September 20, 2024

COMING UP AT COUNCIL

Committee of the Whole
Tuesday, September 24 at 9:30 a.m.

Special Business Meeting
Tuesday, September 24 at 1:15 p.m.

Regular Council
Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m.

Special Business Meeting
Wednesday, September 25 at 6 p.m.

Public Hearing
Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaws
Tuesday, September 24 at 6 p.m.

Public Input Opportunity
Temporary Use Permit No. 73 - FortisBC Temporary Workforce Accomodation
Wednesday, September 25 at 6 p.m.
Meeting Location: Brennan Park Recreation Centre

View Council Meeting Information

AMENDED AGENDA

Please note that the agenda for this Special Business Meeting has been amended, and the permit for agenda item 3(i), Temporary Use Permit No. 73 - FortisBC Temporary Workforce Accommodation, was updated on September 20. 

For comments, please refer to the amended agenda.

CHEEKEYE RIVER DEVELOPMENT

Approval has been granted in Squamish for The Cheekeye River Development, which will consist of 1,215 homes protected by a debris flow mitigation structure.

Existing neighbourhoods and assets including the Waiwakum 14 Reserve, the Brackendale neighbourhood, two schools, Squamish’s airport, and Highway 99 will be protected by this new debris flow barrier, once built.

The Cheekeye River Development is a partnership between the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) and Matthews West Developments Ltd.

The District of Squamish is seeking elector approval to finance portions of the following projects through an Alternative Approval Process (AAP):

  • Whittaker Slough Pump Station
  • Xwu'nekw Park Sea Dike
  • Loggers East Drainage Diversion Pipe
  • Cemetery Expansion
  • Mamquam Bridge Resurfacing

Long-term borrowing is a useful tool for municipalities that spreads the cost of large projects over the life of the project and allows today’s taxpayers – as well as future taxpayers – to pay for it.

  • If you are NOT OPPOSED to these bylaws, you do not need to submit any forms.
  • If you are OPPOSED to one or more of these bylaws, please complete the related Elector Response Form and submit it to the District no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, October 7, 2024.

MAYOR'S DROP-IN

Our next drop-in chat with Mayor Armand Hurford is coming up on Monday, September 23, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Join us at Municipal Hall, located at 37955 Second Avenue (Council Chambers). All are welcome, and we look forward to seeing you there!

RSVP is encouraged to communications@squamish.ca.

INNOVATION CHALLENGE

Do you have a creative idea for reducing waste or maximizing the use of resources? Maybe it is an innovation that we could all benefit from, but you just need some funding to test the concept. The District of Squamish Economic Development office is launching the Circular Economy Innovation Challenge.

Squamish organizations are invited to submit applications showcasing innovative circular practices that promote sustainability, drive new business development, and address community challenges. Up to $20,000 is available for each of the top three ideas.

Submit your application by September 27, 2024, and help create circularity in Squamish.

3RD ANNUAL EV EXPO

The third annual EV Expo is happening on Saturday, September 21, at Junction Park in Downtown Squamish, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.!

Come explore a variety of electric vehicles, learn about EV ownership, and get your questions answered. This event is presented by the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, Squamish CAN, and the District of Squamish.

 

RAIL SAFETY WEEK

Rail Safety Week is September 23 to 29!

Rail safety education emphasizes the importance of making safe choices when driving or walking near railroad tracks and trains. In Squamish, it's especially important to be mindful of safety when interacting with the railroad. Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind around railway tracks:

• Keep off railway property: This includes rail yards, tunnels, and bridges. These areas can be extremely dangerous as tunnels and bridges are often only slightly wider than the rails, leaving little to no room if a train approaches.

• Use designated railway crossings: Trains can come at any time, from either direction, and on any track. They don't always run on a set schedule, so always use designated crossings.

• Keep your distance: Trains can extend up to a metre beyond the tracks on each side, and they can carry loads wider than the train cars themselves. Stay clear.

We hope this list raises awareness of railway safety in Squamish.

NOTICE OF TRAFFIC AND NOISE IMPACTS

SPIT ROAD TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE
Squamish River Watershed Society is conducting work along the Squamish Training Berm, also known as Spit Road, until November 15, 2024. Trails south of Fisherman's entrance (at Government Road) are closed to pedestrian traffic.

This work is part of the Central Estuary Restoration Project to install a third large fish-friendly box culvert. For project details, please visit the Squamish River Water Society website.

FORTIS BC PROJECT
Fortis BC is conducting pre-construction activities along Finch Drive and Industrial Way. Crews will be undertaking work to help identify the location of existing underground utilities in preparation for construction of the Eagle Mountain gas pipeline.

This work will result in single-lane alternating traffic along Finch Drive and Industrial Way. Work is anticipated to occur through September.

 

SEEKING LIBRARY BOARD MEMBERS

Applications are being accepted from those interested in volunteering on the Squamish Library Board. Members are expected to attend all meetings of the Board, which are held on the third Wednesday of each month and share in other Board activities and responsibilities. Applications should be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on October 4.

GO BY BIKE WEEKS

Go By Bike Weeks is from September 23 to October 6. Here are a few ways to get involved and celebrate our cycling community:

Free Bike Tune-Up Stations

  • September 25, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Brennan Park
  • October 1, 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Junction Park

Free Movie Screening – The Engine Inside

  • September 26, 7 p.m. (doors open at 6:45 p.m.) at the Squamish Adventure Centre

WILDLIFE REMINDER

Please exercise caution by keeping dogs on a leash during walks to prevent unwanted wildlife encounters and ensure pets’ safety, especially as we transition into a season with increased bear activity due to hibernation preparations.

For wildlife sightings or encounters, please call the Conservation Officer Service 24-hour hotline at: 1-877-952-7277.

 

NOTICES

DEVELOPMENT REVIEW

LATEST INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS

ANNUAL WATERMAIN UPGRADES
Work will continue within the Mamquam East Industrial Area.

UTILITY INSPECTION
Downtown utility inspections will resume the last week of September.

Senior’s Social on Ice Skate at Brennan Recreation Centre

Looking to meet like-minded people in the 55+ community? Want to expand your friend group? Join us for the senior's social skate. Every Wednesday, 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

Learn to Play Ukulele and French Conversation at The 55 Activity Centre

Learn strumming techniques and basic chords in a fun group setting or participate in French Conversation for those with experience speaking French and looking to refresh their skills. Every Thursday, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Re-Fit – Exercise for Osteoarthritis and Fall Prevention At Westwinds Seniors Hub

Please email recreation@squamish.ca to inquire.

The south (Aquatics) entrance at Brennan Park Recreation Centre will be closed starting on Monday, September 23.

Customers will have access to the ice arena, gymnasium, pool (upon reopening), and facility using the east (Arena) entrance.

For more information, please visit squamish.ca/rec

 


Local Events and Initiatives