Two locals head to Walbran blockade
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 5, 2026
END OF A GOLDEN ARCHES ERA AS SEA TO SKY MCDONALD’S CHANGES HANDS
After 15 years in the corridor, Bri and Ryan Oliver are selling their McDonald’s franchises in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton
LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
It’s the end of a golden arches era for the current Sea to Sky McDonald’s owner.
Bri and Ryan Oliver announced in an Instagram post on Jan. 26 that they are selling their franchises in Squamish, Whistler, and Pemberton to STS Saba Restaurants Ltd. Ryan is the owner, and he and his wife, Bri, operate the outlets jointly.
Effective Feb. 2, 2026, Golden Goose Holdings will transfer to Amir Aminpour, McDonald’s owner/operator of eight franchises in North and
Local campsite fees set to increase
West Vancouver
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time in the Sea to Sky It’s a great place to be The community is great. It’s welcoming Everyone’s friendly It’s a pretty magical place. So, spending 15 years here, yeah, leaving it, it’s hard,” Ryan said in an interview with The Squamish Chief.
The Olivers have owned the Sea to Sky McDonald’s for 15 years.
Ryan said he was approached by McDonald’s Corporation to sell his franchises After growing his family in the Sea to Sky, the decision was challenging.
“You make a lot of acquaintances and friendships over time So, whether that’s community groups that you meet and support, or if it’s employees that work for you, business leaders, things like that So many mixed
emotions, I think is the best way to put it,” he said
The family will relocate elsewhere in Canada and continue to operate McDonald’s franchises
He thanked his many connections throughout the corridor, from guests to community groups, and expressed his deep appreciation for the staff.
SOLD: Continued on 3
PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF The Squamish McDonald’s
LOCAL SAYS SUBSIDIZED HOUSING RULES UNFAIR TO LOW-INCOME RENTERS
A long-time Squamish resident is raising concerns about what she calls unfair and inflexible policies governing access to subsidized housing in the community
reasonably choose a home—let alone commit to a one-year lease—without seeing it first.”
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
If you are hoping to rent a typical Squamish unit at market price, the expectation is that you get to view it and you can keep looking until you find something that best suits your needs.
That isn’t the case for those trying to garner subsidized housing in town, argues one local.
Sea to Sky Community Services’s (SSCS) current practices unfairly disadvantage low-income residents, says long-time resident—and renter—Amber Morberg, who was reflecting on her personal experience
She says applicants for such housing can wait years on a subsidized housing list and are allowed only three housing offers If they refuse—even for valid reasons—they are removed from the list entirely
In some cases, she argues, applicants are expected to accept housing without being permitted to view the interior of the unit beforehand.
“I was recently offered a ground-floor apartment that initially sounded like a good fit,” she told The Squamish Chief. “As a single woman, I had legitimate concerns about safety and security and requested a viewing before deciding. I was told that SSCS was under no obligation to show the unit I struggle to understand how anyone can
In another instance, she said she was offered the same building twice despite clearly stating in her application that she requires tenant parking, which the units in question didn’t have.
She says this experience stands in sharp contrast to standard rental practices.
SITE UNSEEN
After refusing what was offered three times, Morberg said she was removed from the subsidized housing list altogether
She had been on the list waiting for housing since 2022
She said she understands the three-strike rule, but in her case she wasn’t shown a unit she worried was unsafe, and then offered two units in a building that didn’t match her clearly stated needs.
“This feels less like support and more like punishment for advocating for basic, reasonable needs,” she said “People renting at market value are never asked to sign a lease site unseen.”
“Mandatory unit viewings, meaningful consideration of applicants’ stated needs, and greater flexibility without punitive consequences would be a strong place to start.”
According to SSCS, as of January, 2026, the organization currently has 174 applicants across all its different housing types waiting for a unit to come available. This total includes active, incomplete, and transfer applications
Mandatory unit viewings, meaningful consideration of applicants’ stated needs, and greater flexibility without punitive consequences would be a strong place to start.
AMBER MORBERG
them to units appropriate for their household size and income, in alignment with provincial guidelines,” Kunz said
Asked about the guidelines, Kunz said that applicants receive offers for units that meet both their family size and annual income thresholds.
‘WE WORK CLOSELY WITH APPLICANTS’
Leighton Kunz, SSCS director of housing told The Squamish Chief that the majority of applicants accept the first or second unit offered to them
“We work closely with applicants to match
The organization provides up to three offers, Kunz confirmed, and if all are refused, applicants are asked to reapply in one year. Applicants have three business days to accept or decline an offer.
“So we can move efficiently through the waitlist and support as many households as possible,” Kunz said, also confirming that unit
PHOTO BY NANCI SANTOS/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS Amber Morberg says she was removed from the subsidized housing waitlist after declining three units that didn’t meet her safety or accessibility needs—highlighting what she sees as systemic issues with how affordable homes are allocated in Squamish.
viewings are not guaranteed.
The reason for this is “they depend on unit status, renovations, restorations, et cetera,” he said. “While we are working to update some outdated elements on our website, we ensure applicants receive photos, floor plans, and measurements to help inform their decision-making.”
Morberg, however, counters that even under construction, non-subsidized rentals are viewable.
“In fact, when the SEAandSkY Bosa apartments were still an active construction site, property managers escorted prospective tenants through units wearing hard hats and safety gear. If viewings can be accommodated
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“I think thank you is appropriate as well Each and every day, rain or shine, [staff are] here and they’re putting on a smile for the guests, and that was another consideration for me, having to leave those guys I have great relationships with my staff, and I think, you know, having to leave them is another hard part about it I’m really going to miss them all, I really will,” he said
A NEW OWNER STEPS IN
Aminpour said what pulled him to the Sea to Sky outlets is local pride.
“What attracted me to [the] Sea to Sky market is actually very similar to what drew me to North Vancouver… Just the community local pride, and to have people who live in Squamish, who love where they live and where they work. So, Squamish is growing, but still it has this small town feel, and I see a lot of alignments between my values as a local owner operator and what this community stands for,” he said Taking over more McDonald’s isn’t his first try at the fry. Aminpour began training to become a franchisee under an owner in North Vancouver, then moved to Regina to purchase a franchise there.
“When he was retiring, he gave me the chance to purchase his market So, I sold my restaurants in Regina, and I moved back to North Vancouver,” Aminpour said Aminpour declined to comment on the amount he paid for the purchase of Golden Goose Holdings.
CULTURE AND CONTINUITY
Known on Instagram as @mcds2s, the franchise employees in Squamish have become known for their fun dance videos and strong public presence online.
Aminpour said he doesn’t expect the work culture to change
in those circumstances, why are subsidized tenants denied the same basic courtesy,” she questioned.
Regarding Morberg’s particular experience, Kunz was sympathetic.
“We understand how stressful the search for housing can be, especially during a regional housing and cost-of-living crisis,” he said, adding the organization’s housing program is designed to help alleviate some of that stress and ensure people have access to affordable housing options.
“Our policies are designed to ensure fairness and to move applicants into housing as efficiently as possible. Because demand is so high, we do ask applicants for timely decisions; however, we will always work with them on move-in dates and accommodations wherever
“The restaurants have really strong teams, and my focus will continue to be on supporting them and to invest in training and to create growth opportunities from within Over time, we will continue to invest in the restaurants to make sure they are well maintained, modern, welcoming,” he said
He said his years of experience running multiple McDonald’s fast food chains mean he’s capable of managing a smooth transition and tackling whatever comes his way. He’s an electrical engineer with 12 years of experience in solar energy before immigrating to Canada in 2013. He also gained a master of business administration (MBA) in Canada.
After his MBA, he set his eyes on the burger franchise.
“I started to talk with different franchises, including McDonald’s, and after interviewing all different food franchises, I decided to move forward with McDonald’s, and if I couldn’t move forward with McDonald’s, I decided not to do anything food-related,” he said
“So I guess I’m pretty biased, because I see McDonald’s as a great company who supports their people, their franchises, their employees, and also the communities. So that’s what made me to choose them as a business partner.”
REGIONAL TIES
While McDonald’s is an American multinational corporation, the Olivers lived locally, an important point for some customers in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton.
Aminpour said he’s a resident of Horseshoe Bay, and he sees himself as committed to the region where his businesses operate.
“It really doesn’t matter if it’s North Vancouver or if it’s Squamish, I’m here to listen, learn and grow alongside the Sea to Sky community.”
GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD
One major change is the opportunity for employees to grow their careers.
possible SSCS uses month-to-month lease agreements, and we would never penalize a tenant for choosing to move out.”
BC HOUSING REVIEW
BC Housing told The Squamish Chief it regularly reviews non-profit operator tenanting processes to ensure they are meeting the requirements set out in operating agreements
“These operating agreements will state whether a provider must use BC Housing’s Housing Registry to tenant a building or whether they are able to use their own waitlist or system,” a spokesperson said.
“Non-profit housing providers establish their own policies and procedures around offers of housing, including rules around how
“This new change will bring to this market is opportunity for growth for everyone, because we are a larger organization.”
His current franchises on the North Shore are deeply committed to community outreach, with sponsorships of the Lionsgate Hospital Foundation,
many times an applicant can decline housing offers before their application is put on hold by the provider, and how tenants are prioritized, provided they align with the parameters of their agreements with BC Housing,” they said, noting that Sea to Sky Community Services Society operates three BC Housing-funded buildings, two of which use the Housing Registry for placing tenants. As for Morberg, the local rental situation has made her consider leaving Squamish, for North Vancouver, where there are more housing options.
The Squamish Chief contacted the Tenant Resource & Advisory Centre (TRAC) for comment for this story, but didn’t hear back by press deadline.
charities, churches, sports teams, and police units.
“We’ve been doing a lot over the past almost three years to support the community in North Vancouver, and I look forward to continue to invest in the Sea to Sky market as well.”
MAYOR ARMAND HURFORD REFLECTS ON TERM AS SQUAMISH PREPARES FOR ELECTION
From housing affordability to reconciliation with the Squamish Nation, Mayor Armand Hurford offers candid insights into the pressures of public office and what lies ahead for the District
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
With the next municipal election set for Oct. 17, Mayor Armand Hurford has less than nine months in office. He declared last summer that he will not be seeking re-election.
The Squamish Chief sat down with him in his mostly white and black office—with the healthy bright green heart-shaped leaves of a pothos plant stretching across the ceiling, some branches hanging above his head—at Municipal Hall
Over a one-and-a-half-hour discussion, we touched on a variety of topics, from his role to Squamish Nation, regional transit, Woodfibre LNG and what he would like to tell anyone thinking of running for council.
What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.
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Q: It could be very easy, I would think, in your role to become kind of a weather vane to public opinion. You get so much push from the public on certain things, and probably people you like and care about pushing you in different ways and disagreeing with you. How have you evolved with that?
A: You’re not going to agree with the people in these roles. People in your life, and maybe even in your household aren’t going to agree with every decision that you make And that holds true for my council colleagues as well It’s just a fact of these types of roles. In the era that we live in with social media and just all the ways that we’re both accessible or exposed, depending on how you want to think about it. It is really, really challenging. But if you’re waiting to see what public opinion is on any number of matters and that’s your sole decision point, then it’s going to be disorienting for the public to interpret your actions and certainly the actions of an organization I was first elected to council in 2018, there was a session put on by the Local Government Leadership Academy. A speaker was talking about the role And one of the main things they said, which I think I really benefit from, is really being able to distinguish between the people who want something from you, the work friends, and your core group, support group. Since that time I do my best to be aware of that
Some people have a big letdown coming out of these roles because they think they were being invited to every event or gala No, the mayor was invited to every gala. You just happen to be the mayor. I think if you’re not thinking about these things as you’re going about your day, it’s very easy to get twisted.
RELATIONSHIP WITH SQUAMISH NATION
Q: With Squamish Nation, it’s been interesting to hear you and see you evolve with that relationship. With where the District is now, some people in the community are really struggling with it. They’re concerned about the memorandum of understanding and what it could mean. What would you like to say to people who are worried? We do not have all the minute details and people are, especially with the Cowichan Tribes decision, there’s a lot of fear specifically about personal land being taken and what it will mean and feeling they are not being involved.
A: The discussion around these things has been kind of led by fear, and clickbait/fear bait or rage bait headlines. The facts of what that is have been weaponized by, in my opinion, by folks who see some sort of opportunity in division And I think it’s important to ask questions and have curiosity. I’m seeing a distinct lack of curiosity in a lot of these comments as they’re expressing how afraid they are of this
I think that it’s important to understand that all of this, the complexities of reconciliation, writ large, are largely what we make of them And I think that over the many decades here at the District of Squamish, the relationship with the Squamish Nation has been evolving and building and we’re working together and we’re getting to the point now where we can be working together in a good way on various initiatives.
I also am really excited that of the many, 16, I think it is, local governments that the Squamish Nation works with, we have an MOU with the Nation That highlights their priorities and the things we can work on together
There has been no discussion with “land back” of private land Like that’s not a thing. What we’ve committed to is to have a discussion and to have a group that can work through what the possibilities [could
MAYOR: Continued on 5
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Mayor Armand Hurford in his office
Continued from 4
be or should be with public, not private, land].
That work hasn’t commenced, we’ve committed to sitting at a table and having a fulsome discussion about what that could and should look like, eventually, for Squamish.
That’s the commitment at this point. And as that work advances, I think we can start filling some of the gap that we have now between where we are and where some folks are who have been expressing fear And yes, there are many unanswered questions. There are no certainties in life and the only constant is change. So we are likely to be in a different place in the future than we are now.
And we’d like to be at the table discussing that as, as that unfolds.
REGIONAL TRANSIT
Q: You also mentioned advocacy and regional transit. In your view, will we ever get it?
A: Public regional transit continues to be a challenge. There has been some progress A lot of this work, progress, looks like conversations are being of a different tone—these types of things. This advocacy is being led by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District where myself, Coun Jenna Stoner, Coun Chris Pettengill also sit. I’ve met twice with the premier on the issue. We’ve met with the minister multiple times.
The conversations are advancing, but it continues to be incredibly challenging. The holdup is we need the province to commit to making it happen and to work with us to get through the mechanisms to do that We know that we’re overpaying for motor fuel in Squamish. We are paying more here for fuel than they pay in Vancouver. And not one red cent of that is going to a bus. That’s a problem. But there’s a resistance to bringing in a motor fuel tax.
In the other areas where they have a motor fuel tax, including Metro Van, the motor fuel tax has been proven to be a diminishing revenue source because EV adoption is quite high. And we have one of the highest rates of EV adoption here in Squamish, in the province, the country. So as that diminishing return starts to have an impact, less [motor fuel tax], fewer people are buying gas. So there’s a reckoning of needing a new funding source for not just transit, but roads, highways these things as well
Now our numbers have shown that we’re not seeing less sales of fuel in Squamish and that’s not happening here yet Further to that, right now we have a committee working on the issue. We would like the province to strike a commission, which gives us authority to act. But Indigenous nations are not allowed on commissions And we have been working with Squamish Nation and Lillooet Nation on our committee. This is another problem
that we need to work on because those are our partners as we work on this. So there’s a lot of moving pieces. I think that there might be some workarounds, but there are some challenging pieces here
Q: You aren’t one of the Metro Vancouver mayors demanding the B.C. government repeal housing legislation. What’s your perspective on what the province is requiring with housing targets to reach and what that does to the District?
Because there must be friction points?
A: I do think it’s important to understand that local government exists at the will of the province It does, which means they can modify what our roles and responsibilities are over time.
They can override any mechanisms, override decisions of local government and impose things.
With the housing legislation, now no municipality can zone exclusively for a single-family home anymore. You can still build one if that’s what you want to do, but the rights on those properties now are for a higher density.
So, we have a housing affordability challenge in Squamish I do not think that supply is the only solution, it plays a role If there’s a scarcity, then it has more value. We might be the poster child for that because we have seen an incredible rate of growth.
What people are willing to pay, that’s the value, continues to climb. So, I’m
We are paying more here for fuel than they pay in Vancouver. And not one red cent of that is going to a bus. That’s a problem.
MAYOR ARMAND HURFORD
supportive of the province’s end goal, I guess, which I’m viewing as providing more varied forms of housing.
We were not having a shortage of housing supply being delivered. We had to divert staff to address the province’s housing requirements . If you drive around the community, very, very, very few of these Bill- 44-enabled scenarios have happened And it caused consternation inside of many communities, including ours around what it could be or should be In a lot of ways, it was much ado about nothing.
From a Squamish perspective, yeah, we did, we did what was asked of us and I don’t think it’s moved the needle for us at all. And they have actually set us back a little bit with the resourcing that it took to do
MAYOR: Continued on 7
LOCAL DUO JOINS FIGHT AGAINST OLD-GROWTH LOGGING ON VANCOUVER ISLAND
Two individuals from Squamish are speaking out after spending time at the front lines of the Walbran Valley blockade on Vancouver Island
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
Two people living in Squamish recently returned from the Walbran blockade on Vancouver Island, hopeful for meaningful change to prevent old growth logging in B.C.
Sarah Higgins was inspired to take action while finishing her undergraduate degree in international studies at Simon Fraser University.
“It felt so wrong to just sit there and write an essay about it, and then close my laptop and walk away, and then I saw on the news that this blockade was ongoing on Vancouver Island. And that was kind of all the motivation I needed,” she said.
In less than 24 hours, she had packed her car, took an early morning ferry, and was on her way to the camp
“I think my drive to the blockade just reinforced how important it was to be there, because as you’re driving to where the block is, you see this magnificent, beautiful, ancient rainforest, and then you turn a corner and there’s just cut block after cut block,” she said
“It’s just so overwhelming seeing that sort of beauty and compared to that sort of destruction.”
Joel Gillman arrived at the blockade in December after RCMP enforcement dismantled the cougar camp, a camp where blockaders created a giant wooden sculpture of a cougar
“I was largely involved in the rebuilding of the new camp they had established and further trying to block the road to prevent logging,” he said
As an outdoor recreationalist, he believes these forests should be protected for benefit beyond economics.
The two were there on invitation from Pacheedaht Elder Bill Jones, whose traditional territory is being logged.
Jones says his spiritual beliefs guide his actions to protect the Walbran Valley, and just as one respects and protects their birth mother, so too should they respect and protect the great Mother Earth.
“[I’m] living a commitment to do what our Great Mother implores us to do Look after her!” he said in an interview from his home on Vancouver Island
“There are three main posts in our spiritual beliefs on our reserve. It’s sort of simple, almost like sitting at our family supper table. And Dad says that, ‘Sony, you sit and be quiet at your mother’s table. And you say please and thank you to whatever she provides you.’ And you listen to your Great Mother and do what she says and you protect and care for our Great Mother,” Jones said.
Jones was also involved in advocating for protection of the forest ecosystem at Fairy Creek, which became the largest act of civil disobedience in Canadian history. Over 1000 people were arrested over the course of the protest.
INDUSTRY RESPONSE
Cawak ʔqin Forestry owns a tree farm license
Once an old growth forest is gone, there’s no bringing it back. There’s no reconciliation, there’s no apology, that can bring back a 2,000 year old forest.
SARAH HIGGINS
for timber harvesting in the Walbran Valley
The company is a partnership between Western Forest Products and Huu-ay-aht First Nation
A spokesperson said in an emailed statement that the supreme court of British Columbia granted the company an interim injunction that “prohibits anyone from interfering with or blocking access to the permitted harvest area and any road within the injunction area.”
They called the need for an injunction “disheartening” and highlighted the Pacheedaht First Nation has asked blockaders to leave but they’ve refused.
“Cawak ʔqin Forestry remains committed to its sustainability and stewardship initiatives that integrate cultural and ecological priorities, including the protection of culturally significant trees, support for traditional bark harvesting and respect for Indigenous knowledge. Moreover, harvesting activities undertaken by Cawak ʔqin Forestry are conducted in compliance with provincial regulations and best practices, including our measures to protect tall trees,” the statement reads.
Cawak ʔqin Forestry has asked the attorney general to charge blockaders breaching the injunction with criminal contempt, a heavier charge than the current civil contempt of court charge they face
Jones is a named defendant in that case
‘NO BRINGING IT BACK’
In spite of the threat of legal action and RCMP enforcement against blockaders, the two say their actions and actions from others like them are necessary to prevent further logging in old growth forests.
“Once an old growth forest is gone, there’s no bringing it back. There’s no reconciliation, there’s no apology, that can bring back a 2,000 year old forest” Higgins said.
Gillman urged supporters to contact the provincial government to voice their concerns.
“Call Premier David Eby,” he said
PHOTOS BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Sarah Higgins (left) and Joel Gillman (right) believe direct action against old-growth forest logging is necessary to protect what’s left of the B.C.’s oldest forests.
MAYOR: Continued from 5
Q: The next housing question comes from our intern. Will young people be able to own a home here? Or, put another way, are we becoming more of a resort, where only wealthy people can ever be homeowners?
A: One of the reasons that I wanted to be involved [in politics] was I wanted this to be a place where our youth could see a future for themselves and could participate in Squamish life and not feel that they need to go somewhere else to grow and establish themselves
We need below market in that housing, which can be rent geared to income, which is heavily subsidized to below market We need dedicated rental spaces
And yeah, maybe you need to be able to have studio availability, enough studio apartments. And if someone does want to purchase one, there’s some inventory of that type to get a foothold in and kind of try to move your way through the spectrum. Desirable places are expensive, but I wholly reject the sentiments that I have heard around, well, if you can’t afford to be here—move along. No For many reasons, including community cohesiveness, stability for our business community to have a workforce that doesn’t need to keep moving through. I think it’s incredibly important that we continue to work on this, but there’s not one magic thing. The solutions are nuanced and the impacts of decisions are felt over time So are we going in the right general direction? It’s more of a compass than a GPS to say this number of units solves it
We need to make sure that we’re providing options throughout the [housing] spectrum
Q: Keeping with the province and thinking about its ability to override local sentiment, which we saw with the independent power project years ago, and we saw with Woodfibre LNG. From when you were running for council till now, do you have any regrets over how things with WLNG have unfolded?
A: There’s two pieces there. Any regrets on WLNG and the Eagle Mountain pipeline, I can answer that Overall, I expected decisions and council discussions that led to them to be challenging. And they were Everything to do with both pieces of the project is incredibly challenging and it is triggering for a lot of people
And sometimes we provide comments on a subpar traffic management plan and we get pushback that ‘You’re having ideological opposition.’
I’m like, I have ideological opposition to terrible traffic plans? When we’re talking about what’s the impact to our housing market as we contemplate where the workforce is going to be.
Well, that’s an important question to ask regardless whether you support the project they’re working on or not.
So it’s really, really hard to have a conversation with the community of the scale that
we need to, with these pieces, with that sort of ever present.
Of course, right now we have some legal action underway from WLNG.
I think, you know, that course of action is available to any entity that we engage with on any of our decisions. Every decision made in council chambers can be challenged by a proponent or the public if they’re willing. So I would prefer that’s not where we are, but that’s an avenue that is always available with all of our work
And I would hope that there’s a path through that I can’t really talk about the specifics of that
If you look back at council, as a whole, we’ve had unanimous votes in support. We’ve had split votes in support. We’ve had split votes against. It’s a mixed bag and, of course, proponents are going to look at the outcome and you’re going to remember the things that don’t go your way. That’s human nature on an organizational level. And I think it will continue to be challenging, to be complicated.
The other part of it is we continue to be interested in having a tax agreement. I think that it would be great to provide some certainty to the proponent, just like a fixed rate mortgage That certainty comes at a bit of a price.
That makes good sense to me It’s also not required.
[The] property tax process is the property tax process and people pay their property tax. That’s how it works. A tax agreement is also not required.
Q: What do you think are going to be the top issues for folks in the next campaign, acknowledging that a lot can happen in nine months. Beyond housing, probably a bit about LNG, transportation, are there other things you maybe see as likely to come up?
A: We will not have a new rink or swimming pool by the time people are casting their ballot in October. So recreation will continue to be an issue. I think it’s important to understand the magnitude of the challenge. It’s not a situation where council is hoarding resources and sitting on top of them and refusing to construct a new facility the community is asking for. It’s very clear in our real estate facilities master plan
It’s very clear in our 10-year financial plan we just passed that it is incredibly expensive, incredibly complex. We’ve been working on this for years.
[The next elected officials] will be inheriting the complexities of the day and the guiding documents and so on, including the Community Charter. So, you know, it’s important to know these things. We have a facilities deficit.
We’ve acknowledged that. It’s been acknowledged in policy from way back. And we’ve been working to address that. No magic statement during the campaign is going to resolve that, although it would be very tempting for folks to say that.
Whoever’s in this room next, will have the
same financial realities largely as this council is dealing with.
We also have the library well over capacity and punching well above their weight for what they have.
And Municipal Hall. This building is at the end of life. That will continue to persist. How that gets addressed is consistent effort over time And, really that’s the only way that you move the needle on big complicated problems
And that’s what I would look for in leadership as I cast a ballot
A lot of people don’t understand that a mayor and council, yes, we’re here to make decisions on applications that come before us, but they need to match the official community plan (OCP).
Beyond being an advocate for the community. [it’s] about implementing and shepherding the OCP forward. That’s what the job is and that’s what you’re electing people to do.
Q: We know it is hard to get people to run for councils. What would you say to people who have ideas, but are a bit hesitant to run?
A: One of my next meetings today is with someone who is interested in running. I found the process of running alone, just running, to be incredibly valuable I thought I had a good understanding of my community, and I did, but it was nowhere near the maximum understanding. And I learned so much about the
community, so much about myself through that. Ultimately, I was successful, but a lot of the learning happens before the ballot gets cast.
Even people who weren’t successful, their ideas were part of the conversation and their values were expressed. I think there’s a huge value in running and I’d encourage anyone who is interested in running. I also would be happy to meet with anyone that’s interested
It’s important that we were able to have civil discussions.
Sometimes you hear that it is the role you should have to have some thick skin I wholly reject this concept entirely If you think about when you come and you say, “Oh, there’s this issue and I need help and how can you help me with this? I’ve got X, Y, Z things happening and I really want to make sure that this goes this way.” What you’re looking for is empathy in your decision-maker. Thick skin works both ways.
If you want a bunch of calloused decision-makers who will let everything roll off their back, you are going to be dealing with calloused leadership. I proudly wear my heart on my sleeve and I think it’s incredibly important that we work to create safe spaces to exchange ideas, to disagree I think the public can support this happening by calling out that bad behaviour when they see it, and trying to lead the discussion into the ideas and back from the precipice.
SQUAMISH BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY
Baha’i Faith
Baha’i Faith
ReconciliationisJustice
ThePower of One
Baha’u’llah, theprophet and founderofthe Baha’iFaith,explained theimportance of recognizing our oneness as brothers and sisters in thehuman family.Nothing of lasting valuecan be achieved in theworld otherwise. He wrote: “OChildrenofMen!Knowyenot whywecreated youall fromthe samedust? Thatnoone should exalthimselfoverthe other.Ponder at all timesinyourheartshow you were created. Sincewehavecreated you all fromone same substanceitisincumbent on you to be even asone soul, to walk with thesamefeet, eatwiththe samemouth and dwellinthe sameland, that fromyourinmostbeing,by yourdeeds and actions,the signs of onenessand theessence of detachmentmay be made manifest.” “Thewell-beingofmankind,its peace and security are unattainable unless anduntil itsunity is firmly established…Yeare thefruitsof one tree,and theleavesofone branch. Dealyeone with another with theutmostloveand harmony,with friendlinessand fellowship. HeWho is theDay Star of Truthbeareth Me witness! So powerfulis thelight of unitythat it canilluminatethe wholeearth ” VisitSquamishbahai.com
View this ad online:
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StartingFebruary17,theDistrictofSquamish isloweringthespeedlimitintheDowntown SquamishandOceanfrontareato30km/h.
Formoreinfovisit:squamish.ca/slowdown-downtown
Move,Groove, and Connect
Belly Dance–Beginner at The55ActivityCentre
Wednesdays,5:45–6:45 pm February18 to March25 This class is designed forjoy, expression, and community. Learnfun isolations and simple combos to vibrant music in asafe, inclusive, body-positivespace
Alllevels,all bodies welcome; no experienceneeded!
Hipscarves provided Drop-ins welcome, spacepermitting
Business Opportunities
Request forProposals
•Environmental Consulting squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
InfrastructureUpgrades
•Loggers East StormSewer projectcontinues on Finch Drive.
• X̱ wúneḵwPark SeaDike upgrades continue. squamish.ca/building-our-future
and COUNCILLOR FRENCH
11:30am–12:30pm Wednesday,February18, atMunicipalHall(CouncilChambers)
Getemergency information directly through Squamish Alert. squamish.ca/alert
SpringPrograms
Viewable Online: March3
Registration Begins: 8 am,March 10
Seniors’ Open Gym (55YRS+)
at Westwinds Senior Living
11:15 am–12:30 PM pm, Tuesdays & Thursdays
Seniors’Open Gym is agreat optionfor thosewanting access to fitness equipment outside of joining aformal gym. Prepayment is required and canbemade at The55 Activity Centre,BrennanParkRecreation Centre or online.
Checkout the arena andpool schedules!
MAUREEN GILMOUR — PASSING OF AN INSTITUTION
ASquamish institution has left us Maureen Gilmour passed away just over a month ago at the age of 93
From 1970 to 2014, Gilmour wrote a social news column (plus council and church news) for three local newspapers the Squamish Citizen, the Squamish Times, and The Squamish Chief. Institution—a social news column? Well, when Gilmour switched newspapers she took her brand, her institution with her. Depending on where she was writing, the column was called “Squamish Earful,” then “About Town” and for a while the “Just in Time.”
She introduced her column to the readers of the Squamish Times on Jan. 28, 1974:
“Having written this column in the Citizen for over three years, I now look forward to bringing you the latest social news in the Times If you are new in the community, have visitors, just back from a trip, wish to announce the arrival of twins or other new additions, birthdays, etc. please give me a call.”
So, what were the contents of the column over the years?
Charity fundraising events, parent advisory council meetings, the upcoming ball at the Legion, birthdays, wedding anniversaries, health clinics, prize winners, broken legs, successful fishing trips, university graduations, window displays to check out, the upcoming weavers and spinners guild meeting, and a need for volunteers at Hilltop House:
“Some folks don’t have relatives or friends in Squamish, and your visit could help to cheer their day.”
Think of how we use Facebook, Instagram, eNews and Eventbrite subscriptions today. Gilmour’s Squamish Chief newspaper columns and their readership actually lasted well into the era of internet social media channels
“She was really behind in technology,” Gilmour’s granddaughter has related. Her columns were never delivered via email. She would enjoy walking over to the newspaper office to hand deliver the week’s column
[For a time, the current editor of The Squamish Chief, Jennifer Thuncher, was tasked with typing them up for publication.]
Her answering machine was the first and last thing to be checked, through the day.
A few years prior to retiring, Gilmour received a News Media Canada Silver Quill Award for 40 years of distinguished service to local newspapers.
COMMUNITY THEATRE PLAYER
Another field in which Gilmour made noteworthy contributions was Squamish community theatre, where for over 25 years she was backstage and front of house volunteer, actress and performer.
Call forExpressions of Interest
TheDistrictofSquamish is seekingexpressions of interest forcaféspaceat 1009 Centennial Way(Brennan Park Recreation Centre).
Availablefor Lease: Café Space: 181ft2 (shell space)
Interested parties areaskedtosubmit an expression of interest byFriday, February27at4:30 pm
Pleaseforward your submission to: Rosella Bianco,Customer ServiceSupervisor rbianco@squamish.ca |604-898-6882
Formoreinformationand submission details visit: squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
AreYou Over theAge of 65?
She first appeared on stage with the Howe Sound Players in the 1978 “Musical Revue,” dancing and singing “Beside the Seaside” and the “Mickey Mouse March.”
A fellow Times newspaper columnist and no slouch as theatre critic, Forrest Johnston wrote about Gilmour’s performance in “Entertainment—Now and Then” in 1981:
“Maureen Gilmour, a late bloomer on the local stage as on previous occasions showed a stage presence and a sense of involvement far beyond the demands of her role She even managed to make believable the scene in which she [playing an 80 year-old] dropped her cane and danced the Charleston.”
In reviewing a later Drama Club production, Johnston would write again of Gilmor that, “She showed a good deal of that indescribable quality called stage presence.”
Then there was her “family”—of Marilyn Clarke, Shirley Deno, Frankie Ferguson, Evelyn Dawson, Glenora Odenbach, Peg Tinney, Donna Wright—who through the 1980s and 90s would convene at various events around the community as “The Skunk Holler Stompers of Bughouse,” performing zany, crowd-pleasing songs and antics, “sure to set music in Squamish back by 50 years.”
Gilmour’s “stage presence” and “sense of involvement far beyond the demands of her role” had always been part of her success and contribution also as a newspaper columnist
Among the things learned at the celebration of life held for Gilmour at the United Church recently was that she had always kept a guestbook in her home.
Home is a theme here Helping to make Squamish a home for all of us—traditions, gatherings, sharing news in her columns, hosting and entertaining in costume with the stompers around town—is what Gilmour represented and contributed.
Eric Andersen is a local amateur historian who has known Gilmour and her family for decades, and got to know her especially well in connection with the Howe Sound Drama Club History Project.
Do YouWearHearing Aids?
We’d like youtoparticipate in a90minutediscussion with District of Squamish staffand avisiting researchertohelpusimprove our communication.There will be snacks anda$10 gift cardasathank youfor your time.
To join,pleaseemail KeelyKidnerat kkidner@squamish.ca.
PHOTO VIA HOWE SOUND DRAMA CLUB HISTORY PROJECT
Maureen Gilmour (playing an 80-year-old) drops her cane and dances the Charleston in 1981 Howe Sound Players musical. GUEST COLUMN ERIC ANDERSEN
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EDITOR
JENNIFERTHUNCHER jthuncher@ lodestarmedia.ca follow @thuncher
EDITORIAL
TEAM SQUAMISH
There is so muchgoing on in theworld thesedays, it feelslikethe Milano Cortina2026WinterOlympic Games, slatedto begininhours (Feb.6 to 22), snuckuponmostofus.
Though,ofcourse, they didn’t sneakup on severallocalsand theirfamilieswho have counted down thehours andthe days untilthe games.
Before thecompetition starts,theyeach should know that thecommunity is proud and behind them,win or lose!Theyare all gold to us
LIZMCDONALD emcdonald@ lodestarmedia.ca
REPORTER INAPACE ipace@ lodestarmedia.ca REPORTER
SALESMANAGER
CATHIE GREENLEES cgreenlees@ squamishchief.com
MULTI- MEDIASALES REPRESENTATIVE KIMBOATMAN kboatman@ squamishchief.com
CIRCULATION MANAGER
DENISE CONWAY dconway@ squamishchief.com
PUBLISHER SARAHSTROTHER sstrother@lodestarmedia.ca
TheSquamishChief is amemberof theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependentorganization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca.Ifyou arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca orcalltoll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information
Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.
Theirdedicationand grit gotthemto wheretheyare as much as theirtalentand that is worthcelebrating.
Of course,there’s freestyleskier Cassie Sharpe,heading to herthird Olympics, representingTeamCanada.
Themotherofa youngdaughtershared beautifuland sweetmoments on TikTok of packingtoleave forthe gameswithout Lou, whohad hermom write“Boom Baby!”—a line from TheEmperor’s New Groove—on herskis.
Jasper Flemingis oneofseven firsttimers joiningTeamCanada’sbiathlon team,which is ledbyBeijing 2022 Olympian Adam Runnalls.
Thereare others in town whovitally supportCanadianathletesalsoinItaly for thegames,like, half-pipecoach Trennon Paynter, and Margaret-Phillips-Scarlett, whois headingto thegames as aphysiotherapist forthe half-pipeathletes.
Still otherlocalsare headingunder differentflags,but stillcarryingSquamish prideand supportwiththem, like freeskier AveryKrummewho will be representing Team USAand last,but certainlynot least, Squamishfreestyle skierMalicaMalherbe is also headed to thegames forthe first time,representing SouthAfrica.
Having seenthe Olympics come andgo in thecorridorin 2010,weknowthe anticipation and excitement that comes with thegames
We can’tall be thereinItaly in person to cheeryou on,but good lucktoall!
BEYOND THEHEADLINES
There’s alot of things Iwould ratherdothan speakin frontofacrowd.Cleaningthe entire housewithatoothbrush, or even undergoing arootcanal at thedentist—which Ihaveaphobia about—aremoreattractivethanthe thoughtof dozens of eyes staring in my direction.
Theonlything that wouldmakemeagree to speakistalking aboutmypassion,journalism.
Local Lauren Watson—she used to ownGround Up,the climbing gym—is afreelance journalist and the recipient of agrant from theBrown Institutefor MediaInnovationatColumbiaJournalismSchool tohostajournalism-basedevent.
Sheinvited me to be on a“Beyond theHeadlines: Covering localelections”panel at theBrackendale ArtGallery:Café&Culture Centre on Feb. 26.
Justin McElroy, municipalaffairs reporter for CBCVancouver—and chartguru—is on thepanel aswellasreporterTyler Olsen, whoiscurrently senior editor at TheTyee
And, yeah,Iwillbethere too.
Truthbetold,Iamhonoured to sitbesidethese esteemed mediafolk, andwould definitely be in theaudienceifIweren’t on thepanel
Thenight will includesomemunicipal election trivia,Watsonaskingthe panelquestions,moderated questionsfromthe audience andameetand greetafterward
It is nothyperbole to sayengaginginmunicipal electionsisthe best wayresidents canshape their communityand indeed theirlives
Conversationsabout localgovernmentelections arevital andtoo fewand farbetween
Theevent starts at 7p.m
Ticketsare by donation(suggested$10)and you getthemonEventbrite.
Hope to seeyou there!
EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK
JENNIFER THUNCHER
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, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
THE ELITISM OF ‘QUALIFIED’ SPEECH
In the Jan. 2 Squamish Chief editorial, “Squamish free speech concerns” the writer claims to defend Masha Kleiner’s right to speak, yet the editorial spends its most persuasive energy explaining why she shouldn’t be listened to This is a classic “bait and switch”: you concede the legal right to a venue while simultaneously declaring her “unworthy” of using it Your focus on “qualifications” is a move straight out of the elitist playbook Since when did the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms require a PhD or a “scholar’s” license to participate in public life? By suggesting that a software developer has no business discussing decolonization, you are advocating for a society where only a government-approved elite are allowed to talk, while the rest of us are expected to simply “listen to an Elder” or “read a book” that carries your seal of approval Furthermore, by loading your “defense” with character attacks, calling her “childish,” “snarky,” and “ill-informed,” you are engaging in the very bullying you claim to oppose. You have “poisoned the well” before the discussion even began. This isn’t a defense of free speech; it’s a social execution.
LETTERS POLICY
Finally, when you say you “share the hurt” of those offended, you are validating the District’s core argument: that certain words are “harmful” and threaten “safety.”
You cannot have it both ways. If words are harm, the District was right to cancel her. If words are not harm, but merely ideas, then your editorial should have focused on the District’s overreach rather than acting as a volunteer for their smear campaign
The District of Squamish used a padlock to silence a citizen; you used a pen to delegitimize her Both are tools of the same censorship The public doesn’t need a newspaper to tell us who is “qualified” to speak in our community centre we are perfectly capable of listening and deciding for ourselves.
Aaron Clements Squamish
SPEECH ALREADY CONSTRAINED
In Canada, speech is already constrained by law. We have clear statutes dealing with incitement to violence, hate propaganda, and slander. Those limits are deliberate, narrow, and rooted in due process. Anything beyond them becomes discretionary power rather than law. When a District revokes permission to speak at a public venue, its reasoning must
rest squarely on those legal standards— not on reputational risk, ideological disagreement, or anticipatory judgments about what might be said.
Would Ms. Kliener’s speech have violated Canadian law? We don’t know.
Did she have relevant convictions that would justify pre-emptive exclusion? I’m not aware of any.
What I do know is this: the District’s actions were not consistent with the rule of law. They acted without demonstrating a legal threshold had been met.
If the people of Squamish accept that precedent uncontested, there is no principled reason to expect the law to protect anyone’s rights in the future—only the rights of those currently in favour It is not for you, me, or the District to decide which lawful ideas may be expressed. That authority belongs to the law itself, not to those acting on sentiment
Authoritarianism is not defined by censorship alone, but by enforcing obedience to authority at the expense of individual liberty. Equality before the law was abandoned the moment access to a public forum was denied without legal justification.
Steven Adamson Squamish
The Squamish Chief welcomes letters to the editor of up to 400 words. Letters should be exclusive to this publication and are meant to respond to a local story in The Squamish Chief or raise an issue happening in town Please include your name, neighbourhood and daytime phone number The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for Thursday’s edition. Full names and neighbourhood will be published with the letter The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit letters for length and clarity or to address legal concerns Email letters to: editor@squamishchief.com
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
How do you celebrate Valentine’s Day
Have your say at squamishchief.com
Should controversial speakers be banned from District of Squamish facilities?
Help needed for Squamish resident, currently in U.S. ICU, to return to Canada
In celebration of diversity, the Multicultural Day will be returning to Totem Hall on Saturday, Feb. 7 from 11:30 to 4 p.m. This will be the event’s 33rd celebration since 1993, when it first brought the community together to “[share] food, music, traditions, and stories,” explains a press release from event organizer, the Squamish Multifaith Association.
PHOTOS BY BRIAN AIKENS
WINGIN’ IT: Just some seasonal locals hanging out. Have a photo to share? Send it to jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Notice of BylawReadings
DistrictofSquamish Zoning Bylaw No. 2200,2011, Amendment Bylaw (Indoor Recreation) No. 3208, 2025
Noticeisherebygiven in accordancewith Section 467ofthe Local GovernmentAct,thatDistrictofSquamish Council will be consideringfirst, second and thirdreadingof DistrictofSquamishZoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, AmendmentBylaw(Indoor Recreation) No.3208, 2025.
AffectedLands
Allproperties wherethe zoning allows indoor recreation and/or fitness centre as permitted uses
ProposedBylaw Amendments
Thepurpose of the proposedbylawistoamendthe definition of indoor recreation in the zoningbylawtoprovide clarity on thetypes ofactivities that fall under this use.This revised definition includes abroader referencetothe types of activities thatwould fall underthis use,including artistic activities. It also covers activities thatwould have previously fallen underthe fitness centre use.The bylawalso proposes deletingthe definition of fitness centre andreplacing it with indoorrecreationasa permitteduse in the zones where fitness centre is currently permitted.
When
Tuesday, February17, 2025,at6:00 p.m.
Where Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia.
No Public Hearing Required
In accordancewith Provincial legislation, Section 464(2) of the Local GovernmentAct,alocal government is not required to hold apublic hearing onaproposed zoning bylawifanOfficial Community Plan (OCP) is in effect and thebylawisconsistentwith the OCP.This proposed rezoning meets those requirements
HowtoViewthe Proposed Bylaws
Acopyofthe proposed bylawand relatedinformation thathas been or maybe considered by Council maybeinspectedonline or at Municipal Hall Online at: squamish.ca/showcase
Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, BritishColumbia,from February 5toFebruary12, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Enquiries regarding the proposedamendmentbylawmay be made to the Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca. This is the first of twonotices,dated this5th dayofFebruary, 2026, at Squamish, British Columbia.
NoticeofBylawReadings
DistrictofSquamish Zoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, AmendmentBylaw(38921 Queens Way)No. 3092, 2024
Noticeisherebygiven in accordancewith Section467 of the Local GovernmentAct,thatDistrictofSquamish Council will be considering first, second and thirdreading of District of SquamishZoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, AmendmentBylaw(38921 Queens Way) No.3092, 2024
AffectedLands
38921 Queens Way, Squamish BC
Proposed BylawAmendment
Thepurpose of the proposed Bylawistoallowfor automobile orientedcommercial use on an additionalportion of 38921 Queens Way, andtoamend the automobile orientedcommercial use definition to clarify that supporteduses includea broad range ofmotor-powered recreational vehicles
When February17, 2026 at 6:00 p.m.
Where
Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, or electronically at: squamish.ca/live-meetings
No Public Hearing Required
LOCATION MAP
In accordancewith Provincial legislation, Section 464(2) of the Local GovernmentAct,alocal governmentisnot required to hold apublic hearing on aproposed zoning bylawifanOfficial CommunityPlan (OCP) is in effect and the bylawisconsistentwith the OCP.This proposed rezoning meets those requirements
HowtoViewthe ProposedBylaws
Acopyofthe proposed bylawand relatedinformation thathas been or maybe considered by the Council can be inspectedonline or at Municipal Hall Online at: squamish.ca/showcase
Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, from February5toFebruary17, 2026, between 8:30 a.m.and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Fridayexcept forstatutory holidays Enquiries regarding the proposed amendmentbylawmay be made to the Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca. This is the first of twonotices,dated this 5th dayofFebruary, 2026, at Squamish, British Columbia.
‘MASS IN D MAJOR’ BY ETHEL SMYTH COMES TO CANADA WITH TENOR FROM SQUAMISH
A former local resident is set to make waves on the Vancouver classical music scene
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Former Squamish local Lyndon Ladeur will soon be taking his voice to the Orpheum Theatre stage.
On Feb. 28 the tenor will be a soloist in the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs (VBFC) Canadian premiere of Dame Ethel Smyth’s Mass in D Major.
Smyth was a trailblazing British composer and suffragette, whose music and life defied expectations in the then very male-dominated world of the late 1800s to early 1900s.
She wrote the anthem The March of the Women for the British women’s suffrage movement and was deeply involved in activism for women’s rights
Ladeur says it is a refreshing change to be singing pieces written by a woman.
“The joyous stuff is where she brings the choir together most, whereas when it’s something more melancholy, she’ll do much more interesting layers of music,” he said “It’s so poetic.”
The challenge of the piece is, like most pieces, learning it all.
“It’s really hard I don’t sing a lot in Latin,” he acknowledged. “I’ve focused a lot of my time in the last number of years on strictly opera So it’s been a while since I’ve gotten my tongue onto the Latin language. And there’s so many variations of Latin to make sure that you’re doing it correctly.”
Smyth was also openly queer, known for her relationships with women, something not common at the time, a fact about her that Ladeur appreciates.
“It means a lot to me. I’m a queer person and so to get to perform music by queer writers and somebody who is openly—to an extent—queer is always so special because a lot of music we now know was written by people who to some extent were queer, but they didn’t live openly and no one really knew about it,” he said
“We find out from their diaries, which is sad. I wish that we could have seen them be more out and open about their lives. But it’s exciting to get to do music like this, where I know that she was a very open person.”
Others featured in the performance are Leslie Dala as conductor, soprano Julia LoRusso, mezzo-soprano Marianne Bertrand and bass-baritone Mihnea Nitu, alongside the VBFC symphonic choir.
The VBFC is one of the largest choral groups in Metro Vancouver.
FROM SQUAMISH TO THE CITY STAGE
Ladeur was a student and later a teacher for years at Squamish Academy of Music.
EnvironmentalProtectionNotice
Applicationfor aPermitamendment Underthe Provisionsofthe
EnvironmentalManagementAct
We,FortisBCEnergyInc.(16705Fraser Highway, Surrey,BC),intend tosubmitthisamendment applicationtothe Director to amend PermitPE-110163,issuedMarch 25,2024, whichauthorizes the dischargeofeffluentfromthe EagleMountain—WoodfibreGas Pipeline (EGP)Project during construction of thetunnel.
Thelocationofthe source of thedischarge associated with theamendment applicationisdescribed as theWoodfibre Site, PID015-791-611,DistrictLot 6237,DL1337&DL6232, locatedwithin theDistrictofSquamish.
However, his road to music started later than one might expect
“I grew up an athlete. I played hockey to a high level for a long time I played baseball and basketball and volleyball I did all of the things and I was more of an academic than I was an art kid. I didn’t do my first musical until I was in Grade 10,” he said.
“I didn’t start taking lessons until two years after that. I took my sweet time finding the things that I actually enjoyed doing it.”
In addition to the upcoming Mass in D Major Ladeur is also currently in the Yulanda M. Faris Young Artist Program at Vancouver Opera, on contract working on the Cosi Fan Tutte, a short comedic opera by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.
For those who haven’t been to a classical concert or an opera, Ladeur encourages them to give it a go
“Don’t be afraid to experience new things because you’ve been told a certain stereotype of a genre,” he said
“When I used to go watch Vancouver opera shows before I ever worked with them, I would go in flip-flops, shorts and a tank top. Would some of the people give me a little bit of a look?
Sure
But was I really comfortable and watching a performance that made me happy? That’s the point. I don’t think any modern performer really cares how you show up.We just want you to give it a shot and see if you like it…Not everybody’s going to like it and that’s totally valid, but you might surprise yourself and really love something that you’re presented with.”
Tickets for Mass in D Major are $20 to $55 on the Vancouver Bach Family of Choirs website. The show starts at at 7:30 p.m.
Theamendment applicationrequeststhatthe permitted discharge volumebechangedfrom1,500 m3/day to 6,815m3/day to allow forthe treatmentand dischargeofadditional volumesof waterencountered duetowater ingresswithinthe tunnel being constructedtosupport theEGP Project. Additionally,based on resultsofroutine monitoring,which have identifiedregionally elevatedconcentrations of dissolvedcopperand total/dissolved aluminum,the applicationrequestschanges to dischargequality requirements from applicable (acute freshwater)BCWater Quality Guidelinesto0.00366 mg/L fordissolved copper andtoestablish anumericdischarge waterquality limitfor dissolvedaluminum at 2.42 mg/L.Permitrequirements will be determined throughthe amendmentapplication review processwiththe BritishColumbia Energy Regulator.
Thewaste dischargeamendment applicationcan be foundat talkingenergy.ca/bc-energy-regulator-waste-dischargeauthorization-permit.Any person whomay be adverselyaffected by theproposedamendment andwishestoprovide relevant informationmay,within30daysafter thelastdateofposting, publishing,service or display, sendwritten commentstothe applicantvia email to egp@fortisbc.com,withacopy to the RegionalDirector, EnvironmentalProtectionatEnvironmental Stewardship,British Columbia Energy Regulator6534100th Avenue,FortSt. John,BCV1J 8C5, Waste.Management@bc-er.ca andinclude theauthorizationnumber. Theidentityofany respondentsand thecontentsofanythingsubmitted in relation to this applicationwillbecomepartofthe public record.
Contact us:
PHOTO BY EMILY ROCHA
Lyndon Ladeur will soon be taking his voice to the Orpheum Theatre stage.
FortisBCuses the FortisBCname and logo under licensefromFortis
EMANo. PE-110163
CAMPING FEES AND VISITOR SURCHARGE COMING FOR SOME PARKS
Porteau Cove, Alice Lake and Nairn Falls, Garibaldi and Joffre Lakes parks among the 63 provincial parks seeing changes this summer
But wait, what is a frontcountry camping area?
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Camping fees are going up at some Sea to Sky Corridor provincial parks, and a new camping surcharge is being introduced for people living outside B.C. who visit provincial parks.
Porteau Cove, Alice Lake and Nairn Falls parks are among the 59 high-demand frontcountry parks, while Garibaldi and Joffre Lakes parks are among the four backcountry parks where camping fees will increase.
Fees remain unchanged in 388 of the province’s parks.
The move is in response to record visitation, escalating operating costs, and the growing impacts of extreme weather, according to a provincial news release.
Frontcountry means an area within one kilometre of a park road or highway.
Conversely, backcountry means a spot more than one kilometre away from any roads. These areas are not accessible by vehicle and have few facilities available.
Fees will increase at the backcountry parks by an average of $13.62 per night.
Nightly fees will range from $17 to $25 per night, depending on the park.
Also, starting on May 15, 2026, non-B.C. residents will pay an additional $20 flat rate for staying in these parks.
There will be reduced rates for people with disabilities and winter camping.
This fee will also apply to renting a cabin and using mooring buoys and docks.
Approximately 15% of BC Parks visitors are from outside of the province, the government
said.
Residency will be assessed by the home address people provide when making a reservation or arriving at a campsite that’s first-come, first-served
Fee increases will go toward services in the parks, the province said
“As British Columbians, we care deeply about our parks and recreation areas, and we recognize the significant cultural, economic and recreational roles they have for communities. At the same time, they have seen challenges, from extreme weather impacts to significant increases in visitors,” said Tamara Davidson, Minister of Environment and Parks, in a news release.
“By renewing the parks and recreation system, we are creating a more sustainable operating model that strengthens stewardship and long-term protections of the natural spaces people cherish.”
Squamish said the organization understands the pressures BC Parks is facing with record visitation, climate impacts, and rising operating costs.
“Issues related to steady increases in visitation have been recognized by the Sea to Sky Destination Management Council, of which Tourism Squamish is a part The council has advocated that BC Parks increase its budgets to ensure sufficient management and stewardship of government-owned tourism assets—including trails, garbage clean-up, outhouses on Crown land, campgrounds, parking, etc.,” she said in an emailed statement.
Weeks added that Tourism Squamish supports efforts that reinvest directly into park infrastructure, safety, and stewardship.
“Our parks are a huge part of what makes the Sea to Sky special, and maintaining them matters,” she said.
Louise Pedersen, Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C., noted parks and trails are vital public assets that support community health, well-being, and local economies.
“As use continues to grow, targeted reinvestment in the parks system helps ensure these benefits remain available to British Columbians, while supporting the infrastructure and stewardship needed to care for these places responsibly,” she said in the release.
Increased fees will be in effect from June 15 to Labour Day.
TOURISM SQUAMISH ‘WATCHING CLOSELY’
Lesley Weeks, executive director of Tourism
“That said, it’s important that fee changes are implemented thoughtfully. Many visitors to Squamish already face limited accommodation options and capacity constraints, so affordability and access, particularly for shoulder-season and longer-stay travellers, remain important considerations,” Weeks continued.
“We’ll be watching closely to understand how the new non-resident surcharge affects travel behaviour and local communities, and we encourage ongoing transparency about how revenues are reinvested on the ground When visitors see a clear connection between fees and improved facilities, trail maintenance, and visitor management, it strengthens support for long-term sustainability.”
PHOTO BY KAREL STIPEK/ ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Alice Lake Provincial Park is one of the Sea to Sky campground fees increase this summer
CLASSIFIEDS
BOOK YOUR AD
604-892-9161
classified@squamishchief.com
Deadline: Monday3pm
July 19, 1941 -January 21, 2026
Withdeepsadness,ourfamilyannouncesthat RoseVictoriaWhittaker,belovedwife,mother, grandmother,sister,andauntpassedaway suddenlyatherhomeinCowichanBayonJanuary 21,2026,attheageof84.
RosewasthedevotedwifeofJamesWhittaker, lovingmothertochildren:Brock(Eve),Marla (Cleve),andJanice(Steve).Shewasaproudand
Rolo theRabbit
Rolo came into ourcareasa strayand wasveryshy. Shehas come areallylongway in shelterand is warminguptostaff ands volunteerswitheachpassing day, eating from your hand andexploring herspace Rolo will need apatient,lovinghomethatunderstands shemay take time to feel safe andcomfortable
Rolo hasa lotofpotential andwill need consistency anda gentle approach.She is still startled by fast movements, butoncecomfortable,she will be wonderfully funand affectionate companion. Rolo would do bestina quiethomewitha predictable routineand minimalnoise.She maydowellwith older, respectful children whounderstandher need forspace
Rolo is litterbox trainedand uses it almost exclusively. Sheisa very cleanand tidy bunny!.
cherishedGrandmumtofivegrandchildren: Brayden,Rhys,Ethan,Cassidy,andFynn,who broughtherendlessjoy,sistertoMatthew Morgadoandsister-in-lawtoWaylandRead. Rosewillalsobefondlyrememberedandgreatly missedbyhermanyfriendsandlovedoneswhose livesshetouchedwithherwarmth,generosity, andsteadypresence.Shewaspredeceasedbyher motherJenniedeSousaMorgado,fatherJoséde SousaMorgado,andsisterMary-EllaRead
Rosecarriedfamilyatthecentreofherlife.Rose andJimweremarriedfor57wonderfulyears andraisedtheirfamilyinSquamish.Theirlong marriagewasawe-inspiringandsomething specialtobeholdandadmire.Theywerenearly inseparableinretirement,andseeingthetwo ofthemtogetherwasalwaysheartwarmingand incredibletosee.
Herhusband,children,andgrandchildrenwere hergreatestpriorities,andshetreasuredtime spenttogether.Shewastrulythematriarchof thefamily-aguidingforcewhoseabundantlove andcareshapedgenerations.Rosehadaspecial abilitytomakeeveryoneinherspherefeelloved, caredfor,welcomeandheard.Shewasagreat listener,veryempatheticandcompassionate. She couldrelateperfectlytoanyoneandeveryonewho soughthercounselorcomfort.
Roselovedherflowersandcouldoftenbefound tendingtohergardens,feedingthehummingbirds orspendingquiethoursonherpatio,gazingat thewaterandthehappeningsofCowBaywith herbelovedJim.Shealsoenjoyedtravellingand plannedmanyfamilytripstoKauai,whichheld manypreciousmemoriesforher.
Rosehadabeautifulsenseofstyleandlovedto dressup,tocelebrateandtolaugh.Whetheritbea birthday,aholidayortheannual“FestivalofRose” Shewouldalwaysbringoneofhersignature dishesforeveryonetoenjoy. Her“Whittaker” cake,bakedbeans,orstickytoffeepuddingwere amongthefavourites.Shelovedtheseevents withallofherpeopletogetherenjoyinglife andeachother
Rosetouchedmanylivesandleavesbehind alegacyoflove,kindness,andunforgettable memories. Shewillbedeeplymissedbyallwho knewandlovedher.
ACelebrationofRose’sLifewillbeannounced atalaterdate.
By ArborMemorial
To expresscondolences, sharememoriesand photos, please visit: www.sandsduncan.ca SandsofDuncan 250-746-5212
Rose Victoria Whittaker
APARTMENTS/CONDOS CLEANING HOMESERVICES
Previously Century21, ouroffice hasbeen providing exceptional real estate salesand rental accommodation services in the SeatoSky Corridor &throughout BC
CLICKORCALL TO VIEW...
www.prmbc.ca
604.892.5954 Unit 101-38142Cleveland Ave, Squamish
Res. Cleans SQ.Home 604-898-2333
Employee Health &Wellness Planavailable
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – Minimum 5years or 5,000 hours operating experience on excavator.Crushing Experience preferred. Full-time, Monday –Friday.$33-$46 perhour.
CONSTRUCTIONLABOURER – Great opportunity to learnon-thejob. Staminafor physically demanding work and perseverance to brave inclementweather required.Previous experiencepreferred butnot required. Training provided. $28-$33per hour.
PIPE LAYER –Minimum 5years experience in civil construction. Full-time,Monday –Friday.$33-$43 perhour.
TRUCK DRIVER –BCDL Class1 or Class3 with air brakes required. Manual transmission.2years experience preferred. $35-$41.50 perhour.
CRUSHING &EARTHWORKS MANAGER– Must have experiencewith civil construction. $33-$46per hour
APPRENTICE MECHANIC –Gain hands-onexperienceworking with heavy equipment andfleetvehicles in afast-paced environment. We offer aclear pathway to Red Seal certification.Entry-level: $27.03 perhour.
Employment Opportunity at SeatoSky School District No. 48
Required Immediately inthe Whistler,Pemberton Area
Building Trades -Mechanical/Plumber
This is aunionised position that offers arate of $38.27 per hour, 40 hoursper week, day shift. Excellent benefitpackage including pension, health, vacation and sick benefits.
Qualifications:
•Interprovincial Trade Qualifications (TQ) in plumbing with aRed Seal endorsement. (Apprentices may be considered)
•Class BGasfitter licence
•Sufficient physical strength andhealth to perform the dudes required for this position.
•Cross Connection control Certificate is an asset
• Valid Class 5B.C. Driver’sLicense
•Knowledge of Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)and Workers’ Compensation Board(WCB) safety procedures
•Successful applicants will be required to consent to criminal recordssearch prior to employment.
Apply with cover letter resume/application, cover letter to Kevin Pederson, Posting 6114, kpederson@sd48.bc.ca
Sea to Sky School District No. 48 values an inclusive environment, whereequity is deeply embedded and diversity welcomed. We are committed to creatingand cultivating diverse, inclusive and barrier-free environments for all applicants, employees, students,and their families.
ROUTE AVAILABLE
CAREERS
»squamishchief.jobfind.findem.ca
Fitness InstructorNeeded
Squamish Recreation and Cultureislooking forpassionate, fun, and community-minded individuals with the skills to lead adaptivefitness programs forolder adults.
Do you:
•Enjoyworkfull of movement, fun and fulfillment?
•Enjoyworking with seniors?
•Haveexperiencewith group fitness or rehabilitativefitnessinstruction?
• Like flexible shifts?
Then this position is foryou!
THE WHEELS TURNING WITHOUT THE 9-TO-5 STRESS!
ARE YOU ARETIRED DRIVER WHOMISSES THE ROAD BUT DOESN’T MISS THELONG HOURS? JOINOUR TEAM AS APART-TIME MIXER DRIVER AND WORK ONLYWHEN YOU WANT TO.
•Ultimate Flexibility: Youtell us which days you’re available. Perfect for golf days, familytime, or hobbies.
•Great Pay: Earnapremium wage for your experience. $39.96 -$45.96
•NoMixer Experience? No Problem: If you haveaClass 1orClass 3 license, we will provide full training on the Mixer truck
•Local Work: Stay close to home and be back for dinner everynight.
•Requirements: Valid Class 1or3License and apositive attitude.
•Apply Today: INFO@CARDINALCONCRETE.CA
1. Tackson
5. Building annexes
9. Hole-punching tool
12. Leak slowly
13. Banister 14. Fixedcharge
15. On an even 16. Allowedin
18. Parsleyunit
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21. Engine parts 24.Shocked responses
28. Nonconformist 32. Public melee
33. Smashingserve 34. Golden-haired 36. ‘60s do 37.Neat
43. Tease
44.Fisherman’spole
46. Lookssullen
50.Sideways
55. Fairy-tale baddie
56. Man
57.Sinister
58. Secludedvalley
59.Trinket
60.Writing surface
61.Stared at
DOWN
1. Probes 2. Not shallow
3. Doe
4. Edit film together
5. Memorable time 6. Young fellow
7. Chauffeured car
8. Hurl
9. Fore’s partner 10.Itty-bitty
11. Guided 17.Binge
19.Clothing
22.Moderate
23. Hurry
25. Filter
26._ over(study)
27.Finish
28. ActorLeBlanc
29.Unit of land
30.Mineral deposit
31. Realize
35. Trickle
38. Further
40.Moe or Curly
42. Paddled
45. Swoop
47.Homely
48. Poplar,e.g.
49.Cause to go
50.Easter edible
51.In_ course
52. Phys ed classroom
53. Sib
54. Broad-antlered beast
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
LASTWEEK’S ANSWERS:
HOROSCOPE WEEK
ARIES March 21-April 19
Emotions will be runninghigh within your circleoffriends this week.Onaromantic level, you mayneed to re-evaluate your situation if you want to truly flourish.You’ll no longertolerate compromise, and this will prompt you to takealong, hard look at your relationship
TAURUS April 20-May20
Despitesome tension at work, you’ll be able to useyour teamworkskills to move forward In matters of love,startinga relationship will requireyou to overcome doubts so you canbuildaricher and more promisingfuturetogether
GEMINI May21-June 20
In your professional life,your effortswill payoff, even if you’re feelingworn out. You’ll have to getmoreinvolved to expand your clientbase, and this will giveyou moredurable financial stabilityfor the yearstocome
CANCER June 21-July 22
Your self-esteem needsaboost. Although you givegenerously to others, youneed to devote more time and attention to yourself This is especiallytrueinthe case of some people who tend to take your kindnessfor granted.
SUDOKU
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Most of yourenergy will be focusedonyourfamilythis week.Inthe shortterm, a move or majorchangein yourpersonalorprofessional life maybenecessary and could proveparticularly beneficial.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Your social circlewill grow as you increase yourpresence on social media. Your skills and professional activities will gain visibility, bringingyou greater recognition and financial benefits.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
You’ll finallyreceivethe greenlight to finance a project, and you’ll take immediateaction. The comingweekisalsothe perfecttime to settle some of yourdebt, markinga new beginning.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Expect bigchanges in your romantic,professional and personal spheres this week. You’ll feel justifiable pride in yourachievements while putting in the effortneeded to ensurethe successofyourprojects
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
It’s time to recharge your batteries.Bepresent and get some rest.Aloved one will need yoursupportthis week.Ifyou’re feelingcreative, you’ll draw inspiration from yourintuition.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
You’ll be responsible for a large-scale projectinvolving severalpeople around you Despitesome challengesin gettingeveryone on board, yourdetermination and organizational skills will lead you to well-deservedsuccess.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
You’ll takeonnew responsibilities in both your professional and personal life.Yourcommitmentwon’t go unnoticed. Youcould be rewarded with apromotion and araise, givingyou agood reason to celebrate.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
You’ll feel inclinedtoembark on apilgrimage. Youmust carefullyprepare everythingover severalmonths if you want this adventure to become asourceof deep inspiration that guides you on yoursearchfor meaningand fulfilment.
HOWTOPLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3box contains the numbers1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. Youalready have afew numbers to getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box
BELOW-MARKET RENTAL HOMES
APPLYTHROUGH SQUAMISHCOMMUNITYHOUSINGSOCIETY
Applicants must meet employment and income requirements
CONTACT
Below-market rentals(eligibility required) & market rentalsvia Avesta 39180 FinchPlace, steps from BrennanPark 44-unitrental buildingwithmountainviews*
Sustainable, modern architecture
Indoor &outdoor amenityspaces
In-suite balconies, laundry, dishwasher, microwave&storage
1parking stall*, visitorparking &bikestorage
2
3
Scanthe QR code to learnmore about eligibilityrequirements and availability.
artemis@housingsquamish.ca