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BC AdventureSmart encourages chasing waterfalls—safely

Tips from executive director teach safe practices

In her 15 years with the AdventureSmart program, B.C. executive director Sandra Riches said the severity of waterfall-related incidents last summer was extreme. It’s part of the reason why she’s highlighting tips on how to visit a waterfall safely this season.…

Australian man, U.S. woman killed in double homicide in northeastern B.C.: RCMP

Police seek public’s help identifying van

FORT NELSON, B.C.— Police are appealing for the public’s help identifying a van connected with the double homicide of a couple found on the side of a highway in northeastern British Columbia as grieving families plan to travel from Australia and the United States. RCMP Sgt. Janelle Shoihet said it’s not known if a blue 1986 Chevrolet van with Alberta licence plates belonged to either Lucas Fowler, 23, or his girlfriend Chynna Deese, 24, a resident of Charlotte, N.C.…

A sustainable developer

Mark Abma picks me up in a Tesla for the drive to Loggers Lofts, his new downtown Squamish development nearing completion. Ever the Earth-child, Abma is barefoot and shirtless on this sweltering day.…

This research project is exploring geothermal potential near Mount Meager

As Canada looks towards renewable energy, the Garibaldi Geothermal Volcanic Belt might hold a key

As Canada looks towards new forms of renewable energy to help slow the pace of climate change, geothermal energy, where available, is worth exploring. However, here in the Great White North, no electricity is currently being generated from geothermal power—despite the existence of a volcanic belt along B.C.’s South Coast.…

Wanderlust embraces change

Yoga and wellness festival, running Aug. 1 to 4, adds locals’ discount for 2019

Heading into their seventh Whistler festival this year, Wanderlust decided to try something a little different. “We’ve been working to find ways to make Wanderlust accessible for people of different economic means,” says Sean Hoess, CEO of Wanderlust.…

West Van puts a price on its natural assets

After decades of being unpaid and underappreciated, West Vancouver’s forests, foreshore and creeks are getting the recognition that comes with being attached to dollar signs. West Vancouver became one of the first municipalities in Canada to move toward compiling an inventory of natural assets at a Tuesday evening meeting this week.…

Locals launching Squamish produce co-op

Gillespie’s Kelly Ann Woods on using community problem solving

After seven years—and two businesses in Squamish—Kelly Ann Woods said she had a bee in her bonnet: there was a lack of fresh and affordable fruit and vegetables. After turning to a Facebook page for local moms, Woods soon found out she wasn’t the only person in Squamish who felt frustrated trying to find healthy food on a budget.…

Squamish is partly bucking regional real estate trend

While sales have decreased, prices have not seen a parallel decline: real estate broker

The latest real estate stats suggest buyers have the whip hand—and while sales and house prices are down across Metro Vancouver, Squamish is experiencing a milder version of the slump. Lisa Bjornson, managing broker of Royal LePage Black Tusk Realty, said Squamish is partly bucking a regional trend.…

Madsen second in Quebec

Sports briefs: Rothwell tops B.C. Amateur Championships at Big Sky; Cruz fifth in Les Gets

For the second consecutive week, Whistler triathlete Karsten Madsen found himself on the Xterra podium. After placing third in Victoria on July 7, Madsen climbed a spot into second at Festival Xterra Quebec on July 14.…

Climate protection is not a partisan issue

Media and politicians often regard environmentalists as a special interest group with political priorities served by “green” parties. If a Green politician isn’t present or allowed to participate in a public debate, journalists tend to eschew environmental questions, considering them the purview of the absent party.…

Trudeau says Ottawa open to proposals for B.C. refinery as gas prices soar

Provincial inquiry into gas prices underway

VICTORIA— Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says Ottawa is open to proposals from the private sector for a refinery in British Columbia, as a public inquiry into the province’s soaring gas prices reviews possible solutions. The prime minister says he knows B.C. residents are struggling and the federal government is open to ideas that would make life more affordable for Canadians.…

Authentic, affordable fare will form foundation of Creekside’s new food and beverage offerings

Developers considering speakeasy, Asian and patio concepts for Franz’s Trail

Kaori and Ray Zage, owners of the Franz’s Trail retail complex since late 2017, are taking a decidedly hands-on approach to the development of the long-sleepy Creekside Village. So much so that when Kaori saw the menu for a Chinese restaurant that had signed a letter of intent with the previous owner to enter a vacant space in the pedestrian village, she pulled the plug on the entire thing.…

RCMP members vote to unionize

Approximately 120 North Van members among those calling for collective bargaining

RCMP members across the country, including the 120 or so who serve and protect North Vancouver, have voted to unionize. The National Police Federation announced Monday that its 18,000 members and reservists would begin collective bargaining with the federal government following a 97 per cent vote in favour of unionizing.…

Mountain News: New plans for dismantling the ‘Berlin Wall’ to wildlife

VAIL PASS, Colo.—In the late 1990s, people concerned about wildlife mortality took to calling Interstate 70 the Berlin Wall to wildlife in Colorado. They had hard evidence for the name.…

Paragliding Nationals returning to Pemberton

Strong growth might make the event an annual staple

Paragliders love flying in Pemberton, so for the second time in three years, the Canadian Paragliding Nationals are coming to town. Competition runs from July 21 to 27, with July 20 reserved as a practice and meeting day.…