Pique Newsmagazine 3208

Making tracks INTO HISTORY

Canada’s pioneering National Ski Team reunites in Whistler after 60 years

Making tracks into history

Canada’s pioneering National Ski Team reunites in Whistler after 60 years. - By Vince

Shuley

06 OPENING REMARKS Yes, Canadians are polite—but we’re not about to back down from the bullies, writes editor Braden Dupuis.

08 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers weigh in on the inspiring impact of the Invictus Games, and speak out for Canadian sovereignty.

21 RANGE ROVER Leslie Anthony is reminded of the joy of cross-country after a lastminute entry in the Cheryl Morningstar Loppet at Lost Lake Park.

42 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Power unchecked becomes monstrous and always has, writes Lisa Richardson—and God save us from kings and king wannabes.

12 GAMES OVER Along with a global media spotlight, the Invictus Games generated about 1,000 room nights for the resort, according to Tourism Whistler.

13 TARIFF TROUBLE From higher-cost appliances to a potential turndown in construction, local builders react to potential U.S. tariffs.

25 DREAM COME TRUE Director of Whistler operations Chelsey Walker reflects on the nearly four-year journey to the Invictus Games.

30 THAT’S A WRAP The 2024 Whistler Film Festival showcased a record 118 movies, while overall attendance was up nine per cent.

COVER I have some very fond memories travelling in the Alberta Freestyle Ski Team van, including the time we drove off the side of the Fortress Mountain access road and the almost 20-hour journey from Prince George to Calgary, minus all the farts. - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art

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Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT www.piquenewsmagazine.com

The age-old rivalry, revisited

WHEN THE NATIONAL Hockey League’s 4 Nations Face-Off was initially announced, it was met with a generous helping of snide cynicism (as so many things are these days).

What even is this? Will the players be invested in this thrown-together All-Star Game replacement? Will the fans get behind it, or is it just another transparent cash grab wrapped in the flag of manufactured patriotism?

At the very least, this brand-new “beston-best” tournament has little chance of

BY BRADEN DUPUIS

matching the prestige or intensity of the competition seen at, say, the Olympics.

As far as Canadian pride goes, you’d be hard-pressed to find a Canuck who doesn’t remember where they were when Sidney Crosby scored his famous “golden goal” on home soil to deliver Olympic gold to Canada in 2010.

After all, it’s the kind of natural National Patriotism most governments can only dream of. Go back and look at photos of Whistler’s Village Square in the immediate aftermath of that win—full-throated love and pride for Canada, and none of it felt the least bit fake or manufactured (one of those photos, featuring our own Jon Parris, Captain Canada himself, is nothing short of iconic here at Pique).

How can this new hockey throwdown, the 4 Nations Face-Off, possibly compare to that?

As it turns out, cynical or for-profit, manufactured or not, hockey players (and in turn, the fans) don’t mess around when it comes to wearing their country’s colours.

You only have to look to the Feb. 15 showdown between Canada and the U.S., which featured three fights in the first nine seconds, for proof.

Fights are a comparative rarity in international competition, but the stage was set after the crowd at Montreal’s Bell Centre enthusiastically booed the American anthem prior to puck drop.

Less than a minute in, any lingering cynicism about player buy-in was erased.

But then, the timing couldn’t be more fortuitous for those planning the tournament.

It helps when things are as tense as they currently are, with the U.S. president making continued threats about annexing our great, sovereign country, belittling us and our

Whistler Blackcomb squarely on several peoples’ radar for boycotts.

Not only that, Americans make up a huge chunk of Whistler’s annual visitation— about 30 per cent in winter, and 25 per cent in summer—so our little resort is uniquely intertwined with our brothers and sisters to the south.

We love our American friends, and we don’t lay the blame for this completely avoidable fiasco (entirely) at their feet.

As Premier David Eby put it in his offthe-cuff remarks at the Invictus Games opening ceremony in Vancouver on Feb. 8, our neighbourly bond goes deeper than our politics.

“I know our countries are having a moment right now, right? But there is not

and malicious bots—even paid ads promoting Canada’s annexation. By who and to what end remains to be seen, but it’s nothing good.

But real Canadians will never give in so easily, and we know real Americans have our backs. Thousands marched and gathered in cities across the U.S. on Presidents’ Day, Feb. 17, in protest of Trump’s destructive policies and fascist rhetoric. Look closely and you might even see some signs of support for our polite little country up north.

And yes, we’re polite, to an extent. But Canadians of all stripes are already showing we won’t back down from the bullies.

And how so fitting that it all comes to a head on the ice, the age-old rivalry revisited one more time for the 4 Nations finals on

Point a critical eye at any social media platform of late and you’ll see the “conflict” is clearly being exacerbated by faceless trolls and malicious bots—even paid ads promoting Canada’s annexation.

leaders at every turn, and dragging us into a wholly unnecessary trade war.

It is all conspiring to inspire a groundswell of national pride, with Canadians cancelling their U.S. travel plans and pledging to “buy Canadian” as much as possible.

It’s inspiring to watch Canadians unite somewhat after some shaky years of intense partisan division (not to imply that has magically gone away)—but it’s curious to consider where Whistler lands in this whole conflict.

Our town’s largest employer, Vail Resorts, is notoriously American-owned, placing

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a person here, there is not a Canadian that does not know that our soldiers have fought and died and cried and celebrated beside Americans for generations,” he said.

“And I’ll tell you as a politician, that it doesn’t matter what the politicians say. Because if you need us, you just say the word, U.S.A. And you know what, if we ever need you, and it came down to it, I know you’d be there in a second.”

Point a critical eye at any social media platform of late and you’ll see the “conflict” is clearly being exacerbated by faceless trolls

Feb. 20. Canada versus the U.S. for the title of hockey supremacy. For hockey fans, it doesn’t get better than this. (As a total aside, it is oddly nerve-racking to write about an upcoming sporting event that will be decided before this week’s Pique hits the stands. Do I dare make a Tuesday prediction for Thursday’s big game? 3-2 Canada, in OT.)

Win or lose, I love this damn country— always have, always will. And Trump and his army of bots, trolls and ass-sucking sycophants can’t have it.

Sorry. n

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Spirit of the Invictus Games on full display

I am a volunteer Mountain Host and helped out at the Invictus Games alpine skiing and snowboarding events on Feb.11. Since those events were for novices (fewer than seven days experience) the short course was on a gentle slope with only about five gates.

I saw a few competitors come down the course. At one point, the next competitor’s name was announced. About a minute later the announcer said this competitor would not participate. After a couple of other people had descended, the announcer said the competitor would participate after all. The person obviously struggled and fell twice on the course. The competitor persevered and completed the course to the loud cheering of the spectators.

I’m sure many spectators were asking themselves the same question as I: what did it take for this person to participate and complete the course? The memory of that person’s run will be with me for a long time. I think this competitor’s participation said everything there is to say about the Invictus Games.

Manrico Scremin // West Vancouver

“The memory of that person’s run will be with me for a long time.”

- MANRICO SCREMIN

Write to us! Letters to the editor must contain the writer’s name, address and a daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 450 words. Pique Newsmagazine reserves the right to edit, condense or refrain from publishing any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine. Send them to edit@ piquenewsmagazine.com before 11 a.m. on Tuesday for consideration in that week’s paper.

Support Canadian sovereignty

In January 2021, during the height of the lockdowns, everyone was locked down except for people who were critical to society. I was in Bruderheim, Alta., inspecting our company’s newest acquisition. A producing oilfield. It was a sunny day, and the temperature was about -40 C with wind chill. While inspecting the tanks, suddenly, an audible alarm sounded on my jacket. SO2 alert.

I joked to Jamie, our COO, “really?” His response was terse. “Run this way with me mother****er or you will die.”

Not a joke. I ran.

Hundreds of people die yearly supplying the product that heats homes, cooks food and fuels the school buses for our children. Oil and gas workers work their asses off to make better lives for their families and for all of us.

Green Party MLA Jeremy Valeriote recently said the following about an additional fuel tax in the Sea to Sky: “I think the only people that will suffer in this are the oil and gas companies that have made excess profits from the Sea to Sky for years.” People die for his ability to fly to Victoria and all he sees is a soundbite.

A fuel tax will drive up costs of everything in the Sea to Sky because everything comes to us via trucks. Baby formula. Lettuce. Toilet paper. Beer. Then the obvious: Heating. Restaurant meals. Driving to work or school. Grooming operations. The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s fleet of vehicles.

The Green Party has never been good at

math but sure excels at pointing fingers. Valeriote and the Greens are on the wrong side of history given the American threats on our sovereignty. Canadians are

sensibly recognizing that we must develop our resources to become a stronger nation that is self-reliant. Our nation was built on resources, and we now have the technology

Backcountry Update

AS OF WEDNESDAY, FEB. 19

A notable change in weather patterns is here for the Coast mountains, with a warm and wet system set to arrive this weekend. After weeks of generally cold and dry conditions, this sudden shift is likely to shake things up—dramatically altering the snowpack and increasing avalanche danger in the Sea to Sky corridor.

The recent cold, dry spell kept the snowpack generally stable and provided good skiing conditions. However, it also kept the upper snowpack from settling and bonding to the snow below. As a result, a variety of potential weak layers formed in the upper snowpack. These could become a significant avalanche hazard as new snow accumulates with mild temperatures, adding stress to the snowpack.

We’re going to see much warmer temperatures with this incoming snowfall than we’ve experienced in recent weeks, encouraging better bonding within the new snow. However, this new consolidated snow will sit atop

weaker, sugary snow in many areas, increasing the likelihood of instability. Additionally, sun crusts that have recently formed in many areas could further complicate matters, acting as slick sliding layers for avalanches.

If you are planning to head into the mountains this weekend, adjust your plans accordingly and exercise extra caution. Monitor how much new snow is accumulating and assess how it is bonding to the underlying layers. Start on low-angle terrain with no overhead hazard, where you can safely assess for signs of instability. Steeper terrain will be particularly dangerous—resist the temptation to push into it until the snowpack has had time to settle.

Be sure to stay informed at avalanche.ca for daily updates on the avalanche hazard and how the snowpack is adjusting to the changing conditions. Conditions will change rapidly, and the hazard may escalate quickly—don’t head out without the latest information.

CONDITIONS MAY VARY AND CAN CHANGE RAPIDLY Check for the most current conditions before heading out into the backcountry. Daily updates for the areas adjacent to Whistler Blackcomb are available at 604-938-7676, or surf to www.whistlerblackcomb.com/mountain-info/ snow-report#backcountry or go to www.avalanche.ca.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

to develop them sustainably.

Please join me in supporting Canadian sovereignty and build a strong, independent country again.

Let’s do this!

Patrick Smyth // Whistler

Thanks to Invictus athletes and organizers

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the Invictus Games team for providing my Grade 2/3 class from Pemberton with an unforgettable field trip experience last week. The event taught us valuable lessons about resilience, hope, hard work, and overcoming adversity. It was inspiring to witness athletes push beyond their limits, showing us all the power of determination and big dreams.

A special thank you to the incredible volunteers whose dedication made the event run smoothly and created such a positive atmosphere. This experience will stay with us for a long time, and we are deeply grateful for the opportunity.

Jennifer Black // Grade 2/3 teacher, Signal Hill Elementary

Behind the scenes at the Invictus Games

A successful Invictus Games has come and gone. All those yellow-jacket volunteers helped put on an inspiring event. What the spectators didn’t see is the effort made behind the scenes

to ensure the games could not fail.

I would like to point out a project undertaken by the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program to ensure the facilities at the Jeff Harbers Centre on Whistler Mountain would meet the needs of the teams and competitors. In order to accommodate an expansion to the sit-ski inventory more partitioned storage shelves were required.

Late last fall several people in the community provided a great service to see that this project would be completed on time and to a high quality. Nathan Walter at Durfeld Contractors fabricated the 60 panels which were required to fit perfectly during assembly. Mike Farr at Mountain Paint provided free paint for the project. Alex Kleinman provided the special tools and clamps and, most of

all, the expertise needed to assemble and install the boxes. Finally, the Whistler Adaptive volunteers helped transport the panels and glue, and helped paint, lift and secure the final assembly.

As a result of this effort the limited space at the hut was able to handle the increased activity of the games.

Doug Wylie // Whistler n

HURRY HARD Frosty showed up to watch the curling competition at The Point Artist-Run Centre’s Winter Carnival on Monday, Feb. 17.

Canadian in Whistler Where to buy

FROM LIQUOR TO CANDLES, IT TURNS OUT BUYING CANADIAN-MADE PRODUCTS IS MORE COMPLEX THAN MEETS THE EYE

By Liz McDonald

BUYING CANADIAN has been all the rage lately, thanks to the threat of a 25-per-cent U.S. tariff on Canadian goods and the Great White North’s retaliatory proposal.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve likely heard elected officials making pleas to purchase Canuck creations and ordering the removal of red-state booze from provincial liquor store shelves because of President Donald Trump’s move toward tariffs.

Google Trends shows interest in search topics “tariff” and “Made in Canada” surged from Feb. 2 to 8. “Tariff” hit a value of 100, which means it reached peak popularity, and “Made in Canada” was 88 out of 100. Feb. 4 was the date initial (subsequently delayed) tariffs were set to go into effect, which explains Canadians’ curiosity.

But it turns out labelling of Canadian products varies based on regulation. As reported by CBC, according to the Consumer Packaging and Labelling Act, a label with “Product of Canada” means the product contains at minimum 98 per cent Canadian made goods. “Made in Canada” means at least 51 per cent of a product’s direct costs are national.

Googlers likely weren’t aware of the difference in terms, with “Product of Canada” having a value of eight. It made a blip, but not a splash.

In conversations with local businesses, it is clear finding products in Whistler that are 98-per-cent Canadian-made is far from easy.

Rebecca Verstegen owns Hollow Tree Candles, and she said because manufacturing is done overseas in China or in the U.S., consumers are going to be hard-pressed to find 100-per-cent Canadian products.

“Unless you have maple syrup trees and distil it here, we don’t have the infrastructure,” she said.

That said, here are four businesses that have Made in Canada products with a breakdown of what they can source domestically, and what they can’t.

MONTIS DISTILLING

Montis Distilling is located in Function Junction, and offers a range of craft liquors distilled onsite in Whistler, using a malt barley base that comes from Armstrong, B.C. Dani Berezowsky is the sales and marketing manager for the spirit distiller, and said they source as locally as possible.

“Our classic Alpine Gin is the first gin we produced here. We’re using the red Western cedar tree, and we use the needles from a tree that’s actually in the backyard of the distillery,” she said.

While some botanicals used in their various gins cannot be purchased within Canada, the team at Montis tries to source as locally as possible within seasons. Their bottles come from a Canadian- and U.S.-owned company and the labels are designed in-house

and printed in Whistler. Their whiskey barrels are from the U.S. because finding the handmade barrels domestically isn’t an option.

“I don’t feel like we’re affected right now. If anything, people are going to want Canadianmade spirits,” Berezowsky said.

MOUNTAIN MEAL PREP

Mountain Meal Prep is owned by Jacqueline Parakin, and her company creates readymade meals for home cooking or backcountry adventures.

“I make everything at the Legion in Pemberton and started in 2020,” Parakin said. Her dried meals only require pouring into a pot and simmering, with pastas, casseroles, soups and stews.

She partnered with Buy BC, and the majority of her ingredients are locally sourced veggies, spices and lentils.

Because Parakin’s is a small-scale company that doesn’t export, she thinks she can weather any incoming tariffs. The one piece of packaging she couldn’t switch up would be oxygen absorbers that she hasn’t found sold in bulk quantities in Canada. Even that isn’t pressing, as she has a stockpile on hand.

3 SINGING BIRDS

Sara Aldridge is a manager at 3 Singing Birds, and she said their store showcases a large number of products Made in Canada. They sell items found at farmers’ markert from ceramics to candles and cards, mostly designed by women.

Because of how creators source their materials, Aldridge said the tariffs could hurt customers’ bottom line.

“Makers may have to look elsewhere for materials and their prices will go up,” she said. “Ours will go up as well and it will impact customers.”

LAZY MAISIE CREATES

Helen Bateman owns Lazy Maisie Creates, a Whistler  jewelry company. While sourcing in Canada helps keeps cost down from customs, a lot of her gold and silver comes from U.S. refineries.

“If the tariff happens, I’ll try to find wholesalers elsewhere at a reasonable price and see if the customs will be worth the purchase,” she said.

But the Canadian dollar is weak compared to the Euro or the Pound, so what she has to charge would have to go up.

Verstegen of Hollow Tree agreed and pointed out if small businesses look to instead purchase manufactured goods from China, many Chinese sellers only allow purchases in U.S. currency, which is also worth more than the loonie.

“Tariffs don’t benefit anybody in the end because they just make everything more expensive,” Verstegen said.

Invictus Games brought around 1,000 room nights, media spotlight to Whistler

TOURISM WHISTLER PLANNING STUDY TO BETTER UNDERSTAND INTERNATIONAL EVENT’S ECONOMIC IMPACT

BY BRANDON BARRETT

THE INVICTUS GAMES not only brought hundreds of military veterans, their families and coaches from around the globe to Whistler for the very first winter edition of the adaptive sporting event, it also generated approximately 1,000 hotel room nights and a flurry of media attention, according to Tourism Whistler.

“I think similar to the Olympic Games— certainly on a different scale—the Invictus Games really put Whistler in the spotlight as part of that Vancouver-Whistler collaborative,” said Tourism Whistler president and CEO Barrett Fisher.

Founded by Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, the Invictus Games held its first hybrid event from Feb. 8 to 16, with Whistler hosting winter sports such as alpine skiing and snowboarding, Nordic cross-country skiing, skeleton, and biathlon, and Vancouver hosting summer sports. More than 500 veterans from 23 countries participated.

The event provided a welcome injection of visitors at a time when travel from Whistler’s historical international destinations is down somewhat from last year, itself following a holiday period that was sluggish for certain sectors.

“Overall, our survey data indicated that separate and distinct from the families, the competitors, the sponsors and staff of Invictus, we probably had around 1,500 visitors attend Invictus specifically to come to the event,” Fisher relayed. “That probably generated somewhere around 1,000 room nights, and that would be incremental to our typical ski and snowboard visitor who would be coming in that February timeframe.”

Notably, the majority of athletes

experience,” Fisher said.

Tourism Whistler is planning an upcoming study in conjunction with Invictus and Sport Tourism Canada to better understand the Games’ economic impact.

With the boost Invictus provided, Whistler’s hotel room night bookings were pacing “similar” to the same period last year, Fisher said.

But an event of such magnitude attracts more than just heads in beds. Along

“It gave us an opportunity to meet with some of the media here from all over the world and to share Whistler’s story with them as well.”

- BARRETT FISHER

competing in Whistler were bused up from Vancouver and back after their event completed.

“The reason for that is because Vancouver in February would be considered their downtime, whereas Whistler in February is considered our high season,” explained Fisher.

There was at least one notable exception, however: Sixty-eight athletes from the Australian national team decided to stay two nights in Whistler rather than head back to Vancouver to “immerse in the winter

with the media attention sparked by highprofile appearances from the likes of Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, pop crooner Michael Buble, and performances by Canadian music icons Barney Bentall and Jim Cuddy, roughly 300 media covered the event, with about half of those coming to the resort.

“It gave us an opportunity to meet with some of the media here from all over the world and to share Whistler’s story with them as well,” said Fisher.

Invictus, and the flurry of accessibility improvements that came with it, should also help improve Whistler’s reputation as a destination for adaptive athletes, veterans, and anyone else with accessibility needs.

“All of these things, when you look at the ramps through the village, when you look at accessible rooms and washrooms …  it really shows how Whistler is becoming more and more of a destination to welcome all,” said Fisher, who added the Myrtle Philip Community Centre, the Maury Young Arts Centre, and The Roundhouse Lodge on Whistler Mountain have all been submitted for Rick Hansen Association accessibility certification after recent upgrades.

Looking at the Family Day and U.S. Presidents’ Day long weekend, Fisher said “we are seeing real strength coming from our U.S. visitor market, which, from our perspective, is very positive and encouraging despite what may be going on in politics.”

Canada-U.S. relations have been thrown into disarray since the election of U.S. President Donald Trump, who has strained the nations’ longstanding alliance with threats of overtaking Canada and implementing hefty tariffs on imports.

“The American people are not responsible for some of the political challenges going on, so we do really want to rise above that and continue to welcome our American visitors,” Fisher said. “Canada has historically been known as an incredibly welcoming destination and a kind, friendly people, and so we would like to continue that momentum.”

Sea to Sky builders face economic uncertainty

FROM HIGHER-COST APPLIANCES TO A POTENTIAL TURNDOWN IN CONSTRUCTION, LOCAL BUILDERS DESCRIBE THE IMPACT U.S., CANADIAN TARIFFS WOULD HAVE ON THEIR INDUSTRY

BY LIZ MCDONALD

PETER DICKSON has owned FraserWood Industries, a Squamish-based timber manufacturer, since 1998. For more than two decades, he has grown his business, earning contracts near and far, including the Sea to Sky Gondola service building and log cabins at Walt Disney World. One third of his business is exported to the United States, and U.S.Canadian tariffs would have a significant impact on his company.

Dickson was preparing for a flight to Amsterdam to purchase a piece of machinery when Pique reached him by phone, and he said it’s an investment choice he’s now questioning.

“Everything is in flux,” he said. “We have sizable U.S. contracts and are hoping we can manage our way through those. The biggest problem is our American customers will be reluctant to sign moving forward with the uncertainty.”

While Dickson can do his best to minimize their fears, he said he can’t give them any great satisfaction.

“What businesses want, and need, is guidelines to work within,” he said.

Those guidelines have become muddled since U.S. President Donald Trump took over the Oval Office.

Trump initially threatened a 25-per-cent tariff on Canadian goods that was set to go into effect Feb. 4, and Canada was prepared to retaliate. The tariffs were paused for 30 days in last-minute negotiations Feb. 3. Days later, Trump announced a tariff on steel and aluminum that would go into effect March 12.

David Girard sits on the government relations committee for the Sea to Sky Canadian Home Builders Association, and he said the tariffs would have an outsized impact on consumers and demand for Canadian products, and cause reduced employment.

“In Canada, we spend $3 billion annually on household appliances. The price of those appliances is going to go up,” Girard said. “Tile and textiles from the U.S. are going to go up, too.”

The cost for steel reinforcements, aluminum in HVAC equipment and electrical components would also increase.

“I think we will see a similar issue to during COVID-19—a supply chain disruption that hasn’t been fully resolved will resurface,” Girard said.

CHANGING SUPPLY CHAINS

In addition to exporting stateside, Dickson also imports products that either stay in Canada or head back south. At the beginning of February, he experienced his first taste of the back-andforth, tit-for-tat tariffs.

“Wood products were one of the first things the Canadian government put a tariff

on and then removed hours later. We had a really good day,” he said sarcastically. “Twenty-five per cent on southbound and 25 per cent on northbound products. It has huge impacts.”

According to a recent survey by audit, tax and advisory firm KPMG, 48 per cent of Canadian companies contacted said they would invest or produce in the U.S. to retain American customers and reduce costs. But for FraserWood, that’s not an option.

“We’re not big enough. [But] we will continue to do business in the States even with the tariffs. We don’t want to walk away from that market,” Dickson said. “Our margins will be tighter, and it will take away our ability to grow. I don’t think we’re looking at layoffs at this point, but it’s hard to know.”

As for the machine he’s considering purchasing, Dickson may go ahead with it since it will help produce materials domestically.

“This machine will replace buying products out of the States; we will do more in-house manufacturing,” he said. “If this was a machine I needed to grow, I wouldn’t be flying to Amsterdam right now.”

While the tariff threat looms, Dickson does wonder what it will do to political will for domestic manufacturing.

“We have plenty of wood in B.C., the question is whether we’re willing to invest in the technology to refine and add value,” he said.

Matteo Dürfeld, owner of Dürfeld Constructors and CEO of Pemberton-based BC Passive House, said the impact of tariffs on his companies is mixed. Dürfeld doesn’t export to the U.S., but BC Passive House does.

“Our client in the U.S. is nervous as they will potentially be hit. We aren’t in a position to give them a discount,” he said.

Other materials Dürfeld uses come from a complex web of suppliers, meaning he doesn’t know exactly what would be impacted, and he doesn’t know how fast suppliers could move to domestic production.

“We’re nervous because we don’t know what to expect, but something is going to change,” he said. “I think people relying on American markets would look to Asia or Europe. But it’s not an easy transition, we’re seamless with the States. Vancouver is a stone’s throw from the U.S. The Canadian Wood Council and BC Wood will likely manoeuvre to look at China, India, Japan and Europe.”

Both Dürfeld and Dickson said the impact would be felt most from people looking to build houses, with discretionary spending on second homes likely declining.

“It’s too early in the game to see a reaction from buyers, it wouldn’t surprise me if we did. We’re in projects for a while and it takes time to see a ripple effect,” Dürfeld said. “Once a tariff comes in and people get a sense of the price, second homes are expendable income. If you put anything on hold, it’s your ski cabin build or renovation.” n

W HI ST LE R’ S LEADIN G REAL TO R®

Teen who skied with Snow School instructor day he was paralyzed calls for support

AS DONATIONS CONTINUE TO POUR IN, CHRIS SONG’S WIFE SAYS HIS RECOVERY IS EXCEEDING DOCTORS’ EXPECTATIONS

BY BRANDON BARRETT

SANTIAGO “SANTI” Vizhnay, 15, was one of three teens skiing with their Snow School instructor, Chris Song, on Jan. 28 when the 38-year-old was paralyzed after falling off a cliff on Blackcomb Mountain.

After witnessing such a harrowing, lifealtering accident, Vizhnay knew he wanted to do something to give back to the instructor he has skied and biked with for more than two years. But it wasn’t until he saw a photo of Song riding bikes with his two young daughters that Vizhnay was inspired to shoot a video urging people to support the Songs by donating to a GoFundMe that has, at press time, raised more than $126,000.

“I saw the two daughters on bikes, and [Chris] on another bike, and I was just thinking about how they won’t be able to bike anymore with him. It’s really sad to know that,” he said. Launched Feb. 8 by Whistler Kids manager Donna Kerr, the fundraising target was originally set at $75,000, then $100,000, before being upped to $200,000, money that will help Song’s family cover several major costs, including the purchase of a wheelchair and creating an accessible environment for when he returns home to Whistler.

In a statement shared with Pique, Song’s

wife, Jieun, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support and gave an update on her husband’s condition.

“I would like to thank everyone that has helped our family since Chris’ accident on Jan. 28. From ski patrol, first responders, the many doctors and nurses, Whistler Community Services Society, Whistler Blackcomb, and every single person that has contributed to the GoFundMe,” she wrote. “The support offered by the entire community has made what will be a very long road a little less daunting. Our family remains positive, and Chris has already been exceeding the expectations of his doctors as he continues healing. From the bottom of my heart, I thank you and I will forever remain grateful to be a part of the Whistler community.”

Song has a long recovery ahead of him. The Jan. 28 accident reportedly resulted in multiple broken ribs, a broken left shoulder and a serious back injury that left him paralyzed from the waist down. He is expected to be in hospital for approximately two months, before being transferred to Vancouver’s G.F. Strong Rehabilitation Centre. Song’s rehabilitation therapy could take upwards of a year. He is not expected to walk again.

Since arriving in Whistler at the age of 10 in 2019, Snow School has played a huge part in Vizhnay’s life. Leaving behind

Thank you to the Fulmer family and our supporters

Your generosityisshaping thefuture of early childhoodeducation.

1 instructor certification last year. (He is going for his Level 2 next month.)

Song has played an important role in Vizhnay’s development, especially when it comes to safety.

“Literally, all the safety that I know on the hill is all Chris. Some of it from other instructors, but mostly it’s Chris,” Vizhnay said.

The day of the accident was the first time Vizhnay had skied Bushrat, and he said he initially felt comfortable skiing the run. Then he saw Song’s fall.

“I was really scared and surprised, shocked,” he said. “I don’t even know how to describe it.”

In Vizhnay’s video, he talks about an important lesson he’s learned in recent years.

“What I’ve learned over the last couple years is that we always need to turn something negative into something positive, so let’s make Chris’ negative into something positive,” he said.

a challenging upbringing in his native Argentina, Vizhnay has taken to skiing like a duck to water, achieving his Level

We are excited to announce the FulmerFamilyCentrefor ChildhoodStudies, madepossible by a $2-milliongift fromChancellor Yuri Fulmerand his family, along withsupport fromthe province and generousdonors fromacrossthe country—openingin Spring2025.

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Watching how the wider ski community came together to support Song, the tens of thousands of dollars in donations for his recovery, and even an offer from the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation National Paralysis Resource Center in New Jersey to provide Song with individualized support at no cost, there has already been several positives to emerge out of such a devastating incident. n

SOMETHING POSITIVE A screenshot from a video

featuring 15-year-old Santiago Vizhnay, one of three teens who was skiing with Whistler Blackcomb Snow School instructor Chris Song on Jan. 28 when he was paralyzed in a fall.

SCREENSHOT / VIMEO

Injured skier’s parents’ ski passes deactivated after she refused to pay balance

VAIL RESORTS CHALKED DEACTIVATION UP TO ADMIN ERROR THAT HAS SINCE BEEN RECTIFIED

BY BRANDON BARRETT

EMILIE NOBLE has been skiing Whistler Blackcomb (WB) for the better part of 25 years. That is, until a knee injury kept her on the sidelines this ski season.

A 30-year-old local physio, Noble suffered a torn ACL and MCL last June, weeks after she had already put down a deposit on her Epic Pass for this winter.

Months out from the start of the ski season, Noble wasn’t initially sure if she would be healed up in time to hit the slopes. She said it took a few months following her injury for doctors to determine she wouldn’t be able to ski in 2024-25.

Problem is, Whistler Blackcomb’s parent company, Vail Resorts, has a policy requiring guests to submit their request for a refund within 30 days of an injury, illness or other “qualifying personal event.”

Noble admitted she wasn’t aware of the 30-day policy before her injury.

“They do have it on their website, but in the middle of the summer, who’s checking that when you’re debilitated and hurt?” she asked.

Even if she had known about the policy beforehand, Noble said it still wouldn’t have accounted for the period of uncertainty before she knew for sure she’d be unable to ski this season.

“To me, it feels very much like the little person is being taken advantage of by a big corporation that has no empathy for real life or real people,” she said. “[The policy] feels very rigid, especially when I can’t speak to an actual person who has empathy for the difficulty I’m going through. It doesn’t feel like a reasonable way to treat a customer coming back year over year.”

Vail Resorts’ economic model relies heavily on early-bird sales, offering a level of financial predictability in a ski industry grappling with the effects of climate change and shifting travel patterns. For the skiing public, that emphasis comes with strict cutoff dates and inflated pricing if they are missed.

“Passes are available starting in the previous season (they go on sale around March for the following winter season) and are not refundable or transferable. Purchasing earlier comes with more benefits and lower costs. Passes increase in price as the season nears,” a spokesperson for Vail Resorts wrote in a statement, noting there are options preseason for passholders who want to defer payment as well.

“Once the $49 deposit is paid on the Pass, the guest has committed to pay for the remainder of the non-refundable Pass they

chose (this is not a new policy).”

For Noble, the headaches didn’t end there. Unable to ski, she refused to pay the roughly $1,300 remaining on the balance for her Epic Pass. Then, Vail Resorts began threatening to deactivate her parents’ season’s passes, despite Noble herself never having received a single message from the company requesting payment. (She still hasn’t.)

In a Feb. 8 email to Noble’s parents, Steve and Sue, that was shared with Pique, a Whistler Blackcomb employee explained their passes were placed on a “hotlist” while their daughter’s pass remained unpaid.

“If the final payment for the pass is paid for, then your passes will be activated for further use throughout the season,” the email went on.

The Nobles said they were given a deadline of Feb. 14 to pay the remainder, before finding their passes had already been deactivated when they arrived the week prior to ski Whistler Blackcomb.

“It feels totally unfair. Come at me, don’t come at my family,” Noble said. “It doesn’t seem like something that should be happening here in Whistler in our small town.”

Asked about the deactivation of Noble’s parents’ passes, a Vail Resorts spokesperson chalked it up to administrative error.

“It is not in our policy to require them to pay for their child’s Pass with the risk of theirs being deactivated,” the email read. “The

“[The policy] feels very rigid...”

- EMILIE NOBLE

reason it defaulted to this was due to their family falling under one profile—which we’ve since separated, and rectified the issue with the parents regaining access to the mountains, without any issues.”

The Nobles confirmed their passes have been reactivated, but only after they were able to speak with an understanding Whistler Blackcomb manager in person.

“This is the kind of service we’re missing now with Vail: Face-to-face customer service from someone who actually cares,” Noble said.

As for the remaining balance on her Epic Pass? Noble said she has appealed the company’s decision twice, to no avail.

“I’ve appealed it twice and it has been twice so far they have not responded to me,” Noble said. “Are they still going to keep asking me for payment? I don’t know. But I would love them to upgrade their policies.” n

Unravelling the potential conflict of interest facing Sea to Sky MLA and Whistler’s top bureaucrat

BC GREENS’ JEREMY

VALERIOTE AND WHISTLER CAO GINNY CULLEN ARE MARRIED, A POTENTIAL CONFLICT BROUGHT UP SEVERAL TIMES ON THE CAMPAIGN TRAIL THIS FALL

BY BRANDON BARRETT

ON THE CAMPAIGN trail this fall, BC Green candidate Jeremy Valeriote’s marriage to the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) top bureaucrat, CAO Ginny Cullen, was brought up several times by both constituents and candidates as a possible conflict of interest.

Now that Valeriote has been elected provincial MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, Pique wanted to unravel the practical implications of this perceived conflict.

According to University of BC political science lecturer Stewart Prest, the main concern would be if either Valeriote or Cullen have a direct financial interest in a decision or situation arising from their respective roles.

“Where conflict of interest really kicks in is when there is a potential pecuniary interest where someone could benefit from the interaction taking place. Those concrete situations where there is a conflict of interest would be relatively rare,” said Prest.

That was reiterated by B.C.’s Office of the Conflict of Interest Commissioner, an independent commission that provides

advice to members of the Legislative Assembly concerning their obligations under the Members’ Conflict of Interest Act. Declining to comment on any potential conflict in the absence of a specific allegation of wrongdoing, the commission provided some general information on how members are expected to manage conflict.

“It is important to note that Members may have many ‘potential’ conflicts of interest as a result of their individual circumstances. Members come from all walks of life, and many have spouses or other family members engaged in employment or business activities that could be affected by government programs, legislation or other decisions,” the statement read in part. “A concern only arises if at some point there is an opportunity for the Member to exercise an official power or perform an official duty that would further their private interest.”

In such a case, members should disclose the conflict and recuse themselves from the decision-making process, a normal occurrence for elected officials at all levels of government.

“I also checked in with the commissioner and got the same advice,” Valeriote said. “If

there is no private financial interest involved, I think what we will commit to is, if there is any potential for perceived conflict, then one of us would step out of a discussion—but I

don’t really foresee that happening.”

Getting in front of any perceived conflict will be important for engendering trust with constituents, Prest said.

“I think the perception of conflict can outrun even the situations where it does occur, so that’s going to be a real challenge for the couple in question. It is the kind of situation where both Mr. Valeriote and Ms. Cullen are going to have to find ways to get ahead of the curve on the issue and demonstrate they are taking this seriously and mitigating any potential conflict when they’re working on related files,” he said. “It’s important for the people of Whistler to know these decisions are happening in a fair and unbiased manner.”

At a Pemberton all-candidates meeting ahead of October’s provincial election, NDP hopeful and current Whistler Councillor Jen Ford brought up the possibility of conflict at advocacy meetings in Victoria.

“My experiences as a current elected official, three times elected in Whistler and at the [Squamish-Lillooet Regional District], is that when we go to advocate with the

FEELING CONFLICTED? Sea to Sky MLA Jeremy Valeriote and wife, Whistler municipal CAO Ginny Cullen, pictured on election night.

PHOTO BY DAVID BUZZARD / DAVIDBUZZARD.COM

Trial date for accused St’atl’imx Tribal cop will be set Feb. 26

POLICE BRIEFS: TWO VEHICLES STOLEN FROM WHISTLER DRIVEWAY

BY BRANDON BARRETT

A TRIAL DATE will be set next week for a Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service (STPS) officer facing multiple charges related to allegedly filming sexual acts without his partners’ consent.

Cst. Michael English was formally charged in September with three counts of voyeurism in connection to offences alleged to have occurred while he was off-duty in Pemberton and Vancouver between 2020 and 2022. He was subsequently placed on administrative leave while the investigation was ongoing.

On Wednesday, Jan. 8, English’s legal counsel told a North Vancouver court the officer plans to enter a not-guilty plea, and has requested a trial in front of a provincial judge. A pre-trial hearing was held in Victoria last Thursday, Feb. 13 that was ultimately adjourned until next Wednesday, Feb. 26, when a trial date is expected to be set.

Counsel estimated the trial should take about five days.

Because the alleged offences took place outside of STPS jurisdiction, the case was assigned to the Sea to Sky RCMP’s General Investigative Section, with additional oversight provided by senior investigators from the Lower Mainland District RCMP. The matter has also been referred to the Office of Police Complaints Commission, B.C.’s independent, civilian oversight agency.

The Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service is the only self-administered First Nations Police Service in B.C., and operates in 10 participating St’at’imc communities. Officers are designated as provincial constables.

TWO VEHICLES REPORTED STOLEN FROM WHISTLER DRIVEWAY

Two vehicles were reportedly stolen from the driveway of a Whistler home this week, RCMP has confirmed.

In an email, a Whistler RCMP spokesperson said police received a report earlier this week that a black Ford truck and silver SUV were taken from a driveway on Lakeshore Drive in Emerald Estates in the early hours of Monday, Feb. 10.

VALERIOTE CONFLICT

ON

province on behalf of our community, we take our MLA with us. Typically, that MLA provides support,” she said at the time. “If that person can’t go, free of conflict, to that advocacy meeting, it’s a challenge for the local council.”

Because both Valeriote and Cullen are expected to work on behalf of Whistler in their respective roles, Prest doesn’t see a conflict “by any means” with Valeriote attending advocacy meetings alongside Whistler officials.

“But it doesn’t get away from that

The following day, Mounties received a separate report of items stolen from a vehicle in the same area.

“It is not clear whether these two separate thefts are linked, but we would ask anyone who has video surveillance or who noticed anything suspicious in the Emerald Estates area during the night of Feb. 9 to the morning of Feb. 10, 2025, to contact our Whistler RCMP investigators,” wrote media relations officer, Cpl. Katrina Boehmer.

The Whistler RCMP detachment can be reached at 604-932-3044.

Police said they would not offer any further information on the case with the investigation ongoing.

Boehmer did offer some crime prevention tips for vehicle owners:

• Always keep your vehicle locked and use an anti-theft device.

• Do not keep spare keys in your vehicle.

• Do not leave valuables and property in your vehicle, including garage door openers.

• Wait for automatic gates to close behind you if you enter or leave a secure parking area.

• Report suspicious persons or activity around vehicles to your local police. n

FROM PAGE 16

perceptual issue, even if [Valeriote and Cullen] are making similar arguments in the best interest of their constituents,” he added. “Communication, transparency can go a long way in situations like this.”

Asked if he foresaw any potential conflict involving a provincial decision that would directly benefit Whistler, Valeriote said he can only envision such a scenario “if Whistler was getting more benefits than other communities in the riding. But that’s something that an ethical and fair-minded person wouldn’t allow to happen.” n

Born in Vancouver, BCto FBenFellowesandIM (PattyHarvey)Fellowes.AttendedLordByng highschool .S tudiedmathan dc ompute r scienceatUBCbeforeescapingtoWhistler. Hediedinhishome,age81.

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IN COURT A trial date for accused St’atl’imx Tribal Police Service Cst. Michael English is expected to be set on Feb. 26. FILE PHOTO

Pemberton council reckons with future of municipal policing

STAFF ESTIMATE

THE VILLAGE WILL NEED TO RAISE $1.3M TO PAY FOR A COMMUNITY POLICE DETACHMENT ONCE POPULATION HITS

BY LUKE FAULKS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

THE VILLAGE OF Pemberton (VOP) is looking ahead to the challenges of policing once the community exceeds a population of 5,000. at the Jan 21 committee of the whole and Feb. 11 council meetings, officials were presented with a draft budget for 2025, including options for financing a community police force.

“Effectively, once the population hits 5,000 the municipality is obligated to pay for 70 per cent of policing,” said manager of finance Thomas Sikora during a draft budget presentation. “We expect it to be somewhere around a $1.288 million burden in the year of transition.”

Under provincial law, municipalities have the option to create their own municipal police department, establish a contract with an existing municipal police department, or contract with the RCMP to establish a municipal detachment. Sikora said the usual path taken by smaller communities is to pursue the RCMP detachment.

Pemberton was one of the fastest-growing communities in the latest census, expanding from 2,574 in 2016 to 3,407 in 2021. Despite a slight decrease in population across the Sea to Sky last year, council is reasonably certain it will reach the threshold within the next decade.

“We don’t know when we’re going to hit

“I feel like there’s general agreement around the table that we don’t want to just wait and do a [40-per-cent] increase down the road,” said Richman, after some discussion. “We want to start graduating towards that.”

Council raised additional concerns over cost and jurisdiction. Richman noted a not-

“We expect it to be somewhere around a $1.288 million burden in the year of transition.”

- THOMAS SIKORA

5,000,” said Mayor Mike Richman. “I feel fairly confident we’re not going to hit it before the 2026 census, which gives us another census. Hopefully we’re at least 10 years out.”

Council was presented with two options to fund the police transition: gradually filling the RCMP reserves with annual contributions of $257,600 over five years, or an abrupt transition that risks a minimum 40-per-cent tax increase in a single year to generate the $1.288 million needed to pay for a Pemberton detachment.

insignificant part of a future police detachment would involve policing the highway and the areas surrounding Pemberton.

“So here we are as the Village of Pemberton, we’re about to take on 70 per cent of the costs ... how is that justifiable when a large chunk of that pie is managing a provincial highway?” he said.

A sticking point for Richman at both the Jan. 21 and Feb. 11 meetings was the issue of spending on policing areas outside of

Pemberton’s boundaries.

“I’d like to get a better understanding ... if we’re paying 70 per cent of our RCMP costs once we’re over 5,000 and ‘x’ amount of those services are going outside of our boundaries, is there a cost recovery?” he asked. “And if not, how do we create one?”

Chief administrative officer Elizabeth Tracy said legislative services is in the process of investigating how future policing resources would be spread out between the Village, the highway and those surrounding areas.

“The other questions that remain, too, is what funding and support from surrounding municipalities look like and whether there are savings available to share some of those resources,” added Sikora.

Councillor Ted Craddock wondered if the $1.288 million would cover the cost of a new police headquarters. Sikora confirmed the cost was solely to cover the increase in policing personnel and their equipment, and that the headquarters would be a topic of conversation between the Village and provincial authorities over the coming weeks.

Council motioned for corporate and legislative services to evaluate the cost breakdown, and for Sikora to bring back two scenarios showing different levels of graduated increases. Richman also asked to bring proposals for cost- and resource-sharing to the RCMP, the SLRD and the province.

Stewardship Pemberton ramping up for second year of Seedy Sunday

THE SOCIETY WILL EMPHASIZE THE IMPORTANCE OF SEED SECURITY DURING THE FEB. 27 SEEDY SOCIAL AND MARCH 16 SEEDY SUNDAY

BY LUKE FAULKS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

THE STEWARDSHIP Pemberton Society (SPS) is marking the start of the growing season with a seed swap at the Pemberton Downtown Community Barn on March 16, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“It’s really just this big kick-off event for the spring,” said SPS coordinator Nikki Lax.

“Everything revolves around this seed swap, where gardeners and local seed growers have donated seed to us to distribute, and then other gardeners in their community can show up with seeds that they’ve saved and they give them out to people... it’s just a bunch of great sharing and trading.”

Attendees will also be able to ask their gardening and seed-saving questions directly to regional food security organizations and local garden and food vendors. The event will feature all-ages free activities, snacks and live music.

In addition to a mug for hot drinks, SPS asks attendees to bring seeds they’d like to share with others.

“Ideally, people show up with seeds that they want to share,” Lax told Pique

“And if they don’t, that’s OK, too. People who show up to Seedy Sunday can learn some of the tools and the skills to be able to grow out those seeds in their garden, save the seeds and bring them back for next year.”

In addition to smaller batches of seeds brought in by attendees, there will be plenty of seeds donated by groups like West Coast Seeds, Salt Spring Seeds and Sunshine Farm Seeds, as well as from local gardeners

2025

Annual General Meeting

and farmers who have contributed to the Pemberton Seed Library.

To sort through that mountain of seeds, SPS is holding a Seedy Social from 6 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Pemberton Legion.

“We’re going to be taking those seeds and repackaging them into smaller sizes,” said Lax. “That takes a lot of labour and people power, because to properly package up these seeds, we want to have all the information of the seed grower, the variety, the growing information [and] where it came from... kind of the story of that seed.

“So the seed-packing social is a really helpful volunteer activity to make light work of the pretty big task of turning these large seed donations and kind of bulk seeds that we’ve saved in our gardens into small packages that can be grabbed at our seed swap.”

Lax said one of the overarching themes the SPS is trying to promote through Seedy Sunday is the idea of seed security—a subsection of food security. Seed security means having access to enough good-quality seeds to grow crops and feed a family.

“We’re trying to kind of demonstrate that [even in] these small actions of borrowing a seed from the seed library that a farmer down the road grew that you grow in your garden, save the seeds and bring it back to the seed library... If someone shows up next year and they get to grow out those seeds and kind of continue that cycle ... that is seed security, that is food security, that is positive climate action.”

SPS needs volunteers for the Seedy Social and Seedy Sunday. Those interested can reach out to Nikki Lax at coordinator@ stewardshippembertonsociety.com. n

Wednesday, February 26th at 7:00 PM

Joinusincelebratingtheprojectsof2024andhearingaboutthefutureoftourism inPembertonaswellashavingavoiceforwhat’stocomeinourcommunity.

Opportunity to join the board - nominations via email or in-person

All Are Welcome!

RSVP or send any questions/suggestions to: Christine@tourismpembertonbc.com atthePemberton&DistrictMuseum, 7455ProspectStreet

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NoticeofPublic Viewing

ForestStewardshipPlanAmendment

AnamendmentoftheabovenotedLicensees’ForestStewardshipPlanisproposed. Testspa7is a First Nations-ownedcompanylocated withinthe Lower Lillooet River Valley, withinthe Sea toSky Natural ResourceDistrict ThisForestStewardship Plancoversthe Tuwasus Creek,Sloquet Creek, Douglas Creek,Gowan Creek, and Rogers Creek areas. Thepurposeofthisamendmentistoincludethefollowing:

• AnadditionofSkatinNationsintothe currentlyapprovedForestStewardship Plan asaLicensee.

•AnadditionofanewNon-RenewableForestLicense(A99545)

As perSection 20ofthe ForestPlanning andPractices Regulation, notice isherebygiven to all Guide Outfitters, Trappers,Private Landowners, Water Users,OtherStakeholders, andtheGeneralPublictoreviewtheForestStewardshipPlansothatyourcomments andconcernscanbeaddressed.

ThisForestStewardship Planwillbeavailable for publicreviewandcommentbeginning onFebruary14th,2025,foraperiodof60days.Thedocumentcanbeviewedonlineby contactingwstaven@crgl.ca, orinpersonatthefollowinglocations:

ChartwellResourceGroupLtd. #201– 1121CommercialPlace, Squamish,BC V8B0S5

Tsetspa7ForestryLP 7338Industrial Way Pemberton,BC V0N2L0

Commentsshouldbedirectedto WesStaven,RPF, atChartwellResourceGroupLtd. at(604)390-3426.

SOWING SEASON During Seedy Sunday, attendees can trade their own saved seeds or explore the donated seeds on offer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF STEWARDSHIP PEMBERTON

Village of Pemberton to move ahead with water rate increase

BRIEFS: COUNCIL TO HOST BUDGET INFO SESSION; SLRD SEEKS INPUT ON ARTS

BY LUKE FAULKS

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

THE VILLAGE OF Pemberton (VOP) is moving forward with a plan to increase annual water frontage rates from $71.19 to $147.52 to help pay off a water treatment facility loan.

Per the B.C. Community Charter, municipalities must obtain approval from residents to borrow funds over a period of more than five years. The VOP decided to run an alternative approval process between Dec. 16 and Jan. 31 to earn that approval.

“Under the AAP, if more than 10 per cent of the electorate submits a response indicating opposition to the loan authorization bylaw, council may decide not to pursue the proposed long-term borrowing or may proceed with an assent vote,” read a report presented to council during a Nov. 5 meeting.

Council received no votes in favour or in opposition to the loan repayment plan, resulting in a certificate of sufficiency.

The new facility will help reduce elevated levels of manganese and iron in the Village’s drinking water. While those levels were within Health Canada’s maximum acceptable concentration limits for drinking water, they exceeded aesthetic objectives that address taste, odour and colour. A

PublicHearing Notice

2020 Pemberton water report confirmed the elevated levels did not pose a health risk to residents.

After a one-month quashing period during which a legal challenge can be raised, council will issue a certificateissuing resolution, at which point, the bylaw takes effect.

PEMBERTON COUNCIL TO HOST BUDGET INFORMATION SESSION

The VOP is inviting residents to a discussion of the 2025 budget on Tuesday, March 4 from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Community Centre’s Great Hall.

A post on Facebook invites residents to “learn more about the proposed budget, ask questions and provide feedback directly to council and staff.”

During a Jan. 21 meeting, Pemberton finance manager, Thomas Sikora, highlighted some of the challenges associated with this year’s budget.

“There is really a pressure to maintain the existing service levels, meet the strategic priorities, all while, historically, seeing low tax rates. So we’re starting to see additional pressure,” Sikora told council.

“That’s compounded with aging infrastructure which requires more service

Official Community Plan Amendment(7451and 7453Frontier Street)Bylaw No.981,2025

Tuesday,February25,2025,at5:00pm,in-personatCouncilChambers,7400Prospect Street,PembertonBCandviaZoomWebinarID:84226355664, (us02web.zzom.us/j/84226355664)

WhatisOfficialCommunityPlanAmendment(7451and 7453FrontierStreet)BylawNo.981,2025about?

ThebylawhasbeenpreparedtoamendOfficialCommunity Plan(OCP)BylawNo.654,2011,tosupport afuturemixed-use development.Thesubjectlandsarecurrentlydesignatedas Residential.Theapplicantseekstoamendthelanduse designationtoDowntowntoallowtheinclusionofcommercial inanyfuturedevelopmentofthesite.Theapplicantiscurrently conductinganinvestigationonhowbesttoutilizethesiteand willcomebackwith azoningamendmentata laterdate.

HowdoI getmoreinformation?

over time or replacement and the ability to fund that with ongoing maintenance plans and reserves and ensure reliable and smooth collection over years.”

Inflationary pressures, as well as historically underfunded reserves, will likely be a topic of discussion as the year’s budget takes shape, according to Sikora.

The VOP’s committee of the whole will hold a budget session on Tuesday, Feb. 25 in advance of the public information session. The meeting can be attended by the public in person, or via Zoom link on the Village’s website.

SLRD WANTS YOUR INPUT ON HOW IT FUNDS LOCAL ARTS AND CULTURE

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District is seeking public input on the policy that guides the Pemberton and District Initiative Fund (PDIF), which provides funds to assist local, not-for-profit organizations in the Pemberton Valley and surrounding areas.

“The Pemberton and District Initiative Fund has proven to be a tremendous asset for the community of Pemberton, and Electoral Area C of the SLRD,” said SLRD board chair Jen Ford, in a press release.

“In order to make the best decisions for the future of this program, we need to hear

from the communities that it serves.”

The PDIF supports local organizations that provide community recreation, social and cultural activities and community economic development activities throughout Pemberton and SLRD Electoral Area C.

The SLRD is reviewing the PDIF’s underpinning policy by seeking input on “potential areas for improvement and increased efficiencies in the program’s application, reporting, presentation and [the] renewal processes,” according to the release.

“Whether you’ve participated in the program, have been curious about it, or even if this is the first time you’re hearing of the Pemberton and District Initiative Fund—we want to hear from you,” said Ford. “Please take a moment to provide your input through the survey, and help us shape the future of this important program.”

The survey results will be summarized in a report to PVUS for initial review, sent to PVUS for approval, and, finally, for recommendation by the SLRD board. Any changes to the guiding policy will be done by July 2025, according to the review timeline on the SLRD’s website.

The survey is open until Feb. 24. For more information, as well as the link to the survey, visit the SLRD’s website. n

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That Nordic Vibe

LAST SUNDAY, I participated in my first loppet in, oh, let’s call it 30-something years. But finding out about the Cheryl Morningstar Loppet at Lost Lake Park and jumping into it at the last minute reminded me how much I used to enjoy these things when, once upon a time, I was a more frequent participant.

Traditionally a large gathering of crosscountry (i.e., Nordic) skiers who, over various distances, followed courses groomed

BY LESLIE ANTHONY

specifically for classic (a.k.a. diagonalstride) technique, skate-skiing’s current trail dominance sees most modern loppets advertised as “free technique”—meaning you can incorporate either or both. The term “loppet,” of course, originated in Europe, skiing’s motherland, where storied events like the Engadin Skimarathon, Swedish Vasaloppet, and Norwegian Birkebeinerrennet each attract upwards of 10,000.

Though I can’t say I’d be interested in inserting myself into a mob that size, we’ve got plenty of loppets across Canada each winter of which only a handful might nudge 1,000 skiers. Most are small, community/ club-run events with a friendly and fun atmosphere like the Morningstar. Naturally, these are the ones both first-time and oldtime loppeteers mostly patronize. In Sunday’s

event in Whistler, all distances were open to any age and technique; children eight and under could tackle a three-kilometre course, while older kids plus recreational skiers (including relics like me, who may or may not be racing themselves or others), plied a nine-km loop that included a long circuit out and around Lost Lake Park and some wilder terrain on the Upper Chateau Whistler Golf Course fairways. The competitive A-types— who, to shufflers like myself seem more like well-trained, lycra-clad thoroughbreds with steam venting from their nostrils—had a twolap 18-km course to cover. (As a measure of this last group’s ability—or my lack thereof—I

had to receive a Level 1 CANSI cross-country ski instructor’s badge. This latter exercise was pedagogically enlightening since none of us had the remotest idea what we were actually doing (or should have been doing) on skinny skis, and so the inculcation of actual terms and knowledge and technique changed everything, endearing me to the sport and leading me into its waxy depths. Hell, before I left Canada for my California stint as an editor at Powder magazine, I was editor of the Toronto-based North American crosscountry ski magazine, SkiTrax, for years, if not participating in, then writing about many a loppet, the people who cherished them,

[I]t’s nice to challenge yourself with double the regular distance and come away feeling it.

was first lapped by racers on their second loop when I was about 2/3 of the way through my single go-round).

Though most know my outdoor writing through my work as an alpine ski scribe, I actually have a parallel cross-country connection. As alpine skiers starved for turns in the corn-country environs of our Southern Ontario university, friends and I indoctrinated ourselves as cross-country skiers to explore the local woods and marshlands, which eventually led us, in the early 1980s, into the nascent sport of telemarking. Which of course led us back onto the pistes. To become a certified telemark instructor under the Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI) banner, I also

the adrenalized energy at the start, and the volunteers marking courses and handing out food and drink, all of which I got to re-experience again.

I finished Sunday’s outing in what was probably record-slow time—pretty much the same pace I bring to the June Whistler Half Marathon and October Turkey Trot 10k running races every year. Not quite justup-off-the-couch-and-into-it plodding, but definitely nothing really trained for in that my typical distance (and attention span) for anything is about 5k. Still, it’s nice to challenge yourself with double the regular distance and come away feeling it. And also, to come away with the enjoyment of recalling why you like it in the first place. In the case of cross-country

skiing there was always so much to love about my typical solo sojourns in the woods—the snow in all its varied splendour, the dark shadows of trees across sunlit white, the tracks of myriad busy critters, the silence, and the not-so-silence of birdsong, deep breathing and millions of snow crystals crushed beneath skis that just sound like shooosh

Having rediscovered the loppet, I would be remiss if I didn’t give plaudits to the person for which it is now named. I didn’t know Cheryl Morningstar, but was fortunate to be able to plunder whistlernordics.com to fill in the important history of one of the pioneers of Whistler’s Nordic scene. “[Cheryl] made incredible contributions to the Whistler cross-country community when it was first developing. She devoted hundreds of hours to initiating the Jackrabbit program, Track Attack, the Whistler Nordics Ski Club, and organizing the Whistler Loppet at Lost Lake. She organized coach certification courses, club programs, designed club kits, and found sponsorship money to keep it all going. Her work laid the foundation for the kids’ programs being offered in the community today… With the development of Whistler Olympic Park providing more terrain and opportunities for youth to participate, it gave Cheryl happiness to see the programs grow… She would be extremely happy to see all the kids in the various programs now, and the occasional original Whistler Nordic kit still being used.”

Indeed, she would also be happy to see the loppet whose name carries on her legacy attracting everyone from hardcore racers to recreational aspirants to energized kids to nostalgic Nordics like me.

Leslie Anthony is a Whistler-based author, editor, biologist and bon vivant who has never met a mountain he didn’t like. n

HAPPY TRAILS More than 90 skiers took part in the Cheryl Morningstar Loppet at Lost Lake Park on Feb. 16.

PHOTO BY TOSHI KAWANO

Making tracks INTO

DRYLAND TRAINING, FALL 1965

FRONT ROW: ANNE ROWLEY, NANCY MASON, HEATHER QUIPP, GARRIE MATHESON.

BACK ROW: KAREN DOKKA, VERNE ANDERSON, NANCY GREENE, STEPHANIE TOWNSEND.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL MCDONNELL

HISTORY

Canada’s pioneering National Ski Team reunites in Whistler after 60 years

By Vince Shuley

n a chilly October evening, I’m sitting at the back of the audience at an intimate gathering at the Whistler Museum of around two dozen people.

A silent digitized film of skiing Whistler Bowl in 1963 (years before it was named Whistler Bowl) runs in the background as attendees comment and jeer at the skiers’ technique, laughter all around. Tables are littered with generations-old memorabilia, photos and newspaper clippings of Canadian ski-racing success stories. Some of those racers are here tonight, milling about and greeting old friends. Some travelled from the other ends of Canada and the United States; one flew in from England.

Others drove less than 10 minutes to get to the Whistler Museum. This is the reunion of the 1964 to 1968 Canada National Ski Team.

“Everyone was so excited to get together,” says Karen Vagelatos, a two-time Olympian ski racer.

“My old roommate, Anne Rowley, flew in from London for the reunion and she stayed at my house here in Whistler. I hadn’t seen her since 1968.”

I sit back and take in the history of these hard-working skiers, coaches and administrators as they take turns with speeches. Throughout the night I learn how Canada first emerged as a global force in ski racing.

Born from necessity

Years before the international notoriety—and seemingly reckless downhill racing antics—of the Crazy Canucks, the first true national ski team had to first overcome Canada’s fractured ski development system.

The 1964 Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria was considered a poor performance by Canada. Nancy Greene was the sole top-10 finisher, managing a seventh in the downhill. In May of 1964, former Canadian downhill champion Dave Jacobs wrote a letter to the Canadian Amateur Ski Association (CASA), in which he voiced his concerns over his country’s ski development deficiencies.

“We have some tough problems to solve which require some slightly revolutionary solutions,” he wrote.

Jacobs had witnessed the well-oiled machines of European national ski programs in France, Austria and Switzerland, all nations that had full-time coaching staff, scheduled training camps and a development pipeline for their skiing youth.

The Canadian system at that time was far more dysfunctional. Canadian ski racers trained at their home hills then attended a selection camp before major international events like Olympics or World Championships. CASA would then hire a European coach to join the team on the ground when they arrived at events, often meeting the athletes for the first time then and there. This minimalist approach had worked for highly talented skiers such as Lucile Wheeler (Olympic bronze in downhill in 1956, World Champion golds in downhill and giant slalom in 1958) and Anne Heggtveit (Olympic gold in slalom and World Champion gold in combined in 1960), but it was not a recipe for consistent success.

Jacobs opined that it was time for Canada to develop a new national team program, where young skiers could attend university on a scholarship and train year-round with dedicated, fulltime coaching staff. Don Sturgess, chairman of CASA’s alpine competition committee, knew all too well that drastic changes were needed if Canada was ever going to assert itself as a skiing nation. He replied to Jacobs’ letter saying CASA was likely to set up a program at Notre Dame University (NDU) in Nelson, B.C., and asked if Jacobs would be interested in coaching the team. NDU was considered the best suited institution to host the new program, which was dubbed the “Education Plus Competition Experiment.” The university had recently implemented Canada’s first athletic scholarship program for its hockey team and Nelson was the ideal location with two nearby ski hills; Rossland’s Red Mountain and Nelson’s Silver King (the predecessor to Whitewater). Importantly, Nelson also had the nearby Kokanee Glacier where the team could train during the summer months.

In the summer of 1964, 15 men and 10 women were welcomed into the dorm at NDU as the first Canadian National Ski Team, coached by Jacobs and managed by assistant athletic director Peter Webster. Among them was Greene and now longtime Whistler locals Barbie Walker, Bob Calladine and Karen Vagelatos (née Dokka). Jacobs introduced high-intensity dryland training to the team immediately, not as much for the upcoming ski drills but for the arduous hike to the

PHOTO COURTESY OF BARBIE WALKER

Kokanee Glacier, their designated training venue that summer.

“I’d never been to summer camp before, so Kokanee Glacier was a whole different kettle of fish,” recalls Walker, who was 17 when she arrived in Nelson. “It was crazy. We slept in tents and would hike up to the glacier with skis on our backs at 6 a.m. while the snow was firm. The second year there was a gas-powered rope tow up on the glacier, so we could get more runs in. We all had to carry a metal handle that would clip to the wire cable.”

After a full day of ski training, the campers rewarded themselves with a swim in the frigid glacial lake, followed by a sauna. A group of the skiers including Calladine had managed to find an old pot-belly stove and ported it up the mountain, creating a makeshift structure with three

real grit; piling helmets and skis into two Volkswagen buses, driving four hours to Spokane, taking a 30-hour train to Denver where they then rented three cars and a station wagon and drove another six hours to Aspen over snow-slicked roads.

The results in Aspen spoke for themselves. Seemingly out of nowhere, the Canadians were on the podium beating out American Olympians. Greene won the alpine combined, the 21-yearold smashing the female field.

“We did not come here to win everything in sight—this time,” Jacobs told Sports Illustrated in the 1965 article “Canadians Raid Aspen.”

“But we will win in the future. Watch us. This is our first year under a new Canadian program. It should get results. We copied it exactly—and unblushingly—from the Americans.”

The Next Chapter

By the 1967-68 season, the Nelson camps had begun to run their course. Jacobs had left the team to go work for Bob Lange, who was developing high-performance plastic ski race boots that would soon dominate the World Cup circuit. Greene had a hugely successful 1967 season, winning six races and the first ever women’s overall World Cup title, breaking the European domination of the sport. She won the World Cup title again the following year, as well as a gold medal in giant slalom and a silver medal in slalom at the 1968 Olympics in Grenoble, France. Greene retired after the 1968 season and her soon-to-be husband Al Raine—who had taken over as head coach—moved the program out of Nelson to Montreal. The consensus between Raine and CASA was these young skiers needed more time on snow and less time in classrooms.

Canadian skiers had proven their worth on the world stage and both federal and provincial bodies were now more willing to support athlete development programs. While the move away from the scholastic-athletic program in Nelson was arguably the best decision in terms of producing more World Cup-level skiers, the 1964-1968 national team members benefited immensely from earning an education while training for high-performance competition.

“The kids that went to that four-year program got an undergraduate degree, with a lot of them going on to become doctors, dentists and successful businessmen and women,” says Walker, who herself attended Kootenay School of the Arts during the program and went on to become a career art director in Montreal. “They were all successful people, and many of them were inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame.”

“I’d never been to summer camp before, so Kokanee Glacier was a whole different kettle of fish. It was crazy. We slept in tents and would hike up to the glacier with skis on our backs at 6 a.m. while the snow was firm. The second year there was a gas-powered rope tow up on the glacier, so we could get more runs in. We all had to carry a metal handle that would clip to the wire cable.”

- BARBIE WALKER

plastic walls against a large boulder, with a flap for a door.

“The summer camp was something I’ll never forget, it was amazing,” says Walker.

It was these experiences—skiing together, eating together, training together, suffering on long hikes together—that began to unify these young Canadians.

“The program at NDU is what got us into a proper team spirit,” says Calladine, who years later coached a young Steve Podborski in Southern Ontario. “Before that it was a lot of East versus West, and the East had the money. I’d raced against all those guys in juniors, and it was fiercely competitive on the ski slope. Us B.C. skiers got along with the Albertans because we’d often travel together, but it was in Nelson where everyone started to feel like they were together on a true Canadian team.”

This pride and patriotism was also reinforced by what the skiers wore and how they travelled. The national team had never even worn the same uniform before, but with the advent of the Nelson program, the entire team not only started acting like they belonged together, but started looking like they belonged together.

Much of the drive to blend school and ski-race development came from Jacobs himself, not only to set up the program at NDU, but to sustain the educational element throughout the busiest times for the ski racers.

“Imagine a national team going to Europe for a World Cup race, with a tutor tagging along,” says Jacobs. “That’s how important I felt academics was, I wanted them to be more than just ski racers.”

Vagelatos had her own academic journey following her years in Nelson, studying at UBC before going on to graduate school.

“When I applied to UBC it was all in person, not online like today,” she recalls. “They asked what I’d been doing since high school and I said, ‘I’ve been on the Canadian ski team the last four years.’ They said, ‘OK, you’re in.’ It was the same thing at the University of Michigan. What it says to people is that you have this commitment to excel. It very much carried through from ski racing to education. Had we not had those years in Nelson, who knows? If we hadn’t had (Jacobs’) vision, it may not have ever happened.”

Sixty years ago, youths from all over Canada turned up in Nelson knowing little about what lay before them. They built friendships, represented their country on the world stage, became educated and most importantly, bonded over their passion for skiing. While maybe not as agile on the slopes as they used to be, these Canadian ski-racing veterans are still making turns.

“Skiing has been my whole life,” says Walker, who coached the senior ski team at Whistler Blackcomb and made many trips to Whitecap Alpine’s McGillivray Pass Lodge over the years. “It’s who we are as a family.” n

1967-68 CANADIAN NATIONAL SKI TEAM

“Symbolism was important,” says Jacobs. “I designed sweaters and helmets for the athletes to wear that had white stripes and maple leaves. I convinced Volkswagen to donate buses for the team and when the public saw them disembark, they’d see these kids unloading professional looking ski bags with ‘Canadian National Ski Team’ logos on them. I wanted the athletes to feel like they were part of something bigger than themselves.”

The team was still in building mode for the 196465 season, so they focused on racing in North America only.

Jacobs brought along eight young men and nine young women to the 1965 Roch Cup Championships in Aspen. Even their travel to Colorado showed

FRONT ROW: DAN MCKIM, SCOTT HENDERSON, JACQUES ROUX, BERT IRWIN, MICHEL LEHMANN, DAVE BRUNEAU, JOHN RITCHIE. MIDDLE ROW: GARRIE MATHESON, EMILY RINGHEIM, NANCY GREENE, STEPHANIE TOWNSEND, GARY BATISTELLA, CHUCK PEACOCK, JUDI LEINBWEBER, MARILYN KELLY, KAREN DOKKA, SUE CLIFT, ANN ROWLEY. BACK ROW: DAN IRWIN, GERRY RINALDI, ROD HEBRON, CURRIE CHAPMAN, JOHN PLATT, VERN ANDERSON, PETER DUNCAN, KEITH SHEPHERD, BILL MCKAY, BOB SWAN.

PHOTO COURTESY OF BILL MCDONNELL

PHOTO COURTESY OF NELSON MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

Invictus Games’ Chelsey Walker watches ‘the dream come alive’

WALKER SERVED AS DIRECTOR OF WHISTLER OPERATIONS FOR THE INVICTUS GAMES 2025

BY DAVID SONG

THE INVICTUS GAMES 2025 Vancouver Whistler (IG25) are officially in the books, and what a chapter they’ve been.

Twenty-three countries (including a pair of new nations) sent more than 500 athletes to British Columbia to partake in 11 adaptive sports, including the brand-new disciplines of alpine snowboarding and skiing, biathlon, skeleton, Nordic skiing and wheelchair curling. All of these except curling took place in the Sea to Sky.

Two-thousand people showed up to Whistler’s Welcome Ceremony on Feb. 10, as did Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Michael Bublé. A pair of CF-18 Hornets from the 409 Tactical Fighter Squadron and 410 Tactical Fighter Operational Training Squadron out of Cold Lake, Alta. flew through Sea to Sky airspace that day as well, kicking things off loudly and proudly.

Canadians raked in a total of 11 medals at Whistler Blackcomb (WB) and Whistler Olympic Park (WOP) in alpine skiing, biathlon, Nordic skiing and snowboarding. Moreover, skeleton races took place at the Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC).

“Almost every single Invictus competitor chose an outdoor winter sport, and to have them all arrive in Whistler … was a little mindblowing,” said Chelsey Walker, IG25 Director of Whistler Operations. “I’ve been working on this project pretty full-time for three-and-ahalf years. To see everybody come and watch

the dream come alive was really emotional, but in a joyful way.”

Invictus Games Foundation CEO Dominic Reid evidently agrees, saying in a press conference: “There is a progressive ratcheting up of the movement and the critical mass that underlines that movement. The scale, the size of it, the scope and the inclusion of winter sport does make [IG25] the best Games yet.”

‘WHAT AN AMAZING HOST’

Canadians Assunta Aquino and Janie Duguay both won alpine skiing gold on Feb. 12, exactly 15 years after the 2010 Olympics got underway. The legacy of that nation-defining event is very much alive and well.

“We have such fond memories from the 2010 Games,” Walker said. “To use all the legacy facilities in such a significant way allowed us to really put our arms around our [military] service people.

“While the Olympics and Paralympics are such an amazing event showcasing elite sport, for us to have folks arrive from all around the world—who maybe have never seen snow before—and go into a competition dressed to look like a World Championships, executed so amazingly by our partners at Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Adaptive, Whistler Sport Legacies … we were able to showcase once again what an amazing host Whistler can be.”

One wouldn’t have found many dry eyes during the festivities. Walker cried tears of joy in celebration with Aquino, a former Army combat engineer, as locals she’d known from the last four decades voiced pride about the Games. Folks who did not hear about the Invictus movement during its previous stops in London, the Hague or Dusseldorf appeared in force, ringing their cowbells and cheering heartily.

Organizers also displayed commitment to the Sea to Sky by upgrading local facilities.

A ramp was added to the WSC’s Maple Leaf

start, accessible doors at the WOP biathlon building were upgraded, and locations previously untraversable by wheelchair were paved. Equipment-wise, the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program (WASP) received 11 new sit-skis while the Sea to Sky Nordics got new biathlon range mats and 16 ecoaims rifles. Even leftover cowbells are bound for the Lil’wat Rodeo Society.

The Squamish, Musqueam, TsleilWaututh and Lil’wat people were central to IG25. Artists from each Host First Nation united to design the event’s visual identity, while medals and a painting symbolic of the transition to Birmingham 2027 were crafted by Lil’wat artist Levi Nelson.

“These are our friends and neighbours, and we want to ensure that everything we did was with authenticity and true community spirit,” Walker explained. “I saw somebody waving at me [in the Vancouver Convention Centre] and it was Lil’wat Chief Dean Nelson. We were able to reflect on the journey that we’ve been on together for the last two-anda-half years, from when we first asked him to sign a letter of support to the closing ceremony where we had Chief Gélpcal’s daughter as one of the ambassadors.”

‘HOPE REALIZED, INSPIRATION ON OVERLOAD’

Invictus has brought Walker through her own journey, too.

The Whistlerite spent almost 20 years as WASP’s executive director and also sat on the Games’ bid committee. After becoming Director of Whistler Operations in 2022, she helmed the local planning process by helping different stakeholders cooperate with one another. She also co-directed accessibility planning.

Walker praised other key figures like True Patriot Love CEO Nick Booth, Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler CEO Scott Moore, COO

Robyn McVicker, WB COO Belinda Trembath, Resort Municipality of Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton and CAO Virginia Cullen for their roles in making IG25 come to fruition.

Meanwhile, Sian Blyth has capably taken over at the head of WASP.

“It’s just been such an honour for the Whistler Adaptive Sports Program to be a part of these incredible Games,” Blyth said at a press conference. “We played a really exciting role collaborating with our partners Whistler Blackcomb and Whistler Olympic Park—supporting training events and the competitions themselves with our staff, volunteers and coaches. We’ve shown to the world that this is somewhere people with disabilities can come and recreate.”

Walker added: “It was absolutely profound to watch [Sian and her colleagues] step up to the plate, knowing as I had transitioned to working with IG25 that we had such a strongly capable team that would help us execute the dream and vision we’ve had for the last 10 years.”

One would be remiss to overlook the Games’ artistic component. Whistler was open for business throughout their duration, as evidenced by concerts from acclaimed performers like Jim Cuddy, Barney Bentall, the Hairfarmers and Hey Ocean! The Maury Young Arts Centre hosted a memorable Veterans Art Show as the Village lit up with all-ages entertainment.

A new generation has witnessed the power of sport in helping human beings recover from trauma, be they soldiers or civilians. That fact paves the way for more awareness to be raised, more local initiatives to take off, and more people with disabilities to thrive in ways they didn’t think possible.

Perhaps McVicker summed up IG25 most concisely when she described it as: “Hope realized and inspiration on overload.”

Visit invictusgames2025.ca for more information.  n

BIG HARRY DEAL Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and founder of the Invictus Games Foundation, in Whistler last year with Whistler Blackcomb COO Belinda Trembath, left, and Invictus director of Whistler operations Chelsey Walker.

PHOTO BY JEREMY ALLEN / COURTESY OF THE INVICTUS GAMES FOUNDATION

‘Don’t allow past failures to dictate the outcome’

ROYAL CANADIAN AIR FORCE

VETERAN BRITTNEY HENDRY DISCUSSES

HER ROAD TO THE INVICTUS GAMES 2025 VANCOUVER WHISTLER

BY DAVID SONG

BRITTNEY HENDRY didn’t quite enlist right out of high school.

The Cambridge, Ont. native was married to a soldier at one point, living at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Petawawa as she launched her career in meteorology. Like any young wife, she must have imagined an idyllic future for her new family—but a sequence of obstacles would soon emerge.

Hendry’s now ex-husband deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 during Operation Medusa: a brutal tour that killed 12 Canadian troops. She realized her spouse “wasn’t the same” afterward, nor were her neighbours upon their return.

“I was young. I was just sitting around in Petawawa and didn’t understand where I was, didn’t understand anyone around me, and it was difficult to find a job there because it’s such a small town,” Hendry recalled. “I felt inside of me that the best thing to do would be to join because that’s my life. I might as well just fully commit, become military and understand it.”

As scores of others celebrated during Vancouver 2010, Hendry experienced a traumatic event which, in hindsight, touched off her life’s greatest ordeal. It made her

switch careers entirely, becoming a Resource Management Support (RMS) clerk with the Royal Canadian Air Force, yet her seizures would become an increasingly frequent occurrence.

Doctors couldn’t find the source of Hendry’s ailment. She doesn’t trust her own memory of that era, but figures it was a combination of anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Her marriage ended, while her family proved unable or unwilling to be of assistance.

Hendry, according to an official bio, “had to distance herself from well-meaning individuals who were causing harm. Her injuries went beyond physical wounds and challenging experiences, fundamentally altering her core values and sense of identity.”  Throughout this time she was also a parent, and her son Winston watched first responders take her to hospital on multiple occasions.

Things kept deteriorating until Hendry had a near-death experience… but that was not the conclusion of her story. Fast forward to the present, and she’s now a proud member of Team Canada at the Invictus Games Vancouver Whistler 2025.

UNDERSTANDING AND COMFORT

Despite playing soccer and running track in high school, Hendry wouldn’t describe herself as a top athlete. She gravitated towards the

Games because they would drag her into a large-scale environment that allowed her to focus on something—figuring out what should come next in life.

“I did have a personal trainer for a few years leading up to [the Games]. I was bodybuilding and I loved the calmness in my mind because it was just you and the activity,” said Hendry. “When I get in the pool, my warm-up needs to be very long. Let me swim two kilometres because I want to feel alone and at peace.”

Hendry felt the same way about skeleton. Despite reaching velocities of nearly 100 kilometres per hour en route to a 14th-place finish, she felt completely in the zone: her against herself.

Team sports didn’t initially pique the Ontarian’s interest, but that changed when Adria Brochu—Canada’s flag bearer at the Games’ opening ceremony—reached out with “a beautiful message” thanking Hendry for sitting with her at volleyball practices.

“I just knew right away. ‘Absolutely. I’ll join you for volleyball,’” Hendry said. “I was so excited for volleyball and the people I’ve met on that team. I could really feel that camaraderie amongst us, and we all got to know each other.”

Hendry, Brochu and company were eliminated in the preliminary round of sitting volleyball. The former also competed in swimming and notched a pair of top-16

finishes in indoor rowing.

Both the Invictus Games and Air Force brought Hendry a community to replace her estranged blood relatives. She met Bethany Smith in her first RMS clerk course, and 15 years later they remain dear friends. Having been released in 2021 after stints in Petawawa, Halifax and Kingston, Hendry is proud of her service.

The more physical and martial aspects of basic training proved a challenge, but she excelled at the administrative and skill-based aspects of her job.

“I lost my family due to things that have happened in the military … but they’ve been replaced with people that truly love and understand me,” Hendry explained. “They’re the ones that understand what I went through. I do find connection with other first responders—if I talk to nurses or correctional [officers], they can relate—but my family has no connection. The military gives me understanding, and that’s what gives me comfort that I’m not alone.”

‘FEAR IS A LIAR, SO EMBRACE THE LIGHT’ Hendry will never truly be alone so long as she has Winston.

NoticeofProposedZoning AmendmentBylaw- Public HearingProhibited

ZoningAmendmentBylaw(Small-ScaleMulti-Unit HousingUpdates)No.2461,2024(the“proposedbylaw”)

Purpose: OnJune11,2024,theResortMunicipalityofWhistler(RMOW)amendedZoningandParkingBylaw No.303,2015(Bylaw303)toaccommodatesmall-scalemulti-unithousingonparcelsofresidentiallandwith restrictivezoning,asrequiredbythe LocalGovernmentAct. Theproposedbylawmakesfurtheramendments toBylaw303,tobetterimplementtherequiredsmall-scalemulti-unithousingchanges.Someamendments areminor,intendedforclarification,anddonotalterthesubstanceofBylaw303.Theremainingkeyproposed amendmentsare:

•add aminimumdwellingunitsizeof32.5squaremetres,

•increasefloorareaexclusionsforparkingareasauxiliarytosmall-scalemulti-unithousing, •requireresidentialrentaltenureunitstobeidentifiedin abuildingpermitapplication, •removeerroneoustextrelatedtoapplicabilityofresidentialrentaltenurerestrictionsforsubdivisionof small-scalemulti-unithousingdevelopments, •allowRI1Zonepropertyownerstodevelopeitherunderthesamesmall-scalemulti-unithousingregulations asRS1zonedproperties,ortheexistingRI1zoningregulations.

SubjectLands: TheproposedbylawaffectsparcelsofresidentiallandonwhichBylaw303restrictsthetype andnumberofdwellingunitstothosespecifiedinPart 5Section35subsection(2).Toseeifyourpropertyis affected,visitwhistler.ca/SSMUH

BylawReadings: Considerationofthefirst,second,andthirdreadingsoftheproposedbylawwillbeatthe RegularCouncilMeeting onFebruary25,2025.

Tolearnmore: Acopyoftheproposedbylawandbackgrounddocumentationareavailableforreviewfrom February14toFebruary25,2025at:

• MunicipalHall at4325BlackcombWay,Whistler,BC,duringregularofficehoursof9:00a.m.to4:00p.m., MondaytoFriday(statutoryholidaysexcluded)

• Online ontheResortMunicipalityofWhistlerwebsiteat:whistler.ca/publicnotices

SCANTHEQR CODE FORACOPYOFTHE PROPOSED BYLAW AND BACKGROUND DOCUMENTATION

Lost Lake welcomes 32nd running of Cheryl Morningstar Loppet

SPORTS BRIEFS: MANIETTA UNDEFEATED; CROMPTON, LING PREVAIL

BY DAVID SONG

MORE THAN 90 cross-country skiers took to Lost Lake’s Nordic Trails on Sunday, Feb. 16, enjoying ideal winter conditions at the 32nd Cheryl Morningstar Loppet. The recurring race was back at its usual venue after a dearth of snow forced last year’s iteration out to Callaghan Valley.

Participants aged five to 75 experienced a three-, nine- or 18-kilometre course winding around a frozen Lost Lake, dipping down toward the Fitzsimmons River, and back up again to the Fairmont Château Golf Course trails.

The first loop ended with a glide down the lower fairways trails and back toward the Lost Lake Passivhaus, where warm refreshments awaited skiers.

Approximately half the field proceeded on a second lap up the Centennial Trail, then back around Lost Lake and around the golf course again.

“The Lost Lake Nordic Trails are in amazing shape this winter, and the [Resort Municipality of Whistler] crew pulled out the big groomers to lay down a perfect skate and classic course for the event,” said event organizer Misa Pacakova in a press release.

Participants travelled from Vancouver and as far east as the Okanagan to honour the late Morningstar, including a sizable contingent of her friends. Many adorned paper stars on their hips to pay tribute.

In the Ladies’ 18-km classic, Tobi Henderson came first, followed by Genevieve Masson and Rhonda Millikin. Vincent Roseberry finished on top in the Men’s 18-km classic, followed by Dan Wilson and Kelly Torwik.

In the Ladies’ 18-km skate, the top three was Lesley Clements, Shannon Brookman and Petra Tlamkova, and in the Men’s 18-km skate, Eric Goodwin came first, followed by Martin Kariya and Michael Murdoch.

Other division winners include Aaron Harder (U16 boys), Mirra Audenant (U14 girls 9-km) and Kolfinna Robertsdottir (U12 girls 9-km).

MANIETTA UNDEFEATED

Four up, four down for Mack Manietta in

INVICTUS

Thredbo, Australia.

Manietta dominated his U15 age category at the recent Cannonball MTB Festival, winning the Australian Open Downhill by roughly five seconds despite crashing at the bottom of the track (5:37.227). Runner-up honours belonged to Joey Keynes (5:42.516) and Ashton BorthwickHiggs was third (5:50.213).

The young Pembertonian isn’t just fast, though. He displayed his aerial prowess by netting a $1,500 grand prize in the Deity Whip-Off over Tom Young ($1000) and Aiden Dean ($750).

Another of Manietta’s golden performances came in the Fox Flow Motion Cup (8:10.814). Silver medallist Reid Armstrong (8:24.653) and bronze medallist Taj Thornton (8:25.216) were well back.

Last but not least, Manietta overcame Braxton Bull in the dual slalom big final.

It’s safe to say that Manietta’s time with the Generation Specialized Development Team is off to a hot start, with mentorship from Sea to Sky mountain biking legend Finn Iles.

CROMPTON, LING PREVAIL

Maggie Crompton struck gold in the amateur ladies’ division of the 36th Mount Baker Legendary Banked Slalom, registering a top time of one minute and 13.02 seconds. The rest of the podium behind her was tightly contested, with Tate Harkness (1:15.25) ultimately edging out Cali Carlson (1:15.44).

In the junior boys’ race it was Kanon Ling emerging victorious (1:13.88) ahead of Terje Lamont (1:14.46) and Oliver Johnson (1:14.98).

Amalia Pelchat turned heads with a silver medal among pro women (1:15.52), bested by only Natural Selection Tour veteran and gold medallist Mary Rand (1:14.41). Bronze landed around Katie Anderson’s neck (1:15.84).

Likewise finishing third in their respective categories were Sofia Towers (next-gen girls), Xavier Lamoureux (next gen boys), Cora Campos (junior girls), Kimmie Lamoureux (mid-masters women) and Ken Achenbach (super masters men).

Pelchat (1:27.86) and Crompton (1:36.90) were ranked first and second in the switch ladies’ bracket. n

RECOVERY FROM PAGE 26

The boy recently turned 12 and got to spend lots of quality time with his mom during the Invictus Games. They visited the Vancouver Aquarium and spectated wheelchair basketball matches, with a trusted lady acting as Winston’s guardian when Hendry competed.

“I’m so grateful because I’ve got some pictures of him cheering and seeing just how happy he is,” said Hendry. “Me getting off the skeleton, he’s on the other side hollering my name. It warms my heart … I raised him. It’s a mini-me. [Winston] gave me the priceless ability to convey grace, love, and compassion. He attracts and reflects light even on the cloudiest days.

“It’s nice to see all of the joy and happiness

a child has, because as we grow up, life comes at us. Children haven’t quite experienced all that—sometimes they have—but I think adults need to learn to be more childlike.”

With the Invictus Games now in her rearview, Hendry looks toward a sonography career by way of classes at Queen’s University. She’s mulling the possibility of open-water swimming as her next sport. Her personal motto, forged by years of tribulation and triumph, is: “Don’t allow past failures to dictate the outcome. Darkness conceals terror. The light will always illuminate the dark. Fear is a liar, so embrace the light.”

More Invictus results are available at invictusgames2025.ca.  n

Whistler Blackcomb holds latte art competition

KEI TSUNODA OF % ARABICA CAME FIRST PLACE DURING THE THIRD-ANNUAL BARISTA NIGHT

BY LIZ MCDONALD

AS DUSK SETTLED in over Blackcomb Mountain Feb. 6, Whistler’s barista artists prepared to face off for the title of latte artist winner at Garbanzo Bike & Bean.

Over three rounds, competitors from coffee shops brought their best frothing game. While some came with their own steamers and cups in hand, contestants were challenged instead by having to acclimate to a different machine and latte tools, hoping to claim the title and a portafilter trophy.

Now in its third year, the friendly competition was an opportunity for baristas to showcase their skills. Hosted by Whistler Blackcomb (WB) and organized by Kacey Cryan, general manager of Merlin’s Bar, this year it was open to all restaurants in the village. Lavazza and Pacific Foods, coffee and milk providers for the ski resort, sponsored the event.

Judges for the evening included Peter de Vooght, training manager for

Lavazza; Alejandro Gramajo, two-time competition champion; and… me, Pique reporter Liz McDonald.

While de Vooght and Gramajo were both well-versed in the science and art of lattes, my only qualification was enjoying a cup of the strong stuff. However, I didn’t let that stop me from getting in on the action, researching parameters for judging and preparing my eyes to discern between good coffee and great art.

representatives hailed form Alpha Café, % Arabica, Portobello and Provisions.

In each round, contestants faced off in pairs, with one triumphing over the other and qualifying for the next round. After getting in a practice pour, the groups were asked to make a heart or leaf to start the competition. With shaking hands and excited audience members, baristas carefully placed their cup before the judges.

It is taken very seriously by people who train and work at the craft, but this night was all about socializing and supporting local artists.

Latte art competitions are held regionally, nationally and internationally, with judgment criteria encompassing symmetry, contrast, colour balance, and overall impression. It is taken very seriously by people who train and work at the craft, but this night was all about socializing and supporting local artists.

Competitors for the evening included representatives from WB’s Rendezvous and Merlin’s, and community restaurant

As we marked down their results with precision, each cup filled just to the brim, the scent of milk and espresso filled the air. The occasional cup was whisked away into the hands of an audience member for an evening perk-up after judgment was complete.

For the second round, the artists were told they could make any image they liked, but they had to use a milk alternative. It’s an added challenge, given milk alternatives

have different properties which make artistic renderings difficult. Contestants rolled dice to decide which frothing alternative they were using: almond, soy or the dreaded coconut. Coconut milk has a consistency close to water, making it difficult to froth. Cheers of joy and groans of frustration emanated from the crowd when their liquid luck was rolled.

In the final round, baristas could make any design they wanted, and one barista was crowned champion: Kei Tsunoda of % Arabica. In second place was Runi Tsu, also from the upscale Japanese coffee shop.

“I would like to thank the company, cafe, and colleagues who organized the competition and supported it,” Tsunoda said. “As a barista the event improved my skills and made a good memory with team % Arabica and friends. Also, it was a great opportunity to connect local baristas.”

Tsunoda is passionate about latte art because of the joy a customer gets before the first sip, and said while art looks simple, it is very deep.

“This was my first win with a latte art competition. To be honest, I felt so relieved and incredibly happy,” he said. “I am so happy that I was able to win the competition that we all participated in with team % Arabica. This event made us so motivated and we had so much fun.” n

LATTE TALENT Over three rounds, baristas from throughout Whistler competed for the title of latte art champion.

MEADOW PARK SPORTS CENTRE

FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE

Whistler Film Festival showcased a record 118 movies in 2024

OVERALL ATTENDANCE UP 9% COMPARED TO 2023

BY DAVID SONG

TOPLESS PROTESTERS ASIDE, the 2024 Whistler Film Festival (WFF) unfolded as a splendid success.

Last December’s festival drew 11,337 attendees across all programming and platforms: a nine-per-cent increase over 2023 when the absence of online streaming is factored in. WFF did not offer online screenings, unlike the last four years.

A total of 5,615 guests checked out at least one movie, a four-per-cent increase, while 1,692 (down eight per cent) were present at ticketed WFF events headlined by Signature Series Talent Talks with Cobie Smulders and Tatiana Maslany, known for playing Agent Maria Hill and She-Hulk, respectively, in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Meanwhile, the WFF Content Summit attracted 3,235 people (a 46-per-cent bump up from two years ago) while featuring 786 accredited industry delegates from across North America at panels and training opportunities.

“The 2024 Whistler Film Festival exceeded expectations, proving once again that audiences and industry professionals

alike are eager to engage with bold, inspiring, and diverse storytelling,” says WFF executive director Angela Heck in a press release. “With record-breaking film selections, a growing and dynamic industry presence, and strong community support, WFF24 reinforced its role as a key destination for Canadian and international talent. We’re thrilled to see the festival’s continued impact and we can’t wait to build on this momentum for 2025.”

An unprecedented 118 films were shown across 10 programming strands. Oscar contenders like The Last Showgirl, September 5, Queer, Kneecap and Universal Language screened alongside 27 world premieres and 20 Canadian premieres—a 43-per-cent increase. Seventy-four of the aforementioned productions originated from Canada.

WFF also launched five features and 22 shorts, most notably Blue Rodeo: Lost Together. Director Dale Heslip attended the screening with band founders Greg Keelor and Jim Cuddy, producer Corey Russell, and the band’s longtime manager Susan de Cartier.

“It was such a joy to have our world premiere in Whistler, and to be awarded the Audience Choice Award? You folks certainly know how to make a guy feel special,” Heslip remarks. “I sat between Jim and Greg for the screening and it was the first time the three of us watched the film together. I can’t wait to have another film at WFF.”

DEMOGRAPHIC BREAKDOWN

British Columbians made up 72 per cent of

attendees, including 32 per cent from the Sea to Sky corridor. Ten per cent joined from Ontario, with seven per cent from elsewhere in Canada.

Eleven per cent of visitors travelled from the United States. Japan, Mexico and Australia were also represented, while Ireland as the Country of Focus sent a delegation including Ambassador to Canada John Concannon and Cathy Geagan, Consul General of Ireland to Western Canada.

Local visitation attributable to WFF shot up 20 per cent overall. Tourism Whistler survey data indicated that nearly all festivalgoers came away satisfied, noting the quality of films and the event’s value for money.

Fourteen movies were directed or co-directed by Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) individuals. Women and non-binary creators helmed 52 projects, and nine more fell into the 2SLGBTQIA+ category.

British Columbia delivered its fair share of content, with five features and 34 shorts authored by local creators or shot within the province.

The revered Borsos Award for Best Canadian Feature was awarded to director and co-writer J Stevens for Really Happy Someday, a film about a young transmasculine singer who is finding a “new” voice both on and off the stage.

French-language movie Phoenixes by Ariane Falardeau St-Amour was recognized for Best Cinematography in a Borsos film, affirming WFF’s reputation as a hotspot for Francophone projects outside Quebec.

“The 2024 Whistler Film Festival has been an extraordinary celebration of cinema, culture, and community,” says Heck. “This year, we continued to program a balanced representation of female/non-binary filmmakers, while also amplifying the powerful storytelling of global Indigenous voices in a way that resonates deeply with our audiences.”

Yet Heck notes WFF may still be looking at a financial deficit come year’s end due to higher expenses, inflation and reduced sponsorship money.

“As we look ahead to our 25th anniversary in 2025, we invite individuals, corporations and other entities to join us in ensuring that the Whistler Film Festival continues to thrive and evolve,” she says.

“Contributions, whether through yearend donations, securities, or sponsorships, are critical in supporting the future of this festival, which has become such an integral part of the global film landscape. Together, we can continue to inspire, innovate, and elevate the voices of tomorrow.”

Robin Smith, WFF director of programming, added relationship-building forms the festival’s core.

“This year the festival saw incredible connections made between filmmakers, industry professionals, and emerging talent thanks to the interwoven aspects of programming, and top-tier executives and creators who graciously participated in our Content Summit panels and presentations,” he tells the media.

Visit whistlerfilmfestival.com for more.  n

SMASH HIT Tatiana Maslany, known for She-Hulk and Orphan Black, attended the 2024 Whistler Film Festival.

PHOTO BY OISIN MCHUGH/WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL

ARTS SCENE

Comedian Julie Kim returns to Whistler Feb. 22

KIM IS KNOWN FOR PERFORMING ON

‘JUST

FOR LAUGHS’ AND WORKING WITH RONNY CHIENG AND SIMU LIU

BY DAVID SONG

HAVE YOU HEARD Julie Kim’s name before? Even if not, chances are you’ve heard of the folks she’s been associated with.

Kim recently toured across North America, doing 40 theatre shows alongside Ronny Chieng of Crazy Rich Asians fame. Two years ago, she was named to View the VIBE’s Power 60 List for Inspiring Asian-Canadians of Influence alongside Russell Peters, Andrew Phung and Lilly Singh.

“As a comedian, I feel like there’s really objective measures or milestones of progress because it’s such a long slog. I was actually surprised to be on the list, and very honoured to be among those high-profile people,” Kim says. “It means a lot. Quite honestly, I haven’t met most of them.”

Not that she needs to ride shotgun with a big name. As a solo performer, Kim has graced every major Canadian comedy event like Just for Laughs Vancouver, Winnipeg Comedy Festival, and Halifax Comedy Festival—with multiple televised gigs at each. She headlined a quartet of sold-out shows at Just for Laughs Toronto in 2023, the same year she joined the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Now, Kim is heading back to Whistler as part of the Doing Too Much Comedy Tour.

“I was in Whistler almost exactly two years ago at the [Maury Young Arts Centre], and it was sold out. It was a very fun time,” she recalls. “My husband is a snowboarder, my daughter is a skier, so we try to go up there a lot in the winter.

“I’ve changed a lot in the last couple years. I’m as strong as I’ve ever been as a comedian. I have such an appreciation for people who choose to spend a night to see me … because increasingly, my audience base includes people with kids. I know how much work it takes to plan around your family life, but I’m excited as ever to get out there, connect with people, tell my jokes, and have a fun time.”

ARTISTIC EMPATHY

Born and raised in Toronto, Kim now lives in Vancouver. She picked up comedy as a dare to herself, a bucket list item to attempt something difficult. Her other goal was to become a better speaker, for she noticed that individuals who spoke well tended to garner respect.

It’s a tool Kim wanted on her belt as a young, working woman… but then she got hooked. One stand-up comedy course led to a few open mic nights, which eventually transformed into a career.

“I had never thought [comedy] would become part of my main identity, and certainly not my main focus work-wise,” she admits. “It’s very satisfying. I love to laugh. I like to make people laugh, and I like being light in life because it can be quite dark.”

Rather than discuss hypotheticals or philosophical ideas on stage, Kim wishes

to make points based on her own lived experience—albeit with a healthy dose of satire and sarcasm. Common ground is important, and it can be found more easily than one might assume.

“One of my main takeaways from comedy is that I believe people are a lot more similar than we might think based on what we see in the news or what we hear on social media,” Kim remarks. “One of my favourite things is experiencing a bunch of people in a room laughing at the same thing when they look very different from each other. You can’t experience that and also be thinking, ‘Oh, there’s so much division.’

“I’ve also learned from my travels that there’s wonderful people everywhere you go. It helps me to grow as a person and stay open-minded and hopeful about humanity— if that’s not too cheesy.”

Kim isn’t just a humour merchant. She’s also a Canadian Screen Award-winning writer and producer who worked with Simu Liu (Marvel’s Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings) as Liu hosted the 2022 and 2023 Juno Awards. She has also contributed to successful TV programs like Kim’s Convenience, Run the Burbs and Still Standing

The Vancouverite feels this other half of her career has fostered artistic empathy within her. Stand-up can lean towards the realm of narcissism because it’s only one person on stage at a time, voicing their own content, but writing for others requires a broader, more nuanced approach.

Catch Kim and the Doing Too Much Tour on Feb. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Maury Young. Tickets and details are available at juliekimcomedy. com/event-details-registration/doing-toomuch-comedy-tour-whistler-bc. n

trade tastin g

Date:Saturday, March22nd,2025 Place:ChateauWhistler Time:3:00–5:00PM Inlieuofflowers pleasedonatetoAlzheimers.ca

Pleaseforwardmessagesor memoriesaboutRogerto rogermccarthy5714@gmail.com

TOO MUCH COMEDY Vancouver-based stand-up comedian Julie Kim.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KEA MAYRS/MRG LIVE

CALLFOR HEALTH CARE APPLICATIONS

NoticeofProposedZoning AmendmentBylaw-NoPublic HearingtobeHeld

ZoningAmendmentBylaw(Small-ScaleMulti-UnitHousing AccompanyingUpdates)No.2463,2024(the“proposedbylaw”)

Purpose: OnJune11,2024,theResort MunicipalityofWhistler(RMOW)amendedZoningand ParkingBylaw No.303,2015(Bylaw303) to accommodate small-scalemulti-unithousingonparcelsof residentiallandwith restrictive zoning,as required by the LocalGovernmentAct.Theproposed bylawmakesfurtheramendments toBylaw303,whichare related,but go beyondthe scopeofthesmall-scalemulti-unithousingchanges. Theproposed bylaw:

• addsanenforcementclause if owners fail to provide a statutorydeclaration required by Bylaw 303, •updatesemployeehousing covenant referencesinBylaw303 so thatallsuch referencesthatapply to additionalgross floorarea foranauxiliary residentialdwellingunit,orthesubdivisionofan auxiliary residentialdwellingunit,point to the same formofemployeehousing covenant,that was previouslyadded forsmall-scalemulti-unitdevelopments,and •allows anaccessory residentialdwellingunitin eachhalfofaduplex,intheRM70 zone.

SubjectLands:Theproposed bylawaffectsallparcelsin zoneswhich requirestatutorydeclarations to confirm compliancewitha zoning requirement,allparcelsintheRS1,RS2,RS3,RS-E2,RS-E5, RTA-C1andRI1 zones which require,orotherwise refer to,standardchargeterms foremployeehousingagreements,andone-half duplex zonedparcelsintheRM70 zone.

BylawReadings: Considerationofthefirst, second,andthird readingsoftheproposed bylawwillbe at the Regular CouncilMeetingon February25,2025.

Tolearnmore:A copy oftheproposed bylawandbackgrounddocumentationare available for reviewfrom February14 to February25,2025 at:

• MunicipalHall at 4325Blackcomb Way, Whistler,BC, during regularofficehoursof9:00a.m. to 4:00p.m.,Monday to Friday(statutoryholidays excluded)

• Online ontheResortMunicipalityofWhistler website at: whistler.ca/publicnotices

PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE

Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond. FIND MORE LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS (and submit your own for free!) at piquenewsmagazine.com/local-events

PEAK TO VALLEY RACE

PEAK TO VALLEY RACE

The Peak to Valley Race, presented by See Ya Later Ranch, celebrates its 39th year on Whistler Mountain. This unique race is not only long-standing, it’s also the longest GS race of its kind on the planet, challenging teams of four to race down Whistler Mountain.

> Feb. 21 to 22

> Whistler Mountain

> $699

SEPPO’S LIVE MUSIC

Every Saturday throughout the season, enjoy Corona Live Music Sessions at Seppo’s Bar with exclusive Corona specials!

> Feb. 22, 1 to 3 p.m.

> Roundhouse Lodge

COAST OUTDOORS PAYAK XC SKI LOPPET

Now in its 15th year, the Coast Outdoors P’ayakentsut, or “Payak” for short, is truly an event for all ages and all levels of cross country skiers. Traversing Olympic legacy trails as well as old-growth forests, the loppet offers participants a chance to train, to meet new friends, to enjoy the rugged wild beauty of the Callaghan Valley, and to enjoy what is truly a sport for life—cross-country skiing.

> Feb. 22

> Whistler Olympic Park

> Registration required

APRÈS KARAOKE

Après Karaoke hosted by Monty Biggins happens every Friday in The Living Room!

> Feb. 14, 6 to 9 p.m.

> Pangea Pod Hotel Living Room

FIRE AND ICE SHOW

Where else but Whistler would performers entertain you with an electric mix of music, dance and spinning fire? Watch world-class athletes flip and twist through a burning ring of fire, then finish the night off with a first-class fireworks display.

> Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m.

> Skiers Plaza

THE PEOPLE’S FILM PRESENTS: OPPENHEIMER

In the multi-award-winning drama, Oppenheimer, Cillian Murphy leads an all-star cast with a careerdefining performance as J. Robert Oppenheimer. This gripping thriller explores the life of the “father of the atomic bomb” and the moral dilemmas surrounding one of the most consequential scientific achievements in history. This must-watch epic is meant for the big screen. Enjoy a signature champagne cocktail to toast its Oscar-winning success.

> Feb. 26, 7 p.m.

> Maury Young Arts Centre

> Tickets start at $11

LONGEVITY & AGING WITH DR. SCOTT

Join Dr. Scott Resnick, MD, for a transformative threepart series on health, hormones, longevity, and aging. Each session will explore cutting-edge insights and practical solutions designed to help you thrive at any stage of life. Learn how to heal without drugs using science and systems. The program is designed to be interactive, so come with your questions!

> Feb. 27, 6 p.m.

> Whistler Public Library

> Registration required

The greatest job in the world

BY ALLYN PRINGLE

WHEN LEANNE DUFOUR came to Whistler Mountain for the 1971-72 season to teach skiing for a year, Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. was still a relatively small operation. Jim McConkey’s ski school had only seven full-time instructors and the lift company had only a few departments who divided up all of the responsibilities of running a ski hill.

Heading into the 1974-75 winter season, Leanne (who didn’t leave after that first season after all) was approached by Jack Bright, the mountain manager in charge of ticket sales, administration, image, publicity and much more, about establishing a new position, that of Mountain Hostess. Though Leanne was given some direction from Jack, she was also allowed a lot of freedom to start the program. She put together a small team; first hiring Judy Johnson and soon after Connie Cathers and Gail Morrison. Over the years, more Mountain Hostesses would be hired as the team grew.

According to Leanne, Whistler Mountain’s Mountain Hostesses “specialized in fun.” They led twice-daily free ski tours around the mountain, organized special events, worked on ski races like the McConkey’s Cup and World Cups, and in many ways served as Whistler Mountain’s public relations and guest services. For the Christmas holidays, they would dress up as elves and ski around with Santa; over Easter, one of the Mountain Hostesses would double as the Easter Bunny and they would hand out candy, which often led to them being followed around the mountain by crowds of children. On Sunday evenings the Mountain Hostesses would go to the different lodges in the ski area (there were still only a handful) and do a presentation about Whistler Mountain. They often showed the film The Snows of Garibaldi and even knocked on room doors to let everyone know there would be a film screening.

Early on Leanne had made herself a nametag that read “Mountain Hostess Ask Me” by writing on a piece of paper with felt pen, putting it in a plastic case, and pinning it to her lift company uniform. Unfortunately, she then spent the day outside in the pouring rain and her nametag soon became illegible. In an effort to make themselves identifiable and differentiate themselves from other employees seen on the mountain,

the Mountain Hostesses needed their own uniforms.

Judy decided to approach Franz Wilhelmsen, the lift company president, to get one-piece Bogner suits as uniforms for the Mountain Hostesses. She and Leanne travelled down to Vancouver to put on a fashion show in his office and, as Leanne recalled, his response was, “Sure, I’ll buy those.” Though the suits were expensive, Mountain Hostesses became easily recognized in their navy blue one-pieces with “Whistler Hostess” on the front and back and even written in Japanese on the arm.

As part of her work, Leanne also put together packages to bring ski groups to Whistler Mountain. Working with Penny Wright, who was the manager of the Highland Lodge and then other lodges in the ski area, they would combine airlines, hotels, and ski lessons or lift tickets (depending on the skill of the group) into one package and then approach tour operators such as CP Air. These tours were so successful CP Air even took Leanne and Jim McConkey to Japan to promote Whistler Mountain, travelling to different cities and ski areas where they would put on presentations about the skiing, the accommodations, and more.

Leanne ran the Mountain Hostess program for five years. Before she left she hired Heather Lynskey, who would take over the program from Leanne before handing it over to Karen Krivel. Over the years, as the lift company grew rapidly, some of the duties of the Mountain Hostesses were divided into separate departments, including guest services, events, races and more, while other duties such as the free daily tours were incorporated into volunteer positions, first known as Ski Friends and operating today as Mountain Hosts.

Though Leanne left the Mountain Hostess program, she didn’t quite leave Whistler Mountain, especially as her husband Bob Dufour still worked for the lift company. (Bob worked for Whistler Mountain and then Whistler Blackcomb for a combined 48 years before he retired.) She went back to teach private lessons once her kids were in school full-time and was part of the creation of a ski program at the local schools. Looking back at her years as a Mountain Hostess and their aim to “specialize in fun,” Leanne recalled, “We were very good at having fun because we had the greatest job in the world… being paid every day to go skiing with people.” n

FUN PATROL Leanne Dufour, Kim Armstrong, Heather Lynskey, and Gail Morrison, the Mountain Hostess team.

PHOTO COURTESY OF LEANNE DUFOUR

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology

WEEK OF FEBRUARY 21 BY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The Hindu holiday of Maha Shivaratri is dedicated to overcoming ignorance and darkness in celebrants’ own lives and in the world. This year it falls on Feb. 26. Even if you’re not Hindu, I recommend you observe your own personal version of it. To do so would be in accordance with astrological omens. They suggest that the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to be introspective, study your life and history, and initiate changes that will dispel any emotional or spiritual blindness you might be suffering from. PS: Remember that not all darkness is bad! But some is unhealthy and demoralizing, and that’s the kind you should banish and transmute.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): The blue whale is the most massive animal that has ever lived. You could swim through its arteries. Its heart is five feet high and weighs 400 pounds. And yet, when diving, its pulse slows to four to eight times per minute. I propose we choose the blue whale to be your spirit creature in the coming weeks. May this magnificent beast inspire you to cultivate slow, potent rhythms that serve you better than hyperactivity. Let’s assume you will accomplish all you need by maintaining a steady, measured pace—by focusing on projects that require depth and diligence rather than speed. Your natural persistence will enable you to tackle tasks that might overwhelm those who lack your patience.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): More than 10,000 years ago, someone walked for a mile through what’s now White Sands National Park in New Mexico. We know they did because they left footprints that were fossilized. Scientists believe it was probably a woman who mostly carried a child and sometimes let the child walk under its own power. Like those ancient footprints, your actions in the coming weeks may carry lasting significance—more than may be immediately apparent. I encourage you to proceed as if you are making a more substantial impact and having a bigger influence than you imagine.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): What’s the oldest known recipe? What ancient food product did our ancestors write down instructions about how to make? It was beer! The 4,000-year-old Sumerian text included a hymn to Ninkasi, the goddess of beer. It tells how to use the right ingredients and employ careful fermentation to concoct a beverage that lowers inhibitions and brings people together in convivial celebration. In that spirit, Cancerian, I encourage you to meditate on the elements you can call on to create merrymaking and connection. Now is a good time to approach this holy task with extra focus and purposefulness.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): In November 1963, the captain of a sardine boat sailing near Iceland noticed a column of dark smoke rising out of the water. Was it another boat on fire? No, it was the beginning of a volcanic eruption. A few days later, steady explosions had created a new island, Surtsey, which still exists today. I suspect you will have a metaphorically comparable power in the coming weeks, Leo: an ability to generate a new creation out of fervent energies rising out of the hot depths. Be alert! And be ready to harness and make constructive use of the primal force.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Harald “Bluetooth” Gormsson was a 10th-century Danish king. He united the tribes of Denmark into a single kingdom. His nickname originated in the fact that he had a prominent dead tooth that turned bluish-gray. More than 10 centuries later, engineers who created a new short-range wireless technology decided to call their invention “bluetooth.” Why? Because they imagined it would serve a variety of electronic devices, just as the king once blended the many tribes. In the spirit of these bluetooth phenomena, I’m urging you Virgos to be a uniter in the coming weeks and months. You will have an enhanced capacity to bridge different worlds and link disparate groups. PS: An aspect that could be construed

ROB BREZSNY

as an imperfection, like Harald’s tooth, could conceal or signify a strength.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran author Ursula K. Le Guin wrote, “Freedom is a heavy load, a great and strange burden for the spirit to undertake.” I know from experience there’s truth in that idea. But I’m happy to tell you that in 2025, freedom will be less heavy and less burdensome than maybe ever before in your life. In fact, I suspect liberation will be relatively smooth and straightforward for you. It won’t be rife with complications and demands, but will be mostly fun and pleasurable. Having said that, I do foresee a brief phase when working on freedom will be a bit more arduous: the next few weeks. The good news is that your emancipatory efforts will set the stage for more ease during the rest of 2025.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Always and forever, the world is a delicate balance of seemingly opposing forces that are in fact interwoven and complementary: light and shadow, determination and surrender, ascent and descent, fullness and emptiness, progress and integration, yes and no. The apparent polarities need and feed each other. In the coming weeks, I invite you to meditate on these themes. Are there areas of your life where you have been overly focused on one side of the scale while neglecting the other? If so, consider the possibility of recalibrating. Whether you are balancing emotion with logic, rest with work, or connection with independence, take time to adjust. If you honour both halves of each whole, you will generate fertile harmonies.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The ancient stands of cedar trees on Japan’s Yakushima Island have a special power. They create weather patterns for themselves, generating rain clouds from the water vapour they release through their leaves. This ingenious stroke of self-nurturing provides them with the exact rainfall they require. I propose that we make these cedar trees your power symbol in the coming weeks. It’s an excellent time for you to dream up and implement more of the conditions you need to flourish.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Tardigrades are tiny, eight-legged animals colloquially known as water bears or moss piglets. Their resilience is legendary. They can thrive anywhere, from mountaintops to the deep sea, from Antarctica to tropical rainforests. They can withstand extreme temperatures, live a long time without water, and even survive in outer space. I propose we make the tardigrade your power creature for the coming weeks, dear Capricorn. Your flexibility and fluidity will be at a peak. You will be hardy, supple, and durable. It will be a favourable time to leave your comfort zone and test your mettle in new environments. Seemingly improbable challenges may be well within your range of adaptability.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In the coming days, playing games could be good practice for life. Breezy exchanges and fun activities could stimulate clues and insights that will be useful in making important decisions. What appears to be ordinary entertainment or social engagement may provide you with profound lessons about strategy and timing. How you manage cooperation and competition in those lighter moments could yield useful guidance about more serious matters.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Have you been struggling to summon the motivation to start anew in some area of your life? I predict that sometime in the coming weeks, you will find all the motivation you need. Have you been wishing you could shed the weight of the past and glide into a fresh project with unburdened mind and heart? I believe destiny will soon conspire to assist you in this noble hope. Are you finally ready to exorcise a pesky ghost and dash jubilantly toward the horizon, eager to embrace your future? I think you are.

Homework: If you like my writing here, you might like my newsletter: https://Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com.

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

In-depth weekly forecasts designed to inspire and uplift you. To buy access, phone 1-888-499-4425. Once you’ve chosen the Block of Time you like, call 1-888-682-8777 to hear Rob’s forecasts. www.freewillastrology.com

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Position Overview: SSHS is seeking a self-motivated, autonomous Home and Community Care Nurse to provide care to adult community members (19+) of three (3) remote First Nations communities by being responsible for full scope nursing care to home care clients and members with chronic diseases, constantly promoting health and wellness education, and aligning care out of community.

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Duty Mechanic at our Head Office Location in Squamish, BC. This is a skilled position which primarily involves preventative maintenance and repair of a large fleet of commercial transport vehicles including concrete mixer trucks, dump trucks, trailers, forklifts and light-duty trucks.

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Monarchy is weird (pls god save us from any more kings)

MY BOOK CLUB read the biography of Queen Noor of Jordan (meh) and it got me thinking about royalty and how deeply weird it is.

Queen Noor is an American woman who married King Hussein of Jordan and who unironically name-drops her dear friends, kings and queens and princesses from other nations, who, even overthrown and in exile, still have mansions and jewels and host lovely tea parties.

There are at present tracking, (according to Wikipedia), 43 sovereign states with a monarch as a head of state—with King

BY LISA RICHARDSON

Charles as king to 15 of those states, which is a surprising number of royals for 2025. The idea that some people’s bloodline is so special that these “royal” people are entitled to enjoy chateaux and staff and immunity from prosecution for all manner of dodgy or illegal behaviour is so dubious. Not to mention the presumption that might qualify them to be the head of a state.

The crux of the weirdness, for me, is in the honorific title of “Your Highness” or “Your Majesty.”

Your highness is a curious way to address a five-foot-something inbred human of dubious intelligence or mental stability. No one else in the world is known as “your lowness,” “your grooviness,” “your beardedness” or “your wittiness”—it’s clearly a linguistic relic from

the early ages of the pre-dictionary.

There is an entity that invokes the phrase “your majesty” in my mind… and it is a 200-foot-tall cottonwood tree. This tree is behind my house, and I like to visit her. When I imagine greeting this tree, it doesn’t feel right to say “hello mate,” or “hello lovely,” or any of the ways I might greet a friend… What comes to my tongue is consistently the word majesty: “Hello, your majesty.” I can’t shake free of this word. It arises, it fits.

Majesty. It seems so apt when I admire the huge trunk, rippled bark like ancient elephant skin, cloaked in moss like a green velvet gown, the ground nest of bees that float up from near one partly exposed root. I’ve made muscle balm from the resin from her dropped buds. When I crane my head back to look up at her crown, “wow, your highness” is just a statement of fact. It makes me laugh to wonder who was the short little long-ago man who had the audacity to squeak-lisp, “No! you must call ME your highness! I am the highness from now on and forever.” (But you’re so clearly a tosser and a pretender in a big chair. Why ever would we?

A) Well because I will beat and starve you and cut off your payments and steal your personal information if you don’t.)

History repeats itself. Now, just across the border, and eating up all the air in all the rooms, there is a handful of new candidates for the crowns of Your Tosserness, Your Fakeness and Your Unworthiness, proclaiming themselves to be so exalted and exceptional as to warrant bequeathing their questionable gene pool on far too many spawn, and remaking a new technofeudal system with themselves at the helm.

As shared by investigative journalist Dave Troy, this is actually a neo-monarchy bid that is underway. “Musk’s rapid takeover of federal infrastructure mirrors the broader ambitions of the neoreactionary (NRx) movement—a small group of Silicon Valley elites who reject democracy and seek to install a “CEO Monarch” to rule by technological

and financial dominance. This network includes Peter Thiel, Marc Andreessen, Balaji Srinivasan, David Sacks, and Curtis Yarvin, among others. Once considered fringe, purveyors of this ideology have now been embedded into the core of government operations.”

There’s always someone who wants the big chair and to be able to utter “off with their heads” with impunity, am I right? The divine right of kings was a doctrine that asserts that kings took their authority from God and therefore could not be held accountable by anyone on Earth. It’s a ludicrous idea that entrenched the power and authority of an endless succession of nut-bars and incompetents until a series of revolutions put that to rest. And it is the very opposite of “human rights.” There are no human rights, no individual rights, when someone’s authority is unquestionable, absolute and subject to no checks and balances. But here we are watching slack-jawed as a coup unfolds and players unravel all the checks and balances, unmaking laws that went through due process, with the stroke of a (probably fake) pen. And some people still feel a kind of worship towards them.

The philosopher Pascal once alluded to the idea that humans have a God-shaped hole inside us. We will fill it with anything and everything. I think actually we have a nature-connection hole inside us. A “majesty”-shaped hole. Consider it. Notice it. Interrogate it. I’d argue it’s a yearning for majesty and sovereignty-proximity, which manifests as celebrity adulation, or a love affair with royals, or strong-man leaders, or a weird addiction to political dynasties, or a sense that maybe a strong hand at the wheel will steer the ship right. It won’t. Power unchecked becomes monstrous and always has. It is a seductive illusion, when compared to the mess and brawl of democracy, but it’s an illusion.

When we let them amass all the power, concentrate it, and grow it, they’re going to use it. And all their pathologies will run rampant. On the rest of us, regular-blooded beings. Let us resist the urge to fill a natural longing for majesty with the powerful and those who laugh in the face of common courtesy or rules, as if blessed by some divine right. As historians of authoritarianism and brave journalists are telling us—your joy matters, community matters, refusing to obey in advance matters, vigilance matters. God save us from kings and king wannabes. Go find true majesty and ordinary courage and proclaim it.

A decade ago, the novelist Ursula le Guin said, “We live in capitalism. Its power seems inescapable. But so did the divine right of kings. Any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings. And often the impetus to resistance and change begins in art.” The 2025 edit is that we live under a surreal power grab that is quite possibly a Russian Active Measures operation to destabilize the world’s largest democracy, and it too feels like an inescapable disaster. (Follow Carole Cadwalladr, Robert Reich, Timothy Snyder, and Rebecca Solnit for deep and informed responses, or binge-watch Homeland which literally has made me an armchair expert in troll farms and insurrection, but which was directly inspired by insights shared by CIA and geopolitical experts.)

To Le Guin’s reminder that any human power can be resisted and changed by human beings through our art, I’d add, and by connection. Connection with each other, and with the living wild world. Feed that. And let’s call bullshit for what it is.

Lisa Richardson is a longtime contributor to Pique whose writing, journalling workshops, yoga classes and other random contributions are fuelled by her deep gratitude for place and desire to contribute to greater community resilience. n

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