District B-Sides

How do we move from a car ‘first' to a car ‘last' mindset whereby some of our local trips are done differently (walk/bike/bus), instead of just jumping in the car? And what impact could this have if we do?  Have a listen to these four intelligent UBC Masters students who recently worked on their thesis project with the District, and help to answer these questions for us. Let us know what you think.

Join us for the last episode of our Climate Action series Agency in a Climate Emergency! Squamish Manager of Sustainability and Climate Change Ian Picketts is joined by guests Mayor Karen Elliott and Expeditioner Sunniva Sorby to discuss the imperative of acting on climate change including the benefits of citizen science, global challenges and local action impacts.

Join us for an in-depth conversation about the Central Estuary Restoration Project (CERP)/Restore the Shore with Squamish Nation Councillor Joyce  Williams, CERP staff member Patricia Heintzman, the District of Squamish Director of Engineering Chris Wyckham, and Mayor Karen Elliott.

Join District of Squamish Manager of Sustainability and Climate Change Ian Picketts, District of Squamish Transportation Planner Dora Gunn, and CleanBC Go-Electric Fleets Program Zero Emission Vehicle Advisor Patrick Breuer as they discuss the intricacies and benefits of electric engines, what the practicalities of E.V. ownership are, and what the different options in low-carbon engines means for the consumer, as well as a look into the current state of Squamish's active transportation networks and what plans are in place for the future.

Did you know that residential and commercial buildings are the second-largest source of emissions in Squamish? Join District of Squamish Manager of Sustainability and Climate Change Ian Picketts, Senior Energy Specialist Karine Le Du, and Community Energy Association Climate Solutions Specialist Alison Jenkins as they chat about what it takes to create new energy-efficient buildings in Squamish, and what the path ahead looks like for decarbonizing existing buildings. Tune in to learn how we're working towards meeting our 2030 emissions goal and what you can do to help.

Did you know that 10% of waste in Single Family Homes in Squamish is avoidable food waste? District of Squamish Manager of Sustainability and Climate Change Ian Picketts is joined by District Waste Management experts Jeff Wint and Shannon White to chat about all things solid waste from woodwaste to food waste and everything in between. Tune in for tune in for tips on how to reduce food waste, make it easier to compost at home, reduce recycling contamination and keep more waste out of the Landfill. This is part one of our series on the topic of Climate Action in Squamish.  Got an idea for a podcast topic? Send us an email at: communications@squamish.ca.

Living with wildlife can be a complex topic and one that is widely misunderstood. Join Mayor Karen Elliott, Councillor Chris Pettingill, Conservation Officer Service Sergeant Simon Gravel and District of Squamish Wildlife Coordinator Meg Toom for a discussion on what it truly means to be a 'bear smart' community and why it matters, cultural changes that impact bears, the impacts of recreation on wildlife, grizzly bear recovery, and the truth behind some of the common wildlife myths. 

Access to affordable, accessible and high-quality child care spaces remains a complex and challenging issue for Squamish families and caregivers. This episode is a live recording of last week's Virtual Mayor's Drop-In. Tune in to hear from Mayor Karen Elliott, Acting Mayor John French, District of #Squamish Planner Sarah McJannet, child care resource and agency partners parents, caregivers, child-care providers and early childhood educators, employers and residents on the current child care climate including: Squamish child care needs and targets, local planning and actions to date; How we can focus and accelerate joint efforts to address the profound need for child care in our community; and The childcare-related opportunities and challenges that can generate childcare solutions necessary for a strong social and economic foundation in our community.

The climate emergency has been at the forefront of District of Squamish policies, decision-making and operations since making the declaration in 2019. In this episode, District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott, is joined by Councillor Jenna Stoner and District of Squamish Manager of Sustainability and Climate Change Ian Picketts for a conversation about climate change, how the District is taking action and simple steps you can take to create a brighter future for Squamish.  In this episode you'll learn about:  The Six Big Moves of the District's Community Climate Action Plan and how they are being actioned; The District's new Climate Action website and some of the resources available for residents interested in lowering their carbon footprint; What considerations are needed when making climate related policies; Why climate change is no longer a concept of the future; Why we shouldn't underestimate our individual role in the climate emergency. 

Guest: Mayor Karen Elliott, District of Squamish District of Squamish Planner Matt Gunn welcomes District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott to reflect on what they've heard in our ongoing series to date, address both sides of the density debate, and share their own unique experiences with single and multi-family housing and how their expectations of each housing type have shifted over the years.  As the community grapples with affordability and corresponding growth, the District has created a three-part podcast series to explore the relationship between density and liveability. This is the third and final part in the series. We hope you’ll listen in and let us know what you think. Got an idea for a podcast topic? Send us an email at: communications@squamish.ca. Show notes:  In this episode you'll hear about:  The tensions that exist between housing, transportation and climate action How walkable neighbourhoods create community How density impacts affordability What our community would look like if only single-family homes were built 

Did you know? Local governments play an important role in regulating the use of both land and water.  In this episode, Mayor Karen Elliott is joined by District of Squamish Councillor Doug Race and District of Squamish Planner Sarah McJannet for discussion about marine planning, proposed marine-specific zones and regulations, and how the new marine zoning will help to coordinate the shared use of our marine coastal area, while protecting and maximizing our incredible Squamish waterfront and marine resources in Átl’ḵa7tsem (Howe Sound).  Guests: District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott, District of Squamish Councillor Doug Race District of Squamish Planner Sarah McJannet

BC Transit Senior Transit Planner Bronson Bullivant joins host Matt Gunn to explore the relationship between neighbourhood density and transit planning, and how high-density neighbourhoods affect transit growth.   Show Notes: In this episode you'll hear about:  The world of transit planning and its potential to contribute to stronger, more sustainable communities. How transit can help to address our climate goals; How increased density supports transit growth; The link between density, liveability and connectivity as we work to create a community for the future.

Guest: Sarah Ellis, City of Vancouver Housing PlannerHear from City of Vancouver Housing Planner and local Squamish resident, Sarah Ellis on making housing more attainable, and how density housing, such as duplexes and townhomes, can help to create a more vibrant, accessible and diverse community over time.Show notes: In this episode you'll hear about: What makes Squamish so attractive to young professionals;Different types of housing forms and why they are necessary to ensure a diverse and vibrant community;How diverse housing can help to ensure residents of all income levels can remain in communities;What types of housing are accessible to first-time buyers.

Join us for a community conversation on the coronavirus pandemic and how the current situation is being dealt with from all angles.Guests: DOS Emergency Program: Megan Latimer; Sea to Sky RCMP: Kara Triance; Squamish Chamber of Commerce: Louise Walker; Vehicle Residents of Squamish: Thomasina Pidgeon; District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott.

The current tension between the off-leash and on-leash advocates in Squamish has lead to some passionate conversations in our community. We are exploring ways to better align our Animal Control Bylaw with the interests of our community by proposing changes that will allow dogs to be off-leash in clearly identified areas. How can we create safety, harmony and balance for all of our residents?Guests: Maren Bruun, District of Squamish Bylaw Supervisor Chris Baker, Mayor Karen Elliott and Councillor Doug Race. 

Squamish Housing Affordability is a multi-faceted, complex issue that we as the District of Squamish have been working hard to tackle in recent years. What is our role? How can we balance community growth and pressure from the Lower Mainland with affordability challenges for long-time residents and front line service staff? Guests: Maureen Mackell, Squamish Helping Hands Executive Director; Councillor Armand Hurford, Councillor Jenna Stoner.