June 19, 2025

PAGE 17

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

Where we are at and where we are headed

THURSDAY, JUNE 19, 2025

WHEN THE WILDFIRE HITS TOO CLOSE TO HOME

Community spirit shines as firefighters protect their town from the Dryden Creek wildfire that threatened hundreds of homes

JENNIFER THUNCHER, INDIGO LEMAY CONWAY, INA PACE news@squamishchief.com

For a very short time on Monday, June 9, the big story of the day was that Mayor Armand Hurford had announced at the Squamish Chamber of Commerce luncheon that he wouldn’t be running again.

Then, at about 4 p.m., everything shifted. The Dryden Creek wildfire started and quickly spread, reaching 59.5 hectares at its peak.

By June 11, the District had declared a state of local emergency due to wildfire, and Hurford was thrust in front of cameras day after day with nary a question about his future

Hundreds of homes from Depot Road east of Highway 99 to Tantalus Road were put on evacuation alert; about 11 remain on alert as of press time

See our special feature honouring this year’s grads PAGE B1

Mayor Armand Hurford answers questions at a press conference on June 12 regarding the Dryden Creek wildfire

Two properties were put on evacuation order due to the slope instability above their homes, due to the wildfire’s impact Alice Lake Provincial Park was evacuated and closed until Tuesday, when it partially reopened. As of press time, the fire is being held at 59.5 hectares. Firefighters say progress has been positive in the last few days, but it may be some time before it is fully declared out.

‘EVERYTHING

ELSE CAN BE REPLACED’

Even a deputy fire chief’s home was within the PHOTO BY JILLIAN A. BROWN

The fire came breathtakingly close to some homes, including that of Simon Thomson. The flames reached 10 metres from his property line

He rented pumps and had friends come by to help soak this property to protect it

Fellow resident Ian MacKay described it as “raining ash” for days

FIRE: Continued on 2

original evacuation zone, according to Chief Aaron Foote.

Tuesday and Wednesday nights became frightening spectacles as those even outside the evacuation zone watched the flickering flames light up Debeck’s Hill

For days, long-time local Shannon Cooley, who lives near the wildfire, watched it and the many aircraft fighting it from out her window

At one point, cinders from the blaze fell on her deck umbrella

Living in her family home and being the eldest daughter, she has become the repository of family lore, including numerous photos. She packed up these and some other necessities just in case she had to flee.

“I have a whole bunch of heirloom-type material in the family home right now, and so it feels like a responsibility,” she said.

“I packed pictures and some of the ... heirloom type jewelry, and then clothing.”

This crisis puts into sharp focus what matters and what doesn’t, she noted.

She said that the people on her street were helping each other out with how to handle the situation

“A gal just up the road said, ‘Hey, put gas into your tank, make sure you’re topped up, just in case you have to leave quickly,’” Cooley said Through it all, the community has shared an outpouring of support for the men and women working to protect their homes and livelihoods.

Squamish Fire Rescue extended its “heartfelt appreciation” to all of the food and drink donations received from the community.

“Our firefighters and the [Emergency Centre Operations] staff have been fed so well, and we have received more donations than can be consumed by our personnel,” they wrote on their social media.

“At this point, we are asking the community to divert any further donations to local food banks, so that things don’t go to waste.

“Thank you for showing up and keeping us fed

during this busy week They say it takes a village—we’re very lucky that Squamish is ours.”

Photographer Jillian A. Brown picked up her camera as soon as she saw the smoke from the fire, and her powerful images helped others see not only the fire and the work to put it out, but the humanity on display, as she witnessed neighbours, once strangers, becoming acquainted and people extending a hand to each other.

“One of the most impactful stories and things that I witnessed was on June 10, when the fire reached the MTN Fun Basecamp campground. The owners, as well as a couple of campers who were there, were all working to protect this one trailer that was a long-time resident’s,” she said. The residents, seniors, had left to stay with family.

“They left and went to their daughter’s house, and had to leave everything behind. Well, the owners of the campground and these other campers grabbed hoses, and they were doing

everything they could to protect that camper from that fire,” she said

Brown has also seen through her lens all the agencies working together to keep the town safe According to the District, more than 20 local organizations have co-ordinated to help fight the blaze.

The BC Wildfire Service thanked locals for their hospitality, too.

The wildfire service says that their crew and support staff of 58, not already based out of the Pemberton Fire Zone are staying in Squamish

“We just want to say we’re grateful to all the accommodation providers in Squamish who have opened their doors to our staff while they have been responding to the Dryden Creek wildfire,” said a spokesperson for the BCWS.

In addition to the helicopters and ground firefighters, there is currently one piece of heavy equipment working this wildfire. With no one hurt and no homes lost, there is a collective sense that things could have been

much

worse.

HOW IT STARTED?

Many have wanted answers and, if appropriate, for someone to be held accountable for how the fire started.

Squamish RCMP ask that anyone who knows how this human-caused fire was started reach out to them

“We believe there were individuals on the trail around the time the fire started who may have information, said Staff Sgt. Gareth Bradley, of the Squamish RCMP. “We encourage anyone who was out walking or hiking in the area to contact police, even if you think what you saw isn’t important. Sometimes the smallest detail can make a big difference.”

Investigators are asking anyone who was in the area at the time or who may have information related to the fire to contact Squamish RCMP at 604-892-6100

PHOTO BY NIALL BELL

The flames of the Dryden Creek fire.

PHOTO BY REANNAN SHAY A bomber drops fire retardant.

PHOTO BY SHANE WELLS Traffic was impeded by firefighting

GOT NEWS?

Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com ilemayconway@squamishchief.com inapace@squamishchief.com

CHEAKAMUS CENTRE LONGHOUSE CLOSED FOR EDUCATION PROGRAMS FOLLOWING ROOF FIRE

Education programs hosted at the Cheakamus Centre Longhouse will be moved to outdoor cabins this month, as the June 4 roof fire continues to be investigated

INA PACE

Local Journalism Initiative reporter

Though not related to the current Dryden Creek wildfire, another fire has had an impact on local programming.

On June 4, the Cheakamus Centre Longhouse was damaged in an internal fire, leaving the roof damaged on the inside.

There were no injuries.

The centre, which is owned by the North Vancouver School District, hosts overnight field and cultural Indigenous education, to foster values such as community building and land stewardship for both children and adults

It is based in Paradise Valley on 165 hectares of ecological reserve belonging to the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation).

When fire broke out, students on the property were moved to the muster point and then into outdoor school cabins instead of the longhouse, where the program would have otherwise continued.

“At that time, there weren’t any students in the [Longhouse],” Chloe Scott, communications manager at North Vancouver School District, told The Squamish Chief.

“They did have a student group attending programming [on site] from one of the North Vancouver school district elementary schools, and so all students were taken to the muster point and then moved over to the outdoor school cabins so their programming could continue, but not at the Longhouse site for sure.”

Currently, the fire’s cause is under investigation and remains unknown.

“There is a fire that burns in the middle of the Longhouse,” Scott said

DARTS & DAFFODILS

A HUGE THANK YOU to all the first responders, attending and keeping us all safe and sound. Also, to their families, for what they are also going through with their loved ones, keep our community safe Bus loads of daffodils sent out to you all. Thank you from a long-time resident BUCKETS AND TANKS FULL OF DAFFODILS for the pilots who have been dropping water and retardant on the fire. That is extremely dangerous work, and we are grateful to them

A HUGE SHOWER OF DAFFODILS to all the firefighters and fire specialists who are working so hard to protect this community.

“We believe it was a spark that ignited, but we can’t say for certain.”

Scott confirmed that the Centre’s Longhouse will remain closed for programming until the end of this month, and that school groups that were booked in for those specific programs are being accommodated elsewhere, such as the Cheakamus Environmental Learning Centre.

Regarding the evacuation itself, Scott said that everyone handled it with “utmost professionalism,” including the students.

“It was an experience for them, but everyone was in really good care.

There were a number of staff members who really stepped up to make sure that everything ran well, and that the disruption was kept at a minimum,” she said

The Cheakamus Centre, which was established in 1969 and formerly known as the North Vancouver Outdoor School, has always been a place of learning for the Chʼiyáḵmesh people who have passed on their knowledge from the site.

Its programs include nature-based and outdoor activities aligned with the BC curriculum, alongside numerous retreats and workshops.

Folks can find more information or sign up for the centre’s newsletter on its website.

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 LIVE ON TANTALUS ROAD and the efforts of the local first responders from fire fighters to police to workers in other city departments have been truly inspiring. It’s been humbling to watch the dedication, professionalism, skill, kindness, compassion and humanity of everyone who’s been dealing with this wildfire. Saying thank you really isn’t enough, but I hope you all know how much we appreciate you for what you are doing.

Got something nice to say or some constructive criticism? Send your Darts & Daffodils: Email: news@squamishchief.com or drop off at The Chief office (38113 Second Ave.) during business hours. Deadline for submissions is Monday at 4 p.m. for Thursday’s paper. All submissions must be signed and include a phone number for verification. Maximum length is 75 words. Darts are intended to be an anonymous critique between private parties Darts must not directly or indirectly identify an individual or business.

PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

The Longhouse is at the back of the Cheakamus property

‘A WILDER WAY’: FORMER LOCAL RETURNS TO SCREEN ADVENTURE FILM

‘A Wilder Way,’ a gripping tale of motorcycles, wilderness, and resilience, will screen for one night only on June 20 at Moto ’79

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

She’s riding back and bringing friends.

Former Squamish local Suzanne Jolly, is returning to town as a director, producer and main character of the documentary A Wilder Way.

The one-night-only screening of her film is set for Friday, June 20, at Moto ‘79.

The documentary is an adventure story featuring Jolly and three other women on their motorcycles taking a small boat to explore a remote section of wilderness on British Columbia’s west coast.

The story also touches on Jolly living with the results of a brain injury, while navigating riding and taking risks.

After suffering a traumatic head injury, Jolly stepped away from the Sea to Sky Corridor nine years ago, moving to Vancouver Island.

‘MEANINGFUL RECONNECTION’

While living in Squamish, she was best known as the founder of the Squamish Motorcycle Festival

“Her return marks a meaningful

reconnection with the Sea to Sky Corridor and the people who helped [fuel] her journey as a rider,” reads a news release about the doc.

Jolly told The Squamish Chief that most people assume she was injured riding her bike, but it was a result of being hit with part of an untethered sail while moments from docking in Howe Sound. Three weeks later, she hit her head again on the underside of a steel bridge at Britannia Beach.

“Of course, when you hit your head, you jerk back, and I hit on another part of the bridge, so I kind of ding-donged like a bell. So, two very mild concussions, but it was just the straw that broke the camel’s back in terms of my system,” said Jolly, who now lives in Campbell River.

Years later, she is much better, but still has to accommodate her “invisible disability.”

“That’s woven into the film throughout—how do I accommodate my abilities to ride again, but also do wild adventures with my friends?”

She noted that head injuries aren’t uncommon in Squamish, with all of its sports, but people suffering often retreat from the public.

“When we’re not functioning well, we don’t want to be out in public,” she said. “It is a very isolating issue. You can’t be around all your friends and in the restaurant having lunch anymore when you’re trying to recover. It is a dirty little secret of adventuring.”

On the flip side, she said she was very grateful to be in Squamish post-injury because of the knowledgeable and supportive medical professionals here

“They were all in Squamish and helped in my recovery, because they had so much experience with people in our community,” she said.

Originally, due to her injury, she believed she wouldn’t be able to ride her motorcycle again, but desperately wanted to.

“I developed lots of other hobbies when I got

injured, but there’s still a certain part of me and a certain joy that comes from riding that I cannot get from anywhere else,” she said

But when she first was back at it, she was “terrified.”

She retook her learner’s test and then kept herself on a 250 cc bike

“Because of my love of riding fast, I needed to keep it in check,” she said.

‘EMPOWERED TO GO OUT INTO THE WILDERNESS’

While her recovery is part of the film, it is, at its heart, an adventure documentary.

Asked what she hopes locals take from the screening, she stressed that she hopes they will have a great time

“Especially female riders, I want them to feel empowered to go out into the wilderness and explore, whether it’s via motorbike or mountain bike or hiking I think, given that it’s an all-female crew that we filmed with ... it’s always been part of my mission in life to encourage women to feel more capable and confident, to explore the outdoors.”

The film, which was produced with support from Yamaha Canada and other sponsors in the motorcycle industry, premiered in Washington last June and in Canada at the Toronto Motorcycle Festival in the Fall of 2024. While it was screened in her new hometown in a 400-seat theatre, there is something very special about returning to show it at a 50-seat venue, Moto ’79, whose owners were super supportive of showing it, without even knowing her.

“Squamish is where I dreamt up the adventure of using a boat to access wild places with my bike, but then my head injury took away so much of my life. It feels like a real comeback for me: to ride and share the film in Squamish,” she said, in the release.

Proceeds from the evening will support Jolly as she works towards making a second episode of A Wilder Way “After people see the film, they’ll understand why we need to do a second episode—there are a lot of challenges that get in the way of our planned adventure, and we need to get back there to explore further,” said Jolly.

The evening will start with a short film, Myth Meets Machine, from another Vancouver Island-based company, Ragged Roads, then a screening of A Wilder Way, followed by an opportunity to hear from Jolly herself about the making of the documentary and the road back from injury and reinvention.

Tickets are available at Moto ’79, located at 39455 Discovery Way.

Details:

What: A Wilder Way–Film Screening with Suzanne Jolly When: Friday, June 20, from 7 to 9 p.m. Where: Moto ‘79, Squamish, B.C. Tickets: $25 (includes admission and Q&A) Extras: Beer by Parallel 49 Brewing on-site & draw

PHOTO COURTESY OF A WILDER WAY

Suzanne Jolly, (centre) recruited three female riders to take a landing craft with their motorbikes and camping gear for her new film, ‘A Wilder Way.’

HUMBLE SQUAMISH RCMP RECOGNIZED WITH PROVINCIAL AWARD

Local Mounties receive award of valour for ‘exceptional courage’

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

For their service to the community, outstanding local Mounties have received awards of valour—the highest award in B.C. that officers can receive.

This spring, the provincial government’s Police Honours Night honoured 241 law enforcement officers for their bravery and dedication, including Squamish’s Const. Mark McMahon and Const. Hamza Khan.

The award of valour was given to 152 police officers who “purposely acted for the benefit of others, while knowingly placing themselves at substantial risk of death or serious injury,” reads a government news release.

“These officers exhibited exceptional courage, regardless of personal safety, to save or protect others from harm.”

The Squamish Chief caught up with the very busy McMahon for a chat about his career and this award.

What follows is a version of that exchange lightly edited for length and clarity.

Q: When did you first want to become a police officer, and why?

A: I wanted to get into forensics before it became popular and cool, and I figured the best way to do that was to become a police officer. I studied biology with that in mind, and I

wanted to help people I also enjoy problem-solving and finding and working with information and clues, so I thought it would be great work I did general duty, which is regular patrol, policing, but eventually got into forensics with the RCMP, which I did for a number of years. Eventually, though, I decided I wanted to come back to general duty policing. So I returned to working in Squamish.

Q: What can you tell us about the incident for which you are receiving this award?

A: I can’t say a lot about the incident, as it is currently before the courts, but the award was in relation to my actions in Squamish following the shooting and double homicide in Whistler Village in the summer of 2022 I will say that the arrest, thankfully, went as I was hoping, and nobody, including myself, was hurt I initially didn’t know if I was going home that night.

The result we got was just awesome work between Whistler and Squamish members and support staff. It was a crazy task, I’m sure, dealing with the scene and getting the information relayed down here. We were all on the lookout, but I knew my guys would be coming to help me when I needed it, without me having to ask, so that’s huge—having people you can rely on Also, our dispatcher was amazing. She had tons of information coming in from a bunch of

people, and she had to get it all out to us. And then, when I was dealing with the situation, I couldn’t always hear her, but I knew she could hear me, and that was a huge relief. She was kind of like a guardian angel or something. I couldn’t see her, but I knew she was there looking out for me, and so was my crew Huge credit to everyone involved, and a huge thanks too.

Q: How did you feel when you learned you were receiving the award?

A: When I learned I was receiving the award, I

was obviously honoured and very happy. I don’t feel like I need it, but it is also nice to receive some recognition for the work that we, as in police officers, do from time to time I know it is a significant award, so I also felt a bit strange. I know the work that police officers do daily often puts them in dangerous situations, and I kind of felt like I’m nobody special. I don’t know, it is hard to explain.

Q: What was the awards ceremony like? We understand it took place on Wednesday, April 23, at Government House—correct?

A: The award ceremony was great. I saw a couple of friends I had previously worked with, met new people and had a great meal in a beautiful location They also read little blurbs about what each person received their award for, which was interesting and very impressive There were definitely some very deserving people receiving awards

Q: Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know about the award or your work in policing?

A: I work with an awesome bunch of people. Policing is great work, but can also be very difficult in many ways—physically, mentally and emotionally. When people do something as simple as saying “Hi,” waving or smiling, it can help make a rough day a little better. Const Khan was not available for an interview, but we extend our congratulations nonetheless.

PHOTO VIA SQUAMISH RCMP

Const. Mark McMahon received his award on April 23, at Government House, the office and official residence of the Lieutenant Governor

RESTORATION MILESTONE REACHED AT SQUAMISH RIVER ESTUARY

A key milestone has been reached in the ongoing effort to restore the ecologically rich Squamish River Estuary, as the final of four large, fish-friendly concrete culverts has been installed

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Despite the heat, water thunders with a steady rumble from the new concrete box-shaped culvert, churning as it surges into the estuary.

It is currently freshet season—when snowmelt causes rivers to swell—so the snowmelt-cooled water from the Squamish River will keep the estuary cooler as the temperatures above it soar into the 30s on the afternoon of June 6, and over the weekend that follows.

If you frequent the Squamish River Estuary, also known as Skwelwil’em, you know that the Squamish River Training Berm was closed to traffic from March through the end of May as restoration work was underway as part of the Central Estuary Restoration Project (CERP) (The road is reopened now.) The project is a partnership between the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), Fisheries and Oceans Canada and the Squamish River Watershed Society.

Last Friday, The Squamish Chief took a tour to get a look at the work that has been done

During the recent construction, the fourth and final fish-friendly culvert was installed across the Squamish River Training Berm, completing Phase 1 of the CERP

A BRIEF HISTORY

The training berm was originally a five-kilometre structure built in the early 1970s, “to contain the Squamish River and confine the Squamish estuary for a proposed coal port development at the south end of the estuary,” according to the Howe Sound Biosphere Initiative Society.

Local historian Eric Andersen, however, says that the training berm was constructed to protect all port terminals planned and the one already under construction, which is now known as Squamish Terminals.

While the coal port never materialized due to public opposition and government environmental assessments, the berm remained

With originally only two inadequate culverts, “numbers of chinook salmon returning to the Squamish River watershed to spawn have been low since the mid-1970s, when numbers dropped from over 20,000 to under 3,000. It has often been noted that this decline coincided with the construction of the training berm,”

notes the Howe Sound Biosphere Initiative Society.

About two decades ago, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) put in a series of nine culverts connecting the Squamish River to the estuary through the berm

They were a little over a metre wide and made of corrugated metal.

“They brought a little bit of water, a little bit of sediment, but generally highly inefficient for any sort of fish passage or real efficiency of bringing all the nutrients from the sediments we want to bring from the headwaters down into the central estuary to make it a really robust environment,” said Squamish River Watershed Society spokesperson Patricia Heintzman, who previously served on District council as mayor and a councillor

“So, that was 20 years ago. It was an OK first effort, but we quickly realized it wasn’t working really well.”

For young salmon, after being born in freshwater rivers or streams, estuaries provide ideal sheltered environments, allowing the fry to become accustomed to saltwater, feed, and grow before heading out into Howe Sound.

Think of estuaries as fish nurseries.

If they don’t have this shelter and are shot out

CULVERT: Continued on 7

from the river directly into Howe Sound, they are more vulnerable, thus reducing their chances of survival

The three-metre by three-metre concrete culvert Heintzman stands above is the fourth of four of the original nine that were replaced as part of the CERP project.

The cooling of the estuary is part of the goal of the culvert, in addition to helping fish move through

“We are so pleased to be completing this phase of the project,” said Edith Tobe, project manager of CERP, in a news release.

“We are already seeing a multitude of salmon fry utilizing the area and travelling between the river and the estuary. It’s very encouraging for the overall and long-term health of this critically important and ecologically rich habitat.”

During the construction of the fourth culvert, they found that there is an underground stream, which Tobe said means it will never fully dry up, regardless of the heat

Starting next year, the fish moving through this culvert will be tagged, Tobe said

“We’ll activate that in the spring of next year We’ll put sensors in here, tag the fish and their GPS, so we can track every single fish that we tag and watch them as they go in and out, and see as they move around,” Tobe told The Squamish Chief.

“All the other three culverts have been monitored over the years, just not this year, and we’ve always found fish going through all three, and especially across the spit. So when we do that next year, we’re going to be very interested to see how many are now using this channel and using the different channels.”

Sediment can already be seen moving through the culvert, too.

Tobe says that is as nature intends.

“All of the sediment helps to build an estuary—sediment and wood I know in our minds as a society, we think sediment and build up is really bad, but this is what an estuary is built up with This is the foundation of what the invertebrates hang out in,” she said, adding that the turbid water leaving the culvert becomes clear as it moves through the estuary channels

“When we get those lovely floods, it flushes it, and the fish help to move that sediment. But the sediment is a really rich part—it’s the nutrients.”

With the help of a cavalry of volunteers, freshly planted pollinator and fruit-bearing plants, which the resident bears will enjoy.

Black bears—including two sets of mother black bears with cubs—frequent the estuary, Tobe noted, which is where they should be, rather than around houses and businesses elsewhere

PROJECT TIMELINE

The CERP project began in 2019 and 2020 with the replacement of two of the four old culverts across the Squamish River Training Berm

From 2021 to 2023, there was the removal of 850 metres at the southern end of the training berm, or Squamish Spit. Work on the final two culvert replacements was done last fall and this spring.

In terms of the removal of the spit and its

impact, such as on sediment build-up, that is being monitored above and below the watermark for five years.

“The first four or five years, you’re going to see lots of changes but then it’ll settle down, and you’ll start to see what the norm will be And there’s been tonnes of sediment transportation, but it’s in different places [than before],” said Heintzman

Tobe added that the most recent surveying was done in May.

“We compare year after year the changes. And we’re not in denial, there’s going to be changes. Some years there’ll be an accumulation [of sediment] Some years there’ll be a deficit, but it’s the net overall. Our model showed that ultimately, in front of the Squamish Terminals, it should start to diminish. There’s always going to be accumulation, I want to be very clear about this, but it shouldn’t be adding to the annual [amount], it should be diminishing.”

PUBLIC AMENITIES

The end of the training berm is getting a bit of a facelift, too. There are new plants and a walkway with a wooden kiosk. Heintzman said the society is still working with the Nation and the District, but ideally, there will be educational signage about the project and the estuary added, as well as a welcome figure and public art.

Wheelchair-accessible picnic tables will be placed soon

While she couldn’t divulge all of the details publicly yet, Heintzman said a generous local bequeathed $100,000 for watershed education and improvement.

With Phase 1—the replacement of the four culverts—now complete, and Phase 2—the removal of the spit during the post-construction monitoring stage—concluded, CERP now enters the third and final phase of the project. This phase involves reestablishing historical connections between the central channel of the estuary and the degraded habitat on the east side of the CN rail spur line

Construction on this phase is anticipated to begin in 2026

FUNDERS

The Central Estuary Restoration Project is made possible by funding from the Nature Trust of BC, BC Hydro’s Fish and Wildlife Conservation Program (FWCP), Pacific Salmon Commission (PSC), Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF), and DFO’s Aquatic Ecosystems Recovery Fund (AERF), as well as in-kind DFO and Squamish Nation support, Tobe said

SENSITIVE HABITAT

The estuary is a provincially designated Wildlife Management Area governed under the BC Wildlife Act that prioritizes conservation and the management of fish, wildlife and their habitats.

The estuary is also an important and internationally recognized International Birding Area.

Dogs must be leashed at all times within the estuary.

Find out more about the restoration of the Squamish River Estuary at the Restore the Shore website.

PROJECT UPDATEMEETING

Youare invited to join

SQOMISH SEA TO SKY DEVELOPMENTS LP

At ameeting to discuss updates to the Cheekeye Development Project including the final Ross Road configurationand timing of preliminary constructionworks.

Date: Thursday June 26, 2025

Time: 5:30-7:30PM

Location: Don Ross Gym

LOT1DISTRICTLOTS22and 23 TOWNSHIP

50 NEW WETMINSTER

DISTRICT PLAN EPP62151, PID: 029-924-049

This is not aformal Public Information MeetingFor anyinquires please contact Sqomish Sea to SkyDevelopmentsLP(the applicant) by telephone 604-373-3090 or by emailcarlos@mwest.ca and/or or bring your questions and commentstothe meeting.

2026 PermissiveTax Exemption Applications

PermissiveTax Exemptions areamethod that the DistrictofSquamish, supportedbyCouncil, maysupportvoluntarynon-profit organizations by exempting land or improvements or both, from taxation under Section 224 ofthe CommunityCharter.

TheDistrictofSquamish is nowaccepting applications forPermissiveTax Exemptions.Section 224ofthe CommunityCharterand the requirements of the DistrictofSquamish Permissive TaxExemption policyapply.Ifyour organization candemonstrate eligibilityyou arewelcometoapply foran exemption. Theapplication and policyare available online.The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025, forexemptions beginning forthe 2026taxation year Formoreinformation, please contactus at 604-892-5217. squamish.ca/grants

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE

Stormwater Survey

TheDistrict of Squamish is developing an Integrated StormwaterManagement Plan for Brackendale,Garibaldi Highlands and Garibaldi Estates

We want to hear from you!

Help shape the future of stormwater management in your neighbourhood by taking our community survey. Your feedback,along with technical analysis, will help guide futureinfrastructureinvestmentsand shape howwecommunicate and engage with the communityonupcomingprojects

Thesurveyisopen until June 30.

Take the survey at:

LetsTalkSquamish.ca/stormwater-survey Your voicematters.Let’s work together for amore resilient Squamish.

FieldAllocation

Allocation period: September 1–February28, 2026.

Request Deadline: Friday, June 27, 2025.

Field Closures: Allfields except Artificial Turf Field: December 15 –January15(weather dependent).

FieldAllocation

Meeting

Wednesday, July 16, 2025

Please contactRecreationand Culture at 604-898-3604 with anyquestions

InfrastructureUpgrades

Installation work continues on awatermainbetween Bill’s Placeand Highlands WaySouth.

Annual road painting refresh programisunderway. Crewswill be working at nighttolimit traffic impacts. squamish.ca/building-our-future

Check out the pool schedule:

squamish.ca/rec/pool

NEW! Youcan nowskipthe clicks and head directly to registration with our new URL. It’s super easy! squamish.ca/booknow

citing Aquatic Courses

Brennan Park Recreation Centre (13–18yrs)

National Lifeguard

July 4–19

Bronze Medallion July 21–25

BronzeCross July 28–August 1

Swim Instructor ugust 11–15

ActiveKids Camps (6–9yrs) at Rose Park Camps startJuly 21

Getyour kids outdoors this summer with instructorRyanJohnston! Activities and games include yoga, hiking,gymnastics,soccerand more!

LEAP:T-Rex Trekkers (3–5yrs) 9–11 am , July 21–25

In this session, we’ll be trekking back in time to trace the tracks of the T-Rexand other dinosaurs.Your budding paleontologists willlove to explore the worldofthe dinosaurs!

Circuit Training 101 at Westwinds Senior Living Fridays,10:30–11:30 am

Improve your balance, agilityand mobility, while strengthening cardiovascular endurance. Drop-ins welcome,ifspace permits

CAMPFIRE BAN remains in effect

Business Opportunities

Requests forProposals

•MountGaribaldi CemeteryExpansion

•Financial Audit Services

•Loggers East StormSewer Construction

Requests forQuotations

•Crosswalk Installations &SafetyUpgrades squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district

DevelopmentReview

• 39884 GovernmentRoad –Zoning Amendment squamish.ca/review

BALANCING OUTDOOR FUN WITH BRAIN INJURY PREVENTION

‘Your brain is your information highway,’ says Dr. Shelina Babul, who warns that even mild head impacts can have lasting effects. As part of Brain Injury Awareness Month, she offers practical advice for parents and athletes alike

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

From mountain biking and kiteboarding to climbing and rugby, many of the sports enjoyed by locals in the Sea to Sky Corridor come with a risk of brain injury With June being Brain Injury Awareness Month, The Squamish Chief caught up with Dr Shelina Babul, director of the BC Injury Research and Prevention Unit at BC Children’s Hospital, to find out more about this dirty little secret of our outdoor recreation lifestyle. What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.

Q: You have won an award for your work trying to prevent brain injuries. What are one or two, perhaps less obvious things you think parents could do to help their kids prevent injuries?

A: We want to change the trajectory from “It won’t happen to me,” that then shifts to “If only I knew.” To do that, we want everybody to know prevention efforts that they can take to prevent a concussion or a mild, moderate or severe brain injury We want people to recognize that your brain is the only organ that you can’t transplant It’s your information highway that processes information at speeds of 400 kilometres (250 miles) per hour So, you really want to do everything you can to not jeopardize your quality of life. So, for parents, acknowledge and recognize that your child can be seriously injured if they don’t wear protective equipment. It’s a no-brainer, to use a pun. If you hit your head on cement without a helmet, what’s going to protect you? There’s no such thing as a concussion-proof helmet, but by wearing a helmet, you’re mitigating the severity of that impact, because the helmet will absorb that energy and transfer it. So, it may protect you from, say, a moderate injury, a brain injury, and you may get a milder concussion

Q: What sports are you seeing kids hurt by?

A: You’ve got your typical high-impact sports like hockey, rugby, soccer, and football, but being on the West Coast, we see skiing, snowboarding, and mountain biking injuries And now we’ve got these micro-mobility devices, like e-scooters We’re trying to ensure that people wear helmets on those as well, because some go up to crazy fast speeds So, again, wear the equipment to protect yourself

RECOGNIZING SYMPTOMS

Q: Most of us are aware of the symptoms to watch for when there is a bump on the head, nausea, vomiting, for example, but

what are some lesser-known symptoms to watch for?

A: Headache is the most common symptom There’s nausea, vomiting, dizziness, sensitivity to light, sensitivity to noise, loss of appetite, sleeping too much, sleeping too little, confusion, difficulty concentrating or remembering. And you don’t have to have all of these. You can just have one to be diagnosed with a concussion. One really important point I’d like to make is that symptoms can appear immediately or up to several days later. A lot of times, you’ll see a significant head-to-head collision, in soccer, for instance, and the individual is pulled off the field. The coach or the athletic trainer asks them a few questions, and they seem to answer them normally, so it is assumed there are no issues They’re put back in And that’s not necessarily the right thing to do

You want to closely monitor yourself or your child for up to two days after a hit to the head to see if signs and symptoms appear The brain weighs only 1.4 kg (three pounds), and it’s encased in a skull that’s the thickness of three pennies. That’s not a lot that’s protecting the brain. This is quality of life we are talking about. Your brain allows you to walk, to talk, to eat, to see, to listen, and you don’t want to do anything that injures the brain so that there are lingering symptoms in any of these areas.

Q: What is happening in the brain between the injury and the few days later when symptoms start to appear?

A: Typically, it’s like a functional change that happens to the brain. So your brain has billions of neurons, and when there’s a rotational acceleration-deceleration, that bouncing around of the brain inside the skull, you get a shearing and a tearing of those neurons. I like to give the example of an earthquake When I’m driving on Highway 99 to head to Children’s Hospital, I can proceed normally in non-rush hour times. If there’s an earthquake and there are fractures in the road, the car can’t proceed on the road until the road is fixed. And that’s kind of what’s happening to your brain, where you’re seeing fractures, shearing, tearing of those neurons that need immediate rest so that they can heal and repair—so that your information highway can process normally. The symptoms that you see are really a backlog of information being transmitted because the information can’t get through. That results in the symptoms you see. Obviously, this is the simplest explanation for a layperson, but I think that puts some kind of context to it

Community Information Session

Join us to learnmoreaboutthe proposed developmentat 39900 Government Road andCentennialWay in Squamish.

6–8 pm, Wednesday,June25, 2025

MamquamElementary School Gym, 40266 GovernmentRoad

To RSVP:Scan theQRcodetoregisterorvisit squamish-government-road-community-session.eventbrite.ca

Youare welcometodropinany timebetween 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Therewill be project information on posterboardsthroughout thespace.

Representatives from theproject team will be present to answer questions one-on-one.Registrationis not required,but appreciatedfor planning.

2025 PROPERTY TAXAND UTILITIES –PAYMENTSARE DUE JULY

2, 2025

Property owners will be sentseparate property tax and utilitynotices.

If youhavenot received your notices,please contact Financial Services forassistance.

New owners should ensuretaxes and utilitiesare paid on their property.Ifthereisany doubt,please call Financial Services at 604-815-5035.

Please note, property owners are responsible forpayment of the 2025 property taxes and utilitiesregardless of whether or not notices arereceived.

Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue

MondaytoFriday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30p.m

WAYS TO PAY

Online Banking

Property Taxesand Utilities are separatepayees.

Utilities

Payee: DistrictofSquamish Utilities Account#: 7digit number

Property Taxes

Payee: DistrictofSquamish Property Tax Account#: 13 digit number/roll number

Some financialinstitutions hold payments beforeforwarding to us or areindifferenttime zones.Avoid the risk of apenaltybypaying two to three business days beforethe due date

Sign-up foraMyCityAccount to access Property Taxand Utilitynotices online

With aMyCitylogin, youcan access your Property Taxes, Utilities,Building Permits,Planning Applications,Business Licenceand Recreation ProgramRegistration accounts online.

Step1:Log in to MyCity or Create an Account.

Step 2: SelectRegister/Edit Account.

Step 3: Register aTax Accountand Register a Utility Account. Youwill need the folionumber and access codes from theprior year’s notices.

•Property taxes: Usethe folio numberand access code from THIS YEAR’s propertytax notice.

•Utilities: Usethe accountnumber and access code from THIS YEAR’s utilitybill

squamish.ca/online-services

ByMail

Chequeonly.Donot mail cash. Postmarks will not be accepted as date of payment.

AfterHours Drop Box

Cheque only.Donot leave cash in the drop box. Theyellowafter hours drop box is locatedatMunicipal Hall on the wall to the rightofthe doors.Please deposit cheques only Do not leave cash in the drop box.

In Person

Cheque,cash or debit

(Payments by credit cards will not be accepted).

Please be suretocheck your daily spendinglimit beforeyou arrive.You may need to request atemporaryincrease from your bank.Nopost-dated cheques.

Stage 1Outdoor WaterUse Restrictions

During Stage 1, lawn wateringwith asprinkler is allowed twodaysper week from 4–10 am and 7–10 pm based on street address.

•Odd numbered addresses can water on Thursdays and Sundays

•Evennumbered addresses can water on Wednesdays and Saturdays.

squamish.ca/water

TemporaryUse Permits

DistrictofSquamish

TemporaryUse Permit No.DTU000072

NOTICE is herebygiven in accordancewith Section 494 of the Local GovernmentAct that the District of Squamish has received application andwill be considering issuanceofa TemporaryUse Permit as indicatedherein. TheDistrictofSquamishwill receive representations from personswho believethat their interest in property is affectedbythe proposed temporaryuse(s).

AffectedLands: 40249 Aristotle Drive, Squamish,B.C.

Existing Zoning: UH-1, UniversityHousing 1

Proposed TemporaryUse: Under the District’s Zoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011,short-term rental use is not permitted in adwelling unit that is not a principal residence; short-term rental use is also not permitted in asecondarysuiteoraccessory dwelling unit (coach house). If approved,theTemporary UsePermit would allowthe short-term rental use in the secondarysuitefor aperiod of three years The applicantcan apply to renew the permitfor an additionalperiod of up to three years following the expiryofthe original permit.

DistrictofSquamish

TemporaryUse Permit No.DTU00075

NOTICE is hereby giveninaccordancewithSection 494 of the Local GovernmentAct thatthe District of Squamish has received application and willbe considering issuanceofa Temporary UsePermit as indicated herein. TheDistrictofSquamish will receive representations from persons who believethattheir interest in propertyisaffected by theproposed temporary use(s).

AffectedLands: 2054 Dowad Drive, Squamish, B.C.

Existing Zoning: R-1, Residential 1

Proposed Temporary Use: Underthe District’s Zoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, short-term rental use is not permitted in adwelling unitthatisnot a principal residence; short-termrental use is also not permitted in asecondary suiteoraccessory dwelling unit (coach house). If approved,the Temporary UsePermit would allowthe short-term rental use in the secondary suitefor aperiod of three years Theapplicantcan apply to renew the permit foran additional period of up to three years followingthe expiry of the original permit.

Acopyofthe proposed Temporary UsePermits Nos. DTU00072, DTU00075 and DTU00076 can be emailed out by requests sentto planning@squamish.ca, from June 10, 2025 to June 24, 2025. Thedocuments can also be reviewed on the District’sonline DevelopmentShowcase at squamish.ca/showcase.Enquiries regarding the proposed DevelopmentPermit maybemade to thePlanning Departmentat604-815-5002.

If youdonot have access to the internet or acomputer, please contactthe Planning Departmentat604-815-5002and we would be happy to arrange to have the permit and drawings madeavailable to you.

DistrictofSquamish

TemporaryUse Permit No.DTU00076

NOTICE is herebygiven in accordancewith Section 494 of the Local Government Actthatthe District ofSquamish has received application and will be considering issuance of aTemporaryUse Permit as indicatedherein. TheDistrictofSquamish will receive representations from persons who believethattheir interest in property is affectedbythe proposed temporaryuse(s).

AffectedLands: 1001 Condor Place, Squamish, B.C.

Existing Zoning: R-1, Residential 1

Proposed TemporaryUse: Under the District’s Zoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, short-term rental use is not permitted in adwelling unit thatisnot a principal residence;short-term rental use is also not permitted in asecondarysuiteoraccessorydwelling unit (coach house). If approved,the Temporary UsePermit would allowthe short-term rental use in the secondarysuitefor aperiod of three years Theapplicantcan apply to renew the permit foran additional period of up to three years following the expiryofthe original permit.

Public input will be considered by the Districtinreview of the application. Persons who believethattheir interest in property is affectedbythe proposed temporary use permit may submit written submissions to planning@squamish.ca or,in person to the Senior DirectorofCommunityDevelopment. Written submissions can be addressed to theSenior Director of CommunityDevelopmentand will be received up until 4:00 p.m. June24, 2025.

Allsubmissions will form partofthe public record.

Dated this 19 day of June,2025 at Squamish, British Columbia

THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERYTHURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA

38113 Second Avenue Box3500, Squamish

CONTACTUS

PRINTEDEVERY

THURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA

T: 604-892-9161

news@squamishchief.com ads@squamishchief.com classifieds@squamishchief.com subs@squamishchief.com production@squamishchief.com obituaries: ads@squamishchief.com

EDITOR JENNIFERTHUNCHER jthuncher@ squamishchief.com follow @thuncher

REPORTER

INDIGO LEMAYCONWAY ilemayconway@ squamishchief.com

REPORTER INAPACE inapace@ squamishchief.com

SALESMANAGER CATHIE GREENLEES cgreenlees@ squamishchief.com

MULTI- MEDIASALES REPRESENTATIVE KIMBOATMAN kboatman@ squamishchief.com

CIRCULATION MANAGER DENISE CONWAY dconway@ squamishchief.com

PUBLISHER SARAHSTROTHER sstrother@wplpmedia.com

TheSquamishChief is amemberof theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependentorganization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns abouteditorial content, please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@squamishchief.com. If you arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information

Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbidden withoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.

EDITORIAL

TOGETHER IS BETTER

How do we measurethe successof fighting a wildfire?

Accordingtothe BC Wildfire Service, 94%of newfires aresuppressedby10a.m.the dayafter ignition. That hasn’t been thecasewiththe Dryden Creek wildfire,which startedonJune 9and continued to grow in the days that followed.

However, as of presstime, the fire is beingheldat closeto60 hectares andshows everysignthat suppressionefforts areworking

Ifyou look at onlinecommentary from theusual armchairpundits,you mightthink things didn’t go as well as they should have

Butthe realityis, no livesorhomes were lost—and that’s asignificant win.

When youconsider thetirelessworkofsomany peoplewho collaborated, it seemslike thefirefighting effortshavebeena resounding success.

There arethe skilled andhard-workingfirefighters withSquamish Fire Rescue,and theEmergency Operations Centre folksand just look at this long list, provided by theDistrictofSquamish, of agencies thatcametogethertohelpour community:

BC EmergencyHealthServices, BC Parks, BC Wildfire Service, Canadian RedCross,Capilano University, Conservation OfficerService,Kiewit, Ministry of EmergencyManagement andClimate Readiness(EMCR), Ministry of Forests, Ministry of Transportationand Infrastructure,North Shore EmergencyManagement, ProvincialHealthServices Authority(PHSA), RCMP,ResortMunicipalityof Whistler, School District 48,SORCA,Sqomish/ Nch’kay,Squamish Access Society, Squamish Montessori,SquamishNation, Squamish Search and Rescue, Tourism Squamish,TRAXX Coachlines and Vancouver CoastalHealth.

Nottomention theregular citizenswho overwhelmedthe fire department with theirgifts of appreciation.

Of course,there will be time to debriefand learn from what couldhavegone better in this near disaster, butnow is not thetimefor that.Now is the time for gratitudeand support.

It’s still earlyinthe fire season,withahot, tourist-filled andadventure-packedsummeryet to come. What we should allfocus on nowispreventing these firesfrombeing startedinthe firstplace

Let’s help theRCMPfigureout howthe Dryden Creekfirestarted—ifyou know something, say something.

During thefireand thecampfireban,weheard of people having an open flamebarbecueinthe estuary (seriously)and others riding on closed trails.

While we have seen thatmany will come to help us,wealsoneedto takepersonalresponsibility: know ourevacuationzones,havea bagpacked, and nottoleratebehaviour—inourselves or others—that putsour beautifultownathigherrisk.

This time,wewerefortunate—but we maynot be nexttime.

FROM ONLINE FLOP TO LOCALFASHION WIN

EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

JENNIFER THUNCHER

Ithinkthe Squamish ChamberofCommerceand theDowntownSquamish BIAshouldchange theirslogans to “Shop localtoavoid theuglycry.” Storytime.

Thewedding forthe firstofour four boys to get married is in less than twoweeks,and Iwon’t be wearingthe dressIboughtfor it Letmeexplain

Almost everything Iown to wear day-to-day, head to toe, is purchasedinSquamish at either Random,StyleZone or Mark’s with alittleWalmart thrown in forthe socksand whatnot.

But, this is my son’swedding we aretalking about, so as soon as we learnedthe date of the nuptials,Istarted lookingonlineatgowns.

To me,Mac Duggal is ahoity-toity brandthata stylingmom of thegroom wouldwear, Ithought. Idon’t have ahigh-toitybudget, however, so Iturned to eBay andPoshmark.

Very long storyofendless scrollingshort, Ifound an off-the-shoulder floral gown that,inmymind’s eye, Icould seeaclassy, “good” momofthe groom wearing. It wasonthe topend of my budget,but heck,thisisabig occasion.

Ichecked in with thebride,who approved the chosen dressfromthe photo. It wasago.

“Are yousureyou want to buyonlineand nottry somethingonfirst,closertohome?”myhusband asked.

Pfft—no!

Many weeksand aton of cash droppedfor shipping fees,duties, taxesand acurrency conversion Ihadn’tconsideredlater,and thedress wasinmyhot little hands.

Theoff-the-shoulderaspectdidn’tfit quiteright, so Idropped some more cash on an amazinglocal seamstress whofixed it up good

Iput thedress away,satisfied Iwould be thebest me Icould be at thewedding andinthe pictures that wouldlastfor generations.

Then,acoupleofweeks ago, Ipulledout said dress, shoes, andgirdle(now called shapewear, apparently)and putthe wholeoutfitonfor atest run.

Cuethe ugly cry.

Ihated it.Ilookedlikeasausage wrappedin 1990spotpourri

Turnsout,Iamnot sixfeettalland 20 yearsold with 34-24-34 measurements,likethe model wearingthe dressinthe pictureoneBay.

ButIhad spent. So.Much. Money.

Ifaked asmile andcamedownstairstoshow my husband, whosaida versionof“What is wrong? Whydoyou have that face?”

Thinking of themoney andthathehad told me nottobuy it online,Ideterminedtostick with the dresslikeabad boyfriendinhighschool.

NOTEBOOK: Continuedon13

Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw

(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)

NOTEBOOK: Continued from 12

Fast forward to last week when I was in Random to pick up something for a friend, and there was a stunning pink spaghetti strap dress ($29).

I tried it on and loved it I sent a picture to the bride, who approved

There were shoes and a shawl to match there too.

For less than $100, I had replaced my entire outfit (minus the girdle) and was smiling the rest of the day.

Moral of the story?

Shop local, avoid the ugly cry.

AIR ATTACK NEEDS TO TAKE THE LEAD

The Dryden Creek wildfire tripling in size days after discovery and leading to the evacuation of Alice Lake Park is another example of a troubling pattern and underscores the need for more vigorous initial air attack.

The BC Wildfire Service has a tendency to be cheap on initial air attack and on losing fires.

Air attack needs to take the lead in the first 24 hours with ground crews supporting aircraft, not the reverse. With changing weather and changing landscape, fires, especially difficult fires, need powerful, heavy lift helicopters to generously wash fires off the hillside, quickly and safely, both day and night. Additionally, more powerful rotary and fixed-wing aircraft on seasonal standby are needed The BCWS senior decision makers can make it happen if they want to As a former BC fire protection officer and Incident management team member, the right type and number of aircraft dispatched on discovery significantly influences the outcome.

The evacuation of Alice Lake Park and keeping neighbourhoods on edge for days should not have needed to happen Clarence Friesen Kelowna

DON’T ROLL OVER, DISTRICT

Editor’s note: This letter was sent to the District of Squamish and copied to The Squamish Chief

LETTERS POLICY

I am writing in light of the recent announcement by the BC government to add the District of Squamish and nine other “priority communities” to their housing mandate priority list to hit 75% of their housing targets within five years. The statement issued by the District was disappointing, demonstrating a “yes master,” “thank you master” mentality.

While I recognize the importance of addressing the housing crisis across British Columbia, and increasing density is one mechanism to do that, I urge the District to capitalize on this mandate as an opportunity to advocate for critical infrastructure investments before further increasing our density.

In short, the province needs something from you to deliver on their mandates; I urge the District to seize this opportunity to deliver on what your community needs most

Squamish currently lacks the foundational infrastructure needed to safely and sustainably support the growth envisioned by the province:

• No adequate hospital capable of meeting current or future health care needs, including lack of medical staff

• Limited transportation infrastructure, with only one main highway in and out of the community

• No comprehensive public transit system, leaving many residents dependent on private vehicles

• Vulnerable evacuation scenarios in the event of wildfire, flooding, or other emergencies

Growth without essential services is not

To protect the well-being of current and future residents, I encourage the District to seek legal advice and technical expertise to fully understand its rights and responsibilities under the province’s housing mandate. These tools can help the District identify opportunities to leverage its planning authority, negotiate the timing and scale of development, and pursue commitments from senior levels of government. This includes commissioning and updating outdated infrastructure capacity studies, reviewing evacuation planning needs, and conditioning approvals on the delivery of these essential services

The province’s prioritization of Squamish should be used as a powerful negotiation tool I urge the District to proactively seek binding commitments and funding from the provincial and federal governments for hospitals, transit, highway improvements, and emergency infrastructure before approving further density increases. Your statement in response to this housing priority demonstrates a willingness to comply and gratefulness for support to date You are not serving your community but rolling over for the province

Our community deserves to grow in a way that protects residents’ safety, health, and quality of life. Please use your voice and authority to ensure that growth is responsible and infrastructure-led, not housing-led at the expense of public well-being.

Martha Baldwin 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

Of current council members, who do you think is most likely to run for mayor to replace Mayor Armand Hurford? QUESTION OF THE WEEK

Have your say at squamishchief.com

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

Are you typically prepared to leave in case of an evacuation order due to a disaster? (Top 3)

MOST READ STORY

Hazardous conditions hinder search in Squamish River incident

TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK

This week, Indigo Lemay-Conway took in Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels’ unanimous win at her UFC Atlanta fight from The Backyard See this video and many more on our TikTok channel @ squamishchief

only unsustainable—it is unsafe

PHOTO BY AAFREEN ARORA THIS BEAUTIFUL PLACE: Have a photo to share? Send it to news@ squamishchief.com

NEWRESEARCH

Q: Many of us were taught that afterahit to thehead, we should go liedownina dark room,and if we arecaringfor someonewithaheadinjury, wake them upevery twohours.Whatshouldwe do?

A: Thescience around concussionshas changedquite abit over thelast10years Previously,you were told to wake up every twohours.Weknownot to do that, becauseyou want thebrain to sleepafter theinitial incident.You want to letthe brainrest.

Youalsodon’t want to puttheminadark room, becausethatgives rise to mental healthconcerns.And we nowknowthat that’s changed. We know that exercise, aerobic, limitedexercise, andkeeping within your symptomthreshold actually helpinyourrecovery. So,whatwewant individualstodoistotakeinitial physical and cognitiverestfor 48 hours. That doesn’tmeandon’t do anything;that means continue with your activities of daily living,aslongasthey’re notbringing on newsymptomsormakingyour symptoms worse, anddon’t do anything that couldresultin anotherimpacton your head,and then follow agraduated return to activity protocol [For more information on braininjury prevention andrecovery, visitthe online Concussion AwarenessTrainingTool (CATT).]

Q: Some people with braininjuryhave mentioned that there’sasocialcost. For example,itcan be socially isolatingfor longperiods becausepeoplerecovering maynot want to go into arestaurant withfriends,asitmakes theirsymptomsworse.We thinkofphysical ramifications, butnot thesocial. Can you speaktothataspect?

A: Concussionsdon’t just affect the individual;theyaffecteveryonearound that person.Weneedtorecognize that mental health is ahugecomponent of an individualwho is diagnosedwitha concussion

About70to80% of people whosustain a concussion will recoverwithnoproblem, within four weeks. Butyou’vegot about 25 to 30%who will have persisting symptoms,and thoseindividuals can’t understandwhy they can’tfunction. Therestaurantexample youjustgave me,the noise createsheadaches,asdo theLED lights in alot of places.We recommendthatphysicianshavea two-week follow-upwiththeir patient, just to make sure that they arerecovering uneventfully andthatthey’re notgoing downward.It’simportant forindividuals to have social outletsand social supports

We want parentsand caregivers to have constant dialogue with theirkidswho are having persistent symptoms.They can’thangout with theirpeers,can’t go to school,and can’tplaythe sports that

they love to play.So, we want to ensure that they getthe righthelpbeforeit’stoo late.

Q: What advances or innovationsinthe research around braininjuryare you excitedabout?

A: Concussionsare—I call it aconundrum of uncertainty, becausethere’s alot of grey area

Butthere have been advances in medical imagingtoreallysee what’s happening. Andblood biomarkers—there’s some testingbeing done to seeifwecan develop a bloodtesttodiagnoseaconcussion. Rightnow,there’s no diagnostic tool to say this person hasaconcussion. It’s purely basedonanassessmentofclinical symptoms,previoushistory,doing abit of cognitivetesting,balance testing, those kindsofthings. I’mhopeful that in another10years,maybe we will have a definitive diagnostic tool wheresomeone cangotothe emergencydepartment, haveablood test to say, yes, you’ve gota concussion

We’remakingstrides,but we do have a long waytogo.

BALANCINGRISKWITH OUTDOORLIFESTYLE

Q: Oneofthe dirtylittlesecrets of theSea to Skyisall theinjuries, includinghead injuries,thatcomefromour love of recreation.But we don’twanttoput

ourselvesorour kids in arubberroom. So where’sthe balance?

A: We know thebenefitsofparticipating in sportand recreational activity—of physical activity.There arethe cardiovascular benefits,the social benefits,and thementalhealthbenefits. So we want individualstocontinuetoparticipate in allthese dailyactivities, buttotakethe necessarymeasures. If you’re skiingor snowboarding, or biking,weara certified helmet.Wedon’t recommendbuyingused helmetsatgaragesales or anything like that becausewedon’t know what the historyisonthathelmet. When mountain biking,wearthe right gear.We’re talkingabout braininjuries andconcussions,but there’salso lacerations, sprains, contusions,all those things.So, just wear thenecessary equipmenttoprevent that from happeningandberesponsible.A lot of times, people feel that they have theskills to go faster than they do.Staywithinyour limits andstaywithinthe boundaries,I think, as long as youtakeall these necessarymeasures, continue with all theseactivities. Butifsomething does occur, make sure that yourecognize it immediatelyand getthe necessaryhelp youneed. Go seea licensed healthcare provider whocan then assessyou and give youthe rightguidancefor your recovery

Learnmoreonthe BC Children’s Hospital website.

BOBCAT SPOTTED ON A STROLL NEAR DOWNTOWN

Kyle

Kulas and partner Tiffany Brunke spotted the animal while on a walk on June 12

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

While there is a likelihood of running into a bear in downtown Squamish, running into a bobcat is a little more unusual.

But that’s exactly what happened when Kyle Kulas and Tiffany Brunke went on an evening walk on June 12.

Kulas uploaded a video to social media of the animal walking casually on the train tracks just west of downtown.

“I was with my partner Tiffany, and she was the one who initially spotted it. We were both pretty excited to see it as we haven’t seen one in a few years,” Kulas said.

“Last time we saw one was in the estuary by the old log sort that has been rehabilitated.”

Kulas said while they spotted the animal, fellow strollers were unaware of the typically elusive forest dweller.

“We both were surprised that the person coming from the other direction didn’t seem to notice it,” he said

WHAT TO DO IF YOU SEE A BOBCAT

According to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) website, bobcats typically prefer to avoid interactions with humans.

“They are territorial and solitary creatures that prey on a wide range of animals i.e. rodents, rabbits, fish, small or young ungulates, livestock and pets,” reads the website.

“Despite being elusive animals, they are highly adaptable and will often have a territory that borders on the urban domain. Do not let bobcats find food, water or shelter on your property.”

So what if you see a bobcat while on the trails?

The SLRD suggests following these tips:

• Be alert and aware at all times.

• Avoid surprise encounters by making noise (such as using your voice)

• Keep dogs leashed. It is an offence under the BC Wildlife Act to allow your dog to pursue/ chase wildlife.

• Look for signs of fresh bobcat activity. This could be claw marks on trees or logs, scat or paw prints

• Riding or running quickly and quietly puts you at risk for surprise encounters Slow down going around blind corners and make noise.

• Carry bear spray and know how to use it

ANIMAL ACTIVITY AND WILDFIRES

With the Dryden Creek wildfire, a number of animals may be displaced as a result

So, how can you help wildlife that are impacted by wildfires?

According to the BC SPCA, wild animals have

developed strategies to fly, run or bury themselves to escape from fires.

“But the change in habitat and food resources will have a lasting impact for generations. Especially for fires that occur near urban and suburban areas, you may see wild animals passing through or resting in your yard as they search for safety,” reads their website.

The BC SPCA says you can help wild animals affected by the wildfires by:

Despite being elusive animals, they are highly adaptable and will often have a territory that borders on the urban domain.

• Not feeding them—feeding wildlife does more harm than good, and can create dependence on humans. Wild animals can find food on their own, even in severe conditions.

• Let them rest—if wild animals are fleeing a fire, they will already be scared and tired. Don’t scare them, and be patient as they rest before moving along.

• Keep your pets on-leash or inside—this helps keep pets and wildlife safe by preventing conflicts.

• Report injured wildlife – if you find an injured animal or suspect they need help, contact your local wildlife rehabilitation centre or call the BC SPCA Animal Helpline at 1-855-622-7722 for advice.

PHOTO BY KYLE KULAS

A bobcat strolls along the tracks downtown as a woman approaches

BUSINESS BEAT

NEW APP FOR LOCALS TO RENT OUT THEIR CAMERA AND SPORTING EQUIPMENT

Photographer and videographer Jeremy Allen launches Rented Local to fill a gap in the market and put extra money in locals’ pockets

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

Living in a place known as the outdoor recreation capital of Canada, unsurprisingly, there are many things to see, do and photograph—but what if you don’t have the gear to do them?

Well, the chances are someone nearby has what you need, just sitting around in their house or garage.

Photographer and videographer Jeremy Allen was over having to drive to Vancouver to rent camera equipment, so he decided he’d launch his own app, Rented Local, where people can rent out their own equipment locally.

THE IDEA

Around five years ago, Allen was off to a shoot when he realized he needed to rent some camera gear, and there was nowhere at that time in Squamish or Whistler that offered this service.

“I had to go to the city, had to rent the camera gear and drive back to the city when I was done So it wasn’t just the rental price, it was the rental price plus time, plus gas, and it was a big hassle,” Allen told The Squamish Chief.

“So I had the idea of starting a camera rental business, and ... I let it fester for about a year and then I realized I don’t really want to spend a million dollars on buying all this camera gear to be able to rent to people.”

After posting on his social media asking if any friends had the camera equipment he could rent, Allen had the idea that many others in the business were probably doing the same thing

“It clicked in my mind that photographers and videographers already rent camera gear to each other, it’s just no one really has a database for it. No one knows where this gear lives or who has what, and it’s very inconvenient to be posting on your story to ask for this gear if you have to do this every time,” he said

“So I started working on this about two years ago, found a developer who developed an app while I was working on it behind the scenes as well, and that’s kind of how the idea started. It was just from a local issue that we didn’t have a solution for.”

But being an adventure enthusiast himself and already owning a canoe rental business Squamish Canoe Rental—Allen figured the model would work for sporting equipment too.

“It doesn’t just work for camera gear, it also works for outdoor adventure gear,” he said

“It works for ski gear, it works for canoes, it

works for camping gear Everybody has this stuff sitting in their garages and their storages that costs a lot of money, but gets used a couple of times a year.

“So it’s kind of a cool initiative for locals to be able to make extra money off of their stuff they already own, as well as help save the environment to a certain degree So not everybody needs to buy all this new stuff.”

HOW DOES IT WORK?

According to Allen, renting equipment off the app is simple.

“They download the Rented Local app and [go through] a verification process,” he said.

“Every user has to have a government-issued ID for security purposes This is so if someone were to run off with a camera or whatnot, we’re verified in that sense. So, you make your account verified, and make a merchant account so that you can work payments back and forth with other merchants in the app.

“And then you basically select the products you want to rent, reserve them for the day, pay for them, and then that’s it.”

Users are required to have insurance to rent anything from the app, which they can either bring themselves or purchase through the app.

Allen said there are also other processes involved to make sure the items are kept in good condition

“For example, let’s say I’m renting a camera

from you. When I pick it up, it’s my job and your job to both take photos of the camera to show its usability and its workability and its condition that it’s in,” he said

“So upon return, it has to be in the same condition, or else, there’s insurance claims, there’s damage deposits and stuff like that get enacted.”

At this stage of the business, merchants are able to set their own prices for their goods, but 7% of the total rental fee goes to Rented Local as a platform fee.

“The owners choose their prices Right now, our next big step is creating a minimum price, so we’re not trying to undercut the industry at all, especially with the photo and video industry,” Allen said.

“That’s been a big concern of mine, especially coming into this space, we don’t want to undercut other photographers and videographers who are renting their gear.”

A LOCAL SERVICE

Rented Local launched officially on the App Store in May.

“We only have three locations, Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton right now, with plans in the near future to expand to other communities,” Allen said

“We have a large list of places to service, because this is obviously something that’s very needed in the smaller communities. For example, one of our main targets shortly is Tofino, because they have no camera gear

rental out there.”

Allen said that people from outside the current regions have the option to rent via the app, but would have to travel to pick up the items.

“If someone wanted to rent a camera from Pemberton to Squamish, they would have to drive and pick it up, or they could work out a delivery fee with the owner,” he said

Aside from filling a gap in the market, Allen said the purpose of the app is to also help put some extra money in people’s pockets.

“This money goes directly into individuals’ pockets that help pay their rent, pay their bills, buy groceries, whatever it may be, buy more gear for their business,” he said

“It’s empowering people, and there’s nothing truly like it in this area And so I think in that sense, it just really makes sense for a place like Squamish.”

And while for now it may only offer photo, video and sporting equipment, Allen plans to expand the list of possible items people can rent to 99% of most household items.

“Right now, we’re just sticking very niche with camera gear and outdoor equipment. So that could be skiing, biking, climbing, camping, water sports, whatever you’re kind of trying to do in the outdoor industry [But we have] a lot of plans to kind of just service a whole mass market,” he said.

“So it could be lawn mowers, it could be all these random things, but that’s further down the line.”

Rented Local can be downloaded via the App Store.

The Squamish Business Beat was developed in response to local demand for more business-focused news. To be considered, please reach out to news@squamishchief.com.

While funding for this coverage was provided, The Squamish Chief maintains full editorial control over all content.

Brought to you by Community Futures Howe Sound, The Sea to Sky’s resource for financing and free business support to help local businesses and entrepreneurs in the area Connect with them directly and learn more at cfhowesound.com or email Kieran at kieran.hale@cfhowesound.com.

PHOTO ABOVE BY MATT SYLVESTER; INSET BY INDIGO LEMAY

CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Jeremy Allen invented his app for photographers and adventurers like himself.

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

JUNE 21

‘Strongwords’fromKingleave Squamish Nation delegation feeling empowered

ASquamishNationdelegationwenttoOttawa, wheretheywerereassured by theBritish Sovereign’svaluesfor Indigenous communities

INAPACE

LOCALJOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

“Canadahas embraced itsIndigenous roots, andbecomeabold, ambitious, innovative countrythatistruly multicultural andcommitted to reconciliation,” saidKingCharles,while delivering thethrone speech.

On May27, theBritish monarchvisited Canada forthe firsttimeasSovereign,opening Parliament with aspeechinOttawathatlefta positiveimpactofhopeand encouragement forthe Sḵwxwú7meshÚxwumixw(Squamish Nation), of whichthere wasadelegationof five in attendance

Nation spokesperson,councilmemberand attendee Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams explained thewaveofreassurance felt by the delegation.

“Wedidn’texpectwhatweheard,” Williams said

On

“So[it was] apleasantsurprisetohearthe strong wordscomingfromthe King in regards to Canada itself,and howdeeplyconnected he is to Canada

“You know,witha lotofthe initiativesunder [Prime Minister Mark]Carney. also reassures Indigenous people.”

TheKinghad said that theCanadian Government will be a“reliable partner” to Indigenous Peoples, upholdingthe advancement of reconciliation as a“fundamental commitment.”

An exampleofthis“deed”inthe throne speech deliveredbythe King wastodoublethe Indigenous Loan GuaranteeProgram from $5 billionto$10 billion, therebyenablingmore Indigenous communitiestotakechargeof more nation-buildingprojects.

“Every room we’rein, we’relookedatas leaderstothe countryinregards to ourland

KING: Continuedon19

HONOURING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY HONOURING INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY

PHOTOCOURTESYOFWILSONWILLIAMS

May27, King Charlesattendedthe StateOpening of theParliamentofCanadaand delivered the Speech from theThrone

NATIONAL INDIGENOUS PEOPLES DAY JUNE 21

What is National Indigenous Peoples Day?

INA PACE

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

National Indigenous Peoples Day takes place every June 21, which is also the summer solstice, to commemorate and honour the First Nations, Inuit and Métis who have lived on the land since time immemorial, and how they continue to evolve and contribute to Canada as a country today.

A LITTLE BIT OF HISTORY

The original title of National Aboriginal Solidarity Day—the creation of which was called for by the National Indian Brotherhood (now the Assembly of First Nations) in 1982—was issued for renaming in a statement by then-prime minister Justin Trudeau to National Indigenous Peoples Day, on June 21, 2017.

It wasn’t until the mid 90s that a National First Peoples Day was designated.

The designation was recommended in 1995 by the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples, once the Sacred Assembly, a national conference of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people, called for the national holiday.

Then-governor Roméo LeBlanc, declared “National Aboriginal Day” on June 21 each year in 1996, a result of continuous support and consultations by various Indigenous groups

National Indigenous Peoples Day is now part of the Celebrate Canada program, which provides funding for numerous institutions and councils

HOW YOU CAN GET INVOLVED

On this day, the First Nations, Inuit and Métis communities host events across the country to spread their diverse cultural teachings and wisdom, knowledge and education. Through these events, such as informative talks, creative workshops, or ceremonial music, everyone is encouraged to further explore and educate themselves on Indigenous traditions and culture to develop a deeper understanding of the lands and their history, and foremost, Indigenous people’s sacred connection to it

The Sḵwxwú7mesh Lílwat7úl Cultural Centre (SLCC) in Whistler will be hosting such an event, including live music, a fashion show, and an artist market.

The best way to educate yourself about these teachings,

besides attending Indigenous-led events, is by listening to the accounts of others, whether that is from first-hand conversations with Indigenous people, or reading about history and traditional stories.

A JOURNEY TOWARDS RECONCILIATION

Small steps can create big and lasting impacts. You can help raise awareness of the impacts of colonization and the efforts to address past harms.

The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Commission has provided resources and documentation about colonial wrongdoings, specifically of residential schools, since 2008. In particular, these resources relate the experiences of survivors of various traumas experienced by Indigenous people

Through learning about such history, we can all develop more understanding and empathy.

The National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls provides information about the impacts of racism and colonialism still present today in Canada, and the ripple effect this has on survivors’ families and communities.

PRESENT-DAY ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Simple land acknowledgements in your everyday life can also be incorporated as part of your journey towards understanding.

You may observe these acknowledgments at public events or announcements, or written on various websites

This enables validation of the Indigenous communities and their ongoing work for equality and recognition.

FURTHER RESOURCES

Apps such as Native Land Digital can help you recognize Indigenous traditional territories and their communities within your area

The Canadian government website provides a video about Indigenous population statistics and social trends You can also find information about online educational courses, available in both French and English, on the Indigenous Awareness Canada website.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is a part of National Indigenous History Month, which takes place each June You can find events to get involved in this month on the Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) website.

What are the three groups of Indigenous peoples in Canada?

Canada is home to three main groups of Indigenous peoples. Can you name them?

1. The group called First Nations includes more than 630 communities across the country, representing more than 50 distinct nations and languages.

2.The Inuit inhabit the Canadian Arctic, and their name means “people” in Inuktitut.

3. The Metis have a distinct culture combining Indigenous and European roots and influences.

In June, National Indigenous History Month, take a moment to celebrate the unique contributions these groups make to Canada’s rich cultural mosaic

More than 1.8 million people in Canada self-identified as Indigenous on Canada’s 2021 Census.

developments and our generational plan,”

Williams said

“We’re one of the only nations to do it on our own. That’s us knowing where our people are at.”

Williams said the King seems to want to strengthen relations through reconciliation, economic independence and wealth. Despite not having any personal exchanges, Williams said the delegation also felt reassured about the sincerity of the King’s personal affiliation with Canada.

They observed the King’s emotions first-hand the following day at the wreath laying at the National War Memorial at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.

“We found a spot to see [the King] after he laid a wreath down That’s what drove us to want to see him. We were totally empowered by what he said

“I think his emotions [stood out] You know, laying the wreath down and hearing the anthem. This is a big part that he holds to him,” Williams said

CONNECTION TO SQUAMISH NATION

“You have welcomed my family and myself to your traditional lands with great warmth and

hospitality, for which I am humbly grateful,” the King said during his speech from the throne

Williams noted Squamish Nation has built a relationship with the King’s son, Prince Harry, especially with the Invictus Games in February this year and he mused that the King could have been referencing that relationship, at least in part

Williams also discussed the importance of Indigenous wisdom and its synchronization with the monarchy, as referred to by Premier of Manitoba Wab Kinew during his exchange with the King after the speech from the throne Kinew spoke with the King about the Manitoba wildfires, and the King had noted the importance of leading with Indigenous wisdom.

“We know [what wisdom we can share] as Indigenous people, but we need people with an open heart and mind to be able to strategize at that high leadership level We’ve got to keep building that relationship ... [and] turn the words into action,” Williams said.

“We can do that by getting in rooms.’

King Charles and his wife Queen Camilla, visited Canada May 26 to 27

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 the unique heritage,culture and contributions of theSk_wx_wú7mesh Úxwumixw andFirst Nations, Inuit andMétis Peoples across thecountry on this Indigenous PeoplesDay.

We celebrateand give generousthanksto theSk_wx_wú7mesh People,past, present and future,who have lived in theSquamisharea sincetimeimmemorial.

The DistrictofSquamish is committed to along-term journey towardsTruth,Healingand Reconciliation inSquamish– onethatisconnected to anational movement forReconciliationinCanada. We support Reconciliation and healingefforts, engagement and partnerships to buildstrongrelationships with First Nationsfounded in respectand recognitionof Indigenous rights,cultureand heritage.

Visit: squamishlibrary.ca/indigenous-resources to learnmoreabout IndigenousHistory andResources forTruth and Reconciliation.

KING: Continued from 17

BritanniaMineMuseum gratefully acknowledges theircommunity sponsors:

Honouring Swiyát

On Indigenous Peoples Day, we reflectonthe historyheld in the land beneath our feet.

We honour the storyofSwiyát,the traditional, ancestral,and unceded territory of the Squamish Nation, and the placewenow call home at WoodfibreLNG.

More than aprojectsite, Swiyát is aplaceof connection. Andtoday, we walk anew path forwardwith the Nation as regulators,partners, and stewards of this shared journey.

We recently installed atotem pole carvedby Squamish Nation artist SeeAppl-tun -Art Harry at site, as apowerful symbol of story, place, and the responsibilitywecarry.Itreminds us that whatwebuild must also carry forwardrespect, purpose,and truth.

THE SEA TO SKY CORRIDOR SETS THE SCENE FOR AUSTRALIAN WRITER’S NEW NOVEL THECURE

Samantha Little’s new book is a psychological thriller set in a fictional town inspired by the Sea to Sky Corridor

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

Creative writing and law aren’t typically careers that would go hand-in-hand but one Australian has combined her two passions to create a novel inspired by the Sea to Sky Corridor

By day, Samantha Little is an Australian criminal and family lawyer from AlburyWodonga, but by night she is a writer who after two years has released her psychological thriller book The Cure

“Writing is something I have always done, since I was about four years old I would dictate stories to my mum and she would type them up on the computer for me I found one of them recently and it was terrible, but not bad for a four-year-old I suppose,” Little told The Squamish Chief.

“As I became an adult, writing became how I breathe and is very much a part of who I am I wrote through school, university, and I have continued to write before or after work, or whenever I can really make time to.

“It helps me to process the more difficult aspects of my job, and is my way of being

mindful. I have noticed that if I don’t write, I tend to ruminate on what needs to be done the next day or what occurred during the day.”

SETTING THE SCENE

Her newest book was inspired by a dream, and is set in a fictional Canadian town inspired by the corridor

“The Cure was inspired by a dream that I had, or a nightmare more appropriately. It was very much my subconscious bleeding through, and it was not until I had finished writing it and really delved into some of the concepts like alcoholism and control and love, that I truly realized how much the themes in the novel take from my day to day work as a family and criminal lawyer,”

Little said

“[The story] is about a brilliant medical student haunted by her father’s death from a rare disease. When she’s abducted by her professor and forced to work in an underground lab to develop a cure, she’s forced to confront impossible moral choices. It’s a story about power, control, and what people will sacrifice— for love, for science, and for redemption.”

Little said she wanted the fictional town in the story—called Brunswick Shire—to be a place that felt vast, beautiful but isolating.

“Somewhere you could disappear—willingly or not. The Sea to Sky Corridor—between Whistler and Squamish—captured exactly what I needed: remote beauty, a sense of distance, and the quiet danger of isolation,” Little said in a news release.

“There’s something haunting about that landscape. It felt like the perfect backdrop for a story about control, survival, and fractured trust. It’s a landscape that lends itself to both wonder and danger, which mirrors the emotional tone of the book.”

While she hasn’t been to Canada herself, it was stories of life in Whistler and the Sea to Sky region that stuck with her throughout the conception of The Cure

“Growing up in Australia, Whistler was one of those places that was often advertised as a dream destination—almost mythical in its beauty and just out of reach. There was a kind of magic in that distance, in the way it was talked about as somewhere far removed from everyday life,” Little said

“That sense of wonder and mystery really stayed with me, and it shaped how I built Brunswick Shire—as a place that could be both enchanting and quietly unsettling.”

She also used images taken by her

The Sea to Sky Corridor—between Whistler and

Squamish—captured exactly what I needed: remote beauty, a sense of distance, and the quiet danger of isolation.

SAMANTHA LITTLE

grandmother to paint the picture of what Brunswick Shire would look like

“My grandmother travelled quite extensively before I was born and many of the photographs she took on old slides inspired the setting of [the book]

The Cure was released on May 23 and is available to purchase online or requested at local bookstores.

NOTICE OF INTENT

RE:LIQUORCONTROLAND LICENSINGACT

APPLICATION FORALIQUOR PRIMAY LIQUOR LICENCE

An applicationfor aLiquorPrimary Licencehas been received by theLiquor andCannabisRegulationBranchfromRoyal Canadian Legion Br 277 at 40194 GlenalderPlace

Preposed interior is 70 personsand 36 person on thepatio.Hours of liquor service will be 11AM to Midnight on Sundays,11AMto1AM MondaytoSaturday.

Residentslocated within a0.5 mile (0.8 km)radiusofthe proposed site may comment on this proposal by:

1) Writingto: TheGeneral Manager C/OSeniorLicensingAnalyst

Liquor andCannabisRegulationBranch PO Box9292 Victoria,BCV8W 9J8

2) Emailto: LCRB.SLA@gov.bc.ca

PETITIONSAND FORM LETTERS WILLNOTBECONSIDERED

To ensure theconsideration of your views, your comments, name andaddress must be received on or before July 9th, 2025. Please notethatyour comments maybe made availabletothe applicantorlocal governmentofficials wheredisclosureis necessary to administer thelicensing process.

PHOTO BY STEVE JACOBS

LESS POPULAR LOCAL: Are you a fan of garter snakes? They are harmless and helpful in that they feed on slugs, leeches, large insects and even small rodents.

LOCAL PHOTOGRAPHER CAPTURES POWERFUL IMAGES OF DRYDEN CREEK WILDFIRE

As flames threatened homes and forests near Squamish, local photographer Jillian A. Brown was there to capture not just the destruction, but the humanity that emerged from it

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com

Squamish photographer Jillian A. Brown has taken some of the most powerful images of the Dryden Creek wildfire that have been shared by many in town, including by Squamish Fire Rescue.

On the other side of the lens, she tells The Squamish Chief that seeing the community come together in the wake of this crisis has been equally powerful for her.

“One of the most impactful stories and things that I witnessed was on June 10, when the fire reached the MTN Fun Basecamp campground The owners, as well as a couple of campers who were there, were all working to protect this one trailer that was a longtime resident,” she said The residents, seniors, had left to stay with family

“They left and went to their daughter’s house, and had to leave everything behind. Well, the owners of the campground and

NOTICE OF INTENT

RE:LIQUORCONTROL ANDLICENSING ACT

APPLICATIONFOR ALOUNGEENDORSEMENT

Application fora lounge(with patio)has been received by theLiquorand CannabisRegulation Branch from HouseofLager BrewingCompany located at37020 Village Crescent in Squamish BC V8K0K1.

Proposedlicensedhours are: 9:00 AM –12:00 Midnight7 days aweek. Personcapacitywill be limited to 200 personsinteriorand 63 personsonthe patio. Residentslocated within a0.5 mile (0.8 km)radiusofthe proposed sitemay comment on this proposal by:

1)Writingto:

TheGeneral Manager

C/OSeniorLicensing Analyst

Liquorand CannabisRegulation Branch PO Box9292

Victoria,BCV8W 9J8

2)Email to: LCRB.SLA@gov.bc.ca

PETITIONSAND FORM LETTERSWILLNOT BE CONSIDERED

Toensurethe consideration of your views, your comments, name and addressmustbereceivedonorbeforeJuly19th,2025. Please note that your commentsmay be made availabletothe applicantor localgovernmentofficials wheredisclosureisnecessary to administer thelicensing process.

these other campers grabbed hoses, and they were doing everything they could to protect that camper from that fire.”

The trailer was saved.

Brown has also seen through her lens all the agencies working together to keep the town safe: from personnel from Squamish Fire Rescue, BC Wildfire Service, Whistler Fire Department firefighters, FireSmart, RCMP, Miller Capilano and Lilwat Forestry Ventures, among others

She also has seen the outpouring of support from locals for those battling the blaze.

“A family came with seven pizzas from Domino’s and a whole bunch of coffee,” she recalled.

She has seen the coming together of the community from the start of the blaze on June 10, she said.

On Monday, she saw the early hours of the fire when she was out walking her dog.

“I immediately headed home and grabbed my camera because, for Squamish, that’s a pretty big event, especially so close,” she said

There were a lot of people out watching it, she noted.

“There were people everywhere, and everyone was just so friendly, which was so shocking, because this is something that’s so potentially devastating and scary, and yet everyone was just mesmerized by it,” she said.

“It was so neat ... in that way, how much it

I

immediately headed home and grabbed my camera because, for Squamish, that’s a pretty big event, especially so close.

JILLIAN A. BROWN

brought the community together [It’s] shared potential trauma So you’re like, let’s talk about everything else and get to know my neighbours now that we might not be neighbours anymore.”

PHOTOGRAPHY ADVICE

While wildfires make stunning images, there is an ethical way to go about it, Brown stressed.

First, there is no drone use allowed within 9.3 kilometres of a wildfire.

For comparison, that is the distance from Garibaldi Highlands to Brackendale and a bit beyond. Regardless of whether there is a wildfire or not, drones are not allowed in BC Parks, such as the currently closed Alice Lake or Stawamus Chief provincial parks.

Brown also keeps a safe distance from the wildfire and those fighting it

Photos of flames, for example, were taken using a telephoto zoom

“Typically at max, and that’s like 400 millimetres,” she noted. “So I’m not like standing right at the fire, about to catch fire, to take those photos.”

She also talks to the people who may end up in her images and is clear about what she is doing.

“I make a point of talking to people and not trying to force my way in or sneak in, in any way,” she said.

“There are journalists and people out there who kind of push their way in and get in the way and try to get a story. And this is the people’s homes and lives that are affected by this So, be respectful of that,” she said

“I won’t go and knock on a door and ask. If they’re outside, I’ll talk to them and be like, ‘Do you mind? Is it OK?’ If there’s any hesitation—if you can tell that they’re slightly uncomfortable with it—just respect that they’re going through something traumatizing and impactful and could ruin their lives potentially.”

Find more of Brown’s work on her Instagram page, @jillianabrownphotography.

PHOTOS BY JILLIAN A. BROWN/ (@JILLIANABROWNPHOTOGRAPHY)

Jillian A. Brown has captured the power and the humanity behind the Dryden Creek wildfire.

JAMEY-LYN HORTH WESSELS UNANIMOUSLY VICTORIOUS IN UFC ATLANTA FIGHT

The local fighter won by unanimous decision against 36-year-old American fighter Vanessa Demopoulos on June 14

INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY

ilemayconway@squamishchief.com

There was no doubt in anybody’s mind that Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels was the queen of the octagon in Saturday’s UFC bout in Atlanta, Georgia.

Horth Wessels won by unanimous decision against 36-year-old American fighter Vanessa Demopoulos on June 14.

After her original opponent, Czech Republic fighter Tereza Bleda, was forced to withdraw from the fight due to a staph infection, Horth Wessels found herself up against Demopoulos with only weeks to prepare.

Horth Wessels came into the fight as the early favourite At 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) with a reach of 66 inches (168 cm), she towered over Demopoulos, who sits at 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) and has a reach of 59.5 inches (151 cm).

As the clear winner in each of the three rounds, Horth Wessels used her additional height and reach to lay claim over Demopoulos, who did her best to hold her ground against the Squamish fighter.

Horth Wessels landed an early kick in round one before she circled her opponent, landing multiple knocks to the body.

With two minutes to spare, Horth Wessels executed a number of blows to the head of Demopoulos, bounding around the octagon with an exuberant amount of energy.

The round ended with Horth Wessels using her size to hold Demopoulos to the mat.

The crowd at Squamish’s The Backyard went wild with excitement throughout the bout, all throwing their support behind the local sports star

Rounds two and three were much the same, with Demopoulos managing to drag Horth Wessells down to the mat in the final round. Still, the Canadian quickly reversed the move to get on top, dropping a number of hammer fists against her opponent

The only bloodshed was from the eyes of Demopoulos after an early blow from Horth Wessels in the first round.

But it was clear there was no bad blood between the two fighters as they embraced in a hug at the end of the bout.

Horth Wessels was named the clear winner by unanimous decision with the judges scoring 30-27, 30-27, 30-27 in her favour

This brings her pro MMA record to 8 wins and 2 losses

PREPARATION

In preparation for the fight, Horth Wessels told The Squamish Chief that aside from fight camp training, she was spending a lot of time with her family

“Family is a huge thing for me, and I feel like spending time with my nieces and nephews, you know, just being around the kids, their energy is

so, so real and authentic,” she said back in April.

“It’s just relaxing, and it kind of brings you back down to just the basis of just laughing and being present, and I think that that’s super important, and that makes me feel good.”

She was also getting involved in a number of activities across town to distract herself from any pre-fight stress

“There’s just always things in town that are going on, and I feel like I can use that as a distraction to my diet or my fatigue and being out in the community and going to the places that we love to go, and just being a kid.”

COMMUNITY SUPPORT

While there is always a number of friends and fans gathered to watch her fights in Squamish, local businesses are also quick to throw their support behind Horth Wessels, too.

At Outbound Station, Horth Wessels has her very own meal called the Born & Raised burger.

The venue shared on their social media that its name was chosen for a number of reasons close to the heart for Horth Wessels.

“Being ‘Born & Raised’ isn’t just about being physically born and raised here in Squamish It means submersing yourself into all this town has to offer. By involving yourself in events, the community and giving back in the same and various ways the people of Squamish have given to you,” she said on their social media video.

“Growing up in Squamish has shaped me into who I am by providing ample amounts of organized sports, all supported with local companies and volunteers. As I continue to grow, so does the community support.

“The motivation to become a better role model

Please Contact the SPCA for more details! Visit our website: spca.bc.ca

Growing up in Squamish has shaped me into who I am by providing ample amounts of organized sports, all supported with local companies and volunteers.

JAMEY-LYN HORTH WESSELS

for the youth and up-and-coming athletes in Squamish, is always being pushed higher and higher each year I wouldn’t be who I am today without the love of Squamish, and of course, the support of my parents.”

The Born & Raised burger is a grilled jalapeño cheeseburger made with a fried egg, bacon and hot sauce.

Check out Outbound Station to try Horth Wessels’ burger, and follow along with her UFC journey via her social media page.

Meet Squeak!

This cutey is Squeak,alarger breed puppy full of energy and enthusiasm. Squeakisfriendly with people, other dogs and is very good at learningcommands throughtreats and positive based training.Squeak is eager to please and is looking for a home who has the time for puppy energy

PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Jamey-Lyn Horth Wessels supporters were at The Backyard to watch her win on Saturday

By virtue of theWarehouseman'sLienAct

PaylessTowingwill disposeofthe following vehicles:

2008 Infiniti G35

VINJNKBV61FX8M255631

Debtor:HayleyLanthier

Amount owing: 1,583.75

2006 ChevroletSilverado

VIN1GBHC24U86E123094

Debtor:FrancescMoschiniDECotiis

Amount owing: 7,560.84

PaylessTowing39550 GalbraithAve, Squamish, BC.,V8B 0A3

Units maybesoldbyAuction on June 26, 2025, fornon-payment

Previously Century21, ouroffice hasbeen providing exceptional real estate salesand rental accommodation services in the SeatoSky Corridor &throughout BC.

Housekeeping Res. Cleans SQ.Homes 604-898-2333

BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY

Employee

Health & Wellness Plan available

HEAVYEQUIPMENT OPERATOR – Minimum 5years or 5,000hours operating experience onexcavator.Full-time, Monday –Friday.$33-$46 perhour

HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC – Commercial Truck &Transport, Transport Trailer, Class 1or3air brakes preferred. 4x10 or 5x8 schedule. Red Sealcertified receive $200/month tool allowance. $40.19- $49.15 per hour.5%premium on hourly wage for Lead Hand position.

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER– Great opportunity to learnon-the-job. Stamina forphysically demanding work and perseverance to brave inclement weather required. Previous experience preferred but not required. Training provided. $28-$33 per hour

HYDROVAC OPERATOR – Valid Class 1orClass 3with air brakes required. Manual transmission. 2 years experience preferred. $35-$41.50per hour

PIPE LAYER –Minimum 5years experience incivil construction. Full-time,Monday –Friday.$33-$43 per hour

TRUCK DRIVER –BCDL Class 1orClass3with air brakesrequired. Manual transmission. 2years experience preferred. $35-$41.50per hour

FAMILYLAW ASSISTANT

•Part-time or Full-time

•Flexible hours to accommodate school hours

•Minimum 2years experience

Please forward your resume in confidence to MalloryEmeryatmemery@toewsco.net

Only successful candidates will be notified. 201-1364 Pemberton Avenue, Squamish, BC

dconway@squamishchief.com

Plant again

Behind schedule

forth

39.Puff away

41.Daytime TV

43. Consent 45. Botch

47.Snoozing

51.Baby-grand players

55. Volcanic overflow

56. Coffee container

57.Dancer’sjump

58. Kitchen appliance

59.Learn

60.Outcomes

61.Cowboycountry

1.Outfit 2. Car’swheel shaft 3. Sheetofpaper 4. Classify 5. Pals

6. Showy actor

7. Nudged

8. Mustangmaker

9. Lassie

10.Everyone

11. Baltic, e.g.

17.Wiggly fish

19.Cut wood, again

22.Being in debt

24.Choir voice

25. Furniturewood

26.Hem

27.Pipe joints

28. BLTspread

29.View

31. Dangerous curves

35. Roughen

40.Laid-back

42. Inkyimplement

44. Grates

46. Enrage

48. Building overhang

49.Special nights

50.Breathe hard

51.Small dog

52. Bitter anger

53. Colonyinsect

54. Little bit

Crosswordpuzzle answers use American spelling

LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:

HOROSCOPE WEEK OF JUNE 19,2025-JUNE 25, 2025

ARIES March21-April 19

When planningyour vacation, even if it’s along trip,remembertoinclude some downtime at home. You’ll have alongphone conversation with atruefriend who values yourcompany

TAURUS April 20-May20

Youmayhavetoask for a refund or aprice adjustment after aspecificpurchase. This summer,you’ll sign up for ashorttrainingcoursethat will boost yourprofessional development.

GEMINI May21-June20

Your friends and lovedones will need yourhelp and supportthis week.Asyou inevitablydevoteyourself to helpingthem,they’ll expresstheir gratitude and appreciation for your kindness.

CANCER June 21-July 22

In the upcomingweeks,you’ll focusona professional or personal project. You’ll work alongside atalentedteamthat canhelp turn yourvisions into reality.

SUDOKU

LEO July 23-Aug.22

Your week will be marked by ups and downsinyour energy levels.You’ll celebrate excellentnews regarding afamilymember’shealth, leadingtoaspontaneous gathering.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

Time is precious and limited

You’ll have to be extremely organized to completeall your projects.You’ll participate in joyful festivities that will recharge yourenergy and prepareyou to tackle your goals

LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22

If you’relooking for ajob, someone closetoyou may guide you to an unexpected career opportunity. You’re abouttolaunchanexciting venture, whether it’s organizinga trip or startinga business.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov.21

Plan yourself awell-deserved vacation this summer.You have all the tools you need to grow yourbusiness. You’ll receivesupport from knowledgeable experts

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21

Bringpeace back into your life and resolveany conflicts within yourcircle. Solutions will be offered to you to settle yourdebts or startrenovation work

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

You’ll findyourself leading importantnegotiations or finalizinga lengthybusiness deal. Don’t be afraid of change;welcome it with confidence.Itwill benefit you in the longterm.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18

You’ll be surprised to find yourself in the spotlight this week.Prepare to be recognized for aheroic deed, even if onlyfor lendinga listeningear to apersonin emotional distress.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

Oneofyourchildren may feel hesitanttoleave their friends for the summer They’ll need abit of extra attention, potentially requiringyou to taketime off work.Additionally, an elderly relativemay need your presence and support.

HOWTOPLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3box contains the numbers1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. Youalready have afew numbers to getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box

Holy Communion and MorningWorship

Sundays at 10:00 AM

Rev Cameron Gutjahr 1930 Diamond Road 604-898-5100

of

Exalting Jesus,Equipping His Followers,Engaging theWorld

www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca info@squamishanglicanchurch.ca WorshipService Sundays 10am on ourwebsite and Facebook Live

2262ReadCres. 604-898-3737 www.squamishbaptistchurch.org

Eagle Mountain –Woodfibre GasPipeline (EGP) Project

Reducing workforceimpacts

We’re continuinginitiatives to help reduce workforceimpacts andsupport gender and culturalsafetyin theSquamish community, including:

• in-persongenderand cultural safety training forthe EGPProject workforce. Read howSkwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (SquamishNation) educator DeannaLewis came to lead this training: TalkingEnergy.ca/GCS

• ahealthand medicalclinic forEGP Projectworkers’ use inSquamish, supporting mental health and overallwell-being

Read aboutour initiallaunch of theseinitiatives includingthe contact informationfor thethird-party Respectful CommunityConduct Line at talkingenergy.ca/reducingimpacts.

• athird-party Respectful CommunityConductLine forany member of thepublic to call or emailabout allegedconduct by an EGPProject worker occurring within theIndianRiver Watershedareaand a10-kilometre area aroundthe District of Squamish in violationof theAfter Hoursand Respectfor Communitysection ofthe EGPProject Worker Code of Conduct, including harassment or violence

CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES!

Congratulations!

T OT HEGRADUATIN GC LAS SO F2 025

Our most sincerecongratulations to each of you for successfullycompletinga significant milestone inyour life —your secondaryschoolgraduation. As you begin thisnew chapter, we hope your journeyisfilled withcontinued learning,meaningful achievements, andthe courageto embrace both newopportunities andchallenges that will shape your growth.

Warmwishesfromthe Seato SkySchoolDistrictBoardofEducationandStaff!

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2025

Kiana Alai

Hannah Askew

Margo Avini

Phoenix Babuin

Marshall Andres

William August

Lily Babuin

Brodie Bain

Olivia Baker

Teagan Barrett

Madelyn Bermudez

Grant Boguski

Tyler Baker

Neige Begin

Sam Boa

David Bohn

Nicholas Bowman

Mikayla Brooks

Joey Buchanan

Jassmeen Brar

Oakley Bryer

Sofia Burgen

Gavin Chelswick

Marley Chevrefils

Cael Clarke

Joshua Cook

Sacha ChenierPeterson

Hyowoo Choi

Tessa Clarke

Owen Currier

Rohan Danielson

Sephira Drzymala

Claudia Drake

Ella Dunn

Ray Elston

Jordan Evans Jackson Dyck

Brody Evans

Alec Fang

Joshua Davis

Sam Dhaliwal

Brexton Donner

Luke Dombowsky

Joaquin Davila Alejos

Dante De La Llave Velasco

Yuan Diazon Cole Dickau

Madilynn Fecho

to theseand other Employer Sponsors of Career Programs students from Howe SoundSecondary School. Weappreciatethe ongoingcommitmentofall theemployers whomentorour youthinthe workplace.

•Anthill Films

•Awesome Hair Salon

•MillerCapilanoMaintenance Corporation

•Coast Valley Contracting

•Coastal Mountain Custom HomesLtd.

•Corporate Electric Ltd

•Don RossMiddleSchool

•Eagleview Veterinary Hospital

•Eagle View ChildDevelopment

•GFL Environmental

•Moto'79 Motorcycle Sales andServices

•Nesters Market Squamish

•New Era Plumbing

•NoLimitsMotorsports

•North YardContracting

•PlayinMotion

•QuantumTechnology

•Sea to SkyVeterinaryClinic

•Good2Go Automotive

•Seagull Electric Ltd.

•GregGardner Motors

•Hilltop House

•HoweSound Equipment

•Hunter'sAutomotive

•LezaraLaser andVeinCare

•Lee Carter Plumbing

•MarkorConstruction

•MarthaMcLellanRealEstate

•McDonald's Restaurant

•ShoppersDrugMart

•SilverfootActiveLiving

•SquamishElementarySchool

•SquamishFireRescue

•SquamishToyota

•St'a7mes School

•TheCopperGrill

•Tin-Mun-Mun Daycare

•Whitespot Restaurant

Joshua Davis

KenzieKearns

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2025

Gavin Gauthier

Chloe Ge Brayden Generous

Ava Gill

Bobby Giri

Jaiya Ghumman

Simran Gill

Shani Glover

Ivanna Gomez

Maya Goonetilleke

Davin Graefe

Siya Haer

Zenon Halliday

Auston Gray

Evangeline Gultiano

Molly Haldenby

Matthew Harrison

Abby Harper

Brendan Harvey Daisy Hawkins

Islie Hirvonen

Cameron Howells

Josie Herdman

Lukyn Horsley

Presley Huska

Addyson Hunter

Jesse Jackson Kate Jackson

Manny Jhuty

Sierra-Neige JolicoeurBresalier

Linden Jacobse

Thaila Joel

Lindsey Jones

Farrah Jones

Hayden Jupista

Veronika Kalita

Zoey Kazakoff-Hall

Gurjap Kehal

Gavin Kawaguchi

Kenzie Kearns

Jacqueline Fianza

Zaiden Freitag

Elias Garcia FernandezOjanguren

Kit Fleming

Odessa Fugere

Cohen Gaudin

Isabelle Fehr

River Kelly

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2025

Hannah Moore

Cerys Miller-Hughes

Keith Moody Yejun Min

Olivier Morin

Mollie Napper

Daniel Moses Shiki Murakami

Van Nguyen

Brisa Nery Cedillo

Owen Nicholls Carly Nichols

Prabhleen Nijjar

Hannah Nichols Gurshaan Nijjar

Connor Normand

Jesse Logan Keira Lobdell

Lily Liu

Chloe Lonsdale

Elias Lummack

Riley Macdonald

Maia Lumb

Katie Lyon

Graydon Manship

Aiden Marzan

Shale Mcarthur

Kyle Martin

Kamryn Matkowski

Kristian Manapat

Ben Macgillivray

Jack Macdougall

Andrew Mcdonald

Cullan McCutcheon

Lucas Mccarthy

Charlie Mclellan

Mirina Meziani

Seia McWatt

Melia Miller

Ruan Mccann Norman Zoe Larkin

Madeleine Lawton Joy Lee

James Laurie

Remy Leathem

Noah Krumme

Nikola Kokot

Frieda Louise

OakleyBryer BrextonDonner

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL CLASS OF 2025

PJ Prozny Asher Ramsay

Quinn Pinkerton

Emil Postrach

Kaleo PlouffeMarthinsen

Maria Althea Ravina

Olivia Reeve Katrina Read

Kai Ritchie

Jayden Reid

Marley Richie

Griffin Reid Soda Reorda

Macy Roberts

Eleanor Romanin

Winter Robichaud

Owen Rose

Maximus Simonsen

River Selda

Brenna Sherk

Cohen Scott

Sofia Seright

James Sjogren

Liam Smith

Annabelle Smith

Vanessa Steinberg

Beck Stromberg

Kaylee Steeves

Alexandra Stockley

Malia Stuart Kyra Summer

Eugene Tang Hadley Todd

Oban Parr

Oliver Perry

Melissa Pascuzzi

Annabelle Phillips

Ezra Parker Ava Palmer

Jack Paddon

Kourosh Safiee

Maelie Roy

Sydney Russell Sophia Rozee

Xavier Sanchez Breceda

Arya Schoahs

Prem Saroya

Rajdip Toor

lifeguards and programleaders... TotheClassof2025 especiallyourincredible

Congratulations! Yourenergy,dedication, andbigsmileshavekeptourpoolssafeandour programsfunallyearlong.You'vebalanced textbooksandbackstrokes,examsandendless gamesoftag-anddoneitallwithheart.

Thankyouforbeingsuchanimportantpartofour team.We'resoproudofyouandcan'twaittosee whereyournextadventuretakesyou. Stayawesome-anddon'tforgetyoursunscreen!

EvangelineGultiano

Withgratitude, DistrictofSquamish Recreation&Culture RECREATIONSTAFF

Congratulationstoall 2025 Graduates

MadelynBermudez Gavin Gauthier Gurjap Kehal NoahKrumme Rajdip Toor

HOWE SOUNDSECONDARY SCHOOL CLASSOF2025

TessaClarke Madilynn Fecho

AWARD

Alex ReyesMemorial Award-Arts

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY 2025 PRESENTATION

Alex ReyesMemorial Award - Athletics

Alison Roberge Memorial Award

AmarSidhuMemorialScholarship

AmarSidhuMemorialScholarship

Angela JamesMemorial Award

AnneMartinand Walter Sweeney YouthSoccer Award

AnneMartinand Walter Sweeney YouthSoccer Award

OF SCHOLARSHIPS

DONOR

RECIPIENT

2022 Grad Parent Committee SeiaMcWatt

2022 Grad Parent Committee

The Roberge Family

SarbjitandGurdipSidhu

SarbjitandGurdipSidhu

TomJames

ClaudiaDrake

Anneka Watt

Madeleine Lawton

JackMacDougall

Owen Rose

The W. Sweeney &A.Martin Memorial HaydenJupista

The W. Sweeney &A.Martin Memorial Annika Weiland

Annie KristiansonMemorialScholarship for ExcellenceinHumanitiesandSocialSciences Kristianson Family

QuinnPinkerton

Annie KristiansonMemorialScholarship for Indigenous Cultural Leadership Kristianson Family ShaeWilliams

Audrey RhodesMemorial Award

BetweenShiftsTheatre Award

BobbyMahngerMemorial Award

Brackendale Farmers Institute Scholarship

C.U.P.E. Local 2269 Scholarship

C.U.P.E. Local779 Bursary

C.U.P.E. Local779 Bursary

CanadianHome Builders’AssociationSea To Sky Scholarship

Carbon EngineeringScholarship for Excellencein STEM

ChiliThomMemorialScholarship

Chris TamburriMemorialScholarship

ClintonShard C-LevelMemorial Award

CoastalMountain Excavations Bursary

ColinChaferMemorial Award

DistrictofSquamishScholarship

DistrictofSquamishScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc.

BetweenShifts Theatre

Griffin Reid

SephiraDrzymala

The Squamish Soccer Association Annika Weiland

The Brackendale FarmersInstitute Ezra Parker

C.U.P.E. Local 2269 Oliver Perry

C.U.P.E. Local779

C.U.P.E. Local779

The CanadianHome Builders’ Association

Carbon Engineering

TheWhistler Community Foundation

TheHarbour Authority of Squamish

Friendsand Family of Clinton Shard

CoastalMountain Excavations

The ColinChafer Memorial

TheDistrict of Squamish

TheDistrict of Squamish

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Emil Postrach

Chloe Watson

Phoenix Babuin

Anneka Watt

Luke Dombowsky

Florence Webster

Owen Rose

Auston Gray

Florence Webster

ClaudiaDrake

KaiRitchie

KianaAlai

GavinChelswick

Joaquin Davila

RayElston

AbigailHarper

DaisyHawkins

IslieHirvonen

Province of BC Linden Jacobse

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Lindsey Jones

Gavin Kawaguchi

Zoey Kazakoff-Hall

Kenzie Kearns

Elias Lummack

Province of BC BenMacGillivray

Province of BC KristianManapat

Province of BC QuinnPinkerton

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Province of BC

Emil Postrach

Griffin Reid

Hadley Todd

Rajdip Toor

AWARD

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

District/AuthorityScholarship

Downtown BarberScholarship

Downtown BarberScholarship

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY 2025

PRESENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIPS

DONOR

Dr. Luke PlunkettSquamish Valley GolfClubMemorial Bursary

Dr. Luke PlunkettSquamish Valley GolfClubMemorial Bursary

Dr. Luke PlunkettSquamish Valley GolfClubMemorial Bursary

Drs.Bowdenand DavidsonScholarship for Excellence inScience

EducationandSocialSciencesScholarship

EducationandSocialSciencesScholarship

EurekaScholarship forthe TopScience Student

FairmontChateau WhistlerScholarship

FairmontChateau WhistlerScholarship

FrenchImmersionScholarship for Linguistic Excellence

RECIPIENT

Province of BC Meaghan Washer

Province of BC

Province of BC

Hebe Wayatt

Belle Weisz

Province of BC KaiWilson

TheDowntown Barber Brodie Bain

TheDowntown Barber Anneka Watt

Squamish Valley GolfClub

Squamish Valley GolfClub

Squamish Valley GolfClub

Drs. Bowden andDavidson

SarbjotMann

Owen Currier

Kenzie Kearns

DanMoses

Chloe Watson

VanNguyen

SarbjotMann Cailyn Van Raalte

RichardMacKellar HyowooChoi

FairmontChateauWhistler SeiaMcWatt

FairmontChateauWhistler Oliver Perry

SchoolDistrict 48, FrenchImmersion Program Ivanna Gomez

Garibaldi VeterinaryHospitalScholarship for Achievementin BiologicalSciences Dr. TomHoney, Garibaldi Veterinary Hospital Brodie Bain

HEU Squamish Local– SallyNichol MemorialScholarship

Howe SoundMinor Ball Association Award

Howe SoundMinor Ball Association Award

Howe Sound PerformingArts Association Award

Howe SoundSoccerSociety Award

Howe SoundSoccerSociety Award

Hustle Basketball Award

Indigenous Student Award

Indigenous Student Award

Indigenous Student Award

JacquelineMary PopeMemorialScholarship

JamesGray Memorial Bursary forDiversity

JamesGray Memorial Bursary forDiversity

Marcus Wybrow MemorialOutdoor AdventureScholarship

Margaret Marchant Bursary

OldManoftheRiver Award

OldManoftheRiver Award

Principal’sService Award

Principal’sService Award

Principal’sService Award

Principal’sService Award

Principal’sService Award

Principal’sService Award

Principal’sService Award

Principal’sService Award

Principal’sService Award

Prom2019 Scholarship

Publicand Private Workersof Canada Award

Publicand Private Workersof Canada Award

Hospital Employees Union, Squamish Local DaisyHawkins

TheHowe Sound Minor Ball Association

Phoenix Babuin

TheHowe Sound Minor Ball Association MikaylaBrooks

TheHowe Sound PerformingArts Association Owen Rose

Howe Sound Soccer Society HaydenJupista

Howe Sound Soccer Society RiverSelda

Hustle Basketball

AnonymousDonor

AnonymousDonor

EllaDunn

William August

Jesse Jackson

AnonymousDonor ShaeWilliams

The Estate of JacquelineMary Pope Brody Evans

Gray Family VanNguyen

Gray Family BrennaSherk

Friends of Marcus Chloe Watson

TheMarchant Family Emil Postrach

Sandy Taylor William August

Sandy Taylor ShaeWilliams

Howe Sound Secondary School KianaAlai

Howe Sound Secondary School Hannah Askew

Howe Sound Secondary School Brody Evans

Howe Sound Secondary School DaisyHawkins

Howe Sound Secondary School Elias Lummack

Howe Sound Secondary School Seia McWatt

Howe Sound Secondary School Quinn Pinkerton

Howe Sound Secondary School Beck Stromberg

Howe Sound Secondary School Hebe Wayatt

The2019 Prom Committee GavinChelswick

The Publicand Private Workers of Canada KitFleming

The Publicand Private Workers of Canada AutumnVickery

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY 2025

PRESENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIPS

AWARD

Quantum Technology Award for Excellence in ScienceandMath

Quantum Technology Award for Excellence in ScienceandMath

Quantum Technology Award for Excellence in ScienceandMath

Quantum Technology Award for Excellence in ScienceandMath

R.W. McIntoshMemorialScholarship

RalphSerightMemorial Bursary

RalphSerightMemorial Bursary

RE/MAXScholarship for Entrepreneurship

Reshamand Darshan LalliMemorial Scholarship

Richie StelmackMemorial Award

RonAndersonMemorial Scholarship

RotaryClubofSquamishScholarship

Royal Canadian LegionBranch#277 Poppy Bursary

SarahMcSeveneyScholarship

SD 48 International AcademicScholarship

SD 48 International AcademicScholarship

Sea To Sky Courier& FreightScholarship

Sea to SkyGondola Award

Sea to SkyGondola Award

Sea to SkyGondola Award

Sea to SkyGondola Award

Sea to SkyGondola Award

Sea to SkyGondola Award

Sea to SkyGondola Award

Sea To Sky Principals’/Vice Principals'Scholarship

Sea To SkySingers Award

Sea to Sky Student Bursary

Sea To Sky Teachers’Assoc. W.J. TinneyMemorialScholarship

Sea To Sky Teachers’Assoc. W.J. TinneyMemorialScholarship

Sea To Sky Teachers’Assoc. W.J. TinneyMemorialScholarship

Sea To Sky Teachers’Assoc. W.J. TinneyMemorialScholarship

Sea’T’SkyBig Band Award

SeanHorne LegacyScholarship

Sigma Tau EpsilonMu- Στεμ Scholarship

Sigma Tau EpsilonMu- Στεμ Scholarship

SquamishArtsScholarship

Squamish Gardeners’ Award

SquamishGeneralHospital Auxiliary - Student Health Education Bursary

SquamishLillooet RegionalDistrictArea D Bursary

SquamishLillooet RegionalDistrictArea D Bursary

SquamishLionsClub Award

SquamishLionsClub Award

SquamishMinorHockey Association Award

SquamishMinorHockey Association Award

SquamishMinorHockey Association Award

Squamish Savings Ed Antosh Memorial Bursary

DONOR

RECIPIENT

Quantum Technology Corporation Brodie Bain

Quantum Technology Corporation GavinChelswick

Quantum Technology Corporation HyowooChoi

Quantum Technology Corporation Anneka Watt

The Squamish Community Foundation GavinChelswick

The Royal Canadian LegionBranch#277 KianaAlai

The Royal Canadian LegionBranch#277 DanMoses

RE/MAX Sea to Sky Real Estate Griffin Reid

Paul Lalli Rajdip Toor

Sea to Sky Gondola Noah Krumme

The Squamish Community Foundation ClaudiaDrake

The RotaryClub of Squamish Soda Reorda

The Royal Canadian LegionBranch#277 BenMacGillivray

TheWhistler Community Foundation Evangeline Gultiano

SD 48 -International Education Program YejunMin

SD 48 -International Education Program ShikiMurakami

Sea To Sky Courierand Freight Griffin Reid

Sea to Sky Gondola

Luke Dombowsky

Sea to Sky Gondola MollyHaldenby

Sea to Sky Gondola LukynHorsley

Sea to Sky Gondola Kenzie Kearns

Sea to Sky Gondola Elias Lummack

Sea to Sky Gondola Cailyn Van Raalte

Sea to Sky Gondola AutumnVickery

TheHowe Sound Principals'/Vice Principals' Association Kourosh Safiee

Sea to SkySingers SephiraDrzymala

The Sea to Sky Student Bursaryand Loan Association. Olivia Baker

The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc. BenMacgillivray

The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc. Ezra Parker

The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc. Anneka Watt

The Sea To Sky Teachers’ Assoc. Owen Currier

Sea’T’SkyBig Band KitFleming

Family&friends of SeanHorne AbigailHarper

SarbjotMann

SarbjotMann

GavinChelswick

Melissa Pascuzzi

The SquamishArts Council SephiraDrzymala

The SquamishGardeners’Club AryaSchoahs

The Squamish GeneralHospital Auxiliary Society Jaiya Ghumman

The SquamishLillooet RegionalDistrict AreaD SachaChenier-Peterson

The SquamishLillooet RegionalDistrict AreaD VanNguyen

The SquamishLionsClub Gurjap Kehal

The SquamishLionsClub MariaAlthea Ravina

The SquamishMinorHockey Association Elias Lummack

The SquamishMinorHockey Association DanMoses

The SquamishMinorHockey Association

Gus Tucker

Squamish Savings KianaAlai

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY

SCHOOL

SCHOLARSHIP CEREMONY 2025

PRESENTATION OF SCHOLARSHIPS

AWARD

Squamish Savings Ed AntoshMemorial Bursary

Squamish Savings Ed AntoshMemorial Bursary

SquamishSeniorCitizens Association Branch 70 Bursary

Squamish Tutoring Award

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MARGOAVINI

RAYELSTON PHOENIX BABUIN

JOY LEE& BRODIE BAIN

Wow We made it Good evening, fellow graduates, proud parents, and loving family members. That was an adventure, and what a journey it’s been. Today is the day we have all been waiting for, the day we’ve dreamed about since wewere kids… which falls somewhere between our days of trading fidget spinners and building our dream houses in Minecraft. We have all worked hard towards this day and probably have counted down the days since the beginning of high school But before we get into our speech, wewould like to take a moment to sincerely thank the outstanding teachers, hard-working staff, and faculty who have supported us every step of the way. Your guidance has not just shaped our learning and education, but has also shaped us into who we are. I also want to thank all of you; we have shared a beautiful journey, and you guys are the reason it is so beautiful. I have never meta more kind, supportive, and outgoinggroup of people So from the bottom of my heart, thank you. Our journey was one full of ups and downs; though, if we’re being honest, most of the ups and downs in the last six months were just the flights of stairs we had to climb in order to find a bathroom! And now, here we are.

Hi, my name is Brodie, and my name is Joy. We are truly proud to be standing here, representing our one-of-a-kind graduating class.

As I stand on stage tonight, dressed in my best, looking back on years of memories I’ve made with everyone, and also trying not to trip on stage in my heels. It’s impossible to not think about how far we all have come. This moment, this milestone, is made up of the small valuable and simple things: the halls we walked, the late night procrastination, the people around us and the words that have defined us For me, it begins with simply three letters that shape whoI am My name, Joy: A word I’ve heard one too many times in my life.A noun, an emotion that is defined as ‘great pleasure and happiness.’ It’s been a word that stuck with me as long as I’ve been alive. Growing up in a Christian family, my mother gave specific names to each of my siblings and I. My brother’s name Joshua, signifies ‘God is Salvation,’ which describes hope and strength. My sister’s

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL VALEDICTORIANS’ SPEECH

name Grace, represents undeserved love and mercy. My name (Joy) means light of the world. In the bible, Joy is more than just a feeling, it appears as hope and resilience.A light that shows up in darkness. This name did not just label me on the outside. It has become something I’ve learned to live out. Through the laughter, the growth, the mistakes, -especially in these high school years- , it’s been something I’ve grown into piece by piece.

But the most beautiful part? I didn’t grow into it alone. This journey has not only been about me, but it’s been about us Every person I crossed paths with, every classI shared, every teammate I stood beside all had an impact and helped shape what that word is to me now. The meaning of my name has always been rooted in faith, but everyone all around me showed me how to carry it with sincerity and love So to the friendsI have made throughout the entirety of my childhood, thank you for shaping this story with me.I also want to thank my family for their undeserving support. Thank you Grace for being the kindest sister and the bestest friend I could’ve ever asked for. Thank you Josh, for treating me with such care and loving guidance as you raised me by your side. Thank you mommy, for your unconditional love, although you are a single mother, your presence made home feel so full Thank you to my father, who isn’t here on earth anymore but is watching me from heaven But above all, I want to thank my spiritual father, Jesus Christ, who has been my light, my anchor and my foundation

Unlike Joy, unfortunately, my name doesn’t have a profound deeper meaning; my dad pickedit because he thought it sounded like a superhero’s name, Brodie Bain. While that might sound silly, it’s a bit of confidence that I’ve carried with me and tried to live up to throughout my childhood. Most of you probably know me as ‘Brodie Brain’, this grade’s tutor, or one of the various nicknames you’ve given me over the years. And yes, I’m also the kid who used to be tall, though clearly, that didn’t last! But no matter how much I’ve grown, or shrunk, I’ve always felt lucky to grow up alongside all of you. This is a fun group of people that brought out the best in me, and for that,I will forever be grateful. Looking back, it’s tough to believe how quickly time has passed. It feels like just yesterday wewere in the

sixth grade, watching the Raptors win the NBA Finals, and playing manhunt or Gaga Ball; although, let’s be honest, 4 square was objectively better Those simple games, those moments of laughter and friendship, werereally just a small part of the memories we’ve created together Now, we stand here tonight looking back on everything that has brought us to this moment. This is theculmination of all of the field trips, classes, and memories that we share. Every action we have taken in the last 12 years of school has led us to this very moment While I’m up here, I want to thank my family Dad, I owe a great deal of my success to you. Mom, you’ve supported me with unwavering care for my whole life. Syd, thanks for pushing me to always be on time And Kinley, you’ve brought out the best in me Thank you all for supporting me And one final thank you to all the families in the crowd and on the livestream! None of this would have been possible without your support.

Withthat, we stand here tonight representing our grad class grateful, nervous and still trying to believe that this is really happening. We know that this night isn’t just about looking back. It’s also about looking forward. Because even though we all took different paths to get to this very place, we are all about to take our first step into something new. With those steps, it comes with uncertainty, excitement and greater opportunities. Before we go, we want to leave you all a little something from each of us. Something we’ve learned, and hope you’ll carry with you as we take our next big steps.

In a world that glorifies big achievements, viral moments and highlight reels, it’s easy to believe that fast, impressive and loud are the only things that matter. Socialmedia has completely transformed our view on success. It convinced us that life is only meaningful when it’s flashy or dramatic But that is not the truth. The “good life” doesn’t always come from applause or spotlights. Most times it is found from ordinary places and moments throughout the days of our lives. Like simply standing in the mpr before choosing what to eat for lunch, or taking a so-called brain break to leave class and see your friends. It’s these small pieces of life, gathered over time, that bring out our true selves. Those are the moments that shape us. The ones that remind us

we feel seen, feel understood and to feel at home As we move forwards with our separate lives, chasing dreams and stepping into the unknown. I hope we don’t forget the beauty of being present. Let’s live fully not just for the big milestones, but for the small joys that build us. Because the “good life” isn’t just waiting for us out there. It’s already here. It’s in the friendships we made, the memories we shared and small moments we choose to slow down and appreciate And while holding onto those small joys keeps us collected. Moving forward also means learning to face the unknown with courage.

The next chapter of our lives is going to leave all of us feeling uncertain in many different ways. We may feel lost without the structure we are so used to Your best course of action may feel unclear. However, the fastest way to know if something will work for you is to take a gamble. Embrace the idea of moving forward without knowing exactly how it will turn out. There is no refund policy for life; no Google Maps for your journey; no YouTube tutorial to become who you’re meant to be Although I’m sure most of us have watched a video on how to geta six pack right before a pool party in elementary school. As Søren Kierkegaard says, “life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.” You can’t wait for certainty to start living By the time you’re finally confident of what your best course of action is, the moment has already passed. Taking a risk can and will be terrifying, but nothing changes ifnothing changes. Take a risk. Take a gamble. Proceed without certainty.

Tonight isn’t just about the words we’ve shared up here, it’s about all of us This moment belongs to each of us We’ve walked this path together, and now we stand on the edge of what’s next, side by side. Let’s remember the gravity of this moment this graduation comes from the community we’ve built together

Tonight we step into the world both together and as individuals connected by the memories that have shaped us This is our moment, and I know that whatever comes next, we’ll face it withthe same confidence and spirit that got us here. One last thing before we walk the stage, we would like to sharea poem with you.

➞ See page 26

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL GRADUATION 2025

PHOTOS BY DAVID BUZZARD FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

PHOTOS BY DAVID BUZZARD FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

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PHOTOS BY DAVID BUZZARD FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

A Poem for Graduation

by Florence Webster

If I could writea letter to all of you, I wouldn’t start withthe achievements we made, or the awards we received.

I’d start withthequiet moments we endured together the soundless mornings where we showed up tired thelate nights we studied even when it felt pointless and the long days we walked thehalls with our heads low.

This letter wouldn’t be filled with reminders of the things we accomplished

But it would be filled with thelaughter we made

And the memories we built off of each other

Another year has gone by, Watching our young hearts change

From chasing the feeling of what felt right

To now running after what is right

We are not going after what feels easy anymore

Weremaking choices that actually matter

Choices that show who we are becoming And not who we used to be

Now the future feels close. We’re excited to see what comes next where we’ll go,

And who we’ll become.

But before we leave everything behind I hope we can take a second to look back

To look back at the friendships that shaped us

The moments that felt small at the time But ended up meaning everything And the way we’ve grown because of each other

Because even when we look ahead, thinking

Thisis the moment we’ve all been waiting for. Maybe thisis only the start, of everything still to come.

So thank you, for the small moments, the sharedmemories, the quiet understanding. It only happened because we are here in the same place, at the same time.

With all my heart, Thank you for growing up with me.

HOWE SOUND SECONDARY SCHOOL

GRADUATION 2025

PHOTOS BY DAVID BUZZARD FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

SERVICE

OutstandingLibrary Service

Owen Rose

For excellence in Athletic Leadership

Brody Evans

For excellence in Indigenous Leadership

William August

Van Nguyen

Shae Williams

For commitment to equity and inclusion in the school and beyond

Kiana Alai

Hebe Wayatt

BUSINESS ED

For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Digital Media Arts 12

Joaquin Davila Alejos

For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Textiles 12

Lukyn Horsley

For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Computer Programming 12

Shale McArthur

For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Woodworking 12

Kai Ritchie

For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Metalworking 12

Cohen Scott

For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Art Metal& Jewellery 12

Wren Slater

For excellence in Applied Design, Skills and Technologies: Food Studies 12

Chloe Watson

Top Electrician

James Laurie

Top Chef Award

Joy Lee

Top Carpenter

Xavier Sanchez

Top Business Education Award

HannahAskew

ENGLISH

For excellence in English Studies 12

Joaquin Davila Alejos

Brody Evans

Ava Gill

Winter Robichaud

BrennaSherk

Chloe Watson

HOWE

SOUND SECONDARY

SCHOOL AWARDS 2025

For excellence in Creative Writing 12

Florence Webster

For excellence in Media Studies 12: Yearbook

Quinn Pinkerton

FINE ARTS

For demonstratingdetermination, commitment and excellence in a Studio Art 12 course

Kristian Manapat

Wren Slater

For excellence in Concert Band

Kit Fleming

For excellence in Directing and Scriptwriting 12

Owen Rose

For excellence in Technical Theatre

Ezra Parker

For excellence in Theatre Performance

Ruan McCann Norman

Top Banana - For excellence in Visual Arts

Luke Dombowsky

Emil Postrach

Senior Acting Award

Kai Wilson

Ezra Parker

Owen Rose

LANGUAGES

For excellence in French 12

Zoey Kazakoff-Hall

Prix d’excellence en Français Langue SecondeImmersion 12

Grant Boguski

Brenna Sherk

Premio de Excelencia en Español 12

Annika Weiland

MATH

For excellence in Foundations of Math 12

Claudia Drake

Shale McArthur

For excellence in Calculus 12

Brodie Bain

Hyowoo Choi

Joshua Cook

SCIENCE

For excellence in Anatomy and Physiology 12

Quinn Pinkerton

Arya Schoahs

For excellence in Chemistry 12

Gavin Chelswick

Joshua Cook

For excellence in Environmental Science

Olivier Morin

For excellence in Physics 12

Anneka Watt

H. John MacDougal award for excellence in Science & Math

Anneka Watt

Brodie Bain

SOCIAL STUDIES

For excellence in 20th Century World History 12

Gavin Chelswick

For exceptional effort in BC First Peoples

Madi Jones

For excellence in BC First Peoples 12

Madeleine Lawton

Florence Webster

For excellence in Human Geography 12

Anton Pichler

For excellence in Law Studies 12

Brodie Bain

Hadley Todd

Top Humanities Award- for excellence in English and Social Studies

Grant Boguski

Quinn Pinkerton

ATHLETICS

Senior Athlete of the YearAwarded for Excellence in Athletics

Rajdip Toory

Annika Weiland

Tim Dowler Memorial Service Award

Yejun Min

MAJOR AWARDS

Most Outstanding Student

Gavin Chelsiwck

Outstanding Citizenship Award

Daisy Hawkins

Most Outstanding Student

Emil Postrach

Margaret Marchant Service Award

Hebe Wayatt

Sounder Spirit Award

Lucas McCarthy

Governor General’s Award

Top Graduate from 2024

Emma Lane

Yuan Diazon

Nash Bolla SachaChenier-Peterson

JacquelineFianza

Emil Postrach

CullanMccutcheon

ClaudiaDrake CohenScott

Annabelle Phillips AidenMarzan