September 22, 2023

COMING UP AT COUNCIL

Committee of the Whole

Tuesday, September 26 at 11:30 a.m.

Special Business Meeting

Tuesday, September 26 at 1:30 p.m.

Public Hearing - Affordable Housing in Residential Zones

Tuesday, October 3 at 6 p.m.

 View Council Meeting Information 

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 upcoming Tuesday, the General Fund Operating Budget will be discussed, with the focus on Non-Discretionary and Service Level Changes. 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

NEW MUNICIPAL PARK NOW OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

The first phase of the new municipal park has been completed at Waterfront Landing. The public park offers a natural landscape, complete with greenspace, walking and cycling path, playground area, and scenic lookout points. Access to the park is located at the intersection of Capstan Drive and Helm Way. Make your way over by bike along the Corridor Trail (cross Highway 99 at Clarke Drive). Parking is available to the public along Channel Road and Coho Rock Way. Future access to the park will include the Mamquam Blind Channel Pedestrian Bridge, set to begin construction by the end of the year. The remainder of the park will be completed by fall 2024.

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.

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COMMUNITY NOTICES AND EVENTS

Seeking Library Board members

Applications are being accepted from those interested in volunteering on the Squamish Library Board. Members are expected to attend all meetings of the Board, which are held on the third Wednesday of each month and share in other Board activities and responsibilities. Applications should be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on September 29.

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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.

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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

EV Expo

Join us at Junction Park in Downtown Squamish to check out a variety of electric vehicles, get information about owning an EV and have your questions answered! This event is presented by the Vancouver Electric Vehicle Association, Squamish CAN and District of Squamish.

When: September 23, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Where: Junction Park, Downtown Squamish

For more information, please email ipicketts@squamish.ca

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.

The Spin Crowd

Tuesdays
9:30 - 10:30 a.m. and
6 - 7 p.m.

Come join Heather Feeney for a 60-minute spin class filled with music to help you forget you're working out! Heather welcomes all levels in this high-energy spin workout that will knock your socks off and leave you wanting more.

Book now

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.*New! Lane swim hours have been extended until 5 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

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 will be closed for its annual maintenance and cleaning from September 6 to October 6. The scheduled reopening is October 7. 

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Local Events and Initiatives

Upcoming Events:

Local initiatives:

Local volunteer opportunities: