DROP-IN CHAT WITH THE MAYOR |
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Squamish Community Housing Society: Tackling the Affordable Housing Challenge
There is an urgent need for stable, secure and affordable housing in Squamish, and the District has established the Squamish Community Housing Society to help create solutions. Please join Mayor Karen Elliott, Acting Mayor Jenna Stoner and local non-profit partners on Wednesday, March 16 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. at Municipal Hall to learn and ask questions about the Squamish Community Housing Society and its goal to increase affordable housing options across the community.
This event is open to anyone interested in learning more about affordable housing, the board member and staff hiring and recruitment process, and engaging in thoughtful dialogue on this complex and important topic. RSVP is encouraged.
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FUNDING PUBLIC WORKS - CRITICAL FACILITIES UPDATE |
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Council must find a path forward to fund a critical piece of infrastructure that is foundational to support the ongoing maintenance and growth of Squamish. The Public Works Yard is one of three critical facilities identified for immediate replacement in the Real Estate & Facilities Master Plan. The two Firehalls are the other two critical facilities, and both are currently underway.
Elector approval was not received for a loan authorization bylaw to fund the Public Works Facility as a result of more than 10% of electors opposing through the recent Alternative Approval Process. 1,695 valid response forms were received in opposition to the bylaw. (1,469 was deemed to be 10%). These facilities were prioritized for replacement because of life safety issues and their importance in delivering the essential services of our community – water, wastewater, infrastructure renewal and safety.
We have created a Q&A to answer community questions about the decisions in front of Council.
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ARTIST CALL FOR STREET BANNERS PROJECT |
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Artists in any media are encouraged to submit street banner design proposals.
Designs should be influenced by the uniqueness of Squamish and the surrounding community.
The street banners will be located on the street lights located in Downtown Squamish, Tantalus Road in Garibaldi Estates, and at Brennan Park Recreation Centre. The successful artist will receive $2000.
Deadline for submissions is March 21.
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WHAT'S ON AT LET'S TALK SQUAMISH
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We are currently seeking feedback from businesses and community members to help inform an improved patio program. The improved program will aim to create a streamlined and equitable application process for businesses and enhance the enjoyment of patio spaces for community members in Squamish. The program builds on the Temporary Patio Program created at the onset of the pandemic to support food service businesses by creating a quick and safe outdoor extension of their restaurant or café.
The surveys will remain open through March 9.
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Let’s chat about ocean access in Squamish! The District is hosting two pop-up sessions as part of the Marine Access Review. Drop in to chat and discuss marine access maps with District staff. These sessions will go ahead rain or shine, and social distancing will be in effect.
Session 1: Today, Friday March 4 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Squamish Boat Launch (located next to the Government Wharf at Vancouver Street and Loggers Lane).
Session 2: Friday March 11 from 3 to 5 p.m. at Xwu'nekw Park (located in the paddle boat shed at Main Street and Loggers Lane in Downtown Squamish).
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HAVE YOUR SAY ON TUESDAY, MARCH 15 |
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A Public Hearing is being held on Tuesday, March 15 at 6 p.m.
What’s Proposed: District District rezoning from Light Industrial to Creative Mixed Use
An application is being considered to rezone 37799 Second Avenue and 37781 Second Avenue from Light Industrial (I-1) to Creative Mixed Use District (MUD-2). The rezoning will allow for the development of a four-storey mixed-use building, including employment space on the first and second storey and 20 apartment dwelling units on the third and fourth storey.
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RECYCLING TIP OF THE WEEK |
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It's Food Waste Action Week March 7 - 10!
Did you know that if Food Waste were a country, it would have the third-biggest carbon footprint (behind China and the USA)! By fighting food waste at home, we can have a direct impact on these emissions. There are plenty of simple actions you can take to help prevent avoidable food waste.
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COMMUNITY NOTICES AND EVENTS |
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Storm damage cleanup almost complete
Public Works crews have finished chipping storm-damaged trees and branches in all neighbourhoods except Garibaldi Estates and Brackendale. Crews have been working since February 14 on clean-up efforts, working from the south to the north of town.
If you live in a neighbourhood that crews have already passed through, then please remove your yard waste from the curb. You can cut branches smaller to fit in your organics tote, or you can take your yard waste to the landfill. Crews are currently in Garibaldi Highlands and Brackendale.
Please note that the intent of the program is to provide a collection service for storm-damaged branches only. This service is being provided due to the unusual ice storm that caused damage to trees throughout the community. Any additional yard waste will not be collected as part of this service.
Thank you for your patience and cooperation while we wrap up this work.
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Mamquam Road construction update
The District of Squamish is continuing with its capital project upgrades along Mamquam Road.
Work on the sidewalk and bike path improvements will take place starting March 7. This work is anticipated to be complete by June, weather depending.
Please expect parking disruptions (some parking will always be available), minor traffic disruptions, and construction noise.
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February transit pass refunds
Refunds are now available to residents who purchased February transit passes.
Please bring your February pass to the Municipal Hall main reception desk between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday to request a refund cheque by mail.
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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY 2022, MARCH 8 |
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Debris burning near Squamish
Sea to Sky Natural Resource District, with the support of BC Wildfire Service crews, are currently in the final stages of their fuel management project to reduce wildfire risks near Squamish.
The final stage of the project includes the burning of forest debris that crews have been gathering into two-by-three metre piles. This work is being carried out at seven locations east of Quest University Canada, along Mamquam Road and Garibaldi Park Road to the southern border of the Ring Creek residential area. Burning will be intermittent (only if conditions are favourable) based on multiple factors, including site accessibility, crew availability, weather and venting conditions. To reduce the impact of smoke on nearby residents, all burning will adhere to the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy’s Open Burning Smoke Control Regulation.
The burning will be completed in stages through March until the project is completed.
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Powerhouse Springs Road closure
Please be advised Powerhouse Springs Road will be temporarily closed from March 7 to 16 while maintenance work is being completed at Powerhouse Springs.
We thank you for your patience as there is no available detour during this time.
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North Crumpit Project Virtual Housing Panel Presentation and Q&A.
A virtual presentation will be held by the Diamond Head Land Company on Wednesday, March 9, from 4 - 5:30 p.m. for information on the current form and character of future housing at North Crumpit. The presentation will be followed by a Q&A session from 5 – 5:30 p.m.
The presentation will include information on:
- The results of the recent second survey;
- The District of Squamish’s Non-Market Housing Needs Assessment;
- The results of a recently completed Market Needs Assessment and Absorption Study for North Crumpit;
- The details that go into the pricing of rental and ownership housing, for example, land cost, infrastructure costs, project financing, and project/development efficiencies; and
- A site summary, and how physical attributes of the site best accommodate a range of housing forms.
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Interested in having your say about recycling programs?
The following recycling programs (EPRs) are seeking public input on their programs. For more information on how to participate and submit your comments please visit:
Deadline March 8
Deadline March 15
All users and collectors are encouraged to get involved.
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Latest additions to the Development Showcase:
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UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS
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Tuesday, March 8 at 9 a.m.
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Did you know? All Council Meeting videos are available with closed captioning. Closed captioning is available through Chrome browsers as a built-in feature that allows users to turn on Live Caption for media within the Chrome environment. Live Caption is only available in English and only in Chrome.
To turn on Live Caption:
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Spring program registration - save the date!
Spring Programs are coming soon! Spring Programs launch online on March 21. Registration begins Wednesday, March 23 at 8 a.m.
Tuesday, March 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Join us on a trip to this beautiful seaside village lined with restaurants, ice cream parlours and coffee shops serving the village’s well-known doughnuts. Seats fill quickly!
Saturdays, March 12 through April 2
This course prepares participants to respond effectively to a variety of aquatic emergencies. Students will develop their fitness, safety knowledge, water rescue skills and judgement while learning lifesaving, first aid and CPR skills. Prerequisites: 13 years of age, or Bronze Star certification.
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The library has extended its opening hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays til 7 p.m.! For more information and library hours, visit squamishlibrary.ca. |
Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturdays: 10:30 -11 a.m.
Family Storytime is a fun, active half hour for all ages. We read books, sing songs, dance, and much more.
Tuesdays and Fridays: 11:30 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Join us for a half-hour of songs, rhymes, movement, and books. Meet other new parents/ caregivers, have fun with your baby, and help them develop a love of books and reading – and libraries!
March 8, 7 - 8:30 p.m.
Join Asia Matthews as she takes you through her favourite places to go on the internet to be inspired by math such as Vi Hart talking about snakes on a plane, 3Blue1Brown and the mysteries of polarized lenses, Mark Rober analyzing the game of Guess Who, and murder/suicide with Numberphile.
Thursday, March 17, 7 - 8:30 p.m. (online)
Let’s chat about bats. This is a crash course on the biology of our local bats, their habits, habitat, conservation and how bat biologists study bats. We will also discuss how new technologies like DNA, drones, and acoustics, are helping us better understand the life of these extraordinary nocturnal mammals. Suitable for all ages
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