Good News from the Biosphere - Spring 2025

We are pleased to share good news stories from our partners and collaborators in our region. Here are some of the many news headlines since the Fall. The collective efforts of individuals and small and large organizations always makes a difference.

Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation)

The Nation is shaping its future with bold land-use plans in North Vancouver, prioritizing housing, culture, and sustainability.

Growing minds, nurturing nature: education happening in our Biosphere Region

A historic first! Tessa Antone joins SD48 as their first Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw teacher, bringing cultural knowledge and Indigenous perspectives into District classrooms.

tem lhawt’: Time of the Herring. This beautiful bilingual book shares two parallel stories of a herring's journey in Átl’ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound, told in English and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Sníchim. We first saw it at last year’s Herring Happenings event, and now it’s available at Gather Bookshop in Squamish—perfect for your bookshelf or as a thoughtful gift!

Marine areas

Kendal is making a splash for a cleaner Howe Sound! By swimming around Bowen Island to raise funds for the Howe Sound Marine Debris Fund, she’s helping to keep our local waters free from pollution and supporting marine conservation efforts. Thank you Kendal!.

New Best Practices Guide for Marine Docks Released. This comprehensive resource promotes responsible dock design, construction, maintenance, and disposal, addressing challenges like severe storm events and aging infrastructure. The guide serves as an invaluable tool for local governments, First Nations administrators, landowners and conservationists. Help ensure the health of Howe Sound's marine environment and download the document.

Gibsons Harbour is set to become a leader in marine electrification with plans for BC's first floating charge barge, offering high-capacity electric charging for vessels like ferries and water taxis and supporting initiatives such as the proposed Howe Sound passenger ferry service.

The Government of Canada is investing up to $35.5 million to reduce emissions at BC ports through clean energy infrastructure and shore power technology—supporting greener, more sustainable shipping along the coast.

Thanks to funding from Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Marine Life Sanctuary Society has been able to purchase their own research vessel! It is still undergoing repairs, but should be out on the sea in Spring 2025.

Sustainable Development

The Sea to Sky region, including Squamish, is set to receive nearly $8 million over the next decade for transit maintenance. This funding aims to upgrade and modernize public transit infrastructure, enhancing connectivity and sustainability in the region.

Powell River–Sunshine Coast MLA Randene Neill has been appointed British Columbia's Minister of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship. She will oversee efforts to protect natural resources and ensure sustainable management across the province.

The federal government is investing $117 million to improve water security on B.C.'s Sunshine Coast. The project includes upgrading a treatment plant and building reservoirs in partnership with the shíshálh Nation and the regional district.

The Village of Lions Bay accepts a $4 million grant to install water meters.

The District of West Vancouver has purchased the former Boathouse Restaurant in Horseshoe Bay to transform it into a new art space for the community.

Conservation News:

West Vancouver celebrated the official ribbon cutting of a newly dedicated 262-acre forest park on April 4, marking a major milestone in preserving green space and expanding the community’s network of protected lands.

Caring for our animals

The Squamish Environment Society reported on a very successful eagle count this season with 64 volunteers counting 1,288 bald eagle sightings. We are one count closer to the 38-year average of 1,318.

Sea lions are making a splash around Bowen Island! Their loud barks may keep some awake, but their presence signals a recovering marine ecosystem in Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound.

Good news for wildlife! Black bears killed by Conservation Officers in the Sea-to-Sky corridor dropped to the lowest point in over a decade, highlighting the impact of better coexistence efforts.

Northern resident killer whales were spotted rubbing their bellies along the shoreline.

Find links to read more about these stories here by following us on social media channels #howesoundbiosphere, where we update our news. https://buff.ly/3XnGxxb