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MAYORS DEBATE
CANDIDATES ON RECREATION
Read what the mayors had to say at the all-candidates’ forum
See what those vying for council had to say
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
S Q U A M I S H C H I E F. C O M
ENCAMPMENT BEHIND UNDER ONE ROOF WON’T REOPEN, DISTRICT SAYS
The decision comes after a fire and explosion at the site. Some residents have moved to a private lot on Vancouver Street
LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
T
he District of Squamish (DOS) won’t allow encampment residents to return to behind Under One Roof. The District announced the decision Friday, Oct. 9. The reversal follows a fire and explosion during what was then called a temporary removal of residents for safety work. “The individuals affected by this closure are some of our community’s most vulnerable, and this transition may be unsettling for them,” said Lori Pyne, executive director of Squamish Helping Hands said in a press release.
PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS
CIRCLE OF FRIENDS: A black bear is surrounded by ravens in Brackendale.
ENCAMPMENT: Continued on 2
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ENCAMPMENT: Continued from 1 “Closing this site doesn’t solve the underlying challenges they face—it simply changes where they are. Squamish Helping Hands remains strongly committed to supporting our community members and will continue to work closely with the District and our partners to connect people with the resources they need to improve outcomes.” Squamish Fire Rescue Chief Aaron Foote said in the release that the explosion and fire heightened concern about the proximity to Under One Roof, “Squamish’s only supportive housing, shelter and food bank facility,” he said. “In addition, access in and out of the site for fire crews, RCMP and emergency services was extremely challenging as residents required assistance to evacuate the site.” The District said that, after a request for data by The Squamish Chief, approximately 12 to 15 people sheltered at the encampment, but that number fluctuates over time. Some people have relocated to Vancouver Street and Loggers Lane, where an existing separate encampment exists downtown. The land title for that parcel shows it belongs to Douglas Robert Day and Brent David Davies. Day is a developer who once tried to buy Oceanfront Lands from $20 million from the DOS. Davies is a restaurateur and owner of Vancouver’s Sequoia Company of Restaurants. The two purchased the two-acre lot at 1400 Vancouver Street a decade ago. The DOS said they have been in contact with the private landowners. “The area consists of a mix of multiple public and private lands and the District has remained in contact with the landowners to keep them informed during these ongoing community safety efforts,” they wrote. Day said he’s aware of the encampment but doesn’t think removing people will solve the problem.
FILE PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
A trespassing notice posted on a tree at an encampment downtown on Sept. 11.
“We’re not happy about it, but it’s a bit like Whac-A-Mole,” he said. The District says it plans to install a portable toilet and a bear-proof waste bin on that site. When asked if he is planning to develop the land, he said that is unlikely for the foresee-
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able future. “To develop the property right now, development doesn’t work because the costs are prohibitive. The development cost fees that the (District) charge are crazy. So it’s probably 10 or 20 years away from anything happening,” he said.
We’re not happy about it, but it’s a bit like Whac-A-Mole. DOUGLAS ROBERT DAY
PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER.
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WHICH COUNCIL CANDIDATES ARE PROMISING TO PRIORITIZE INDOOR RECREATION? A hockey association-hosted all-candidates forum asks candidates to shoot their shot on recreation priorities “Anybody that gives you a simple answer to this question has underestimated the challenge that it actually poses,” he said, explaining that setting a budget first requires deciding on priorities. For him, a new rec centre wasn’t a top priority. During his time as a councillor, he and others at the table focused big spending on core infrastructure, like fire halls and the public works building. He gave an example of needing to fund other core infrastructure, like Municipal Hall. The facility is highly inefficient because of its age, but is necessary for the town to function, he said. “I absolutely think we need our facilities to operate effectively and efficiently, but we also need to be very careful about spending money on things that we really need, to make our organization run efficiently,” he said.
PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Candidates gathered on Oct. 3 to talk recreation at the Squamish Valley Golf Course.
LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
O
n a sunny Saturday, municipal hall candidates delivered their solutions to Squamish’s indoor recreation needs. Held in the curling club mezzanine at Squamish Valley Golf Course Oct. 3, the all-candidates forum was spearheaded by the Squamish Minor Hockey Association. The forum’s narrow focus has broad community interest, given rink and pool closures, aging infrastructure, and ongoing demand for newer services to suit the growing community. It was tied for first place with property taxes as the most important issue in The Squamish Chief’s reader survey. Sixteen candidates for mayor and council were in attendance; Sean Goodwin and Chris Ryan were absent. For two and a half hours, candidates gave rapid-fire answers on pointed recreation questions. School trustee candidates also took part. The Squamish Chief will have a second story focused on trustee candidates’ responses to recreation needs.
Some clearly understood the political purpose and audience, pitching themselves as closely tied to Brennan Park through their children, pastimes, or childhood in Squamish. Some offered simple solutions and big promises, while others hesitated to guarantee immediate outcomes. Currently, Squamish has one recreation centre, Brennan Park, with a swimming pool, hot tub, steam room and arena facilities. Built in the 1970s, with the pool added in the 1990s, the rec centre no longer serves the growing community. As a bridge to maintain the infrastructure before a new facility is built, council recently funded renovations through a mix of grants and taxpayer dollars, for a price tag of $21 million. The overhaul is pegged at $100 million.
ADVANCED QUESTION All candidates had to answer how they would specifically invest in recreation infrastructure to keep pace with growth. The only person to say outright to an audience of hockey parents that this wasn’t a top priority was incumbent councillor Andrew Hamilton.
BIG BUILD BIDS Laura Prosko, Janice Desjardins, John Lowe, Shaun Veltkamp, Luc Perreault and Anders Ourom all came with big promises and ideas for this question. Prosko, who claimed her teenager once said she doesn’t go to the pool so younger kids can have a turn, offered an early timeline. “I say shovels in the ground in 2027. Let’s be bold,” she said. Through public-private partnerships, federal grants, tourism dollars, plus legacy contributions from Fortis BC and Woodfibre LNG, the project would move forward, according to Prosko. Perreault said he agreed with Hamilton that the project would be “hard” but RECREATION: Continued on 4
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RECREATION: Continued from 3 “practical solutions” could do the job. He proposes a recreation and tourism master plan done in tandem, arguing tourism can support recreation needs. “I’d like us to figure out how to find synergies to build on rec, build on tourism, keep everybody informed. Because I know we don’t want tourism to overtake our town, but we’re in the middle between Britannia and Whistler. We can’t fight tourism that hard,” he said. Desjardins criticized cost overruns for the public works building, took aim at spending on bike lanes and called for “a leisure centre with a pool, a two-sheet ice rink, and a community gym.” She said it could be funded through grants, partnerships and development contributions. Both Veltkamp and Lowe called for second sheets of ice, with the former calling for action in one to five years. Ourom suggested Brackendale and Valleycliffe both need recreation amenities.
IF YOU PLAN IT, IT WILL COME? Jenna Stoner, Chris Pettingill, Eric Andersen, all incumbents and first-time candidate Sarah Ellis, all said the rec centre was a priority, but their focus was on ensuring planning was up to par. Ellis said she would work with her prospective council members to put Brennan Park at the front of the line for the District’s facilities master plan, and warned
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that poor capital planning can have drastic consequences. “When you don’t have good capital planning for facilities, things can go really bad,” she said, referring to Vancouver’s aquatic centre. She also questioned retrofitting existing buildings. “Retrofits and renovations, especially to aging facilities, are really complicated, and there’s a lot of risk, as we witnessed last year with the closure of the ice rink,” she said. Two-term councillor and current mayoral candidate Stoner defended the council’s record, citing fire halls, public works, the search and rescue base, the wastewater treatment facility, and renovations at Brennan Park. She also stressed the decision to renovate came from community engagement in 2018, as choosing not to renovate would mean losing access to a rec centre for three years. “I know that planning is boring, but we’ve made mistakes in the past where we put things in the budget and then tried to execute, and it didn’t work very well. Pickleball and the splash park come to mind,” she said. Pettingill highlighted that plans are required to obtain necessary grants, and wants to shift the cost onto a new taxpayer, seemingly referring to Woodfibre LNG. He suggested some funding could also come from Furry Creek and Britannia through the regional district. Andersen wants an update for the parks and recreation master plan, and harkened
back to his teenage years when Squamish had a fundraiser for the original Brennan Park. “We need it for planning. We need it for being prepared for fundraising opportunities. For giving balanced and fair treatment to all interests, facility types, neighbourhoods, including Brackendale.”
ENOUGH PLANNING Both Sean Easton and Daniel Deal, mayoral candidates, questioned the process council has used. “A clearly stated need in the community, beyond consulting reports, beyond committee reports, is our recreational amenities are no longer meeting the needs, and I’m not sure we need another report to tell us that,” Easton said. He pointed to the pool’s closures, saying it was a management issue, not a staffing issue. Deal argued the problem lies in council choosing a task force instead of a committee, thus distancing themselves from the process. “Unfortunately, the first year there’s not going to be any kind of movement on Brennan Park, and that’s just the reality that previous council has kind of put us into,” he said. Deal wants to work directly with groups like minor hockey on public-private funding, and f loated naming rights for a library, pool or sheet of ice, though not for Brennan Park itself. He committed to “stop kicking the infrastructure planning down the road.”
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Incumbent John French, and newcomer candidates Ian Brown and Kieran Brownie all presented built-by-community options for the facility. French pitched a community capital campaign, touting the all-weather soccer field as evidence of raising hundreds of thousands, which the District matched. “We need to bring that spirit back, and I’m fully prepared to work with anyone and everyone in the community who wants to be a part of a community capital fundraising committee,” he said. This capital campaign can be paired with District financing and grant opportunities, though relationships, he said, trump grant writers. “You can have great grant writers, like we do in Squamish, but if you don’t have a relationship with the cabinet minister who’s doling out the money, your community is not getting it.” Brown stressed community members should bring solutions, not just their complaints. “Community engagement is a whole lot more than complaining and asking for stuff … I need more than just complaints. I need some strategies and some plans,” he said, highlighting Squamish Off-Road Cycling Association’s volunteer-built trails and other community groups’ solutions. Brownie suggested capacity building can happen between community groups and the District, to ensure they can write their own
I know that planning is boring, but we’ve made mistakes in the past where we put things in the budget and then tried to execute, and it didn’t work very well. Pickleball and the splash park come to mind. JENNA STONER
grant proposals, while also noting the community has social capital they could call on. While many candidates call for a public-private partnership model, the Real Estate Facilities Master Plan (REFMP) already identified that funding concept as a mechanism in 2019. “Public‐public and public‐private partnerships can provide enhanced service to the community and reduce the District’s facility investment, especially for the Growth Oriented expansion candidates at Brennan Park,” reads the REFMP.
HANDS OFF PUBLIC LAND The last question of the afternoon zeroed in on the intersection of housing and recreation land. Moderator Stephen Fryer told the room the Squamish Valley Golf Course and Brennan Park are both provincially owned land. He asked, would candidates parcel it off to meet provincial housing requirements? For clarity, decades ago, the province transferred Brennan Park to the District with restrictions on its use and sale. The golf course was also transferred by the province to the District, with land use restricted to golf and public recreation only. Squamish Valley Golf Club leases the land from the District. All candidates gave a resounding no, though some suggested building housing atop recreation amenities. It is unclear if that could happen given the land-use constraints embedded in these sales. Ellis, current executive director of Housing Squamish, used her background to comment that the concept was f lawed. The organization has completed an inventory of all government-owned land. “The list is really short, and I will say the golf course, Brennan Park, they’re low on the list. And it’s not because we don’t want to use them. It’s because they’re actually not appropriate. They’re in the f loodplain. They’re very close to rivers … They’re not serviced,” she said.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | 5
CHALLENGERS TARGET COUNCIL RECORD AT PACKED FORUM
Candidates Sean Easton and Daniel Deal took aim at incumbent Jenna Stoner’s record JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
I
t was clear who the incumbent was during the mayoral debate at the Joint Engagement Committee Municipal All-Candidates Meeting at Don Ross Middle School on Oct. 5. Current councillor Jenna Stoner, who is now running for mayor, faced pushback from first-time candidates Sean Easton and Daniel Deal as they took on Stoner and her—and council’s—record in office. The well-attended event, for which The Squamish Chief was a media partner, saw a polite and engaged crowd of 400 sit in the school’s plastic chairs for three hours straight, listening to candidates make their pitches and answer questions. Hundreds more watched on livestream. The mayoral hopefuls touched on a variety of topics from keeping pace with growth, fiscal responsibility, balancing tourism impacts, encampments and much more.
GROWTH The candidates aiming for the top spot faced several questions. Stoner and Easton were asked by event organizers, the Joint Engagement Committee—made up of the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Squamish BIA and Tourism Squamish—for their vision for creating a sustainable business ecosystem in Squamish “where local businesses can start, survive, grow and remain long-term.” Stoner noted that during her eight years on council, the focus of elected officials was getting more housing and child care, as those were the pressing needs at the time. Now, the focus can shift a bit, she said. “That’s ensuring that there’s clear approval times and permitting tracking for new developments, for tenant improvement applications that have distinct timelines to them, as well as ensuring that we’re working with the (Squamish Chamber of Commerce), Tourism Squamish and [the] Joint (Engagement) Committee.” Easton said the District largely needs to get out of a business’s way. “When I’ve talked with community members that own businesses here and are part of the (Squamish) Chamber at Tourism Squamish and Downtown Squamish, what I hear constantly is, ‘We are doing the things the District is asking us to do and they are not collaborating with us,’” he said. “We need to,
as a leadership team and as a District, align our resources to be congruent with the priorities that we’re setting with our business community and work together to advance the shared goals. We need to be better partners with our business team. We need to stop saying we want business here and then fight them tooth and nail as they apply for permits and business licences.”
BUDGETING Some of the most pointed back-and-forth between mayoral candidates took place around budgeting. All three candidates were asked about zero-based budgeting, how it will work and what specific benefits it would deliver. Stoner answered first and then the two other candidates responded. “I think it’s important to recognize that we have had real year-over-year tax increases in our budget, and we know that people are doing that day in and day out as they make decisions to figure out what they’re going to spend their dollars on,” Stoner said. “We want to make sure that as a District, we’re being really, really prudent with the dollars that we ask for. And that’s why I put forward the idea of zero-based budgeting. It means that we’re going line by line… It is labour-intensive. It’s going to take time, but that’s why I recommend we only do it once per council term, so there’s transparency for councils, for the community, on every dollar that is going in. It doesn’t mean that’s going to be a complete windfall. It means that we’re able to realign our priorities and our available resources to do all the things we want to do without having to have a cash-flow on our budget.” Deal pushed back. “Councillor Stoner championed Squamish’s first ever 10-year financial plan. Now months later, we’re hearing about the zero-based budget—reviewing now only once every four years,” he said. “I don’t think that we need to throw away long-term financial planning every time there’s a new election. We need to be building on the 10-year plan that you guys have already worked so hard on and spent so much money towards, and we need to stick to it. And we need to make disciplined decisions every year about how we got there. Residents don’t get a four-year break from taxes, so why should council get a four-year break from scrutinizing spending?” Easton, who is also promising zero-based budgeting, jumped on this question too. “So me and Jenna have both talked MAYORAL: Continued on 6
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MAYORAL: Continued from 5
I don’t know if anyone knows this, but the RCMP is the single most rising cost in our budget plan. We spend as much on the RCMP as we do with our entire transit budget.
about—I’ve actually done zero-based budgeting. “Zero Ceiling, the non-profit that I run and that I’m executive director of, when we faced a $500,000 budget cut from the provincial government, we used zero-based budgeting as one tool in how to close that budget gap. But what we did is we worked with the people most directly impacted by our work, the youth in our services, and the staff. “And we worked together, ‘What can we all do to close this gap?’ Make more money, reduce expenses, and together we not only closed the gap over a three-year period, we shaved a third of our budget, we increased the level of services, the number of youth we serve each year, by 36 per cent.”
DANIEL DEAL Committing to a zero per cent tax increase and freezing our budgets is actually what puts us back to where we were. We’ve been spending four, eight years trying to dig ourselves out of an infrastructure deficit of $120 million. We put a plan to it. We put our asset management plan, which means we’re putting money away and saving for not just the renewal and repair, but the future expansion for the first time ever. That is really important work, a hard decision that was made for the future. It’s a hard decision (but) if you get to zero per cent, it’s not going to last.”
ENCAMPMENTS Another passionate exchange resulted from a question about encampments. The question asserted that since the encampment on the property behind Under One Roof was removed, there have been no street disorder incidents. The question asked: “How will we keep our neighbourhood safe and will the encampment return?” Easton was first up in answering. “I’m an executive director that’s worked with young adults that have been impacted by homelessness for the last 10 years and this is complex but also the status quo currently is not working,” he said. “It’s not working for the people that are impacted by homelessness and it’s not working for the neighbours. We need action. We need to create services. We need to leverage provincial funding to prioritize the temporary modular housing project but we need to engage with residents so that they are part of the process and we need to provide services, but we also need to hold people accountable. This is what I do at work every day. I provide support and ownership over the problem by working with the people and then I hold people accountable when they’re being unsafe in the community.” Deal noted how tragic the situation is. “There’s no one paintbrush to paint this all with but I think that through proper social care and social outreach programs, we can absolutely start making a dent in this and start getting these people off the streets and putting them into proper safe situations,” he said. Stoner addressed what had been done so far. She said she couldn’t confirm whether or not the encampment would return, but said that most of those who were living in it had moved somewhere else close to downtown. “Those folks haven’t left. They are people who are part of our community and they deserve a home first,” she said. “And so that’s why we did advocate for the province to be able to get designation as part of HEART and HEARTH. We’re one of 12 communities across the province that got that designation. That’s the only route that the province currently has to be able to provide provincial support to municipalities … with encampments and homelessness. That was a really critical part. Now we need to work with those partners to be able to make
RELATIONSHIPS WITH SQUAMISH NATION
PHOTO BY OISIN MCHUGH
(Left to right) Daniel Deal, Sean Easton and Jenna Stoner.
sure that it’s being delivered in a way that our community expects. Hold a high standard for them,” she added. “We do that work by working in partnership with BC Housing, our operators on the ground as well as adding additional community patrol officers, our Downtown BIA and local neighbours, so that they know that they’re going to be safe.” Deal used the opportunity to rebut here. “I actually want to push back again in regards to more enforcement,” he said. “I don’t know if anyone knows this, but the RCMP is the single most rising cost in our budget plan. We spend as much on the RCMP as we do with our entire transit budget. What we spend on the RCMP we spend in our entire rec and facilities budget. “I don’t know if expanding more RCMP and paying more into these funds is appropriate, and maybe we should look at these funds that we are sending them, are they being spent properly?”
BALANCING INFRASTRUCTURE AND TAX RELIEF Another engaging exchange was when Deal was asked by an audience member: “Given your background in Carbon Engineering, managing long-term technical and commercial priorities, what specific principles from your career would you bring to managing
Squamish’s finances and public assets in balancing essential long-term infrastructure planning with immediate tax relief for residents?” He said: “I think the biggest principle I bring is the accountability to the resources we already have. My approach is to understand what we own, what condition it’s in, what’s the cost to maintain it, and does it need to be prioritized? “We need to maintain what we have, and we need to plan for what we’re going to need, and we need to make decisions based on good information rather than politics and shortterm pressures. And I think when it comes to tax relief, I don’t think those goals conflict. Long-term infrastructure planning means prioritizing what we actually need, not these lofty goals.” Easton also used a rebuttal option to jump in here. “I appreciate Daniel’s perspective there, and I just wanted to add (that) … the best way to get out of a hole is to stop digging. So our tax increase from 2026, 2027 and 2028 is less than the combined total of how much the capital of the public works project and Brennan Park went over budget. We need to start spending money wisely—period.” Stoner pushed back on both of them. “I think it’s really important to note that this is inexperience talking here right now.
The Squamish Chief asked Stoner: “If you are elected mayor, what are some tangible things the public can expect to see this term coming from the District’s 2025 Memorandum of Understanding with Squamish Nation.” Stoner said that a lot of the work during her years on council has been redefining the relationship and reconciliation with the Nation. “We know that we are all sharing this land together and the path forward is through working through collaborative relationships. That was solidified in a memorandum of understanding with a number of priorities that we’re working on. This past year we focused on living the ‘year of truth,’” she said. “So we spent a year identifying through our archives what it was that we have done and what role we played in colonization and impacts to First Nations. Going forward, in the case of the work, we have the land back task force as well as improving access to recreation facilities for Squamish Nation.” Stoner used a wild card option that was part of the event, to throw the same question to Easton. “I want to first start by saying thank you to the current councillors and mayor for doing this important work,” Easton said. “I’m a youth worker. I’ve worked with many kids from foster care of which Indigenous kids are over-represented. And that work has brought me in close contact with Elders and community leaders and I have strong relationships with Squamish Nation councillors and my dedication to reconciliation would go hand-in-hand with the betterment of our community and all residents.”
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | 7
COUNCIL CANDIDATES DEBATE TAXES, BRENNAN PARK AND GROWTH
Fifteen candidates are vying for six council seats ahead of the Oct. 17 election
TIME FOR CHANGE!
JANICE DESJARDINS FOR COUNCILLOR
PHOTO BY OISIN MCHUGH
About 400 people attended the Oct. 5 debate at Don Ross Middle School.
LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
N
umerous candidates running for District of Squamish council say they would freeze property taxes, both on their platforms and at an all-candidates debate. But when asked during the Oct. 5 debate at Don Ross Middle School which line items they would cut to achieve this, not a single candidate seeking a councillor seat gave a specific answer. The forum was hosted by the Joint Engagement Committee, including the Downtown Squamish BIA, Tourism Squamish and the Squamish Chamber of Commerce. The Squamish Chief was a media partner in the event. Janice DesJardins called for zero-based budgeting, with each line earning its place to find savings throughout the budget. Laura Prosko said the District must find efficiencies and explore economic development and relief from Woodfibre LNG, but also wouldn’t cut essential services. John Lowe and Anders
Ourom also alluded to trimming fat or halting further increases. Sarah Ellis, who is not running on a tax freeze promise, called it “pretty easy” for new faces to make this promise without any experience approving a budget. “The reason I have not made this promise is because I know that our property taxes pay for essential things in our community: police, fire, protective services, the folks who maintain our parks, our essential infrastructure. They pay for our capital plan, which is millions of dollars to maintain the existing facilities… I don’t feel comfortable committing to no property tax increase until I understand that better and understand the trade-offs.” Incumbent Eric Andersen spoke to pieces he would protect: planning for recreation, culture, industry and business. Fifteen candidates are running for six council seats, with the general election scheduled for Oct. 17. DEBATE: Continued on 9
"I want a full top-to-bottom review of how the District runs: every department, every process, and every role. Not to point fingers, but to find where things get stuck, duplicated, or cost more than they should. Then we fix it. Clear roles, faster decisions, better communication. A District that works smoothly saves taxpayers money and gets things done on time." - Janice Need a ride? VOTE OCTOBER 17! Call Ride to Vote 604-898-5540
FIRST FOR YOU LAST ON YOUR BALLOT
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ie n ine
Seeking Library Board Members The Municipal Library was established in 2003 pursuant to the provisions of the Library Act of British Columbia. The Library Board has the responsibility for oversight of the delivery of public library services in the District of Squamish. The Board consists of one member of Council and eight members of the public appointed by Council. Members of the Board will serve without remuneration. Members are expected to attend all meetings of the Board, which are held on the third Wednesday of each month, and share in other Board activities and responsibilities. All residents and electors of the District are eligible for appointment, unless they are members of the Municipal Council or employees of the District or the Library Associate.
The District’s next 10-year Financial Plan review process began on September 8 and continues through to December.
Please indicate on your application any particular interests, experience or qualifications you have in relation to public library services. There are four vacancies to fill.
Follow along and weigh in at LetsTalkSquamish.ca/budget-2027
An information package and application forms are available at the Library and online at: squamishlibrary.ca/about-the-library/library-board Applications should be received no later than 4:30 pm on October 21, 2026.
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Please direct to Victoria Rae at corporateofficer@squamish.ca or by mail: District of Squamish, 37955 Second Avenue, PO Box 310, Squamish, BC V8B 0A3
Tot Riders (1–5 yrs)
55+ You do not need to know how to read music to be able to play the ukulele!
Ukulele Beginner
at The 55 Activity Centre
The ukulele is an easy-to-learn musical instrument. It’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face and will bring joy and happiness to yourself and those around you.
Wednesdays, 9:30–11 am Escape the rain, cold, and roads! Come visit the gym with ride-on cars and trikes provided by Recreation Services. Participants are also welcome to bring a run bike from home with clean wheels and a properly fitted bike helmet for the rider.
Floor Hockey (5–7 yrs) Tuesdays, 3:45–4:30 pm Floor hockey skills, drills, and fun! Each session includes a simple warm-up and a focus on fundamental movement skills and modified training activities.
Bus Trip (55yrs+) Monday, October 19 Whistler or Pemberton: Pumpkin Patch & The Beer Farmers Choose your own adventure.
Visit squamish.ca/rec for details and registration.
Repair Café
October 17, 10 am–2 pm The 55 Activity Centre Sign up for District of Squamish eNews squamish.ca/enews
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DEBATE: Continued from 7
BRENNAN PARK No issue saw more agreement than Brennan Park, and funding ideas ranged from Woodfibre LNG to grants and partnerships. Shaun Veltkamp floated putting a new municipal hall at Brennan Park, saying a full-time grant writer and advocacy to provincial and federal elected officials could push the needle. Prosko once again called for shovels in the ground by 2027, with Woodfibre LNG money going toward amenities. “First thing is a dedicated tax agreement for 10 years from 2027 to 2037 that has an increase in value at 2037. A 40-year commitment that goes during the operations of Woodfibre LNG directly into amenities,” she said. The council declined a negotiated 10-year agreement in principle with Woodfibre LNG worth at least $142 million, which would have taken effect in the 2027 tax year if council approved it.
GROWING PAINS DesJardins took a strong stance against density in existing neighbourhoods at various points during the debate. “The council is not listening, and that was really clear with the Garibaldi neighbourhood development project, where they had three options, and Garibaldi neighbourhood was willing to do option A, and the council chose option C, which was the most aggressive, the most infill densification option.” She may also be misunderstanding provincial density legislation. “I just wanted to punctuate all of that with the Bill 44, Bill 47 thing, and that is that we don’t have to do any densifying at all until our transit is in place, and it is not,” she said during the event. “So I think it’s important for everybody to know that we don’t actually have to do densification until we have our transit in place.” Bill 44’s core requirement does not depend on transit, so her statement is inaccurate. The legislation requires municipalities with populations over 5,000 to permit three to four units on lots zoned for single-family homes or duplexes. Six units are allowed on larger lots close to frequent bus service. Squamish brought in new R-1 zoning to comply. Binding housing targets come from separate legislation, the Housing Supply Act; Squamish’s target is at least 1,069 new homes by August 2030. Bill 47 requires higher density within 800 metres of rapid transit stations and 400 metres of major bus exchanges. Where her argument holds weight, however, is that the density planned for Garibaldi Estates, including mixed-use buildings up to six storeys, goes beyond what Bill 44 requires. That was council’s choice.
WLNG, ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Luc Perreault was the only candidate to say he would have voted for the tax deal with Woodfibre LNG. “I would have voted in favour of the deal because I’m risk averse and sometimes I just
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The council is not listening, and that was really clear with the Garibaldi neighbourhood development project. JANICE DESJARDINS
Jeremy Valeriote
West Vancouver - Sea to Sky Jeremy’s Priorities:
A Life You Can Afford
We’ll pass rent control between tenancies and fund affordable workforce housing so the people who keep our communities running can thrive. know when to cut my losses. Litigation is really expensive. What we don’t talk about are the potential damages we have to pay for if we lose. And when you quantify everything like that, I think it’s time to pivot and fix that relationship because the other alternative is kind of scary to me and my family,” he said. Several candidates noted that Squamish’s economic development department is lacking. Veltkamp called for revitalizing the department and lowering business costs. Andersen called for an office for business retention and expansion, along with protecting planning for industry and commerce. Sean Goodwin said the District should hold space downtown as an incubator for small businesses at protected rents. Ian Brown called for a downtown arts and culture hub and more support for local entrepreneurs.
Care You Can Count On
We’ll open more Community Health Centres, build the new Squamish Hospital, expand long term care, invest in mental health, restart $10/day childcare, and provide supports to age in place in Whistler and Pemberton.
A Corridor That Works For You
We will secure public transit along Highway 99 corridor. I’ll continue to speak loudly for road safety, more enforcement for reckless driving, better communication for highway closures and end fuel price gouging.
Our Home, Not Their Pipeline
This is our home, not a shortcut for pipelines. We will stand up against Woodfibre LNG expansion, the proposed crude oil pipeline route through the corridor, and protect jobs that depend on a healthy environment.
REGRETS OF INCUMBENTS The Squamish Chief was permitted to ask two questions at the event—one to councillor candidates and one to the mayor hopefuls. The councillor candidates’ question focused on the voting regrets of incumbents Chris Pettingill and John French. French was quick to say which vote he regretted—one that put council in quite the pickle. “Early in my first term, the pickleball folks were all over council to build outdoor courts, and they full on convinced me that we needed them yesterday, and we council directed staff to come back to us with some potential locations. And staff did better than that. They came back with the location, Eaglewind courts,” he said. “It was a disaster,” he said. Council had to move the location to Brennan Park. Pettingill said he changed his mind on restricting short-term rentals (STR). “(I) became really concerned about the impact it has on housing prices and puts everyone in a position where they have to have an STR to be able to have a mortgage here. And I didn’t think that was fair, and so that’s where I did change my mind,” he said.
/jervaleriote @jervaleriote @jervaler.bsky.social info@bcgreens.ca (1-888-473-3686)
bcgreens.ca Learn more!
HOW TO VOTE General voting day takes place Oct. 17 at Brennan Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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ALL-CANDIDATES Q&A
We asked candidates to answer specific questions in their own words so voters could compare their stances on issues affecting the community It is important to understand that the District is responsible for the revenue challenges we are facing. Residents are tired of hearing how the District has no money to meet their needs, while they see money being spent on items that do not make meaningful improvements to their lives. The Brennan Park renovations are a prime example. The District spent $21M – $3M over budget – on the project and did nothing to address the stated needs of our town. How should we meet these needs? Council should vote no on the Woodfibre LNG agreement, and the town should negotiate a new recreation centre. Industry moves through a boom-and-bust cycle and previously when it went bust, we saw the high paying jobs disappear and the tax base collapse. Getting a new recreation centre out of this deal would ensure we benefit from industry now and for future generations.
LIZ MCDONALD/JENNIFER THUNCHER news@squamishchief.com
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lease note the print edition includes only two answers, focused on the topics readers voted as most important to them in The Squamish Chief’s voter survey. Candidates had a maximum of 200 words to answer per question. Editorial staff made no edits to each person’s spelling or grammar. The following candidates missed the Q&A deadline, and their answers are not included: Kieran Brownie, Andrew Hamilton and Chris Ryan.
SEAN EASTON Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: The community has communicated very clearly that Brennan Park is inadequate and that we need improved change rooms, an expanded pool, and a second sheet of ice. Our recreational amenities not keeping pace with the growth of our town is among the most cited frustrations that people bring up to me.
Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: When I got my property tax bill this year, I didn’t want to pay it. Last year’s 12.8% increase – the highest in the province – is hard to
Infrastructure Upgrades
• Wastewater System Upgrades continue in Dentville, on the Madill Forcemain. Construction work is paused.
• Work on the Paradise Valley Bailey Bridge repairs continues. Overnight closures expected during the work. • Phased construction work continues on the Squamish River Dike at Harris and Dryden pump stations, as well as the Central lift station through November. squamish.ca/building-our-future STAG E
Requests for Proposals
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Business Opportunities
AGE ST
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• Recruiting & Talent Management Solution
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Development Review
• 40708 Olsen Road – Zoning Amendment
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Sign up for Squamish Alert
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Stage 1 Outdoor Water Use Restrictions remain in e e
PHOTOS BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Candidates who attended The Squamish Chief video shoots. See all the videos at squamishchief.com.
justify. The same goes for 2027 (13%) and 2028 (12.9%). Our taxes are going up, yet our amenities are still lacking. Just last week, the DOS announced they were cancelling swim lessons this fall and the pool is closing on Mondays. We’re paying more and getting less. The DOS says that growth pays for growth – new development being necessary to pay for infrastructure and amenity updates. Squamish has doubled in size in the last 20 years – we still have the same hospital, long-term-care facility, recreation centre, and we are now the 2nd most expensive town in BC. Growth isn’t paying for growth, we are. That’s why I’m freezing property tax increases for 2027, while working to improve services and amenities. This is to create constraints and accountability for government. Government must find ways to meet the needs of residents without putting greater financial pressure on them – people are already struggling here. We need to roll up our sleeves and become a more efficient and effective government that works for the people.
DANIEL DEAL Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: I would like to see more private-public investments. With the help of more private
investments and proper fiscal investing I believe we can improve some of the Brennan Park upgrades. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: I agree that proper taxes are too high for the limited amount of amenities we have.
JENNA STONER Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: There isn’t a simple answer here to how we will afford and fund all of the needs across our community, including Brennan Park. This work will require real trade-offs, strong fiscal discipline, creative partnerships, redirecting developer contributions towards recreation (where they have previously been directed to affordable housing and childcare), as well as ongoing advocacy and grant applications to the Provincial and Federal governments. Council has spent the past eight years prioritizing the renewal and replacement of critical buildings and infrastructure - two new fire halls, a new public works facility, expanded waste water treatment plant, expanded cemetery and more. These aren’t the visible infrastructure investments that folks are calling for, but Q&A: Continued on 14
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OUR COAST ISN’T FOR SALE. Only the BC Greens will: Stop new oil pipelines and tankers on our coast. Stand up against U..S.-backed LNG expansion. Create good, green jobs that won’t boom and bust. Build renewables and lower your electricity bills. The NDP won’t stand up to the pipeline. The Conservatives want to triple LNG. This is our home, not a playground for oil and gas. The BC Greens are the only party saying no to pipelines, and yes to clean energy and good local union jobs.
Believe in Better.
Oct 24th. Vote Green. Emily Lowan Leader BC Greens Authorized by Farrukh Chishtie, Financial Agent, 1-888-473-3686
12 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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EDITORIAL
CONGRATS TO THE LOSERS!
K
udos to the losers. As of this week, The Squamish Chief has published more than 60 stories on the local elections. Because there are two elections underway, it seems important to clarify that we mean for the election coming up on Oct. 17—the one for council, school board trustees and regional district directors. (We also have been publishing provincial elections stories, but that is for next week.) In developing those six dozen stories, we have had time to get to know the candidates fairly well, at least those who participated actively. We have seen them under stress. We have seen how they treat the media when no one is watching. We have seen how they interact in person, in front of crowds, in front of a camera, via email, phone and more. We have seen who demands more or less of others around them. What has become clear is that while there will be winners and losers this Saturday—as there always is—each candidate has brought something valuable to the table. Each person cares deeply about this town and has some positive ideas for its future. It is hard to lose, but for those of you who will not be our locally elected leaders, that doesn’t mean you still can’t continue to lead in some capacity. Running for office is inherently brave; it shows character, grit and integrity. Our hope is that whoever loses, you lick your wounds and take away pride in having put your name forward. That can never be taken away from you. Our hope is that you hold on to those great ideas you expressed, as well as your leadership qualities and continue to apply them in whatever capacity you have available. Thank you for running. And if you are an incumbent who lost your seat, thank you for serving. Squamish is better because of you. To those of you who will win this weekend, our heartfelt congratulations. You earned it. The people of Squamish put their trust in you. Winning is not the end of hard work for you, though. It is only the beginning. Regardless of who becomes mayor or councillor, each of you made a lot of promises to residents. Please don’t forget them once you fill the hot seats. With great power comes even greater responsibility. Show up, be humble, stay open, and show your constituents the passion and engagement you did during the campaign. Take a little time to enjoy your victory this weekend, then get to work.
BEFORE WE VOTE, ASK WHERE THE CAMPERS GO GUEST COLUMN COURTNEY LOFTUS
I
n 2020, I pitched a tent at Brandywine Meadows. These days I visit as a day-tripper, and depending on what the province decides, that may soon be the only option. This summer, the province proposed an annual ban on camping and motorized use in the meadows from June 1 to Nov. 1 to protect grizzly cub-rearing habitat. Public comment closed in July, and a final decision is expected before next summer. With a snap provincial election set for Oct. 24, whoever forms government will be the one to make that call. It’s a timely moment to ask candidates a question the Brandywine debate has mostly skipped: when we close down access, where do recreationists go? I support protecting grizzly habitat. Brandywine has no toilets or bear caches, and the meadows already demonstrate what years of heavy, unmanaged use does to fragile alpine ground, including trail-braiding, fire remains, and litter. A seasonal, partial closure may be the right call for that meadow, but it’s only half a policy. We’ve seen this before. When Joffre Lakes was overwhelmed and access there tightened, demand for alpine recreation in the corridor didn’t drop. Much of it moved across the highway to the Marriott Basin area, where there is little infrastructure to absorb it. The impacts are similar to what has been experienced at Brandywine. Closing a site without building capacity elsewhere doesn’t solve the
problem. It relocates it. The Federation of Mountain Clubs of BC, which supports the Brandywine closure, made the same point in its submission. It urged the province to offset the closure with new camping elsewhere, naming Brew Lake, Cloudburst Mountain and the Beverley Creek corridor as possible options. That’s the right instinct, but the question is who will pay for it? B.C.’s Outdoor Recreation Strategy from May 2026 cites that outdoor recreation contributed more than $4.8 billion to the province in 2023, and yet there are no disaggregated commitments for Recreation Sites and Trails BC or BC Parks in the 2026 operating budget. When agencies are stretched, closure orders become one of the only tools they can afford. In the Sea to Sky, demand for outdoor recreation infrastructure has never been higher. Every closure without an alternative pushes more people into fewer places, and the next Brandywine is already somewhere on the map. Before Oct. 24, here’s what I’d like answered by candidates: • Will you fund recreation infrastructure, with operating money for staff and maintenance? • When site closures take effect, will you commit to building equivalent capacity elsewhere? Should we camp at Brandywine? Probably not. But “don’t camp here” is the easy half of the answer. The hard half is deciding where recreationists go, and how we can pay for the infrastructure to support it. That’s a choice our next government will make. Courtney Loftus is a Squamish-based writer. She writes The Long Way at courtneyloftus.substack.com. She has a master of arts degree in environmental practice from Royal Roads University, where her thesis focused on Joffre Lakes visitor use management.
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Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw
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QUESTION OF THE WEEK Will you vote in the provincial election? Have your say at squamishchief.com
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
Will you vote at the local government election advance polls? (Top 3) YES! I VOTE ON ELECTION DAY N0
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MOST READ STORY
Canada’s first volcanic hazard map workshop held in Squamish
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SCENES OF FALL : Have photos to share? Send them to news@squamishchief.com.
TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK
DARTS & DAFFODILS HEARTFELT THANKS TO ALL THE PEOPLE AT HTH who made
my husband’s final year so unforgettable. You were his family (and mine). Everyone in Section B, the residents and all staff, volunteers who work together providing
such lovely care and attention. It was no doubt the best choice for my husband and he enjoyed being there. So, a garden full of daffodils to all you unsung heroes and gems who look after our seniors. - Dawn
Got something nice to say or some constructive criticism? Send your Darts & Daffodils: Email: news@squamishchief.com or drop off at The Chief office (38117 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.
LETTERS POLICY 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.
This week, reporter Ina Pace talked to people in downtown Squamish about their priorities for the local elections. See this and many other videos on our TikTok channel: @squamishchief.
14 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
Q&A: Continued from 10 they are the investments that keep our growing town livable and working rather than quietly falling behind. With these investments in critical infrastructure well underway, we can now turn our attention to our “core” infrastructure - Brennan Park, the Library, arts and culture spaces, and municipal hall. I know that investments in this type of infrastructure are needed to keep our community thriving and connected. I am excited and ready to roll up my sleeves and do this work with staff, council and the community. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: Squamish has seen real, year-over-year tax increases, and I’m not going to pretend otherwise or promise that stops the day I’m elected. Those increases have largely gone toward core investments: critical infrastructure, the start of a real asset management strategy, keeping pace with labour contract costs, and growing our fire and RCMP staff to match a growing town. None of those decisions were made lightly, and each one was about keeping Squamish safe and functional as it grows. I won’t commit to a zero percent budget increase — that promise would come at the cost of the services and safety Squamish needs. What I will commit to is the ZeroBased Budgeting approach so that every dollar we spend has to earn its place and we
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can ensure we are using every dollar collected in a clear, transparent and responsible way.
JOHN LOWE Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: I have always believed in being fiscally responsible. I come from a time in Squamish when we built things as the community generated the money to pay for them. That’s how facilities such as Brennan Park, our golf course and our hospital came to be. But Squamish is a very different community today. We have grown tremendously, and the reality is that some of our recreational facilities and infrastructure have not kept pace with that growth. Brennan Park is a good example. I believe we need to make facilities for children and families a greater priority. That doesn’t mean simply raising taxes and spending more money. It means looking carefully at our existing priorities and asking whether our dollars are going where they will provide the greatest benefit to the community. We also need to be creative about funding and looking at grants, partnerships, contributions from major industry and other opportunities so that the entire burden doesn’t fall on the residential taxpayer. There will always be competing demands for
limited dollars. For me, investing in the facilities that our children,seniors, families and community use every day needs to move much higher on that list. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: Yes, I believe property taxes in Squamish are too high, and I am concerned about how much of the burden is being carried by our residents. I remember a time when Squamish had a much stronger industrial tax base. Industry provided good jobs, but it also generated significant tax revenue that helped pay for the services and facilities our community needed. Our community has changed, but we still need a diverse tax base. We cannot continue to rely so heavily on homeowners and local businesses every time the cost of running the municipality increases. I believe we need to be much more focused on attracting responsible industry and economic development that can contribute to our tax base. At the same time, Council has a responsibility to look carefully at its spending, establish priorities and make sure taxpayers are receiving good value for their money. For me, fiscal responsibility isn’t simply about cutting services. It’s about making good decisions about how we spend taxpayers’ money and working to broaden the tax base so that the burden isn’t continually falling on the same people.
Your story starts here
SARAH ELLIS Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: I am hearing from families that the indoor recreation options at Breannan Park are falling behind the community’s needs and expectations. I swim at Brennan Park often and have personally experienced busy lanes at peak times and been impacted by the recent long and unpredictable closures. The facility is aging and renovations are costing taxpayers every year. This isn’t an easy problem to solve. Building new facilities is expensive - for example, the replacement of the Vancouver Aquatic Centre is currently budgeted at $175M. This is nearly half of the District’s entire 10-year capital budget. So what can we do? First, existing operations at Brennan Park need to be brought back to normal through regular staffing. Then, we need to expedite the work of the existing Brennan Park Task Force to design and begin costing out a replacement project. Finally, we need a funding plan that looks at how to stack capital reserves, senior government grants, and potential new sources like the WLNG tax deal. Then Council can make an informed decision about how to proceed. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes Q&A: Continued on 15
This Sea to Sky area is such a unique, beautiful place in the world. To be able to have this opportunity at Woodfibre where I can combine what I want to do for work with where I want to be is incredibly rare. Kelly Steeves Dog lover | Outdoorswoman | Head of Engineering Support
Find your story at woodfibrelng.ca/careers
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Q&A: Continued from 14 are too high right now? A: Property tax increases in the last two years have been high relative to past trends in Squamish - both in rate and in dollar value. I know many homeowners are feeling squeezed, especially people on fixed incomes. We are not alone in this trend, as many other BC communities our size are seeing rising budgets and property taxes. However, I’m hesitant to commit to tax freezes without understanding the impact would be on Squamish’s core services and priority policy work. Council has a responsibility to approve budgets that adequately resource critical functions including police, fire, public facility operations and maintenance, and staffing. All of these costs are increasing as Squamish grows and the town’s infrastructure ages. The District can’t run operating deficits and is limited in how much it can borrow. I am in favour of budget transparency, maximizing value for dollar, and leveraging partner funds as much as possible.
IAN BROWN Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: The Recreation Centre Task Force has been tasked with working on this issue. The now-completed Phase One cost $21M, and more than half of that money came from Federal grants. Phase Two will address the building’s exterior, and the District has already secured $10.4M in Federal and Provincial grants to contribute to that. As I see it, the Recreation Centre Task Force seems to be doing good work in this area. (My source: Brennan Park Recreation Centre Upgrades - District of Squamish - Hardwired for Adventure ) Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? Everything is too expensive. The council has a fiduciary responsibly to provide responsible financial management and not over-spend our precious resources. That being said, I have compared our property tax bills with all 161 municipalities in BC and was surprised and pleased to discover that they are in line - based on the assessed values of our properties. We rank 21st in BC for the price of a representative house (1.5M).
LUC PERREAULT Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: Brennan Park has no easy solution, especially with the revenue pressures facing the municipality. As a candidate, I believe we need a practical plan that protects core recreation services while being honest about what taxpayers can afford. First, we must focus on what matters most: keeping the facility safe, accessible, and
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | 15
functional for families, seniors, user groups, and the broader community. That means separating “must-have” repairs and upgrades from “nice-to-have” additions. Second, decisions should be guided by real data: facility condition, program demand, usage levels, operating costs, and long-term maintenance needs. Brennan Park needs a multi-year plan, not a series of one-off decisions that create financial surprises later. We should also pursue every available grant, partnership, and external funding opportunity before placing more pressure on property taxes. At the same time, the community must be involved so residents understand the costs, trade-offs, and priorities. My approach would be to maintain essential services, improve efficiency, phase upgrades responsibly, and avoid committing to major expansions until we have a clear funding strategy. Brennan Park is important, but affordability and accountability must come first. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: Yes, I believe property taxes in Squamish are high, and the current path is not sustainable. The District’s 10-year financial plan projects an average year-over-year taxation increase of 8.3%, with major pressures coming from RCMP contract costs, debt servicing, fire staffing, transit expansion, and service-level changes. Residents deserve better long-term planning. Squamish has been growing quickly, and rising policing costs should not have come as a surprise. These pressures should have been anticipated, phased in, and planned for year by year instead of landing as steep increases on taxpayers. If elected, I would push for a full review of the 10-year plan to identify savings, delay non-essential spending, improve efficiency, and make sure service increases are clearly tied to real community benefit. I would also focus on building stable, predictable revenue outside of property taxation through grants, partnerships, user fees where appropriate, and economic opportunities that reduce pressure on homeowners. Affordability must be at the centre of every budget decision. If we do not address this, families will be pushed out, and Squamish risks becoming a community only the wealthy can afford. My goal is responsible spending, better planning, and real tax relief for residents.
Annual General Meeting Join us as we look back, share what’s next, and celebrate compassionate end-of-life care in the Sea to Sky.
Everyone is welcome! To RSVP, please visit: seatoskyhospicesociety.ca/event/agm
Monday, October 26th | 6:00 -7:00pm Squamish Funeral Chapel -40440 Tantalus Road, Garibaldi Highlands You must be a current Society member to vote at the AGM. To Renew or obtain your membership visit: seatoskyhospicesociety.ca/membership
ERIC ANDERSEN Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: The Brennan Park facilities planning task force currently at work and should be complimented by a comprehensive Parks & Recreation Master Plan update with a scope to include facilities and programs not operated by the District, such as golf/ curling squash, Q&A: Continued on 17
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Q&A: Continued from 15 Legacy Park, school district facilities and non-motorized water-based recreation activities. Undertaking this overdue planning exercise will produce a ‘roadmap’ helping us to prioritize investments and be prepared for funding opportunities which may arise. Recreation clubs have much expertise to contribute, including in fundraising and also insights and strategies regarding tournaments and potential tourism revenue to the community. There are lessons to learn from clubs and facilities which offer substantial recreational venues and programming for the community with no cost to the District (other than security of tenure), such as: Golf Club/ Curling Club/ Squash Club, the Legacy Park; and Squamish Days Loggers Sports Grounds. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: Of course, property taxes are too high. However, the distribution of property tax burden needs to be in focus. The residential share of the tax burden is relatively high in Squamish compared to elsewhere. At District Budget time we – Council and the public – should remember that the Financial Plan is also a workplan for the District. What does this year’s District workplan have to say about efforts to grow the non-residential tax base? What lands, space, infrastructure or other support do business sectors need in
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order to grow? Citizen surveys do seem to indicate at least as much concern over what facilities and services are or not delivered by the District as over the amount of taxes paid.
SHAUN VELTKAMP Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: In the current provincial and federal political climate, a large part of our Prime Ministers’ push is for medium to large scale infrastructure projects to be funded (fully or partially) for communities across Canada. As one of the fastest growing communities in BC (we are projected to add 12-14,000 new residents in the next 15 years), we have to push for that funding immediately... that means quickly coming up with a plan to find funding for a NEW community centre that serves the need for our community. Utilizing LNG projected tax income, federal or provincial funding and DCCs to get a new community centre planned and built is a primary goal for council in my opinion. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: Yes, having a young family I would like to pay lower taxes as everyone would, but when I look at comparable in BC I think we have a reasonable tax rate at the moment. The District of Squamish had property taxes based
at .38% which is in the lowest 20% of tax rates for towns and cities in BC. I also think it’s good practice to have a strong CAO and CFO to monitor District revenues, including some of the unique income streams we have in the DOS like LNG in order to make sure our residents’ tax burden is acceptable and sustainable. It will be a critical first step for our council to find the best possible CAO to replace our outgoing CAO as soon as possible.
ANDERS OUROM Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: 100% of the money received from Woodfibre LNG should go to renewal of the facilities at Brennan Park. But the complex should still be named Brennan Park, even a large donor(s) appear! Squamish needs a lot of investment in recreation and cultural facilities, not just at Brennan Park. They attract people to Squamish. Skating rink(s), fields, swimming pool, curling rink(s), gym(s), community spaces, full cultural and performing arts facilities, museum, maybe a new or second library, and more. It is likely to take 5 – 10 years to make it happen. Few recreation and cultural facilities are outside of the downtown area and Brennan Park, and this needs to be considered. Including all District lands from Brennan Park down to Finch Drive, there may be room to
build new facilities. For example, build a new civic centre with added facilities to the south, then demolish the current structure and use that land for other needed facilities, or if necessary sell it for development. A phased transition would be critical. Our town hall badly needs to be replaced. Selling the land its on would also help finance its replacement at a suitable location, and contribute to Brennan Park renewal and other needs. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: The recent dramatic increases in property taxes have had a significant impact on both families and businesses. Property taxes have risen much too quickly over the last few years, much more than the rate of inflation. There should be a temporary freeze on further increases so that they can be rebalanced, with inflationary changes resuming in due course. As a general rule, I believe that all taxes and fees should increase with the rate of inflation and in a timely manner, with variances only if justified. If the District’s finances are in such bad condition that property and other taxes and fees have to be increased again by more than the rate of inflation, we may have to accept that. For practical purposes, the District cannot have an operating deficit, so the alternative would likely be to cut services and expenses. Q&A: Continued on 19
General Voting Day
Saturday, October 17, 2026 An election by voting will be held to elect one Director of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (“SLRD”). The candidates for office and the voting places are:
Electoral Area D - One (1) to be elected Candidates for Office
BELL, Cameron Furry Creek, BC
DE JONG, Paula Upper Squamish, BC
Voting Places 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Britannia Beach Fire Hall 360 Copper Dr., Britannia Beach, BC
Myrtle Philip Community School 6195 Lorimer Rd., Whistler, BC
Brennan Park 1009 Centennial Way, Squamish, BC
Elector Eligibility, Registration & ID Requirements There is no pre-registration process. Qualified electors must register at the time of voting by completing an application form available at the voting place and making a declaration that you meet all voter eligibility requirements.
Resident Electors must produce two (2) pieces of identification (at least one with a signature). The identification must prove both residency and identity. Non-Resident Property Electors must produce two (2) pieces of identification (at least one with a signature) to prove identity, proof they are entitled to register in relation to the property, and, if there is more than one owner of the property, written consent from the majority of the property owners.
For election information, contact: Angela Belsham, Chief Election Officer Phone: 604-894-6371 | Toll-free: 1-800-298-7753 Email: election@SLRD.bc.ca
SLRD.bc.ca/2026electionsSLRD.bc.ca/2026elections SLRD.bc.ca/2026elections
For additional information, visit:
SLRD.bc.ca/2026elections
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | 19
Q&A: Continued from 17
SEAN GOODWIN Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: Ideally, a financial deal with WFLNG would be a good option, but depending on when/if that happens, perhaps a private deal could be worked out with one of our local mass land owners who is looking for approval to develop their land. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: I have lived in Squamish for 40 years, I have never owned a home or property, and I have never paid property taxes, therefore I cannot speak directly on the issue. From the outside looking in, it seems like it’s affecting those more so that do not fully own their houses vs someone who has fully paid for their home. Perhaps a year of freezing property taxes is in order until we have a clear idea regarding the LNG financial deal that may or may not happen.
JOHN FRENCH Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: District funds for Brennan Park expansion will come from grants, borrowing, reserves,
property tax and developer fees. Grants and borrowing are the most important source of funding for recreation centre upgrades. They will provide the biggest single source of the large amount of money needed. Assembling these funds is the work of District staff with enthusiastic support from me and hopefully all council members. Also, a community fundraising initiative would be really helpful. A group of people with the drive to raise money would help keep the District focused on planning and financing tasks. Anyone willing to take on a community fundraising initiative is encouraged to connect with me as I’ll support such an effort. I see this effort as a capital support campaign. Money raised would be used to fund needed accessories like swim lane dividers, support devices for those with mobility issues, hockey nets, a (kick butt) arena sound system, a scoreboard and more. We’ve done this before when the soccer community raised money for a new all-weather outdoor playing surface. Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: Yes, property taxes are too high and the current ten year financial plan calls for future property tax increases that are also too high. I’ll be pushing my elected colleagues to direct District of Squamish budget managers to eliminate financial plan items that don’t address immediate community needs.
CHRIS PETTINGILL Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: During my two terms so far, we addressed the critical facilities identified in the District’s Real Estate and Facilities Master Plan (two firehalls, public works, sewage treatment plant upgrades) and now we can focus our investments more on core facilities like Brennan Park. Squamish has had a high success rate in obtaining grants. In part, this is because we’ve been able to apply for grants with current and comprehensive plans. Grantors tend to prefer shovel-ready plans over mere good ideas. Making sure our Brennan Park plans are current and comprehensive will help efforts to find external funding. We have made hard choices with our budgets to prioritize building up capital reserves (how we fund large projects like Brennan Park). If we can continue this discipline, we can move forward on Brennan Park sooner. We also have an increasing major industry tax base that we haven’t had since the pulp mill shut down. By maximizing new revenues from an increasing tax base, we can accelerate our progress on Brennan Park and minimize impact on existing taxpayers.
Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: It depends on our objectives. Our budget engagements have always included the projected increases for the following 4 - 9 years. (Actual increases have tended to be lower than projections). I often hear people say they don’t like increases, but they also understand that catching up on infrastructure requires taxation. When I’ve asked people what things they’d like to cut in order to reduce increases, there hasn’t been a consensus, and many people tell me they’re willing to pay more to get to Brennan Park improvements sooner. People are often surprised by how the province restricts our ability to collect fees from development. Two to three percentage points of the recent increases each year are there specifically to address infrastructure shortfalls that were created over decades, as is common across Canada. Catch-up will take more than a couple of council terms, but we can reduce tax increases if we want to slow the pace of addressing infrastructure deficits.. We are growing our major industry tax base, and that will provide new opportunities to adjust tax burdens. That growth won’t completely address infrastructure shortfalls, but the more we can generate from new taxpayers, the lower the increases for everyone else. Q&A: Continued on 21
AYLA DUMAIS
for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky
EXPLORE • WORK • LIVE As Discover Squamish continues to grow, our mission remains the same: delivering engaging, informative content to locals, visitors, and newcomers eager to explore our vibrant, rapidly expanding community. The 23rd issue of Discover Squamish publishes November 2026. Call to book your space now.
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20 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION The 2026 Provincial General Election is on Saturday, October 24, 2026. WHO CAN VOTE
WAYS TO VOTE
You can vote in the 2026 Provincial General Election if you are: • a Canadian citizen, • 18 or older on October 24, 2026, and • a resident of British Columbia since April 23, 2026.
VOTER REGISTRATION Register now to save time when you vote. You can register or update your information at elections.bc.ca/register or by calling 1-800-661-8683. You can also register when you go to vote. Remember to bring ID that shows your name and home address when you vote. See elections.bc.ca/id for a list of acceptable ID.
Vote at a district electoral office Voting at district electoral offices is available now during office hours until 4p.m. (Pacific time) on Final Voting Day. Advance Voting You can vote in advance from Friday, October 16 to Wednesday, October 21. Advance voting places will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (local time). Voters can vote at any advance voting location. Visit wheretovote.elections.bc.ca to find advance voting places and the dates they are open. Final Voting Day Final Voting Day is Saturday, October 24. Voting places will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Pacific time). Voters have an assigned voting location on Final Voting Day.
Vote by mail You can ask for a vote-by-mail package by: • Visiting elections.bc.ca/votebymail • Calling Elections BC at 1-800-661-8683 Your vote-by-mail package will be mailed to you. Request a vote-by-mail package as soon as possible to make sure you can receive and return it on time. For information about other voting options, visit elections.bc.ca.
WORK IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION Election jobs are available across the province. Visit elections.bc.ca/jobs for more information.
WHERE AND WHEN TO VOTE Voting Places for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Open Dates
Advance Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time on the dates listed)
Fri, Oct 16
Sat, Oct 17
Bowen Island Comm School, 1041 Mt Gardner Rd, Bowen Island, BC
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Gleneagles Clubhouse, 6190 Marine Dr, West Vancouver, BC Pemberton Sec School, 1400 Oak St, Pemberton, BC
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Squamish Valley Golf Club, 2458 Mamquam Rd, Squamish, BC St’a7mes School, 38030 Clarke Dr, Squamish, BC
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Telus Whistler Conf Centre, 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC
Final Voting Places (open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, October 24, 2026) Bowen Island Comm School, 1041 Mt Gardner Rd, Bowen Island, BC
Myrtle Philip Comm School, 6195 Lorimer Rd, Whistler, BC
Telus Whistler Conf Centre, 4010 Whistler Way, Whistler, BC
Don Ross Middle School, 42091 Ross Rd, Squamish, BC
N’Quatqua Comm Centre, 762 Nquatqua, D’Arcy, BC
The 55 Activity Centre, 1201 Village Green Way, Squamish, BC
Garibaldi Highlands Elem School, 2590 Portree Way, Squamish, BC
Pemberton Sec School, 1400 Oak St, Pemberton, BC
Valleycliffe Elem, 38430 Westway Ave, Squamish, BC
Howe Sound Sec School, 38430 Buckley Ave, Squamish, BC
Rockridge Sec School, 5350 Headland Dr, West Vancouver, BC
Ts̓ zil Learning Centre, 125 Lillooet Lake Rd, Mount Currie, BC
Lions Bay Comm Hall, 400 Centre Rd, Lions Bay, BC
St’a7mes School, 38030 Clarke Dr, Squamish, BC
@ElectionsBC
Sun, Oct 18
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Tue, Oct 20
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District Electoral Office West Vancouver-Sea to Sky 3200 University Blvd Squamish, BC (778) 572-4596 Hours of Operation (local time) Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Advance voting days 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | 21
Q&A: Continued from 19
programming changes and pool access need to be communicated to user groups ahead of time, not announced after the fact.
JANICE DESJARDINS Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: Grants, one phase at a time, and no blank cheques. Projects One and Two were paid for mostly by senior government grants — $11.7 million and $10.4 million. That’s the model to stick with: build as grant money becomes available, instead of borrowing against a tax base that has just absorbed a 12.8% revenue increase. The Recreation Centre Task Force reports to council in November with what it heard from residents. Before a dollar is committed, people should see real costs, a funding plan and a phasing plan — not a nice drawing. And if a big expansion is on the table, it goes to a referendum, not an alternate approval process. The AAP isn’t real consent. The Public Works Building was brought back six months after it was shelved and came in $19 million over budget. That’s the pattern I want broken. Residents deserve a modern rec centre, and they deserve to decide whether they’re paying for it and how much. In the meantime, the building we have has to stay usable. Closures,
Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: Agree! The 2026 budget raised the District’s general property tax revenue by 12.8% — $6.4 million more than 2025 — and the average homeowner paid roughly $320 more. The ten-year plan has increases averaging over 8% a year. Utilities went up on top of that: wastewater 7.2%, solid waste 5.2%. That doesn’t work in a town where the living wage is $28.00 an hour and the District’s own base rate sits below it. Renters pay this too, buried in their rent. Businesses and industry pay considerably more again. The average business assessment went up over $1,600 this year, and that lands on Cleveland Avenue storefronts already struggling with their leases. My approach is zero-based budgeting. Every line item starts at zero each year and has to earn its place, instead of getting carried forward just because it was there last year. Needs before wants. Market value for any District land we sell. Limits on new debt. And the goal, said plainly: aim for a zero increase every year, instead of treating 8% as the starting point we argue our way down from.
LAURA PROSKO
growing community deserves.
Q: Given our current revenue situation, what is the solution to the issues with Brennan Park? A: Point 1 of my Five-Point Plan is Housing, Affordability, Growth and Infrastructure. Squamish has grown rapidly, and our infrastructure has not kept pace. That gap is now affecting families, athletes, businesses and the broader quality of life in our community. Brennan Park must move from planning to delivery. It is urgent. On Council, I would work toward shovels in the ground in 2027 for a second rink. That will require disciplined planning, a credible financing strategy and a clear sequence of decisions. We should pursue provincial and federal funding, engage potential sponsors and partners, examine public-private opportunities and identify responsible new revenue sources. This is not about making promises without a plan. It is about establishing the plan, securing the resources and delivering the project with accountability. Over a four-year Council term, I would be proud to help bring that second rink from concept to construction. I have worked with large-scale budgets and major projects, and I understand that successful delivery depends on clear objectives, sound financial management and strong partnerships. Squamish needs the capacity now. We should approach this with ambition, discipline and urgency - and build the infrastructure our
Q: Do you agree or disagree that property taxes are too high right now? A: Residential taxpayers deserve relief, and a responsible government must deliver it without compromising essential services or the municipality’s long-term financial health. I propose a two-year freeze, in 2027 and 2028, on the municipal portion of residential property taxes. This would not be financed through borrowing, nor would it require cuts to essential services. It would require disciplined management, clear priorities and a willingness to examine how every public dollar is being used. We should identify efficiencies, review spending and reserves, pursue provincial and federal funding with greater determination, expand public-private partnerships and strengthen our non-residential revenue base. I would also seek stronger, longer-term agreement with Woodfibre LNG agreements that recognize their role in our community and secure lasting value for Squamish. Fiscal responsibility is not about doing less. It is about doing what matters most, controlling costs, attracting outside investment and building a broader, more resilient revenue base while continuing to invest in essential infrastructure. Getting back to basics. That requires discipline and a return to the fundamentals of municipal government.
VOTE IN THE PROVINCIAL ELECTION Candidates for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Candidate’s Name
Affiliation
Ayla Dumais
Conservative Party
Michelle Livaja
BC NDP
Jeremy Valeriote
BC Green Party
Dan Wood
CentreBC
For candidate financial agent and official agent information, visit elections.bc.ca/candidates.
@ElectionsBC
22 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
squamishchief.com
SQUAMISH TRUSTEE CANDIDATES SAY SCHOOL BOARD’S RELATIONSHIP WITH DISTRICT ‘ISN’T WORKING’
At a minor hockey forum, all four SD48 candidates said the board and the District of Squamish need to work together better to open up school gyms and fields LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
S
ea to Sky School District Squamish trustee candidates call for better communication between the District of Squamish (DOS) and the sharing of school facilities with the broader public. Dalia Shehata, Robyn Walters, April Lowe and Lisa Turpin took part in a recreation-focused forum hosted at the local curling club on Oct. 3. The event was organized by the Squamish Minor Hockey Association. Turpin and Lowe are incumbents. Leanne Roderick was unable to attend. While school trustees don’t build rec centres, the school district owns substantial land assets, including gyms and schools.
RELATIONSHIP WITH DOS All four argued that communication between the DOS and SD48 isn’t working, though that argument came strongest from
PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Candidates met to talk recreation on Oct. 3.
Britannia Mine Museum gratefully acknowledges their community sponsors:
HALLOWEEN AT BRITANNIA: H
STERS MON MACHINES, SCCH HIIE EFF MIIS & &M
incumbents. “The communication between the school district and the municipality needs to be better. It isn’t working right now,” Lowe said. She touched on a lack of consultation that could have impacted student safety, presumably referring to a nixed location for the HEARTH temporary supportive housing at X̱w ún̓eḵw Park. The school district sent a letter to municipal hall at the time asking them to abandon the site choice. Turpin said communication issues run up and down the corridor and that building connections is ongoing. While collaboration between elected bodies matters, children’s voices need to be at the table. “Our children need to be at these tables too. They matter the most, and they are our futures. So when we look at collaboration, we need to make sure we’re including everybody.”
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Walters called for a committee between both bodies and local sports clubs to maximize space use alongside long-term planning. “I think we have to look at future school site planning and municipal recreation as one big puzzle. If we can co-design spaces, if we can pool our budgets together, we can work together on more resilient or long-term solution,” she said. Shehata said booking public assets at school facilities should be more affordable. “If it’s
Our children need to be at these tables too. They matter the most, and they are our futures. LISA TURPIN
$400 to rent a school facility—these are public assets. You need to be looking at that and asking why is it this much? How can we work around it? Where can we get funds from different business partners?” Turpin defended the current approach. “We have a clear fiduciary duty to protect public assets. So when we are looking at what we can do for community, those things have to be done in a way that’s fiscally responsible, so we’re not taking funds away from the classrooms. So our policy expects that we are paying for facility use at what it costs us to maintain it. So people will say, ‘Well, can’t we have a better break?’ We can’t do that,” she said. General voting day takes place Oct. 17 at Brennan Park from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
squamishchief.com
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | 23
YO U R TOW N , YO U R N E WS :
COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS A Cup of Tea, A Lasting Legacy
Sea to Sky Courier and Freight, along with Kal and Lucky Kaila and their family, are honoured to donate $20,000 to the Sea to Sky Hospice Society in memory of Lucky’s mother, Jagdev Kaur Dhaliwal. The donation will help provide a tea trolley, serving tea, coffee and snacks to families spending time with their loved ones at hospice. The trolley will be brought out three times a week, offering families a small moment of comfort and connection during an incredibly difficult time. For the Kaila family, the idea couldn’t be more fitting. When Jagdev was at hospice, her family would make frequent “Tim’s runs” for tea, coffee and snacks whenever people came to visit. But this was nothing new for Jagdev. “Whenever anyone came to Mom’s house, she would never let them leave without a cup of tea and some snacks,” said Lucky Kaila. “That was just Mom. Taking care of people was her way of
showing love.” Even before her cancer, a visit to Jagdev’s home almost always meant a cup of tea and something to eat. The family wanted to create a lasting tribute that reflected who she was and what she meant to them. “We thought the tea trolley was the perfect way to honour Mom,” said Kal Kaila. “Every cup of tea, every snack and every family that finds a little comfort from it will carry a small piece of her legacy forward.” The Kaila family hopes this simple gesture will bring warmth and comfort to families during some of their most difficult days. A cup of tea was Mom’s way of saying, “You’re welcome here. Let me take care of you.” Now, through the tea trolley, that spirit of caring will continue in the Squamish community. In memory of Jagdev Kaur Dhaliwal—and all the cups of tea, conversations and love she shared.
The Squamish Chief welcomes community submissions for local sports achievements and arts events. Submissions must be 300 words or less. Please note that all submissions are final and will be published on a first-come, first-served basis, as space allows. Submit at squamishchief.com by going to the “Connect” tab and clicking Community Submissions.
Notice of Intention to Provide Assistance under Partnering Agreement Pursuant to section 272 of the Local Government Act, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (“SLRD”) gives notice of its intention to provide assistance under a partnering agreement between Fine Peace Furry Creek Upland Limited, Fine Peace Furry Creek Resort Limited, Fine Peace Furry Creek Waterfront Land Limited (collectively “Company”), Furry Creek Community Association (“Association”), and the SLRD, with a term ending on March 31, 2027 (the “Term”). The Association will undertake trail maintenance from approximately May 2026 to October 2026 on portions of land owned or managed by the Company generally known as Loop Trail and Oliver’s Landing North Trail located in Electoral Area D of the SLRD. The SLRD will provide Electoral Area D amenity funding of up to $13,000 to the Association for undertaking such trail maintenance. The Company will not unduly interfere with the existing use and access by the public of the Loop Trail and Oliver’s Landing North Trail during the Term.
Meet Muffin The full-figured girl who is looking for a home that will help to continue her weight loss program. Muffin’s tail has a personality of its own and when she is excited, it quivers upright like a rattle snake tail and when she is wanting to be left alone, it sways back and forth low to her body and slowly. She is a character who loves to rub up against your legs and sit in a window watching the world go by. Muffin is not opposed to a good chat now and then when she feels she has something important to say. Muffin has requested a quiet household with no other pets.
24 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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Maragret Staats passed away peacefully on September 28, 2026 aged 92 years. Predeceased by her devoted husband John Staats, she is lovingly remembered and will be forever missed by her children David (Sharon), Kathy (John), Darlene, Anne-Marie (Greg), Brian (Violet), grandchildren Christopher (Christine), Karen, Joseph (Amber), Amanda (Yatan), Kory (Kara), Lauren (Levi), Miranda (Richard),Brett, great grandchildren Piper, Rowdy, Brody, Harvey, Amelia, Finlee, Leah, Jona, Isabella, Rowan, Sisters Joyce, Helen (Ron) and by her many dear friends.
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Compensation SSA Marine Canada Ltd. is an equal opportunity employer and offers a competitive compensation package, with benefits, commensurate with experience. How to Apply Interested applicants are invited to email their resumes to Sabrina.Lin@ssamarine.ca. Selected applicants will undergo a thorough employment assessment, criminal background check, and formalized testing. The Company SSA Marine Canada Ltd. is a diversified and integrated group of marine logistics companies committed to the success of our people, our customers, and our communities, to sustain and grow Canada’s trade economy for the benefit of all Canadians. Our role in Canada’s supply chain is essential. It’s a responsibility and a privilege, one that inspires us to deliver expert solutions that help move cargo and people across the globe for our customers reliably, safely, and professionally.
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GENERAL MANAGER / EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR MAMQUAM RIVER ACCESS SOCIETY Permanent half-time position starting January 2027 Salary: $45,000 plus gas card (flexible hours) The Mamquam River Access Society (MRAS) in Squamish is a small non-profit registered charity which operates the Mamquam River Campground and maintains kayak access on the river. Reporting to the Board of Directors and working from a home-based office, the General Manager / Executive Director (ED) is the heart of MRAS, overseeing all operations including fiscal management, transparent administration of all programs and implementing future plans with the Board. While ensuring dayto-day campground operations are upholding the standards and policies of the organization, the ED is also the public voice for whitewater access throughout the Mamquam River watershed and beyond. A diverse set of skills are required including: ◆ Management, business & administrative experience ◆ Non-profit experience and vision ◆ Maintenance, with physical hands-on experience ◆ Mentoring Canada Summer Job students ◆ Hosting young international travelers (Workaway.info) ◆ Trustworthy, with integrity ◆ Committed, with passion ◆ Engaged in Whitewater recreation an asset ◆ Must be legally entitled to work in Canada Apply with resume and cover letter c/o dawn@longshawconsulting.ca We thank all interested applicants but only those selected for interview will be contacted.
THANK YOU FOR RECYCLE RECYCLING PLEASE THIS NEWSPAPER. THIS NEWSPAPER.
TAKE A BREAK
26 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026
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HOROSCOPE WEEK OF OCTOBER 15, 2026 - OCTOBER 21, 2026
CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1. Sort of resort 4. Curtain holder 7. Ridicule 12. Government levy 13. Lend an ____ (listen) 14. Direct 15. Be ill 16. Not con 17. Filled with dandelions 18. “The ____ Gatsby” 20. Diamond team 22. Extend 24. “____ Was a Rollin’ Stone” 28. Tiniest 31. “The ____ Squad” (TV cop show) 32. Smooches 33. Came to terms 36. Pen’s contents 37. Charms
39. Compact ____ 41. Helicopter part 42. ____ saxophone 44.Peddles 48. Mills of “Knots Landing” 51. Held session 53. Crude ____ 54. Edible bulb 55. House annex 56. Expert 57. Conical abode 58. Catch a glimpse of 59. Handful
7. Planted 8. Jerk 9. Song of praise 10. Gave a meal to 11. Cook in fat 19. Piercing instruments 21. Unbroken 23. Abandon 25. Service concluder 26. Frost or Keats, e.g. 27. Remarks further 28. Slippery road mishap 29. Kind of skirt 30. Probes 34. Eerie 35. Unusual 38. Cowboys’ loops 40.Kayak’s cousin 43. Bowling alley 45. Bread unit 46. Parasitic insects 47. Large amount 48. On the ____ (precisely) 49. “My ____ and only” 50. Quick drink 52. High peak Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
ARIES March 21-April 19
A spike in popularity puts you in the spotlight. By trusting your instincts, you can channel your creativity and bring an exceptional achievement to life. Those around you depend on you; your presence inspires, unites and soothes.
TAURUS April 20-May 20
Despite your well-planned scheduling, certain situations demand more patience than anticipated. Instead of becoming frustrated, turn these pauses into opportunities for observation, reflection or inner recalibration.
GEMINI May 21-June 20
The cold weather sparks your longing for sunshine. The thought of an escape to warmer climes will motivate you to work harder. By staying focused and organized, you’ll soon secure an enticing offer to turn this dream escape into reality.
CANCER June 21-July 22
Your artistic talent is taking on a new dimension and making a career in art a real possibility. Concrete changes unlock fresh opportunities. On the romantic front, a joint project strengthens your bond.
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
A vibrant social life strengthens your friendships and lifts your spirits. The idea of relocating grows more compelling: a new community, a new space and a warmer setting to welcome loved ones and enjoy a refreshed environment.
Disrupted transportation, delayed messages and misunderstandings hamper communication. Rather than pushing through, take the time to slow down, reconsider your path and be flexible. Patience will help you avoid preventable errors.
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
A project drags on and demands more of your time and effort than anticipated, but you persist. By seeing it through, you’ll experience genuine pride in finally completing something you’ve been putting off.
Overtime hours are building up, leaving you less time for loved ones. However, the coming bonus will enable you to pay off a debt or stabilize your budget. It’s now up to you to reinvest your time in your family.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18
An update to your wardrobe will help you align with your new responsibilities and professional goals. It’ll also give you a self-esteem boost. This renewed confidence will be apparent in your interactions and support your success.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
A new job or an ambitious project may appear unclear at first. By seeking advice from key people, asking questions and allowing time to do its work, you’ll find your footing and achieve a smoother rhythm.
You’ll be consumed by an irresistible urge to sort, organize and declutter. By removing extraneous items, you’ll declutter your living space and, in turn, clear your mind. This major purge signals a brighter new phase.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20
After a strenuous period, your body and mind crave rest. Take a solo trip or a joyful break with good company. This shift in environment will revive your energy, creativity and inner peace.
SUDOKU HOW TO PLAY: Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3 x 3 box contains the numbers 1 through 9 only once. Each 3 x 3 box is outlined with a darker line. You already have a few numbers to get you started. Remember: you must not repeat the numbers 1 through 9 in the same line, column or 3 x 3 box.
LAST WEEK’S ANSWERS:
DOWN 1. Hart 2. Couple 3. Car’s wheel shaft 4. Turtle, e.g. 5. Paddle’s kin 6. Male bees
The Parish of
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Exalting Jesus, Equipping His Followers, Engaging the World
Worship Service Sundays 10am on our website and Facebook Live
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See Website for Service times and location coastalchurch.org/squamish
Share your PLACE OF WORSHIP with Squamish for $14/week - Call today to book your spot 604.892.9161
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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2026 | 27
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