B.C. COURT TO DECIDE ON LOCAL FOURPLEX AMID HOUSING DENSITY DEBATE
A B.C. Supreme Court judge is set to weigh in on a developer’s bid to build a fourplex in Garibaldi Estates, despite neighbours’ claims that the project violates a 1959 common law building scheme that governs the community’s development
BOB MACKIN
For The Squamish Chief
AB.C. Supreme Court judge in New Westminster has reserved decision in a legal battle over a fourplex proposed for Garibaldi Estates and the 1959 common law building scheme that restricts development.
On May 8, Justice Frits Verhoeven heard from a lawyer for Clearwater Park GP Inc., which seeks to develop the property it owns
Peter Roberts argued that construction of a fourplex is a reasonable use of the land Clearwater bought lot 36 in Garibaldi Estates on Sept 16, 2024, received a District of Squamish development permit a week later for a fourplex of residential units and has applied for a building permit.
“We’re not building a nuclear reactor here,” Roberts said on the second day of the hearing. “A fourplex was authorized by the District’s bylaws, it’s encouraged by the province.”
Lawyers for neighbours Dennis and Andrea Smith, residents of Lot 35 since 2010, asked Verhoeven on May 7 for an injunction to stop Clearwater from building more than one dwelling. They moved to the area and bought
HOUSING: Continued from 1
housing needs for Squamish across a bunch of different categories, including extreme core housing, homelessness, suppressed household formation, anticipated growth rental vacancy and additional local demand,” he said.
“So [6,300 units] is the target that we have to show we can meet in our zoning in the OCP. So our amendment includes a policy that outlines the location and how these housing units will be accommodated in the community.”
To align with Bill 44—a provincial law which increased the minimum density standards in municipalities by allowing more small-scale, multi-unit housing options in land use zones that are otherwise restricted to single-family dwellings or duplexes the District adopted R1-R5 zones in June 2024
This permitted the development of multiplexes on properties in Squamish that were previously restricted to single and two units.
their home based on the building scheme and the low-density neighbourhood.
Clearwater applied to Verhoeven to appoint the District of Squamish as an approving
Gunn said District staff looked at all the properties within these zones as part of this new bylaw amendment.
“We looked at all those properties, counted them all up, counted up the total number of units that could be built on all those, and we found that you could build 16,200 units, if every one of those built out to the maximum,” he said.
“And then we counted up how many units were built across all those, and there were 5,000 units. So there’s a lot of significant additional capacity
“Now, we call it theoretical headroom, or even false headroom at times, because will all of that get built out to full capacity? Probably not, but we’re going through an exercise that the province has asked us to check a box on, and that’s what we’re doing.
“So the OCP amendment includes a community wide breakdown of the unbuilt capacity in a brief table. It highlights a remaining capacity of 11,318 units across the community.”
The report shows the neighbourhood with
officer under the building scheme, or a declaration that the development permit was issued under the District’s capacity as approving officer.
the biggest unbuilt capacity is Garibaldi Highlands, with 5,300 units, followed by Valleycliffe with a total of 3,200 units.
“This is the total capacity that could be built if every single one of those properties was built out to its max,” Gunn said
Within the bylaw amendment is the inclusion of a map which identifies the R1-R5 zones with the unbuilt growth capacity.
“So that mapping, in combination with a table of unbuilt capacity, satisfies the provincial requirement to identify where the housing need, identified by the housing needs report, can be easily accommodated within the community on land zoned under the Bill 44 mandate,” Gunn said.
COUNCIL COMMENT
In response to the OCP bylaw amendment, councillors said the changes felt more like a “make-work project” rather than something that would offer any financial benefit to the District
“I do think this is a make-work project and sort of dotting the i’s and crossing the t’s on
Roberts said going to all 66 other area owners to get their consent would be impossible, so the building scheme is an impediment to its use of the land
“Things change over time These people who’ve been living in this bucolic neighbourhood for a long period of time have to recognize that nothing remains the same forever,” he said.
The case could test the NDP government’s 2023-passed Housing Statutes (Residential Development) Amendment Act and amendments to the Local Government Zoning Bylaw Regulations. The province effectively ended single-family zoning and required municipalities, by the end of June 2024, to amend zoning bylaws to allow higher density housing.
Meanwhile, a lawyer representing the District of Squamish told Verhoeven that the District took no position on Clearwater’s application to appoint it an approving officer under the building scheme
“The District takes no position on whether the restrictive covenant should be enforced by the injunction,” said Matthew Voell.
“The District also takes no position on whether the restrictive covenant should be modified or discharged.”
something that we’ve been legislated to do,” Mayor Armand Hurford said
“The community’s already been re-zoned to meet these [changes]. We’re just realigning the OCP with the zoning that we have now. So I don’t think we should spend our time engaging deeper on this particular piece.”
Coun. Jenna Stoner echoed the mayor’s comments and said presenting these numbers is a “disservice” to the District
“I think they’re false expectations in a lot of ways,” Stoner said, “given that we know that many of those units won’t be built out in that way.”
“So what I would actually request is, as we move this forward, that my council colleagues consider bringing this forward at a minister meeting at UBCM [Union of BC Municipalities] to reflect some of the challenges that we’re experiencing here,” she added.
The Official Community Plan amendment bylaw will be brought to council for consideration of second reading and scheduling of a public hearing in fall later this year.
PHOTO BY BOB MACKIN/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
The New Westminster courthouse where the case was heard.
Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
HOSPITALITY WORKERS ON WOODFIBRE LNG FLOATEL VOTE TO UNIONIZE
Hospitality cleaners and catering staff aboard the MV Isabelle X floatel have voted to join UNITE HERE Local 40, now seeking improved wages, conditions and protections
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Sixty LandSea hospitality employees working aboard the MV Isabelle X, docked at the Woodfibre LNG site, have voted to join UNITE HERE Local 40.
The local represents 1,400 camp hospitality workers in B.C.
The MV Isabelle X is a converted cruise ship housing about 600 workers who are building the Woodfibre LNG export facility on the shores of Howe Sound, approximately seven kilometres west-southwest of downtown Squamish
Employed by Aramark, which acquired Squamish-based LandSea Camp Services in 2023, these now unionized workers perform hospitality, housekeeping, and maintenance duties aboard the vessel
Mike Biskar, camp workers’ representative for the union, told The Squamish Chief that the employees perform cleaning and catering services on the ship
They are primarily women who work four weeks on the ship and then get two weeks off.
About 40% of the workers are part of the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.
“We are proud to welcome the LandSea workers aboard the Isabelle X to Local 40,” said Zailda Chan, president of UNITE HERE Local 40, in a news release. “Their courage and unity are helping to raise standards for camp workers across British Columbia. This is another powerful step forward for workers who deserve a better working condition.”
FIRST CONTRACT TO BE NEGOTIATED
Contract negotiations will soon be underway for these members’ first contract
A spokesperson for the employer said it is looking forward to achieving a win-win for both sides.
“We accept the union’s certification and look forward to bargaining in good faith for a collective agreement that makes sense for both parties,” said Chris Collom, Aramark vice-president, corporate communications, in an emailed statement.
The workers are seeking to achieve standards that other unionized Local 40 camp hospitality members have secured, according to the union’s
news release.
Recently, workers at three Horizon North camps at Fort St John ratified their first collective agreement with Local 40, achieving significant increases, according to the union.
Biskar said the workers on the floatel are paid $18 or $19 for housekeeper or janitorial roles, for example, while in the union camps, workers doing the same roles make $24 to $28, depending on the camp.
“We want to bring this camp up to the standard established at other unionized Local 40 camps in B.C., which would be big wage increases, improved travel pay, improved workload protection, improved benefits, retirement, all that kind of stuff,” Biskar said
“And then, a unique thing to this camp is likely going to be, how do we establish in the contract, protections for temporary foreign workers? Because that’s such a large segment of the workforce, too.”
‘DEMAND MORE OF THESE KINDS OF PROJECTS’
While the employer is Aramark, Biskar said that doesn’t let Woodfibre LNG off the hook.
“It’s important when [these big companies] are lobbying for these projects to local municipalities or the province, they ought to have to put in writing that they’re going to have a certain quality of jobs,” he said
“It’s not enough to just come and say, ‘Well, here’s all these great jobs.’ In some cases in our industry, they’re not great jobs, you know, for the catering and housekeeping staff. But I also think they’re making so much money on these projects, they can afford to provide additional benefits to the community, so the community feels like it’s a worthwhile trade-off,” he added.
“I think they ought to demand more of these kinds of projects But from our perspective in the union, I would suggest one of the things that should be demanded is that people make a living wage who work here; they can’t just hire housekeepers and janitors for $18 an hour.”
For its part, Woodfibre LNG spokesperson Sean Beardow told The Squamish Chief that “it would not be appropriate for Woodfibre LNG to comment on the labour negotiations of a contractor.”
Woodfibre LNG recently announced it aims to comission a second floatel for the site, which, if approved by regulators, would house a construction crew of up to 900.
Ryan Kinghorn
GET HOME SAFE ON THE SEA TO SKY BY AVOIDING THESE THREE OFFENCES
BC Highway Patrol commander says speed, distracted and impaired driving are the main causes of crashes she sees on the Sea to Sky Highway
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Being based in Squamish, Cpl. Cheryl Weeks, unit commander with BC Highway Patrol, knows more intimately than most that not everyone who drives the Sea to Sky Highway makes it home safe
Her job means she has seen terrible crashes that people don’t live through, never mind walk away from
BC Highway Patrol is an arm of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), with approximately 455 dedicated employees who conduct traffic law enforcement and public education, among other things.
The Squamish Chief sat down with Weeks to learn more about her job and what she wishes all drivers knew
What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.
Q: Can you tell me what it means to be a unit commander, and how long have you been with BC Highway Patrol?
A: As a corporal unit commander, I run the Sea to Sky Highway Patrol I answer to a chain of command out of Burnaby and Chilliwack I have been with BC Highway Patrol for just coming up on two years now. I’m in my 19th year of policing
BC Highway Patrol is a provincial unit, and then we’re broken down under different umbrellas by region. So, Squamish Highway Patrol falls under South Coast Highway Patrol, which includes Squamish, Burnaby and Chilliwack
As of May 4, we will be a four-member unit in Squamish, and then myself as the corporal
You will start to see motorcycle members up here, too, which is another tool that we’re going to add to the Sea to Sky. We are growing, and have surge capacity. We quite often do joint-force operations with other units. Or we partner with some outside agencies to bring them up into the corridor We really try and create a presence
Q: What is your day-to-day like?
A: Our main responsibility is enforcement. We are an enforcement primary unit. Our goal is to make the roads safer. That is our ultimate goal, and, unfortunately, it can come with a consequence of a ticket, but sometimes, that’s what it takes to change people’s behaviour or send a message or remind them that we’re out there. We also do safety campaigns. For example,
there’s motorcycle awareness month, distracted driving month, and slow down, move over education. You would be shocked at the number of people who still continue to drive by you at 95 kilometres an hour, driving by us an inch from their mirror. We do a lot of education. We’ve done community outreach and job fairs.
Q: What drew you from other types of policing to BC Highway Patrol?
A: With my municipal department, I was actually part of the Fraser Valley Integrated Road Safety Unit That was my first exposure to a truly traffic-primary enforcement-only unit. And, to me, we have so many contacts with the public—you just don’t get that anywhere else. The number of people we end up talking to, whether we’ve stopped them, or whether we’re sitting roadside and somebody walks up to us—you just have an opportunity to make many positive contacts with the public and educate them Especially on this highway, which is notorious for collisions that can change people’s lives, we’re out there trying to prevent those things from happening.
Q: The highway is definitely an artery through the Sea to Sky, and we all worry when our family is on it, right?
A: Our unit understands that when you’re
issuing someone a ticket that it can be a big deal for a member of the public who has never encountered the police before It can be very stressful. It can be very traumatic, in a sense, for them But we’re preventing a bigger, traumatic experience. That’s what we’re doing. Speed is still the number one contributor to all the collisions. And the speeds that we’re seeing aren’t just 10-over. They’re 50, 60, 70 kilometres over There are people doing 200 km/h now on this highway. People say, ‘Well, I’m an excellent driver.’ We’re not questioning your driving ability. We’re questioning whether or not you have time to react to somebody else’s driving ability, or whether you have time to react to a deer, a bear, caribou, rock slides, landslides, logs, or lost loads.
Q: What do you wish more of the driving public knew?
A: The top three things that we see are speed, distracted driving and impairment And we’re not out there enforcing distracted driving where you turn your radio on, it’s not that kind of distracted driving. We see people with their heads buried in their cell phones while their car is mobile on the highway. So, if you’re looking at your phone, you’re not looking at the car in front of you, you’re not looking at the child at the crosswalk, you’re not looking at the broken
down car or the tow truck driver, or any of that And so those three things, I wish people understood that they are genuinely contributing factors to collisions on the roadway.
Q: You mentioned impairment Are people still drinking and driving?
A: There’s a lot of drinking and driving. And it would shock you that it’s not always at 2 a.m. when the bar closes It’s at 10 a.m., it’s at noon
People wake up the next morning and say, “Well, I slept it off,” and they get behind the wheel. We’ll stop them at 9 a.m., and they’re still drunk from the night before
Q: I am surprised it is still such a big problem given the campaigns for decades.
A: To put it in perspective, I just looked at the numbers from last year and this year For March and April alone, last year, we had 16 impaired files. This year, in that two-month period, we’ve had 36 That is in this community.
There are more alternatives now, like cabs and Uber, for people to choose from. There are alternative ways to get around.
Q: What else do you wish people knew?
A: I wish people would look at their driving behaviour and put themselves in the shoes of some of the families who have suffered the consequences of poor driving behaviour—speed, distracted driving and impairment.
I wish people would drive down the road and think, if my son were on this roadway, or my daughter were on this roadway, or my mother was going to an appointment in the city, how would I want everyone to drive? I think you would find that most people would think they should drive properly and respectfully—safely. So, I wish people would not treat it like it’s a distant problem.
Q: Can you speak to why the closures on the highway can be so long when the accident is serious, like when the Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) is called?
A: It’s a necessary requirement to investigate those incidents. The people involved in those incidents deserve that investigation. You’re minding your own business, driving down the road, and something happens, and it alters your life forever. And the people involved deserve, for lack of a better term, the justice that comes with us
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Cpl. Cheryl Weeks.
OCEANFRONT SQUAMISH: SEE WHAT THE DEVELOPERS SAID ABOUT THE PROJECT AT A PUBLIC HEARING
Matthews West director of development, Carlos Zavarce addressed the future of the site, parking and general concerns over the project
previous first and second reading. And so the first is the wind.
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Aquiet public hearing for the Oceanfront Squamish development has seen the project move one step closer to being finalized.
At the regular council meeting on May 6, councillors heard from one member of the public, as well as the developer behind the Oceanfront Squamish project, before giving it its third reading.
The development is seeking three amendments for a portion of The Works neighbourhood in the southwest portion of the site.
If approved, it would permit a mixed-use development consisting of primarily light industrial uses and residential rentals, and a dedicated child care facility and arts centre on Lot O of the Oceanfront Peninsula.
WHAT IS THE PROJECT?
The bylaw amendments are to allow a mixed-use development with 207 rental units, 20% of which would be three-bedroom units, and 20% would be adaptable housing.
The employment uses would be primarily light industrial uses with a dedicated child care facility and centre for Squamish Arts
Last year, developer Matthews West had proposed a climbing gym be built above the child care facility, but have since decided to construct the sporting facility in another location.
The proposed child care facility could accommodate approximately 12 infant/toddler spaces (aged between 0 and 2 years) and 25 spaces for older children (ages 3 to 5)
Squamish Arts would secure the space at the oceanfront for a $1 lease rate plus triple net for a minimum term of 25 years.
DEVELOPER COMMENTS
Speaking on behalf of the proponent of the project, Matthews West director of development, Carlos Zavarce, took the opportunity to address some of the concerns about the changes to the proposal
“We think this is a tremendous opportunity for the oceanfront lands and for our community to bring online additional rental housing, much needed daycare space, space for [Squamish Arts], importantly, a viable and attractive light industrial space at the ground floor that will allow for a number of new and existing businesses to take root and grow at the oceanfront,” he said
“With my time, I’m hoping to address some of the comments expressed by council at the
“Yes, we know it is windy down on our site, and so …I will point out within the master plan you can see that our two beaches are directly perpendicular to the predominant wind and wave direction, and our streets aren’t exactly 45 degrees, but they’re pretty close.
“That sets us up for success on the site and then from there, we investigate our building design, our awning design at the ground, plane vegetation, and a number of ways that we can hope to mitigate the wind, understanding that it is typically windy during certain times of the day.”
Another concern Zavarce addressed was how the developers were planning for the future of the site without knowing who would be living there and how the space would be used.
“I’ll just say, I would love to know exactly who’s going to be in that space when we’re designing these buildings. And if I had my druthers, I could fill that building right now, but we don’t really know who’s going to be in there until it’s done,” he said
“And so, not knowing exactly who’s going to take that space produces a number of challenges. It produces a number of challenges at the initial development permit stage, it produces a number of challenges at the building permit stage, and then we have this tenant improvement stage, where we really find out how well we did or how much we screwed up, by the amount of modifications that have to happen to this building in order to accommodate those future tenants.”
Zavarce said that it was the “unfortunate reality of the situation,” however, they plan on doing the best they can to make the site an ideal space for tenants.
Another issue with the proposal that council raised at an earlier meeting was the bylaw amendment to reduce the amount of parking provided at the site
In response to this, Zavarce said that as the oceanfront site evolves, he thinks they will find “greater clarity” around parking uses and how people will use the peninsula.
“[We will see] the balance between the office space, the commercial, the tourist space and the residents, and seeing where those parking spaces can serve more than one user,” he said
“We also have underground parking proposed for almost the entirety of the site, and so we will have to habituate people in Squamish to park underground for when they’re visiting the site or when they’re using commercial spaces.
“That’s going to be something that we’re going to have to learn, and we’re thinking about parking mechanisms to really facilitate that use and ensure it’s being used properly.”
While the proposal does not include a no-gas covenant, Zavarce said the developers were committed to finding low-carbon solutions on
site.
“We will be looking to provide heat and cooling through electric sources, and for domestic hot water,” he said
“We really recognize the importance of the energy transition, and we are really working on our site to meet a variety of sustainability goals.”
Public comment
Only one Squamish resident provided public comment on the proposal amendments.
The resident said that he was opposed to the changes as they reduce marine employment to mostly residential with light industrial uses
“I think as we try and create a waterfront community, it’s pretty important to accommodate the marine industrial or marine employment. If it’s all residential, then it’s not a community,” he said.
“There are a lot of viable marine businesses that are existing in town and within the Lower Mainland that are looking for waterfront space.
Waterfront space is rare If we give this away to additional residential, whether it be rental, it’s valuable real estate that we won’t have again.
“There’s very little oceanfront in Squamish, we’re just getting access to it and to give it away to residential and eliminate the opportunity to have this marine employment and eliminate those businesses from the community that could potentially come, I think, is a big loss.”
District manager of current planning, Jessie Fletcher, said that the reason staff supported the change of direction away from marine employment is because the site itself “doesn’t accommodate” it
“Because of where it’s sited … there’s no access to the water from it because of the bathymetry of the cattermole,” Fletcher said.
“You can’t access the water from the site with a boat launch based on several limiting factors. Light marine employment uses are not excluded from the light industrial use in the zoning So if there were users that could utilize the site for marine employment uses they could continue there.”
COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Armand Hurford said he was in support of the amendments because the development was “very important” for the community.
”There was an aspiration to have direct water access on that site from the early days of this project, and for a lengthy number of reasons, mostly to do with the environmental considerations, that’s not possible on the site,” he said.
“So I see that this is an opportunity to add some rental housing and some daycare, but also to protect the employment space that’s there. I think this is a reasonable response to the reality of where we are, as we advance through the lengthy process of realizing the development on this very important site for the community.
“So I think what we have before us is very
responsive to the needs of the community today, and speaking in support of all three changes that we need to make.”
Coun Eric Andersen also supported the proposal, but said finding a space marine employment should be front of mind for councillors moving forward.
“The mayor referred to ‘aspirations’ regarding waterfront access in the original plan. They were more than aspirations,” Andersen said.
“The community demanded attention to waterfront employment, and in fact, the original vision was one-third of waterfront employment Later, that got watered down to employment, now it’s later gotten watered down even further, and now we’re in a bit of a pickle
“So we should keep that in mind and make sure that we address this in plans forthcoming.”
Coun. Jenna Stoner echoed Andersen’s comments but said that this space simply wouldn’t be the place for marine employment
“I agree that it is disappointing that the water access that the community had once demanded, as per my council colleagues comments, can’t be realized in this site, and I think that is a result of a disservice of many years ago where we had ambitions to provide that water access,” she said.
“Here we are trying to actually make it happen, and we simply can’t, with the level of the site and the bathymetry of the cattermole slough, it’s actually near impossible to actually put a boat access or water ramp there.
“So maybe we set ourselves up incorrectly when we did the larger negotiations on this property, but I do think it’s important that we remain responsive now that we know what is actually feasible on that site and as the communities’ needs have evolved.”
Stoner said that the proposal would help to solve “some of the issues at hand” with the creation of rental units, a daycare and the Squamish Arts facility
Coun Chris Pettingill said he would not be able to support the proposal due to the site not having a no-gas covenant.
“In general, I am supportive of what’s being done here, and I think given the constraints on marine access, the marine use change makes sense. However, I am still hung up on the gas piece,” he said
“The fact that we have figured out two fire halls and a public works [facility] with bay doors and how to make that work [with no gas], I think it can be done.
“I think this is an important point to start pushing on and to hopefully result in changing our policy, if not tonight, to work on that shift.”
Council voted 5-2 in favour of giving the bylaw amendments their third reading, with councillors Chris Pettingill and Lauren Greenlaw opposed.
The project will return to council at a later date for adoption.
WHY CLIMATE CHANGE WASN’T A PRIORITY IN THE FEDERAL ELECTION
It wasn’t just due to President Donald Trump’s threats, says UBC political science prof
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
On election night, Squamish councillor and Green Party of Canada candidate for MP, Lauren Greenlaw, accepted her loss to the Liberal Party’s Patrick Weiler, but bemoaned that the environment hadn’t played a more important part in the discussion in the lead up to the election.
“Last night, as I was driving home from the Earth Day Festival in Roberts Creek, which was so beautiful and amazing, I saw my first ever forest fire in our foothills. And that was the last day of this campaign, a campaign where nobody cared about climate change,” Greenlaw said at her election results viewing party.
She is right in the sense that the environment wasn’t often a hot topic during the campaign
But why?
After all, the vast majority of us know climate change is an issue that has to be addressed. The signs are all around us
In January, for example, the Doomsday Clock was set to 89 seconds to midnight, meaning the world is in trouble, and one of the biggest reasons is the lack of attention to our
environment
(Founded in 1945 by Albert Einstein, J. Robert Oppenheimer, and University of Chicago scientists, the Clock is universally
recognized as a reflection of the world’s vulnerability to global catastrophe caused by humans.)
“The impacts of climate change increased in
the last year as myriad indicators, including sea-level rise and global surface temperature, surpassed previous records,” reads the statement about this year’s clock setting.
“The global greenhouse gas emissions that drive climate change continued to rise Extreme weather and other climate change-influenced events—floods, tropical cyclones, heat waves, drought, and wildfires—affected every continent. The long-term prognosis for the world’s attempts to deal with climate change remains poor, as most governments fail to enact the financing and policy initiatives necessary to halt global warming.”
To find out why the environment isn’t as top of mind as it could be, The Squamish Chief caught up with UBC political science professor and McLean Family Chair in Canadian Studies, Kathryn Harrison, for her perspective. What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity.
Q: As our Green Party candidate noted on election night, the climate didn’t play a very big role in the election campaign, which is a pretty big shift from the provincial election, at least in our region. Is this all to do with President Trump’s threats to our sovereignty?
CLIMATE: Continued on 9
PHOTO BY GIBSONPICTURES/E+/GETTY IMAGES We care about the environment in the Sea to Sky, so why was it not more of a topic during the election?
12:30–1:30 pm Wednesday, May21
Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue
Citizen Satisfaction Survey
TheDistrictofSquamish is conducting aCitizen Satisfaction Surveytohear from across section of residents about howthey aredoing,and howthe Districtisdoing when it comes to ourprograms and services.Please consider taking the time to provide your feedback thatwillhelpCouncilstrivetobest meet the needs of all Squamish citizens. letstalksquamish.ca/citizen-satisfaction-survey
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE
Business Opportunities
Requestsfor Proposals
•VictoriaStreet ActiveTransportation Construction Requestsfor Quotations
•Pia Forcemain Upgrade Construction
•Skyline DriveCulvertReplacement
•Annual Paving Program squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
Stage 1Outdoor WaterUse Restrictions arenow in effect.
DevelopmentReview
• 38779 &38795 BritanniaAvenue –Subdivision
• 39660 GovernmentRoad – Subdivision
• Lot15Aspen Road –Rezoning
• 37780& 37794Second Avenue –DevelopmentPermit
• Upper Finch -2027 Solar Way –Rezoning squamish.ca/review
Adult Drop-InHockey
at Brennan Park Recreation Centre
Getonthe icewith your friends and showthem howtodangle the biscuit like apro Helmets are required.Pucks and sticks are notprovided. Summer camps are filling up.Don’t miss out,book today!
Seniors’Open Gym at Westwinds Tuesdays,11:30 am–12:55 pm
nusfor 90 minutes of non-instructional exercisetime!
Open to those aged 55+, we have avarietyofequipmentincluding treadmills,ellipticals,recumbent bikes and free-weights with staff supervision included This is agreat option for those wanting access to fitness equipment outside of joining aformalgym!
Please note: Westwinds does not haveapayment counter,pre-paying ur drop-in is required
Wellness Through Creativity at The55ActivityCentre Wednesdays,11 am–12 pm
Come join us as we expand our creativeminds through different artforms in afun, openand interactivespacetoexperiment with creation and letloose your imagination.
Drop-InVolleyball
at DonRoss Middle School
7–9 pm,Wednesday, May21
Last chancetoget your volleyon!
Join us forvolleyball at Don Ross Middle School.This drop-in session is intended for intermediate-level volleyball players only.For your safety, previous experienceis highlyrecommended.
Pre-registration required.
Hearing Loop Launch Event
May28, 12–2 pm in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall
Calling all hearing aidusers,help us celebrateour new hearing loop!
Drop in at anytime.
An audiologist will be on sitetohelp you learnhow to use ahearing loop
Refreshments will be provided
PleaseRSVP to kkidner@squamish.ca
InfrastructureUpgrades
Pleasebeaware Districtcrews will be starting work on installing awatermain between Bill’s Placeand Highlands WaySouth next week squamish.ca/building-our-future squamish.ca/rec
Kids’Clothing, Toy, and Book Swap
May24, 10 am–3pm
Brennan Park
Recreation Centre
Is it time to swap out some pre-loved toys, clothes or books?
Come alongand help keep used items in circulation andout of the landfill.
Interested in volunteering at this event? Email: zerowaste@squamish.ca
CLIMATE: Continued from 7
A: I think the shift preceded the Trump administration. Most Canadians are concerned about climate change. Most Canadians believe that it’s caused by human activity, but it is not usually a top-of-mind issue in politics That is especially true when folks are worried about their ability to make ends meet, to afford housing, and when their jobs are threatened. Over time within Canada, we have seen these peaks where, every once in a while, the environment, or climate, rises to the top of voters’ agendas. There was one peak in about 2007 when the environment was briefly number one in response to survey questions asking, “What do you think is the most important problem facing Canada today?” I don’t think it ever got to the top, but it was one of the top two or three issues in 2019. In the fall of 2019, the kids were marching in the streets. There were 100,000 people who marched in Vancouver, and more than that in Montreal. And then public attention to climate change, and, to a lesser degree, public concern about climate change, was knocked a blow by three things. The first was COVID-19. Suddenly, climate change went from being one of the top issues to falling down the list because people were worried about surviving.
And then there was inflation in 2022 and 2023 that gave rise to the affordability crisis, which you know is still with us—prices are soaring. Partly that was a follow-on effect of the COVID pandemic, but to a large degree, it was Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which caused transportation, fuel, and energy prices to shoot up And there was also, especially in B.C., a concurrent housing shortage that drove prices up So, affordability became the top issue on the agenda, pushing climate change further down, and then with the inauguration of Donald Trump and his threatening Canada’s economy and even sovereignty, from the polling I’ve seen, I don’t believe climate change was in the Top 10 issues of concern.
If it was getting less attention in the recent federal election, it was because the parties were responding to the issues that were most important to voters There was quite a bit on the environment in their platforms.
Q: So, is it fair to say, if we’re in a heat dome, or it’s the middle of summer and wildfires are on our backs and it’s more pushed in our faces, we care, but that isn’t what is happening right now?
A: In 2021 B.C. was really hit hard by climate change—over 600 people died in the heat dome, there was massive flooding, Vancouver was cut off from the rest of Canada by flooded roads—and yet, if it had an impact on voter priorities, it was very short-lived.
But it is also human behaviour to compare everything with how you are in a given moment, to an extent, against the status quo. And it doesn’t help that there’s been this language of the “new normal,” where
people try to imply that climate change is the new normal. But in fact, this is not the new normal. It’s going to keep getting warmer until we reach net zero. We get to net zero as soon as we stop adding more greenhouse gases to the atmosphere. But I think it is human nature to think, “I’m doing OK right now, and really my immediate concern is affording groceries or housing,” and to push off something that is more distant.
Q: Something that happens here in Squamish is that there seems to be some shaming of folks who drive a gas car, for example, or who don’t use a reusable cup. Not everyone can afford environmental alternatives, so I am wondering if there is some resistance to the whole environmental movement from that?
A: That is a complicated one, because on one hand, if we are going to fix climate change, it’s not going to be just the big polluters. We would all like to believe that this is a problem caused by the oil industry alone, or big industrial polluters. But in fact, in Canada, those big industrial sources of greenhouse gases account for less than half of our emissions, and the other half is small sources, including buildings, motor vehicles, farms, landfills, and so that’s going to need to change too.
There’s resistance to that; we want to be able to point to someone else And that’s what they’ve been told “Don’t worry, we’ll make big industry pay.” And so it feels very unfair to be asked to change our behaviour. On the other hand, we’ve got folks who are deeply committed and are changing their lives and trying to ride bikes and buy less, and, if they can afford it, install heat pumps and so on I think they are setting an example for everyone. The challenge is that we are not going to solve this problem by shaming or by looking to individuals to act voluntarily. I applaud those who do act voluntarily, because they demonstrate that one can live a very good life without such a big carbon footprint. But we should not count on that. That’s why we need laws. That’s why we need regulation of vehicle emissions. That’s why we need building codes. That’s why we need to regulate what kinds of heating equipment can be installed in buildings. And those are the things that will transform emissions.
We are also seeing governments put a lot of investment into electric vehicle charging networks There have been subsidies for heat pumps that I think have been quite helpful as well, and, until recently, subsidies for electric vehicles It takes a mix of carrots and sticks. I think it’s good for folks to demonstrate what can be done, but not helpful when anyone’s being shamed. But then, I am also struck that sometimes people feel like they’re being shamed when no one’s actually said anything.
Q: Will the environment also become more of a priority when, say, housing becomes more affordable and the economy is better? Then we can focus on the
environment?
A: I mean, the temptation is to say, let’s just park climate change for a few years while we deal with this immediate crisis. The problem is, in the meantime, the climate crisis is going to keep getting worse. That’s one problem. The other is that the climate crisis is continuing to get worse, will cost us more money and hurt affordability. And the third is some of the short-term economic things that we embrace, like expanding fossil fuel exports to other countries, locking our economy into dependence on fossil fuels at a time when other countries are starting their transition away from buying those energy sources, right? So we can’t say, let’s ignore the climate and just focus on affordability. Right now, we could take some very short-term solutions that make things worse, both for the climate and affordability and our economy generally.
Q: People blame the politicians, but when it matters to people, they will respond to what people want, right?
A: Absolutely. I also think really good politicians also recognize that voters are busy putting food on the table, you know, trying to get their kids to school on time, trying to keep their jobs, and are not spending their
NEWS BRIEF
TEEN, 17, DIES HIKING IN LIONS BAY
A 17-year-old teen boy is dead after getting lost and suffering a fatal fall into a gully while hiking Hat Mountain on May 4.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue and North Shore Rescue responded to the Lions Bay area for two missing hikers last Sunday at 3:34 p.m.
Sea to Sky RCMP were notified the hikers had been separated and were lost in the Lions Bay area.
Sources confirmed the two were hiking to Hat Mountain, a challenging route that is not advised in the spring months.
Dave Barnett, a search manager with North Shore Rescue, confirmed the pair was en route down when they got off trail.
One of the hikers fell and slipped down a steep snow filled gully. The other person had left the trail to try to locate their friend and called 911.
The search went into the early hours on May 5.
Lions Bay Search and Rescue was the lead on the search, with NSR providing medical and air support. North Shore Rescue responded with Talon Helicopters and was able to locate one of the hikers in steep terrain and hoisted him out.
“Ground teams were inserted into the area and an air search was conducted for the second hiker,” said Barnett. “The ground search required hundreds of feet of rope and highly skilled rescuers in technical terrain.”
The second hiker, who fell, was located unresponsive. An NSR doctor was
time thinking about what the issues are that are coming. How should the economy be transformed? That’s what we elect people to do, and so hopefully they are responding to the immediate concerns, but while they’re doing so, they’re mindful of the longer term and the broader public interest And you know, I think they try.
Q: So, are you hopeful?
A: I am consistently hopeful We can always do better I found hope in a lot of the Liberal Party’s platform—in a lot of the signals that were embedded in that platform Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government envisions a clean energy future for Canada, and he signalled it would be making the kinds of investments and adopting policies that would hasten that transformation So, that’s a good thing.
And, honestly, it just feels immoral to give up. I mean, at my age, there’s this phenomenon of people saying, “Well, we’re screwed anyway.” I find that infuriating because it is such a grotesque expression of privilege.
The people who don’t give up are those who are most at risk in Canada and elsewhere in the world. So, you know, I remain hopeful—and I think what we need more than hope is determination
immediately hoisted into the location and first aid was provided
“As it was now past sunset the helicopter crew switched to night flying protocols with NVGs (night vision goggles) The hiker was hoisted out and flown directly to [Vancouver General Hospital],” said Barnett.
Early in the morning on May 5, the helicopter returned and the remaining SAR members were lifted out of the area.
Lodestar Media has confirmed the two boys are from B.C.
‘Tragic rescue’
Video and photographs shared to social media show search and rescue members in steep terrain with ropes and heavy snow.
The route follows the Brunswick Mountain trail; Brunswick Mountain is the highest peak on the North Shore at 1,788 metres and is considered a more challenging hike It is advised to hike only from July to October. The mountain is located near Brunswick Beach and looks out to Howe Sound.
“Our thoughts and condolences go out to the friends and family of the deceased,” said Sgt. Dallas Langley of the Sea to Sky RCMP-Squamish.
The North Shore Rescue manager said it was a “tragic rescue with another young person losing their life.”
“Unfortunately, in the last month, the North Shore has had a number of fatalities and serious injuries as a result of slips on steep snow,” said the manager.
On April 19, a woman died after sliding nearly 200 metres down an icy slope on a North Vancouver mountain.
Notice of BylawReadings
Tuesday, May20, 2025,at6 p.m. inCouncil Chambers at Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue
Noticeisherebygiven in accordancewith Section 467 of the LocalGovernment Act,thatDistrictofSquamish Council will beconsideringfirst,second and third readings of DistrictofSquamishZoningBylaw 2200, 2011 AmendmentBylaw (1032Finch Dr) No.3153, 2025.
AffectedLands: 1032 Finch Drive, Squamish, B.C.
Proposed Bylaw
Amendment: Thepurpose of the proposed Bylawistorezonethe parcelfrom RuralResidential 1(RL-1) to ComprehensiveDevelopmentZoneNo. 119 (CD-119) to facilitate the developmentof40townhouses
When: Tuesday, May20, 2025, at 6p.m.
Where: Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C.
No Public Hearing
In accordancewith Provincial housing legislation, Section464(3) of the Local GovernmentAct,local governmentsare nowprohibited from holding public hearings relatedtorezoning applications fordevelopments thatare primarily residential and areconsistentwith the local government’sOfficial Community Plan (OCP). This proposal meets those requirements
Howtoviewthe proposed bylaw
Acopyofthe proposed bylawand relatedinformation thathasbeen or maybe considered by Council maybeinspectedonline or at Municipal Hall.
Online at: squamish.ca/showcase
Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, BritishColumbia, from May8,2025, to May20, 2025, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Monday through Friday.
Enquiries regarding theproposedamendmentbylawmay be made to the Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca
This is the second of twonotices,dated this 15 dayofMay 2025 at Squamish, British Columbia.
Noticeisherebygiven in accordancewith Section 467 of the Local Government Act, thatDistrictofSquamish Council will be considering first, second and third readings of DistrictofSquamish Zoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, AmendmentBylaw (38702, 38710 &38716 Britannia Avenue) No.3102, 2024.
Amendment: Thepurpose of the proposed Bylawistorezone the parcels from Residential 4(R-4) to ComprehensiveDevelopmentZone No.115 (CD-115) to develop 18 townhouses on three existing parcels
When: Tuesday, May20, 2025, at 6p.m.
Where: Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C.
No Public Hearing
In accordancewithProvincial housing legislation, Section 464(3) of the Local GovernmentAct,local governments arenow prohibitedfromholding public hearings relatedtorezoning applications fordevelopments thatare primarily residential and areconsistentwith the local government’sOfficialCommunity Plan(OCP). This proposal meets those requirements
Howtoviewthe proposed bylaw
Acopyofthe proposed bylawand relatedinformation thathas been or maybe considered by Council maybeinspectedonline or at Municipal Hall.
Online at: squamish.ca/showcase
Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, from May8,2025, to May20, 2025, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Monday through Friday.
Enquiries regarding the proposed amendmentbylawmay be madetothe Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca
This is the second of twonotices,dated this 15 dayofMay 2025 at Squamish, British Columbia.
LOCATION MAP
LOCATION MAP
THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERYTHURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA
Beinghyper-local is avital guidelinebecause whoelseisgoing to keep ourhometownand its peoplethe star of theshow, if notus?
But sometimes, this focusonourselvesignores thefactthateventsoutside of town canhavea massive impact on locals
This is thecasewiththe tragedyatthe LapuLapu DayFestivalinVancouver,where 11 people werekilled, andmanymorewerebadly injured.
Somewho live here worked with or knew victims, such as thebadly injuredRolandNulada, whoisahealthcareworkeratLions Gate Hospital andthe father of three.
AccordingtoaGoFundMecreated by hissister, Nulada took hisfamilytothe festival,“hoping to share with hischildrenthe beauty of their Filipino heritage.”
He wasstruckbythe vehiclethatplowed through theevent at 8:14 p.m.,while waitingin lineatafood truck.
“Hesufferedserious injuries,including [a] broken leg[and] arm, internal bleeding, andis currentlyundergoingextensive testingand treatment,” readsthe online campaign that has raised fundstohelpcover expenses whilehe recovers.
Outsideofthe victims’ familiesand friends, this hitthe broaderFilipinocommunity hardest.
According to the2021census, more than 440 localsidentifyasFilipino.
LOCALMISCHIEF
TheSquamishChief is amemberof the National NewsmediaCouncil, whichisanindependent organization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns about editorialcontent,please contacteditorJenniferThuncher at 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 expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.
It is hard to imaginethatnumberisnot higher in2025.
Afterthe tragedy, many came together with a Memorial Mass forthe victimsatSt. Joseph’s Parish in theGaribaldi Highlands; otherevents have been or arebeing heldthroughout theSea to SkyCorridor.
Headlinesmoveonquickly from tragedy, as the worldspins on to thenextbig event, butfor those mostimpactedbythem, thepaincontinues
Hannyliz Villafuerte, an organizerwith Barangay SeatoSky,who wassupposedtobea vendor at theLapuLapuFestival, butdidn’t attend,told PiqueNewsmagazine that whilethere is alot of supportwithinand from outsidethe community, localmembers of theFilipino communityhavebeenreeling from theattack.
“Wesmile, butinour hearts,we arebreaking,” she said.“Be kinder when yousee us around. There’s alot goingoninour mindsand hearts.”
For allthose in Squamish forwhomthe pain of theLapuLapuFestivalhit deep andwas personal,wesee youand grieve with you.
Ikinalulungkot naminang iyongpananakit.
(We aresorry foryourpain.)
OEDITOR’S NOTEBOOK
JENNIFER THUNCHER
ne of my closestfriends—anEnglish teacher—hashad this idea fora long time Shewants us to have asection or list of sillylocal news called “MisChief.”
This column is aboutsomelocal MisChief Iwas riding homefromworkand hita “Squamish trafficjam,” meaningthe trainwas crossing
Iwas filmingthe traintohumorouslyexplain to my partnerwhy Iwas taking abit longer on my post-worktravels.
IcapturedmorethanI plannedwhena shirtlessman suddenly jumped from thetrain in frontofme(andmycamera).
He randownthe tracks,grabbed hisbackpack from oneofthe traincars, andthenstopped fora bittopullonaT-shirt.Thenhewas offrunning down thetrack to jump back on.
Wasn’t this somethingthatonlyhappenedin movies andhistory books?
Not.
This isn’ttoshame this person,heseemedto have hiswitsabout him, this decision notwithstanding.
Of course,there areonlineforumsdevoted to this activity
“The reasonspeopleridethe railsare as varied as thepeople. We work seasonal jobs, Craigslist gigs,streetperform,beg anddumpsterdive. It’s notthe easy life of sightseeingyou might envision.”
So,itisawhole thingand “culture,” apparently Butobviously,inadditiontobeing foolish, it is dangerousand ill-advised.
On aserious note,in2023, theTransportation Safety BoardofCanadasays67railtransportation-related fatalities were reported.Ofthat number,53involvedtrespassing.
On average, everyyear, more than 100 Canadiansare seriouslyinjured or killed dueto railwaycrossingortrespassing incidents.
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
DARTS & DAFFODILS
DARTS TO ALL THE PEOPLE who put up posters around town and never take them down when they expire You know who you are. It creates a mess!
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.
PHOTOS BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF IN THE NEIGHBOURHOOD: Neighbourhood Craft was on Saturday, downtown Put on by the Neighbourhood Society, the market aims to promote, protect and celebrate local artists and creators, according to its organizers
MISCHIEF: Continued from 12
individuals can face hefty fines for trespassing onto railway lines. However, one of the biggest reasons I was alarmed by what I saw was that it showed such disregard for the CN workers responsible for the trains.
LETTERS POLICY
Something happens to the train hopper, and they are the ones who have to live with that consequence.
Even if the hoppers aren’t hurt, the train conductors and crew are still left watching for them.
Squamish is a place where we take a lot of risks in our sports and with our
businesses, but this is one risk we should disembark.
Should you want to know about being safe around trains, Transport Canada and the Railway Association of Canada (RAC) produce Operation Lifesaver Canada’s website, with lots of information.
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
QUESTION OF THE WEEK
What do you think is the ideal population size for Squamish?
Have your say at squamishchief.com
Should there be a campfire ban all season to prevent wildfires? (Top 3)
MOST READ STORY
Squamish parents launch petition over changes to $10-a-day child care funding
PHOTO COURTESY OF CHRISTINE MCLEOD
YOUTH FOR THE WIN: The Squamish Youth Council took over the Brackendale Art Gallery: Café & Culture Centre on Sunday, May 4, for Youth Excellence Night. There was a pop-up youth market, youth excellence awards (including awards for adults in the community who are making an impact with youth), and the awarding of $5,000 in micro-grants
Canadian jobs starthere
Real jobs.Real energy.Real opportunity.
At WoodfibreLNG, we’rebuilding more than a world-class facility—we’re creating real opportunities forCanadians.
woodfibrelng.ca
With astrong commitmenttolocal hiring, Indigenous partnerships, and best-in-class workforce accommodation, we’resupporting good-paying jobs thatcontributetofamilies, communities, and Canada’s economy.
PRANA YOGA: ANEW YOGA ANDCAFEINTOWN
Have youbeentothe newyogaand cafe in downtown Squamish?It’scalledPrana Yoga anditopenedinMarch this year
INDIGOLEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Whenyou spendlifeinthe clouds, sometimesyou need alittle grounding.
This is exactlywhy localflightattendant Amelie Augerdecided to launch heryoga studio andcafeindowntownSquamish
In what shedescribesasa “lifelongdream,” the business venturecametogetherquickly, butorganically,toopeninlateMarch.
“With beingaflightattendant,Ialso wanted alittlebit of grounding, andI’vebeen practising yoga forever,”Auger told The SquamishChief.
“I didmyteacher training before the pandemic,and then wasteachinga little bit indifferent workshopsand things like that Then,whenImoved to Squamish,I was teaching at differentgymsand .Ijust thought, well,how hard woulditbetocreate thespace that people want,and so Istarted lookingintoit.”
Within threemonths, PranaYogawas open,offering10different classes to the public.
THESPACE
Theclasses on offerinclude:yin,hatha, vinyasa,hakti,strongand slow flow,aswellas baby andmeyoga.
“I discovered yoga when Iwas 14 yearsold,so earlyteens.I’venever stoppedpractisingsince then,and I’ve always come back to it,and it’s been so beneficial in my life,” Augersaid.
“And this is what Iwanttoshare with people “It’snot aboutwhatthe posturelooks like,it’s aboutwhatitmakes youfeelorwhatitbringsyou back to.And it’s been really nice to seepeople come in here andsay,‘Oh,I’vereconnected with yoga afteralongtime.’”
PranaYogasuppliesall theprops andmatsso that guests cansimplybring themselves (and theirbaby) to theclasses.
“They’re welcometobring theirmatsor anythingthattheywant. ButI just also wanted to make it accessible.Ifyou don’thavethe full gear oranythinglikethat, youknow, everything’s availablehere,”she said Alongsidethe yoga classes, Augerhas also set up acafewithinthe space.
“I always hadthisideaofthislittlecoffeeshop andayogastudio, anditwas just something alwaysin thebackofmymind,”she said
“I am stilltouched by howwellreceiveditwas andhow much supportI’vebeengetting from everybodywho came on board.”
Whilethe cafe only serves beveragesand small treats,Auger said thesales help to keep the pricing lowerfor theyogaclasses.
“The coffee wascommunity-driven, but anotherthing is that Idowanttomakeit affordable forpeople. So having thecoffeeiskind
of helpingalittlebit to keep theyogaaffordable,” shesaid.
“It’sone of thosethingsthatwas importantto me that I’mreallychargingthe leastthatIcan.”
Unsurprisingly,there hasbeenalot of interest andsupport from thecommunity forbothyoga andcoffee.
“There is alot of supportwithinthe community, whichisreally, really special. Starting aplace like this here in Squamish is also really aligned,”she said “I don’t thinkitwould have been thesamein anyother placeinthe world.”
Drop-inclasses are$21,try as many classes as youlikefor $55oropt fora monthlyyogaplanfor $145.
To book aclass or to learnmoreabout Prana Yoga,visit theirwebsite or popintotheir studio at 1241 VillageGreen Way.
TheSquamishBusinessBeatwas developedin response to local demand formorebusiness-focused news.Tobeconsidered, please reachout to news@squamishchief.com
Broughttoyou by CommunityFutures Howe Sound, TheSea to Sky’sresourcefor financing andfreebusinesssupport to help local businesses andentrepreneurs in thearea. Connectwiththemdirectlyand learnmore at cfhowesound.comoremail Kieran at kieran.hale@cfhowesound.com.
KEEPING IT CLEAN: INDIGENOUS CLEANING BUSINESS BRINGS ‘GOOD ENERGY’
Sḵwxwú7mesh company 4 Directions is looking to grow its business, prioritizing employment for First Nations
INA PACE Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Indigenous-owned company 4 Directions, which currently covers the North Shore and the Sea to Sky Corridor, among other areas, offers residential, commercial, marine, and industrial cleaning, with de-cluttering and moving services, providing a needed service and work for local Indigenous communities.
Former health care worker Ashley Paull is the multi-faceted founder of 4 Directions and a member of Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) who created the business in 2022
As a spiritual person, she uses her business to incorporate and spread the cultural teachings and values of the Nation by prioritizing the employment of First Nations people.
She also hopes to expand to serve clients across Canada and potentially establish another branch, such as a laundry service.
“I come into your home [or] business with love, non-judgment, and prayers. I can sense trapped energy inside, and will pray to free it,” reads her business statement on LinkedIn.
“I feel like when I go into homes, I feel the energy sometimes. There’s blocked energy to
the point where, like, you can’t move right?” she told The Squamish Chief. “And so that’s when I was trained by Elders to tell me, ‘You’re going to go into this home: it’s foster care, or there’s a hazard,’” she added.
“The night before, I’ll light up my medicine and I’ll pray, like I’m in that spot and I’m clearing out the energy.”
Paull suggested her chosen business name, 4 Directions, conceptually embodies her holistic practice, in that her business is essentially about four aspects of cleanliness.
“Using ‘4 Directions’ could signify a cleaning service that addresses mind, body, spirit, and environment,” she said, “Not just physical spaces, but promoting well-being in a holistic way.
I want to clean mentally, emotionally, spiritually, and physically.”
Paull previously worked as an employee for a cleaning company and said she became disillusioned with the industry before she began working independently.
“At the end of the week, I was so tired, and I looked at my little paycheque. All that work I put in is for what? I could do it myself [Being independent] is definitely more liberating,” she said
It all started with a Facebook post offering residential cleaning to make extra money. And the next thing she knew, she was getting booked up and became an independent cleaner.
“And then my friend goes, ‘Why don’t you get into commercial? So that’s when I got a business license, and I went for it I got my first contract cleaning daycares It just seemed so unreal,” she said
If clients approve, she can bring her cultural knowledge to the client’s space, taking into consideration any allergies, including those of
pets
“There are times when I’ll bring in my sage, my sweet grass, and do a little cleansing of their home, and open the windows. … You wouldn’t want just anybody to go into your personal space and clean. You’ve got to trust that person,” she said
Besides the North Shore and the Sea to Sky Corridor, Paull has business connections in the Lower Mainland, as well as the Fraser Valley She hopes to expand 4 Directions further across Canada, her partner being from Saskatchewan.
But she remains extremely mindful and respectful of territorial boundaries, and about keeping her business self-contained, she added “I don’t want to step on anybody’s toes, if there are any other First Nation companies out there, I don’t want to go into their territory and take over.”
Paull said she considers her employees, who are currently all Squamish Nation members, her “family.”
“My number one rule is family first,” she said, “I want to build a connection [and understanding] with my employees.”
You can book a service or look for work with 4 Directions by contacting 604-354-5554 or Ashleypaull99@yahoo.ca
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the LJI.
SLRD APPROVES NEW LUXURY DEVELOPMENT AT FURRY CREEK
Squamish-Lillooet Regional District board approval given to build new craftsman-style townhouses along Furry Creek’s waterfront within the next two years
INA PACE
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The Sea to Sky community keeps expanding. The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) has unanimously approved a permit to build more housing in what they deem a ‘luxury’ townhouse complex at Furry Creek’s waterfront At their meeting on April 23, the SLRD authorized the issuance of Form, Character & Conservation Development Permit No 279 for 16 new builds at Oliver’s Landing, proposed by Fine Peace Furry Creek Development Ltd. The application envisages a higher-end community with immediate access to the trail system and shoreline via trail and golf pathways, and a waterfront dock
Oliver’s Landing, located in Electoral Area D, currently consists of 56 duplex units that were completed as part of the first three phases of development in the 2000s.
These new builds are part of the final phase, making up 72 out of 74 allocated units.
Five duplex and two triplex buildings will be constructed, as well as the road connecting Beach Drive to Waterfront Drive, enhancing vehicular access and exit points
The motion was passed unanimously, with the exception of Electoral Area D director Tony Rainbow, who, as a resident of Oliver’s Landing, recused himself.
“It’s going to be right behind my house,” he said, while declaring his conflict.
Subject to wildlife protection permits, the proposed ‘conservation’ development will include features for coastal flood protection, such as swale for stormwater management, and minimal irrigation facilities The neighbourhood will also feature impervious paving, urban planters, and community seating.
In terms of being enviro-friendly, the houses themselves will depend on electric systems rather than fossil fuels (for heating, cooling and cooking), and will have EV charge points installed in all private garages located on the buildings’ sides, so as to avoid cars being splayed on the street and sidewalks. Long-term spaces for bicycles will also be included Furthermore, light pollution and energy
efficiency will be taken into account, with strategically placed exterior lighting activated by sensors.
The new builds will be constructed in Craftsman-style architecture with roof overhangs, dormers, and gables Furthermore, they will feature significant outdoor space with a combination of decks off living rooms and patios. The units will not have fencing, rather vegetated buffers and wooden screens for privacy.
The proponent has emphasized that the buildings will remain distinguishable with differing cladding colour schemes, despite their similar architecture overall.
Director Chris Pettingill, who is also a District of Squamish councillor, approved the proposal, but suggested he didn’t feel the higher-end development ought to be prioritized at a time of an ongoing cost-of-living crisis and housing crunch
“It’s just weird to be improving luxury, water, rent, and living,” he said “It’s just not certainly where my head space is in terms of planning and what we’re working on as a regional district. But I understand this is very far along
in the process. This is, you know, pretty tight in terms of the permit and what’s at our discretion here.”
Fellow director Armand Hurford, who is also Mayor of Squamish, concurred. He suggested that if the development were built from scratch, rather than an add-on to one already existing and well-established, it may not be wholly supported.
Hurford also said that, given that the new development conforms to regulatory guidelines, he could support the motion
Claire Dewar, senior planner at SLRD, clarified the context of the luxury development “These units are joining the existing strata built 20 years ago,” she said
The SLRD’s staff report states the final phase for Oliver’s Landing, landscaping which will amount to around $1 million, may have positive regional impacts, “as there is a need for more multi-family housing in Howe Sound East
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) Reporter
This reporting beat is made possible by the LJI.
PHOTO BY ORLANDO PAFQUA
Charlene Paull, Ashley Paull and Kurt Johnston on the Squamish Nation Capilano Reserve.
SP NG HOM & GA EN
BEAR-FRIENDLY WAYS TO PROTECT YOUR GARDEN IN THE SEA TO SKY
Keeping bears from destroying your lawn and landscaping is easier than you think
WILL JOHNSON news@squamishchief.com
How can you make your garden attractive while keeping the wild bears of the Sea to Sky from trampling, thrashing and chomping on all your carefully designed foliage?
This is an issue that has confounded countless green thumbs. Shy of erecting a barbed wire fence or sitting on your lawn with a shotgun (kidding), how can you ensure that your hard work remains an oasis and not a source of daily bother?
This is a question that has come up enough locally that the District of Squamish has created a website to address this very question
“Improving and creating wildlife habitat in our yards has a positive ecological value. While bears are a part of our natural environment, we don’t want to invite them into our yards with landscaping that provides them
with food,” the website reads.
“Backyard fruit-bearing trees and shrubs are an easy source of calories for a bear Once bears learn where the food is, they are likely to return time and again.”
Squamish is certified as a Bear Smart community, which means there are resources available to help you make your lawn and garden less of an attractant to these curious creatures. For instance, homeowners are encouraged to harvest any vegetables, fruit or nuts as soon as they ripe—and don’t let them accumulate on the ground.
Strangely enough, bears are attracted to clovers and dandelions—a delicious snack, from their perspective, so mowing your lawn on a regular basis makes a big difference. Squamish residents are also encouraged not to use bone meal or fish fertilizer
Compost is another problem, so the website asks that you don’t put fish, dairy, meat, bones or egg shells into your container Adding lime reduces odours and speeds up the
SP NG HOM & GA EN
Are you interested in contemporary, on-trend home decor? Check out the following 2025 interior design trends to elevate your home.
Colours
This year’s hottest colours are earthy tones and deep blues inspired by nature and travel These shades create a serene atmosphere Terracotta and moss green are essential colours for connecting indoor and outdoor spaces in every season
You can incorporate these colours into your decor by painting your walls or using wallpaper. You can also integrate them through furniture or textiles, such as curtains, cushions and rugs.
Continued on 24
SP NG HOM & GA EN
decomposition process. Turning the compost frequently is also an effective method of cutting down on enticing smells that may draw bears into your yard
According to Harriet Jarvis of Squamish CAN, there are composting strategies that can significantly reduce its appeal to bears.
“Make sure wet ‘green’ material (kitchen scraps) is adequately balanced with dry brown material, such as leaves and wood chips. Always add enough browns to completely cover up the kitchen scraps every time you add some. This will help mask any odours, soak up any moisture and allow for the decomposition process to happen properly,” she said
“Stockpile leaves in the fall to last you the whole year It’s harder to find brown materials in the summer, but if you have saved some, then you will always have browns on hand to add to your pile.”
Then there are bird feeders—bears are notorious for chasing off the intended avian consumers, and gobbling up the seeds themselves For this reason, the website suggests considering the removal of your feeders between March and November. Which brings us to one of the most wellknown attractants for bears: garbage. We may
think it smells disgusting, but to a bear, it’s an absolute smörgåsbord, which is why it’s important to have bear-proof containers and to be strategic about how you handle your waste.
“Ensure garbage and organics totes are locked and secured at all times. Consider freezing the smelly stuff until collection day to reduce odours that attract bears,” reads the website
It’s also important to remember that though bears may seem cuddly or cute, they do pose a significant threat to humans and their pets. For this reason, ensuring that bear-attracting plants are not grown near walkways, entrances, and children’s playsets is a good way to cut down the risk of a negative or violent interaction
Residents who want more information can access the Wildlife-Friendly Landscaping brochure on the District’s website, which has an exhaustive list of plants and foliage that are either recommended or not recommended in the Sea to Sky area
Squamish Climate Action Network has also created Squamish Food Swap & Share Facebook page, which encourages residents to swap, share and donate what they’ve grown. It’s also a way to find supplies and support for harvesting fruit.
Materials
Sophisticated, easy-care materials like raw wood, marble and steel are trending in stylish homes. Glass will also be considered a must-have for its elegance and versatility. Whether it’s translucent, frosted or textured, glass adds a sense of openness and luminosity to your living space.
Polished concrete and natural stone are still popular with people who prefer timeless, minimalist designs. Durability is a key consideration this year. Consequently, eco-friendly and recycled materials have become essential choices for responsible homeowners.
Styles
The maximalist trend continues to captivate with its bold, contrasting patterns, textures and colours. At the same time, retro styles from the 70s and 80s are making a strong comeback, offering warm, vibrant interiors that appeal to those who savour nostalgia. Although minimalism is still going strong, it’s gradually giving way to more eccentric and personalized styles
Another trendy style is Japandi, a harmonious blend of Scandinavian esthetics and Japanese serenity This style focuses on simple lines, natural materials and functional spaces, creating a calming, uncluttered environment ideal for those craving serenity
Accessories
This year, unique tableware is a decorative element unto itself. Additionally, using mirrors in various shapes and sizes can help visually expand your space. As smart technologies become more prevalent, integrating touch screens into your decor can add a modern feel.
Sculptural light fixtures and oversized wall art are major focal points in modern decor. Biophilic design is a trend worth considering, popularizing the idea of incorporating plants into your home think hanging pots and living walls. Lastly, textured cushions made from thick fabrics help create a warm, inviting atmosphere The right accessories can really create that wow factor
Contact an interior design expert and visit your local home decorating stores to bring these trends to life in your home
Brianne
Nicole Halaby
June4,1996 –February 2, 2025
We areverysad to announcethe passing of ourbeloved Brianne
Brianne wasbornand raised in Squamish attending elementary andhighschool here
Shefoughta bravebattlewithbrain cancer for4 years.
Missing herand with heavyheartsare grandparents Jack andJudyFowler, unclesBrent andCraig,sisterAndreaTaylor andextendedfamilyMarie, Avaand Chantelle Rest in Peaceour beautifulBri.
Missing Cat -White and Brown We are still missing our catPotato. Last seen on MarinasidePlace on December 3, 2024. We suspect she has been misplaced. 2,000$ reward for her safe return. Small female catwith little skin tagonright ear.778-549-2952
of a1966 American Car Company, Rambler vehicle, VIN: A6BA55A106809, Registration:1423342, is hereby transferred to Douglas Whorrall, in accordance with the Motor Vehicle Warehouse Lien Act and section 192 of the Motor Vehicle Act. Any claims and can be made to Douglas Whorrall at 604-454-8068
MANAGER to ensure theEvans Lake Forest Education Centre is safe, repaired &wellkept.We seek an independent problem-solver with broad facilities repair skills and someone who loves achallenge. More info: evanslake.com/getinvolved/job-openings/
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY
Health &Wellness Plan available
HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR – Minimum 5years or 5,000 hoursoperating experience onexcavator.Full-time,Monday –Friday. $33-$46per hour
HEAVY DUTYEQUIPMENT MECHANIC – Commercial Truck &Transport, TransportTrailer, Class 1or3air brakes preferred. 4x10 or 5x8 schedule. RedSealcertified receive$200/month toolallowance. $40.19-$49.15per hour.5%premium on hourlywage forLead Hand position
CONSTRUCTIONLABOURER– Greatopportunity to learnon-the-job. Staminafor physically demanding work and perseverance to brave inclement weather required. Previousexperiencepreferred but notrequired.Trainingprovided. $28-$33per hour
TRUCK DRIVER –BCDL Class 1orClass 3withair brakesrequired. Manual transmission 2 years experience preferred. $35-$41.50 perhour.
1. Rock back and forth 5. Shoemaker’stool 8. Toothed tools
Candy
Brinydeep
Hurt
Partsofacircle 16. Largekettle
18. See ya! 19.Ravine 20.Break afast 21. Disagreement
23. “____, two, three, four” 25. Attach alabel, again 27.Leading lady
Golf-bag item
Male parent
Be informed about
Herb forgarnishing
Sill
37. Although 38. Exhaust 39. Totally 42. Got along 44. Mushroom top 47.Properties 49.Auction
50.Unexciting 51.Allow
52. Division word 53. Went hastily
54. Star’slocale
55. Traffic sign DOWN
1. Wound cover 2. Uneasy
3. Forefather,e.g
4. Proposalreply
5.Broad tie 6. Have on 7. Chuckled
YOUR PLACEOF
8. Dejected
9. Property measure
10.Rider’scommand
11. Wired
17.Look slyly
19.Wisecrack
22.Flower
24.Cardgame
25. Shred
26.Historic epoch
27.Foragegrass
28. Improper
29.Seasonal beverage
30.Woolly mom
32. Fine points
35. Remaining
36. Hat
38. Peevish
39.Garfunkel et al.
40.Ballerina’sjump
41.Fancy fabric
43. Stink
45. Certain choir member
46. Drop heavily
48. Took by the hand
49.Female sib
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:
ARIES March 21-April 19
Your trustina friend is starting to crumble.You’ll have more clarity this week to identify who in yourlife is genuine and who is just takingadvantage of you Thiswillhelpyoureconnectand spend time with thosewho truly bringyou joy.
TAURUS April 20-May20
It will be up to you to take charge and plan amajor project. You’ll alsohaveachance to showcaseyourtalentsand skills in frontofalarge audience.This could increase yourchancesof gettingapromotion.
GEMINI May21-June 20
You’ll feel astrongurgetotravel this week.Inyourhaste,you’ll reachout to yourtravelagent to ensureyou have the perfect summer vacation linedup. Youmight alsoconsider some trainingopportunities.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Your attention maybe preoccupiedwith strong emotions this week,and you mayfeeloverwhelmedwith a desirefor change.Sometimes a small refresh,likebuyingnew clothes or gettinganew haircut,
SUDOKU
canbring just the rightamount of satisfaction.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Your emotions will fluctuate this week.It’sup to you to bring yourloved ones together and enjoy some pleasantmoments. Youmay alsofind joyand satisfaction at yourplace of work
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Preparefor abusyweekat work with plenty of tasks on yourplate.Ifyou stay carefully organized,you’ll easily tackle yourever-growingworkload. Avoid thetemptation to procrastinate.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
You’ll face challengesthat drive you to outdoyourself. You have the potentialtoachieve somethingremarkable this week,afeatthat’s sure to fill you with pride
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov.21
Happinessiswithin reachat homeand with yourloved ones Take this opportunitytobring yourfriends and familytogether for apleasantmealasyou welcomebetterweather.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Nowisthe perfecttime to make much-needed changes. Youmight secure the financial supportrequired to pursue new projects,liketravelor professional training.
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Make time for physicalactivity this week to takeyourmind off yourworries.Ifyour relationship is still in the early stages,you maybeovercome with affection and feel readyto takethe nextstep. However, you maybeworried aboutlosing yourindependence
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
By takingaction, you’ll achieve success. You’resomeone who builds dreams with confidence If you plan to move this summer,startpacking nowto avoid last-minutestresslater
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
Even though you’refeeling tired and under the weather, you won’t back down easily Focusonregainingyourenergy, and you’ll find the clarityand strength you need to move forward.
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
