a District-only problem, White noted. Not including Squamish’s landfill expansions, there’s only 33 years of landfill space left in the entire province on average, she said. “This is a provincial problem as well.”
WHY NOT INCINERATION? Metro Vancouver has a waste-to-energy facility, so why not do that for Squamish? It all comes down to scale. “In 2019, we did run a report on waste-toenergy... is that a feasible solution for us to explore because it does come up … and the
A SEASON OF GIVING
A heartfelt initiative dedicated to fostering community spirit and ts. supporting local non-profi non-profits.
During this special time of year, we encourage individuals and families to engage in acts of kindness.The Sea to Sky corridor is blessed with incredibly compassionate communities; there are numerous deserving causes to take into account, ranging from homelessness to health issues to the environment. Our mission is to uplift those in need, strengthen community bonds, and inspire generosity in everyone. Join us in making a difference this season—every small action contributes to a larger impact!
report at that time said it didn’t make sense even if we took Whistler and Pemberton’s waste,” said White. “The volume we produced didn’t make it financially feasible because we just don’t produce enough. Vancouver … runs their waste energy facility 24-7… And they still ship garbage to the U.S. and Cache Creek and their own landfill. So Metro Vancouver produces so much garbage they can use it and it makes sense for them.” White added that technology for dealing with waste is always evolving so perhaps incineration could work locally down the road.
METHANE COLLECTION Since 2021, the landfill has had a gas collection system that captures methane gas from the trash. Methane is a gas that is 28 times more potent than carbon dioxide, according to the federal government. The landfill gas is collected through a network of vertically drilled wells and horizontal collectors. which are placed throughout the Squamish site. The wells are checked and balanced by staff on a regular basis. According to a District press release from 2021, the gas is then piped under vacuum to the flare station, where it is safely flared (or burned) off as carbon dioxide. “It’s interesting and it’s cool because the District of Squamish wasn’t or isn’t regulated LANDFILL: Continued on 21
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LANDFILL: Continued from 20 to collect gas and do something with it. So, above a certain landfill size, there’s a provincial obligation to collect and we’re actually quite a bit below that, but council felt it was important to make these investments to be responsible with the methane that was being produced, which is great,” White said. There are 12 wells, with four more horizontal ones recently installed, which will eventually come online when needed. As the trash breaks down, it creates methane. Organic matter—food scraps, for example—that is thrown into the trash rather than composted is a major culprit for methane production.
‘SHOW ME THE TRASH’ The District commissioned a 2024 waste composition study, which audited what was in the landfill. It found, in terms of residential garbage picked up curbside, about 73% of what was thrown out could be diverted using the District’s existing programs. Of all that was in the audited trash, almost 20% of materials could be diverted using the District’s existing curbside organics collection program. For multi-family buildings, 71% of the waste could theoretically be diverted from the landfill. Compostable materials divertible through an organics collection program made up 21% of the waste.
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Left: Shannon White, the District’s integrated solid waste specialist. Right: Mayor Armand Hurford.
According to the study, 40% of waste received at the Squamish landfill stems from institutions, commercial, and industrial (ICI) businesses—and of that waste, 72% could be diverted. Of that, 27% could be composted. With the construction and demolition sector, approximately 57% of the waste could theoretically be diverted from the landfill, of that 47% was organics—wood waste. Hurford said that the District is “walking the walk” when it comes to its own construction and demolition projects. The recently constructed Fire Hall 1, in Valleycliffe, for example, achieved a 96%
diversion by weight and 93% by volume, well in excess of the goal of 80% required by the demolition waste diversion bylaw.
BRINGING IT ALL HOME Looking out at the trash recently trucked in, Hurford said that residents sometimes miss that there is a real financial cost to not recycling or diverting organics waste. “A lot of times when we talk about waste, recycling and all the rest of it. It’s really purely an environmental ideological thing—which is in my opinion a totally worthwhile venture just for that—but when you look at fiscal responsibility in our collective actions, like if
we had higher diversion rates, which is recycling and in organics and so on, then our investments would last longer and it would be less impactful to us overall financially,” he said. “So there is a very strong case that we are currently in the midst of, for paying very close attention to this. And this is one of those reasons that over the last many years we have been pushing so hard on getting those rates of recycling and organics diversion [up]— extending the lifespan of our landfill facility, both this one and the same principle will apply when we have a big shiny new landfill. We want that to last. A lot of people miss that fiscal piece.” White said Squamish is doing OK, but could be doing better with its waste diversion. “We’re doing better than some communities, but we’re not the best,” she said. “We’re doing well because we also offer a lot of options in our community.” There is good news in that the District is continuing to move towards its goal of 350 kilograms of trash per capita. Since 2016, the disposal rate per person has gone down. It is estimated that it was 404 kg/capita in 2024, down from 680 kg/capita in 2016. White noted that events like the Repair Café and the Re-Use-It-Fair aren’t just feel-good initiatives. They help residents keep items from ending up in the landfill. “We’ve taken the approach [of] let’s give people as many opportunities as possible to divert instead of throw it in the garbage,” she said.
Land Act: Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that the District of Squamish (DoS) from Squamish, BC has applied to the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), Lower Mainland Regional Office, for a Crown tenure for the purpose of a Community Facility for a public dock, located over the Mamquam Blind Channel, which is Provincially Crown land, legallydescribed as DISTRICT LOT 6234, GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER DIST. WLRS invites comments on this application. The Lands File Number for this application is 2413027. Comments concerning this application should be directed to the Senior Land Officer, Lower Mainland Region, Ministry of Water Land and Resource Stewardship (WLRS), at #200 – 10470 152nd Street, Surrey, B.C., V3R 0Y3.
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Comments will be received by WLRS up to January 24, 2026. WLRS may not be able to consider comments received after this date.
AD SPACE BOOKINGS Friday, February 13th, 2026
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BUSINESS BEAT
BRITANNIA VILLAGE BOUTIQUE STEPS UP TO SUPPORT LOCAL ART THIS CHRISTMAS
The boutique, which sells products by local artists, is in the holiday spirit, with late hours and free delivery throughout December All English people will know this,” she said airily. Mahec said she sees herself trying to grow the boutique in the future and keep it current with new artists, though she wants to keep a small and intimate space. She confirmed that Copper & Fern will also be open as an event space in the future for the likes of creative workshops, including those for macrame, figure drawing, and book reading. Copper & Fern is open Fridays to Sundays from 11 a.m to 5 p.m. In December, it is open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
INA PACE
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
W
ho doesn’t love a bit of late night shopping, especially when it comes to Christmas, and you’re struggling
for ideas? Copper & Fern Boutique in Britannia Village on Highway 99 has you covered, whether you’re a visitor looking to bring home some B.C. memories, or a long term resident supporting the community. The artist boutique (Unit 102 - 106 Prospector Way) is offering free local delivery until Dec. 23, with late opening hours every Thursday into January, with the exception of Christmas and New Year’s Day. Since it opened a year ago, it seems the boutique is looking to grow further alongside the Britannia Village community; the place for a highway pit-stop, or for those who have relocated for a quieter life. Owner Kassia Mahec, who used to work in event planning, shared her sentiments about the space she created. “People do say when they come in ‘it’s like a breath of fresh air.’ [They] can come and pamper themselves, or get something for a loved one or a friend. There’s lots of different choices,” Mahec said. “I wanted to showcase all the local artists in the area, and create a shop of everything I love.” Among the products she curates and sells are jewelry, skin care products, ceramics, plants, and clothing—for both adults and children, men and women alike. Brands include those designed and manufactured by individual local artists,
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada. 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.
PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Owner Kassia Mahec at her store.
including those from Sḵwx̱w ú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation). Mahec upcycles and recycles children’s clothing as a way to be frugal and creative. “[It’s] important to me, to be able to not always buy new, but like brand new,” Mahec said, noting her choices to buy for her own child. Originally from London in the U.K., Mahec worked in Vancouver and Whistler, before relocating six years ago to Britannia Beach. She said her inspiration to start Copper & Fern was behind her missing working with
people, and in bringing communities together. “I was really excited about the opportunities that might come into our town [as it developed]. We have a very special place here [in Britannia Beach]. It’s just so beautiful.” Despite her awe for the Sea to Sky, Mahec’s fondness for the U.K.—and its humour—is evident, that’s if the range of tea on her shelves isn’t enough to go by. “I really like [having] a selection of cards; being from England, cards are a big thing.
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.
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Starlight is a major sweetheart in a tiny package! She needs to be an addition to a home that already has a friendly feline as her kittycompadre - but no doggos or children for this queen. Starlight’s eyes are a bit cloudy due to scarring, but this doesn’t stop her from giving all of her love and affection when you enter the room. Despite her blurry vision, Starlight is still the brightest star in the room. Starlight’s cloudy vision is due to scarring, probably from an untreated eye infection, and is not a degenerative condition. PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE WHEATON
THE GIVING KIND: Hustle Basketball families raised $11,000 to support PearlSpace and its Christmas Hampers program. This was the organization’s fifth Hoops for Hampers fundraiser, and its biggest donation yet. “The night of the fundraiser we gather to play a big parent-child game and a kids only three-on-three tournament,” the organizaton’s Mike Wheaton told The Squamish Chief. “We are grateful for this community and are blessed to be able to help!”
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September 23, 1940 – November 114,, 2025 He was born in the village of Knapstrep, Denmark to Marius and Esther Hansen. After an eventful childhood, he started his apprentice as a mechanic. In 1962, he emigrated to Canada where he found work in Squamish. Two years later John Hunter Co.ltd hired him where he worked as a mechanic and machine operator, for sixty-one years. Besides his family, he loved and enjoyed his work. Semi-retiring in his early seventies. He and his wife enjoyed camping in the summer all over B.C. Winter holidays in Mexico was relaxing. After a short illness, he passed away peacefully November 14, 2025. He leaves behind his wife Emmy and children Jens, (Bev) Ole, Marc (Michelle). Grandchildren, Krystal, Ryder, Mekaylah, Cameron, Mathew and Jacob. Great Grandchildren Ember, Fallon, and Harvey. A celebraation of life will be held at a later date. In lieu off flowers, please consider a donation to the BC Cancer Society
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Full-Time Account Manager Location: North Shore, BC Company: North Shore News We have a rare opportunity to work at one of Canada’s best-read online news media companies, Lodestar Media. You will be working at North Shore News, a division of Lodestar Media. In this role, you’ll partner with local businesses to offer cutting-edge marketing solutions: programmatic advertising, social media advertising, SEO, sponsored content, and community display on our website – and yes, we still reach customers through our trusted newspaper as well. HERE’S WHAT YOU’LL DO: • Make outbound calls and proactively set up meetings with new and existing clients. • Use a consultative selling approach to plan and execute both digital and print advertising campaigns. • Build and maintain strong client relationships with exceptional customer service. • Achieve monthly, quarterly, and annual revenue targets. • Stay organized and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment. WHAT YOU BRING: • Previous experience in sales, account management, or media/marketing is an asset. • Comfort with cold calling and in-person client meetings. • A goal-oriented mindset, positive attitude, and willingness to learn. • Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills. • Ability to multitask, prioritize, and meet deadlines. • A valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle for client visits is required. HERE’S WHAT WE OFFER: Competitive salary + uncapped commission package. Comprehensive, competitive group health and welfare benefits. Extensive onboarding, training, and ongoing support. INTERESTED? Please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence to Kaija Knox at kknox@lodestarmedia.ca
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Employee Health & Wellness Plan available HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – Minimum 5 years or 5,000 hours operating experience on excavator. Full-time, Monday – Friday. $33-$46 per hour. CONSTRUCTION LABOURER – Great opportunity to learn on-thejob. Stamina for physically demanding work and perseverance to brave inclement weather required. Previous experience preferred but not required. Training provided. $28-$33 per hour. PIPE LAYER – Minimum 5 years experience in civil construction. Full-time, Monday – Friday. $33-$43 per hour. TRUCK DRIVER – BCDL Class 1 or Class 3 with air brakes required. Manual transmission. 2 years experience preferred. $35-$41.50 per hour.
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26 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
TAKE A BREAK
HOROSCOPE WEEK OF DEC 18, 2025 - DEC 24, 2025
CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1. Have a bagel 4. Cement chunk 8. Camp worker 12. See ya! 13. Turnpike fee 14. Boat personnel 15. Can be endured 17. Peeve 18. Epoch 19. Cowboys’ loops 21. Dress shape: hyph. 24. Finds a total 25. Certain chess piece 26. Auditions: 2 wds. 30. Bunk 31. Songbirds 32. Whatever 33. Hiding 35. Journey 36. Carbonated drink
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37. Stitch loosely 38. Trying experience 41. ____ Diego 42. Complain 43. Rink shoe: 2 wds. 48. Inactive 49. Pig’s comment 50. Carriage 51. Golfer’s gadgets 52. Cole and Turner 53. Small cask
9. Eye feature 10. Take out, as text 11. Meadow mowers 16. Army grade 20. Poems 21. Curves 22. Bounty 23. Pinch 24. Exhibition area 26. Huge number 27. Rowers’ needs 28. Platoon 29. Variety 31. Stop! 34. Public tantrums 35. Gas container 37. Suns 38. Eliminate 39. Took a taxi 40.Chip’s cartoon pal 41. Wired 44.FBI’s cousin 45. Biblical vessel 46. Neckwear 47. Coop product Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
ARIES March 21-April 19
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Take care not to procrastinate with your work or holiday planning this week. Instead, take time to relax and make the most of the season, keeping in mind that you don’t have to aim for perfection.
Your boss will assign you new responsibilities, accompanied by a raise, which could be viewed as a promotion. Your success lies in taking risks and exploring the unknown.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
If you’re single, you may meet someone special as the holidays approach. You may be able to settle some family arguments with the help of your charm and your ability to get along with others, which will make this time of year more peaceful.
Organize a gift exchange with your colleagues to bring some festive cheer. You’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that everyone in your family has accepted your Christmas invitation. You’ll have a fuller house than you were expecting!
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Prepare for last-minute changes to your party plans. Prepare for a demanding week The festivities will now be at work this week. Your boss hosted at your home. This will pile on responsibilities means you’ll have to handle just before the holidays. Some all the preparations. You’ll also colleagues who were meant need to be tactful with certain to help you may be absent, so family members. stay focused.
GEMINI May 21-June 20
CANCER June 21-July 22
If you take the time to resolve any issues that are weighing on your mind, you’ll be better able to enjoy your holidays to the fullest. By dedicating time to your romantic relationship, you’ll strengthen your bond.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
You’ll be in the spotlight in one way or another this week. On the job, your hard work will be rewarded with well-deserved recognition. In your love life, this is the perfect time to propose to that special someone.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Despite wanting to stick to a budget, your generosity may get the better of you and you’ll end up buying gifts for everyone. An unexpected expense will arise, but you’ll balance it out by taking on extra work.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You’ll brighten everyone’s day and put smiles on their faces this week. However, be careful if you plan to travel. You might even consider treating yourself to a new car as a Christmas gift.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18
As the year comes to a close, you may start to feel fatigued. Focus on maintaining a healthy diet to regain your energy and vitality. This will help you enjoy your holidays to the fullest.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
You may suggest a magical holiday destination for a family Christmas trip. To be sure everyone can be together for an unforgettable holiday, don’t delay on booking flights and accommodations.
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. Fade away 2. Nautical response 3. Afternoon beverage 4. Theater 5. Earring’s place 6. ____ aboard! 7. Combining 8. Over The Parish of
YOUR PLACE OF
St. John , the Divine Squamish Holy Communion and Morning Worship Sundays at 10:00 AM Rev. Cameron Gutjahr 1930 Diamond Road 604-898-5100 www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca info@squamishanglicanchurch.ca
Exalting Jesus, Equipping His Followers, Engaging the World
Worship Service Sundays 10am on our website and Facebook Live
See Website for Service times and location
2262ReadCres. 604-898-3737 www.squamishbaptistchurch.org
coastalchurch.org/squamish
Share your PLACE OF WORSHIP with Squamish for $10.25/week - Call today to book your spot 604.892.9161
squamishchief.com
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025 | 27
ABATEMENT SERVICES
COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL SERVICES
ASBESTOS BC Abatement Services
SERVING SQUAMISH AREA
SQUAMISH BUSINESS BOARD
Advertise your business/service for only $30/week • 604.892.9161 • ads@squamishchief.com
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Sea to Sky - 604-849-0860 info@bcabatementservices.com For all of your Asbestos Needs
COUNSELLING
mountainglass.com | info@mountainglass.ca
604-932-7288 HOME HEALTHCARE
Anne Languedoc Squamish Expressive Arts Counselling Child and Family Therapist, RCC Adults, Children & Youth www.squamishexpressivearts.com 604-849-8064
PROPERTY AND STRATA MANAGERS
Home Healthcare ■ Bracing ■ Mobility Aids ■ Wheelchairs
HOME RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION
Your Trusted Healthcare Partners for over 50 years ■ Grab Bars ■ Hospital Beds ■ Rental Equipment
Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm
119 - 1201 Commercial Way, Squamish
604-567-6604 | www.davieshh.com REAL ESTATE
construction CONTACT US TODAY TO BOOK! WWW.WOODRIDGE.BUILD | INFO@WOODRIDGE.BUILD
RESTAURANT
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Mountain Burger House
• LONG TERM RENTALS • BOUTIQUE STYLE STRATA MANAGEMENT
MIKE JONES
Personal Real Estate Corporation
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604-815-4545 • www.avesta1.com
Sea to Sky Real Estate Professional • Connected • Prepared • Hardworking
604-815-2143
www.mikejonesrealty.com
Since 1990 Open 7 days a week 7am-3pm All day Breakfast & Daily Lunch
WEEKEND CHINESE STYLE BUFFET Friday 5pm – 7-pm 604-892-5544 38198 Cleveland Ave., Squamish BC • V8B 0B4
Advertise here! $
only
30 per week
604.892.9161 ads@squamishchief.com
28 | THURSDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2025
squamishchief.com
MINI MIX & MATCH
GET ANY 2 OR MORE
LARGE 4-TOPPING PIZZA
Offer code: 8329 2 item minimum
Offer code: 4201
$4.99*ea
LUNCH SPECIAL
30% OFF
*
ALL PIZZAS AT MENU PRICE FROM 10 AM – 2 PM Offer code: BIZZ30
$16.99*
$26.99* Offer code: 3275
EVERY MONDAY
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*
ALL BUILD YOUR OWN PIZZAS Offer code: 8567
2 MEDIUM 3-TOPPING PIZZAS & CHEESY BREAD
2 MEDIUM FEAST PIZZAS
$28.99* Offer code: 8525
1257 Commercial Way, Squamish, BC | 604-567-6767 Taxes not included. Offer valid online, over the phone and in-store. For carryout and delivery. An additional charge may apply for premium toppings, sauces, extra cheese and specialty crusts. Delivery charges may apply. While supplies last.