January 7, 2022
Councillor Chris Pettingill is here with your look ahead at what’s coming up at Council on Tuesday, January 11.

Limited public attendance is still allowed in Council Chambers though watching and participating online is still highly encouraged.


WARMING CENTRE OPEN FOR THOSE EXPERIENCING POWER OUTAGES
In the event of a power outage, residents are welcome to head over to Brennan Park Recreation Centre to keep warm during the following operational hours:

  • Friday, January 7, 4 p.m. - 9 p.m.
  • Saturday, January 8, 9 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Though the warming centre will be open, it is currently operating on backup generators. Residents who utilize the facility will therefore not be permitted to plug-in chargers for mobile devices, tablets, laptops or gaming consoles. Residents are also being encouraged to consider staying with a friend or family in a location with power as a first option. 
All recreation programming scheduled for Friday, January 7 has been cancelled due to lack of power. 

Regularly scheduled programming will resume Saturday, January 8 at 9 a.m., provided power to the facility has been restored.
 
FOREST THINNING WORK BEGINS TO REDUCE WILDFIRE SPREAD
The District of Squamish is set to begin work to thin forests in a key area of town to reduce the spread of wildfires. Fuel thinning work removes fire fuel such as underbrush and woody debris from the forests. The work will take place in the Brackendale Farmers’ Institute (BFI) Park and in the area of the Squamish Airport, beginning January 5 through the end of March. The BFI Park will remain open to the public during the work, with work areas sign-posted for safety.

Removing fire fuel from forests has the added benefit of supporting forest health as dead and unhealthy trees are prioritized for removal.
DISTRICT SEEKS EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
As part of the Squamish Adventure Centre Revitalization Project, the District is seeking expressions of interest to lease up to 4,000ft2 of commercial space and 833ft2 of patio space. It is the District's intention that these potential new leases will not only optimize this commercial asset by improving its operational efficiency, but also provide the opportunity to refresh and enhance Squamish’s only purpose-built tourism centre.

Any level of interest is welcomed and responses will be evaluated based on alignment to other services within the building and with tourism or recreation offerings, and offer enhanced services to the community.
THE LATEST DISTRICT B-SIDES EPISODE IS OUT NOW
Join us for the last episode of our Climate Action series Agency in a Climate Emergency! Squamish Manager of Sustainability and Climate Change Ian Picketts is joined by guests Mayor Karen Elliott and Expeditioner Sunniva Sorby to discuss the imperative of acting on climate change including the benefits of citizen science, global challenges and local action impacts.


Got an idea for a podcast topic? Send us an email at communications@squamish.ca.
RENEW YOUR DOG LICENCE TODAY AND SAVE
Get your dog’s licence before January 31 to qualify for the discounted rate.

All dogs must be registered within 30 days of moving to Squamish and all dogs over eight weeks must be licensed.
  
FIRESMART HOME IGNITION ZONE ASSESSMENTS
The District of Squamish is offering free Firesmart Home Assessments to interested residents of Garibaldi Highlands, Valleycliffe and Paradise Valley beginning February 2022.

Why? These neighbourhoods have been identified in the Community Wildfire Protection Plan as having an increased risk of wildfire. Home assessments are an opportunity to receive in-person recommendations from a Local Firesmart Representative on how to help reduce your home/property wildfire risk.

Assessments will be by appointment only, take approximately one hour and will be based on the Firesmart Home Assessment Score Card and Firesmart Begins at Home Manual. A member of your household must be present during the assessment.

Inspectors will operate under the guidance of current Provincial Health Orders (PHO) and ensure health and safety protocols are maintained at all times. To book an appointment, contact firesmart@squamish.ca.
WHAT'S ON AT LETSTALKSQUAMISH.CA
Garibaldi Estates Neighbourhood
Plan
Off-Leash Dog Locations in Squamish
Squamish Public Spaces Survey
Home Renovation Contractor Readiness Survey
COMMUNITY NOTICES AND EVENTS
Building Inclusive Communities event series 

Join a discussion to talk about multiculturalism, diversity and equity, immigration, and building a sense of belonging in our multicultural communities in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast. Canadians from all racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds in the Sea to Sky and Sunshine Coast are invited to participate in these important discussions.

When: January 24, 25, 31 and February 1
Where: Online
Notice of elector Alternative Approval Process (AAP)

Council is considering Loan Authorization Bylaws in order to borrow funds for six upcoming projects that were approved in the 2021-2025 Financial Plan.

Loan Authorization Bylaws give the District approval to now finance the projects through borrowing.

If you are in favour of these bylaws, you do not need to submit any forms. If you object to one or more of these bylaws, please complete and submit an Elector Response Form for each bylaw you are not in favour of. Council will consider each bylaw separately.
2022 Field Allocation, March 1 to August 31

Applications are now open for Field User Allocation consideration. The deadline for all submissions is January 17 for any field including Centennial Fields (1-4, 7, 8), Homer Dome (field 5), LaRoy Watt Field (6), Hendrickson Fields, and Howe Sound Secondary Community Field, beer garden or tournament use within the District of Squamish.

Field allocation meeting will be held online on February 2 at 5:30 p.m. A final calendar is posted online no later than February 16.
 
Styrofoam collection has resumed

RecycleBC has lifted the suspension of foam collection for all depots across the province.

Due to a backlog of styrofoam collection and continued transportation challenges, delays may still be experienced.

Foam waste can be dropped off at the collections depot at 38950 Queens Way.
DEVELOPMENT SHOWCASE ITEMS
Visit the Development Showcase to review and comment on all active development permit applications. See the latest in our Development Showcase here.
UPCOMING COUNCIL MEETINGS


  Tuesday, January 11 at 9 a.m.

LATEST DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
LATEST BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES


• Program Administrator Support for Heat Pump Pilot Program - Request for Proposals

• Budget Software - Request for Information

• Main Street & Third Avenue Preliminary Designs - Request for Proposals


While the Library remains closed for renovations Library take-out is still available. For current take-out hours and services visit squamishlibrary.ca/renovations.
COMING UP AT THE LIBRARY:
Tuesday, January 18, 7 - 8 p.m. (online)
This Land of Snow is about a cross-country ski trip across Canada and a man who must come to terms with what he has left behind, as well as how he wants to continue living after his journey is over.

Thursday, January 27, 7 - 8:30 p.m. (online)
The Vanishing Half considers the lasting influence of the past as it shapes a person’s decisions, desires, and expectations, and explores some of the multiple reasons and realms in which people sometimes feel pulled to live as something other than their origins.
Upcoming Events: