THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 2026
See our special insert PAGE B1
CELEBRATE!: Graduates pose at the Time-to-Shine event at Howe Sound Secondary on June 13. Prom was then held at CapU-Squamish. Organizers say this was the biggest prom and graduating class to date, with 300 graduates. See our special celebratory section starting on B1.
A reading of this low has happened only 2% of the time in 32 years at the upper Squamish River station—and salmon advocates say streams are already showing stress
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
The River Forecast Centre’s second-last snow survey and water supply bulletin of the season is ringing alarm bells for hydrologists.
The report shows the South Coast is sitting at 14% of average snowpack for this time of year. Provincially, two-thirds of the snowpack has melted, when June usually sees about 55% melt.
“We haven’t had as low as we had here since about a decade ago,” said David Campbell, head of the River Forecast Centre.
“We had a fairly warm winter, and that really led to a lot of melt during the sort of winter season, so we came
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into this year with lower snowpack through the South Coast. What we’re seeing now is really the snow that we did have has melted off fairly quickly and fairly early.”
The South Coast may have a drought buffer because of high-alpine glaciers melting in the July and August heat, but that means accelerated glacier decline, Campbell said.
“This year will be a year where, with that low snow, the glaciers can likely be taking a big hit in terms of the water that’s stored in there ... I think we’ll see a lot of potential glacial recession this summer because of the low snowpack and that early melt,” he said.
The South Coast basin index is based on four stations forecasters use to calculate the 14% figure. An automated station in the upper Squamish River recorded 273 millimetres of snow water equivalent (SWE) on June 1. The station has been monitoring conditions for 32 years, and only 2% of its readings by June 1 have been this low or lower. The station also recorded far less than in the previous two years: SWE was 591 mm in 2025 and 489 mm in 2024. The station is sitting at 24% of its normal snowpack for June 1.
The three other stations used for the South Coast basin index — Dog Mountain, Mosley Creek Upper and Nostetuko River — all had an SWE of zero.
“It only happens 2% of the time, so it’s not very often that we have 24% of normal. That’s a very unusual condition,” Campbell said of the upper Squamish River station. “So it would speak to the concern that we do have for this region, where this year is ... not a subtle year in terms of impacts, it’s quite an extreme pattern that we’re seeing in terms of the low snow and the early melt.”
The centre says below-normal precipitation, early snowmelt and low snowpack heading into the summer means the south will have less
water supply, which its bulletin said “could accelerate watershed drying, increase streamflow recession rates and elevate drought hazard.”
While the life cycle of salmon differs by species, they all start their journey in fresh water before swimming to the ocean, returning to their birthplace and dying, according to the Pacific
Salmon Foundation (PSF).
Salmon face inevitable and expected obstacles in their life cycle, but without adequate habitat in freshwater streams, they are up against even more challenges, said Jason Hwang, chief program officer at the PSF.
“When you get these lower flows, you get higher temperatures, and there’s a whole series of challenges that those kinds of conditions pose for salmon,” he said.
Some salmon, like coho and chinook, live in
streams year-round before going to the ocean for the next phase of their life cycle, according to the PSF. Low-flow streams mean salmon don’t have good rearing habitat or enough food to survive.
“Even at this time of year, which is usually not a time of year, you’re worried about low flows for salmon ... we are already seeing that in some of the southern parts of British Columbia.”
During one of the extremely hot, dry summers around 2021 and 2022, Hwang recalled a small creek near his home showing warning signs for salmon. The creek isn’t notable for salmon returns, yet many juvenile salmon and trout were swimming below the surface. Parts of the stream are close to a development and lack tree cover along the embankment.
“The water temperature just climbed day after day after day. I watched these pools be full of salmon ... and then the water got lower and lower, and the salmon got more and more concentrated, and they got more and more lethargic. And then I saw the whole section of stream — the salmon died, and the trout died — and then it dried up.”
He believes similar impacts played out across hundreds of streams in B.C. that summer.
“Climate scientists have been telling us for a long time, climate is changing and people in the world are going to see more extreme high temperatures, we’re going to see more droughts, we’re going to see more intense flooding. Like, this is stuff that the climate science community has been forewarning the general population of for some time,” Hwang said.
Seasonal outlooks from Environment and Climate Change Canada, cited in the River Forecast Centre’s bulletin, indicate an increased likelihood of above-normal temperatures across British Columbia from June to August.
Combined, these factors mean immediate and long-term strategies are needed to protect salmon from die-offs.
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
Technical issues sank the Loggers Lane location, with the District now reviewing other sites alongside BC Housing
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
The provincial HEARTH program will not be located at 37956 Loggers Lane (X wúneḵ w Park), according to a release from the District of Squamish.
The DOS announced the change on June 11 through a press release. In it, the local government said the decision was based on “site constraints.”
“(These) have emerged through the due diligence process for 37956 Loggers Lane (X wúneḵ w Park) that has deemed the site not viable. As a result, the site is no longer being considered for the program,” reads the statement. Council found out the news during an in-camera (not public) council meeting on June 9, according to the release.
The HEART and HEARTH programs—aimed to support people who are unsheltered or living in encampments by providing temporary housing—were first announced in 2023 as part of the Belonging in BC Homelessness Plan.
“We do have an unhoused population in Squamish, throughout the community. We hear from [the] community about concerns about the safety of those folks and of the community, and we need to take steps to address that. This program is those steps,” Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford told The Squamish Chief. Other sites are being considered by the DOS, which will provide these options to BC Housing to review.
Site consideration will include BC Housing’s criteria “for technical and operational
requirements” combined with “neighbourhood considerations to ensure the success of the project,” according to the release. There was backlash from some community members in downtown Squamish who questioned the site location, arguing it put children at risk and would negatively impact local businesses.
Multiple technical reasons were examined and showed the site was not feasable. A DOS spokesperson said the site required further investigation, which would have required invasive work. The investigation into this work was paused as other potential sites were available.
An example of site preparation Hurford spoke
to included pile driving, which is a substantial site improvement process that was unlikely to be suitable for a temporary housing project.
“Those types of investments aren’t practical for a temporary use. When we hear the site conditions and due diligence, when you assess a site, it could be solvable from a technical standpoint, but it makes things unviable for a temporary piece. If it was longer term or more housing development, it might be worth pursuing,” he said.
Recent pile driving in the area was for the under-construction dike and wouldn’t extend into the 37956 Loggers Lane (X wúneḵ w Park) lot.
Another aspect that makes the land unsuitable from a technical perspective is the location of two existing user groups. A local paddling group and a Squamish Nation canoe shed are on the land. While Hurford said these are moveable, they are still factors that went into the decision.
He also noted that public discussions about the site location were an important part of the conversation.
“I think that ultimately, more engagement and understanding and solutions are important. I expect to discuss (with BC Housing) on June 23 and understand what the community can expect from public engagement with BC Housing,” he said.
In terms of public input on the now squashed location, the District said some concerns could be mitigated, but “that this site is central and public, and limited in size with the other current uses, and so wouldn’t offer the necessary privacy and buffers that would help ensure its success.”
A B.C. pilot study found two mosquito pools in the Squamish-to-Pemberton area tested positive for California serogroup viruses, which can cause brain swelling in rare cases
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
Amulti-agency monitoring program tracking mosquito-borne viruses in B.C. has found two mosquitoes in the Sea to Sky Corridor tested positive for California serogroup viruses (CSGv), which can cause illness in people.
The pilot study launched in 2025 in response to three children contracting CSGv in 2024 as part of a cluster near Whistler. The patients contracted snowshoe hare virus (SSHV) and Jamestown Canyon virus (JCV) and developed encephalitis, a condition that causes brain swelling.
“As part of a pilot project funded by the BC Centre for Disease Control, we collected and identified mosquitoes along the Sea to Sky Corridor, from Squamish to Pemberton, looking for invasive and endemic mosquito species,” said Dr. Anya F. Smith, principal investigator and senior scientist with BC Centre for Disease Control (BCCDC) public health response team, in a statement.
The study involved Vancouver Coastal
SNOWPACK: Continued from 2
Beyond caring for salmon, Hwang stressed that climate change impacts on water systems should matter to everyone: farmers and ranchers who grow food and raise animals, municipalities that rely on groundwater for clean drinking water, and industries that use water in their operations.
Concerned organizations and citizens can help by aligning with groups that understand how humans affect salmon, Hwang said, breaking the work into short-term and long-term solutions.
Short-term actions include improving habitat to help stranded fish—hand-moving
HEARTH: Continued from 3
On June 23, the provincial housing authority will provide details to council on HEART and HEARTH programs in other communities.
The groups need to decide on a site by July for provincial funding deadlines. Hurford said public consultation leadership is dependent on who owns the land for the site. If it’s District-owned, the DOS will lead the discussion work with the community. If it’s not District-owned, BC Housing will lead the
rocks to reconnect isolated pools, temporarily shading critical pools by dropping branches, or building a coordinated response network.
“We have been working with other organizations, the federal and provincial government, First Nations Fisheries Council, to actually organize a working group that is ready to receive reports of salmon that are having difficulty, and then look at whether there are responses where we can do something to help them in the moment,”
Hwang said.
Long-term solutions are about watershed preparation.
Riparian tree planting and habitat restoration increase shade and lower water
dialogue.
Site suitability criteria require a lot size large enough for modular homes, with privacy and indoor/outdoor amenity space for programs and services that residents will have available.
The DOS said neighbours would be notified when the site was chosen and given more information.
“Building relationships and being responsive to concerns is a long-term commitment BC Housing and its selected housing operator make to communities when operating a HEARTH site. The District will remain involved and committed to supporting successful community integration and livability for residents in
Health, the University of British Columbia, Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Lil wat7úl (Líl wat Nation) and the leaders from those nations helped BCCDC researchers facilitate sampling on their lands.
“The pilot project gave us a snapshot of what’s happening with mosquitoes in one part of B.C.,” said Stefan Iwasawa, a BCCDC vector specialist, in a statement. “With climate change causing temperatures to rise, we may see an increase in our exposure to mosquitoes.”
Researchers placed traps at 11 locations in Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton. In total, 2,575 mosquitoes spanning 27 species were collected. UBC’s zoology department identified the types.
Of those samples, 171 pools—groups of the same species gathered from the same time and location—were tested for West Nile virus (WNV) and CSGv by the BCCDC’s Public Health Laboratory. Two pools tested positive for CSGv: one of Culex pipiens/restuans and one of Aedes cinereus. CSGv encompasses 18 different virus types; snowshoe hare and Jamestown Canyon are the most frequently identified in Canada, according to a VCH release.
The specific strains remain unknown
temperatures, improving habitat quality and resilience in low-flow years.
That approach was used along the Coldwater River in Merritt through a partnership between the Raincoast Conservation Foundation, Scw’exmx Tribal Council and nłeʔképmx Guardians from the Citxw Nlaka’pamux Assembly.
As for the stream near Hwang’s house: metres away from the unshaded embankment, the riparian zone was still intact and untouched by development. His temperature recordings showed it was 10 degrees cooler.
Beyond these land-based changes, Hwang said the province has to rethink how it manages land and water to help salmon survive a hotter, drier future — for example,
transitional housing and neighbours,” reads the release.
Support systems for residents in transitional housing include: life skills training, employment assistance and help with accessing a range of social and health-care services. The DOS says these services ensure residents can receive support and helps maintain their housing.
The site will have security, 24/7 staffing and is only accessible by residents and staff.
“The site should also integrate well into the neighbourhood by considering allowance for appropriate buffers and screening, safe access and transportation options,” reads the release.
In a statement provided to The Squamish
because the amount of virus detected was minimal. No West Nile virus was found. “While the risk of serious illness from mosquito-borne viruses remains low in the Sea to Sky area, this project highlights the importance of ongoing monitoring and taking practical steps to prevent mosquito bites, like reducing standing water near your home, using approved bug spray, and wearing light, protective clothing,” said Ceinwen Pope, medical health officer with Vancouver Coastal Health, in the statement.
Mosquitoes are most active from dawn to dusk. Public health authorities advise wearing long, light-coloured protective clothing and using repellent containing DEET or icaridin. Other protective measures include removing standing water near your home—including from flower pots and rain gutters. Birdbath water should be changed weekly, and adding fountains to ponds or stocking them with fish can prevent stagnation. Swimming pools should be regularly maintained and cleaned. Installing screens on windows and doors can also prevent mosquitoes from entering the home.
watershed planning that connects human activities such as forestry, farming and urban development to their downstream impacts on rivers and streams.
Right now, he said, the system “is not really set up to address these kinds of climate change-driven problems,” so drought and low flows keep being treated as one-off crises. “Maybe we can’t save salmon in a stream this year, right now. Let’s recognize our salmon are really resilient ... there’s often some [that] find a way to survive even in the most extreme conditions, and those are the ones that can be part of having salmon continue to come back in the future, and we need to give them every chance we can to have viable conditions to have success.”
Chief, Christine Boyle, minister of housing and municipal affairs, said the province is working to help people experiencing homelessness in Squamish.
“We are working closely with the District of Squamish to evaluate and assess potential sites for temporary supportive housing in the community to ensure we are offering people experiencing homelessness safe, supportive places where they can stabilize,” Boyle said. She did not comment as requested on the public narratives in Squamish surrounding the original site, nor did she speak to a request for further details about proposed site alternatives and existing site constraints.
Woodfibre LNG has been issued two Notices of Non-Compliance after provincial Environmental Assessment Office inspections in April and May found issues with overwater gangway materials and documentation
JENNIFER
THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
Woodfibre LNG has had its proverbial wrist slapped for two issues of non-compliance.
On June 1, the provincial Environmental Assessment Office published an inspection record that showed two areas of non-compliance from inspections in April and May.
The inspections are done against the conditions the company is bound by under its Environmental Assessment Certificate.
While the inspection showed the company was in compliance on most inspected aspects, it was noted not to have the expected gangway material in two locations and did not fully comply with the documentation requirements for its Workplace Culture Committee.
“On May 19, 2026, the Officer conducted an inspection of the project’s ramps and gangway surfaces to assess the use of grating and other light-permeable materials,” the inspection report reads. “During the inspection, it was observed that two gangways were constructed of solid aluminum. This design restricts the penetration of light to the benthic communities located beneath these structures.”
Benthic refers to the bottom of a body water—the animals and plants that live on or in the bottom.
“The observations made at the time of inspection provide evidence of non-compliance with requirements for the use of light-permeable materials in overwater structures,” the report reads.
The other area of non-compliance was regarding documentation.
The inspection report states that on April 22, the EAO inspector asked Woodfibre LNG to provide a copy of the Floatel and Workplace Culture Committee’s Terms of Engagement and Mandate.
On May 30, 2026, Woodfibre LNG submitted the 2025 Floatel and Workplace Culture Committee Terms of Engagement document.
“The Terms of Engagement outline the roles and responsibilities of the Woodfibre LNG Floatel and Workplace Culture Committee. While the mandate references promoting a safe work environment, it does not include provisions related to participating in consequence management or disciplinary actions, as needed, for infractions of worker conduct. As a result, the information provided by the certificate holder demonstrates that the mandate does not meet the minimum requirements and therefore provides evidence of non-compliance with respect to the requirement to establish a mandate that includes all prescribed elements,” the inspection report reads.
For both infractions, the company was issued two Notices of Non-Compliance, the lowest level of enforcement action that can be taken,
reserved for “minor” infractions.
“The purpose of these enforcement measures is to allow the offender to take corrective action without the imposition of formal sanctions. These measures serve as a record of non-compliance, forming an element of compliance history and providing information on compliance patterns and trends that can assist in the ongoing management of a project,” reads an EAO document called Compliance and Enforcement Policy and Procedures.
The inspection included a debrief of observations with Woodfibre LNG staff in mid-May.
Woodfibre LNG said they were working with the Environmental Assessment Office on these issues.
“While these non-compliances are largely administrative in nature, they are taken seriously and we are working with the BCEAO to rectify them and improve regulatory clarity,” Woodfibre LNG spokesperson Sean Beardow told The Squamish Chief.
“In regards to the gangways, where benthic communities exist on site, grated gangways are
used. In the areas where solid gangways exist, there is no benthic life below,” he said.
“In regards to documenting consequence management and disciplinary actions within the Workplace Culture Committee Terms of Engagement document, we understand that even though consequence management and disciplinary actions are extensively documented and mentioned in the terms of engagement, the wording could be improved in this document. We will amend this appropriately and review with the committee membership.”
The inspection notes the EAO inspector may follow up on one other area related to glass sponge reefs and Floatel 2 moorings.
Woodfibre LNG is expected to conduct post-installation underwater surveys to assess the effectiveness of its avoidance measures or to confirm that glass sponges were not disturbed as a result of the mooring installation.
Woodfibre LNG said before the second floatel was moored, there were extensive underwater surveys done and the anchor design was altered to provide a 15- metre exclusion buffer for glass sponges.
“An underwater survey to evaluate the effectiveness of measures to avoid disturbance to glass sponges in the vicinity of the Floatel 2 moorings will be conducted at a later date. The EAO Compliance and Enforcement Branch may verify compliance with this requirement during a subsequent inspection,” the report reads. The inspection report shows the company was found to be in compliance on other areas assessed including: creating bird-nesting buffers, a no disturbance area around a bird nest; creating exclusion fencing to divert amphibians and snakes away from the worksite and roads; using reclaimed water for dust mitigation on roadways; using effective erosion and sediment control measures; keeping external windows and doors closed on Floatel 2 during active construction activities; ensuring mental health support is available from medical professionals on the floatels; and using a non-emitting power supply as the sole power source for Floatel 2.
In an update at Municipal Hall, Jeremy Valeriote highlighted provincial budget decisions that he said are affecting Squamish directly, including the suspension of the Community Housing Fund program
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
It was a bit of a love-in in Municipal Hall chambers.
Jeremy Valeriote, BC Green Party MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, presented to a very friendly audience in the District of Squamish council on June 9.
Like other MLAs, Valeriote is in his home riding until October, when the Legislative Assembly resumes.
Overall, Valeriote is none too impressed by the actions of the ruling NDP government this past Legislative session.
“A legislative session I wouldn’t say was very impressively productive,” he said.
He noted the government still has “a bare majority,” thus it is “never dull.”
Most on council at the committee of the whole meeting joined Valeriote in expressing that disappointment.
Valeriote said much of the ruling NDP government’s focus this past session was potential amendments to B.C.’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act, DRIPA, which in the end, didn’t come to fruition.
“It took up a lot of airtime and caused a lot of controversy and, I would say, setback in the relationship with Indigenous people,” he said.
He said his party doesn’t think that DRIPA needs to be changed.
“We just need to put work into it,” he said. “We don’t need to amend it. We don’t need to suspend it, and we certainly don’t need to repeal it.”
Valeriote also noted the passage of Bill 9, the Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Amendment Act.
“Another one that we weren’t too impressed with; the changes essentially limit freedom of information,” he said.
He also addressed the 2026 provincial budget, which had ramifications for Squamish.
“Some pretty significant setbacks on the budget, both the suspension of Community Housing Fund Program, which has had a big impact on Housing Squamish and this community and others, and then long-term care, essentially a pause on Hilltop House long-term care,” he said. He noted that the province had justified the pause by saying that costs had ballooned—to $1.8 million per bed in some cases—for the seven projects that were suspended, including the replacement for Hilltop House.
“In a lot of ways, pretty fiscally responsible to take a step back, but I think, certainly for Hilltop, that number will come in a lot lower, and so hopefully that will allow it to advance and I’ll be continuing to advocate for that.”
He said the province’s $13 billion deficit dominates the conversation.
“Not a lot of new ideas for revenue. So far, a lot of counting on revenue that may come with various industries that are cranking up,” he said.
There was some government legislation that he was more supportive of.
“A bunch of fairly agreeable legislation on interprovincial trades, safe places of worship and schools. Unfortunately, the two that … I’m sure were of interest, did not make it beyond second reading,” he said, referring to municipal code of conduct legislation and parental leave for sitting councillors, something Coun. Jenna Stoner has long advocated for.
He said those pieces are expected back on the agenda in the fall.
He also praised the province’s Look West Plan— designed to deliver major projects. He said it has potential in terms of economic development.
“I’m glad to see a tourism piece come into it, an outdoor recreation strategy, which hopefully will have a lot of impact here,” he said, but added that he doesn’t see the province’s push for mining and LNG projects that will be operational in five or eight years as solving the current deficit.
“So we’re looking at revenue. As you might know, our party leader is focused on taxing ultra-wealthy. I think there’s some room there.”
He noted concerns of the council—air quality relating to Woodfibre LNG, the discontinuance of the CN Rail line from Brackendale, and the expansion of the provincial sales tax (PST), about which the District is sending to the Union of BC Municipalities convention this fall.
“All of which I’m happy to support and help advocate for.”
He said he is crafting a private member’s bill that will be a Clean Air Act.
Valeriote said two “big pushes” he is working on are regional transit for the Sea to Sky Corridor and Highway 99 safety.
Around regional transit, something he campaigned on achieving, he said he was able to get the premier talking about the issue.
“I think there is still forward progress there. I’m still optimistic, and I think it may come to a head where we need a strong push from the public and all the stakeholders,” he said.
On highway safety he said, the provincial government is “quite focused on red light cameras at intersections, and I’m not sure that that’s where the bulk of our safety issues lie.”
“A couple of private members’ bills that are coming through the house, one was dashboard cameras on commercial vehicles, which passed. The other one is essentially a reckless driving prohibition, which has a lot more sausage-making, so to speak, to do to get to something that works. But I think I’ve been strongly in support of it.”
Climate was a focus of council’s questions for Valeriote.
For example, Coun. Lauren Greenlaw asked, with the deficit, if there has been much discussion about other forms of taxation, such as wealth taxes, de-subsidizing LNG—de-subsidizing fossil fuels.
Greenlaw was a federal Green Party candidate for West Vancouver—Sunshine Coast—Sea to Sky Country in the 2025 federal
election.
Valeriote said it is a discussion within the Green Party caucus in Victoria, but not in the broader public conversation that he has heard.
“That need for revenue may force that to the fore,” he said.
Mayor Armand Hurford said it seems to him there is less provincial government focus on climate change and the environment.
“Looking at tourism as a key piece of our economic future and, in the form of summer tourism, ‘smoke season’ really impacts the experience,” he said.
“Where is that (climate) conversation existing today?”
Valeriote said it feels like his small two-party caucus were the only ones standing up and saying climate needs attention.
“Generally, climate policy is essentially paused,” he said.
Hurford said in terms of Highway 99 safety, he appreciates the increase in BC Highway Patrol presence, but ultimately, what he would like to see is results of the investigations of crashes and investments in improvements that would help avoid them.
“We see the impact, both to the people who had the accident and often those are tragic, but we don’t see the debrief … after they get ICARS and close (the highway) for 12 hours to assess and really come up with the root cause. We don’t hear any of that, but the province has that information, and I think they should act on it,” he said.
Councillors thanked Valeriote for the work he has done so far.
“Thanks to you and your team for your grounded advocacy work and holding your role in a way that is really tied to community,” Stoner said.
“I know that you have been available to many of us when we’ve had challenges, whether it’s through the Community Housing Fund and some of the budget concerns, to code of conduct, parental leave legislation, Heritage Conservation Act, the Look West strategy, highway safety—all those things resonate in community. And it’s been really helpful to be working with your team, let alone the push around a new hospital and a long-term care facility to actually get that built, and not just on paper. So, just a thanks for your continued work and for showing up. I know it’s not always easy, being the squeaky wheel in Victoria, but I think it has been effective and appreciate the continued open door.”
Valeriote tossed the appreciation back on council.
“It continues to be an honour to represent the region, but it’s really, it makes it easy to have functional, forward-thinking councils like yours… so we can work in coordination, support each other.”
Questions about downtown business closures, lease pressures, parking impacts during road closures and perceptions of crime were raised by council during an update from Downtown Squamish at the June 9 committee of the whole meeting
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
It is a good return on investment.
That is a key takeaway of the presentation by Kerry Neil, executive director of the Downtown Squamish Business Improvement Association (Downtown Squamish), who presented at the June 9 committee of the whole meeting.
Neil was there to update elected officials on the achievements under the District of Squamish and Downtown Squamish Community Events Partnership.
Neil said the purpose of the agreement “is the delivery of community events, activations, and cultural programming that support community connection, vitality, and economic development.”
The partnership works through annual funding and strategic oversight, she added.
In 2025, the organization received $47,500 from the municipality.
“Downtown Squamish acts as the event delivery partner, leading, planning, executing, raising sponsorship, grant funding, and working with other community partners. Our annual work plans and reporting ensure accountability, transparency, and alignment with the District priorities.”
The benefits of this partnership, Neil said, are that Downtown Squamish can leverage the money from the District through grants and sponsorship, volunteers, and other community groups.
“It supports, obviously, the arts, culture, tourism, and local business activity, creates community-focused events and activations that enhance quality of life and pride of place.”
Neil said 2026 marks the third one-year renewal of the partnership agreement, and Downtown Squamish and District staff are looking at a longer-term agreement to help the organization “with long-term planning and sustainability, and obviously continuing that community impact.”
This is a common theme with many groups who have been going year-to-year with their agreements.
Neil highlighted the four main events Downtown Squamish puts on: Squamish Together, on Canada Day; the Mural Walk Festival, and Open Street Day in the summer; and the Squamish Holiday Parade each December.
“I’ve been working with a community group who organizes an Easter hunt in Stan Clarke Park every year,” Neil said, adding this is not a downtown event as such, but supported by Downtown Squamish with funding and in-kind support.
The organization also supports other community-led events throughout the downtown core, such as Pride, Arc’teryx Climb Academy and Squamish Arts, for example.
Neil said that the July 1 event is also supported by a federal Celebrate Canada grant.
“Really exciting news for 2026, we just secured a $5,000 Celebrate Canada FIFA grant, which allows us to add additional programming to Canada Day in the form of soccer-themed activities,” she said.
The Holiday Parade attracted 4,000 people last year, Neil said, with 150 volunteer hours contributing to it.
Neil noted because so many people attend the parade, Downtown Squamish is doing a review of the safety and security around it.
“We’re talking with public works, we’re talking with Squamish Search and Rescue, who volunteer for us on the day, and then looking to create a much safer experience for everybody,” she said, adding that children are coming out onto the street and getting too close to the floats.
She also noted that the event is only allowed to have 30 vehicles in the parade now, for safety reasons.
The District agreement with Downtown Squamish, Neil said, is a fabulous return on investment.
“The District in 2025 funded $47,500 of which we were able to leverage to further $123,000 in grants and sponsorship and $36,000 in in-kind support. That’s across all of our events,” she said.
“So, total value generated was just over $206,000, which is a return on the district’s investment of 335%, which is great, right? I think.”
Ultimately, council voted unanimously to receive the report, which was all that elected officials were tasked with doing on the matter.
Mayor Armand Hurford asked about the state of downtown businesses and how the Downtown Squamish events benefit them.
DOWNTOWN: Continued on 9
Stage 1Outdoor Water Use Restrictions remain in effect.
Sprink ler and AutomatedIrrigation
Twodaysper week based on street address
•Odd side: Thursdays and Sundays
•Evenside: Wednesdays and Saturdays
Sprinkler
4–10 am and7–10 pm
Automated Irrigation 10 pm–4 am
and Drip Irrigation
Trees,flowers, shrubsor gardens is allowed anytime
Try tolimit your watering to onehour!
On June22, work willbegin on the installation ofanew protec tedmulti-use pathwayonthe nor th side of Depot Road from Highway99to GovernmentRoad.
Theproject will providesafe, comfor table and accessiblepedestrian andc yclist access, andimprovelighting andaccessibilityfor allusers.
Residents should expec tincreased noise leveland single -lane alternating traffic during construction hours (7 a.m. to 5p.m., Monday to Friday). squamish.ca/building- our-future
Field User Requests forSeason 2
September 1, 2026, to Februar y28, 2027
Request deadline: June 26, 2026
Fields: Centennial Fields,Hendrickson, Ar tificial Turf Field &HoweSound CommunityField
Please contac t booking@squamish.ca or call 604-898-3604 to get the forms.
Contac tRecreation Services at 604-898-3604 or head to squamish.ca/field-allocation for moreinformation.
Formoreinformationand to seethe full water restric tions,head to ourwebsite:
Wednesday,July 15, 2026
5:30 pm at Brennan Park Recreation Centre
Circuit TrainingwithCindy (55+YRS) at West winds
July 7–28,10–11 am
Come tr ycircuittraining at WestwindsSenior Living. Rotate through aseries ofconditioning exercises thattarget avariety of musclegroups; improve your balance,agilityand mobility, while strengthening cardiovascularendurance Drop -ins welcome if spacepermits Summer Pool Schedule!
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Learnhow to shoot it like Crosbyatthe Spor tball Street Hockey Camp!
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Demand for community funding in Squamish hit a new high in 2025, with 39 applications requesting more than $317,000 under the Community Enhancement Grants
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
The Squamish Community Foundation (SCF) funds a lot of unique programming in Squamish, yet even more money is asked for.
Karen Clarke, executive director of the foundation, presented to council at its committee of the whole meeting on June 9, regarding its 2025 Community Enhancement Grants, which it distributes on behalf of the District of Squamish.
In 2025, the foundation had 39 applications, a record, with a total of just over $317,000 in grants requested. This is about triple the amount of what it had to grant out, which was just over $107,000.
Thirty applications were approved. Of those applications, 16 grants went toward sport and recreation projects and 13 were for youth group projects.
“We had six Indigenous-specific program(s), which was great for 2025,” Clarke said.
The two groups that received the most funds were the Squamish Helping Hands Society for its Farm to Shelter program, which received $9,000, and the Howe Sound Marine Stewardship Initiative for its Searching for Slhawt’/Herring Spawn Survey, which received $8,000.
Clarke highlighted a few of the other noteworthy projects.
The Unlimited Worth Wellness Society, for example, ran a Red Cross psychological first aid certification training for nonprofit staff and volunteers. They also run a men’s mentoring program. The society received a $5,000 grant.
“They had about 25 people turn out, which
was great. This was a great training for new frontline staff as well as long-term staff. There is something for everyone to learn and take away so that you can provide the best support possible while taking care of yourself,” she said.
She also highlighted the Sea 2 Sky Allies’ Drag Queen Story Hour at the Squamish Public Library, which she described as a “huge success.”
It sold out with 80 children, parents, and guardians.
“They didn’t use all their money ($1,800) because the library ended up giving them the space, so apparently Hilltop House has asked them to do a drag queen story (hour) up there,” Clarke said.
She noted another success, the Sea to Sky Community Services’ Indigenous Perspectives Childcare Programs, which received $5,000.
“They were working with Squamish Nation Elders who come in and build and make bannock with the kids. They weave, they drum, they sing, they dance,” Clarke said.
“It’s run so well the last two years and been such a success that they actually have said in their report that they won’t be asking for any more funding because they’ve built it right into their programs. So they don’t need any more funding. … This is wonderful because this is the type of process that we’d like to see for our granting.”
Clarke also spoke to the foundation’s Neighbourhood Small Grants program, which the District contributes $10,000 per year toward. In 2025, there was a record number of
applications at 62, requesting about $31,000 in grants. Of the applications, 49 were approved, for a total of approximately $21,000.
“It’s a huge, huge hit here in Sea to Sky and we see some great and innovative small programs in each neighbourhood that are really creating neighbourhood connectivity,” she said.
Ultimately, Clarke noted that the foundation’s agreement with the District is year-to-year and they would like to see it be longer-term.
District staff said there will be a review of all agreements with the potential for multi-year agreements coming back to council at some point, but that work has not been done to date.
Councillors simply had to vote to receive the report from the foundation, which they did unanimously.
“I think there’s incredible value for dollar here,” said Coun. Chris Pettingill. “I do wonder if we should review our policy on how much we’re putting into community grants in general … When you look at what’s happening in social media and the division and so on, getting people together as community and empowering community to do things for themselves, I think it’s fantastic.”
Coun. John French spoke to the importance of getting the updates from grant partners like the foundation.
“It’s super valuable information. It confirms what I think we all know—that this is money well spent and well leveraged and well redistributed within our community.”
DOWNTOWN: Continued from 7
Neil said she didn’t have reports from businesses directly, but this summer, with Tourism Squamish, there will be more head counts of attendance at events.
“I think that will give us a little bit more data to share in incoming reports. We definitely see downtown busy,” she said.
She also said Downtown Squamish sends out a survey to local businesses about Open Street Day.
“The majority of them report a significantly better day, business-wise.”
She later also noted that some businesses aren’t thrilled with the loss of parking.
“When parking is removed we sometimes see some concerns from some businesses,” she acknowledged. “But what we tried to do is really activate the street to bring people to the street. So, the more that we can do, the more we see … people in the businesses.”
She added whenever Downtown Squamish officials close a road, they offer alternatives to parking.
Hurford also asked about advocating for safety programming by the organization, which is in the report.
“Downtown Squamish are looking at ways that we can increase safety downtown. Whether that … be a team on the streets that go out in the evenings or after hours—we would like to speak to the District about maybe bringing back community policing. So these are the programs that we’re going to be exploring,” Neil said.
Coun. Eric Andersen noted that for 20 years, between 1982 and 2002, there was a ferry that brought people to downtown.
He asked if the board of Downtown Squamish was supportive of this resuming.
Neil said yes.
“I see significant potential in a ferry service coming into downtown Squamish. The biggest benefit is obviously bringing visitors straight into the downtown core where they can spend their money and enjoy the shops and restaurants that we offer.”
Coun. Lauren Greenlaw said she has noted several businesses closing and asked what advocacy Downtown Squamish is doing and
what the council could do about this.
“We are definitely seeing some businesses close in downtown Squamish and for a number of reasons, some just being the economic climate that we find ourselves in, some being because of trying to renegotiate leases—there being no cap on how much a property or a landlord can put up their lease,” Neil said.
Neil said the advocacy Downtown Squamish is doing on the issue includes beginning to offer member businesses help understanding their lease, the responsibility of the landlord and the responsibility of the leaseholder.
Greenlaw also asked if there was feedback on crime downtown.
Neil didn’t have stats but said she does hear feedback on this issue.
“I can share that we have seen an uptick in crime. We see lots of businesses complain about needles outside their business fronts and human excrement,” she said.
Coun. Jenna Stoner praised the community feel of the downtown through the organization’s events and also warned against leaning too far into community policing as a solution to
feeling unsafe downtown.
“To really try and ground our conversation in building community and connection over necessarily policing, and how do we do that in a way that everybody feels like they have both safety and it’s like not over militarized,” she said.
“We don’t want people to feel like they have to pick up arms and be community policemen, but that we can build through cleanliness, through making sure that we’re getting the graffiti removed, and that our businesses feel supported in a clean space, while there’s also outreach to those community members who need help, and how do we find roles in that. So I just want to put that out there as part of the conversation, and recognize that the District has a role in showing up in that too.”
Hurford also noted the potential for Downtown Squamish’s catchment area to expand.
“I think that the Downtown BIA has a large positive impact far broader than to just its downtown taxation area, which is quite remarkable,” he said.
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The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District approved $13,000 in March for a maintenance project
that may not have been legal
INA PACE ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has approved an allocation of $34,536 from capital reserves, for a street lighting repair project in Furry Creek.
In an SLRD board meeting held on May 27, the motion to approve the allocation into SLRD cost centre 1804 (Furry Creek street lighting) was carried unanimously.
The SLRD financial plan, which is adopted annually, can be amended at any time by approval of the board.
According to the SLRD staff report, the allocation is a result of belated invoices, which were received this year, for a project that began in 2024. The significant cost comes from multiple street light poles that were broken, cracked or leaning and needed replacement. Any further maintenance, the report reads, will be included within the operational budget.
The report notes there are 120 SLRDowned streetlights in Furry Creek, and the Furry Creek Community Association (FCCA) requested their refurbishment in 2023.
The following year, the SLRD allocated $50,000 from the SLRD’s Furry Creek street light budget to cost centre 1804 for capital repairs and replacements using reserve funds. One contractor was selected for repairs and replacements, and another was selected for painting. The project rolled into 2025, accumulating almost $44,000 in expenses.
General manager of infrastructure and environmental services Omar Butt confirmed in the board meeting on May 27 that the late invoices contributed to the project’s lengthy timeframe, as well as delays in getting some of the parts for repairs, and so have not been included in the SLRD’s 2026 budget.
The report clarifies that SLRD staff generally request end of year invoicing from contractors and did not receive them from this contractor.
There is currently around $63,000 in the capital reserve for cost centre 1804, which is “sufficient” to cover the cost of the leftover invoices, the report continues. In approving the extra funding to complete the project, the remaining balance in the SLRD’s capital reserve is around $28,000.
The SLRD has a separate surplus reserve with a balance of around $22,000.
District of Squamish director Armand Hurford suggested “carry-forward” projects ought to be handled this way by the SLRD in the future.
The report further clarifies that the SLRD
According to the SLRD staff report, the allocation is a result of belated invoices, which were received this year, for a project that began in 2024.
SLRD STAFF REPORT
will work with contractors and their finance teams to ensure invoices are submitted by a certain date to be included in the budgeting process.
Following the board’s approval to allocate extra funds to cost centre 1804, a budget amendment request for 2026 will be submitted at a later date to reflect the respective changes.
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.
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
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Recently, a local approached us about how hazardous some e-bike riders are on trails around town.
The resident is one of many who has come to us stating that it has gotten beyond dangerous, with riders whizzing by and almost hitting him and others.
These menacing riders are silent as they approach and then speed by without a sorry or acknowledgement of the shared pathway, he said.
Unlike many folks who complain, he offered a seemingly feasible solution—to get us all back into the habit of using bells on our bikes.
In Vancouver, you have to have a bell on your bike; it is written into its street and traffic bylaw.
But that puts the burden on the individual to get said bell, which, let’s be honest, doesn’t always get us the result we want.
The District could run a campaign of giving away free bells for bikes, the local suggested.
Sounds like a great idea to us.
This would encourage bells on all bikes and help create a culture of ringing them when approaching others on the trails.
Our local said he contacted the District about this and the person who answered the phone thought it was a good idea, but that was quite some time ago.
Maybe a Canadian bell maker would like to donate bells to the District?
Or perhaps free bike bells could be an amenity contribution in new developments, especially those that provide a lot of bike parking, but not so much car parking.
A free bike bell initiative wouldn’t be unprecedented.
The City of Irvine, in California, launched a campaign to encourage bicyclists to “Ring the Bell,” with the police department giving away 100 bells.
Similarly, for the Alameda Bike Festival, again in California, free bike bells were given away.
Closer to home, in Delta, the BC Green Party association gave out free bike bells.
Maybe this is something the District could partner with the RCMP on, or another organization?
Regardless, the local asked us to “ring the bell” on this issue, so we are.
We reached out to the District about the prospect and will let you know when they ring back.
Ride safe out there.
Based on the grumbles of discontent circling BC New Democratic supporters these days, a Hail Mary would best land in three steps.
Like a quarterback scrambling inside a collapsing pocket, Premier David Eby is running out of time to make his move before he gets sacked.
A series of awful polls have left the premier in the weakest position since he took office in late 2022, and suggest the BC Conservatives are overtaking the NDP in voter support.
To extend the football metaphor, the premier’s offensive line has collapsed and he’s running around under pressure. With his options dwindling, he’s going to need to throw a Hail Mary pass.
The worst poll landed from Angus Reid last week, pegging Eby’s popularity at 31 per cent— down 14 points from his average and 22 points from his high.
Sustained bad polling is the kiss of death for a leader. It changes how a caucus behaves, suppresses party donations and hinders political organizing.
The first, a change inside the premier’s office. Few are happy with how the current premier’s office ran the spring legislative session, including the premier’s multiple reversals on Indigenous policies. How poorly that office communicates with caucus has isolated an already-distant premier further from his MLAs. A change here would signal Eby’s listening to complaints.
The second step could be a cabinet shuffle. A shuffle of top cabinet ministers is how a premier usually signals to the public they are trying a new approach. Gordon Campbell, Christy Clark and John Horgan used the move with varying frequency and success.
Eby’s precarious position necessitates some big changes—potentially a new finance minister after a disastrous spring budget.
The main problem with a cabinet shuffle at this point is the NDP’s bench isn’t particularly deep. There aren’t many obvious candidates ready for promotion to the biggest portfolios. And if the premier’s office doesn’t let up on the intense micromanaging, it won’t matter who is in what
PROVINCE: 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)
PROVINCE: Continued from 12
role anyway.
The proposal to merge the Ministry of Social Development into the Ministry of Children and Family Development would be one way for government to point to efficiencies and reform in a cabinet shuffle.
It would also need some demotions to show public contrition over the government’s unpopular direction.
Finance Minister Brenda Bailey seems most likely. The budget was not entirely her fault—she merely executes what the premier’s office wants, at this point. But when the political principal is at risk of falling, the lieutenants fall first.
The third and final part of the Hail Mary will be the most complicated. Eby
needs to land a solution to DRIPA (the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People Act) in October.
The premier has promised to bring forward some sort of legislative solution that provides legal certainty over liability caused by DRIPA. He’s said it’s required to address business fears over investment uncertainty. But also has to be supported by First Nations leadership, which to date oppose any changes.
Expectations here are low, given how thoroughly the issue was botched throughout the spring during a series of high-profile reversals by the premier. Eby didn’t even have the votes inside his own caucus to move forward after Vancouver-Mount Pleasant MLA Joan Phillip refused to support changes. And
In 2020, I was recruited to move to Squamish and join the Woodfibre LNG project (until May 2025) , leading stakeholder engagement, Indigenous relations, and government relations initiatives. Having spent my career working on major infrastructure, energy, and resource projects across British Columbia, I have had the opportunity to work alongside Indigenous Nations, local governments, businesses, and communities to help advance projects that create economic opportunities while addressing local priorities.
What I found in Squamish was an extraordinary community. It is a place defined by its natural beauty, entrepreneurial spirit, strong sense of community, and exceptional quality of life. Like many residents, I quickly came to appreciate what makes this community such a special place to call home.
Over the past several years, I have watched Squamish continue to grow and evolve. New families are choosing to build their lives here, local businesses are investing in the community, and demand for housing,
infrastructure, and amenities continues to increase. With that growth comes both opportunity and responsibility.
As a community, I believe we have an opportunity to focus on what unites us rather than what divides us. Most residents want many of the same things: affordable housing, thriving local small businesses, strong recreational amenities, reliable infrastructure, environmental stewardship, and opportunities to build meaningful careers close to home.
It is also important to remember that Squamish and the Sea-to-Sky region have a long history of industry and innovation. Forestry, rail, mining in nearby Britannia, marine activity, and resource development helped establish the economic foundation of this region. Today, responsible industry continues to provide jobs, investment, tax revenue, and economic opportunities that support the services, infrastructure, and amenities residents value.
At the same time, economic growth and environmental stewardship must go hand in hand. The most successful communities understand that prosperity and sustainability are not competing priorities. Rather, they are
anything that’s watered down too much won’t address the high levels of public concern dragging the NDP down in the polls.
It’s going to be a tough road for the premier over the next few months, as polls ramp up the pressure against him.
But that’s why they call it a Hail Mary pass. Because desperate quarterbacks occasionally land them. And also because the alternative is standing in the pocket waiting to be flattened by your opponents, and then the voters.
Rob Shaw has spent more than 18 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for BIV. He hosts the weekly show Political Capital and has a NEW daily podcast, Political Capital Daily.
Did you attend your prom when you graduated?
Have your say at squamishchief.com
complementary goals that require thoughtful planning, meaningful Indigenous partnerships, strong community engagement, and a shared commitment to long-term success. Progress is rarely achieved through polarization. It is achieved through partnership.
Looking ahead, I believe the future of Squamish depends on embracing a balanced approach - one that supports responsible growth, protects the environment, strengthens infrastructure, supports small businesses, prioritizes community amenities and investments in Brennan Park, and creates opportunities for future generations. We can welcome investment while preserving the values that make this community special. We can support economic development while remaining strong environmental stewards.
Squamish’s future does not depend on choosing one priority over another. It depends on finding the right balance between growth, sustainability, community well-being, and long-term prosperity.
I believe that balance is not only possible—it is essential.
Laura Prosko Squamish
The Squamish Chief welcomes letters to the editor of up to 400 words. Letters should be exclusive to this publication and are meant to respond to a local story in The Squamish Chief or raise an issue happening in town. Please include your name, neighbourhood and daytime phone number. The deadline is 5 p.m. Monday to be considered for Thursday’s edition. Full names and neighbourhood will be published with the letter. The publisher reserves the right to refuse and edit letters for length and clarity or to address legal concerns. Email letters to: editor@squamishchief.com.
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Gallery: Squamish graduates 2026— Time to Shine & Prom highlights
An additional $3.1 million has been made available for Indigenous-led initiatives which seek to protect women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people from violence
INA PACE ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
The government of B.C. is investing in safety planning for Indigenous communities.
A further $3.1 million has been allocated by the province to help Indigenous women, girls and Two-Spirit+ people against violence.
According to a government press release, $600,000 will go towards the development of a pilot notification system regarding missing Indigenous people—this will be developed with Indigenous partners, including Elders and knowledge keepers—whilst over $1 million will go to non-profit organization the Path Forward Community Fund.
“Ending violence against Indigenous women and girls requires collective action, accountability and solidarity,” B.C. minister of Indigenous relations and reconciliation Spencer Chandra Herbert said in the release.
“We are taking another important step with our Indigenous partners to develop the tools necessary to make our communities safer places for everyone.”
The Path Forward Community Fund, a provincial initiative managed by the BC Association of Aboriginal Friendship Centres (BCAAFC) that is funded by the Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General, has invested over $22 million in community safety planning across Indigenous communities, councils, and organizations since its founding in 2022.
The Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) public safety task force’s community
safety team (CST or Ta na wa Téy wilhay lhem), launched in 2023, received funding.
According to the Path Forward 2026 Impact Report—an annual update outlining government progress with Indigenous anti-violence initiatives—the Path Forward Community Fund supports specialized gender-based violence training for the Nation’s CST. A key success of the CST, the impact report reads, has been the launch of the Public Safety Phone Line in January 2024 for Squamish people inside and outside the community.
“For the first time, Public Safety has a clearer picture of the types of concerns being raised and the support most frequently requested [on reserve lands],” the report states.
Bylaws addressing trespassing, as well as those
addressing drug and alcohol zoning were also approved between February 2024 and February 2025.
“The 2026 BC Path Forward Impact Report reflects the leadership and commitment Indigenous communities bring … recipients are creating healing spaces, and developing culturally grounded responses that reflect community realities and strengths,” BCAAFC’s executive director Celeste Hayward said in the press release.
The report identifies “the need for increased capacity for Indigenous people to create and implement their own culturally safe and appropriate solutions to systemic issues resulting in violence” as a “key priority.”
Furthermore, the report highlights continuing
work under Safe and Supported: British Columbia’s Gender-Based Violence Action Plan.
This action plan is a federal initiative, and, the release notes, according to federal minister of women and gender equality Rechie Valdez, helps to prevent violence in Indigenous communities before it occurs.
“B.C.’s Path Forward includes 28 key mandate commitments that respond to the provincially relevant 231 calls for justice, and demonstrate the province’s determination to end violence against Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people,” the release continues.
The report states that six of the 28 mandate commitments are complete and all others are substantially underway.
Folks can read the report in full on the government website.
The 231 calls for justice are detailed in Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, which includes over 2,000 testimonies of Indigenous family members, survivors of violence, and knowledge keepers shared over two years. It is available to read online.
The Squamish Chief reached out to Squamish Nation for comment, but their spokesperson was unavailable at that time.
The Squamish Nation’s CST operates 9 a.m. to 1 a.m. in the Squamish Valley seven nights a week.
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.
June 21, marks the 30th anniversary of Canada’s National Indigenous Peoples Day.
The day is a time to stop to recognize and celebrate the culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis.
It is no coincidence that the day is on the summer solstice.
“For generations, many First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities
have celebrated their cultures, languages, and traditions at this time of year. The summer solstice holds deep spiritual and cultural significance for many Indigenous Peoples, marking a time of renewal, connection, and celebration,” says the Government of Canada.
National Indigenous Peoples Day JUNE 21
A Métis member and fresh university graduate amplifies the voices of Indigenous peoples with a podcast, engaging heavily with Squamish Nation
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
“We’re always interviewing the people with the loudest voice, the movers and shakers.”
Cree-Métis member and fresh Simon Fraser University (SFU) business graduate Riel Drury started up his Indigenous podcast Our Storytellers two years ago in a studio on the North Shore, which is the homebase of the Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), as a way of giving back to a community that helped him.
Drury, who is an aspiring filmmaker, and works a day job in Indigenous health care recruitment, has interviewed Indigenous Elders, knowledge keepers, artists, and activists who share their stories through oral tradition.
“In each episode, we gain unique insights into the traditions, values, and spiritual practices that have been passed down through generations … We believe in the power of oral tradition to bridge gaps between [Indigenous and non-Indigenous] cultures and generations,” the podcast’s website reads.
Though Drury grew up in Vancouver, he has familial ties with Red River Manitoba; he was named after Métis political leader and founder of Manitoba Louis Riel, from whom he is a descendent. His stepmom is a member of Squamish Nation.
Our Storytellers is grant funded, currently with capacity for 20 episodes at a time. Drury said he recently wrapped up the first series, and is hoping for a contract renewal.
The Squamish Chief spoke with Drury to find out more about his motivation for interviewing Nation members, and what folks may learn from those with the “loudest” voices in Indigenous community.
Gwen
What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.
Q: Why did you decide to launch a podcast to amplify Indigenous voices?
A: I was connecting with other Indigenous youth, and I grew up very ceremonially. I realized that, like other people my age [in their early 20s], they had a little bit of apprehension when it came to accessing ceremonies or getting curious.
My dad was a sundancer, and so I grew up going to a bunch of different ceremonies and participating in them, and supporting him too. I just noticed that people have been disconnected from ceremony for such a long time, just with the history of things. So I just wanted to provide a conversation to talk about it.
Recording conversations and always having them is something that’s just inherently
Ha7lhskwálwen chtkwisenhút cht iy wálwen chtiy sts’its’áp’cht iy kw ’shétsut chttnna7tkwa a7 tkwa temíxw tl’a S Skwxwú7meshÚxwumixw
We have good feelings thatwelive, that we live, we work andweplayonthe landsofthe Squamish Nation
valuable in itself. We recorded a few episodes, and then we got funded by our partners at the Indigenous Screen Office, so then I was like, ‘it only makes sense to give [the money] back to the people who have been so kind to me personally.’
We interviewed as many Squamish Nation people as we could [over 20 episodes], and people who are connected to [them].
Q: What seems to be a common factor drawing your stories together, are there any particular story arcs?
A: That’s a really good question. I would say there’s no unifying story between people because of just how—I hate to use the word colonization, but it’s true—the people were treated. It was all designed to fragment people from their families.
We interviewed one person from Squamish Nation who grew up in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, which is not common whatsoever around here. They moved to Utah (U.S.). and were exposed to ceremonies from Indigenous people in Utah, living their adult life completely Mormon. They then returned home and started re-discovering [their culture]. So, the only unifying thing I can say is that every person’s story is so vastly different, and you should never guess somebody’s experience.
Q: I imagine it may get quite emotional in the studio. Can you describe a particular moment that’s really stood out to you, for better or worse?
A: Episodes about residential school. Those are super tear jerkers, because you just hear about it in the modern day; all this damage, and the recovery.
There’s a big theme of recovering from
There’s a place in my heart to return home to Manitoba to interview my people too, but it felt right to do it at Squamish Nation, because I wanted to give back to the community.
addiction within this podcast series too. We interviewed John Spence: he grew up on reserve, and then battled with addiction, and all this different stuff, and how ceremony saved his life. Like, that’s an amazing story. What else is really interesting, is just showing vast experience; we interviewed a deacon about why he stuck to being a Catholic as well. Just amazing.
Q: If you get your contract renewed, where do you hope to take this podcast?
A: A personal goal for myself is just to become a better filmmaker and a storyteller in general, to find more creative ways to tell these stories. My audience size, I would actually describe as relatively small. Unless you grow up Indigenous, you might not identify the inherent value of the podcast. There are other stories I want to tell in the modern day too. Maybe about Indigenous athletes, and what their “why” is behind their top performances.
There’s a place in my heart to return home to Manitoba to interview my people too, but it felt right to do it at Squamish Nation, because I wanted to give back to the community. If we do get more money, we will probably go somewhere else, or explore differently, because you learn so much from just asking the average everyday person.
Our Storytellers is available to stream on Youtube and Spotify. Drury has also set up a Tik Tok account, which has accumulated over 7,000 followers, featuring visual snippets of the episodes.
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.
National Indigenous Peoples Day JUNE 21
A non profit school, focused on ‘learning in relation to the land’ held a totem pole ceremony last week in collaboration with Squamish Nation Elders
INA PACE ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
The kids at Squamish Nature Learners have revealed an art project they’ve been working on for the last 18 months, paying homage to their Indigenous teachings.
The non-profit nature school (1046 Raven Dr.), hosted a totem pole ceremony this spring at the John Heilig Squamish Legacy Sports Park. The pole itself was painted and carved for the park, under the guidance of Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Elders, in particular carver See-Appl-Tun (Art Harry.)
Squamish Nature Learners program director Chloe Humphreys said the school combined the ceremony—one of their “biggest events this year”—with their annual Elders feast, which often consists of around 20 elders, and is open to community and family members.
The food at the ceremony, she said, was blessed by Donna Billy, whilst the Elders blessed the pole as a group upon its unveiling. Tsawaysia Spukwus (Alice Guss) did the drumming and singing to open the ceremony.
Humphreys established Squamish Nature Learners seven years ago, drawing inspiration from a forest school in Maple Ridge, where she conducted her post-doctorate research.
“I was like, ‘That’s beautiful. Let’s do that in Squamish!’” she said.
Squamish Nature Learners’ teachings, for Kindergarten to Grade 6, are thematic around
land-based learning, decolonization, reconciliation and weekly learning from Squamish Nation mentors, as well as family and community collaboration.
“We aim to involve bodies, emotions, and imagination in our learning,” the Squamish Nature Learners’ website reads.
Humphreys explained that Squamish Nature Learners takes the kids outside all day, and that it is not an add-on or substitute to “regular schooling.” The curriculum, she said, helps kids to “re-think learning in relation to the land;” it is about “undoing” the idea that academic learning happens within four walls with only human teachers.
“The Elders at Totem Hall have been a part of it since the beginning,” Humphreys said.
“So every year we connect with the Elders and ask them, “What do you want to be a part of the curriculum?” It’s really about appealing to those cultures, so that the children can learn in a different way; to heal, and to know the truth from the Elders.”
Humphreys said Squamish Nature Learners will be launching an early childhood education program next year in September, in accordance with B.C.’s curriculum, and assessed under the Ministry of Education.
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.
We arehonouredtocelebrate theuniqueheritage, cultureand contributionsofthe Sk_wx_ wú7mesh Úxwumixw andFirst Nations, Inuitand MétisPeoples across thecountry on this Indigenous PeoplesDay.
We celebrateand givegenerousthanksto theSk_wx_wú7mesh People,past, presentand future,who have livedinthe Squamish area sincetimeimmemorial.
TheDistrictofSquamishiscommittedtoa long-term journey towardsTruth,Healingand Reconciliation in Squamish –one that is connected to anational movement forReconciliation in Canada.Wesupport Reconciliationand healingefforts, engagement andpartnershipstobuild strong relationshipswith FirstNations foundedinrespect andrecognition of Indigenous rights,culture andheritage.
Visit: squamishlibrary.ca/indigenous-resources tolearn more aboutIndigenousHistory and Resourcesfor Truthand Reconciliation.
On Indigenous Peoples Day, we reflec tonthe histor yheld in the land beneath our feet.
We honour thestory of Swiyát,the traditional, ancestral,and unceded territor yofthe Sḵwxwú7meshÚxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and theplacewenow call home at WoodfibreLNG.
More than aproject site, Swiyát is aplaceof connection. Andtoday, we walk anew path forwardwith the Nationasregulators, par tners,and stewards of this shared journey.
The
Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council is inviting locals to help remove Himalayan balsam and common burdock at the Mamquam River dike on June 21—no experience necessary
LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
Common burdock and Himalayan balsam are the bane of their botanical neighbours’ existence, crowding out native plants trying to grow throughout Squamish.
These invasive species are the subject of an upcoming event held by the Sea to Sky Invasive Species Council (SSISC). Community members are invited to pull the weeds at the Mamquam River dike on June 21 from 1 to 3 p.m.
Claude-Anne Godbout-Gauthier is the co-executive director of the organization. She says these greedy weeds impact native plants’ ability to survive.
“Invasive plants are plants that don’t share. They don’t do well together. It is in our interest and in the interest of the environment that we look after to minimize their presence, because then that gives a better chance to the other native plants that are better integrated into the food web to thrive,” she said.
While many invasive species could be a focus of a weed-pulling gathering, the team decided to focus on balsam and burdock because they have obvious characteristics.
“They are easy for the public to recognize, and they’re relatively easy to remove, and they’re safe to remove. So, there’s … no experience necessary. We will teach everyone everything they need to
know when they get there,” she said. Other types of invasive species could be harmful to new practitioners, or they could unintentionally pull helpful look-alike plants the
organization wants to keep in place.
And once participants come to recognize these greedy weeds, she says they can’t be unseen.
“They are quite common, and they’re kind of hidden in plain sight,” she said.
Godbout-Gauthier says the plants enjoy growing in the margins, like construction sites. Balsam appreciates wet areas, including marshes and ditches.
When asked whether pulling these species is a whack-a-plant situation, Godbout-Gauthier had some good news. The seeds from balsam and burdock don’t survive long in soil, compared to other seeds that can lie in wait for years before popping through the earth.
“With some pointed and intentional activities, and some attention paid to them, it’s certainly possible to free some specific areas of those plants,” she said.
Whistler is a good example. SSISC has worked for a decade in various neighbourhoods to remove burdock, and now maintained areas have few invasive burdock plants.
For more information about the free event, and to register, visit SSISC’s website.
Michael Merrin, who works at Living Edge Design, competed in Toronto against the country’s top apprentices in a twoday cabinetmaking challenge
LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
ASquamish cabinet maker has won the RBC Best of Region Award for British Columbia at the 2026 Skills Canada National Competition.
Local craftsman Michael Merrin works at Living Edge Design and qualified for the nation-wide stage after winning gold during the 2026 Provincial Skills BC Trades and Technology Competition in Abbotsford this April.
The national event, held in Toronto at the Enercare Centre May 28 to 29, saw tradespeople from across the country compete in their respective crafts. Formatted to run over two days, spanning six hours each day, competitors all design the same piece for judging by experts in the field.
The competitors made an entryway table, which Merrin said included “a lid with sweeping curved legs, a dovetail front apron, and some joinery, including through mortise and tenons.” By the time his tools hit wood, Merrin had already been preparing for weeks.
“I started drawing up plans and making
models and sketches of some of the details of the project,” he said. “The day after we had our orientation and we knew what machinery we
had to work with, I sat down again and kind of finalized my plan.”
Once the clock started, he strategized. Day
one was spent cutting joinery, and the assembly happened the following day.
“You’re up against some of the best apprentices in the country, and you want to do well, you want to represent, so especially on that second day when time limits getting close.”
Adding to the pressure of competition were the people watching and the cameras rolling, an atmosphere that isn’t typical for his average day at work.
“It’s definitely a little bit different … doing your work while there’s a camera in your face, but that was something that everyone kind of had to deal with while we were there.”
He says he’s proud to represent British Columbia Institute of Technology (BCIT), where he’s worked towards his Red Seal certification after completing four years of technical training. And, he thinks the province’s tradespeople are making their skills known throughout the country.
“We made a splash. B.C. is making a bit more of a name for itself on these kinds of events.”
Over 550 students from across the country took part in 40 competitions in skilled trades and technology, according to a release issued about his win.
It’s the only national competition of its kind.
Alate penaltyof5%willbeapplied af terJuly 2, 2026. Asecond 5% penaltywillbeapplied af terJuly 31, 2026.
Proper ty owners will be sentseparateproperty tax and utilitynotices.
If youhavenot received your notices by June9, please contac tFinancial Services forassistance
New owners should ensuretaxes and utilities are paidontheir proper ty.Ifthere is anydoubt,please call Financial Services at 604-815-5035.
Proper ty owners areresponsible for paymentofthe 2026 proper ty taxesand utilities regardless of whether or not notices arereceived.
Proper ty owners areresponsible for applying forthe homeowner grant.
Municipal Hall,37955Second Avenue
MondaytoFriday: 8:30a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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
PropertyTaxes andUtilities are separate payees.
Utilities
Payee: Distric tofSquamish Utilities
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Some financial institutions hold paymentsbefore forwardingtousorare in different time zones. Avoid the risk of apenalty by paying twotothree business days beforethe due date.
Requestsfor Proposals
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•Powerhouse Springs Produc tion Well 8Construction –Phase1 squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the -distric t
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Cheque,cash or debit (Payments by credit cards arenot accepted).
Please be suretocheck your daily spendinglimit beforeyou arrive.You may need to request atemporar yincrease from your bank .Nopost- datedcheques
•WastewaterSystemUpgrades continue in Dentville
•Annual Watermain Upgrades continue in Brackendale
•Centennial WayLiftStation upgrades continue. Expec tsingle-lane alternating traffic during work hours (7 a.m.–7 p.m., MondaytoSaturday) through June26.
•Pember tonAvenue LiftStation upgrades continue. Overnightworkexpec tedSaturday, June 20.
•Construc tion on Squamish RiverDike at Dr yden Pump Stationcontinues squamish.ca/building- our-future
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A motorbike rider from Furry Creek has launched a new marketplace app in the interests of safety and trust, and it’s free
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
Acommunity-based app has been launched for motorbike riders to enable their safety, and not just in the physical sense.
Born and raised in Ontario, but now living in Furry Creek, rider and software engineer Matt Greenberg is the creator and founder of MarketMoto. He launched the marketplace app on May 28 for community riders all across Canada looking to buy, sell or exchange bikes, parts and safety gear, all under strict verification.
“The intention is that people are using MarketMoto for a specific purpose,” Greenberg said, regarding his experience of inconsistencies within some Facebook groups.
“A big friction point in Facebook Marketplace [is getting] low-balled; I once posted a new jacket for like $600, met up with [the buyer] in person—I drove an hour to meet them—and they said ‘$125.’ It’s a little frustrating.”
MarketMoto is “very personable,” according to Greenberg, but essentially a “trust system.” Users are encouraged to display a profile picture, and must provide a verified phone number and email on each listing.
MarketMoto’s home screen displays listings in
a grid, which users can filter and search through according to specific bikes; the condition, price range, or the type of bike, and see featured listings from helmets and bike tires, to gloves. They can also filter their search by distance, or how far they’re willing to travel. Users’ approximate locations will be on display.
Users also have the option to make offers through direct messages, though it is up to the buyer and seller to organize the transaction and
relative cost. There is a toggle for which users can say they’re willing to ship their item. Listings are free, as is the downloading of the app itself.
“I’m not pushing (MarketMoto) as a branded business,” Greenberg said, clarifying there will be no adverts or commission cuts at this stage.
“You need a user base before you can charge for anything … I’m hoping to pull people in so we can have a community-focused app, which enables and facilitates buying gear that will make you a rider.
Although users are yet to make a purchase, MarketMoto has garnered 16 “genuine listings,” and 39 members (aside from Greenberg) to date, within two weeks. Greenberg said that riders joined from B.C., Alberta and Ontario within the first 10 days. Mutual members of his Facebook groups, he added, began downloading the app within the first few days.
Sea to Sky ADV Motorcycle Group and the West Coast Adventure Motorcycle Club are two adventure motorcycling Facebook groups that Greenberg said he is a part of.
Greenberg explained that adapting to an independent app from a generic marketplace will be “challenging.”
“I think it’s chicken and egg; for any marketplace you need enough sellers to get buyers, and you need enough buyers so that sellers will post on there,” Greenberg said.
“People are habitually using Facebook Marketplace to post and buy stuff, so it’s about trying to get people to convert.”
Greenberg said what got him into riding was the motorcycle travel series Long Way Round, created by actors Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman.
Since watching the series in the early 2000s, Greenberg has “gone all over” the United States and Quebec, mostly travelling in groups he has met through Facebook, and on occasion with his partner, filming with an Insta360 camera “bolted to the bike.”
“I wanted to go out into the mountains, the unknown, to have adventures,” Greenberg said. In all his adventuring, Greenberg’s favourite stretch of highway remains that of the Sea to Sky, for its scenery and “twists and turns.” Porteau Cove, he said, is his favourite viewpoint.
Greenberg’s advice to new riders is “ride within your own limits.”
MarketMoto is available to download on iOS and Android, and Canada-wide from the App store and Google Play.
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.
The Furry Creek sign on Highway 99 is inspiring a photo hotspot for a community in which members say, you can feel safe ‘for being maybe a little weirder’
INA PACE ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
We’re talking all things furry—not the prospector who discovered copper in the namesake creek—but more in the literal sense.
Furry Creek has piqued the interest of the niche but diverse community of (almost) the same name; Furries or the Furry Fandom, who are artists and role players, or anyone inspired by anthropomorphized animals.
Furries often dress up in character, coming together as their “fursonas,” or avatars of their extended personalities. This often involves a costume (“fursuit”), be that a full head mask or a set of ears and a tail.
Posted on April 25, a Tik Tok of four Furries standing by the Furry Creek sign on Highway 99 as a “rite of passage” has garnered over 36,000 views to date. The same video has also been posted on Instagram with almost 9,000 shares. Commenters expressed joy at seeing other local Furries come together and the coincidence of the place name.
The Squamish Chief spoke with the poster of the video and Furry community member, 22-year-old Vancouver-based “Oak the Yeen” (real name Sydney Calpas), about their experience as a Furry, misconceptions those outside the community might have, and how the community can offer a safe space regarding identity.
“Yeen,” according to Oak and The Furry Dictionary, is an abbreviation of hyena. What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.
Q: How did you come to hear about Furry Creek, and did you make the drive from Vancouver specially?
A: I kind of randomly heard about Furry Creek. One of my friends was like, ‘Oh, there’s this sign, we have to check it out, because it’s a funny thing.’
When I posted that video, I had a lot of people saying, ‘Oh, my profile picture’s from there,’ so it’s kind of a cute thing we do, like, a popular thing in the fandom.
Q: How did you join the Furry community, and why did you choose to be a hyena, or “yeen”?
A: I joined the community only a year and a half ago. There was a buildup; I was always fascinated by what I saw online. I ended up meeting a Furry and going to a convention. It’s weird to explain why I chose a hyena, but I’ve always liked that animal personality, just even the way they look. Sometimes it’s that simple. This character is expressing my love for the outdoors. It’s like when you’re a kid, role play is a big fun thing, and I think a
big thing in the community is connecting with your inner child. It really depends on the person. The costume is like an extension or alternate version of yourself, and a way to perform, or to have a character or multiple characters. It’s an awesome way to feel safe.
Q: How do you make your “yeen” mask?
A: The most common way to make a mask is from foam. For me, I do 3D printing in plastic as a base. The fur itself you order online for specific colours, like at Howl Fabric. You need 3D printing, you need the fur, and you need to know how to sew.
Q: What are some popular misconceptions that people have about the Furry community?
A: [People think that] we think we’re animals. There’s a big differentiation, but there is also a huge overlap [with therianthropy], like I’ve definitely met those people in the community. But for me, it’s definitely just a character.
People think the community is mostly teens and people in their 20s, as it always seems that way on social media. The community is actually quite varied in age, most people are in their 20s to 30s. When you go to a convention, like [the annual] Vancoufur— there’s only really Vancouver [in B.C.]—you
notice the crowd is mostly adults.
Q: What typically happens at a Furry convention, or when you hang out together?
A: At the conventions, there’s a huge variety, like a marketplace with art and clothing. There’s also a ton of panels on anthropomorphic cartoons. There can be a parade of all the people wearing costumes with people watching, cheering, and taking photos, and then at the end there’s a huge photo of everyone in costume. It’s a big thing to just get together and have a big group photo.
Another big thing at conventions is there’s always a dance competition, which I don’t feel a lot of people outside of the community would know. It’s a very artistic community. At meet-ups, we’re not wearing the costume the whole time, because that would be a lot, we just have fun together.
A lot of people do want to stay anonymous in general spaces, however. At every convention, there’s a lounge with no photos, and when it comes to my Instagram, I don’t want to necessarily have my face out there.
Q: What does being a part of the Furry Fandom mean to you?
A: For me, it’s a very accepting community, for anyone who’s ever felt different. The
community started with a lot of queer people, gay men specifically, so it’s built off a safe space for these people. You’ll feel safe for being maybe a little ‘weirder.’ At the end of day, it’s definitely a weird hobby, but there’s nothing wrong with being different.
Q: Do you think you’ll plan anything for Furries in more rural communities, like Furry Creek?
A: I saw a B.C. Furry trying to plan a Furry Creek camping trip. So it is a well-known spot in the community. I would love to see a convention in Squamish or Whistler.
It’s common to have a public suiting, where we wear the costumes and go out. Most people are in the Greater Vancouver area, so it would be fun to go around Whistler Village or something.
The next Vancoufur convention—Vancoufur Nightfall— will take place March 4 - 7th, 2027 at Richmond Conference Centre. Folks can register online for $80.
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.
Local Athlete Earns Spot at Canada Soccer Player Development Program Nationals
Squamish’s Emi Brown is heading to Montreal for the 2026 Canada Soccer Nationals.
June 6, Brown’s team, NVFC U15 won the BC Soccer Premier League championship. After trailing Langley 1–0, NVFC came back to win 4–1, with Brown scoring two goals. The team is one of only eight teams across Canada to qualify for Nationals in Montreal from August 26–30. Qualification for the Soccer Nationals is especially significant because it is only for U15 and U17 age groups.
Brown began playing soccer in Squamish under coach Brennan Blanchfield before advancing to NVFC’s BC Soccer Premier League program. The BCSPL represents the highest level of youth soccer development in British Columbia. Unfortunately, Squamish does not have a BCSPL license and therefore
North Van FC provides the pathway for local athletes seeking elite development opportunities.
Brown transferred from L’école Les Aiglons to Don Ross in September in order to participate in the new Soccer Academy program. More than 30 Grade 8 and 9 students are currently enrolled. Twice a week, academy participants train at Brennan Park with coaches Charlie, Brie, Andrea, and Annika.
Don Ross also fields a school soccer team. Last year, Brown often attended Don Ross matches to cheer on her Squamish friends while wishing she could be part of the team herself. One of the unique aspects of school soccer is the way it brings the community together. Players who often compete on different teams get to play together to represent their schools.
As Brown and her NVFC teammates prepare for Nationals this August, the Squamish community will be cheering them on from home.
This month we celebrated our 20th Hike for Hospice event for the Sea to Sky Hospice Society and our community in Squamish and throughout the corridor showed up in a wonderful way to support compassionate end of life care and grief support.
Our May 30th celebration event at Junction
Park and the O’Siyam Pavilion was a beautiful reflection of that support. It was a celebration filled with music, dancing, laughs, food, a labyrinth, and connections with others.
We are deeply grateful to our many volunteers, the Lions Club, the performers, and community partners who helped create such a fun and meaningful event.
Thank you to the individuals and businesses who have been fundraising for the Hike for Hospice with incredible events and campaigns. And it’s not too late to join the Swim-A-Thon on June 20.
We are also thrilled to share that we are close to reaching our fundraising goal of $55,000. Every dollar raised helps ensure that hospice care and grief support remain accessible to everyone in our community.
On behalf of our board, staff, and volunteers, thank you for walking with us, for giving so generously, and for continuing to create such a caring community.
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.
The Vancouver-based firm that designed Squamish oceanfront’s public house has received two international awards, having collaborated with a Squamish Nation master carver
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
The Squamish oceanfront is turning heads on an international level, with a building that honours its surrounding landscape and heritage.
This building is the Oceanfront Squamish Presentation Centre and Public House (PCPH), which has been home to an open concept space and the adjacent House of Lager brewhouse and patio since summer 2024. It was designed by Vancouver-based architecture firm Stephane Laroye Architect (SLA).
SLA won two international awards for the PCPH, which were announced on June 8.
SLA is the recipient of two 2026 Architizer A+Awards: the Jury and Popular Choice in the Architecture + Prefab & Modular category. Designs honoured in this category are manufactured off-site, then shipped and
assembled on site.
Architizer is a global agency that connects architects with manufacturers, and according to their website, hosts the architecture industry’s largest awards program. This year was their 14th annual award show, and winners were selected by an international “jury of leaders from the world of architecture, design, technology and beyond,” according to the agency.
“This year’s winners tell a consistent story: a profession turning away from spectacle and toward something more considered … buildings embedded in their landscapes rather than imposed upon them,” the Architizer website states.
Principal and founder of SLA Stephane Laroye explained that the PCPH’s masterplan, developed with client Matthews West, was a vision to create a community resource that felt like a “big hub,” while honouring the surrounding landscape and history as a “biophilic benefit,” that is, the innate human tendency to connect with nature.
“We are architects that like to use wood, particularly in an area such as Squamish, where there is an industrial history of logging and wood processing,” Laroye said, noting that the firm focuses on using mass timber, which is increasingly used in B.C. to replace carbon-intensive materials such as concrete and steel.
“The PCPH does kind of have a peak, like the (Stawamus Chief) adjacent to it. The top of the building lifts up and broadens the
I find a big part of what we do as architects is collaboration; the design comes out of the team we work with, from the context, and the site itself.
STEPHANE LAROYE
view towards Howe Sound. On the exterior, we use dead cedar for the cladding shingles. It’s not old growth.”
In the Presentation Centre part of the building, home to Matthews West offices and multi-purpose suites, is a house post surrounded by a circular stairwell. Laroye called the post “the heart of the building.” It was carved and designed by Sḵ wx wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) master carver Xwalacktun (Rick Harry) who, Laroye said, invited SLA and Matthews West to carve with him and learn about his tools.
“We spent time eating together, talking and getting to know each other,” Laroye said.
“I was very honoured to be able to do that. I’ve had all the shavings that came off the pole I carved in front of my computer for the last two to three years. That’s very special.
“I find a big part of what we do as architects is collaboration; the design comes out of the team we work with, from the context, and the site itself. This particular building really embodies everything we stand for, which I think is probably why we were able to communicate that effectively, to be internationally recognized with this award. It legitimizes our hard work.”
Laroye said SLA are “particularly excited” about working on upcoming Squamish project Cedar Peak, an office block located on the corner of Cleveland Avenue and Winnipeg Street.
Construction, he clarified, will begin mid-July for a couple of years.
Folks can view the full list of the 2026 Architizer A+Awards recipients and categories online.
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.
Squamish council has voted to let Pickleball Squamish install an automated external defibrillator at the Brennan Park outdoor pickleball and tennis courts, while deferring discussion of a District-run device to 2027 budget planning
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
The District council’s discussion on whether or not a medical device could be installed at the outdoor pickleball and tennis courts in town was a bit like following a bouncing (pickle) ball, never quite sure where it would land.
Ultimately, elected officials voted for District staff to provide space to allow Pickleball Squamish to install an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the outdoor courts at Brennan Park, and to refer further discussion on a municipally sanctioned and operated AED to the budget discussion next year.
The device is meant to quickly treat someone who has a sudden cardiac arrest. It delivers electrical shock, or defibrillation. It is automated and analyzes the heart rhythm to know the shock to deliver. AEDs are found in many public buildings, including at Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
Every year in Canada, paramedics respond to an estimated 60,000 people having sudden cardiac arrest, 42,000 will die from it, according to a study out of UBC.
Pickleball Squamish had approached the District in January requesting an AED to be installed at the Brennan Park Recreation Centre pickleball and tennis courts.
The group offered up to $4,000, some from grant funding, towards the purchase of an AED.
Staff had been looking into this since that time.
“The District does not have an AED policy, nor is there mandatory provincial or federal legislation requiring AEDs at sports facilities,” the report to council reads. “The District operates AEDs at several indoor locations throughout the community, including multiple units at Brennan Park Recreation Centre, adjacent to the pickleball and tennis courts.”
The report also notes that the District would be on the hook for additional costs such as a cabinet to house it, replacement supplies, like new batteries and pads, and other equipment required.
The cabinet and installation, for example, would cost $2,000.
There was also the issue of staff capacity to “coordinate equipment ordering and installation, finalize operational considerations, and manage the grant contribution administratively.”
Thus, staff had recommended including the equipment and maintenance costs for an AED pilot project in the 2027 budget planning
session.
Coun. Andrew Hamilton instead proposed a motion that staff provide a space for Pickleball Squamish to install an AED on their own, should they wish to do so, at the Pickleball courts at Brennan Park.
Mayor Armand Hurford amended the motion to add that the AED at the pickleball courts also be included in the 2027 financial planning.
Coun. Chris Pettingill amended the motion to add the AED would be allowed to be installed by Pickleball Squamish, provided a reasonable level of liability protection for the District.
After invoking a series of pickleball terms, Coun. John French said that together, the amendments made a plan he could support.
“It gives us an AED at the courts relatively quickly. And it also allows us a more thoughtful process to make sure that how we’re doing this long term is going to serve the pickleball community well, and serve the community well, generally,” he said.
Coun. Jenna Stoner said she had done quite a lot of research into other communities and their AED situation. She cited Bowen Island, saying that the island has 25 AEDs put up by the Rotary Club and then taken on for their operation and maintenance by the municipality.
She was comfortable supporting the final decision on the matter.
It may result in a little bit of duplication of effort, but I suspect that the procurement of an extra AED won’t go unused in our community over time.
COUN. JENNA STONER
“It may result in a little bit of duplication of effort, but I suspect that the procurement of an extra AED won’t go unused in our community over time. And so if it means that we have two in a year’s time, then that’s better than just having one in a year and a half’s time,” she said.
BritanniaMineMuseumgratefullyacknowledgestheir communitysponsors:
The SLRD is ensuring the legality of funding trail maintenance on private land in Furry Creek
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) have agreed to enter a partnering agreement with the Furry Creek Community Association (FCCA) and three of Furry Creek’s corporate landowners, so trail maintenance on privately owned land can be carried out legally.
The trails in question are a portion of the Furry Creek Loop Trail and the Oliver’s Landing North Trail. They are owned by private landowner Fine Peace, which owns the Furry Creek Golf and Country Club.
Specifically, the three corporate landowners are Fine Peace Furry Creek Waterfront Land Ltd., (Loop Trail), Fine Peace Furry Creek Resort Ltd., (Loop Trail), and Fine Peace Furry Creek Upland Ltd. (Oliver’s Landing North Trail.)
The agreement, passed by the majority of the SLRD board on May 27, will ratify their motion to provide the FCCA with up to $13,000 from Electoral Area D Amenity Funds, whilst enabling continued public use and access of the trails.
Squamish directors Jenna Stoner and Chirs Pettingill were the only opposing votes. They did
not explain their opposition in this meeting.
The FCCA had submitted a request to the SLRD for $13,000 in maintenance funds on March 3, and the SLRD unanimously agreed upon providing “up to $13,000” on March 25.
Director of strategic services Kristen Clark clarified in the board meeting on May 27 they are specific about “up to $13,000” because the SLRD are cautious about work being carried out on private land alone, not including any public land or road.
“There are parts of the trails where there is a public right of way, but I don’t think any of it would fit under the open spaces budget. That’s something that needs to be looked at for next year,” Electoral Area D director Tony Rainbow said in the meeting.
District of Squamish director Armand Hurford also voiced caution in the meeting about allocating funds due to the potential for land re-development by private landowners.
In a previous board meeting on April 22, SLRD staff had flagged that the Local Government Act (LGA) “generally restricts” regional districts from assisting private businesses. A resolution was then passed that staff prepare and bring back a draft agreement that facilitates the provision of the agreed funding.
According to the April 22-23 staff report, the SLRD were at that time not aware of a current use and maintenance agreement between Fine Peace and the FCCA.
The SLRD May 27-28 staff report notes that the LGA contains “specific mechanisms for partnering agreements that can involve private
There are parts of the trails where there is a public right of way, but I don’t think any of it would fit under the open spaces budget. That’s something that needs to be looked at for next year.
TONY RAINBOW
corporations, provided the expenditure serves a public purpose or regional district objective.”
A notice of intention to enter into a partnering agreement is required to be published in two consecutive editions of The Squamish Chief, the May report continues, with the advertising costs also being allocated to Electoral Area D amenity funds.
The May report also reads that the corporate landowners are aware that trail maintenance is to be undertaken.
The draft partnering agreement, included within the May report, includes the following:
• a term of approximately June 15, 2026 until March 31, 2027;
• the trail maintenance scope of work;
• compensation to be provided by the FCCA to the SLRD;
• a requirement for the FCCA to provide general liability insurance coverage naming the SLRD as an additional insured;
• an assurance by the corporate landowners to allow the public to use and access throughout the term.
Clark clarified in the board meeting on May 27 that when the FCCA might receive the funds is out of the SLRD’s control, and it depends on when the FCCA and Fine Peace have the agreement finalized and signed.
“I would have preferred that we funded [trail maintenance] right now, because it’s now the trails that are being used. This is not for the residents of Furry Creek. This is for visitors,” Rainbow said in the meeting.
The May report clarifies that SLRD staff recommend funding not be made available until publication of the notice of intent has occurred in the newspaper and the partnering agreement has been signed by all parties.
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.
Nearly four decades after working together at Vancouver’s CKVU, George Froehlich and Tamara Stanners
are
teaming up again for a new no-guests podcast focused on cross-border politics
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
It is back to the future for longtime Squamish local and media personality Tamara Stanners.
Stanners is co-host of a new podcast, Pulse — The Podcast, with veteran journalist George Froehlich.
It is a reunion almost 40 years in the making. In 1990, Froehlich and Stanners were colleagues at CKVU, one of Vancouver’s leading television stations at the time. Froehlich hired Stanners, who co-hosted the six o’clock newscast.
Stanners left the show in 1994 to spend more time with her young family, then her career took her in other directions—like radio, event hosting, music and more.
Thirty-six years later, the pair is working together again.
Froehlich Media recently announced Pulse — The Podcast, a weekly political podcast distributed through Substack.
Pulse covers Canadian and American politics from both sides of the border.
Froehlich already has a pretty big audience for this type of content through his two newsletters, Canadian Pulse and American Pulse, which have a combined 10,700
subscribers.
More than a third of Canadian Pulse subscribers are American. More than a third of American Pulse subscribers are Canadian, according to a news release about the launch of the podcast.
“The Canada-U.S. relationship has never been more consequential or more closely watched by people on both sides of the border,” said Froehlich, in the release. “Tamara and I are going to cover it the way it deserves—with 40 years of experience, no agenda, and nothing off-limits.”
Readers likely know Froehlich from his work with the Vancouver Sun, CBC, Global Television, the Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Businessweek, and the Economist. He founded Froehlich Media in late 2025, launching Canadian Pulse in December 2025 and American Pulse before that.
To start, Pulse will be a weekly, no-guests show.
When asked what made her want to co-host a potentially politically spicy podcast given her varied background in all types of media, Stanners had a simple answer.
“George. George is the reason,” she said.
“I love his journalism. I think he’s an incredible writer. And I love that he is taking the time to find the stories that are being missed,” she added.
“And it’s so important that people are informed because the misinformation and the disinformation has really created havoc in our world.”
Stanners acknowledges that while Froehlich is comfortable sharing controversial views, that is harder for her.
“He likes to stir things up. He wants people to just see a different side of things, which I think is really great. And what I’m only fearful about is that people won’t like me,” she said.
“That’s always been a thing, right? And there are going to be opinions that come up that people will disagree with. But at this time, I think it’s so important that we understand that just because somebody has a different opinion than us or a different belief, it doesn’t mean they’re bad or hate-worthy. It means they have a different opinion.
And I really want to stress the point that we have to stop the fighting and start trying to understand each other.”
Jumping into a new podcast isn’t the only big change in Stanners’ life.
On the personal front, with her kids grown now, Stanners and her family sold the more than 100-year-old, beloved 1.4-hectare (3.5-acre) Judd Farm in Brackendale back in May and now live in Horseshoe Bay. She said
And I really want to stress the point that we have to stop the fighting and start trying to understand each other.
TAMARA STANNERS
she still spends most of her time in Squamish, though.
“We said goodbye to the farm May 6 and handed her over to some really awesome new owners, which is great. It’s a young family with two cute little kids, and they have big plans to keep the farm alive, which is great,” she said.
“It was nice to be able to say goodbye knowing that it was in good hands, because it’s always got this massive part of our hearts.” Pulse — The Podcast is available to subscribers of Canadian Pulse (canpulse. substack.com) and American Pulse (americanpulse.substack.com).
The show officially launches on June 24.
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Wander
Stick for billiards
Dunk
Freon, e.g
Prepare to publish
Any
Contains
Hurry off
Forewarning
Winding curve
Sound reverberation
Type of jockey
Cee’s follower
vera
Visit
Woeful
Kernel
Surprise attack
Hard metal
Unpleasant sight
Huron, e.g. 7. Erupts 8. Immediately
Overhanging edge 10 Elaborate solo
Snitch 22. Singer Tucker
Hurt 25. Existed
Play section 28 Muscle twitch
Stumbling block
In favor of
Drain, as of energy 35. Conjectured 38. Bureau 42. Takes off 44. Suggestions
45 Puts down grass 46 Forget 47. Small plateau 49. Totally confused 51 Clog, e.g.
52. Did a garden job
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
If not 3. Community dweller
ARIES March 21-April 19
A work project will demand your full attention and lead to great financial prospects In romance, you’ll attract attention despite your reserved nature Show patience and forgiveness toward your partner, even if they sometimes lack tact
TAURUS April 20-May 20
Your success depends on your strong self-esteem Learn to respect yourself and value your skills This self-awareness will become your strength, allowing you to progress with confidence and conviction.
GEMINI May 21-June 20
With several colleagues on summer break, you’ll find time in short supply. Strong organization is essential to prevent unforeseen events and overlaps. Plan each step carefully and work efficiently to stay on track.
CANCER June 21-July 22
You’ll negotiate a loan or make a major purchase. Your dedication to your loved ones will help you provide them with long-term security. Summer holidays are fast approaching; family members will increasingly rely on you.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
You’ll break away from routine in your relationship to focus on open and honest communication. Express your needs while remaining attentive to your partner’s This exchange will refresh your relationship and restore warmth and balance.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept 22
You’ll confidently express your desire for progress, whether to your partner or a superior Your constructive ideas will be noticed and appreciated, strengthening your romantic and professional relationships You’ll inspire confidence and gain recognition.
LIBRA Sept 23-Oct. 22
Your love life is entering a new era. Your partner may encourage you to consider a serious commitment, such as moving in together or starting a family. Meanwhile, your creativity will shine, bringing freshness and originality to your projects.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
It’s time to focus on yourself Social outings with friends or shopping trips will appeal to you and bring a sense of lightness. Balance play and rest. Your well-being is essential to lasting happiness.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Someone in your professional circle may express romantic interest, creating turmoil and confusion. Use discernment and caution to avoid giving in to outside pressure Keep your choices true to your emotional values.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Your family vacation is coming up, promising to be memorable. If you’re planning to drive, get your maps or offline GPS ready in case of limited cell service. These simple steps will ensure a smooth journey, peace of mind and no wasted time.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Your children’s academic success will give you great pride. You’ll feel tempted to give in to their every whim Stay alert, as someone close to you could take advantage of your generosity with an unreasonable request
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
You’ll openly share your needs in your relationship, even if it creates some tension. This honest communication will prove helpful, clarifying expectations and making way for a fresh start built on love, stability and harmony.
Ourmostsincere congratulationstoeachofyou forsuccessfully completing a significantmilestone in your life —yoursecondary school graduation.Asyou continue your journey, we hope theroadahead is filled with continuedlearning, meaningful achievements,and thecourage to embracebothnew opportunitiesand challenges that will shapeyourgrowth.
Warm wishes from theSea to SkySchoolDistrictBoard of Education andStaff!
Congratulations Graduates!
At WoodfibreLNG, we believe in the powerofinvesting in young people and inthe strength of acommunity that supports its futureleaders
We areproud to sponsor the WoodfibreLNG Scholarship Program at Howe Sound Secondary School,helping local students pursue careersinSTEMfields thatwillshape a better tomorrow
Pleasejoin us in congratulating this year ’s WoodfibreLNG Scholarship recipients Avery Lang, Camron Dunn, Liam Filek, and MateoQuist!
Each of theseoutstanding students has demonstrated a commitmenttoacademic excellence,community involvement, and adrivetobuild abrighterfuturefor Squamish and beyond. We areproud to be part of their journey—and excited to seeall thattheywill accomplish.
Leena Tiwari
Taya Van Veen
Rian Waite
Spencer Todd
Harley Vanzella
Saylor Wampler
Nicholas Wilson
Cinnamon Tone-Unsworth
Sabina Velasco Herrera
Aoi Watanabe
Soren Wilson
Arjun Toor
Zoey Verloop
Zadie Waters
Bretton Winstanley
Eliran Worth
Brooke Tousignant
Sofia Vigueras-Dyck
Theo Wayatt
Andrzej Wisniowski
Layla Zavaglia
Maria Apostolaki
Dontaye Baker
Kai Clayton
Levi Collier-Van Born
Ron Dalusung
Angus Darmopil
Saahib Gill
Abdellatif Kizawi
Marcus Valencia
Voelker
Alora Van Veen
Elysse VousdenMakhan
Jenny Williams Devin Wilson
Nyrin Woelfle
Xiyuan Zhang
Braydon Wood
Kyle Lowenberger
Gus Mclatchie
Rory McRae
Orianna Millan Rodriguez
Sara Newcombe
Dax Robertson
Em Steed
Gabriel Stevenson
Angeline Villier
Howard Wang
AWARD
Amar Sidhu Memorial Scholarship
Amar Sidhu Memorial Scholarship
Angela James Memorial Award
DONOR
Sarbjit and Gurdip Sidhu
Anne Martin and Walter Sweeney Youth Soccer Award
Anne Martin and Walter Sweeney Youth Soccer Award
Annie Kristianson Memorial Scholarship for Excellence in Humanities and Social Sciences
Annie Kristianson Memorial Scholarship for Indigenous Cultural Leadership
Audrey Rhodes Memorial Award
Between Shifts Theatre Award
Bobby Mahnger Memorial Award
Bobby Mahnger Memorial Award
Body Energy Club UBC Scholarship
Brackendale Farmers Institute Scholarship
Brackendale Farmers Institute Scholarship
Britannia Beach Firefighters Association Bursary
C.U.P.E. Local 2269 Scholarship
C.U.P.E. Local 779 Bursary
C.U.P.E. Local 779 Bursary
Canadian Home Builders’ Association Sea To Sky Scholarship
Carbon Engineering Scholarship for Excellence in STEM
Carbon Engineering Scholarship for Excellence in STEM - Indigenous
Chili Thom Memorial Scholarship
Clinton Shard C-Level Memorial Award
Coastal Mountain Excavations Bursary
Colin Chafer Memorial Award
District of Squamish Scholarship
District of Squamish Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
RECIPIENT
Lily Bland
Sarbjit and Gurdip Sidhu Sanjan Jangra
Tom James Brooks McLellan
The W. Sweeney & A. Martin Memorial
Danika Hutchinson
The W. Sweeney & A. Martin Memorial Ella Rempel
Kristianson Family Em Steed
Kristianson Family
The Sea to Sky Teachers’ Association
Between Shifts Theatre
The Squamish Soccer Association
Zeya Fullerton
Cinnamon Tone-Unsworth
Ciel Matley
Danielle Francis
The Squamish Soccer Association Mckinley Schulz
Body Energy Club / Karan Bhandal
The Brackendale Farmers Institute
Lily Bland
Joshua Lussier
The Brackendale Farmers Institute Savreet Mahey
Britannia Beach Firefighters Association Eliran Worth
C.U.P.E. Local 2269
C.U.P.E. Local 779
C.U.P.E. Local 779
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association
Carbon Engineering
Carbon Engineering
The Whistler Community Foundation
Friends and Family of Clinton Shard
Coastal Mountain Excavations
The Colin Chafer Memorial
The District of Squamish
The District of Squamish
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Gracie Voelker
Kinley Emerson
Grace Murphy
Sean MacLeod
Carson Dalpke
Shouken Terauchi-Loutitt
Zeya Fullerton
Zeya Fullerton
Matilda Jones
Charlotte Gadbois Schuett
Sahaj Kaur Pandher
Willow Paull
Sauvin Binning
Carson Dalpke
Lacey Dennis
Sierra Fox
Casey Gilbank
Madeline Hawkings
Riya Heer
Bianca Ike
Oliver Lane
Nolan Lang
Zachary McKenzie
Connor McQuade
Isabelle Morrison
Cameron Normand
Mckinley Schulz
Aria Scott
Illi Spittle
Cailyn Thomaidis
AWARD
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
District/Authority Scholarship
Doug and Mary Forseth Scholarship
Doug and Mary Forseth Scholarship
Downtown Barber Scholarship
Downtown Barber Scholarship
Dr. Luke Plunkett Squamish Valley Golf Club Memorial Bursary
Dr. Luke Plunkett Squamish Valley Golf Club Memorial Bursary
Dr. Luke Plunkett Squamish Valley Golf Club Memorial Bursary
Drs. Bowden and Davidson Scholarship for Excellence in Science
Eureka Scholarship for the Top Science Student
Fairmont Chateau Whistler Scholarship
Fairmont Chateau Whistler Scholarship
Fairmont Chateau Whistler Scholarship
French Immersion Scholarship for Linguistic Excellence
Garibaldi Veterinary Hospital Scholarship for Achievement in Biological Sciences
Gordon F. Mulligan Scholarship
Gordon F. Mulligan Scholarship
Grad Legacy Scholarship
Howe Sound Minor Ball Association Award
Howe Sound Minor Ball Association Award
Howe Sound Performing Arts Association Award
Howe Sound Soccer Society Award
Howe Sound Soccer Society Award
Hustle Basketball Award
Indigenous Student Award
Jacqueline Mary Pope Memorial Scholarship
James Gray Memorial Bursary for Adversity
Marcus Wybrow Memorial Outdoor Adventure Scholarship
Margaret Marchant Bursary
Misquitta Legacy – ECCE Scholarship
Monty Hartnell Memorial Award
Monty Hartnell Memorial Award
Principal’s Service Award
Principal’s Service Award
Principal’s Service Award
Principal’s Service Award
Principal’s Service Award
Prom 2019 Scholarship
Prom Legacy Award
Prom Legacy Award
Prom Legacy Award
Prom Legacy Award
DONOR
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
Province of BC
The Whistler Community Foundation
The Whistler Community Foundation
The Downtown Barber
The Downtown Barber
Squamish Valley Golf Club
Squamish Valley Golf Club
Squamish Valley Golf Club
Drs. Bowden and Davidson
Richard MacKellar
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
Fairmont Chateau Whistler
School District 48, French Immersion Program
Dr. Tom Honey, Garibaldi Veterinary Hospital
RECIPIENT
Arjun Toor
Zoey Verloop
Sofia Vigueras-Dyck
Saylor Wampler
Cohen Casford
Alexandra McLeod
Lily Bland
Corinne Hardy
Cameron Dunn
Danika Hutchinson
Nicholas Wilson
Corinne Hardy
Sanjan Jangra
Eilidh Lennon
Alexandra McLeod
Kaila Murray
Ellie Boon
Danielle Francis
Gordon. F. Mulligan (deceased) via Aqueduct Foundation Elleana Johan Mendoza
Gordon. F. Mulligan (deceased) via Aqueduct Foundation
The Whistler Community Foundation
The Howe Sound Minor Ball Association
The Howe Sound Minor Ball Association
The Howe Sound Performing Arts Association
Howe Sound Soccer Society
Howe Sound Soccer Society
Hustle Basketball
Anonymous donor
The Estate of Jacqueline Mary Pope
Gray Family
Friends of Marcus
The Marchant Family
Carol And Andrew Misquitta
The Family of Monty Hartnell
The Family of Monty Hartnell
Howe Sound Secondary
Howe Sound Secondary
Howe Sound Secondary
Howe Sound Secondary
Howe Sound Secondary
The 2019 Prom Committee
Prom Parent Committee
Prom Parent Committee
Prom Parent Committee
Prom Parent Committee
Sahaj Kaur Pandher
Afton Roy
Kelsi Hall
Kiley McLaren
Zeya Fullerton
Jack Chalmers
Mckinley Schulz
Gerrad Hitchmough
Kaltee Baker
Connor McQuade
Allyson Puttonen
Cohen Casford
Elleana Johan Mendoza
Taya Van Veen
Sophia Cabral
Alexandra McLeod
Lily Bland
Danielle Francis
Riya Heer
Kastle Pazdzierski
Aria Scott
Danika Hutchinson
Ellie Boon
Mannat Kaur
Connor McQuade
Kastle Pazdzierski
Harlow Norris
Public and Private Workers of Canada Award
Quantum Technology Award for Excellence in Science and Math
Quantum Technology Award for Excellence in Science and Math
Quantum Technology Award for Excellence in Science and Math
Quantum Technology Award for Excellence in Science and Math
R.W. McIntosh Memorial Scholarship
Ralph Seright Memorial Bursary
Ralph Seright Memorial Bursary
RE/MAX Scholarship for Entrepreneurship
Resham and Darshan Lalli Memorial Scholarship
Richie Stelmack Memorial Award
Ron Anderson Memorial Scholarship
Rotary Club of Squamish Scholarship
Royal Canadian Legion Branch #277 Poppy Bursary
SD 48 International Academic Scholarship
Sea To Sky Courier & Freight Scholarship
Sea to Sky Gondola Award
Sea to Sky Gondola Award
Sea to Sky Gondola Award
Sea to Sky Gondola Award
Sea to Sky Gondola Award
Sea to Sky Gondola Award
Sea to Sky Gondola Award
Sea to Sky Gondola Award
Sea to Sky Gondola Award
Sea To Sky Principals’/Vice Principals' Scholarship
Sea To Sky Singers Award
Sea to Sky Student Bursary
Sea To Sky Teachers’ Award
Sea To Sky Teachers’ Award
Sea To Sky Teachers’ Award
Sea To Sky Teachers’ Award
Sea To Sky Teachers’ Award
Sea’T’Sky Big Band Award
Sea’T’Sky Big Band Award
Squamish Arts Scholarship
Squamish Gardeners’ Award
Squamish General Hospital Auxiliary - Student Health Education Bursary
Squamish Lillooet Regional District Area D Bursary
Squamish Lillooet Regional District Area D Bursary
Squamish Lions Club Award
Squamish Lions Club Award
Squamish Minor Hockey Association Award
Squamish Minor Hockey Association Award
Squamish Savings Ed Antosh Memorial Bursary
Squamish Savings Ed Antosh Memorial Bursary
RECIPIENT
The Public and Private Workers of Canada Zadie Waters
Quantum Technology Corporation Yuxiang Chen
Quantum Technology Corporation
Carson Dalpke
Quantum Technology Corporation Oriana Millan Rodriguez
Quantum Technology Corporation Rian Waite
The Squamish Community Foundation Rian Waite
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #277 Mannat Kaur
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #277 Nyrin Woelfle
RE/MAX Sea to Sky Real Estate Adam Gazdik
Paul Lalli
Sea to Sky Gondola
The Squamish Community Foundation
Isabelle Morrison
Danika Hutchinson
Brooks McLellan
The Rotary Club of Squamish Savreet Mahey
The Royal Canadian Legion Branch #277 Hannah Dickinson Ayers
School District 48 - International Education Program
Sea To Sky Courier and Freight
Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Sea to Sky Gondola
Yuxiang Chen
Ella Rempel
Evie Bertolini
Cohen Casford
Sarah Dancy
Aliya Day
Ben Flaser
Danika Hutchinson
Avery Lang
Eilidh Lennon
Rylee MacDonald
The Howe Sound Principals'/Vice Principals' Association Cadence Murray
Sea to Sky Singers
Ciel Matley
The Sea to Sky Student Bursary and Loan Association. Sabina Velasco Herrera
The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc.
The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc.
Juliette Coens
Hunter Houlding-Heisterman
The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc. Isabelle Morrison
The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc.
The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc.
Sea’T’Sky Big Band
Sea’T’Sky Big Band
The Squamish Arts Council
The Squamish Gardeners’ Club
Mckinley Schulz
Sadie Stavrou-Johnson
Yuxiang Chen
Zeya Fullerton
Anias Jorgensen
Ryan Mitchell
The Squamish General Hospital Auxiliary Society Amandeep Kaur
The Squamish Lillooet Regional District Area D Kinley Emerson
The Squamish Lillooet Regional District Area D Oriana Millan Rodriguez
The Squamish Lions Club
The Squamish Lions Club
The Squamish Minor Hockey Association
The Squamish Minor Hockey Association
Charlotte Gadbois Schuett
Mieko Pateman
Cruz Bulfone
Brendan Fryer
Squamish Savings Amandeep Kaur
Squamish Savings Afton Roy
AWARD
Squamish Tutoring Award
DONOR
Squamish Tutoring
Squamish Valley Rod & Gun Club - Environmental Stewardship Award The Squamish Valley Rod & Gun Club
Squamish Valley Rod & Gun Club Award
Squamish Youth Triathlon Scholarship-Supporting Our Athletes
Steffanie Lawrence Memorial Award
Steffanie Lawrence Memorial Scholarship
Trevor Harris Scholarship
Tristan Lindsay Memorial Award
Wendy Thompson Scholarship
Wendy Thompson Scholarship
Wendy Thompson Scholarship
Woodfibre LNG Scholarship
Woodfibre LNG Scholarship
Woodfibre LNG Scholarship
Woodfibre LNG Scholarship
The Squamish Valley Rod & Gun Club
Squamish Youth Triathlon
Brenda and Andrew Doherty
The Lawrence Family
Squamish Elementary School PAC & Teachers
Greg and Sarah Lindsay
The Whistler Community Foundation
The Whistler Community Foundation
The Whistler Community Foundation
Woodfibre LNG
Woodfibre LNG
Woodfibre LNG
Woodfibre LNG
RECIPIENT
Ben Moore
Alexandra McLeod
Koda Dallman
Lacey Dennis
Kiley McLaren
Aja Miles
Anias Jorgensen
Chase Grobs
Cohen Casford
Maya Langdale
Ben Moore
Cameron Dunn
Liam Filek
Avery Lang
Mateo Quist
We would like to thank all the community members, organizations and businesses for their tremendous generosity and support for our graduates.
Your energy,dedication,and bigsmiles have kept our pools safe andour programs funall year long.You've balanced textbooksand backstrokes,exams andendlessgames of tag -and done it allwithheart.
Thankyou forbeing such an importantpartofour team. We're so proudofyou andcan't wait to seewhere your nextadventuretakes you.
Stay awesome- anddon't forget your sunscreen!
William
Zadie
Minakai
Andrew
Marcus
As your next chapterbegins, writeitboldly, liveitfully,and neverfearthe blankpages ahead.
604-892-9161 or Sales@squamishchief.com
DANIELLE FRANCIS AND SEAN MACLEOD
Good evening caring teachers, faculty, loving families, friends and our favorite custodian Maria…Oh and I can’t forget the Howe Sound Secondary graduating class of 2026!
For those who may not know us, my name is Sean MacLeod I’m 6 ‘5, and my name is Danielle Francis I’m 5 ‘6…Yeah maybe while standing on that stool. And today we are honoured to stand here as the proud valedictorians of our graduating class.
Before we get started, we’d like to thank you for all gathering today as we celebrate our accomplishments, memories, and our 12 year long journey that has brought us to this very moment. It’s actually pretty strange standing here right now, because for years we’ve been counting down to this day we only once imagined. We talked about graduation like it was something always just beyond our reach. We went from racing to the swings at recess, to racing to the front of the bus line to get a good seat at Don Ross, to then racing every morning to find a parking spot and now, it’s actually coming to an end.
If I’m being completely honest, as Sean and I first sat down to write this speech, we felt greatly overwhelmed with the weight of choosing the right message. We could have talked solely about our achievements, obstacles we’ve faced or the uncertainty of the future. Instead, we wanted to reflect on the important lessons that have shaped our class, along with the people who have stood by us through the beginning to the end.
And when I say the “beginning”, I don’t just mean grade 10…but rather the years where our biggest worries were making forts and trading bricks in the forest, or the excitement that came from the Scholastic Book Fair, Crazy Hair Day, and the colourful scooter boards we begged to bring out every gym class. At the time, we didn’t realize it, but those simple moments filled with innocence and imagination were preparing us for the years ahead. They taught us how to build connections, adapt to change, and find our place in a world that was
constantly changing. Lessons that would become even more important as we headed to middle school.
When we all first stepped into middle school, I think a lot of us expected it to be all sunshine and rainbows. Just like elementary school but with a little more freedom. And for a while, maybe it was. But eventually, reality hit. For many of us, it was those moments when a teacher handed back a paper, looked us in the eye, and told us our effort simply wasn’t cutting it.
In that moment, it’s easy to feel defeated. It’s easy to think that the teachers who hold us to high standards just “don’t like us” or are being unfair. But the truth is, looking back today, those were the moments that defined us. We had a choice. We could walk away and give up, or we could listen, step up, and do the work. And the fact that we are all sitting here today in our caps and gowns proves that we chose to do the work. We learned that accountability isn’t a punishment; it’s a tool. And more importantly, we learned the value of having people in our corners…whether it was Mr. Gendron for the French kids, Mr. Carter for the English kids, a coach or a parent…who refused to let us settle for “just enough”. Those are the people who truly care. They didn’t just teach us formulas, history, or grammar: they taught us a skill called hard work.
So, to all the mentors and teachers who pushed us when we didn’t want to be pushed: thank you. You gave us the grit we needed to get to this stage and that is the exact same grit that will carry us through whatever comes next. Moments like these remind us that our journey was never defined by one grade, one achievement, or one moment. Instead, we were shaped by the countless experiences we lived, challenges we overcame, and like Sean said, the people who believed in us, long before we fully believed in ourselves.
And that lesson followed us into high school, when we were hit with a surge of freedom that felt euphoric. Going from sneaking to the gen at Don Ross, hoping not to get caught, to having full access to Squamish at break with the only limit being time…it was great.
Except we were met with many more responsibilities than we saw coming. As senior year came along, we were suddenly handed more than just tests and assignments, but the big question many of us struggled with: “What’s next?” At first and maybe still for some of us, this idea of growing up and entering the “real world” was overwhelming. However, through high school we were lucky enough to have the support and guidance that slowly transformed us from the kids who first walked through these doors into the young adults who will be leaving them.
N ow the reflection involved in writing this speech made Danielle and I question what taught us more? The amazing lessons from our greatly appreciated teachers, or the freedom and independence that came with growing up.
We realized it was a perfect balance. Our teachers taught us critical thinking and logic, which was exactly what we needed to logically justify making some absolutely terrible independent decisions outside of school. While those decisions may not have always been perfect, they became part of who we all are.
Many people had a major influence on us inside our school walls, but we also want to recognize the people who supported us through every moment outside of them; the people who were there from the very beginning.
So, if you’re a parent or guardian of someone graduating tonight, we’d like you to please stand… We would like to speak for the entire class in expressing our gratitude for everything you do for us. So thank you for:
- Reading over our essays at midnight when our eyes went blurry.
- Letting us vent, complain, or be grumpy after a rough day without taking it personally.
- For picking us up at midnight from party’s without complaining.
- Giving us that third and final wake-up call so we wouldn’t actually be late for school.
- And lastly, convincingly calling the office to excuse us for being sick, when we actually just slept through our alarm.
The truth is we could go on and on forever, but then we’d be here all night, which is why we just wanted to say thank you for everything.
So, as our 12 year journey comes to an end, it’s hard to fully recognize just how much has changed throughout the years. It feels as though just yesterday we were in grade 10 getting put in lockers and having our lunch money taken by the grade 12’s. If there’s anyone here from the district or in charge of Student Rights, we get treated well, wink, wink. But honestly, when we think back to the last three years, it’s impossible to pick one moment that defines our experience. We began as kids who were still discovering who we were, and through every class, every challenge, and every memory, we became the people standing here today.
And what makes tonight feel even more remarkable is that the people who helped us find our place in this world are the same people we have to say goodbye to. As much as you loved or maybe hated your experience in high school, you will always have precious moments that you will never forget. You laughed with the people sitting next to you at one point, you maybe even cried with them, and now you are graduating with them. We’re not only leaving the people we may stay in touch with, but also the people who truly changed our lives. We’re all parting our own ways with high school being the one thing that will keep us connected. A lot of us are going to university, while others are going into trades, travelling or simply still figuring that part out. But the truth is most of us will go from seeing each other every day, to seeing each other every few months, years or perhaps never seeing each other again. And while that may feel bittersweet, growing up doesn’t mean leaving everything behind, but choosing to carry what you’ve learned and experienced into what comes next. As we move forward from here, let’s celebrate the challenges that pushed us, the memories that shaped us, and the people that made this journey unforgettable.
Congratulations class of 2026!
Thank you
BY CHARLOTTE GADBOIS SCHUETT
The pursuit of greatness is not for the faint of heart.
I t will pull at your seams, b end your truths, test your will — your claims of “how badly you want it” — a nd ask you to venture far beyond what seems possible.
I t offers no mercy, nor compassion, taking satisfaction only in one’s ambition.
I t will praise you, convince you that you are far beyond your years, yet measure you against your peers, u rging you not to wander, nor waver, for it insists the destination lies in wealth and status.
Tempts you to climb toward the highest position, chasing prestige and recognition, b linded by expectation. I t mistakes power for peace.
M akes you question your true beliefs, u ntil the reason you once held s lips out of reach.
I ts urge for perfection d rives some beyond return, forged through academic validation, d raws us into isolation, n ourished by admiration, p romising purpose a nd belonging.
A bottleneck of conformity, w here every sailing soul becomes quietly unmoored from its own horizon.
G reatness wears many faces.
I t lives in curiosity and imagination, i n the courage to create.
I t surrounds us like the raging seas t hat never asked permission.
G reatness has no prescribed mold, n o singular path to follow.
You are never too young or too old to begin again.
W hoever you are, n o matter your purpose, t he world opens itself to your creation.
For you have no limitation, you can be whoever you want.
D o not shrink yourself into a single box. Take up space,
a nd cherish the things once deemed unimportant, for they are often the first left behind.
The pursuit of greatness is not linear.
I t twists and resists like a river, reshaping the landscape beneath.
Rooted in the soles beneath our feet, g reatness is born within those who believe.
For even the ocean o nce began as a single stream.
to these and other Employer Sponsors of Career Programs students from Howe Sound Secondar y School We appreciate the ongoing commitment of all the employers who mentor our youth in the workplace.
• Affaira Styling Hair Salon
• Corporate Electric
• Don Ross Middle School
• Dream Wizards Events
• Eagleview Veterinary Hospital
• Elevated Hair Studio
• Fergie’s Cafe
• Garibaldi Electric Contractors Ltd.
• Garibaldi Phar macy & Compounding Lab
• GFL Environmental
• Hilltop House
• House of Lager Brewing Company
• Kelly Jian Contracting
• McDonald’s Restaurant
• Miller Capilano
Maintenance Corporation
• Nesters Market Squamish
• New Era Plumbing
• Newpor t Auto
• Noble House
• Northridge Mechanical Ltd.
• Quantum Technology
• Railway Museum of British Columbia
• Seagull Electric Ltd.
• Shoppers Drug Mart
• Squamish Elementary
• Squamish Fire Rescue
• Squamish Toyota
• Stark Architecture & Interiors
• The Chief Newspaper
• West Mountain Mechanical
• White Spot Restaurant
• Wonder Vans
Senior Athlete of the Year - Awarded For excellence in Athletics
Owen Kretch
Isabelle Morrison
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Food Studies 11
Madelyn Augustine
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Art Metal & Jewellery 12
Evie Bertolini
Top Electrician
Levi Bjorkman
Top Chef Award
Tristan Brown
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Fiber Arts 12
Anna Caldwell
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Automotive 12
Jonas Casey
All-around excellence in Technology Education
Hayden Chevrefils
Top Carpenter
Griffen Dyck
Harlow Norris
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Food Studies 12
Danielle Francis
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Automotive 11
Joshua Lussier
Top Business Education Award
Sean MacLeod
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Woodworking 12
Eric McCandlish
Business & Tech Education For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Textiles 12
Emma Morrisey
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Marketing 11
Isabelle Morrison
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Metalworking 12
Yarendi Ortega Cardoso
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Financial Accounting 12
Sahaj Kaur Pandher
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Digital Media Arts 12
Sahaj Kaur Pandher
For excellence in Child Development and Caregiving
Camila Sanchez Breceda
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Home Economics
Harley Vanzella
For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Entrepreneurship 12
Bretton Winstanley
For excellence in English Studies 12
Liam Filek
Corinne Hardy
Ciel Matley
Ryan Mitchell
Halle Price
Gilliane Ravina
Mckinley Schulz
Aria Scott
For excellence in Concert Band 12
Yuxiang Chen
For excellence in Theatre Performance-Drama 12
Callum Copeland
For excellence in Directing and Scriptwriting 12
Ciel Matley
Senior Acting Award
Ciel Matley
For demonstrating determination, commitment and excellence in a Studio Art 12 course
Leena Tiwari
Senior Acting Award
Cinnamon Tone-Unsworth
Senior Acting Award
Brooke Tousignant
Top Banana - Presented in recognition of outstanding dedication to the Visual Arts program over the past three years, demonstrated through exemplary work ethic, creativity, and passion for art
Sabina Velasco Herrera
Prix d’excellence en Français Langue SecondeImmersion 12
Ellie Boon
Carson Dalpke
For excellence in Foundations of Math 12
Riley Armstrong
Zeya Fullerton
For excellence in Calculus 12
Sanjan Jangra
Mateo Quist
For excellence in Pre-Calculus 12
Lily Bland
Danielle Francis
Aria Scott
Gracie Voelker
For excellence in Geology 12
Evie Bertolini
For excellence in Anatomy and Physiology 12
Lily Bland
Riya Heer
Avery Neubauer
Cinnamon Tone-Unsworth
For excellence in Environmental Science
Cohen Casford
For excellence in Chemistry 12
Danika Hutchinson
Sanjan Jangra
For excellence in Physics 12
Sanjan Jangra
For excellence in Farm Studies 12
Elysse Vousden-Makhan
H. JOHN MACDOUGAL AWARD
For excellence in Science & Math
Sanjan Jangra
For excellence in Indigenous Leadership
Kaltee Baker
Rachel Fenton
For excellence in Athletic Leadership
Marcus Bir
Gautam Ludu
For excellence in Student Leadership
Lily Bland
Aria Scott
Outstanding Library Service
Callum Copeland
Tim Dowler Memorial Service Award
Mckinley Schulz
For excellence in Law Studies 12
Kinley Emerson
For excellence in Psychology 12
Rylee MacDonald
For excellence in Human Geography 12
Alexandra McLeod
TOP HUMANITIES
For excellence in English and Social Studies
Emmy Fietz
Most Outstanding Student
Yuxiang Chen
Sounder Spirit Award
Chloe Defranco
Brooks McLellan
Outstanding Citizenship Award
Elleana Johan Fernandez Mendoza
Outstanding Citizenship Award
Connor McQuade
Margaret Marchant Service Award
Sahaj Kaur Pandher
Governor General’s Award Top Graduate from 2026
Anneka Watt
