Good Sunday to you, Squamish.
Check out this fun old Squamish photo of boys on a "Garibaldi for Olympics" float back in about 1960, from the Squamish Public Library History Archives.
Speaking of the library...
What is going on at the library?
Today, there is 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.
Some folks report getting a realistic-looking alert about a "Violent Incident Alert," but soon after another alert from the District clarified that it was just a test.
"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."
But what about the weather?
Might be a good idea to plan indoor activities today, if you don't like getting soaked.
Environment Canada says we will see about 20 millimetres of rain,today. There's a risk of thunderstorms this afternoon. Wind will be blowing from the south at 30 kilometre per hour, with gusts up to 50 km/h.
This evening there's another risk of a thunderstorm; we can expect showers overnight, dropping 10 to 20 mm of the wet stuff.
We will see a high of 9 C and a low down to 6 C overnight.
According to Environment Canada data, yesterday's hot spot in B.C. was North Cowichan, which hit 17.2 C. (Squamish saw a high of 11.3 C on Oct. 26).
The cold spot in B.C. was Fort Nelson, which saw a dip to -10.9 C.
Today's B.C. hot spot is predicted to be Point Atkinson (West Vancouver), which could reach 13.4 C.
Today's cold spot is set to be Muncho Lake (on the Alaska Highway) which is forecast to dip to -7.5 C.
Looking ahead
Showers and clouds will be the theme through to Thursday, according to Environment Canada.
Temperatures will hover around 10 C all week.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Oct. 27 was at 7:55 a.m. Sunset today will be at 5:57 p.m.
Remember that daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 3, with clocks rolling back one hour at 2 a.m., making it dark even earlier each night.
Moon phase
The moon is in its waning crescent phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 19.53%.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Leo, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise was at 2:44 a.m.; moonset is at 4:29 p.m.
Tides
The next high tide will be at 3:43 p.m. (height: 4.47 metres); the next low tide today is at 10:22 p.m. (height: 2.43 m), according to tide-forecast.com.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the seawater temperature in Howe Sound today is 10.8 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 11.4 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2007 at 9.3 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
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!
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.
Pumpkins 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.
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, 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.
Also today, there's a Pokemon Drop In at Arrow Wood Games, from 3 to 5 p.m.
"Calling all Pokémon fans! Every Sunday, join Arrowwood Games for a fun-filled 2-hour Pokémon Trade & Play event," reads the listing.
Oct. 29, catch Hocus Pocus Movie Night at the Brackendale Art Gallery: Café & Culture Centre, located at 41950 Government Rd, from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
"Come get ready for Halloween with a classic spooky season season fav — Hocus Pocus! Doors open at 6:30 p.m., with the film screening starting at 7 p.m.," 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
•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. is Silverdale (District of Mission), where you can fill up for 143.9/L, at the Canco at 29684 Lougheed Hwy.
