Todd Pope meanta lot to manyinthe community
dd meant a many in the communit
THURSDAY,JULY9,2026
DISTRICT PARTNERS WITHFEDSON HOUSING DESIGN CATALOGUE
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation cataloguedesigns include duplexand fourplexes
JENNIFER THUNCHER Jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
After theSecondWorld War, to build affordable homes quicklyfor returningveteransand citizens,a catalogueofhouse designswas createdby CanadaMortgageand HousingCorporation (CMHC).
Theespeciallypopular single-family homes from that time dotthe nation to this day.
Thecatalogue by CMHC,saved time and moneyand so gothomes builtquickly Today, amodernizedcatalogue is available from CMHC,which is afederal Crown corporation.
Britanniafirechief retires
Britannia fire chief
PHOTOBYJENNIFERTHUNCHER/THESQUAMISHCHIEF
NewinSquamish: pre-approved duplex andfourplexdesigns aimtospeed up building
WestVancouver—SunshineCoast—Sea to SkyCountry MP PatrickWeilerand Mayor Armand Hurfordannounced on June 29 that Squamish is thefirst municipalityinB.C.to
become apartner on anew CMHC Housing Design Catalogue.
Thecatalogue hasa libraryofover50 pre-approvedlow-risehousing plansmeant
to accelerate homebuildingthrough gentle densityacrossthe country.
HOUSING: Continuedon2
VIACMHCCATALOGUE
TheB.C.Fourplex01designinthe CMHC cataloguepromotedbythe District of Squamish
HOUSING: Continuedfrom1
It is free to useand tailored to theregionof thecountry wherethe homes will be built. If abuilder choosesadesignfrom the catalogueitstreamlines approvalsat MunicipalHalland reducescosts
TheDistrictispromoting threeofthe B.C. designsfromthe catalogueinparticular: the Duplex,Fourplex01, andFourplex02.
Squamish alreadyhad an existing library of pre-approved multiplexdesigns from a competitionitheldin2024. These CMHC designs areadded to that localcollectionfor builders to choose from
Although abuildingpermitisstill required, thestandardizeddesigns receiveastreamlinedreview.
Thecatalogue wassoftlaunchedinthe fall andalready it hasbeendownloadedmore than 17,000 times, Weiler said.
“Thattells us that Canadians, builders,and localgovernments alikeare eagerfor practicalsolutions that make it easier to build more homes.And municipalities absolutely have acriticalroletoplay,”Weilersaid.
“Byofficiallyendorsing thehousing design cataloguedesigns andpre-reviewing them for zoning andbuildingcodealignment, Squamish is continuing itstradition of findingpractical ways to make it easier and faster to buildthe homes that peopleneed.”
Weiler andHurford notedthatthisisjust onepiece of solvingthe housingaffordability crisis that both levels of governmentare workingon.
“I’m challengedtoreportthatwestill have acrisishereinSquamishwithbeing oneof theleast affordable places in Canada.But we’releaving no stoneunturned. There’sno one action that magicallyresolveshousing affordabilityorattainability in ourcommunitiesbut rather asuite of things that need to be doneincluding what we’reheretodiscuss today,”Hurford said
“Whenwethink abouttimes wherewe’ve seenrapid growth in ourcommunity in the past, they seem to be pullingfromall the same playbook. There’sanera of Squamish homesthatare sort of the‘Squamish Special’ is howtheywould be referred to,and Iknow other communitiesacrossCanadawillhave …a similarreference point. This,Ithink, modernizes that andcreates apathfor homeowners or landowners whoare looking to builda home to do it in amoreefficient way.”
SQUAMISH-SPECIFIC
HowwillitworkwithSquamish’sspecific building issues such as flood,seismic and slope considerations?
Squamish’s Elle Ziegler, an advisoron housingprogramsatCMHC, told The Squamish Chiefthatthe designsinclude editable technicaldrawings—in CADand BIMfiles—thatcan be downloaded.
“We call them prototypical drawings,which means they’reasfar alonginthe processas youcan getwithout having a(specific)site. Andso we considered things like allthe
CMHC cataloguepromotedbythe District of Squamish
zoning bylaws in ourmunicipalitiesand our districtslikeSquamish,”she said
“And we considered allthose as much as we could—howclose canweget thesetofit as manycommunities as we can? AndI thinkwe gotreallyclose.But it meansthatsomeone does have to finish fortheir particular site.”
Once they have picked adesign, builders will work with aqualified professional to help finish things like thefoundations,Ziegler said
Sheadded sheanticipates seeing some of thedesigns come to fruition soon,asmore localbuildersconsider“gentle density” options.
“We’re starting to hear alot of builders out there, includingsomepeopleI’vespokenwith in Squamish,who arelooking to getinto gentle density. So,how do we really buildin neighbourhoodsthatare mature,but we’re notoverbuilding? Where, like,afourplex mightmakesense in aneighbourhood that hassingle-family houseswithout overwhelming theinfrastructureorthe look of the neighbourhood andthe feel of theneighbourhood.Sothat’swhere thosemultiplexes,you mightsee actual developers andbuilders work with those.”
VIACMHC CATALOGUE
TheB.C.Fourplex02designinthe CMHC cataloguepromotedbythe District of Squamish
VIACMHC CATALOGUE
TheB.C.duplexdesigninthe
NEWSBRIEFS
IIOINVESTIGATING
The seriouscrash Sunday that killed a motorcyclist andclosed thehighway overnightisnow beinginvestigated by theprovincialpoliceoversight body
TheBCRCMPhas notified the IndependentInvestigationsOfficeof BritishColumbia(IIOBC) of an officer-involved incident near Squamish wherea womandied.
IIOisacivilian-ledpoliceoversight agency responsiblefor investigating incidentsofdeath or seriousharmthat mayhavebeenthe result of theactions or inactionsofa police officer, whetheronor offduty.
AccordingtoanIIO news release, on Sunday,July5,atapproximately 5:30 p.m., an officerwiththe British Columbia HighwayPatrol(BCHP)was conducting speedenforcement on Highway99when they sawtwo motorcyclistswho were allegedlyspeedingand drivingerratically, theIIO states.
“The officerlefttheir position alongthe highwayand momentslater locatedone of themotorcyclists whowas involved in a collisionwitharecreationalvehicle.The female motorcyclist wasdeclared deceased at thescene,” theIIO said in the news release.
TheIIO BC hasbeennotifiedand is investigatingpoliceactions in this incident.
As thematterisnow underinvestigation by theIIO BC,nofurther information will be released by police
Meanwhile, BC HighwayPatrolis continuing to investigatethe incident and isseeking witnesses anddashcam video.
Anyone whomay have observedthe motorcyclists, or mayhavedashcam video
of them,between BritanniaBeach andthe crashscene areasked to contact 604-526-9744
DIRT BIKEDEATH SHAKES COMMUNITY
The dirt bike communityismourning the loss of oneofits own.
RiderPaulSmith died on June 27 afteranaccidentwhile riding in thefirst Squamish Hard Enduro at CatLake.
TheSquamish Hard Enduro organizing team andSquamishDirtBikeAssociation putout ajoint statementonJuly6,saying they had“broken hearts”overthe incident.
“Paulsuffereda fall during theracethat resulted in aserious injury.Our on course firstresponseteam, volunteers,and emergencypersonnel respondedimmediately, providingemergency care before he wastransported to hospital.Despite the extraordinaryefforts of everyone involved from ourcourseteamand firstrespondersto thehospitalstaff—Paulsadly passed away from hisinjuries,”the jointstatement reads.
TheBCCoronersService hasconfirmed to TheSquamish Chiefitisinvestigating the death.
However, as thecoroner’s investigation remainsopen, more informationwas not available.
“There arenowords that cantruly express thesadness we feel.Wewanttoextendour deepestgratitude to ourmedical personnel, coursemarshals, volunteers,emergency responders,and everyone whoacted with professionalism, urgency, andcompassion underincrediblydifficult circumstances,” thejoint statementfromthe Hard Enduro andSDBAcontinues
At 9:37 a.m. on June 27,BCEmergency
GOTNEWS?
Health Services sayitwas notified aboutan incidentinvolving adirtbikenearCat Lake. Twoambulanceswithprimary care paramedics andanadvancedcareparamedicresponseunitarrived at thesite. Paramedics provided emergencymedical treatmenttoone patientwho wastransported to hospital in critical condition, however, RCMP confirmedthe rider, later identified as Smith, didnot survive.
“Paulwas much more than afellowrider He wasa husbandtoKimberly, afather, a son, afriend, anda valued member of BritishColumbia’sridingcommunity,” the jointstatement adds
“Our hearts arewithKimberly, Paul’s family,his friends, andeveryonewhohad theprivilege of knowinghim.Wealso recognizethe profound impact this loss has hadonour riders,volunteers, officials, medicalpersonnel, andthe broaderriding community. Hard enduro is builton challenge, resilience,and community. In momentslikethese,weare reminded that thepeoplebehindthe helmetsare what matter most.Wehopeeveryonewillkeep Paul’s family in theirthoughts, supportone another, andrememberhim forthe person he was. Ourdeepest condolencesgoto everyone wholoved Paul.”
TheSquamishValleyPeacekeepers are stepping down from frontlinevoluntary duty,and stepping up intothe role of mentoringanew paid team.Nationmembers gathered at TotemHallonJuly3to commemoratethe Peacekeepers’voluntary serviceofoverthree decades, both on andoffreserve.Theyare passingontheir duties to theSquamishNationPublic SafetyTeampaidroles.
PHOTOINA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF CELEBRATINGNATIONPEACEKEEPERS:
LOCALBUS SYSTEM IS BECOMING MORE ROBUST
BC Transitpresentstocouncil on ridership, finances andwhatishappening with thattransit facility
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
You canget around town by busmore easily than previously,and the serviceisonlyset to improveinthe coming years.
That is thetakeawayfromapresentation by aBCTransit representative, whowas before council’scommittee of thewhole on June 23,topresent on the2026-27 BC TransitAnnualOperating Agreement betweenthe Crowncorporation andthe DistrictofSquamish
As areminder, busservice in Squamish is provided by BC Transit, theDistrict, and Keolis,the localservice provider.
Each year,the District signsanagreement with BC Transitthatoutlinesthe transit servicearea, servicespecifications, annual budget,payment schedule,and fares.
Thelastagreement wassignedJune24, 2025.
For2027, (April 1, 2026,toMarch 31,2027) thenet localgovernmentbudgetfor the services is $2.8 million
This includes 28,000 conventional meaningregular fixedroute service—and OnDemand servicehours and5,200 custom service, or HandyDARThours.
By comparison,the netlocal government cost in the2025-26 AOAwas $2.3 million andthe agreementprovided23,600 conventional servicehours and5,200 custom servicehours
TheOnDemandservice,withbuses that seat 18 to 24 people,was only startedinthe spring of 2026,sowas notincludedlastyear.
BC Transitpaysfor 46.69% of regularand OnDemand busservice and66.69%of custom transit, leavingthe District to pay 53.31% and33.31%, respectively
Ultimately,council votedunanimously to authorizethe mayorand thecorporate officertoexecute theAnnualOperating Agreementfor 2026-27between BC Transit andthe District of Squamish.
BY THENUMBERS
RobRingma, senior managerofgovernment relationsfor BC Transit, said ridership
PHOTOBYJENNIFERTHUNCHER/THESQUAMISHCHIEF
Squamish’s newOnDemandtransit serviceisaveraging about100 tripsamonth sincelaunching in March, andBCTransit says thenextstepisbuilding awareness anddemandfor thenew option
hasincreased sinceCOVID-19.
“Around388,000 ridesin2023, up to 417,000 ridesin2024. We didhavesome smallexpansionsinthatperiod,”hesaid.
“And then aslightdrop, abouta3.5%to 3.9% drop in 2025,withnoexpansions provided in 2025.Wesaw abit of aflattening outofthe currentridership.”
In termsofthe custom service, this fiscal year,April 2024 to March2025, therewere 4,300, then from 2025 to 2026 therewere 1,000morerides,topping 5,505.
“Thatismostlikelydue to thefactthat councilapprovedacustomHandyDART expansionwhere we addedanadditional busand capacity in thesystembecause we
were having some ‘unmet trips,’” Ringma said
He notedthat30to35% of HandyDART ridesare people whouse wheelchairs, while 12%are attendants whosupport people with higher needsduringtheir rides
Thebalance is what Ringma called ambulatory rides.
“Peoplewho arefairlymobile, butmaybe have some otherchallengesthatprevent them from beingabletotakeconventional transit,”hesaid.
ONDEMAND NEEDSMORE DEMAND
Ringma alsosharedthatthe new
OnDemand service, whichlaunchedin March, is seeing about100 tripsamonth
Theservice includes twonew lightduty buses
“Whatwe’re seeing is themostpopular tripsare non-downtown, say, South Squamish area to somewherejustoutside of thedowntowncore,”hesaid. “And then second andthird most popularare tripsto andfromdowntown.”
However, he said they need more people usingthe service.
“Functionally, it’s workingverywell,”he said.“We’reseeinggreat data on ourend.
TRANSIT: Continued from 4
We just want to make sure that people are aware the service is there for them to use, whether they need to get a trip into town or whether they need to get a trip onto the conventional system and move somewhere else within the community.”
He said there is a possibility of expanding the areas the service goes to
“We obviously launched it with fairly tight criteria, but with some capacity in the system, we can also expand the zone So we’re just in discussions with staff right now about opportunities to maybe expand to South Park, Loggers East, Valleycliffe and the Hospital Hill region,” he said
REGULAR BUS EXPANSION
Overall, the regular bus service in Squamish has seen expansions of service. Last September, there was an increase in off-peak bus trips on routes 1, 2, 3 and 9.
“So this was increasing frequency on those routes in those off-peak times,” Ringma said
This added 2,000 hours without adding a new bus.
There were another 2,000 hours and a two-bus expansion in January, increasing the number of peak trips during weekdays on Routes 1 and 2.
He noted that in March, fares went up.
“We had not increased fares since 2017,” he said.
Later this spring, tap-to-pay was launched.
“(Riders) could use their debit or credit card to actually tap to pay a single adult fare on the bus,” Ringma said.
FINANCES
Ringma explained that costs have gone up leading to the municipality’s share going up by a net increase of 24%.
“In terms of (increased) operating costs and lease fees, those are all tied to the expansions,” he said.
Lease fees for buses have gone up 33%.
Ringma said BC Transit “had to adjust our standardized lease fees on vehicles slightly up just due to inflationary costs and a little bit of a changing or restructuring in some of the funding.”
He later added the amount of federal funding it gets has gone down
FUTURE TRANSIT FACILITY
As announced in January of 2025, BC Transit bought a piece of land at 1130 Resolution Way to build a future transit
facility
Ringma said since that time, there’s been extensive stakeholder engagement.
“To make sure everybody’s aware of what the project is, get some feedback from them in terms of what they would like to see in terms of transit facility, transit services. And that helps us develop those site layouts and potential future concepts,” he said.
Currently, there are five building options for BC Transit senior leadership to vet.
“We’ll review those with stakeholders, and then we will be coming back to council probably in the next four to six months to give probably a specific presentation just on the facility and make sure you’re up to date on where we’re at there.”
Funding, he said, is the “big gatekeeper” on the project.
“We’re obviously looking and pushing right now to secure provincial and federal funding to help support that. And once we have a better update of what that timing looks like, then we’ll have a good opportunity to start to put together an implementation plan for actually building the facility,” he said.
SAMPLE COUNCIL COMMENTS
Among other things, Coun Chris Pettingill asked if the cost of electric buses is getting to the point they would be the best option.
In short, Ringma said no
“Battery-electric buses, although the technology continues to get better and the efficiency continues to get better, a standard battery-electric bus is still about 80% more than its diesel counterpart,” he said, adding that this is offset by lower maintenance costs, and the fuel to electricity cost ratio.
“So operating cost-wise, battery-electric buses are more efficient to operate, but they do come with higher upfront cost(s).”
There’s also an infrastructure cost with battery-electric buses in terms of the chargers themselves
Currently, BC Transit uses in-depot charging
“Technically, over the long-term, what we would need to get to is in-depot charging as well as on-route charging That’s the exchanges, et cetera, where we could do some inline charging as well,” he said
There is still a backlog in getting electric buses too, he said
“Based on our original low-carbon fleet plan, we’ve had to adjust that a little bit due to … the (lack of) availability of battery-electric buses
“We just don’t feel we’ll be able to get as
many battery-electric buses as fast as we want them to So, we’re actually exploring potentially some hybrid buses as well some battery-electric-diesel hybrid buses to help us in the short term to lower our GHG emissions in total while still moving that target forward.”
He added BC Transit is implementing 16 battery-electric buses in Whistler “And obviously one of the key considerations with the new Squamish facility is analyzing battery-electric bus options.”
Coun Eric Andersen asked about possible OnDemand expansion to the Cheekye area, “where we not only have residents of Lewis Drive and Moody Drive, but a substantial employment hub year-round for the sawmill and seasonally for a couple of other businesses, notably Sunwolf (Riverside Resort).”
Ringma said OnDemand could go pretty much anywhere, but the organization would work closely with District staff to determine suitability.
District transportation planner, Dora Gunn, added that it may fit with some future planning.
“So we do have, in the three-year expansion process … potential OnDemand for
Cheakamus. And so that might be the opportunity to expand to the areas you’re speaking of. The current OnDemand serves more the South Squamish area, and so the time it would take for this vehicle to go travelling up to the northern end of town would be significant. Whereas with that future northern service, it would be a better fit,” she said
Several on council spoke to the improvements to transit locally over the years.
“Some of the topics that get a lot of talk time in our community include densification of our downtown, parking issues. And there are some folks in our community who rightfully point out that those two issues go hand in hand with our transit service,” Coun. John French said.
“And I often hear that our service is insufficient Some days I agree with that And then when I look into the crystal ball and see what we are planning to do in the future and carry on the expansion that has been happening over the last couple of years, I’m very optimistic that we’re very close to an important tipping point where our transit system really puts our community where our community wants it to be.”
BritanniaMineMuseum gratefullyacknowledges their community sponsors:
WHO DECIDES WHEN A B.C. RESOURCE ROAD DIES?
A new survey from the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. aims to catalogue which resource roads users struggle to access, and understand how some of them can be saved.
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
They’re winding, dusty, and often dotted with deep craters and bulging rocks, but forest service and resource roads throughout B.C. provide unparalleled access to the backcountry.
Spanning over 600,000 kilometres in B.C., resource roads are built on Crown land by industry, often created to access projects by forestry operations, oil and gas extraction, mining, agriculture or clean energy. Many of these are maintained and created through permits issued under the Forestry Act,
whereas unpermitted roads are often maintained by the province. This patchwork of responsibility means no one agency is responsible for keeping access alive.
But resource-extraction industries aren’t the only parties that use these roads. Hikers, ATV riders, paddlers, ski-tourers, families going to lakes on hot summer days, or campers seeking cabins and campgrounds all use resource roads for recreation For some rural communities, they are a lifeline.
A new survey from the Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. (ORCBC) aims to better understand how and why access to these roads is eroding, and what can be done to maintain their vital infrastructure for future generations. The BC Resource Road Access
NoticeofPublicHearing NotHeld ElectoralAreaD
Pursuant to Section464 of theLocal Government Act, this is to providenoticeofintentofthe Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistricttoamend theElectoral Area DZoningBylaw No.1350-2016, in amannerconsistentwiththe ElectoralAreaD Official Community Plan BylawNo. 1135-2013.
Public notice is hereby giveninaccordance with Section467 of theLocal Government Actthata Public Hearingwill be held regardingthe following bylaw:
Squamish-LillooetRegionalDistrictElectoral Area DZoningBylaw No.1350-2016, Amendment BylawNo. 1968-2026
TheBoard will consider firstand second readings of the proposed bylawduringtheir upcoming July Board meetingonWednesday,July22, 2026.
PurposeofBylaw No.1968-2026
BylawNo. 1968-2026 proposes an SLRD initiated mapping amendmenttocorrect theboundarybetween aresidential area,zoned R1,and atourist commercial area,zoned C1,located at thecornerofHighway 99 and CopperDrive in BritanniaBeach.The twoparcels are identified as:
LotA,DistrictLots891 and892, GROUP1 NEW WESTMINSTERDISTRICT, PLAN EPP98029, & LotB,DistrictLots891 and892, GROUP1 NEW WESTMINSTERDISTRICT, PLAN EPP98029.
Thezoningmap revision will appear on Schedule B6 of theCD2 Zone.
As theproposedmapping amendmentisconsistent with theOfficial Community Plan theSLRDmay waive theholding of apublic hearingonthe proposedbylaw
Information andSubmissions
Acopyofthe proposed bylawand relevant background documentsmay be inspectedatthe Regional District office,1350 AsterStreet, Pemberton, BC,duringoffice hours8:00amto4:00pm fromJune 1toJuly21, 2026, notincluding weekends andstatutory holidays, or on theSLRDwebsite
Writtensubmissions(mail or email) must be received at theSLRDoffice no laterthan4:00pmTuesday,July21, 2026.
Survey is a collaboration between provincial recreation organizations.
ORCBC is a council of various user groups that are organized at the provincial level, and also includes local and regional members, according to Louise Pedersen, executive director for ORCBC.
“The loss of access roads is becoming such a huge problem,” said Pedersen. “It’s becoming a problem for all recreation groups, I would say, with no exception. It’s a problem for communities. It’s a problem for tourism as well.”
So, if these roads exist, why are some of them barricaded or unmaintained? Pedersen says there is a legislative gap that’s responsible. Permit-holders are legally responsible for a road, and once they have finished using it, the current legal framework requires them to either continue maintenance and remain liable, or deactivate it, she said
Under the current framework, recreational use isn’t formally recognized as a reason to keep roads open.
When these roads close, it causes a spill-over effect. Monika Bittel, recreation and access chair with the Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, says the Sea to Sky is one of many examples
“When people lose access, everybody is being forced into the places that remain open And that results in overcapacity, overuse, so people go to places that aren’t really equipped necessarily to handle that volume of recreationalists,” she said.
Hearing and seeing the loss of access herself, she began advocating for funding for road maintenance. She often heard back from the province that maintaining 600,000 kms of roads is not feasible from a budget standpoint
“I said, well, we’re not asking for 600,000 kilometres of roads to be funded. We would always give specific examples, so that kind of started that discussion as to how do we actually identify the roads that are important for outdoor recreation, all forms of outdoor recreation,” she said
She created a rudimentary inventory survey, and when ORCBC created a resource road working group, the concepts merged.
“I brought this idea about this inventory, because for me, if you want to solve a problem, you have to understand the problem… So this is a starting point to identify where the roads are and what the problems are,” she said
The working group will use mapping data from the Service Road Atlas, a handy tool for finding and sharing up-to-date information on backcountry road conditions.
THE ECONOMIC CASE FOR RESOURCE ROAD ACCESS
While Pedersen says participation in outdoor recreation has intrinsic value, she also stressed the economic benefits The province recently unveiled its outdoor recreation strategy that highlights the economic driver that is recreation in B.C. and the strategy mentioned a modernized framework for high value recreation access and resource roads.
“In 2023, outdoor recreation participation directly contributed $4.8 billion to the provincial economy, representing 1.5% of real GDP. It supports jobs, local businesses, and community development, especially in rural regions that are diversifying beyond traditional resource industries,” reads the report Pedersen said their survey can provide data for such a framework, enabling evidencebased decision-making.
BC RESOURCE ROAD ACCESS SURVEY
According to ORCBC, the survey calls on users from diverse backgrounds “to identify resource roads that are currently used for recreation, roads that may be at risk of closure or deactivation, and roads where access has already been lost, limited or made difficult.”
The responses will create a provincial inventory and aid future advocacy with the province, Indigenous and local governments, industry and other partners.
It takes anywhere between 10 to 20 minutes to complete, and welcomes comments about “barriers such as gates, washouts, missing bridges or culverts, poor road conditions, seasonal closures, wildlife management closures and other access challenges.”
People are also encouraged to bring up solutions, from shared maintenance agreements, signage, risk assessments, “reroutes and funding for priority recreation access routes.”
“If people think that they need to have specific knowledge to answer the survey, (they don’t) If you’re a recreation user and you use a road to access your favourite places or various different places, go into the survey, start filling it out,” Bittel said.
COUNCIL GIVES GREEN LIGHT TO BYLAW UPDATES THAT MAY
IMPACT YOUR VISIT TO THE SQUAMISH LANDFILL
Definitions
updated, scale loopholes tightened—no batteries allowed
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Alot has changed since 2016, including what happens at the Squamish Landfill
On June 30, council unanimously voted in favour of giving three readings to updates to the Solid Waste Utility & Regulation Bylaw whose definitions have not been updated comprehensively in the last decade
The amendments update the language, make it harder to evade landfill fees, and ensure there’s no loophole that allows batteries to be brought to the dump
‘DIRTY
WOOD’ YOU SAY?
First, staff proposed changes to the definitions in the bylaw update the terms to match what is actually happening at the landfill
“Currently, we have the terms dirty wood,
clean wood and yard waste in our solid waste utility bylaw, as well as in the fees and charges bylaw. What we currently call dirty wood is no longer material that can be composted or used for biofuel. And so it does go into the garbage or into the landfill So, basically, dirty wood, the term will no longer exist at the landfill and that material will be encompassed under the residual waste, which is garbage,” said the District’s Shannon White, of the community and infrastructure and services department
Dirty wood is treated, such as painted wood and wood with glues (like MDF or stained), for example.
Clean wood includes lumber, clean pallets, untreated, unpainted, and unstained wood waste that can be used, White explained. “It is often chipped up and used as biofuel.”
The word drywall is also being added alongside gyprock, a technical term residents may not understand as easily, White noted.
Another change included updating the language around waste management for
special events.
Currently, the bylaw language is limited to special events on District of Squamish property or facilities
“We want to expand that to private land, which we are already permitting through our special events permit system,” White said
NEW ADDITIONS
Two new additions to the bylaw are to ensure folks are paying their fair share for what they drop off.
“The idea is that we just are charging to ensure we’re recouping the costs that we then have to pay for disposal of that material,” White said.
“If someone comes to the landfill and they have multiple materials and they drop them off all in the proper bins, however, they choose not to rescale and get the different weights and rates for those different materials, we will charge them at the highest rate So, say they drop off drywall, which is expensive, metal,
which is not expensive, and garbage, which is not expensive. Drywall is the most expensive out of those three things. We will charge them at the drywall rate because we have no way of understanding exactly how much to charge them for each individual material.”
The second new clause is meant for regular customers who are using the landfill regularly, for situations where their vehicle isn’t fully on the scale.
“There are times when customers are not on the scale entirely when we capture their weight So their truck tires or trailer might not be on the scale,” White explained.
“This is a continual training exercise with the staff there. However, it does happen. And so what happens is then when the truck drops off the material and they come back on site, the idea is then the weight is off, and they are charged basically the amount of their truck weight or half of their truck weight.
LANDFILL: Continued on 11
Joinusto celebratethe completionofthe Green and Accessibility Retrofit Project (ProjectOne)
Thursday, July 16, 3–5 pm BrennanPark Recreation Centre
Field User Allocation
Meeting forSeason2
Wednesday, July 15
5:30 pm at BrennanParkRecreation Centre
July15, 11:30am–1pm atMunicipalHall (CouncilChambers)
Sprinkler and AutomatedIrrigation
Twodaysper week based on street address.
•Odd side: Thursdays and Sundays •Evenside: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Hand Watering and Drip Irrigation Trees,flowers,shrubsor gardens is allowedanytime. Sprinkler 4–10 am and 7–10 pm AutomatedIrrigation
LAST VOLUNTEER BRITANNIAFIRECHIEF RETIRES AFTER20YEARS
RobNichollswillpassthe
INAPACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
The time hascomefor BritanniaBeach Volunteer Fire Department (BBVFD)
ChiefRob Nicholls to hang up his helmet
In thewakeofhis retirement,which was announcedinApril forthismonth,Nicholls passed thebaton to anew fire chiefonCanada Day, whowillworkthe position full-time Nicholls,however,willnot be outofthe picture entirely;hewillremain an auxiliary member of theBBVFD.
Making the“pro-active step”toestablish a paid full-timepositionfroma voluntaryroleat Britanniahas been decidedbythe SquamishLillooetRegionalDistrict(SLRD)to “effectively manage …an“increasingly complexand expandingcommunity,” an SLRD pressrelease reads.
In Nicholls’20years of serviceatBBVFD grew to more than 40 members, “serving an area with growingcallvolumeand service complexity,” accordingto therelease.
“Onbehalfofthe board, Iwanttoextend oursincere gratitudetoChief RobNichollsfor hisremarkableservice,” SLRD boardchair Jen Ford said in therelease
“His leadership,dedicationand commitment to communitysafetyhavehelpedbuild a strong,resilient department that residentsrely on everyday …his impact on thecommunity will be felt foryears to come.”
PatWiebe joined theSLRDasfire chieffor theHoweSound East Fire ServiceonJuly1, andwillbebased outofthe BritanniaBeach firehall.
Wiebehas 30 yearsexperienceinfire services, whichincludesinstructing first responderand CPRprogramsfor theBBVFD over thepast10years He hasalsopreviouslybeenactingcaptain andseniorfirefighter with Abbotsford Fire andRescue Service, andworks as atraining officerand asessional instructor with the JusticeInstitute of B.C. Fire Academy. Nicholls’lastday as avoluntary fire chief wasJune30, 2026.The Squamish Chiefcaught up with Nicholls that daytofindout what he’s learnedalong theway,and whathe’ll be gettingup to next (outside auxiliaryfire services).
What followsisaversion of that conversation edited forlengthand clarity.
full-time fire chiefonCanadaDay,beforetakingupauxiliary service
THESQUAMISHCHIEF:HOW HAVE YOU WATCHEDTHE BBVFDGROW OVERTHE LAST TWODECADES, ANDWHATHAVEBEEN SOME OF YOUR PROUDEST MOMENTS?
RN: I’mfortunate in that Iwas part of the team that regionalized the(Britannia) fire service. It wasaprivate mine fire department 20 yearsago.
Ihad theopportunity to be apartofthe team whodesignedand oversawthe construction of theBritannia Beachfirehall (in2010.)Iwas able to orderour firstnew fire truck.
Iwas also apartofthe increasedrecruitment andbrought in formally recognized Office of theFireCommissionertrainingfor firefighters, ultimately raisingthe department’slevel of training andcertification to interior firefighting status (tobeabletoenter burning buildings.)Wetookonmedical calls andtrained to firstresponder status.Under theRoadrescueprogram,our highestnumber ofcalls focusedonmotor vehicleaccident responsesand medicalassistance. TheSLRD wasabletochangeour declared servicelevel accordingly.
(Furthermore), we maintained thehighest levelpossiblefor theFUS rating forthe insurancepurposesfor thecommunities we serve. I’mprettyproud of allofthat.
Q: WHAT ARESOMEOFTHE MOST SIGNIFICANTTHINGSYOU’VE LEARNEDINYOURCAREER, WHILSTINBRITANNIA?
A: I’ve learnedthatthe most valuable aspect of anyfire department arethe volunteers that stepupand serve, anditdoesn’t matter how nice ourfirehallisorhow fancyanybody’s equipmentis. It allboils down to thevolunteersthatgiveout theirtimeand their dedication.
It’s so gratifyingfor me to take somebody in asavolunteer,and some yearslater seethem actually decide they want to getintothe fire service as acareer, andthenhelpthemmove along.
Q: BESIDESBECOMINGAN AUXILIARYFIRESERVICESMEMBER FOR THEHOWESOUND EAST FIRE SERVICE, WHAT AREYOURPLANS FOR RETIREMENT?
A: I’ll provideongoing training forthe
firefighters,and help outthe newchief (Wiebe).
We have a1951FordorMercury fire truck that belongedtothe Britanniamine, andI’m
finishingthe restorationonthat. That’s one thingI’m really interested in
FIRE CHIEF: Continuedon11
Call forExpressions of Interest
TheDistrictofSquamishisseekingexpressions of interest to lease portions of theSquamishAdventure Centre.
Create astandoutfoodand beverage/retail experienceinone of Squamish’s most visited destinations! This is ararechance to secure ahigh-profile food and beverage/retail spaceright at thegateway to theSea to SkyCorridor.Located inside theiconicSquamishAdventureCentre, this space’sunparalleled visibility ensures your businessstandsout to everyone drivingalong Highway99.
Formoreinformation or to apply, head to squamish.ca/adventure-centre-eoi or contactNav Triplett,Portfolio Manager at ntriplett@squamish.ca
PHOTOCOURTESYOFSLRD BritanniaBeach VolunteerFireDepartment(BBVFD) ChiefRob Nicholls
View this ad online:
Council Chambers at the District of Squamish Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, B.C. or electronically at squamish.civicweb.net
What’s Proposed: NoticeofBylawReadings – Tuesday, July 21,2026 at 6p.m.
Tointroduceadefinition and regulatory framework forco-living within the DistrictofSquamish Zoning Bylaw.
DistrictofSquamish Zoning BylawNo 2200, 2011, AmendmentBylaw (Co-Living Regulation) No.3239, 2026
AffectedLands
Properties currently zoned R-1, R-4, and R-5.
Proposed Amendment Bylaw
Thepurpose of the proposed Bylaw is to introduceadefinition and regulatory frameworkfor co-living within the DistrictofSquamish Zoning Bylaw.
No Public Hearing
In accordancewith Provincial legislation, Section 464(2) of the Local GovernmentAct,local governments are prohibitedfromholdingpublic hearings relatedtorezoning applications thatare consistent with the local government’sOfficial CommunityPlan (OCP).
HowtoView
Acopyofthe proposed bylaw and relatedinformation thathas been or maybeconsidered by the Council can be inspectedonline or at Municipal Hall.
Online at: squamish.ca/showcase Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, from Thursday, July9,2026 to Tuesday, July 21, 2026, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Mondaythrough Friday except forstatutoryholidays
2027 PermissiveTax Exemption Applications
PermissiveTax Exemptions are amethod that the DistrictofSquamish,supportedbyCouncil, maysupportvoluntarynon-profitorganizations byexemptingland or improvements or both, from taxation under Section 224ofthe CommunityCharter.
TheDistrictofSquamish is nowaccepting applications forPermissiveTax Exemptions.Section 224 of the CommunityCharterand therequirements of the DistrictofSquamish PermissiveTax Exemption policyapply.Ifyour organization can demonstrate eligibilityyou arewelcome to apply foranexemption. Theapplication and policy are available online. The deadline to apply is July 31,2026for exemptions beginning forthe 2027taxation year
Formoreinformation, please contactus at 604-892-5217. squamish.ca/grants
InfrastructureUpgrades
•Depot Road Active Transportation Upgrades continue in Brackendale.The projectwill provide safe, comfortable and accessible pedestrian and cyclist access,and improvelighting and accessibilityfor all users.Residents should expect increased noise level and single-lane alternating trafficduring construction hours (7a.m. to 5p.m., MondaytoFriday).
•Wastewater System Upgrades continue in Dentville, on the Madill Forcemain. Construction work is taking placeonMadill Street,Garibaldi Avenue and Britannia Avenue.
•Annual Watermain Upgrades continue in Brackendale
•Phased construction work on Squamish RiverDike at Harrisand Dryden Pump Stations and Central LiftStation continues through November. squamish.ca/building-our-future
Questions?
Enquiriesregarding the proposed amendmentbylawmay be made to the Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca. This is the first of twonotices. Publish date: July 9, 2026.
Business Opportunities
Requests forProposals
•Environmentally SensitiveArea(ESA)Mapping Update
•Archeological Consulting Services
•Consulting Services forPool Deck AirHandling Unit Replacement squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
LANDFILL: Continued from 7
“To ensure we’re in compliance with the financial aspects of the Solid Waste Utility Bylaw we are refunding them the entire amount minus our minimum charge And so this clause enables staff to take the previous three to five tickets of the same vehicle licence plate and the same material type and take an average and charge that to the customer.”
This will allow the landfill to recoup some of the money being lost through this glitch
Finally, the wording about lead-acid batteries not being allowed at the landfill has been expanded.
“All batteries are banned from the landfill because they can cause harmful fires. So we
CHIEF: Continued from 9
I’m also going to continue to support the SLRD in moving forward with the second fire hall that’s going to be constructed in Furry Creek. Ordering fire trucks and building fire halls is part of what I used to do for Metro Vancouver, so it’ll be neat for me.
don’t want your batteries in landfill, please recycle them elsewhere,” White said
SAMPLE COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Armand Hurford asked about situations where the vehicle is too long for the scale.
There is an intercom further up, allowing the customer to pull beyond the clerk hut to weigh more of the load, but it isn’t always easy to hear through the intercom
He asked if this will be address as part of the landfill expansion.
White said staff are working on the landfill expansion, and a better placement of the scale hut location related to the scale is part of the plan.
“Depending on costs, there might not be a
Q: SO, DO YOU FEEL LIKE THE WORK IS REALLY JUST CONTINUING?
A: I was working more hours at the fire department than I did in my career position I managed Metro Vancouver’s safety, security, emergency management, and fire department administration. It was a 35 to 40 hour week, and it became readily apparent that I was going to be the last volunteer chief, for sure.
second scale immediately,” she cautioned.
“Which won’t alleviate that having to reweigh for each material, unfortunately, but that will come out during detailed design But yes, better scale hut placement is part of it.”
Hurford ultimately supported the recommendation, but said he would like to see the expansion deal with the issue so that the intercom works efficiently.
“There’s a lot of businesses that rely intensively on a similar system of remote and intercom, essentially, so I accept this is what we need right now, but I would encourage addressing this in a more fulsome way,” he said
Coun Andrew Hamilton asked if cedar is considered clean wood White said it has had
Q: BESIDES (MORE) WORK, WHAT ARE YOUR RETIREMENT PLANS?
A: The wife and I are going to hopefully do a little bit of travelling in western Canada and the Northwest United States.
Britannia Beach held its Canada Day celebration at the Britannia Mine Museum on July 1. There was also a community event
to go to the landfill, but it is currently accepted by the final disposal site
“There are a lot of really small but very important changes that will make things run a lot smoother,” Hamilton said, in voicing support for the staff recommendation “And I think in terms of sitting in this seat and our role, one of the challenges that I continually have is looking at bylaws as separate from how the operation of a facility happens, because the two are tightly connected; sometimes operations is impeded by bylaw. Sometimes it can be improved, sometimes it can’t I totally respect if you think this keeps your operation moving more smoothly.”
Couns. Lauren Greenlaw and Jenna Stoner were absent from this meeting.
running at the Britannia Firehall, with bouncy castles, cotton candy, and popcorn for the kids Nicholls also introduced Wiebe at the event.
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.
Your storystarts here
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EDITORIAL
LIBERAL TRUST?
Are thefederalLiberalsmaintaining your trust?
On June 30,Prime Minister Mark Carney said thequiet part outloud. The environmentistakingabackseatfor now, as Canada rampsupenergyproduction.
“The climateplanweinherited from the previous government waswell-intentionedand well-suited forthe timesin whichitwas designed,” Carney said in avideo statement.
UnderLiberal PrimeMinisterJustinTrudeau, the 2030 EmissionsReduction Plan was aroad mapfor thecountry to reach40% below2005 emission levels by 2030 andnet-zeroemissions by 2050
That plan is outthe window now.
“Iwanttobeclear on this point,”Carneysaid.
“The changeswehavemadewillmeanthatour emissionswillbehigherinthe next fewyears thantheywereprojected to be underthe previous government’s plan.But inmyjudgment, that plan wasnot sustainableoverthe long term.It wouldhavebeentoo expensivefor Canadians.”
Andthere it is.
Carney acknowledged that the“climatecrisis” is stillwithus. Giventhe headlinesthe same week were aboutrecordheatwaves pounding Europe,killing thousands, he couldhardlysay otherwise.
“Heatwaves like this arewhatweexpecttosee in achangingclimate,” said John Kennedy, head of climateinformation at theWorld Meteorological Organization,inanewsrelease.
“Inthe 50 yearssince thehistoricheatwavein 1976,Europeasa wholehas warmed by around twodegrees.It’sthe fastest-warmingcontinents andextremesoftemperature have increased too,”hesaid.
Carney said hiscommitmenttofighting climate change is “absolute,”but didn’t give any newtargets.
It is just that “our neighbourhood hasn’t been this hostilesince when Canada wasfounded.The worldhasn’tbeenthis unstable geopolitically since theend of theSecondWorld War,”hesaid.
SOMETHINGTOWATCH FORATCOUNCIL
Manyreporters wouldratherwalkthe toilet paperladen trails around Levette Lakebeach barefoot than covercouncil It is atedious task andthe writingendsup beingmostlytranscribingwhathappened.
Butjournalists know that it is importantfor newsoutlets to covercouncil (and school board andregionaldistricts)because normalpeopleare toobusylivinglife.
Luckily, Ifindlocal government fascinating, whichishow Iended up beingthe main council reporteragain
On theagendaofthe June 30 councilmeeting wasarequest forcouncil to providefeedbackon the District’s code of conduct.
TheSquamish code (adopted in 2022)is interestinginand of itself.Itincludes clauseslike: acouncil “membermustnot publish, on social mediaorotherwise,statementsattacking members,staff,orvolunteers.”
TheNDP provincial government is currently proposinganoverhaulofhow theconduct of local electedofficials is regulatedinB.C
“A standardised complaintframework will be introduced,including aconsistentprocess for filing andmanagingcomplaints. Provisions for
alternativedispute resolutionssuchasmediation or mutual resolution will be prescribed.A formalized investigationand decision-making modelinvolving independentinvestigators is also included in thedraft legislation,”explained Melissavon Bloedau, District director of corporateadministration.
Staffrecommended that counciloffer feedback on theCodeofConduct bylawthatstaff cantake andincorporate into thebylaw oncethe new provincial legislationisinplace.
Thefascinating part wasthatthe feedback wasn’t given.
Coun.Chris Pettingill said he wasuncomfortable discussing theissue givenCouns.Lauren Greenlaw andJenna Stoner were absent from the meeting.
June 30 wasthe fifthTuesday when thereisn’t typicallyacouncil meeting. In this instance it wasdecided that an additional meetingwas required to meet agenda demands. Couns. Greenlaw andStoner’sschedules didn’t work with theadditionalmeeting
MayorArmandHurford at firstsaidhehas committed nottochangethe agenda basedon whocould or couldn’t attend,but ultimately acquiesced that it wouldbeworth deferring this topic.
Thus,council votedunanimously to have the discussion come back before theelectionthis Oct. 17.
EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK JENNIFER THUNCHER
Ha7lhskwálwencht kwis
(We have good feelings that we live,we work andweplayonthe landsofthe Squamish Nation)
EDITORIAL: Continuedfrom12
TheSquamishquestioniswhether environmentally-minded locals who voted forCarney, throughtheir supportfor MP PatrickWeiler, buythe reasonsbehindCarney’sshift andcan stomach it.
Though hisleaderhad yet to sayit outloud, Weiler himselfhad already acknowledged that we wouldn’t make the greenhouse emission targets.
NOTEBOOK: Continuedfrom12
Hurford said thedesiretowait showed thecouncil’s “collaborative nature of wantingtohaveall thevoices atthe table.”
He also hoped thedelay wouldallow theprovincetoprovide more detail on thechanges they want to make Pettingill also said he wouldprefera portion of theconversation be in a closed meeting.
However, VonBloedausaidageneral
MY PROPERTY TAXDOUBLED INA YEAR
This year thepropertytax on the Squamish light-industrial site our companyleaseswentfrom$82,094 to $164,419—a 100% increase in asingle year.Wedon’t ownthe land;itbelongs to aprovincialCrown corporation,and becauseweare theassessedoccupier, we carry thefullmunicipal taxbillonit. Part of theincreaseisprovincial: BC Assessmentrevaluedthe property sharply. Butpartislocal.The District raised itsoverall taxrequirement 12.8% for2026, andits own10-year plan projects another 13%in2027and 12.9%in2028. These arenot one-time shocks
LETTERSPOLICY
As Carney himselfsaid, it is amatter of trust.
“Inmany respects,inthisglobal disruption, trust hasbecomethe most valuable commodity. Ournatural resourcesare agreat gift,but thetrust othercountries placeinCanadais something even more special,”hesaid.
“We’veearnedit, andwemustkeep earningit. Trust starts here at home.”
During theelectioncampaign, the Liberals’ platform stated:“As we build
conversation on thebylaw,ingeneral, isn’t avalid reason to close, under Section 90 of theCommunityCharter
“But aspecific topicofdiscussion couldbeconsidered,”she said
Pettingill said he hassomesuggestions forwhenthe topicdoescomeup again.
“Whenyou look at some other councils that arenot functioningwell, a huge amount of communityresources andtimegetsburnedonjustinterpersonalgrievancesand conflict.…Soitis
thestrongest economyinthe G7,we cannot lose sightofthe impact our choices will have on ourchildrenand grandchildren; we must always be mindfuloflong-term sustainability andthe kind of economyand environment we want forthem.”
Do youtrust that is what is being creatednow?
Localvotershaveuntil thenext election,set foronorbeforeOct.15, 2029,todecide.
really important, Ithink,tomakesure that …there’s agoodframework for whoeversitsinthese seats,”hesaid. Should they have gone ahead? What changeswilltheywanttomaketothe code?Why wouldsomeofthe conversation need to be outofthe public eye? Watching thesediscussions is kind of like watching themicro-exchanges at thesummerbarbecue. On thesurface, they canmeanverylittle, buttheytell us quitea bitabout thepeople, their relationshipsand theirvalues.
JOIN US ONLINE
QUESTION OF THEWEEK
Do youcurrently trustthe federal Liberals to work toward theCanada youwant?
Have your sayatsquamishchief.com
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
If thecouncil election were held tomorrow,whatwould be your #1 issue? (Top 3answers)
Double-digit increasesare nowthe plan, year afteryear, whilemanylocal businesses areseeingflatorfalling revenue.
Here is what Iwould askresidents and councilto weigh. In 2026 theDistrict received roughly $5.8 millionmorethan budgeted from WoodfibreLNG taxation anddirectedittoreserves rather than using it to easethe levy on therestofus.
Meanwhile thenumberofDistrict employeesearning over $75,000 grew from 108to183 in asingleyear. Iamnot saying anyone of thesefigures is indefensible on its own. Iamaskingthe obvious question astrugglingbusiness asks: what exactlyare we gettingfor
increasesofthissize, andatwhatpoint does theanswerstopaddingup?
Late-payment penaltiesare fixedby provincial lawand cannot be reducedfor hardship,and neitherthe municipality northe province offers anyreliefprogram forabusinessfacingabillthatdoubled overnight. So themessage to local employersis: thespendingdecisions are theDistrict’s, andthe pain is yours.
Iamnot asking fora handout. Iam asking both theDistrictand theprovince to show theirwork—before thenext budget asks us foranother double-digit increase Elwira Sternal Squamish
TheSquamishChief welcomes letterstothe editor of up to 400words.Letters should be exclusivetothispublication andare meanttorespond to alocal story in TheSquamishChief or raiseanissue happeningin town.Pleaseinclude your name,neighbourhood anddaytime phonenumber. Thedeadlineis5 p.m. Mondaytobeconsideredfor Thursday’s edition. Full namesand neighbourhoodwillbepublishedwiththe letter.The publisherreservesthe righttorefuse andeditletters forlengthand clarityortoaddress legalconcerns. Emailletters to:editor@squamishchief.com.
MOST READ STORY
Update:B.C.’scivilian police watchdog investigatingfatal Highway99 motorcycle crashnearSquamish
TOPTIKTOKOF THEWEEK
This week,reporterIna Pace headed to Totem Hall foracelebration of theSquamishNation Peacekeepers.See this andmanyother videos on ourTikTokpage, @squamishchief
BMXCOMMUNITY MOURNS ‘A BIGVOICE TO FILL’
Todd
Pope volunteeredacrossthe SeatoSky fordecades.Tothe
LIZMCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
ToddFrederick Pope washardtomiss. As big manwithanevenbiggervoice,he wasknown by countlesspeople in the SeatoSky forhis tireless volunteering Pope died on May15, 2026 at theage of 56, accordingtohis obituary
“Known forhis humour,kindness, andlove of life,Toddbrought laughter andwarmth whereverhewent. Hisfriendships meantthe worldtohim andhewas fortunatetohave formed countlessmeaningfuland lasting connectionsthroughouthis life.Toddhad agift formakingpeoplefeelwelcome,valuedand appreciated, andhis loyalcircleoffriends is a true reflection of thepersonhe was,”reads the obituary
ScottMurrayand VickiSchenk, both membersofSquamishBMX Racing Club, where Pope wasa long-timevolunteer, said he first became involved in BMXwhenhis son,
Jeremy,started in thesport
“He just sort of showsuptobring hiskid,and then,and then before youknew it,hewas volunteering as well,and just became part of thefabricofSquamishBMX,” Schenk said
And whilePopewas involved in BMXfor 15 years, hisvolunteerismextendedtomanyother events andorganizations, accordingtothose who knew him.
“Toddmoved to Squamish in 1993 and quickly becameanintegralpartofthe community. He volunteeredhis timewithTest ofMetal,SquamishTrail Society, Tourism Squamish,local triathlons,Sea to SkyNordics, RCMPCOPSand Auxiliary, Squamish BMX and BMXCanada, just to name afew,” reads his obituary
The MayorofSquamish, Armand Hurford, spoke aboutPopeduringarecentcouncil meeting. Valhalla Pure Outfitters Squamish wrote amemorialpostonFacebook. During the BMXCanadaNationalSeriesinSquamish, they held thecompetition in hishonour. ClubsfromKamloopstoVictoria, to Ridge
kids at Squamish BMX, he wasthe voiceofthe sport
Meadowsand beyond have honoured him.
THEVOICE OF SQUAMISH BMX
Anyoneattending alocal BMXcompetition will remember theman behind themicrophone,but they maynot know he didn’t come tothatrolebyindividualmotivation.
“I remember himbeing alittlebit reluctantto be theannouncer,but only becausehewas new to thesport,” Schenk said.“He hadn’t been exposed to awhole bunchofother announcers atthispoint,but he diditanyways,because he’sjustthatguy,and he quicklylearned how to be areallygreat announcer, andthenitjust wentfromthere.”
He wouldgoontobethe announcerfor BMX CanadaNationalSeriesand thepresident of Squamish’s club in 2016,she added.
“I thinkhecould probably announce any sport. Idon’t thinkitwould even matter.He couldmakeupanythingheneededtomakeit work,and he wouldsound awesome,”Murray said
From sillynamesfor riders,likecalling his
DARTS&DAFFODILS
son“Goldilocks”for hisblondehairor “Produce Boy,”whenheworkedinagrocery store, thoseclose to Pope sayhehad atalentfor enunciationand announcing riders as if they were rock stars.
“(Thekids) hadsomuchfun wonderingwhat Todd wasgoing to sayabout them next,you know,” Schenk said
SELL FUNAND GETPAIDIN SMILES
Oneofhis rolesincludedselling playgrounds, whichPopecalled“sellingfun andgetting paid in smiles.” Murray says that ethostransferred to theBMX track.
“Wekindoftransformed that over to the BMXworld too. allthe work we were doing outthere wasbecauseofthe fun, seeing the smiles on thekids’ faces. he sold that fun becauseitwas fun, and(he waspaidwith) the smiles of thekids.”
News of Todd’s sudden deathrippled through theBMX communityjustdaysafter he had been in Chilliwack,backonthe micfor the spring national series andreconnectingwith riders from across B.C.,the U.S.,and therestof Canada,according to Schenk andMurray. At Squamish BMX, wherefamilieshad been expectingtohearhis voiceattheir own national eventonlyweeks later, theshock was immediateand profound
Murray said parentswho shared thenews with theireight-, nine-and ten-year-olds “basically brokedownintears”assoonasthey heard. Formanyofthose kids,Popewas the firstpersontheyhad knownpersonallyto die—ameasure of howdeeplyhewas woven into theireverydaylives at thetrack
Volunteers with theclubare stillworking out howtheywillcommemorate Pope’s legacy,but hispresencewillremainatthe trackhehelped shape.
Gotsomething niceto sayorsomeconstructive criticism? Send your Darts &Daffodils: Email:news@squamishchief.com or drop off at The Chiefoffice (38117 Second Ave.)during business hours. Deadline for submissions is Monday at 4p.m.for Thursday’spaper.All submissions must be signed and include aphone number for verification. Maximumlength is 75 words. Dartsare intended to be an anonymous critique betweenprivate parties. Dartsmustnot directlyorindirectly identifyanindividual or business.
PHOTOCOURTESYOFVAIRDYFRAIL
ThelateToddFrederick Pope
The SeatoSky Contractors Directoryisback! We offerfree listingsfor alllocalcontractors andtrades. Don’tmissout on beingpartofthe region’s go-to resource—simplyfill out the form below to claimyourspot.
PHOTOS
CLASSIFIEDS
Stanislav (Stan) Laskovic
May 20,1960 -June 19, 2026
It is with heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Stanislav (Stan) Laskovic,onFriday, June 19th,2026.
Stan was born on Friday, May 20th,1960 in Scarborough, Ontario, ason of the late Karol and Irmgaard Laskovic.
Margaret (Maggie)
Deane
Margaret Annie Deane (nee Walker) was known in early life as Margie, and as Maggie in later life. Born on 18 July 1932, at Cold Lake AB near their Pierceland SK home, she was the youngest daughter of Russell andAgnes Walker.Maggie passed away peacefully in SquamishBC, Canada on 15 April, 2026, aged 93 years.
Maggie’sformative schooling years were in Lloydminster Alberta, becoming aSinger Sewing Teacher.She mademanyhomes over the years, but herlongest, most favourite homewas deep in the mountains at Missezula Lake, BC. Wherever she lived she got involved in the community,from Girl Guide Commissioner in her Calgarydays to senior citizens’ Activities Director in both Langley and Merritt, BC. She loved the outdoors, stories, fashion, dancing,all things Scottish,and agood matched set.
She was both afun loving dreamer and highlydetermined individual. She remained living independently in Squamish with the practical support of several services, her daughter Sharyl,and grandsonMarkJohnson. Our familyextends much gratitude to all thewonderful carers who assisted her journey.
Maggie is survived by her three daughters: Sharyl JohnsonofSquamish BC, Debra Gossett of Los Angeles CA, and TraceyDeaneofWhangarei, New Zealand. Maggie was muchloved by her grandchildren Aaron (Josianne) Johnson, Mark (Kate) Johnson, Taylor Bell-Booth and Kenza Bell-Booth, plus her Johnson great-grandchildren: Jeremy,Tovah, Mackenzie, and Avery. Maggie was also loved by Debra’slatehusband Don Gossett as well as by Debra’sstep-children, step-grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Maggie willbemissed by the manyfriends, extended family (including “inlaws, outlaws,and 42nd cousins”) to whom she brought manysmiles.
StanworkedasahooktenderinthemountainsofWhistler and Pemberton for30plus years, then as Labourer at Murrin Construction until his retirement in 2017.
Stan enjoyed fishing, camping, sitting around the fire, his garden, his Westies -Target&Bonny, and most importantly spending timewith his family andfriends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in deathby his sister Bridgett Norwood. Stan is survived by his loving wifeof42 years, LanaLaskovic, one daughter Kristina Laskovic,one sonTyler Laskovic, twograndchildren Kaiden Sydorko and Kaiya Sydorko and two brothers Kristian Laskovic and Andy Laskovic, along with many other family and friends whowill sadlymiss him.
Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, August 1st,2026, at the Barriere LionsHallfrom 2pm to 5pm.
Maggie’srequest was for cremation and then herashes to be interred in her mountains. Heronline memorial page is hosted by Squamish Funera /www.squamishfuneralchapel.com/obituaries
lHome: Maggie beloved https://
ANNOUNCEMENT
Grace Laura Noblett
August 18, 1938 -June 22,
GraceLaura NoblettpassedawayonJune22nd, 2026 inher home at Gateway Lodge inPrince George, BC, with family by herside.Predeceased by her parents Joseph and Laura, her husband David, and her daughter Joan Vanderlee
Grace will be misseddeeply by her children, Davina andStephen (Barbara); grandchildren Jonathan (Karina), Chris (Denise), Laura (Darren), Nathaniel, Justin (Maddy), Sara (Dustin), Keevan,and Alexander (Reid); and great-grandchildren Thomas,Lucia, Benjamin, Rylan, Willem, Nikolas, Ayla, Kayden, and Liam. She is alsosurvived by her son-in-lawJohn, her sister-in-law, and manynieces, nephews,and friendsinCanada, theUK, and theUSA.
Born in Salford, England, Grace immigrated to Canada in 1974, settling in Squamish with her husband and three children, wheretheybuilt alife surrounded by friends. Graceworked as aseamstress in Squamishand was an active member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church,theCatholic Women's League, and the Legion of Mary. She hadaneye forbeauty and showed thisthrough her gardening, painting,and sewing
Gracerelocated to Prince Georgein2016 to becloser to family,where she got to watch her family growwith manygreat-grandchildren who brought her so muchjoy.Her British humour, wittyremarks, honesty,and love for family will begreatly missed. Goodbyefornow Mom, Grandma,Grams,Triple G, Grandma No Teeth. We love you
We love you.
ould Gateway and the Aspen ine for all care support.
like to thank the staff at Gateway Lodge andthe team at Aspe forall their care and support - June 202
Experiencethebestofwhat’shappeningaroundyou. Ourcomprehensiveonlinecalendarlistseverylocalmarket, showandgatheringsoyoucanplanyourperfectweekinseconds.
Norman Ross Ryan
May 23, 1945 -June 26, 20
It is with deep sadnessthatweannouncethe passingof Norman Ross Ryan on June 26, 2026, at the ageof81. Norm passed away peacefully after ayear-long battle with brain cancer.Born on May 23, 1945, to Martin and Gladys Irene Ryan at theAbbotsford Hospital, Norm was raised in Abbotsford, BC, alongside his threebrothers.At the ageof20, he moved to Squamish to begin his careerasa millwright. He worked at the Woodfibre Pulp Mill for40years, where he made manylifelong friends and acquaintances. Alongtime resident of Squamish, Norm will be remembered for hisquick wit, storytelling, his can-do attitude, and his kind and generousnature. He enjoyed travelling and to visit family and friends. Norm liked to stay active and engaged, was happiest outdoors gettinghis hands dirty in the yard, felling trees, and always being there to lend ahand with anyoutdoor project. He wasnever a fanofnew technology, preferring instead to catch upwith friend’sover coffee at the local cafés. Despite living with diabetes, he never lost his love of sweets.
Norm was an incrediblygifted artist, with anatural talent for drawing andpainting portraits thatcaptured thetrue spirit of his subjects.
Norm was predeceased by his parents; his brothers Michael, Glynne, Bill; and hisson Kenneth. He will be deeply missed byhis lovingpartner Antonia; his son, Anthony; and his granddaughters, Summer,Samantha, and Teaghan, of whom he wasveryproud; andhis manyextended family members and friends.The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Dr.Dugard and Dr.Piper,aswell as the exceptional team of doctors, nurses, and care aides at Squamish General Hospital, the Palliative Care Team,and the Sea to Sky Hospice for the compassionate care and support they provided. PerNorman’srequest, there willbenocelebration of life.
In lieu of fl name to t
LOCALEVENTS
flowers, thefamily kindlyrequests thatdonations be made in N the Squamish General Hospital, the Sea to Sky Hospice Societ BrainCancer Tumour Foundation of Canada.
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CROSSWORD
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39.Discharge 40.Fashion
42. Items of value
44.Bookormovie type: hyph.
47.Gator’skin
48. Additionally 49.Injure
51.Sidestep
55. Tiny insect
56. Fleecy one 57.Vocal solos
58. Nay’sopposite 59.Lawnmoisture 60.Stairs DOWN 1. se 2. Woodsman’s tool 3. Caribbean export 4. Tasteworthy
YOUR PLACE OF
5. Fasten again 6. Placefor aHula-Hoop
7. December 31, e.g.
8. Returnthe favor
9. Daddy
10.Cakefroster
11. Well-mannered one
19.Made coffee
21. Podvegetable
22.Petty quarrel
23. Oz-visiting pooch
24.Mimicked
25. Makebeloved
28. Acorn’sparent
30.“Whenin_ ”
31. Taunt
32. Places
37.____-limits
39.Accompany
41.Directed
43. Fountain drinks
44.Hang around
45. Roadway marker
46. Small bit
47.Ship’s hands
50.Astonish
52. Game cube
53.Generation
54.Dangerous curve
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:
HOROSCOPE WEEK OF JULY9,2026-JULY15, 2026
ARIES March 21-April 19
Although you prefer the comfortofyourown bubble, you’ll find yourselfrushing hereand there, respondingto countlessrequests.Yourfamily will need yourpresence,and you’ll be unable to resist the urge to spontaneouslyoffer yoursupportand availability.
TAURUS April 20-May20
If you must addressacrowd, preparecarefully—thisisn’t the time to improvise! At the same time,yourgentle wordswill help ease tensions and resolve misunderstandings around you.
GEMINI May21-June 20
Choose yourwords carefully around certain people.Listen attentivelyand respond with tact to avoid unnecessary conflict.Also, keep an eyeon yourfinances.Anunexpected expensecould disrupt your budget
CANCER June 21-July 22
Burstingwithenergy,you’ll need to eatahealthydiet, takeyourvitamins and get enough sleeptosupporta healthylifestyle.Yourmind will overflowwithideas,but they may feel jumbled. Stay focused to turn yourdreams into reality.
SUDOKU
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Youtend to givetoo much of yourself to others, at the risk of seriously exhaustingyourself You’ll be therefor yourloved ones when theyneed you,but you must learn to pace yourself to protectyourenergy.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Bigresponsibilities,some lackingclear direction, will land on yourshoulders this week.Evenathome, sharingtasks could prove challenging. Your patience and understandingwillhelp you make youreverydaylife run moresmoothly.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
Aprofessional transition could open the door to new training opportunities.Acceptingthis challenge could lead to amore prestigious and fulfillingrole— one that alignsperfectlywith yourambitions.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Nowisthe ideal time to plan a getaway, exploreachangeof sceneryand breakfreefrom yourroutine.Learningor refreshingaforeign language could alsoprove beneficial if you’replanningtogoabroad.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Emotions will be rawthis week,demandingself-care and making you want to withdraw.Fortunately, your friends will supportyou, listentoyou and cheeryou up when you need it
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Don’t ignoreeventhe slightestbit of physical discomfort. Consult ahealth professional if needed.Trust yourintuition to create a calm,protectiveatmosphere that encourages harmonyat work and at home
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
Youmustresolveurgentorunclearworkmatters beforegoing on vacation. If you’llbeswimming, make sure you’reaware of the small risk of infection. If you’resingle,meetingnew people could proveparticularly enjoyable this week
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
Give yourself permission to enjoy movies,plays and other artistic performances An opportunitytostepinto the spotlightmay alsoarise, givingyou the chance to share yourtalents and expressyour creativeside.
HOWTOPLAY:
Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3box contains the numbers1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. Youalready have afew numbersto getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box
