Happy Halloween to you, Squamish.
Check out this fun 1960s-era Halloween Squamish photo of "The youngsters," from the Squamish Public Library History Archives.
Anyone know them?
Fingers are crossed for a dry Halloween tonight for little (or big) trick-or-treaters.
Today, Oct. 31, we can expect showers ending this morning then cloudy.
This evening, Environment Canada is calling for clouds, with showers beginning this evening.
We can expect between five to 10 millimetres of the wet stuff.
We will see a high of 7 C and a nighttime low of 3 C.
But showers and a chill can't dampen our Halloween spirits, can they? No!
Here are some local RCMP tips on keeping safe on Halloween.
According to Environment Canada data, yesterday's hot spot in B.C. was at Race Rocks Lightstation (at the southern most point on Vancouver Island), which hit 12.6 C. (Squamish saw a high of 7.5 C on Oct. 30).
The cold spot in B.C. was Fort Nelson (in the northeast), which saw a dip to -7.7 C. Brrrr!
Today's B.C. hot spot is predicted to be Sisters Islets (a close grouping of rocks located in the Strait of Georgia off the northwest end of Lasqueti Island), which could reach 9.5 C.
Today's cold spot is set to be either Fort Nelson or Dease Lake, which are both forecast to dip to -8.2 C.
Diwali
Diwali, Nov. 1, is set to see rain and wind.
The temperature will reach a high of 5 C and a low down to 2 C.
Here's what is happening on Diwali in Squamish.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunrise on Oct. 31 is at 8:01 a.m. Sunset today will be at 5:50 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 new moon phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 0.82%.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Pisces, according to phasesmoon.com.
Moonrise was at 7:15 a.m.; moonset is at 5:18 p.m.
Tides
The next low tide will be at 11:52 a.m. (height: 2.87 metres); the next high tide today is at 5:08 p.m. (height: 4.26 m), according to tide-forecast.com.
Seawater temp
According to seatemperature.info, the seawater temperature in Howe Sound today is 10.1 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 11.3 C, and the coldest was recorded in 2007 at 9.1 C.
Seawater temperature in Howe Sound is expected to drop to 9.3 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.
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."
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!
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.
(Check out these Halloween-themed events we grouped together for your convenience!)
Nov. 1, celebrate the BAG 52nd Anniversary Launch with The Little Biggs Band, from 8 to 10:30 p.m.
"Monty Biggins "Little Biggs Band" is binging some great party music - hot jazz, americana, blues and soul music. He has performed well over 3,000 gigs in the Fraser Valley, Sea to Sky & Lower Mainland of BC, since 2010. This is a free event!," reads the listing.
Nov. 2, gamers unite at the Board Game Meetup at Arrow Wood Games, from 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. (The store is located at 38157 2 Ave.)
"Join Arrow Wood Games for an evening of fun, games and social connections. The Event Host will carefully select the perfect games for the group while fostering a fun and positive environment. No prior game knowledge or experience is necessary," 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."
Drive BC Highway 99 issues to note
•Underway on Highway 99, southbound, bridge maintenance between Brunswick Beach Rd and Lions Bay Ave for 1.9 km (Lions Bay). Work will continue until today, Oct 31 at 5:30 p.m.
The right lane is closed. Work involves bridge joint maintenance on Magnesia Creek Bridge, Alberta Creek Bridge and Harvey Creek Bridge.
Coming up: Highway 99, northbound. Utility work is planned between Taylor Way and Lake Placid Rd for 0.4 km (Whistler), starting Thursday, Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. until 7 p.m. that night. The right turn lane will be closed.
Gas prices
In Squamish, the cheapest regular gas today is going for 168.9 cents per litre at Squamish Valley Gas Bar, located at 9001 Valley Dr, and at the Co-op at 38183 Cleveland Ave, downtown.
In Whistler, petrol is 170.9/L at the Chevron, located at 8110 Crazy Canuck Dr.
In Pemby, you can fill up for 168.9/L at AC Gas, located at 7432 Prospect St.
According to GasBuddy, one of the least expensive places for gas today in B.C. is Grand Forks, where you can fill up for 147.9/L, at Super Save Gas, at 2773 Central Ave.
