September 24, 2021
The District of Squamish joins municipalities across the country in commemorating the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Thursday, September 30. The new federal statutory holiday will honour those who survived residential schools, those whose lives were lost and those whose suffering and trauma is ongoing. Until now, September 30 has been known as Orange Shirt Day, a day for Canadians to raise awareness of the history, harm and legacies of the Canadian residential school system by wearing the colour orange.

NATIONAL DAY FOR TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION - LISTEN, LEARN, ACKNOWLEDGE
Wednesday, September 29 from 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Squamish Public Library
On the evening of September 29, join the Library in honouring and listening to Squamish Nation Elders who are survivors of Canada’s Indian Residential School system:
- Kiyowil Bob Baker (attended St. Michael’s in Alert Bay)
- Chésha7 Gwen Harry (attended St. Michael’s in Alert Bay)
- Humteya Shirley Toman (attended St. Paul’s in North Vancouver)
- Introduction and moderation by TlatlaKwot Christine Baker.
Thursday, September 30 from 1 to 3 p.m.
U Siyam Pavilion
Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation members invite the community to honour, remember and pay respects to the survivors of the residential schools and those who never made it home. The event also aims to celebrate the resilience of Indigenous Peoples and the resurgence and reclamation of their ancestral teachings.
Thursdays, October 7 to 28 at 7 p.m.
Virtual Event.
All Sea-to-Sky residents are invited to a four-part discussion of the book 21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act by Bob Joseph. Participants will meet four times beginning October 7 to discuss an assigned section of the book at each meeting. Everyone is welcome to join this virtual reading group. Please be prepared to join all four sessions. Physical or electronic copies of the book are available to borrow or purchase from the Squamish, Whistler, or Pemberton and District Public Libraries.
Masks continue to be required in all public indoor settings for all people born in 2009 or earlier (12+). Please visit our website for more information on current COVID-19 regulations including the proof of vaccination requirements, current PHO orders, and upcoming drop-in vaccine clinic dates and times.
DISTRICT SEEKING PUBLIC FEEDBACK ON UPDATED LIST OF PROPOSED LOCATIONS FOR OFF-LEASH DOGS
The District of Squamish is conducting a survey to collect public feedback on an updated list of proposed pilot locations in Squamish for off-leash dogs, and a set of conditions owners must meet to use those locations. This is a continuation of a public engagement process that builds on previous feedback and aims to ensure harmony and safety across the community for dogs, dog owners, and non-dog owners alike. A survey in 2019 obtained feedback on a number of sites which were then adjusted and refined to address wildlife and sensitive habitats. Results from this latest survey will inform a recommendation to Council later this fall.

The survey is available online and will remain open until October 12. Paper copies will be available at Municipal Hall and Brennan Park Recreation Centre, as well as in-person engagement opportunities at locations across Squamish. 
SQUAMISH AND WHISTLER RECOGNIZED AS CLIMATE ACTION GAME-CHANGERS
The District of Squamish and the Resort Municipality of Whistler are collaborating on a new project to lower embodied emissions in new construction and develop an Embodied Carbon guide for BC Municipalities. This project is being recognized as a potential "game-changer" by the Community Energy Association (CEA).

The Game-Changer program provides local governments with access to CEA’s staff expertise to develop a local climate action initiative that has the potential to drive change within communities.
DROP-IN VIRTUAL CHAT WITH THE MAYOR
Join Mayor Karen Elliott on Wednesday, October 6 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. for an opportunity to learn more about where and how the District prioritizes its investments in infrastructure, facilities, utilities and services. This budget-themed event will be the first of two Mayor's Drop-ins focused on helping you learn more about the budget including the process and decision-making. All are welcome!
 
When: Wednesday, October 6 at 12 p.m.
UPCOMING PUBLIC HEARING - HAVE YOUR SAY
What's Proposed: Official Community Plan amendment to reduce risk of wildfire hazard.
 
A Public Hearing will be held on Tuesday, October 5 at 6 p.m. on the proposed amendments and definitions within the District of Squamish Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 2500, 2017, Amendment Bylaw (Wildfire Development Permit Area) 2809, 2021. Learn more details and how to participate.
 
SQUAMISH FIRE RESCUE 2021 RECRUITMENT SEASON ON NOW!
Squamish Fire Rescue is looking for positive, energetic and community-minded citizens to join our team of paid-on-call firefighters. If you are a permanent Squamish resident, and interested in joining a skilled and dedicated team, we would like to hear from you. We provide an outstanding training program, the opportunity to make an unforgettable difference in people’s lives and the chance to join a team environment like no other. No experience is necessary, just bring a great attitude and a willingness to learn!

Interested in learning more? Join Squamish Fire Rescue on Monday, October 4 at 7 p.m. at Tantalus Fire Hall to learn about how to serve your community as a paid-on-call firefighter, or contact Squamish Fire Rescue at SFR@Squamish.ca.
COMMUNITY UPDATES AND EVENTS
Community Chipper Days are back!

Upcoming Chipper Day: 

Sunday, October 3 - Garibaldi Highlands residents in the following areas:

  • Greenwood Way
  • Highlands Way North
  • Portree Way
  • Jay Crescent


Garbage tote size selection requests due September 30


Organics and recycling tote size changes cannot be accommodated through the District of Squamish Utilities Fees at this time. Solid Waste Utility fees will vary based on the garbage tote size you choose. A $35 exchange fee will apply.

If your tote is damaged, please report it to GFL at 604.892.5604 or squamishtotes@gflenv.com for a free repair or replacement.
Thinking about getting an electric vehicle?

Join the webinar on Wednesday, September 28 at 7 p.m. and get your burning questions answered about making the switch from gas to electric for your travels in your community, in the corridor and beyond.

Register today to confirm your spot! All registrants will have access to the recorded webinar plus resources and tools on EV ownership. This webinar is hosted by the Resort Municipality of Whistler.
GoByBike returns September 27 to October 10

Register NOW and commit to ride in Autumn GoByBike!

Start a workplace team and encourage colleagues to ride their bikes to work, or get outside for a mental health break if you are working from home. All rides can be logged with gobybikebc.ca, whether it is a commute, for errands, or a recreational ride - All logged rides are entries to win prizes!
INFRASTRUCTURE UPGRADES AND TRAFFIC IMPACTS
Sanitary Sewer repair work


  • Government Road (near Wain Place in Brackendale) 
  • Dryden Road (near corner of Macdonald Place
  • Buckley Avenue (near corner of Buckley Avenue and Garibaldi Avenue heading north) 
  • Madill Street (corner of Madill Street and Buckley Avenue heading east toward the District of Squamish Lift Station)
  • Buckley Avenue (corner of Madill Street and Buckley Avenue heading south) 

Impacts: There will be minimal traffic disturbances during this work, with traffic flaggers, signage and traffic management plans in place. Residents may see steam rising from the endpoint manholes in the immediate work area and smell a faint chemical odour in the air, however, this will only be temporary. Notices will be hand-delivered to affected residents and businesses.
 
Timeframe: Beginning September 27. Typical work hours will be 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Geotechnical drilling: Eagle Viewing / Siyich'em Reserve Area (Brackendale)


Impacts: Work will include drilling six boreholes over approximately 10 working days. During this time there will be drill rigs, vehicles and personnel working in the area. The work will cause some noise and will only be undertaken during normal working hours. Associated work will also include utility locating and minor clearing of vegetation to gain access. Work is in compliance with an Environmental Management Plan that takes into account the pink salmon run.

Timeline: September 27 through mid-October.
Mamquam Road upgrades


Impact: *New! Temporary water disruptions will be expected for residents east of Highlands Way South in the last week of September. Notices will be hand-delivered 48 hours in advance of any disruptions in water service.

Timeframe: Through to late fall. Visit our project page for details.
Road paving

Paving is underway in various locations throughout Squamish for the next four weeks, through mid-October. Please expect delays.
DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE ITEMS
  • 37799 & 37781 Second Avenue – Rezoning
  • 38439 Buckley Avenue - Development Variance Permit
  • 1005 and 1009 Raven Drive – Rezoning
  • 38439 View Drive - Development Variance Permit

RECYCLING TIP OF THE WEEK
Scrap metal, while recyclable, is not acceptable in the curbside recycling bin. Since scrap metal is not a form of packaging, it cannot be collected with RecycleBC material. Instead, take that old shelf, those bent nails, or gutter flashing to the landfill for the scrap metal bin.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS IN THESE OPEN SURVEYS

The Squamish Public Library offers various services including drop-in hours to browse and sign out materials or use computers. Take-out service also continues. For Library hours and services visit squamishlibrary.ca.
Upcoming Events: