THURSDAY, JULY 30, 2026
‘JUST GIVE US OUR MAIL’: BRACKENDALE POST OFFICE STAFFING CRISIS
Canada Post says it’s secured short-term staffing through August, but warns it may have to formally begin closure proceedings if the vacant postmaster role isn’t filled
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
Brackendale residents have struggled to send and receive packages through their Canada Post depot because of staffing shortages.
Local Rachel James first noticed the challenge in April, after the long-time postmaster for the neighbourhood office retired.
PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF The Brackendale Canada Post office.
“I’ve had packages at the post office for weeks, and it’s not even registering as being in Brackendale because they haven’t even been able to sort through it, so it’s been pretty brutal,” she said.
As the executor of her father’s estate, she needs access to mail for managing the process.
“My dad passed away in March, and I’m his executor,” she said. “None of my mail and none of his mail has been able to make it to me (in)… a timely manner.”
Neighbours were unable to get credit cards, and she says one diverted her mail to a partner’s business just to ensure they could have access.
STOP-GAP SOLUTIONS
The windows of the small outlet beside the Brackendale General Store are covered with papers notifying residents of the issues.
“We apologize for recent closures due to staffing shortages. Please be patient and respectful with the staff members currently assisting you as Brackendale is not their usual post office. These staff members have volunteered to come assist temporarily until this post office’s positions have been filled. We appreciate your business and look forward to continuing to serve,” one notice reads.
A letter provided to the District of Squamish is also posted, along with a job posting.
In a July 3 email to Mayor Armand Hurford and council, which was attached to the July 21 council meeting agenda, Mike Lee, Canada Post’s manager of government and community affairs for B.C., said the Brackendale office had been unable to operate that week despite recruitment efforts within a 50-kilometre radius, though it reopened for a single day on July 4. As a
temporary measure, the company proposed residents pick up mail at the Garibaldi Highlands Post Office, about three kilometres away, starting the week of July 13.
Lee also said Canada Post would begin canvassing local businesses to explore potential locations for a postmaster to operate from.
By July 9, Canada Post said it had secured staffing to keep the Brackendale office open Monday through Friday from July 14 to Aug. 7, with signage to be posted at the location to keep residents informed.
The Postmaster position, vacant since the previous hire fell through, is being reposted for another four-week recruitment window.
The posting lists the pay at $22.10 per hour for 39 hours a week. Candidates must have suitable, accessible premises available within 30 days of being hired, and the posting closes August 20, 2026. They also get a $4,189 yearly leasing allowance to help offset the costs of operating a post office. But postmasters remain on the hook for rent, utilities, maintenance, snow removal, taxes and insurance on the space itself.
James thinks part of the challenge of finding staff is the wage.
“I think it works out to $45,000 annually or something. So the math is hovering around minimum wage… Plus, on top of that, you pay to lease the space… and your obligation is six days a week,” James said.
“The building is old, it’s always freezing in the winter, it’s always cooking hot in the summer. Nobody wants to be there, but they don’t pay you a living wage, in my opinion.”
Canada Post said in an email it does not discuss individual employee pay, and that compensation for postmaster-provided locations is set out in its collective agreement with the Canadian Postmasters and Assistants Association (CPAA).
“While we do not disclose personal information about our employees or their
contracts with our company, elements of compensation for postmaster-provided locations are outlined in their collective bargaining agreement,” the company said in a statement to The Squamish Chief.
CONTINGENCY PLANS
Lee’s July 9 email said that if Canada Post cannot secure a suitable candidate after this latest recruitment period, the company would be required to begin a formal process under its agreement with the CPAA, including providing notice of its intention to discontinue operations at the Brackendale location.
Should staffing challenges prove unresolvable, the email outlines two contingency options: community mailboxes, where residents would continue receiving mail within their neighbourhood through mailbox equipment, or service through the Garibaldi Heights Post Office, about three kilometres away, where residents would be issued a post office box.
“We have a short-term contingency plan to keep the post office open as we continue our efforts to recruit for a postmaster. Brackendale residents continue receiving their postal services and mail delivery as usual, with no need to change their mode of delivery at this time,” the company said.
Canada Post noted the Brackendale office is a postmaster-provided location, a model it uses in more than 850 communities across the country where space options are limited, occupying spaces in stores, gas stations, homes and church halls.
“We will keep Squamish local elected officials and affected residents informed of any developments to staffing of the post office and their postal services,” the statement said.
But for James, she doesn’t care what the decision is, she just wants one made.
“Just give us our mail, or like an option to. I don’t care how we get it,” James said.
I’ve had packages at the post office for weeks, and it’s not even registering as being in Brackendale because they haven’t even been able to sort through it, so it’s been pretty brutal.
RACHEL JAMES
DISTRICT STAFF TO FOLLOW-UP
At its meeting on July 21, council voted unanimously to refer the email from Lee to staff for follow-up.
Hurford and Coun. Jenna Stoner both said they had talked to Lee and there had been shock at how much population growth there is planned for Brackendale and Squamish more generally.
“I think connecting in with our staff for (Canada Post) to better understand what our transportation master plan goals are, what our growth is like, to help them think about how they will best deliver their service,” said Stoner. “We are not going to solve the postal service challenge for the Nation here in Squamish, but we can hopefully solve it for the residents of Brackendale in short order.”
- With a file from Jennifer Thuncher/ The Squamish Chief
NEWS BRIEFS
BIKE BE-GONE
A Richmond motorcycle rider has lost his bike, and his licence, after police say they caught him doing a wheelie on the Sea to Sky Highway.
BC Highway Patrol allege that on July 18, on Highway 99 near Furry Creek, a police laser caught a blue Suzuki motorcycle doing 146 km/h in an 80 zone. An RCMP officer on a BC Highway Patrol motorcycle closed to within a few metres of the blue Suzuki to record the temporary licence plate number and to find a suitable place for a traffic stop, according to a news release from Mounties.
Though it is legally required, the blue Suzuki did not have mirrors and the rider apparently did not see police.
The rider began a stunt wheelie and started weaving through traffic, police say.
“Once the motorcyclist realized that he was being pulled over by police, he was fully cooperative. He was not trying to flee; he was simply unaware that he was being watched,” said Sgt. Michael McLaughlin with BC Highway Patrol, in the release. “By then it was too late. He’d already accumulated too many offences to keep his motorcycle.”
The 20-year-old rider had a valid Class 8 (motorcycle Learner) licence, but he had just finished serving a previous driving prohibition. The rider was issued a ticket for speeding that carries a fine of $483, another ticket for driving without due care and attention, worth an additional $368, and a seven-day impound of his bike for excessive speeding.
BC Highway Patrol also sent a high-risk driving report to the BC Superintendent
of Motor Vehicles, who gave the motorcyclist another six-month driving prohibition.
“Speeding and dangerous driving are serious concerns on the Sea to Sky. We will do everything we can to keep drivers safe and that means delivering real legal consequences,” said McLaughlin. “Every major crash has the potential to shut this highway down. We need people to slow down, drive responsibly, and make the highway safe.”
INVESTIGATING SUSPICIOUS HOUSE AND VEHICLE FIRES
Mounties want to hear from anyone with information on two suspicious fires in Lions Bay.
Police say that the Squamish RCMP were called to a home in Lions Bay that was “fully engulfed in flames” on Kelvin Grove Way, on July 19 just after 4 a.m.
Shortly after, Squamish RCMP were notified of a vehicle on fire at Ocean Point Drive.
There were no known or reported injuries, according to a Sea to Sky RCMP news release.
“The fires are believed to be related and are considered suspicious at this time,” the release states.
The Sea to Sky RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) has taken over the investigation and is working with the Lions Bay Fire Department and the BC Office of the Fire Commissioner to investigate the cause of the fires.
The GIS is responsible for complex investigations relating to serious crimes.
The Sea to Sky RCMP is asking anyone with any information related to the fires,
GOT NEWS?
Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
including anyone with video footage from the area of the house or vehicle fires, to contact the Sea to Sky RCMP General Investigation Section at 604 892-6100.
Anyone who wishes to provide information anonymously may contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or go to the website www.solvecrime.ca.
PLANE PASSENGERS RESCUED
Two people were rescued after their plane went down at Seagram Lake, located in the Squamish River Valley.
The Joint Rescue Coordination Centre (JRCC) Victoria says it was notified by NAV Canada of an overdue Cessna 172 with two people aboard the aircraft around 10:55 p.m. on July 20.
JRCC launched a search operation using a CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and a CC-295 Kingfisher aircraft from Comox to search for the plane in its last known position, west of Whistler.
Around 2 a.m., “the occupants were located at Seagram Lake, where it is assumed the aircraft went into the water,” said Capt. Pedram Mohyeddin, a public affairs officer with the Maritime Forces Pacific / Joint Task Force of the Canadian Armed Forces.
“The two persons were extracted aboard the CH-149 Cormorant helicopter and transported to Vancouver International Airport and transferred to Emergency Health Services.”
BCEHS says plane crash victims in stable condition
BC Emergency Health Services (BCEHS) says the two people rescued were taken to hospital in “serious but stable condition,”
according to paramedic public information officer Brian Twaites.
BCEHS received a call for aid at 3:21 a.m. July 21, from the JRCC.
“After the two patients were extricated, two ambulances with primary care paramedics and an ambulance with advanced care paramedics responded to Vancouver International Airport to meet the patients,” he wrote.
BCEHS would like to thank JRCC Victoria and the Comorant helicopter crew for their assistance in responding to this incident.
Transportation Safety Board investigating
The Sea to Sky RCMP (Squamish Detachment) says they responded to a call for aid on the night of July 20 and took steps to locate it, alongside Squamish and Whistler Search and rescue teams and the CFB Comox 442 Squadron.
“The investigation will be referred to the Transportation Safety Board (Canada), and for this reason no further information will be provided by the Sea to Sky RCMP,” wrote Cpl. Katrina Boehmer, Sea to Sky RCMP.
The RCMP asks anyone with information on the investigation to contact Sea to Sky RCMP (Whistler Detachment) at (604) 932-3044.
The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) said it is aware of the downed plane incident at Seagram Lake in Garibaldi and they are in the process of collecting further details and assessing what happened.
“As the aircraft is reported to be submerged, there are no plans to deploy to the site,” a spokesperson wrote.
SEAN EASTON ANNOUNCES RUN FOR MAYOR
The Zero Ceiling and DWIFT Housing co-founder says he’s running as ‘a mayor for the community,’ with three months to go before the local election
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
Non-profit leader Sean Easton has become the first candidate to declare a run for mayor of Squamish, three months out from the local election.
Easton, a Squamish resident since 2011, said in a press release the decision came out of years of hearing the same frustrations repeated back to him.
“To be honest, I never saw myself in politics. But, as I speak with residents in my work, I’ve begun to see how urgently something needs to change in Squamish. I’ve spent my career enacting change in communities by listening to people’s needs, designing creative solutions, and taking bold action where it’s needed. So I realized—if not me, then who?” he said in the release.
FROM RAFT GUIDE TO NON-PROFIT DIRECTOR
Easton first arrived in Squamish as a whitewater guide before training as a youth
worker. In 2017, he took on leadership of Whistler-based Zero Ceiling, a non-profit dedicated to ending youth homelessness
through supportive housing and employment. Under Easton and former co-executive director Chris Wrightson, the organization grew from a handful of staff into one supporting roughly 20 youth annually through programs like Work 2 Live.
Easton said that work has shaped how he sees the job ahead.
“At Zero Ceiling,” he said, “we work with young adults who face enormous barriers to thriving in our community. These are people who often fall through the cracks—but I’ve always found that, when we listen to what they really need, and then take action, they can thrive here just as much as anyone else. They’ve always been my biggest teachers.”
HEART HOUSE AND DWIFT
Closer to home, Easton and his family built and still own the “Heart House,” the multi-generational home on the corner of Mamquam Road and Highlands Way known locally for its string lights and oversized outdoor hearts.
“We just couldn’t see how we could make it work here financially, even a decade ago. So me, my brother, our partners, and our parents all came together to get creative and build a home that allowed us to stay and raise our families here in Squamish,” he said. Both brothers are now raising children and running businesses in the Sea to Sky.
That project became the launching point for DWIFT Housing Society, the non-profit Easton co-founded to sell homes at cost to middle-income Squamish households— people who earn too much to qualify for subsidized housing but can’t afford market rates. DWIFT has spent the past two years searching for land large enough to build 20 to 50 units, a process that has included an unsuccessful bid for municipal land in the Squamish Business Park for the District to set aside public acreage on Pioneer Way for non-profit housing rather than selling it to a private developer.
RESIDENTS UNITED
Easton’s most recent venture, Residents United, is a grassroots engagement collective he launched to try to close what he sees as a widening gap between what residents want and what’s happening at the municipal level.
“There’s such a disconnect between what I hear from people in the community, and what is happening at a municipal level.
Everyone is talking about affordability and access to amenities—and the town just keeps getting less affordable while amenities and infrastructure fall further and further behind,” he said.
That disconnect, he said, is ultimately what pushed him to run.
“I say I’m standing as ‘A Mayor for the Community’ because that’s what matters most to me—that the government represents
There’s such a disconnect between what I hear from people in the community, and what is happening at a municipal level.
SEAN EASTON
and takes action on what is most important to the people of this town. If I can be the person who makes that a reality, I think it’s my responsibility to stand,” he said.
PRIORITIES: HOUSING, COST OF LIVING, TRANSPARENCY
If elected, Easton said his top priorities would mirror what he’s heard at the doorstep: affordable housing, cost of living, and access to amenities, alongside a bigger push for transparency at the municipal level.
“Truly effective, ongoing engagement with the community, and full transparency on how we’re using municipal resources. That’s what everyone is telling me is missing: they don’t feel heard, and they don’t feel their tax dollars are being spent effectively to make Squamish a place where they can thrive,” he said.
He argued the District has more room to manoeuvre than it often acts like it does.
“Municipalities don’t have infinite power, but too often I see our decisions limited by convention rather than legislation or budgets. Towns across B.C.—and the world—are getting creative in solving the housing and affordability crises, and I believe Squamish can, and must, too. I think the responsibility of the mayor is to pursue the very best for our town, and explore what’s possible: not what is easy or familiar,” he said.
Easton isn’t yet in a formal campaign—that period doesn’t start until September. Until then, he said he plans to keep showing up to hear what residents want. The next Residents United event runs July 30 from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Brackendale Art Gallery.
“I love this town so much,” he said, “and I want families like mine to be able to build their lives here for generations. It’s tough to see how much has changed in the last five years, and it’s getting harder to imagine that future. But I’m really hopeful about what’s possible, and I would be honoured to have the chance to stand up for our town as our mayor. I can see a different future, and I’m ready to build it.”
PHOTO VIA SEAN EASTON Sean Easton is running for mayor.
TRAIL GROUPS SPLIT OVER MOTO ACCESS AT CHEEKEYE BARRIER
As the District of Squamish weighs use of the new landslide barrier, dirt bikers and non-motorized trail users disagree on who gets access
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
The Squamish Dirt Bike Association (SDBA) is seeking approval for motorized access across the Cheekeye Fan Debris Flow Barrier.
The barrier is a multi-million dollar project that was constructed to protect existing and new residential development from catastrophic landslides and debris flows.
Once complete, it will theoretically connect trails between Alice Lake and Cat Lake. This link would create a new transportation corridor for pedestrians and motorized or non-motorized bikes over the Cheekeye River, should the agencies responsible for the bridge and surrounding trails give the go-ahead.
SDBA president Philip Lay said he first heard of a proposal to permit only non-motorized use over the barrier from the District of Squamish (DOS). This proposal didn’t square with him, as dirt bike riders are the predominant users of the trail system at Cat
Lake.
“We are currently in conversation with the District, user groups and agencies responsible for land use on these trails,” he said.
“As the predominant end user (of this potential connection), we don’t think it’s fair not to permit our user group to use the trail. It should be available for all of us, or none of us,” he said.
TRAIL USE PERMISSIONS A MIX OF RESPONSIBILITIES
Whether motorized or non-motorized use is permitted over the barrier itself falls to the District of Squamish, which will take it over from the developer, Matthews West and Sḵwx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).
The trails fall under the jurisdiction of numerous groups, including the province, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) and Squamish Nation, according to the District of Squamish. There are also portions of private land on the south side of the barrier that they have permitted trail use on. Dirt bikers predominantly use trails on the north side at Cat Lake.
TRAILS: Continued on 6
PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Squamish Dirt Bike Association signs at Cat Lake recreation site, July 21.
NON-MOTORIZED USER GROUPS CONCERNED
Matt Parker, director of the Squamish Trail Society, says the separation of uses has historically led to less conflict between groups. He’s concerned that may change with mixed use on shared access trails like the Mashiter from Garibaldi Highlands.
“If you’re a pedestrian, and many of our members of Squamish Trail Society are older, whether one’s on a bike or a motorized bike, an e-bike or on a motorbike, there’s concerns of speed along shared trails like the Mashiter that are access points,” he said.
Lay says the Mashiter, accessible by travelling through Garibaldi Highlands, is already a multi-use trail, but said that it would likely see further use from dirt bikers if access over the barrier is approved.
Another concern of Parker’s organization relates to the quality of the trail should motorbike riders use non-motorized ones.
“They can really trench them out. They loosen up the topsoil so that it makes it very difficult on a bike or just walking,” he said.
Dylan Smith, founder of the Squamish Enduro mountain biking event, says they typically have good cooperation between mountain biking trails and motorbiking trails because they have been kept separate and well-defined.
“Historically, there has been really good collaboration between the moto and
non-moto user groups, and a base that has been operating in separate zones or well-defined geographic areas. Our concern stems from just the amount of user groups in close proximity to the Alice Lake trail network,” he said.
“This is like the crown jewel of our trail network for the most part here in Squamish. Again, it’s multiple land ownership here working together, but that still doesn’t change that there are people that come from all over the world, all year round, that access and experience the trails here, and as a result, it’s a massive economic driver,” he said.
He wants to see public consultation from the District of Squamish on any potential change in motorized use.
“This is an important resource that requires considered stewardship,” he said.
Parker thinks any use change should require formal agreements between user groups, public consultation through the District of Squamish and other agencies like Trails and Rec Sites B.C., which he said manages land use on Crown land.
SDBA SAYS SOLUTIONS ARE WORKABLE
Lay said these concerns are solvable through solutions like signage and agreements between user groups.
“There will always be people who won’t play by the rules,” he said. “With signage, we can manage motorized and non-motorized uses to resolve conflict.”
Call for Expressions of Interest
The District of Squamish is seek ing expressions of interest to lease portions of the Squamish Adventure Centre
Create a standout food and beverage/retail experience in one of Squamish’s most visited destinations! This is a rare chance to secure a high-profile food and beverage/retail space right at the gateway to the Sea to Sk y Corridor. Located inside the iconic Squamish Adventure Centre, this space’s unparalleled visibility ensures your business stands out to ever yone driving along Highway 99.
For more information or to apply, head to squamish.ca/adventure- centre -eoi or contac t Nav Triplett, Portfolio Manager at ntriplett@squamish.ca
“We are a membership-based club that advocates for responsible dirt-biking recreation,” he said.
QUESTIONABLE WHETHER ACCESS IS EVEN FEASIBLE
The north side of the barrier towards Cat Lake has a very high bank grade, according to Lay. The steepness means it would be challenging for any user to access without an engineered solution that would come with a price tag.
“We’re of the opinion that it’s 75 per cent a no-go with the grade, 25 per cent a possibility,” he said.
Engineering a solution would require permission from local authorities, and financial backing from several user groups, according to Lay.
As for the DOS, they have not made any decisions to date.
“No decisions have been made, the District will continue working with all governing
It should be available for all of us, or none of us.
PHILIP LAY
partners and community groups and will update the public if and when any changes regarding access across the barrier are being considered,” Steven Hill, spokesperson for the DOS, said in an emailed statement in response to a request for an interview.
The Ministry of Forests has not responded to a request for comment before the deadline regarding motorized use requests on Crown land.
PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS
‘WHERE FOREST MEETS SEA’: Photos by Brian Aikens are being featured from now until Sept. 21 within the Foyer Gallery, at the entrance to the Squamish Public Library.
COUNCIL ENDORSES LEASE FOR SUPPORTIVE HOUSING ON GOVERNMENT ROAD
BC Housing letter of commitment addresses building trust with the community
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Asupportive housing project slated for Government Road is another step closer to being built.
At its meeting on July 21, council voted unanimously in favour of endorsing a lease with the Provincial Rental Housing Corporation for 60 years for the south portion of 39900 Government Rd.
The Provincial Rental Housing Corporation is the entity that buys, holds, and disposes of housing properties. BC Housing administers that housing.
This is a BC Housing project on District of Squamish land to be operated by Squamish Helping Hands.
DETAILS OF PROJECT
The 65 supportive units slated for the six-storey building will be studio apartments, Nav Triplett, the District’s portfolio manager, told council.
The units are intended for local adults, including seniors, people with disabilities,
and others requiring support to maintain stable housing.
Twenty vehicle parking spaces will be provided.
All residents will pay rent and enter into program agreements.
Typical support for folks living there includes 24/7 staffing, meals available, life skills and employment training and onsite health and wellness services.
Squamish Helping Hands will be the operator.
Triplett noted the provincial government’s supportive housing fund program will provide capital and ongoing operational funding for this project.
The lease is based on previous leases for Under One Roof and Spirit Creek projects. It is for a 60-year term at a nominal $10 lease fee.
The lease is conditional upon final project approval, which is expected to be received by May 2028.
This approval is typically obtained after building permit approval and tender pricing, Triplett said.
There will be a Housing Inclusion Table, or group, that will be launched by BC Housing before residents move in. The committee will meet about four times, be led by BC Housing, and bring together the main agencies and community partners involved “to support the successful integration of the project into the surrounding neighbourhood during its initial operations.”
It is meant to last a year as folks get settled, but could run longer.
Housing providers undergo a BC Housing staff-led operational review every three years to assess their overall “operational efficacy,” according to BC Housing’s Cluny MacPherson, director of supportive housing delivery.
There will be an annual report to update the District on the project each year, prepared by either BC Housing or Squamish Helping Hands.
SAMPLE COUNCIL COMMENTS
There was discussion of the letter of commitment BC Housing submitted, in addition to the terms of the lease, and an acknowledgement of some of the issues
locals have complained about as a result of homelessness and addiction.
The letter is a promise that BC Housing will “collaborate with the District of Squamish, (Squamish Helping Hands), neighbours and other local partners to support the successful community inclusion of permanent supportive housing.”
It sets out other commitments such as that BC Housing will require the housing operator to conduct daily inspections of the property and keep the building and grounds in “good condition and clean of litter.”
Another example in the letter is that BC Housing will also require the housing operator to set clear expectations with residents about being respectful to the surrounding neighbourhood.
Coun. Andrew Hamilton questioned the BC Housing representatives on building trust with the community.
“Compliance with the letter of commitment to me really speaks to the core of trust between the community and the housing provider and the community really truly
LEASE: Continued on 9
IMAGE VIA DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH REPORT
To address community concerns, BC Housing has issued a letter of commitment alongside a new 60year lease for supportive housing.
2027 PermissiveTax Exemption Applications
PermissiveTax Exemptionsare amethod that the District of Squamish, supported by Council, maysuppor tvoluntar ynon-profit organizations by exempting land or improvements or both, from taxation under Section 224ofthe CommunityChar ter.
TheDistric tofSquamish is nowaccepting applications forPermissiveTax Exemptions.Sec tion 224ofthe CommunityChar terand the requirements of the Distric tofSquamish Permissive TaxExemption polic yapply. If your organization can demonstrate eligibilityyou arewelcome to apply foranexemption.
Theapplication andpolic yare available online. The deadline to apply is July31, 2026 forexemptions beginning forthe 2027 taxation year.
Formoreinformation, please contac tus at 604-892-5217
squamish.ca/grants
Hand Watering andDripIrrigation
Trees,flowers,shrubs or gardens is allowedanytime
Formoreinformation andtosee thefullwater restric tions,head to ourwebsite:
HolidayHours
Viewable
August 18
Registration August 25, 8a.m.
Mad Scientists August 4-7 |9-11 a.m. Spark early curiositywiththis session of LEAP camps, featuring hands-onexperiments, active play and creative discovery
Squamish Public Librar yClosed
NoticeofLease of Land
TheDistric tofSquamish (“Distric t”)herebygives noticepursuanttoSec tion 26 of the Community Charter thatthe Distric tintends to grantafive (5) year and two(2) monthlease ex tensiontoChief Hospitality Inc.,beginning November 1, 2026, fora 5,408 ft2 por tion of Landwith a1,200 ft2 building, forthe purposes of operatingarestaurant, on Lot 24 Block 19 Distric tLot 486 Plan 3960, with acivic addressof37996 Cleveland Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia foralease rate of $2,442 per month forthe first 14 months,$2,586 per month in 2028, $2,730 per monthin2029, $2,875 per month in 2030 and $3,019 per monthin2031.
Sunday,August 16 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
YOUR TOWN, YOUR NEWS: COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS
Riding for hospice
Cam Dare, born and raised in Squamish, is giving back to this beautiful town in a big way!
On Aug. 7, Cam will be riding his bike from Jasper, Alta.. to Squamish, B.C, to raise funds for Sea to Sky Hospice Society. Cam’s route covers 800 kilometres and 8,800 metres of elevation and his goal is to complete it in less than 96 hours. Having never bike packed before, he is planning on carrying all his own supplies en route. No support vehicle for this guy!
From D’Arcy to Furry Creek, the Sea to Sky Hospice Society and their dedicated volunteers provide compassionate care for people living with life-limiting illnesses and ongoing support to grieving families and loved ones.
Cam has already blown past his fundraising goal of $3,000, let’s see if we can help him double it! If Cam’s ride takes longer than 96 hours, he’ll personally donate an extra $500 to Hospice! Any donation, big or small, is appreciated. You can donate online at www.canadahelps.org by searching “Cam’s Jasper to Squamish Ride.”
The Squamish Chief welcomes community submissions for local sports achievements and arts events. Submissions must be 300 words or less. Please note that all submissions are final and will be published on a first-come, first-served basis, as space allows. Submit at squamishchief.com by going to the “Connect” tab and clicking Community Submissions.
LEASE: Continued from 7
believing that these commitments will be upheld,” he said, asking for examples from other communities where corrective measures have been taken.
MacPherson said that BC Housing worked with an operator when it was found there was unwanted behaviour on sidewalks in front of the facility by non-residents.
“We had to work to align the operation back to its core mandate, which was the delivery of those rental homes for those residents and ultimately adjust some of the policies in place to prevent the sort of unintended activity that was occurring as a result,” he said.
Coun. Jenna Stoner also noted the trust that has to be built.
“This is an important next step to realize supportive housing units that are desperately needed in our community for the long term,” she said.
“I also very much appreciate the evolution of the community advisory committees to the letter of commitment that is included here. I think that’s really important for our community, for neighbours, both immediate neighbours and more broadly to continue to see themselves involved in this process as
Infrastruc ture Upgrades
•Depot Road Ac tive Transpor tation Upgrades continue in Brackendale. Residentsshouldexpec tincreased noiselevelsand single -lanealternating trafficduringconstructionhours(7a.m.to5 p.m.,MondaytoFriday)
•Annual Line Painting continues.
•WastewaterSystemUpgradescontinueinDentville,onthe Madill Forcemain. Construction work is paused
•Annual WatermainUpgradescontinueinBrackendale
•PhasedconstructionworkonSquamishRiver Dike at Harris andDrydenPump Stations andCentral Lift Stationcontinues throughNovember. squamish.ca/building- our-future
Business Opportunities
Requests forProposals
•FireSer vicesMasterPlan
•Fleet Master Plan
squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the -distric t
DevelopmentReview
• UnaddressedParcelOnRossRd –Subdivision squamish.ca/review
the project comes to fruition. … I think the shared intent here is for the success of this project for folks who live there and live next to it. It’s going to provide the housing that we know we very desperately need and I think that this helps set us up for success.”
Mayor Armand Hurford noted the importance of supportive housing being a community effort.
“(With) these projects, it really comes down to … how they’re managed and how they integrate with community as to how successful they are, and that’s not necessarily apparent on the surface from a funding level or a location or any of those other things,” he said. “It really comes down to … those relationships and how much care and attention is given to the residents, and of the facility itself, and the neighbourhood ongoing. So, this is a journey that we’re committing to as a community by endorsing this and I know that we need it and that Squamish is up for that conversation and doing that work in a good way to serve our more vulnerable people in our community.”
Now approved, next steps include subdivision registration, drafting of land title documents, statutory notices and then execution and registration of the lease, Triplett said.
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EDITORIAL
TOXIC STIGMA
In 2025, Squamish Helping Hands reversed 152 toxic drug poisonings.
This means 152 people who would have died of an overdose lived to see another day.
The Squamish Overdose Prevention Site (OPS) sees 130 visits a day.
These are two of the realities that Lori Pyne, executive director of Squamish Helping Hands, shared with the council on July 21.
“Behind every reversal is a person, a family, and another opportunity for hope,” she said. “All the people who overdose want to live. … (The word) overdose insinuates that they’re using too much when in fact they’re usually using what they’re used to, but there’s been toxic additives.”
Pyne also noted that most of the visits to the OPS are for inhalation. Injection drug use has fallen to under 10%.
At Under One Roof, more than 23,300 showers were taken. That dignifying action and a meal are harm reduction, as is getting nasal naloxone kits into folks’ hands, Pyne noted.
As Pyne had requested on behalf of Squamish Helping Hands and the Sea to Sky Community Action Team, council voted unanimously to proclaim Aug. 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day in the District, aligning with the international marking of the day.
Proclamations happen at almost every council meeting, so they are rarely newsworthy, but this year marks a decade since B.C.’s public health officer, Dr. Perry Kendall, declared a public-health emergency in response to the number of people dying in B.C. due to a toxic-drug supply.
The goal of the day is “recognizing those we have lost, supporting those who continue to struggle, and for those who stand together in hope for a healthier and more connected future,” said Pyne.
She also talked about the importance of reducing shame and stigma in favour of connection and hope.
As this crisis drags on, that is something we can all get behind.
On Aug. 31, head to O’Siyam Pavilion from 2 to 4 p.m. to mark International Overdose Awareness Day.
SMART IDEAS FOR SWIMMING SAFETY
In covering municipal politics, it is often everyday locals who voice solutions that cut through the bureaucracy and noise.
Some basic things could make swimming safer in Squamish, say passionate and concerned locals.
Residents Auni and Zeia Weafer, Ella Henriques and Zoe Prescott wrote to council asking for urgent action to improve safety at local swimming holes.
It should be noted that Zeia Weafer and Prescott are lifeguards.
Their letter was copied to many regional leaders and attached to the council agenda on July 21.
The locals say they were deeply saddened by the May 30 drownings of Genesis Jeru Bague and Mariz Bello at Browning Lake.
These deaths “should not be seen as an unfortunate accident, but rather as a failure on our part as the community of Squamish; a failure of each of us individuals who remained passive after previous local drownings and did not respond more vocally to ask for change,” the letter states.
“These drownings are a failure of me and you and of our leadership; our local government, our public safety, education and health officials who
have not responded to prevent future drownings. Each of us has a role. We each can and should play a part in preventing future drownings.”
Beyond this sobering criticism, the writers offered some excellent and surprisingly simple solutions, including:
• Installing public rescue tube or rescue buoy stations at popular swimming areas.
• Creating life jacket loaner stations.
• Improving water safety signage at lakes, rivers, and waterfronts.
• Expanding public education through schools, recreation programs, the Adventure Centre, local media, and social media.
• Supporting and advertising affordable adult swimming and water survival lessons.
• Improving the swim lesson program currently being offered through Brennan Park by lowering the student-to-teacher ratio, improving the pass rates and making classes more accessible to families by training more instructors and broadening the schedule.
• Working collaboratively with emergency services, search and rescue, the Lifesaving Society, Tourism Squamish, and community organizations to develop a comprehensive municipal water safety strategy.
• Ordering Canadian-sourced life rings as soon as possible from the BC Lifesaving Society. Had some of these safeguards been in place, the young couple may have had a different outcome,
SWIM: Continued on 13
Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7 tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
the letter writers say.
“The couple could have learned to swim, the bystanders could have been educated to recognize signs of struggling in the water, there could have been throw tube stations so someone could have gotten a flotation
device to the paddleboarders, there could have been signs reminding people before they enter the water about potential dangers that it is illegal to enter the water on a paddle board or boat without a life jacket,” they write.
Ultimately, council voted unanimously to have Mayor Armand Hurford write his own letter—and include the
locals’ correspondence—to BC Parks to recommend the suggested improvements to the water safety of local provincial parks. Council also referred the residents’ concerns to District staff for consideration of the municipality’s water-based parks.
Thanks to the concerned residents, hopefully lives will be saved.
TO
OWNER: Danielle Eccles found this photo and another in the back of a silver frame she bought at Pearl’s Value & Vintage. She hoped to find the family of the couple. After a Squamish Chief story, she did. The woman’s daughter reached out and the images are being returned to the family—a happy ending if there ever was one.
NOT SENIOR FRIENDLY
This District of Squamish website and their leaflet “District of Squamish Age-Friendly Community Plan” are misleading the community into believing that this administration actually cares about the well being of seniors in our community.
LETTERS POLICY
The Squamish Chief
The administration would be well advised to show care and compassion for seniors by:
• Restoring The 55 Activity Centre to be a true seniors centre as it was envisaged when it opened in 2009.
• Restoring the kitchen in The 55 to serve light lunches to seniors whenever The 55 is open.
• Bringing back the mostly unused classroom space in The 55 for use in seniors’ education programs and most of all.
• Offering programs that seniors actually want to be part of—for example visit: North Van and West Van seniors centres. Herbert Vesely Squamish
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.
What is your favourite Squamish Days Loggers’ Sports event? (Top 3 answers)
“Afton has been a remarkable academic and community leader during her years at Howe Sound Secondary,” said Kevin McJannet, her English teacher, in a news release.
Roy will be attending the University of Saskatchewan’s bachelor of animal bioscience prevet program followed by veterinary school.
SWIM: Continued from 12
PHOTO COURTESY OF DANIELLE ECCLES
RETURNED
RIGHTFUL
COUNCIL ADDRESSES FORTISBC PIPELINE NOISE COMPLAINTS
Despite limited municipal authority over provincial projects, local officials are pushing to hold FortisBC accountable for local alleged noise bylaw violations
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
What role does the municipality play in the management of noise complaints related to the construction of the FortisBC Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline project? That was a topic of conversation at the July 21 Squamish council meeting. A report from District staff says the municipality saw an increase in noise and vibration complaints in the first week in July associated with pipeline construction in Valleycliffe and along Finch Drive.
SITUATION IN VALLEYCLIFFE
“Noise monitoring provided for the Valleycliffe laydown yard indicates noise levels remain within expected operating range, consistent with
PublicNoticeishereby given in accordance with Section 466ofthe Local Government Actthat a public hearing will be held electronicallyregarding thefollowingbylaws: Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Electoral Area DZoning Bylaw No. 1350-2016,Amendment Bylaw No. 1955-2026.
PURPOSEOFBYLAW1955-2026
To permit aBed and Breakfast use within anexisting dwelling at 14988 SquamishValley Road, a propertyzonedAgriculture 1inthe SquamishValley.The proposed Bed and Breakfast would operate in accordance with the provisionsofSection4.6 of the Area DZoningBylawNo. 1350-2016, whichestablishesstandards for Bedand Breakfastoperations, includingthe maximum number of guestrooms, change of use permitrequirements, andparking requirements
The guest accommodationsare intended to support seasonal agritourismactivitieswhile providing supplementaryincome to thefarm operation.Noexpansion of theexisting buildingsorstructures is proposedaspart of the application.
PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Acopy of the proposed bylawand relevantbackgrounddocuments maybeinspected at the Regional Districtoffice,1350Aster Street, Pemberton,BC, during officehours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm not including weekends and statutoryholidays,or by requesting an electroniccopyfrom planning@slrd.bc.ca. All personswho believe that their interest inthe property is affected by the proposed bylaw shallbeaffordedareasonable opportunitytopresentwritten submissions respectingmatters contained in the bylaw.
1. Submit Written Comments to theBoard:
Written submissions must be addressed to “SLRD Board of Directors,” andincludeyourname and communityofresidence. Until 4:00 pmonAugust10, 2026,writtensubmissions (mailoremail)will be received at thefollowing:
Email:
Hard Copy: planning@SLRD.bc.ca Squamish-Lillooet RegionalDistrict Planning Department PO Box 219, Pemberton,BCV0N 2L0
2. Participate viaZoom:
The publichearingwill be conductedelectronically viaZoomonAugust10, 2026, at 6:00 PM. To attend or participate, please contact the Planning Department at planning@slrd.bc.ca to requestthe meeting link and access instructions. Aresponse with thenecessary detailswillbeprovided promptly.
prior months, and in line with the temporary use permit (TUP) conditions approved for the laydown yard,” the staff report reads.
The municipality believes the complaints attributed to the laydown yard were likely influenced by nearby pipeline construction activities behind Cherry Drive that resumed without advance notice given to nearby residents, according to the report.
Construction work outside of designated working hours is authorized under FortisBC’s approved noise exemption permit from the District for when continuous operations are necessary to meet environmental, regulatory and construction requirements.
The report adds that District staff are reviewing complaints from the Ravens Plateau neighbourhood against the conditions of the approved noise exemption permit and have asked FortisBC to improve its communication ahead of work that will be impactful to residents, and to follow permit conditions.
FINCH DRIVE
FortisBC was authorized to have crews doing overnight construction in order to complete the directional drilling required for trenchless pipeline installation.
The primary source of current resident complaints appears to be a vibration-inducing piece of equipment called a “shaker” used during this stage of construction, the District staff report states.
“While the shaker operates continuously during trenchless pipeline construction, this approach reduces the duration and anticipated overall impacts compared with an open-cut pipeline installation,” the report reads.
On July 9, the day the report was dated, staff said that two additional nights of continuous overnight work were anticipated. After that, the Finch project would shift to daytime-only operations for up to two weeks. At the council meeting, however, Mayor Armand Hurford stated that a complaint had been received that day, July 21.
The report notes that FortisBC took various measures to address the complaints, including, among other things, temporary noise attenuation walls and acoustic blankets where possible, strategic equipment placement, and offers of noise-cancelling headphones to individuals impacted.
The report also notes that FortisBC asked for the District to clarify its rules as some of the complaints came through from activities assumed to be included in the permit.
Generally speaking, the company’s permit, set to expire in October, allows 24-hour operations for activities associated with: watercourse crossings, environmental protection and water management systems, low-volume construction that is necessary to maintain environmental controls and regulatory compliance.
On Finch Drive, the permit authorizes 24-hour operations for activities associated with
directional drilling, temporary water management systems, supporting activities necessary to maintain drilling integrity and avoid equipment failure or environmental risk.
The report notes that FortisBC says the “project construction needs to balance two competing objectives: minimizing the duration of community disruption through continuous construction while meeting environmental, engineering, and regulatory requirements that do not always allow work to pause overnight.”
District staff also state that outside of the Valleycliffe laydown yard area, the municipality doesn’t have a lot of authority to direct or stop construction activities.
In situations of overlapping authority—like construction noise—the provincial government may ultimately have primary “responsibility for regulating project-related noise; therefore, staff are working with Fortis and its contractors to continue to find ways of mitigating the construction noise impacts,” the report concludes.
“Staff will continue to hold FortisBC accountable for reducing impacts wherever practical.”
SAMPLE COUNCIL COMMENTS
Coun. Chris Pettingill pulled the letter for discussion at the council meeting.
“I’ve been really kind of disturbed by some of the concerns being raised by the community,” he said.
“I’m also wondering if we need to provide clarity on our expectations of FortisBC adhering to our bylaws and community expectations versus us accommodating FortisBC’s timeline in their chosen route when they could have chosen many routes.”
Some councillors had questions they wanted answered about the limitations FortisBC is supposed to be acting within when it comes to noise.
In the end, Coun. Jenna Stoner put forward a motion specific to the District temporary use permit for the laydown yard, that directed municipal staff to further explore and pursue enforcement of violations related to noise regulations.
“When I supported the move towards the TUP for the laydown yard, I remember very distinctly having conversations with folks that this was one effort for us to be able to address some of the key concerns that our community had with this project moving through especially in the urban works area,” Stoner said. “This does not address Finch Drive. I think we continue to struggle with where our authority is as this project moves through other parts of our community, but issuing the temporary use permit for the laydown yard was one aspect to be able to be very clear that our noise bylaw was going to be adhered to in this area and what I am hearing is that that’s not happening. So this motion is to continue to direct staff to pursue and explore what violations of the temporary use permit
PHOTO BY MYKEL THUNCHER/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Some of the equipment on Finch Drive.
NEW REGULATIONS COMING FOR CO-LIVING DEVELOPMENTS
Squamish council has granted three readings to new bylaws that establish a formal regulatory framework for co-living developments in the municipality
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Squamish has taken a big step toward more fully regulating co-living developments in town.
On July 21, council voted 6–1 to grant first, second, and third readings to new bylaws related to co-living.
Robyn Hay, the District’s acting manager of current planning, explained the reason for new regulations.
“Currently co-living is not defined in the zoning bylaw and it is typically treated as a single unit dwelling; the purpose of this project is to establish a definition and regulatory framework for co-living to provide greater clarity for applicants, staff and residents,” she said.
A relatively new form of housing to come to Squamish, co-living buildings generally have private sleeping units that make up the majority of the residential floor area, with shared kitchens and amenity spaces functioning as accessory common areas, according to the District staff report to council.
Since the topic of co-living was before council in March, staff have tweaked the bylaw based on council’s feedback.
The use continues to be titled “co-living,” but the definition now includes rooming and boarding. Washrooms are not included in the private sleeping unit floor area calculations.
Laundry facilities have been added as a zoning requirement for co-living developments. As well, a minimum of 25-square-metre shared indoor amenity space per co-living dwelling unit is now proposed, instead of the five-square-metres per sleeping unit previously proposed for the bylaw. There is also a new proposal for development cost charges (DCC) and amenity cost charges (ACC) related to co-living developments.
A reminder that these are charges related to new growth that developers pay to the District in exchange for getting to build.
FORTIS: Continued from 14 mean for effects of that.”
Pettingill added a motion that staff be directed to further explore and pursue enforcement of District of Squamish’s noise regulation bylaw with respect to the work of FortisBC on Finch Drive.
The motions passed unanimously.
QUARTERLY REPORTS
Pettingill also pulled for council discussion the Q1 & Q2 -Woodfibre Liquefied Natural Gas and FortisBC Eagle Mountain Pipeline Projects Update report.
He asked, as he has before, for cumulative impact reports to be publicly revealed.
“We still haven’t seen an assessment of the impacts on the … lower rental market—what it’s
The fees are now based on the number of private sleeping units rather than per dwelling unit, as previously proposed. The new rates are based on the 2025 analysis that the District recently used to create the DCC and ACC bylaws which were adopted earlier this year, according to Hay.
“While this increases the cost compared to a typical single dwelling it reflects the additional demand generated by higher occupancy developments compared to a single unit dwelling,” she said, noting a six-bedroom co-living development would pay approximately $32,500 more in DCCs and $11,700 more in ACCs.
SIX UNITS, NOT MORE
Hay said that while how many sleeping units is ultimately up to council, as previously directed, District staff had considered increasing the maximum number of private sleeping units from six to 10, but after further review with Squamish Fire Rescue and the building department, staff recommended a maximum six units.
“Squamish Fire Rescue advised that under current resourcing levels providing timely firefighting and rescue operations within higher occupancy co-living developments would be challenging a maximum of six units is considered a more reasonable threshold provided the dwellings incorporate applicable requirements of the B.C. building code and B.C. fire code,” Hay said.
Fire Chief Aaron Foote elaborated that the issue is around separation between areas.
“The challenge with this type of structure with our response is there’s no separation from the communal living areas to the corridors,” he said.
“So if you had a fire in a kitchen or a living room area, that fire can traverse through the corridor and effectively limiting the escape routes for the occupants of these types of buildings,” he added.
“In a typical apartment building, you have corridors that are sealed and so they’d have a fire door on either end of the corridor and those quarters are protected from other living areas in
doing to housing, how many units are being occupied,” he said. “We’re not able to actually count the consequences of these projects. I mean, our community told Woodfibre (LNG) that … there wasn’t the housing and that we needed meaningful solutions to housing, which in my mind is legacy housing—housing that is permanent. We never saw that but I think at the very least we can quantify the impacts and so we can say to future communities, ‘These are the very, very significant costs.’ Somehow we have escaped any public reporting of these consequences.”
Ultimately, council voted unanimously to move the quarterly report to a future meeting for a deeper dive.
Council typically does not meet in August, so this meeting would be in September.
the building or common areas. These buildings do not have that so they are open corridors.”
Foote said the co-living developments do have a 45-minute fire separation between the units in the corridor.
“But the corridors themselves are one and the same as the kitchen or the living room area. … If there’s 10 units in a building you would think there’s upwards of 20 people potentially living in that residence, and so at that point it becomes a challenge for us,” he added.
PARKING
In terms of parking, a minimum of one space is required for every two private sleeping units, and a maximum of one space for every private sleeping unit is allowed.
So a minimum of three and up to six off-street spots for a six-unit development.
Co-living projects won’t be allowed in all areas. In the Cheekeye Fan area, for example, it isn’t included as an allowable use, given it has historically been considered a higher hazard area.
“Staff recommend that any changes to the residential intensity be considered through the upcoming Cheekeye hazard land use policy review rather than in this bylaw amendment,” Hay said.
Hello!
SAMPLE COUNCIL COMMENTS
In the end, council supported the three readings, with only Coun. Chris Pettingill opposed.
“I do have concerns about possible exploitation as we move into some of these models,” he said. “I think we’ve seen some good success. I don’t want to imply something untoward, but I think I do want to be cautious about that when we are reducing shared space and having very small private rooms.”
He also struggled with the fact the regulation isn’t matched with large single family homes where a lot of people are living the same way.
Mayor Armand Hurford asked if the current co-living projects already built in Squamish would have met the regulations within the proposed bylaw.
The District’s Colin McCarthy, manager of building services, said they would not, given the currently built buildings have more bedrooms. Hurford was supportive of the bylaws overall as a starting point.
“I know in previous living arrangements with roommates, I would have really benefited from a quality of life … in a structure that was built to have roommates, rather than making it work or trying to make it work in the other, sort of a normal home or townhome.”
I am Blade, an energetic young tabby who loves to play and snuggle. I am very social with other cats and will do best in a home with older children and or adults as smaller children’s quick movements and voices can scare me. I have had a bit of a rough go and so I am now ready to enjoy the good life.
AMPLIFYING ‘CANADIAN VOICES’: CAPU HOSTS WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL TALENT PROGRAMS
Whistler Film Festival’s competitive screenwriter and producer programs for ‘emerging
Canadian voices’ are coming
to CapU this summer for a second year running
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
The Whistler Film Festival (WFF) has two talent programs for established and aspiring Canadian creatives launching simultaneously at Squamish’s Capilano University (CapU) campus this summer.
The 2026 Screenwriters Lab and the 2026 Producers Lab programs will be hosted for a second year in-person at CapU from Aug. 7 to 10, giving up to six creatives the opportunity to write their own feature-length “market-ready” script and pitch, with access to both individual and group mentorship from “key industry experts.”
“(Participants get) to hone their craft and skill in terms of networking, because that’s so much of what this business is,” WFF’s marketing and communications manager Kirsten Andrews said, adding that CapU also provides physical facilities not currently available at the Whistler office, with a “beautiful backdrop.”
Speaking of the screenwriters lab specifically, Andrews explained that participants, who can be from all levels and backgrounds, submit a
completed screenplay as a prerequisite to the course. Expert mentors then give constructive feedback about the participants’ capacity to reach the screen, discussing the potential interest of funders for example, and the
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openness of the participants themselves in being able to engage with their mentorship.
“We really were spoiled for riches with this year’s submissions … the best of the best make it,” Andrews said.
The Squamish Chief spoke with 2026 Screenwriters Lab participant Alex Vance, who is Métis, about her writing journey and her inspiration for joining the program. She has already worked on assisting and writing for short films, one for which she collaborated with Hudson Williams, and has had a comedy sketch featured in New Zealand’s Maoriland film festival.
What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.
Q: How did your creative journey begin and how did it evolve?
A: I did a creative writing program at the University of Victoria (UVic) then started working on film sets, and worked my way up to second assistant director (AD).
In my spare time I was making short films, music videos back then, and then when the pandemic hit, I wasn’t really allocating what I thought was enough time to develop my craft.
So I decided I would stop my AD journey and pursue assistant jobs. I was an assistant on Turner and Hooch, and Resident Alien for a season, and then on a couple of feature films, assisting producers or directors or writers, just learning as much as I could. And then I decided to go back and take some more schooling. I did the University of California: Los Angeles (UCLA) professional screenwriting program, and I ended up getting into the Pacific Screenwriting Program in 2024. I got my agent this year as a result of making good connections and doing good work that way.
Q: How, if at all, has your Métis background influenced you?
A: My family has a lot of Métis people. I’m like the multicultural poster child for Canada, where my mom is part Caribbean and Lithuanian, and on my grandfather’s side all my ancestors come from the Red River. My grandfather actually hid his identity for most of his life, but my family has been reconnecting, and I’ve been taking bigger strides to reconnect. It can be daunting to reconnect because you feel like you might not be accepted, especially when applying for Indigenous grants and stuff.
Last year I did the WFF Market Preparation Mentorship program and the Screen BC Award Pitch Competition with a project and I was able to receive support from the Indigenous Screen Office for my short film CRYPTID. I’m very mindful of everything I include in my storytelling. I have it from my lived experience, being a mixed person, and having that dual identity of not quite knowing what I am.
Making movies is like storytelling, and I definitely want to use my writing and storytelling to dive deeper into the culture of all the aspects of my heritage, not just my Métis side.
Q: How does it feel to be writing now, as opposed to making movies, and what is your script for the 2026 Screenwriters Lab program about?
A: I mean, I’ve been writing for a long time, it’s just inevitably cathartic, and the more I do it, the more I learn about myself and my view on the world.
This specific project I used to get into the lab (program) is inspired by a trip my mom and I took to celebrate my university grad, and then what transpired from it. These characters aren’t me and my mom, but they’re definitely pieces of us.
Q: What are you hoping to take away from your participation in the WFF’s lab program?
A: I already applied to the Telefilm Talent to Watch program—applicants must be alumnus of a WFF talent program in the last five years—for a micro-budget feature program. Essentially, I want to make my directorial debut in my first feature. So, whatever I can do to get it ready and gain interest to receive funding to make it happen.
Q: Finally, how are you feeling about attending the WFF itself, and being part of the experience as an aspirational filmmaker?
A: You know, it’s amazing to be able to go and not have those financial barriers (WFF talent program participants receive a complimentary industry pass with early access to hotel partner discounts.) I feel when you’re part of these talent programs, especially for Whistler, they really elevate the people in them. A lot of people will want to meet you, and having access to those meetings is really important for your project.
Following in-person delivery of the 2026 Screenwriters Lab program at CapU in August, participants will continue script and pitch development through to November. In November, participants will learn virtually, and engage in an immersive program consisting of practical workshops with a business-focused model, in preparation to pitch their scripts at the WWF + Content Summit.
Folks can find more details about the WFF and various talent programs, including an Indigenous filmmaker fellowship, on the WFF website.
The Whistler Film Festival will run from Dec. 2 - 6 this year.
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.
PHOTO COURTESY OF ALEX VANCE
Métis filmmaker and screenwriter Alex Vance will be participating in the Whistler Film Festival’s 2026 Screenwriters Lab program.
ELLY HOSKIN NETS THIRD STRAIGHT CANADIAN OPEN ENDURO VICTORY, ELLIOT JAMIESON REPEATS AS MEN’S WINNER
Jesse Melamed, Julia Long both ‘surprised’ at their silver medals as Lief Rodgers, Maddy Bonikowsky round out allCanadian podiums
DAVID SONG
dsong@piquenewsmagazine.com
As far as the Canadian Open Enduro is concerned, it’s rinse and repeat for Elly Hoskin and Elliot Jamieson. Both skillfully navigated persistent rain, 1.2 kilometres of climbing and 1.85 kilometres of descent on Sunday to defend their respective titles at the week’s first Crankworx Whistler race.
This breakthrough extends Hoskin’s win streak to three years, and she was fastest on every stage for an aggregate time of 33 minutes and 52.8 seconds: well ahead of runner-up Julia Long (36:20.3) and thirdplacer Maddy Bonikowsky (36:26.4). Nothing is guaranteed in sport, but it’s not an unexpected showing for the incumbent Enduro World Champion.
“It’s just a pleasure,” remarked Hoskin. “This is one of the few races that both my parents get to see, and to do it with all the Canadians here, on all of our home turf, I think is super special because we all know these tracks. To come back year after year together, I think, is really cool.”
The men’s podium, like the women’s, turned out to be an all-Canadian affair with Jamieson (28:18.8) holding off retired Sea to Sky mountain bike icon and silver medallist Jesse Melamed (28:28.3). Lief Rodgers, who moved atop the Enduro World Cup (EDR) overall on July 19, grabbed his second straight Crankworx bronze (29:00.5).
About his golden result, Jamieson said: “It’s so special, man. I’ve grown up watching this enduro, coming and cheering on guys like Jesse who I was battling with today. There’s such a strong Canadian contingent of enduro racers…we all push each other so much, especially here being Jesse’s backyard and he’s obviously the greatest Canadian enduro racer.
“Lief and I are trying to be at the cutting edge of the younger generation and we’re trying to push each other as much as we can, but at the end of the day we’re just best friends. I’m so happy to come up on top of those guys because they’re such fierce competitors. I had to dig deep.”
‘IT NEVER GETS EASIER WHEN YOU WIN STUFF’
Hoskin revealed that she and other EDR athletes like Jamieson and Rodgers dealt with jet lag after their Wednesday return from Europe. She didn’t use that as an excuse, though, nor was she inclined to back down from the weather. Much the opposite, she felt
that Sunday’s conditions were “awesome”, noting some relatively dry stretches in the trees, and did her best to overcome a small but strong field of rivals.
The Squamish native appears to be trending upward, with the Canadian Open triumph coming on the heels of her first EDR medal this season in Valais, Switzerland. She is third overall among women with just one more race to go.
“My confidence hasn’t really been shaken at all,” Hoskin insisted. “I think there were just some unfortunate circumstances that prevented the results I’m looking for, and that I think people sometimes expect from me, but it never gets easier when you win stuff. If anything, it gets exponentially harder. You don’t do this sport to be a master of it, or expect to be any time soon. I think everyone’s always learning, and the competition just keeps getting better.”
One example of that progression might be Long, a born-and-raised Whistlerite and former Enduro World Series contestant at the junior level who nowadays coaches for local team Instinct Development. She admitted she hasn’t been training much, but nonetheless outdueled worthy opposition like Bonikowsky and EDR elite Geza Rodgers, who was fourth.
When told that she’d won silver, Long’s initial reaction was an understated: “okay,
cool.”
“I was actually very surprised…I kind of just tried to cruise through the day, keep it smooth, luckily had no crashes so that’s awesome,” she elaborated. “I think I have an advantage, I grew up here and I’ve been riding these trails and racing this race in particular for a couple years. Especially this last stage in the bike park, I felt pretty at home so I was able to keep it flowing. I love Crankworx every year, it’s my favourite week of the year.”
ENDURING GENERATIONS
Melamed bowed out of professional competition last December but just can’t seem to stay away from the Canadian Open Enduro—particularly after a mechanical issue knocked him into 31st last year. Retirement granted the freedom to set his bike up however he wanted this year, and he feels that factor played a key role in his performance. Otherwise, Melamed had no game plan: he just wanted to have fun and take some chances, which he did so fruitfully on “one of the best courses [Crankworx has] ever had.”
The local legend posted the quickest time on Stage No. 4 by just over a second.
“I’m surprised and stoked. It’s nice to know that I haven’t lost it all completely in less than
I think everyone’s always learning, and the competition just keeps getting better.
ELLY HOSKIN
a year, but I’ve been riding my bike a ton,” said Melamed. “So sick to see Elliot win…it is my home race so I would have loved to win, but it was a good battle. He just put down a stellar last stage and not much I could do, but it’s kind of fun to show him I could still be there if I wanted. I just wanted to have a big day with my friends, ride the best trails, and Crankworx is the best place to do that…I’ll be back next year.”
Melamed went on to praise Jamieson, Rodgers and Evan Wall for representing Canada with aplomb on the EDR circuit. Jamieson feels he had “a pretty insane day” that began with a morning test ride to scope out conditions. He feared a rigid race strategy could hold him back against top opponents and chose instead to take each stage as it came: balancing prudence in rough terrain with all-out attack whenever possible.
The White Rock, B.C. native has bounded back from a May concussion that wiped out part of his EDR campaign and led to a few underwhelming outings before he finished fifth in Valais’ mid-July race. Jamieson is excited for the season finale from Aug. 14 to 16 in Morillon, France because he might get to watch childhood friend Rodgers—whom he is “so unbelievably proud of”—secure the EDR overall crown.
“I’m definitely pretty tired from the whole World Cup season…so I was a little bit off the pace to be honest from where I wanted to be,” Rodgers commented. “Still stoked, still a super fun day out. Standing on a Crankworx podium in front of Whistler Village is always sick.”
Regarding his newfound status as World No. 1, the Port Moody resident added: “Feels crazy, to be honest. I never would have thought that I’d be in this position, but I’ve just put down a really consistent season so far: a couple of podiums and a couple of fourth place. It feels really cool—I mean a lot of pressure comes along with it.
“My confidence has been helping me out a lot this year. I’ve struggled with that a little bit in the past, but just being confident with my speed and confident with my lines and knowing that I have what it takes to be up there—all I have to worry about is executing.”
PHOTO BY NATALIE CARRIERE
2026 Canadian Open Enduro podium, left to right: Jesse Melamed, Julia Long, Elly Hoskin, Elliot Jamieson, Maddy Bonikowsky and Lief Rodgers.
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7. Stovetop water boiler 8. Exit 9. Soprano’s solo 10 Ice-cream drink 11. Otherwise 19. Waterfowl
21 Classified 23. French pastries 24 Massage 25. Swab 26. Wood chopper 27 Urge
29 Over there, poetically 30 Noah’s craft
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41. Leer at 42 Unconfined
43 G-men
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46. Chicken noodle, e.g.
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51 Three minus two Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
ARIES March 21-April 19
Even if you’re feeling particularly emotional, an opportunity to celebrate life will arise. A simple gesture, a laugh or a symbolic moment will be enough to shift the mood toward greater positivity and optimism.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
A frustrating situation will make you feel like you’re wasting your time By adjusting your communication style and striving for clearer exchanges, you’ll reduce misunderstandings and maintain much smoother and more harmonious relationships
GEMINI May 21-June 20
Work obligations may demand most of your time, but the people closest to you will need you. By making time for quality moments with your loved ones, you’ll strengthen both your inner wellbeing and your emotional bonds.
CANCER June 21-July 22
The return to reality after summer vacation will include surprises at the office Following someone’s departure, you may be offered greater responsibilities or a leadership position, which will come as a pleasant surprise.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
You will want to transform your environment by reorganizing or redecorating your home By daring to express your creativity, you’ll develop new talents and feel a real sense of pride in the results of your efforts.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept 22
Hunting for bargains will bring you happiness. Sales, thrift stores or dusty boxes in the attic might reveal rare items—or even a valuable antique That would make your explorations particularly rewarding.
LIBRA Sept 23-Oct. 22
After a busy period, your body and mind need a break. A day at the spa, a treatment or a relaxing activity will help you unwind and restore a much more soothing sense of well-being.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Give yourself some breathing room this week If you’re returning to work or other activities, you can get back on track with a clearer and more efficient plan by reorganizing your priorities, tasks and schedule
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Your social life will be particularly lively, whether you’re active in person or online To mark the end of the holidays, throwing a party feels like the obvious choice, promising laughter, camaraderie and unforgettable memories.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Back-to-school season will awaken a greater sense of responsibility in you. Even without children, you may find yourself devoting more time to supporting certain loved ones, taking on tasks that resemble those of a caring parent
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Work or practical obligations might get in the way of your holiday plans. By reorganizing your priorities, you’ll be able to fulfill your commitments while still making time to relax.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
Whether you’re on holiday or not, you’ll likely feel a strong need for a change of scenery. A quick getaway, a few day trips or even just a drive down the road will give you the break you need to re-energize.
