The District of Squamish is reminding residents to be prepared in anticipation of more heavy rains. District staff continue to monitor road and weather conditions and will update the community with public safety messaging as needed. While Squamish is well-familiar with November storms, the extensive flooding and landslides in other parts of British Columbia are a reminder for residents to be prepared for the unexpected. Residents are encouraged to tune up their emergency planning and assist in local drainage efforts by keeping catch basins, culverts and ditches adjacent to their homes clear and free of debris such as leaves.

A Flood Watch issued by the River Forecast Centre for Sea to Sky remains in effect.

Stay tuned to Environment Canada and the River Forecast Centre for the latest forecasts and alerts.

As a result of the heavy rainfall last week, some residents may have experienced property and content damages caused by overland flooding and may be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance through the B.C. Government.

Visit our website to learn more.

The gravel portion of Mamquam Road (east of Paco Road below Quest University) remains closed due to fractures along a 400-metre section of the road as a result of last week’s atmospheric river event. A substantial landslide near the bottom of the road has blocked access. District of Squamish engineering staff have retained a local geotechnical engineer to review the cause of the failure and assess slope stability and potential remediation options. Barricades and prohibitive Do Not Enter signs have been installed to restrict public access, including by foot or bike.

In the coming weeks, Forum Research, on behalf of the District of Squamish, Squamish Chamber of Commerce, and Tourism Squamish, will be reaching out to local business owners to conduct an important business survey to confirm basic business information about operations, premises, labour force, and activities. This survey is to better understand Squamish-based businesses and support ongoing District and partner planning efforts to encourage a healthy business climate and a more resilient economy.

Participate in the survey and have the chance to win one of three Support Local BC E-Gift Cards valued at $150 CAD.

Squamish Recreation Services staff work to schedule the pool based on Lifeguard availability and according to anticipated community use now that drop-in pool access has resumed. Pool capacity on a typical weekday evening and weekend is between 100 to 150 people and customer wait times vary depending on peak days and times. Once the pool has been brought to capacity, a wait time of up to 90 minutes can be expected. Wait times are based on a Lifeguard to swimmer ratio of one Lifeguard for every 50 patrons (1:50) which is the ratio determined by the Health Act and is the recommended ratio set for our certifications through the Lifesaving Society.

Learn more about Lifeguard to swimmer ratios and how we assess pool capacity here.

The November 18 update to the Provincial Health Order requires that all spectators of child/youth programs and pool activities provide Proof of Vaccination. For a detailed list of programs and activities requiring proof of vaccine, visit squamish.ca/rec.

Squamish CAN in partnership with A-Frame and Backcountry Brewing have officially launched their Malt Bag Recovery Stations. These stations offer the community a chance to up-cycle a malt bag into a reusable tote and preserve its resource value instead of being recycled.

Visit the Development Showcase to review and comment on all active development permit applications. See the latest in our Development Showcase here.

Your Library is getting a Makeover! The library building will be closed for in-person visits from December 12, 2021, until early January 2022. Even though library take-out service will be available, it is recommended to stock up on library items before the renovation closure. Loan periods have been extended into the new year. For Library hours and services visit squamishlibrary.ca.