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LOST HIKER FOUND
WINDY COMPETITION
After days of an intensive search, a lost hiker walked himself out of the backcountry
Squamish Windsports back hosting big event
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
S Q U A M I S H C H I E F. C O M
DEPOT ROAD RESIDENTS TA C K E D ’ O R ‘ I CO N ’ LOGO 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 OPPOSED TO LOSING PARKING DUE TO NEW MULTI-USE PATH District says the protected lane was researched and supported, and that there are currently no plans to revisit the design
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T
The new multi-use pathway down Depot Road.
he District’s new $1.5 million protected multi-use pathway stretches west along the north side of Depot Road from Highway 99 to Government Road. Related to this work, about 100 area residents have signed a petition opposing the removal of residential street parking on Depot Road between the railway tracks and Government Road.
The work was completed on Aug. 28. The residents, who are speaking specifically about the changes west of the railroad tracks, have a laundry list of concerns about what has been done, including how the changes impact accessibility, housing density, multi-dwelling homes, secondary suites and carriage houses,
driveway access, realistic walking distances to alternative parking, and the capacity of surrounding streets to absorb displaced vehicles. “We support safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, while asking that the established residential street parking that has served this area for many years be restored and preserved.
Walking, cycling and established parking previously coexisted along this section of Depot Road, and we believe a balanced design remains possible,” reads the residents’ Aug. 30 letter submitted to the District and council with the
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PARKING: Continued on 2
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PARKING: Continued from 1 petition. The residents say many of them raised their concerns with the District well before the work began and asked the municipality to halt construction affecting the established parking. At the same time, they say the design could have been reviewed with those directly affected. Once work was underway, they submitted a request letter and an earlier version of the petition to the municipality. “Despite the request for an immediate halt and discussion, the work proceeded before meaningful engagement with affected residents occurred,” reads the recent letter to the District that was shared with The Squamish Chief.
WHAT ARE THE ISSUES WITH THE CHANGES? Ten-year Depot Road resident Brennan Blanchfield measured the new multi-use pathway at about 4.11 metres (13.5 feet), while the single traffic lane beside it is 3.2 metres (10.5 feet). He says the pathway displaced roughly 15 parking spaces. “We see this parking used by all kinds of different users,” Blanchfield said, of the previous parking spaces removed due to the upgrades. “We’ve got homeowners, there’s tenants of the homeowners, there’s home-based businesses, there’s the Zephyr Café and the Brackendale Art Gallery just right around the corner. You see people parking here and walking to their shows all the time. There’s some multi-unit dwellings that are going up either side of us, and some of their overflow parking ends up here,” he said. In addition to her family home, Depot Road resident Lizanne Tolmie has a two-bedroom carriage house on her property. “We’ve got six vehicles in our home, and we’ve got a boat and an excavator, and we have a travel trailer, and we just specifically don’t have any parking. And my son’s about to turn 16,” she said. “We’ve got guests with toddlers—they’ll have
to park so far away—and we’ve got a friend who uses a wheelchair. He’s unable to come. We’ve got elderly grandparents. There’s nowhere for them to park,” she said. “We’re paying substantial property tax and utilities to have access to the road. That was the understanding when we bought it, and now we don’t have it, so it’s just sort of frustrating. I don’t know where my tenants are supposed to go,” she added. “It’s a shame (the District) couldn’t have consulted with all of us, and better asked what would be good for us.”
WINTER SNOW REMOVAL Steve Barone has lived on Depot Road for 60 years, and also opposes the changes. He said if the concern is the safety of children going to school, what he has seen is most kids travel on the east side of the railway tracks up to Ross Road, to the highway. “A lot of them take Ross Road. They actually walk the rail easement. There’s not a lot of kids on this end that would be using this,” he said. In addition to the concerns shared by other residents, he worries about winter snow removal. “If we get a decent amount of snow, all the snow’s going to wind up in the bike lane and eventually when that’s cleared, it’ll be in people’s driveways. Access in and out—it’s going to be quite a challenge, especially on the side streets where the District doesn’t do the side streets until later in the snow removal process. Once they do that, they’re not going to widen out their slotting to accommodate the cars that have been offloaded into the side streets. Where are these people going to park? They’re going to have to park on the street itself, and they’re going to see a lot of congestion and chaos as the street goes down to one lane.” Back to youth who are meant to use it, “no one’s going to be riding their bicycles on a slippery road section that hasn’t been cleared,” he said. He also said if the District is really concerned about traffic volume on Depot Road, they should
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look for an alternative second access into this area off Highway 99. “That would definitely help with the traffic here. It’s extremely busy, and it’s getting busier.”
SIDE STREETS The residents say relocating established Depot Road parking to neighbouring streets, including Peterson Road, Dogwood Place and Reid Road, does not resolve the parking issue. “Those streets have their own residents, parking needs and physical limitations; moving vehicles elsewhere transfers the impact rather than addressing it,” the residents told the District in their letter. “This is particularly important given existing housing density and the nearby higher-density development currently under construction, which may add further neighbourhood parking pressure.” Blanchfield noted that Peterson Road is really the only viable option for nearby residents because Dogwood and Reid are quite far away from residents’ homes. “And Peterson is not so much a road, more of a private lane servicing three homeowners. It’s a very quiet, narrow, single-lane lane with no turnaround. Anybody that enters into Peterson will have to use the homeowners’ driveway to turn around,” he said. To interview several residents, The Squamish Chief parked on Peterson Road. To do so required parking on the grass of a home to avoid impeding passing cars. Leaving the street required turning around in a resident’s driveway. Blanchfield added that the shoulders used for parking on Peterson are grassy. “Which will turn into muddy bogs with a lot of usage throughout the winter,” he added. Sixteen-year Depot Road resident Jon Burak said his wife has a home-based business and now her clients with mobility issues will struggle to get to her. “She is a physiotherapist, so obviously partly an accessibility issue. How is a client who is possibly recovering from an injury supposed to park four blocks away and come to see her?”
The unofficial parking on a gravel shoulder that was removed further up Depot, at the power lines and Ray Peters Trail, means those eight or so vehicles carrying bikers and hikers that often used it will now likely put pressure further down Depot, on the side streets. “The District has allowed these multi-unit dwellings, which I’m not opposed to at all. But once again, you now have more people, more visitors, more cars,” he said. “And I do understand that we dream of thinking that we’re a cycling community. I think we are at heart when it comes to mountain biking. And I think people do their best on the commuting side of things, but I think that people need to be realistic about where we live, what the weather’s like, and we can’t be riding bikes all the time.” He said what was there previously already allowed for a bike lane, so he wants to see it returned to the way it was. “It’s pretty simple. We have the space. It’s safe. I Just want to get our parking reinstated,” he said.
WHAT THE RESIDENTS WANT NOW The residents recognize that the work is complete, but believe it isn’t too late to change course. They are asking the District to: 1. Conduct an on-site review with affected residents of the installed design between the railway tracks and Government Road. 2. Identify and implement “reasonable” modifications that restore and preserve the established residential street parking, while maintaining safe pedestrian and cycling infrastructure. 3. Reconsider practical design options previously raised, including parking on one side, parking bays, intermittent parking, or appropriate adjustments to the cycling/pedestrian alignment. 4. Consider the cumulative effects of displaced parking, existing and future housing density, PARKING: Continued on 3
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WOMAN SUING TOUR COMPANY, PROVINCE AFTER ALLEGED FALL AT CALLAGHAN BASE CAMP Notice of civil claim alleges uneven stairs and a broken handrail caused a fall in 2024 recreational Crown land tenure allowing it to operate an outdoor tour business, including the Callaghan Base Camp, on the property. The claim states Gabrysch was on the premises when, on or about Sept. 14, 2024, she was walking down exterior stairs near the base camp and fell. Gabrysch alleges she fell due to uneven stairs and a broken handrail. She claims the fall was caused or contributed to by negligence and breach of statutory duty on the part of the defendants, including failing to properly inspect the premises for hazards, failing to provide adequate lighting, failing to warn of known hazards, and failing to remedy or take reasonable measures to address hazards, contrary to the Occupiers Liability Act. The claim states Gabrysch sustained a number of injuries as a result of the fall, including an open tibia fracture to her left leg,
along with injuries to her head, neck, back and arms, as well as anxiety, depression, insomnia, psychological injuries and cognitive impairment. She claims these injuries have caused ongoing pain, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of housekeeping capacity, permanent physical disability, and loss of past and future earnings. Gabrysch is seeking general and special damages, in-trust damages, costs, past and future health care costs under the Health Care Costs Recovery Act, and interest under the Court Order Interest Act, among other relief. To date, CWA and the province have not filed defences to the claim, and none of the allegations have been proven in court. Keith Hammermeister, CWA’s director of operations said they take all incidents seriously and will defend the business in court. “Firstly, we wish Ms. Gabrysch a full recovery from the injury she sustained in September
2024. The safety and wellbeing of our guests is extremely important to us, and we take incidents very seriously,” he said in an emailed statement. “The stairs in question had been used by staff and guests for many years without incident and they were considered to be reasonably safe. We would have preferred to resolve this claim without the need to resort to lawyers and litigation; however the claimant’s lawyer has chosen a different path. The claim will be defended by CWA.” A spokesperson for the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship said in an email the ministry does not comment on matters before the courts. The ministry confirmed CWA holds a land tenure at this location, authorizing land use for guided commercial recreation in summer and winter. The tenure expires in 2036, the Ministry added.
The District of Squamish told The Squamish Chief that Depot Road active transportation improvements were identified as a priority in the Multi-Modal Transportation Plan in 2011, the District’s Active Transportation Plan in 2016, the Brackendale Elementary Safe and Active
Routes to School Plan in 2018, and most recently the Transportation Master Plan in 2025. “The Transportation Master Plan was developed over a year period with multiple public engagement formats including surveys, community pop-up events, and open houses. In 2023, the District engaged transportation engineering consultants to evaluate and recommend interim, cost-effective solutions for Depot Road that supported transit and school bus access while facilitating efficient maintenance operations, including snow clearing and street sweeping,” said District spokesperson Steven Hill in an emailed statement, adding that the evaluation also considered the trade-offs associated with improvements within the road right-of-way, including potential impacts to
on-street parking. “As part of this work, parking utilization and traffic data were collected and reviewed to assess existing parking demand and the impacts of the proposed improvements.” Based on the technical assessment, the approved design was determined to “best balance safety, accessibility, connectivity, operational requirements, site constraints, and budget considerations,” Hill said. He added that the current design keeps parking opportunities on the south side of Depot Road while providing a continuous protected active transportation facility along the corridor. “The District recognizes the value of on-street parking and that improvements within the road
right-of-way involve trade-offs. The parking assessment indicated that parking demand could be accommodated through retained parking opportunities on Depot Road and nearby streets,” Hill said. The District said staff will continue to monitor the corridor and consider minor adjustments where warranted based on observed conditions. “At this time, there are no plans to revisit the overall design approach endorsed by council,” he said. Hill added that District staff have sent a letter in reply to the residents’ concerns and requests and are available to meet on site with a resident representative to review the completed works between the railway tracks and Government Road and discuss the identified concerns.
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Texas woman is suing a Whistler-based outdoor tour company and the provincial government, alleging she was seriously injured in a fall on stairs at the Callaghan Base Camp in 2024. Kimberly Lanae Gabrysch filed a notice of civil claim in BC Supreme Court in Vancouver on Aug. 21, against Canadian Wilderness Adventures Ltd. (CWA) and the Province of British Columbia, as represented by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship. According to the claim, the province is the registered owner of land near 640 Callaghan Valley Road, and CWA holds a commercial PARKING: Continued from 2
accessibility and the parking needs of neighbouring residential streets, including Peterson Road, Dogwood Place and Reid Road. 5. Provide residents with a clear written response outlining the options reviewed and whether and how the current design can be amended.
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HERE’S WHAT JENNA STONER IS PROMISING TO DO IF SHE BECOMES MAYOR
Squamish councillor Jenna Stoner announced her mayoral candidacy last week, promising a pragmatic approach to major projects and a shift toward zero-based budgeting The focus going forward is to make sure that foundation remains strong while also making room for the visible amenities we know our community wants and needs.
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
J
enna Stoner says, should she be elected to take the District’s top elected position, her experience will help Squamish “to meet the moment we’re in.” The two-term District of Squamish councillor officially announced her mayoral candidacy on Sept. 3. In addition to eight years on council, Stoner serves as a director of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, chair of the Sea to Sky Hospital District, and first vice-president of the Union of BC Municipalities. “Squamish needs strong and effective leadership to meet the moment we’re in,” she said. “We’ve been feeling the growing pains of the development, and the benefits of that have been a bit lagging. So, it’s really stressing our community. I think for us to reach our full potential, we need a leader who is effective, who is experienced, and who is collaborative and is ready to do the hard work starting on day one to deliver for our community and make sure we are well supported in reaching our full potential,” she said. “I felt called, given my eight years on council, the various roles that I’ve held in advocating for Squamish and local governments across the region and the province, that I can bring that skill and experience to the table and help our community along.”
TAXES & REC CENTRE On the two issues The Squamish Chief has heard matter most to residents, the inadequacy of the Brennan Park Recreation Centre and increasing property taxes, Stoner noted council has focused on critical infrastructure, such as the new fire halls, public works facility, wastewater treatment plant and cemetery. “The focus going forward is to make sure that foundation remains strong while also making room for the visible amenities we know our community wants and needs,” she said. “And there is no easy answer there. It costs money. There’s a new taxpayer that is coming online, whether through a 10-year financial agreement or through taxation,” she said, referring to Woodfibre LNG. “(That money) has to be put towards capital investment … That means there is money coming in on the capital side we hadn’t necessarily accounted for. And so that is hopeful.” On taxation, Stoner said she would move the
JENNA STONER
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Jenna Stoner.
District toward a “zero-based budgeting” approach. “Instead of rolling over budgets year-to-year, taking the time and providing transparency and ensuring every dollar gets accounted for from zero,” she said. She also noted developer amenity contributions have been directed to childcare and affordable housing, but that priority could shift next term. “Now this is an opportunity to reorient some of those amenities we’ve been receiving from development towards things like Brennan Park and cultural facilities,” she said.
WOODFIBRE LNG As the Woodfibre LNG project moves from construction to operation, and with the proposed 10-year $142-million deal with the company on the table, Stoner said as mayor she would take a pragmatic approach to her relationship with the company. “I don’t support the project as a whole. I think the continued development of fossil fuels goes against our local, provincial and federal commitments, and international commitments on climate,” she said. “I’m also a pragmatist and a realist, and I know it is beyond the jurisdiction of our local government and its approvals … So my approach to this project has always been to ensure the
benefits get delivered to our town and the interests of Squamish remain at the centre of our relationship with Woodfibre LNG.”
VEHICLE RESIDENTS In terms of solutions for another local tension point, vehicle residents, Stoner said she will continue to take a human-centred approach. “This absolutely deserves more conversation and thoughtful consideration with council, with our staff, with RCMP, and with the folks who live in their vehicles to come up with a solution that’s going to work, or at least provide a pathway that makes it feel a little bit more safe for those who are … contributing to our community and living in their vehicles,” she said, noting she has researched other areas where permit programs are in place. She said the District owns parking lots that could potentially be used as safe-lots. The Vehicle Residents of Squamish have brought forward suggestions in the past about what that could look like. “I think it would be unfair to suggest that just because we put in a safe-lots program then all the bylaw requirements just disappear,” she acknowledged. “I don’t think it’s going to be easy … That doesn’t mean it’s totally off the table, but it’s going to take time and resources.”
Stoner noted that many in town feel disconnected from council and that trust is lacking. “I don’t think this is anybody’s fault of leadership, but I do think it’s something I would like to focus on,” she said. “Things like bringing back the council meeting notifications with more detail to them, providing detailed decision explainers for key council decisions, ensuring we’re maintaining the monthly office hours, as well as in-person community connection events on a quarterly basis.” She would also like to see a community advisory assembly formed, like in New Westminster. “This is a model that would typically focus on reflecting the demographics of the community by age, by gender, by race, where they live in town, and the next council will be going into doing an (Official Community Plan) renewal and doing a sort of citizens assembly model to help amplify the engagement work and community engagement on an OCP, I think it would be a really interesting model going forward.”
STREET DISORDER On solutions for the unhoused population and street disorder, Stoner said that as mayor she would consider pulling together a mayor’s task force, bringing together multiple agencies, such as the Downtown BIA, RCMP, bylaw officers, residents of Under One Roof, and others. “To understand what are some of the solutions we can implement here,” she said. “I think there are real opportunities to make change, even though it feels really hard and complex,” she said. Find out more about her campaign on her website at: www.jennastoner.com.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 5
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SQUAMISH RESIDENT ROBERT JONCAS RUNS FOR FRANCOPHONE SCHOOL BOARD
Former two-term trustee Robert Joncas has announced his candidacy for the South Coast region of the provincial French school district, School District 93 JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
R
obert Joncas is not new to being a candidate for a francophone school district position, but he is new to running as a Squamish resident. Joncas, who moved to Squamish from North Vancouver in 2021, is running for Conseil scolaire francophone (CSF), School District 93, which is B.C.’s French school district. Unlike with the English school district, the French school district is provincewide, with trustees representing regions. Joncas is running for the South Coast region. He is up against North Vancouver’s Jacques Dufresne, who is the incumbent, and Grégoire Fraelle. The close of nominations for School District 93 nominations was Aug. 4, so no more candidates will be on the ballot. The region encompasses Pemberton, Whistler, Squamish, Sechelt and North Vancouver. Unlike with other roles up for election, the francophone school board elections require
PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMSIH CHIEF
Robert Joncas.
voters to be members of the CSF to cast a ballot. The deadline to register to become a member was June 18, 2026. Also, for the Conseil scolaire francophone, members are sent a link to vote electronically, or can vote by mail, and have one month to cast
their ballots. The winners are announced on General Voting Day, Oct. 17. Joncas previously served as a school trustee with the CSF for two terms, sitting from 2011 to 2018. He has been the executive director of SportMedBC since 2015. He told The Squamish Chief his experience as a trustee and as an executive director make him well suited for the school board role. He hopes to be elected again to build on things he worked toward last time he was in office, like seeing new schools built in the corridor. When he was previously on the board, Squamish saw the growth of the francophone student population when it was at Garibaldi Highlands Elementary, and through its transition into the current École Les Aiglons school now located on the former Capilano University campus behind Howe Sound Secondary. He said while students at Pemberton’s École La Vallée are finally set to move into a new school in 2027, he would like to see Whistler and Squamish with new schools, too.
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“Whistler has the same problem because they’re sharing with Spring Creek (Community School),” he said. “And then looking for somewhere to build. And hopefully that’s going to work.” For Squamish, there is a plan for a new school on Finch Drive, Joncas said. The provincial government approved the land purchase in 2023, but the construction of a new Kindergarten to Grade 12 school is still pending. Joncas noted that there are several portables to support all the students at Squamish’s École Les Aiglons students and the school doesn’t have a gymnasium. Kids have their physical education classes outside year-round. Beyond helping shepherd physical growth of corridor schools, Joncas said he wants to be the ears on the ground for francophone families. There are challenges the school district faces, he noted, like finding and retaining teachers which can be tough with the cost of housing and cost of living. “I’d like to see and work with the community and … council as well on how we can make this work. And then, obviously, I want to be a good ear for the families, listen to their concerns.” See all the candidates on the CSF website.
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MISSING HIKER FOUND ALIVE
Stanislav Volo went missing Aug. 30, spending six days in the wilderness We held onto hope every second, and somehow, he is coming back to us.
LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
A
fter six long days, missing hiker Stanislav Volo was found alive. The Sea to Sky RCMP (Squamish Detachment) confirmed that he was located and transported to hospital and was treated for what they believe to be minor injuries. He originally went missing on Sunday, Aug. 30, after heading out for a hike after taking the Sea to Sky Gondola. “The Squamish RCMP is incredibly grateful for the assistance provided by our partners during the search, including the RCMP Integrated Police Dog Services, the Search and Rescue teams led by Squamish Search and Rescue, RCMP Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team, RCMP Air Services and the Sea to Sky Gondola team,” Sgt. Katrina Boehmer said in an email. “No further information will be provided by the Squamish RCMP at this time out of respect for Mr. Volo’s privacy, but the Squamish RCMP wishes to thank the public and media for their assistance in this investigation.” His sister, Ola Volo announced the news on Instagram. “I don’t even know what to say. I’m shaking as I
OLA VOLO
PHOTO VIA SQUAMISH SEARCH AND RESCUE
Stanislav Volo is seen here in an image shared by Squamish Search and Rescue after being found safe.
write this. I haven’t seen him yet, but we are on our way to him right now. These have been the longest six days of our lives. We held onto hope every second, and somehow, he is coming back
to us,” she wrote. “To every single SAR member who searched for my brother, the incredible Sea to Sky Gondola crew, the RCMP, and everyone who shared his
face, sent us messages, prayed, hoped and carried us through these six days—thank you from the deepest part of our hearts. There are truly no words for what you have done for our family. We have found Stas, He’s coming home.” Squamish Search and Rescue posted the positive news on Facebook. “Stanislav walked himself out and was located on the Indian Arm FSR. We know so many people across Squamish, the Sea to Sky, and beyond have been following his story, sharing our posts, sending messages, and hoping alongside his family. Today, we get to share the news we’ve all been waiting for,” the post reads. Nils Robinson was the task manager for Squamish SAR. “I’m thrilled. He’s obviously one tough dude, and we’re greatly appreciative that he was able to get himself out, and that teams were able to meet up with him on the road,” he said.
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WOMAN ATTACKED BY BEAR NEAR WHISTLER, SAYS CONSERVATION OFFICERS SERVICE Conservation officers have closed trails in the Callaghan Conservancy after a group of hikers encountered two bears, resulting in one woman being injured LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
A
woman was attacked by a bear while hiking near Whistler on Friday evening. The Conservation Officers Service (COS) says that on Sept. 4, a group of three people were in the backcountry near Conflict Lake. “At approximately 5 p.m., a group of three hikers encountered two bears near Conflict Lake, in the Callaghan Conservancy. A woman was attacked by one of the bears before it disengaged,” COS said in a Facebook post. The Conservation Officers Service Predator Attack Team, Squamish RCMP and Squamish Search and Rescue flew by helicopter to the site. After completing a safety sweep, the COS found one adult bear and “dispatched” the animal due to safety concerns, they said. The woman was helicoptered to hospital in non-life-threatening condition after receiving
FILE PHOTO BY JENNIFER THUNCHER/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
An adult bear was killed after the attack, due to safety concerns.
first aid on site. “Conservation officers are returning to the site today to continue their investigation. At this time, COS are unable to confirm whether a black bear or grizzly bear was involved in
the attack,” they added. The trail is currently closed with signage in partnership with BC Parks, with agencies asking people to avoid the area for their own safety. “The (BC Conservation Officers Service) would like to thank its law enforcement and emergency responder partners for their assistance. An update will be provided once the BCCOS is in a position to do so.” BC Emergency Health Services said in a statement that two ambulances responded to a call for the incident and transported one person to hospital in
stable condition. Nils Robinson was the task manager for Squamish SAR. “When we plotted it, we realized that it was actually in the Whistler area. However, after
reaching out to Whistler SAR, they and we agreed that we would respond because we already had both a helicopter and members available,” he said. “We put together a team of two SAR members and brought in a conservation officer, and sent them in a (helicopter) into the area,” Robinson said. “When they arrived, they were able to see the people and the injured person, and fortunately able to land right where they were. They treated the subject whilst the conservation officers kept an eye out for the bear, and after treating them, she was transported back to Squamish Airport to be handed over to EHS,” he said. The other two people on site were okay and helicoptered out with a member of Squamish SAR before being brought to their vehicles, Robinson said. Anyone heading out into the backcountry is reminded to take precautions. “Definitely have a means of communication. Be aware of the terrain you’re getting into and what the hazards are, and that can include bears as well as weather. If something happens, call early, get out an SOS (on a satellite device) or call 911,” Robinson said.
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Stage 1 Outdoor Water Use Restrictions remain in effect.
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The future of driving.
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The District’s next 10-year Financial Plan review process began on September 8 and continues through to December.
2026
Saturday, September 19 10 am–1 pm Junction Park, Squamish
Follow along at LetsTalkSquamish.ca/budget-2027
Labour Force Development Plan Dance Sampler
55+ Ballet
Get ready to move, groove, and explore! This class introduces young dancers to a variety of styles (ballet, jazz, and creative movement) in a fun, playful environment at Brennan Park Recreation Centre.
Annual Pool Shutdown
Squamish Swans at The 55 Activity Centre
Wednesdays, 1:45–2:45 pm
This class offers a gentle and accessible approach to ballet, helping participants improve balance, strength, posture, and overall wellbeing. Classes are accessible to different fitness levels and mobility. No prior ballet experience is required just a willingness to move and enjoy music. Drop-in available if space permits.
September 9–24
During this time, we will be conducting comprehensive preventative maintenance throughout the Aquatic Centre, including the steam room, showers, and hot tub.
squamish.ca/rec
The District of Squamish is creating a Labour Force Development Plan to help our community prepare for future jobs and workforce needs. We want community members, workers, job seekers, employers, students, and local organizations to help shape that future. There are many ways to take part online at: LetsTalkSquamish.ca/labour-force
COMMUNITY
squamishchief.com
THE BC THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE–COMING TO YOUR NEIGHBOURHOOD SATURDAY SEPT. 26
The annual event collects much needed food from your doorstep for locals in need
View online: Notice of Proposed Revitalization Tax Exemption District of Squamish Revitalization Tax Exemption (Woodfibre LNG) Bylaw No. 3273, 2026
The District of Squamish gives notice, under sections 94, 226 and 227 of the Community Charter, that Council will consider first three readings of “District of Squamish Revitalization Tax Exemption (Woodfibre LNG) Bylaw No. 3273, 2026” (“Bylaw 3273”) at a Special Business Meeting commencing at 6 p.m. on September 22, 2026 in the Council Chambers at the District Hall at 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C.
Tax Payable in 2027 is $2,500,000, and in each subsequent year, is the amount equal to the sum of the Tax Payable in the previous year plus the product of the Tax Payable in the previous year multiplied by the inflation rate for the previous year as determined by the Consumer Price Index for the previous year.
The properties eligible for an exemption under Bylaw 3273 (the “Lands”) are identified by the area demarcated on the following map by the line labelled “RTE”:
The reasons for establishing the revitalization tax exemption program (the “Program”) and its objectives are as follows:
LOCATION MAP FILE PHOTOS BY SQUAMISH FOOD DRIVE
Organizers with Squamish Helping Hands and the Squamish Multifaith Association are preparing for a province-wide food collection initiative on Sept. 26.
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
W
hile most of us are hanging on tightly to the last weeks of summer, locals who help support those in need are planning for the harder winter months. The BC Thanksgiving Food Drive (BCTFD) is back and will be coming to your neighbourhood on Sept. 26. Bags and flyers will be distributed to thousands of homes before the day. The project is a provincewide initiative that collects food for thousands across B.C. who rely on food banks for their basic nutritional needs. In Squamish, the BCTFD event is run by Squamish Helping Hands and the Squamish Multifaith Association, with some 100 volunteers. Last year, close to 3,000 kg (6,600 lbs) of non-perishable food items was collected with an additional $3,850 donated online to support the food drive, according to a news release. “The BCTFD is one of the primary ways through which the Squamish Food Bank receives donations to support the last quarter of the year,” said Venita Fung, director of community food at Squamish Helping Hands and Squamish Food Bank, in the release. “The colder winter months and holiday season typically bring an increase in visits to the food bank and the annual BCTFD helps us to balance our resources through the remainder of the year.“ This year, organizers are asking that only the most requested items be included in donations for pick up. “This will increase our supply of nutritionally
The term of the Tax Exemption under Bylaw 3273 is 10 years commencing in 2027.
• Encourage redevelopment and revitalization of environmentally contaminated industrial lands formerly occupied by the Woodfibre Pulp Mill; • Increase economic opportunities, capacity building, and prosperity of the community to create an economically diverse and stable community;
The BCTFD is one of the primary ways through which the Squamish Food Bank receives donations to support the last quarter of the year.
• Maximize the financial contribution to the District from the LNG Plant; • Encourage investment in the community by Woodfibre LNG, including through Community Enhancement Payments made under the CEP Agreement; • Increase local employment opportunities, including through opportunities that are currently available or are expected to become available in the future at the LNG Plant that is being constructed on the lands;
SQUAMISH FOOD BANK dense foods for individuals and families,” said Fung. On pick up day, locals are asked to put out the following items outside their front doors: - Rice (brown or white) - Peanut Butter - Canned fish (tuna, salmon, sardines) - Cereal/Oatmeal - Canned Soup (meat and vegetarian) - Canned vegetables - Apple sauce - Tomato and pasta “We encourage everyone to give generously, and, when donating food, to be mindful of expiration dates. Expired items cannot be used and result in additional disposal costs for the Food Bank, impacting our resources,” reads the release. Donations will be collected door-to-door on the morning of Sept. 26, and brought to the Squamish Food Bank located at 37871 Third Avenue. If you would like to volunteer for this event, please contact squamishfooddrive@gmail.com.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 9
The amount of the tax exemption proposed under Bylaw 3273 will be determined by the following formula: Tax Exemption = Municipal Property Tax – Tax Payable. Where Municipal Property Tax is such portion of property value taxes that are imposed and levied, pursuant to section 197(1)(a) of the Community Charter, on all taxable land and improvements on the Lands but does not include taxes levied for other local governments or public bodies pursuant to section 197(1) (b) of the Community Charter or taxes collected for other authorities including hospital, school, Municipal Finance Authority, Regional District, and BC Assessment Authority; and
• Further support the redevelopment of the Lands, which are located on a brownfield site. The Program is proposed to accomplish its objectives by creating predictability and certainty in relation to Municipal Property Tax to allow Woodfibre LNG to continue to invest in the LNG Plant. To view Bylaw 3273, and for more information or to submit a comment or question, please go to: squamish.ca/WLNG-agreement. If you need assistance, please contact the District’s Corporate Officer at corporateofficer@squamish.ca or visit Municipal Hall at 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish, B.C. between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on non-statutory holiday weekdays. Phone: 604-892-5217
10 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
squamishchief.com
View online:
Notice of Tax Sale Notice is hereby given that pursuant to Sections 645 & 647 of the Local Government act, the properties listed below may be offered for sale on Monday, September 28, 2026 at 10:00 am, in Council Chambers, Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Ave, Squamish, B.C., unless the delinquent taxes plus interest are paid.
PID
Civic Address
Legal Description
009-461-060
41565 Cottonwood Rd
LOT 4 BLOCK J SECTION 15 TOWNSHIP 50 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP9834 PART NE 1/4 BCAGROUP 1 OF LOT 4
007-325-665
42086 Birken Rd
LOT 38 SECTION 22 TOWNSHIP 50 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP13834 PART SE 1/4 BCAGROUP 1 & LOT 1 SECTION 22 TOWNSHIP 50 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP17019 PART SE 1/4 BCAGROUP 1
012-038-148
41823 Hope Rd
LOT 11 BLOCK 3 SECTION 22 TOWNSHIP 50 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP3917 PART SE 1/4 BCAGROUP 1
007-666-403
1140 Depot Rd
LOT 1 BLOCK 31 SECTION 22 TOWNSHIP 50 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP15323 PART S 1/2 OF SE 1/4 BCAGROUP 1
030-027-853
41331 Horizon Dr
LOT 8 SECTION 14 TOWNSHIP 50 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN EPS3606 TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM V
009-154-108
40239 Garibaldi Way
LOT 18 BLOCK E SECTION 11 TOWNSHIP 50 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP11112 PART S 1/2 BCAGROUP 1 S 1/2 OF SE 1/4
205-1830 Mamquam Rd
GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOME REG.# 46548, BAY # 205, 08338 TIMBER TOWN MANUFACTURED HOME PARK, MHP ROLL # 08-338-300-0067744.000
244-1830 Mamquam Rd
GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOME REG.# 22466, BAY # 244, 08338 TIMBER TOWN MANUFACTURED HOME PARK, MHP ROLL # 08-338-300-0067744.000
41-40157 Government Rd
GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOME REG.# 35296, BAY # 41, 08338 SPIRAL MANUFACTURED HOME PARK, MHP ROLL # 08-338-300-0070348.000
76-40157 Government Rd
GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOME REG.# 17963, BAY # 76, 08338 SPIRAL MANUFACTURED HOME PARK, MHP ROLL # 08-338-300-0070348.000
88-40157 Government Rd
GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOME REG.# 24344, BAY # 88, 08338 SPIRAL MANUFACTURED HOME PARK, MHP ROLL # 08-338-300-0070348.000
13-40022 Government Rd
GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOME REG.# 4441, BAY # 13, 08338 WAGON WHEEL AKA ANGELO'S MANUFACTURED HOME PARK, MHP ROLL # 08-338-400-0067701.000
18-40022 Government Rd
GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, MANUFACTURED HOME REG.# 35182, BAY # 18, 08338 WAGON WHEEL AKA ANGELO'S MANUFACTURED HOME PARK, MHP ROLL # 08-338-400-0067701.000
028-373-197
LOT 20 SECTION 3 TOWNSHIP 50 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN BCS3975 BCAGROUP 1 TOGETHER WITH AN 20-39893 Government Rd INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM 1 OR V, AS APPROPRIATE
009-452-141
38108 Cleveland Ave
LOT 3 BLOCK G DISTRICT LOT 486 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP9823 & BLK H
007-944-578
38087 Third Ave
LOT 21 BLOCK 4 DISTRICT LOT 486 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP4552 BCAGROUP 1
011-736-798
38875 Britannia Ave
LOT 25 BLOCK 18 DISTRICT LOT 759 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP4219 BCAGROUP 1
009-849-114
38890 Bowen Ave
LOT C BLOCK 20 DISTRICT LOT 759 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP8986 BCAGROUP 1 OF LOT 1
028-647-629
310-1212 Main St
LOT 75 DISTRICT LOT 486 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN EPS264 BCAGROUP 1 PHASE 2, TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM 1 OR V, AS APPROPRIATE
026-323-966
1190 Magee St
LOT 2 DISTRICT LOT 759 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN BCS1353 BCAGROUP 1 TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM 1 OR V, AS APPROPRIATE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 11
squamishchief.com
View online:
Notice of Tax Sale PID
Civic Address
Legal Description
029-606-446
1186 Natures Gate
LOT 27 DISTRICT LOT 4261 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN EPS2721 BCAGROUP 1 TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM 1 OR V, AS APPROPRIATE
029-817-374
52-1188 Wilson Cres
STRATA LOT 29, PLAN EPS3019, DISTRICT LOT 4261, GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER LAND DISTRICT, TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM V
031-074-421
1372 Marinaside Pl
STRATA LOT 25 PLAN EPS4831 DISTRICT LOT 486 GROUP 1 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM V
030-906-130
509-38013 Third Ave
LOT 37 DISTRICT LOT 486 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN EPS5708 TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM 1 OR V, AS APPROPRIATE
031-828-647
38025 Keel Way
STRATA LOT 94 PLAN EPS5833 DISTRICT LOT 486 GROUP 1 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PHASE 6, TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM V
031-929-559
38039 Helm Way
STRATA LOT 125 BLOCK 486 PLAN EPS5833 GROUP 1 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM V
031-386-644
STRATA LOT 15 PLAN EPS7291 DISTRICT LOT 486 GROUP 1 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT TOGETHER WITH AN 305-38165 Cleveland Ave INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM V
026-746-930
40889 The Crescent
LOT 6 DISTRICT LOT 512 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN BCP25033 BCAGROUP 1
009-231-595
40101 Skyline Dr
LOT 62 BLOCK I SECTION 12 TOWNSHIP 50 DISTRICT LOT 511 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP10931 BCAGROUP 1
027-398-960
2990 Strangway Pl
LOT 1 DISTRICT LOT 512 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN BCS2774 BCAGROUP 1 TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM 1 OR V, AS APPROPRIATE
028-179-269
2982 Strangway Pl
LOT 1 DISTRICT LOT 512 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN BCS3767 BCAGROUP 1 TOGETHER WITH AN INTEREST IN THE COMMON PROPERTY IN PROPORTION TO THE UNIT ENTITLEMENT OF THE STRATA LOT AS SHOWN ON FORM 1 OR V, AS APPROPRIATE
007-739-320
38279 Chestnut Ave
LOT 10 BLOCK 13 DISTRICT LOT 833 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP14892 BCAGROUP 1
007-478-003
515-38361 Westway Ave LOT 4 BLOCK 18 & 19 DISTRICT LOT 515 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP16464 BCAGROUP 1
007-199-619
40021 Plateau Dr
LOT 70 BLOCK 22 DISTRICT LOT 515 NEW WESTMINISTER DISTRICT PLAN VAP18201 BCAGROUP 1
Please note that under Section 648 of the Local Government Act a person authorized by council may bid for the municipality up to a maximum amount set by council. Any person upon being declared the tax sale purchaser must pay the full amount of the purchase price by cash or certified cheque by 3 pm the same day. Failure to pay will result in property being offered for sale again at 10 am on the following day.
Property purchased at the tax sale is subject to redemption by the registered property owner within one year from the date of the annual tax sale. The District of Squamish makes no representation express or implied as to the condition or quality of the properties being offered for sale. The purchase of a tax sale property is subject to tax under the Property Transfer Tax Act on the fair market value of the property.
This is the first of three notices. Publish date: September 10, 2026 The District of Squamish acknowledges that payments for delinquent taxes may have been received during the period which the listings are prepared and their subsequent publication in the newspaper.
12 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 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
SIMCITY
K
nowledge is power, and it helps when said knowledge comes in kind of a cool package. The District’s Squamish Insight Model (SIM) is now publicly available online and it is an engaging way to learn more about our community. The site is part of the District’s Neighbourhood Nodes Analysis Project, funded by a grant from the Union of BC Municipalities Complete Communities Program. It includes two main modules: Squamish Now and Squamish Next. Squamish Now gives a snapshot of current residential land uses based on the most recent BC Assessment Data and District of Squamish development application records, including units with issued building permits. Squamish Next shows all projects currently under development application review within the District. Squamish Now shows what type of housing there is—townhouse, apartment, secondary suite, purpose-built rentals, etc.—building ages, population stats, and property size. One of the interesting tidbits from the data is that there are close to 14,000 existing and permitted units in town that will house an estimated population of about 33,000 residents once all the projects that have been issued building permits have been constructed and occupied. Close to 6,000 of those folks will live downtown, followed by the Garibaldi Highlands, which will have close to 4,000 once all existing and permitted buildings are filled. According to the Government of Canada, that moves us from being classified as a small population centre (which is defined as having a population of 1,000 to 29,999) to a medium population centre (which is between 30,000 and 100,000). Also of note is that once all issued building permits have been completed and homes built, the most common type of housing in Squamish will be apartments, at close to 40 per cent of all homes, with single-unit dwellings at about 36 per cent and townhouses at approximately 20 per cent. Squamish Next shows that the neighbourhood with the most homes under development application is the Oceanfront, where close to 3,000 units are proposed, adding about 5,000 residents in the Oceanfront Squamish area. Brackendale has the second most units under development application, with close to 1,500 units proposed, adding about 3,500 people. One caveat to note is that the SIM is based on data up to March 2026, so it is slightly out of date already. SIM: Continued on 13
‘AS IN LOVE, WITH TOPOPHILIA, THE DEEPER YOU GO, THE DEEPER YOU GET’ GUEST COLUMN LESLIE ANTHONY
B
ecause we both shape and are shaped by where we live, it’s unsurprising that residents of the Sea to Sky corridor share a high degree of topophilia—emotional connection to a place or landform. Those who’ve dwelt here over the ages have always had to adapt to a dynamic landscape that can both support and impact livelihoods, engendering both awestruck endearment and respectful caution for the power of the land. However, with the increasing spectre of extreme weather due to climate change— and a demonstrable spike in geohazard risk accompanying it—it has become crucial to more fully appreciate the role this area’s unique, internationally significant geology and real-time hazards play in our lives. Such are the themes underlying the Fire & Ice GeoRegion, an initiative that began a decade ago with a small group who felt that a thematic concept focused on natural values might fill a gap for the corridor, inspiring much-needed respect for the land and its people among visitors, while also sharing vital knowledge for locals. Let’s start here: how many of us are aware we live in the country’s most geologically active area? A landscape in motion shaped by 200 million years of
uplift and subduction (tectonic plates sliding over and under each other, thrusting up mountains and creating volcanic hotspots), terrane accretion (the sequential pasting of Pacific islands onto the continent—e.g., Whistler Mountain), episodic volcanic activity (columnar lava along the highway is hard to miss), cycles of continental glaciation (we’re currently 2.5 million years deep into one), and large-scale wasting (erosion/collapse) events that include debris flows, glacial lake outburst flooding, and rock/ landslides resulting from the interaction of natural processes, coastal weather, and, as noted, a rapidly changing climate. I’ve been referencing geoparks throughout this series, so you’re probably wondering about the term “GeoRegion.” In the same way Átl’k_a7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region avoided echoing the colonial construct referenced by “Biosphere Reserve,” GeoRegion skirts the colonial delineation of “park,” with its overwhelmingly exclusionary connotation. Instead, GeoRegion suggests a borderless entity defined solely by something that already exists— geology. Thus, the Fire & Ice GeoRegion encompasses several nodes of geological significance, stretching north from the Porteau Cove Sill, a submarine terminal moraine of the last Cordilleran ice sheet, to the Bridge River Cones. Within this area, dozens of geosites tell an end-to-end story of ongoing mountain-building, glaciation, volcanism and collapse—four distinct geological pillars around which GUEST: Continued on 13
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 13
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Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7 tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw
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(We have good feelings that we live, we work and we play on the lands of the Squamish Nation) GUEST: Continued from 12 education and interpretive outreach might be woven. Of particular note are examples of volcanic eruptions both beneath and atop Pleistocene glaciers resulting in a variety of nifty but inherently unstable ice-contact lava formations. Black Tusk—the iconic spire of andesite lava long believed the remnant plug of a large stratovolcano, but whose cooling patterns suggest a subglacial eruption that never reached the surface—would be the most visible and famous; The Barrier—a hang-fire wall of ice-dammed lava above Highway 99 near Daisy Lake, reason for the town of Garibaldi to be evacuated and abandoned in 1980—would be the most nefarious; and Nch’Kay/Mount Garibaldi—source of 20-some catastrophic landslides that built the Cheekeye Fan—of most lingering concern. Significantly, the deep-time GeoRegion story has unfolded across what became the unceded, shared traditional territories of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation, whose historical experience included joint experiences of the four geological pillars—a landslide from The Barrier that wiped out the trading village of Spo7ez, tsunamis that inundated coastal villages, a volcanic dike (on The
Stawamus Chief) and mountainsides (Tszil/Mount Currie) that prescribe mythologies involving transformers and other supernatural beings. The stunning metal sculpture “Big Flood” by Xwalacktun outside the Audain Art Museum is testament to the importance in oral tradition of geological dynamism. After the usual careless wave of resource extraction by Europeans left little else to build on, the corridor’s inherent geological diversity supported development as a tourism destination with an abundance of activities and attractions. Over decades of piecemeal efforts, interpretive materials informing about geological phenomena, geohazards, biodiversity, ecology, and post-contact industrial history popped up throughout the corridor, irregularly disseminated on the landscape and discordant with relation to content (the Resort Municipality of Whistler gets a silver star for mostly bucking that trend). Thus, an important utility of the GeoRegion concept would be to offer a single thematic umbrella under which these efforts could unite to highlight their connectivity—the relationship of geodiversity to biodiversity and to cultural diversity—instilling a collective sense of stewardship in preserving the area’s
natural and cultural values as part of a more integrated and sustainable tourism vision. But first, it’s connect-the-dots of geology. This is currently coming together with interpretive signs in select locations and cutting-edge digital tools—such as replacing a Fire & Ice GeoRegion app with a newer web-based version, updated website, and plans for a mobile GeoTrailer that will incorporate an immersive 360-film experience for visitors. Because, of course, there’s always more to learn in a Geopark/GeoRegion beyond famous rocky gewgaws visible from a highway. Stories to drill down into of rivers and lakes and waterfalls. Of glaciers and icefields and snowlines. Of bedrock batholiths and fault lines and lava flows. Landslides where house-sized chunks of rock travelled more than 200 km/h down one side of a valley and up the other. And, of course, the human dimension: mines and markets and maps; art and attractions and outdoor pursuits. As in love, with topophilia, the deeper you go, the deeper you get. Leslie Anthony is a Whistler-based author, editor, biologist and bon vivant who has never met a mountain he didn’t like.
QUESTION OF THE WEEK How comfortable are you with the current growth in Squamish? Have your say at squamishchief.com
LAST WEEK’S QUESTION
What characteristic do you value most in a Squamish politician? (Top 3) FISCAL RESPONSIBILITY VISION FOR LOCAL GROWTH WILLINGNESS TO LISTEN TO OPPOSING VIEWS
MOST READ STORY
Letter: Squamish District accused of perpetuating stigma against vehicle residents
TOP TIKTOK OF THE WEEK
PHOTOS BY BRIAN AIKENS
‘BEAR’ NECESSITIES: Local bears are more active at this time of year, as they store up for the winter.
SIM: Continued from 12 The staff report to council on SIM says that future iterations will allow viewers to look at trade-offs of various community growth scenarios as part of the Official
Community Plan update in 2028. Coun. Andrew Hamilton, who is also a data scientist, highlighted SIM at the council meeting Sept. 1. “I think this is a fantastic tool where we can really see what is developed in our
community and what is developing in our community,” he said. Ideally, this site can help us all figure out not just where we are headed, but where we want to go. Go to www. squamish.ca/SIM to see for yourself.
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.
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This week, reporter Ina Pace visited the Squamish Public Library. Check out this and many other videos on our TikTok channel @squamshchief. com.
COMMUNITY
14 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
squamishchief.com
SUPPORTING RESIDENTIAL SCHOOL SURVIVORS: HERE’S WHERE TO SHOP FOR ORANGE SHIRTS The Every Child Matters campaign, acknowledged every September to honour residential school survivors, is supported across several retailers
ocal retailers are supporting the Every Child Matters campaign for National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (TRC), a time of homage to the legacy of residential school survivors. It has become tradition since 2013 to wear an orange shirt every Sept. 30, also known as Orange Shirt Day, which coincides with TRC (first held in 2021).
She said she considers the store’s ongoing collaboration with the Nation a “privilege.” At The Squamish Store, located in the Squamish Adventure Centre (38551 Loggers Ln.), a row of orange shirts is lined up by the entrance window, professing support to the Native Northwest Reconciliation Fund. The orange shirts available within physical retail stores in Squamish vary by design, but exclusively online there’s a new design available, created by the very woman who began Orange Shirt Day.
WHERE TO FIND ORANGE SHIRTS
MEET THE MAKER
Besides bigger brands like London Drugs (40282 Glenalder Pl.), independent stores across town are also showing support. Folks may have already seen the latest Pearl’s Value & Vintage pop up display (38130 Cleveland Ave.) installed on Sept. 1, featuring pieces and artifacts donated by Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) artists like Elder Donna Billy. The store also has an Every Child Matters banner in the window. According to Pearl’s store manager Jennifer Portelli, the orange shirts will be brought in on an ad hoc basis by donation throughout September.
Orange Shirt Society’s CEO and co-founder Phyllis Webstad began the Every Child Matters campaign as a result of first-hand experience. According to the Society’s website, Webstad had her orange shirt—that she had bought specially—taken from her on her first day at The St. Joseph Mission Indian residential school (The Mission) in Williams Lake 1973, which contributed to her feeling of “worthlessness and insignificance,” and affected her for many years. She is now selling her own orange shirt design for the online store Kit and Kaboodle, and hopes to sell these shirts, as well as matching merchan-
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
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PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
Shirts at The Squamish Store.
dise, to other stores from next year. This year is the first she has been able to personalize a design—”Two Worlds”—which she said has been copyrighted. “It’s in the shape of a heart because the work that I do is hard work, and it’s also ‘heart’ work,” she said. “The white and black feather is for the First Nation (Shuswap) side of my family, my mother’s side, and then the other is for the Indigenous world; the medicine wheel, the four directions, the four races, and my non-Indigenous side to my father who is Irish and Scottish.”
Webstad said that each year, Orange Shirt Society has a design contest for Kindergarten to Grade 12 across Canada, and the winner gets to spend Sept. 30 with her, wherever she may be. She said she will also visit the winner’s school. This year’s winner, Grade Two student Emily Galeazzi, was announced in April on the Society’s Facebook page. Webstad has an upcoming bookstore, to be located in Kamloops, and a new website in the works, both of which she hopes to launch by early October. She intends to include her “Two Worlds” merchandise, and even her own fabric, selling to wholesale, gift shops, bands, and tribal councils across Canada. “The store is a start. My goal is to be the go-to for anything and everything Orange Shirt Day, and Every Child Matters related,” she said. (If your local Squamish store is selling orange shirts in honour of TRC day, and we’ve missed you, let us know at ipace@lodestarmedia.ca.) 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.
Notice of Disposition What’s Proposed
Disposition of a portion of District-owned land at 39500 Queens Way to BC Hydro and Telus, as part of the transition from overhead power and communication wiring to underground systems. This will allow for the relocation of the existing pole-mounted transformers to ground level on District property (shaded area shown on the map below). The District of Squamish (“District”) hereby gives notice pursuant to Section 26 of the Community Charter that the District intends to grant a statutory right of way to BC Hydro and Power Authority and Telus Communications Inc., beginning October 2026, for approximately 100m2, for the purpose of relocating hydro infrastructure under District owned land referred to as PID 027-199-436 Lot A Section 3 Township 50 New Westminster District Plan BCP32369, for a fee of $1.
Queens Way
LOCATION MAP
39500 Pioneer Way
Call for Expressions of Interest
The District of Squamish is seeking expressions of interest to lease portions of the Squamish Adventure Centre. Create a standout food and beverage/retail experience in one of Squamish’s most visited destinations! This is a rare chance to secure a high-profile food and beverage/retail space right at the gateway to the Sea to Sky Corridor. Located inside the iconic Squamish Adventure Centre, this space’s unparalleled visibility ensures your business stands out to everyone driving along Highway 99. For more information or to apply, head to squamish.ca/adventure-centre-eoi or contact Nav Triplett, Portfolio Manager at ntriplett@squamish.ca
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 15
COMMUNITY
16 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
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SQUAMISH LIBRARY HELPS KIDS BACK TO SCHOOL, WHILST CONTINUING INDIGENOUS PROGRAMMING
After their most ‘successful’ summer yet, the library intends to continue navigating and providing resources for all ages, community sectors, and abilities
INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
W
ith a new academic year comes new beginnings, and perhaps new pressures; the unexplored territory of new circles, puberty, and “levelling up” (academically). The Squamish Public Library is on hand with ever expanding material, to help kids (and their caregivers) navigate their journeys, and keep learning about their own communities. This summer saw the library’s most successful summer reading club ever, according to director Hilary Bloom, with around 550 participants, and a total of 16 programs. “Compared to years past, I would say what was more noticeable was just that ongoing excitement,” she said.
PHOTO BY INA PACE/THE SQUAMISH CHIEF
A display at the Squamish Public Library.
Britannia Mine Museum gratefully acknowledges their community sponsors:
EXTENDED a few more days, LAST CHANCE!
SUMMER EXHIBIT NOW ENDS SEPT 13, 2026* *The Cat® 793C Mining Truck is a permanent feature.
“Excitement allows children to avoid that ‘summer slide’ (taking a break from reading), and it can be nice to just have something fun to encourage them. “We’ve got school visits coming up. We’ve got a display in the kids’ area. Some Kindergarten readiness, and emotional learning materials.” The library’s displays for the youngest kids involve interactive activities like colouring and crafting. Book genres range from high interest-low readability (hi-lo) and picture books, to teen “romantasy” and a non-fiction section, the latter of which Bloom said is popular. The non-fiction books include material about the LGBTQIA+ community, the Sḵwx̱w ú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and resources (alongside sensory kits) adapted for those who are neurodivergent. Some books, for example, are printed in a font that supposedly makes easier reading for dyslexics. Bloom credits the kids’ eagerness to engage as a result of dedicated library staff, whom she said over the last couple of years have developed programming, and created book lists spanning beyond story-time age, into school age children and tweens, and then into teens. “We don’t prescribe it in an academic way,” she said. Community engagement librarian Frankie Thomas called the library staff their “key resource.” “(The staff talk about) next steps in all those kids’ literacy journeys and finding a path forward,” Thomas said. “They can help direct individuals and families with what they need, and what you know about where they’re at.” Awareness, and the availability of resources, is the essence of community connection it seems. Bloom explained how the library tries to provide the widest availability of resources possible, without purporting to be experts or “completely exhausted,” regarding—for example—resources and knowledge about Indigenous communities, specifically the Nation. “There’s always more that we could work towards providing, and there’s always more things being created and being made available. So really, our efforts are to try to make it easy for people to be able to access what we can provide through easily findable sites, book lists, and displays, and through our programming,” Bloom said. “We try to be a source within the community for people to attend and participate in, to learn and connect more closely, and to continue to develop and foster
We try to be a source within the community for people to attend and participate in, to learn and connect more closely, and to continue to develop and foster our relationships with one another. HILARY BLOOM
our relationships with one another.” The library’s “spirit of commitment to reconciliation,” Bloom elaborated, is nothing new. The Nation’s own TlatlaKwot Christine Baker is on the board. There was a call for an Indigenous artist back in April for a central Interior art installation bearing a written statement of acknowledgement, a fitting addition to the window art already on the building’s front by Coast Salish artist Siobhan Joseph. Bloom said the library will also be arranging for a Nation weaver to set up a loom in the coming year, so folks may experience the crafting process of a wall hanging. Besides having online Indigenous resources, Sḵwx̱w ú7mesh sníchim (Squamish language) kits are also available at the library for checkout. These kits include a language dictionary, and a children’s bilingual storybook. Furthermore, the library has a section specifically dedicated to the history (and culture) of the Nation. In light of National Day for Truth and Reconciliation (Sept. 30), there will be a workshop hosted by Kathi Camilleri about decolonization on Sept. 17, and an afternoon of story-telling by Squamish Elders on Sept. 25, in collaboration with the District of Squamish. Folks can register for both events on the library’s website at squamishlibrary.ca. 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.
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 17
DARTS & DAFFODILS YO U R TOW N , YO U R N E WS :
COMMUNITY SUBMISSIONS Jurassic Park comes to Junction Park at the O’Siyam Pavilion Sept. 18 Squamish Couch Club is bringing Jurassic Park to the big screen with a free community movie night at Junction Park on Friday, Sept.18. The evening starts at 6 p.m. with games, fresh popcorn and a beer garden hosted by Backcountry Brewing. The movie begins at dusk, and everyone is welcome. Bring a camping chair or blanket. Squamish Couch Club is a new local non-profit experimenting with pop-up movie nights and other events as a way to give people in Squamish more opportunities to get together. Couch Club started small. Our first pilot was a movie night for a local townhouse community, creating a neighbourhood block party with a big screen and a lot of popcorn. We’d love to help other neighbourhoods around Squamish do the same. If your complex, strata or neighbourhood has a space where people could gather, we’d love to hear from you. Why’d we pick Jurassic Park? One of Couch Club’s founders drives around Squamish in a Jurassic Park Jeep he originally put together to surprise his dinosaur-obsessed niece. Last year, someone from Backcountry Brewing spotted the Jeep in a parking lot and asked if they could borrow it for a video promoting their Jurassic Park-themed “Must Go Faster” beer. More than a year later, when Couch Club was looking for local businesses interested in supporting the project, that chance encounter made Backcountry an obvious place to start. They’ve been incredibly supportive ever since, and now we’ve come full circle, putting on a Jurassic Park movie night together. Learn more, or talk to us about hosting a Couch Club in your neighbourhood, at https://squamish.film.
Axemen Rugby Club Kicks Off Exciting New Season The Axemen Rugby Club is gearing up for another exciting rugby season, with programs available for players of all ages
and experience levels. Leading the way this fall is the return of our popular non-contact Mini Rugby program, which gets underway in early September. Designed for young athletes to learn rugby skills in a fun, safe, and welcoming environment, Mini Rugby continues to be a fantastic introduction to the sport. The club is also pleased to announce that registration is now open for Age Grade Rugby, with teams available for U14, U16, and U18 players. Adding to the excitement this season is the launch of girls’ age grade programming, creating new opportunities for young female athletes to get involved and develop their rugby skills. In addition, the Axemen’s Senior Women’s and Men’s programs are back in action and continuing to welcome new players as preparations begin for the season ahead. Whether you’re an experienced player or completely new to rugby, there’s a place for you at the Axemen Rugby Club. To learn more, register, or connect with the club, visit our website or follow us on our social media channels. Join the Axemen and be part of the rugby community this season.www.axemenrugbyclub.com.
MANY DAFFODILS to Rick Hunter for cleaning our Hilltop House bus at his shop on Industrial Way. It looks great and saved a bunch of us senior ladies from precariously climbing ladders, carrying hoses and washcloths. Thanks so much. Thanks also to Sue P. for cleaning the interior. Now the residents have a nice, shiny bus again to ride around town. ~Hilltop House Support Society
Got something nice to say or some constructive criticism? Send your Darts & Daffodils: Email: news@squamishchief.com or drop off at The Chief office (38117 Second Ave.) during business hours. Deadline for submissions is Monday at 4 p.m. for Thursday’s paper. All submissions must be signed and include a phone number for verification. Maximum length is 75 words. Darts are intended to be an anonymous critique between private parties. Darts must not directly or indirectly identify an individual or business.
Opera for Good: From the Sea to the Sky St. John the Divine has been bringing a unique musical experience to Squamish the last few years - opera! This year, with the help of Squamish Arts and the District of Squamish, St. John’s is putting on “Opera for Good: From the Sea to the Sky.” This show will take place Saturday, Sept. 12 at 7:30 p.m. and feature nature-themed songs and excerpts. Vancouver-area singers and musicians Emma Jang, Taryn Plater and Perri Lo will be joined by former Squamish resident, Lyndon Ladeur. Proceeds will support the work of Nature Squamish and St. John the Divine. Tickets can be purchased on Eventbrite (through St. John’s website) or at the door.
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 firstcome, first-served basis, as space allows. Submit at squamishchief.com by going to the “Connect” tab and clicking Community Submissions.
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Voting Opportunities
Elector Registration
Mail Ballot Voting
General Voting Day
If you are not on the list of electors, you may register at the time of voting by producing two separate pieces of identification (one must have a signature) to prove identity and residency, and by making a solemn declaration that you:
Mail ballot voting will be available to all voters who meet the required elector qualifications as listed under Elector Registration.
General Voting Day for the General Local Election will be open to qualified electors of the District of Squamish on:
Saturday October 17, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. at
BRENNAN PARK RECREATION CENTRE, 1009 CENTENNIAL WAY, SQUAMISH, BRITISH COLUMBIA Notice of Advance Voting Opportunities THE 55 ACTIVITY CENTRE, 1201 VILLAGE GREEN WAY Wednesday, October 7, 2026 8 a.m.–8 p.m. Thursday, October 8, 2026 12–8 p.m. TOTEM HALL, 1380 STAWAMUS ROAD Saturday, October 10, 2026 8 a.m.–8 p.m. BRENNAN PARK RECREATION CENTRE, 1009 CENTENNIAL WAY Thursday, October 15, 2026 12–8 p.m.
Special Voting Opportunities
Three Special Voting opportunities will be conducted on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, for qualified electors who are patients or staff at the following locations at the time of voting: 1. Squamish General Hospital, 38140 Behrner Drive Hilltop House, 38146 Behrner Drive 9:30–11 a.m. 2. Hilltop House, 38146 Behrner Drive 11:15 a.m.–12:45 p.m. 3. Shannons Falls Retirement Residence, 38225 Third Avenue 2:30–4 p.m.
• Are a Canadian citizen (no landed immigrants, permanent residents or corporations); and • Are age 18 or older at the time of voting; and • Not otherwise disqualified by law from voting in an election; and • Have lived in BC for at least 6 months immediately preceeding registering to vote; and • Are a resident of the District of Squamish at the time of registration; OR • Have been the registered owner of real property (Non-Resident Property Elector) in the District of Squamish for at least 30 days immediately preceding registering to vote. • Non-Resident Property Electors wishing to register on Voting Day are required to provide: • Two pieces of identification (one must have your signature); and • Proof of ownership of the property (ie. Recent copy of the Land Title Search Certificate available from the Government Agent or agencies with BC Online or the Certificate of indefeasible Title); and • Written consent from the majority of all of the owners, if there are multiple owners of the property, stating that you are the owner who is designated as the Non-Resident Property Elector for that property. * To register as a non-resident property elector phone the Election Office for further information about documents required. Note: 1. The owner and multiple owners must not be holding the property in trust for a corporation or another trust. There is no corporate vote. 2. Non-Resident Property Electors may only vote once in Squamish regardless of the number of properties they own. 3. District of Squamish Tax notices may not show all owners of property. Documentation from the Land Titles Office is required.
In order to receive a mail ballot package, please complete the Mail Ballot Application available online at squamish.ca/votebymail, or you may submit the following information to the District office in person (37955 Second Avenue), by calling 604-892-5217 or emailing election@squamish.ca: 1. Full name 2. Residential address 3. Address of the property in relation to which you are voting (for non-resident property electors) 4. Method of delivery of your mail ballot package: • Pick up at Municipal office, OR • Regular letter mail through Canada Post to a residential address, OR • Regular letter mail through Canada Post to an alternate address that you provide when requesting the ballot package, and 5. If you are not on the list of electors, to ensure you receive the correct registration application form in your package, you must indicate whether you are going to be registering as a resident or non-resident property elector. The District will send out mail ballot packages and will have them available for pickup at Municipal Hall, as soon as the ballots are available. To be counted, your mail ballot must be received by the Chief Election Officer before 8 p.m. on Saturday October 17, 2026. For more information on mail ballot voting, please visit the District website or call 604-892-5217.
Voters List
Until the close of general voting on October 17, 2026, a copy of the Voters List will, upon signature, be available for public inspection in the Squamish Election Office, Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except statutory holidays, and at the voting locations during Advance Voting and General Voting.
For More Information
Visit squamish.ca, write election@squamish.ca, or contact the Squamish Election Office, Municipal Hall, at 604-892-5217.
COMMUNITY
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 19
INDIGENOUS SQUAMISH MEDIUM TO LAUNCH TV SHOW
A Swampy Cree woman from Squamish, who works to help people through grief and loss, will be sharing her journey and mentorship in a docuseries on APTN this month INA PACE
ipace@lodestarmedia.ca
“I
healed in these mountains. I was always in awe of the mountains.” Around 20 years ago, Swampy Cree and York Factory First Nation member Danielle Searancke moved to Squamish to work with race cars, but it’s also where she began developing a niche healing journey. She is now a medium and mentor, or spiritual entrepreneur, who focuses on healing through spiritual reconnection. In 2023, Searancke’s work turned heads from Vancouver-based, Indigenous female-led production company Wapanatahk Media, and now she has her own 10-episode docuseries Squamish Medium commissioned, premiering on Sept. 14 on APTN. “I said (to the producers) ‘I would like to focus on the healing of mediumship because I think we’re used to performing and sensationalizing it, but the root of mediumship is really rooted in compassion, and grief and empathy,’” Searancke recalled. What started as a podcast in 2017—a “development journal” relaying her “vulnerabilities” in learning mediumship—became her online Spirit School. Spirit School is a platform Searancke uses to curate an international community around spiritual reconnection with loved ones (including pets) in times of grief and loss, which may also involve disenfranchised lived experience. Her practice includes hosting conferences and retreats. Searancke said she built her confidence during her time working for the Gathering Wisdom conference among residential school survivors and Elders, who were forming what would become the First Nations Health Authority (FNHA). She said she learnt a lot from them about reconnection teachings (using a trauma-informed approach), and traditional protocols. Searancke is herself an intergenerational survivor of the residential school system. Her fascination behind mediumship stemmed from watching Sylvia Browne on TV as a kid. The Squamish Chief reached out to Searancke to find out more about her motives and her methods, and what viewers might expect to see in her show. What follows is a version of that conversation edited for length and clarity. Q: How did you come to work for Gathering Wisdom, and what was it like to leave to pursue your own mediumship? A: I wrote to them because I had an experience where I got to witness the fact that culture heals. I didn’t realize connecting to your culture could heal, for example, a lifelong addiction. Because I wrote that letter, these
PHOTO BY GABRIELA LE PHOTOGRAPHY
Danielle Searancke.
people reached out to me saying “join us.” I got to work with some of the most innovative Indigenous leaders this province has to offer. We invited chiefs and delegates from every community in B.C. so I got to experience wellness at the centre of everything. It was really hard to leave to pursue mediumship, but my passion for mediumship has been lifelong. It’s a lifestyle. It takes you back to times where things were slower and more intentional, and I am so passionate about the healing journey that accompanies it. By developing yourself, you have no choice but to heal yourself. Once I started serving Squamish at my kitchen table in 2014, I just found so much fulfillment in the work. Even though it’s centred around grief and loss, it’s very uplifting and inspirational. Q: Considering mediumship is a niche practice, how do you engage with skeptics? A: I’ve never felt like it was my responsibility to convince anyone of this. My work doesn’t attract a lot of skeptics. It attracts a lot of people who are curious about their own spirituality. I just tell people to stay curious. What would happen to your life if you did believe, and you did open yourself to experiences? Q: In what ways do you engage with those who are curious? A: Mediumship works best when people are open and they have a need. I bring through information that only (the client) could validate. But that doesn’t mean you can’t connect for people who might be a little bit more nervous. I would never pass on
reconciliation messages or advice about your future until we establish evidence, and both people feel confident that we are connected to their spiritual loved one. I do this in a very compassionate way, and I understand my work doesn’t quite intersect, but it’s open to all religious backgrounds, and all belief forms. Everybody needs (mediumship) because everybody experiences loss in this life. Q: What are some common misunderstandings about mediumship? A: I think the biggest misunderstanding is that you have to be chosen to be able to do this. This is a practice that is energy-based. Energy does not have biases. It works off of intention, and anyone can do what I do. We all have access to the spirit world and our ancestors. I’m trying to make people need a medium less. By giving people courage to live a life in which you don’t have regrets, and you don’t need a medium to reconcile the past. Q: What aspect of your work does Squamish Medium exemplify, and how is that captured visually? A: The show really covers my reconnection journey that continues to my grandmother’s family and traditional territory. It shows a
lot about the balancing act that I have of being a mom of two kids, and an entrepreneur, and a healer. Somebody who’s always developing. I get to do group and private readings on every episode. There’s so much feeling that takes place between and beneath the words, so that was something they did try to capture in the film. But the film is visually beautiful because it’s half done in Squamish and it’s half done in First Nations communities across Canada. I would love to thank APTN and Wapanatahk Media. Squamish Medium premieres Sept. 14 in English weekly on APTN from 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT., and weekly on Sept. 2 in Cree from 9:30 p.m. ET/ 6:30 p.m. PT on APTN Languages. Both English and Cree versions of Squamish Medium will be available for same-day streaming on APTN+. 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.
Mountain Psychology and Neurofeedback Centre
Stephen L. Milstein, Ph.D., R. Psych. BC # 765 - 604.938.3511 Dawna Dixx Milstein, OT. COTBC # AA0201 - 604.938.3523 Whistler: #107 - 4368 Main St, Whistler, B.C. V0N 1B4 Squamish: 604.848.9273
Serving sea to sky for 18 years
20 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
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Your story starts here
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.
Find your story at woodfibrelng.ca/careers
Kelly Steeves Dog lover | Outdoorswoman | Head of Engineering Support
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 21
WINDSPORTS SOCIETY MAKES ITS COMEBACK WITH WINDY COMP After a six-year hiatus, roughly 50 competitors returned to Howe Sound for a day of wingfoil, kitefoil and kiteboarding LIZ MCDONALD
emcdonald@lodestarmedia.ca
S
quamish Windsports Society (SWS) hasn’t held a large-scale wind sports competition since 2019. But on Aug. 29, the community made a formal resurgence. Around 50 competitors fought hard to place in three disciplines, wingfoil, kitefoil and kiteboarding, on Howe Sound at the North West Wind Open. “I would definitely say it’s been well overdue. So this year, I was like, ‘we got to do something big and try to get the community back together,’” said Sam Medysky, event director with Squamish Windsports Society.
THE NORTH WEST WIND OPEN Originally slated for two competition days, poor weather led organizers to condense the events into a single day, Aug. 29, with rain and little wind forecast for the second day. For the kitefoil race, Tim Walsh clutched first, with Phillip Schonger second and Nixon Lorman in third. In the top three of the wingfoil event, Jack Rieder took first, Jon Penfield second, and Jack Foster third. Kiteboarder Dane McCullough claimed the
top spot, with Will Ellis and Pat Taylor as second and third, respectively. Once racing wrapped, a big air freestyle event was held in the “honey hole,” located on “the leeward side of the Spit where the water is butter smooth and ideal for freestyle and big air kiteboarding,” according to Medysky. For junior big air freestyle, Josh came in first place, Drew in second, and Zach in third place. (Youth last names have been removed for privacy reasons). In the women’s event, Yulin Wang took first place, Jessi Lynn came in second, and Andrea Viner took third. The men’s division featured a first-place finish by Kai Norie; Dane McCullough took second, and Nixon Lorman landed third. Ahead of competition day, there was a brand demo day on Pepahím̓ Island, the launch site managed by SWS. Afterward, attendees celebrated at Mags 99 with food, drink, and live music from DJ Pure and Joyce Malkomes. Organizers thanked sponsors and prize donors including Ozone, Naish, North, Duotone, Ride Engine, West Coast Wind Sports, Squamish Watersports, Squamish Jetboat Journeys, Outbound Station, Stinger Boards, Backcountry Brewery, and House of Lager. The North West Wind Open was a massive
comeback for a group that’s faced some tough knocks since its last big event. First came COVID-19, then the removal of the Spit access road for salmon habitat restoration in 2022. The newly created windsport beach at Sp’akw’us Feather Park was intended to be the solution to access loss at the Spit. The park officially opened in spring 2024, but the windsport beach swiftly saw restrictions after the death of a kiteboarder on Canada Day, 2024. Wingfoilers and windsurfers can still launch from the beach. “Squamish Windsports Society has had to come up with a creative way to shuttle their members and wind sports users from the waterfront in Squamish to (Pepahím̓ ) Island,” Medysky said. Pepahím̓ Island is what remains of the original Spit launch. The workaround costs overhead for the volunteer-run society, with SWS ferrying members across to the island. Still, members get access, and Medysky says they’re supported by Squamish Watersports and Squamish Jetboat Journeys, which sponsored the competition and provided boat support for the day. “We had a lot of people come up from the U.S. to compete in this event, so we had a lot more people than normal, and they really helped kind of deal with that volume,” he said.
FUTURE DREAM TO PERMIT BEACH-FRONT EVENT In 2027, SWS is hosting the Canadian National Championship. While there is little question the organization can field such a competition, with its 38-year history, Medysky hopes he can bring back what’s currently missing: public spectating. With the loss of the Spit, he says non-windsport athletes aren’t able to take in the events like they used to. So, he’s aiming to work with the District of Squamish to get a temporary use permit and host at Sp’akw’us Feather Park. The spot would add an upscale touch, with the waterfront’s amenities including House of Lager. “During Kite Clash (the last big event) we were pulling in numbers (of) around 700 people that would be out there, which was incredible. And at one time, the Squamish Windsports Society was up around 800 members. Now, you know, we float around 400. We’ve lost a lot of members just because of this access issue,” Medysky said. “We’re really hoping to next year be able to showcase this at the waterfront in Squamish.” “Ideally, it would be amazing to work with the Squamish Arts council and do it around when they’re going to be doing the music festival. That was such a cool event, and if we can tie it in with the wind sports community and some on-water action, I think it’ll be such an awesome event.”
Infrastructure Upgrades Meet Selenium! Selenium is a sweet, social, and high energy 4-month-old kitten. She loves to play and does very well with other cats. Selenium came from a large group of cats and did not have the easiest time, but she has adjusted well to her new surroundings as she waits for her new home. Selenium has a very unique coat. At first glance she looks like a tuxedo, but she has a smoky under coat and the underneath of her tail is this smoky color with black tabby stripes. What would you call that? A Tuxabby?
• Annual Watermain Upgrades continue in Brackendale. • Wastewater System Upgrades continue in Dentville, on the Madill Forcemain. Construction work is paused. • Annual Line Painting is complete. • Work on the Paradise Valley Bailey Bridge repairs is now underway. Overnight closures expected during the work. • Phased construction work on Squamish River Dike at Harris and Dryden Pump Stations and Central Lift Station continues through November.
squamish.ca/building-our-future
Business Opportunities Requests for Proposals
• Archaeological Consulting Services • Wastewater Treatment Plant Outfall Extension Construction
squamish.ca/doing-business-with-the-district
Development Review
• 39773 & 39775 Government Road – Zoning Amendment
squamish.ca/review
22 | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026
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ATHLETES CLIMBS STAIRS FOR NATURE Shaun Stephens-Whale returns to the World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) Climb for Nature at BC Place
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 | 23
Tr affic Pattern Changes: Highway 1 and Sea-to-Sky Highway 99 RBC GranFondo Whistler Cycling Event Saturday, September 12, 2026 A planned cycling event will take place Saturday, September 12, 2026, on Highway 1 and Highway 99, between Vancouver and Whistler. The majority of riders in the RBC GranFondo Whistler will depart from Stanley Park in Vancouver between 6 a.m. and 7:10 a.m. and cycle over the Lions Gate Bridge, up Taylor Way and along Highway 1 and Highway 99 to Whistler.
FILE PHOTO: COURTESY OF WWF-CANADA
Athlete and record-holder Shaun Stephens-Whale is set to return to the WWF-Canada Climb for Nature at BC Place this October to raise funds for wildlife conservation.
JENNIFER THUNCHER
jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca
H
e is doing it for the whales, which is apropos. Squamish athlete Shaun StephensWhale is returning to the World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) Climb for Nature at BC Place this October. The third annual event involves climbing a crazy amount of stairs in a short amount of time to raise money for the conservation organization. A tower runner, Stephens-Whale holds the WWF-Canada Climb for Nature course record at BC Place, having climbed the 3,000 stairs in 10 minutes and 45 seconds. He also posted the fastest time at WWF’s CN Tower climb in Toronto, completing it in 9 minutes and 54.9 seconds in 2018. At the Vancouver event, participants can choose to climb their way around the lower bowl of the stadium as individuals, families or teams to raise funds for conservation work across Canada. The 3,000-step “single bowl” involves completing one lap by climbing up and down the stairs between seating sections, while the 6,000-step “double bowl” challenge doubles the route. The funds raised during the Oct. 24 climb directly support conservation work across Canada, including efforts to regenerate forests damaged by wildfire in B.C.’s Interior. Stephens-Whale previously spent one season as a wildland firefighter and told The Squamish Chief that experience helped him appreciate the efforts that go into suppressing the blazes, like we have seen this summer in B.C. “I was on an initial attack crew and so we’d be the first on scene putting out the really small fires that had just started,” he said. “(I) learned a lot about what goes into suppression and protection.”
WHY HE DOES IT Locals likely know Stephens-Whale as one of the very busy owners of the Squamish Ninja Gym.
The crew at the gym are currently gearing up to host the third annual Canadian Ninja League competition on Sept. 26, with anyone interested in the sport encouraged to sign up to compete or just turn up to watch. So why does he continue to drive to the city to give of his time and energy for this fundraiser in particular? “It’s really important to find a balance of things that you have to do to make a living— not to say those things aren’t things I also love—and also things that you care about and are passionate about and maybe you make an effort to do on the side, as a volunteer or something,” he said. “I think this is just a great way to give back, especially living in the Sea to Sky Corridor and being just so immersed in nature,” he added. The idea that whales could go extinct is something that is particularly troubling to him. “The southern resident killer whales are on the decline. There’s very few left. So this is one of the cool things too about WWF is that wildlife conservation is so big on their agenda,” he said. “It’s scary to think that an animal can go extinct. Not just die, but actually disappear completely. We’re all connected, right? We have an unbroken thread that connects us to every other living creature on earth. To think that one of those threads might die is kind of scary.” The WWF notes that approximately 75 southern resident killer whales remain in the Salish Sea, and researchers project this species could disappear entirely within the next 100 years. To join Stephens-Whale on the familyfriendly climb, register at World Wildlife Fund Canada (WWF-Canada) Climb for Nature. Registration is open at wwf.ca/bcplace. There is a $20 registration fee with a $50 minimum fundraising commitment for adults; kids and youth pay a $10 registration fee with a $30 fundraising minimum. (There is a section of the stadium for spectators too, for those who just want to watch.)
Riders on another course will depart from Whistler at 8:55 a.m., cycle south along Highway 99, take Callaghan Valley Road to Whistler Olympic Park and then return to Whistler along the same route. This event will result in temporary traffic pattern changes, delays and some stoppages on September 12, as outlined below: Traffic Pattern Changes: • Downtown Vancouver - 5:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. • North and West Vancouver - 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. • Squamish - 7:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. • Whistler - 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Highway 1 Lane Closures in West Vancouver: • Upper Levels Highway - eastbound lanes will be closed between Horseshoe Bay and Taylor Way from 5:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Use Marine Drive eastbound as alternative route. Motorists are asked to allow extra travel time or plan alternative routes. Please exercise caution, watch for traffic control personnel and obey all signs along the route. Your patience during the event is appreciated.
For more information on traffic impacts, visit DriveBC.ca or Sept12.info
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HOROSCOPE WEEK OF SEPTEMBER 10, 2026 - SEPTEMBER 16, 2026
CROSSWORD
ACROSS 1. Pick 4. Food fishes 8. London farewell: 2 wds. 12. Cheerful 13. Domain 14. In an updated way 15. Split 16. Ornery 17. Curly greens 18. Wear away 20. Deals in secondhand goods 22. Healing plant 24. One chosen at random 25. Off yonder 28. Crow 30. Dupe 33. Room for relaxing 35. Cotton fabric 37. Conducted 38. Observer
40.Employed 41. Charged atom 43. ____ parmigiana 45. Inhale and exhale 48. Cougars 52. Carry on 53. Back then 55. Mr. Lincoln 56. Foot part 57. Lager, e.g. 58. Brewery brew 59. Poor grades 60. Poetic works 61. “Of Mice and ____”
6. More beloved 7. Rational 8. Occupied 9. Careful study 10. Convey orally 11. Astounds 19. Mend with stitches 21. Tale 23. Follow instructions 25. ____ aboard! 26. Rival 27. Viewers 29. Real-estate measure 31. High card 32. Pea abode 34. Chap 36. Dilly 39. Made level 42. Promises 44.Imitators 45. Pitt of “Kalifornia” 46. Hard to find 47. Tramp 49. Form of address 50. Up to the job 51. Glimpsed 54. Bee’s follower
ARIES March 21-April 19
LEO July 23-Aug. 22
SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
An invitation sparks your appetite for action. The week picks up your pace, sharpens your instincts and fills your days with stimulating challenges. By taking a step off the beaten path, you’ll refresh your spirit of initiative and rekindle your trademark courage.
You’ll doublecheck every detail. Vigilant care for your tools and equipment will help you avoid hassles and delays. Such heightened caution will free your thoughts, giving you the presence of mind you value. Serenity and efficiency go hand in hand.
Jupiter, your cosmic guide, will shed light on your relationships. You sense it’s time to set boundaries with unbalanced friendships. By protecting your energy, you’ll regain joy and enthusiasm. No more compromises: it’s time to lead with authenticity.
TAURUS April 20-May 20 You’ll assert your convictions with confidence this week. Your strength will impress others and earn you the recognition of those in authority. Don’t doubt your worth: you’re taking a critical step toward a leadership role.
GEMINI May 21-June 20 You’ll crave novelty and feel inspired to develop your own style. Elegant clothing that could redefine your image will catch your eye. This fresh look will align with your professional advancement. Your appearance reflects your confidence.
CANCER June 21-July 22 The moon supports family reconciliations. By expressing your feelings candidly, you’ll ease tensions at home. A gentler atmosphere settles in, restoring harmony. You’ll notice a restoration of balance and warmth in your home.
Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling
VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Your natural clarity is sharpening. You’ll organize your spending and set priorities for your budget. This disciplined approach won’t feel restrictive; rather, it’ll promote inner peace as clarity brings security.
Structure and discipline are making a strong comeback, especially at home. Remain firm and diplomatic when children test your limits. Despite your fatigue, your guidance will leave lasting lessons in balance and respect.
LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22 The week begins with a series of demanding tasks. The universe supports your efforts, and you find the strength to persevere without losing momentum. Your endurance will pay off: recognition and personal satisfaction offer the sweetest rewards.
SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21 Troubled by restless thoughts at night? Regular exercise will help clear your mind and convert your struggles into constructive energy. Your body will become your ally in restoring a sense of inner peace.
AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18 The call of travel is compelling. Whether the trip is physical, intellectual or spiritual, far horizons will broaden your perspective. Every encounter outside your usual circle becomes a source of growth and opportunity.
PISCES Feb. 19-March 20 A balanced diet and consistent exercise are finally paying off. Your body responds, and your spirits rise. Through discipline, you regain control of an essential rhythm. Harmony returns, and confidence settles in.
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. Fairy-tale villain 2. Duo 3. Mistake in print 4. Animal with a hump 5. Raw metal
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Connect with Active Seniors & Care Seekers in Squamish Reserve Your Spot at the 2026 Ageless 55+ Seniors Expo Are you a local business, healthcare provider, lifestyle brand, or community organization looking to expand your reach? Whether your services cater to independent, active adults enjoying their retirement or provide vital support and care for seniors and their families, this is your premier opportunity to engage directly with your target audience.
Why You Should Exhibit • Dual-Market Reach: Connect with high-energy, active seniors looking for travel, fitness, hobbies, and financial planning, as well as adult children and caregivers seeking home care, assisted living, and wellness resources. • Direct Face-to-Face Engagement: Build trust, answer questions in real time, and demonstrate your products or services directly to locals. • Brand Visibility: Gain valuable exposure through our event marketing channels, including local print, digital campaigns, and event signage.
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