| | District of Squamish Issues Formal Apology to Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) The District of Squamish has formally acknowledged the harms inflicted on generations of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) People by colonial systems and policies. The acknowledgement and an apology were delivered during a private ceremony at Totem Hall on September 19 and acknowledged during a public ceremony at O’Siyam Pavilion on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, September 30. The acknowledgement and apology are informed by the ta wanáxw sníchim (True Words) Project which involves the District’s examination of District archival records, and oral history interviews led by the Squamish Nation, to understand the past and ongoing harms that the District may have had on Squamish Nation People. The research process and the outcomes are detailed in the ta wanáxw sníchim Report. The apology reads in part: “The District of Squamish recognizes the racism and discrimination experienced by generations of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People, the loss of Sḵwx̱wú7mesh language and culture, and the lack of respect shown for the sacredness of the lands and waters. We know that colonization negatively impacted the economic development of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People. We are here to show respect, build trust and support the well-being of the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People. To all Sḵwx̱wú7mesh People: we are sorry. We are sorry for the harms that you, your families, your communities and your ancestors have experienced, and you continue to experience.” The formal apology is one of the six priority activities of the District of Squamish and Squamish Nation Memorandum of Understanding signed on July 22, 2025. To read the formal apology and the ta wanáxw sníchim Report visit squamish.ca/formal-apology. | | 2026 Municipal Election Are you all set to vote? This month, Squamish voters will elect a Mayor, six Councillors and two School Trustees. Our website is filled with information about the candidates, and voting information.
Key dates include: - October 5 – All Candidates Meeting
- October 7, 8, 10, 15 – Advance voting days
- October 17 – General voting day and declaration of unofficial results
- October 21 – Declaration of official results
For more information visit squamish.ca/election. | Squamish Youth Council 2026-27 Applications Now Open Are you between the ages of 14 and 24 and passionate about making a difference in your community? The Squamish Youth Council is your chance to step up, be heard, and shape the future of Squamish! Whether it’s recommending new projects, deciding how to allocate funding for youth initiatives, or launching your own projects, you’ll have the power to create real change. Applications are now open until → Thursday, October 23, 2026. Parents and caregivers, discuss with your youth! Apply here today. | | Let's Talk: Labour Force Development Plan The District of Squamish is creating a Labour Force Development Plan to help our community prepare for future jobs and workforce needs. The plan will help guide actions over the next decade to support a strong local economy and create opportunities for people who live and work in Squamish. This project is led by the District of Squamish, with support from Qatalyst Research Group and Synergy Foundation. Work on the plan began April 2026 and will continue to March 2027.
Learn more at LetsTalkSquamish. | | Let's Talk: Social Procurement, Squamish Businesses The District of Squamish's social procurement practice seeks to leverage procurement activities to achieve positive social outcomes such as environmental, social, and economic benefits, including: - Transitioning to a circular economy (aligned with the District’s 2023 Circular Economy Roadmap)
- Advancing economic reconciliation within the Memorandum of Understanding between Sḵwxwú7mesh Úxwumixw and the District of Squamish
- Fostering inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility (IDEA) in the community
Tell the District how your business advances environmental goals, Indigenous reconciliation, and inclusive practices at LetsTalkSquamish. | | Let's Talk: Perpetually Affordable Housing Squamish residents! Please share your
feedback applying for/living in Perpetually
Affordable Housing and help us improve our
policy. Survey closes October 23, 2026. Visit LetsTalkSquamish to learn more. | | Downtown Community Safety Update Contractor-led cleanup and safety work at the downtown encampment site located at Main Street and Third Avenue will continue through next week. This work is part of ongoing efforts to improve public safety and address hazardous site conditions. Once the site safety work is complete, next steps for the site will be determined and shared with the community. Outreach staff from Squamish Helping Hands Society and BC Housing continue to support people sheltering outdoors in the downtown area. Waste removal and cleanup of the surrounding areas, including the area around Vancouver Street and Loggers Lane intersection, are ongoing. | | District Response to Increased Bear Activity This year, there’s been a noted increase in bear activity and encounters in the Squamish area. To help reduce wildlife attractants in the community and mitigate conflicts with wildlife, GFL is adding additional trucks over the coming weeks to wrap up organics collection faster.
We’re urging residents to manage your attractants. For the expanded organics collections, have your organics tote curbside by 7:15 a.m. (Please note, your totes may be serviced earlier than usual.) And remember: - Garbage and organics totes can only be put out the morning of collection. Never put your totes out the night before – this is easy access for bears and a violation of the wildlife attractant management bylaw.
- If you can, pull your totes inside once serviced.
- Keep ALL food waste out of your garbage and place it ONLY in your organics tote.
Make sure your kids know how to be Bear Aware while walking to school in the mornings: - Ditch the earbuds and be aware of their surrounds.
- Walk in groups.
- Make noise, sing or talk loudly.
- Keep dogs leashed at all times.
Report human-wildlife conflicts that are public safety risks to the Conservation Officer Service 24-hour Report All Poachers and Polluters (RAPP) hotline at 1-877-952-7277 (RAPP). For more wildlife safety tips, visit: wildsafebc.com/species/black-bear. Learn more about bears in Squamish: squamish.ca/bear-initiatives. | Notice of Closure: Paradise Valley Bailey Bridge Repairs Repair work is ongoing for the Paradise Valley Bridge project. Please allow for extra time and expect minor delays throughout construction, as well as increased noise levels during the work.
Anticipated overnight bridge closures: - Thursday, October 8 – 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.
- Friday, October 9 – 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.
- Saturday, October 10 – 10 p.m. - 6 a.m.
| | Please visit squamish.ca/paradise-valley-bridge for updates and project information.
Thank you for your patience and understanding while we work to repair this important piece of community infrastructure. | Infrastructure Upgrades - Depot Road Active Transportation Upgrades and Annual Watermain Upgrades continue in Brackendale.
- Wastewater System Upgrades continue in Dentville, on the Madill Forcemain. Construction work is paused.
| - Phased construction work on Squamish River Dike at Harris and Dryden Pump Stations and Central Lift Station continues through November.
squamish.ca/building-our-future
| | We're Hiring: Program Leaders and Lifeguards – Multiple Positions! Looking for flexible work that makes a difference?
The District of Squamish is hiring Program Leaders and Lifeguards to join our Recreation & Culture team.
Whether you're looking for casual, part-time, or full-time work, you'll enjoy: - Competitive pay
- Flexible scheduling
- A fun, supportive team
- Meaningful work serving your community
| | We're especially interested in hearing from applicants who are available during weekday daytime hours. These roles can be an excellent fit for parents, retirees, post-secondary students, or anyone returning to the workforce. Apply today: squamish.ca/careers | Recreation Programs & Events | Showers Available to Public
Sundays and Mondays, 9 a.m.-8 p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre
Starting October 4, showers will be available to the public during Sunday and Monday pool closures. Regular admission rates apply.
Belly Dance
Wednesdays, 5:45-6:45 p.m. at The 55 Activity Centre
Move, groove, and connect in this class designed for joy, expression, and community. Learn fun isolations and simple combos to vibrant music in a safe, inclusive, body-positive space. All levels, all bodies welcome – no experience needed! Drop-ins welcome subject to space available.
Strength, Mobility & Longivity Seminar – Tuesdays
Tuesdays, 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre
Movement practice is open to all levels. It focuses on isometrics, flow, deep core work, balance and motor control. It will be followed by down-regulation practices such as breathwork, stretching, and floor work.
Family Yoga with Hannah
Fridays, 4 - 5 p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre Yoga and breathwork are intertwined with stories, games and songs to engage families together! Coming soon: Kids Yoga with Hannah every Sunday from 9:15-10:15 a.m. squamish.ca/rec |
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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