I Made the Move: Water draws Whistler snowfolk to qathet

NEVER BOARD: Mountain creatures Arne and Aki Gutman are here for the ocean and the arts. Both were instructors in Whistler: Aki taught downhill skiing, and Arne is a certified Ocean Touring SUP instructor and a level 2 snowboard instructor.

Arne Gutman started out as a snowboard instructor for Whistler Blackcomb 26 years ago. There, he became enamoured with BC and mountain life. During that time he met Aki, “my fantastic wife” and they have been together ever since, enjoying the outdoor life and all its wonder.

Why did you choose to move to qathet?

Arne • Over the years I segued to water and paddle boarding, which led me to be closer to the ocean and lakes that didn’t freeze for five-plus months a year. Enjoying the Sunshine Coast on many visits and trips had us decide on moving here. It took a few years but here we are and we couldn’t be happier.

When? Where from?

Arne • I am from Whistler but originally one of those mideast transplants that hails from Toronto. One month so far.

What surprised you once you moved here?

Arne • One of the most beautiful things I noticed, beside the fantastic outdoors and scenery, was the welcoming nature of the locales. It made my heart feel a kind of inclusion that I have not felt before and now feel that this is truly my town.

What made you decide to move to qathet?

Arne • In the lead up to our decision it was pretty simple as there was no where else we wanted to go. We did look at other communities on the coast and island, but nothing had the feel of qathet.

Where is your favourite place in qathet?

Arne • OMG. That is the hardest question as there are soooo many wonderful places here. From all the lakes, beaches, trails and just fantastic scenery that I can not say any one thing. Though, the water was what got me enthralled with qathet and it will keep me here.

How did you first hear about qathet?

Arne • We have been coming to the Coast for years and could not take the pull and allure of qathet anymore and had to do it.

What would make qathet a nicer community?

Arne • There would be nothing I could say as it is such a lovely community already. What I want to do while residing here is to foster as much support for the arts as possible and to interact with as many like minded individuals. Promoting the arts and supporting local initiatives.

What aspect of your previous community do you think would benefit qathet?

Arne • Nothing. Because of what has happened to Whistler due to tourism would destroy qathet.

What challenges did you face in trying to make a life for yourself here?

Arne • Just figuring out the lie of the land and where to shop and eat. Which are the best beaches and to make sure we booked well enough in advance for the ferry.

If you were mayor what would you do?

Arne • The first thing I would do would be to increase funding for the arts in qathet. It seems that the community is still growing and diverse but does not have adequate funding. I would create a greater dialogue with the community and its citizens in the form of Mayor’s meetings. Where I would engage with the community to listen to their concerns. Listening to the constituency would be my prime objective. Hearing what the locals have to say.

What are qathet’s best assets?

Arne • First the place, water, mountains and forests. Second, the people.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Arne • The Farmers’ Market and The Chopping Block. mmmmm...

Which superpower would you most like to have?

Arne • The ability to heal people and remove their fears.