Every four years, our local government elects one Mayor, six Councillors, and two School Trustees. With Squamish going through a monumental shift in both community and development, it is more important than ever to be informed of those who are running. Special thanks to Toby Foord-Kelcey, who always has his finger on the pulse of municipal matters, for taking the time to inform our readers of those who identify as climbers running for office.
Please note, General Voting day is Saturday, October 20, 2018. Check here to see where you should vote!
Phil Audet
I began climbing on the amazing limestone cliffs around Calgary about 30 years ago. I have lived here for 16 years. The climbing here constantly teaches and challenges me, it is some of the most interesting and subtle movement i have encountered on stone. Regardless of what level of climber you are, there is something here for you. I have travelled extensively around North America, Europe, Asia and India. Some of my other favorite areas include El Salto, Bishop, anywhere in spain, and the green climbers zone in Laos. Even after all my travels I still continue to find and enjoy new climbs around the sea to sky corridor. My absolute favorite climbs in this area, include the Grand wall, Angels crest, Exasperator, Wicker cranium, and the Zip. I tip my hat to all the new route developers here and around the world. Without people donating their valuable time to put up new routes and working on trails, Squamish would be mere shadow of its current great self. We all need to work together to keep Squamish the paradise it is. Please take the time and vote this coming October 20 and please consider a vote for Phil.
Phil Audet climbing The Sword on the Chief’s Grand Wall in Squamish, BC
See Phil’s interview with the Squamish Chief
Jenna Stoner
My first real introduction to climbing was a classic 12-pitch, 5.7 route in Yoho National Park called Grassi Ridge. Some may say it was a bit overambitious especially since six pitches in I learned that I don’t really love hanging off the side of a mountain. I sorted it out though and realized that as long as I was moving I could focus, keep my cool, and carry on. Since then, climbing is firmly in the “type-II fun” camp for me, but I haven’t left it behind completely. My husband is a climber so he gets me out each season. When I am climbing, I do love that I am focused 110% on the problem in front of me – a focus I have yet to find in any other sport. I love the places that climbing can take you. I’m also keenly aware that I am afraid of heights (which is getting worse with age!). As a result, I do climb from time to time, but will more often find myself scrambling mountain peaks as opposed to sending big walls. I do feel extremely fortunate that when I do dabble in climbing, I get to experience world-class rock just outside my door.
Jenna’s interview with the Squamish Chief
Susan Chapelle
I moved to the Sea to Sky corridor in 1999, planting my dirt bag VW van and traditional rack in Whistler. Pre- cheap internet, I found myself calling the McDonald’s daily, asking staff to step outside to give us a weather report before making the trip down to my favorite piece of monolithic granite in the world.
I still remember the feeling in my heart when Relic and I trekked for the first time up to the base of the Chief head wall. The sheer piece of granite with perfect splitter cracks glistening in the morning sunshine will stay with me forever. Relic (The man known as Derek Woolgar) knew my climbing style, and my skinny rough hands. He told me that Exasperator was the perfect climb for me, and that I was going to onsight both pitches together.
I did. Clean. Sitting at the top of the climb, a woman in a man’s traditional climbing world, made me feel powerful. From 17 years old in 1986, I was drawn to the mountains and to big wall climbing as a reprieve from my healthcare challenges and an adjunct to my job as a rigger. Climbing made me feel well. Like I could accomplish greatness. Moving on rock provided me with both meditation and focus. It built deep relationships with my environment and community. Not unlike running for politics. Utilizing my skills as a climber. Problem solving. Calm. Focused. Wanting success, but on a bigger scale. For my community. For Squamish.
