This is your daily roundup of all you need to know before you head out in Squamish.
Good Saturday to you, Squamish.
Summer is not over yet!
According to Environment Canada, we will see a high of 29C today. The UV index will reach 6, or high.
What does UV mean? It stands for Ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
So, the UV index tells us the strength of the radiation generated from the sun and sent into our atmosphere. The higher the number, the more we need to protect ourselves.
When the UV index is between 3 and 7, Environment Canada advises that you:
"Take care. Wear big hats and clothes that cover your skin. Put sunscreen on skin that you can't cover. Don't be fooled if it's cool or slightly cloudy. The UV still gets through."
The humidex, which is a measure of how temperatures feel, will reach 32 today.
A rating of 20 to 29 means folks will feellittle to no discomfort.
Between 30 to 39, people will feel some discomfort due to the heat.
The overnight low will be 14 C tonight.
Upcoming bus route change
A sure sign the end of summer is near, BC Transit and the District of Squamishare reminding riders that the Route 5 South Parks bus, which travels fromdowntown to several locations and attractions, including Oceanfront Squamish,will end for the season as of Sept. 3.
Free weekend transit will also end for the season.
"Customers are encouraged to use the Umo app,Transit app, Google Transit or any other real time trip planning app to see trip times and plan your journey," reads thenews release.
For more information about trip planning, schedules and to sign up for customer alerts, go tobctransit.com/squamish
Dollarama opening?
Folks have been asking us when Dollarama will open downtown in the former Dollar Tree location on Winnipeg Street.
A spokesperson said the second Dollarama store is set to open by the end of the year.
This will have no impact on the otherDollarama location in Garibaldi Village, whichwill continue to operate.
Not a lot of exacting detail from the company, but that's what we know.
Campfire bans
There are currently 217wildfires burning in B.C. as ofAug. 31.
Due to recent wet weather, the BC Wildfire Service Coastal Fire Centre and the District of Squamishhavelifted the ban onCategory 1 campfires inthe Coastal Fire Centre area, and within the District boundaries.
"Although the fire danger has declined in the Coastal Fire Centre due to recent rainfall and cooler, more seasonal temperatures, the public is strongly encouraged to continue exercising extreme caution with any campfire. It is the responsibility of the individual to ensure that burning is done in a safe and responsible manner and in accordance with regulations. Before lighting any fire, check with local government authorities to see if any local burning restrictions are in place," reads the BC Wildfire Service release.
Category 2 and Category 3openfires remain prohibited, including the use of fireworks, sky lanterns, binary exploding targets, burn barrels, burn cages and air curtain burners.
The following are never allowedin Squamish:
- Fires in any public space, including forests, riverbanks, mountainsides, beaches
- Open Air Burning, including but not limited to:yard waste, garden debris and construction materials
To report a wildfire, unattended campfire, or open burning violation, call 911 if within the municipal boundaries, or, if outside the district, call 1-800-663-5555 toll-free or *5555 on a cell phone.
Still no kiting at oceanfront beach
In the wake of a man's death, while he was kiteboarding off ofSp'akw'us Feather Park on July 1, the District of Squamishhas temporarily closed the beachto kiteboardingwhile an investigation into the incident is underway.
"Kites are being restricted out of caution to ensure public safety. Wingfoiling and windsurfing continue to be permitted," a District release states.
Access to Pepahím̓ (Spit Island) for kiteboarding is available through a shuttle operated by the Squamish Windsports Society.
Shuttles take place daily between noon and 7 p.m., with access to the shuttle launch a short walk from the Sp’akw’us Feather parking lot.
Visitsquamishwindsports.com for more information and current weather conditions.
The Squamish Windsports Society kiting season ends Sept. 15.
Sunrise & sunset
Sunriseon Aug. 31was at 6:28a.m. Sunset today will be at 7:56p.m. (We are at the sunset before 8 p.m. season again, folks!)
Moon phase
The moon is in its waning crescent, phase.
The moon's illumination is currently 5.67%, meaning that is the percentage of the moon illuminated by the sun, according to phasesmoon.com.
The moon is currently located in the constellation of Cancer.
It is currently 395,748.31 kilometres from Earth.
Moonrise is at 3:30 a.m.; moonset is at 7:29p.m.
The next full moon will be on Sept. 17, at 7:21 p.m.
Tides
The next low tide today isat10:40 a.m. (Height:1.06metres); the next hightide is at 6:23p.m. (4.49m), according to the sitetides.today.
The last lowtide is at 11:49p.m. (3.3m).
Seawater temps
The current surface water temperature in Howe Sound on Aug. 31,measured atHalibut Bank (49.34N123.72W),is 17C, according to this Government of Canada site.
Events to note
There's always something going on in this town. Here are some events that stood out to us.
•Tonight, catchHOT FOR TEACHER Burlesque at Trickster's Hideout, from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
"Class is in session and we’re kicking off the school year with a sizzling twist! Hot For Teacher Burlesque is bringing the heat with tantalizing performances that will leave you breathless," reads the release.
•Sept. 4, nerds unite atNerd Nite S2S, at theBrackendale Art Gallery: Café & Culture Centre, at 41950 Government Road, from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.
"Three fun 18-minute presentations on different subjects. Eat, drink and learn," reads the listing.
•Sept. 6, Rock 'n' Roll Night at Trickster's Hideout, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
"Hailing from Vancouver, BC, this 4-piece group brings a mash-up of rock ‘n’ roll sounds from the 60s to the early 2000s, all twisted together with a modern flare. Their music features driven guitar rhythms, swelling leads, groovy drum beats, phat bass lines, and emphatic vocals that you’re sure to dig!" reads the listing.
There are many more events coming up; go to our online events calendar to see them all!
Want a possible shout-out in our daily report? Load your event into our free calendar, by clicking "create an event."
Looking ahead
Summer is back for the rest of this week, folks. Expect temperatures in the high 20s through next Friday.
Gas prices
Regular gas in Squamish is going for 171.9 cents per litre today at the Squamish Valley gas bar at 9001 Valley Dr.
Gas in Whistler is going for 172.9/L at the Co-op at 2101 Lake Placid Rd.
In Pemberton, petrol is also at the pump for 171.9/L at AC Gas at 7432 Prospect St.
The least expensive gas we could find today in B.C. was stillin Salmon Arm, where you can fill up for 145. 9/L, at the Super Save Gasat 50 3rd St NW, according to GasBuddy.
Road warnings
•Highway 99. Road maintenance work planned between Alice Lake Rd and Daisy Lake Rd (Squamish),starting Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 7:30 a.m., until5:30 p.m. that day. Lane closures in both directions planned. Counterflow traffic in effect.
•On Highway 99,northbound, watch for construction work between Park St. and Portage Rd. (Pemberton), until Sunday, Sept. 29 at 6 p.m.. The shoulder is expected to be closed. Work is for the drilling of a new watermain at junction of Pemberton Meadows Road and Collins Road.
Find the latest road warnings on the DriveBC site.
GranFondo traffic impacts
Adore it or dread it, the RBC GranFondo Whistler cycling event rolls up the Sea to Sky Highway onSept. 7.
About 5,000 cyclists are expected to participate in the ride from Vancouver to Whistler this year, the event’s 15th year anniversary.
Drivers can expect delays between West Vancouver and Whistler between 5:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.
Here are the ways race organizers say the event will impact traffic for us in the Sea to Sky and Squamish.
Sea to Sky Highway
- Highway 99 at Porteau Cove Provincial Park–Counterflow traffic adjacent to cyclists in effect, with one lane northbound and one lane southbound available for motorists, leading to single-lane alternating traffic for 1.3 km from 7:15 a.m. to 1 a.m.
- Highway 99 at Furry Creek –Local Furry Creek traffic will be re-routed via internal roads to access Highway 99 northbound and southbound, from 7:15 a.m. until 11:30 a.m..
- Highway 99 at Britannia Beach–Single-lane alternating traffic will be in effect for 1 km, with no northbound right turn permitted at Main Street (Copper Drive) from 7:30 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Squamish
- Highway 99–Murrin Lake Park to Squamish–Traffic signals along this section will be flashing, with traffic control persons on site.
- Highway 99 at Cleveland Avenue and Loggers Lane–Traffic signals will be flashing. No traffic access to Loggers Lane from Highway 99 at Cleveland Avenue or Industrial Way. Motorists are advised to use the Centennial Way underpass to Loggers Lane, from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m..
- Highway 99–Valley Drive to Depot Road/Squamish–Traffic signals will be flashing, and traffic movements both to and from the east side of Highway 99, will be restricted and/or closed. Garibaldi Highlands traffic impacts include Scott Crescent NB (North of Clark Drive), Mamquam Road WB (West of Diamond Head Road), Garibaldi Way WB (West of Tantalus Rd), and Depot Road WB (East of Hwy 99). For all of the locations mentioned, motorists are advised of the following times:
- 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Intermittent delays
- 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Full closure of specific intersections on the east side of Highway 99
- 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Intermittent delays
- Highway 99–Alice Lake Road to Function Junction (6 km south of Whistler), motorists should expect counterflow traffic adjacent to cyclists through this area. Cyclists will occupy the northbound slow lane. One lane northbound and one lane southbound are available for motorists. Counterflow is in effect from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
