Author: Owen Thompson

The Transportation Safety Board (TSB) has sent a team of investigators to examine a helicopter crash near Squamish, British Columbia. The crash occurred on Tuesday morning and involved a Bell 214 B1 helicopter carrying an external load. TSB spokesperson Chris Krepski said the crash happened just before 9:30 a.m. Pacific Time. B.C. Emergency Health Services confirmed that it was alerted to the incident near Henriette Lake shortly before 10 a.m. A critically injured patient was airlifted to Vancouver International Airport, treated by paramedics, and then transferred to hospital in serious condition. According to the RCMP, Squamish Search and Rescue teams…

The Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw, known as the Squamish Nation, will begin its next term this fall with a new, expanded council, doubling the size of its previous leadership. Earlier this year, members voted to amend the Election and Referendum Law, increasing the council from eight members—one chairperson and seven councillors—to 16 elected officials. This year’s election resulted in one chairperson, one band manager, and 15 councillors serving four-year terms. The election also removed dedicated seats for the North Shore, Squamish Valley, and members living outside the region, shifting to a system of general councillors. The nation noted that the 16-member council…

Authorities are investigating a Squamish Valley elk shooting after a bull elk was found dead with its antlers sawed off. The Conservation Officer Service (COS) reported that the incident occurred near the Ashlu River in the Squamish Valley. Officers were alerted to the dead adult male elk on the afternoon of August 30. When they arrived, they found the elk had been shot and its antlers removed using a saw. The site of the discovery is close to a provincial recreation area and several popular camping spots, raising concerns about illegal hunting activity in areas frequented by the public. COS…

A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has upheld the Squamish council’s unanimous vote to block the proposed Paradise Trails eco-village near the Cheakamus River. Justice Mark Underhill, in a written ruling released on August 20, said the enactment of the rezoning bylaw was reasonable and carried out in good faith. The developers, Tantalus at Paradise Valley Inc. and parent company Tri-City Properties at Squamish Ltd., had filed for a judicial review after the council’s June 18, 2024 decision. They argued the rejection of their project was unreasonable and unfair. They also raised claims of bad faith, but the judge found…

North Vancouver’s Alexandre Campbell made history at the 2025 Squamish 50 in British Columbia by smashing the long-standing 50/50 course record. The ultrarunner completed both the 50-mile and 50K races, leaving a lasting mark on the event. Campbell dominated Saturday’s 50-mile race, finishing in 7 hours, 39 minutes, and 26 seconds, winning by 35 minutes. The following day, he placed fifth in the 50K with a time of 5:06:19. His combined time of 12 hours, 45 minutes, and 44 seconds shattered the previous record of 13:45:10, set by American Michael Wardian in 2014. The new mark improves Campbell’s own personal…

Travellers in British Columbia are facing growing frustration as BC Ferries implements stricter rules and raises costs. What was once a convenient link between the mainland and coastal destinations like Nanaimo is now causing stress for drivers and passengers alike. Squamish residents enjoy quick access to the Horseshoe Bay terminal. Many use it to reach Vancouver Island, Bowen Island, or the Sunshine Coast. Some locals even work for BC Ferries. Yet, these connections are becoming harder to rely on, especially during holidays and busy weekends. During peak times, booking a ferry can be a major challenge. Popular sailings often sell…

Elder Gwen Harry, a respected member of the Squamish Nation, is among 15 people set to receive the prestigious Order of British Columbia this year. This honour is the highest recognition the province offers to its citizens. At 94 years old, Harry will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 16, at a ceremony held at Government House in Victoria. The 2025 recipients are recognized for their outstanding contributions to British Columbia and beyond. Harry’s award highlights her lifelong dedication to education, healing, and economic development. Her work has inspired collaborative reconciliation efforts across the province. A survivor of residential school, she…

A recent cougar attack on a mountain biker near Squamish has raised safety concerns in the area. The B.C. Conservation Officer Service (COS) issued a warning after the incident, urging people to avoid the region near Garibaldi Provincial Park. The attack occurred Thursday evening around 6:30 p.m. in the Alpine Capone area along Brohm Ridge. According to COS, a man riding his bike was pursued by a cougar. The predator made contact and followed the man down the trail for about 20 minutes. During the chase, the man was walking backwards while holding his bike and threw rocks at the…

A tragic accident has claimed the life of a hiker near Squamish, British Columbia. The hiker fell into Crooked Falls, a scenic but steep waterfall located in the Squamish Valley. The incident happened on Thursday evening, prompting an immediate emergency response. Local police confirmed they received a call around that time reporting a person had fallen while hiking in the area. Search and rescue crews were quickly dispatched to the scene. Despite their efforts, the hiker was found without signs of life and was declared dead at the location. Due to the steep, dangerous terrain and fading daylight, rescue crews…

A tragic accident has claimed the life of a hiker in the upper Squamish Valley area of British Columbia. The incident occurred at Crooked Falls, a popular yet rugged hiking spot located along the Sigurd Trail, known for its steep paths and scenic views. Local authorities confirmed that the hiker slipped and fell into the waterfall on Thursday evening. Members of the Sea-to-Sky RCMP and Squamish Search and Rescue (SAR) responded to the emergency call shortly after the fall was reported. When rescue teams arrived, they found that the hiker had not survived the fall. The challenging landscape, combined with…