The Squamish Sound: Recent Episodes

The Squamish Chief

Local news that impacts you. Journalists at The Squamish Chief newspaper examine the most important topics affecting the town. Once a week, every Friday. Hosted by Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett. Cover photo by Clayton Matthews.

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When many think of Remembrance Day, they think of the two World Wars. But for some, the act of remembrance occurs in the not-so-distant past.

And — an update on the District's plastic bag reduction. The municipality has opted to not ask the province for permission before adopting the bylaw. Here's what that means.

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MP-elect Patrick Weiler on his election-night win in Squamish. Full story: https://bit.ly/2PjGWy3

A powerful story about climber Adrienne Wheaton's recovery from a life-changing accident. After losing her thumb and parts of her fingers, she's back climbing at about the same level as before. Full story: https://bit.ly/2Jqj6Ns

How to make Hollywood North green. One person's bid to get film sets to reduce pollution. Full story: https://bit.ly/2MPau58

The Squamish Sound podcast is about news that impacts you.

Journalists at The Squamish Chief newspaper examine the most important topics affecting the town.

Once a week, every Friday.

Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and find weekly episodes on our website.

Hosted by Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett.

Cover photo by Clayton Matthews.

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Nuns with a hydro habit — hydro-electric that is. Full story: https://bit.ly/31nB6y0

Horsing around. Squamish athlete Isabella Fietz and her horse win at the Pacific Regional Dressage Championships 2019 in Langley. Full story: https://bit.ly/2pxDntd

What Nanaimo's heritage policy can show us in Squamish.

The Squamish Sound is about local news that impacts you.

Journalists at The Squamish Chief newspaper examine the most important topics affecting the town.

Once a week, every Friday.

Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and find weekly episodes on our website.

Hosted by Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett.

Cover photo by Clayton Matthews.

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In memoriam. Squamish remembers local skier Mikayla Martin. Friends and family share their moments with the star athlete — on and off the slopes. Full story: https://bit.ly/2B2Jet1

Protesting season is underway. What taking to the streets says about how people will vote in the upcoming federal election. Full stories: https://bit.ly/2pYlzYn https://bit.ly/35qnjtR

The Squamish Sound is about local news that impacts you.

Journalists at The Squamish Chief newspaper examine the most important topics affecting the town. Once a week, every Friday.

Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and find weekly episodes on our website.

Hosted by Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett. Cover photo by Clayton Matthews.

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A verbal fight to the death! Well, not quite, but federal election candidates for the Sea to Sky did their best to impress voters at the all-candidates debate on Wednesday. Full story: https://bit.ly/350UuUJ

Bringing books to Nicaragua. A former Squamish resident has made it her mission to spread literacy. Full story: https://bit.ly/334Wc5F

The Squamish Sound is about local news that impacts you.

Journalists at The Squamish Chief newspaper examine the most important topics affecting the town.

Once a week, every Friday.

Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and find weekly episodes on our website.

Hosted by Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett.

Cover photo by Clayton Matthews.

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Surf’s up! A development proposal for Britannia Beach South might be making literal waves in the future. Full story: https://bit.ly/2n85bmD

Speed-dating, federal politics style. Federal election candidates will soon be competing for your love — and, more importantly, your vote. What to watch for at the local all-candidates meeting.

The Squamish Sound is about local news that impacts you. Journalists at The Squamish Chief newspaper examine the most important topics affecting the town.

Once a week, every Friday.

Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and find weekly episodes on our website.

Hosted by Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett.

Cover photo by Clayton Matthews.

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At long last – the NDP have declared a candidate for the Sea to Sky. We meet up with Judith Wilson, who tells us why she thinks she's the person to represent Squamish in the House of Commons. Full Story: https://bit.ly/2kWJG7N

We also talk to another candidate who brings the full force of farce to his political campaign. An audience with Gordon Jeffrey. Full Story: https://bit.ly/2kTgvCo

Finally, we discuss the District of Squamish's decision to avoid completely banning plastic bags at checkout stands. Why, depending on your priorities, eliminating those bags isn't necessarily the most environmentally friendly thing to do. Full Story: https://bit.ly/2lYndaE

The Squamish Sound is about local news that impacts you. Journalists at The Squamish Chief newspaper examine the most important topics affecting the town.

Once a week, every Friday. Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and find weekly episodes on our website.

Hosted by Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett. Cover photo by Clayton Matthews. Special thanks to our intern Eli Cornell.

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Squamish's own Cole Smith gets ready for his UFC battle on hometurf. Full story: https://bit.ly/2mhAJX1 Can you spot the difference between a paraglider and a base jumper? Full story: https://bit.ly/2kKi0mj Our editor gives an update to the Emily Carr story, and talks about the paragliding correction.

The Squamish Sound is about local news that impacts you.

Journalists at The Squamish Chief newspaper examine the most important topics affecting the town. Once a week, every Friday.

Hosted by Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett. Cover photo by Clayton Matthews.

View Details

Vancouver lawyer Patrick Weiler will be the federal Liberal candidate for the Sea to Sky area. We ask him why he believes he can represent Squamish. Full story: https://bit.ly/2lZC30o

A possible win for renters. Squamish council passes third reading on measures that will preserve some existing rental stock in town. Full story: https://bit.ly/2lGYzLg

Renowned artist Emily Carr was in the Sea to Sky. Hear more about her trip involving a canine, a cop and a convict. Full story: https://bit.ly/2kwknsZ

The Squamish Sound is about local news that impacts you.

Journalists at The Squamish Chief newspaper examine the most important topics affecting the town. Once a week, every Friday.

Listen on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play Music and find weekly episodes on our website.

Hosted by Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett. Cover photo by Clayton Matthews.

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Diver Henry Wang went to the bottom of Cat Lake and wasn't pleased with what he found. He says the amount of pollution is the worst he's ever seen. Full story: https://bit.ly/2KIEPA6

Squamish may soon get its first provincially-approved pot shop. Sky High Cannabis received an approval in principle, which means it's made significant headway to getting an official licence.

Finally, if you've ever wanted your story in the paper, our editor tells you the secret. Find out how to send a good press release and pitch!

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After hearing constant complaints about gas prices being too high, MLA Jordan Sturdy took upon himself to monitor the differences in gas prices between Squamish and North Vancouver. Here's what he found.

A look inside Squamish's historic Judd Farm. Tamara Stanners on how to walk the balance between preserving heritage while making way for what's new.

Garibaldi at Squamish appeared before council, asking the District to study the idea of letting it in the town boundaries. A look into the implications. Full story: https://bit.ly/2NTpFNd

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A fatal fall from the Stawamus Chief and the one-year anniversary of the Shannon Falls accident. Full story: https://bit.ly/3234F9R

We also discuss the revised version of the camping bylaw that mobilized a vanlife campaign in Squamish. Full story: https://bit.ly/2LpdNiZ

Finally, Carbon Engineering receives a $25 million loan. What that means the in the context of the federal election. Full story: https://bit.ly/2JioVf4

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Council has passed what's intended to be a temporary freeze on further commercial activity in the business park. We bring you some highlight from the public meeting where many entrepreneurs spoke out against the measure. Full story: https://bit.ly/2Y2jrLm

The school district has passed policies that gathered much attention from parents in the last few weeks. Regulations regarding students age of entry into Grade 1 and vaccination records were in the spotlight. Full story: https://bit.ly/2XkiOQr

Finally, a farewell to two prominent members of the community.

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It's the first of many episodes featuring federal elections politics.

As the 2019 campaign starts ramping up we talk with some key players.

MP Pamela Goldsmith-Jones is leaving. We share excerpts of her exit interview with The Chief. Full story: https://bit.ly/2wW33A6

The Green Party is contemplating who they will pick to run for office in the Sea to Sky. We speak to two potential candidates — Lars Guignard, a new face to politics, and Dana Taylor, who previously ran in the 2017 provincial election. Full story: https://bit.ly/2RiQFU9

Back to municipal affairs we discuss the impacts of a potential new regulation on short-term, or Airbnb-style rentals. Full story: https://bit.ly/2WK2ngO

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Kids at Mamquam Elementary get to live every student's dream — shoving pie at the principal's face.

Following an event on Third Avenue, we examine why reporting on workplace incidents is necessary. Full story: https://bit.ly/2WmoYdZ

A new restaurant called Sunny Chibas will be opening at the former Mag's highway location. Full story: https://bit.ly/2Z7GX9U

Squamish becomes one of the only municipalities to have a formal parental and maternity leave policy. Full story: https://bit.ly/31jXmdw

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As part of a special edition of The Squamish Sound, we're releasing an extended interview with Clayton Matthews.

Matthews recently climbed to the top of Mount Everest. He shares his thoughts on the trip and the overcrowding photo that went viral.

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Local climber Clayton Matthews has made it to the top of the world — literally. After making it to the top of Mount Everest, he's sharing his perspective on making the ultimate ascent, the crowding crisis and more. Full story: https://bit.ly/2Xh9fyp

How to make a van a home. We speak with a local van outfitter on how they get people ready for vanlife. Full story: https://bit.ly/2wy4wMN

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We've all heard of beer goggles, but there's a new THC-inspired set of eyewear in town — and it was helping local youths learn about impaired driving. Story: https://bit.ly/2HQRm2W

A new bylaw have many fearing van life is at stake. We take a deeper look at the proposal and bring you more from Tuesday's council meeting.

Story: https://bit.ly/2Qi9g28

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Britannia Mine Museum has a new exhibit that brings us back to its glory days as a mine. Story: https://bit.ly/2JJERIU

Junior firefighters are put to the test! We talk to them about their first experience fighting fires. Photo gallery: https://bit.ly/2YxfbmV

Squamish MMA fighter Jamey-Lyn Horth is taking it to the next level by signing with TKO MMA. Story: https://bit.ly/2YxfgXL

What's all that construction on the Squamish dike system about? We take a tour with District staffer David Roulston to find out.

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Squamish students raise their voices to share awareness about the Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls. Story: https://bit.ly/2PPkzPp

Cole Smith talks to us about his UFC win. Smith the first Squamish MMA fighter to rise to the highest level of competition in mixed martial arts. Story: https://bit.ly/2JdEyXu

The Squamish Axemen Rugby Club claim their first championship victory. Player and manager Cian Starogardzki explains how they clinched the win — both on (and off) the field. Story: https://bit.ly/2HfRyIz

Organizer Kirsten Andrews shows us why the Constellation Festival is the place to be for music — even if your favourite band isn't playing. Story: https://bit.ly/2JvpNP2

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As crews dismantle the old structures on the oceanfront, we take a tour and a deep dive into the history of Nexen (now Newport) Beach. Coun. Eric Andersen provides some historical background. Story: https://bit.ly/2DKMo6q

Also, a quick overview of what's happening at the Squamish Spit. Story: https://bit.ly/2vA0S4C

Finally, an institution in Squamish is closing. Our editor talks about what's happening at Gem Jewellers — and how you can say goodbye.

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The Chief is at Everest's base camp! Well, kind of. We talk about Clayton Matthews' adventure, and what he brought along for the ride. Have a look: https://bit.ly/2DzZaor

Also, many people have been asking us why opinions against certain proposals at public meetings don't always get covered. Here's why. An example: https://bit.ly/2VvaYT4

Finally, our editor unveils a new goodie that'll help locals discuss this year's federal election. https://bit.ly/2ZzKqix

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We're taking Friday off, but don't worry. You still get to hear us in time for the Easter holiday — and earlier!

Garibaldi at Squamish isn't the only one proposing a development at Brohm Ridge. We talk about the possibility of a wilderness lodge in the area. Full story: https://bit.ly/2VcNWQB

Property tax rates have been set. Yes, it sounds like snoozer, but we tell you why it should be keeping you wide awake. Full story: https://bit.ly/2DlMFMR

Finally, your average well-kept house may be a lot more flammable than you think. We run through the FireSmart test to see what goes up in smoke. Full story: https://bit.ly/2ItyWYM

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Behind the scenes details on what it was like to report on the cannabis grow-op fire. Full story: https://bit.ly/2uVedUU PHOTOS: https://bit.ly/2IdHEKt

Winter is here. A Squamish artist was commissioned to make art for the Game of Thrones TV series. Why embargoes play a key role when it comes to big announcements. Full story: https://bit.ly/2v3h4Lz

Finally — what does Dolly Parton have to do with Squamish? More than you'd think, apparently. Full story: https://bit.ly/2IgmNGr

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A discussion on which facts are most important when examining the death of Lila Moody-Ogilvie, a Squamish Nation woman. Full stories: https://bit.ly/2YTrkU7 https://bit.ly/2VrM3fY

Also, we break down the 2019 municipal budget, which has recently been approved by council. Full story: https://bit.ly/2G1hVm4

Finally, our editor discusses the first major wildfire of the season and the reaction to our coverage. Full story: https://bit.ly/2FPEitE

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Council has been debating the merits of fenced off-leash dog parks versus designating off-leash zones. We talk about the key differences. Full story: https://goo.gl/yMrtQw

Also, in light of our flood of sports stories this week, we discuss what makes good sports coverage, and how fans can help shed light on their favourite athletes. Check out our sports coverage here: https://goo.gl/R2g1MX

Finally, we talk about one idea for what can happen to out-of-commission boats: reefs. Full story: https://goo.gl/M5NVr4

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After possible measles exposure, Squamish residents responded — with a more than 500 per cent vaccination increase. Full story: goo.gl/det6ym

When drugs containing fentanyl were found near a Squamish elementary, locals — including the RCMP — found out through Facebook. Reporters Steven Chua and Keili Bartlett talk about how journalism goes beyond what you see online. Full story: goo.gl/1sqByy

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BC Liberal leader Andrew Wilkinson and local MLA Jordan Sturdy drop into The Chief's office for a conversation. We talk about Wilkinson's recent "wacky" rental remarks in relation to Squamish's housing crisis and the legislature spending allegations, among other things. Full story: https://goo.gl/XmVzJ5

Also — we take a closer look at what usage statistics for the Squamish Valley Forest Service Road tell us. One of the conclusions just doesn't smell right. Full story: https://goo.gl/memZJQ

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Was a public meeting about a proposed temporary work camp in Britannia all that 'fiery'? Also, why does Steven write funny? Full story: https://goo.gl/ozBfXA

And — a deeper dive into what school vaccination rates tell us. What are zero vaccination rates? Full story: https://goo.gl/f5KLwS

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Flood danger in Year 2100 conditions is 'unacceptable' according to a new report. Here's why that matters now. Full story: https://goo.gl/5PAGXj

There are some big loopholes that allow people without permits to take accessible parking spots. This threatens to push out people who actually need those spaces. Full story: https://goo.gl/WDSrzW

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Squamish is banning plastic bags and straws by the end of 2019. We discuss some of the complications. Full story: https://goo.gl/9ET9yB

Are labels for some students' learning and behavioural conditions stigmatizing or necessary? Full story: https://goo.gl/a9mXh3

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Light industrial businesses are in danger of slowly being crowded out of Squamish. Full story: https://goo.gl/dRxZgY

What does skiing say about society? A Quest professor delves into the question. Full story: https://goo.gl/MYNBBb

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Two proposed nature walkway developments could add major tourist attractions to the Squamish area. WorkSafeBC responds after a winter storm tears off a tarp on a downtown construction site.

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RCMP bust Squamish's most notorious fentanyl dealer. Why School District 48's enrolment numbers can look higher than they are. E-bikes appear at the GranFondo. A sad turn for a beloved single mom.