Good Saturday to you, Squamish.
Are you headed to the Fall Repair Café at the 55 Activity Centre today?
It is on from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
"Bring your broken item to the Repair Café, where our skilled volunteers will help you with the repair—for free," says the District.
Might be a good idea to plan indoor activities today, if you don't like getting soaked.
Environment Canada says we can expect periods of rain today (between five to 10 millimetres.); the wind will be blowing from the south at 30 km/h, except gusts from the north at 60 to 80 over southern sections early this morning.
Overnight, expect about 20 to 30 mm more rain.
We will see a high of 12 C and a low down to 7 C overnight.
According to Environment Canada data, yesterday's hot spot in B.C. was Estevan Point (on the west coast of Vancouver Island), which hit 14.7 C. (Squamish saw a high of 10.5 C on Oct. 25).
The cold spot in B.C. was again Clinton, which saw a dip to -9.4 C.
Today's B.C. hot spot (also slated to be the hot spot of Canada!) is predicted to be Race Rocks Lightstation in Esquimalt Harbour (one of the first two lighthouses that were built on the west coast of Canada), which could reach 14.3 C.
Today's cold spot is set to be Fort Nelson, which is forecast to dip to -10.8 C.
Looking ahead
Environment Canada says we will see more rain tomorrow—10 to 20 mm. Showers will be the theme through to Thursday.
Temperatures will hover around 10 C all week. We are into the dreary part of B.C. living, folks!
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Oct. 26 is at 7:53 a.m. Sunset today will be at 5:59 p.m. (It is dark early season!)
Moon phase
The moon is in its waning crescent phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 28.5%.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Leo, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise was at 1:34 a.m; moonset is at 4:16 p.m.
Tides
The next high tide will be at 3:10 p.m. (height: 4.51 metres); the next low tide today is at 9:56 p.m. (height: 2.73 m), according to tide-forecast.com.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the seawater temperature in Howe Sound today is 10.2 C.
Based on historical data over a period of 10 years, the warmest water on this day in Howe Sound was recorded in 2015 and was 11.5 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2007 at 9.5 C.
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 9.7 C in the next 10 days.
October average water temperature in Howe Sound is 11.6 C; the minimum temperature is 9.1 C, and the maximum is 15.5 C.
Be prepared
Last weekend's first storm of the fall season has the District of Squamish reminding folks in town to be prepared for floods and other natural disasters.
Here are the muni's tips:
Download the must-read PreparedBC Flood Preparedness Guide so you'll know how to prepare for, respond to and recover from a flood. preparedbc.ca/floods ;
Assist in local drainage efforts by keeping catch basins, culverts and ditches adjacent to your home clear and free of debris such as leaves;
Sign up for Squamish Alert squamish.ca/alert
What is going on at the library?
On Sunday, there will be an inter-agency exercise from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. outside the Squamish Public Library, with the participation of District staff and first responders.
"The purpose of the exercise is to support inter-agency communications testing and clarify roles and responsibilities of Squamish first responder agencies during the initial phase of an emergency response," the District said in a public post.
"Please note there will be a controlled perimeter around the library as well as signage to indicate an exercise is underway. There will be no impacts to neighbours and surrounding businesses."
Got batteries?
Have a bunch of old batteries lying around?
The District's curbside battery collection program is on the week of Nov. 4 to 8.
Simply put out your batteries on your regular garbage and organics collection day that week.
→ Place batteries into clear, sealable plastic bags.
→ On your regular collection day that week, place the sealed battery bags on top of your recycling tote.
That is it!
New Squamish Youth Council
The 2024 to 2025 Squamish Youth Council members have been appointed.
They had their first meeting earlier this month.
The council of 14, which serves until the summer of 2025, has several goals: To amplify the voice of Squamish youth in matters and projects that directly impact them; to create a series of youth-led projects; to plant the "seeds of civic engagement mindset and skillset" in Squamish youth, and to create a legacy that gives Squamish youth a seat at the decision-making table for years to come.
The student council works with District council, muni staff, and partner agencies.
The 14 members for this year are:
Grant Boguski
Ellie Boon
Melanie Booth
Eric Chen
Auni Dayton
Delisha Dhillon
Zeffe Hatten
Dante Kiej
Theo Parial
Maria Ravina
Bhavnoor Tatla
Rian Waite
Evelyn Webster
Florence Webster
Put your pumpkins inside
It is that time of year when folks want a bright orange pumpkin to carve or display, but pumpkins left outside are a major bear attractant, wildlife experts warn.
They invite local black bears right to your door.
The BC Conservation Officer Service says that "it’s best to limit the length of time jack-o'-lanterns are outside. One of the best things you can do to prevent attracting bears to pumpkins around your home is to extinguish any candles and take them inside at night."
Winter tires
Don't forget, since Oct. 1, winter tires or chains are required on the Sea to Sky Highway. It is the law.
"On B.C. roads and highways where winter tires are required, passenger vehicles and light trucks need to use tires that have the three-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol or 'M+S' on the sidewall. This applies to two-wheel, all-wheel, and four-wheel drive vehicles. The tires need to be in good condition and have a tread depth of at least 3.5 mm (5/32”)," reads the 4 Road Safety at Work site.
"Designated winter tires are your best option for staying safe in winter conditions. We recommend using a set of four matched winter tires with the 3-peaked mountain and snowflake symbol."
The tires must stay on through to March 31. Not having proper winter tires or chains can earn drivers a fine of $121.
Salt shed on the move
The District of Squamish has announced the temporary relocation of a salt shed from 39909 Government Road to the Brennan Park overflow-campground.
The move is due to the building of the new public works facility at the Public Works Yard.
The municipal campground will continue to operate only for events.
The temporary location will be used for about three years during the construction of the new public works facility.
"District staff explored several sites for the temporary relocation, and the Brennan Park overflow campground was determined to be most suitable based on location, site readiness, access and public safety," reads a public release about the move.
"The site will be paved in order to accommodate the footprint of the salt shed and will be resurfaced once the shed is removed. "
That work will last until the end of October.
During construction, the District says folks can expect the following impacts to the area;
During construction:
- Increased truck traffic and heavy equipment (excavators and crane)
- Soil removal and paving work
- No lane closures are anticipated
- Corridor Trail will not be impacted
- Trail users are asked to use extra caution and be mindful of trucks turning into the work site
- Construction noise
When winter weather hits:
- When we get heavy amounts of snow, locals in the area can expect to see increased traffic, with trucks entering and exiting the site on a daily 24/7 basis
- Increased truck noise (truck safety backup beepers)
Spit Road closure
The Squamish Training Berm (Spit Road) is now closed until Nov. 15, as Squamish River Watershed Society (SRWS) crews install a third large fish-friendly box culvert.
"This feature will replace the current undersized culvert, which will improve fish access and allow freshwater to transfer into the central estuary channel from the Squamish River," reads a SRWS post.
The work is part of the Central Estuary Restoration Project.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town. Here are some events that stand out to us:
•Today, there's free Pumpkin Carving at the Brackendale Art Gallery: Café & Culture Centre, located at 41950 Government Rd, from 1 to 3 p.m.
"Come join us at Brackendale Art Gallery for a fun-filled afternoon of carving pumpkins, and some fun competition! Get creative and show off your carving skills while enjoying the company of fellow pumpkin enthusiasts," reads the listing.
•This evening, there's also the Brackendale Haunted Art Gallery at the BAG from 5 to 10:30 p.m.
"Explore the historic facility to see some spooky Halloween sights! Proceeds from ticket sales will go towards growing the haunted house into an annual community event for all ages," reads the listing.
•Also tonight, Surf Hat returns to the BAG, from 8 p.m. to midnight.
"Surf Hat are a psych-surf group from Squamish. ... Their debut record 'Surf Hat' has gathered over a millions streams and they have established a rapidly growing fan-base across North America. The classic power-trio lineup delivers the verby, jangly surf-rock guitar style of modern bands mixed with the sweetly harmonized vocals of beloved classics. Picture Allah-lahs meeting The Ventures or The Beatles," reads the listing.
•Tonight, you can also head to FRIGHT NIGHT at Tricksters Hideout, located at 38005 Cleveland Avenue, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m.
"Trickster’s Hideout transforms into a haunted playground, with spooky decor, sweet treats and sinister surprises lurking behind every corner. Dance through the night as Case Of The Mondays unleash an electrifying blend of house, bass, and tech-house beats that will keep your heart racing. Alongside them, LAV from Whistler will summon deep grooves that will leave you haunted," reads the listing.
Oct. 27, it is the Autumn puzzle swap at Arrow Wood Games, from noon to 2 p.m. The shop is located at 38157 2 Avenue.
"Join the team at Arrow Wood Games for a fun, social, FREE, community puzzle swap! Drop off your preloved puzzles by October 26 so you can get in on puzzle swapping fun," reads the listing.
There are many more events coming up; go to our online events calendar to see them all!
Want a possible shout-out in our daily report? Load your event into our free calendar, by clicking "create an event."
Highway 99 issues to note
•Highway 99, in both directions, watch for mowing between Exit 3: Horseshoe Bay Junction and Main St. for 140.4 km (West Vancouver to 1 km north of Pemberton). The work will continue until today, Oct. 26, at 5:30 p.m.
•Starting on Monday, on Highway 99, in both directions, watch for bridge maintenance between Kelvin Grove Way and Brunswick Beach Rd for 2.0 km (Lions Bay). The work will start at 7:30 a.m. and run until 5:30. The left lane will be closed. Watch for traffic control personnel. Crews will be working at Alberta Creek, Harvey Creek and Magnesia Creek.
Gas prices
In Squamish, the cheapest regular gas today is going for 168.9 cents per litre at the Squamish Valley Gas Bar, at 9001 Valley Dr.
In Whistler, you can fill up for the same, 168.9/L, at the Co-op at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
According to GasBuddy, one of the least expensive places for gas today in B.C. can be found in West Kelowna, where you can fill up for 149.9/L, at the Canco at 2097 Old Okanagan Hwy.
