September 29, 2023

 

COMING UP AT COUNCIL

Special Business Meeting

Tuesday, October 3 at 10 a.m.

Regular Council Meeting

Tuesday, October 3 at 6 p.m.

 

*** The Public Hearing on the proposed Affordable Housing in Residential Zones originally scheduled for Tuesday, October 3 has been cancelled in order to consider new information. A new date has yet to be determined.***

 

 View Council Meeting Information 

The campfire prohibition has been lifted in all regions of the Coastal Fire Centre, including the District of Squamish. within the District of Squamish concurrently.

Campfires within the District of Squamish are only permitted with a residential campfire permit on private property. No campfires are permitted on public lands (such as parks, beaches, lakes, forested areas and trails) within the District of Squamish boundary.

Apply for your free permit here

Stage 1 Outdoor Water Restrictions are back in effect as of October 1 which allows for two days of sprinkler watering per week. Thank you to everyone for your efforts to conserve water this summer!  

Water conservation is a year-round effort. Visit our Water Conservation page for tips on how to reduce your water consumption.

Know your watering days and how to work within Stage 1.

PROGRESS COMPLETE

2023 Discovery Trail upgrades are now complete! This project upgraded the existing Discovery Trail for all ages and abilities by adding trail lighting and a paved 3m wide surface in Dentville. The Discovery Trail is now upgraded all the way from Downtown to the Business Park.

BUDGET 2024 NOW UNDERWAY

The District of Squamish is creating your next municipal budget for 2024-2028. Each year, the District prepares a five-year financial plan to guide how it will provide services and infrastructure for Squamish residents. The budget works to meet the needs of our community today, while planning for the future. When you walk down the street, enjoy a local park, or turn on the tap, the budget is working for you.

Council will consider the different parts of the budget through fall 2023. This Tuesday, Council receive an overview of the Special Operating Projects for consideration in the 2024-2028 Financial Plan. Find reports and spreadsheets at LetsTalkSquamish.ca and stay tuned for easy ways to learn about what’s proposed, ask questions and provide feedback. A Budget Information Night is being planned for early November. Details to come.

The budget is expected to be adopted in December 2023.

 

Learn more

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

  • Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion and Improvements – a major upgrade resulting in new post-disaster infrastructure that will increase seismic and flood resiliency and improve overall plant performance.
  • Jimmy Jimmy (Judd) Slough Dike Upgrade – a high-priority project to raise the local standard of protection for the Squamish River dike beyond provincial standards.
  • Fire Hall No. 2 – one of three critical facilities prioritized for immediate replacement in the 2019 Real Estate and Facilities Master Plan that will serve as the second of two fire halls with the capacity to staff full-time crews in the future.
  • The Oceanfront Peninsula Main Road (R-20) –a multi-year, multi-phase road construction project connecting the Oceanfront Peninsula to Downtown Squamish and the rest of the community.

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 23, 2023.

Learn more

FILMING NOTICE

Location prep will begin on Tuesday, October 3 for a feature film being shot in Downtown Squamish. Please anticipate parking restrictions and multiple road closures, including Cleveland Avenue. BC Transit will be re-routed on Wednesday, October 4 and Thursday, October 5. Thanks for your patience!

BUILDERS' CORNER

WorkSafeBC is implementing mandatory training for asbestos abatement workers to help keep workers safe from the dangers of asbestos. As of January 1, 2024, anyone doing asbestos abatement work in B.C. will need to have certification that they have completed this training from an approved training provider. Right now, the certification exam is being offered in a paper format and must be completed in person. WorkSafeBC will have an online exam option in the future which will be completed in a controlled environment, not an anytime anywhere format. For more information on the certification program and resources about working safely with asbestos, visit WorkSafeBC.

WorkSafeBC is hosting a live worker forum on October 5. The forum will include a presentation on certification, followed by a live question and answer period. This is a great opportunity to ask questions on the training program. 

Learn more

COMMUNITY NOTICES AND EVENTS

Requests for 2024 tote exchange now open

Are you interested in a larger or smaller garbage tote? The deadline to request to change your garbage tote size for 2024 is October 31. Solid Waste Utility fees will vary based on the garbage tote size you choose. A $50 exchange fee will apply.

Learn more

The Repair Café is BACK this fall!

Due to popular demand, Squamish's Repair Café will return this fall at The 55 Activity Centre on Saturday, October 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and we need volunteers!

Our volunteer fixers are the backbone of the program. Without them, the Repair Café would not be possible. If you sew, mend or fix small appliances, repair jewelry, small furniture, or toys and want to help out your community - we would love to hear from you! Please contact Laura at zerowaste@squamish.ca to lend a hand.

Learn more

Upcycling Workshop  Tote-ally awesome totes! 

Bring a T-shirt you no longer love to wear and learn how to turn it into a handy tote bag. No sewing is required! You will end up with an easy-to-carry, washable bag ideal for groceries, days at the lake, and running errands.

The 55 Activity Centre

Wednesday, October 11, 6 - 8 p.m.

Please register online to secure your spot

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

The District of Squamish recognizes The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a day to reflect and commemorate the ongoing impacts of residential schools in Canada.

Brennan Park Recreation Centre will be open on Saturday, September 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Staff will wear orange to honour the lost children and survivors of residential schools and to promote the spirit of “Every Child Matters.” We encourage the community to join us in doing the same.

Weight Training Instructors Needed

Squamish Recreation and Culture is looking for passionate, fun and community-minded individuals with the skills, knowledge and qualications to instruct senior weight training programs, workshops or single/one-time events. If you are interested, we would love to hear from you.

Find out more

Pool re-opening October 7

Pool schedule available online

The Brennan Park Aquatic Centre fall schedule is now live! Jump online and check out our pool schedule for public swim, lane swim, youth swim times and more. We have a diverse group of swimmers and pool users in our community and we do our best to create wait-free access during public swim times.

Plan your visit

Shuttle to/from Aquafit at Brennan Park|55+

Available now

We are now providing shuttle service from Westwinds and The 55 Activity Centre to registered participants attending Aquafit classes at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. Our programs van will pick up passengers twice weekly to ensure they arrive in time to attend their Aquafit class that day.

Book now

BRENNAN PARK RECREATION CENTRE OPERATIONAL NOTICES

  • The Brennan Park Recreation Centre’s aquatic centre remains closed for annual maintenance and cleaning through October 6. The scheduled reopening is October 7

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