September 25, 2025

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION

A day to reflect and look forward

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25, 2025

LOCAL CALLS FOR SAFETY UPGRADES ON SEA TO SKY HIGHWAY

With tourism booming and traffic increasing, community leaders are urging action to make the Sea to Sky safer and more reliable—for residents and visitors alike

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

Squamish local Matthew Paugh is about all things transportation and tourism.

Honouring seniors

See our special feature PAGE B1

He is likely best known to many as an administrator of the 87,000-follower-strong Sea to Sky Road Conditions Facebook page He also created the Duffey Lake Road Conditions page He is the fleet operations manager of the Squamish Connector and president of the Canadian Tour Guide Association of British Columbia.

He drives on the highway daily.

Given his experience, Paugh has developed strong views on the Sea to Sky Highway.

He has collected thousands of signatures on a petition to improve safety on the highway.

When asked what he thinks is one of the top

things he sees going wrong on Highway 99, Paugh warns it is likely a controversial take.

“Locals thinking that because they know the road better, they’re entitled to do whatever they want on it Those same locals will blame tourists for not knowing the road,” he said “I won’t say that there is not an aspect of unfamiliarity with

the highway—that is an issue for some drivers.”

He uses the example of motorcycle riders.

“If they’re on a speed bike, a Kawasaki Ninja, for example, there’s no cargo capacity on that bike

HIGHWAY: Continued on 2

PHOTO BY MYKEL THUNCHER/FOR THE SQUAMISH CHIEF Mayor Armand Hurford told The Squamish Chief that the District’s Transportation Master Plan advocates for greater speed limit enforcement along the Sea to Sky Highway.

Squamish Seniors Expo SEPT 26

HIGHWAY: Continued from 1

“You have enough room to put your wallet and your phone on you. You’re not a tourist. You’re a local who is using the road as a highway—not a tourist that’s visiting it, and increasingly, you’ve been seeing motorcycle-related incidents on the highway.”

He notes that what happens on the highway impacts everyone who lives, works, and plays in the Sea to Sky Corridor

He says he sees the regular morning commuters each day, at 7 a.m., travelling southbound.

“It’s loaded with them,” he said, adding he sees a lot of dangerous driving, including speeding.

“If someone wants to sit somewhere just past the Shannon Falls lookout to that big uphill right there with a radar gun, I guarantee you, 20 or 30 kilometres an hour above the speed limit is the average,” he said.

Rush hour at the end of the day is less acute, he said, because people are leaving at staggered times, but there are still issues

“I have noticed end-of-day commuters from some of the workers in different areas—lots of big trucks, welding rigs, large four-wheel drives, just tired at the end of the day. At Darrell Bay you can take a look and see, big tracks of rubber as they’re flying [out].”

RCMP officials acknowledge concerns but caution against drawing conclusions without data

“I would be interested to see the data that leads to these claims,” said Cpl. Michael McLaughlin, media relations officer with the RCMP’s BC Highway Patrol

“BC Highway is well aware that the Sea to Sky is a destination for Metro Vancouver residents who like to drive excessively fast, and the high number of excessive speeders reflects that reality. At the same time, locals are not exempt from the problems of excessive speed on Highway 99. Our officers do not discriminate for excessive speed enforcement.”

For his part, Paugh commends the increased enforcement he has seen by BC Highway Patrol

over the last few months

But he also says that there are jurisdictional issues in the corridor, given the various communities throughout He has had situations where he tries to report dangerous driving and is told it is another jurisdiction’s issue.

He said he has also had officers seem not to be overly concerned with the dangerous driving he has reported

“It is frustrating when you have words and actions not quite aligning with mandates,” he said.

“The times when you want to see them, they’re not there—every Sunday morning between 7 a.m. and 8 a.m.—it’s just a massive flood of cars and bikes racing at first light.”

On this, the RCMP tasked with monitoring the highway said there is more going on behind the scenes than the public may realize.

“Scheduling and enforcement strategies are multi-layered,” said McLaughlin.

“Police have many priorities and limited resources, and our senior managers and road supervisors use provincial and local data, along with decades of on-the-road expertise, to constantly adjust priorities and scheduling in a way that maximizes the effectiveness of our frontline officers BC Highway Patrol is encouraged by our recent enforcement numbers and what appears to be a reduction in serious crashes on Highway 99 in 2025 Our current scheduling model appears to be effective,” he said

Added McLaughlin: “I would like to see the data that supports the assertion that one particular hour on Sunday morning is the most dangerous time to drive the Sea to Sky. I have no such information and would be surprised if it were true. It seems obvious that publicly committing to a one-hour stretch of enforcement would make it very easy for excessive speeders to adjust their behaviour to use the highway during the other 23 hours of the day.”

In terms of the obstacles to even more enforcement along the Sea to Sky than there is now, McLaughlin noted that police officers are an expensive resource, and funding is one of the limitations on any enforcement strategy

However, he said funding is by no means the only limitation

“There are many other public safety issues, such as domestic violence, drugs and organized crime, and Indigenous reconciliation that are constantly competing for additional police resources,” he said

CALLS FOR SPEED CAMERA ENFORCEMENT

Paugh would also like to see speed cameras along the highway.

“Point-to-point cameras,” he said, adding that even if the provincial government set them up to collect data on the highway, that would be a worthwhile exercise.

He acknowledges speed cameras are not a popular recommendation among the public, but he says they work, pointing to several studies.

“So, even if we were to have something down here similar for statistics purposes, I would be very happy, because then we would actually have hard numbers on a consistent basis over a period of time that aren’t relying on the anecdotes of social media posts or the infrequent traffic stops from the police.”

Asked about speed cameras, McLaughlin said it isn’t the Mounties’ job to weigh in on the issue.

“Police officers are tasked with enforcement, political leaders are tasked with establishing law and policy,” he said “Speed cameras fall firmly under the purview of law and policy, so it is not BC Highway Patrol’s place to publicly advocate for a political decision.”

Asked for the top offences on the Sea to Sky Highway, McLaughlin said he would have to see a statistical breakdown of a year or more’s work from BC Highway Patrol officers to be sure.

However, he asserted that speed is “certainly the number one issue on the Sea to Sky for BC Highway Patrol, and impairment is also a concern.”

Mayor Armand Hurford told The Squamish Chief that the District’s Transportation Master Plan (Action 3.1.6 ) advocates for greater speed limit enforcement along the highway.

“This would include the potential to advocate

If someone wants to sit somewhere just past the Shannon Falls lookout to that big uphill right there with a radar gun, I guarantee you, 20 or 30 kilometres an hour above the speed limit is the average.

MATTHEW PAUGH

for the use of speed cameras along the highway to help enforce speed limits,” he said.

West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote agrees with Paugh that speed cameras are a way to go

“The evidence is very clear—speed kills. In the absence of enforcement, some people will take unacceptable risks putting themselves and others in danger, and we see every day on the highway that speed limits are not respected,” he said “As we’ve seen again this summer, crashes often lead to highway closures, leaving whole communities trapped and frustrated. We’ve asked the Ministry of Transportation and Transit to explain why speed cameras are not being used, and haven’t had an answer There’s no doubt that speed cameras are unpopular, but worldwide they are the most effective tool to persuade drivers to respect safe speed limits.”

A BETTER GATEWAY?

Paugh would also like to see gates instead of the medians in certain areas, so that when there is a major crash, instead of closing the highway for many hours, a lane could be swapped out to let at least some traffic through.

HIGHWAY: Continued on 3

Carter

HIGHWAY: Continued from 2

He questions how much money is lost from shutdowns for local businesses and recounts how his own employer has to eat profits when there are shutdowns.

IMPACT ON BUSINESSES

Anne MacKenzie, executive director of the Squamish Chamber of Commerce, said that the organization has not conducted a formal analysis of the economic impact of highway closures.

“But it is clear that any extended shutdown of the only road in and out of Squamish has significant effects on the movement of people and goods,” she told The Squamish Chief.

“Following the Lions Bay landslide last year, the chamber met with the District’s emergency preparedness team to explore how we can best support one another when these incidents occur—whether that’s leveraging our communication channels to share accurate updates quickly, or by providing resources to help businesses strengthen continuity plans,” she added.

“These are important short-term measures Ideally, we would also see longer-term solutions: safety improvements through infrastructure upgrades and targeted speed enforcement in high-risk areas, as well as expanded transportation alternatives Improved regional transit would reduce vehicle congestion, while exploring options such as a high-speed ferry would provide a much-needed alternative when the highway is closed.”

WHAT ABOUT THE ENVIRONMENT?

When challenged that it’s perhaps good to force more folks out of vehicles and save the environment from the damage caused by so many vehicles, Paugh pushed back

“That argument, to me, doesn’t make sense, because if we have an increasingly decarbonized fleet of vehicles that people are driving, electric and hydrogen that are not emitting, they still

have to sit in the same issues The infrastructure issues are already a problem. whether it’s a fossil fuel, electric, or a hydrogen vehicle.”

Regarding rail, he said that it isn’t feasible on a single line But he did note there has been talk on Vancouver Island of having buses, like school buses, retrofitted to go on rail lines.

“There’s something that could be an option that’s not just sitting on the highway,” he said

Another concern of his and others in the corridor is the lack of communication about shutdowns and closures

It is often unclear how long the roads will be closed and if folks should try to turn around, find somewhere for the night or if the issue is just short-term.

He says he has talked to as many people in positions of power as he can about the issues with the highway, “trying to get some accountability.”

OTHER POSSIBLE FIXES

Paugh also thinks it would be wise for the provincial government contractor, Miller Capilano Maintenance Corporation, to intervene in a shutdown, to send a vehicle up through the middle and force people on both sides of the highway And have somebody stationed at the lights at Shannon Falls, for example, to guide people to turn around, “because there are a lot of people who just don’t want to sit in that traffic. They are much better off going back to Squamish or Whistler during these shutdowns to bide their time.”

He said, bigger picture, his employer is looking at ways to decarbonize its fleet, to reduce its impact on the environment, but there are obstacles to that.

He would love to see the District take its property and have a place for industrial chargers.

“This is a great opportunity to build an industrial charging section—that has chargers designed for fast charging for industrial-sized vehicles,” he said

“Imagine 100 buses having to stop or able to stop in Squamish for an hour or two a day for a

GOT NEWS?

charge, and the passengers related to it.”

Hurford told The Squamish Chief, that “so far, the District hasn’t been involved in any discussions around industrial charging.”

In terms of other District concerns on the highway, Hurford said that the Ministry of Transportation and Transit completed a corridor review in 2021, which found most of the key intersections required improvements for better safety and traffic flows as our community continues to grow

“The population estimates used by [the ministry] for the study underestimated the population growth in Squamish, meaning that Squamish is approaching the projected 2040 population used for the study,” he said. “District staff are working with [the Ministry to] advance improvements for key problem locations such as Mamquam Road, Garibaldi Way, Cleveland Avenue, and others.”

TOURISM SQUAMISH

Lesley Weeks, executive director of Tourism Squamish, said Highway 99 is the lifeline for Squamish’s visitor economy.

“Most visitors arrive by private vehicle, and more than half come for day trips, which means even short disruptions on the Sea to Sky Highway can have immediate impacts on local businesses,” she said

Weeks said that while Tourism Squamish does not directly track the effects of highway closures, past research from the Resort Municipality of Whistler found that from 2011 to 2016, the highway experienced nearly 700 hours of unplanned closures.

“Underscoring how vital this corridor is for all Sea to Sky communities,” she said.

According to Tourism Squamish’s 2023 Visitor Survey, 90% of trips to Squamish involve travel by private vehicle, whether owned, borrowed, or rented, and 51% of trips are day trips.

“This means visitors are heavily reliant on the highway being open, and closures can have a notable impact on visitation and local business revenues,” Weeks said

“For Squamish, short delays tend to shift the

timing of day trips, whereas extended or full closures can significantly affect local businesses The broader economic impacts, however, have not been specifically quantified for Squamish to date,” Weeks added.

“We recognize that lengthy shutdowns and peak-time congestion on the Sea to Sky Highway can be frustrating for both visitors and local businesses One way to minimize those impacts is by planning trips during off-peak times, whether that means travelling earlier or later in the day, during weekdays, or choosing to visit in the spring and fall, when Squamish offers just as much to experience,” said Weeks.

She added that another great option is to plan an overnight stay.

“This not only helps visitors maximize their time enjoying Squamish instead of sitting in traffic, but also supports local accommodations, restaurants, and experiences. We encourage visitors to plan so they can make the most of their time here,” she said

Tourism Squamish also strongly supports efforts to provide clear, timely information during incidents, which it shares through its channels to keep visitors informed.

“Getting accurate, consistent messaging out quickly helps visitors make decisions and reduces frustration,” Weeks said

Long-term, Tourism Squamish supports conversations around regional transportation solutions that can reduce heavy reliance on private vehicles, diversify access, and improve the overall resilience of the visitor economy, according to Weeks.

“Expanding reliable regional bus service is a key priority, as it provides a practical and immediate way to improve access for both visitors and residents. We are already engaged in advocacy efforts with local and regional partners on this issue, including work to advance ferry service as an alternative access option, and will continue to champion solutions that strengthen connectivity and reliability across the corridor,” she said

HIGHWAY: Continued on 5

LOCAL RIVERS OFFER GLIMPSES OF SALMON MIGRATION

The rivers around Squamish are teeming with life as millions of pink salmon make their way upstream

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

Experiencing natural phenomena in person can be life-changing.

Likely, many adults in B.C. can recall seeing salmon returning to rivers to spawn for the first time as kids

Now is a great time to take in the pink salmon spawn, currently visible in Squamish

The Pacific Salmon Foundation (PSF)’s Salmon Spotting map identifies the best public locations to see the fish’s eye-catching migration.

The map includes more than 90 familyfriendly spots with clearly marked trails and public viewing areas across not just the Sea to Sky, but also on the North Shore, in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, the Sunshine Coast, Southern Interior, and northern B.C.

“It’s a great way to understand how important they are,” said Bruno Carturan, data analyst with PSF, which is a non-profit environmental organization

“They are a keystone species, which means that if we remove them, if we lose those populations, the ecosystem, both in the land and

the ocean, will change. [This is] because along their extraordinary journey—where they go from the watershed to the ocean and they come back—they feed a lot of other species, including us, along the way,” he added.

“So, orcas and pinnipeds and then bears and

Thank youfor making adifference!

We would liketoextend our deepest thankstoeveryone who participated in theCommunity Shoreline Clean up on September 4th!

Your time,energy,and commitment to protecting our localenvironment made areal impact -together,weremoved375 lbs of litter and helped restore the natural beautyofour shoreline.

Let’s keep the momentum going and continue to be good stewards of our environment, one shoreline at atime.

With gratitude, SSA Marine Squamish

eagles, humans, and even when they come back and they die, they decompose—they go back in the soil and they even feed the plants.”

Carturan noted that isotopes of nitrogen from salmon have been found in the wood and tissues of trees.

“They become part of this entire ecosystem. They’re really essential species for the coast of British Columbia and the Yukon. So, coming and witnessing this, I think, is a great way to connect and to understand the beauty of it and the complexity of the world we live in, the biological world we live in.”

Carturan also noted that seeing the salmon spawn can be a way for children to learn about the life cycle, including death.

WHAT EXACTLY IS HAPPENING TO THE SALMON?

PSF explains that Pacific salmon are born in freshwater rivers, migrate to the ocean where they spend several years feeding and growing, then return to the stream they were born in as spawning salmon to reproduce and die.

WHERE TO GO

Carturan told The Squamish Chief that the water locally is milky due to glacial melt, but the fish can still be spotted.

One place where the water is running relatively clear, thus making it easier to spot the salmon, is in the Stawamus River, off the Mamquam Forest Service Road

SALMON: Continued on 5

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Tourism Squamish also supports ongoing measures to improve safety on the Sea to Sky Highway through enforcement, road design, or technology, as well as solutions that help traffic recover more efficiently after incidents.

“Fewer incidents mean fewer closures, leading to a safer and more reliable experience for visitors,” Weeks said

WHAT ABOUT REGIONAL TRANSIT?

Valeriote told The Squamish Chief he continues to work with regional partners and the BC NDP government to bring buses to the corridor “as quickly as possible.”

“As you’re aware, last December the BC NDP agreed—in their agreement with the BC Greens—’to implement frequent, reliable,

affordable regional transit … with a focus on Sea to Sky corridor transit in 2025.’ This work is ongoing; there are many parties involved—but we remain committed to the objective of getting a service up and running this year,” he said.

He added that it has to be acknowledged that every highway has capacity limits

“The solution—when communities grow—is to provide affordable travel options, so that families aren’t dependent on vehicles for every trip While some people will have no choice but to drive, fewer cars, overall, coupled with safer speeds and driving, is better for everyone.”

The Squamish Chief reached out to the Ministry of Transportation and Transit for its perspective. A spokesperson said they would respond to the questions posed, but were unable to make the press deadline

Going back more than a century, some runs saw approximately 40 to 48 million.

“If you go all the way to the bridge, that could be a great spot to see the salmon,” he said.

The Paradise Valley also provides plenty of opportunities to see salmon spawning in the Cheakamus River.

There is a trail around the Tenderfoot Creek Hatchery, too, that has interpretive signs that explain the process underway

Close to town, there are the Mamquam Spawning Channels, and where the Mamquam River enters the Squamish River.

Pacific Salmon Foundation tips for salmon spotting:

• Avoid walking in streams or letting pets enter the water, as this can disturb fish and harm their eggs

• Don’t poke at the fish dying along the shores

Let them die naturally.

“They’ve accomplished an extraordinary journey. Very few of them are making it back. They deserve to be left alone and just do their thing,” said Carturan.

• Keep your distance when water levels are high, and stay alert for wildlife, like bears.

• Dress for all weather, and consider bringing polarized sunglasses or binoculars to help you see the salmon.

• A camera and a salmon guide can help identify the species you encounter.

• Precipitation can push salmon along their migration journey, so they may be more visible in the days following rain

HOW ARE SALMON DOING?

Carturan said that there isn’t active monitoring of salmon numbers in Squamish, but data from the Fraser River, which can be extrapolated to apply to the Sea to Sky, show that it has been a good, though not amazing, year for pink salmon, which is what folks are seeing in local waters now.

In the Fraser, the count is 14.5 million pink salmon. The historical average—over 100 years—is 9.4 million.

“So, we are above that, but by quite a bit,” he said, though he notes that in the past there were higher years than this one.

In 2003, there were 24 million in the Fraser, he said.

And 2011 saw 20.6 million.

“So, it fluctuates,” Carturan said.

For sockeye salmon, many more have been seen than were expected, given it wasn’t supposed to be a dominant year.

Sockeye typically come back in big numbers every four years. Thus, 2026 is supposed to be the big return

Last year and the year prior, the count was at less than two million sockeye.

The historical average over 100 years is about 4.5 million

This year, the Fraser has seen almost nine million, with 9.3 million now anticipated by the end of the run.

The next salmon species coming back for Squamish is going to be chum, which is set to arrive at the end of September and into October.

Then it will be coho that are going to arrive a little bit after that, overlapping with chum for a period.

“We believe that we should see quite a few fish as well for those species,” Carturan said.

It isn’t all good news for salmon, though.

As many locals likely noticed, with the heat and dryness of the summer, some spawning channels have been quite dry.

It is a concern, Carturan acknowledged.

“It’s warmer than the average, and we can see the climate right now, it’s still warm—very sunny—and then the flows, they’re also lower,” he said

“That is why, despite having big numbers at the mouth of the rivers, we have to stay very cautious, and we’re expecting a lot of mortality on the way to the spawning grounds, because the temperatures are higher and the flows are lower.”

For the salmon that travel further inland to get to their spawning grounds, like sockeye, which sometimes face a 100-kilometre trip, conservationists are “very concerned, because they might just not make it,” Carturan said.

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Beyond getting out and seeing and learning about salmon, people can add to the salmon spotting map, and if they are able, donate or volunteer with local organizations that help salmon, such as the Squamish River Watershed Society and the Squamish Streamkeepers.

HIGHWAY: Continued from 3

SALMON: Continued from 4

NEW RESEARCH PROJECT STUDIES CLIMATE CHANGE AND RECREATION IN SEA TO SKY ALPINE

A new five-year research initiative is underway to understand how climate change and increased recreational use are affecting the fragile alpine ecosystems of B.C.’s Sea to Sky Corridor

JENNIFER THUNCHER

jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

It is no secret that there are more folks recreating in the alpine of the Sea to Sky Corridor

It is also no secret that our region is being impacted by climate change

A new initiative aims to examine how increased backcountry use and climate change are impacting the region’s alpine ecosystems.

“Mountain ecosystems are vulnerable to warming temperatures, causing accelerated loss of glaciers as well as cold-adapted plant and animal species. At the same time, backcountry traffic in coastal areas like Squamish and Pemberton has increased,” reads a release from the University of Victoria (UVic), which is leading the research project.

WHO IS INVOLVED

The goal of the project is to help stewards of the land make informed management decisions.

The team collaborating on the research includes academic researchers and staff from UVic, Simon Fraser University, the University of B.C., Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and BC Parks.

“We are extremely pleased to participate in this important work being undertaken in our territory,” said Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams, spokesperson and Nation councillor, in the release.

“During this research, our field technicians will provide oversight to ensure there is no disturbance in areas of cultural and archaeological significance to our Nation, while also collecting data on how climate change and recreational use are affecting higher elevations in the alpine The Squamish Nation has lived on this land for thousands of years, and our mission is to ensure it continues to exist in all its beauty for generations to come.”

Stated objectives of the project include documenting the Nation’s past and current relationship to the alpine, detailed documentation of alpine ecosystems, and evaluating the impact of global changes on alpine ecosystems.

The project will study multiple parks across the southwest Coast Mountains.

Noémie Boulanger-Lapointe, a UVic assistant professor of geography, is heading up the Alpine Horizons research initiative.

WHAT THEY HOPE TO LEARN AND CREATE

“The goal of this partnership is to co-develop integrative assessment tools that will be used by partner organizations to make evidence-based decisions regarding the management of natural resources, the protection of natural habitats, Indigenous stewardship practices, and geo-hazard risk management in mountain systems,” Boulanger-Lapointe said

“The idea—and it is ambitious, but we’ll try—is to take all of this great scientific information that we’re going to produce and make that into maps To help identify more sensitive areas, help identify maybe places where water quality is more fragile, and that should help the Nation and BC Parks make decisions about planning infrastructure.”

Boulanger-Lapointe noted that the project is also about building relationships and building bridges between all the different parties involved.

“Trying to see where interests align and also, where they do not align, and how we can take all of these into consideration and really have more knowledge of this land to protect it better,” she said.

In terms of what will be happening on the ground, Boulanger-Lapointe said research will include, among other things, wildlife monitoring via camera traps, having water sensors and

taking water samples throughout the summer months, vegetation surveys, and comparing historical photographs to the current landscape.

HOW IT STARTED

Boulanger-Lapointe told The Squamish Chief that the project builds on an earlier project started in 2022 in Garibaldi (Nch’ḵay) Provincial Park by UBC researchers.

The earlier iteration of the project focused on climate change and recreational impacts to alpine and subalpine plant communities in Garibaldi Park. While that work continues, this new Alpine Horizons program includes other research topics, such as Indigenous archaeology, aquatic communities, streamflow dynamics, wildlife, and more.

This five-year research project is funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) Alliance grant.

Boulanger-Lapointe said the team behind the project also wants to develop tools for people who go into the backcountry to help inform them of the research

HOW YOU CAN HELP

People are not only part of the problem; when it comes to the backcountry, they are key to a solution, she stressed

“The outdoors is really important. And I think in southern B.C., or in B.C. in general, it’s a big part of people’s identity,” she said. “What we’re trying to say is not that humans are bad, but humans are responsible for stewarding these landscapes. And so you can’t just go there and consume it, because it’s not going to be there anymore. We need to take care of it and make sure that it’s there for others to enjoy too.”

A way the public can help is by using apps like iNaturalist.

“These are increasingly used in research, and often they give us an abundance of data that, as researchers, we can never get just by ourselves,” she said

PHOTO BY WATEROTTER/ ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

A mother and son camping in Garibaldi Provincial Park

PHOTOS BY AAFREEN ARORA

THE ‘BEAR’ NECESSITIES: Black bears are still out and about in town. They are most active from April to November, but can be spotted all year.

Loggers East Storm SewerPhase 1

TheDistrictisupgrading storm sewer infrastructureinthe Loggers East neighbourhood to effectively manage heavier rainfall expectedwith climate change and accommodate growth.

An Integrated StormwaterManagement Plan in 2020, identified afloodingrisk in the Loggers East neighbourhood.Upgrades of the stormsewer system were recommended to mitigate therisk of floodingincluding the recommendation to constructnew stormsewer along Finch Diveand Loggers Lane

Phase 1–2025 and early 2026

Storm SewerUpgrades onFinch Drive

IMPACTS INCLUDE:

•Traffic impacts including single-lane alternating traffic conditions

•Construction noise and vibration due to construction activities.

•Short-term water servicedisruptions

•Construction hours will be 7a.m.to7 p.m. MondaytoSaturday.

Phase 2isplanned to be completedafter the EagleMountain Pipeline.

Moreinformation on the projectis availableonthe District’swebsiteat: squamish.ca/loggers-east-storm-sewer-upgrades

InfrastructureUpgrades

• Installation workonthe watermain near Bill’sPlace willresume on September 22.

•Sanitaryliftstation rehabilitation on PiaRoad continues.

•Watermain upgrade on Birken Road continues.

•Xwu’nekwParkSea Dike upgrades continue

•The Garibaldi Cemeteryexpansion upgrades areongoing.

• Installation of anew transit shelter on DiscoveryWay is underway.

•EV Charging Stations installation workatBrennan Parkcontinues.

•Workonthe Victoria Street Active Transportation Upgrades continues on Victoria Street,between Cleveland Avenue and Loggers Lane.

•Loggers East StormSewer projectcontinues.

Crosswalk Installations and SafetyUpgrades:

•GovernmentRoad beside Watershed Grill

•Buckley Avenue at Dentville Park

•Queens WayatResolution Way

•Queens Waybetween Commercial Wayand Pioneer Way

squamish.ca/building-our-future

HolidayHours

Tuesday, September 30

Municipal Hall Closed

BylawServices – Call 604-815-5067 forassistance 8 am–4:30 pm

Brennan Park Recreation Centre 9 am–3 pm

Public Works– Foremergencies: 604-815-4040 Office Closed

Squamish Fire Rescue – Foremergencies: 911 Office Closed

Squamish Public LibraryClosed

The55ActivityCentreClosed

DevelopmentReview

• 1126 Resolution Way –DevelopmentPermit

• Cheekeye: ParcelE(Apartments) –DevelopmentPermit

• Cheekeye: ParcelF(Townhomes) –DevelopmentPermit squamish.ca/review

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We areplanning aheadfor budget conversationsinOctoberand Novemberas Council reviews the 2026-2035 Financial Plan. Mark your calendarsfor community events!

BudgetBingo

October20,5–7pm atThe55ActivityCentre

CoffeewithCouncil October9

8–10am atBean&Co. (TheBrackendaleBean) 11am–1pm atCaffeGaribaldi 5–7pm atTheBackyard

FiscalCivicShowdown: TriviawithShaneFry

October23,6:30pm atPeakProvisions

Ice Arena Re-Opened! squamish.ca/rec/temporary-arena-closure-faq

Wednesday, October 1 from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

In celebration of National Seniors Day, The 55 Activity Centre will be hosting a 55+ Fall Activity Showcase Join us for a morning filled with fun, learning, and community connection!

Try out a variety of free mini-classes.

Explore programs available at The 55 Activity Centre and Westwinds.

Learn about the Men’s Shed

Enjoy a FREE Performances by the Women’s Iranian Choir and Women’s

Compete for fantastic prizes, and enjoy delicious refreshments.

Schedules for poolactivities including swimming lessons will be available to view onlineon October 1. Registration begins October 7at8a.m.

Pool Shutdown: September 3–October 17

This year’s shutdown has been extended in order to complete work relatedto the Brennan Park Recreation Centre renovation project.

LetsTalkSquamish.ca/budget-2026 For more information check out: InformationNight November12,6–8pm atHoweSoundInn&Brewing Drop-InChat withtheMayor November19, 11:30am–12:30pm atMunicipalHall(CouncilChambers)

Wednesday, October 1 11:30 am–12:30 pm

LOCAL VOICES HIGHLIGHT IMPACT OF RISING GROCERY PRICES IN TOWN

A litre of olive oil now costs more than double what it did five years ago—and that’s just one example of how everyday essentials have become unaffordable for many families

NoticeofDecision

TemporaryUse Permit No.TU000081

What’s Proposed

TemporaryUse Permit No.TU000081 seeks to allowyear roundtourist accommodation use in oneofthe studentresidence buildingsonthe Capilano UniversityCampus. Currently, underthe UC-1 zoning,tourist accommodation use is onlypermitted between May2 and August 31 of each year

AffectedLands

3021 UniversityBoulevard,Squamish, BritishColumbia

LOTBDISTRICTLOT 512GROUP 1NEW WESTMINSTER DISTRICT PLAN EPP17088

ProposedTemporary Uses

DespiteSection20.7ofthe UC-1 zone,yearround touristaccommodationuse is permitted.

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

Food is taking a bigger bite out of our budgets in Squamish We all know this

The latest BC Living Wage report, Food for Thought: Why is food so expensive in B.C., and what can be done about it?, which was funded by Vancouver Coastal Health, puts numbers and lived experiences to our general understanding.

The food component of a family’s budget has increased from $953.41 a month for a family of four in 2021, to $1,222 a month in 2024, a 28% increase in four years, according to the report.

As of January 2025, food prices increased 2.7% from 2024 and grocery store prices in B.C. have increased by 21.4% between April 2021 and April 2024.

“Food is the second biggest item in the family budget, with Canadians allocating 16.65% of their household budget to food purchases,” the report states.

Some things have gone up more than others

For example, the report documents a litre of olive oil rising from $7.93 in 2020, to $16.85 in January of this year

For parents, infant formula has seen a big jump, going from $29.41 for 900 grams of formula five years ago to $44.65 this year

Healthy options like salmon have risen from $25.20 per kilogram to $31.39

Squamish voices are prevalent throughout the report, showing the real-world impact of the high cost of food

“Potatoes are the most expensive. You get two potatoes and it’ll cost you about $3,” one local senior is quoted as saying in the report, which notes that a usually inexpensive staple like potatoes has seen prices increase to $4.61, up from $3.45 in 2020.

The Squamish perspectives throughout the report were collected through Kitchen Table

Talks with local organizations, including Squamish Helping Hands Society, Squamish Senior Living Society, Squamish Climate Action Network, Sea to Sky School District #48, Squamish Welcome Centre, and Sea to Sky Community Services

The Squamish Community Foundation helped bring local participants together for the Kitchen Table Talks, and Living Wage BC created sessions for seniors, people living with disabilities, migrant and low-wage workers, and new parents.

“Older people, single adults, people living with disabilities, migrant workers, and families are making difficult choices between groceries, rent, and health care. No single fix will end hunger, but coordinated policy action at all levels of government can make a real difference,” reads the local release from the foundation.

Karen Clarke, executive director of the foundation, said the report offers “really useful information” that helps make clear what is affecting people day to day in terms of food insecurity

“I think there’s an opportunity here to look at the report and see where there’s advocacy opportunities at all levels of government,” she said. “And not to say folks aren’t doing that already, but maybe there’s more that we can do in our community.”

THE LOCAL NEED

Lori Pyne, executive director of Squamish Helping Hands Society, told The Squamish Chief that in August, the Squamish Food Bank served 358 households—454 people, including children Pyne said that those figures have been similar every month the last few years, however some demographics have shifted.

“The new thing for us, and not just Squamish, but food banks in general, is it used to be that if

FOOD: Continued on 19

Location Map

TemporaryUse Permit Consideration

ConsiderationofTemporary UsePermitNo. TU000081 will be at theRegular BusinessMeetingon October7,2025at6:00p.m.inCouncil Chambersat Municipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue,Squamish,B.C

When

October 7, 2025,at6 p.m.

TheMeeting canbeviewed

In PersonatCouncil ChambersatMunicipal Hall,37955 Second Avenue, Squamish or electronically at: squamish.civicweb.net

No Public Hearing

As legislated,a Public Hearingwillnot be held.

Acopyofthe proposedTemporary UsePermitand relatedinformation that has beenormay be consideredbythe Council maybeinspectedonlineorat Municipal Hall

Onlineat: squamish.ca/showcase

Municipal Hall at 37955SecondAvenue, Squamish,British Columbia, from September25toOctober 7, 2025,between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.,Monday through Friday.

Enquiries regardingthe proposed TemporaryUse Permit maybemadetothe Planning Departmentat 604-815-5002 or by emailto planning@squamish.ca

Datedthis25day of September,2025, at Squamish, BritishColumbia.

PHOTO BY M-ART PRODUCTION/ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

In August, the Squamish Food Bank served 358 households—454 people, including children

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EDITORIAL

SENIORS MATTER

Itisour honour in this editiontocelebrate seniorsand Eldersinour community.

Acommunity wouldbeuntetheredwithout thoseofthe oldergenerations to guideand stabilizeit.

On Sept.2,Squamishcouncil proclaimed Oct. 1tobeSquamishSeniors Day.

This comesalmost35years afterthe United NationsGeneralAssemblydesignatedOct.1 as theInternational DayofOlder Persons, in December 1990

In Canada,the firstNationalSeniors Daywas celebratedonOct.1,2011.

Marlene Russell, presidentofthe Squamish 55+ CommunitySociety, said thelocal dayisin “recognition ofall that seniorsinSquamishdo to supportthiscommunity.”

Russellnotes theStatsCan2021census showed 5,000localsover55intownand she surmisesthatthere are likely quitea fewmore now.

“These valuable citizens arehistorians, volunteers,babysitters,tutors, coaches, drivers, valued friends, lovedgrandmasand grandpas,and much more,” shetoldThe Squamish Chief. “A Squamish SeniorsDay provides an opportunitytoshowappreciation tothe seniorsinthiscommunity,astheir many contributionsoften go unnoticed.”

Indeed.

To alllocal seniorsand Elders—thank youfor allyou do andgivetoour beautiful community.

The Squamish Chiefisa member of theNationalNewsmedia Council, whichisanindependent organization establishedtodealwithacceptable journalistic practicesand ethical behaviour. If youhaveconcerns about editorialcontent,please contactEditorJenniferThuncherat jthuncher@squamishchief.com.Ifyou arenot satisfiedwiththe response andwishtofilea formal complaint, visitthe websiteatmediacouncil.ca or call toll-free1-844-877-1163for additional information

Reproduction of anymaterial containedinthispublicationis expresslyforbiddenwithoutthe prior writtenconsent of thepublisher.

THE SQUAMISH CHIEF NEWSPAPER, PRINTED EVERYTHURSDAY BY LODESTAR MEDIA

38113 Second Avenue Box3500, Squamish BC,V8B

WALKINGTHE PATH OF RECONCILIATIONTOGETHER

GUESTCOLUMN SARAHTESLA

Every year on Sept.30, theNationalDay forTruth andReconciliation asks us to pause, reflect, and remember.Ithonoursthe children whonever camehomefromresidential schools, as well as the survivors, families,and communitieswho continue to carrythistrauma. It’s aday rooted in truth-telling, butalsoinaninvitation: how do we,assettlers, take responsibilityinwaysthatsupport real reconciliation?

Astartingpoint is to askwhatreconciliation actually means. Accordingtothe National Centre for Truthand Reconciliation (NCTR),itisn’t asingle eventora checklisttocomplete. Instead, it’s an ongoingprocess of buildingand maintaining respectful relationshipsbetween Indigenous and non-Indigenous people.Reconciliation isn’t something we achieveand move on from.It’sliving, evolving work.

Thehelplessness of ‘I can’t change the past’becomes ‘I can shapehow Ilivein thepresent.

SARAHTESLA

TheNCTRand theTruth andReconciliation Commissionoutline some keyelementsthatmake reconciliation possible.First is awarenessofthe past:learningabout thehistory andimpacts of residentialschools andothercolonialpolicies. Then comesacknowledging harm:naming thesuffering without minimizing it or turningaway. From there, reconciliation asks foratonement—takingresponsibilityfor thesystems andbehavioursthatcreated harm.Finally,itrequiresactiontochangebehaviour,inour personal lives, ourcommunities,and ourinstitutions.

This isn’teasywork. It asks us to face uncomfortable truths andtakeresponsibility, insteadof avoiding or rushingtowardquick solutions. Butitis also hopefulwork. Like healingfromtraumain therapy, reconciliation growsthrough truth, responsibility, andconsistentcare.

So, what does this look like in practice?

It canbegin with listening. Survivorsand Indigenous leadershavebeensharing their truths fordecades.Our role is to trulyhearthem, without turningaway, withoutrushing to solutions, and withoutexpecting Indigenous people to carrythe burden of educatingus. Listeningitselfisanact of respectand acknowledgement.

Next,wecan be proactiveabout learning. Books, films, podcasts, andlocal events offercountless ways to deepen ourunderstanding of colonial historyand itsongoing impacts. Learning also meansbecomingmorefamiliar with thelandwe live on andrecognizing theNations whohavecared foritsince time immemorial. This self-education

PATH: Continuedon11

Ha7lh skwálwen cht kwis emút cht iy sts’its’áp’ cht iy kw’shétsut cht na7tkwa temíxw tl’a Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw

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

PATH: Continued from 10

helps shift the weight of responsibility from Indigenous communities back onto settlers

Finally, reconciliation is a call to action Responsibility comes to life when we support Indigenous-led initiatives, whether that’s mental health programs, language revitalization, or land stewardship It also shows up when we question inequities in our communities, speak up against harmful stereotypes, and bring these conversations into our families, schools, and workplaces Through action, reconciliation moves off the page and into our daily lives.

When we step into responsibility, something shifts The helplessness of “I can’t change the past” becomes “I can shape how I live in the present.” That shift matters for our collective mental health, it helps reduce anxiety, builds connection, and gives our actions meaning.

Taking responsibility doesn’t erase the pain that was caused. It doesn’t make reconciliation easy or simple. But it does honour survivors, and it strengthens our own capacity to show up with compassion and courage. It acknowledges that while the past cannot be undone, the future is still ours to shape.

As Sept. 30 approaches, if you identify as a settler, I invite you to reflect on what reconciliation looks like for you. Rather than a single moment in time, explore this process as a practice One we return to again and again, with patience, humility, and a willingness to learn along the way.

Sarah Tesla a registered clinical counsellor based in Gibsons, the traditional and unceded territory of the Sḵwxwú7mesh (Squamish) Nation

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

PUT A GYM IN THE GYM

While the municipality is spending $21 million on renovations to Brennan Park, you’d think we could afford another $100,000 (chump change) to put a gym into the gym. Yes, it’s true we have some great

LETTERS POLICY

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QUESTION OF THE WEEK

What change would most improve driving on the Sea to Sky Highway?

Have your say at squamishchief.com

WEEK’S QUESTION

How comfortable are you talking to strangers in Squamish? (Top 3)

outdoor facilities I’m sure there are lots of folks who would like an all-purpose rec centre for those of us who don’t play hockey. It would also be nice if we got the tennis courts we were promised. Maybe even put the downtown courts back into service. Maybe even use some of the lights on the baseball diamonds and soccer fields for tennis and pickleball. Both are getting lots of participation.

Joe Filler Squamish

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

and clarity or to address legal concerns Email letters to: editor@squamishchief.com

MOST READ STORY

Mountaineering Club unveils new alpine trail to rave response

SET, DROP!: The Squamish Hospital Foundation held its annual Golf Ball Drop at Squamish Valley Golf Club on Sept 15 The fundraiser sees a Blackcomb

PHOTO BY CATHIE GREENLEES

READY,

PHOTO BY BRIAN AIKENS

CHARLOTTE’SWEB?: Have a photo to share? Send it in to news@squamishchief com

‘WE’RE ONLY STRONGER TOGETHER,’ SAYS INCOMING SQUAMISH NATION CHAIR SXWÍXWTN WILSON WILLIAMS

Williams emphasizes unity, mentorship, and cultural grounding as key pillars for leading through change

JENNIFER THUNCHER jthuncher@lodestarmedia.ca

The Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) general election will be held on Sept. 28 for the Nation council and band manager.

Because Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams was the only nominee for council chairperson, following the Nation Election and Referendum Law, he will be elected by acclamation to the role on election day. The chairperson leads the council, its activities and internal processes, as well as relations and advocacy with other governments

Williams replaces Khelsilem, who did not run for Nexwsxwníwntm ta Úxwumixw (Nation council) this time around

The current council was elected on Sept 26, 2021.

That election was the first to take place under the Squamish Nation Election and Referendum Law, which was approved in 2018.

The upcoming election is another momentous one.

In June, members voted for changes to the Nation’s Election and Referendum Law that are being implemented in this election

The changes include increasing the number of councillors from eight to 16 Regional representation—such as voting for councillors from areas like Squamish Valley has been removed. Additionally, only one immediate family member may serve on

council at a time Previously, there was no set limit.

The election also comes at a time when the Nation has a lot of forward momentum, specifically in terms of agreements with other levels of government—such as the land agreement with the province—and massive housing developments, like Senáḵw, on the south shore of Vancouver’s False Creek, which will have 6,000 rental units.

Williams is currently serving his third term on council and is one of two spokespeople for the Nation

The Squamish Chief caught up with the busy sports enthusiast—he is also president of the North Shore Indians Lacrosse Club —and father of three, for a discussion of the importance of the upcoming election and his approach to this new role of leading the elected council

What follows is a version of the conversation edited for length and clarity.

Q: Congratulations on being acclaimed. How do you feel about this election? There are so many changes involved with the new council, with a new number on the council.

A: I’m very excited for what’s ahead for the next four years with our governance and leadership of the Squamish Nation. I am fully encouraging all the candidates for putting their names forward, because it’s not a light task to do

In life, as Indigenous people, we are continuously breaking barriers and paving ways for not only ourselves, but for our community, and to have a good list of

TRC: Continued on 15

people who put their names forward this election, I couldn’t be more enthusiastic and proud of some of the people who are stepping forward. It’s a very diverse demographic, and I can’t wait for the people to speak and vote for who they please

At the same time, it’s an opportunity for people who are running to open a door where they get a taste of what it takes to be on council for the Squamish Nation

Even though the campaign doesn’t seem that long a road, it’s like a four-year degree put into a couple of months here.

Q: At all levels of government, it is increasingly hard to get folks to run, so to have more than 30 people running for the Nation, which has a relatively small population, shows a lot of enthusiasm for the future, it seems.

A: It does We changed our election referendum code and law. We’re listening to our people And we had that vote prior to the elections being announced and the candidacy this year. The numbers for council changed and

increased.

It’s a longer process than we had historically, where we would all get in a room on a Sunday for a nominations day, where someone would nominate a candidate, there was no kind of accountability, or a criminal record check or driver’s abstract and no requirement to get 100 signatures Before, it was just at a meeting and someone would say, “Yeah, I’ll run and put my name forward and try to hope for the best.”

So now there’s things in place that really unleash people’s passion and motivation, and also unleash old cultural teachings letting people know who you are and where you come from. Personally, my daughter just turned 18 and she’s voting age, and the election has sparked dinner table conversation. For our two youngest daughters, too. My middle daughter’s like, “Well, they should have an unofficial youth vote to see what is in the interest of youth.” That triggered so much in me I may pitch that idea of a mock youth vote We want to get our youth involved

PHOTO BY PAUL MCGRATH / NORTH SHORE NEWS Nation councillor and spokesperson, Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams

TheDistrict of Squamish recognizes September 30 as a daytoreflectonthe ongoing impacts of residential schools,and to honour the lost children andSurvivors.

Truth and Reconciliation Commission Call to Action 57 is embeddedintoour organizational culture, actions and strategies as we advanceour commitmenttolearning and honouring Skwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw(Squamish Nation), and their territory.All DistrictofSquamish staff are provided with ongoing cultural learning opportunities and resourcesthrough workshops, teachings,and events.

Please join us on ourlearning journey.Acollectionofresources on Truth and Reconciliation and the impactofcolonizationonIndigenous communities is available atthe Squamish Public Library: squamishlibrary.ca/indigenous-resources

Allare invitedtoattend the Skwxwú7mesh ÚxwumixwTruth and Reconciliation walk

Starting from WinnipegStreetand ClevelandAvenue 12:30 pm, Tuesday, September 30 Downtown Squamish

in the governance of the Nation, because it’s part of our mentorship and grooming

My late father-in-law, who served on council for 36 years, Byron Joseph, always said that we need to get our youth involved in governance at a younger age rather than getting them at 25, 30 years old, or 40 He said that if they’re not going to put their name forward, at least they’re involved in the governance and the issues, initiatives, and the governance structure of the Nation.

My middle daughter, who’s kind of a young activist at heart, makes me accountable every day and asks me a bunch of questions.

Q: Not to turn negative, but there have been candidates who have had their campaign signs destroyed during the campaign. Can you speak to that?

A: If I were going to say a message, just respect the candidates who put their name forward. It’s a big task It’s a big plunge into opening themselves up to vulnerability. We have to lean on our teachings. No matter what differences we have with anybody or themselves—some people fight their own demons—respect should be at the forefront, especially respecting our families, because we’re only stronger together. We want to walk together with our people, and we can’t do that if people keep holding each other back and pulling people down.

Q: Looking at the next four years, there are so many massive things that the Nation has underway—there’s housing development, of course, which is huge. What are some of the other key opportunities and challenges that whoever’s elected needs to be ready for?

A: Having the fortune of being acclaimed, and I’m so honoured and blessed and humbled by my place right now in life that I’m able to work behind the scenes with some of our executive staff and our current council in regards to the transition and have that voice to help prepare things for this transition

We don’t want to overwhelm new council members—going from eight to 15. We want to make sure we walk appropriately, so we don’t get the cart ahead of the horse, where it’s just, here’s a bunch of information for two weeks, and now we expect you to serve our people.

So we’re actually being mindful. We’re looking at a couple of retreats, we’re looking at doing orientations—meetings away from the community and in some of

our villages.

That will be where we can meet some of the leadership there and the municipalities, but at the same time, getting orientated with some of the initiatives we’re doing in each area, and getting the newly elected comfortable and building that camaraderie and goals and objectives and getting to know each other in that professional setting where there’s going to be a lot of intimate meetings and frank conversations over the next four years. So, getting to know how we function, individually and collectively. I’m really looking forward to the swearing-in ceremony too. We’re really going to empower the leadership that is elected. I won’t share everything, but we’re looking at honouring the past, where we come from, and our leadership of the past, and our hereditary chief system, and really inviting the community out. Four years ago, because of COVID, we couldn’t do a big swearing-in. This one will be in early October, right after the election, but we are confirming the date We are working with staff right now – we want to continue with all these initiatives without holding them back If we have certain time frames we need to meet, say, we’re going to meet on Senáḵw, for example, and we have a timeframe of a month or two, we would make sure that Nch’ḵay would come forward with orientation around that for new council members. And then we want to activate the right admin support staff too to help individual councillors. When meetings aren’t on, new councillors can get their feet wet and learn from some of our admin staff who are the experts on some of the files from our Squamish Nation and in Nch’ḵay entities.

In terms of priorities, in addition to housing, we really want to concentrate on the health and wellness of the community. We declared a community Health State of Emergency in 2024 over toxic drug overdoses and overdose deaths Every community is suffering with this, but as a focal point in ours, when we start losing 30-plus people a year, whose lives are cut short due to substance abuse and toxic drugs and mental health Part of that is in the fighting to get out of poverty. So, we create that evolution of independence, but at the same time, lean on our culture and our teachings. I’m a firm believer that there are a lot of people who get lost in their lives because we’re still struggling with integration into Western society. We want to uphold people’s individual gifts at a young age so they have that meaning and connectivity to their life ahead. A big part of that is how you’re going to help give back to your community. There’s that

inter-generational trauma that’s still apparent Though not as strong as it was in the last few generations, it’s still there, and that’s something that is a big focal point. We want to still strive for economic wealth and independence as a Nation, and really, look at how the next seven generations of our people look and find a balance there.

Q: There is so much going on in the Nation, and you, as spokesperson, are pulled in a lot of directions. What’s your strategy, or your personal philosophy, to stay grounded and get through it all?

A: It’s easy to get overwhelmed, and I can sit here and feel like I’m stiff because there’s so much going on, but through the 12 years of serving our people as an elected official and the last four years as a spokesperson, I think what has most importantly grounded me is a foundation of our culture and teachings. I didn’t realize this until I got on council, it kind of feels like I’ve been groomed my whole life to help give back to our people I have such big praise for my parents for being socialites and having friends and family over, and I can say it so confidently now, I

come from a political lineage on both my parents’ sides. The hereditary chief system on my dad’s side, and my great-grandfather being Andy Paull, and the lineages there connect me directly to politics anywhere I look within our families

Nexwníw/xwniw means upbringing, and that is what I was referencing. At the same time, we have got the infrastructure within the Nation that we’ve never had. You look at the Nch’ḵay Development Corporation, which is our economic development driver, and you look at Hiyám Housing, which is addressing our housing crisis within that entity.

We’re a very young Nation, so when you ask about building capacity, it’s just about bringing people’s gifts out and being able to allow them the space to go get that higher education, finding career paths. But we are in a position now where we can help groom our young people to certain careers and educational avenues. Where we can live, work and play, in our own backyard, you know, start building our own economy, where we’re supporting each other.

NoticeofTax Sale

MH Reg#4441 13-40022 GovernmentRoad

Noticeisherebygiven thatpursuanttoSections 645 & 647 of the Local GovernmentAct,the properties listed below maybeofferedfor saleon Monday, September 29, 2025, at 10 am,inCouncil Chambers,Municipal Hall,37955 Second Ave, Squamish, B.C.,unless the delinquenttaxes plus interest arepaid

015-270-131

88-38179 WestwayAvenue

Lease/Licence#243115

Group 1, NewWestminsterLand District,Manufactured Home Reg.#4441, Bay#13, 08338 Wagon Wheel AKAAngelo’s Manufactured Home Park,MHP Roll #08-338-400-0067701.000

LT 4DL833 NWD PL VAS2549 BCAGRP 1

DL 4268 NWDBCAGRP 1LSLCNCNMBR 243115 LNDBRNCHFLNMBR 2408480

Seeking LibraryBoardMembers

TheMunicipal Librarywas established in 2003 pursuanttothe provisions of the LibraryAct of British Columbia

TheLibraryBoardhas the responsibilityfor oversightofthe deliveryofpublic libraryservices in the District of Squamish. TheBoard consists ofone member of Council and eightmembers of the public appointedbyCouncil.Members of the Boardwill serve withoutremuneration.

Please notethatunder Section 648 of the Local GovernmentAct aperson authorized by council maybid forthe municipalityuptoa maximum amount set by council.

Anyperson upon being declared the tax sale purchaser must paythe full amountofthe purchase price by cash, debit or certified cheque by 3 pm the same day. Failuretopay will result in property being offeredfor saleagain at 10 am on the following business day. Property purchased at the tax sale is subjecttoredemption by the registered property ownerwithin one year from the date of the annual tax sale.

TheDistrictofSquamish makes no representation express or implied as to the condition or qualityofthe properties being offered forsale.

Thepurchase of atax sale property is subjecttotax under the Property Transfer TaxAct on the fair market value of the property.

This is the thirdofthree such publications of this noticedated September 25, 2025.

TheDistrictofSquamish acknowledges thatpayments fordelinquenttaxes mayhavebeen received during the period which the listings areprepared and their subsequentpublication in the newspaper.

Stage 1Outdoor WaterUse

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Please indicate on yourapplication any particular interests,experienceor qualifications youhavein relation to public library services

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Continued from 9

you got injured or you lost your job, you would use the food bank two or three times until you changed your situation. But now, most people who are coming have jobs—and 70% of them pay market rent,” Pyne said

“It’s people with jobs that are choosing rent over food.”

Pyne said while rents have increased 50% in five years, wages have not kept pace

While there aren’t hard numbers to prove it, Pyne said anecdotally in Squamish, she sees more seniors in need.

“The reason I know that is because seniors in our housing programs are going up, and if people are choosing housing over food, that means those seniors are definitely accessing food,” she said

“There’s a food security spectrum, just like there’s a housing spectrum And so some seniors may be able to afford the basic staples, but they can’t afford the extras, and so they need a food bank to access the extras.”

Pyne said the food bank is looking at ways to increase food accessibility. An idea might be a pop-up food bank day in different neighbourhoods or having times at the food bank for seniors—ways to make people feel more comfortable shopping for their food needs.

“We’re looking at how to kind of destigmatize—normalize—accessibility for the food bank,” she said

In addition to what is provided by the food bank, the society also provides 120 people a day with a hot meal through its Under One Roof

Meet Aphrodite!

kitchen.

The society also sees about 75 seniors accessing Meals on Wheels.

Pyne notes that food programs also foster connection.

“I think food banks are important because it’s the community taking care of community. It’s that connection piece, too,” she said

PROPOSED SOLUTIONS

The solutions are multi-pronged and aimed at every level of government

Ensuring people earn a living wage is one solution offered in the report

Over the past four years, the living wage meaning the wage per hour needed to meet needs—has increased in Metro Vancouver, from $20.52 per hour in 2021 to $27.05 in 2024, marking a 31% increase

The report also recommends increasing the minimum wage in B.C. to $20 per hour, up from the current $17.85 per hour (as of June 1, 2025).

“Policies that support local farmers and food systems, independent grocers, bulk-buy programs, fair wages, and equitable access to food can help make nutritious food affordable for everyone,” are some solutions offered in the Squamish Community Foundation news release. “Governments at all levels and across all departments need to work together to develop solutions to bring down the cost of food and address food insecurity It is also essential to include the voices of those most affected by food insecurity and unaffordability.”

Clarke stressed that local small businesses are feeling the pinch as well

“There is so much pressure here on small business, all around, on local business, and none of this information is meant to make it harder for these folks,” she said.

“It truly is an awareness piece for everyone. How do we support our small businesses in this way? And I think that’s one thing in the report around the solutions that was beneficial,” she added.

“Are there alternative ways for us to buy food that could make it more affordable, like buying groups and smaller grocery stores Is that more sustainable for us? And grocery outlets that support local farmers. It’s really looking at a more sustainable future for ourselves.”

How food became so unaffordable is complex, ranging from farming failures resulting from climate change, to, among other causes, inflation, Canada’s dependence on imported food items, to staffing issues and grocery stores’ record profits linked to monopolies.

Pyne said that the big picture is that food is health care and housing is health care.

“And we have got to start looking at it as health rather than a basic need,” she said.

The BC Living Wage report lays out the impact the current financial strain many are under.

Impacts include declining health, as people have less access to regular healthy meals, a decline in productivity, and more mental illness.

While the cost of living impacts everyone, it doesn’t do so equally.

BC Centre for Disease Control research found household food insecurity is most common in homes where individuals identify as Indigenous (30.7%), Arab/West Asian (27.6%), or Black

(22.4%).

There is also a rural-urban divide, with people living away from big city centres paying more for food.

“Rural food costs are higher due to limited access, fewer retail options, and long transportation distances,” the report reads. “Smaller populations discourage large chains, leaving residents to rely on expensive, smaller stores with limited selection. This drives up prices for basic groceries, putting additional pressure on low-income households.”

This applies to Squamish

“Lots of people travel to Vancouver because there are more options there for different types of grocery stores and different costs of food,” a Squamish non-profit worker is quoted as saying, in the report

HOW YOU CAN HELP

Pyne notes that the Thanksgiving Food Drive is this Saturday.

“If you didn’t get a notice to your door mat, you can bring food directly to Squamish Helping Hands and just donate at our front desk anytime between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” she said.

“The donation of money is always better for the society, because we have higher buying power, but otherwise we’re looking for nutrient-dense foods, so staples, things like rice, pasta, peanut butter, protein, beans.”

She also notes that the food bank is for Squamish residents.

“If you come from out of town, we ask that you seek services in your own community,” she said

Aphroditeisa people pleaseras sheloves to be around humans and is social,affectionate, playfuland an all-around amazingyoung cat. She does notlikeother cats andwill need to be theonlyfamilypet in her newhome. Aphroditeisa catthatwould adapttoa family,a couple or even a single person as sheiseasygoing andjust wantstohavesomeone to love her.

Judy (Cochrane)Rencz

September10, 1953 –September 9, 2025

Judy“Judz”RenczpassedawaypeacefullyonSeptember 9,2025,surroundedbyfamily,justtwohoursshyofher 72ndbirthday

SheislovinglyrememberedbyhersonsGibsonRencz (Jenna)andMikeyRencz(Jess);heradoredgrandchildren Carter, Kennedy,Chili,and Rocket;her identicaltwin sister WendyJohnson to whom we give many thanks (andhusbandKim),sisterDonna,brotherGord;nephewsColin,Bryan,Robbie;niece Sydney;aswellasmanyotherextendedfamilyandfriends.Shewaspredeceasedby herparents,MickeyandElma“Shelly”Cochrane

BorninSaskatoonandraisedinCalgary,Judybuiltalifefilledwithadventureand service.Shespent20yearsinCanmorebeforemovingtoWhistler,andeventually settledinSquamish,whereshefoundawarmandvibrantcommunity

Judzwasanavidgardener,passionatebirdenthusiast,andaproudvolunteerwith theSquamishEagle Watch. Shealsocontributed hertimetoBearAware,always findingpurposeinprotectingwildlifeandsharingherloveofnature.Herinfectious smile,boundlessenergy,andgenerosityofspirittouchedeveryonewhoknewher. Thefamilywishestoextendheartfelt gratitudetoSquamishHospice,Squamish GeneralHospital,andthemanynursesanddoctorswhocaredforJudzwithsuch kindnessandcompassion

Inlieuofflowers,donationsinJudy’smemorymaybemadeto SeatoSkyHospice

Previously Century21, ouroffice hasbeen providing exceptional real estate salesand rental accommodation services in the SeatoSky Corridor &throughoutBC.

Bunbury &Associates Land Surveying Ltd.

NowHiring: Junior Surveyorand/or Surveyor’s Assistant in our Squamish Office

About the Role: Physicallydemanding position

Qualifications: Strong problem solving skills and attention to detail

Howtoapply:

Please submit your resumeand coverletterto Squamish@Bunbury-Surveys.com

ROUTES AVAILABLE

Garibaldi Highlands Route 54: Pentland Way HighlandsWay N Greenwood Way

3/4th year apprentices and Journeymen electricians needed. Residential and commercialprojectsin Whistler and Squamish.

Wages based on experience Vehicle, travel, medical benefits, overtime provided

Email: admin@baseelectric.ca

Contact Denise 604.892.9161 Ext. 45231 dconway@squamishchief.com

EmployeeHealth &WellnessPlan

HEAVYEQUIPMENT OPERATOR – Minimum5years or 5,000 hours operating experience on excavator.Full-time, Monday –Friday.$33-$46 per hour.

CRUSHING &EARTHWORKS MANAGER– Must have experience with mobile crushing plant and heavy civil construction. $33-$46 perhour.

CONSTRUCTION LABOURER – Greatopportunity to learnon-the-job. Stamina for physically demanding work and perseverance to brave inclement weatherrequired. Previous experience preferred but not required.Training provided. $28-$33per hour

PIPE LAYER –Minimum 5years experience in civil construction Full-time, Monday –Friday.$33-$43 per hour

TRUCK DRIVER –BCDL Class 1orClass 3withair brakes required.Manual transmission. 2years experience preferred. $35-$41.50 per hour.

PROJECT MANAGER –Minimum 10 years experience preferred.Civil Engineering degree or Civil Technology diploma preferred. Full Time,$90,000to$125,000per year depending on experience and qualification.

PROJECT COORDINATOR –Minimum2years experience preferred.$29-$40 per hour

ACROSS

1. Current measure, forshort 4.Huck’sboat

8. Wilts

12. Douglas

13. Awoodwind

14. October gem

15. Summer drink

16. Funny_

17.Sub shop

18. Parachutepart: 2wds.

20.Gold puritymeasure

21. Reach

23. Rosary component

26.Gathered

31. Apprehend 34. Creepier 35. Skin design 36. Just

37.Top’s counterpart 41.Dull pains

45. Dangers

49.Feet of_

50.Sample tape

51.Suffer

52. Grade

53. Prayer ender

54.Use snowrunners

55. Wool producers

56. Simple

57.Inthe know

DOWN

1. Out of range

2. Skirtstyle 3. Get ready

4.R2-D2, e.g.

5. Cancel aspacelaunch

6. Henry or Jane 7. 20th letter

8. Cola, e.g. 9. Imitator

10.Festiveevent

11. Narrow gash

19.Military student

20.Joint

22.Great wrath

23. Baseball stick

24.Chapter in history,perhaps

25. Gallery exhibit

27.Pleasing smell

28. Dowel

29.Wiggly sea creature

30.Not wet

32. Cries

33. Also

38. Subject

39.Meeker

40.Atmospherelayer

41.Land division

42. Animal’snail

43. Detest

44.Organs of sight

46. Hasty

47.Embankment

48. Fall

50.Water barrier

Crossword puzzle answers use American spelling

LASTWEEK’SANSWERS:

HOROSCOPE WEEK OF SEPT 25, 2025 -OCT 1, 2025

ARIES March21-April19

Change canbescary,but it canleadtoincredible opportunities.You’ll find balance in yourhome,work and love life,enabling youto resolveconflicts and achieve happiness.

TAURUS April20-May20

Rushedagreementsoften lead to problems.Toavoid future complications,takethe time to discuss and clearlydefine all terms. Focusonthe details to significantlyincrease your chances of success.

GEMINI May21-June 20

Preparefor abusyweek on the job! Meticulous organization and efficient work methods will boost yourincome and increase yourlikelihood of receivinga promotion. You’ll inspireyour teamasyou lead by example

CANCER June 21-July 22

Your hard work will finallypay off.You’ll be applaudedfor yourachievements.Expectto receiveamedal to symbolize yourvictory. You’ll hear the word “respect”uttered about you frequently, whichwill boostyourself-esteem

SUDOKU

LEO July 23-Aug. 22

Nowisanexcellenttime to consider buyingaproperty, and you have the resources to do so.Yourfamilywill support you,bothfinanciallyand emotionally. If you’reinanew relationship,you’llseriously consider movingintogether quitesoon.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept.22

Take some time to treat yourself and relax. If you want to travel somewherenew, plan yourroute carefullywith aGPS apptosavetime and avoid gettinglost.

LIBRA Sept.23-Oct. 22

Take the leap and apply for yourdream jobatthat amazingcompany.This bold move will resolveyour financialworries and setyou on the path to achievingyour goals.Action is the keytoyour success.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov.21

It’s time to make some changesinyourlife.Doing so will help you find the tools you need to takeyourjourney in amorefulfillingdirection. The lawofattraction is on your side

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec.21

Greatopportunities await you,bothprofessionallyand personally. Beforemaking anydecisions,analyze each situation carefully. Seek advice from trustedsources who can help you seethings from a differentperspective.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19

Letthe warmth of yourloved ones envelop you and bring you peace.Bytappinginto your creativityand following your heart, you’ll create something exceptional. Everygreat project starts with adream;don’t be afraid to dreambig!

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb.18

Your hard work will payoff and could even lead to an unexpectedpromotion. If you adopt ahealthier lifestyle,you’ll seevisible results in no time. Don’t forgettoembrace joyand harmonyinyourlovelife

PISCES Feb. 19-March20

Exploreyourinner self through aspiritual practice.This will bringunexpectedrichnessinto yourlife.You’ll find yourplace within agroup,forgingstrong bonds.Get readyto go on an excitinggetaway plannedby yoursignificantother

HOWTOPLAY:

Fill in the grid so that every row, every column and every 3x3box contains the numbers1through 9only once. Each 3x3box is outlined with adarker line. Youalready have afew numbers to getyou started. Remember: youmust not repeat the numbers1through 9in the same line, column or 3x3box

Mark your calendar and bring a friend!

Discover a vibrant array of exhibitors showcasing products and services tailored for seniors. During our breakout sessions, professionals will offer interesting and timely information. Come down and savour light refreshments while connecting with your community. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore, learn, and have fun!

PRESENTING SPONSOR: SILVER SPONSOR: VENUE SPONSOR:

BRONZE SPONSORS: Friday Sept 26, 2025 12:00 – 3:30 pm 55+ Activity Centre 1201 Village Green Way, Squamish

EXPLORE AND CONNECT AT THE SENIORS EXPO 2025!

What to eat to promote a healthy heart

A healthy heart is essential to maintaining your active, independent and vibrant lifestyle as you get older. But did you know that nearly half of the average Canadian’s calories come from foods that are detrimental to your heart health?

Instead of choosing ultra-processed foods containing poor-quality fats, high sugar and excessive salt, try these nutrition tips to help you keep your heart healthy.

FOCUS

ON FIBRE

Fibre helps slow down sugar absorption and contributes to lowering bad cholesterol and blood pressure Aim to “eat the rainbow” at every meal by including a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains and legumes.

REPLACE SATURATED AND TRANS FATS

Swap saturated and trans fats for healthier options like olive oil and avocado. You should also include foods like freshly ground flax seeds, chia seeds and natural nut butters. These healthy fats help maintain healthy cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of arterial plaque buildup.

GET ENOUGH LEAN PROTEIN

Incorporate skinless poultry, beans and lentils into your diet as heart-friendly choices. Fatty fish such as salmon and mackerel are especially beneficial due to their omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and lower the risk of heart disease.

Lastly, make sure to stay hydrated and limit sugary drinks and alcohol. Talk to a dietician-nutritionist for personalized recommendations Newsletter Toolbox

Do you know about the benefits of regular stretching?

As you get older, your flexibility tends to decrease, which can lead to limited mobility and reduce your independence. Physical exercise is essential for staying fit, and stretching is vital to maintain overall functionality. Here’s how regular stretching can benefit you.

IT REDUCES PAIN

Everyday activities put varying degrees of stress on your bones and muscles. Regularly stretching helps maintain muscle elasticity, enabling you to better absorb impacts and protect your joints and spine from pain

When you trip or lose your balance,

your muscles work to correct your posture. Gently stretching five to seven times a week can help you keep your muscles flexible and strong to help prevent falls and avoid injuries

IT IMPROVES INDEPENDENCE

By incorporating routines like stretching, yoga or Pilates into your daily life, you can make everyday movements easier For example, flexible muscles allow you to bend down to pick up dropped items with less effort and lift your arms to put on a sweater more easily Ultimately, improved flexibility can help you complete your daily tasks with less fatigue, which is essential for maintaining your independence

By incorporating routines like stretching, yoga or Pilates into your daily life, you can make everyday movements easier.

and boosting your psychological wellbeing. Short daily stretching sessions tailored to your abilities may be all you need to stay limber.

Additionally, you may want to consider massage therapy or other treatments to regain flexibility If you’re ever unsure or experiencing pain, don’t hesitate to consult a healthcare professional

LAW ENFORCEMENT WARNS OF UPTICK IN FRAUD AND SCAMS AGAINST LOCAL SENIORS

Vulnerable populations such as newcomers and the elderly have been targeted

WILL JOHNSON

For The Squamish Chief

If it seems too good to be true, then it probably is

Earlier this year, law enforcement held an information session for Squamish seniors, educating them on the wide variety of scams currently being used against vulnerable populations And though there are a multitude of fraudulent schemes out there, safeguarding yourself is relatively simple, according to the RCMP’s media spokesperson Const. Kelly Wu

“We were finding during Christmas and tax season, there is an increase in scams and fraudulent activity happening, so we took it upon ourselves to put on a presentation and take it out to the public, so hopefully they can protect themselves from this happening in the future,” she said.

Here are some of the scams for seniors to look out for in Squamish

SUBSCRIPTION SCAMS

It seems fine at first, but then the products you paid for stop coming.

“One of the big ones is subscription traps. A product comes out that you want, like skin cream or something like that, and you put money down for a monthly delivery, and then suddenly you’re not getting it,” said Wu.

Sometimes the scammers seem to be coming from big companies like Amazon, but then they claim to have trouble delivering.

“People will receive a message, someone posing as Amazon, for example, saying their package can’t be delivered unless you pay a certain amount It might seem completely legitimate,” she said.

These sorts of requests aren’t made by legitimate retailers, and if you receive them, you should report it

“This is why it’s important that before you sign up for anything, you investigate it first before handing over any information about your identity or paying money.”

FAKE CONTRACTORS

They say they want to help, and they want to deal in cash.

Maybe you get a knock on your door one day, and a contractor tells you that you need work on your roof—and they can do it for cheap. They tell you that they’ll give you a special deal, but you have to pay in cash up front. Then, when it comes time to do the actual work, they disappear.

According to Simone Lis, CEO of the Better

Business Bureau, you should never agree to under-the-table offers like this

“When you hear they want you to pay cash, that’s a red flag, and you should walk away. Do your research, get their business card and check the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to see their history. You should always be paying tax,” she said

“At the Better Business Bureau, we have a long history. We’ve been around since 1912 across North America and since 1939 locally.”

The BBB creates profiles for businesses that detail how long they’ve been in operation and whether they’ve ever received complaints and issues a rating If they meet their standards, they grant them an accreditation seal that is displayed on their website.

If you can’t find the business on their website, or if you learn they have previous infractions, then it’s time to walk away

PHISHING SCAMS

All it takes is a conversation

Canadian seniors, in general, are a polite and friendly lot, which is why they might stay on the phone or chat in person longer than they should. Some may even be suspicious they’re talking to a scammer, but will let them keep talking out of sheer curiosity.

“Don’t do it Don’t be afraid to say no, and

don’t be afraid to be aggressive Once you’re having a conversation with a scammer, that’s their world, and they can easily get information from you,” said Lis.

This is called a phishing scam, and the information they’re trying to glean from you is multifaceted. They can gather it in a variety of ways—in person, over the phone, by email or over the internet through social media. Once they have your credit card details or banking information, they’ve won, and you will feel the financial repercussions.

Sometimes they’re trying to steal your money, other times your identity

“You may get an email from your bank saying there’s money waiting from CRA, and it preys on fear to make you respond very quickly,” said Lis.

“Banks don’t actually communicate in this way, so if you get an email or text like this, don’t respond. In Richmond and North Vancouver, we heard they’d issued an alert saying something’s wrong with your banking information, and they were coming to collect your bank card to see what’s going on. In one scenario, an older Canadian lost $23,000.”

EMERGENCY SCAMS

It’s a nightmare nobody wants to experience With the rising use of AI, it’s becoming

Once you’re having a conversation with a scammer, that’s their world, and they can easily get information from you.

SIMONE LIS

easier for scammers to emulate somebody’s voice. If they can get access to a loved one’s voice, they can then fake an emergency call saying they’ve been kidnapped and demanding ransom.

“What happens is a parent or grandparent gets a call from who they believe is their child or grandchild, saying they’ve been kidnapped, and you have to pay money to get their child released That is one method that does happen,” said Wu

“That’s scary for anybody to get that call, and the easiest way to verify is to call the cell phone of that person to verify it’s them and call the RCMP right away.”

PHOTO BY ALESSANDRO BIASCIOLI/ ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS No matter what your age, there are scammers trying to take advantage. Be particularly vigilant around Christmas and tax season, authorities warn

activities to keep fit after 50

Want to stay healthy for as long as possible? In addition to eating well and getting plenty of sleep, keeping active is essential.

If you’re over 50 and looking for sports or activities that fit your dynamic lifestyle, consider these options

SWIMMING. This low-impact activity is perfect for improving your cardiovascular health and muscular endurance.

GENTLE GYMNASTICS. Activities like yoga, Pilates, tai chi and Qigong improve muscle tone and balance while reducing stress

WALKING. A daily stroll is an accessible and easy way to include exercise in your daily routine. Walking—ideally outdoors—increases your heart rate and helps maintain bone density as you age.

GYM TRAINING. Gym training can help preserve muscle mass and boost your cardiovascular health.

Programs can be tailored to your personal fitness goals.

LINE DANCING. This group activity provides a fun cardiovascular workout. It also helps stimulate your memory and balance while promoting social interaction.

CYCLING. Whether you ride outdoors on a flat surface or work out on a stationary bike, cycling is an excellent way to strengthen your heart and legs

3:30PM

PICKLEBALL. This playful sport helps improve endurance and agility. It combines the benefits of physical activity with socializing. Making time for regular exercise after the age of 50 is vital for your fitness and overall well-being Explore the opportunities available in your community today. Newsletter Toolbox

•12– 3:30PM

PRESENTERS

EDDIECARTER

12:30pm in theFiresideLounge willdiscuss Estate Planning, Power of Attorney,Representation Agreementsand Wills.

Eddie joined Race &Company LLPinJanuary 2020,He’spassionate about helpinghis clientsnavigatebuyingtheir firsthome, scalinguptheir businessand making importantdecisions abouttheir estate planning. Bar Admissions:British Columbia 2012; Education: LLB,UniversityofSaskatchewan, 2009;BachelorofArts, Honours(History),Bishop’sUniversity, 2003; Membershipsand Affiliations:Law Society of BritishColumbia

DAVIDSWEENEY

1:30pm in theFiresideLounge will discussRetirementand Estate Planning.

Dave SweeneyisaSeniorWealthAdvisor at Wellington-Altus Private Wealth andco-founderofthe SweeneyBride StrategicWealthAdvisory team

With over 35 years’ experience in theIndustryDaveholds theChartered InvestmentManager (CIM®),CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®,and Elder Planning Counselor(EPC) designations andisalsoInsurance licensed

ATradition of Trust

Bucket list reimagined: adventures at any age

Bucket lists have no age limit. After all, some of life’s greatest adventures begin after 60. Are you ready for your next chapter? Think outside the box! Here are 10 inspiring ideas to spark your imagination.

1. Take a solo trip abroad and immerse yourself in a culture you ve always admired Explore new places, taste new foods and connect with locals

2. Write a memoir or create a video diary to share your life experiences It s a powerful way to reflect and leave a legacy for future generations.

3. Get a tattoo or piercing and mark your body with a meaningful design or symbol. After all, it’s your body and your story to tell

4. Learn a new language using online tools or apps like Duolingo or Rosetta Stone. Once you ’ ve learned the basics, plan a trip to put your skills to the test.

5. Start a YouTube channel or podcast about something you love Whether you want to review books, vlog your daily life, share recipes or tell stories, there’s an audience out there for it

6. Take up a new hobby, like Pickleball, geocaching, hip-hop dancing, beekeeping or pottery Discover what brings you joy and dive in!

7. Enter a competition, like a writing contest, a cooking challenge or a sports event Show off your skills and meet new people

8. Audition for a local play or indie film, even if you ve never acted before. Step outside your comfort zone and embrace the spotlight

9. Volunteer overseas for a cause you re passionate about. Giving back can be a transformative experience

10. Stay somewhere extraordinary, like a castle, lighthouse or treehouse Get ready to see the world from a different perspective

Build a bucket list that reflects your spirit, not your age Have you always wanted to do stand-up comedy, learn to ride a motorcycle, dance in a flash mob or start a blog? Do it! There’s no “right” way to make your list

FRIDAY, SEPT 26 • 12 – 3:30PM

Shoes aren’t just a fashion accessory; they play a crucial role in keeping your feet comfortable and stable throughout the day. As you get older, balance problems and certain health conditions can increase your risk of falls and injuries.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right shoes.

Choose the right shoes for your comfort and safety

SOLES

Look for shoes with non-slip soles for optimal safety Non-slip soles provide traction, allowing you to walk confidently on various indoor and outdoor surfaces Unlike some slippers or socks, high-quality soles are less likely to stick to carpets, which gives you better mobility

LACES

Most shoes come with standard fabric laces. Although effective, tightly tied laces can put pressure on your feet, especially when they tend to swell at the end of the day.

Instead, consider elastic laces or Velcro straps These options are easier to adjust and can accommodate slight changes in foot size without feeling too tight. Some models even have side straps to improve your comfort during these fluctuations

HEEL

Choose shoes with a wide, low heel for greater stability. This type of heel can also help reduce fatigue in your feet and back Make sure the collar, the part that supports your ankle, is high enough to prevent chafing

Remember, your shoes should feel comfortable from the moment you try them on Visit a local shoe retailer to find the perfect fit for your needs.

WoodfibreLNG’s CommunityPartnership

Programprovides up to $5,000 in funding to local non-profits.Since2022, we’ve supportedlocal non-profits in the District of Squamish or Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, contributing morethan $600,000 to initiatives that create significantimpact.