What about that sign?
A sign has sprung up that reads “Private property; No trespassing” along the dike in Brackendale to the south of the eagle viewing area. There was a lot of curiosity and concern expressed on social media when the sign was first posted earlier this month. The Chief checked with the District and it is, in fact, a new and legitimate sign. The property to the south of the eagle viewing area is privately owned, and new owners of the property are exercising their rights to limit public access, according to District staff. Also according to staff, various sections of dike in Squamish are privately owned and do not allow public access, especially in the Brackendale area. The District has the ability to go in and do maintenance when needed for the overall safety/flood protection of the community.
Business awards
The annual Squamish Chamber Business Excellence awards champagne gala took place on Friday at the Sea to Sky Hotel. The sold-out event was attended by 136 people. The winners are: Republic Bicycles from Large Business, Fergie’s Café for Small Business, Christian Thomson for Business Person of the Year, Bryan Couture for Citizen of the Year, Bungalow968 for Arts & Culture, Sea to Sky Community Services for Non-profit of the Year, Robyn Balez for Young Entrepreneur, Happimess for the Innovation Award, Sunwolf for the Green Business Award and Squamish Days Loggers Sports Festival for Project of the year. See page B8 for photos.
Building permits up
The construction boom is set to continue in Squamish, judging from the number of building permits issued so far this year. From Jan. 1 to April 4, the District of Squamish issued a total of 72 building permits equaling around $34 million in construction, according to District stats. Approximately 45 of the permits were for new builds. The remaining were for alterations or additions. Year-over-year the number of permits issued has increased exponentially. In the first quarter of 2013, 24 building permits were issued; during the same time period in 2014, 32 permits were issued; in 2015, 54 were issued and in 2016, 63 were issued.
Holmes on homes!
Mike Holmes will be at 38580 High Creek Dr. in Crumpit Woods on April 29 at an open house of a model net zero home that produces as much energy as it uses.
All three levels of government are committed to net zero housing by 2032. Aligned with sustainable development and energy efficiency, the star of HGTV’s series Holmes on Homes will be doing a meet and greet from 11 to 2 p.m. Attendees can view the insulation, walls, roofs and windows at the home, currently in framing stage and built by RDC Fine Homes. The open house will continue on April 30, May 6 and 7.
Day of Mourning
A Day of Mourning ceremony, honouring those who lost loved ones to work-related incidents or occupational disease, will take place on Sunday, April 30 from 11 to 11:30 a.m. at the Worker’s Monumnet at Pavilion Park. Mayor Patricia Heintzman, Coun. Jason Blackman-Wulff and CUPE Local 2269 President Wendy Shard will be attending. The day is also meant to renew our commitment to creating healthy and safe workplaces.
Water restrictions start
District of Squamish Stage 1 water restrictions go into effect Monday, May 1.
During Stage 1, lawn watering with a sprinkler is permitted two days per week from 4 to 10 a.m. and 7 to 10 p.m. The District’s Water Conservation Plan aims to reduce water consumption by 15 per cent by 2031.
Charging station program
A new program may help fund the installation of electric car charging stations in existing condo or apartment buildings in Squamish. The Multi-Unit Residential Building Charging Program began accepting applications on March 27.
The program is funded by the provincial government and administered by the Fraser Basin Council, according to a news release. For more information, go online and search MURB Charging Program on the Plugin BC website or contact Ryan Davis at the Fraser Basin Council at 604-488-5365.
Public hearing
A public hearing will be held May 8 regarding zoning changes to four properties in the Squamish Business Park. The changes to the northwest corner of the Sea to Sky Business Park aim to rezone the properties to what is officially called MUD-1 zoning, a combination of light industrial, limited commercial, office and upper storey live-work residential units. Second reading of the changes passed council on April 18.
The public hearing will get underway at 6 p.m. in council chambers on Monday, May 8. This is a special meeting date due to the provincial election to be held on Tuesday, May 9.
Climb and camp
Climb and Conquer is offering seven weekend overnight outdoor camps in Squamish at the Kinsman Campground this summer. The camps are entirely subsidized by private donors and the District of Squamish to service youth (aged 13 to 18) from low income or under-resourced backgrounds. Details at www.climbnconquer.ca/SummerCamps.
New DBIA members
The Downtown Squamish BIA elected its new board last week. New members Edward Archibald, Gena Smith Belanger, Adrian Blachut, Eddie Carter, Michelle Ellis, Scott McQuade, Nancy McCartney and Mike Young join returning members Sabrina Gawley, Elliot Moses and Dave Sweeney. The new board will be installed on May 17 at the next Downtown Squamish BIA board meeting.
