March 20, 2026

Land Back Task Force

We are advancing reconciliation work with the Sḵwx ̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation) through a transparent and collaborative process to explore the current use of public lands through a newly appointed task force. The two governments view this work as a leading example of how an Indigenous and municipal government can work together to create opportunities and benefit for all.

Find many historical resources that support community learning and contextualize recent court decisions on Indigenous rights and title, plus Frequently Asked Questions at: squamish.ca/mou

To note, this Land Back Task Force:

  • Does NOT involve privately owned property, and residents with private land holdings will NOT be impacted.
  • Is a reconciliation-driven initiative that responds to the historical alienation of Squamish People from their land.
  • Will focus on land that the District of Squamish currently controls or manages.

Research, Learn and Engage:

Each Council has appointed three members to a joint task force to research, learn, and engage the public on the concept of public land back. The task force will make recommendations to the respective Councils, and does not have decision-making power itself.

The six members of the task force are:

  • Councillor Is’gh’li-ya, Anthony Joseph (Squamish Nation)
  • Councillor Kalkalilh, Deanna Lewis (Squamish Nation)
  • Councillor Jonny Williams (Squamish Nation)
  • Councillor Eric Andersen (District of Squamish)
  • Mayor Armand Hurford (District of Squamish)
  • Councillor Jenna Stoner (District of Squamish)

A public Learning and Dialogue series of speaker events is being planned.

Mount Garibaldi Cemetery Maintenance

A gentle reminder that Parks crews will be conducting their annual grounds maintenance at Mount Garibaldi Cemetery through the spring and summer months. The District takes pride in maintaining the cemetery grounds to a standard that reflects its importance, and due to the intricate nature of the site, maintenance cannot be achieved unless grave adornments are removed from the grave sites.

Please remove flowers, artificial plants and any ornamentation (such as statues or angels and loose objects such as rocks, glass or metal items) from the grave marker by March 31.

Please note → Remaining items will be moved by staff and placed at main gates for a two-week period of collection. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

Public Impact Notice: Centennial Way Watermain Upgrade

Crews are upgrading the watermain that runs down Centennial Way, between Highway 99 and Loggers Lane.

Work will take place Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is expected to be completed by mid-April, followed by asphalt repairs in early May.

Please watch for traffic control and crews during these times. Note, Brennan Park Recreation Centre will remain accessible.

Impacts:

  • Open excavation in the roadway.
  • Single lane alternating traffic.
  • Construction noise from excavation and dewatering.
  • Vibration and dust from heavy machinery.
  • Variable road conditions throughout construction.

Thank you for your cooperation while we complete this important infrastructure upgrade.

Public Impact Notice: Forcemain Upgrade

Crews will be replacing the existing sanitary forcemain that currently runs down Madill Street and Buckley Avenue, with a new line that will run down Madill Avenue and Garibaldi Avenue.

Work will take place Monday to Friday, from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is expected to be completed by early-June.

Impacts:

  • Vegetation removal.
  • Open excavation in the roadway.
  • Single lane alternating traffic.
  • Construction noise from excavation and dewatering.
  • Vibration and dust from heavy machinery.
  • Variable road conditions throughout construction.

Thank you for your cooperation while we complete this important infrastructure upgrade. Learn more here.

Infrastructure Upgrades

  • Loggers East Storm Sewer project continues on Finch Drive.
  • X̱wún ̓eḵw Park Sea Dike upgrades continue, with intermittent night works ongoing.
  • Victoria Street Active Transportation Upgrades will be resuming shortly.
  • Wastewater system upgrades will be taking place along parts of Madill Street, Garibaldi Avenue, Britannia Avenue and Buckley Avenue, replacing an aging sanitary forcemain. Single-lane alternating traffic will be in place while work takes place.


squamish.ca/building-our-future

2025 Air Sealing Report

Last year’s program, led by Retrofit Assist, engaged hundreds of Squamish locals, building awareness through workshops and hands-on experience to improve their home’s energy efficiency.

Workshops and speaking events were delivered in partnership between the District of Squamish, Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC), Sitka Home Energy Solutions, the Community Energy Association (CEA), and FortisBC.

Homeowners were eligible to participate in air-sealing home visits, conducted by Youth Climate Corps BC (YCCBC) Squamish & Sitka Home Energy Solutions. Between September and mid-October, 20 Squamish residents with gas-heated homes took part, with one home achieving an airtightness improvement – measured as Air Changes Per Hour (ACH) – of 52 per cent.

For more information on Retrofist Assist visit retrofitassist.ca/squamish.

Help Wildlife Stay Wild – Lock Your Totes

Bears are coming out of hibernation and an unlocked tote is an invitation to dinner. When we take action, we help keep bears wild and out of trouble.

Bylaw will be checking totes that are visible from the road and this will continue periodically throughout the spring to ensure they are locked. Each infraction of the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw may result in a warning, before resulting in a fine of $230 per day.

Did you know → As per the Wildlife Attractant Bylaw, totes must be locked at all times, even if empty, and only placed curbside and unlocked on the morning of collection day between 5 a.m. and 7 p.m. – not the night before.

Learn more about the bylaw at squamish.ca/wildlife.

Retrofit Assist

Thinking about a home upgrade in 2026? Start planning now to secure contractors, maximize rebates and make the most of retrofit season.

Get started at retrofitassist.ca/squamish.

Drop in to The 55 Activity Centre
Can you name three drop-in programs offered at the 55 Activity Centre? Here's a little hint...

  • *NEW* Knitting Together: Tuesdays, 10 a.m.
  • Ukulele Beginner Slow Jam: Tuesdays, 10-11:45 a.m.
  • Ukulele Practice Performance: Tuesdays, 12-2 p.m.
  • Banjolele: Tuesdays, 2:15-3:30 p.m.
  • Paint & Sketch: Wednesdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
  • Ukulele Open Jam: Thursdays, 12-2 p.m.
  • Crib Club: Thursdays, 1-3 p.m.
  • Sewing & Quilting: Fridays, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
  • Carpet Bowling: Fridays, 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Move n' Groove – 19+
Mondays, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre

Move n’ Groove is a fun, low-pressure dance fitness class blending easy-to-follow choreography with basic conditioning exercises. Low impact; no burpees here!


Spring Moss Wreath Workshop – 19+
Wednesday, April 1, 7 – 8:45 p.m. at The 55 Activity Centre

Professional florist, Bernadette will lead students in creating their own spring moss wreath to take home. Registration closes one week prior to the workshop to allow for the right amount of fresh materials and greens to be ordered. For this reason drop-ins cannot be accomodated. Workshop cost is $50 to cover the cost of materials.

Resident Perspectives on Tourism in Squamish

Thank you to everyone who participated in the 2025 Resident Sentiment Survey. More than 1,200 residents shared their perspectives on tourism in Squamish, providing valuable insight that will help guide how tourism is managed moving forward.

In addition to the survey, Tourism Squamish recently completed the 2024 Economic Impact Study. Together, these two major pieces of research offer a clear picture of tourism’s role in the community, highlighting both its economic importance and how residents experience visitor activity. These findings will help inform future planning and decision-making, ensuring tourism continues to benefit the community while reflecting the priorities and experiences of residents.

To read summaries of the 2024 Economic Impact Study and the 2025 Resident Sentiment Survey, visit the Understanding Tourism in Squamish page on exploresquamish.com.

The District of Squamish is located within the Squamish Nation Traditional Territory
Ha7lh en sḵwálwen Kwis tl’iḵnúmut tl’a Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw