Starting and running a business in British Columbia is easier thanks to BizPaL, an online business permit and licence service that saves time spent on paperwork and helps entrepreneurs start up faster.

On October 19, the Honourable Maxime Bernier, Minister of State (Small Business and Tourism), together with Pat Bell, Minister of Jobs, Tourism and Innovation, welcomed the launch of BizPaL to 40 additional municipalities in British Columbia including Squamish.

The District of Squamish's Economic Development Department began conducting local business interviews in step one of a five step process of the new Squamish Business Counts program. Up to 80 interviews will be conducted with businesses from 16 different industries over the next few months. The interview data will provide a deeper understanding of current and future issues that affect our local business community. The five-step process will see the program go from strategy to action in enhancing our local business environment.

The District of Squamish rocked over the August 20-21 weekend as music revelers descended on Squamish by the thousands to attend the 2nd Annual Live at Squamish Festival.