$12.8 million Squamish Wastewater Treatment Plant expansion complete A ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 1 marked the completion of $12.8 million in critical upgrades on the Squamish Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). MP for West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country Patrick Weiler was on hand for the ceremony, along with Mayor Armand Hurford and members of Council. The major upgrades will increase treatment capacity, provide system redundancy, increase seismic and flood resiliency, mitigate operational cost increases, improve plant performance and effluent quality and decrease carbon emissions. For the project, a new secondary clarifier and concentric ring bioreactor were built, as well as a new septage receiving station. | | In addition, existing infrastructure was optimized, with a redundant secondary clarifier tank converted into a primary clarifier, allowing it to continue providing value for its remaining useful life. The WWTP was nearing capacity and required upgrades to meet population growth forecasts and regulated redundancy requirements. In addition, some of the existing treatment units were approaching end of useful life and did not meet current seismic and flood protection standards. The new circular clarifier/bioreactor is designed as ‘post-disaster’ infrastructure and will be able to withstand seismic and flood events. Work on the $12.8M WWTP upgrades began in 2023 To support construction of these critical upgrades, the District of Squamish received $7.39 million in funding through the Government of Canada’s Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (Green Infrastructure-Environmental Quality). The federal government provided $4.03 million to the project, and the provincial government provided $3.36M. | District of Squamish 2025 Annual Report released The District of Squamish has published its 2025 Annual Report including 2025 accomplishments, 2026 and 2027 objectives, audited financial statements and permissive tax exemptions, written in accordance with the Community Charter. The report is now online at squamish.ca/annualreport. “This Annual Report reflects one full year of work led by Council and staff in service to the community,” says District of Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford. “It remains a privilege to work alongside my Council colleagues as we continue advancing the long‑term vision for a Squamish that is vibrant, inclusive and connected. | | In 2025, our efforts focused on strengthening core infrastructure, deepening partnerships, improving community well‑being, and preparing for the growth and challenges ahead. We invite the community to view the Annual Report in person or online, and see the many highlights and milestones achieved in 2025.” The Annual Report reflects progress towards the objectives outlined in the District’s Strategic Plan, which identifies the highest priorities and outcomes Council aims to achieve during its term. These objectives are categorized under four pillars: Connected and Livable Community; Resilient People and Relationships; Reliable Service Delivery; and Prepared for the Future. Council will receive the 2025 Annual Report at the Special Business Meeting and Annual General Meeting on June 16, 2026. Members of the public can watch the Council meeting in person or view the live stream at squamish.ca/live-meetings. | Campfire Ban in Effect All campfires within the District are currently prohibited and all campfire permits have been suspended until the ban is rescinded. Campfire permit holders received a notification of the ban and suspension of the permit. A reminder that the following is never allowed within District of Squamish boundaries: - Fires in any public space including forests, riverbanks, mountainside, beaches
- Open Air Burning, including but not limited to, yard waste, garden debris and construction materials
| | The campfire prohibition does not apply to cooking stoves that use gas, or propane, or portable campfire devices that use liquid, or gaseous fuel, provided they are CSA or ULC approved, and the height of the flame is less than 15 centimetres. To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 911 if within the municipal boundaries or call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone. | Recreate Responsibly Recent water-related incidents in the Sea to Sky Corridor have prompted Sea to Sky RCMP to recommend the following tips to help locals and visitors recreate safely in the water this summer. - Never swim alone. Use a buddy system and stay close to designated swimming areas.
- Weak or non-swimmers should always wear a personal floatation device (PFD) when swimming.
- Always wear a PFD when using paddleboards, canoes, kayaks and kite boards. These vessels cannot be depended on for flotation assistance because they can quickly become unreachable if you unexpectedly fall into the water.
| | - Avoid using drugs and alcohol before or during swimming.
- Always keep a close eye on children, and ensure they're wearing a PFD, even in shallow water.
- Always check the weather forecast before adventuring out, and bring the necessary supplies to be prepared for quickly changing mountain weather conditions. Know your area, plan for conditions and plan for alternate outcomes.
- Know that without a PFD, the risk of a fatal outcome around swimming activity can increase significantly.
Learn more about swimming and water safety at adventuresmart.ca/swimming. | 2026 Chipper Dates FireSmart is hosting Chipper Days for the 2026 wildfire season. Check below to find the scheduled date for your neighbourhood: University Highlands: June 8
Garibaldi Estate/Tantalus: June 9-10
Loggers East/Mamquam: June 11
Hospital Hill: June 12
Northyards: June 15
Paradise Valley: June 16-19
Dentville: July 20
Brackendale: July 21-24
Downtown/SEAandSKY: September 21-22 Please have your chipping out for 8 a.m. on your chipper date. For more information on what is accepted, please visit: squamish.ca/firesmart. | | Wildlife Wednesday – Weekly Recap Did You Know? June is a prime month for new wildlife in Squamish! Thanks to warmer temperatures and an abundance of food, this is a peak time to see new fawns, and black bear cubs, as well as baby ducks, geese and fledgling eagles practicing their first awkward flights. Tips for Viewing New Wildlife in Sea to Sky Country Admire from Afar! Never approach or try to "rescue" baby animals (such as fawns or grounded fledglings). They're almost always being monitored by their mothers nearby. Keep wildlife wild and give them some space by backing away and leaving the area. | | Stay Alert! Wildlife frequently feeds along the roads and highway, or crosses these roadways while looking for food. Motorists should be alert at all times. Never stop or slow down to view wildlife on the side of the road, as it creates hazards for other drivers and habituates wildlife to humans. Secure Your Attractants at Home or While Recreating! Remember to pack out what you pack in. Lock up all garbage and organics or store in airtight, wildlife-proof bins. Don't leave food in cars! Do not leave your picnic food unattended! Who You Gonna Call? If you want to report sightings, encounters or conflicts with local wildlife, contact the BC Conservation Service hotline at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP) or visit the RAPP website. | Please Note: Due to a recent incident where a mother bear defensively swiped a trail runner, the BC Conservation Service is asking people to continue to avoid the Skwelwil'em Squamish Estuary Wildlife Management Area until further notice. Conservation officers are monitoring the bear activity in the area. Signs and hazard tape have been installed at trailheads. | | Stage 1 Water Restrictions in Effect Water restrictions are in place due to the pumping and storage capacity of the District’s water supply and distribution to meet peak demands, and to ensure adequate supply in the event of an emergency. Water conservation helps to avoid or delay costly water system upgrades. Thank you for doing your part! Stage 1 limits sprinkler use for lawns, trees, flowers, and shrubs to two days per week:
Even addresses: Wednesday & Saturday
Odd addresses: Thursday & Sunday | | Lawn watering with a sprinkler is allowed from 4 to 10 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. on those days. Hand watering of trees, flowers, shrubs and vegetable gardens with a container or device with an automatic shut-off is allowed on any day, and at any time. Visit squamish.ca/water for more details. | Traffic Impact Notice:
Squamish Pride Parade Please note that a street closure will be in effect Sunday, June 7 on Cleveland Avenue for the Pride Parade. Closure Details: - Cleveland Avenue will be closed between Pemberton Avenue and Victoria Street from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Cleveland Avenue will be closed between Victoria and Main streets from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Note: Accessible parking will be available on Second Avenue in front of Stan Clarke Park. For more info, go to pridesquamish.com/squamish-pride-parade. Come Downtown and join in the fun! | | Traffic Impact Notice:
Centennial Way Please be advised that single-lane alternating traffic will be in effect June 8 to 26 on Centennial Way between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday. The construction work is part of the District’s Sanitary Lift Station Rehabilitation Program, with upgrades being completed on the Brennan Park Lift Station. Impacts: - Single-lane alternating traffic
- Noise
- Dust
There will be no impact to sanitary service while the work is being completed. We apologize for any inconvenience. | | Traffic Impact Notice:
Loggers Lane Please be advised that single-lane alternating traffic will be in effect on Loggers Lane from June 8 to 9 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. This is a part of the X̱wún̓eḵw Park Sea Dike Upgrade Project. The upgrades are part of the ongoing dike upgrade program identified in the District’s Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan. The work is being done to meet Provincial standards for protecting the community from coastal flood hazards. As part of the ongoing work, electrical conduit will be installed across Loggers Lane near the Main Street intersection that will service new park lighting. | | Infrastructure Upgrades - Wastewater system upgrades continue.
- Annual Watermain Upgrades continue in Brackendale.
| | Notice of Temporary Closures | The 55 Activity Centre – Monday, July 6 The facility will be closed all day Monday, July 6, due to a building power outage for maintenance work. Regular programming will resume on Tuesday, July 7. We apologize for any inconvenience. | Recreation Programs & Events | All About Animals Camp (7-12 yrs)
June 29 to July 3, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., at Brennan Park Recreation Centre
Did you know bears can smell food from over a kilometre away? This week is full of fun with stories, art and science that are all about... you guessed it: animals! Campers will take part in a variety of art projects and active games each day, while learning about nature and wildlife living in Squamish and beyond. Campers will go swimming in the pool.
For details and registration, go here.
LEAP - Fantasy & Fairytales (3-5 yrs)
July 6-10, 9 -11 a.m., at Brennan Park Recreation Centre Step into a world of magic this summer! Our Fantasy & Fairytales LEAP camp brings enchanted stories to life for ages 3 to 5. Your little knight, princess or friendly dragon will enjoy whimsical games, magical crafts, and interactive storytelling. They'll build confidence, make friends, and create memories that last happily ever after! For details and registration, go here.
Bus Trip: North Shore Seniors' Health Expo (55yrs+)
Friday, June 19, West Vancouver The goal of this free event is to provide useful information for seniors, family members, and caregivers, while highlighting opportunities and services aimed at seniors living on the North Shore. The Expo includes a variety of exhibitors, innovative speakers and researchers focusing on cognitive, physical, social, financial and nutritional well-being. Fees are to cover the cost of the bus.
For details and registration, go here. |
Local volunteer opportunities:
| | The District of Squamish is located within the Squamish Nation Traditional Territory
Ha7lh en sḵwálwen Kwis tl’iḵnúmut tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw | | | | |
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