February 26, 2026

Residentssaythey face constantnoise fromseadike construction

THURSDAY,FEBRUARY 26,2026

REPORT

REVEALS ‘COMPOUNDING FACTORS’ BEHIND FALL ARENA CLOSURE

A new report outlines how renovations, pool mechanical failures, and undersized dehumidifiers caused the September 2025 closure of the Brennan Park ice arena

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

More details about what caused the closure of the Brennan Park ice arena for three weeks in September of 2025 are now available.

A Root Cause Analysis report, prepared by Summit Building Consultants for the District, was part of the council package for the Feb. 17 meeting.

To complete the report, the consultant visited the rec centre fora review on Nov. 26, 2025.

District staff were not present at the meeting to speak to the report in detail

Creative localmakesDr.Suess-inspiredbirdhouses

Councillor Jenna Stoner put forward a motion, which was unanimously supported by council, to bring the report back for discussion at a future committee of the whole meeting for discussion.

Councillors proposed a range of questions they had that they would like addressed at the future meeting about both what is in the

report and also how to prevent such contributing factors in the future.

BACKGROUND

On Sept 2, 2025, the District temporarily closed the arena. It remained closed until Sept 20.

All programming and public uses of the

rink were cancelled, including the start of the hockey and figure skating seasons.

The District cited the cause of the problem as humidity issues in the rink resulting from the renovation work that temporarily removeda portion of a wall between the rink

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PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

entrance to the Brennan Park arena, while rennovations continue

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and the pool.

The arena, built in 1977, shares a structural wall withthe pool, which was built in 1992, along its south side.

This proximity means “conditions within the [pool] and the integrity of separations between the spaces are relevant to understanding potentialmoisture migration pathways into the ice arena,” the report reads.

WHAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE RINK SHUTDOWN IN SEPTEMBER?

The report author says the issues were caused by multiple compounding factors.

Listed factors include the renovation work on the centre that removed the south wall, allowing humid air from other areas, in particular the indoor pool area—which was experiencing a mechanical failure and near-100% humidity—to move into the ice arena.

Among other items, Stoner said thisis something she would like to know more about when the report is discussed in full at a future meeting.

“The staff memo does not speak to addressing that in upcoming budgets or current work,” she said.

The summer temperatures outside, combined with “frequent door openings, and normal resurfacing activities: further increased the humidity,” the report states.

The report also says the arena’s four dehumidifiers, which were installed as part of a mechanical upgrade completed in 2022, only workto dehumidify the air in the immediate vicinity of each unit.

Thus, the dehumidifiers “are not configured as dedicated outdoor air units providing current code-calculated ventilation to the arena,” the report states.

In putting forwardher motion on Feb. 17 to discuss the report at a future meeting, Stoner raised this upgrade as an area she would like

more clarity on.

“It seems like it is grossly undersized—and so how is that being addressed,” she asked.

Rented dehumidifiers that were brought in after the closurehelped alleviate the problem and allowed the rink to reopen.

The permanent south wall will be fully reinstated by this spring, “restoring proper separation between the ice arena and adjacent recreation spaces,” the report reads.

Another issue noted in the report is that the arena’s overall configuration leads to multiple potential air paths between the arena, the pool, and outside.

There are 12 doors around the perimeter of the ice area, including the door opening for the Zamboni.

None of these doors includes vestibules or airlocks to prevent airflow through them.

SITE OBSERVATIONS

The consultant’s site observations in November helped draw an even further understanding of what caused the rink’s shutdown.

Paul Ellis, of Summit Building Consultants, notes in the report that he saw condensation within the lobby and circulation areas.

“The indoor environment in these areas felt noticeably damp and humid compared with typical arena conditions,” he wrote.

He added that the pool’s humidifying system was not working properly at the time.

Its “air-handling and dehumidification system was not maintaining normal humidity control at the time,” the report states.

There was active condensation in the arena, and signs this had been a historical issue.

“Evidence of historic dripping was noted on steel members and adjacent surfaces, including staining consistent with repeated condensation events,” Ellis wrote, adding that humidity values were approaching saturation, according to readouts.

It also said the arena ice was so cold that fog would form above it.

“Both the embedded slab temperature and

expected surface temperature remain well below theobserved arena air dew point under high-humidity conditions and are therefore relevant to condensation and fogging risk,” the report states.

The door issue, already noted to cause too much airflow into the area, was exacerbated on the day of the site inspection by the fact the Zamboni’s original roller-door assembly was removed following failure and is awaiting replacement.

In addition to the noted issues withthe dehumidifiers, Ellisobserveda “noticeable accumulation of dirt and debris” within the electric duct heater sections of the dehumidifiers.

“Cleaning of theseheater sections is required to ensure proper heat transfer and reliable operation,” the report reads.

He also observed improper belt tension on the dehumidifiers.

“Improper belt tension can reduce airflow and overall dehumidifier performance,” he wrote.

While it did not contribute to theneed for the arena’s closure in the fall, the consultant also noted that no carbon monoxide (CO) or carbon dioxide (CO2) sensors were seen in the arena.

“While this is not uncommon for older arena facilities, the absence of such sensors limits the ability to monitor indoor air quality during periods of active occupancy and Zambonioperation,”he wrote.

Stoner also wanted to know more about how this might be addressed at the future council discussion.

TIMELINE

The report contains a timeline of what happened that led to theneed to close the arena on Sept 2.

Early May–late August 2025 °Arena ice removed for the annual summer shutdown period.

° Demolition of the south wall between the arena and adjoining recreation spaces.

Evidence of historicdripping was notedon steel members and adjacent surfaces,including staining consistent with repeated condensation events.

PAULELLIS

“Temporary hoarding was installed; however, this work created a large interior opening between the arena, the construction zone, and the lobby/recreation areas, changing the building’s established airflow patterns,” the report reads. “Hoarding” is a temporary wall or partition.

July

°Ice installation and initial reports of elevated humidity.

°As the ice was being put back in for the upcoming season, signs of a problem were evident.

“Ongoing renovation activities affecting areas adjacent to the arena, combined with seasonal summer weather conditions, were already contributing to increased latent moisture loads within the arena environment,” the report reads.

August

°Warmer-than-average days, with temperatures reaching the low 30sC on some days, increased the humidity of outdoor air available to the building and “contributed to higher indoor humidity when combined with

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

NOISE, SHAKING FROM SQUAMISH DIKE PROJECT FRUSTRATE DOWNTOWN RESIDENTS

While the District calls the shorelinework critical for flood protection, neighbours report sleepless nights, construction disruption and new cracks in their homes

LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

On any given day, loud construction noise echoes across downtown Squamish. Crews are driving steel into the ground as part of a municipal dike project designed to protect the shoreline from storm surge and coastal flooding.

But for some nearby residents, the sound and vibration— are causing daily disruption.

“The noise is quite loud, so it’s really hard to kind of focus most days on doing anything at the nighttime has probably been the worst. It wakes my kids up quitea bit. Usually they’re waking up between two and four, and about three o’clock in the morning, I’ve noticed it being like one of the worst times,” said Kaelynn Thomas, who lives in an apartment that directly faces the construction site.

“You can hear rocks scraping on the gravel, and quite loud equipment, which is kind of conflicting, because they say they’re only going to be using light equipment, but then youhear like excavators working and scraping rocks all over the ground, and it’s quite loud in my kids’ bedrooms.”

In response to concerns, the District declined to providea representative for an interview.

In an emailed statement, officials said some night work is required to complete habitat benching at low tide, and that a noise bylaw exemption has been issued with mitigation measures in place.

“Although this work came with unavoidable noise and vibration impacts, it wasa critical element of the project to provide flood protection for Downtown,” the District wrote.

“Intermittent night work is also underway to complete the habitat benching component which is critical to providenew productive habitat in the Blind Channel. This work needs to be completed at low tide so that the machine operators can safely and effectively complete the work. An exemption has been issued by the

District for this aspect of the workto occur outside of the District of Squamish Noise Regulation Bylaw with specific requirements and mitigation measures in place.”

CRACKS IN DRYWALL APPEAR

Another resident, Jordyn Taylor-Brown, owns in anearby building along Loggers Lane She shared photos and video with the Squamish Chief showing cracks in her apartment’s drywall that appeared during construction.

She believes the timing may be linked to the work.

When asked about structural concerns, the District says the contractor is monitoring the ground at fixed points around the site to check for any shifting or sinking— and so far, no movement has been detected.

“All efforts were made to mitigate impacts; the contractor used vibration methodology whenever possible, and installed vibration monitors around the perimeter of the site to maintain a required threshold, which has not been exceeded on this project to date The contractor monitors settlement at fixed points around the site, and to date, there has been no settlement detected,” the spokesperson wrote.

The Squamish Chief has contacted the contractor, Jacob Bros, for comment, but they have not responded by deadline.

This is a District-led project intended to strengthen the community’s protection against storm swells.

But residents who live just steps away say they’re feeling the impacts inside their homes and want more transparency as construction continues.

Officials acknowledged the disruption.

“We acknowledge the short-term noise and vibration impacts that residents have experienced… and thank you for your patience while this critical work is being completed,” the District wrote.

The final construction date is unknown.

Residents say they understand the need for flood protection but want reassurance their homes and wellbeing are protected, too.

“I totally get it. Is it annoying? Yes,” said Thomas.

PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISHCHIEF Construction underway along the Mamquam Blind Channel for the sea dike

NEWS BRIEFS

NO CRIMINAL CHARGES IN LANDSLIDE

Squamish Royal Canadian MountedPolice have concluded their investigation into the Lions Bay landslide that led to the deaths of two local residents.

David and Barbara Enns, longtime residents of Lions Bay, were swept away when the landslide collided withtheir home.

On Dec. 14, 2024, the Squamish RCMP responded to the disaster that cut off the north and southbound lanes of Highway 99 The Sea to Sky General Investigation Section launched an investigation into the circumstances of the landslide and met with industry experts.

“Following a comprehensive review of all available evidence and expert analysis, investigators determined that the available evidence did not establisha basis to support criminal charges,” the RCMP wrote ina press release.

“Our investigation into this tragic incident has been completed,” said Sgt. Jeff Shore NCO i/c Sea to Sky GIS. “Our thoughts remain with the family, who have endured so much throughout this tragedy. Squamish RCMP would also like to thank our partner agencies and members of the community for their cooperation and assistance throughout this investigation.”

The investigation is concluded, and the

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renovation-related air paths and normal arena occupancy,” reads the report.

Late August to Labour Day weekend 2025

°With the south wall removed as part of renovation work and construction activities meaning frequent operation of interior and exteriordoors, there were multiple air pathways between the arena, adjacent spaces, and the exterior, increasing the exchange of unconditioned air,” the report states.

“Under these combined conditions, the existing dehumidification and ventilation strategy was increasingly challenged to maintain typical arena humidity levels.”

Early September

°An above-average warm start to September, combined with the first stage of cooling on the Brennan Park pool air-handling/dehumidification unit failing createda perfect storm of problems.

“The temporaryopening and leakage paths along the south side of the rink allowed this humid air to migrate into the arena volume,” the report reads.

Sept.2

°Temporary closure of the arena.

Sept. 12

°Rented dehumidifiers were installed.

°In September, a third party also provided service of the four permanent dehumidifiers.

“Their service reportidentified a failed heater bank, blown fuses, and belt issues on one unit (DH4), along with performance

RCMP noted that they would not provide any further information at this time.

It’s still unknown what caused the landslide.

The legal decisiondoes not affect a separate civil lawsuit brought by the Enns children That case, filed in April 2025 against the province, the Village of Lions Bay and landowner Steven Vestergaard, alleges negligence and wrongful death. All defendants deny responsibility, and the province argues the incident was an “act of God.”

The plaintiffs allege Vestergaard’s construction, which was above the Enns home, caused the slope to fail during a period of heavy storms.

Vestergaard denies wrongdoing and says he hadobtained permits for the construction.

None of the claims have been proven in court.

CHARGES AFTER HIGH SPEED FLIGHT

A Squamish man has been charged following an alleged high-speed flight from police on the Sea to Sky Highway in the fall.

Derek Silva, 38, of Squamish, faces charges of dangerousoperation of a motor vehicle and flight from police, after a multi-jurisdictional response that happened shortly after9 p.m. on Oct. 30, according to a West VancouverPolice Department news release.

The allegations have not been proven in court.

checks on the other three units,” the report reads. Repairs were completed at that time.

“The construction team also reinforced the temporary south wall and improved the separation between the rink and the adjacent renovation areas to reduce air migration,’ the report reads.

Sept. 20

°The arena reopened.

°From September to October, the pool shutdown The pool was drained and the issues with the air-handling/dehumidification system were fixed.

°The ice was removed again during the October dispute between CUPE and the District. When it was put back in, condensation issues continued.

“Condensation was still observed within the arena but at a reduced level compared with early September,” the report reads.

SO,WHAT TO DO?

Ultimately, the consultant says “a longterm solution will require a comprehensive humidity and ventilation strategy, supported by detailed engineering analysis,to reliably maintain acceptable arena conditions under both typical and elevated weather scenarios.”

“Corrective actions taken following the shutdown, including installationof temporary separation and supplemental dehumidification, reduced but did not eliminate the underlying risk, confirming that a long-term solution is required,” the report concludes.

Police say the incident began when a West Van officer clocked a vehicle driving westbound at a “very high rate of speed.”

“Prioritizing public safety, the officer did not pursue the vehicle and instead coordinated with law enforcement partners to intercept it,” the release states.

Police allege the driver continued northbound on Highway 99 at high speed and again failed to stop for a BC Highway Patrol officer.

The release states that an officer successfully deployed a spike belt approximately one kilometre north of Porteau Cove This brought the vehicle to a stop.

The driver was arrested at the scene and taken into police custody.

“We understand the concern incidents like this cause for the local community, and we thank the officers involved for bringing this incident to an end quickly and safely,” said Suzanne Birch, spokesperson for the West VancouverPolice Department, in the release.

“BC Highway Patrol and West Vancouver Police will continue to follow up on dangerous incidents to ensure that our highways are as safe as possible,” added Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, of BC Highway Patrol. “We completely understand and support people’s desires to have safer roads where they live and work.”

Silva will be scheduled to appear in North Vancouver Provincial Court at a later date.

SUMMIT RECOMMENDATIONS

Summit provided the following recommendations in the report:

• Improved permanent separation and sealing between the arena, Zamboni room, and adjoining spaces, including reinstatement of a properly sealed Zamboni door and reduction of uncontrolled air leakage paths. These measures are intended to limit infiltration and short-term moisture spikes associated with door operation and construction interfaces.

• Development of a comprehensive arena humidity and ventilation strategy that reflects current operating expectations, climatic conditions in Squamish, and applicable ASHRAE guidance. This strategy should include evaluation of additional or replacement dehumidification capacity and/or a dedicated outdoor-air humidity-control system A detailed engineering design is required to refine the required capacity so that any future system is appropriately sized for the space and operating conditions, avoiding both under-performance and unnecessary oversizing.

• As part of any future arena mechanical review or system upgrade, consideration should be given to the addition of CO and/or CO2 monitoring within the arena. Such monitoring would support improved indoor air quality oversight during periods of occupancy and resurfacingoperations, particularly given the age of the facility and current reliance on operational practices.

• Implementationof structured operational

ALLEGED ILLEGAL TOBACCO SALE

The RCMP’s investigation of alleged illegal tobacco sales that began in the summer of 2025 has resulted in two people being charged. According to an RCMP press release, in August last year, investigators executed a comprehensive search warrant at a repurposed metal shipping container, located at an intersection in the 40000-block of Government Road, and seized numerous unstamped tobacco products and stamped vape products. Charges were laid on Feb. 4 against Melanie Bob and Doran Lewis.

Both Bob and Lewis have been charged with counts of:

Unlawfully being in possessionof and selling unstamped tobacco, contrary to the Excise Act

• Unlawfully being in possessionof and selling unstamped tobacco, contrary to the Tobacco Tax Act

• The charges have not been tested in court.

“These types of investigations are important to ensure compliance with federal and provincial regulations designed to protect public health and reduce contraband activity,” said Sgt. Jeff Shore, the non-commissioned officer in charge of the Sea to Sky General Investigation Section (GIS) of the RCMP, in the release.

Bob and Lewis are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

practices, includinga stable ice temperature control philosophy, formalized maintenance procedures, and improved documentation of plantoperation and servicing. Clear operating setpoints, routine inspection protocols, and record-keeping will help reduce variability, support system performance, and improve long-term reliability.

NEXT STEPS

As noted, the report will come back to a future council meeting so District staff can address council questions. The report to council also says that District staff will review the consultant’s recommendations and bring forward proposed long-term upgrades for thenext financial plan cycle.

“While the ice arena remains somewhat vulnerable until permanent upgrades are completed, enhanced monitoring and operational controls will continue to reduce risk in the interim,” says the report from District staff.

Reporter’s note: In the fall, The Squamish Chief submitteda freedom of information request to the District for documents not available to the public regarding the rink closure. Because The Squamish Chief is considered a commercial applicant, there wasa significant fee attached to receiving the documents. The Squamish Chief has, ultimately, fileda complaint withthe provincial Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner (OIPC) asking for the fees to be waived. This process is ongoing.

SQUAMISH CAN SPROUTS IN 2025

After years of planning, the long-anticipated Harvest Hub by Squamish Climate Action Network is set to open in spring 2026—offering residents direct access to fresh local produce all year round

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

Last year wasa big one for the Squamish Climate Action Network (Squamish CAN), the non-profit focused on tackling climate change and food insecurity.

The organization’s executive director, Krystle tenBrink presented an annual update to council on Feb. 10, at the committee of the whole meeting.

A theme of the presentation was growth.

FEEDING THROUGH HEALING

TenBrink said the main highlight for Squamish CAN’s Downtown School Farm in 2025, was that the organization was able to secure a contract with Vancouver Coastal Health, which it had been working toward for three years, meaning it is now able to sell food to Squamish General Hospital.

“We can [also] wholesale from other farmers across the region to sell collectively to the hospital,” tenBrink said.“It’s been really interesting to learn about patients’ unique

needs As we age, we lose our taste buds So, instead of flavouring with salt, we can flavour with herbs. And there’s also different dietary needs and restrictions up there as well,” she said, adding Squamish CAN has been working with hospital officials to purchase seeds and come up with a seasonal planting plan for specific crops that are going to work for them.

TenBrink also noted that more than 100 students have gone through the Farm Studies elective at Howe Sound Secondary, which any Grade 10 through 12 can take.

SET UP AT THE 55

Squamish CAN also set up operations at the commercial kitchen at The 55 Activity Centre, moved in and officially in the centre as of July 1, 2025.

The organization hasa five-year lease to operate there.

She said they did a deep clean and reorganized the space, with help from the District and The 55 Community Society, which Squamish CAN hasa memorandum of understanding with.

They were able to purchase a new Rational—a commercial cooking appliance

HARVEST HUB: Continued on6

SUMMER CAMP FOR GIRLS TO LEARN ABOUT ENGINEERING

An initiative aimed at closing the gender gap in engineering is making its way to Squamish. Camp Engies, a volunteerrun program led by women engineers, will host its first local session this June

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

If you read the sentence, “The District of Squamish engineer came before council to update elected officials on the issues with the road,” who do you picture as the engineer?

If you picturea man, you aren’t being inaccurate.

Women are vastly underrepresented in engineering careers.

Of the more than 41,000 engineers who are B.C members of Engineers Canada, about 6,700 identify themselves as female.

That is about 16%. This is a pretty typical figure across Canadian provinces, with most provinces having a slightly lower percentage. Quebec had the highest percentage of women at about 17%.

Engineers Canada represents the provincial and territorial associations that regulate the practice and license of engineering for the nation’s 300,000 engineers.

While there are likely many reasons for these low figures, anew camp for girls coming to Squamish is trying to tackle what might be an early problem—not enough exposure to the field.

The non-profit Camp Engies is for girls in Grades 4 to 8.

It is volunteer-run by women engineers.

Over the last eight years, the camps have been hosted in Ontario, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and B.C., but thisis the first time it will be hosted in Squamish.

Held at Camp Summit, located on Upper

Squamish Valley Road, the camp runs June5 to 7.

Registration will open in the coming weeks.

“I find there’sa lot of STEM programming, a lot of science, a lot of technology programming, but there’s not a lot of programming that focuses specifically on engineering,” said Camp Engies’ Elizabeth Unger, who is a mechanical engineer-in-training.

“I think girls don’t necessarily understand what an engineer does, and so we really try to focus on providing them access to have these interactions with female engineers, so they can learn what an engineer does with all of the possibilities there are in a career of engineering.”

When she wasa little girl, Unger thought

engineers only designed cars or planes, but has learned they do so much more.

“Anything that moves is engineered somehow. It has to have engineering, a mechanical engineer, behind it,” she said listing off chemical and structural engineers, aeronautical and forestry engineers as just a few examples.

“Engineers are in every part of your day, and almost everything that youneed to use, an engineer hasa hand in it.”

CAMP DETAILS

The Squamish camp will run over two days and one night.

The first day, camp leaders run through three to four engineering activities, Unger said.

“We’ve had the campers builda handheld fan

or a handheld flashlight. We’ve also had them wire up their own breadboards,” she said.

Breadboards are used to test electronic circuits.

“Our forestry engineering activity last year was to builda cable wire system, and we explained all about forestry engineering.”

There are also more typical camp activities, such as rockclimbing or canoeing.

“In rockclimbing, we talk about pulleys. In canoeing, we’ll talk about buoyancy and why the shape of a canoe is so important.”

The second day there is a design challenge.

“We’ll split up the girls into groups of four to five We’ll give them a real-world engineering problem,” she said.“Last year we wanted to do a B.C.-focused activity, so we had the campers build earth dams and discussed certain earth dams and uses for them.”

Whatever the challenge, the girls get to present their design to a panel of judges.

“They get to talk about why they made certain design decisions and present their design... [and] how they worked as a team.”

Prizes are presented at the end of the weekend.

Throughout the camp, there are also speeches from women engineers in the field.

“They talk about their experiences, their background and... why they went into engineering,” Unger said.

The Squamish camp will have spots for 80 girls.

Unger said fees are kept relatively low thanks to sponsors who support the camp, and there area number of free spots available for marginalized youth and other campers in need.

Find out more on the Camp Engies website. Anyone with questions can reach out to Unger at Elizabeth@campengies.com.

that allows the chef to cook different products at the same time—and tilt skillet with some funding from Mazon Canada.

“This allows us to do high volume food,” tenBrink said. “So we can cook chili for 500 kids.”

Squamish CAN partnered with the Sea to Sky School District last year to support breakfast and lunch programs for the SD48 schools in Squamish.

They serve about 400 to 500 kids a day during school days, according to tenBrink.

About 72% of the food is coming from B.C. producers and growers.

The school district relationship has doubled Squamish CAN’s operations Families can purchase lunches for students with a pay-whatyou-can program.

“We grew by 100% and thisis really going to help us decrease our dependency on grants And so this investment from the partnership agreement and just getting this wholeoperation

launched has been an incredible opportunity for us to really establish ourselves with financial sustainability and being able to offer the community incredible services,” tenBrink said “That’s really a win-win.’

Through the use of the commercial kitchen, Squamish CAN has also been doing some catering for users of the centre.

“That’s through monthly birthday catering services, daily baked goods and soup, at a low cost,” she told council.

“We have some future plans to perhaps do some frozen meals to-go and we’re just going to keep working withthe seniors and try to come up withthose win-winopportunities that work for us as well as for them and other attendees of the space.”

HARVEST HUB

Squamish CAN is launchinga secure cold and dry food storage pilot project called the Harvest Hub set to be operational in 2026.

The shipping containers for it arrived in late 2025. Installationof the hub is well underway

at 38280 Loggers Lane, West of Squamish Station.

“It’s really exciting to have this underway,” tenBrink said.

From the hub, consumers will be able to collect fresh orders directly from local farmers and food processors, year-round.

“We’ve been talking about this project for probably seven years. It feels really incredible to be able to open the doors for 2026.”

Squamish CAN hasa five year license for the hub, but tenBrink said that given it’s a sea-can structure, it can be moved.

The long-awaited hub is the result of a partnership withthe District and the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, as part of the Squamish Valley Agriculture Plan.

There will be a soft launch of the hub this spring, with it fullyoperational May to December.

After the presentation, Coun Jenna Stoner, who is first vice president of the Union of BC Municipalities, said that followinga Squamish CAN presentation at the UBCM convention in

the fall, she gota lot of questions about the work of Squamish CAN from other municipal representatives.

“It just presented this amazing picture of really what wasa seed and a dream and a whole bunch of policy work that happened and how that got integrated and implemented into very real, tangible projects that are so meaningfully impacting our community now,” she said.

Coun Lauren Greenlaw also piled praise on the organization and its work.

“I love to see your movement towards financial sustainability,” said Greenlaw.

“It’s just so important that we support our local growers as much as possible andhelp them get their products to the market that is very keen to access it.I think it’s so important from a climate perspective that we have resiliency with our growers and that we protect our growers because that is something that’s beingheavily eroded right now. …I love all the work you’re doing to feed the youth and the Elders.”

HARVEST HUB: Continued from5

PHOTO COURTESY OF CAMP ENGIES Held at Camp Summit, located on Upper Squamish Valley Road, the camp runs June 5 to 7.

22 HOMES SELL IN ONE WEEKEND, DESPITE ‘SLOW AND STEADY’ MARKET

This month’s hasty uptake of new townhomes in Squamish contrasts to realtor forecasts, suggesting the ‘beautiful’ town has more to offer

INA PACE ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

The “adventure capital” may draw in adrenaline-fuelled recreationists, but life isn’t all about play.

For those seekinga sustainable life away from the city as costs of living increase, there’s still theneed for work-life balance, and one for good value at that.

OPENING WEEKEND SALES

In early February, Vancouver-based developerPolygon Homes piqued buyers’ interests quickly, in what realtors are consideringa “steady” market for 2026; selling 22 units–most of their release–in theopening weekend of their newly completed Squamish development, Terrain.

Terrain is Polygon’s latest Squamish collectionof three and four-bedroom “Mountain Modern-inspired townhomes” located in the Garibaldi Springs community, according to Polygon’s website.

Theopen-concept units, which are 1,480 sq. ft. for the three bedroom models, and 2,232 sq. ft. for the four bedroom models, have

“sharply pitched rooflines, black-framed windows, and vertical siding.” In addition to

heat pump systems and air conditioning, they each contain an overheight garage with space for two cars side by side, anda Level2 EV charger.

According to Polygon Homes’ president and chief executive officer Neil Chrystal, over 100 families attended the first weekend of Terrain’s previews.

“I wouldn’t say we were overly surprised, but wewere really happy that buyers saw the value in the homes,” Chrystal said.

“Pretty much everybody who bought the three bedrooms [has] a young family … They’ve got children coming, older children coming and going, and they’re downsizing from a single family home, which means they have a little bit more money they can spend. They also need storage.”

LIKELY APPEAL FOR INTERESTED BUYERS

Chrystal discussed the likely appeal of the Terrain homes, whichhe described as being targeted to young families looking to grow. He said growing families will likely have

REAL ESTATE: Continued on 10

PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

The new townhomes are almost complete.

Business Opportunities

Request forProposals

•Environmental Consulting

•Recreation FacilityNeeds, Demand, andSiteAssessment

Request forQuotations

•Pump StationElectrical ServiceUpgrades and Generator Installation

•Annual Paving Program squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district

DevelopmentReview

• Lot15Aspen Road DevelopmentPermit

• 40320 GovernmentRoad –MoreTorque Diesel TemporaryUse Permit squamish.ca/review

Cleveland Avenue

TrafficIsland NightWork

Public Workscrews arecurrentlyundertaking trafficislandmaintenancenightworkonCleveland AvenuesouthofBuckley Avenue.Crews willbe removing vegetation to reducetheamountof annualmaintenancerequired,andhelptoalleviate traffic impacts.

Work istakingplacebetween 9p.m. and 6a.m. over thenext twoweeks.The work istakingplaceatnight inorder to reducetraffic impacts.Detours andtraffic controlwillbeinplace.

Pleasenoteduringthistime:

•Therewillbe no eastbound to northboundleftturn fromBailey Avenueonto Cleveland Avenue.

•The mergefrom LoggersLane to Cleveland Avenue willbeclosed.

NoticeofGrant of Assistance

BCHousing

PursuanttoSection24ofthe CommunityCharter, the CounciloftheDistrictofSquamishhereby givesnoticeofitsintention tograntassistance to BCHousing by allowinguseofland at 39900 GovernmentRoad forone year foronedollar.

Help WildlifeStayWild–Lock Your Totes

Thinkingabout ahomeupgradein 2026?Startplanningnowto secure contractors,maximizerebatesand makethemostof retrofitseason. Getstarted at retrofitassist.ca/squamish

•Vehicles will detourvia to HunterPlaceandturn around at thecul-de-sac, thenproceed westbound onHunterPlacetowards Cleveland Avenue.

Thank you foryour patiencewhilethis work is being completed!

InfrastructureUpgrades

•LoggersEast StormSewer projectcontinueson FinchDrive.

•X̱wúneḵwPark SeaDikeupgrades continue,with intermittentnightworksongoing. squamish.ca/building-our-future

Sportball Multisport –SpringBreak Camp at The55ActivityCentre

March16–20or March23–27, 9 am–12 pm

Sportball’s action-packedcampsintroduce children to avarietyofballsports and activities,PLUSartsandcrafts,snack time,stories,co-operativegamesand more! Campsmayrunindoorsand outdoors,dependingonthelocation and weather.Pleasebring anut-free snackand/orlunch,aswell as anamelabelled water bottle.

Sportball Multisport Saturdaysessionsarerunningnow!

Varietyofage groupsand timeslots available. Registeronline at squamish.ca/rec

Bearsarecoming outofhibernationandanunlocked tote isaninvitation to dinner.Whenwetakeaction, we helpkeepbearswildandoutoftrouble. Bylawwillbechecking totesoverthenext fewweeks to ensuretheyarelocked.Eachinfractionofthe WildlifeAttractantBylawmay resultin awarning, beforeresultingin afineof$230perday.

Didyou know? As perthe WildlifeAttractantBylaw, totesmustbelocked at alltimes,evenifempty,and onlyplacedcurbsideandunlockedonthemorning ofcollectiondaybetween 5a.m.and 7p.m.– notthe nightbefore.

Learnmoreaboutthe bylawat squamish.ca/wildlife

Friday,February27,7:15–8:45 pm

ROCKCLIMBING GUIDE LAUNCHES SQUAMISH CLIMBING ACADEMY FOR YOUTH

‘Working with youth is somethingI love,’ says Jesse Godlington

JENNIFER

THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

Jesse Godlington is turning lemons into lemonade, so to speak, or more like turning descents into ascents.

Like some others in town, Godlington poured hisheart and soul into his work at the private, experiential learning academy, Phoenix Magnet Academy.

The boarding school lasted about four years at the former Quest University campus, until it shut due to financial pressures of the sector.

There, Godlington held numerous roles: PE teacher, residence manager, and bus driver, but a big part of his role was the experiential education coordinator.

“That role was taking kids rockclimbing, skiing, mountain biking, and coordinating all those activities.I was also, at the very end, coachinga wrestling team,” he said, over a mushroom coffee (it is a thing) with The Squamish Chief at Smoke Bluff Coffee House on Jan. 29.

Operated by Global Impact Education Corporation, the independent school for Grades 8 to 12 ceased operations on March 29, 2025. Godlington, who moved totown in 2019, still coaches wrestling, but at Howe Sound Secondary, a program that he hopes to grow.

However, the big thinghe decided to do was launch his own rockclimbing academy.

His Squamish Climbing Academy will offer day, after-school and overnight seasonal camps (staying at the Adventure Inn) for outdoor rock climbing education, aimed at kids seven to 18. The overnight camps are for 12- to 18-year-olds.

All are small-group programs led by certified guides.

All equipment is provided and all levels of ability are welcome.

‘SOMETHING I LOVE TO DO’

Godlington saidhe is using not just his skills as an Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) certified climbing guide, but also all thathe learned working with youth at the Phoenix Magnet Academy.

“Working with youth is somethingI love to do and something that I’m passionate about. And then I’m passionate about rockclimbing So it’s pursuing my two passions to make something specialhere.”

Participants can learna number of skills off the rock as well, Godlington said.

“Climbing is one of those things, outdoor climbing. That it takesa lifetime to really master everything,” he said, noting there are a variety of different skills and techniques the youth can learn, for example, edge protection, meaning going close to a rock’s edge.

“This is a real risk You could fall off the cliff. So we talk about different ways of managing that risk,” he said, noting that he likes to teach about systems.

“So for instance, approaching the cliff. Your own two feet—I call that half a system It’s not a full system But it’s half a system that you’re stopping yourself from falling off the cliff. So then the other half of the system could be clipping yourself to a tether—one tether And then if you clip yourself to two tethers, now you have one and a half systems. So you want to have a full system before you are going over the edge.”

BEYOND THE ROCK

These types of lessons and skills go beyond learning the sport of rockclimbing,he notes.

For example, they also teach diligence and trust, he said.

“Like always checking your knot. Always making sure that we’re doing our safety checks WhichI think is a transferable skill to anything,” he said.

“And learning how to build trust, because trust is something… that can be easily lost and is hard to gain.”

Kids also learn life skills. In the camps, they are expected to help make a meal for the group and have other responsibilities.

On top of all that, learning rock climbing is a healthy outdoor social activity that is unplugged from screens, something that is rarer thesedays.

Prices at the academy for 2025 are just under $500 for 10 after-school sessions and just under $900 for three-day summer camps. That includes food, accommodation, chaperones and instruction, he noted.

Sincehe worked at the boarding school, Godlington has also become a father, something that has impacted howhe sees his role, nurturing other people’s children.

“WhatI want people to know is that their kids will be treated with the same diligence that I

would expect for my own daughter.Ihelped start the boarding school and when I started I didn’t have a kid. AndI guessI didn’t fully understand what the parents were going through, giving me their teenagers to mentor, to teach, to grow and to learn.

“But when I had my daughter,I could really see what that was. I guess it helped me build more empathy and more care, and more understanding of the kids and the parents and what they’re going through.”

The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news To be considered, please reach out to news@squamishchief.com.

While funding for this coverage was provided, The Squamish Chief maintains full editorial control over all content.

Brought to you by Community Futures Howe Sound, The Sea to Sky’s resource for financing and free business support to help local businesses and entrepreneurs in the area Connect with them directly and learn more at cfhowesound.com or email Kieran at kieran.hale@cfhowesound.com.

BritanniaMine Museum gratefullyacknowledges their communitysponsors:

PHOTO COURTESY OF JESSE GODLINGTON The overnight camps are for12- to 18-year-olds.

DARTS & DAFFODILS

A WHEELBARROW

FILLED with daffodils to the trail stewards out there who quietly care for our local trails keeping them open, safe and accessible Many hands make for lighter work We appreciate the assistance! Sincerely, Squamish Trails Society.

Got somethingnice to sayor some constructivecriticism? Send your Darts & Daffodils: Email:news@squamishchief.comor dropoff at The Chiefoffice (38117 Second Ave.)during businesshours. Deadline for submissionsis Monday at 4 p.m. for Thursday’s paper. All submissions must be signed andincludeaphone numberfor verification. Maximumlengthis 75 words. Dartsareintended to be ananonymous critique betweenprivate parties. Darts must notdirectly or indirectlyidentifyan individualor business.

REAL

ESTATE: Continued from7

two cars or a pick up truck, so they are likely interested in the oversized garages, for example.

According to Chrystal, nine of Terrain’s units featurea “rare” basement suite, four of which have sold. Chrystal described it as a “strong uptake.”

He explained the addition of the suite is a new initiative forPolygon; the incentive being thatbuyers will not only have further storage space, but the potential to lease it, aiding the likes of mortgage payments.

Chrystalalso discussed the likely appeal of Squamish itself to young families.

Based on his personal observations, Chrystal described Squamish’s population as young, busy and active, with the “centrally located” Sea to Sky Corridor providing “a lot of options for people.”

REFLECTING VALUE IN TODAY’S MARKET

Chrystal called himself “forever an optimist” ina “challenging” real estate market, and when looking to build in Squamish’s revered nature.

Of Polygon’s original 49 hectares (120 acres) of property near the Executive Suites, 36 hectares (90 acres) was given back to the District as park land.

“We know the selling wasn’t an issue, [Squamish is a] unique site …a tremendous amount of natural amenities were given back to the community. Working through that was a challenge,” Chrystal said.

The key to pushing through the housing “slowdown” of the last two years, it seems, is in providing buyers with value for money. Buyers whom Crystal said, “can stretch.”

During a time of fluctuatingmortgage and interest rates, especially since the COVID-19

pandemic when these rates remained low, realtors and developers must utilize windows of opportunity.

Notably, the federal government introduced incentives like GST exemption for the first-time buyers last year, for properties valued up to $1.5 million.

“I honestly think that 2026-2027 will be a window of opportunity fora lot of people to re-enter the market,” Chrystal said.

“There’s been a lot of people waiting on the sidelines for prices to settle [and] interest rates to fall further… [and the] GST exemption for first time buyers [is] a really big win.

“Asa developer, I honestly believe the prices we introduced were really good value. They reflect where we’re at in the market today.

“Nobody is selling 22 homes on opening week, buyers [are] taking the plunge, because everyone’s concerned [that] now is the right time to buy. If you offer good value, then people will show up AndI think that’s what we’ve done there.”

THE WIDER CONTEXT AND FORECAST

Greater Vancouver Realtors (GVR) economist Andrew Lis, who primarily tracks the re-sale market across Vancouver’s Lower Mainland, called the uptake of Polygon’s Terrain houses “a bit of a contrast” within B.C.’s wider real estate market, for which “a fairly slow and steady” 2026 has been forecast.

“We’re not calling fora very big year in sales,” Lis said.

“Last year, we all had much rosier expectations because the interest rates had been coming down … but you had this situation with everything going on [in the United States]. This year, we’re expectinga bit of a continuation of

I honestly think that 2026-2027 will be a windowof opportunityforalot of people to re-enter the market.

NEILCHRYSTAL

that.”

Regarding the popularity of Terrain, Lis speculated that, as Chrystal also suggested, this may be due to opportune buyers drawn to favourable mortgage and interest rates.

Lis also suggested that Squamish, as a smaller area, is less likely to have as many properties available at one time than in larger areas and communities.

He said there is also a shifting work dynamic to consider, regarding working professional buyers.

“Many smaller towns in B.C. and elsewhere in Canada saw influxes of people post pandemic, [and a] big shift towards remote work That has really enabled many people to go a little bit further out,” Lis continued.

“Squamish is a beautiful, beautiful place to settle and raise a family … it really is one of those things, where if somebody’s job and lifestyle enables it, it’s a very attractive place to settle down.”

Polygon Homes is currently constructing the foundationof another development; Three Summits (one to three bedroom apartments) in downtown Squamish that will be, according to Chrystal, “moving up” in the next six weeks.

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS LIGHTS, CAMERA, DANCE: Another scene from the Howe Sound DanceAcademy showcase earlier this month.

Don’t MissOut.

It’s easy to wait.

To look forcertainty.

To hope forthe time that feelsunmistakably right.

Butwhat’s possibletoday maynot look thesametomorrow.

That’s whyopportunities in thenew home market todayare worth considering.

Todayofferseasingmortgage rates, meaningful purchase incentives,GST rebates, andanexceptional selectionof new homestochoosefrom. Don’tmissyouropportunity.

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EDITORIAL

CONSTANT CHANGE

While thechanges we aregoing throughnow as acommunity seem novel, change has been aconstanttheme in this town.

In1914, NewportofficiallybecameSquamish.

The importance of this date is whythe coffee shop onSecondAve,iscalled1914, of course.

Localcitizen historianEricAndersennoted in The Squamish Chiefin2014, the100th anniversaryofthe momentousoccasion, that “the executivecommittee ofthe Geographic BoardofCanadagavefinal approvalofthe newnametothe town on March3, 1914. Laterthatday,a bill wassubmitted to the LegislativeAssemblyfor theincorporation of the CityofSquamish.

Behind thepushfor incorporationwerethe Pacific Great EasternRailway,along with localbusiness ownersand theDistrictBoard of Trade.

Incorporationwas a“meanstohaveeveryone workingtogetherindevelopingSquamishasareal estateventure,” accordingtoAndersen.

In1948the town wasofficiallyincorporatedasthe “Corporation of theVillageofSquamish.”

George StanleyClarke, namesake of thedowntownpark, wasthe firstchairman, 1948 to 1949.

Villageincorporation in 1948 waspushedbythe SquamishBoard of Trade. “Finally,the town hada local taxing authorityand better abilitytolobby for flood control,”Andersensaid.

In 1964,Squamish, Brackendaleand Mamquam amalgamated into anew District Municipality of Squamish.

“AsaVillageCorporation couldonlybe2,000 acres orless, thenextexpansion drawinginMamquam andBrackendale in 1964 broughtanew name,” Andersen said.

With amalgamation,thenchairman, PatrickJ. Brennan (namesakeofthe recreation centre) becamethe firstreeve,which is what they called the mayor role then.

Forus at TheSquamishChief,the most funis lookingatthe Squamish Times coverage of thevote foramalgamation. Thestory,written by journalist Rose Tatlow—which Rose Park is namedafter— states residents of then-Squamishvoted 90%in favour of amalgamation,Brackendale voted79% in favour, whileMamquam voted64%.

So,all told,78% of thevoterswereinfavour.

Thestory quotes severallocal leaders. Tatlow soughtcomment from ArtFraboni,chairmanofthe Mamquam WaterBoard,however,hewas away.

“But Mrs. Frabonisaidshe knew he wouldbe delighted with theresults.”

You cantellwhatadominantissueit wasatthe time;the Fred’n May’sBakeryadnotes it.

“Baked amalgamation:Now that theprincipal issue of theday hasbeendecided,” theadreads “let’s turnto moredelightful thoughts,likeeating!”

Thatnewspaper cost readers10cents percopy.

Aswe approach theMarch 3, 1914 anniversary, it isimportant to look back so we canlookforward.

TAXHIKES,RECORDDEBTLEAVE NO WINNERSINB.C.BUDGET

PROVINCIAL

It’squite an accomplishment to producea provincial budget that nobody likes. Butthe B.C. government managedtopullitoff Feb. 17,with its2026-27 fiscal plan.

At thecentreofthisrarefeatisthe double whammyofhikingtaxes by almost $1 billionnext year whilestill postingrecorddeficit anddebt levels.

It meansvotersget allthe annoyanceofwatching more of theirhard-earned moneysiphonedawayto government,but noneofthe benefitofitactually meaninganythinginthe wake of ahistoric $13.3-billiondeficit.

It’s allpain, no gain budgeting.

FinanceMinisterBrendaBaileywas unapologetic aboutthislateststrategy. Shesaidthe budget is “about stepping back from many of thethingswe’d like to do andfocusingonwhatwehavetodo.”

Except forspendingataratethatfar exceeds growth in revenueand theeconomy.New Democratshavebeendoing that sinceDavid Eby took powerin2022, anditcontinued Tuesday with

government expenses budgeted to rise almost 4% whilerevenue flatlines at 0.5% andthe economy slumps to 1.3%

In otherwords,the NDPisstill growinggovernment threetimes faster than theprivate sector that fundsit.

Notall thechanges were confined to thebudget itself.

Quietlyinthe legislature, buried within oneofits budget bills, NewDemocrats movedtoshutdown theindependent Office of theMerit Commissioner, as they seek to cutbackthe public serviceby15,000 full-timeemployees (FTE)and startshuffling people around to save money.

That meritcommissionerissupposedtooversee fair hiring within thepublicservice to ensure governmentsdon’t awardplumjobstopartisan friendsand insiders,among other things. Removing that independentoversight while simultaneously cutting15,000FTEsgives theEby cabinetunprecedented discretion over whostays, whogoesand whogetspromoted.

It’s abig deal.But it wasn’t acknowledged in the budget,spokenabout by themanygovernment officialsinthe budget lockup,orcommunicatedby Bailey when sheintroduced herlegislation in the house.

PROVINCIAL: Continuedon13

VIEWS ROBSHAW

Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw

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

PROVINCIAL: Continued from 12

Instead, Eby’s deputy minister, Shannon Salter, broke thenews in a memo to the public service on Feb. 17.

“As part of an efficiency review process, government has introduced legislation to amend the Public Service Act so that the responsibilities of the Office of the Merit Commissioner would return to the PSA,” she wrote. “The commitment to the merit principle remains unchanged.”

Colour me skeptical on that one.

Back in the budget, New Democrats coughed up around $1 billion over the next year to old steady core services like health care, education and social services But teachers, nurses andhealth workers quickly pointed out that a stand-pat budget at a time of hospital closures, crowded classrooms and strained services is not much of ahelp.

“Stabilizing health-care spending, when we look at the demands on the system, translates to, in some regards, a cut,” said Adriane Gear, BC Nurses Union president.

The rest of the budget appeared to be mostly an exercise in spreading pain around.

The personal income tax hike is broad-based, hitting everyone with a 0.5% increase on the first $50,000.

It will be a deeply unpopular move. So unpopular the last government to try something like that was the 2001 BC Liberals under Gordon Campbell, who were in the middle of ripping up public sector labour contracts as part of their budget process.

Seniors were next PST exemptions on land lines and cable are gone Property tax deferrals (a program designed to help cash-poor seniors stay in their homes longer) will now carry higher, compounded interest.

Families will losea $1,200 government RESP contribution program. Northern residents lost a $200 annual tax credit And businesses lose PST exemptions on private security they’re increasingly forced to hire because the province cannot control retail theft and street disorder.

Page after page, the NDP’s latest budget paper is a series of paper cuts designed to bleed $4 billion in new tax revenue out of the public over thenext three years. And yet, it barely moves the needle on eye-watering deficit and debt projections.

Total provincial debt is set to hit $183 billion in 2026-27. That’s a rise of 18% in a single year, 49% from when Eby took office and 178% since the NDP formed government in 2017.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

BIRDHOUSE PERSPECTIVE

The recent article lauding the introductionof birdhouses along Summer’s Eve and other trails in Crumpit Woods does not offer a balanced perspective.

I write to offera differing viewpoint on these structures:I don’t believe they belong on shared trails out in nature

Firstly, the installations directly contradict the ethics of Leave No Trace, which means to take only photos and leave only footprints I’m surprised that The Squamish Chief characterized these installations as simply whimsical. I agree we need as much whimsy as we can get in the world, but I don’t agree that these birdhouses bring that to the forest. Many people use these trails

LETTERS POLICY

precisely to get away from human-made objects and to enjoy the natural beauty where we live.

Second, bird boxes area nice idea, but I read that they sometimes do more harm than good They can be like ovens inincreasingly warm summers, killing chicks inside They can make nests more accessible to predators. One article I read said that boxes affixed to trees may as well have a sign that says “Raccoon Diner.” Moreover, bird boxes must be cleaned after everynesting season because they can harbourold nesting material, droppings, and debris that can posehealth risks. I worry that these whimsical boxes, particularly in such large quantities, may actually bring harm to the birds that may use them.

The cost of just paying interest on the provincial debt is rising to $6.5 billion under the budget, surpassing the Ministry of Social Services andPoverty Reduction to sit at the thirdmost expensive ministry in government.

Put another way, B.C. is now paying more on servicing its gigantic debt every year than it is on helping its most vulnerable citizens with welfare and disability payments By the end of this latest three-year plan, annual interest payments will almost hit what B.C. spends on the entire education system

“This is a very dark day,” said Bridgitte Anderson, president of the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade.

“The size of the debt is growing two anda half times the economy. That’s just not sustainable.”

B.C. already had its credit rating downgraded in 2024, and speculation is rising it could happen again.

“This is a very deep hole and, sadly, I’m not sure how British Columbia gets out of it,” said Anderson.

Based on this budget, it doesn’t look like the government knows either.

Rob Shaw has spent more than 18 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for BIV. He hosts the weekly show Political Capital.

JOIN US ONLINE

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Did you follow the Winter Olympics closely?

Have your say at squamishchief.com

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

If you had to pick the ONE issue that determines your Squamish council vote in October, what is it? (Top 3 answers)

Most importantly, while some people find the boxes beautiful, and in a different contextI might agree, they’re simply out of place in the forest The craftsmanship is lovely andI appreciate that Mr Snowball enjoys building them My dad used to dabble in woodwork He would set out his creations (small tables, mostly) at the end of the driveway with a Free sign, and peek past the curtains to watch someone happily pick them up and take them away.I loved that for my dad. I understand wanting to share a bit of yourself via your craft. By all means, enjoy your hobby, Mr Snowball But would you please consider removing the boxes and decorations like the Toucan

LETTERS: Continued on 13

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 withthe 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.

MOST READ STORY

Squamish stands in fora U.S. national park in ‘Blue Skies,’ shot mostly in the Sea to Sky

SHOW TIME: Recently, Howe Sound Dance Academy’s

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Continued from 12

that you have already installed?

I am not the enemy of whimsy.I would like the community of Squamish to celebrate the natural beauty of ouropen spaces and aspire to the principles of Leave No Trace.

Kelly Sandoval Squamish

NOT THE SPOT FOR BIRDHOUSES

Iam responding to the article“Meet the Squamish man making whimsical birdhouses,”published on Feb. 13.

Love that Stu Snowball has found his passion in creating interesting decorative birdhouses, but am not convinced the trails in Crumpit Woods are the place for them.

This area is well used by many who enjoy escaping from the manmade artifacts around us into the wild natural environment that surrounds our lovely town The Fast family has generously allowed access to this area that links up to many other trails.

My hope is that we can protect these natural and wild spaces where people can enjoy the unstructured beauty of trees, leaves, rocks, and dirt withthe beautiful views looking out at our mountain ranges and ocean.

It would be great if anew home could be found for Stu’s projects that makes more sense and our visuals, while using the trails, can

return to the previous wild status.

Otherwise, who else might decide this private land is a great place for showcasing their own art projects?

Delena Angrignon Squamish

LORAX ON THE BIRDHOUSES

Iread your article“Meet the Squamish man making whimsical birdhouses” by Jennifer Thuncher published on Feb. 13. I admire Mr Snowball’s skills in building these colourful birdhouses and his generosity in sharing them with the community. I can see that hisheart is in the right place, andhe seems like a terrific person. The 12 (and counting?) installations are, however, inappropriately placed in a natural setting. Many of us visit the trails to enjoy nature and its beauty, just as it is.

Ms Thuncher says that these bird boxes spread joy, but that is not what I feel when I see them on the trails.I miss the undisrupted beauty of the trees and surroundings.I too enjoy Dr Seuss and cannot help but make the connection to the Lorax, who said, “I speak for the trees, for the trees have no tongues…”. In this case,I think the Lorax would also ask that these bird boxes and decorations be removed from the forest.

Simon Sandoval Squamish

ExploreCapU OpenHouse

Squamish

Mar. 7,2026

10:30 a.m. –2:30p.m.

3200 University Blvd.

RSVP at CapilanoU.ca/explore

•Discoverprograms and tour on-campus studenthousing

•Connectwithdedicated faculty,staffandstudents

• Experiencecampus life juststeps from mountains, trailsandeverything Squamishhas to offer

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS PERFECT PERCH: A local seagull checks out its kingdom.

MEET THE LOCAL MAN MAKING WHIMSICAL BIRDHOUSES

From his garage workshop in Valleycliffe to the forest paths of Crumpit Woods, Stu Snowball is spreading joy with every brightly painted board and spinning whirlygig he installs

Temporary UsePermit

District of SquamishTemporary UsePermitNo. TU000085

NOTICE is herebygiven in accordancewithSection494ofthe Local Government Actthatthe District of Squamish hasreceivedanapplicationand will be considering issuanceof aTemporary UsePermitasindicated herein.The DistrictofSquamish will receiverepresentations from persons whobelieve that theirinterestin property is affectedbythe proposed temporaryuse.

AffectedLands

40320GovernmentRoad, Squamish, British Columbia.

Existing Zoning

TouristCommercial(C-3)

Proposed Temporary Use

To allowfor motorvehicle repaironthe property shownonthe Location Map.

LOCATION MAP

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

If there is something the world could use right now, it is a bit more whimsy.

A local Squamish man has that in spades or—er—birdhouses.

Stu Snowball—yes, that is his real last name—has been making Dr Seuss-inspired birdhouses in his Valleycliffe garage for about three years.

He makes whirlygigs, too. Those are the characters that have parts that spin in the wind.

Polly the Parrot and Sammy the Toucan greet visitors at the driveway to his home.

Now retired, Snowball worked as an electrician at Whistler Blackcomb for 32 years.

HOW IT STARTED

Snowball said building birdhouses evolved organically from his woodworking passion.

“I’ve builta lot of furniture and stuff, but I ran out of room for that,” he said, with a chuckle.

He and his wife Carolyn Brown, have a cabin on a 0.4hectare up in Sheridan Lake in the Cariboo, where it began.

(Fun fact, Brown said she doesn’t hyphenate her last name with her husband’s because it would be Brown-Snowball, which has—well— negative connotations.)

Brown was painting wooden signs for the vacation property, and it inspired Snowball to

make something too.

Now, the Cariboo property is “just full of birdhouses,” Snowball said.

His Squamish yard is pretty chockablock full as well.

Not all are Dr Seuss-inspired.

“I quite like the colourful ones.I like bold, bright colours. That’s what I like about Dr Seuss, too,”he said.

While birds have taken to populating his lake house birdhouses, Sea to Sky birds area bit more fickle, he said, noting he hasn’t seen birds using them.

TRAILSIDE TREASURES

Snowball mills his own wood from his vacation property to make the birdhouses.

He pays about $25 to purchase the plans online, and aside from the paint and glue, there is little additional cost.

Each one takes about six to eight hours to make, start to finish.

Beyond his yard,he has placed about 12 of them on the Summer’s Eve trail in Crumpit Woods, because Crumpit is the mountain where the Grinch lives in Dr Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas, of course.

Someone noticed them and posted appreciative photos to the local Facebook forum, which quickly garnered more than one hundred likes.

“The fact that people enjoy that has me motivated now,” he said, with a laugh.

Acopyofthe proposed TemporaryUse Permit No.TU000085can be emailed outbyrequests sent to planning@squamish.ca,fromFebruary23,2026 to March6,2026. Thedocuments can also be reviewed on theDistrict’sonline Development Showcase at squamish.ca/showcase.Enquiries regarding the proposedDevelopment Permit maybemadetothe Planning Department at 604-815-5002. Public inputwill be considered by theDistrictinreviewofthe application. Persons whobelieve that their interest in propertyisaffected by the proposedtemporary usepermitmay submit writtensubmissionsto planning@squamish.ca or,inperson to theSeniorDirectorofCommunity Planning.Written submissionscan be addressed to theSeniorDirectorof Community Planning andwillbereceivedupuntil 4:00 p.m. March6,2026. All submissions will form partofthe public record.

Datedthis26th dayofFebruary, 2026,atSquamish, BritishColumbia.

PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Stu Snowball with some of his early birdhouses, in his Valleycliffe garage.

FROM BEES TO BEANS: SEEDY SATURDAY RETURNS TO SQUAMISH

Native bees, seed libraries and food security will take centre stage March7 at Howe Sound Secondary for Seedy Saturday

LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

Gardeners and garden-curious residents of Squamish are excitedly preparing for spring planting.

An upcoming Squamish Climate Action Network (CAN) event shouldhelp boost spring fever. On March 7, people canhead to Howe Sound Secondary School for Seedy Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Representatives from the Native Bee Society of BC (NBSBC), FarmFolk CityFolk and Squamish CAN will be on hand to present, answer questions, and facilitate swapping and selling seeds.

This year, the main room at Howe Sound Secondary School will play host to displays focused on native bees. The intersection of bees and seeds is a sweet pairing, given the symbiotic relationship between plants and pollinators.

Jade Lee, administrative assistant to the board of NBSBC, told the Squamish Chief native bees can fly under the radar but are incredibly valuable pollinators. While some are solitary and generalist pollinators, others are specialized and adapted to one host species of plant, whichhelps sustain the

NoticeofIntention

to Applyfor aDisposition

ofCrown Land Underthe Land Act

TakenoticethatBCHydro &Power Authority, from Vancouver, BC hasapplied to theBritish Columbia Ministry of Water, Land andResourceStewardship (WLRS),SouthCoast Region for a StatutoryRightof Wayfor thepurpose of ElectricPower Line situated on Provincial Crown landlocated atPart of Blocks M, Nand O, District Lot6958Group 1New Westminster District, containing 0.024hectares, more or less.

native bees’ offspring. The plant, in turn, relies on the bee.

To explore where native bees and plants relate in B.C., NBSBC is creating an atlas.

“The BC Bee Atlas Project is helping us to make a map of not only the bees that occur here, but their host plants as well So, we can actually see in real time where the bees are actually doing the majority of their pollination, and how they’re actually helping in our ecosystems,” she said.

I think90%or 95%of everything we eat starts witha seed, including feed for animalsthat people might eat.

DAVIDCATZEL

seed library, get seeds, grow the plant, and then permit it to go to seed. The grower can keep some for themselves and bring some back to the library.

His booth will have information about the BC Seed Security Program, which, according to its website, helps ensure seeds are resilient to different growing conditions, as well as a citizen science initiative.

The project “engagesgardeners and passionate growers in the process of seed saving and breeding Every spring since 2016, we carefully select, prepare, and deliver hundreds of packages containing varieties of vegetable seeds to people across BC,” according to FarmFolk CityFolk’s website.

When asked if it’s too early to plant, he said, “it’snever too early. You just have to plant the right thing at the right time.”

GROWING THE NEXT GENERATION

Harriet Jarvis works with Squamish CAN managing the downtown school farm, and she says seeing youth thrive through getting their hands dirty is a testament to the meaningful work gardening brings to people’s lives.

Representatives will bring educational materials and information about upcoming events, includingamonthly Zoom bee study group, a Melittology (the study of bees) webinar on March 4, anda five-day intensive bee course in Penticton.

PUBLIC SEEDS, PUBLIC GOOD

WLRS invitescomments on this application. The LandsFileis 2412953.Written comments concerning this applicationshouldbedirected to theSeniorLandOfficer, SouthCoast Region, WLRS,atSuite 200, 10428–153 Street,Surrey, BC V3R1E1.Comments will be receivedby WLRS up to March20, 2026.WLRSmay not be abletoconsider comments received afterthisdate. Please visitthe Applications, Comments andReasons forDecisionDatabase websiteat comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ formore information.

Be advisedthatany response to this advertisementwillbeconsideredpartofthe public record. Access to theserecords requiresthe submission of aFreedom of Information(FOI) request. Visit gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learnmoreabout FOIsubmissions.

David Catzel, BC seed security manager with FarmFolk CityFolk, is presenting on seed saving and explained to the Squamish Chief why it’s essential to food systems.

“I think 90% or 95% of everything we eat starts with a seed, including feed for animals that people might eat,” Catzel said. “A couple hundred years ago, [saving] seeds was always a part of every farmer or gardener’s process. And with the specialization of seeds being bred and produced by seed companies, that has changed. And there’s been less and less public ownership of seeds and the seed system.”

To counter the commercialization of seeds, the non-profithe works with engages farmers, gardeners and researchers to form public seed libraries.

Squamish’s seed library is at the public library. Anyone can become a member of the

“They just love digging and moving compost and moving their bodies and being out in all weathers It’s really cool to see. Really rewarding for me, andI think it creates, you know, some more well-rounded individuals.”

She also stressed why seed saving is a valuable part of gardening that all greenthumbs should do.

“The more you can save your own seeds and grow your plants, the more resilient your wholeoperation becomes. Not only do the plants become more adapted to Squamish— they’ll grow better in the future—but you’re also not having to rely on buying seeds. Many varieties come and go, and you have to rely on seed companies not removing a certain crop that you like, because you have everything youneed to grow your own crop again.”

If the March7 event has you buzzing, an earlier pollinator presentation from Taren Urquhart runs at the Squamish Library March 3, with a focus on mason bees. Registration is required for the free event.

Image from the 2024 Seedyevent, which was held at Brennan Park.

FAZ-CADE:HOW A 15-YEAR-OLD’S VISION CAME TO LIFE AT THE VICTORIA FILM FESTIVAL

Elias Lazenby blends animatronics and arcade inspiration to create an immersive art experience

AUNI DAYTON Student intern

A15-year-old Squamish resident has brought his creative vision to life at the Victoria Film Festival with an immersive walk-through art installation that was on display earlier this month. Elias Lazenby’s Faz-Cade is an immersive animatronic world thatblends craftsmanship and storytelling Visitors move through glowing arcade lights and looming figures that blur the lines between imagination and reality. By combining everyday items such as old toys and cardboard, he creates worlds and characters that feel startlingly real and alive. Lazenby hasa unique art style inspired by his love of puppetry, practical effects films, and video games such as Five Nights at Freddy’s and his uniquely Gen Alpha perspective and artistic style show that there is no age barrier in art.

His feature piece for the Victoria Film Festival explored the darker side of nostalgia and growing up through the lens of anarcade where reality and animatronics collide. When interviewed, Lazenby described his display as a large, interactive installation with robotic animals includinga puppet in a box, a bear, anda two metre (seven foot) rabbit

Theidea for this project came from Lazenby’s love of older arcades from the 1980s. As he said in an interview, “[arcades] really inspired me to make the stuff that I make now because they’re so retro, they’reolder, they’re more interesting, they’re so colourful, and the vibe that they give

off is really appealing.” His creation explores theideas ofnostalgia and decay by taking objects from the past and bringing them into the future, while simultaneously pairing them with uncanny creatures.

Lazenby started his artistic journey several years ago, around the year 2020, when he began making smaller creatures and puppets.

Eventually,he createda Facebook account and shared his creations online. A Victoria Film Festival representative saw his art and contacted him regardinga larger scale art project. Lazenby presented hisidea for the installation, was givena budget for the project, and had it ready to display for the festival.

The process of creating such a large art piece was made more manageable by some of his partners and mentors. Salome Robichaud from The Copper Kracken Tattoo Emporium helped paint some of the art on the reused arcade games. The Brackendale Art Gallery, where Lazenby works part time, also helped by commissioning a large rabbit costume for the Halloween Haunted House which Lazenby changed and repurposed for the Victoria Film Festival.

However, while these businesses played a role in assisting with the creationof the installation, splitting his work between high school,a part time job, and this project proved to be challenging. He spoke of how difficult it was to stay motivated through the “emotional rollercoaster” of a project and how glad he is that henever gave up Lazenby’s main piece of advice for youth and adults is to “not give up, just push through until the end.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF ELIAS LAZENBY Faz-Cade was on at the Victoria Film Festival for 10 days earlier this month.

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS

IN FLIGHT:

SQUAMISH STANDS IN FORA U.S. NATIONAL PARK IN ‘BLUE SKIES,’ SHOT MOSTLY IN THE SEA TO SKY

A new family-friendly detective show is putting Squamish’s backcountry on screen. ‘Blue Skies’ was filmed about 95% in and around the Sea to Sky, with a Labrador named Blue—played by three canine brothers—at the heart of its mysteries

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia ca

Squamish is the main backdrop and it features an adorable Labrador running through the backcountry—well, three actually.

This makes for what could be one of the most Sea to Sky fictional TV series ever—even if the story is set in the U.S.—right up there withthe locally shot Netflix series, Virgin River.

Blue Skies is anew family-friendly show centred on the growing bond between a detective andher canine companion, Blue, and about 95% of it was shot in and around Squamish. Setmostly in the fictional Crystal Ridge National Park, the show follows former military police officer Jodi Larsen, played by Australian-born Scarlet Hunter, as she returns toher hometown to serve as a criminal investigator for the National Park Police.

Lieutenant Liza King,head of the National Park Police, is played by Canadian actress

Miranda Edwards. The show also features Ukrainian-Canadian actor Markian Tarasiuk, who playshead of the search and rescue squad; U.S actress Veronica Long, who plays an officer; Vancouver’s David Lennon, who playsa ranger; and fellow Vancouverite Darius Willis, who plays the park’s tech-savvy ranger Character Bill Larsen, Jodi’s father, is played by Canadian actor Shaughnessy Redden.

The first episode premiered in the U.S. on the fast-growing streaming service UP Faith & Family TV on Feb. 19 and will be on Citytv on Feb. 24 and streamed on Citytv+.

‘RAW BEAUTY’

The four-month film shoot in the Sea to Sky began in July, according to executive producer of the eight-episode series Ross Mrazek, of Vancouver-based Bar None Productions.

The bulk of the show’s exterior shots are in and around Squamish, because they wanted “the raw wilderness setting,” Mrazek said, noting the production hada 65-hectare (160-acre) backlot in the Squamish Valley.

The team behind the show had an agreement withSḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw

BreakingNews

(Squamish Nation) for the shoot.

“That acted as our base camp up at Squamish, just off of Squamish Valley Road,” he said over the phone from Vancouver last week.“It was primarily in and around the forest,near the river, and we just got these amazing, breathtaking views of the river and the mountains and everything that really shows the raw beauty,” he said, adding that they did have to do some post-production work to remove poles and wires to ensure it looked like the more rugged, untouched wilderness national park areas some scenes were supposed to take place in.

Other scenes were north of Pemberton, some outside shots in Maple Ridge, and on a soundstage in Langley for interior sets Mrazek, who says he has been recreating in the Sea to Sky Corridor sincehe was five years old, calls Blue Skies a procedural drama with the themes of mystery and light action throughout.

“A lot of police procedurals are kind of paint-by-numbers, whereas ours has more dramatic elements … built into that formula as well,” he said.

RIVER, COMET, AND CANYON PLAY BLUE

As for the golden Labrador called Blue, he is played by three brothers that the show got from a breeder when they were about six months old. Their names are River, Comet,

and Canyon.

“They’re absolutely fantastic,” Mrazek said “We got them quite young, so we had to train them in the art of movie making and performance. They’re brilliant.”

He said River is the “star” of the brothers “He’s the one that follows instructions amazingly well He loves being on set,”he said.

Comet is the show’s “jock.”“He’s our dog that just has boundless energy. He’s the one that’ll run 50 miles an hour through trails with the drone barely keeping up with him.”

Canyon is the “hunk” for the camera.“He’s our close-up guy who likes to lay around and just look amazing and look handsome.”

The animal trainer for the show was Stephanie Stanton-Linder, of PNE SuperDogs fame, who was the perfect person to work with the three dogs, Mrazek said While many law enforcement dog shows use German shepherds, that would not have suited the character of Blue, who isn’t an attack dog, Mrazek said.

“He has unique skills; he searches,he has sort of a gut instinct.”

The characters of Blue and detective Larsen start outa bit lost and searching for something in life when they meet each other, Mrazek said Their relationship and bond grows throughout the storyline. “He’s adorable. He’s your best friend.”

PROUDLY CANADIAN

Mrazek noted that the show is very Canadian, from the actors who are mostly Canadian-based to Canadian directors and crew. This is not common on most sets, he noted. Most of the 60 to 80 crew members were housed in Squamish for the shoot, which often involved 12-hour days.

“A lot of expenditures in hotels,” Mrazek added with a laugh. He said some folks camped in RVs and there were some who spenta number of weeks staying up at the Capilano University campus.“In terms of the economic impact, everything from fuel to equipment, to food and beverage, and restaurants. There’s quite an economic impact when you bring sort of a small army—that’s only the crew, not including all the cast.”

Local viewers can check out the credits to see references to Squamish Nation, the District of Squamish, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, and more.

While it hasn’t been confirmed yet, Mrazek is hopeful there will be a Season 2 of Blue Skies, with the cast and crew returning to the Sea to Sky.

“We want to be thankful and respectful of the community and everyone whohelped us get to where we are. I think, going into Season 2, it’ll only be bigger and better.”

PHOTO COURTESY BLUE SKIES

Three dogs play Blue on the show.

SQUAMISH BOASTS FOUR OLYMPIANS AS GAMES CLOSE

Cassie Sharpe, Jasper Fleming, Avery Krumme and Malica Malherbe

participate in the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Games

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

It is not every town in Canada that has four returning Olympians, but Squamish is not every town

While no locals took to the podium this Milan Cortina 2026 Games, the athletes did us proud up against the best in the world nonetheless. It isn’t the way she wanted to endher Olympics, but thankfully, Squamish freestyle skier Cassie Sharpe is on the mend. Sharpe, a two-time Olympic medalist andmom to a young daughter, didn’t compete in the freestyle skiing women’s halfpipe final on Sunday. Sharpe, 33, fell hard during her second qualifying run last Thursday and was not medically cleared to ski in the final, due to her injuries.

Despiteher fall, which left her motionless in the halfpipe fora scary few moments, she still qualified for the finals, given she garnered 88.25 points in her first run, qualifying her among the top 12 to ski fora medal. The Olympian posted to her Instagram on Feb. 21 that she was “OK,” and grateful for all the love she received since her fall She said she was “really proud of the skiing she put down” in qualifying, adding she

“genuinely skiedherheart out.” She was going fora third medal at the Games, so this is not the way she thought she would endher Olympic experience, she said, but added she was “dealing with aheavy concussion,a little face contusion and some lingering dizziness.”

Team Canada issued a statement noting that Sharpe had spenta precautionary stay in hospital The release reiterated that she wasn’t released to ski and wished her well “We are

LET’S PACK THE STANDS: While we may be licking our wounds after Team Canada’s loss to the U.S. in the gold medal game at the Olympics, there is a lot of local hockey you can turn out to cheer for right here in Squamish

This upcoming weekend Squamish will be hosting the final 4 for the Tier 3 Championship, with our own U18A hockey team in the mix. The top two teams will thenmove on to play at provincials. Games are on all weekend, so head to Brennan Park arena and catch some great local athletes giving it their all. Watch the team’s instagram account @eaglesu18a1 for game times.

sending Cassie andher family well wishes and she is grateful for all of the support.”

FIRST TIMERS

Three young local Olympians were taking part in the Games for the first time, but surely not last Biathlete Jasper Fleming, 20, participated in the most events of local athletes, competing in the biathlon men’s 10km sprint, wherehe came in 80th, the men’s 20km

individual, wherehe came in 86th, the men’s4 x 7.5km relay, which saw Team Canada come in 17th, and the mixed relay4 x 6km, where Team Canada again came in 17th

“The Olympic Games are officially closed and that brings with it a massive wave of emotions,” Fleming said on his Instagram page on Feb. 23

“These first games have been formative in showing me where I want to be For the last 2.5 weeks I’ve been living in a dream and it’s a little sad to say goodbye. ButI feel ready to make this experience a memory, and keep pushing through this season with huge ambitions.”

Two of the first-time Olympic locals competed at the Games under different flags. Avery Krumme, 17, who competed on Team USA, participated in freestyle skiing women’s freeski big air, coming in 19th, and freeski slopestyle, where she placed 11th.

Malica Malherbe, 21, skied for the South African team.

She ranked30th in the women’s dual moguls and 27th in moguls.“I’m so proud of my skiing and performance no matter what the result shows! I’m just beyond grateful to be competing against the best girls in the world and to be a part of this community! Most of all it’s been an honour representing South Africa,” she wrote on her Instagram.

Rolo theRabbit

Rolo arrivedincareasa youngstray,unsureofpeopleand overwhelmedbythe big, noisy world. Butjustlikethe caramel candy she’snamed after, patience andkindness helped hersoft centershine through.

Today, Rolo hasblossomed into agentle, curiousrabbitwho has learnedthathumanscan bebringers of good things—especially when thosehumanscomebearing freshgreens, veggies, andthe occasional tiny pieceoffruit.Offer hera leafytreat andshe’llgladlytakeitright from your hand, making it aperfect waytobuild trustand aspecial bond with her.

RabbitslikeRoloare wonderfully unique companions.They’re notquite likecats ordogs—no couch-snugglingorTV-watching required.Instead,theyoffer something quieterand deeply comforting:calmcompany at floor level, apeacefulreading buddy, ora sweet,softpresencenearbyastheyexplore theirspace at their ownpace.

Rolois an exceptionally tidy girl whousesher litterbox faithfully.Hay is hermainfood source,and shealsoenjoysher youngrabbitpellets.Althoughshe’s undera year old, she’s alreadyreached heradult size—petite, perfect, andready forher foreverhome.

With hergentlenature, cleanhabits, andgrowing confidence, Rolois well on herway to becoming adelightfulcompanion forsomeone whoappreciates thespecial magicrabbits bringtoa home.She’s sweet,she’s soft,and she’sready to learnwhatitmeans to be loved.

PHOTO BY MANDYLIN/VIA UNSPLASH

Four Squamish athletes participated in the Winter Olympic Games 2026 in Italy.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN HESLOP

Daniel Moloughney

With deep sadness, we sharethepassing of Ted– lovedson, father, stepfather,grandfather,brother,cousin,uncle,great uncle,brother-in-law, sonin-law,husbandandfriend.

Tedloved achallengeandmaybehisgreatest washislast returntripfrom Mexico.Ted brokesomanybones in his78years but maintained, “They haven’tkillt me yet.”

It is so difficult to sumupthe life of ahard-working, loving, kind, andgentle man,buthe was always abusyman whocouldfix,renovate,orbuild anything. A tool in hishandorhis headunder thehood of somethingwas acommon sight,yethe wasalwaysready fora campingtrip, akitchen dance, or simply enjoyingthebackyard by thefirepit.

He leavesbehindhisson Justin,granddaughter Lennonandhermom Katie;hisson Cory,granddaughtersZoeand Charliand theirmom Jayme; anddaughterJennifer(Catherine) stepson Terry;stepdaughter Erin;his wife and friend Sheri; hisbrothersPeter (Nicole)andDavid (Betty Anne); andsisters-in-lawBarb, Sharon,and Sandy.

Tedwaspredeceased by hismom Nancy, dadHarold,brother Bob(Jane), sister-in-lawGail, cousin Larry,mother-in-lawIrene,brother-in-law Tommy, andfatherin-law Johnny.

Thank youtosomany– hiscar palTerry Walsh, school chum Nancy,longtime friendVioletand herdaughter Jacquie, hiscousin Dennis (Eileen)and great nephewBrandon. Tedlovedhisphone callsand visits.

Thankyou to my daughterErinand herdad forholdingdown my fort,to my sonTerry forthe medical helpand assistancein handlingtickets home andhotelreservations,and to Justin,Coryand Jenniferfor your continued emotional support.Yourdad lovedyou very much.ThankstoReese,our Mexicocontact;Martha, Ted’snurse in Mexico;Eldaandhergroup in Mexico fortheirhelpand concern; Powell RiverHospitalstaff; Martin Ostensenand Natalie; Cindy from Coccola;Valand heramazing Credit Unionstaff; Ted’s brother Davidforbeing with Tedatthehospital in Mexico,and otherfamily members andfriends whosupportedand continue to support. Youwere allpart of the solution. Ihope Ihaven’t missedanyone. It wastruly avery largefamily effort.

Therewill be a celebration of Ted‘slife onSaint Patrick’s Day, March17, 2026 from 1- 3pmatTed’s lovedhomeinPowellRiver, by thefirepit,ofcourse.

~the Moloughneyfamily

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LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:

ARIES March21-April19

Movinghouse requires carefulplanning. You’ll start theprocessandassess the work that needstobedone. Designingyournew space to match yourtasteswill fillyou withpride at homeand at work.

TAURUS April20-May 20

Make yourhealth atop priority. Anewdiet willimprove yourwell-beingand boost yourself-esteem.Through steady perseveranceand commitment, yoursuccesses will become visibleanddeeply rewarding.

GEMINI May21-June20

Critics mayvoiceopinions this week.Prepare strong arguments to stand your ground. By sayingaloudwhat othersare thinking,you’ll stand outandtakea strong, convincingstance.

CANCER June21-July22

Youmay receivean unexpectedsumofmoney intheformofarefundor adjustment.Yourromantic partner maykeepyouwaiting or postponeanimportant date you were lookingforward to.

SUDOKU

LEO July23-Aug.22

Rushingintothingsisn’talways agood idea, especiallywhenit comes to moneyand relationships.Asyou embark onnew beginnings,obstacles mayslow yourprogress.Thesemoments will teach you that patienceis essentialtoyourjourney.

VIRGO Aug.23-Sept. 22

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LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22

Abig clean-up at homeor at work willhelp clearyourmind. Withthehelpoffamilyand friends,you’llmove forward withgreaterpeaceofmind. Their supportwillfill you with gratitudeand strengthenthe bondsthat uniteyou.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov.21

If you’restillsearchingfor your career path,asudden revelation will guide you toward anew challenge that alignsperfectly with yourgoals.Beopenminded.Anyformofchangeyou welcome will attract abundance and successintoyourlife.

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CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan.19

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AQUARIUS Jan.20-Feb.18

Clientswho value yourtalents will keep you inhighdemand this week.Ifyou’resingle,your soulmatecould appear ata friendlygathering, bringing awonderful surprisetoyour socialand romanticlife.

PISCES Feb. 19-March20

Take thetime to carefully thinkthrough yourplans and negotiatewisely. Payattention to everydetail.Thoughtful gestures will nurtureintimacy and strengthen harmonywithin yourromantic relationship.

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