By Gagandeep Ghuman
Published: March 19, 2015
They have been here for barely a week, but both Tyler and Shawna Duncan decided to hike the Chief to check out their new home from above. Brand new to Squamish, this couple is looking forward to live the outdoor lifestyle our town is synonymous with.
The Duncans moved from Terrace on Feb 6 into their new home in Garibaldi Highlands.
For now, there have just been a few trips down to the Home Hardware store to buy paint, but they are looking forward to exploring different neighbourhoods.
“We are really excited to be part of Squamish, it feels good to start a new life here in Squamish,” said Shawna Duncan, a counsellor for chchild and youth facing mental health issues.
Shawna grew up in Victoria and did a degree in psychology at University of Victoria, where she met Tyler through common friends.
They married in 2011 and moved to Terrace, where Shawna found a job as a counsellor. Similar to Squamish in size and population and as just as beautiful, both loved being part of the community in Terrace.
The access to the outdoors was a big part of its draw. Hiking up north, you don’t see too many people, says Tyler.
“You walk for five minutes and you are in the middle of nowhere.
But Terrace was too isolating and far from their families and friends. Last year, they decided they had to move somewhere where they can be closer to their family.
Shawna found a counsellor position in North Vancouver and Tyler found a teaching job in Pemberton. Living in Squamish, they knew, would provide the happy balance of the city and the country they were seeking.
Squamish was also a more affordable option compared to North Vancouver and provides an easy access to the Chief, Sky Pilot, the estuary and other hiking trails.
“We are very close to the city and to our family in Vancouver,” says Shawna.
