BC Housing representatives appeared before Squamish council this week on June 23 to provide an update on the HEART and HEARTH program.
The two-hour presentation and question period at the committee of the whole covered details about the program, including staffing, funding models and site selection. It comes after the initial proposed site at X_wún’ek_w Park was recently withdrawn.
The presentation was led by BC Housing staff Letizia Romei, acting director of regional development for the Lower Mainland, Cluny MacPherson, director of supportive housing delivery and Gillian Child, coordinated access and assessment manager.
According to the town’s most recent point-in-time homelessness count, at least 125 people are unhoused in Squamish
The District of Squamish applied to the HEART and HEARTH program in response to health and safety risks present in encampments, which span from the Squamish Valley to downtown and other areas with smaller footprints of people living outdoors Alongside safety concerns for the unhoused population, parents and business owners have raised concerns about the presence of unhoused
BC HOUSING: Continued on 2
PAGE 16
A first for Squamish PAGE 4
HARVEST HUB OPENS
BC HOUSING BRINGS HOMELESSNESS PLAN TO COUNCIL WITH SITE STILL UNKNOWN
The two-hour presentation covered staffing, funding and site selection for transitional housing and encampment outreach, as the province searches for a new location after withdrawing its initial proposed site
BC Housing staff present to the District of Squamish council about the province’s HEART and HEARTH program on June 23
GOT NEWS?
Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
SUPPORTIVE HOUSING SLATED FOR 2029 COMPLETION
BC Housing updated council on the 65-unit supportive housing project at 39900 Government Rd
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
Close to 70 supportive housing units slated for Government Road should be under construction in 2027.
BC Housing staff Letizia Romei, acting director of regional development for the Lower Mainland, and Cluny MacPherson, director of supportive housing delivery, updated District of Squamish council on an affordable and supportive housing project at 39900 Government Rd at the committee of the whole meeting on June 23
The project is a partnership between the District of Squamish as the landowner, BC Housing as developer, Housing Squamish as the non-profit affordable housing provider, and Squamish Helping Hands as the non-profit supportive housing operator
Ultimately, council voted unanimously to receive the report as recommended by District staff
The supportive housing component is moving forward, while the affordable housing portion was put on hold after the province paused its 2025 Community Housing Fund (CHF) intake. The affordable building would face Government Road on the north side of the site.
Exactly how affordable those units will be remains unclear. Housing Squamish is cited in the staff report saying the affordability mix depends on what funding can be secured and on market conditions.
“The project is unlikely to achieve the same level of affordability as the previously proposed CHF project. To ensure financial viability, the project may require a mix of affordable and low-end-of-market rental units At this stage, staff can confirm the project would be non-profit rental housing secured via a development permit condition and future
housing agreement bylaw,” the report states
The affordable housing building was intended to be six storeys, with 85 to 100 units in a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments As noted, funding has not been secured and no timeline for completion has been set.
The supportive housing building is six storeys and will house 65 studio homes, communal areas and fenced grounds with parking for vehicles and bikes. It is funded through BC Housing’s Supportive Housing Fund and is located on the south end of the site, towards Pioneer Way.
The studio units are for people 19 and older, “including seniors, people with disabilities, and others requiring support to maintain stable housing,” according to the report
Coun Jenna Stoner sought an update on project completion, noting that BC Housing’s engagement report was released seven months after the engagement took place, and that site clearing began in March.
Romei said site work will begin in early fall 2026, with construction set for late 2027 and completion targeted for 2029
BC Housing said engagement for the building began in June 2025 through a mix of correspondence, online information, information sessions and meetings with residents. Further communication began during site preparation in March 2026. BC Housing said it also met with residents of the adjacent mobile home park at 39884 Government Rd.
Some residents from the park and an adjacent housing complex raised concerns with The Squamish Chief about tree clearing that they said could contribute to hotter summer days, loss of wildlife habitat and flooding to their homes
“While no comments were received through the development review web page, District staff received several inquiries during the site
preparation, mainly related to tree removal and drainage District staff, the applicant team, and BC Housing met recently with the residents of the adjacent mobile home park and continue to work collaboratively to address questions and feedback,” planner Royn Hay said at the June 23 meeting.
Coun. Eric Andersen also raised those residents’ concerns, highlighting that building relationships with neighbours is central to BC Housing’s engagement mandate.
“They have related disappointment with the loss of a row of trees along the property line. However, that’s in the past, and there is evidently very strong empathy with and support for the goals of the project neighbouring them They have some practical recommendations regarding that interface strip. Their issues are not only privacy, but drainage and also ongoing maintenance of that strip. It may be a detail in the big picture here, but these are supportive and important neighbours I do recommend to the project partners, the technical team that engagement with these particular neighbours will be worthwhile,” he said BC Housing said key themes from respondents providing feedback on the project included questions and concerns about resident selection; the difference between supportive housing, shelter and transitional housing; safety, security and neighbourhood integration; site selection and planning process; and parking, traffic and infrastructure. BC Housing says it responded to those concerns in the organization’s summary report
Up next for the project is collaborative neighbourhood inclusion planning, which involves a letter of commitment from BC Housing to support the successful inclusion of the supportive housing in the neighbourhood An operations management plan and housing inclusion initiatives are also in the works.
In response to a question from Stoner about the potential for a good neighbour agreement, BC Housing staff said they prefer to move forward with a letter of commitment
“We’ve moved away from the good neighbour agreement model and I think part of the reason is that it created a lack of clarity around role and responsibility,” MacPherson said.
He said the housing provider is contracted primarily to deliver operational excellence at the facility, and that tensions can arise around resourcing and mandate when they are expected to also manage the broader public realm impact related to homelessness.
Stoner also sought details about whether all supportive housing builds include supports for people who use drugs, and asked how BC Housing manages that portion of its portfolio.
MacPherson said data indicates addiction has been a component of the experience of people who are homeless or experiencing homelessness, and that BC Housing’s programs aim to respond to that need
Stoner asked whether the needs of the Squamish community have significantly changed over time She said when council first envisioned the program—people sheltering at Under One Roof before moving to supportive housing—it was under the assumption that residents would be further stabilized.
“It feels like that model has kind of shifted and I’m just curious to temperature check if that’s real,” she said.
MacPherson said he was not certain of the answer but that Under One Roof operates several service models He said the new development would work alongside that program, and that a more focused service model with greater stability would offer a fundamentally different support model for Squamish Helping Hands to develop in partnership with BC Housing.
An evening celebrating community impact by Squamish non-profits and their funders was held at Legion, giving folks the opportunity to network and reflect on their combined efforts
INA PACE
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
The Squamish Community Foundation (SCF) celebrated the gifts which literally keep on giving, with a reception commemorating this year’s local non-profits and their respective fund holders.
Catering was provided by Squamish CAN, who have recently launched a Harvest Hub downtown, where folks will be able to pick up local produce from vendors.
smaller-scale initiatives prior to this year had to be a registered charity or be partnered with one in order to be eligible to apply for funding from the SCF.
Owner of Valhalla Pure Murray Sovereign, who attended the event, said he was “happy to hear” doors were being opened to more organizations.
Valhalla Pure was the first business in Squamish to start donating 1% of its profits through its own endowment fund, which began in 2005, the SCF website reads.
“It’s a real thrill to have everyone in the same room, networking, and communicating, and just looking at how we can all work together to support the community,” Clarke said
“We’re pleased to be able to support our local organizations with funding, but also would really like to acknowledge all the people that make that happen, like our fund holders and our donors and our board and our community grants committee. We’re going to be doing more of these for sure.”
Applications for this year’s grants program,
which were focused on environmental sustainability, housing, and youth programming, ran through May 1 to June 1. $40,400 was ultimately granted to 18 organizations. These organizations and their respective initiatives are as follows:
SQUAMISH CHAMBER OF COMMERCE (Emerging Entrepreneurs)
FIRST TEE BC (First Tee Youth Development Program)
GATHER LITERARY SOCIETY (Free Book Fair at École Squamish Elementary)
INDIGENOUS WOMEN OUTDOORS (Rock Climbing Clinics)
OURSQUAMISH PLACEMAKING SOCIETY (Community Placemaking Meetups)
PASSION TO LEAD SOCIETY- (BWell)
PEARLSPACE SUPPORT SOCIETY (Rhythm and Resilience Program)
SEA TO SKY HOSPICE SOCIETY (Grief and Loss Community Programs)
SEA TO SKY INVASIVE SPECIES SOCIETY (Community Science and Experiential Learning)
SEA TO SKY NORDICS (John Heilig Legacy Park Active Transportation & Environmental Protection Initiative)
SNICHIM FOUNDATION (Medicine Harvest)
SQUAMISH OFF-ROAD CYCLING ASSOCIATION (SORCA) - (Culvert Inventory and Replacement Program for Trail and Ecosystem Protection)
SQUAMISH CAN (The Harvest Hub)
SQUAMISH HELPING HANDS SOCIETY (Community Garden)
SQUAMISH REBUILD SOCIETY (Inclusive Signage & Gateway Renewal at Squamish DOX)
SQUAMISH SIKH SOCIETY (Community Langar & Food Security Program)
WHISTLER ADAPTIVE SPORTS SOCIETY (Adaptive Summer Sport & Recreation Program – Squamish)
WHISTLER COMMUNITY SERVICES SOCIETY (Community Drug Checking and Overdose Prevention in Squamish)
“When you get funding from your community, I feel like it’s so special because it’s directly from some of these parents; people might have kids that go to the schools that are going to directly benefit, and that really cycles back for them,” owner of Gather Literary Society Julie Wilkins said at the event.
The first of the grant recipients who walked up to receive their cheque after speeches of
COMMUNITY: Continued on 5
CheakamusCommunity Forest Forest OperationsMap ID #3274
NoticeofPublicReviewand Comment
Baha’i Faith
Baha’i Faith
SQUAMISH BAHÁ’Í COMMUNITY
ReconciliationisJustice
Friendship
July 30th -The International Day of Friendship was proclaimed in 2011 by the UN General Assemblywiththe idea that friendship between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals can inspirepeace efforts andbuild bridges between communities.
So-Imagine livingina world whereeveryone was welcoming, kindness reigned, individuals ofall backgrounds cametogether andpeople werefrank yet respectful in their views. What if it was as simple as us treating each otherasfriends.
How do friendships grow and blossom?Friendships grow from acquaintances. One byone, by one, untilgroups become communities of friends that can move humanity forwardinunity and peace.
Friendship is based on trust.Building trust requires relationships that areboth respectful and based on integrity
Abdu’l-Baha has counseled us thus:
“Do not be content withshowing friendship in words alone,let your heart burnwith loving-kindness for all who maycross your path.” – Abdu’l-Bahá
“Wherefore, Omylovingfriends! Consort with all the peoples, kindreds and religions of the world with theutmost truthfulness, uprightness, faithfulness, kindliness, goodwill and friendliness, that all the world of being may be filled with the holy ecstasy of the grace of Bahá, that ignorance, enmity,hate and rancor may vanish from the world and the darkness of estrangementamidst thepeoples and kindreds of the world may give way to the Light of Unity ”–‘Abdu’l-Bahá
Let every day be friendship day –Itstarts with asmile and ahi! www.squamishbahais.com
Notice is hereby given that CheakamusCommunity Forest,holderofLicense #K3V,isseeking public review andcomment on Forest OperationsMap (FOM)ID #3274, whichiscovered by Forest StewardshipPlan#912 fora 32-dayperiodfrom July 2nd,2026, to August 3rd,2026. This FOMconsistsof7 proposed cutblocks, and associated roads, locatedinthe Callaghan andCheakamus Crossing areasinthe SeatoSky NaturalResourceDistrict.
TheFOM canbeviewedathttps://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects, andby searchingLicenseeusing the‘find’ functionorthrough theCheakamus Community Forest websiteHarvesting Planspage. It canalsobemadeavailable forin-person viewingduringnormalbusiness hoursatKintera Solutions Ltd.’s (formerlyChartwell Resource GroupLtd.) office at #201 –1121 Commercial Place, Squamish BC
Commentscan be submitted anytime duringthe 32-dayperiodthrough https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects, e-mailedtoCheakamus.FOM@crgl.ca, or mailedtothe addressnoted above. Please referencethe FOMIDwhen submitting comments.
Following thereviewand comment period,thisFOM maybereliedupontoapply fora Road Permit or CuttingPermitfor a3-yearperiod, ending August 3rd,2029.
WOODFIBRE LNG FILES NEW COURT PETITION AGAINST DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH OVER 2026 PROPERTY TAX BYLAW
Both the District of Squamish and WLNG say the petition is intended to preserve rights as the liquefied natural gas plant and the local government continue to negotiate
LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
Woodfibre LNG General Partner Inc. submitted a new petition to the Supreme Court of British Columbia June 5, 2026, against the District of Squamish, alleging the 2026 property tax rate bylaw for Class 4, major industries, “are illegal, unreasonable, and/or enacted in bad faith.”
The move builds on an existing notice of civil claim filed in B.C. Supreme Court on Nov. 6, 2025. That civil claim alleges the DOS, mayor and some members of council “intentionally” misused the District’s powers for the improper purpose of delaying and/or stopping the project, despite the project having obtained all requisite approvals.
The 2025 civil claim also alleges that the major industry tax rate is “illegal.” The major tax rate only applied to Woodfibre LNG. Woodfibre came under the Class 4 classification after BC Assessment designated the under-construction liquefied natural gas export facility as such in 2025.
A WLNG spokesperson said the new filing is connected to the steps it took last year
“The filing in question is connected to the legal steps Woodfibre LNG took last year to preserve its rights The standstill agreement remains in place as we continue to focus on working with the District on finding a fair and balanced tax and amenities agreement,” they said in an emailed statement.
The District of Squamish also said in an
COMMUNITY: Continued from 4
acknowledgment, as well as the SCF’s annual progress, were Indigenous Women Outdoors, who help Indigenous women regain a safe space in recreational outdoor activities
“We’re continuing to reclaim our space in the mountains in a way that can revive our culture, our language, and our story of the land By supporting this movement, you allow us to
This is not unusual when there is a possibility of a mutually satisfactory resolution being reached.
DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH
create safe space for other women to rise and gain leadership skills.”
Not every organization was present, or able to offer comments to The Squamish Chief at that time
Other recipients present included the Whistler Adaptive Sports Society, the Sea to Sky Hospice Society, PearlSpace Support Society, and First Tee BC
SCF director and secretary Carol Coffey explained that this has been the first time the SCF grants have been awarded in-person in seven years, after the COVID-19 pandemic
emailed response the new filing is part of WLNGs preservation of its legal rights
“WLNG has initiated legal proceedings against the District to preserve its rights before expiry of applicable limitation periods but has not required the District to respond to these proceedings yet. This is not unusual when there is a possibility of a mutually satisfactory resolution being reached,” they wrote.
created a hiatus.
“Giving our grants away to me is a lot of joy, and it’s why we work so hard all year to be able to make a difference to so many people working really, really hard to give back to the community, and to make Squamish such an incredible place to live,” she said
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter
This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada
2026 PropertyTax and Utilities –PaymentDue July
Alate penaltyof5%will be applied afterJuly 2, 2026. Asecond 5% penaltywill be applied afterJuly 31, 2026.
Please be awareMunicipalHallwill be closed July 1for Canada Day.
Property owners will be sentseparate property tax and utilitynotices.
If youhavenot received your notices,please contactFinancial Services forassistance.
New owners should ensuretaxes and utilities are paidontheir property.Ifthereis anydoubt,please call Financial Services at 604-815-5035.
Please Note
Property owners areresponsiblefor paymentofthe 2026 property taxes and utilities regardless of whether or not notices arereceived.
Payee: DistrictofSquamish Utilities Account#: 7digit number
Property Taxes
Payee: DistrictofSquamish Property Tax Account#: 13 digit number/roll number
ImportantNote
Some financial institutionshold payments beforeforwarding to us or areindifferenttime zones.
Avoid the risk of apenaltybypaying twotothreebusiness days before the due date.
2027 Permissive TaxExemption Applications
PermissiveTax Exemptionsare amethod that the DistrictofSquamish, supported by Council, maysupportvoluntarynon-profit organizations by exempting land or improvements or both, from taxation under Section 224ofthe CommunityCharter.
TheDistrictofSquamish is nowaccepting applications forPermissiveTax Exemptions.Section 224 of the CommunityCharter and therequirements
ofthe DistrictofSquamish PermissiveTax Exemption policyapply.If your organization can demonstrate eligibilityyou arewelcome to apply foranexemption
Theapplication and policyare available online.The deadline to apply is July 31, 2026 forexemptions beginning forthe 2027 taxation year
Formoreinformation, please contactus at 604-892-5217. squamish.ca/grants
View this ad online:
2, 2026
ByMail
Chequeonly.Donot mail cash. Postmarks will not be accepted as date of payment.
AfterHours Drop Box
Cheque only.Do not leave cash in the drop box. Theyellowafter hours drop boxislocatedatMunicipal Hall on the wall to the rightofthe doors.Please deposit cheques only Do not leave cash in the drop box.
In Person
Cheque,cash or debit. (Payments by credit cards arenot accepted). Please be suretocheck your daily spendinglimit beforeyou arrive.You mayneed to request atemporary increase from your bank.No post-dated cheques
One of the many backcountry rescues in the Sea to Sky over the June 19 weekend ended in tragedy, RCMP say
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
A31-year-old male died in a waterfall system in an area of the Britannia Beach backcountry on June 20, a day that saw four calls for help requiring rescuers
The BC Coroners Service says it is investigating this death.
Sea to Sky RCMP’s Squamish Detachment received four calls over a seven-hour period that involved people needing help in the region’s backwoods.
The incidents were at Sky Pilot, Tricouni Peak, the Howe Sound Crest Trail, and the waterfall east of Britannia Beach.
Squamish Search and Rescue volunteers were brought in for each with assistance from BC Ambulance and, in the one instance, the Britannia Beach Fire Department.
“Multiple individuals sustained injuries, including one person with serious injuries who was rescued from Sky Pilot,” reads a release from the RCMP sent out Monday night.
A fifth SAR call was received on June 21, for an injury to a hiker in the Shannon Falls pools.
Squamish SAR, Lions Bay SAR, and North Shore Rescue were involved in the calls over the two days
Of the five SAR calls the RCMP were involved
in, two involved the use of the SOS feature on satellite communication devices, while the others occurred within cellular range, allowing individuals to call for assistance directly, the release states
“We have far too many examples of calls in our backcountry that go wrong each and every year, but knowing how to call for help, what to do when help is needed, or what to do when the rescue teams are en route is critical,” said Staff
We have far too many examples of calls in our backcountry that go wrong each and every year.
STAFF SGT. SASCHA BANKS
Sgt. Sascha Banks. “Unfortunately, a man lost his life this weekend, and our thoughts are with his family and with those responding to the scene to render aid. Squamish SAR, Lions Bay SAR, BC Ambulance, and our teams have had an incredibly busy and tragic past few months in our parks and backcountry. Before heading out, please ensure you’ve researched your trip, are equipped with the proper gear, and have a reliable way to call for help—just as those involved (the June 19 weekend) did.”
The release also notes these incidents are a reminder to rely on trusted information and resources like AdventureSmart
PHOTO BY HAILSHADOW/ ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
Squamish SAR was called out by BC Emergency Health Services (BC EHS) at approximately noon on June 20 for an injured climber who had fallen on Sky Pilot, according to SAR’s Christy Allan.
Field User Allocation Meeting forSeason 2
Wednesday, July 15, 2026 5:30 pm at Brennan Park Recreation Centre
ResidentialCampfiresareonly allowedwithapermit,andnot atallduringafireban.Formore information,headto: squamish.ca/fireban Sprinkler and AutomatedIrrigation
Brennan Park Recreation Centre ReopeningCeremony
July 16, 3–5 pm
Join us to celebrate the completion of the Green and Accessibility
RetrofitProject(Project One)!
Enjoy facilitytours,games, trivia, cake, giveawaysand a free public swim. Plus,learn about the behind-the-scenes work to make our recreation centre more energyefficient andaccessible
Allare welcome!
The Districtreceived $11.7M in grantfunding from the Green and Inclusive CommunityBuildings program (Infrastructure Canada)and $1.2M in grantfunding from the Build Communities Strong Fund forthis project.
Twodaysper week based on street address.
•Odd side: Thursdays and Sundays
•Evenside: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Trytolimit your watering to onehour!
gardens is allowedanytime.
Formoreinformation and to see thefull water restrictions,head to our website:
55+Bus Trips!
Wednesday, July 8
VanDusen Garden
Thursday, July 9
Whistler or BerryPicking in Pemberton: Choose Your OwnAdventure
The55ActivityCentre TemporaryClosure July 6
CircuitTraining with Cindy at Westwinds
Tuesdays, 10–11 am
Come trycircuit training at Westwinds Senior Living.Rotate through aseries of conditioning exercises thattarget avarietyofmuscle groups;improve your balance, agilityand mobility, while strengthening cardiovascular endurance.
Checkout the arena andpool schedules!
Your storystarts here
Previous to my time at Woodfibre, Iwas on the road alot,awayfrommyfamily. The work-lifebalance wasn’t there. I want to spend as much time as Ipossibly canwithmyfamily, and with Woodfibre I’vegot that opportunity.
Tyler P. Dad|Electrical &Instrumentation Supervisor
Find your story at woodfibrelng.ca/careers
THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERYTHURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA
The Squamish Chiefisa member of theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependentorganization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethica behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contactEditorJenniferThuncher at jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca.Ifyou arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information
Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher
EDITORIAL
NICEWORK
Community newspapereditors andthe journalistswho covermunihallmakeabout 20%ofwhatthe District of Squamish’s chief administrativeofficer does.
Isthatkindofcrazy?Sure.
Chancesare ourCAO makesmorethanyou do too,which explains whythere is oftensomeonline backlasheachyearwhenthe StatementofFinancial Information(SOFI)isreleased.
Keep in mind,too,thatthe dollaramountistotal remunerationearned. This caninclude overtime pay,statutory holiday pay, payments of accrued vacation andthe like.
TheCityof Fort St.Johnis pretty similarto Squamishinterms of itssizeand complexity,and its CAOearnedalmostanidentical packagetoGlenday, at$273,000in2025, with $12,000inexpenses.
TheCAO forCourtenay on VancouverIsland, a similarlysized municipality, earned about$230,000 in 2024,the most recent year available.
The Town of Cochrane,Alberta’s CAOtypically earnsabout $260,000 as topbureaucratfor thetown withapopulationofclose to 40,000 in 2025.
IfSquamishwants to competefor toptalent, this is what folksearnfor that job.
WithGlenday announcing herretirement, it is also worthnotingthatCAOsdon’t typicallylastaslongas she has.
Thisistypical.StudiesshowmostCAOsservelesstime intheirrolesthanonetermofthecounciltheyserve Andinthiscase, notonlyhas Glendayserved much longer,she is giving 18 months’notice. Not often anyof us do that.
Allthistosay,there maybe abroader discussion to behad aboutthe remuneration forseniorleadership positionsin localgovernment, butitiscertainly not unique to Squamish,and in many ways,weseemto be doingsomething right, giventhe stabilityofthe rolein recent years.
For as long as cellphones have existed, we have foundendless ways to eventually ruin the glowing glassscreen.For some,it’sthrough old age, though that’s neverbeenmyexperience. More likely,it’sfromanunexpectedmishap.
My most recent forayintotechdestruction came on arockclimbingtrip. As Ibelayed my partner, Ididn’t realizemyzipperpocketwas open.Iwatched my phonecareendownthe rock face andhit theground, thankful no onewas below.
Upon inspection,the screen wasdestroyed andthe casing bent.Itremains to be seen whetherI’m willing to shellout cash fora fixor just buyanew shiny constant-contact box.
Nowusing an older phoneIhad lyingaround, also with acracked screen,thoughfunctioning,I’vehad some time to reflectonhow these toolscan make us somethingofaslave.
Thefirst realizationcamebeforeI got my old phoneupand running.Without aglowing boxto stareintoendlessly, Iwas suddenly present with others again. When aconversationdwindled, or I foundthe people around me monotonous,I couldn’t distract myself.Iwas forced to keep listening, get curious, or be presentwithmy boredom.And with boredom came creativity, interest andenjoyment in theworld around me.
Studiesshowthisisa common effect of
cellphones,withreduced attentionspans,cognition andemotional regulation due to thefrequent informationoverloadtheyimpose. Onestudy showed that “the mere presence of asmartphone resultsinlower cognitiveperformance,” even when it’s face down on adesk.
This research at leastmakes me feel less self-judgment forcheckingmyphone whilewriting this column
Thesecondrealization wasjusthow many piecesof ourlives depend on alinkeddevice. Theneedfor secure two-factor authentication meansaccessing numerous accounts from anothertrusted device—one that is nowdestroyed—isnearlyimpossible.
Work email, Slack? Thosewon’t loginwithout numerous backdoor attempts Ihaven’t foundthe patience foryet.(PerhapsI canblame technology for that lack of patience.)
I’mmorethanwilling to accept that thebenefitsof this technology canoutweighthe negatives—like sharingalocationwithemergency responders when lost in thebackcountry,orseeingfamilymembers’ facesfromacrossthe countryonavideo call.But it’s also fair to sayI’vebecomedependent on it more for worsethanfor better.
I’dliketo saythisexperiencewillchangehow I interact with my devices. I’ve alreadystarted backslidingintothe glowingabyss,though. Withoutacknowledging thebehaviour andhabit, andthinkingabout theimpactithas,I certainlycan’t hopeto change at all.
WhileIfinditunlikelyI’llgobacktothe days of an old-school phonehanging on thewall, Ican’t help butwonderwhatmylifecould look like withoutconstantcontact.
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
CAN’T SEE THE ROAD? BLAME YOUR HEADLIGHTS
IDRIVING JOHN DUCKER
was driving on a dark road a couple of weeks ago, and something was wrong. I couldn’t see ahead like I used to At this stage of life, the first thought is: “It’s not you car it’s me…” Turns out, I was wrong. It was you after all. My vision was fine, but my headlights’ lenses looked like two Tupperware lids which had been left out in the sun for a couple of years. I was essentially driving by candlelight.
Most drivers assume that if their headlights seem weak, the problem is the bulb In reality, the culprit is often sitting right in front of them: the headlight lens itself
Walk through any parking lot, and you’ll see it everywhere Cars that are ten or 15 years old often have headlights that look cloudy, yellow, or hazy. Many owners barely notice because the deterioration happens gradually over years. The problem is that while the lens may still let some light through, it can dramatically reduce the amount of light reaching the road.
Modern headlight lenses are typically made from polycarbonate plastic rather than glass. The material is lightweight, durable, and resistant to impacts from rocks and debris.
To protect it from the sun, manufacturers apply a clear ultraviolet-resistant coating at the factory.
Unfortunately, that protective coating doesn’t last forever.
Years of exposure to sunlight, road salt, rain, and abrasive dirt gradually break down the coating. Once it begins to fail, the plastic underneath starts oxidizing. This oxidation creates the familiar yellow or milky appearance seen on older vehicles It’s like looking through a dirty bathroom window from 1974
The bulb may be producing the same amount of light as when the vehicle was new, but much of that light is scattered or blocked before it ever reaches the pavement
The result is reduced nighttime visibility, less effective high beams, and increased glare for oncoming drivers because the light no longer projects in the precise pattern intended by the manufacturer
Many drivers respond by installing brighter bulbs. While that may seem logical, it often fails to solve the underlying problem It’s a bit like putting a brighter flashlight behind a foggy piece of plastic.
Professional headlight restoration can make a remarkable
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
VIRTUE SIGNALING ON WATER
A subtle reminder for our town officials as ‘water restriction season’ approaches: limiting water use, in a town of super abundant water resources, is either pure virtue signalling or a
LETTERS POLICY
difference, but not all restorations are created equal.The quick fix often seen at car washes or parking lot detailing booths usually involves polishing the surface with a mild abrasive This removes some oxidation and improves appearance temporarily.
However, if no new UV protection is applied, the lenses often begin to haze over again within a few months
A proper restoration is much more involved Fortunately, “I know a guy” called Brian. He’s got it figured out. No YouTube remedies like WD 40 or lemon juice and toothpaste here To properly clean off that yellowed plastic, which looked like something out of a smokers’ lounge, there’s quite a process. Who knew?
First, Brian thoroughly cleaned the lens and masked off the surrounding paintwork. The damaged outer layer was then removed through a series of progressively finer sanding steps. Depending on the condition of the lens, several grades of wet sandpaper can be used to remove oxidation and surface pitting. At this stage, the lens often looks worse than before, appearing dull and frosted. That’s totally normal, he assured me Brian then polished the surface with specialized compounds that restore optical clarity. That’s the “secret sauce,” and he doesn’t share that with anyone, including me.
One lens was really stubborn, and the whole process had to be repeated, starting with the sanding. But finally it came round. The final and most important step is applying a new UV-resistant coating. Some professionals use a spray-on automotive-grade clear coat, while others use specialized UV-cured coatings designed specifically for headlight restoration. This protective layer is what separates a professional restoration from a temporary cosmetic improvement.
When done correctly, restored headlights can often recover much of their original light output and remain clear for years. Drivers frequently report that nighttime visibility improves so dramatically that they feel as though they’ve installed new headlights.
I am one of them
This all sounds a little trivial, but I think in terms of situations such as not seeing an injured person lying prostrate on a dark road because my headlights weren’t good enough Insurance adjusters would be all over that kind of thing.
The lesson is simple: before spending money on brighter bulbs, expensive new replacement parts or just ignoring the problem completely, take a close look at the lenses The issue might not be the light being produced. It might be the cloudy lenses acting more like privacy screens.
John Ducker is a former Victoria deputy police chief.
complete lack of critical thinking. Our existing wells produce more water than we could ever use, even accounting for population growth. People are aware of the stupidity of these policies. As you contemplate when to implement the
annual restrictions maybe you can pause and ask yourself, am I simply interested in performative policies or am I just simple?
Luc Kazimirski 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
If the local government election were held tomorrow, what would your top issue be?
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How do you plan to celebrate Canada Day this year? (Top 3 answers)
MOST READ STORY
New Netflix shows filmed in Lions Bay and Britannia Beach
TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK
This week, reporter Ina Pace takes viewers to an evening celebrating community impact by Squamish non-profits and their funders
Find this and many other interesting videos on our Tiktok channel at @squamishchief
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Notice of BylawReadings – Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at 6p.m.
Council Chambers at the DistrictofSquamishMunicipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, B.C. or electronically at squamish.civicweb.net
What’s Proposed:
Amend the CD-99 Zone to allowreplacing 10%ofthe proposed office spaceinthe developmentwith rental residential space. Theupdate will also alterthe CD-99Zoneinanumber of ways,detailed below.
1100, 1120, 1140 HunterPlace, Squamish, B.C. as outlined in black on thelocation map.
Proposed AmendmentBylaw
The primarypurpose of the proposed Bylawisto amend the existing ComprehensiveDevelopment Zone 99 (CD-99) to convertaportion of theproposed officespaceinthe developmenttoresidentialspace (a mix of affordable and market rental units). The secondarypurpose of the proposedBylaw is to update the CD-99 Zone to alignwith themostrecent development plans forthe site, as follows:
•Add lightindustrial,senior carefacilityand tourist accommodation as permitteduses,
•Remove the requirementfor anofficebuildingto be constructedinthe southeast corner of the site (the officespaceisproposed to beconverted to rental residential space),
•Increase the maximum residential density(floor area ratio or FAR) from 1.19 to 1.36 to allowfor additional rental residential units,
•Add aminimum employmentspace requirementof 20% of the total gross floor area,
•Reducethe maximum heightofaprincipal building from 30.0 m to 26.5 mand adda maximum heightof18.0 mbetween the first floor level and the uppermost floor level,
•Reducethe minimumlot sizerequirement,
Business Opportunities
Requests forProposals
•Environmentally SensitiveArea(ESA)Mapping Update
•Archeological ConsultingServices
•Consulting Services forPool Deck Air Handling Unit Replacement
Requests forQuotations
•Powerhouse Springs Production Well 8Construction –Phase 1 squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
•Clarify maximum lot coverage and setback requirements,and,
•Clarify the off-street vehicle andbicycle parking spacerequirements
No Public Hearing Required
In accordancewith Provincial legislation, Section 464(3) of the Local Government Act, alocal governmentmust nothold apublic hearing on a proposed zoning bylawifthe sole purpose of the bylawistopermit adevelopmentthatis, in wholeor in part,aresidential development,and the residential componentofthe development accounts foratleast half of thegross floor area of all buildings and other structures proposed as part of the development. This proposed rezoning meets those requirements
HowtoViewthe ProposedBylaws
A copy of the proposed bylawand related information that hasbeen or maybeconsidered 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 Thursday, June25, 2026 to Tuesday, July 7, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Mondaythrough Fridayexcept for statutoryholidays.
InfrastructureUpgrades
•Depot Road Active Transportation Upgrades areunderway. Theprojectwill provide safe, comfortable andaccessiblepedestrian and cyclistaccess,and improvelighting and accessibilityfor all users.Residents should expectincreased noise level and single-lane alternating trafficduring construction hours (7 a.m. to 5p.m., MondaytoFriday).
Enquiries regarding the proposed amendment bylawmay be made to the Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca
This is the second of two notices
Publish date: July 2, 2026.
•Wastewater System Upgrades continue in Dentville.
•Annual Watermain Upgrades continue in Brackendale.
•Phased construction on Squamish RiverDike at Harrisand Dryden Pump Stations and CentralLiftStation through to November squamish.ca/building-our-future
IMAGINING THE LIBRARY’S FUTURE
The plan for the municipal library for the next 25 years doesn’t include a massive new branch
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
The municipal library is quickly outgrowing its current space, but a new flagship central building is not the solution, say the officials behind the Squamish Public Library.
Hilary Bloom, director of library services, and consultant Annerieke van Hoek of studioHuB architects, presented the Squamish Public Library’s 2026 Service Delivery Plan to council at a special business meeting on June 16
According to the library’s 2025 Report to our Community, the public institution received just over $2 million from the District, just under $115,000 from the provincial government, about $14,000 from the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, $7,000 from the federal government, and approximately $70,000 from other sources, such as interest, fundraising, grants and the like.
Total 2025 revenue for the library was approximately $2,300,000, while expenses were close to $2,360,000, with the bulk of that for staffing. Salaries and benefits totalled close to $1,700,000
WHAT THE PUBLIC WANTS
Van Hoek said through its engagement, the library has heard that it must remain, first and
foremost, true to its core value as an open and inclusive space.
“It’s one of the only places where one can go without paying, to have free access to Wi-Fi, and to stay as long as one wants. Also, one of the things that’s really important for this plan is that we have to or we must be addressing the growth that we see in the District in a realistic and responsible way,” said van Hoek, relaying feedback received.
She noted that while the library saw a dramatic drop of users during COVID-19, the number of people visiting has steadily increased, with roughly 130,000 in-person visits in 2025, according to the 2025 report, nearly up to pre-2020 numbers.
“I work with a lot of other library systems across the Lower Mainland, and this is probably one of the strongest and fastest rebounds we have seen (for) in-person visits for any library in the Lower Mainland,” van Hoek said.
Despite library renovations to better use the space, it is bursting at the seams.
“The library has done a lot of good work in terms of interior renovations, having a new return window, doing renovations to take out the big desk and giving space back to the community inside the library space. But despite that, we can really see that the demand is outgrowing the available space.” She added that the provincial average for the square footage of
MountainPsychology and Neurofeedback Centre
Stephen L. Milstein, Ph.D., R. Psych.BC# 765
604.938.3511 Squamish:
library space per person is 0.54 square feet. Current literature recommends about one square foot per person, and Squamish is currently at around 0.42 square feet, she said Specifically, the program room is booked “all the time,” van Hoek said “It could really use another program room.”
CHANGING ROLE
Van Hoek noted that since COVID-19, the use of libraries has changed.
“The role of libraries in the community has really changed from a place to access materials to a platform for community life, learning and well-being. The shift is already happening, and therefore this plan is not just about more space, but it’s about how do we define the role of the library in a growing Squamish,” she said.
With a population of nearly 30,000 people, there’s a need to distribute resources further afield, rather than having one central location at the library.
“It means a shift from a single building to a connected system of services and spaces,” van Hoek said
“So this can include not only physical spaces, but also digital and hybrid services and outreach and partnerships.”
Ultimately, what library officials hope for is not a large new library, but rather a larger core library and then a distribution of hubs to reach
people closer to their homes.
“The proposed direction for this plan, rather than maybe proposing to build a big flagship new library, which we know is a big ask and maybe a bit unrealistic at this economic time, is to really look at a phased and scalable approach We would like to recommend to expand and modernize (the) core library space, but in addition to that, to introduce additional access points over time.”
Over the next five years, the idea would be to add “smaller service points, such as kiosks, pickup locations, outreach services, or small neighbourhood library spaces in key areas outside the downtown core,” reads the staff report to council.
“Specifically, the small and the medium neighbourhood libraries could be actually renovations in existing buildings, such as an existing storefront that is already available or an existing building that is becoming vacant,” van Hoek added.
“That would really bring the cost down. So what we’re recommending is that in the next zero to five years, in order to have more equitable distribution of library services across the district, that there could be some low-cost, flexible and scalable interventions.”
BritanniaMine Museum gratefullyacknowledges their community sponsors:
SQUAMISH’S FIRST COLD STORAGE FOOD HUB IS NOW OPEN
The Harvest Hub, operated by Squamish CAN, gives residents a way to order directly from local farmers with secure, climate-controlled pickup on Loggers Lane
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
These leafy greens may seem out of place in a gravel lot along Logger’s Lane, but they represent a longstanding goal of regional food supply chains
The Harvest Hub is a cold storage facility operated by Squamish CAN. Residents can now place orders with local farmers, who drop off goods for secure pickup by clients.
“Customers will make orders with their farmers or food producers in the area, the farmers will then drop their orders off to this cold storage facility, so it’s all climate-controlled, there’s a pantry, a freezer and a cold storage unit,” Marissa Carlberg with Squamish CAN said.
Customers have 24 hours to pick up their order once it’s dropped off. The unstaffed building is accessed through a door code, and security cameras are on site.
Squamish CAN says the need for cold storage for Sea to Sky farmers and producers was first identified in 2018 through a Regional Food Task Force facilitated by the Whistler Centre for Engagement and Planning In 2019, the Squamish Valley Agricultural Plan flagged cold storage as a
Meet Louise andLyle
priority action.
By 2024, Squamish CAN had interviewed food hubs across North America and consulted with farmers and agri-food businesses from Squamish to Lillooet.
Sixty percent said a cold storage facility
LIBRARY: Continued from 15
live, you currently have to go to the main library in downtown Squamish to return your books
Bloom noted a Brennan Park pickup locker is set up already.
She said when she returns in the fall for a presentation, there will be a 2027 request for the purchase of an e-cargo van to help with distribution.
“So that we can start having a vehicle to service not just the pickup locker, but potentially future pickup lockers and other outreach,” Bloom said.
Medium or long term—five to 10 years—the plan calls for a small or medium neighbourhood branch, somewhere outside of downtown
“That could very well fit into a commercial storefront or the base of a new tower or a new multifamily residential building that could be built. Because we were talking about spaces
thehappy pair of Zebrafinches wholovetochatteraway. Actually, they soundmorelikea squeaky toy, whichispretty cute.Zebra Finchesare notknowntobesocial with humans or hand tamed. They are more of awatch andenjoy thebird sounds kind of bird.
They need acagethat is morelongthenhigh, as they love to fly back andforth allday with abathand food breaknow andthen.
would be an asset for the region.
Construction began in the winter of 2025, and the Harvest Hub officially opened June 18, 2026
Funders include the District of Squamish,
anywhere from 1,500 to about 10,000 square feet,” van Hoek said
Longer term, 15 to 25 years from now, the focus would be on redeveloping the downtown library.
“We know that the downtown library sits on very valuable land It’s a one-storey building It’s still in OK shape, but in 25 years, it will really be nearing the end of its life. And that’s a good point to decide, well, what can be happening with it? And once there are some other physical touch points where people can access library services, that is a good starting point to then start to think about redeveloping the downtown branch,” van Hoek said.
“If buildings are being redeveloped downtown, perhaps a new community hub, perhaps a new city hall community hub, then the library could possibly be part of that conversation and take up 15,000 or 20,000 square feet in a new development. And then once that is established, instead of a single network, you really have a multi-node network, which is a
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Province of British Columbia, Community Futures Howe Sound, JBS Foundation, Carbon Engineering, Alta Lake Electric Ltd., Cascade Environmental, and Scottywood ThermoWood
much healthier way to grow rather than relying on a single building that will in 20 or 25 years meet the end of its life.”
The library’s request was that council pass a motion to attach the 2026 Service Delivery Plan to the District of Squamish’s Real Estate and Facilities Master Plan
“In the process of starting this work, the best way that I kept thinking about it was that we needed there to be that lens placed on all future growth in the community that considered the library in the same way that there’s a tipping point by which after a certain distance away from a fire hall, you build another fire hall or whatever else.
We don’t have that for libraries in the same way, but wanting it to have that in mind as part of planning and decisions are being made,” Bloom said
Council voted unanimously to receive the report and append it to the master plan The real estate master plan is up for renewal in 2028
forthe 2026/27 Season
TheSea to SkyContractors Directoryisback! We offerfree listingsfor alllocalcontractors and trades. Don’tmissout on being part of the region’s go-to resource—simply fillout the formbelow to claimyourspot
BigSteelBox Corporation located at 20142 Logan Ave, Langley,BC, claims aPPSA Lien against One Ocean Expeditions of Squamish,BC, for arrears of container rent amounting to $2,069.44, plus anyadditional costs of storage that accrue. If not paid in full, the contents of thestorage container filled with whatwebelieve to be furniture,boxes, and other miscellaneous items, will be sold via onlineauction, on Ibid4Storage.com on July 9, 2026
Preparefor an intenseperiodof action and concretedecisions
Youmay be rethinkingyour love life—now’sthe time to layyourcards on the table. Allowattraction to transform yourcurrent relationship or sparksomethingexcitingwith someone new.
Internal pressure will fuel your ambitions.This positivestress will propel you,helpingyou finalizeyourgoals and push beyond yourlimits.Makesure to giveyourself time to slow down and recharge
CANCER June 21-July 22
Anew work projectisonthe horizon, promisingarewarding future. You’ll be shortontime this week,whichwillforce you to carefullystructure yourdays, setclear priorities and adopt amorerigorousand efficient approach to organization.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
As you settle back into your everyday routine,anopportunity for agroup trip maypique your interest.You mayalsoconsider goingonaromantic trip with yourpartner.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Youmay be facedwith amajor decision that could change the course of yourlife.When you weighthe pros and cons,you’ll seethat this transition—though unsettlingatfirst—will open the door to positivechange.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
Despiteyourbusyschedule, you’ll be the life and soul of alivelygatheringingood company.Inyourlovelife,a memorable encounterorlove at first sightmay inspireyou to consider commitments, jointprojects or even grand declarations
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Taking on responsibilities that trulyalign with yourambitions will help you maintain both physicaland mental balance Anew ideamay inspireyou to exploreprofessional paths that better reflect yourtrue interests.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
This week,you’ll feel the need to revamp yourstyle and update yourwardrobetoboost yourselfesteem.Yourfresh look will help you climbthe corporateladder and secure more prestigious and notable roles at work
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Your familywilldemand a lot of yourtime and energy this week.It’salsothe perfect time to consider buyinga new property,movinghouse or startingmajor renovations to create amorecomfortable livingenvironment.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
Betweenfamilyactivities and yourown obligations,this week will be filledwithtravel. With so much movingaround, you mayconsider purchasing anew vehicle that better suitsyour needs.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
You’ll receivegood news regardingyourprofessional goals.Atwork, you may be given moreambitious assignments,exciting challengesand significant rewards. These developments will strengthen yoursenseof successand accomplishment.
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 numbersto getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box
10am on our website and Facebook Live 2262ReadCres. 604-898-3737 www.squamishbaptistchurch.org Exalting Jesus,Equipping His Followers,Engaging theWorld
