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New speed zones take effect February 17 as District implements first phase of Transportation Master Plan By Meera Gill February 15, 2026 As of February 17, 2026, every street in Downtown Squamish and the Oceanfront is now a 30 km/h zone—a 20 km/h reduction from the previous limit. The change affects everyone who drives through the area, including residents of buildings like the Jumar, located at the busy intersection of Cleveland Avenue, Highway 99, and Loggers Lane. The speed reduction is the first major implementation of Squamish's 2025 Transportation Master Plan, which was unanimously endorsed by Council on March 4, 2025. Mayor Armand Hurford has called it a "natural first step" in modernizing the town's infrastructure as Squamish's population is projected to reach 35,000 by 2040. The Collision Data Behind Squamish's Speed Reduction The District's decision is backed by four years of troubling collision statistics. Between 2020 and 2024, the Jumar intersection alone recorded 205 collisions—roughly one crash every week. Despite making up a small portion of Squamish's total area, Downtown and the Oceanfront accounted for 27% of all reported collisions during that period, according to ICBC data. The 30 km/h limit isn't arbitrary. Research from the National Association of City Transportation Officials shows that a pedestrian struck by a vehicle at 50 km/h has a 50% to 80% chance of severe injury or death. At 30 km/h, that survival probability jumps to 85%–90%. Dr. Ceinwen Pope, medical health officer for the Sea-to-Sky region, called this 20 km/h reduction "the most effective public health intervention the District can make to reduce traumatic injuries." In summer 2024, the District launched an online tool allowing residents to mark areas where they felt unsafe. Twenty percent of all safety concerns were concentrated in the Downtown and Oceanfront area. What Drivers in Downtown Squamish Can Expect The practical impact is straightforward: driving through the 30 km/h zone will add approximately 3 to 4 minutes to trips that previously took 8 minutes at 50 km/h. For residents living in buildings like the Jumar, this affects daily commutes in and out of the neighborhood. The intersection remains a high-traffic transition point where drivers move from Buckley Avenue into the pedestrian-heavy commercial zone. The District has allocated funds in the 2026 Capital Plan for traffic calming measures near the Jumar intersection. These include lane narrowing using bollards and paint to reduce the perceived width of roads, which studies show naturally encourages drivers to slow down. Raised crosswalks will be installed at the Buckley/Cleveland intersection that force vehicles to slow down while remaining passable for emergency vehicles. Curb extensions at corners will shorten crossing distances and improve pedestrian visibility. These physical changes won't be installed immediately—construction is scheduled for later in 2026. In the meantime, compliance relies on new signage and driver awareness. Cleveland Avenue and Highway 99: The Critical Gateway The Jumar building sits at one of Squamish's most challenging intersections. The Cleveland Avenue and Highway 99 junction serves as a gateway between high-speed arterial traffic and the pedestrian-focused downtown core. Under the District's March 2025 Traffic Calming Policy, Buckley Avenue is classified as a Major Collector, which means it must remain accessible for emergency vehicles while managing the speed transition into commercial zones. Traditional speed humps are generally banned on Major Collectors in Squamish to prevent damage to fire trucks and ambulances. That's why the District is using alternative methods like the raised crosswalks and lane narrowing scheduled for 2026. How Squamish Residents Are Responding The new speed limit has sparked debate in local Facebook groups and on Reddit's r/Squamish community. Some residents have expressed frustration with enforcement concerns, pointing out that Squamish RCMP is already stretched thin. Without consistent police presence or automated enforcement, some question whether the new limit will be followed. Safety advocates have welcomed the change, arguing that lower speeds make streets more accessible for children, seniors, and cyclists. Organizations like Parachute Canada have praised Squamish's move, which aligns with "Vision Zero" initiatives in cities like Vancouver that aim for zero traffic fatalities. A 2024 survey showed that 68% of BC residents supported 30 km/h limits specifically for residential and dense commercial areas, though social media discussions suggest opinions remain divided locally. Squamish Transportation Master Plan: What Comes Next Mayor Hurford has indicated that Downtown is just the beginning. The District is reviewing a plan to drop the default residential speed limit across all of Squamish from 50 km/h to 40 km/h by the end of 2026. If collision data shows improvement in the Downtown and Oceanfront areas by 2027, the 30 km/h zone may expand to Dentville and the Northyards. The District is also exploring automated speed enforcement, including speed-on-green cameras at major intersections like the Highway 99 and Cleveland Avenue gateway. This technology would photograph vehicles exceeding the speed limit as they pass through green lights, addressing enforcement concerns that have dominated community discussions. Key Information for Jumar Residents and Downtown Drivers The change took effect on February 17, 2026, covering all streets in Downtown Squamish and the Oceanfront area. The speed dropped from 50 km/h to 30 km/h across the zone. The Jumar intersection, which recorded 205 crashes between 2020 and 2024, is a primary focus of the safety initiative. Physical traffic calming measures are scheduled for installation later in 2026. The District acknowledges that the first few months will be an adjustment period as drivers adapt to the new limits. Residents driving through the affected areas should watch for new signage and expect slower traffic flow, particularly during peak hours when the intersection is already congested. This speed reduction represents a significant shift in how Squamish approaches road safety, moving toward the same pedestrian-focused model that larger BC municipalities have adopted. Whether it reduces collisions as intended will depend on both driver compliance and the infrastructure changes scheduled for later this year.

By Meera Gill | Updated January 29, 2026, 1:15 p.m. PT A major crash on the Sea-to-Sky Highway today is causing severe traffic disruptions near Horseshoe Bay, after a commercial tractor-trailer rollover blocked southbound lanes and reduced northbound traffic to a single lane on Highway 99 Thursday afternoon. The collision occurred at approximately 12:05 p.m. PT on Highway 99, about 600 metres north of the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal, according to early reports from motorists and traffic monitoring services. Witnesses say the commercial vehicle rolled onto its side, completely blocking southbound lanes and forcing northbound Sea-to-Sky traffic into single-lane flow. Emergency response ongoing on Highway 99 RCMP and BC Highway Patrol remain on scene as recovery operations continue. Photos circulating on social media show emergency crews working around the overturned truck, suggesting a complex cleanup effort that could extend through the afternoon commute. The Sea-to-Sky Highway is the primary route connecting Metro Vancouver with Squamish, Whistler, and other Sea-to-Sky communities, making the disruption especially challenging for local residents, commuters, and travellers. Heavy Sea-to-Sky traffic delays reported Drivers report significant traffic delays in both directions, with congestion stretching well beyond the crash site. “Traffic is barely moving,” one motorist told 1130 NewsRadio, noting that debris had spread into the northbound lanes while crews worked to clear the roadway. The incident is already impacting Sea-to-Sky traffic conditions, particularly for drivers travelling between Vancouver and Squamish during peak daytime hours. No confirmed injuries at this time As of publication, no official information has been released regarding injuries or the condition of the truck driver. Authorities have not yet confirmed what caused the rollover, nor have they provided an estimated timeline for reopening all lanes. What Sea-to-Sky drivers should expect Motorists travelling along Highway 99 today should prepare for extended delays and changing conditions: Check DriveBC for real-time Sea-to-Sky Highway updates Monitor 1130 NewsRadio for traffic alerts Allow extra travel time between Vancouver, Horseshoe Bay, Squamish, and Whistler Use caution around emergency vehicles and roadside crews Traffic is expected to remain congested on the Sea-to-Sky Highway while recovery operations continue.

If you’re visiting Squamish and planning to sleep in your car or van overnight, it’s crucial to know the rules, safe spots, and what locals think about van dwelling. Squamish is a hub for climbers, hikers, and road-trippers, but overnight stays in public spaces are tightly regulated. Here’s what you need to know before settling in for the night. Where You Can Legally Sleep in Your Car in Squamish Sleeping in your car on public streets, parks, or municipal parking lots in Squamish is not allowed. The District’s camping bylaws prohibit overnight vehicle stays, and violating them can result in fines or being asked to move. Legal alternatives include private campgrounds and RV parks, which are the safest and most reliable options. Many are located just outside town and offer facilities like washrooms, fire rings, and electrical hookups. You can also use Crown land and forest service roads outside the municipal boundary for dispersed camping, or private property with permission, but always confirm with the landowner first. Legal Van Camping on Crown Land and Forest Service Roads Outside Squamish town limits, certain Crown land and forest service roads allow overnight van stays under provincial rules. These areas offer quiet, scenic options away from town, but rules must be followed carefully. Tips for Staying Legally & Safely When camping on Crown land or forest service roads, always park well off the road to avoid blocking traffic, follow fire bans and posted signage, and leave no trace by packing out all rubbish and waste. Avoid long-term stays unless explicitly allowed, as provincial rules can vary. Popular areas include logging roads north toward Garibaldi Park entrances, roads branching off Squamish Valley, and side roads near Brackendale. Before you stay, always check BC Crown land maps and regulations, since rules and signage can change—planning ahead is essential to ensure a safe and legal overnight stop. What Happened to Sleeping at Walmart in Squamish For years, Squamish’s Walmart parking lot was used informally by travellers for overnight stays. Municipal bylaws did not apply on private property, so people often parked overnight without enforcement. That has changed. Walmart now actively enforces parking limits to address long-term stays and customer complaints. Security may ask vehicles to leave, and towing has occurred. Overnight parking at Walmart is no longer a reliable option. The safest approach is to stick to designated campgrounds, RV parks, or legal Crown land. Why Van Dwelling Is Controversial in Squamish Van dwelling in Squamish is tied to housing pressures. Rising rents and limited housing have forced some people to live in vehicles. At the same time, residents and officials raise concerns about litter, human waste, and congestion, especially at parks, river areas, and popular parking spots. Complaints have influenced how bylaws are enforced, with municipal officers focusing on problem areas rather than individuals in need. The local conversation is about balance: keeping public spaces safe and clean while recognizing that some van dwellers have limited options. Tips for Sleeping Safely in Your Vehicle Sleeping overnight on public property in Squamish is not legal, so it’s important to plan ahead. Private lots may allow overnight stays, but rules can change quickly, and enforcement is at the discretion of the property owner. The safest options are designated campgrounds, RV parks, Crown land outside town limits, or private property where you have permission. Always respect cleanliness, follow fire regulations, and leave no trace of your stay. Being aware of the rules, local concerns, and available legal options will help ensure your overnight stop in Squamish is safe, stress-free, and hassle-free. Best Places for Van Dwellers in Squamish Provincial campgrounds such as Alice Lake, Brohm Lake, and Riverside Campground are some of the most reliable options for overnight van stays, offering facilities and a safe environment. Private RV parks, including Squamish Valley Campground, Stawamus Campground, Darcy’s, and Paradise Valley, provide additional amenities like power, water, and washrooms, making them ideal for travellers. For those looking for a more secluded option, certain Crown land and forest service roads outside town limits—north toward Garibaldi Park, in the Squamish Valley, or near Brackendale—permit dispersed camping under provincial rules. Overnight stays on private property are also possible, but only with clear permission from the landowner. Avoid relying on Walmart or public streets, and always follow local rules. Legal, planned options make your stay easier, safer, and less stressful.

Alex Haas and friends pose with the recovered boulder Portable at a crag in Bishop, California. Photo courtesy of Alex Haas A Small Boulder With a Big Following Squamish’s climbing community is celebrating the return of a small granite boulder known as Portable, which went missing in early September 2025. Located near the popular Superfly bouldering area, Portable is a roughly 60-pound grey granite rock shaped like a milk jug. Despite its size, it had gained a reputation as “the world’s smallest boulder problem,” offering climbers a fun challenge and countless Instagram moments. Local climber Brian Vincent described it as a fixture in the area, often surrounded by people attempting its four climbing problems. “I think it’s been there for years, ever since I can remember. So many people love it and post about it from all over the world. Every time I go to Superfly, there are people surrounding this little boulder and taking turns videoing themselves,” Vincent told the Squamish Chief. Disappearance Sparks Concern The boulder had disappeared twice before, but each time it returned within a day or two. This time, it remained missing for months, prompting fears that it might have been taken out of the country. Climbers and fans worried the beloved rock might never return to its home at Superfly. Discovery in California In January 2026, the mystery was solved. Pro climber Ethan Salvo discovered Portable in Bishop, California, after local climbers Alex Haas and friends spotted it while climbing in the area. The boulder had been wearing a red toque with googly eyes, making identification tricky at first. “When it first popped up, I was just stunned and then generally confused,” Salvo said. He has been bringing the boulder back to Squamish and plans to return it safely to the local climbing community. Community Excited for Welcome Celebration Salvo noted the strong online reaction, with fans from far beyond Squamish closely following updates on Portable’s journey home. Haas and his friends speculated the boulder may have been transported by car, likely by someone familiar with climbing culture. A community welcome celebration is planned once the boulder returns, giving climbers a chance to see Portable back in its rightful place. The story highlights not only the importance of local climbing landmarks but also the unique connection between the Squamish climbing community and its natural features.

Does Canada Have an Agency Like ICE? Many people worry that Canada enforces immigration the same way the U.S. does, with ICE-style raids and aggressive interior policing. In reality, Canada’s system is very different. CBSA officers do not conduct large-scale armed operations like those seen in U.S. cities, and enforcement focuses on compliance, detention, and removals within the law. This explainer clears up the confusion and shows how undocumented people are treated under Canadian immigration law. What Is the ICE Equivalent in Canada Canada does not have an agency called Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), but it does have a functional equivalent in the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). CBSA is responsible for enforcing immigration law both at the border and inside the country, including investigating immigration violations, detaining people without legal status, and carrying out removals and deportations. In the United States, these roles are split. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) manages land borders, airports, and seaports, screening people and goods and operating the Border Patrol, while ICE handles interior enforcement, including arrests, detention, and deportations away from the border. Canada does not divide these functions. CBSA manages both border and inland enforcement, working at ports of entry and throughout the country as its immigration enforcement agency, rather than creating separate agencies for different parts of the job. CBSA’s operations focus on compliance, detention, and removals rather than large‑scale armed raids. What Happens to Undocumented People in Canada Being undocumented in Canada is not a criminal offence. It is a civil matter under immigration law. Most people lose legal status by overstaying a visa, work or study permit, or after a failed refugee claim when they do not leave the country. If authorities discover someone is undocumented, CBSA may issue a removal order. Some are given time to leave voluntarily, while others may face detention or arrest. Immigration detention is used selectively. People may be detained if there are concerns about identity, the risk of not appearing for proceedings, or public safety. All detention decisions are reviewed regularly by the Immigration and Refugee Board, an independent administrative tribunal. Have Canadian Border Agencies Been Involved in Fatal Incidents There are no documented cases of Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) officers killing anyone during enforcement actions in Canada. CBSA officers have the authority to detain and arrest and can use force if necessary, but fatal incidents are extremely rare. Most enforcement is conducted inland or at ports of entry, relying on compliance, voluntary departures, and collaboration with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police rather than armed confrontations. Enforcement operations with a serious risk of harm are usually supported by the RCMP, which follows strict use-of-force protocols. Why Canada's System Looks Different Canada’s immigration enforcement operates with less public visibility and political intensity than in the United States. There are no separate border patrol and interior enforcement agencies, and large-scale public raids are rare. That does not mean enforcement is absent. CBSA has broad authority, including arrest, detention, and deportation powers. The key difference is how these powers are organized and how visibly they are applied.

The Jewish community in Squamish is responding to the tragic shooting at Bondi Beach, Sydney, Australia, on Dec. 14, where 15 people were killed during Hanukkah celebrations. Two gunmen opened fire on families celebrating the first night of Hanukkah at one of Sydney's most popular beaches, killing 15 people and wounding more than 40 others. The attack has left Jewish communities worldwide shaken, and locally, the Sea to Sky region is coming together to remember the victims and stand against antisemitism. Why This Attack Feels Personal to Local Families Among those killed were a 10-year-old girl, a Holocaust survivor, and two Chabad rabbis who helped organise the event. For Jewish families in Squamish and Whistler, the Bondi Beach shooting hits close to home. Many have children who attend similar community Hanukkah celebrations, including menorah lightings in public spaces. One of the victims, Rabbi Eli Schlanger, had posted a video of himself driving with a menorah on his car, captioned "The best response to antisemitism. Happy Chanukah!" The Sea to Sky corridor's Jewish community, though small, gathers regularly for public celebrations just like the families in Sydney did. Knowing that a joyful holiday gathering turned into a terror attack has many parents asking themselves difficult questions about safety and visibility. When and Where the Squamish Ceremony Will Take Place The Squamish Jewish community will gather at Junction Park on Dec. 18, from 6:30 to 7 p.m., for a menorah lighting ceremony called Light Up Squamish. Rabbi Schneur Druk of the Chabad Jewish Centre of Whistler and Squamish said the event will be a public display of Jewish pride and solidarity. While the ceremony commemorates those lost, it also celebrates the Hanukkah holiday with festive music, kosher foods, and community participation. Everyone is welcome, including those outside the Jewish faith, to show support and stand against hatred. What You Need to Know About Security Although security is always present at such events, Rabbi Druk confirmed that additional measures are being implemented this year in response to recent global events. He emphasised that spreading light, kindness, and community togetherness is the best way to counteract acts of violence. Since October 2023, there has been a systematic increase in attacks on Jewish visibility in public spaces, creating what researchers call "Jewish fatigue". Despite these concerns, Jewish communities around the world are choosing to gather publicly rather than retreat. How the Sea to Sky Community Can Show Support Roughly 200 Jewish families live in Whistler year-round, with another 500 spending the winter season there, plus tens of thousands of Jewish visitors among the 3 million tourists who visit annually. The Chabad of Whistler and Squamish opened just months ago to serve this growing community. Menorahs will remain lit throughout Hanukkah, reinforcing the message of resilience and hope. The Squamish community can also attend a similar lighting in Whistler at The Brew House on Dec. 21. In 1993, when White Supremacists in Billings, Montana attacked Jewish residents, the Christian community responded by placing thousands of hand-drawn menorahs in windows across town. Similar acts of solidarity are needed now. Why Public Gatherings Matter More Than Ever Through these gatherings, the Squamish Jewish community is sending a message that light, solidarity, and compassion will overcome darkness and violence. Jewish faith leaders emphasise that light, the central theme of Hanukkah, is the only way to counteract darkness and hate. For families wondering whether it's safe to attend public Jewish events, Rabbi Druk's message is clear: the answer to fear is not hiding, but standing together and shining brighter.

The Squamish Historical Society (SHS) has postponed its planned speaker series event featuring Masha Kleiner, a controversial citizen journalist, after the District of Squamish declined to host the talk at a municipal venue. Why the District Refused to Host Masha Kleiner Kleiner, affiliated with OneBC, has previously published views questioning aspects of Canadian Indigenous history and residential school impacts. Local leaders and the Squamish Nation raised concerns that hosting Kleiner in a municipal venue could perpetuate misinformation and cause real harm. The District of Squamish stressed that hosting a speaker with widely publicised views that disrespect the experiences of residential school survivors did not align with municipal values. The District also cited concerns over potential protests and safety risks, rather than any deficiencies in SHS's planning or insurance. "The past 20 years have seen a lot of change in such a relatively short period of time," SHS president Bianca Peters said. "Our speakers series have always been a high point in our mission to showcase our community's history." What the Squamish Nation Said About the Masha Kleiner Event The Squamish Nation strongly condemned the planned event, noting that Kleiner's positions distort history and undermine the lived experiences of Indigenous people. Nation chairperson Sxwíxwtn Wilson Williams called on SHS to cancel the event and engage directly with the Nation for future discussions. This concern is reinforced by local data showing Indigenous community members in Squamish face significant housing and health disparities. A 2023 Point-in-Time Homeless Count found that 32 per cent of people experiencing homelessness identified as Indigenous, despite Indigenous residents making up roughly 3 per cent of the local population. Housing insecurity correlates with poorer health outcomes, higher reliance on emergency services, and systemic barriers to wellbeing. How the Historical Society Responded to Being Blocked Peters emphasised that the goal of the SHS series is structured discussion on policy and governance, not endorsement of any political party or ideology. She stated that SHS followed all venue requirements and intended to host a lawful, respectful discussion. "The District's decision to cancel our booking was based on anticipated reactions to the speaker's views, not on any violation of procedures or safety planning," Peters said. SHS remains open to future programming that reflects a diversity of perspectives, while respecting community concerns. What Happens After the District Blocked This Talk The cancellation illustrates the challenges of hosting discussions on sensitive historical topics in communities like Squamish. Public institutions and civic organisations must balance freedom of speech with responsibility to protect community members, particularly when addressing issues affecting populations that face systemic disadvantages. In this case, the District and Squamish Nation prioritised respectful engagement, community safety, and historical accuracy over hosting a potentially polarising event. The Squamish Historical Society has postponed the Masha Kleiner talk indefinitely, and residents and civic groups are now considering how best to foster informed dialogue while acknowledging the real disparities and sensitivities in their community.

A fatal incident at Cypress Mountain has raised urgent questions about head injuries on ski hills and what happens when skiers ignore symptoms after a crash. An 18-year-old from Maple Ridge died after falling from a chairlift at the North Shore resort, prompting a coroner's investigation and renewed calls for skiers to seek immediate medical attention after hitting their head. What Police Say Happened on the Cypress Mountain Chairlift West Vancouver Police confirmed the teen lost consciousness moments before falling from the Sky Chair near the top of the mountain on Jan. 15. The fall occurred shortly before 7:30 p.m., where the drop to the ski run below is approximately 50 feet. He was riding with his twin brother and friends at the time. According to a statement from the teen's father shared publicly, the young man had fallen and hit his head earlier in the day while skiing. Before getting on the chairlift, he told his companions he was feeling very tired. As they approached the top station and the safety bar was lifted, he passed out, causing him to pitch forward and fall. West Vancouver Police spokesperson Const. Kevin Goodmurphy confirmed that witness statements indicate the teen became unconscious immediately before the fall. Police have confirmed there were no mechanical issues with the chairlift. The BC Coroners Service is investigating the exact cause of death. Why Head Injuries on Ski Hills Are So Dangerous The incident highlights a critical safety issue many skiers and snowboarders face: continuing to ski after hitting their head. Symptoms like fatigue, dizziness, or confusion after a crash can signal a serious head injury that requires immediate medical attention. First aid instructor Mark Kascha, who was among the first bystanders to respond, said the sequence of events meant the outcome was likely unavoidable once the teen was already on the chairlift. He described the situation as a series of compounding tragedies rather than a preventable accident. Police confirmed that the loss of consciousness was connected to the earlier crash on the ski hill. How Bystanders Responded to the Emergency Kascha, who has more than 25 years of experience teaching first aid, said the response from the public was extraordinary. Doctors, nurses, firefighters, ski patrol and other volunteers stepped in to help within moments. Despite the combined efforts of trained professionals and bystanders, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene. West Vancouver Police said the department is deeply aware of the emotional toll such incidents take on families and responders. What Support Is Available for Witnesses Police and first responders acknowledge that witnessing a fatal incident can have lasting psychological effects. Volunteers from the West Vancouver Police Department's victim services unit were present at the scene and remain available to anyone affected. Anyone seeking support can contact victim services at 604-925-7468. Cypress Mountain issued a statement expressing condolences to the teen's family and confirming trained staff and ski patrol responded immediately.

A Canadian clean-energy company based in Squamish, British Columbia, is developing technology that captures carbon dioxide directly from the air and converts it into usable fuel, offering an alternative approach to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The company, Carbon Engineering, is working on what is known as direct air capture, a process designed to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere rather than targeting emissions at a single source such as a power plant. The technology focuses on everyday emissions produced by transportation, agriculture, buildings, and other infrastructure. Unlike traditional carbon capture systems that store carbon underground, Carbon Engineering's approach aims to reuse the captured carbon by turning it into hydrocarbon fuel that can be burned in vehicles. How Squamish Scientists Turn Air Into Gasoline The system operates in several stages. First, large industrial fans pull ambient air into the facility, where chemical solutions extract carbon dioxide from the air. Separately, hydrogen is produced by splitting water molecules using electrolysis, a process powered by renewable electricity such as solar energy. The captured carbon dioxide is then combined with the hydrogen to create a synthetic hydrocarbon fuel. This fuel can be refined into petrol or diesel and used in existing engines without requiring modifications to vehicles or infrastructure. According to the company, the result is a closed-loop system where carbon dioxide released during fuel combustion can later be recaptured from the air and reused. What the Squamish Pilot Plant Actually Does Carbon Engineering's Squamish pilot plant was designed to demonstrate the technical feasibility of the process at scale. At full operation, the facility was expected to produce up to 400 litres of fuel per day using carbon dioxide captured from the atmosphere. The project received funding from private investors, including Bill Gates, and was founded by Canadian climate scientist David Keith, a professor at Harvard University known for his work on climate engineering and carbon mitigation strategies. Adrian Corless, the company's CEO at the time, told CBC News that the pilot plant was a critical step towards proving the technology could be scaled up. He said the goal was not just to capture carbon, but to do so at a scale large enough to be environmentally relevant. Why This Technology Differs From Other Carbon Capture Carbon capture and storage has long been proposed as a way to reduce emissions from fossil fuel use. Most existing systems focus on capturing carbon dioxide at power plants and storing it underground in geological formations. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change has estimated that such systems can prevent up to 90 per cent of emissions from entering the atmosphere. However, underground storage raises concerns about long-term leakage and does not reduce existing carbon already in the atmosphere. Direct air capture addresses that limitation by removing carbon dioxide regardless of where it was produced. Critics note that the technology is energy-intensive and expensive, but supporters argue that it could become more viable as renewable energy becomes cheaper. What This Means for Climate Solutions Climate scientists widely agree that no single technology can solve climate change on its own. Direct air capture is viewed as a supplementary tool that could help offset emissions that are difficult to eliminate, such as aviation and heavy industry. Carbon Engineering's work in Squamish represents one of the earliest large-scale attempts to demonstrate that atmospheric carbon can be captured and reused, rather than permanently stored or left in the environment. While the technology remains under development, it highlights a growing shift towards solutions that focus not only on reducing future emissions, but also on addressing the carbon already present in the air.

A sophisticated Whistler QR code parking scam is currently targeting Day Lots and village parking areas.  Scammers are using a tactic called 'quishing', which is a combination of "QR code" and "phishing." They place professional-looking stickers over official PayByPhone signs. In the Whistler QR code parking scam, these codes lead to a cloned version of the PayByPhone site. You think you are paying for your spot, but you are actually handing your credit card digits directly to a fraudster. What Is Quishing? How to Detect a Quishing Attack at the Parking Meter To stay safe, use the Peel Test. Run your thumb over the QR code. If it feels like a sticker that was added later, it is a scam. Legitimate parking instructions in Whistler are printed directly on the machines or signs. Never scan a code that looks like it could be peeled off. Stop the Whistler QR Code Parking Scam from Spreading The best way to protect the community is through rapid reporting. If you spot a suspicious sticker in Day Lots 1 through 5 or along Main Street, do not just walk away. Do Not Scan:  Avoid interacting with the code entirely. Take a Photo:  Capture the meter number and the fraudulent sticker. Report to Bylaw:  Email privacy@whistler.ca  immediately so they can dispatch a team to remove it. By reporting these, you prevent the next person in line from having their data stolen. Immediate Steps for Victims of QR Code Fraud If you realize you have fallen for the Whistler QR code parking scam, time is of the essence. You have likely provided your CVV and expiry date to a criminal server. Freeze Your Card:  Use your banking app to "lock" your card the moment you suspect a scan was fraudulent. Call Your Bank:  Request a new card and flag the specific date you scanned the code. Dispute Local Fines:  If you get a ticket while trying to pay the "fake" site, the RMOW has a dispute process available on their official website. Stay vigilant, Vancouver. Let's keep the Sea-to-Sky safe for everyone.

A 69-year-old hiker was rescued from Mount Seymour's Suicide Gully after getting lost while returning from Brockton Point. North Shore Rescue says the man was lucky to make it out safely. Why Heading Downhill Can Turn Deadly The hiker lost the trail and decided to head downhill, a move that can be fatal on the North Shore Mountains. Suicide Gully is steep and treacherous, with cliffs, drainages, and waterfalls. North Shore Rescue warns that what looks like an easy route often becomes much steeper and more dangerous. How Rescuers Located the Hiker The man reached a North Shore Rescue supply cache with signs advising lost hikers to stay put, but he continued bushwhacking to about 400 metres in elevation before gaining enough cell reception to call 911. A ground team accessed the Spur 4 area of the Lower Seymour Conservation Reserve and hiked up to escort him out safely. What You Should Do If You Get Lost North Shore Rescue emphasises that lost hikers should stay in place. Moving downhill can make it harder for rescuers to locate you and can put both you and the team at greater risk. In this case, the hiker hadn't shared his plans or expected return time, meaning he could have been stranded overnight without gear or supplies. What Every Winter Hiker Needs to Carry Icy conditions make the trails even more hazardous. North Shore Rescue advises hikers to carry crampons or microspikes during winter hikes, stay aware of trail conditions, and always let someone know your plans before heading out.

A serious collision involving a bus and a car on the Sea to Sky Highway left one person in critical condition on January 7. The crash occurred between Squamish and Whistler near Conroy Forest Service Road, temporarily closing Highway 99 in both directions. How Emergency Crews Responded B.C. Emergency Health Services sent three ambulances with primary care paramedics, an advanced care paramedic unit, and a paramedic supervisor. One patient was transported by ground ambulance and then transferred to critical care paramedics for hospital transport. RCMP have not released further details about the injuries. What Conditions Were Like at the Scene Snowy and slippery conditions were reported along the stretch of Highway 99 where the crash occurred. Whistler resident Megan Foster, who drove past the scene, described seeing the bus with serious front and left-side damage, and a car that had been completely destroyed in the impact. She said debris was being cleared while some bystanders were assisting. How Long the Highway Was Closed DriveBC reported that both directions of the highway were closed around 3:30 p.m., reopening later with single-lane alternating traffic. Drivers were warned of delays due to congestion. Many motorists had to turn around, illustrating how quickly accidents can block this key corridor. What Investigators Are Looking Into Sea to Sky RCMP confirmed the cause of the collision is under investigation, with snowy conditions being considered as a factor. Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Services (ICARS) was called but did not attend the scene. Why This Crash Matters for All Drivers This crash highlights the hazards of winter driving along the Sea to Sky Highway. Snow, ice, and reduced visibility can create sudden and dangerous conditions. Drivers are urged to reduce speed, maintain extra following distance, and avoid distractions to help prevent collisions.