Good News from the Biosphere - Winter 2025/26 — Howe Sound Biosphere Region

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 organizations of all sizes always make a difference.

The Squamish Valley Community Plan — Ta Skwekwiy̓íntsuts ta Sx̱wéx̱wel — has been released, outlining a 10‑year vision for growth, sustainability, and community‑led projects in the Valley that bring together decades of past plans and feedback to guide transformative action through 2035.
Squamish Climate Action Network has won the 2025 Edible Communities Sustainability Award for all of North America! This recognition celebrates the hard work of the community in building sustainable food systems and striving for zero waste — from local farmers and gardeners to schools, volunteers, and advocacy groups.
The Whale Report Alert System (WRAS) is helping create safer seas by using real‑time whale sightings and detection data to alert commercial mariners of nearby whales, reducing the risk of ship strikes and disturbance.
Despite fog, rain, and low river levels, 57 volunteers helped count 1,397 bald eagles at the 40th annual Brackendale Winter Eagle Count — the highest total since 2007 and above the long‑term average!
Marine Stewardship Initiative kicked off the 2026 Searching for Slawhawt / Herring count. 85 people turned out for the volunteer info session. Herring counts take place from February to April, and so far, the reports are very positive!
The Town of Gibsons completed updating their Official Community Plan and acknowledged its place within the Atl’ka7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region.
District of West Vancouver formally dedicates 12 parks, including Whytecliff Park, Horseshoe Bay Park and Gleneagles Golf Course, which are among the popular public spaces now under permanent protection. This is in addition to the 12 parks dedicated in 2024.
Thanks to the Ocean Legacy Foundation team for doing the heavy lifting and dirty work and for reaching out about their trip into Átl'ḵa7tsem / Howe Sound. When word came through of the opportunity to remove stockpiled marine debris, the community network got busy. Thank you to the stewards everywhere who do their part by collecting and storing the marine debris they encounter. They removed 7 broken dinghys, foam filled tires, derelict docks and more.
White Tower Park in Ch’ḵw’elhp/Gibsons is being recognized for Other Effective Conservation Measures (OECMs). This park is a great example of how natural assets can support stormwater management and how a light footprint of walking trails can coexist harmoniously with the park’s biodiversity. Stay tuned for announcements in the coming months as more lands in the Átl'ḵa7tsem/Howe Sound Biosphere Region are recognized in the Canadian Protected and Conserved Areas Database (CPCAD) as Protected Areas or OECMs !