June 3, 2022
VIRTUAL DROP-IN CHAT WITH THE MAYOR: THURSDAY, JUNE 16
Mayor Karen Elliott and Acting Mayor Eric Andersen invite you to the next virtual Mayor’s Drop-in on Thursday, June 16 from 12 to 1 p.m. Whether you are new to the community or have called Squamish home for years, these informal sessions are an opportunity to ask questions, meet like-minded residents, learn about community projects and initiatives, or simply say hello.

This event will be held virtually. Please RSVP to communications@squamish.ca.
AGRI-FOOD IMPACT STUDY REVEALS THRIVING INDUSTRY
The District of Squamish and Small Business BC, in partnership with Tourism Squamish and Squamish Chamber of Commerce, has released a Squamish Agri-food Impact Study to measure the impacts of the agri-food sector on the Squamish economy and identify opportunities for sector growth. An integral component of both the local and national economy, the sector consists of farms, ranches, fisheries, food and beverage processors, wholesalers, retailers and food-related services.  

The study, funded in part by the Province of British Columbia, provides a comprehensive overview of the sector’s development, structure, impact, opportunities, and challenges as well as potential actions for growth. 
CLEVELAND AND HIGHWAY 99 INTERSECTION UPGRADES SET TO BEGIN  
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is about to start upgrades to the intersection of Cleveland Avenue and Highway 99 southbound right turn from Cleveland Avenue. Construction is expected to begin June 6. Impacts on traffic flow are expected during construction.  

  • Closure of the southbound right-hand lane of Highway 99 from Cleveland Avenue to the Mamquam Blind Channel crossing. 
  • Partial closure of the existing right turn onto Highway 99 southbound.  
  • Lane closures will be in effect between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. Traffic will still be able to access Highway 99 southbound from Cleveland Avenue.  
  • Construction zone speed limit of 50 km/h will be in effect for the duration of the project.  

The estimated completion date for construction is July 15, 2022. Residents will need to plan ahead to allow for extra time when coming to and from the downtown area of Squamish.
NOTICE FROM BC HYDRO OF PLANNED SPILL RELEASE FROM THE CHEAKAMUS DAM
The District of Squamish has received a Spill Notice from BC Hydro informing of a planned spill release from the Cheakamus Dam. The spill release will begin June 4 at 1300 hours. A Spill occurs when water is released in a controlled manner from the reservoir ("spilled") through a dam's spillway to control the reservoir level. It is considered routine operations for BC Hydro to manage reservoir levels and not an emergency event. No flooding is anticipated, but rivers may be flowing up to the tops of banks. If the flows increase to overbank flooding, BC Hydro will issue a "Flood Alert" notification.

Instructions: It is recommended that you keep your distance from unstable riverbanks and stay off the rivers and waterways for at least 24 hours after the spilling begins.
2022 PROPERTY TAX AND UTILITY NOTICES HAVE BEEN MAILED
Property Tax and Utility notices were mailed this week. Please note, property owners are responsible for payment of the 2022 property taxes and utilities regardless of whether or not a notice is received.

If you do not receive your notice, please contact Financial Services for assistance. New owners should ensure taxes and utilities are paid on their property. If there is any doubt, please call Financial Services at 604.815.5035.

Methods of Payment

  • Online or telephone banking services provided by banks and credit unions.
  • Mail or deliver cheque to Municipal Hall early enough to be received before the deadline. No post-dated cheques please.
  • Deposit a cheque in the dropbox at Municipal Hall. Do not put cash in the drop box. No post-dated cheques please.
  • In-person at Municipal Hall, 37955 Second Avenue, Squamish.
COMMUNITY AMENITY CONTRIBUTIONS ENGAGEMENT SESSION ON POLICY REVIEW
The District of Squamish is reviewing the policy that guides Community Amenity Contributions in rezoning development applications. The Policy outlines the District’s expectations of developers’ contributions that are negotiated as part of proposed developments to increase residential density. District of Squamish Planning Staff will be hosting an engagement session and providing an overview of the current policy, introducing proposed changes and looking for stakeholder and community feedback on Wednesday, June 15 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at The 55 Activity Centre (1201 Village Green Way). Everyone is welcome to attend.
LANDFILL LATERAL EXPANSION POP-UPS
Did you know that the Squamish Landfill is on track to reach capacity within the next six years? The District of Squamish is pursuing a lateral expansion to the existing landfill to ensure there is local capacity for waste management. This requires an amendment to the Squamish Lillooet Regional District’s Solid Waste & Resource Management Plan to include explicit approval of the lateral expansion of the Squamish Landfill, as well as waste export out of the region (as the backup option).

Visit us at one of the following locations to learn more and have your questions answered by our team.

  • June 5, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m.: Britannia Beach Playground, Corner of Britannia Way and Upper Crescent.
  • June 8, 6 - 8 p.m.: Online Open House, details coming soon.
  • June 9, 6 - 8 p.m.: Oliver's Landing, Beach Drive, Furry Creek.
HAVE YOUR SAY ON PERTH DRIVE ACTIVE TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS
Perth Drive Active Transportation Improvements

We want to hear from the community about an alternative approach to active transportation infrastructure on Perth Drive. A grant application to fund active transportation improvements along Perth Drive was declined in September of 2021. The District continues to seek funding for this project. Until funding is in place, for the short-to-medium term, the District can either remove the existing bike lane to add a sidewalk or leave the existing bike lane in place. In both cases, the full build would be completed once funding is available.
VIEW OUR PUBLIC WORKS VIDEO TOUR
Interested to check out the Public Works Facility? Join the District's Chief Building Inspector Colin McCarthy as he takes a tour around the facility with Technical Operations Manager Ben Kineshanko. Colin will show you an inside view of the building and operations as he checks out the facility and shares his findings with the community.
 
THE RE-USE-IT FAIR IS BACK ON JUNE 11 AT BRENNAN PARK
The Re-Use-It Fair is back on June 11 at Brennan Park

This event is an opportunity to bring your unwanted usable items or take away used treasures from someone else, for free. Come and take whatever treasures you find for FREE. You don’t have to bring something to the Re-Use-It Fair to participate.

What's accepted?
  • Small appliances in good working order or in need of minor repair.
  • Large appliances in good working order.
  • Gently used toys, books, clothing, baby supplies, DVD, CDs.
  • Furniture, household items, garden tools, and sports equipment in reasonable condition.

What's not accepted?
  • TVs, computers, printers, VCRs (recycle these at the Bottle Depot).
  • Broken, unsafe toys, damaged strollers, out-of-date children's car seats.
  • Mattresses (recycle these at the landfill).
  • Items broken or damaged beyond repair.
OUTDOOR WATER USE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT
BE BEAR AWARE - PLEASE SECURE YOUR TOTES
With bears out and about, don’t forget to keep your totes locked and secured and only place them curbside on the morning of collection (only after 5 a.m. on your collection day and never the night before!). Please remember; a fed bear is a dead bear – let’s keep our wildlife and residents safe this season.

If your tote or lock is broken, the revised Wildlife Attractant Bylaw requires you to contact GFL immediately upon noticing the damage. Please follow through with the instructions provided and contact GFL at 604.892.5604 or email squamishtotes@gflenv.com.
COMMUNITY NOTICES AND EVENTS
Temporary Use Permit applications

20, 38936 Queens Way: The District of Squamish is considering the renewal of a Temporary Use Permit (TUP) application for office use. The property is zoned I-4 (Used Goods Industrial). The proposed office use is not permitted in the I-4 Zone. If approved, the TUP would allow the office use for a period of up to three years.

1701 Centennial Way: The District of Squamish is considering the issuance of a Temporary Use Permit. The property is zoned Comprehensive Development Zone 90 (CD-90). The TUP would allow for a Presentation and Sales Centre on the northern (1701 Centennial Way) portion of the property shown on the Location Map below. If approved, the TUP renewal would allow the sales centre use for a period of up to three years.
Seeking Board of Variance member

The District of Squamish is looking for one new member to fill the remainder of a three-year term ending May 31, 2024, on the Board of Variance and encourages interested members of the public to submit an application and resume.

Boards of Variance in B.C. sit to consider applications from property owners requesting variances to zoning and land use bylaws. The Squamish Board of Variance meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m., as necessary, if an application is received.

Applications should be received no later than
4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 10.
North Crumpit public information meetings
 
Diamond Head Land Company Ltd. has submitted an Official Community Plan Amendment application to the District of Squamish to prepare a Neighbourhood Plan for the area referred to as North Crumpit. The North Crumpit Project Team is hosting two Public Information Meetings to share the Neighbourhood Plan options. One meeting will be hosted online and one will be hosted in person. Both meetings will cover the same content.
 
• Online: June 8 from 12 - 2 p.m.; and
• In person: June 8 from 6 - 8:30 p.m. at St’a7mes School (38030 Clarke Drive).
Infrastructure improvements and upgrades

  • The Boulevard Roundabout Active Transportation Project: The District is undertaking active transportation upgrades and improvements to the roundabout at The Boulevard and Highlands Way South for a new multi-use path. This project aims to improve safety and connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians. Work will begin June 13 through to August and will take place between 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Expect traffic delays and please obey all traffic flaggers during this time.

  • Kalodon Road Repaving: Work is expected to begin this month to repave Kalodon Road. Work will take approximately two weeks to complete from start date and be conducted between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Measures will be in place to minimize the impacts caused by construction. However, expect noise and dust from machinery and traffic delays. Please obey all traffic flaggers during this time. 
DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE
Latest additions to the Development Showcase:

2100 Newport Drive - Garibaldi Springs Phase 2
20-38936 Queens Way - Delegated Temporary Use Permit (TUP)
Upcoming Events: