Happy Monday, folks.
Here's some driving trivia for you.
Did you know drivers can get dinged for $368 for failing to stop for a school bus?
It is true and a good one to remember as we get closer to back to school.
Section 149 of the Violation Ticket Administration and Fines Regulation states that failing to stop for a school bus is an offence that can garner that costly ticket and three penalty points on your driving record.
"The Motor Vehicle Act requires drivers to stop when approaching a stationary school bus with red lights flashing. This would cover any direction, so drivers must pay more attention and think carefully as the red lights on the bus face forward and back, not to the side. It makes sense as students may choose to walk around either end of the bus to cross the road," reads the DriveSmart BC site.
Now you know.
For those thinking of taking a drive today, or this week, here's all the other information you need to know before hitting the road.
Driving weather
Squamish meteorologist Jason Ross says that a ridge of high pressure will dominate the region, leading to hot and dry conditions across southwestern B.C. at the beginning of this week.
"The high-pressure ridge will start to break down towards next weekend, with temperatures gradually decreasing as an onshore flow strengthens and an upper trough offshore deepens. The upper trough offshore will bring cooler, cloudier conditions next weekend, with a chance of precipitation," he said.
For Aug. 25, we will see a high of 31 C, except 27 C near the water.
The UV index is 7, or high.
The Skin Cancer Foundation warns, while glass in vehicles "blocks UVB rays pretty well, it doesn't block UVA rays. Windshields are treated to shield drivers from some UVA, but side, back and sunroof windows usually aren't. So when you're in your car, you should protect yourself and your family from that sunlight shining through the glass."
'Never leave children or pets'
TranBC offers the following alerts about taking care of your loved ones when you stop driving for a time.
"Never leave children or pets alone, for any length of time, in a parked vehicle.
On a hot day, a stationary vehicle heats up extremely fast and permanent injuries or death could result. Look inside your car while you’re locking it, to make sure no one gets left behind. When it’s 27 C outside, the temperature in a parked vehicle can climb to 37 C in 10 minutes, 43 C in 20 minutes, and up to 50 C in an hour."
Prepare for the unexpected
Crashes happen on the Sea to Sky Highway, regardless of the weather.
Sometimes, there can be lengthy road closures of five hours or more, while a serious crash is investigated and cleared.
Be sure to carry plenty of water, snacks, a pillow, blanket, car charger, and a first aid kit.
Watch for wildlife
Watch for wildlife, as deer, coyotes, and bears have recently been seen along or on the highway in our region.
Report any wildlife sightings or encounters to the Conservation Officer Service Hotline at 1.877.952.7277.
The Government of B.C. provides the following tips to help drivers avoid hitting wildlife on highways:
- Be extra cautious at dawn, dusk, and night—these are peak animal movement times
- Follow posted speed limits and scan the ditches for movement or for the reflection of eyes from your headlights
- Slow down when you see an animal—some animals like deer freeze in panic, while moose may run along the road
- Many animals travel in groups, so if you see one, slow down until you are well past
- Obey wildlife warning signs—they’re placed in high-risk areas based on real data
- Never swerve suddenly to avoid an animal, as this can lead to a more serious collision—brake firmly and stay in your lane
- Use high beams when possible to spot animals sooner
Forest service roads (FSR)
If you are headed into the Squamish Valley, be warned. The Squamish River Forest Service Road is closed at the 21-kilometre mark until further notice, due to a washout at Mud Creek.
The Ministry of Forests tells The Squamish Chief that the washout was created by a rain event on the night of Aug. 6.
The road was closed on Aug. 7. According to the government website, it remains closed today, Aug. 25.
According to the ministry, safety assessments are taking place, and plans are being made by the designated road maintainer to complete repairs.
There is no completion date known at this time.
"Advice for recreationalists is ... that the road is not currently accessible at the 21km mark, and to please stay clear of the washout and stay safe."
Washouts at this location are not uncommon. In September of 2024, for example, it washed out twice in as many weeks.
For full forest service road access reports, go to this provincial government site.
If you are new to driving FSRs, check out this handy guide.
Within the District of Squamish road issues to note
Victoria Street work
The District says there will be traffic impacts along Victoria Street from August through November.
Muni crews are constructing new protected bike lanes along Victoria Street to expand important bike lane connections through downtown.
This phase of bike lane improvements will link Third Avenue to the new Pedestrian Bridge at Loggers Lane.
As Third Avenue continues to develop, this street is envisioned as an important connector for cyclists entering/exiting Downtown.
Drivers should expect the following:
Work will take place between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday to Friday.
Elevated noise levels in the vicinity of the work area.
Short-term traffic disruptions due to construction activities and vehicles
This work is weather dependent. All efforts are being made to minimize impacts to the area.
Localized road closures along Victoria Street may be required.
"This project will improve safety for all users at intersections by improving sightlines, reducing crossing distances and enhancing accessibility design features," the District said in a post.
X̱wún̓eḵw Park closure notice
The District says that X̱wún̓eḵw Park on the Mamquam Blind Channel downtown will be closed for sea dike and flood protection upgrades until summer 2026.
Impacts will include:
Short-term traffic disruptions on Loggers Lane.
Closure of the park, including the water access, watercraft storage facility and Main Street parking area.
Alternative public water access is available at Sp'akw'us Feather Park.
Construction noise and vibration due to construction activities including pile driving and ground densification work.
"This work is an integral part of the ongoing dike upgrade program identified in the District's Integrated Flood Hazard Management Plan (IFHMP). The District has been in contact with user groups of the Squamish Paddling Club Storage. The X̱wún̓eḵw Canoe Shelter will still be accessible," reads the muni's social media post.
Traffic events & roadwork alerts
Check out our map below, full of DriveBC events happening along Highway 99.
Click on any of the pins to see more information about each event.
Gas Prices as of Aug. 25
The removal of the motor fuel carbon tax has had an impact on local gas prices.
In Squamish today, regular gas in town is going for 159.9 cents per litre at most stations in town.
Before the carbon tax was removed, gas in town was at about 178.9¢/L
(The B.C. government cancelled the carbon tax by introducing legislation to drop the rate to $0, effective April 1.)
In Whistler, regular gas is on offer for 162.7¢/L, at AC Petroleum, located at 8056 Nesters Rd.
In Pemberton, you can fill up for 161.9¢/L at most area stations.
But gas in the corridor still remains higher than in many other places, according to GasBuddy data.
For comparison, regular gas in Sparwood, is going for 130.9¢/L, for example, at Sparwood Heights Foods, at 105 - 1290 Ponderosa Dr.
Duffey news
If you drive The Duffey (Duffey Lake Road—Highway 99 to non-locals), you have likely wondered if the dang road is set to be repaved anytime soon.
Well, we have the answer for at least part of the popular route.
The Ministry of Transportation and Transit told The Squamish Chief that there are plans to complete 15 km of hard surfacing on Highway 99 between Cayoosh Bridge and Boulder Creek Bridges, 10 to 25 km west of Lillooet.
This work started on July 3, and runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday. The anticipated end of construction will be Sept. 12.
"The construction speed zone during construction periods will be a maximum of 50 km/hr and will remain that posted speed until the roadway has been cleaned of loose rock and debris. The zone will be single lane alternating traffic that is controlled using a pilot car," reads a letter sent by Northwest Sealcoating Company and posted to the SLRD website.
