40 years approved for WLNG
The federal government has OK’d Woodfibre’s application for a 40-year natural gas export licence for its planned Squamish facility.
Canada’s Minister of Natural Resources, Jim Carr, announced the approval Monday while speaking at the Canadian Embassy in China.
“We know there is tremendous demand for natural gas, especially in the fast-growing countries of Asia. The approval of Woodfibre LNG’s 40-year export licence provides certainty for investors while creating jobs for Canadians as the world moves toward a low-carbon future,” Carr said. “This project also underscores the significance of working together with First Nations communities, as it will lead to environmental protection and economic benefits for the Province of British Columbia and the Squamish region.”
The National Energy Board (NEB) had approved Woodfibre’s application on April 6. Monday’s announcement means the federal government reviewed and supported the NEB’s recommendations.
In December 2013, Woodfibre was granted a 25-year licence to export approximately 2.1 million tonnes of LNG per year. Changes in 2015 to the National Energy Board regulations increased the maximum term to 40 years. After the change, Woodfibre LNG applied for the new limit.
The federal Canada has so far issued LNG export licences to 24 projects.
Sikh Society parade
Come out to celebrate the 12th annual event honouring the Martyrdom of Fifth Guru, Arjun Dev Ji on Saturday, June 17. The Squamish Sikh Society and its close to 500 families welcomes all community members to join in the street parade through downtown, followed by a short reading and presentations at the O’Siem Pavilion.
This is an important religious event that is also honoured with music and plenty of food offered in a Guru Ka Langar, which means free food for all along the parade route. The parade gets underway at 10 a.m. and events last until 2 p.m.
Learning at Cheakamus
The Nature Conservancy of Canada is inviting Squamish residents to stop by the Cheakamus Centre for a hands-on volunteer event on June 10 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Volunteers will learn more about conservation efforts and the centre’s salmon habitat enhancement projects while assisting with trail maintenance and visiting the farm animals.
Quest Uni president search
The newly minted interim president of Quest University Canada says it will take about a year for a new, permanent president to be in place. The university’s board of governors confirmed that previous president Peter Englert had left the role on May 8. No reason was given for the departure.
In a public letter to students and faculty las week, interim president Marjorie Wonham said the coming weeks will be spent pulling together a transition team and enacting a transition plan for a new president. The target date for the final plan and search committee appointment is July 31.
The search for a new president is anticipated to be complete by the summer of 2018, states the letter, which was Wonham’s fourth weekly update since she assumed the interim role.
Also currently in the works is the creation of an alumni network that will see former students band together in a more formal way for events, fundraising and networking.
This fall marks the 10th anniversary of the opening of Quest, and celebrations are being planned for throughout the coming school year. For more information on the university or to see Womham’s entire letter, go to questu.ca.
Celebrate Aboriginal Day
Everyone is invited to celebrate National Aboriginal Day on Wednesday, June 21 at the Squamish Nation Totem Hall. Events will kick off at noon with a lunch.
Drumming, singing and the making of a paddle necklace and other activities will follow. A canoe race and closing remarks at the Stawamus waterfront will round out the day.
National Aboriginal Day celebrates the contributions and diverse cultures of the First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. For more information, contact Totem Hall at 604-892-5166.
Canada Day downtown
Here’s the low down on what to do this Canada Day, July 1, in downtown Squamish.
The parade on Cleveland Avenue starts at 10:30 a.m. The flag raising and cake cutting is on at 11:30 a.m. at Stan Clarke Park. There will be a market and entertainment starting at 2 p.m. and running until 10 p.m. at Junction Park. Backcountry Brewing will be operating a beer garden from noon until 10 p.m., in case anyone is thirsty. Fireworks explode at 10 p.m.
This year, Kiteclash Canadian National Kiteboarding will be featured. They will be running a free shuttle between the Canada Day event, The Spit and Totem Hall, which holds a multicultural celebration on Canada Day each year. For more information go to www.downtownsquamish.com/canadaday.
Orange Door
The Home Depot in Squamish has launched its Orange Door fundraising campaign in support of Sea to Sky Community Services’ youth programs, including the Youth Resource Centre. Until July 2, customers can donate $2 at the store’s checkout in exchange from an orange paper door. The goal of the program is to eliminate youth homelessness in Canada. Last year, Squamish raised $5,064.
