Opinion

The murder rate rose in all but one province in Canada during 2015 – the latest year complete data is available. The number rose to 1.68 per 100,000 people, despite a decline for the past 40 years, according to Statistics Canada.

O ver the weekend, I listened to an acquaintance in Squamish as he shared his views on Canada, refugees and immigration.

Editor’s Note: Residents of Hilltop House recently took a trip up the Sea to Sky Gondola. One resident wrote the following poem and note about his experience. As we arrive at the gondola you can feel the excitement in the air.

T here’s no doubt about it – Squamish is changing as more and more people call the district home. The population is expected to double in the next 15 to 20 years.

T h e most significant role of local government is making land use decisions. The Official Community Plan (OCP), the Zoning Bylaw and community feedback help to guide our decision-making in this regard.

I guess some people were naive enough to think a transportation solution to Vancouver was anything more than election hype. Think about it – we have, on a good day, maybe 18,000 people here. Voters are probably about a third of that.

I have a modest proposal. Having seen all the discontent and anger in the world, I think it would be best if everyone cared about each other the way Squamish residents care about bears.

N ewsp apers across the province are doing their part to ensure that recycling efforts meet the highest of standards in the industry.

S even years after a $795-million makeover to the Sea to Sky Highway and traffic on this community’s only north/south thoroughfare is already reaching critical mass.

T he current boom in Squamish impacts everyone in our town to a greater or lesser degree. We feel it here at The Chief both professionally and personally too. This week the woman many of us consider the welcoming face of The Chief is leaving.