THURSDAY, JULY 17, 2025
Meet the woman who marries couples on mountain tops and rock cliffs
WELCOME HOME: Supporters flank Daniel Gloor, 68, after he arrived from his Halifax-to-Squamish bike ride He rode into the ocean at Sp’akw’us Feather Park on Saturday afternoon, greeted by more than 30 friends and family members. Gloor completed the journey in 52 days, entirely self-supported, meaning he set up a tent and camped for the majority of the almost two-month-long journey.
The TSB has concluded its investigation into a May 24, 2024, plane crash near Howe Sound that claimed two lives
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
ATransportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) report released July 10 provides insights into a fatal plane crash that occurred on May 24, 2024, that took the lives of the pilot and passenger.
The crash of the privately registered amateur-built aircraft took place about 12.5 nautical miles south-southwest of Squamish Municipal Airport- Don Patrick Field, on the west side of Howe Sound.
The TSB investigates crashes like this one to advance transportation safety, not to assign blame, the agency states
According to the report, the pilot was flying from Squamish Airport to Courtenay Airpark, a small public airfield located on the banks of the Courtenay River, with one passenger on board.
TSB: Continued on 2
The flight was by Visual Flight Rules (VFR), meaning the pilot was operating the aircraft by observing the terrain out the window.
These flights are intended for sufficiently clear weather conditions that allow the pilot to see terrain and obstacles clearly.
The plane left Squamish Airport at about 5:08 p.m. that Friday, May 24, 2024, and then followed the approximate path of the Squamish River, the TSB safety investigation report states
At 5:16 p.m., the aircraft, which had been following Howe Sound southbound, was now flying toward rising terrain, the report notes.
At approximately 5:20 p.m., the plane crashed into the heavily forested, mountainous, uneven terrain, killing both on board.
The report states that right before the crash, the plane’s flight path “was consistent with the characteristics of a spiral,” which it defines as “a steep descending turn in which airspeed, rate of descent, and wing loading increase rapidly.”
Later, it notes that the plane’s wreckage was consistent with there having been a spiral before impact
The pilot had a private pilot’s licence and had accumulated a total of approximately 310 hours flight time and approximately 230 hours of flight in the plane that crashed since his licence was issued in 2021.
The report states the pilot had five hours of instrument flight training experience—meaning learning to fly just by instruments, without visual cues from the outside environment—which is the minimum required to hold a private pilot licence.
The report also notes that in the Airplane Flying Handbook, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) states that pilots typically get into a spiral when they rely on “kinesthetic sensations rather than on the flight instruments.”
According to information gathered by the TSB during the investigation, there was no indication that the pilot’s performance was affected by medical, physiological, or pathological factors.
The Murphy Rebel aircraft, described as a rugged aluminum kit aircraft on the company’s website, was manufactured in 2000 and brought to Canada from the U.S. in 2017.
The engine of the plane was brought to the TSB’s facility in Richmond for examination. While it was overdue for its annual maintenance inspection by 94 days, according to TSB’s inspection of the aircraft engine and flight controls, there were no signs of pre-impact mechanical failure or system malfunction.
The TSB investigation was unable to determine what weather information the pilot had obtained before departure.
The report states that weather forecasts “indicated generally VFR conditions along the route of flight,” and the winds were calm; however, there were patchy clouds, some light
rain and low ceilings
“All reported ceiling heights near the [crash] location in the hours after the occurrence were lower than the elevation of the accident site, and search and rescue [aircraft] were unable to land in the vicinity of the site as a result,” the inspection report reads.
At 5:21 p.m., the plane’s emergency locator transmitter alerted the Canadian Mission Control Centre, which processes satellite-collected signals to provide distress alert notifications and data to SAR agencies, of the crash.
The TSB states that a cellular phone on board also had a crash-detection feature sent out a notification to the emergency contacts of the device owner.
“As a result, friends and family of the aircraft occupants became aware of the occurrence concurrently with search and rescue (SAR) services,” the report reads.
SAR operations were ultimately called off when it was reported that the downed pilot and passenger had not survived the accident
However, prior to this, the report states that a civilian aircraft flew through the search area, causing a pause in one SAR aircraft’s rescue flight, and was ultimately asked to leave the area, which it did.
The TSB offers the following lessons as a result of the investigation into this Squamish tragedy:
• Pilots are reminded that flying VFR in marginal weather conditions, such as low ceilings, is challenging, especially when flying in and around mountainous terrain. Pilots need to consider strategies to avoid adverse weather, as well as have plans should such weather be encountered.
• Pilots of aircraft not engaged in SAR operations are reminded to avoid SAR areas or exercise extreme caution whenever it is necessary to enter them.
• It is essential that pilots participate in radio communications with nearby aircraft for the purpose of avoiding collision, especially so in areas where SAR operations are taking place. Read the full report on TSB’s website.
Proponents say the integrated health campus could attract medical talent, drive economic growth and reshape care delivery in the corridor
LUKE FAULKS
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Agroup of local physicians and community members are calling for a reimagining of health-care in the Sea to Sky corridor—a new regional hospital co-located within a master-planned wellness village, which they say would be the first of its kind in Canada.
The proposal, presented to the Sea to Sky Regional Hospital District (SSRHD) board on June 25, argues the aging Squamish General Hospital is no longer capable of meeting the demands of the fast-growing corridor and that simply upgrading the existing facility is no longer feasible
“Our growing region must have a new regional hospital planned by local physicians,” Grant McRadu, a former municipal administrator and one of the advocates behind the proposal, told the board. “Anything short of that commitment is just tinkering with the lives of those who presently live and will move to the Sea to Sky region.”
The group of advocates for a new facility, which includes Dr. Steven Masselink and Dr. Richard Cudmore—the current and former medical directors of Squamish General Hospital, respectively—are looking to a site within the District of Squamish that could accommodate both a modern regional hospital and a surrounding wellness village. They say that additional space around the hospital could house complementary medical, biomedical, and long-term care facilities, as well as seniors’ housing and workforce accommodations.
McRadu said the idea is inspired by similar “wellness villages” in Europe and the United
States, which bundle hospitals with research, treatment and wellness hubs in walkable, purpose-built communities.
“Hospitals are expensive, but our vision proposes a way forward for a hospital to become a large economic magnet,” he told the board. “Hospitals attract other symbiotic medical and biomedical facilities.”
McRadu’s group believes their vision would be the first fully master-planned health and wellness campus in the country, designed from the ground up to integrate medical services with long-term residential, recreational and employment opportunities.
Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is currently midway through its Health Vision Sea to Sky master planning process, which is evaluating long-term health-care needs across the region. McRadu said while VCH’s CFO and the former chair of the board have both expressed support for the concept of clustering health facilities around hospitals, he’s frustrated that local physicians have been largely excluded from the planning process.
“VCH is once again in another round of community engagements that are neglecting
input from local Sea to Sky medical professionals,” he said “We now need our communities to understand the enormous health challenges our current hospital is facing and most importantly, we are now looking to you, the SLRD hospital board to become the local champion that will lead VCH to approve the funding of a new regional district hospital.”
VCH did not respond to a request for comment before press deadline.
Cudmore, who has practiced in Squamish since 1978, described the current hospital as desperately outdated
“There’s not enough beds, there is a very small [emergency] department We have almost no diagnostics, no CT, no MRI, and we’ve got very little space for our [operating rooms] We have no facilities for pediatrics Our psychiatry department has no space to manage inpatients or outpatients,” he told the board.
Cudmore said any new facility must be built with the future in mind
“Our vision is one of a regional district hospital that meets the needs from Lillooet down to Squamish,” he told the board. “We envisage the hospital meeting the needs for the next 30 to 50 years.”
Although the group’s primary goal is to see VCH commit to funding a new hospital, the proposed wellness village offers an opportunity to address systemic health-care challenges, including the recruitment and retention of medical professionals. Retired Squamish lawyer Brian Hughes, another member of the delegation, told the board traditional hospital builds put communities in direct competition with one
The beauty of B.C.’s wilderness is drawing more adventurers than ever—but experts say social media may be encouraging risky behaviour without proper training or gear
ALANNA KELLY news@squamishchief.com
Search and rescue members on B.C.’s southwest coast are seeing a tragic start to the year with multiple fatalities and several people seriously injured while recreating in the outdoors.
Doug Pope has been a volunteer with North Shore Rescue for 21 years and serves as a search manager.
“In my experience, I don’t recall such a bad start to the search and rescue season,” he said “We’re in a bad year.”
Since the beginning of 2025, six people have died and three other people have not been accounted for in the Sea to Sky region
Pope said that is a big number
“It’s tragic,” he said “I feel for the person and the family left behind and I think about the tragedy of it and what we as a team can do to help turn that around.”
Meanwhile, Squamish Search and Rescue has also responded to several fatal or serious injury calls this year.
“I would agree that it’s been a tough start to
the year,” said search manager Tyler Duncan Their members respond to roughly 120 to 140 calls a year.
“The vast majority of those have positive outcomes,” he told Lodestar Media.
Not only are the devastating incidents leaving families changed forever, but they’re also having an impact on the volunteers, the search managers say.
The volunteers have full-time jobs, with some of them working in health care, Duncan explained.
“They do continue to have an effect on our team,” he said “Any sort of negative outcome is incredibly taxing.”
Squamish SAR has responded to back-to-back calls this season
“That’s incredibly challenging for a group of people, who at the end of the day, are just people that want to give back to their community,” said Duncan
The calls that involve a person dying are hard
HEALTH: Continued from 3
another for scarce medical staff.
“The concept of the wellness village and that ability to attract other biomedical facilities is something that’s unique,” he said.
Squamish director Chris Pettingill questioned whether the Sea to Sky population is large enough to support the full scope of the wellness village vision Hughes acknowledged that the group had not fully analyzed the population thresholds, but emphasized that the hospital itself remains the primary objective.
“Our No 1 concern right now is a new regional district hospital,” said Cudmore. “If it has land around it that can support medical issues—be it research, be it accommodations, be it offices for physicians, chiropractors and the like, that’s fine. But the main focus is we have to get the hospital built.”
on everyone, said Pope
“We have a really good team and that’s [in] part the main reason I’ve stayed on the team for 21 [years],” he said
“I rely on them They have my back when I’m climbing down a slope and they have the rope in their hand and I have 100 % trust in my teammates.”
SAR volunteers also have access to the critical incident stress management program and members who are trained in dealing with those types of scenarios.
“We have members within our own team and then we have resources outside our team, so we can rely on those,” he added.
Pope wants outdoor enthusiasts to know that while the North Shore is very beautiful to explore, it can also be very dangerous.
“It doesn’t take long for things to go wrong,” he said
It’s not unusual to see picture-perfect photos of popular but challenging hikes in B.C. in your social media feed. Photos that make you wish you were there.
The age of social media has normalized undertaking these, said Duncan.
“For the general population, they see that and they see it happening all the time in their backyard and they get a sense that they can do it with little to no background or training,” he said While it is positive that people are getting outdoors more, it’s key that people have training and knowledge of the activities they are doing
“There is endless opportunity for outdoor recreation at every ability level,” said Duncan “There’s an opportunity for people who have
Continued on 5
The SSRHD board voted to advocate that VCH move quickly to approve funding and construction of a new Sea to Sky regional hospital. Hospital board chair Jenna Stoner said a new hospital remains a top priority.
Stoner added the wellness village concept presents “very, very interesting” opportunities for both health-care delivery and economic development.
“I think it merits more discussion amongst this board and as well with the District of Squamish council for how we actually advance that economic development piece and the research you folks are talking about,” she told the delegation
The proposal comes as Vancouver Coastal Health continues public engagement on its draft Health Vision Sea to Sky clinical services plans, which are expected to shape health infrastructure investments for the next 10 years and beyond.
SAR: Continued from 4
never gone hiking before to go out and have a wonderful day on beautiful hiking trails that are very accessible.”
Instead of just looking at the sunset or highlight reel, educate yourself on how to prepare for potential situations, the SAR pair say.
“Because the unfortunate thing is if you don’t, it can have a very negative outcome,” Duncan said For Pope, there are more people outdoors and just as many or more inexperienced individuals.
“I don’t see an end to the trend of increasing fatalities,” he said
BC Adventure Smart, a program of the BC Search and Rescue Association, puts out educational information and works to keep people safe while they’re outdoors.
Executive director Sandra Riches said their team is working on new ways to get their messaging out.
“When incidents happen that are so tragic, our hearts go out to the families, and it also makes us think. how can we be better at what we do?” said Riches
The largest group requesting help from search and rescue in B.C. are those in the 20-29 age category
“We know that that’s a market that is calling for search and rescue more than any other group out there,” she said
She wants the public to consider the three Ts when going outdoors: trip planning, training and taking the essentials
“That training piece is critical,” Riches said “It’s the knowledge that everybody needs to understand what they need to know about the equipment they’re using.”
People heading outdoors are encouraged to not just prepare for an enjoyable experience but for a worst-case scenario
For example, if you twist your ankle, you’ll be colder and will need more clothing If you’re lost and need to stay outdoors, you’ll need more food
Many of the calls North Shore Rescue responds to involve people slipping and falling.
“That’s what causes the most injury and fatalities in my experience,” Pope said
He noted being able to see the mountain tops gives a sense of security as the hikes are close to town.
“We have a lot of tourists that come to Vancouver and the closest natural environment is the North Shore Mountains and the Sea to Sky.”
Trends Pope and Duncan are seeing are a lot more tourists and a lot more inexperienced people calling for help.
During a BC Adventure Smart seminar on July 8, Pope helped educate people on slips and falls in the wilderness
Fatal incidents in 2025
Jan. 24 - 21-year-old man
April 20 - 28-year-old woman
May 4 - 17-year-old teen boy
May 16 - 22-year-old woman
May 21 - 18-year-old teen boy
June 15 - 29-year-old man
July 14 - unknown
July 1 - 20-year-old man
July 1 - 65-year-old man
Councillors voted in favour of bringing the TUP back for decision without holding a public hearing, but gave other comments to staff for consideration
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
District of Squamish councillors have given their feedback on a temporary use permit (TUP) for two Woodfibre LNG (WLNG) floatels
After offering numerous comments on the draft permit application to council staff, the decision was made at a council meeting on July 8 to bring the TUP back to a future meeting for a decision, without a public hearing.
This decision was set to be ratifed at the regular council meeting on July 15, after press deadline.
In 2024, Squamish council voted to reject a one-year temporary use permit for the first WLNG floatel.
However, after a BC Environmental Assessment Office (BCEAO) order was issued on June 17, 2024, which required the company to address its worker housing issues, WLNG moved the ship into place.
Floatel 1 has been moored at the WLNG site and occupied since June 21, 2024, without a TUP in place.
According to a report to council, since the first floatel, MV Isabelle X, became operational over a year ago, the District’s Bylaw department has not received any formal complaints related to its use or operations.
“Additionally, no compliance or enforcement issues directly related to the floatel have been posted on the BCEAO website,” reads the council report.
On May 1, WLNG announced it was seeking to place a second floating workers’ accommodation at its site, which would accommodate 900 more tradespeople
(The ship has the capacity for 650 workers,
but would create up to 900 jobs because of the shiftwork aspect of the construction workforce.)
“WLNG proposes Floatel 2 to be moored by November 2025, with operations continuing for approximately two years, through to November 2027,” reads the council report.
If approved, the TUP would bring the first floatel into compliance with the District’s land-use regulations and authorize the use of Floatel 2.
Members of the public were invited to meet with the WLNG staff at the Executive Suites Hotel & Resort on July 2, to discuss the TUP application for both floatels
At a committee of the whole (COW) meeting
The VitalStatisticsAgency, MinistryofHealth, is lookingfor an individual to serve as aMarriageCommissioner forSquamish. Theindividualwill performcivil marriages within theircommunityonbehalfoftheAgency. Applicants must reside in Squamish in ordertobeconsidered forthisposition.
Forinformationand an applicationformpleasevisit: gov.bc.ca/becoming-a-marriage-commissioner
on July 8, District planner Robyn Hay said the draft proposal, as it is currently written, would see the TUP three-year term commence when the permit is issued.
WLNG would then be eligible for one TUP extension of three years (to make it a total of six years, they would be moored at site), but would have to come back to council with the request.
“Any renewal application would be subject to council approval,” Hay said.
As part of the application, a $2 million security deposit—which covers both floatels must be provided before the release of the permit
“Any amounts used to enforce compliance
will be deducted from the deposit. If the security deposit doesn’t fully cover the costs owed to the District, the remaining amount would become a debt that the permit holder is responsible for,” reads the council report
Also included in the draft application is a voluntary community amenity contribution (CAC) from WLNG of $300,000, which would be used to help fund the construction of the Brennan Park Splash Park
According to the council report, WLNG requested attribution of their financial contribution to the splash park “as a reminder that Woodfibre LNG is striving to be a good neighbour, making a positive impact on the Squamish community.”
District senior director of community development Jonas Velaniskis, told council members at the COW meeting that staff would take their feedback before returning with the TUP to a future council meeting.
“The main thing is to confirm that we’re going to follow the kind of standard process and not hold public hearings,” he said “Staff weren’t planning on bringing this application again for a committee meeting. It would be coming back to a council meeting to make a decision.”
As with all prior council meetings on the topic of WLNG, council members didn’t hold back on their comments about the floatels. But the one thing they could all agree on was that they didn’t feel the need to hold a public hearing for this TUP.
Coun. Andrew Hamilton listed off the changes he would like to see made to make the TUP a proposal he could support.
“The first is the expiration date: I would expect it to be June 21, 2027, as I don’t think it’s fair for a company, an organization, to have the possibility for a seven-year temporary use,” he said
“The security deposit... Ibelieve the$2 millionislow,particularlyinthe case where remediation mayneedtotakeplace.I accept staff’s analysis of it,but wouldliketosee this $2million pervesseland a$10,000 daily amount pervessel[forany floatelin non-compliance].”
Hamilton also said he wouldliketo seethe $300,000 communityamenity contribution putintothe CACreserve so they coulduse the funds forany projectinneed, notjustthe splash park
(Community AmenityContributions(CACs) are voluntaryfinancial contributionsfrom developers intended to supportlocal infrastructureorcommunity projects.)
Coun.EricAndersensaidhethinksitistime tomoveonfromconversations regardingthe TUPfor thefloatels.
“Onthe $300,000 toward thesplash park issue, Ithink that this is aproject that is shovel-ready andanappropriate choice[of fund allocation],”hesaid.
“Inadditiontothe projectchoiceand the amount,Idon’t have aproblem with having WoodfibreLNG acknowledged as a contributortothatproject
“Moregenerally,Ithink that theFloatel 1 andFloatel 2are practicalsolutions.Ithink we needtomoveoninanamiable andcollaborative waytoother business we have andwill have with theWLNGproject.[Thereare]other issuestoresolve,including opportunities.”
Mayor Armand Hurfordsuggested reducing
thefirst TUPlengthfromthree yearstotwo yearstoaccommodate Foatel 1, having already beenmooredfor oneyear.
Coun.Jenna Stoner requested public disclosure of theHenriette Lake DamBreach and ConsequenceClassificationAnalysis,a reportthatwas prepared as part of theTUP applicationtoassessthe possible dangers for floatelworkers, should an incidentoccur with thedam
Earlierinthe meeting, Haynoted thereport iscurrently confidential,and District staff haverequested to make this public,and were “justwaiting on response from theapplicant.”
Stoner said sheagreedwithCoun. Hamilton’s suggestion to increase thesecurity depositamountto$2million perboat, and thatthe TUPexpirationdateshouldbeinJune 2027.
On theissue of no public hearings,Stoner saidshe thinks councilhas “doneour due diligence in termsofcommunitypublic hearingsonthisparticularfile.”
Coun.Chris Pettingill wasthe most vocalat themeeting,suggestingthatthe WLNG security depositshouldbeinthe hundreds of millionsof dollars.
“For me,the CACnumberinmyheadis around $200 millionto$300million andmy justificationfor that is they were told over and over again, ‘Wedon’t have thehousing’since 2014and we arenow seeing them spend, by their numbers, $200 millionto$300million on temporary housingthatdoesnot stay in our community, does notaddress ourhousing problem,” he said
Iextend heartfeltthanks to the dedicated team at SquamishMedicalClinicandSquamishDiagnosticCentre for your outstanding support in serving theSea-to-Skycommunities.
Your commitment to providingessentialdiagnostic services
ECGs,24-hourHolter Monitoring, and 24-hourAmbulatory Blood PressureMonitoringhas made a meaningful difference in patientcare.
Your collaboration and professionalismare trulyappreciated.
Thank you for improving access to care throughout ourregion.
Withgratitude, Dr.Tashakkor
“Atthe same time,theyand their... interdependent projects like FortisBC are exacerbatingour housingprices, andIdon’t thinkitmakes anysense to allowbusinesses to come into town,havethese negative impacts.”
Pettingillsuggested WLNG couldhave chosen to adjust theirtimelines andbuild housingthatwould be permanentand not temporary.
“All across B.C.,wehaveamassive housing crisis,and we’reallowingthese bigprojectsto go anduse temporaryhousing andnot build permanenthousing.So, howdoweaddress thisifwekeepallowingthemto do this,itis completely unreasonable,”hesaid.
Pettingill also said he wanted theHenriette Dam report to be made public,and that while he agreed apublichearingwas notnecessary, more public inputwas.
Speakinginsupport of thestaff recommendation to receivethe reporttocouncil and move aheadwithout apublichearing,Coun. John French said hisdecisionwas basedonthe word “reasonable.”
“I’m goingtojustshare awordthatIheard todaythathas really caught me here.The word is reasonable,and it wasusedbyour staff. And oneofthe reasonsthatthe word reasonable wasused, is because of thelevel of due diligencethat’sbeing done, andsomeofthe duediligence that I’ve learned abouttoday has been abit surprising,” he said “It’sclear to me that ourstaff hasdonesome deep diggingtoget us to whereweare today. Reasonable.Contrastthatwithsomeofthe unreasonablethingsI’veheard at this endof
thetable,that’swhy Isupport thestaff recommendation.”
Coun.LaurenGreenlawechoedher fellow members’sentimentsonthe TUPstart date, making theHenriette Damreportpublic, and notallocatingthe $300,000 CACtothe splash park
Butshe hadadifferent figure in mind forthe WLNG security deposit.
“A $2 milliondeposit fortwo boats, when we nearly settledon$10 millionfor oneboat, is just notacceptable. We’resomehow down to double theriskand one-fifthofthe deposit.
“$2million forreference is thesamedeposit that aremotemineral explorationcampof50 people wouldcommand,not twovessels with 1,300peopleinaUNESCOWorld Heritage site that is also adeepfjord.
“I wouldrequest that thedeposit is increased to at least$50 millionfor thetwo vessels.”
Greenlaw said that thedeposit should reflect thecostofremovingavessel, giventhatHowe Soundalready hasanissue with derelict vesselsbeing left behind by owners.
“I looked up thecostofhow much it is to recoveracruiseshipand foundthe Costa Concordia, whichran around in Italyabout 10 yearsago,and it cost in excess of $1.2 billionto recover,”she said
Councillorsvoted 5-2infavourofreceiving theTUP report forinformation andtodirect stafftobring forwardthe applicationtoa future councilmeeting,without holdinga public hearing.
CouncillorsGreenlawand Pettingill opposedthe motion
PermissiveTax Exemptions areamethod that the DistrictofSquamish, supportedbyCouncil, maysupportvoluntarynon-profit organizations by exempting land or improvements or both, from taxation under Section 224 ofthe CommunityCharter.
TheDistrictofSquamish is nowaccepting applications forPermissiveTax Exemptions.Section 224ofthe CommunityCharterand the requirements of the DistrictofSquamish Permissive TaxExemption policyapply.Ifyour organization candemonstrate eligibilityyou arewelcometoapply foran exemption. Theapplication and policyare available online.The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025, forexemptions beginning forthe 2026taxation year Formoreinformation, please contactus at 604-892-5217. squamish.ca/grants
TaiChi-Inspired in the Park with Kriszti at PatGoodePark Mondays,6–7 pm
•Installation work continues on awatermain between Bill’s Placeand Highlands WaySouth.
•A sanitaryforcemain upgrade on PiaRoad starts next week.
•Watermain upgrade on Birken Road continues
•Annual road painting refresh programisunderway. Crewsare working at nighttolimit traffic impacts squamish.ca/building-our-future
•MadillForcemain ReplacementConstruction squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
• 38006/38014Cleveland Avenue
DevelopmentPermit
• 38939 Queens Way–Carbon Engineering
DevelopmentPermit squamish.ca/review
Check out the pool schedule:
squamish.ca/rec/pool
This TaiChi inspired fitness programincludes soft and flowing movements designed to enhance balance, coordination and concentration. Registration required.
ower Bouquet Workshop at The55Activity Centre
August 21
Professional florist,Bernadette will lead students in creating their ownflower bouquet to take home
Registration closes August 14 to allowfor the rightamount of fresh materials/greenstobe e-ordered No drop-ins available
SUMMER CAMP:BOOK NOW!
LEAP:T-Rex (3–5yrs)
9–11 am, July 21–25
In this session, we’ll be trekking back in time to trace the tracks of the T-Rex and other dinosaurs.Your budding paleontologists willlove to explore the worldofthe dinosaurs with us
Bus Trips (55yrs+)
Honda Celebration of Lights
July 23
From the North Shore, view the RoyalCanadian AirForce Snowbirds demonstration, the drone show,and FireworksbyTeamRoyal Pyrotechnie This is alatenighttrip, returning around 11:30 p.m.
Bring an evening picnic or take your chances foravailabilityatBeach House Restaurant. The RedLion Restaurantisa10-minute walk away
View this ad online:
Thefollowing paving workswill be taking placethis year.Please be awarethey will have trafficimpacts, expectdelays
CLEVELAND AVENUE
July 21–25
Milling and repaving of Cleveland Avenue between PembertonAvenue and Buckley Avenue.New road lines will be painted when the repaving is complete.
TRAINTRACK REMOVAL AT LOGGERSLANE AND VANCOUVER STREET
July 17–18
Removalofold train tracks and repaving at the intersection of Loggers Laneand Vancouver Street Therestoration includes paving the surrounding areas adjacenttothe tracks,aswell as short section of LoggersLane south of the tracks,between Vancouver Street and Galbraith Avenue
TURF FIELD PARKING LOT
Late August/Early September
Paving of the existing parking area at Turf Field to enhancecomfort and accessibilityfor all users.The work will include line painting and the installation of speed bumps on the access road
BRENNAN PARK TRAIL PAVING
Late August/Early September
Paving approximately 100 metres of trailbetween Turf Field Road and Brennan Park.
BRENNAN PARK PARKING LOTPAVING FOR EV PARKING
Late August/Early September
Paving approximately 350 squaremetresfor EV charging parking at the northeast corner of the Brennan Park main parking lot
WESTWAYAVENUE
Late August/Early September
Milling and repaving of WestwayAvenue between Birch Driveand Plateau Drive. Theworkwill involve repaving multiple extensivesections as needed to address the most deteriorated areas
LANDFILL
Late August/Early September
Milling,base preparation, and paving will be carried out at twoseparatelocations within the landfill to improvecomfort and facilitate easier maintenance. Additionally,two speed bumps will be installed to enhancesafetywithin the landfill area.
Two trainees, fully funded by the company, have graduated as operators from a new program developed with the Squamish Nation
Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT) and Woodfibre LNG.
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
The goal is to further long-term career pathways for local Indigenous youth. Woodfibre LNG (WLNG) is collaborating with Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) on a fully funded program for eligible Indigenous students.
Emily Nahanee and John Williams are the first students to graduate as certified (interprovincial) 4th-class power engineers from the company’s new training program.
Nahanee is a Squamish Nation member while Williams is Sq’éwlets First Nation.
Both Nahanee and Williams completed an intensive year as part of WLNG’s Operator Training Program on May 16.
The program, which was launched last year, was developed by the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre, British
Both Nahanee and Williams are currently continuing with their practical training at the Woodfibre LNG offices.
WLNG spokesperson Sean Beardow, confirmed that Nahanee and Williams have to date completed the academic portion of the program, and they have been offered— and accepted—full-time roles as trainee operators
Beardow said that WLNG’s Operator Training Program is delivered in three key phases over two years:
A 13-week course is first hosted at the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre to develop students’ foundational math and science skills, and from there, they study a 37-week academic and practical training program delivered by BCIT and the Squamish Nation Training and Trades Centre.
Students receive their 4th Class Power Engineering Certificate once they pass exams from this 37-week phase, and are then
officially hired as full-time trainee operators with WLNG
The final phase is the WLNG Specifics Phase, which offers another year of immersive, “on-the-job” training, both at the Vancouver office and on-site.
This phase focuses on real-time operations, equipment, and processes specific to areas within the plant, one area at a time Nahanee said that she and Williams will be at the WLNG site during the commissioning process as more modules come in Nahanee said she found the program via the Nation’s newsletter; “[I was] already on a waitlist at BCIT for the Women’s Trades Discovery Program because I was looking into entering the trades world in some degree, because I knew that I didn’t want to sit at a desk, and I like to work with my hands. So it was an undeniable opportunity for me,” she said.
“It’s a very technical program… especially in the safety [aspects] that can make it a little hard to absorb all at once. I find myself now not only thinking about the safety of the site,
but everything else in my life as well,” Williams said
According to a blog post on WLNG’s website, students are mentored by experienced power engineers as part of the final year of site-specific training.
“Just seeing [our mentors] talk about the industry and with passion… makes you excited to be able to be in this industry for years to come,” Nahanee said
“The exciting part for me now is that rather than us gaining a broad general knowledge from the course we get to have specific knowledge,” Williams added.
WLNG fully funded 15 Indigenous students in the program, 11 of whom are from the Nation—including Nahanee and Williams.
Currently there are five students who are continuing to work through the program, supported by WLNG.
Students are provided with a training allowance that includes travel and child care for those eligible, as well as tuition, training,
GRADS: Continued on 11
Woodfibre LNG General Partner Inc. is proposing to change the Woodfibre LNGproject, locatedapproximately 7kms southwest of Squamish, B.C. They seek to add asecondFloatel(a retrofitted cruise ship forworker accommodation)tobemooredsouth of the existing Floatel.
The EAOisseeking public feedback on the proposed changes from July 8-August 2, 2025
The EAOisholding apublic commentperiod on the proposed changes to the projectand is seeking public feedback to understand potential impactsspecifically relatedtothe changes. Learnmoreabout the proposal and tell us
Youmay also submit comments by mail: WoodfibreLNG Project, PO box9426,
Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 6p.m.
Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, B.C. or electronically at squamish.civicweb.net
NoticeOfBylawReadings forZoning Amendment
DistrictofSquamish Zoning Bylaw 2200, 2011 AmendmentBylaw (39884GovernmentRd) No.3176, 2025
AFFECTED LANDS
39884 GovernmentRoad,Squamish, B.C.
PROPOSED BYLAWAMENDMENT
Thepurpose of the proposed Bylawis to increase densitytoallowfor one additional mobile hometobeadded to theexistingMobileHomeParksite (additional mobile to be added at the SW rear corner).
BYLAWREADINGS
Consideration of first,second andthird readings of the proposedBylaw willbeat the Special Business Meeting on July 29, 2025, in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish,B.C.
Attend the Meeting
In-person at Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C. or online at: squamish.ca/live-meetings
No PublicHearing
Inaccordancewith the Provincial housing legislation,Section 464(3) of the Local GovernmentAct,local governments arenow prohibited from holding public hearings relatedtozoning applications fordevelopments thatare primarily residential and areconsistentwith thelocal government’sOfficial Community Plan (OCP). This proposal meets those requirements
Howtoviewthe proposed bylaw
Acopyofthe proposed bylawand relatedinformation thathas been or maybe considered by Councilmay be inspectedonline at squamish.ca/showcase or in person at MunicipalHall at 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, from July 17, 2025, to July 29,2025, between 8:30a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Monday through Friday.
Enquiries regarding theproposedamendment bylawmay be made to the Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca.
This is the first of twonotices,dated this 17 dayofJuly, 2025, at Squamish, British Columbia.
Tuesday, July 29, 2025, at 6p.m.
Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, B.C. or electronically at squamish.civicweb.net
NoticeofDecision
Consideration of TemporaryUse Permit No.TU000080
WHAT’SPROPOSED
TemporaryUse Permit No.TU000080 seeks authorization to bring the existing temporaryfloating workforceaccommodation (Floatel1)intocompliancewith the District’sland-useregulations and to authorizeanadditional temporary floating workforceaccommodation (Floatel2).
AFFECTED LANDS
DISTRICTLOT 8296, GROUP 1
PROPOSED TEMPORARYUSES
TemporaryWorkforce Housing
TEMPORARYUSE
PERMIT CONSIDERATION
Consideration of TemporaryUse Permit No.TU000080 will be at the Special Business Meeting on July 29, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C.
In-person at Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C. or online at: squamish.ca/live-meetings
No Public Hearing
Apublic hearing is not required in accordancewith legislativerequirements and direction from Council
Howtoviewthe proposed bylaw
Acopyofthe proposed TemporaryUse Permit and relatedinformation thathas been or maybeconsidered by Council maybeinspectedonline at squamish.ca/showcase or in person at Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, British Columbia, from July 17, 2025, to July 29, 2025, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Mondaythrough Friday.
Enquiries regarding the proposedTemporaryUse Permit maybemade to the Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca.
This is the first of twonotices,dated this 17 dayofJuly,2025, at Squamish, British Columbia.
GRADS: Continued from 9
materials, and meals.
“I would love to see more companies taking initiatives like Woodfibre has for us, because, you’ve seen plenty of times before where a company will come in say they’re going to do all these things and just never do it, or find a way around it, to get whatever’s best for them, whereas I’ve always felt like Woodfibre is always [doing] what’s best for us first,” Williams said INTEGRATING
During training, students also have “Cultural Fridays,” where they participate in traditional activities such as drum-making and discuss challenges as a group, with mentorship from senior Indigenous staff.
“Our people have always been known as stewards of the land; you give to the land, the land will give back to you,” Williams said “I’ve always been super happy to see all of the steps that have been taken to go along with that, not only within the project itself, but even just knowledge and reconciliation of what happened to us as a people. Everybody has to go through mandatory training for all sorts of our cultural background … One of the things they said after [was] ‘We had no idea any of this was going on, or this happened in the past,’ and then it’s a huge wake up call for a lot of them. I think that’s really important to acknowledge.”
“There are a lot of protocols when it comes to traditions and ceremonies,” Nahanee added.
“There is overlap in terms of having all of these people who’ve been in industry for
years and years in the office with us, and the ability to go and ask them how I would talk to Elders. Being able to have access to that wealth, that is not in any books, ties into the whole cultural piece of oral knowledge and oral histories.”
In a statement issued by WLNG, the program is described as “a proud step forward for reconciliation and opportunity.”
“Emily and John are a testament to the program’s vision and promise As they step into their new roles, they carry the responsibility of helping to operate one of Canada’s most advanced LNG facilities [and] to continue to act as stewards of the area.”
The WLNG facility is expected to be substantially completed by 2027
The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news To be considered, please reach out to news@squamishchief.com
While funding for this coverage was provided, The Squamish Chief maintains full editorial control over all content.
Brought to you by Community Futures Howe Sound, The Sea to Sky’s resource for financing and free business support to help local businesses and entrepreneurs in the area. Connect with them directly and learn more at cfhowesound.com or email Kieran at kieran.hale@cfhowesound.com.
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The resultsofour online Squamish Chiefpolls oftenspark lively discussionsinthe newsroom aboutlocal priorities andpublicsentiment on key issues.
We aresometimessurprised at theresults,and othertimes notso much.
Forexample,for ourpoll“Areyou satisfiedwith life in Squamish?” 33 %said“Yes, butthe cost of living is toohigh.”Approximately 33 %said, “Yes,I’m generallysatisfied with life in Squamish.”
Thoseresults track.
It is awesomehere,but expensive
Similarly, when asked, “Whatisthe most pressing issuefacingthe community today?”30%said housingaffordability,while 28% said cost of living (groceries, utilities, transportation).
Again, no surprise there.
On theother hand,whenweasked,“If youhad to name onething that is better becauseofSquamish’s recentgrowth,whatwould it be?” closeto530 people responded, and thetop answer was“Nothing,”which took45 %ofthe vote.
Harsh.
On apositivenote, however, thesecondmost popularresponse, with 22 %ofthe vote was,“Better placestoeat anddrink.”
Forthe question“Do Squamish’sshort-termrental rules strike theright balance?”32% said “No—too restrictiveonhomeownersand localtourism,” while 32% said “Yes protecting long-termhousing is the top priority.”
Theresponsesshowaclear divide in public opinion on this issue.
Thereappears to be greaterconsensus on the question, “If therewereaferry from Squamish to Vancouver, wouldyou take it often?”
On that question,the largest percentage—34%—of respondentssaid“Yes” while19%said, “Depends on cost.”Only17 %said“No.”
Ourpoll, “Ofcurrent councilmembers,who do youthink is most likely to runfor mayortoreplace Mayor Armand Hurford?” drew 330respondents. Coun. JennaStonertooktop billingwith34% of the vote. Thesecondmostchosenanswerwas “Noneof them,”at32%.Third wasEricAndersenwithabout 13%of thevote.
Were ournewsroomto take that poll,Coun. John Frenchwould have been higher on thelistaslikelyto run.
(Wearenow asking of currentcouncil members who folkshopewillbecomemayor.)
Of course,these pollsrepresent only asnapshot—a self-selecting groupwho choose to participate—and maynot reflectbroader public opinionacross Squamish.
Themorepeoplewho take apoll, themore accurate it becomes.
So,ifyou haven’talready,weigh in on ourlatest question:“Do yousupport asecondfloatel for WoodfibreLNG to houseits construction workers?”
Your voicehelps shapelocal dialogue.
LAPU-LAPUFESTIVALTRAGEDY
Four timesthe minister used thephraseinhis pressconference
“Wefully accept theintentofthese recommendations,”hesaid, afterone queryintowhether he hasa timeline foraction
There aresecretwords to watchout for from politiciansthatcan help youdecodetheir true message. Oneofthem is “intent.”
Governmentsprofess supportfor the“intent” of recommendationswhentheydon’t really like what’s been suggested, butfor whatever reason,can’t say that outloud. Instead, politicianswilldeploythe word “intent”incleverwaystomakeitappearthey’re about to do something specific,wheninreality,they intendtogooff in adifferentdirection.
That phrasing played outrepeatedlyinthe B.C. government’srecentresponsetothe commission of inquiryintopublicsafety, struck after an attacker in avehicle killed11 people at theLapu-Lapu Day festival in Vancouver on April26.
Former justiceChristopher Hinksonreleaseda 64-page report into howtoimprove public safety at communityevents,withsix recommendationsfor theprovince.
“Weacceptthe intent of allthe recommendations,” wasthe response from TerryYung, B.C.’sministerof state forcommunity safety
“We’re workingclosely with ourpartnersout there, with eventplanners, municipalities,different levels of government [on] howbesttomakethemwork, implementthemintorealities andpractice. We’re hopingtodothisassoonaswecan.”
At firstblush,itfeltlikeanodd response from a government that commissionedthe report,selected theauthor andmandatedaquick turnaround of 60 days so it couldget moving quickly.
Hinkson’stop-linerecommendationsseemed simple enough:moreplanning, resources, training, collaborationand clarityonevent safety at public events.
Butit’sthe detailsthatgivethe province pause. Particularly therecommendation formore financialsupport to payfor things like fencing, barriers,traffic controlequipment andemergency servicesfor eventorganizers.
“Inaddition, theprovinceshouldprovide direct fundingorstaffingsupport tomunicipalities, particularly thoseinsmaller or under-resourced jurisdictions, toassistwithevent permitting,safety
PROVINCIAL: Continuedon13
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)
PROVINCIAL: Continued from 12
planning, and coordination,” wrote Hinkson.
“Municipalities should be encouraged to establish or designate in-house roles focused on event production and safety coordination to build institutional knowledge and long-term capacity.”
The government doesn’t have the money to help pay for B.C.’s 161 municipalities to staff up on event safety jobs. Nor can it afford to suddenly have to cover emergency planning costs for every cheese festival, show and shine, community days and heritage fest from Port Renfrew to Pouce Coupe.
There are thousands of public events in B.C. each year, and even modest grants of a few thousand dollars would quickly balloon into an expenditure of tens of millions of dollars.
The NDP government is already into an estimated $13-billion deficit this year, the worst in its history, and the premier is cutting spending, not adding it.
Politically, there are other issues.
Hinkson’s recommendations put almost everything onto the provincial government—a centralized hub for event safety across B.C., with training, advice and tools for everyone; a provincial repository of event safety data and case studies; regular tabletop exercises for communities as well as after-action reports; and provincial leadership in sorting out jurisdictional issues for public safety between local governments, regional governments, first responders and Indigenous nations.
All of that, according to Hinkson, should be designed in co-operation with local governments, event organizers, public safety agencies, the federal government and First Nations.
On the one hand, the province is the only one that can take this on Who else in British Columbia has the capacity?
But it’s also an enormous set of expectations that come with equally large political risks. If something goes wrong at a future public event, it is the province that will take the blame over whether it properly oversaw planning, funding,
co-ordination and approval of what was in reality a locally run event built on local decisions.
The Hinkson report also quoted forensic psychiatrist Roy O’Shaughnessy in explaining that some risks of violence at public events simply cannot be predicted. And it skipped entirely the role of mental illness and available mental health services in mitigating risk of attacks.
Perhaps it’s no wonder Yung would only commit to the “intent” of the recommendations and not the exact prescription spelled out by Hinkson.
There’s a lot here for the province to digest And simply doing as asked might not be feasible, affordable or politically viable
Rob Shaw has spent more than 17 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for The Orca/BIV. He is the co-author of the national bestselling book A Matter of Confidence, host of the weekly podcast Political Capital, and a regular guest on CBC Radio.
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
Do you support a second floatel for Woodfibre LNG to house its construction workers?
Have your say at squamishchief.com
Are you satisfied with life in Squamish? (Top 3 answers)
Advocates call for new Sea to Sky regional hospital and Canada’s first wellness village
Send in your fur family
Meet Rev. Jude Douglass, the Sea to Sky officiant who will climb any mountain or hike any trail to make your elopement dreams come true
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
You can climb, bike, paddle and hike almost anywhere in the Sea to Sky, but did you know you can also get married while doing it too?
Local officiant, Rev. Jude Douglass, is on a mission to make couples’ dream wedding day come true, and that means she’s willing to hike, bike or climb up any mountain to do it
Douglass began her business as the Sea to Sky Officiant in July 2024 after a colleague suggested there was a gap in the market for adventure lovers looking to get married.
But her love of stories and sharing moments with people began long before.
“I have always been a lover of love, especially inspired by my grandparents’ marriage. They have this whole epic story about surviving World War Two and a stack of hidden love letters. They’re a true miracle couple that went on to have this gorgeous, 60-year marriage,” Douglass told The Squamish Chief.
It was in her 20s, working as a European tour guide, when she first discovered her passion for engaging with a crowd.
“That’s where I learned to use a microphone, [how to] public speak, and also the beauty and being able to curate people’s once-in-a-lifetime moments,” she said
“Then fast forward to 2020, with the pandemic, obviously I couldn’t be a tour guide anymore, so that’s when I geared off towards weddings
“It was actually a local wedding photographer who told me ‘Jude, you need to be an officiant, because we need someone here who is bubbly, can public speak, but also is willing to hike up a mountain, get in a helicopter, climb some rocks, and kind of answer that appetite for what Squamish is.’
“That was back in 2021 when she first made that suggestion, and took me a few years to get into it, but here we are, we did it.”
While Douglass marries people in traditional style ceremonies as well as performs vow renewals, it’s the adventurous elopements that have seen a lot of interest in recent months
“I’ll hike up any mountain, climb any multi-pitch, or paddle across any lake to make sure you say ‘I do’ in the most breathtaking locations,” Douglass writes on her website.
And she’s not kidding.
Douglass has performed boating elopements, taken a helicopter to the top of mountains and even climbed rock walls to give people their fairytale moment
“I’ve even had couples put their wedding ceremony on Strava, which I think is the most Squamish thing ever,” she said with a laugh.
According to Douglass, 60 % of her couples are local residents, with 40 % from the Lower Mainland and other countries.
“I’ve had a few [couples] from the United States, the United Kingdom, I get Aussies, and then I’ve had quite a few from the Czech Republic,” she said.
The adventure elopement trend picked up during the pandemic when many couples were forced to cancel weddings due to gathering restrictions.
But Douglass said she feels as though more people are opting for the style intentionally now.
“I think that at first, COVID-19 opened the door for elopements. But now, rather than it being about the restrictions, what we can’t do, it’s more about intention, it’s about the values, the connection, honouring how they spend their time together as a couple, or their passions,” she said.
“So it’s no longer like, ‘Oh, we can’t have a big wedding.’ It’s something where couples are choosing elopement intentionally so that they can prioritize each other, reduce stress and save so much money.
“You can plan an entire elopement with everything, the ceremony, flowers, photos, beauty services, and it’s going to cost less than a venue deposit.”
Douglass said that her couples often have celebrations with friends and family after eloping.
“It’s not like you just have to elope or have a big party. I often have people elope with me, and then they will book a restaurant, or have everyone over to their backyard and have a bit
more of a casual celebration, but a celebration nonetheless,” she said
Prices for adventure elopements vary, but a three-hour rock climbing elopement package that includes a portaledge, cragging, a guide and equipment starts at around $3,125.
Valley elopements (in a magical forest or waterside location) start around $1,999.
All elopement packages include photography, florals, venue and planning
Did you know if you want to elope in a provincial park, you need to obtain a permit?
Douglass said she sends out the documents to her couples ahead of time to make sure the ceremonies go off without a hitch.
She also encourages brides with veils to use veil weights as the Sea to Sky is notoriously windy.
“Talking to your hair and makeup artist about your hairstyle, considering the wind, or even having your hair and makeup artist come along for the day to do a touch-up [can be a great idea].
Douglass also has options for couples who would like to live stream or record their ceremonies.
“I find a lot of people who elope still want people to be able to live stream it and see the ceremony Or if they don’t want to go live, just at least record it so they can show their people later,” she said
For those who want to hike or climb to their locations, Douglass said there are two options for attire They can hike in their ceremony outfits, or they can wear casual clothes and change into their attire at their destination.
“I’ve actually gotten a little pop-up change room tent so the couples can hike in comfortably, change clothes at the top, and then they hike down after the ceremony in their bridal attire,” she said
“That way, they can still have a first look and a reveal of them in their bridal attire at the top, get the photos, and then if the dress does get a bit dirty on the way down, it’s okay, because they’ve gotten the ceremony photos.
“But there are no rules. You can do it any way you want, which is the beauty of eloping as well.”
A final, but potentially crucial piece of advice Douglass gives to couples is to opt for a weekday ceremony as opposed to a weekend event.
“I definitely recommend Monday through Thursday to avoid the crowds that we get in the Sea to Sky on weekends. You don’t want to be going to Alice Lake on a Saturday,” she said.
As for any location suggestions, Douglass said she is always scouting for possible options but is willing to take on any ideas that couples may have
“I actually spend hours and hours on Google satellite trying to find trails location scouting is a huge part of the job,” she said
But one place she does recommend is Semaphore Lakes near Pemberton.
“It’s one [place] that is really low effort, high reward. Because you drive up to about 1,300 metres, and it’s only a 3.6 kilometre hike, that’s not too steep to get into the alpine,” she said.
“So that’s one that I think I would scream from the rooftops But I’ve got a few local places that are 10-minute walks to incredible viewpoints that I kind of try and reserve for the couples that book with me.”
Head to the Sea to Sky Officiant website to book with Douglass and get one step closer to your dream adventure wedding.
The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news To be considered, please reach out to news@squamishchief.com
While funding for this coverage was provided, The Squamish Chief maintains full editorial control over all content.
Brought to you by Community Futures Howe Sound, The Sea to Sky’s resource for financing and free business support to help local businesses and entrepreneurs in the area Connect with them directly and learn more at cfhowesound.com or email Kieran at kieran.hale@cfhowesound.com.
Hoffmann prevails among women on perfect day for Santa Cruz Syndicate; Hemstreet rides to third
DAVID SONG dsong@wplpmedia.com
Aaron Gwin set a record of four consecutive World Cup downhill wins during the 2012 campaign On July 6, Jackson Goldstone equalled that feat
The Squamolian conquered La Thuile’s track, the steepest of its kind in history, in three minutes and 27.134 seconds to edge out reigning UCI world champ Loris Vergier (3:27.738). Vergier’s fellow Frenchman, Loïc Bruni, checked in for third (3:28.173).
Goldstone’s teammate, Nina Hoffmann, also contributed to a marvellous day for Santa Cruz Syndicate by winning the elite ladies’ race (3:57.934) despite injuries from a crash last month in Leogang, Austria. Valentina Höll settled for silver (4:00.928) and Gracey Hemstreet went home with bronze (4:01.130)
“I’m on a roll, it’s such a crazy feeling to be able to do four in a row,” said Goldstone in a press release. “I can’t believe that just happened It felt right during the whole run, and I was stoked with everything I had a few moments, the dust is so soft and powdery
here that it’s really hard not to get sunk in and have those mistakes I pushed through, gave it everything to the bottom, and it was good enough
“I would have been eight years old when [Aaron Gwin won four in a row], it’s a pretty cool statistic.”
The La Thuile venue is punishing even under ideal conditions: a 2.3-kilometre long course with an average gradient of 28 % and 641 metres of descent. Mix in some rain, and it’s understandable that last weekend’s race featured crashes and delays.
Gwin himself could do no better than 14th, but Vergier put down a quick run that might have launched him atop the podium on another day. Bruni faltered just enough to wind up short of his compatriot, setting the stage for Goldstone’s effort
As the fastest qualifier, Goldstone watched everybody else drop in before putting his immaculate technical prowess on display. He ignited his afterburners to prevail by six-tenths of a second, extending Vergier’s winless streak on the World Cup circuit to
over 1,000 days
“I was struggling on Thursday in practice a little bit, but I kept building from there. Qualification was a lot better and I wasn’t expecting that,” Goldstone admitted “I’m really happy to be able to bring it home I try to keep myself as focused and in the moment as possible; I don’t look at the times or watch the live stream.
“What a day for Santa Cruz Syndicate, I’m so proud of Nina [Hoffmann] who won her first race of the year. I can’t believe I have the chance [to go five in a row], saying that is a dream come true, we’ll give it our best shot.”
Hoffmann achieved her first World Cup victory since 2023 whilst showing little sign of being injured. The German rider’s performance was defined by controlled aggression as she skilfully navigated the steep track.
Trying some different lines in search of her first gold medal of the year, Höll came up short nonetheless. Hemstreet entered Sunday’s action as top qualifier, but likewise proved unable to challenge the Santa Cruz
athlete.
“I’m such an emotional person, I can’t believe it,” said Hoffmann “I came down to the finish and turned around to see my time was under four minutes. I had in my head that the winning time was going to be under four minutes. I thought whatever the other girls did that was a really good run, and I’m stoked about that already. I don’t know how I ended up in P1. I was really nervous when Valentina [Höll] came down because she’s a benchmark, she was slower and then Tahnee [Seagrave] also lost time at the bottom...was pretty sure either Tahnee or Gracey was going to get me.
“I know Gracey was not the best at the first split, but she was almost two seconds behind. I thought: ‘Oh my God, that’s a lot already’. This is why it means so much to me, where I came from in Saalfelden Leogang –Salzburgerland sending it over the wall ride Holding it all back in Val di Sole – Trentino and being so happy just to ride and just trying to build confidence This weekend, I could feel it clicked a bit again, I feel myself again, but I still don’t want to push too much and have another crash. It worked out somehow.”
Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, B.C. or electronically at squamish.civicweb.net
DistrictofSquamish –DevelopmentPermit No.DP000623
Noticeisherebygiven in accordancewith Section499 of the Local GovernmentAct,thatthe Council of the DistrictofSquamishwill be considering,atthe Special BusinessMeeting, on Tuesday, July 29, 2025 at 6p.m. in the Council Chambers,MunicipalHall, 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, aresolution to issue DevelopmentPermit No.DP000623 asindicatedherein:
1. THATthe following variances be authorizedbyCouncil TO APPLYtothe developmentofthe parcelofland withinthe DistrictofSquamish, described as:
LOT4SECTIONS 11 AND 14 TOWNSHIP 50 DISTRICTLOT 511 GROUP 1NEW WESTMINSTER DISTRICT PLAN BCP4573 EXCEPT PLANS BCP11103 BCP24909 BCP38848 BCP40304AND EPP90139 located at 2100 NewportRidgeDrive,Squamish, BritishColumbia.
LOCATION MAP
2. Thegeneral intent and purpose ofthe proposedvariance as partofDevelopmentPermit No.DP000623 is to vary DistrictofSquamishBylaw2200, 2011 as follows:
(i) Section 4.27 Table 4.27(d) bevaried:
From –Small Tree,Minimum Building Setback Radiusof2m
To –Small Tree,Minimum Building Setback Radius of 1m
(ii) Section 12A.3 DevelopmentRegulations be varied:
From –Maximum building heightforPrincipal Buildings of10.68 m.
To –Maximum building heightforPrincipal Buildings of 16.40 m.
(iii)Section 41.11(d)(i) Parking Access be varied:
From –The access to all off-street parking in the form of drivewaysshall be aminimum of 6metres in length; or thatnodrivewayisprovided
To –The access to all off-street parking in the form of drivewaysshall be aminimum of 0.7 min length; or thatnodrivewayisprovided.
Persons who believethattheir interests are affectedbythe proposed amendments will have an opportunitytobeheardand to presentwritten submissions forthe Hearing.Thereare four ways to participate:
1. Written. Written submissionmay be delivered to hearing@squamish.ca,ordropped offtothe CorporateOfficer at Municipal Hall before3p.m. on the date of the Hearing
2. Telephone. Participate by telephone by calling +1 604-449-3026 and entering the Access Code 277 351 97595. Dial *3 to ‘raise your hand’ indicating thatyou’d like to speak.You will hear amessage that“your line has been unmuted” when it is your turntospeak
3. Electronic Participation. Participate Electronically through the use of the WebEx platformby visiting squamish.ca/participate
4. In Person Attendance. Youmay participate in person during theHearing in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, British Columbia.
Formoreinformation and fordetailed instructions regarding electronic and telephone participation please visit squamish.ca/participate in advanceof the meeting.
Acopyofthe proposed DevelopmentPermitNo. DP000632 maybeinspectedatMunicipal Hall (37955 Second Avenue) from July 17, 2025, to July 29, 2025, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Mondaythrough Friday, excluding statutoryholidays. Enquiries regarding the proposed Development Permit maybemade to the Planning Department at 604-815-5002
If youhaveany questions regarding the proposed bylawamendments or howtoparticipate in the hearing,please call the District at 604-892-5217
Council will not consider submissions received after the close of the Public Hearing.All submissions will form partofthe public record
This is the first of twonotices,dated this 17 dayof July,2025, at Squamish, British Columbia.
Wherelocals look! CALL OR PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIEDAD WITH OUR ONLINE SERVICEFOR EITHER PRINT, ONLINE OR BOTH DEADLINE FORPRINTADS: MONDAY BEFORE11:30 AM
Deadline: Monday3pm Squamishchief.com – Classifieds Get theadded punch tomakeyour businessad standout with a classified displayad. Free ad design, with colour andother options.
BornDecember 24th , 1948 –2025
Contact asales reptoday! Obituaries –InPrint and Online inour Local CommunityNews With Picture&FreeColour BOOK YOUR AD 604-892-9161 classified@squamishchief.com
Collin and Sister Gail Forever in our thoughts. RestinPeace, Ken.
Fond memories lingerevery day, Remembrancekeepsthemnear.
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CONSTRUCTION LABOURER– Greatopportunity to learnon-the-job.Stamina for physically demanding work and perseverance to brave inclementweather required. Previousexperience preferred but notrequired.Trainingprovided. $28-$33per hour
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1. British brew
Thicken
Clasp 12. Largecoffeepot
Bee home
Track event
Hitter’sclub 16. Blessing closer 17.Becomes older 18. Loafers 20.Big quiz
Prizes
Deep anger 25. Sun-dried brick
Joke 36. Trimmed
38. Thelady’s 39.Dish wipers 40.Too 43. Sparkles
45. Motel unit
46. Shanties
47.Pub feature 50.Morse 51.Flirty look
52. Lens opening 53. Linger
54. Football stands 55. Dawndrops
1. Basin 2. Important time 3.Remedy 4. Dare
5. Citrus fruits
6. Finished 7. Emotional strain
8. Rub harshly
9. Angry frenzy 10.Sherbets
11. Bother
19.Smallamount
21. Deli spread 22.Ideal garden
24.Answers
26.Sty resident 27.Nabbed
28. Fight fortwo 29.Winds up
32. Sound range
37.Astonish
38. Cozy
39.Book name
40.Circle parts
41.Bounty
42. pop
44. Gigantic
48. Affirmativevote
49.Church seat
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
ARIES March 21-April 19
This week,you’ll feel the need to act and engage in discussions.You’ll spend hourstalkingabout athousand subjects to better understand your surroundings.You’llbeeager to discovernew things and absorbeverythingaroundyou.
TAURUS April 20-May20
Despitesomeconfusion, you’ll stay the course and confidentlyforge ahead.You’ll find the resources youneed to startyourown business or treatyourself to awelldeserveddream vacation.
GEMINI May21-June 20
Thisweek, you’llyearn for moreaction asyou strengthen existingrelationships and form new friendships.Prepare for aflurry of activities.The new moon maybring some confusion to yourthoughts
CANCER June 21-July 22
Your lack of sleepmay finally catch up with you this week. With severalcolleagues on vacation, you maysee your workload increase tenfold. You’ll need to putinextra efforttomanageeverything.
LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:
The Parish of St.John theDivine, Squamish
HolyCommunion and Morning Worship
Sundays at 10:00 AM Rev Cameron Gutjahr 1930 Diamond Road 604-898-5100
www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca info@squamishanglicanchurch.ca
LEO July 23-Aug.22
Work on optimizingyoursocial mediaaccounts.This will help you communicatemore effectively.A trip or getaway with lovedones could be on the horizon, allowing you to create unforgettable memories and live fullyinthe moment.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Youmay come across some interestingrealestate opportunities this week, promptingyou to think about purchasing an investment property or undertaking renovations to boost your property’s value.Your accomplishments will fill you with pride.Someone closetoyou will suggestanexcitingactivity.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
You’ll soon go on an adventure that will provokea desirefor selfdiscovery.Whether through a pilgrimageoraspiritual practice, you’ll feel the need to refocus yourthoughts.You’ll incorporate new meditation techniques into yourdailyroutine
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov.21
Take control of youremotions by addressing yourfeelings or respondingtothe needsofa lovedone.Yourgenerositywill be
appreciated. However, remember to prioritizeyourown well-being. Fatigueand stress canimpact yourmood.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Asthenewmoonapproaches, workoncreatingharmonyinyour life.Aprofessionalopportunity maypresentitselfduringthe summer.You’llhavetochoose betweentwointerestingproposals
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Yourvacationisalmosthere! However,you’llwanttofinish everythingonyourto-dolistbefore relaxing.Athome,you’llbeproud ofcompletingadeep-cleanor personaldesignproject.Someone closetoyouwillneedyourhelp
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Self-esteem is akey part of growth.You’ll achieve afeatthat will fill you with pride and earn you recognition. If you’resingle, yournewfound confidence will help you attract moreattention.
PISCES Feb. 19-March20
Youdon’t need to travel far to have agreat vacation. Spending qualitytime at home with family canbejustasrewarding. With proper planning, you’ll reconnect with loved ones you haven’t seen in awhile.
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
Exalting Jesus,EquippingHis Followers,Engaging theWorld
WorshipService Sundays 10am on our website and Facebook Live 2262ReadCres. 604-898-3737 www.squamishbaptistchurch.org
coastalchurch.org/squamish
