Inside Enews: Community Update

August 12, 2022

2023 BUDGET DISCUSSIONS UNDERWAY

Preliminary Budget 2023 discussions are underway, marking the beginning of the 2023-2027 five-year financial planning process to deliver services and programs to support Squamish today and into the future. Council kicked off their deliberations with a review of the Capital Plan on July 26 and will resume discussions on September 6.

The District is seeking community input to better understand public priorities. A survey has been launched at letstalksquamish.ca/budget-2023. The survey will be open through September 10.

Learn more

DISTRICT B-SIDES PODCAST - NEW EPISODE OUT NOW!

How do we move from a car ‘first’ to a car ‘last’ mindset whereby some of our local trips are done differently (walk/bike/bus), instead of just jumping in the car? And what impact could this have if we do? Have a listen to these four intelligent UBC Masters students who recently worked on their thesis project with the District and help to answer these questions for us. Let us know what you think.

Got an idea for a podcast topic? Send us an email at communications@squamish.ca.

Listen now

WHAT'S ON AT LET'S TALK SQUAMISH

Zero Waste Action Plan

The District of Squamish is updating its Zero Waste Action Plan to ensure we continue to improve waste reduction and diversion while supporting Squamish residents and businesses through the transition.

We want to hear from you to find out what you think Squamish could do to reduce or divert waste and support the growth of the circular economy!

Learn more

Heritage Management Strategy

The District of Squamish is creating a Heritage Management Strategy that will aim to identify and manage the stories, places, and values that have shaped Squamish and will guide decisions about protecting heritage assets in Squamish.

We want to hear from you about the stories, places and values that are important parts of Squamish’s heritage.

Learn more

DISTRICT COUNCIL MEETINGS RESUME SEPTEMBER 6

Please note there are no scheduled meetings in August 2022.

Council meetings will resume on September 6.

View Council Meeting Information.

Did you know? All Council Meeting videos are available with closed captioning. Learn more here.

STAGE 2 OUTDOOR WATER USE RESTRICTIONS IN EFFECT

COMMUNITY NOTICES AND EVENTS

Candidate Orientation Sessions

The District will be hosting candidate orientation sessions on August 29 and September 7 for those who are thinking of running for Mayor, Councillor or School Trustee. If you are interested in running for office and have some questions about your campaign or elected position, please join us for an informal presentation and chat.

Learn more

Apply for the Squamish Youth Council

The District of Squamish is currently accepting applications for young people aged 12-24 interested in joining the Squamish Youth Council. The Squamish Youth Council gives youth the opportunity to speak up and engage with the Mayor, District of Squamish Council and Community Leaders.

Learn more

Third Avenue Bridge Deck Rehabilitation

Repair work is taking place at the Third Avenue bridge deck located on Third Avenue, approximately 1km northeast of Squamish Terminals. The work involves the removal of delaminated or deteriorated concrete on the existing bridge deck and the installation of reinforcing steel, embedded galvanic anodes, a concrete overlay and filled joints.

Impact: Work will take place on weekends only between the hours of Friday at 6 p.m. and Monday at 6 a.m. with evening work only as required. The bridge will be closed to the public and vehicle traffic during construction (emergency vehicle access only).

Timeline: Construction will begin on Friday, August 5 and is anticipated to be completed by Sunday, September 4.

Industrial Way Storm Interceptor Project

Upgrades to the stormwater system at the intersection of Industrial Way and Highway 99 will take place this summer and continue through early fall. Work includes the installation of an oil grit separator (OGS).

Impacts: All traffic from Industrial Way onto Highway 99 will be detoured onto Discovery Way and Commercial Way. Traffic coming off Highway 99 onto Industrial Way will be reduced to one lane. Best efforts will be made to reopen this area as quickly as possible. Discovery Trail is expected to be closed near Industrial Way for four weeks from approximately August 25 to September 26. A detour route and signage will be in place for the Discovery Trail, near the work site.

Timeline: Work is expected to take place from August 15 through October 19.

District accepting applications for Permissive Tax Exemptions

Permissive Tax Exemptions are a method that the District of Squamish, supported by Council, may support voluntary non-profit organizations by exempting land or improvements or both, from taxation. Section 224 of the Community Charter and the requirements of the District of Squamish Permissive Tax Exemption policy apply. If your organization can demonstrate eligibility, you are welcome to apply for an exemption.

The deadline to apply is August 26, 2022 for exemptions beginning for the 2023 taxation year.

Learn more

Furniture Sale

There are still a few items left at the District’s by-donation furniture sale. All items are located at the Tantalus Fire Hall. Help us spread the word and reduce the impact on our landfill!

All items listed for sale are on our website:

· Each item description includes measurements and a photo;

· Items must be picked up at the Tantalus Fire Hall;

· Cash payments only will be accepted upon pickup; and

· Items will be marked SOLD once paid.

All proceeds will benefit Under One Roof.

Learn more

BE A CLIMATE ACTION CHAMPION

When you are hosting a BBQ, use reusable plates and cutlery to reduce waste, and put out bins for your guests to recycle their beverage containers and compost their food scraps. If you label the bins, your clean up will be much easier.

Composting food scraps, paper towels, dryer lint, coffee filters and other organic materials is the single most effective way to reduce your garbage waste. If you are unsure as to what materials can go in your organics tote, enter the item in our Waste Wizard lookup tool to find out where to recycle or dispose of it.

DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE

Latest additions to the Development Showcase:

38357 Buckley Avenue - Development Variance

38201 T hir d Avenue - Development Permit

Visit the Development Showcase

Masks in public indoor settings are a personal choice. Please respect the individual decisions of others.

Sharpen your skates – the ice at Brennan Park Arena is coming back soon.

Mountain Biking Girls Ride

August 22 - 26

This program encourages young female and female-identifying riders to build their self-confidence and skills while challenging themselves through mountain biking in a fun, supportive, and safe environment. We will explore a variety of trails that are appropriate for the groups’ overall riding ability.

Girls Hockey Camp 7yrs+

August 29, August 31, September 2

This camp is designed to get you ready for the upcoming season and combines an off-ice strength and conditioning program and multi-sport outdoor fun. Includes a full day of golf instruction led by PGA pro and SWHA coach Courtney Campbell. Come dressed in comfortable clothes with runners along with a water bottle and snack. Full hockey gear is required. All golf equipment will be provided.

For more information and library hours, visit squamishlibrary.ca.

Squamish Summer Reading Club 2022

There's still lots of summer fun for kids at the library! Check the event schedule to see what’s happening each day. The Summer Reading Club coordinator will be in the children’s area all day Tuesday to Saturday to update your reading record and to help you find lots of great books to read. Come down to the library anytime during open hours to sign up!

"Meet your Community" Event Series at the Library: Meet a Recycler

Wednesday, August 17, 1 – 2 p.m.

As part of the Summer Reading Club, the library is hosting weekly Meet your Community events on Wednesdays. This program is designed for school children (ages 5 – 15). All events are free and everyone is welcome. Registration for each event is required.

Teddybear Storytime and Craft with Julie

August 17, 5 - 5:30 p.m.

Join Julie for an evening storytime and craft session. This monthly program is for all ages (parents must attend too). Feel free to wear your jammies and bring your favourite stuffie. Registration is required.

View the full list of upcoming events here.

Upcoming Events:

Squamish ArtWalk - On now
Squamish Arts Festival - August 8 - 20
Sp’akw’us Feather Park Halfway-there Party - August 20
Land Social at Common Acres - August 28
Candidate orientation sessions - August 29