Celerity Craft aims to revolutionize marine travel
facility arrived at the Woodfibre LNG site for installation on Saturday All told, 19 modules are set to arrive at the site throughout the remainder of 2025 and into 2026, the company said in a news release. The modules will range in size from a 126-tonne pipe rack to an almost 11,000-tonne liquefaction unit that covers roughly the same amount of space as a football field.
COUNCIL ENDORSES ‘AGE-FRIENDLY’ COMMUNITY PLAN
The plan seeks to find ways to support seniors in the community by improving public spaces, social inclusion and general services
The District of Squamish council has endorsed a community plan to make the town more age-friendly
Described as a “benefit to the community,” the Age-Friendly Community Plan was unanimously supported by councillors at the May 13 committee of the whole meeting.
District equity and inclusion advisor Keely Kidner said that the project had been in the works for the past year
“The Age-Friendly Community Plan is based on the World Health Organization’s framework, and this framework is recognized internationally and used extensively in B.C. and the rest of Canada,” Kidner said.
“Age friendly planning is an emerging best practice for supporting aging in the community, and it focuses not on individuals specifically, but on making public spaces and developing policies that ensure seniors are valued and protected, can access everything that they need, and can form an active and welcome part of civic and social life.”
AGE FRIENDLY: Continued on 2
AGE FRIENDLY: Continued from 1
Kidner said that although the plan is focused on seniors, age-friendly communities benefit everyone
According to the report to council, a senior is 65 or older
The District began community engagement in June 2024 to gather feedback on how seniors felt about life in Squamish currently, and what could be done to improve livability
Here’s what they had to say:
ON THE PHYSICAL AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT
According to the report, the biggest concern for respondents was streetscapes.
“They identified the lack of sidewalks in areas like Valleycliffe, or bumpy and uneven sidewalks in downtown, as significant impediments to their mobility. This was particularly true for those who use mobility devices,” reads the report.
Respondents said they enjoyed the network of trails and parks, especially Sp’akw’us Feather Park
“They also expressed praise for the Squamish Public Library and for library services, stating they only wished the library offered more mid-day programming geared to seniors,” reads the report.
“They also requested a number of updates, upgrades, and expansions to Brennan Park Community Centre and its surroundings Finally, they wished they had fuller access to the resources and spaces of The 55+ Centre, such as the kitchen.”
To address this, the Age Friendly Community Plan suggests the District investigate re-opening The 55+ Activity Centre kitchen, consider library daytime programming for seniors, a potential library expansion and ensure that all new sidewalks and renovations of existing sidewalks prioritize accessibility.
For transportation, traffic safety and mobility, the number one issue respondents were most concerned about was traffic-pedestrian safety
“They advocated for traffic calming measures in Squamish, particularly near senior residences and in downtown as a whole. They also requested increased lighting at high-frequency intersections,” reads the report
Public transportation was also an important issue
“Residents cited a lack of buses and bus stops, safety and comfort issues at stops and inconsistent late-night service as concerns they have with public transportation They commented that HandyDART was excellent when it worked, but that it was difficult to access at times,” the report said.
The final issue residents had on the topic was downtown parking.
“They requested that parking be better connected to sidewalks and walkways, that more accessible parking be built downtown, and that the general lack of convenient parking be addressed. Considering the District’s discussion of introducing pay parking to downtown Squamish, several residents asked that seniors be allowed to park for free.”
The Age Friendly Community Plan suggests remediating these issues by improving mobility connections to bus stops frequently used by seniors, improving pedestrian safety at crossings by raising crossings, implementing traffic calming, and increasing parking stalls downtown
ON SOCIAL INCLUSION AND PARTICIPATION
On the topic of respect, social inclusion and cultural safety, respondents expressed a strong need for respect among community members and that people of all ages and social groups should be included.
“Several participants expressed a belief that ageism is a factor in Squamish, contributing to a lack of participation among seniors, or a discounting of seniors’ perspectives,” reads the report.
Feedback from Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) Elders and members of the Sikh community also spoke to issues of respect, social inclusion, and cultural safety
“Sikh Elders, for example, reported they felt unwelcome at The 55+ Centre due to differing cultural expectations and language barriers This extended to concerns about communication issues with emergency responders,” the report said
“Squamish Nation Elders reported concerns about emergency response teams finding properties due to inconsistencies in mapping. Squamish Nation Elders shared recommendations to increase education, engagement, and cultural awareness.
Finally, Elders wanted to see Squamish Nation history and culture more visibly incorporated in signage, naming conventions, and public art and memorials.”
To help with this, the Age Friendly Community Plan suggests the District include Nation cultural and historical information in District communications when appropriate; deepen engagement with equity-deserving groups to understand cultural safety needs in District events and spaces and provide information in plain language and in multiple languages where possible
ON SUPPORT SERVICES
Respondents said that while they appreciate existing community support and health services, there are “not enough resources in place for an aging population.”
“[They] highlighted gaps in support services such as: access to primary care, fall prevention programs, home support, transportation to medical services outside Squamish, retirement communities incorporating dementia care, accessible and low-income housing that would enable seniors to age and remain in place,” the report states.
The Age Friendly Community Plan suggests that the District advocate at regional and provincial levels for increased and improved medical services in Squamish; continue to work with BC Transit to develop regional transportation infrastructure that allows access to medical services, and work with the provincial government to increase
extended care options in Squamish COUNCIL COMMENTS
Mayor Armand Hurford threw his support behind the plan, saying that “an age-friendly community is a community that works well for all of us.”
“We’re all, hopefully, headed to the senior category and would benefit from this when we get there, if we’re not there already. I think this will serve us well to inform our work going forward, to ensure that we are making investments that do benefit everybody in the community,” he said.
He also said that he was happy District staff worked with the Nation and the Sikh community to gather feedback from voices not always heard.
“I’m really happy that as an organization, we are actively seeking out those voices that are hard to find, and we don’t see those voices representing a lot of our outreach efforts on our various initiatives,” he said
Coun John French said that he “generally supported all the goals and objectives in the plan.”
“I’m looking forward to the implementation of the action items. A few of the recommendations jumped out at me as potentially being pretty easy to implement. As an example, it seems to me that creating seniors programming at the Squamish Public Library makes great sense,” he said
Looking ahead, Kidner said that staff will work internally to find opportunities to implement the plan amongst current and future District projects.
“This plan is really not about creating additional projects, but finding ways to efficiently address the objectives by aligning with what staff are already planning and doing as much as possible,” she said.
Any additional budget implications will be brought to Council through the District’s financial planning process.
For more information on the Age Friendly Community Plan, visit the District of Squamish website.
Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@squamishchief.com ilemayconway@squamishchief.com inapace@squamishchief.com
DISTRICT FACES WARNING FOR NON-COMPLIANCE WITH PROVINCIAL REGULATOR
The municipality has been issued a warning by the Environmental Assessment Office for non-compliance with its water well permits, despite not exceeding licensed water limits
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
The District of Squamish has been given a warning for being non-compliant with its Environmental Assessment Certificate related to its wells at the Powerhouse Springs and Mamquam River sites.
An inspection report and the warning letter were posted to the Environmental Assessment Office’s (EAO) website on May 13
The EAO is a provincial regulatory body tasked with assessing all major projects in B.C. for adverse effects.
The inspection record says the compliance officer discovered that what was authorized at the sites was different than what was originally approved in the District’s Project Assessment Certificate (PAC).
“The PAC authorizes the project to construct a total of six groundwater wells—three at the Powerhouse Springs Site and three at the Mamquam River Site, as well as a pumphouse at each location. However, the information provided indicates that seven wells and two pumphouses were constructed exclusively at the Powerhouse Springs Site, all of which are currently in operation,” the inspection report states.
The warning letter from the EAO notes the consequences of the District not coming into compliance.
The maximum penalty for failure to comply with an Environmental Assessment
Certificate is $1 million, and on each subsequent conviction, a fine of not more than $2 million, the letter states.
‘DISTRICT HAS NOT EXCEEDED ITS TOTAL LICENSED LIMIT’
According to a spokesperson for the municipality, the District received its Environment Assessment Certificate for these wells in 1998.
The original certificate regulated three wells at Powerhouse Springs at a total capacity of 85 litres per second per well for a total capacity of 255 litres per second
“For clarity, the District has not exceeded its total licensed limit of 255 litres per second But rather, a greater number of wells were installed to try and achieve the licensed amounts,” said Rachel Boguski, spokesperson for the District
The District installed its first well in 1999
In 2002, wells two and three were installed.
The first three wells did not provide the 85 litres per second capacity that was regulated under the Environment Assessment Certificate, according to Boguski.
The wells were rehabilitated to try and increase their capacity between 2003 and 2005.
“To satisfy increasing demands, well four was put into service in 2005, and three additional wells were installed and commissioned in 2008.”
Boguski summarized that between 1999 and 2008, the District installed a total of seven wells in an effort to reach the total capacity allowed in the EA certificate.
In 2019, one well was decommissioned and replaced with a new well “due to declining
To satisfy increasing demands, well four was put into service in 2005, and three additional wells were installed and commissioned in 2008.
RACHEL BOGUSKI
would issue a non-compliance letter and that they would work with the District to regain compliance,” Boguski said
WHAT NOW?
performance.”
Boguski said that in early 2025, District staff arranged a meeting with the Environmental Assessment Office to discuss future amendments to the municipality’s certificate to increase the licensed limit “to account for increasing demands in accordance with the District’s Long Term Water Supply Strategy.”
In that meeting, it came to light that the District was in non-compliance with its current certificate, which only allows three wells.
“The [EAO] notified the District that they
According to Boguski, District staff are currently working on a Request for Proposals to hire the required professionals who will help to prepare permitting applications and all associated studies and documentation so that the District can be brought into compliance, based on its current number of wells.
“The District is also working to increase our water licensing limit to allow for additional wells and a higher withdrawal limit at Powerhouse Springs to account for ongoing community growth,” she said, adding the work is guided by the District’s Long Term Water Supply Strategy which was completed as part of the recent Water Master Plan
FILE PHOTO BY AUNI DAYTON
LOCAL RAISES SAFETY CONCERNS OVER HOSPITAL PARKING LOT
The District of Squamish says more upgrades are coming
INA PACE
Local Journalism Initiative reporter
Along-term resident in Squamish has repeatedly voiced concerns for road users, including vulnerable pedestrians, regarding Squamish General Hospital’s parking lot and its adjacent road.
Resident of Squamish for 12 years, Dawn Chisholm, first wrote a letter of concern to the District of Squamish in June 2023.
Though she said she received an acknowledgment from the District, she was disappointed to receive no formal response to her concerns nor any apparent relevant changes implemented.
Chisholm presented a report of grievances last month and delivered it to The Squamish Chief, among other outlets.
Chisholm detailed her concerns regarding the 100-metre stretch of Clarke and Behrner Drive, between Guilford Drive and the main hospital entrance, where there is a three-way intersection
Chisholm suggested that clear boundaries ought to be introduced on the open-access site by repurposing concrete barriers and introducing traffic-calming measures like
I have witnessed increasingly dangerous interactions between vehicles and pedestrians.
DAWN CHISHOLM
senior care-home residents (care-home Hilltop House is also located on Behrner Drive), and hospital patients who are likely less mobile
Although measures were taken by the District and Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) last year to construct more accessible parking spots and a more level tarmac surface, Chisholm remains dissatisfied with the amendments to the parking lot thus far.
“I was really hoping there would be a lot of construction and fixing it up,” she said “It seems that [the District’s] priority has been about getting a smooth surface. The time for action is now, not after a foreseeable collision or tragedy.”
speed bumps and clearer signage, with distinct ingress and egress points. She also hopes for a formal safety review to be conducted.
She added that an “extra stress point” of increased congestion has been partially created by the EV station, installed in May 2023 The upcoming Redbridge development is also likely to contribute
A District spokesperson said that the parking lot’s safety improvements were actually initiated in response to Chisholm’s initial letter, and there are further plans for improvements in the works.
Lilly Marie Peterson, media relations and content specialist with the municipality, said the District collaborated with VCH to install barriers along Guilford Drive to restrict parking lot access The gravel shoulder beyond the bike lane on Behrner Drive was also paved to help delineate the parking spaces This year, they plan to reduce the parking lot access points and to remove 90-degree parking on Behrner Drive, which is more aligned with Chisholm’s sentiments
“The District is dedicated to enhancing safety zones around schools, hospitals, and community facilities to promote safer travel for all residents,” she said.
“I have witnessed increasingly dangerous interactions between vehicles and pedestrians,” she said, “the design of the parking lot prioritizes vehicle volume over safety, with multiple uncontrolled access points directly onto the roadway, used by cars, buses, and large construction trucks. The conditions remain incompatible with Squamish’s stated commitment to safe, active transportation.”
Chisholm said that with no barriers along Behrner Drive, vehicles often reverse or turn out of the parking lot arbitrarily over painted lines, with minimal visibility
She added that drivers could fail to see wheelchair users due to their lower visibility
Some vehicles may cross double yellow lines southbound into a 30 km/h school zone, and may also accelerate quickly to merge onto the often busy roadway.
According to DriveSmartBC, solid double-yellow lines may only be crossed when entering or leaving a highway, or to make space for vulnerable road users. Vulnerable road users in the hospital’s vicinity include school children on bicycles,
Furthermore, a spokesperson for VCH said in a statement to The Squamish Chief that, with the District, they have contracted a civil engineering expert to conduct a survey and make recommendations to further enhance parking at the hospital
VCH’s statement adds that they are ‘committed to being a good neighbour in the communities where we operate, and will continue to work with local partners to address any concerns raised.’
Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter
This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.
PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
This year, the District plans to reduce the parking lot access points and to remove 90-degree parking on Behrner Drive.
COUNCIL MOVES FORWARD WITH HOUSING DEVELOPMENT IN LOGGERS EAST NEIGHBOURHOOD
The development at 1032 Finch Drive will see 40 three-bedroom townhouses be built, each with two parking spaces provided
COUNCIL COMMENTS
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Squamish council has voted to move ahead with a 40-unit development in the Loggers East neighbourhood.
On May 20, councillors voted to give a rezoning application for 1032 Finch Drive its first three readings which would allow for 40 three-bedroom townhouses to be built on site
District planner Bryan Daly said that buildings four and five in the centre of the development will be 14.4 metres tall with buildings one to three as well as building six reaching a maximum height of 11.5 m or three storeys tall
“This element of the design was intended to address concerns from the neighbours regarding shading. The original application included four story townhomes across the entire site,” Daly said
Each unit will be provided with two parking spaces—one in a garage and one surface stall—for a total of 80 residential spots, along with an additional 10 visitor spaces
“The applicants have committed to a 2.25 metre tall garage door height, which is tall enough to accommodate a full size pickup truck and also providing electric vehicle charging infrastructure in each garage,” Daly added.
Each townhouse, built by developer Du Guangping, will have three bedrooms and range in size from 1,500 to 1,600 square feet
To allow for the 40 units to be built on site, Daly said the project took advantage of “density bonus options” that are outlined in the rural/ low density multifamily land use designation.
This includes a 15% density bonus for public open space, a 20% density bonus if a portion of the housing is rental housing and a 10% density bonus with the provision of three of the energy climate targets noted in the neighbourhood plan.
To meet the public open space criteria, Daly said the developers are proposing a “community parklet (strata-owned) with a children’s play area, covered structure, and trail.”
The developers have proposed to meet the rental housing criteria by opting to “donate 5% of the project’s gross floor area to the Squamish Community Housing Society.”
This will result in 306 square metres in at least two units that will be donated to the housing society, according to Daly
To meet the energy efficiency target, Daly said the developer has committed to enter into a no-gas covenant, to provide electric vehicle charging infrastructure in each garage and to maximize the use of wood-based building materials for the project.
Councillors were neither thrilled nor entirely against the proposal, but opted to support the three readings to allow for “much-needed” three-bedroom homes in Squamish
“This development, I think, is consistent with what we’ve seen before in this neighbourhood. We certainly need this form of housing,” Coun. John French said.
“This is a little bit out there, but I’m impressed that the architectural drawings included snow dump areas, we don’t usually see that, and we do occasionally get snow in Squamish. So good on these folks for having a snow dump.”
Coun Andrew Hamilton said he had “reservations” over the lengths the developers went to achieve the 10% energy bonusing increase, but noted that it fit with the standards set for the area
“I do think the building form is reasonable and appropriate for what this neighbourhood will become, and I appreciate the two units that will be going to the Squamish housing society,” he said
“I think that’s an important mechanism to support the Squamish housing society and deliver more affordable housing within our community.”
Coun. Chris Pettingill said he couldn’t support the development due to its proximity to the Eagle Mountain - Woodfibre Gas Pipeline Project.
Earlier in the evening, he voted against giving a rezoning application for an 18-townhouse development in Dentville its first three readings for the same reason
“I think obviously, if the concern about understanding the pipeline risk was an issue in the last rezoning, it definitely is on this one, which is basically right on the pipeline,” he said
Pettingill also raised the issue with the developers offering a higher garage door height
“[I’m] trying to wrap my head around our push for higher garage heights to support large vehicles, while at the same time we’re having discussions about reducing parking requirements and vehicle dependence,” he said.
“I think, to my mind, we may need to rethink that ask in general, but the developers have offered what council has been asking for here, so it shouldn’t be an issue with this one.”
Coun Jenna Stoner said she was willing to support the application with a “sunset clause” amendment to ensure the development would be built within the next three years.
“I appreciate that is a short timeline and turnaround The reason why I’m doing it for that timeline is because it falls in line with our agreement around the CMHC housing accelerator fund, which are the commitments under which we have said that we would review our policies and the standards with which we’re holding developments accountable in order to
get housing built,” she said
“This [development] doesn’t really hit the mark as presented, but I think I’m willing to entertain that, if it means that they can actually get shovels in the ground and deliver on 40 units of housing that we know that our community needs, not in five years time, but in two years time.
“So if the developer is able to do that, then great, and otherwise, they can come back with something different.”
Fellow councillors, except John French and Eric Andersen, supported the amendment.
Mayor Armand Hurforf addressed councillor concerns over the density bonus pieces to wrap up comments on the newly amended motion
“Bonuses are ways that we incentivize things that we would like And often we see development proposals come before us and ask us to vary things and vary targets that we set out, whereas this is .people taking our invitation to walk into these commitments,” he said
Hurford said that council should revisit the regulations around the sub-area plan for the Loggers East neighbourhood at a later date to try and avoid further issues.
“I was happy to see the plan feels like it addresses the very reasonable feedback from the neighbours I thought that was great to see that evolution and setting back the taller buildings and going shorter along the edges of the property,” Hurford said
He also noted that there is an “identified need” for large three-bedroom units in town.
“Not every development can tick all the boxes and can be everything [we want]. So we do need to keep an eye on this particular piece,” he said.
“And it might be a case of first past the post, and there might be a point where there’s a lot of development there, that is three-bedroom, and so there might be opportunities for smaller units going forward. But we do have this need identified now.”
Council voted 5-2 in favour of giving the rezoning application its first three readings with councillors Chris Pettingill and Lauren Greenlaw opposed.
The application will return to council at a later date for adoption
For more information on developments happening in the area, visit the District of Squamish website.
NEW TOWNHOUSES IN DENTVILLE SUPPORTED BY COUNCIL
Council gives a rezoning application for an 18 townhouse development on Britannia Ave its first three readings
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Squamish council has given first, second and third reading to a rezoning application that would see 18 townhouses be built on the edge of Dentville.
The proposed development would see lots 38702, 38710 and 38716 Britannia Avenue be rezoned to facilitate a six-plex on each parcel of land
At the May 20 regular council meeting, District planner Philip Gibbins said that the townhouses will be three storeys in height and include parking on the ground level.
“So each townhouse will have three bedrooms, two parking spaces, a balcony and a private outdoor amenity area,” Gibbins said.
“For the parking, the development has a requirement of 41 spaces. That is 36 for the townhouse use, and five visitor parking spaces. This application is proposing to provide the 36 spaces for the townhouses and no visitor parking and staff are supportive of the proposed parking reduction due to the site’s proximity to downtown, proximity to transit, bike-ability, walk-ability, and proximity to schools and amenities.”
Two parking spaces will be provided per dwelling unit
Gibbins said the developer behind the project, ReGen Homes, has proposed to create a riparian park located between the subject site and the Discovery Trail as part of their community amenity contribution (CAC).
“The riparian park to the rear of the site is currently a dense thicket of invasive plant species These will be removed and revegetated with native species,” Gibbins said
“This will enhance the biological function of this area It will also include a park bench and sign detailing the heritage of the existing house and Dentville, as I understood that 38702 Britannia Ave. may have been the first house in the area.”
The CAC also includes a trail connection between the adjacent laneway and the Discovery Trail as well as extended frontage intersection improvements.
COUNCIL COMMENTS
While all councillors were supportive of the development, not all voted in favour of giving the project its first three readings
Coun Andrew Hamilton said that the proposal “hits a lot of the markers” they are looking for.
“As far as our zoning is concerned, it’s actually a gentle density increase compared to our existing zoning, and it comes with some amenity contributions that I think the neighbourhood will be well served by,” he said
Coun Jenna Stoner said the proposal was a great example of gentle density in “a very walkable, very accessible neighbourhood.”
“The plan for restoration of the park behind, I think, is a really unique on-site amenity that the immediate neighbourhood in the community will really benefit from,” she said
“The amount of invasive species that are back there [which] some of our non-profit organizations have tried to tackle for a few
years in a row now, with limited success. I think, hats off to the developer who’s going to try and do that in a more successful way, but that’ll be really, really positive for that riparian area behind this development.”
While many developments are often slated as being proposed to be built in the wrong location, Coun. John French said that he believed this location in Dentville was ideal.
“The fact that it’s in between a co-living house on one side and a long existing townhouse development on the other side, it fits well in that space at the edge of this neighbourhood,” he said
“As well, the proposal brings us some solutions for invasive species that are always problematic, and also delivers some important culture and heritage elements that I think will be a nice bonus, not just for this neighbourhood, but for the entire community.”
Similarly Mayor Armand Hurford congratulated ReGen Homes on going “one step further” with the rezoning application to achieve something for the community.
“That is, of course, the additional housing which we know we need, but also reclaiming this laneway for the community, I think is actually quite exciting in the way that it will connect through to the corridor trail behind,” he said.
While appreciating the project as a whole, Coun. Chris Pettingill said he could not support the development due to its proximity to the FortisBC Eagle Mountain Pipeline.
“I really like the project, I think it fits well with the neighbourhood and I really appreciate the CAC and the invasive species management plans. The challenge for me is the exposure to the pipeline and not understanding what that risk is,” Pettingill said
The fact that it’s in between a co-living house on one side and a long existing townhouse development on the other side, it fits well in that space at the edge of this neighbourhood.
COUN. JOHN FRENCH
different approach But I just find myself challenged to sleep at night without understanding risk better, which I understand could be significant.
“I would like to have that understanding before approving more density along this route, which is frustrating because, as I say, I think this is a really appropriate development.”
Coun. Lauren Greenlaw echoed Pettingill’s concerns about the project’s proximity to the pipeline but said she was ultimately in support of the development due to its benefit to the community.
“I think this development will be a net benefit to the community, and I appreciate the approach that they have for the CACs in parkland,” she said
“I also like that it’s gentle densification in the community, and it’s by a smaller developer who is very conscientious of sustainable development and also design and family living.”
“I hope we can deal with that soon, maybe through the budget Some of the avenues I’d hoped to grapple with have not come to fruition, and so I need to figure out a
Council voted 6-1 in support of giving the rezoning application its first three readings with Coun Chris Pettingill opposed.
The application will return to council for adoption at a later date RENDERING
NEWS BRIEF
WLNG CHANGES COURSE
The Environmental Assessment Office (EAO) announced on May 16 that Woodfibre LNG was withdrawing its application to change its environmental assessment certificate to increase the facility’s storage volume of natural gas liquids, or condensate.
The November 2024 application requested to increase the volume of the storage capacity of condensate from 300 to 1,500 cubic metres
Woodfibre LNG spokesperson Sean Beardow told The Squamish Chief that staff withdrew its application to the EAO in order to pursue a “more streamlined approach” that the legislation allows, by going through the BC Energy Regulator (BCER)
The BCER is another Crown agency of the provincial government that regulates such projects While the EAO is involved before a project can start, the BCER regulates the full life cycle of energy resource activities in the province. Sometimes, approval from both regulators is required.
According to the EAO, an amendment to the certified project description in the environmental assessment certificate would also be required to increase condensate storage capacity.
“We’ll continue to work with the BC Energy Regulator (BCER) to seek amendment of the facility permit to increase storage tank size,” Beardow said.
“Pending completion of that, we’ll ask the BCER to recommend amendment of the Environmental Assessment Certificate to the EAO. This approach will maintain rigorous review of our requested change while minimizing some duplication of process and strain on regulator resources,” he added.
“Woodfibre LNG is committed to working with regulators to find ways to streamline regulatory process without losing any of the rigour that has made B.C.’s regulatory system among the best in the world.”
BCER
In the wake of the trade war with the current U.S. administration, the provincial government tabled legislation in late April that aims to speed up permitting for renewable-energy projects.
The legislation would mean BCER would be the primary permitting agency for renewable-energy projects and transmission lines.
However, the premier has said the new process will not be used for oil and gas pipelines or to power LNG projects.
PROJECTINFORMATION MEETING
Adevelopment application has been submittedtothe District of Squamish forproperty located at LOTA –MAMQUAM RD -UNIVERSITYMIXED-USE LOTA DISTRICT LOT512 PLAN 78733
Andyou areinvited to join AndrewsDevelopment Corporation
At ameetingtodiscuss theapplicationand proposed development
Date:June 4, 2025 -Time: 6:00 -7:30pm
Locationofthe Meeting: Capilano University Dining Room, 3200UniversityBoulevard, Squamish, BritishColumbia
Aformalpresentationbythe Applicant will beginat: 6:00 pm.Details of theapplicationinclude:
PART OF LOTA DISTRICT LOT512 PLAN EPP78733, 3295 MamquamRoad, Squamish,British Columbia
Theproposeddevelopment will feature340 apartmentunits,30groundoriented “Adventure Studios”and 54 detached multiplexunits.30% of the units(127)are proposed as rental housingunits.Approximately 25% of the rentalunits (32) will be offered at belowmarket ratesinalignmentwiththe District’s AffordableHousing Policy.Approximately 3,400m2 of commercial retail space is proposed.The commercialspace is intended to activatethe area with aneighbourhood grocerystore,a daycare, anda coffeeshop contemplated as potentialtenants.The naturallandscapehas been integrated into theinternal parks andpublic plaza, providinganimmediateconnection to nature.The applicantseeks to reduce therequiredparking stalls from 723 to 439 to provideimprovedmarketattainabilityand promoteactiveand public transituse. Theapplicantinstead proposes avariety of solutions, including acar &bikeshare program, public transitcontributions,a shared-use model forcommercial& visitorparkingstalls,and providingmorethandoublethe requiredbicycleparking
Themeetingisbeing held by theApplicant in compliance with District of Squamish policy.The applicant will present details of theapplicationand proposeddevelopment,receive input from membersofthe community, and respond to questions
Noticesare being distributed to residentswithin100m of thesubjectproperty.Ifyou haveany questions in regardtothisnoticeplease contactthe Planning Department, at 604-815-5002or Andrews Development Corporation (the applicant)by telephone 778-246-2580 or by emailat connor@andrewsdevelopment.ca and/or or bringyourquestions and commentstothe meeting
This is nota Public Hearing.Council will receiveareportfromstaffdetailing attendance andinterest in theproposaland will formally consider the applicationata laterdate.
Pleasevisit squamish.ca/showcase to view and comment on this application
Installation work continues on awatermain between Bill’s Placeand Highlands WaySouth. squamish.ca/building-our-future
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN RECREATION AND CULTURE
View this ad online:
WithaMyCitylogin, you canaccess your Property Taxes, Utilities,Building Permits, PlanningApplications, Business Licenceand Recreation ProgramRegistration accounts online. squamish.ca/online-services
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).
Field Allocation Meeting
Wednesday, July 16, 2025
Please contactRecreation and Culture at 604-898-3604 with anyquestions.
BronzeCross (13yrs+) at Brennan Park Recreation Centre June 1–22, 3–8 pm
BronzeCross challenges students to performmore complexlifesaving rescues, first aid and CPR. This course is aprerequisite for further lifeguardtraining,or simply an excellentlife skill and confidence builder. All gistrants must showverification rtification of Bronze Medallion
Summer Swim Lessons
Enroll your child in one of our summer swimming lessons! One and two-week schedules are available acrossfourlesson blocks from July 7toAugust29. Visit our website formore details or to signup.
Go By BikeNextWeek!
May31–June 6isthe perfect time to ride to work, to school,for fun, forexercise,torelievestress,or to clear your mind! Thereare three free GoByBike Week events happening hereinSquamish. Savethe dates:
•Bike Tune-Up Station at Brennan Park Recreation Centre,June 2, 4–7 pm
•Bike Tune-Up Station at Brennan Park Recreation Centre,June 3, 4–7 pm
•Bike MaintenanceBasics Workshop at DOX Squamish, June 4, 6–8 pm gobybikebc.ca
2026 Permissive Tax Exemption Applications
PermissiveTax Exemptions areamethod that the District of Squamish, supportedbyCouncil, maysupportvoluntarynon-profitorganizations by exempting land or improvements or both, from taxation under Section 224 of the CommunityCharter.
Thepublic skate on Friday, May30, has been cancelled. Thanks everyone foragreat season on the ice!
TheDistrict of Squamish is nowaccepting applications forPermissiveTax Exemptions.Section 224ofthe CommunityCharterand the requirements of the District of Squamish PermissiveTax Exemption policyapply.Ifyour organization can demonstrate eligibilityyou arewelcome to apply foranexemption. The application and policyare available online.The deadline to apply is July 31, 2025 forexemptions beginning forthe 2026 taxation year.
Formoreinformation, please contact us at 604-892-5217. squamish.ca/grants
LOCAL TECH COMPANY AIMS TO REVOLUTIONIZE MARINE TRAVEL
The company is working towards building the Dynamic Air Cushion Vehicle, which could go across water and land, by 2027
INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY
ilemayconway@squamishchief.com
Alocal technology company is looking to revolutionize the way people move across the water.
Celerity Craft is working towards building the Dynamic Air Cushion Vehicle (DACV), an amphibious marine vessel that uses air to travel across water and land
Company chief executive officer, Richard MacKellar, told The Squamish Chief that the company hopes to have the first product on the market by 2027
And while it does fall into the category of a hovercraft, MacKellar said there are key differences that separate his vessel from the typical hovercrafts we know now.
“A hovercraft is a type of air cushion vehicle. We’re also a type of air cushion vehicle, and there are different ways you can do an air cushion vehicle. So we fit in that same category as a hovercraft, but we turned some of the physics on its head,” he said.
Fisheries and Oceans Canada describes the standard hovercraft as having an air cushion under the vessel, which is “created by two engines, each of which turns a shaft that drives centrifugal fans.”
“These fans direct the outside air toward the bottom of the hull and inside the black skirt that is fastened around the perimeter of the hull with hinges. Air escapes through the lower openings of these segments to lift the hovercraft. It is this lift phenomenon that supports and provides stability to the hovercraft,” reads the website.
MacKellar said that instead of “dragging the cushion along underneath the vessel,” the DACV creates an energized column of air that is passed underneath the vessel, which creates both the lift and thrust
“We’re leaving the cushion in the environment, so it stays still and the vessel moves over the top, and that saves a lot of energy,” he said
AMPHIBIOUS NATURE
While aiming to create a marine vessel that goes “faster, smoother and more efficiently” than standard boats, they’re also using the DACV technology to go across land too.
What this means is that the craft will be able to go directly from the water and onto the land just by using air.
“It’s using the air to do both the lift and the thrust, so the only thing driving this forward are those two fans on the bow,” MacKellar said While it won’t be capable of going over all types of terrain, a sandy beach will be prime
conditions for the Celerity vessel
“You’re not going to go across a big, rocky beach It can cope with a certain amount of lack of uniformity, but it’s going to be beaches that it is very good at going across,” he said.
ENVIRONMENTALLY FRIENDLY
Because the vessel has no propellers in the water, its disturbance on the marine life below will be minimal.
“Propellers in the water have a problem called cavitation, and when cavitation occurs, the vapour pressure of the water gets below that at which it forms a gas,” MacKellar said.
“When that happens, bubbles come off. When that occurs, it makes a big noise underwater, and that’s what disturbs the whales and the dolphins and seals and the sea lions. And so, because we have nothing in the water, we don’t have that problem of noise that disturbs them
“And because we’re out of the water, we’re less likely to hit a whale or anything like that.”
The vessel can also be made entirely electric or with a diesel engine
THE PRODUCT
The first product on the market will be 11.9 metres in length and will be able to carry 12 passengers and will likely reach
speeds of up to 60 knots.
“There’s a very good reason why we choose this [size] Transport Canada has various levels of requirements, and if you hit 12 metres, 13 passengers or 15 tonnes, then you go off into the next class,” MacKellar said.
“So first, to get into the market, we want to hit the area with the easier classification But then, [we want to] expand in three dimensions We go bigger, we go to new markets, and we go to new geographies, and that’s how we grow as a company.
“I want people to be doing a cruise ship that can go from here to Hawaii in two days, not in five.”
He also has aims of creating vessels for BC Ferries and to serve military and rescue operations.
“Ultimately, our objective is big. We want to replace half of the vessels in the world out there—so [to build] many sizes. We want to service the coastal communities here in B.C., but we want to go across the world,” he said.
“We want to go bigger and bigger and bigger, and we want to go into new markets. So there are many different markets that this could potentially serve.”
But he knows it won’t be perfect for all marine uses
“It’s not going to replace everything out there. We are not going to replace shipping,
iron ore and coal and things like that That’s not where we’re going to be appropriate, but it’s fully appropriate for ferries,” he said
To date, the company already has three pre-orders.
Celerity Craft is located at 113-1111 Pioneer Way, Squamish
To learn more about the company and DACV technology, visit the Celerity Craft website.
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 COURTESY OF CELERITY CRAFT
A rendering of the Dynamic Air Cushion Vehicle (DACV), an amphibious marine vessel that uses air to travel across water and land
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THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERYTHURSDAY BY LODESTAR
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Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.
TheSquamishChief polled 404readers from May 6 to 24.asking, “Shouldthere be acampfireban all seasontoprevent wildfires?”
About55% of respondentssaidyes,while 34%said no.(6% were unsure,4%chose “other.”)
Accordingtothe BC Wildfire Service, almost half of allwildfires in B.C. arecausedbyhumans.
As of May26, therehavebeen225 wildfires, burning 6,730hectaresoflandinB.C.since April1 Ofthose,186 were human-caused,31werecaused bylightning,The causeisunknown forseven Meaning, so farthisseason, 83%ofall fireshave been caused by people.
We have hadsomeclose callswithwildfires near town over recent years, includingtwo this season. Thus,itseems logicaltoban open fire allseasonto stack ouroddsinfavourofnot having awildfire sparkand getout of control.
But, accordingtothe BC Wildfire Service, banning fires doesn’talwaysmakesense.
“Fireisaveryusefultoolwhenusedresponsibly,so it doesn’tmakesense to banall formsofburning when thewildfireriskislow,” readsthe organization’s website.
“Duringthe spring,farmers andranchersmay conductcontrolledburns for agricultural purposes, andthe forestry industry conducts ‘slash’burning to removewood debris left behind aftertimber harvesting.British Columbia is also renowned forits greatoutdoors, andmanyenjoy campfireswhile camping in B.C.’s parksand recreation sites. Many tourismoperators also offer wilderness experiences thatinclude campfires.”
TheBCWildfireService folksare theexperts responsiblefor wildfire management andemergencyresponse. They arethe authority, andwe should defertothemintimes of emergency.
But when it comestobanning fireshereinthe Sea toSky,manyofushavebeengetting increasingly anxiousaswesee theonslaught of visitors each weekend rampingup.
It is like akinkedfirehose—as soon as thekinkis uncoiled with thewarmweather,the number of folks inour backcountryswells.
Welearned from aBCWildfireService news releaselastsummerthatin2023, vehicletraffic on the Squamish RiverForestService Road was approximatelydoublewhatitwas in 2012,withmore than120,000 people visiting that area.
Weknowthe valueofcampfires to ourlives,but at least half of us whotookthe poll also putthat personal satisfaction behind achancetolower our wildfirerisk.
We can’tcount on everyone to do theright thing, so we areaskingthe authoritiestoban campfires, at least,before it is toolate.
IT’S NOTYOURFAULT,MAMA
I’m lyingawakeat3a.m., thinking about “AnonymousMember,”the mother of twoschoolaged kids in ourcommunity whoposted in the parentsforum:“I’ve startedand stoppedthispostso many times. ButI’m gettingto apoint whereIjustdon’t know what to do,and doingnothing is notworking.” Sheisstruggling—lockingherself in herroomthe momenther partnergetshome, desperatefor breathing room from herkids, whodon’t stop touching,needing,overwhelmingher
Ihatethe idea that someonefinally expressedaneed forhelpintothe void of Facebook andmight getonly anechoback—insteadofahug,amealtrain,a massage, or aweekend away with girlfriends. So my brainobsesses over this unknownhuman,asifmy insomnia couldsomehow help.
It’s notyourfault,Iwanttosay,shaking herby imaginary shouldersthatdon’t want to be draped in children’sneediness forjustfiveminutes,please. We live in asystemthathas devalued caregiving for thousandsofyears—a system called patriarchy, wherepoweriscentred as theultimatevalue,leaving parentingand care work drainedand unsupported. Theoppositeofpatriarchy isn’tmatriarchyper se—those wordscan trip us up—but asystemwhere care is centred. Wheretending andattending to others andthe planet arehonoured,supported andvalued.
Wherecareisreciprocated, nurtured andfed.Where everything that supports caregiving is prioritized. Butthat’snot thesystemwehave. Ours is about power, extraction andprofit. If youwantcare, youpay forit. Andwhatexists—childcare, food banks, nonprofits,churchprograms—areusually band-aids trying to stop thedam from bursting
So what Iwanttosay to AnonymousMemberwith allthe fire of my 3a.m.brain is this:not flourishingas theprimary caregiverinlate-stagecapitalismisnot a personal failing. It’s notYOURnervous system.It’sthe entire system.Yourshort-circuiting is asignalthatthe larger system is broken.The nuclearfamily, treading waterinanisolatedhouse underaninsanemortgage, is fundamentallydepleting,especiallyfor theone spending themosttimewiththe kids
I’djustshown my partnera Substack post by oneof my favouritewriters on patriarchy,Celeste Davis, whichmay be whythe Insomnia Fairyselectedthis concerntotorment me with.Davis hadsharedagraph showingwhatmothers actually wanted forMother’s Day. Just 3% wanted aphysicalgift. What 47%wanted wasalone time.
Just to be left alone.
Meanwhile, down in theemergingstate of Gilead, underthe TrumpCrime Syndicate, they’reoffering medals forwomen whohavesix or more babies.Davis skewersthe absurdity: “Clearly,someone lovesmedals. Andit’snot themothers.Idon’t know onewoman who wouldthink,‘Youknowwhatwould make me have more kids?Amedal.”
(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation)
MOMS: Continued from 12
round-up of surveys: paid parental leave, reproductive rights, climate regulation, gun control, affordable child care, mental health support. A network of care An ecosystem of survivability.
“My family lives far away and we don’t make enough to afford babysitters regularly or therapy,” wrote Anonymous Member. “I’ve got friends with kids the same age, but we’re all so busy all the time.”
At 4:30 a.m., I logged in, preparing to
type out a screed, when I saw her post had already received 60 supportive responses and 35 offers of empathy. “I hear you.”
“You’re not alone.” “PM me if you want to talk.”
When you’re deep in the care trenches, it’s vital to receive care, too. Children’s development literally depends on the health and flourishing of their caregivers
And this community does care, as that wave of support shows. But it also shows how many of us are DIY-ing survival strategies under a fundamentally hostile economic system
An empathetic comment or earplug tip isn’t a substitute for networks of mutual aid or system-wide support that gives slack to our overloaded nervous systems.
The most important work in this world—the nurturing of human life—is the least valued, the least visible, the least supported.
We need a care restoration project. A community-wide effort to seed ecosystems of care that allow everyone to flourish Whoever starts a project like that? That’s who truly deserves a medal.
BLOSSOMING SQUAMISH: Can you identify these flowers? Email us the answers at news@squamishchief.com
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
ABOUT THE STEAM ROOM
Editor’s note: This letter was sent to mayor and council and copied to The Squamish Chief.
As a longtime user of the steam room at Brennen Park, I am flabbergasted at the time it’s taken to fix the problem. The shutdown of our only such (hot therapy) public facility for more than six months is a bit like the old apartment buildings in Vancouver, where the elevators are broken for months and the users are stranded without access But those buildings are in private hands, whereas our pool is owned by us and our local government.
It is downright embarrassing Since our community only has a steam room (and no dry-heat sauna), this facility is crucial to the health and welfare of hundreds of people, not least of which are all of those young people travelling through our town. Saunas and steam rooms have long been understood as beneficial to human health. Most community pools have both a
LETTERS POLICY
steam room and a sauna! The cost of a typical dry-heat electric sauna unit is much less than the apparatus to make steam. One doesn’t have “supply-chain” excuses If we had a dry-heat sauna, we could have had that changed in a week, not six months
And my understanding of the proposed revamp of the Brennen Park Rec Centre, including the expected cost overruns on their current reno project, there is no dry-heat sauna planned or anticipated for the future Yikes!
The tiles in the steam room were recently replaced and are fine Is this a story of over-reaching bureaucracy and/or of general incompetence?
John Harvey Squamish
MOTORCYCLE RESPONSIBILITY
May is motorcycle awareness month, but what about motorcyclists also being aware and showing respect?
I live in Lions Bay and for several years I
have complained to the RCMP about how motorcyclists use the Sea to Sky Highway through Lions Bay as the Indy 500.
Every weekend, without fail, dozens of motorcyclists head north at speeds exceeding 100 kms and return heading south again at speeds that are not only dangerous but unrealistic, as the speed limit is only 60 km/hr.
I am an accident investigator and use a handheld laser gun as part of my investigations and can confirm motorcyclists actually accelerating to speeds as high as 168 km for reasons of total ignorance and stupidity.
The former mayor has complained as well, to no avail and no doubt many residents have also, but the drag racing continues every weekend.
As I am writing this, four motorcycles whizzed northbound as just a blur, estimated speeds well over 120 km, but that is normal, as lots more will follow.
Richard Moser Lions Bay
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
Parents, do you feel supported in your motherhood/fatherhood?
Have your say at squamishchief.com
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
What do you think is the ideal population size for Squamish? (Top 3)
First LNG modules arrive at Woodfibre site in Squamish MOST READ STORY
TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK
This week, Indigo Lemay Conway took in the Mamquam Meltdown on the Mamquam River. Check out this and other videos on our TikTok channel @squamishchief
PHOTOS BY BRIAN AIKENS
NoticeofBylawReadings
Tuesday, June 3,2025 at 6p.m. in Council Chambers at Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, B.C.
Noticeisherebygiven in accordancewith Section 467 of the Local Government Act,thatDistrictofSquamish Council will be consideringfirst,second and third readingofDistrictofSquamishZoningBylaw No.2200, 2011,AmendmentBylaw (Upper Finch) No.3174, 2025
Affected Lands: 2027, 2025 Finch Drive, Squamish, British Columbia.
Proposed Bylaw
Amendment: Thepurposeofthe proposedBylawistoincrease the number of permitted apartmentdwelling units in the CD-101 zone from 208 to 224.
Noticeisherebygiveninaccordancewith Section 467 of the Local Government Act, thatDistrictofSquamish Council will be considering first,second and third reading of DistrictofSquamish Zoning BylawNo. 2200, 2011, AmendmentBylaw (CD-82 Rental HousingAmendments) No.3141, 2025.
AffectedLands: Lot1,Sections 22 and 23 Township 50 Plan EPP62151
PID: 029-924-049
Proposed Bylaw
Amendment: Thepurpose of the proposed bylawamendmentistoincrease the allowable floor area ratio forParcelENorth from 1.0 to 2.5 to facilitate the developmentof180 market rental units and approximately 1,400 squaremetres of commercial space. This rezoning,ifapproved,would increasethe maximum allowable number of housing units in the CheekeyeDevelopmentfrom1,215 to 1,395 units
LOCATION MAP
In accordancewith Provincial housing legislation,Section 464(3) of the LocalGovernment Act,local governments arenow prohibited from holding public hearings relatedtorezoning applications fordevelopments that areprimarily residential and areconsistentwith the local government’sOfficial CommunityPlan (OCP). These proposalsmeet those requirements.
Howtoviewthe proposed bylaws
Acopyofthe proposed bylaws andrelated information thathas been or maybeconsideredbyCouncil maybeinspectedonline or at Municipal Hall. Online at: squamish.ca/showcase
Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue,Squamish, British Columbia, from May22, 2025, to June 3, 2025, between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Mondaythrough Friday. Enquiries regarding the proposedamendmentbylawmay be made to the Planning Department at 604-815-5002 or by email to planning@squamish.ca. This is the second of twonotices,dated this 29 dayofMay 2025 at Squamish, British Columbia.
NON-PROFITS HOST DOCUMENTARY SCREENING FOR PRIDE
’Pride vs. Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story’ at the Brackendale Art Gallery & Culture Centre
on June 11
JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@squamishchief.com
It was a legal fight that strengthened human rights in Canada
The 1998 Vriend v. Alberta Supreme Court decision made sexual orientation a protected right under the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.
Delwin Vriend was a teacher employed at an Alberta Christian college who was fired because of his homosexuality.
The Supreme Court case hinged on the fact Vriend couldn’t make a human rights complaint because the Alberta act did not include sexual orientation as a protected right.
The victory of Vriend and his supporters set a precedent for 2SLGBTQIA+ folks in this country and beyond.
In honour of Pride month, several local organizations—Sea 2 Sky Allies, Pride Squamish, PearlSpace Support Services Society, and the Squamish Community Foundation are hosting a special documentary screening about the case
The featured documentary, Pride vs Prejudice: The Delwin Vriend Story, will be shown at the Brackendale Art Gallery & Culture Centre on June 11
The award-winning film, which is directed by Darrin Hagen and produced by the Edmonton Community Foundation and the Edmonton Queer History Project, will be followed by an engaging and diverse panel discussion among locals and leaders.
“Pride vs Prejudice is a story about standing up
for the right to be who you are,” said Trevor Wulff, who is a 2SLGBTQIA+ and Indigenous advocate, as well as president of Pride Squamish
“We have come a long way—I’ve seen that—and I recognize there is much more to be done,” said Wulff, who was born and raised in Squamish
Karen Clarke, executive director of the Squamish Community Foundation, told The Squamish Chief that at this time in history, with the current political climate in the U.S. and within Canada, the foundation wanted to throw its support behind this film
“We have this great network, and so we try to support the other foundations in the work
they’re doing as much as we can,” Clarke said, “When they produced this documentary, they passed it out to all the foundations across Canada and said, if you can film or screen this during Pride month, it would be great. And so apparently, there are at least 21 foundations across Canada and all the provinces and territories that are going to screen it We just want to support the work, and especially in this day and age’s political climate, we’re keen to support this type of work.”
In Alberta, Bill 26, which denies gender-affirming care from being provided to gender diverse youth in that province, is currently being protested and challenged in court.
But here in B.C. and Squamish, where 2SLGBTQIA+ are not being threatened in the same way, it is important to keep the fight for equality in mind, Clarke added.
“You do have to keep your guard up, and you do have to keep working at it, and unfortunately, that’s the way it is Hopefully, one day with this type of work, we will not have to work so hard on it.”
Clarke noted that the screening event is for anyone and everyone Cost is not an obstacle While donations, which will go to Pride Squamish, are requested, people will be let in for free, through Eventbrite
“We’d just like to see everybody out, anyone who’d like to learn more and who just wants to connect with community,” she said
June is Pride Month in Squamish and this screening is part of a series of events to “build community and promote 2SLGBTQIA+ equality, visibility and rights,” Wulff added.
“We all deserve to be seen, loved and welcomed and we will continue to create awareness, dialogue and safe spaces for all people to express themselves freely without fear of judgment or discrimination.”
The month of Pride events kicks off on Sunday, June 1, with the inaugural Squamish Pride Parade from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Junction Park.
“This milestone event is many years in the making and everyone is invited to join us for a beautiful day of community, love and Pride,” Wulff said.
‘PRIDE
VS. PREJUDICE’ SCREENING DETAILS
When: Wednesday, June 11, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: Brackendale Art Gallery & Culture Centre, 41950 Government Rd Tickets: By donation ($20 suggested), available via Eventbrite
PHOTO BY SCM JEANS/ISTOCK EDITORIAL / GETTY IMAGES PLUS Tickets to the documentary screening are available through Eventbrite
SPORTS BRIEFS
SQUAMISH’S ELLA MACPHEE FINISHED THIRD
Chalk up a dominant collective effort for Team Canada last weekend at the UCI Mountain Bike World Cup.
Ava Holmgren prevailed in the ladies’ U23 cross-country short track race (20:43) in Nové Město na Moravě, Czech Republic. She beat her twin sister, Isabella (20:44), by a minuscule margin as their compatriot Squamish’s Ella MacPhee (20:44) rounded out the podium
“It was my very first UCI World Cup in short track,” Ava said in a press release after Saturday’s breakthrough “I had my sister racing with me, and I owe a lot of credit to her; we played the tactic so well. I’ve been sick the whole week and wasn’t sure how I would feel, but it was good enough to stay away. Thanks to Isabella, she played it super well, and I owe this victory to her.”
MacPhee went on to triumph at the cross-country Olympic race on Sunday (1:20:19) Fiona Schibler occupied the runner-up hole for Switzerland (1:20:36), and Italy’s Sara Cortinovis was third (1:21:01), but Isabella crashed and did not finish
“I don’t have any words, it’s just crazy,” MacPhee said “I did not know Bella was
out until I came through the feed. I don’t know what happened. I am really sorry, and it is too bad to see her out, and I hope she is OK.”
Both Holmgren siblings are, for the most part, having a successful 2025 to date Isabella won her first pro World Cup gold in Araxá, Brazil, while Ava finished ninth in Stage 1 of the Vuelta a Extremadura Femenina.
For her part, MacPhee now occupies top spot in the overall ranking.
HOMETOWN WINNER
It was a watershed Victoria Day long weekend for Elly Hoskin, who secured her inaugural elite World Cup breakthrough in Bielsko-Biala, Poland.
The Squamolian found herself in a tight duel with Raphaela Richter, who had won two stages during Saturday’s event, but an untimely shoulder injury brought the German athlete’s medal hopes to an end. Instead, Hoskin cruised to gold in 26 minutes and 46.980 seconds.
A fifth-stage triumph gave silver to Ella Conolly of Great Britain (27:32.803). Bronze landed around the neck of Frenchwoman Morgane Charre (27:38.834), who was the only other rider to get within a minute of the victorious time.
“Feeling very grateful, happy, and still a little surprised. My riding on the weekend felt good but nothing spectacular, which I guess is good!” wrote Hoskin on social media. “That’s that process kicking in My day went smoothly, I prepared my best, pushed and pedalled my guts out but also had a lot of fun on these tracks I don’t check my results throughout race day, so I wasn’t very aware of what was going on until stage five, but my goal was to be committed on every second of the track and I executed my best
“Something I got reminded this weekend was that you can’t really feel much else if you’re smiling, so if I was grinning, it was probably hard. But the beauty of that is eventually you’re just smiling because you’re having fun...and that’s the whole point right?”
Hoskin also shouted out a number of individuals: “[Andréane Lanthier Nadeau] always been an inspiration and doing big things for Canada, [Ella and Morgane] I can’t believe I get to race beside you, [Raphaela] amazing battle, thank you, [Winni Goldsbury] we’re all so proud of you, and [Simona Kuchyňková] thank you for washing my bike so I made podium and pushing me [George Swift] for the
best vibes. [Coach Adam Walker], as always, my rock. Also, a thank you to the marshal in Pietra on stage one who started my season with the ‘money for nothing’ intro. I hummed it, dropping into every stage. My sponsors, thank you for supporting this thing we do I am spoiled and can’t thank you enough.”
Polish prowess
After losing the season-opening men’s race to Daniel Booker by 0.37 seconds in Pietra Ligure, Italy, Slawomir Lukasik didn’t miss on home soil He prevailed in the first three stages to reach the podium’s top step (23:26.591).
Jack Moir filled the runner-up hole for Australia (23:32.631), and Ireland’s Gregory Callaghan clocked in third (23:34.530).
Leading all Canadians in seventh was Jesse Melamed, while Booker placed a forgettable 95th.
“It was crazy. I still can’t believe,” remarked Lukasik in a press release. “It was a really stressful day, but finally I got the win. It was a great day, but a really stressful one. The home crowd was so crazy. I am so stoked.”
Moir won on stage four and five, but ultimately could not close the gap on his Polish opponent
BreakingNews
PHOTO BY INDIGO LEMAY-CONWAY/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
PADDLES UP!: The Mamquam Meltdown splashed into town on Saturday The annual event is a day of Class II/III timed slalom racing on the Mamquam River.
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Wages based on experience, Vehicle,travel, medical benefits, overtime provided Email: admin@baseelectric.ca
Missing Cat -White and Brown We are still missing ourcat Potato.Last seen on Marinaside Place on December3,2024. We suspect she hasbeen misplaced. 2,000$ reward for her safe return. Small female catwith little skin tagonright ear. 778-549-2952
EVEN ON THE TOUGHDAYSYOU SHOWED US WHAT REAL COURAGELOOKS LIKE. IN OUR HEARTS YOUWILLREMAIN FOREVER. OCTOBER 3, 1962 -APRIL19, 2025
ACELEBRATIONOF LIFE WILL BE HELD AT11:00 AM ON MAY31, 2025 AT THE LIKELY CHAPEL 7050 KEITHLYCREEK ROAD LIKELY, BC
BUILDING OUR COMMUNITY
Employee 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 5x8schedule. RedSealcertified receive$200/month toolallowance. $40.19- $49.15 per hour.5%premium on hourlywagefor Lead Hand position.
CONSTRUCTIONLABOURER– Greatopportunity to learnon-the-job. Staminafor physically demanding work and perseverance to braveinclement weather required. Previous experiencepreferred but notrequired.Trainingprovided. $28-$33per hour
You’ll be successful at work this week if you take the time to negotiate, askquestions and finalizeagreements.The situation with the people sharing yourhome will improveonce you setclear rules
TAURUS April 20-May20
No matterwhat project you’reworking on, focuson fine-tuningthe details and preparingthoroughly. You’ll be surprised by the attention you receiveonsocialmedia
GEMINI May21-June20
Your unique stylewill make you stand outfromthe crowd. You’ll be admired by others. Acommentyou make could draw alot of unexpected attention and turn all eyes on you.
CANCER June 21-July 22
If you’reconsideringa move, thiscould be the perfect opportunitytoredecorate. The birth of anew family membercould brighten yourweek. Participatingin atrainingcoursecould help you advance yourcareer.
SUDOKU
LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:
LEO July 23-Aug.22
Your reliabilityand discretion will earn you the trustof thosearoundyou.Some people mayconfide in you unreservedly.Expectsome surprising revelations that leaveyouastonished.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Your travel plans mayprove to be more difficultthanyou expected. Youmay have to play chauffeur for yourloved ones on variousoccasions.You’ll showingenuityonaproject, whichmay causeyou to be committedforthe longterm.
LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22
Beforefinalizingany major purchases, takeaday or twotothink things over This pausecould help you negotiateabetterdealand potentiallysaveyou money.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov.21
Prioritizerestthis week! At work,drinkingasecond cupofcoffeecould help clearyourmind and boost yourproductivity. You’ll be morecreative, so trustyour intuition as it guides you toward successful outcomes.
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21
Your plans maychange unexpectedly.Ifyourguests cancel on aplannedactivity, embrace the calm and enjoy some relaxation insteadof stressingout
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
At work,you’ll takethe lead in organizingahousewarming or birthday partyfor your team. The eventwill be ahuge success. You’ll become even morepopular amongyour colleagues.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18
You’ll discovervital information aboutacourse or trainingprogram that could help you advance your career.Seize this opportunity to expand yourprofessional horizons
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
Summer vacation is just around the corner! This may causeyou some concern aboutyourchildren’ssummer activities.Carefullychoosea suitable daycampand involve them in the decision-making processtoensuretheyhavea fun summer.
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
