The Chief has a new editor
The Squamish Chief is pleased to announce it has a new editor.
Michaela Garstin started her new role on Monday. Garstin, who recently moved to Squamish from North Vancouver with her husband and young daughter, has previously worked for the Chief as a freelance reporter.
She brings to the newsroom a wealth of experience as both a reporter for various B.C. newspapers, including the North Shore Outlook and Dawson Creek Daily News and as an editor at Similkameen Spotlight in Princeton and Indulge Magazine. in South Surrey. Garstin says she is excited to be at the helm of the paper during this exciting and busy time for Squamish.
Money for local trails
The District of Squamish received $119,372 from the provincial government for the Squamish Corridor Trail Extension via Rose Park, it was announced Aug. 2.
The BikeBC funds were part of more than $6.5 million in funding for 25 projects to expand and build cycling lanes, trails and paths for cyclists and pedestrians around B.C., according to a provincial government news release.
“BikeBC is the province’s cost-sharing program that helps communities build cycling projects that attract and support commuter and tourism cyclists,” the release stated. “The funding is part of B.C. on the Move, the government’s 10-year transportation plan.”
Vail Resorts takeover
Vail Resorts will take over Whistler Blackcomb Holdings in a deal worth more than $1 billion, it was announced Monday.
With the deal Vail Resorts will acquire 100 per cent of the stock of Whistler Blackcomb.
Whistler’s Dave Brownlie will continue as the resort’s chief operating officer and will become a member of the senior leadership team of Vail Resorts’ mountain division, according to a news release.
Vail will also continue Master Development Agreements with local First Nations including the Squamish Nation, started under Whistler Blackcomb.
Garibaldi at Squamish resort not fazed
Proponents behind the Garibaldi at Squamish all season resort took the news announced Monday of Whistler Blackcomb’s takeover by Vail Resorts in stride.
“We believe that further investment and improvements by Vail Resorts to the local all-season resort industry is positive,” said Aquilini Investment Group’s senior vice-president Jim Chu.
“The enhanced competition level will benefit workers, skiers, summer visitors, and will increase tax revenue.”
The company’s plans for the Garibaldi at Squamish resort have not changed, according to Chu. “When we become operational, we will complement Vail Resort’s exciting new acquisition and the province of B.C. will benefit from a cluster of destination resorts,” he said.
Chu added that the proposed resort would soon be selecting a resort planner. All of the firms being considered have international resort design experience, he said.
Squamish Nation supports inquiry
The Squamish Nation is pleased the federal government is conducting a national inquiry into murdered and missing indigenous women and girls, according to their spokesperson Chris Lewis.
The federal government announced Aug. 3 it was launching an independent national inquiry.
The Nation has supported many resolutions calling on the government for just such an inquiry, Lewis told The Squamish Chief.
Lewis called the inquiry “a good first step,” and added it will build on findings learned from the pervious inquiry conducted in B.C.
“Our Nation is not immune to this national tragedy with families impacted,” Lewis said. “We hope this inquiry will help us all find answers and that, in the end, the recommendations will be implemented.”
Marion Buller, B.C’s first female First Nations judge, will lead the inquiry.
According to 2015 RCMP data, there were 106 unsolved homicide cases of First Nations women and 98 unsolved missing cases.
Food service closure in Squamish
Vancouver Coastal Health closed the restaurant at the Sacred Soul Therapy House on Wall Street in the Squamish Valley on May 4 for not having a valid permit or potable water.
“Upon investigation was found to not have the necessary approvals for their food services from VCH. Accordingly a closure order was issued for the food services,” Len Clarkson of VCH told The Squamish Chief.
“As a prerequisite to obtaining a food permit the water supply must be confirmed to be potable.
“This is typically accomplished by providing water treatment processes – which VCH reviews for validation.”
Clarkson said the health authority had met with the owners of the business who agreed to make the changes.
“Timing is up to the client,” he said.
The Squamish Chief’s requests for comment from the company were not returned by deadline.
According to the company’s website, the business offers retreats that feature “psycho-spiritual ceremonies and detox treatments,” and has an onsite chef.
