District of Squamish 2025-2029 Five-Year Financial Plan workshops are underway. Throughout October, Council is reviewing the details of the proposed budget and invites residents to weigh in on whether the five-year plan aligns with residents’ priorities. To encourage community input, a new engagement tool called Budget Book is now available, allowing residents to explore the budget and browse through the proposed items. Follow along, ask questions, tune into a Council budget workshop, or attend an in-person event to get involved while the draft budget is being reviewed and discussed by Council. | Drop-in with the Mayor Armand Hurford is happening on Wednesday, October 16, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Municipal Hall (Council Chambers). This conversation will focus on the Five-Year Financial Plan and how it delivers services and programs to support Squamish today and into the future. The Financial Plan impacts us all, every day. Each time you turn on a tap, visit a District park, or walk down a street, you are seeing the budget at work. Does the Draft Financial Plan align with your community priorities? What have we missed? RSVP is encouraged to communications@squamish.ca | | Join us for a virtual webinar on Thursday, October 17, from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. to learn more about Squamish’s Zero Waste Action Plan and strategies to eliminate single-use items, support reusable container services, and reduce water and litter in public places. During this webinar, we will discuss considerations related to the food service industry in Squamish. We are seeking feedback from local food service businesses to shape the specifics of the regulations. This includes determining the length of the implementation period, identifying potential challenges, and understanding the support your business may need in implementing these changes. We encourage you to ask questions and provide feedback during the webinar with staff. | OurSquamish and the District of Squamish are assessing the urban tree canopy in Downtown Squamish to support healthy communities. This project is an initial step toward the District's larger Urban Forest Management Strategy, set for 2026. Urban trees provide important benefits like shading, carbon storage, and stormwater management. They also enhance physical, mental, and social well-being. The goal of this project is to assess current tree coverage Downtown and identify areas for improvement. The findings will shape future policies for protecting and expanding the tree canopy. Help shape the future of our urban forest by sharing your thoughts. Take the survey and tell us what matters most to you about trees in our community. | | Do you have an idea for a project and need funding? Squamish Arts and Squamish Community Foundation are now accepting applications for the Community Enhancement Grant and the Arts and Culture Grant. The application deadline is November 18, 2024. For more information about grant funding opportunities and criteria, please visit squamisharts.com and squamishfoundation.com. | | 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. | Got some clean clothes or books you no longer need? Or are you searching for hidden treasures or hoping to stock up for your fall reading list? Come to the 2024 Adult and Teen Clothing & Book Swap! When: October 19, 2024, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Brennan Park Recreation Centre Drop-off: October 18, 2024, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. & October 19, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Please note that all items must be clean and in good condition. We cannot accept broken or dirty items. This event will focus exclusively on adult clothing, shoes, and accessories – there will be a separate kids’ event in November. When you come to drop off your items, we’ll ask you to self-sort them at the appropriate tables. We won’t be able to take bagged donations and sort them for you, but we’ll be there to assist. Interested in Volunteering? Contact zerowaste@squamish.ca | COMMUNITY LED PROJECT SURVEY | Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCS) is seeking feedback from children, families, and youth with diagnosed or undiagnosed disabilities and/or diverse abilities who need support to participate meaningfully in family and community life. Through this survey, you can share experiences with the services you use and any challenge you face. Help contribute to designing better services for children and families with disabilities and/ or diverse abilities. Be heard and be a part of community planning and decision-making processes. Deadline to complete the survey is October 31. | | Do you have feedback and insights regarding the District of Squamish’s website navigation? We’re looking for 10 volunteers to complete a an interactive navigation study that will help us with the redesign of our website navigation. If you’re interested in getting involved, please email communications@squamish.ca. Participants will be offered a $50 gift certificate to a local business as a thank you for their time and effort. | | Join us on Saturday, November 2, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The 55 Activity Centre for a showcase of resources available to the 55+ community. There will be opportunities to engage with local suppliers and get your questions answered. Come have some fun—the fair will offer entertainment and light refreshments. A free event shuttle is available. For more information or to reserve a spot, please contact sbrown@squamish.ca or call 604-848-6895. | LATEST INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS | ANNUAL WATERMAIN UPGRADES Watermain flushing is underway. Flushing helps remove stagnant water and unwanted build up in the pipes. During this process, you may notice brief periods where the water appears cloudy or discoloured or has a mild chlorine taste. However, the water remains safe to drink. If you experience any of these issues, simply flush your taps by running water until it clears. | Holiday Hours (Monday, October 14) Brennan Park Recreation Centre will be open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on holiday Monday, October 14. Here are a few activities to note: Public swim and lane swim will be available from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and parent and child hockey (online registration recommended) will run from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. There will also be public skating from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. Hatha Yoga with Julie 19 yrs+ This Yoga practice focuses on yoga postures, breathing techniques, meditation and relaxation. All levels are welcome, sign-up for all three sessions, or drop-in for just one! Halloween Face Painting Workshop 9-12 yrs Join us on Saturday, October 19, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at Brennan Park Recreation Centre for a hands-on introduction to fun make-up techniques you can use to create your own special Halloween look. A makeup kit is included. Green and Accessibility Retrofit Project The south (Aquatics) entrance is closed, so we ask customers to access the ice arena, gymnasium, pool, and facility using the east (Arena) entrance. There will also be minor parking impacts due to construction, and accessible parking stalls have been relocated to the east (Arena) entrance. | Local Events and Initiatives | Local volunteer opportunities: | | | | | |