Target development breezes through
A mixed-use townhouse development slated for the North Yards that has been opposed by some neighbours because of its density passed third reading at council Tuesday night.
The Target Homes Breeze development on three acres is to include 60 townhouses that will be 14 metres high, 12 apartments, eight live-work units and 224 square metres of commercial space. Of about 10 people who spoke at the public hearing on May 10, eight opposed the density of the proposal on Government Road in the North Yards.
She’s mayor for a day
Grade 4 student Maya Park has won Squamish’s Mayor for a Day contest.
Park was up against about 80 other elementary school students who shared their vision for the future of Squamish.
Park, who attends Squamish Montessori School, submitted a letter outlining her vision for an all-season ice rink, more homeless shelters and a place for animals to live forever.
Brackendale Elementary School Grade 5 student Alex Jones wrote about his desire to make Squamish a solar-powered city and plant more trees, while Montessori Grade 1 student Aliya Gaudin shared poetic words about nature. Both were chosen as deputy majors.
The three winners will be treated to activities including a visit to the dog pound and SPCA, photos taken in the mayor’s chair at Municipal Hall, a tour of the Squamish RCMP Detachment and a ride in a fire truck. They return to school with a pizza lunch to share with classmates. The event is during Local Government Awareness Week, May 15 to 21.
Mumps immunization clinics following outbreak
Ten confirmed cases and one suspected case of mumps have been reported in Whistler. Mumps is a contagious viral infection, and immunization provides the best protection, according to Vancouver Coastal Health.
Squamish Public Health immunization drop-in clinics have been scheduled at 1140 Hunter Place Thursday (today) from 1 to 4 p.m. and Friday from 1 to 4 p.m.
The vaccine is also available at Shoppers Drug Mart, London Drugs and Your Independent Grocer’s pharmacy, according to VCH.
The mumps vaccine is also available from family doctors.
The health authority is encouraging people who are not certain that their immunization against mumps is up to date to receive a vaccine as soon as possible.
Babies six months to one year who have been in contact with someone with the mumps should also be immunized.
Many adults born between 1970 and 1996 are not fully protected, according to VCH.
It is safe to receive another dose of the MMR vaccine if past immunization is unclear, a news release from the health authority states.
For more information about immunization, see ImmunizeBC.
Large fires banned
Large open fires are banned in most areas of the Coastal Fire Centre, which includes the Sea to Sky Corridor, until Oct. 21, the BC Wildfire Service announced in a news release late last week. This ban applies to fires in all BC Parks, Crown lands and private land.
The ban does not apply to campfires that are a half-metre high by a half-metre wide or smaller or to cooking stoves that use gas, propane or briquettes. However, a campfire must have a fireguard around it and at least eight litres of water must be available nearby.
The consequence of ignoring the ban is a possible $1,150, or if convicted in court, fines up to $100,000 and/or up to a year in jail, according to the news release.
To report a wildfire or unattended campfire, call 1-800-663-5555 or dial *5555 on a cellphone.
Recreation fees adopted
The district’s new recreation fees were adopted at council on Tuesday.
A total overhaul of the fees was necessary to increase revenue, according to district staff. In 2009, a seven-per-cent fee increase was applied to rentals, admissions and campground fees, but this is the first time since 2003 that sweeping changes to the bylaw have been proposed, according to the district.
Some controversy arose when the youth soccer association objected to their youth having to pay to play on fields. Council compromised and halved the fees, resulting in about a charge of about $3 per hour per player during prime time. For details, go to squamish.ca.
Camping ramping up
It’s shaping up to be a busier than usual summer season for local private campgrounds.
Representatives from three Squamish campgrounds told The Squamish Chief business is busy earlier than usual and reservations are up compared with other years. Staff at Whistle Punk Hollow Adventure RV Park said May is more than 70 per cent sold out and almost 60 per cent of June and July are sold out. More surprisingly, only 40 per cent of sites are still available for August, and September is 30 per cent reserved.
From May to September 2015, 88 per cent of camping spots sold out at Whistle Punk, while 79 per cent of sites sold out in 2014. This year looks set to increase yet again, staff said.
At Paradise Valley Campground, owner Lynn Wilbur said he didn’t have statistics, but anecdotally he would say things are busier. He credited the weather for the early start to camping season. The upcoming long weekend has been fully booked for some time, he added.
At Klahanie Campground, Rick Poissant said he is twice as busy compared to the same time in past years. “My reservation book is already full,” he said “We are going to have to move into two books for the first time this year.” Poissant has been with the campground for 16 years.
Statistics were not available for Wonderland Campground.
Host a screening?
Anti-LNG group My Sea to Sky is calling on residents to host a viewing party to watch Dear President Obama,a documentary about fracking. The Oceans 8 Film is written and directed by Jon Bowermaster and narrated by actor and activist Mark Ruffalo.
“For residents in Squamish and Howe Sound who are still undecided about this project, here is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the fracking industry, the victims in its path and the false promise of an economic boom,” reads a news release from My Sea to Sky.
The viewing is scheduled for Tuesday (May 24), and those interested can sign up at www.foodandwaterwatch.org. After signing up to host a screening, instructions for streaming the film and the live video chat with Ruffalo will be sent.
Joy ride on Saturday
The first women’s Bell Joy Ride mountain biking event is rolling into Squamish on Saturday.
The ride is free and open to all female riders of varying abilities and meant to be “pressure free,” according to a news release.
The event, hosted by Republic Bicycles & Norco, will be held 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting at Republic Bicycles at 41340 Government Rd. The ride is almost at capacity, according to organizers, but volunteers are welcome. For more info go to Bell Joy Ride on Facebook.
Art bus at market
Howe Sound Secondary School’s art department is bringing its show to the Squamish Farmers’ Market – on a school bus. As part of its annual end-of-year art show, the department will be showcasing students’ work on Saturday, June 4, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the market. The art will be displayed on one of the school district’s school buses in front of the market.
