October 22, 2026

PAGE 24

PAGE 20

MONSTERS & MACHINES

MAPPING HAZARDS

Check out this fun Halloween event at Britannia Mine Museum

First in Canada meeting held in Squamish

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

S Q U A M I S H C H I E F. C O M

SEAN EASTON IS THE NEXT MAYOR

TA C K E D ’ O R ‘ I C O N ’ LO G O C O R P O R AT E / N O N - M A S T H E A D / S O C I A L M E D I A

Only one incumbent remains on council LIZ MCDONALD

couldn’t have done it without the people around me.” For her part, Stoner, who was at the Locavore with her supporters, told The ean Easton has been elected mayor of Squamish Chief by phone that she was Squamish by a thin margin, according to disappointed, but proud of her campaign preliminary results just announced in the municipal election, with 3,681 votes (41.93 and team. “I’ve had the pleasure of calling Sean and per cent). congratulating him on his win. He also ran a Jenna Stoner followed with 3,506 (39.94 per strong campaign that clearly resonated with cent), and Daniel Deal came in third place our community, and I look forward to seeing with 1,591 votes (18.12 per cent). him lead our community over the next four Easton ran on a platform focused on years,” she said. affordability, accessibility and accountability. Stoner also loses her role as Union of BC He proposed a property tax freeze for 2027, Municipalities (UBCM) president with the saying on the campaign trail that the District vote result. overspends on projects and staffing. He’s “The role at UBCM is specifically tied to been a resident of Squamish since 2011 and the elected position, and so that organization has a background in non-profit housing and has policies and procedures in place. ... The work with at-risk youth. presidency will now pass down to the next Easton, celebrating at Howe Sound Inn and E V E RBrewing S E Dwith + hisCfriends O L Oand Ufamily, R P A L E T Tvice E president,” she said. “So Squamish will lose our representation described the win as “very exciting.” “When the polls closed, I was confident that on the provincial side,” she added. “It has been such an honour and a privilege I did my very best, and I’m just happy that to serve this community for the past eight people felt seen and heard,” he said. “I’m very years, and while this hasn’t been the result excited to get to work. I think I’ll be better at being mayor than I was at campaigning, and I that we hoped for tonight, I am, as I said, so proud of the campaign that we ran. The was successful at campaigning.” number of people who did show up and He attributed his success to his supporters. support the campaign, who voted for me, “The community, the team—the team around me. As I put myself forward, so many other people rose to help me, and so I ELECTION: Continued on 3 emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

S

OPEN HOUSE, Sunday Oct 25, 2–4 pm NEW LISTING | 2258 Skyline Drive

PHOTO BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Mayor-elect Sean Easton (centre) with his niece (left) and daughter (right) at Howe Sound Inn & Brewing on election night, Oct. 17, 2026.

OPEN HOUSE, Sunday, Oct 25, 12-1pm 300 Ocean Crest Drive, Furry Creek

Completely renovated top to bottom with a brand-new 2-bedroom suite. New kitchens and appliances, new bathrooms, flooring and paint throughout. All new electrical, plumbing and furnace, plus on-demand hot water. Move-in ready!!

Live the Furry Creek lifestyle, just above the 3rd hole of the golf course. This two-level home offers ocean views, an efficient heat pump, a double garage and much more. Priced to sell!

$1,799,000

NEW PRICE $1,749,000

Medallion Club Member 2025 Top 10% of Greater Vancouver REALTORS®

604-849-0144 evelyn@evelynschellenberg.com

Trusted. Local. Proven.

2 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

NDP ‘PULLED THE RUG’ OUT FROM UNDER SQUAMISH AND OTHER MUNICIPALITIES ON HOUSING, SAYS VALERIOTE

The Green Sea to Sky incumbent MLA criticizes the province for cancelling the community housing fund, and calls the current debate on Indigenous rights ‘toxic’ LIZ MCDONALD

emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

W

est Vancouver-Sea to Sky’s BC Greens candidate, Jeremy Valeriote, spoke with The Squamish Chief about where he stands on provincial issues facing the riding as voters head to the provincial polls on Oct. 24. Valeriote became the MLA for Squamish’s riding in 2024 during the last provincial election, landing the first Green seat on B.C.’s mainland. He has a background in geological engineering and public service. Here’s where he stands on his past election promises, on housing, transportation, healthcare, and Indigenous issues.

LAST CAMPAIGN PROMISES In 2024, Valeriote campaigned on a platform of cancelling permits for Woodfibre LNG. When asked whether that promise was ever achievable, he stands by the statement. “It was entirely achievable if the conditions aligned, and the province could have revoked the permits. It was always a long shot, given they were already under construction. But it would have been possible were it not for 22 votes in Surrey that left us with less leverage with the government,” he said. The political stance in Canada towards fossil fuel industries, which are linked to causing climate change, has shifted since Valeriote was elected. The federal government has approved the Building Canada Act, arguing that ports, transportation, and perhaps pipelines are

necessary because of an ongoing trade war with the United States. The NDP have shifted from anti-fracking rhetoric to supporting liquefied natural gas expansion. Valeriote says maintaining a Green voice in the legislature keeps climate change and the environment on the agenda. “Both governments might be really enthusiastic about LNG, but we still have a climate crisis that we need to solve,” he said.

how land near the Cheekeye Barrier could house a regional health-care hub. “It’s in a good location close to the highway, and you could build a whole economy around it—a care economy and biotech and medical technology,” he said, though noting the deficit means there isn’t a lot of funds in government coffers for infrastructure. Long-term care beds slated for Squamish were indefinitely paused by the NDP government when the budget was announced in early 2026. During the campaign, Premiere David Eby announced there’s money for them again. “I’m optimistic that that will restart given that they’ll be able to get the costs down,” Valeriote said.

TRANSPORTATION Valeriote called regional transportation his “highest priority” for the last two years, and he called a recent memorandum of understanding between the province and local governments and First Nations “the most tangible progress we’ve made in years.” “It’s possibly still a little vague, but it’s … a piece of paper that says we are committed to doing this, and so we can hold the province to that. And I think the fact that it was released on (the day the election was announced) is actually a sign of the goodwill that I’ve managed to maintain with this government.” While details like ordering buses are lacking in the MOU, he says residents can expect buses on Highway 99 in the next year, according to a recent campaign announcement.

HOUSING Valeriote pointed to Whistler Housing Authority and Pemberton’s Harrow Road as tangible examples of steps towards more housing diversity and support for housing costs. Valeriote added work by Squamish Housing is positive, while pointing out the NDP’s failures to

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Jeremy Valeriote.

deliver on their own housing policies. “Cancelling the community housing fund and pulling back on non-market housing is the worst possible thing that this government could have done,” he said. “This government made a bunch of changes to zoning in 2022, and then asked municipalities to build more housing and then pulled the rug out from under them,” he said.

HEALTH CARE Valeriote called health care his second priority next to regional transit. At a Sea to Sky healthcare roundtable in January, he said some conversation centred on

Valeriote calls the current political discourse around Indigenous rights harmful, and his approach to relations with First Nations is to continue respectful dialogue. “There’s been some very toxic dialogue, including private bills in the legislature to ban land acknowledgments from, you know, conservative people who broke off from the Conservative Party,” he said, including calls to replace Truth and Reconciliation Day, tabled by OneBC’s Dallas Brodie, who was kicked out of the Conservative caucus. He supports reconciliation and believes the courts aren’t the place to resolve unresolved treaty rights of Indigenous peoples in the province. To learn more about Valeriote’s platform, visit his website, bcgreens.ca/mlas/ jeremy-valeriote-mla.

Invite Connection. Inspire Curiosity. www.squamishlibrary.ca Tech Coaching at Westwinds

Monday / October 26 / 1:00-3:00pm Stop by our table at the Westwinds Senior Hub to get your basic tech questions answered by friendly library staff. Afternoon Book Club: West With Giraffes by Linda Rutledge

Wednesday/ October 28 / 1:00-2:30pm The Afternoon Book Club is open to everyone and all are welcome! We meet in the community meeting room and tea and cookies are provided. 37909 Second Ave

604.892.3110

library@squamish.ca

Scan QR code for more upcoming library events & programs Ad sponsored by:

ANDERSEN

Sincere thanks to voters of Squamish for your support! I am anxious to get back to the job and will do my best. Congratulations to all fellow candidates and to the many volunteers behind this election!

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 3

squamishchief.com

GOT NEWS? Email your news tip or story idea to: jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

NDP’S MICHELLE LIVAJA ON SEA TO SKY HOUSING, TRANSIT AND HEALTH CARE

The West Vancouver-Sea to Sky candidate backs density and DRIPA, and says the snap election wasn’t what she wanted either are going to have to happen, because the premier is very, very clear that we’re not going to gouge citizens or at the pump,” Livaja said.

LIZ MCDONALD

emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

HOUSING

est Vancouver-Sea to Sky’s BC New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate Michelle Livaja, spoke with The Squamish Chief about where she stands on provincial issues facing the riding as voters head to the polls on Oct. 24. Livaja owns a home on Bowen Island and ran unsuccessfully in 2017 as an NDP candidate. She held roles with labour and union organizations and worked in the Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Infrastructure. Her party leader, David Eby, called a snap election during the municipal race, a decision that’s been widely criticized. “I get the concern, and to be honest, it’s not what I wanted either. But I do understand why the premier has called it. You know, this trade war with the U.S. is, I think, the most serious economic threat that we’ve faced here since the pandemic,” she said. The number of MLAs who have left the parties they ran under has reduced representation, she said, and voters deserve to decide who speaks for their interests. Here’s where she stands on transportation, housing, health care and Indigenous issues.

When asked where she stands on supportive housing, affordable rentals, co-ops and density in municipalities, she said, “yes to everything, all of it.” “Our riding is very, very tourist-based, and in the tourism industry, a big problem that we’re facing is shortage of workers,” she said. “Shortage of workers is often because there’s a shortage of accommodation for them. So, looking at families, but also looking at the effect it has on business, it’s a huge, huge concern, and it’s something that the BC NDP has been working on since we first formed government.” She pointed to rental rates dropping and the elimination of municipal zoning barriers for density. But when asked whether it was fair to require municipalities to zone for more density and then cancel the Community Housing Fund for 2026, she did not say whether it was fair. “I think there’s always room for discussion on things like this, and I really do appreciate the local perspective on these things. So, talking with the municipalities is really important, and this really points to why it’s so important to have a local representative who is in government who is able to bring these concerns forward,” she said.

W

TRANSPORTATION Livaja called a recent memorandum of understanding transit announcement “exciting”

ELECTION: Continued from 1 and this is an amazing community of passionate and innovative people. And as I said to Sean when I called him, my phone line is always open. If he has any questions, I will always be there to pick up the phone.” Voter turnout surpassed the last municipal election, with 8,881 ballots cast out of 19,591 eligible voters. The turnout was 45.33 per cent. Total ballots cast in the 2022 election was 6,718, or 39.64 per cent; While advance voter turnout hit new records in other towns and cities across the province, Squamish bucked the trend. As advance voting closed Oct. 15, only about 15 per cent of eligible voters had decided who will represent their interests.

PHOTO BY MICHELLE LIVAJA

Michelle Livaja.

and thanked all stakeholders involved in getting to this stage. However, the funding model and when rubber will hit the road remain unknown, though the Greens recently promised regional transit in a year. “The question now is going to be about the funding model and how they’re going to work through that, and that’s just conversations that

NEARLY A CLEAN SWEEP FOR COUNCIL Six councillors were elected, with mostly fresh faces elected to council chambers and one incumbent keeping his seat. Sarah Ellis came first place with 4,499 votes, 10.15 per cent. Eric Andersen was re-elected. He is the only returning councillor with 3,851 votes, 8.69 per cent. Andersen was at The Shady Tree Pub when The Squamish Chief reached him by phone. “I’m still grappling with (being the only incumbent re-elected) because I’ll miss my old colleagues—all of them,” he said. “I think that what stands out more for me is ... the depth of the roster of candidates, in my opinion, in my memory, was unprecedented.

HEALTH CARE When asked about her top health-care priority, Livaja pointed to the success of

And that does suggest that the community was interested in change. I was lucky. I survived, and there’ll be responsibilities for me.” He highlighted outgoing councillor Stoner’s “remarkable experience” at local, regional, and provincial tables and said he was enjoying election night by spending it with some of the candidates’ families and volunteers. Laura Prosko came third, with 3,828 votes, 8.64 per cent. Luc Perreault garnered 3,785 or 8.54 per cent. Shaun Veltkamp was elected by 3,754 votes, 8.47 per cent. Janice DesJardins had 3,688 votes, or 8.23 per cent. John French, Andrew Hamilton and Chris Pettingill did not get re-elected.

recruiting family doctors from the United States. She also touted bringing back funding for the paused long-term care beds at Hilltop House as “exciting.” When questioned about the announcement, made Oct. 5 during the campaign period, she stressed the projects were never cancelled. “We were really clear about that at the time that they were paused. The opposition was saying, ‘Oh, they’re cancelled, and that was reported that these projects are cancelled.’ And we were clear back then they were not. So this is just a logical moving forward with things. … We needed to pause things to take a closer look at it and rework things to make sure that they were viable.”

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS “We are absolutely behind DRIPA and maintaining that, and that’s really the way forward for continuing to engage with First Nations on these projects of joint prosperity together. Too many things would be in jeopardy to step away from that. That’s not the honourable way forward. It’s not what is demanded at this time. So I’m fully supportive of the path that we are on,” she said. In April, Eby shelved a plan to amend DRIPA and proposed suspending parts of the act for up to three years while the province appeals a court case. First Nations leaders opposed the proposal. To learn more about her platform, visit Livaja’s website.

SCHOOL TRUSTEES NEW AND RETURNING April Lowe kept her seat as a school trustee, at 27.57 per cent of the vote. Leanne Roderick was elected with 25.74 per cent of the vote. Lisa Turpin lost her seat. Grégoire Fréalle won for the Conseil Scolaire Francophone (School District) with 57 per cent of the vote.

SLRD Paula de Jong will be the new SquamishLillooet Regional District Area D director, beating Cameron Bell 241 to 145. De Jong replaces Tony Rainbow, who retired. ~With a file from Jennifer Thuncher/The Squamish Chief

4 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

HERE’S AN UPDATE ON SOME OF THE MAJOR MUNICIPAL PROJECTS UNDERWAY

District staff gave the council an update on the public works facility, Brennan Park Recreation Centre, the SEAandSKY bridge and more One of the main outstanding items in the services agreement is related to establishing the local service area tax that will fund a portion of ongoing operations and maintenance costs, he added. “Initiation of the local service area is anticipated to be scheduled at a council meeting later this year,” he said. Roulston said substantial performance will be issued before the end of this year—this issuance means the project is sufficiently finished. Final acceptance of the barrier by the District is expected shortly thereafter.

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

B

rennan Park Recreation Centre renovations are complete, and the task force looking at the centre’s future is underway, while completion of the Public Works facility is somewhat delayed and there is still no fixed date for the SEAandSKY Pedestrian Bridge to open. Those were just a few of the updates District staff gave council regarding the progress of capital projects at the special business meeting held on Oct. 6. The Jan. 1 to June 30 financial report and key projects update showed that the largest capital projects are the Public Works facility replacement, X̱wún̓eḵw Park sea dike upgrades, and Brennan Park Recreation Centre projects.

BRENNAN PARK UPDATE Sam Aljubori, director of facilities and sustainability, updated council on the progress of the Recreation Centre Task Force (RCTF), saying “good” progress has been made thus far. As a reminder, the RCTF was formed in 2025 in response to community concerns about a lack of amenities at Brennan Park. Its goal is “to prioritize what potential upgrades and expansions can take place, the costs, and to support council in making informed decisions,” according to the new site webpage at squamish.ca/rec/rectaskforce. Aljubori said the consultant team has been retained and onboarded. The project’s kickoff meeting has been held, and the decision-making framework has been established. He also noted the public project’s website, noted above, being live. Interviews with the key interested and affected parties are underway, along with broader surveys and engagement activities. “Technical work is also moving ahead, including a building condition assessment, feasibility studies, and review of the availability of the electrical capacity,” Aljubori said. Tim McBride, District project manager for facilities, updated council on the recent renovations at Brennan Park, which are now complete. “The project transformed the facility through a comprehensive renovation of the lobby, mezzanine, customer service area, washrooms, and change rooms,” he said. “Key accessibility improvements included a new lift and accessible arena viewing area. Additional enhancements included new tenant space and function rooms, upgraded HVAC and electrical systems, and modernized fire and ammonia alarm and building management system, as well as new offices and back-of-house spaces, and a dedicated Zamboni shed,” he added.

X̱WÚN̓ EḴW PARK SEA DIKE

FILE PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

The renovated Brennan Park Recreation Centre.

“The project is now complete with furniture and wayfinding installation in place, providing an improved experience for all users of the facility.”

PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY REPLACEMENT McBride also gave an update on the Public Works facility replacement, which he said has reached several key milestones. “The workshop and office areas are now complete and partial occupancy approved,” he said. “Furniture has been delivered and installation is underway, while the first department has begun transitioning into the new space,” he added. “Looking ahead, the team is focused on completing the remaining site and operational infrastructure works, including the installation of the brine tank, salt sheds, and podium fall protection. Final exterior works, occupancy approval, invasive species remediation, and landscaping will complete the project and prepare the facility for full operational use (in the first quarter of 2027).” Later, Coun. Andrew Hamilton asked about the delay in full operation from the previously anticipated second quarter of 2026 to the new year of 2027. McBride said the current delays are caused by a necessary redesign of the podium fall protection. “After we raised the building three metres or 10 feet, it’s taken a while to design a barrier that would withstand heavy machinery impacting that, and it’s a life safety requirement. So that’s taken time,” he said. “The increase to delay is also due to the procurement time ... for the materials. So the block walls, the anchors, that’s currently in the process of being procured. And we intend to see everything finished ideally in December, but that is also dependent on lead time for materials.” McBride said the project is still on budget, and

staff foresee having contingency available if any unknowns arise.

LANDFILL Shannon White, District integrated solid waste specialist, spoke about the Squamish Landfill expansion, reminding council members that the landfill is currently anticipated to reach capacity by the end of 2029 or early 2030. Thus, the landfill is undergoing a lateral expansion. White’s update included that “temporary access to the (expansion) land has been acquired and environmental wells were drilled in the expansion area. These are now being sampled regularly as part of the environmental monitoring programme of the landfill.” She added that District staff are also continuing to work with a variety of provincial regulatory bodies on items such as the Operational Certificate Amendment and land acquisition. “Additionally, there are ongoing discussions with the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District regarding the landfill expansion financing,” White said.

CHEEKEYE DEBRIS FLOW BARRIER David Roulston, senior manager of infrastructure planning, reminded council that the Cheekeye Debris Flow Barrier is a developer-led (Matthews West ) debris flow hazard mitigation project to protect areas on the Cheekye Fan, and that work is being completed under a services agreement with the developer. Once construction is fully complete, the District will take ownership and become responsible for operations and maintenance of the debris flow barrier. “The construction of the barrier is now largely complete. However, a number of administrative items must be completed prior to issuance of substantial performance and final acceptance as defined under the services agreement,” Roulston said.

Roulston said the X̱wún̓eḵw Park sea dike project is progressing on track for completion this fall. The dike upgrade will provide better flood protection for downtown and crate a mixed-use path along the Mamquam Blind Channel. “Since the last update, the contractor has been progressing with work on planting the habitat benches, placing dike grading fill, installation of the concrete beam along the top of the sheet pile wall, electrical and irrigation installation, and installation of landscaping, including the cycling and pedestrian path along the dike top,” he said. “Some remaining final work includes finishing the parking lot at the end of Main Street and final landscaping work.”

SEAANDSKY PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE Though not on the list for the verbal update to council, Coun. John French asked District staff for an update on the status of the SEAandSKY Pedestrian Bridge over the Mamquam Blind Channel. Construction of the bridge began in fall 2023 and was expected to be completed in early 2026. It is still yet to open. Jay Starnino, District project engineer and acting manager on the development team, responded that the developer-constructed bridge isn’t quite ready to open. “We definitely understand and share the community’s frustration regarding delays. The District is eagerly working with the developer and contractor to open the bridge to the public as soon as it is safe to do so,” he said. “Right now, although the bridge looks ready and construction is nearing completion, several key steps involving other groups must still be completed before the bridge can open. These include resolving deficiencies, completing reviews and inspections, and finalizing specific administrative requirements, all of which are essential to ensure safe operation. Given the complexity of the infrastructure, these final stages are admittedly more involved than typical, and the district is working collaboratively with the developer to complete the remaining requirements and open the bridge as soon as possible.”

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 5

squamishchief.com

‘PEOPLE CANNOT AFFORD TO STAY’: CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATE AYLA DUMAIS ON THE SEA TO SKY

The Squamish-raised BC Conservative candidate talks transit, health care, housing and Indigenous relations ahead of Oct. 24 HOUSING Dumais framed housing as part of the broader affordability crisis and spoke from her own experience as a young person in the riding. “It’s not something I can even think about trying to afford right now, to buy a home in the place that I grew up,” she said. “I don’t understand how that’s our current reality.” She said friends and people she graduated with are leaving for Alberta, other parts of the country or abroad in search of opportunities “because life is so unaffordable right now in B.C.”

LIZ MCDONALD

emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca

W

est Vancouver-Sea to Sky’s Conservative Party of British Columbia candidate, Ayla Dumais, spoke with The Squamish Chief about where she stands on provincial issues facing the riding as voters head to the polls on Oct. 24. Dumais is a member of Prophet River First Nation, in Treaty 8 territory in northeastern B.C., and grew up in Squamish. She previously worked in community relations for Woodfibre LNG. In 2017, in Grade 6, she was chosen to be mayor for a day. “I guess you could say my political aspirations started very early,” she said. Dumais says affordability is the main concern she’s hearing at the doors from West Vancouver to Pemberton, especially among young people. She said youth are leaving “to different opportunities in Alberta, across the country, and even outside of Canada, because they cannot afford to stay.” Here’s where she stands on transportation, housing, health care and Indigenous issues.

TRANSPORTATION Dumais called transit “a huge, huge topic” in the corridor. She criticized the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on regional transit that the province announced the same day it called the election. “There is no money attached to that, and I don’t believe that there’s any timelines included,” she said. When asked who should pay for regional transit and when residents could expect it,

#203-1830 Mamquam Rd ICE!

NEW PR

HEALTH CARE

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Ayla Dumais.

Dumais didn’t name a funder or a timeline. She said that as MLA, she would “heavily advocate for an actual action plan to be taken.” She pointed to wildfire evacuation alerts in Pemberton and the Sea to Sky Highway as the only way in or out of the northern end of the corridor. When asked about highway safety concerns such as collisions and speeding, Dumais said she believes some of those issues are decided on by experts and the Minister of Transportation. “For my region, West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, I will do the best I can to advocate for the needs of the people and the needs of the communities,” she said.

#213-1212 Main St ICE!

NEW PR

When asked about her top health-care priority, Dumais noted emergency room closures across the province. “I know the Conservative government will make sure that we do not close any other emergency rooms, and I definitely will do the best I can as an MLA to ensure that that does not happen to us,” she said. The NDP government indefinitely paused long-term care beds for Squamish and other communities when it announced the budget in early 2026. During the current campaign, Premier David Eby announced there’s money for them again. When asked about the pause and the campaign announcement, Dumais didn’t speak to either directly. She said, “the Conservative Party will build more long-term care beds faster and give seniors waiting for care a real choice in where they receive it.”

INDIGENOUS RELATIONS Dumais supports her party’s pledge to repeal the Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples Act (DRIPA). “I do believe that this will help bring back true reconciliation when we have a province where we’re not seeing such a large divisive culture between Indigenous and

I know the Conservative government will make sure that we do not close any other emergency rooms, and I definitely will do the best I can as an MLA to ensure that that does not happen to us. AYLA DUMAIS

non-Indigenous British Columbians,” she said. “I’m feeling that division firsthand alongside my family and my friends.” When asked what would replace DRIPA, she said the focus should be on “true reconciliation” by “making an affordable economy.” She said B.C. needs “a stable, investable environment, so we’re able to attract industry, and we’re able to get projects built in partnership with First Nation communities, so that we can actually bring revenue back to this province.” When asked how that approach fits with Sḵwx̱w ú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Líl̓wat Nations’ title claims, Dumais pointed to Woodfibre LNG, where she said the Nation acts as an environmental regulator. “I can say that I’ve witnessed firsthand how economic reconciliation really works in this province,” she said. To learn more about Dumais’s platform, visit her website, conservativebc.ca/candidate/ ayla-dumais.

#508-38033 Second Ave TING! NEW LIS Dedication. Experience. Results.

3 bed, 1 bath, well-maintained double-wide manufactured home in a park-like setting in Timbertown.

2 bed, 2 bath plus den at Aqua. 1 parking space, storage lockers coming soon, and beautiful views.

1 bed, 2 bath, plus den at Amaji. 1 parking & 1 storage locker. Great downtown location!

$408,888

$655,000

$659,000

604-849-4990 info@juliephoenix.com juliephoenix.com

6 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

‘TREE LOSS IS A DESIGN CHOICE, NOT A SITE CONSTRAINT’: PETITION CHALLENGES NORTHYARDS PROPOSAL’S CLEAR-CUT APPROACH Petition addresses proposed variances on Government Road development, including four visitor spots for 85 homes, 100 per cent tree removal, less than half of required common outdoor space

STACY THOMAS For The Squamish Chief

A

proposed 85-unit, multi-family development in Northyards has prompted neighbours to launch a petition demanding Squamish council take pause before granting significant parking and green space relaxations. The rezoning application (RZ000069) for 39773 and 39777 Government Rd., if approved, would see the removal of all 106 mature trees on the lot, one of which is a 180-centimetre-wide Sitka spruce estimated to date to the 1600s. Approval would also grant an 81 per cent cut to required visitor parking (four stalls for 85 homes), a 35 per cent reduction in resident parking (97 stalls requested versus 149 required) and a 58 per cent decrease in common outdoor amenity space. According to petition co-authors Al Liu and Jessica Riquetti, the requests go too far, and will have direct consequences on the surrounding community. “We’re recognizing that these aren’t just constraints that are site-specific,” Liu told The Squamish Chief. “These are design choices and planning choices that are being made without probably the level of due diligence and caution that we should be exercising for the betterment of our community and our quality of life and for the environment.”

DEEPER ASSESSMENT PROCESS The applicants, Dayhu Group of Companies and Frame Properties, state throughout the application that the parcel requires site-wide fill to meet municipal flood construction levels (FCL), requiring complete tree removal. The petition challenges this view, stating the application “treats site-wide fill as a given. It is not. “Flood construction levels can be met through localized fill under building footprints, elevated or piled foundations, and retained grade within designated tree protection zones.” At the centre of the “Save the Sitka” petition is “Tree #59,” a healthy Sitka spruce measured at 180 centimetres DBH (diameter at breast height), standing 23 metres tall with a 15-metre crown spread. The applicant’s arborist report found no structural defects or health concerns with Tree #59. To Riquetti, who holds a master’s degree in plant ecology, the proposed application is a missed opportunity to innovate, calling the approach “outdated, where you just clear everything … there’s a new way to design, and to be informed by the place.”

PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY AL LIU AND JESSICA RIQUETTI

A petition signed by local residents challenges a clear-cut approach to development at 39773 and 39777 Government Road, where 106 trees are slated for removal.

Riquetti adds that mature trees provide irreplaceable microclimate cooling, air filtration, and wildlife habitat. “The estimate is that that tree would have been approximately born in the 1600s,” she says, noting its role in hosting species like great horned owls as Squamish works toward a national “Bird Friendly City” certification. “A young tree takes many, many years to accomplish that kind of network of relationships.”

DEVELOPER RESPONDS In response to the petition’s concerns regarding Tree #59, Hassan Sayed, partner at Frame Properties, told The Squamish Chief in an email that arboricultural standards in construction don’t stop at whether a tree should be saved or not. “From an arboricultural perspective, the primary consideration is not necessarily whether Tree #59 can physically remain standing during construction, but whether its long-term health and structural stability can reasonably be maintained following development,” Sayed said. Referencing ANSI A300-2023 Tree Care

Standards and ISA Best Management Practices for managing trees during construction, Sayed said that soil disturbances such as compaction and fill within rooting zones alters aeration and moisture movement, which can lead to progressive tree decline over several years. “Although Tree #59 may be healthy under existing conditions, the proposed grading would substantially alter the environment in which its root system has developed,” Sayed said. “Retaining a mature tree under conditions that significantly compromise its rooting environment may not represent a viable long-term arboricultural outcome.”

DISTRICT RESPONSE The District of Squamish confirmed the application is currently under review and being evaluated under the updated Tree Management Bylaw No. 3229, adopted in May 2026, which lowered the threshold for “significant trees” from 80 cm to 60 cm DBH, which is the width of the tree trunk measured 1.4 metres above the ground. Under this bylaw, there are 23 trees on the lot that meet this threshold, a mix of Sitka spruce, Douglas fir, western hemlock, western red cedar

and one Leyland cypress. When questioned about alternatives to site-wide fill to meet FCL requirements, Squamish District staff said in an email to The Squamish Chief that “The only option for meeting required flood construction levels is through filling the site, similar to the adjacent property at 39769 and 39771 Government Road [the Breeze].” Sayed confirmed that an evaluation was conducted prior to proposing total canopy clearance. “An assessment was done to see if it was possible to retain the existing trees,” Sayed said. “The increase in ground height required by the flood control bylaw is so substantial that building anywhere near the rear 1/4 of the site means the trees will likely have overburden on their roots, which will suffocate the trees and lead to poor long-term health.” He added that while building large tree wells in depressions is an alternative, it’s realistically unfeasible because “tree wells fill up with water and create space for pests and rodents.” He explained that building access, parking, TREES: Continued on 7

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 7

squamishchief.com

TREES: Continued from 6

residents, as cars, plus insurance, plus gas, etc. are very expensive. Using public transit also supports and strengthens the transit network, while decreasing residents’ carbon footprint.”

servicing, and site circulation interact with floodplain requirements to alter soil conditions across the entire lot.

PRIVACY CONCERNS

PARKING CONCERNS Beyond canopy loss, the petition questions the proposal’s reliance on the property’s close proximity to bus stops and bike lanes as justification for the requested relaxations of parking minimums. “We would ask the council to weigh that against how Squamish households actually live,” the petition states. For their part, Liu explains that parking availability in the area is already problematic for nearby Breeze residents; “The parking variances are making it very difficult for households to sort of go about their daily lives,” he says. “People are often doing dangerous U-turns in the middle of Government, using our only entranceway as a turnaround spot, and as a parking spot, often. It creates a lot of congestion and hazards.” Sayed said that the project’s proposed 40 townhomes fully comply with standard zoning requirements, and reiterated the stance that reduced parking stalls for renters will be better for the environment in the long run. “Under the RM-2 zoning there is an option to achieve a ~1.0 FSR with rental housing, which is the path we are proposing with District staff,” Sayed said, adding that every townhome in the plan has a secured two-stall garage. “There is a parking variance being requested

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY AL LIU AND JESSICA RIQUETTI

Residents are calling on Squamish council to rethink a housing proposal on Government Road that seeks significant reductions in parking and common outdoor space.

for the purpose-built rental building, which is driven by the limits (to which) we can construct a parkade on the site given the floodplain.” He went on to note that the site’s location along Government Road’s Core Transit Network makes reduced parking a positive feature: “Providing less parking encourages residents to

use transit - freeing up parking in downtown,” Sayed said. “However, one of the fantastic benefits of this project is that it is located on Government Road—part of Squamish’s major Core Transit Network. Additionally, providing transit options also drastically increases the affordability for

The petitioners also expressed concern over privacy, the main concern being overlook onto rooftop patios at The Breeze. Sayed confirmed that this factor was integrated into the building design: “Overlook has been taken into account. We have worked with the design team to ensure balconies on the six-storey rental building are not facing west towards our neighbours.” Sayed pointed to broader municipal planning goals, stating the proposal’s compliance with the District’s Official Community Plan which targets Northyards for increased density, due in part to its proximity to transit. This also addresses concerns over the proposed 58 per cent reduction in required common outdoor space, he says. “Though there is a reduction in proposed outdoor space, we believe a highly activated area for future residents, with a potential public right of way, will be more beneficial in the long-term,” Sayed said. “We intend to work with planning staff and our design team on programming these areas to ensure they are accessible and family-oriented. Petition organizers say they plan to present their signatures and technical feedback during an upcoming public information meeting before the file advances to council. That meeting has not been scheduled.

Explore CapU Open House Squamish Campus Saturday, Nov. 7, 2026 10 am – 1 pm 3200 University Blvd.

• Discover programs and tour the campus • Connect with dedicated faculty, staff and students • Experience campus life just steps from mountains, trails and everything Squamish has to offer

RSVP at

CapilanoU.ca/explore

A8 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

View online:

FREE EVENT!

Kids’ Clothing, Toy, and Book Swap

October 24, 10 am–3 pm Brennan Park Recreation Centre

Stage 1 Outdoor Water Use Restrictions remain in effect.

The District’s next 10-year Financial Plan review process began on September 8 and continues through to December. Follow along and weigh in at LetsTalkSquamish.ca/budget-2027

1

2

For more information and to see the full water restrictions, head to our website:

STAG E

3

AGE ST

STAG E

AGE ST

4

squamish.ca/water

Infrastructure Upgrades • Wastewater System Upgrades continue in Dentville, on the Madill Forcemain. Construction work is paused.

Sportball Indoor Soccer Ages 3–5 yrs

Ra i

tside. Shine ou in

Trade the puddles

e. sid

n

for play!

Indoor Soccer

at Brennan Park Recreation Centre Sportball Indoor Soccer offers a fun, active, and non-competitive space where kids can develop soccer skills, make friends, and stay active.

Lace up and let’s play! Tuesdays; 11 a.m.–12 p.m.

Ages 5–7 & 7–9 yrs

Looking for the perfect after-school activity this fall? Mondays; 4–5 p.m. / 5–6 p.m.

Dance “Sampler” Class Ages 5–7 & 8–12 yrs

Explore a variety of dance styles, from ballet and jazz to creative movement. Perfect for young dancers who want to try it all and find their favourite! Wednesdays; 3:30–4:30 p.m. / 5:30–6:30 p.m.

• 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

Business Opportunities Requests for Proposals

• Wastewater Effluent Outfall Environmental Monitoring & Reporting • Wastewater and Water Systems Energy Audit

squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district

Cardio Step Ages 19+ yrs Join Heather for a throwback step class that will challenge your mind and body. Tuesdays; 9:30–10:30 a.m.

Visit squamish.ca/rec for details and registration.

Sign up for District of Squamish eNews squamish.ca/enews

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 9

squamishchief.com

SLRD SEEKS TO REVIEW WOODFIBRE LNG PROJECT EFFECTS ON AREA D

As construction continues on the Woodfibre LNG plant, regional leaders are looking for ways to ensure neighbouring communities receive support INA PACE/JENNIFER THUNCHER news@squamischief.com Editor’s note: This story was written before local government elections.

H

ow to address the current and potential impact of the Woodfibre LNG export facility on communities south of Squamish, such as Britannia Beach and Furry Creek, was a topic of discussion at a recent Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) committee of the whole meeting. At the meeting on Sept. 24, committee members unanimously supported a motion to be considered by the SLRD board to refer the item to regional district staff “to explore regional impacts of Woodfibre LNG (WLNG) and how they may be addressed.” With the general local election to be held on Oct. 17, this will come back to the incoming board. The discussion was sparked by a director’s report submitted by outgoing Area D director Tony Rainbow, who is retiring after this term. He floated the idea that perhaps the SLRD could get a share of the Woodfibre LNG property tax paid to the District of Squamish. In the report, Rainbow included a recommendation that “considering the current and future impact of the WLNG operation on the shores of Howe Sound and on the communities of Britannia Beach and Furry Creek, the SLRD Board appoint a committee to meet with the District of Squamish council to consider the sharing of the property taxes to be paid by WLNG.” “This money would be held in trust by the SLRD to be spent mostly in Britannia Beach, but also in Furry Creek and along the shoreline of the sound on both the east and west shores,” Rainbow wrote. “B.C. has no provision for taxing a company to mitigate the effects of its activities on communities that are outside of the jurisdiction that collects the property taxes … The only entity that can mitigate this situation is the regional district of which the District of Squamish is a named member.” Rainbow said at the meeting that his proposal was a response to concerns and complaints he receives often from Britannia Beach and Furry Creek residents. Rainbow said he understood that once construction is complete, WLNG will use less obtrusive lighting, but there will “obviously” be noise from flaring, and increased shipping which will affect local residents and infrastructure, he said. Rainbow’s report also states that after construction is complete, the operation of the

FILE PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Britannia Beach with the Woodfibre LNG site across Howe Sound in the background.

plant will have less impact on Squamish, but the impacts in Britannia Beach specifically will continue for decades to come. He said in the meeting that given Howe Sound is a UNESCO Biosphere Region, and will be impacted by the LNG project, the SLRD should be doing what it can to address those impacts. “We were very proud to express our support for the biosphere region. And what does that mean? I think it probably means that we should consider impacts on the sound from industry within our region.” In the meeting, Rainbow said the Britannia Beach dock needs a “significant investment” to withstand “the kind of marine traffic that we’re going to be getting over the next 40 years.” Rainbow acknowledged, however, that since submitting his report he understands that there could be legal implications of his proposal, which need to be understood more fully. “We need to understand what those implications are. … I guess what I’m hoping is that this board will demonstrate that it does understand the impacts on Area D residents, and we are prepared to do something to assist,” Rainbow said. Thus a motion was put forward by Chair Jen

Ford to recommend to the board that staff look at impacts of the project. “I don’t want to get too prescriptive. … I would like our staff to have the ability to go and engage in this process and come back to a future meeting with what they find out,” Ford said. “We’ve understood through all of the years that we’ve all attended Howe Sound Community Forums that regional districts often are forgotten,” she also said. “We saw, certainly in the past, Britannia Mine’s impact on Howe Sound and the biosphere and the glass sponge reefs. It is our responsibility to steward these lands and waters responsibly so we certainly want to have those conversations.” Village of Pemberton director Mike Richman seconded Ford’s motion. “I totally empathize with the communities down there getting impacted,” Richman said. “It’s something that we see across the province, and I’d be happy to take part in addressing that. So I support the motion and look forward to the conversation. District of Squamish director Jenna Stoner called the impacts of WLNG on residents of Howe Sound East “substantive.” “This is an important conversation to be having. I appreciate seeking some direction on

It is our responsibility to steward these lands and waters responsibly so we certainly want to have those conversations. CHAIR JEN FORD

how we might be able to seek compensation for those impacts in ways that will involve the community and the company,” she said. As noted, the issue will come to a future board meeting for consideration. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.

10 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

MUNICIPAL BUDGET 2027: HERE’S WHAT IS IN THE CAPITAL PLAN For 2027, the total of all capital projects is $25 million, or $357 million over the 10-year plan

sewer services that do not have inspection chambers, of which there are numerous throughout the District.” He noted that currently, these services are mostly contracted out. “Bringing the service in-house will reduce costs and significantly improve response times and service levels to utility customers. This asset will allow staff to identify and quantify inflow and infiltration to the sewer system during dry as well as wet weather events, gather key video content that will inform annual wastewater collection and storm system rehabilitation programs and ensure accurate data collection for long-term master planning work.” Because the vehicle would be purchased in 2028, the district will confirm and submit a request for full-time staff to use it during next year’s budget cycle. Another item of note to the public is $65,000 in 2027 for 30 waste bins. “This comes from a council direction recommending a budget for additional waste bins throughout town. Staff are recommending the purchase of 30 additional bins, some of which will be installed adjacent to existing bins, while others will be placed in new locations,” Kineshanko added.

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

T

he outgoing council continued its budget workshopping, tackling capital projects at its Oct. 6 special business meeting. “While the current council will provide direction throughout most of the development of the 2027 to 2036 financial plan … final adoption will occur after the new council has been established,” noted Heather Boxrud, District general manager of financial, IT and procurement services.

CHALLENGES Primary capital planning challenges for the municipality include funding constraints, uncertainty about future conditions, competing priorities and risks, outdated master plans, data and forecasting limitations, and grant availability and matching. “Funding constraints remain one of the most significant challenges,” Boxrud said. “While the District has made considerable progress in strengthening reserve funding and long-term asset management practices, reserve balances remain below the levels needed to fully support future asset replacement, infrastructure renewal requirements, and funding new capital,” she added. “Achieving sustainable reserve funding will require continued investment and commitment to the asset management reserve funding strategy over many years. Debt capacity is also a limiting factor, although borrowing can support the delivery of major projects and is not a substitute for sustainable reserve funding. Much of the District’s available debt capacity has already been committed to significant facility and landfill-related investments, limiting the extent to which additional borrowing can be relied upon to fund future capital requirements.” Laura Turner, director of financial planning and reporting, told council for 2027, the total of all capital projects is $25 million, or $357 million over the 10-year plan. Capital projects are funded by various sources, including reserves, borrowing, grants, development cost charges (DCCs), and other sources, including utility user fees, Turner said. “Reserves continue to fund the majority of capital projects with 74 per cent from reserves in 2027, and 70 per cent over the 10 years of the financial plan,” she said. “The second largest funding source is borrowing, which will fund 13 per cent of project costs in 2027, and 20 per cent over the 10-year plan. Borrowing will be used to fund major projects.” Other funding sources include the utility user fees, DCCs, and grants, which combined make up the remaining 13 per cent. According to Turner, over the 2027 to 2036 financial plan, approximately $249 million in capital funding is slated to come from the

PHOTO BY MYKEL THUNCHER/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

The newly constructed Public Works building.

LANDFILL District’s reserves, with the majority of this coming from the capital reserves, equipment reserve, community works fund, and land sale reserve. Funds for capital projects also come from borrowing. “During the construction phase of a capital project, the district utilizes working capital and temporary borrowing to finance projects. Once a project is complete, long-term borrowing is issued,” Turner said. The borrowing required to support the District’s 2027 to 2036 financial plan puts the District’s debt servicing at 14 per cent. Debt servicing is the annual principal and interest payments.

ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS Some of the capital project highlights include $40.6 million for asbestos cement watermain replacements and water system capacity upgrades. “It also includes $1.1 million for a new well and electrical upgrades at Powerhouse Springs, the District’s primary water source,” said David Roulston, the District’s senior manager of infrastructure planning. He added that $2.7 million is included between 2030 and 2032 for additional drinking water supply capacity. This could be achieved through an additional well at Powerhouse Springs or by adding treatment to the Stawamus River source. “A feasibility study planned in 2028 will evaluate these options and help determine the preferred approach for the method for improving

or increasing our future water supply capacity,” Roulston said.

TRANSPORTATION Brent McMurtry, the manager of transportation, said that key transportation highlights in the financial plan include advancing designs for both the Pemberton-Laurelwood Bridge ( 500,000). Staff confirmed the District had applied for a Trade Diversification Corridors Fund from Transport Canada to help with the bridge project. The District should hear back in the spring.

PUBLIC WORKS HIGHLIGHTS The District’s Ben Kineshanko, manager of utilities, told council one of the public works budget items is $625,000 to maintain (not pave) Paradise Valley Road. This amount is budgeted between 2029 and 2035. “This budget, the majority of it occurring every three years, is intended to maintain a sustainable level of service to the residents and road users. This work requires importing aggregate material, compacting and regrading the road, as well as applying dust suppression,” Kineshanko said. A sewer inspection vehicle was proposed for public works, at $550,000 in 2028, plus new staff resourcing to implement the service. “Procurement of a sewer inspection vehicle will improve our ability to inspect underground sewer infrastructure,” Kineshanko said. “For example, staff cannot currently inspect

Sam Aljubori, District director of facilities and sustainability, outlined three major investments required to maintain service continuity and meet provincial requirements. The lateral landfill expansion Phase 1 (2027 to 2033) is budgeted at $27.8 million, while Phase 2 (2033 to 2035) is currently budgeted at $6.4 million. Detailed design is planned for 2027, with construction expected from late 2027 through 2029, Aljubori said. The Phase 1 budget has increased by $2.7 million, based on information gathered through the province’s Operational Certificate Amendment process. Funding will come from reserves and borrowing. The District will close portions of the existing landfill as the expansion begins accepting waste. The financial plan includes $6.6 million for initial closure (2027 to 2030) and $3.6 million (2034 to 2036) for future partial closure. The closures will be funded from dedicated District reserves. Landfill gas horizontal expansion is budgeted at $1 million (2028 to 2030). This will be funded by the solid waste utility. “This works to capture and manage greenhouse gas from the decomposing waste. Future installation will be limited with the landfill use and coordinated with the expansion and closure work. Together, these investments protect service continuity, support regulatory compliance and manage the District’s long-term solid waste obligations,” Aljubori said. CAPITAL: Continued on 11

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 11

squamishchief.com

CAPITAL: Continued from 10

UNFUNDED PROJECTS? TRANSPORTATION Because of the uncertainty around development cost charge reserve balance projections, staff included a list of unfunded projects. “DCC collections are inherently difficult to predict because they depend on future development activity and are influenced by market conditions, interest rates, housing demand, construction costs and developer timing,” Turner said. The close to $60 million in projects without a funding source includes the Mamquam Road and Highway 99 Intersection Improvements, for about $7.5 million, the Government Road Active Transportation Improvements for Depot to Eagle Run, for about $2.6 million, and the Pemberton/ Laurelwood Bridge at about $24 million. Because of the critical nature of the Depot to Eagle Run corridor, which staff said supports safe access for kids to Brackendale Elementary and Don Ross Middle School, staff proposed the work be funded from the alternative forms of transportation and community works fund reserves instead of the DCC reserves, thus retaining DCC roads reserves for upcoming major projects.

SAMPLE COUNCIL COMMENTS Coun. Andrew Hamilton pressed staff a couple of times on why some identified needs weren’t in the 10-year financial plan. “Can anybody help me understand why Municipal Hall, even library expansion and ice rink don’t appear anywhere in our 10-year financial plan?” Megan Latimer, general manager of community services and infrastructure, said work is ongoing to determine the scope of the projects. “Work is ongoing to determine the needs around Municipal Hall, including space planning and future needs planning, as well as revisiting the lifespan of the asset through building condition assessments to consider if there’s other upgrades that could be done to extend the life of the building and put off that cost into the future instead of a rebuild,” she said. “We will have more information on that coming back to council in the next year.” She also noted that, a number of years ago, the capital plan included financing for a municipal hall lease, and it remains in the financial plan. “That is also an option should we no longer be able to stay in this building—that council does have the option to direct us to move to lease space for municipal hall.” Staff confirmed the lease amount in the budget starts in 2027 at about $200,000 and then increases in 2028 to $900,000 and then it’s at $1.4 million from then. Coun. Chris Pettingill pressed on the same topic, saying the community wants to see that these things, like the ice rink, are laid out to confirm they are in the municipality’s plans. “I’ve heard for a couple of years that people just want to see somewhere as part of these kinds of documents that we have heard a strong desire for another pool, another rink, and whether we label it unfunded projects or it requires, like, horizon

projects or something, is there a way we can just articulate, in no great detail or specific estimates, but just that we’ve heard this?” Chief administrative officer Linda Glenday stepped in to respond further. “(I) appreciate that council wants to articulate that to the community. This is where … current strategy or new strategy is decoupled from the financial plan or otherwise informs the financial plan,” she said. “So putting (a new municipal hall or ice rink as) an unfunded project for which we have no true magnitude, it doesn’t fit in the financial plan. However, to Ms. Latimer’s point, currently we have the Real Estate Facilities Master Plan. The priority of those facilities has not shifted. Very obviously, the scope and price of them has, which is why we need to update it. … Soon there will be a strategic plan update with the brand new council, and that’s where council priorities around facilities would land as well.” Hamilton later put forward a motion to remove the municipal hall lease amount from the capital plan for 2027. That motion failed, but a follow-up Hamilton motion to direct staff to bring back an understanding of the implications of removing the lease funding for a municipal hall space into the Tying It All Together session scheduled for November. That passed unanimously. “In light that no decision has been made regarding expanding via lease or build of Municipal Hall, I don’t see a value in having that money sit in our financial plan,” he said.

WHAT DID COUNCIL DECIDE? There were two recommendations from staff: 1. That council direct Staff to include the Capital Projects presented in the 2027-2036 Financial Plan. This motion was put forward by Coun. John French. “One of the reasons that I am moving this is I’m comfortable with everything that I see in the plan. And an element of my comfort comes from the fact that there’s no property taxation directly involved in this decision. And as we work our way through this financial plan, my biggest concern is property tax impacts,” he said. There were then a series of amendments tested by council members. Coun. Jenna Stoner put forward an amendment to remove the $20,000 for library board equipment from the 2027 budget. Hamilton seconded. The Squamish Public Library had requested the amount for laptops for library board members “to ensure compliance with District records management and IT security requirements.” “In collaboration with the District’s director of information technology, we’ve determined that continued reliance on personal devices, external email accounts, and third-party solutions present a significant enough risk to require this change,” director of library services Hilary Bloom told council during her presentation on Sept. 29. Stoner said she understood the IT security concern, but thought there could be workarounds. “I don’t want to assume that folks who are going to be on boards of other portions of our organization are expected to have multiple devices,” she said.

The motion passed with only Coun. Eric Andersen opposed. Stoner put forward another amendment that staff be directed to bring back options for increasing the District’s contributions to the asset management plan reserve funding strategy for council consideration at the Tying It All Together budget meeting. “To ensure we are adequately funding our asset management reserves and in recognition that one update cycle of the AMPRFS was deferred,” she said. “This is an important piece for future council to consider. It’s an important piece of work that we have continued to do is build our asset management reserve strategy. And I am concerned that we are not putting enough money away given the decision that we made out of the last asset management plan and having missed a cycle. And so I would appreciate staff coming back with some estimate of what that gap might be to help us kind of bridge until we get to the next asset management plan.” Again, Hamilton seconded her motion. This motion passed unanimously. Next, Hamilton moved that staff find a mechanism to include the possibility of Brennan Park upgrade funding in the 10-year financial plan documentation. Glenday again stepped in to say that “unfunded projects and placeholders have magnitudes and we don’t have a magnitude for the recreation centre. So council needs to be aware that any number that goes in will be fictitious and we can’t rely on it.” Hamilton noted that $68,900,000 was the

Reserves continue to fund the majority of capital projects with 74 per cent from reserves in 2027, and 70 per cent over the 10 years of the financial plan. HEATHER BOXRUD

number for the new ice rink and pool in the amenity cost charge bylaw. Hamilton’s motion passed with Andersen and French opposed. The original staff recommendation, with amendments, passed unanimously. 2. The second staff recommendation was that council direct staff to include the Government Road Active Transportation Improvement project in the 2027-2036 Financial Plan under funding as presented—funded from the alternative forms of transportation. Stoner put forward a motion to support, with French seconding. This was approved unanimously. Mayor Armand Hurford was not present at this meeting.

AYLA DUMAIS

for West Vancouver–Sea to Sky

Cut income taxes by $1,000 a year for nearly every working British Columbian End the NDP’s failed “safe supply” experiment and support treatment Invest in healthcare while bringing more doctors to B.C.

Authorized by John Grreen Financial Agent for Ayla Dumais info@ayladumais.ca

12 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERY THURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA 38113 Second Avenue Box 3500, Squamish BC, V8B 0B6

CONTACT US PRINTED EVERY THURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA T: 604-892-9161 news@squamishchief.com ads@ squamishchief.com classifieds@squamishchief.com subs@squamishchief.com production@squamishchief.com obituaries: ads@squamishchief.com EDITOR JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@ lodestarmedia.ca follow @thuncher REPORTER LIZ MCDONALD emcdonald@ lodestarmedia.ca REPORTER INA PACE ipace@ lodestarmedia.ca SALES MANAGER CATHIE GREENLEES cgreenlees@ squamishchief.com MULTI- MEDIA SALES REPRESENTATIVE KIM BOATMAN kboatman@ squamishchief.com CIRCULATION MANAGER DENISE CONWAY dconway@ squamishchief.com PUBLISHER SARAH STROTHER sstrother@lodestarmedia.ca The Squamish Chief is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact Editor Jennifer Thuncher at jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca. If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil.ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. Reproduction of any material contained in this publication is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the publisher.

EDITORIAL

911 IN THE BACKCOUNTRY

O

ne election behind us and another days away—it can leave us all feeling a little confused and lost. (But find your way to vote in the provincial election because it matters.) Speaking of lost and confused, a new study has some pretty shocking conclusions about folks recreating in our backcountry. The study, “Preparedness of Backcountry Recreationists in the Sea to Sky Corridor,” authored by UBC resident doctor Foster Wynne, among others, was recently published in the journal Wilderness & Environmental Medicine. It looked at Squamish Search and Rescue information from their engagement days on trailheads, and uncovered some eye-popping facts. Like, none of the summer groups of hikers encountered at Stawamus Chief had all of the 10 backpacking essentials. Only 26 per cent had done any research on the route they were taking; two-thirds of the groups did not check the weather before they left, while 44 per cent did not leave a trip plan; 68 per cent knew to call 911 if they needed help—meaning 32 per cent did not. The study notes that those who didn’t know thought that SAR had a specific number to call or that they should call park staff and that 911 was for urban emergencies. In the winter, interviews were conducted at the Garibaldi Park Elfin Lakes Trailhead, and the results were better, with recreationalists being more well prepared for their adventures. For example, 71 per cent of groups had left a trip plan, 83 per cent had checked the weather, and 81 per cent knew to call 911 in an emergency. A healthy 88 per cent of winter groups had at least one member who had taken Avalanche Skills Training. But, shockingly, even in the winter group, only 21 per cent had researched their route and none of the snowshoer groups carried avalanche equipment; 75 per cent of snowshoers had no avalanche training. It would be easy to point fingers at these folks risking at best their comfort and at worst their lives and the lives of the volunteer rescuers. However, if most of a class fails, can you blame the students? Something systemic is wrong here. The study notes that in-person outreach at trailheads and in wilderness settings is shown BACKCOUNTRY: Continued on 13

WHAT AN ELECTION! EDITOR’S NOTEBOOK

JENNIFER THUNCHER

Y

ou are never boring and always go your own way, Squamish. Many communities saw a huge uptick in turnout at advance polls. Whistler, for example, saw a 68 per cent increase in advance voting over last election. Other communities where it jumped include Vancouver, Richmond, Burnaby, Kamloops, Surrey, Kelowna, Prince George, Cranbrook and View Royal, according to The Canadian Press. But not Squamish. According to the District of Squamish, at the end of the day on Oct. 15, which was the last day for advance voting, about 15 per cent of 19, 501 eligible voters had cast a ballot. Advanced voting ballots cast per day: Oct. 7 – 55 Activity Centre – 430 Oct. 8 – 55 Activity Centre – 347 Oct. 10 – Totem Hall – 450 Oct. 15 – Brennan Park – 1,705 By comparison, total advance ballots cast in the 2022 election was 2,349, according to the District. Total ballots cast in the 2022 election was 6,718. Thus, advance voting ballots cast made up 35 per

cent of the total cast in 2022. (14.46 per cent of registered voters.) Advance voting made up 33 per cent of all ballots cast this time. The voter turnout in 2022 was 39.64 per cent; this time, preliminary figures show it was 45.33 per cent. Many more people still chose not to vote than who voted, in other words. The voter turnout contrasts drastically with the passion we see online. This was the case in 2022 as well. It seems like the engagement on civic issues is like on a strata. Folks like to stand around (or post around) on a Sunday and complain but when it comes time to show up and do something—vote or sit on the strata council—the majority are nowhere to be found. But those who cast a ballot this election were decisive, tossing out all but one of the incumbent councillors and one of the incumbent school trustees. Seems most of you wanted a change. Well, you got that, to be sure. Congratulations to all who won. We look forward to covering your decisions at council and at the School Board Office in the years to come. For those who did go out to vote at Brennan Park on Oct. 17, they were met with an efficient and dedicated crew that made the process smooth if not pleasant. Thanks to all the volunteers involved and to those who exercised their franchise. Now, let’s do it all again on Saturday in the provincial election, shall we?

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 13

squamishchief.com

Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7 tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw

JOIN US ONLINE

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

QUESTION OF THE WEEK Were you suprised by the results of the local election? Have your say at squamishchief.com

LAST WEEK’S QUESTION

Squamish, do you plan to vote in the provincial election? (Top 3) YES I DON’T VOTE NO

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LEANNE RODERICK

87% 4% 3%

MOON + BROOM PADDLE: On Oct. 10, witches and warlocks took to Howe Sound for the first Moon + Broom Paddle. Organizer (and school trustee-elect) Leanne Roderick hopes to make it an annual event.

BACKCOUNTRY: Continued from 12 to be the most effective in reducing SAR incidents. This can’t be left up to volunteer organizations, like SAR. It should be BC Parks rangers, or other paid folks, doing more of this. According to Destination BC, a provincial Crown corporation, the tourism industry generated over $11.3 billion in 2024 in gross spending in the Vancouver, Coast Mountain region, which includes the Sea to Sky. That

accounts for approximately 49 per cent of B.C.’s total spending. The provincial government’s mandate letter to Destination BC says it is to “continue to support tourism as a strong pillar of the B.C. economy,” in part, by promoting its unmatched geography. Destination BC received about $56 million for 2026, most of that spent on marketing to tourists. Yet, as Canadian Geographic reports, there are only 128 full-time and 62

seasonal rangers in all of B.C. There aren’t enough of them to be meeting and educating enough folks on trailheads. That is where the reality meets the SAR call out—the provincial government invites recreationalists to our region and they come in droves. Whomever we elect as our provincial government then has a moral obligation to at least ensure recreationalists know who to call in an emergency while in the backcountry, doesn’t it?

MOST READ STORY

Sean Easton wins mayor in District of Squamish election

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR ENOUGH IS ENOUGH Neighbours in the Tantalus Road area will understand the community’s current frustrations. Parents of the Squamish teens harassing the area need to step up and provide boundaries for these children. Everyone deserves to feel safe and have some peace in their own neighbourhood. What started this summer as kids hanging out around the convenience store on their e-bikes has escalated into an unsettling situation. First it was yelling, now it’s upwards of 30-40 at a time. They added late night music, then air horns and fireworks, and now last

week I watched them chase a bear down the middle of the road with their air horns, yelling at it and daring each other to run up behind it. When adults ask them to stop they retaliate with violent language. This is unacceptable and the final straw for this community. Not only does this put others in the area at risk but when this bear fears for its life and retaliates, it will be the one paying with its life. Enough is enough. The police are aware and have been doing their best to stop it, but where are the parents of these kids? It’s time to take responsibility—this is a reflection on you. To those of you involved, you should be

ashamed of your actions. You are swearing at the elderly trying to peacefully get home and rest at night, you are going to get an innocent animal killed. How, as a community, have we let our youth think this is acceptable? If you have been here long enough, you will know the stories of Bob Macintosh or Sam Eves, so you will know the devastatingly tragic ways these escalating situations can end. Gregg Speck, Squamish LETTERS: Continued on 14

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.

PHOTO BY LINDA GILLIES

TRASH PANDA: Raccoons have been visiting Linda Gillies’ yard. This one smelled turkey cooking inside, she said.

14 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR View online:

Notice of Dispostion What’s Proposed

Five-year lease extensions (November 1, 2026 to October 31, 2031) for two tenancies at the Squamish Adventure Centre, located at 38551 Loggers Lane. The District of Squamish (“District”) hereby gives notice pursuant to Section 26 of the Community Charter that the District intends to dispose of an additional interest in currently leased lands by modifying and extending the terms of the two leases for portions of Lot A, Plan 12786, District Lot 4261, Group 1, Section 3, New Westminster Land District, with a civic address of 38551 Loggers Lane, Squamish, British Columbia for five years (November 1, 2026 to October 31, 2031) as follows: • To Tourism Squamish Society, for an approximately 88 m2 portion of the building, for operation and management of a Visitor Centre on behalf of the District of Squamish and provision of tourism services, for a lease rate of $26,220/annum, as shown in the drawing below (black area); • To Tourism Squamish Society and the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, for an approximately 80 m2 portion of the building, for office purposes, for a lease rate of $32,400/annum, as shown in the drawing below (patterned area).

VISITOR CENTRE / TOURISM

OFFICE

Notice of Grant of Assistance Tourism Squamish Society

Pursuant to Section 24 of the Community Charter, the District of Squamish hereby gives notice of its intention to grant assistance to Tourism Squamish Society by allowing management of the use of areas in the Squamish Adventure Centre, located at 38551 Loggers Lane, to maximize the community use including but not limited to events, receptions, launches, seasonal showcases, for five years for 50% of the net surplus of all payments received.

LETTERS: Continued from 13

OCTOBER 18—PERSONS DAY October 18 came and went without much fanfare. But, it should be a day to celebrate! Oct.18, 1929, marked the day that women were deemed “persons.” Before then, British Common Law deemed that women could be regarded as “persons in matters of pain and penalties but not persons in the matters of law and privileges.” Some women had achieved the right to vote by 1916, in part, due to their participation in the First World War, but not without a battle. Protestors to gain that right were often arrested and tortured. Ten years later, although Emily Murphy had climbed the ranks to become a magistrate for the province of Alberta, she discovered that she could not seek a position on the senate. Her judgments had been just and merciful. Yet, the BNA Act was used to thwart her authority. A petition sent to the Supreme Court of Canada to appoint a woman to the senate, was shot down with the excuse that women were not persons under Section 24 of the BNA Act. Activist Nellie McClung was instrumental in getting the vote for women in Manitoba and was later elected to the Alberta legislature. McClung served as a delegate to the League of Nations in Geneva, Switzerland in 1938. She supported Emily Murphy and with three other women, they became known as the Famous 5. They convinced then prime minister MacKenzie King to ask the Canadian Supreme Court to clarify the word “persons” under the British North America Act of 1867. “When the Canadian court rejected their argument on April 24, 1928, the Famous Five persuaded the Government of Canada to appeal to the Judicial Committee of the British Privy Council. There, the Famous Five won and on October 18, 1929, Canadian women were legally declared “persons” and eligible for appointment to the Senate,” reads the Famous 5 Foundation website. Emily Murphy did not get the chance to become a senator. Her prime goal was to have the laws of Canada recognize women as “qualified persons”. Still half the population continues to face obstacles due to gender inequality. To this day, our history, and textbooks contain little information of women’s achievements. Despite this, it’s encouraging to see young women advance in sports and life. After all, women have Personhood under the BNA Act. Now, get out and use your right to vote! Melody Wales Squamish

SOUND IS MORE NUANCED My daughter lives in Furry Creek and alerted me to your Oct. 4 article (“Woodfibre LNG details flaring plans at Squamish open house”). Some of your readers will be seriously misled about the noise predicted in the video shown in the Oct. 1 open house and available at woodfibrelng.ca/ flaring. The source of the problem is that decibels of sound cannot be added or subtracted as the display suggests. This is because a decibel is 10 times the logarithm of the ratio of the sound power to an arbitrary generally-accepted figure. Thus, in one display it is suggested that at Britannia the increase from the background level of 39.2 dBA is predicted to be 6.7 dBA. This is deceiving because it does not seem to be much. The actual increase is 45.9 dBA, very much larger than the ambient sound level. The public statements from Woodfibre LNG and the reporter show the need to explain noise numbers in detail. An increase of three decibels is twice the sound power; a six decibel increase means four times the sound power. In the present instance, the burning of gases in a stack will sound like a jet plane. The audio simulations provided give a strong hint of this but listening to them on a computer does not demonstrate the full-throated roar of a real life event due to the limitations of the computer’s loudspeaker. One must not just pay attention to the number of decibels. How annoying an additional sound will be will depend on the nature of the sound. For example, the addition of an annoying buzzing sound may change the measured sound level by less than 1 dB. A serious omission is that there is no discussion of the weighting used. The most common is A-weighting in which low frequency sounds, those in the lower half of a keyboard, are discounted. This makes sense for quiet sounds in order to account for the response of the human ear. The ear responds differently to loud noise from industrial machinery, like LNG flares and vapour recovery units, which commonly include such low frequency sounds, and in this case C-weighted or Z-weighted (no weighting) figures should be provided as well as A-weighted. I write this having endured similar noise from the Trans Mountain tanker terminal in Burnaby, and having made numerous sound level measurements. I accept that machinery makes noise. I do not accept that we have to listen to it as I am forced to do. The noise predicted to come from Woodfibre LNG is not acceptable in a civilized society. If you are not sure about this, ask the people in Kitimat. Woodfibre LNG should be told to go back to the drawing board and design a plant without audible noise. It can be done. David Huntley, professor emeritus, Department of Physics, SFU Simon Fraser University

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 15

squamishchief.com

WOODFIBRE LNG SAYS TAX AGREEMENT WITH DISTRICT WAS ‘FINAL OFFER’ WLNG CEO Luke Schauerte says council’s rejection of agreement was ‘surprising and disappointing,’ while outgoing councillor says he’s confident that ‘council voted appropriately’ JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

Editor’s note: This story was written before the council election results were known.

I

n an open letter published on Oct. 9, chief executive officer (CEO) of Woodfibre LNG, Luke Schauerte, addressed the failed 10-year agreement in principle with the District of Squamish. The letter comes more than two weeks after council’s 5-2 decision on Sept. 22 to reject the agreement. It also came in the midst of municipal elections. The night of council’s decision, The Squamish Chief reached out to Woodfibre LNG for comment, it took days for one to arrive and it was brief. This is the first time the CEO has addressed the decision directly. Schauerte called the decision by council “surprising and disappointing.” He also said it was the “final” agreement offer there would be from Woodfibre LNG. “After years of work, dozens of meetings and hundreds of work hours between District staff and our team, we believed we had reached a fair

FILE PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

The meeting where the tax agreement was voted down by council on Sept. 22.

and balanced agreement that reflected our efforts to listen, adapt, negotiate in good faith and respond to concerns raised throughout the process,” he wrote. “The agreement represented the culmination of those negotiations and Woodfibre LNG’s fair

and final offer, reflecting both our long-term commitment to the community and the certainty required for our project.” He pointed to other expenditures the company has made, such as the $50 million clean up of the former pulp mill site and the use of floatels to

house the 1,300 construction workers. This move came because the community and council raised concerns about the impact of workers on the local housing stock. “The cost of doing so was significant—over $100 million invested per floatel,” he wrote. Schauerte also pointed to a staffing agreement with the District saying, “we have also funded the District’s expenses associated with administering our project, so those costs do not fall to local taxpayers.” He noted that Woodfibre LNG is not connected to the District’s water or sewer systems, does not use the municipal landfill, and provides its own services and infrastructure at the project site. Ultimately, Schauerte struck a conciliatory tone for the future. “Woodfibre LNG will be part of this community for decades to come. This is the home of our project and our people, and we remain committed to contributing fair value to Squamish as long as we operate here.” The Squamish Chief reached out for a response from current council members who voted against the agreement who were running for re-election. TAX: Continued on 19

Britannia Mine Museum gratefully acknowledges their community sponsors:

HALLOWEEN AT BRITANNIA: H

T E R S N O M ACHINES, S M SCCH HIIE EFF MIIS & &M

Mountain Psychology and Neurofeedback Centre SATURDAY AND SUNDAY Y, OCTOBER 24,25

Big machines. Monster fun.

Underground adventure and hands-on discovery.

BOOK TODAY!

Stephen L. Milstein, Ph.D., R. Psych. BC # 765 604.938.3511

Dawna Dixx Milstein, O T. COTBC # A A0201 604.938.3523

Squamish: 604.848.9273

Whistler: #107- 4 368 Main St, Whistler, B.C. V0N 1B4

Serving sea to sky for 18 years

A16 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

Your story starts here

e

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | A17

squamishchief.com

My personal values are very heavy towards nature, being outdoors. Working for a company that shares my values around sustainability, around respecting the environment, this has really been a perfect fit for me. Kelly Steeves Dog lover | Outdoorswoman | Head of Engineering Support

Find your story at woodfibrelng.ca/careers

A18 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

The 23rd issue of Discover Squamish publishes in November 2026. Now is the time to reserve your space!

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. You do not want to miss your chance to feature your business in Squamish’s premier magazine and digital guide. Call to book your space now. Ad space deadlines are October 26th, and Art work due on October 30th.

Contact

The Squamish Chief To book your advertising space, call your sales rep:

sales@squamishchief.com 604-892-9161

Cathie Greenlees 604-815-3506

Kim Boatman 289-404-1525

38113 2nd Ave., Squamish, BC V8B 0B9 • www.squamishchief.com

Ace Chua 250-688-1995

Trusted Local Canadian News to your doorstep, in your inbox and online. On-Line

In Print

Specialty Publications

Canadian owned and operated from 1991

In-Box - Newsletters

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 19

squamishchief.com

CONSERVATION OFFICERS WARN OF INCREASED BEAR ACTIVITY

W E S T VA N C O U V E R - S E A TO S K Y

with our Candidates

PAID ADVERTISING

A shortage of natural food sources is driving more bears into neighbourhoods, leading to reports of break-ins and vehicle collision JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

I

t will come as no surprise to locals that the British Columbia Conservation Officer Service (COS) is advising residents that significant numbers of bear conflicts are continuing to occur in Squamish. A spokesperson for the COS says local incidents include bears breaking into garages, trying to access homes and vehicles and accessing commercial garbage and grease bins to get food. Sadly, a number of bears have been struck by motor vehicles in the Squamish area this season. Drivers are reminded that bears may be crossing roads in search of food. Officers note that bears become more active as fall approaches because they need to find food and store fat in advance of hibernation. “A poor berry crop in the area has reduced natural food availability. Bears may be travelling further and looking in novel places for sustenance, and this means it is more important than ever to not give bears a reason to linger in communities,” the statement from COS states. Residents are asked to properly manage anything that attracts bears. “This includes securing all garbage and compost, removing bird feeders and cleaning barbecues. Ensure windows and doors in homes and vehicles are closed and locked.” There have been plenty of reports of garbage around town that bears are accessing. (The Sea2Sky Community Stewardship Network organizes regular trash cleanups that locals can join.)

PAUSE THE PUMPKINS Though they are a fun October outdoor decoration, the COS notes that pumpkins also attract bears. “If you must put your pumpkins outside, the BCCOS recommends doing this on Halloween night only, and bringing them inside at night

TAX: Continued from 15 Couns. Andrew Hamilton and Jenna Stoner said this week that they could not comment on matters that are before the courts. Coun. Chris Pettingill said he is confident that council voted appropriately given what members heard from the community across the political spectrum. “If I end up back on council, I’m happy to have a conversation with anyone and everyone about how we can approve a budget that

Re-Elect Jeremy Valeriote PROVINCIAL PARTY: BC GREEN PARTY YOUR RIDING: WEST VANCOUVER  SEA TO SKY

PHOTO COURTESY OF COURTESY OF ERIKA SOHN

Trash bears have gotten into around town.

before disposing of them properly.” Residents are also reminded that bears that spend time in communities foraging on non-natural foods may start breaking into structures or vehicles when attracted to odours. Remove odours by washing trash bins and using deodorizers. Do not leave food in your vehicle, COS warns. “Squamish is bear country and the public is reminded to give bears space, never feed or approach bears, and back away slowly if you encounter one.” Additional tips and attractant management resources are available at WildSafeBC.com. “We all have a role to play to reduce human-wildlife conflicts,” the COS statement reads. Bear conflicts and aggressive bear behaviour can be reported to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277. Conservation officers will respond as necessary, they say, to ensure public safety.

addresses community needs, and later how we can best share the funding of that budget between tax classes,” he said. “I’d also like to recognize that although paying taxes isn’t fun, it’s critical for how we come together and take care of our collective needs as a community. All businesses face numerous different challenges, and I’m very thankful for all the ways that so many Squamish businesses contribute to our community, on top of paying their regular taxes.”

Facts about me Jeremy was elected as the MLA for West Van–Sea to Sky in 2024, making history as the first BC Green elected on the mainland. He has an engineering degree and previously served as a Gibsons councillor. Jeremy is proud to represent the people of this corridor as the voice for regional transit, innovative housing and healthcare solutions, climate action, and an affordable, clean energy future.

reach me at

phone 778-770-0291 email votevaleriote@bcgreens.ca website bcgreens.ca/candidates2026/jeremy-valeriote

AUTHORIZED BY FARRUKH CHISHTIE, FINANCIAL AGENT, 18884733686

Q What made you decide to stand in this election? I do this work for my twin daughters, and for A everyone’s children and grandchildren, who

deserve the same opportunities I had growing up: a good job, an affordable home, and clean air and water. I work hard to get our communities the attention from Victoria they deserve, and speak out on the issues that matter to us. It takes a strong, consistent voice to do that—it’s been a privilege to do that work, and there is so much more to do.

What have your past contributions to the Q community/North Shore been? My advocacy in the Legislature has helped get us A closer than ever to regional public transit along

Highway 99 and I helped launch an advocacy group pushing to bring passenger rail back to the Sea to Sky corridor. As your MLA, I secured funding for youth mental health at the Pemberton Foundry, for transition programs for unhoused residents in Squamish, and ensured fairer rental assistance and higher disability benefits for British Columbians.

Q How do you find out what people's concerns are? My MLA office handles hundreds of inquiries and A helps countless people each week. I’m incredibly proud of that work. Through library drop-ins, coffee chats, and door-to-door conversations, I hear firsthand what matters most to people. But listening is only the beginning. My office takes action. We’ve helped residents navigate long-term care waitlists, access medical transportation, and resolve autism funding challenges. It doesn’t always make headlines, but solving these issues makes a real difference in a person’s life.

20 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

CANADA’S FIRST VOLCANIC HAZARD MAP WORKSHOP HELD HERE

Scientists, first responders and local agencies gather in town to turn Mount Garibaldi research into practical emergency and land-use planning tools

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

I

t was the first of its kind and it took place right here in Squamish. On Sept. 15, Geological Survey of Canada (GSC) and Simon Fraser University’s Centre for Natural Hazards Research co-hosted the Mount Garibaldi / Nch ḵay̓ Volcanic Hazard Map Workshop at the Emergency Operations Centre in Valleycliffe. The workshop was part of the GSC-led Volcano Risk Reduction in Canada project, which aims to improve scientific understanding of Canada’s highest-threat volcano, Mount Garibaldi, and translate that knowledge into practical information and tools that can support informed decision-making, according to research scientist Yu-Yen Pan, of the Geological Survey of Canada.

THE WHY BEHIND IT Pan’s earlier PhD work found that many Canadians know more about U.S. volcanoes than their own. “Only about 56 per cent of people know Garibaldi is a volcano. Only 33 per cent know (Mount) Meager (in Pemberton) is a volcano,” she said. “But 79 per cent of people know St. Helens is a volcano. So, I think, we really need some more promotion of our Canadian context.” Pan noted the workshop brought together approximately 30 participants from 14 organizations, including representatives from provincial agencies, such as from the Ministry of Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, BC Parks, the District of Squamish, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Squamish Nation, as well as infrastructure organizations, such as BC Hydro. According to Pan, during the workshop, the scientists shared the latest research on Mount Garibaldi and presented draft volcanic hazard maps. “We also discussed how this information could support our participants’ work—emergency response, land-use planning—what additional information or resources they need, and how the maps and supporting communication materials could be made clearer and more useful,” she said.

PREPARATION, NOT PANIC Let’s address the volcano in the room, why Mount Garibaldi is one of Canada’s highest-threat volcanoes, thus leading to the local meeting. All the researchers who The Squamish Chief spoke to stressed there is no need for residents or visitors to panic. It is at the top of the list for combined reasons. It has a long history of eruptions and some of

PHOTOS BY (TOP) MICHAEL XIAO/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS; COURTESY OF GEOLOGICAL SURVEY OF CANADA

(Top) Opal Cone on the Garibaldi Range; On Sept. 15, Geological Survey of Canada and SFU’s Centre for Natural Hazards Research co-hosted the Mount Garibaldi / Nch’ḵay̓1 Volcanic Hazard Map Workshop at the Emergency Operations Centre in Valleycliffe, at Fire Hall No. 1.

them have been quite explosive in the past, explained Melanie Kelman, a physical scientist with the GSC. It also has a very long lava flow from its Opal Cone—so is capable of eruptions that travel far. “It’s (also) very close to Squamish, and it’s close to a lot of infrastructure—so it’s close to the highway, it’s close to power infrastructure, it’s close to the railroad, it’s close to air traffic corridors, so all of these things mean a lot more people and things that we care about are exposed. These two things working together— the geology and the exposure—are why it’s ranked one of our two highest-threat volcanoes.” The other highest is Mount Meager. Other volcanoes may be more active, but they aren’t as close to people, she noted. Kelman was quick to put “high threat” into a comforting context. “Very high threat, it doesn’t mean you should all panic. It is high threat, meaning we should monitor it, meaning we should study it, meaning we should think about what we might do if it ever wakes up,” she said. “I would be very happy

living in Squamish. … It’s what can we do to manage the hazard over the long, long, long lifetimes of volcanoes.”

SCIENTIFIC DATA TO REAL WORLD APPLICATION The draft hazard maps that the researchers presented at the workshop showed where, in the case of Mount Garibaldi erupting, ashfall, lava flow, or other types of volcanic hazards could go, explained GSC research scientist, Yannick Le Moigne. “It shows the probability of where those hazards would go if there is an eruption. And so, it’s a series of maps. We have one for ashfall. We have one for lava flows. We have one for volcanic debris flows, etc. The goal was to present these maps to the emergency managers and first responders to see whether they understand it and how they can be used in their job.” The researchers explained that one of the key values of the workshop was figuring out how to frame the information to suit the needs of different agencies. The researchers had made

assumptions about what the attendees would be interested in, like perhaps the detailed scientific information, but what many wanted to know right off the bat was, for example, how much warning time there would be in the case of an eruption. So, actionable information. Another example was emergency managers asking for worst-case or most-likely scenarios, and different winter versus summer scenarios, Pan said. The feedback they received from participants can help inform the types of maps and tools that get produced, such as a hazard map. “When scientists make a hazard map, they’re seeing it from the point of view of a scientist. They understand the hazard. … But they maybe haven’t considered the kind of information that, say, first responders need or the community needs, and whether they understand the information. And this worldwide has often created problems where hazard maps were VOLCANO: Continued on 22

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | A21

squamishchief.com

YOU DESERVE A LEADER THAT KEEPS THEIR HEIR WORD. Only the BC Greens will: Restart $10-a-day child care, and make it universal by 2031. Build the long-term care homes the NDP delayed. Reopen the Community Housing Fund. Stop U.S.-backed LNG expansion & keep Pacific Link oil supertankers off our coast. The NDP promised affordable child care, seniors’ care, housing, and climate action. Instead, they paused $10-a-day child care, delayed long-term care homes, closed the Community Housing Fund, and turned their back on the planet. The BC Greens will deliver.

Believe in Better.

Oct 24th. Vote Green. Emily Lowan Leader BC Greens Authorized by Farrukh Chishtie, Financial Agent, 1-888-473-3686

22 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

YO U R TOW N , YO U R N E WS :

COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS The winning kind Here is a summary of the tournament update for the North Shore Girls Soccer Club (NSGSC) U15 team at the 2026 Canada Soccer National Championships: • Quarterfinal Result: The North Shore U15 girls team faced a tough matchup and lost in the quarterfinals to the London Alliance FC

(Ontario), who went on to become the eventual national champions. • Final Placement Match: In their final game of the tournament, North Shore bounced back to secure a hard-fought 2-1 victory against local rivals Langley United SA. • Game-Winning Goal: Squamish athlete Maevy Dalpke scored the decisive game-winning goal to clinch the victory for her team. • The team finished 7/12 - so 7th in the country. Also, in game 2 against Regina, Olivia scored the only goal and was named Player of the Match. So the team finished 2 wins/2 losses and the two Squamish girls had the game winning goals in both wins!

Squamish Taekwondo Students Shine at 2026 Korean Consul Cup The 2026 Korean Consul Cup Taekwondo Championships, hosted by the BC Taekwondo Federation and the Consulate General of the Republic of Korea in

Vancouver, is one of the largest Taekwondo competitions in British Columbia. This year, the event brought together more than 800 athletes from across the province and beyond. Among them were 12 students from The One Taekwondo in Squamish, proudly representing both their school and the Squamish community. The team achieved outstanding results, with five students earning gold medals, two earning silver medals, four earning bronze medals, and one advancing to the semifinals. Taekwondo offers people of all ages an opportunity to develop both physically and mentally. Through regular training, students build strength, coordination, flexibility, focus, discipline, and confidence, while also learning important values such as respect, perseverance, courage, and sportsmanship. For these athletes, the competition was about much more than winning medals. It was an opportunity to challenge themselves, manage nerves, support their teammates,

and show respect to their opponents. The experience gave them not only a sense of achievement, but also valuable lessons that they can carry with them beyond the competition floor. Most importantly, it became a memorable experience for the athletes, their families, and their instructors. The One Taekwondo is proud to see students of different ages from Squamish growing through sport, building confidence, and representing their community with such a positive spirit.

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. VOLCANO: Continued from 20 made but not used, or weren’t even shared with the community,” Kelman said. SFU earth science professor Glyn WilliamsJones noted that a valuable insight from the workshop was from Tom Harry, a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw Elder. “He brought a different lens, and there is that rich oral history of information about past behaviour, and that is across all the Canadian volcanoes, because there have been people living with those volcanoes forever, so learning about that knowledge, I think, is a key point.” For its part, the District of Squamish noted that as one of the agencies involved it was an opportunity for learning and collaboration. “The workshop provided an opportunity to learn about the latest scientific research related to volcanic hazards in our region, review draft hazard mapping, and better understand how this information may be used to support emergency management and long-term planning. It was also a valuable opportunity to connect with researchers, provincial agencies, First Nations, neighbouring local governments, and infrastructure providers to discuss shared risks, planning considerations, and future collaboration,” said Rachel Boguski, District manager of communications in an emailed statement. “Geological Survey of Canada and SFU are continuing this project, and the District will be kept informed of potential outcomes and will

incorporate them into our ongoing hazard planning,” she added. “Understanding potential natural hazards is an important component of building community resilience. Scientific research, hazard mapping, and collaboration among agencies help inform risk awareness and support evidence-based decision-making. While this project is still underway, the information developed through it may help improve understanding of volcanic hazards in the region and contribute to future planning and preparedness efforts.”

LONG-TERM MONITORING NEEDED The reality of scientific research is that it requires constant funding to continue. The Volcano Risk Reduction in Canada project, for example, that the workshop was part of, started in 2022 and is ending in March of 2027. So the researchers are pursuing more funding to keep doing their work. “Ultimately, we would like to have the capacities of a volcano observatory, an organization that does long-term hazard and risk assessments, and it does planning, and interacts with emergency management agencies to make sure they understand, and that we don’t meet each other the first time during a crisis, which is not the best time to meet. And then, of course, doing long-term monitoring,” Kelman said. She added that a common misconception is that volcanoes just erupt suddenly, but that is not the case. “Volcanoes are actually unusual (for) natural

hazards in that they often give quite a lot of warning signs,” she said. “Every volcano has its own flavour, but it might be hours, days, weeks, months, or years of unrest before an eruption. So, if we’re monitoring with seismic stations, and ground deformation monitoring, and gas monitoring, and other studies, we can then see that, OK, this is what normal looks like, and this is what unrest looks like, and then we’re in a much better position to, when a volcano wakes up.” There is monitoring that is ongoing, using Canadian satellites to keep an eye on the country’s volcanoes, but there needs to be more on-the-ground work, the researchers say. “We have those missing links here for us to produce a good probability of what an eruption would look like in the future,” said Le Moigne. “So for that, you need people to go on the ground, sample the rocks, and analyze the rocks, and look at the volcano, what it looked like in the past, what it did in the past, and then you can establish a good understanding of what a future eruption might look like.”

WHAT CAN WE DO? Monitoring is key to preparing, but so is planning, the scientists say. “There are all kinds of things we can do,” Kelman said. When Mount Pinatubo in the Philippines erupted in 1991, she noted, hundreds of thousands of people were evacuated, and lots of aircraft were moved to safe areas so that they

wouldn’t be damaged by ash, for example. “So if you know an eruption is coming, you have the opportunity to prepare to deal with volcanic ash, which is a huge part of often the impacts of an eruption… You can protect your equipment from ash or you can clean up ash or you can move your stuff so it won’t be affected by the ash at all. … In the same way, you can do things to protect people—you can wear personal protective equipment, so you don’t inhale ash or get it in your eyes, and you can take care of your livestock so they don’t eat fodder that has ash on it. … We can’t stop the volcano from erupting, but we can minimize the consequences if it does erupt just because we were prepared.” Kelman added that it is also important for residents to know that the type of preparations people make for other natural hazards in the corridor are very relevant to volcanoes. “First of all, knowing where to get information from, like, the Geological Survey of Canada, as opposed to some random person on social media,” she said. “But also having an emergency kit in your house, and having a family plan for how you’re going to communicate… Those are basic things we do for wildfires and floods, too, and I actually think those are really good preparations for volcanoes, too, so just a little bit of preparedness generally applies to all the hazards.” Williams-Jones also said that if folks in Squamish value further volcano research, they can speak up to support it. “Call your MP and your MLA,” he said.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 23

squamishchief.com

LOCAL AUTHOR EXPLORES B.C.’S ORIGINS IN NEW BOOK

Randy Klassen’s ‘The Mapmaker’s Omission’ re-examines gold rush history and Indigenous knowledge across the Sea to Sky Corridor. Hear more in three upcoming Squamish presentations I started to see how the way things really work in B.C. was lost in the face of other conventions. The book goes into that in some detail.

INA PACE

ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

“I

am not equipped to tell the stories of the First Nations, but what I can do is tell the story of my encounter, and what it meant

to me.” Squamish author and ultrarunner Randy Klassen has spent much of his life discovering trails, in fact it’s why he said he made the move to Squamish full-time in 2021. His first book was Perhaps Joy Is The Reward, self-published by Cliffrose Ventures Inc. in 2023 about ultrarunning. His second publication The Mapmaker’s Omission, also from Cliffrose Ventures Inc., was launched at the Brackendale Art Gallery (the BAG) on Oct. 7. It chronicles his two-year research journey about how B.C avoided American annexation. Having originally set out to decipher the mid-1800s fur trader routes with his friend on an ATV, Klassen said an alternate journey emerged that he didn’t expect: a human history between 1846 and 1860 that he had never been taught. So, he took a subsequent year to write “the book that was really trying to break through.”

RANDY KLASSEN

WHAT IS IT ABOUT?

SUBMITTED PHOTO

Author Randy Klassen launched his new book on Oct. 7 at the BAG, which documents a human history between 1846 and 1860 that he said he had never been taught.

For every journey From new horizons to your next big adventure, we’re here for every moment on your journey. Because your financial partner should be by your side every step of the way. Talk to us about your next step.

As the book’s description relates, “in the year British Columbia stood on the brink of falling to the Americans, a fur trader’s map to B.C.’s gold was published in San Francisco with a glaring omission. The book Klassen’s search for answers as to why the mapmaker omitted what he did. “If you’ve ever wondered about the genesis of the First Nations unceded land claims in B.C. or been curious about how a chunk of Canada got BOOK: Continued on 27

24 | THURSDAY, JULY 2, 2026

squamishchief.com

MONSTERS, MACHINES, AND MISCHIEF ARRIVE AT BRITANNIA MINE MUSEUM The unique Halloween experience, featuring family activities and new additions to the classic tours, will run over the next two weekends

INA PACE

ipace@lodestarmedia.ca

M

onster trucks just got a little more literal: Britannia Mine Museum has launched its Halloween-themed exhibit this weekend. Monsters, Machines & Mischief runs Oct. 24 and 25. It’s set to be a spooky makeover of the museum’s classic exhibits, both outside and in. “A mine museum is naturally a bit of a spooky place; there’s dark shadows, there’s rusty old machines, and that is the perfect habitat for monsters to make their way inside,” guest experience director Derek Allan Jang said. “We all love Halloween at Britannia Mine Museum. I think for a lot of our staff, this is our favourite time of year.” Six of the machines (historic and modern) in the Machine Shop will have a dedicated festive character to match their roles. There’s also a few add-ons, including a Monster Machine colouring station for kids, a Monster Scavenger Hunt, and the Exploding Pumpkins live-science demonstration with Magnetic Slime. A few times a day, crowds will be able gather to watch the museum’s “mad scientists” ignite a “self-carving” pumpkin with calcium carbide and water—the same compound used to produce the white flames in mining lamps and other equipment—for an explosive chemical reaction, (there will be a safety screen). What’s more, the museum’s classic underground train ride will also have some festive elements added. Dubbed Big Machines, Monster Fun Underground Tour, the train ride will include interactive activities. There will be some “slime” involved, glow-in-the-dark colours, themed lighting, and an “escaped” monster creating mischief. Kids will get to do some problem-solving; figuring out who, or indeed what, is causing the mining machines to “malfunction.” “Our classic experience is very focused on the history of Britannia and the technology used here. Halloween’s a time when we let our imaginations go a little bit more wild … everyone will be able to get hands-on and search for components that will help to move that story forward,” Jang continued. “You don’t need a mining engineering degree to help out … if you’ve brought your eyes and a sense of imagination, I think our guides will need your help.” Other classic exhibits such as the BOOM! special effects show inside Mill No. 3, and gold-panning will be operating as usual, though the giant Westing House Airbrake

A mine museum is naturally a bit of a spooky place; there’s dark shadows, there’s rusty old machines, and that is the perfect habitat for monsters to make their way inside. DEREK ALLAN JANG Company (WABCO) haul truck, and the CAT 793C mining truck outdoors will be sporting some not-so-familiar faces. All attractions will be covered by general admission. Folks can book a time slot between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. for the BOOM! show and underground tours on the museum’s website.

PHOTOS BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

Monsters, Machines & Mischief runs Oct. 24 and 25.

Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative Reporter. This reporting was produced through LJI, which supports original Canaidian civic journalism.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | A25

squamishchief.com

Thank you For Joining us at the 2nd Annual Ageless 55 + Seniors Expo! A special thanks to our Sponsors & Exhibitors PRESENTING SPONSOR

GOLD SPONSOR

SILVER SPONSOR

Bronze Sponsors LIST OF VENDORS Arrow Wood Games District of Squamish Recreation EagleWatch For the One You Love Hollyburn Funeral Home

Making Connections Nurse Next Door Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society Rya Right Sizing Sea to Sky Community Servies Better at Home Sea to Sky Hospice Squamish 55+ Community

Squamish Community Foundation Squamish Funeral Chapel Squamish Hospital Foudation Squamish Mens Shed Squamish Public Library

Gratitude to our presenters for providing helpful insight.

Amica West Vancouver, Pathways Serious Mental Illness Society Sweeney Bride Wealth, Foundations Training

Standing Ovations for the wonderful entertainment. Carolyn Grass and “Friend”

SEE YOU NEXT YEAR!

26 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

HORSING AROUND

PHOTOS BY LIZ MCDONALD/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF

The Squamish Valley Equestrian Association held a schooling show with a Halloween theme Oct. 3, 2026.

squamishchief.com

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | 27

squamishchief.com

BOOK: Continued from 23 wedged between the states of Washington and Alaska, read this book,” the description reads. The fur-trader map in question, Klassen said, was drawn up by explorer and fur-trader Alexander Caulfield Anderson in 1858 for gold miners, only Anderson made no mention of the road he was building. “He dismissed the Fraser River as a way to get to the gold … I started investigating why (Anderson omitted) what became known for five years as the Douglas Road from his original map.” Klassen said he set out to physically re-trace this map, making a journey over 7,000 km, starting from Portland, Oregon (U.S.), up through Washington State (U.S), and then B.C. Klassen was schooled with a “prairie education” in Saskatchewan, and came to B.C. for university, his only knowledge on the topic then being that B.C. began with a gold rush. “(The Mapmaker’s Omission) is about me mining for answers about a fur trader’s map to gold in the year British Columbia began, and how that effort exposed (an uncharted) past that now helps me better understand the present,” he wrote in an emailed statement. “Real gold is mined when we dig down to, and challenge, our foundational beliefs,” Klassen’s website reads. The first 55 pages of his book, Klassen said, delve into stories leading up to the Fraser Canyon War; of the 1846 fur traders who were “being graciously led” through both Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and St’át’imc territories, north from Átl’ka7tsem (Howe Sound) and Harrison

Lake, up to Lillooet. Also of American miners invading via the Douglas Road, and reconciliatory acts made as a result of First Nation people standing their ground. Klassen said he used primary journals of explorers and cartographers, such as Simon Fraser and David Thompson, and first-hand oral histories from First Nations people in his research. One particular lesson he said he learned is how boundaries of Nation land are defined by topography, or “the height of the land,” rather than by longitude and latitude lines on a map. “I started to see how the way things really work in B.C. was lost in the face of other conventions. The book goes into that in some detail,” Klassen said. “For the Squamish and the St’át’imc people, by omitting them from the maps we lose them from the maps of future economic development.” The Mapmaker’s Omission is now available to buy on Amazon, and from the Gather Books and Lovely Things bookstore in Squamish. Catch Klassen talking about his book at three upcoming local events. • Book signing at Gather Bookshop on Saturday, Oct. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. • Presentation at Squamish Public Library on Tuesday, Nov. 3 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. • Book signing at Sea to Sky Gondola, upper lodge on Sunday, Nov. 29 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ina Pace is The Squamish Chief’s Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) reporter. This reporting was produced through the LJI, which supports original civic journalism across Canada.

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS

GIVING A HOOT: A local barred owl. Have a photo to share? Send it to news@squamishchief. com.

CENTRAL ESTUARY RESTORATION PROJECT Temporary Trail Closure for Soils Testing Old Dyke Trail from Main Street to Estuary Thursday, October 29, 2026 (all day) www.restoretheshore.ca

Meet Sweet Peter Peter is a sensitive, sweet (the sweetest!) soul who loves people but is still shy and building trust after living in less than an ideal situation.

JOIN OUR NEWSLETTER

Peter isn’t looking for someone to rush him into being brave. He needs an indoor-only home where things are peaceful and predictable. PS Peter is named after a Tim Curry character as are his brothers.

Get the latest local headlines delivered straight to your inbox every morning, before your first cup of coffee is even finished.

Classifieds

Where locals look!

CALL OR PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD WITH OUR ONLINE SERVICE FOR EITHER PRINT, ONLINE OR BOTH DEADLINE FOR PRINT ADS: MONDAY BEFORE 11:30 AM

classified@squamishchief.com Squamishchief.com – Classifieds

Deadline: Monday Get the3pm added punch

to make your business ad standout with a classified display ad. ANNOUNCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT NT Squamishchief.com

Classifieds

Where locals look!

CALL OR PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD WITH OUR ONLINE SERVICE FOR EITHER PRINT, ONLINE OR BOTH DEADLINE FOR PRINT ADS: MONDAY BEFORE 11:30 AM

Squamishchief.com – Classifieds

Get the added punch to make your business ad standout with a classified display ad.

Classifieds

Classifieds

Free ad design, with colour and other options. Contact a sales rep today! Obituaries – In Print and Online in our Local Community News Where look! With Picturelocals & Free Colour

CALL OR PLACE YOUR CLASSIFIED AD WITH OUR ONLINE SERVICE FOR EITHER PRINT, ONLINE OR BOTH DEADLINE FOR PRINT ADS: MONDAY BEFORE 11:30 AM

Where locals look!

– Classifieds

HIRE RENT SELL Obituaries – In Print and

Free ad design, with colour and other options. Get the added punch OBITUARIES Contact a sales rep today! to make your OBITUARIES

In Loving Memory of

business ad standout with a classified display ad.

HIRE Free ad design, with colourRENT and other options. Contact SELL a sales rep today! Obituaries – In Print and Online in our Local Community News With Picture & Free Colour

Ralph David Hnetka HIRE

September 9, 1956 – August 22, 2026 RENT

BOOK YOUR AD 604-892-9161 Ralph David Hnetka was born in Victoria, British classified@squamishchief.com Columbia, on September 9, 1956. He lived a life marked by hard work, a love of theDeadline: railroad, and 3pm a Monday deep appreciation for the world around him.

SELL

For 40 years, Ralph dedicated himself to working for BC Rail and CN. The railway was more than just a job to him; it was a passion that shaped much of his life. Through his work, he travelled across the beautiful northem landscapes of British Columbia, capturing memories of the places he visited and collecting pieces of the world along the way. Ralph had a love for collecting rocks, fossils, and coins, as well as photographs of the breathtaking landscapes he encountered during his years on the railroad. Each collection reflected his curiosity and his appreciation for the unique things that made the world special. Above all, Ralph was a wonderful father to Shane, Christopher, and Jennifer, and he became a much-loved grandfather to David, Emma, Delilah, Alex, Natasha, Xavier, and Ezri. His family was an important part of his life, and his memory will live on through the generations who loved him. Ralph is lovingly remembered by his children, his seven grandchildren, and his brother, Blaine Otterson. He was predeceased by his mother, Betty Mason. Ralph leaves behind a legacy of dedication, treasured memories, and a lifetime of stories from the rails and the northern wilderness he loved. He will be deeply missed by his family and all those who had the privilege of knowing him. Celebration of Life Family and friends are invited to gather in honour of Ralph on Saturday, October 24, at 11:00 a.m. at Squamish Funeral Chapel. In honour of our dad, please wear plaid as we come together to celebrate his life, share memories, and remember the man we loved. Forever loved. Forever remembered. Always our dad. To write a condolence to the family, please visit www.squamishfuneralchapel.com

Check us out online: squamishchief.com

Online in our Local Community News With Picture & Free Colour

BOOK YOUR AD 604-892-9161 classified@squamishchief.com

Deadline: Monday 3pm

CLASSIFIED AD WITH OUR ONLINE SERVICE FOR EITHER PRINT, ONLINE OR BOTH DEADLINE FOR PRINT ADS: MONDAY BEFORE 11:30 AM

CL

HIRE

CLASSIFIEDS

A28 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

Classifieds

CLASSIFI

CLASSIFIEDS

Community News HIRE With Picture & Free Colour RENT BOOK YOUR AD SELL 604-892-9161 DS S CLASSIFIEDS

Squamishchief.com – Classifieds

HIRE RENT SELL

Get the added punch to make your business ad standout with a classified display ad.

Free ad design, with colour and other options.

Contact a sales rep today! Obituaries – In Print and Online in our Local Community News With Picture & Free Colour

BOOK YOUR AD 604-892-9161

Get the added punch to make your business ad standout with a classified display ad. Free ad design, with squamishchief.com colour and other options.

Contact a sales rep today! Obituaries – In Print and Online in our Local Community News With Picture & Free Colour

BOOK YOUR AD 604-892-9161 classified@squamishchief.com

Deadline: Monday 3pm

HOME SERVICES CLEANING

classified@squamishchief.com

AGNES MARIE LERET Deadline: Monday 3pm

passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on September 18, 2026, after a brief struggle with cancer. Her family is deeply grateful for the exceptional care she received at the North Vancouver Hospice.

REAL ESTATE FOR RENT APARTMENTS/CONDOS

Agnes held fond memories of growing up in the historic mining community of Mount Sheer, British Columbia, alongside her father Sverre, her mother Ester, and her sister Margit, where her father worked at the Britannia Copper Mine. A proud graduate of St. Paul’s School of Nursing, Agnes enjoyed many adventures working overseas as a nurse before returning home to dedicate her career to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Grace Women’s Hospital. She is survived and lovingly remembered by her sister Margit (Charles); her nieces and nephews Jeannette, Vashti, David (Suzie), and Carolyn (Tara); and her grandnephews and niece Miles (Carolyn), Raushan, Cameron, and Tyson. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Agnes’s name to a charity of your choice. A Celebration of Life will be held at #103-250 East 11th Street, North Vancouver, BC, V7L 2G7 on Saturday, November 28, 2026, from 1:00 pm until 4:00 pm.

Previously Century 21, our office has been providing exceptional real estate sales and rental accommodation services in the Sea to Sky Corridor & throughout BC.

CLICK OR CALL TO VIEW...

PLEASE RECYCLE THIS NEWSPAPER

www.prmbc.ca 604.892.5954 Unit 101-38142 Cleveland Ave, Squamish

YOUR TOWN

YOUR NEWS @squamishchief

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | A29

squamishchief.com

EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFIEDS.SQUAMISHCHIEF.COM

CAREERS

SENIOR MEDIA ACCOUNT MANAGER The Squamish Chief—your trusted community news hub and part of Glacier Media Group/Lodestar Digital—is looking for a driven Senior Media Account Manager to join our high-performing team. You already know why Squamish is the best place to live, work, and play. From the trails to the ocean, our community thrives on a passionate West Coast lifestyle blended with a rapidly growing, innovative local economy. In this role, you won’t just be selling ads; you will be connecting directly with the heartbeat of our town. You’ll work face-to-face with the local and regional businesses you know and love, helping them thrive right here in the Sea-to-Sky corridor. If you love this community and want a career that allows you to make a tangible local impact without the Vancouver commute, we want to hear from you.

THE OPPORTUNITY As part of Canada’s largest local digital network, you will move beyond traditional space selling to act as a strategic marketing consultant. You will leverage a sophisticated suite of data-driven solutions—including programmatic advertising, paid social, SEO, sponsored content, hyper-local digital display, and trusted print media—to build high-ROI campaigns for your clients.

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER – PERMANENT FULL-TIME The District of Squamish is seeking an experienced and visionary Chief Financial Officer (CFO) to provide strategic financial leadership across the organization.

Relax

with our weekly Take a Break games

This executive leadership role is responsible for ensuring the long-term financial sustainability of the organization. Apply at squamish.ca/careers

CAREERS RECREATION FACILITY ATTENDANT 3 – Under the supervision of the Recreation Facility Maintenance Supervisor, this position is responsible for operating, maintaining, repairing, and cleaning facilities, equipment, and mechanical systems, while ensuring the highest standards of customer service are maintained. Apply at squamish.ca/careers

WHAT YOU BRING • Proven Sales Expertise: Track record in B2B sales, account management and consultative selling. • Business Development Savvy: Comfort with cold calls, prospecting, and leading high-level strategy pitches with decision-makers. • Digital Fluency: Experience or strong aptitude in designing multi-channel digital and print advertising campaigns. • Relationship-First Mindset: Exceptional communication skills with a natural ability to build long-term client trust and relationships. • Execution & Drive: A goal-oriented, self-starting attitude with the organizational skills to thrive in a fast-paced media environment. • Assets: A post-secondary degree in Business, Marketing, or Communications, and/or prior media/agency experience are highly valued.

PLAY HERE

WHAT WE OFFER • Uncapped Earning Potential: Base salary paired with a lucrative, uncapped commission structure. • Total Rewards: Comprehensive health, dental and extended medical benefits package. • Growth & Support: Robust onboarding, continuous professional development, and the backing of Canada’s leading local media network.

READY TO SHAPE THE LOCAL NARRATIVE? If you are a motivated sales professional ready to make a tangible impact in an inspired community, we want to hear from you.

Apply now; please submit your resume in confidence to Cathie Greenlees • cgreenlees@lodestarmedia.ca

Check us out online: squamishchief.com

» squamishchief.jobfind.findem.ca

YOUR TOWN. YOUR NEWS. Check us out online: squamishchief.com

TAKE A BREAK

A30 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

HOROSCOPE WEEK OF OCTOBER 22, 2026 - OCTOBER 28, 2026

CROSSWORD

ACROSS 1. Flutter 5. Insult 9. Bitter anger 12. Fisherman’s fly 13. Jack rabbit 14. Carpenter’s tool 15. Molecule component 16. Declines 17. Caustic chemical 18. Friend by mail: 2 wds. 20. Entry 22. Go on 24. It gives a hoot 26. Up to this point 27. Push aside 31. Quantity 33. Ump’s relative 35. Lois ____ of “Superman” 36. Extinct birds 38. Tourist’s guide

40.Casino event 41. Word list 44.Out of bed 47. High voice 50. Bundle 51. A ____ a dozen 53. Burn-soothing plant 54. Get an “A” on 55. Hoodlum 56. Lock 57. Positive response 58. Goals 59. Popular shirts

7. Of the city 8. Save from danger 9. Land surrounded by water 10. Light beams 11. Barnyard females 19. Some 21. Jailhouse room 23. Things 24. Young’s opposite 25. Seek the love of 28. Pastel color: 2 wds. 29. First in a series 30. Moist 32. Hounds 34. Binds 37. Heavy hammer 39. Score to beat 42. Leek’s relative 43. Reply 44.Not in 45. “Rat ____” 46. Concept 48. Folk knowledge 49. Slithery swimmers 52. In fashion Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling

ARIES March 21-April 19

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21

You’re brimming with positive energy. An emergency at work requires an immediate response to limit the damage. A promotion is on the horizon. Despite the stress and adjustments, it will boost your personal and professional satisfaction.

You’re already thinking about the end-of-year holidays. Whether you travel solo or go with family, friends or that special someone, be sure to book early to avoid a last-minute rush. Your forethought will make planning easier and more pleasant.

A major professional success is on the horizon. A promotion, a new position or public recognition awaits you. At the same time, encouraging health news rewards your perseverance after a difficult period. You’ll fully appreciate this double victory.

TAURUS April 20-May 20 The end of long-standing obligations, postponed for weeks, is finally in sight. Once you clear this hurdle, take time to rest before beginning new challenges. This essential pause will preserve your health.

GEMINI May 21-June 20 The wait for medical results, whether for yourself or a loved one, will cause anxiety. A positive update will ease your concerns. Such clarity will allow you to look ahead with greater calm and confidence.

CANCER June 21-July 22 Handle minor tensions in your family or at work with composure. A promotion may require a revamp of your schedule. Attractive compensation and appealing responsibilities will make it easier for you to make a quick and positive decision.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

An international assignment or training opportunity awaits you at work. Prepare for potentially challenging exchanges with colleagues who aren’t fully fluent in your language. Your adaptability is your greatest asset.

The idea of purchasing a home that better accommodates your family is taking shape. This project prompts you to reorganize your life for more efficiency, helping you rediscover a sense of well-being. You’ll see increased harmony at home.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22 Your relationship deserves special attention. Open a frank dialogue to rekindle the spark and avert misunderstandings. These thoughtful adjustments will restore harmony and tenderness and strengthen your daily connection.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18 Recharge your electronic devices every night to avoid communication outages. Be prepared for requests to act as the family’s shuttle service. These small gestures will help routines run smoothly and keep moods serene.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Every negotiation requires effort and compromise. The significant changes you’re initiating, whether in your diet, your daily schedule or your environment, will improve your health in the long term. These choices will positively change your daily life and vitality.

Your honesty is forthright this week. You’ll express what others are thinking. You won’t hesitate to point out your partner’s unnecessary impulse purchases. This frank approach will help preserve harmony in your relationship.

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. Scandal 2. Guitar’s kin 3. Armor-plated 4. Pace 5. Housing 6. Chemistry room

The Parish of

YOUR PLACE OF

St. John the Divine, Squamish

Join Us Every Sunday Worship, Word, KidsRock & Youth 38055 Cleveland Ave. therocksquamish.com

Holy Communion and Morning Worship Sundays at 10:00 AM Rev.Cameron Gutjahr 1930 Diamond Road 604-898-5100

www.squamishanglicanchurch.ca info@squamishanglicanchurch.ca

Exalting Jesus, Equipping His Followers, Engaging the World

Worship Service Sundays 10am on our website and Facebook Live

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

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

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026 | A31

squamishchief.com

COMMERCIAL/RESIDENTIAL SERVICES

GUTTER SERVICES

HEATING & SHEET METAL 1005A Industrial Way, Squamish, BC

Repairs & Service Plans

• Furnaces • Heat Pumps • Fireplaces i • Outdoor Living i i • Hot Water Tanks • Air i Conditioning i i i • HVAC • Gas fitting i • Servicing i i

Gutter Guards

SQUAMISH BUSINESS BOARD

Advertise your business/service for only $30/week • 604.892.9161 • ads@squamishchief.com

100%

Gutter Installation

778-996-5383 www.TheGutterMan.ca w ww ww.TheGutterMan.ca ww

Call Now to Reserve Your Fall & Winter Maintenance Service!

HOME HEALTHCARE

Home Healthcare

■ Bracing ■ Wheelchairs ■ Grab Bars

Moss Removal Gutter Cleaning

HOME RENOVATION & CONSTRUCTION

Lawyers

604-886-0004 info@suncoastlaw.ca Serving Squamish and Gibsons

Mon-Fri: 9am - 5pm

construction

604-567-6604 | www.davieshh.com

CONTACT US TODAY TO BOOK! WWW.WOODRIDGE.BUILD | INFO@WOODRIDGE.BUILD

REAL ESTATE

RESTAURANT

WEEKEND CHINESE STYLE Mountain Burger House BUFFET

MANAGERS THAT CARE • PROPERTY MANAGEMENT • LONG TERM RENTALS • BOUTIQUE STYLE STRATA MANAGEMENT

MIKE JONES

Personal Real Estate Corporation

Call for a free consultation Info@avesta1.com

604-815-4545 • www.avesta1.com

LEGAL

Conner Wear Holly Stewart

■ Hospital Beds ■ Rental Equipment ■ Mobility Scooters

PROPERTY AND STRATA MANAGERS

Your local heating, hea ing ventilation ven ila ion and air conditioning condi ioning experts. exper s.

Wills & Estate Planning • Corporate & Commercial • Contract Review Land Development • Probate

Your Trusted Healthcare Partners for over 50 years

119 - 1201 Commercial Way, Squamish

www.newellheating.com Contact us for a free estimate: info@newellheating.com  604-567-8539

Sea to Sky Real Estate Professional • Connected • Prepared • Hardworking

604-815-2143

www.mikejonesrealty.com

Since 1990

Open 7 days a week 7am-3pm All day Breakfast & Daily Lunch

Friday 5pm – 7-pm 604-892-5544 38198 Cleveland Ave., Squamish BC • V8B 0B4

Advertise here! $

only

30 per week

604.892.9161 ads@squamishchief.com

A32 | THURSDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2026

squamishchief.com

BEST OF

Squamish 2026

PUT YOUR LOCAL FAVOURITES ON THE A-LIST!

SCAN HERE:

Readers choose the top tier of Squamish Business, People & Places

VOTING STARTS OCTOBER 8 ON SQUAMISHCHIEF.COM Survey ends at 11pm October 28. Winners to be announced November 26, 2026. 1 VOTE PER PERSON; A MINIMUM OF 50 VOTES MUST BE REGISTERED TO ENTER. FOR MORE INFORMATION EMAIL SALES@SQUAMISHCHIEF.COM