Pique Newsmagazine 2740

OCTOBER 1, 2020 ISSUE 27.40

WWW.PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM

FREE

TO MAKE A STAND

Fight for the forests Exploring the ideology driving Whistler’s wildfire mitigation

14

COVID CONCERNS

Parents seek more

COVID-19 transparency for students

15

THEY’RE OFF

The provincial election is

underway with candidates declaring

46

READ INTO IT

Squamish author mixes

adventure with travels in Nepal

House Hunting can still be safe with these added measures...

LET’S CONTINUE TO DO OUR PART!

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

40

46

32 Fight for the forests Exploring the ideology driving Whistler’s wildfire mitigation. - By Braden Dupuis

14

COVID CONCERNS

As schools in the Sea

25

NEED FOR SPEED

A new project is set to bring

to Sky school district see their first COVID-19 exposures, parents worry

high-speed internet from Whistler to Cache Creek. It’s already speeding

they’re not getting all the information they need.

up connections in Pemberton and now Mount Currie is next.

15

40

AND THEY’RE OFF

Pique checks in with some

JOYOUS JESSE

Whistler Enduro World Series

political watchers to get an idea of what to look for as the campaign heats

rider Jesse Melamed was the class of the circuit this (abbreviated) year,

up in the lead up to the Oct. 24 election.

winning two of three races.

19

ONE LAST VISIT

The Santiago family is

46

READ INTO IT

Squamish author Michael Schauch

desperately trying to bring a family member from the Philippines to visit

makes his debut with new book that’s one part adventure story, one part

her terminally ill sister here.

travel tale.

COVER How come Smokey Bear and friendly reminders aren’t a thing anymore? You really couldn’t miss those big road signs along the Highway. - By Jon Parris 4 OCTOBER 1, 2020

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS Living with weeks of wildfire smoke should be a wake-up call for all of us

#103 -1390 ALPHA LAKE RD., FUNCTION JUNCTION, WHISTLER, B.C. V8E 0H9.

PH: (604) 938-0202 FAX: (604) 938-0201 www.piquenewsmagazine.com

and encourage support for the wildfire mitigation work being done in and around the resort.

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter writers this week offer a history lesson on Canadian

Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com

Thanksgiving and we hear from Dr. Bonnie Henry about schools and COVID-19.

Editor CLARE OGILVIE - edit@piquenewsmagazine.com

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Writer Andrew Mitchell observes that Whistler has somehow

Assistant Editor ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com Sales Manager SUSAN HUTCHINSON - shutchinson@wplpmedia.com

managed to be equally laidback and uptight at the same time, proudly liberal and yet oh-so-conservative.

Production Manager KARL PARTINGTON - kpartington@wplpmedia.com

62 MAXED OUT Max holds court on his favourite time of year (well, one of them), autumn, giving thanks

Art Director JON PARRIS - jparris@wplpmedia.com Advertising Representatives

for shorter days, which allow for some R&R after a busy summer.

AMY ALLEN - aallen@wplpmedia.com TESSA SWEENEY - tsweeney@wplpmedia.com

Environment & Adventure

Digital/Sales Coordinator AMELA DIZDARIC - traffic@wplpmedia.com Production production@piquenewsmagazine.com LOU O’BRIEN - lstevens@wplpmedia.com Arts & Entertainment Editor ALYSSA NOEL arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

27 SCIENCE MATTERS David Suzuki argues that blame culture is rampant in wildlife

Sports Editor DAN FALLOON - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com

“management” as governments blame predators, not humans, for declining wildlife populations.

Features Editor BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com Reporters

Lifestyle & Arts

BRADEN DUPUIS - bdupuis@piquenewsmagazine.com BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com MEGAN LALONDE - mlalonde@wplpmedia.com

44 EPICURIOUS Despite having to make some adjustments, the Whistler entrepreneurs behind Spcy

Classifieds and Reception mail@piquenewsmagazine.com

Grls hot sauces haven’t let the pandemic slow them down.

Office and Accounts Manager HEIDI RODE - hrode@wplpmedia.com I.T. and Webmaster KARL PARTINGTON Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, MICHAEL ALLEN, FEET BANKS, LESLIE ANTHONY, ALLEN BEST, ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY, LISA RICHARDSON President, Whistler Publishing LP

48 MUSEUM MUSINGS When Andy Munster first came to Whistler in the ‘70s, he decided the best place to call home was one he built himself with a few friends as a squat.

SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of Whistler Publishing Limited Partnership, a division of Glacier Media) distributed to over 130 locations in Whistler and to over 200 locations from Vancouver to D’arcy.

The entire contents of Pique Newsmagazine are copyright 2019 by Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of WPLP, a division of Glacier Media). No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express written permission of the Publisher.

In no event shall unsolicited material subject this publication to any claim or fees. Copyright in letters and other (unsolicited) materials submitted and accepted for publication remains with the author but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms.

Letters to the Editor must contain the author’s name, address and daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 250 words. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine.

Pique Newsmagazine is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact (edit@ piquenewsmagazine.com). If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil. ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information.

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OPENING REMARKS

A burning lesson THE

OPPRESSIVE SMOKE that blanketed the Whistler Valley just a few short weeks ago brought into sharp focus the horror of wildfire even as it obscured the natural beauty around us.

Perhaps this is the lesson we all need to face: This summer it was only smoke that hid the forests and the trees; next summer it might be wildfire that takes them from us for years to come.

While we all suffered from the smoke, it is nothing compared to what California, Oregon and Washington state continue to endure. So far, the wildfires have destroyed

BY CLARE OGILVIE edit@piquenewsmagazine.com

more than 7,000 structures, and scorched more than 2 million hectares in those three states. Since the beginning of the year, more than 8,100 wildfires have burned.

And then there is the loss of life—more than 25 have died in these fires.

There is no doubt that climate change is making the wildfires we have close to home, and far away, worse. Higher temperatures and drier conditions mean that it is easier

closure that we normally would have in the early fall,” Cal Fire spokesperson Cheryl Buliavac told the New York Times this week.

“It has been a year-round fire season.”

In recent years, we have also seen Australia battle the largest wildfire in its history while parts of the Arctic, the Amazon and Central Asia have suffered massive blazes as well. (To see a rather frightening interactive map of fires around the globe, go to globalforestwatch.org. About 55 per cent of wildfires in Canada are started by lightning strikes.)

This is all context as we, here in Whistler, try to come to terms with our wildfire threat risk and how we should deal with it.

I admit to being horrified when I saw the wildfire mitigation work around some parts of Lost Lake and in the Cheakamus area along the Riverside Trail. But as I lived in wildfire smoke for a few weeks, I began to experience a new perspective on the work.

Like everywhere else in the world, our wildfire reality is changing.

“In some regions, especially in Canada, we also consider when we lose winter snow cover,” Dr. Megan Kirchmeier-Young, a researcher with Environment and Climate Change Canada, told CarbonBrief recently.

“With warming temperatures, that’s going to be happening earlier in the year and

“One day there will be a fire here that’s significant, and we’re going to have to react to it.”

- BRUCE BLACKWELL

for ground cover to burn—and it burns hot and fast making it much harder for those on the ground to put it out.

We are also seeing wildfire seasons get longer and longer around the world— something those with Cal Fire are all too familiar with.

“The last several years with the drought and lack of rainfall, we have had a very dry vegetation which is extremely receptive to burning, so we have not been having that

it will also be later in the year before we see cooler temperatures and the return of snow cover. So a longer fire season means more time of the year where you could have fires.”

Research led by Kirchmeier-Young found that Canada’s 2017 fire season, which saw a record 1.2 million hectares of land burned, was driven by “extreme warm and dry conditions” heightened by climate change. The study estimated that the total area burned across the season was made

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seven to 11 times larger by climate change.

In California, research published in 2020 found that the number of autumn days with weather suitable for wildfires has doubled since the 1980s as a result of climate change.

This week’s cover story delves into the process going on behind the scenes of Whistler’s fire mitigation work—since 2007, the Resort Municipality of Whistler has treated 205.4 hectares, spending $4.5 million ($2.25 million of which came from provincial grants).

The work is being guided by forester and biologist Bruce Blackwell, who told us this week: “I’ve been exposed to a lot of different situations—lots of different people, with lots of different opinions …

What we’ve heard and seen in Whistler goes on in every community.

“My job is to basically lay out the facts of what I think are the right things to do, and let people come to common ground on how they’re going to approach it.

“But the bottom line is, if you’ve ever been near a fire that starts to go—and I’ve had a few of them—it’s a very scary, scary time, and you can only imagine it getting big and impacting so many different people’s lives.

“One day there will be a fire here that’s significant, and we’re going to have to react to it.”

Blackwell’s Protection Strategy report found that there is about 4,000 hectares of high-hazard crown land within the municipal boundary, and another 1,149 hectares within 500 metres of the structures in the core built-up area there of the resort.

And, of course, there are all the mature trees and growth in our lovely neighourhoods—greenery that is cherished by homeowners despite its obvious hazard in a wildfire situation (myself included…sigh).

But we need to consider the stats in Blackwell’s report: the RMOW is more than 24,000 hectares in size and more than 65 per cent of that is forested. There are more than 9,200 homes.

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Vancouver | Grant Harder

With mild temperatures and the soft golden rays of afternoon sun, fall offers plenty of opportunity to explore. From coastal escapes to mountain adventures, there’s no shortage of incredible BC getaways fit for this time of year. Here are five trip ideas to get you on the road.

Remember to plan ahead and travel responsibly.

Discover the Unexpected in The Fraser Valley The scenic Fraser Valley features its own set of charms. Hope delivers on hundreds of kilometres of designated trails, including the hike to Hope Lookout for valley views, and a self-guided Rambo Walking Tour of the old blockbuster’s film setting. Nature photography enthusiasts appreciate the Fraser Canyon for its labyrinth of historic bridges, narrow rock gorges, and dazzling lakes. The Mighty Fraser Circle Route provides unique highlights too, including Manning Park Resort’s dark sky astronomy, and the fabled golden larch of fall.

Whistler | BC Ale Trail Thompson Okanagan | Kari Medig

Live the Country Life A rustic retreat offers a chance to get back to the basics. To experience an original pioneer homestead, head to one of BC’s many guest ranches like Graham Dunden Guest Ranch, located east of 70 Mile House, where you can saddle up to explore the Cariboo’s secluded pastures and the gem-coloured waters of Green Lake. For a more modern take, family-run ranch Myra Canyon Ranch features contemporary furnishings, mountain- and e-bike rentals, and picturesque horse rides overlooking Okanagan Lake.

Retreat to Mountain Hot Springs BC’s hot springs resorts make for a particularly stunning stay in fall. Bask in mineral-rich thermal pools as snow starts blanketing the mountains at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, and bighorn sheep come out to graze at Radium Hot Springs.

On Arrow Lake, at Halcyon Hot Springs, guests can enjoy exclusive access to three outdoor wellness pools before turning in for the evening at a luxury chalet.

Find Serenity on the Sea-to-Sky Relax and renew in Vancouver, Squamish or Whistler. A stay at downtown Vancouver’s Fairmont Pacific Rim starts slowly with breakfast in bed and personalized care at Willow Stream Spa. Go underground at the Britannia Mine Museum, south of Squamish (advance booking recommended). Or, head to Whistler to take in the region’s celebrated works of art at the Audain Art Museum, followed by a visit to the Scandinave Spa Whistler’s quiet sanctuary of hydrotherapy baths.

Seek Seaside Tranquility Time spent near the ocean can be rejuvenating, be it a city stay exploring Victoria, or a visit to one of the many coastal towns along BC’s rugged shoreline.

Parksville offers nearly 20 kilometres of soft, sandy beaches. Salty ocean air and goats grazing the rooftop of the Old Country Market in nearby Coombs are some of this town’s perks. Order ahead, then drive a half-hour north for the famed oysters from Fanny Bay Oysters Seafood Shop. For a tranquil retreat, wind down at the Tigh-Na-Mara Seaside Spa Resort.

ExplOr_e BC L_i_k_e nEveR beforE Explore fall like never before, from modern cities to cozy retreats: Vancouver & Sea-to-Sky: Discover vibrant cities from sea to sky, and be inspired by local arts, culture, and flavour.

Vineyards, valleys & lakes: Discover culinary adventures and golden vineyards—from Fraser Valley to the Okanagan and beyond.

Mountain peaks & towns: Glimpse golden larches as you explore the colourful mountain towns of southeast BC. Ranches, rivers & ranges: Experience wide-open spaces beyond the beaten path, from Kamloops to the Cariboo and Chilcotin.

Northern wild: From hiking and biking to fall fishing, explore picturesque northern towns and discover a new side of BC. West coast culture: Follow the Pacific coastline to charming communities and coastal adventures.

Make the most of fall with a BC getaway. Start planning now at ExploreBC.com.

Super, Natural British Columbia and all associated logos/trademarks are trademarks or Official Marks of Destination BC Corp.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanksgiving’s long history Oh, Max, I usually hang on every delightful word you write—and even agree with you!

But after reading last week’s column “Gobble, gobble...but surely not votes?” I am afraid I fell off the wagon.

I mean let’s face your “fake facts,” OK? Thanksgiving is not earlier in Canada because we are farther north, not at all! For most of our history, it’s been in November, occasionally in late October and once even on April 5 in 1872 to celebrate the Prince of Wales not dying.

From the Anglo perspective, Canada’s first Thanksgiving occurred in 1578 during Martin Frobisher’s third expedition looking for the fabled north-west passage—and he was actually, truly, a real pirate! I figure that both the earlier historical date and the pirate “cool” factor totally demolishes any “first thanksgiving” claims made by American pilgrims in 1621.

But hey, this being Canada, there is an equally good chance that the Spanish celebrated Canada’s first Thanksgiving on the B.C. coast about 30 years before Frobisher.

Canadian history can be like that...

In 1921, Thanksgiving Day was observed on Nov. 11 alongside Armistice (now Remembrance) Day, but then in 1957, it was finally decided it should be held on the second Monday of every October. I hope this has cleared things up.

Now, as far as you dissing our present premier goes...

Peter Vogler // Vancouver

Reaching out to reassure parents Being a parent in a pandemic comes with a lot of challenges and public health officials are here to help.

Public health has a long history of working collaboratively to promote and protect the health of our school communities. Like every year, we will support our teachers and education staff to make

health directions for self-isolation.

Whether in schools or in other settings, VCH Public Health notifies all contacts of cases exposed to COVID-19 in the most direct manner possible. This is the most effective contact tracing practice—it allows Public Health to provide clear direction to those contacts while respecting patient confidentiality, which is important for the effective management of the pandemic.

When there has been exposure of classrooms or cohorts of students and staff in a school setting, we work with the school administrator to quickly send an email and letter to notify the staff and students (or their parents) identified as contacts. VCH Public Health will follow-up directly with all contacts who receive a notification in order to provide further public health advice. All notifications to school administrators—including school exposure and outbreaks—are posted to the VCH school exposure webpage at vch.ca/covid19/school-exposures.

Schools are part of our communities—and a safe community means a safe school. That is why we in public health will continue to promptly and appropriately respond to cases, clusters and outbreaks of COVID-19 to ensure our communities, and the schools in them, remain at low risk for COVID-19 transmission.

COVID-19 will be around for months to come—and public health officials will be here with us through it all.

Dr. Patricia Daly, VCH Chief Medical Health Officer and Dr. Bonnie Henry // Provincial Health Officer

this return to school successful.

The robust school safety plans currently in place across the province are designed to minimize the transmission of COVID-19 in school settings.

Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) Public Health teams actively monitor and trace cases of COVID-19 in schools on a 24/7 basis. Our immediate priority for every known case is to identify people who have been their close contacts during the infectious period, to notify these contacts and then to ensure that all contacts are following the appropriate public

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Honour the Sisters in Spirit Vigil The beautiful resort of Whistler is on shared traditional territory of Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation.

Oct. 4 is the day we honour the Indigenous women, girls, and two-spirited people who have gone missing or have been murdered in Canada. To date, there have been more than a thousand. Injustice for Indigenous peoples in Canada still exists today.

Since 2014, I have organized the Whistler’s Sisters in Spirit vigil honouring the women who have passed over several decades. I represent the Native Women’s Association of Canada and Howe Sound Women’s Centre. The vigil provides support for grieving families and creates opportunities for healing. The community comes together and the connection to culture and humanity is apparent and extremely special for all attendees.

As a longtime local, most of you know I am on my own healing journey and now in this world of uncertainty due to COVID-19, there will be no Sisters in Spirit Vigil on Oct. 4.

However, on Oct. 4, I encourage you to remember those lost.

Prior to the vigil, I typically install red dresses around Whistler, which signifies an Indigenous life lost. I am grateful for all the

businesses that have supported this in the past. Thank you. It means a lot to myself and the families.

If by chance you see a red dress hanging this year in Whistler, take the time to reflect on the significance and understand together we can all forge a new path to positive change.

There is strength in unity and by uniting for a common cause we draw attention to this Canadian human rights emergency.

I welcome you to, please: Light a candle in your home window this evening, change your social media avatar to a commemorative graphic, support the Amnesty International letter campaign calling for a National Action Plan on MMIWG2S, and walk around the village, find a red dress hanging and take a picture and post on social media using the hashtags #SISVigils and #MMIWG. Tag on Twitter at @ NWAC_CA and Facebook at Native Women’s Association of Canada.

Please join the Whistler’s Sisters in Spirit Facebook page.

Oct. 4 is a day where we honour Indigenous women, girls and two-spirited people as well as support their families. We need to give voice to their experiences. Your support is important. Together we are part of a movement for social change!

Linda Epp, Sechelt Nation // Whistler ■

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PIQUE

PIQUE’N YER INTEREST

The Whistler paradox WHISTLER IS BOTH a paradise and a paradox. Somehow we have managed to be equally laidback and uptight at the same time, proudly liberal and yet oh-so-conservative.

We’re an international party town that has managed to be as boring as we are exciting, a magical place where there is always a lot going on and also nothing much to do.

BY ANDREW MITCHELL COVID-19 is the latest buzzkill, but even before the world caught the flu, there were serious questions that needed to be asked about Whistler’s purpose—what do we do and whom do we do it for?

When I first arrived in town and landed a job as a newspaper reporter, I did the most Whistler thing I could think of and immediately went out and got a second job to make ends meet. I was a hard-working journalist by day and a slacker pin monkey by night, spraying Lysol into rental shoes and coaxing the ancient Brunswick pin-setters back to life over and over again at a 10-pin bowling alley in a place called The Alpenrock.

You would have loved it—3,700 square metres of entertainment space that included a bar, a restaurant/nightclub/live music

venue, a pool hall, both five-pin and 10-pin bowling alleys, an arcade, and a lot more. It cost millions of dollars to build and was a huge hit among locals and visitors, but the shoulder seasons were longer in those days and there was also an economic downturn to contend with.

But what really killed the Alpenrock was the municipal council of the day’s refusal to grant the owners more licensed drinking seats so visitors could order a beer in the bowling alley or the pool hall. Our most family-friendly venue was killed in the name of family friendliness.

I thought that was a bit backward at the time, but it wasn’t until a few years later when the town took the unusual step of banning live nude performances—following the closure of The Boot Pub and its infamous “Boot Ballet” stripper nights—that I started to wonder what was going on.

I get it, strip clubs in the village don’t really jibe with the whole family-friendly theme we’re going for, but the ban also impacted other things, like those wine raves that were held during Cornucopia.

I also don’t recall anybody specifically campaigning for council with a platform that included banning nude performances in Whistler, but that’s exactly what happened in a town that was once defined by nude sailors, nude hippies living in squats, nude skiers, and other acts of exhibitionism.

While I was at the newspaper, we also got regular complaints about the escort ads in the classified pages—something mainstream newspapers don’t have but can be found in pretty much every alternative newsweekly in Canada, like The Georgia Straight and Now. And the Pique most definitely was an alternative newsweekly when it was founded, even if it’s ended up in the mainstream.

People keep trying to inject some life into this place despite our record of quashing it. For example, there was another recent application for a huge bowling alley/pool hall and all-around indoor recreation centre in the former Alpenrock space a few years ago that seems to have died after a lukewarm reception that included concerns about drinking in the village, among other things.

Talk about déjà vu…

A few years ago, there was also talk about allowing drinking in some of Whistler’s parks, which is something that other municipalities considered—and a few approved—when COVID hit to give people an outdoor space to socialize while maintaining their physical distance. As you can guess, that never happened either.

Flash forward to 2020: Whistler still doesn’t have a legal marijuana store—something you can find in Squamish, Pemberton and 290 other locations around B.C. There are four stores in tiny Williams Lake, a town of just over 10,000, but not a single application has

been accepted for a resort with a population of almost 60,000 at full capacity. It’s been two years since government legalized it, but there are no plans to end our local prohibition anytime soon.

So what gives? Is Whistler an international resort town that rock and rolls all night and parties every day? Or are we some kind of puritan mountain village that takes moral stands against otherwise legal activities? Are we awesome or merely wholesome?

You’re probably reading this and assume that I’m some kind of nudist pervert with addictions to alcohol, marijuana and 10-pin bowling, but I’m really not—I’m maybe two of those things on a good day. Mostly I’m a person who doesn’t think that Whistler needs to be better or worse than anywhere else where the laws are reasonable, adults are treated like adults, and the needs of the town—like things for people to do—are fairly balanced against the moral compass that’s guiding this ship.

The COVID crisis will end one day and this town will come back to life, such as it is. The question is what that life should look like. Are we the town in Footloose that banned dancing or are we that same town after Kevin Bacon arrived to shake things up? Will we start to embrace fun again, like we used to, or will we continue build on our solid reputation as the most thrillingly dull ski resort in North America?

Stay tuned…■

OCTOBER 1, 2020

13

NEWS WHISTLER

Confusion abounds over COVID19 exposure reporting in schools PARENT LAUNCHES NEW FACEBOOK PAGE TO KEEP TRACK OF PROVINCE’S SCHOOL EXPOSURES

BY ALYSSA NOEL SEVERAL SCHOOLS in the Sea to Sky corridor have had recent COVID-19 exposures, but not all have been listed on Vancouver Coastal Health’s (VCH) school exposure list.

The latest is École La Passerelle, located on the Spring Creek Elementary School campus in Whistler. A letter was sent home to parents on Sept. 25, but the date of the potential exposure is not clear. The French school falls under the jurisdiction of Conseil Scolaire Francophone, not the Sea to Sky School District.

On Thursday, Sept. 24, Lisa McCullough, superintendent for School District No. 48 (Sea to Sky), sent a letter to parents at Pemberton’s Signal Hill Elementary to share that a “member of the … school community” had tested positive for COVID-19.

The letter goes on to say Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) is performing contact tracing, while working to determine if anyone has been in contact with that person during their infectious period, and will contact anyone who needs further instruction.

“If you are not contacted by VCH, it has been determined that your child is not at risk

COVID CONFUSION École La Passerelle in Spring Creek Elementary School is the latest school in the corridor to have a COVID-19 exposure.

FILE PHOTO BY MEGAN LALONDE

14 OCTOBER 1, 2020

for developing COVID-19,” the letter said.

That exposure—as well as an exposure at Mamquam Elementary and Howe Sound Secondary in Squamish—is listed on VCH’s school exposure list (vch.ca/covid-19/ school-exposures). VCH has indicated that it won’t necessarily be listing all exposures, despite provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry’s assurance to parents they would be informed of exposures at school during a press conference on Monday, Sept. 28.

person who tested positive for the virus.

The concern, he said, was students could be identified and subjected to the stigma of having the virus.

Meanwhile, health authorities like Fraser Health appear to be listing all school exposures.

Adding to the confusion, Dr. Patricia Daly, VCH’s chief medical health officer, and Henry issued a statement on Thursday, saying, “All notifications to school

“Obviously there is a need.

People want this information.”

- KATHY MARLISS

“It is across the province, all health authorities will be posting exposure events, so that’s somebody who tested positive and was in the school environment during their infectious period when they could’ve potentially exposed others,” Henry said.

She went on to say there have been cases where a teacher or student has tested positive but were not at school during their infectious period, so parents were not alerted.

However, Dr. Mark Lysyshyn, deputy medical health officer for VCH, said in an interview with the North Shore News on Wednesday, Sept. 23, that VCH will only list schools where it’s not possible to notify those who came in close contact with a

administrators—including school exposure and outbreaks—are posted to the VCH school exposure webpage…”

In the meantime, one Richmond mom decided to cut through the muddled messaging and create a Facebook page, called BC School COVID Tracker, where parents can submit information on cases at their kids’ schools.

Kathy Marliss, whose daughter attends school in Vancouver, came up with the idea before school started after seeing a friend in Quebec create a similar parent resource in that province.

“Some health authorities said they would be sharing [information], but there was a lot

of discrepancy of what would be shared,” Marliss said. “I saw more and more people in various Facebook groups saying, ‘I heard of a case in this school, but it’s not on the BCCDC website.’ It was out of necessity. I didn’t see anything like this popping up in terms of a website or page that was monitoring.”

Marliss said her aim is not to perpetuate rumours, and she will verify all exposure reports she’s sent. (See the full rules and limitations listed at facebook.com/ BCSchoolCovidTracker.)

“I feel knowledge is power,” she added.

“It isn’t about creating fear or anxiety.”

Within the first 48 hours, the page had 3,000 followers. By Tuesday, Sept. 29, there were more than 9,000.

“It is a tremendous amount of work,” Marliss said. “It’s quite overwhelming…

Obviously there is a need. People want this information. It’s clear in terms of the response we’re getting.”

She said she was surprised to come across a letter from the Sea to Sky district telling parents not to share any information regarding cases at their schools.

“It is also critically important that all members of the school district community and the parents of our students respect the privacy rights of every individual,” the letter said. “This means that individual members of our school community and/or parents should not provide any public statements or communications about potential or confirmed COVID-19 cases, unless directed

SEE PAGE 15

>>

NEWS WHISTLER

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WITH SNAP ELECTION, NDP ASKS VOTERS TO ‘RENDER JUDGMENT’

BY BRADEN DUPUIS BRITISH COLUMBIANS are set to head to the polls on Oct. 24, but the snap election campaign ahead—in the midst of a global pandemic—will be unlike any voters have seen.

While you’d likely have to go back to the early 1920s to find a historical comparison, other jurisdictions have held elections in spite of COVID-19, including New Brunswick, noted Stewart Prest, lecturer in political science at Simon Fraser University.

“So it’s clear that it is possible to continue on politics in a modified format, but some things do have to change,” he said.

While many have criticized John Horgan’s NDP government for the snap election call, saying the government is cynically trying to capitalize on strong poll numbers, “when we’re thinking about it on another level, there is a principle that we want our democracy to continue even in

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the midst of crisis, right? We still want to be able to hold leaders to account,” Prest said.

“And so if the NDP chooses to … put their own head in the noose, or step into the docket and invite judgment upon their performance, including the decision to [call the election], then we should all take it as an opportunity to render judgment.

“And everyone will have to live with the result, including the NDP.” The government deserves “full credit and good marks” for its handling of the pandemic, said University of British Columbia political science professor Max Cameron.

“I think what I will be watching is whether this politicizes the pandemic response. My main concern is with continuation of governance,” Cameron said, adding that the spirit of common cause shown throughout the province during the pandemic is something he has really valued.

“I’ll be watching the election just to sort

SEE PAGE 16

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COVID CONFUSION FROM PAGE 14 to do so by VCH.” Added Marliss, “The secrecy is building such tremendous distrust in these officials.

It’s foolish. We’re going to find out. Parents talk. You should see how packed my inbox is.”

Phillip Clarke, director of instruction: learning services, with the Sea to Sky School District said in an email that the request all comes back to protecting privacy.

“The reason why we ask this is because the term ‘cases’ relates to specific children or staff members, and their health status,” he said. “This is private information. We want to avoid unnecessary speculation on the identity of individuals who may have tested positive.

Additionally, speculation leads to inaccurate information, which has the potential to cause more harm than good. For clarity, general communication about potential exposures at school sites is not the concern. And further, under the approval of VCH, Lisa McCullough has sent and will continue to send generalized information whenever possible.”

In the Sept. 28 press conference, Henry said in response to a question on such letters that she didn’t “believe there’s been hush letters, as it were.”

“We do ask people to respect others’ privacy around specific individuals and not share information, perhaps about their own situation,” she added. “We do reassure people we’re not going to be telling the rest of the school or the class about your child or your family interaction.”

In the meantime, cases of COVID-19 for

kids under 19 have continued to grow in the province since schools reopened, according to information from the B.C. Centre for Disease Control.

The total number of cases for kids under 10 from Jan. 1 to Aug. 27—before schools reopened—was 127, with two hospitalizations. For that same timeframe in 10- to-19-year-olds that number was 248, with two hospitalized.

Jump to Sept. 24 (the latest available data from BCCDC), and an additional 144 kids under 10 have had confirmed cases for a total of 271 since Jan. 1, with an additional two hospitalizations.

In the 10-to-19 age group, that has increased by 220 for a total of 468, with no additional hospitalizations.

Both groups have not seen any ICU cases or deaths.

In the end, Marliss said she hopes her group gives parents the information they need to make the right choices for their families.

“It becomes very emotional because I’m seeing people in distress every day,” she said.

“I’m glad I’m able to bring them some kind of relief in knowing they have some power. For me, I do it also because it’s a coping strategy for me. I’m not the kind of person who can sit and wait for others to hand it to me. The ‘doing’ helps my own mental health.”

Pique reached out to several Whistler Parent Advisory Councils but none returned calls by deadline. ■

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NEWS WHISTLER << FROM PAGE 15 of see what it does to the tone and tenor of government, and with the concern for what the parliament will look like afterwards, and whether that sprit of compromise and working together will continue.”

The truncated campaign could mean traditional issues-based election discussions will be boiled down to a single, ballot-box question: who is best to lead British Columbia’s post-pandemic recovery?

“I think the premiere would like it to be a referendum on how well we’re doing, and the opposition will go to the things that they can try to identify as issues that their voters or the electorate at large might be concerned about, and we’ll just have to see whether they can get traction on any of that,” Cameron said, pointing out that the Liberals have already brought up the speculation tax as one point of contention.

“No doubt that’s something that will be an issue, and there may be others, but it will be interesting to see what emerges in the campaign as the issues that the Liberals feel they have an advantage on.”

Whistler voters may be wary to hear Horgan re-up his promise for $10-a-day childcare, but Maxwell noted the NDP actually has a solid record on its promises to date.

“But that begs the question then, why do we need an election?” he said, adding that the NDP’s supply and confidence

IN THE RUNNING Sea to Sky Green Party candidate (and Whistler resident) Jeremy Valeriote at his campaign launch in Squamish on Sept. 29.

PHOTO BY STEVEN CHUA

agreement with the BC Greens has been the basis of a solid relationship over the past three years—and healthy for democracy as a whole.

“What the research shows is that minority governments, or governments that have some sort of supply and confidence arrangement to provide them with enough votes to govern, tend to be highly responsive to the electorate, because they are living precariously,” Cameron said.

“They have to listen. You give a government a four-year mandate as a majority government, they don’t have to listen.”

As of Pique’s weekly press deadline, three candidates were confirmed for the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding (which includes Whistler): incumbent Liberal MLA Jordan Sturdy, NDP candidate Keith Murdoch and Green Party candidate and Whistler resident Jeremy Valeriote (also a

VANCOUVER | NORTH SHORE | WHISTLER

board director for the Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment).

Valeriote launched his campaign with Green Party leader Sonia Furstenau in Squamish on Sept. 29.

“I am running as a B.C. Green Party candidate for my twin six-year-old daughters,” he said. “I am prepared to work as hard as I ever have to make sure that both the public health, and the planet’s health, are strong, safe and stable for my daughters to bring up their own kids and grandkids. Now more than ever, we need to do politics in a kinder, more collaborative and inclusive way.”

Nominations close at 1 p.m. on Oct. 1, after which a full list of candidates will be posted online at elections.bc.ca.

Check back with Pique for interviews with all candidates, and tune in to Whistler’s virtual all-candidates meeting on Oct. 15.

While early snap polls show the NDP with a “pretty comfortable” lead, “these are volatile times, so I don’t think anyone is going to conclude that that is a surefire outcome just yet,” Prest said, adding that at the end of the day, democracy can survive a pandemic.

“Voters, they may be cranky, and so that is the risk the NDP is taking,” he said.

“So now we’re going to have a fulsome debate about which party really is best positioned to govern the province in the next up to four years.”

-with files from Steven Chua/The Squamish Chief n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Transit, childcare top Whistler’s UBCM priorities OCT. 24 ELECTION ADDS AIR OF UNCERTAINTY TO ANNUAL CONVENTION

BY BRADEN DUPUIS THIS YEAR’S Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM) Convention, held virtually from Sept. 22 to 24, was unique in more ways than one.

There was of course the COVID-19 factor—like so many other 2020 events, the convention went virtual for the first time this year due to the pandemic, with delegates tuning in from their home communities.

But it was news from Premier John Horgan that British Columbians will head to the polls on Oct. 24—on Day 1 of the convention—that really flipped the script.

“One of the most interesting things of this convention is that we had our meetings with ministers the week before UBCM when they were still in government. On the first day of the actual convention they dropped the writ, and those ministers became candidates,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton.

Suddenly, the policy points set to be voted on at the convention—and the priorities discussed, like regional transit and childcare for Whistler—carried an extra layer of uncertainty.

“The conversation about regional transit

was positive, but it is very much up in the air awaiting the conclusion of the election,” Crompton said.

“We have made a tremendous amount of progress … [but] the next provincial government will be making the decisions about how transit in B.C. is funded, and how transit in the Sea to Sky corridor is funded.”

It’s an issue that corridor communities have been working on for years (see Pique, July 4, 2019: “Province rejects funding model for regional transit”).

Crompton also sat on a convention panel discussion about the future of transit in the province (along with the CEOs of Translink and BC Transit), making the case that there are lessons to be learned from the aftermath of the 1919 Spanish Flu. “You would have been perfectly reasonable to assume that on the other side of the Spanish Flu, public infrastructure would be far less effective in its use because they would need so much more space in order to maintain physical distancing, which was a big part of the response,” Crompton said.

“In fact, the Roaring Twenties followed the Spanish Flu, and people got back to life as it was very quickly. My encouragement to our membership was to not just respond to the very important public safety challenges we have now, but also to build a public transit

service for the future.”

Whistler officials met with a variety of their provincial ministry counterparts during the convention, Crompton added, discussing things such as recovery funding and programs for the tourism sector, grant

“We’re losing teachers ... [so] subsidize the wage.”

- JEN FORD

funding for new workforce housing projects and FireSmart, and shovel-ready projects such as the Geopark, village washrooms, childcare facilities and Valley Trail expansion.

On Sept. 24, Whistler Councillor Jen Ford was acclaimed as UBCM second vice president after serving one year as third vice president.

Ford and the rest of the UBCM executive will now advocate key policy issues on behalf of municipalities with the provincial government.

There are always three big topics the

executive focuses on, Ford said: climate change, forestry decisions, and provincial spending on things such as school and healthcare.

“A big one for us for the last several years has been the cannabis revenue sharing …

The money that was established was always promised to be cut to the local governments,” she said. “We haven’t seen that yet, and so that’s a big one that we will continue to advocate for.”

While it remains to be seen which party will form government after the Oct. 24 election, Ford said Whistler officials made childcare a point of discussion in their UBCM minister meetings as well.

As for a renewed campaign promise from Premier John Horgan to implement a 10-year, $10-a-day childcare program, “let’s see it happen,” Ford said. “He’s committed to calling this election to make sure that he’s headed in the right direction, to make sure that he hears the voices of the province. The province is saying do it. Let’s do it.”

But while $10-a-day daycare is great, more needs to be done on recruiting, she added.

“We keep banging that drum,” she said.

“We’re losing teachers. They can’t afford to live here, because the wage is low, [so] subsidize the wage.” n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Vail Resorts’ net income down 67% this year 2020-21 SEASON PASS SALES UP 18% IN UNITS, DOWN 4% IN DOLLARS

BY BRANDON BARRETT IN WHAT SHOULD come as a surprise to no one in the wider ski industry, Vail Resorts continued to contend with the negative impacts of COVID-19 in its final quarterly report of the fiscal year.

For the fiscal year 2020, Whistler Blackcomb’s parent company reported a 67-per-cent drop in net income and a 40-per-cent fall in resort reported EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortization), from $706.7 million for fiscal 2019 to $503.3 million, due primarily to the pandemic.

“Our results for the full year were negatively impacted by COVID-19 and the resulting closure of our North American destination mountain resorts and regional ski areas beginning on March 15, 2020 for the safety of our guests, employees and resort communities,” said Vail Resorts’ CEO Rob Katz in the press call.

Introducing a new online booking

system for passholders this winter, the Colorado-based company has seen its season pass sales through Sept. 18 increase approximately 18 per cent in units while decreasing roughly four per cent in sales dollars, compared to the same period last year. Sales dollars were notably reduced by the deferral of approximately US$118 million of pass product revenue and related deferred costs as a result of the credits offered to 2019-20 North American passholders to encourage renewal for this winter. Without factoring in the redeemed credits, sales dollars increased approximately 24 per cent compared to the same period last year.

Although its U.S. resort communities saw increasing demand from leisure travellers through July, demand at Whistler Blackcomb in the same month was unsurprisingly “below our expectations” with the border to the U.S. and international travel restrictions remaining in place.

“We were pleased with the visitation we saw this summer at our U.S. resort communities from leisure travellers. We

DOLLARS DOWN Demand at Whistler Blackcomb through July fell below owner Vail Resorts’ expectations as travel restrictions to Canada remained in place due to COVID-19.

GETTYIMAGES.CA

believe this speaks to the current preference of travellers for outdoor experiences, locations they are familiar with and, for many, the option to drive to our resorts,” Katz continued. “As we approach the 20202021 North American ski season, we are committed to providing a comprehensive on-mountain experience, following our historical practice of opening as many lifts and as much terrain as soon as possible. We will be focused on the guest experience while also prioritizing the health and safety of our guests, employees and resort communities.”

Katz went on to say the company is “focused on disciplined cost management” given the continued declines in visitation

anticipated for this ski season. ‘[W]e have continued to actively manage our cost structure, including but not limited to the implementation of cost reductions totalling over $70 million on an annualized basis as compared to our original operating expense expectations for fiscal 2020,” Katz explained.

Vail Resorts said it continues to maintain “significant liquidity” with US$360 million of cash on hand as of Aug. 31, and an additional $593 million available through its U.S. and Whistler Blackcomb revolving credit facilities.

To see the full earnings report, visit investors.vailresorts.com. n

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18 OCTOBER 1, 2020

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler family looks for one last visit TERMINALLY ILL WOMAN HOPES TO SEE SISTER A FINAL TIME AMIDST TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS

BY DAN FALLOON INSTEAD OF SPENDING as many precious moments as possible with his terminally ill wife, Arthur Santiago is battling bureaucracy to try to fulfil her final wish.

The Whistler man is trying find a way for his wife Charie’s sister and niece to visit her one last time.

With strict government restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic, however, only Charie’s mother has been approved for a visit at this time, making an in-person reunion between Charie and her sister, April Untalan, also her best friend, increasingly unlikely.

Though they video chat daily, it’s just not the same.

“I don’t blame anybody. It’s because of COVID and I understand that. I’m not opposed to what they’re trying to accomplish to keep us safe,” he said. “But, honestly, I don’t even know what to say anymore. I reached out to so many people.”

After an initial denial in late July, Santiago subsequently reached out to everyone he could think of, appealing to MP Patrick Weiler, federal immigration minister Marco Mendicino, the Canadian Ambassador to the Philippines and provincial MLA Jordan Sturdy.

The common response to his pleas is that someone else is responsible.

In a Sept. 24 email, an Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada spokesperson said: “Ms. DeGuzman Untalan and Ms. Untalan both possess temporary resident visas that were issued in 2019. However, they are unable to travel to Canada at this time as they do not meet any of the exemptions to the current travel restrictions. They are not considered to be immediate family members.

“Currently, there are no exemptions from the quarantine requirement or from the travel restrictions for reasons, such as visiting a critically ill loved one.

“The government continues to look at ways to reunite families and others who are separated by the temporary COVID-19 measures.”

In response, a friend launched a petition on Sept. 24 at change.org.

The one glimmer of hope is that Charie’s mother completed her 14-day quarantine with Santiago’s sister in Port Moody on Sept. 24.

“If she quarantined with us and something were to arise, getting into a hospice might be an issue,” Santiago said.

“If she did have COVID and I got sick, if I got it, then me and Charie would need to be separated, which cannot happen right now.”

Charie was first diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer two years ago and uterine cancer shortly afterward. She underwent chemotherapy, responding

well to treatment, but after suffering severe back pain in March, doctors discovered the aggressive cancer had returned and spread, with radiation causing a tumour near her spine to flare up, leaving her paraplegic.

While medication is making Charie “comfortable,” Santiago said each day brings noticeable decline.

“She doesn’t have much time. She’s getting weaker every day,” he said.

Whistler Immigration successfully secured visas for Charie’s mother, sister and niece last year, and they came for a visit at that time, said consultant Laurie Cooper.

When Charie’s condition took a turn for the worse this spring, the pandemic was already in full swing when the family looked to come over once again.

“After COVID, only immediate family members were allowed to get visas to come and visit, and that includes parents, but it does not include siblings,” she said.

After that, Cooper said, the organization reached out to Weiler’s office to see if he could wield any influence with the governing Liberals.

“They did agitate on behalf of Charie and her family but, obviously, without success,” Cooper said.

Weiler’s office did not respond to a request for comment prior to press time.

Cooper, who previously advocated on behalf of Syrian refugee Hassan Al Kontar, who was stranded at a Malaysian airport before his asylum claim was granted and he came to Canada, also contacted immigration minister Mendicino and Canada’s Ambassador to the Philippines, Peter MacArthur. She also contacted the Philippines’ visa office, which asked for more information, which she then provided, but hasn’t heard back after a subsequent request for more information about a month ago.

Santiago said he’s appreciated the community’s support during this difficult time, crediting not only Whistler Immigration for taking on the case pro bono, but for Double Diamond Law, Nesters Pharmacy, Mayor Jack Crompton, every nurse that has cared for Charie and his neighbours for lending a hand.

“My neighbourhood is full of amazing people, dropping off food and showing that they care,” he said. “As big as we’re getting, we’re still a small community and we support each other.”

And, through tears, describing Charie as a caring, compassionate person, Santiago said she’s been there for him during her illness.

“We’re kind of opposites,” he said. “If it wasn’t for her, I’d be over the edge already.

“She tries to keep everything positive.”

More than 2,800 people have signed the online petition as of Sept. 30. Find it on change.org by searching for “Help Charie’s Last Wish.” n

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Harvest Brunch À la Carte S UNDAY, OC T OBER 1 1 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM

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19

NEWS WHISTLER

Have your say on Whistler’s new climate strategy COUNCIL BRIEFS: BAYSHORES LUC TERMINATION GETS THIRD READING

BY BRADEN DUPUIS THE RESORT MUNICIPALITY of Whistler (RMOW) is seeking public input on its new Climate Acton Big Moves Strategy.

Residents are invited to take a new survey (surveymonkey.com/r/BigMoves) to share their thoughts on the six “Big Moves” identified in the plan, which was endorsed by council on July 7 (“RMOW banks on ‘big moves’ to reverse course on greenhouse gas emissions,” Pique, July 9).

The survey closes Oct. 18.

“I encourage everyone in Whistler— from our seasonal workers, to our long-time residents, business owners, employees, second-home owners and more—to take 10 minutes over the next three weeks to participate in this important survey,” said Mayor Jack Crompton in a release.

“The impacts of climate change are becoming more and more apparent, and we all need to work together urgently to take big steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.”

Whistler’s GHG emissions rose four per cent in 2019, which only lends more urgency to the plan, climate action coordinator Luisa Burhenne told council on Sept. 1.

20 OCTOBER 1, 2020

Local emissions (both corporate and community) totalled 131,166 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in 2019, with passenger vehicle emissions leading the way, accounting for 54 per cent, followed by natural gas at 35 per cent.

Results from the survey will be used

Bayshores area is headed for adoption after council gave it third reading on Sept. 15.

A public hearing held on June 23 resulted in 14 public submissions, all relating to tourist accommodation use and the ownership structure in The Seasons property at 2561 Tricouni Pl.

“[W]e all need to work together urgently to take big steps to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions.”

- JACK CROMPTON

to help refine the Big Moves Strategy and inform its implementation.

The strategy is expected to come back to council for adoption this fall.

BAYSHORES LUC TERMINATION GETS THIRD READING A rezoning bylaw that will terminate the Land Use Contract (LUC) governing the

While many owners wish to continue renting to tourists once the LUC is terminated, RMOW staff confirmed that tourist accommodation is not actually permitted in the Bayshores LUC, said senior planner Courtney Beaubien, in a presentation to council.

“We’ve had a letter from their solicitor, and there were many [people] that made representations at the public hearing—are we open in any way to a legal challenge?”

asked Councillor Ralph Forsyth.

While Beaubien said she couldn’t comment specifically about that, the proposed RM 70 zoning “is maintaining the status quo under the existing Bayshores LUC.” In May of 2014, the Local Government Act was amended to automatically terminate all LUCs on June 30, 2024— which means municipalities across B.C. must have new zoning in place for these areas before June 30, 2022.

When the legislation was changed, there were eight LUCs in the Resort Municipality of Whistler, which affected more than 3,000 owners in 60 different strata corporations and 31 fee simple lots.

The RMOW has been working its way through them one by one since 2016 (Bayshores being the fourth).

While rezoning the lands before the LUCs terminate is a necessity, “if a few of the units decided that they wanted to apply for a rezoning to allow for tourist accommodation, they could apply for a rezoning and go through the regular process at the discretion of the council of the day,” pointed out Coun. Jen Ford.

Council opted to give the bylaw third reading without revision at staff’s recommendation. n

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NOTICE | 2021 Council Meeting Dates Council will meet in the Franz Wilhelmsen Theatre at Maury Young Arts Centre, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, British Columbia or via online video conferencing while social distancing measures are in place, commencing at 5:30 p.m. on the following Tuesdays in 2021:

January 5 January 19

February 2 February 16

March 2 March 16

April 6 April 20

May 4 May 18

June 1 June 15

July 6 July 20

August 17

September 7 September 21

October 5 October 19

November 2 November 16

December 7 December 21

Notice of the 2021 Council Meeting Schedule is given in accordance with sections 94 and 127 of the Community Charter.

Alba Banman, Municipal Clerk

Up to $150 in Hop to it!

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Annual Annual servicing servicing helps helps maintain maintain the the life life expectancy expectancy of your your appliances and helps ensure they’re operating safely and efficiently. With up to $150 in rebates for select appliances serviced between September 1 and November 30, 2020, there’s never been a better time to leap into action.

Appliance service rebates2 Furnace or boiler

$50

Natural gas fireplace

$25 (maximum two)

Tankless water heater

$50

Apply online by December 7, 2020 at fortisbc.com/service.

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/council

Maximum rebate is $150 when you have either a furnace or boiler, two fireplaces and one tankless water heater serviced. Note: storage tank water heaters are not eligible for service rebates.

Conditions apply. Full terms and conditions are available at fortisbc.com/service.

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21

NEWS WHISTLER

Pandemic hasn’t dampened demand for WHA housing CONSTRUCTION OF CHEAKAMUS RENTAL BUILDING FIVE MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

BY BRANDON BARRETT THE WHISTLER Housing Authority (WHA) has continued to see strong demand for both its rental and ownership inventory throughout the pandemic, with “very little turnover” in units, confirmed the organization’s general manager.

“The waitlist continues to be strong, the demand continues to be strong for housing,” said WHA GM Marla Zucht. “We’ll have to wait and see what this winter holds, but we’re just continuing to move forward with the housing that’s still needed for the workforce.”

As of August, the WHA’s ownership waitlist sat at 828 households, while the rental waitlist was at 1,217.

Affordable housing has been a pressing issue in the resort going back years, but the economic reality of COVID-19 has

only added urgency to the situation for Whistler’s established workforce, with the RMOW naming the development of additional employee-restricted housing as one of its top “recovery objectives,” according to Mayor Jack Crompton.

More than 100 additional employee beds are set to be added to Whistler’s inventory this winter when the 45-unit rental building at 1330 Cloudburst Drive in Cheakamus Crossing is completed, anticipated for February 2021— five months ahead of schedule.

“We’re thrilled with it,” Zucht said of the timeline. “At the beginning of COVID, we were bracing for the fact that the construction sites might get shut down. We had a whole site shutdown plan in place if we needed to, if it was mandated by the government, but fortunately it didn’t.

“We were able to keep moving along really quickly.”

Managed by Durfeld Construction, the

NEW HOUSING A design concept for the incoming employee-restricted rental project at 1330 Cloudburst Drive in Cheakamus Crossing. Construction is expected to end in February, five months ahead of schedule.

SCREENSHOT OF RMOW COUNCIL PRESENTATION

development will feature a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, an underground parkade and in-suite storage.

The WHA is also readying the launch of a new online portal for applicants on the rental waitlist. The portal gives prospective renters the chance to view their waitlist standing, identify their preferred rental properties, and update their application details.

Already in place for the ownership waitlist, Zucht said the portal is “just part of our constant improvements to the program and modernizing our IT infrastructure.

“COVID certainly gave us a needed boost to get this going but this has been in the works since last year,” she added. “It will

be more efficient for people on the waitlist and give them the opportunity to be able to navigate it on their own and to check on their status when they want to and update it.”

The portal will also give the WHA a more fulsome view of rental demand in real time, as previously, waitlist members had to either call, email or stop by the office in person to check on their waitlist status or indicate their preferred properties.

“It will be more efficient for us and we will get more information to better be able to plan for new projects,” Zucht said.

All existing WHA rental waitlist members will be given access to the online applicant portal shortly. ■

HELP STOP THE SPREAD The Whistler Farmers’ Market Seeks Board of Director Applicants The Whistler Farmers’ Market (WFM) Board of Directors is calling for local community members to join the WFM board. Seeking engaged, passionate and skilled leaders and innovators to have an ac ve role in represen ng the organiza on’s membership and shaping the future of the Markets.

The WFM Board of Directors is commi ed to energizing and suppor ng the vision, mission and development of the organiza on within our community and beyond.

The following experience and exper se would benefit the organiza on: • Accoun ng and experience as a Board Treasurer • Administra on and experience as a Board Secretary • Fundraising and financial development • Board governance experience • Commi ee experience and working with cra juries • Strategic thinking and/or policy • Marke ng and social media Visit whistlerfarmersmarket.org/agm for applica on details. Applica ons open September 26, 2020 and close 12 PM on October 10, 2020.

22 OCTOBER 1, 2020

Please consider wearing a mask when it’s difficult to maintain physical distancing.

Wearing a mask does not replace other important protocols such as distancing and hand washing and most importantly, staying home if you have any symptoms of illness, but should be considered in places where physical distancing is challenging, such as Whistler Village.

Please visit www.whistler.ca/covid19 for the latest updates from the RMOW. www.whistler.ca/ covid19

NEWS WHISTLER

LGBT+ market should be top of mind for tourism businesses RESEARCH SHOWS MARKET IS TYPICALLY ONE OF FIRST TO BOUNCE BACK FOLLOWING ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

BY BRANDON BARRETT CANADA’S

LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is trying to get the message out that the ever resilient LGBT+ travel market should be top of mind for businesses looking to bounce back during the pandemic—and it has one of Whistler’s foremost diversity advocates helping spread the word.

“It’s a great time for our partners to make sure they have all the training in place and use this opportunity to make sure their product is warm and welcoming to everybody—and they’ll stand to benefit,” said LGBT+ travel consultant Dean Nelson, formerly of the Whistler Pride & Ski Festival, who is one of the program’s facilitators.

Working with Tourism HR Canada, Nelson and the LGBT+ chamber, with support from the Canadian government, have launched free online diversity and inclusion workshops and LGBT+ marketready seminars for tourism operators and their staff, making them eligible for a destination audit and new accreditation program that would publicly recognize their efforts.

“Diversity inclusion learning is really active learning, constantly evolving and changing,” said Dale McDermott, COO of Canada’s LGBT Chamber of Commerce.

“From our research, we know that in addition of the likes of cost being a factor for travel and access to more cultural activities, the No. 1 item, actually, for LGBT+ travellers is safety.”

Nelson said the digital training is a way for tourism operators, destination marketing organizations and other travel partners to stay up to date on the right approach towards attracting the LGBT+ market, particularly for international visitors looking to Canada as a morewelcoming, inclusive travel destination.

“We’re really fortunate in Canada [as], for the most part, most of our communities from coast to coast to coast are pretty accepting. But this is giving the tools to some of our travel partners that might not be aware of [the] language,” he said. “Just being more much aware of having moreinclusive language opens it up for people to feel more welcome and more accepted.

It might not be a big deal for Canadians, but for our international visitors coming to Canada, all of a sudden Canada becomes a sexy destination for people to explore because they feel they can be themselves in this beautiful country.”

New national research has also shown the LGBT+ market is primed to travel

NOTICE OF ONLINE PUBLIC INFORMATION AND INPUT OPPORTUNITY REGARDING REZONING APPLICATION RZ1165 CHEAKAMUS CROSSING PHASE 2 – “UPPER LANDS” PARCELIZATION PLAN A PROPOSAL TO REZONE BLOCK A, DISTRICT LOT 8073, GROUP 1, NEW WESTMINSTER DISTRICT, EXCEPT PLAN EPP277 PARCEL IDENTIFIER: 026-772-213 The Resort Municipality of Whistler invites interested members of the public to participate in an online public information and input opportunity for this rezoning application. In-person public open houses have currently been paused during the COVID-19 pandemic.

RZ1165 proposes to amend the UR1 (Urban Reserve 1) Zone to reduce the minimum parcel area to enable subdivision generally in accordance with the Parcelization Sketch Plan below, and to allocate existing permitted density and uses to the subdivided parcels, or if the land is not subdivided, to the corresponding areas within the zone. Building setbacks will be established for each parcel within the zone. No changes in permitted uses, building height or total gross floor area for the zone is proposed, except that daycare is proposed to be added as a permitted use.

The UR1 zone currently authorizes a range of market and employee housing types, including apartments, townhouses, duplexes, detached dwellings and live work units, as well as park and playground, to a total maximum density of 41,850 square metres.

The purpose of this online public information and input opportunity is to provide the public with information about Rezoning Application RZ1165, and the opportunity to provide input in the form of written comments, prior to Council’s further consideration of the application.

For information on Rezoning Application RZ1165, refer to the RMOW website www.whistler.ca/RZ1165 or contact the Planning Department at planning@whistler.ca.

To provide input on the application members of the public are asked to provide written comments. Your name(s) and residence address (or business address if applicable) must be included. Please note that your comments will form part of the public record for this rezoning application. Comments can be submitted via email to planning@whistler.ca or by mail to the RMOW at 4325 Blackcomb Way, Whistler BC V8E 0X5 c/o the Planning Department.

To ensure the consideration of your input, your written comments must be received before 9:00 am November 2, 2020.

SHOWING PRIDE The Whistler Pride & Ski Festival is North America’s longest running LGBT+ ski week.

PHOTO BY DARNELL COLLINS

again, with 90 per cent of Canada LGBT+ respondents polled indicating their intent to travel domestically this year. Prepandemic, the LGBT+ tourist spent an average of $1,800 a trip, roughly seven times the Canadian average.

“I know from working with Whistler Pride over the years and some of our gay cruise partners, the boys and the girls, they spend a lot of money,” Nelson explained.

“Our trans folk are doing way more travel than they have in previous decades as well because they feel safe enough to actually go out and be part of that community.

“The LGBT+ community has a lot of spending power and we know that they like to go out and enjoy life to its fullest— because we’ve worked hard to get there.”

The LBGT+ market also tends to be deeply resilient, McDermott said, with their research showing it is “one of the first to bounce back” after an economic downturn.

Nelson added that it’s time for businesses and organizations across Canada to “walk the talk” when it comes to inclusivity—and the chamber’s training and accreditation program is one surefire way to put those intentions into practice.

“Putting a rainbow sticker isn’t good enough anymore. You really need to walk the talk, show up and be there,” he said.

Canada’s LGBT+ Chamber of Commerce is hosting two online diversity and inclusions workshops for Western Canada on Oct. 1 and 20. Visit cglcc.ca/workshops for details. ■

Rezoning Application RZ1165 – Cheakamus Crossing “Upper Lands” LOCATION MAP – “UPPER LANDS”

Subject Property

PARCELIZATION SKETCH PLAN

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca OCTOBER 1, 2020

23

NEWS WHISTLER

The Bear Facts: Black bears and food FALL IS THE LAST STRETCH FOR BEARS TO GAIN ENOUGH FOOD TO SURVIVE WINTER

BY LUCI CADMAN AS SUMMER WINDS down and fall approaches, black bears become more active in their search for food. For 20 hours a day, their focus is solely on consuming calories to prepare for winter dormancy. This increase in activity inevitably results in more humanbear encounters.

As responsible guests in their habitat, we want to understand bear behaviour.

Bears are very intelligent and they are adapting to increased human and dog activity in their home. All bears have different levels of personal space, so remember never to approach a bear when you see one because you could pressure them to become defensive.

Bears do not fear people. When a humanbear encounter happens, most likely the bear was minding its own business eating or looking for food and the person got in the way. Their intentions are seldom aggressive.

FAT MEANS SURVIVAL The fat reserves that bears build up in the fall are integral to their survival. These reserves have to last well into the following spring

and even longer, because bears need to be strong enough to mate and reproduce when they come out of hibernation.

Mating season for bears takes place in the spring and summer months, and fertilized eggs will only develop if a female bear has gained enough weight during the fall period of excessive eating.

Given the popularity of our forests, with mountain bikers, trail runners, hikers and dogs, there is often little time during daylight hours for bears to forage in their home without interruption.

Our recreational activities in bear habitat are a choice—while a bear eating for survival is not.

Black bears expend a lot of energy changing their routes, climbing trees or stepping away from a natural food source to avoid us.

The responsibility falls on our shoulders to know these important facts and to follow the suggestions below all year round, and especially during the late summer and fall to give bears their space to fatten up without interruption.

Here are actions we can all take to reduce our impact and the risk of a surprise encounter.

1. Always be aware of your surroundings.

No headphones; 2. Never intentionally approach a bear.

LET THEM EAT Black bears search for food for up to 20 hours a day as the summer winds down.

PHOTO BY TONY JOYCE PHOTOGRAPHY

If you see a bear ahead in the distance, take a different route; 3. Your voice is your best tool in the forest. Don’t rely on a bear bell, as they don’t identify you as a human. Be louder on narrow, overgrown trails and when near a water source to warn bears; 4. Travel in groups to make more noise; 5. Stay on established trails; 6. Keep dogs on leash! Off-leash dogs pressure bears to respond defensively. They disturb the bears’ natural behaviour and can push young bears out of their area and

into the path of dominant males; 7. Always carry bear spray, have it immediately accessible, and know how and when to use it. Bear spray is a non-lethal tool that can protect us, and bears, in the rare case of a negative, close encounter.

Black bears are calm animals and not aggressive by nature. If you encounter a bear, stay calm, speak to them in a calm voice and slowly back away to show them you are not a threat.

Be mindful of seasonal bear foods. As salmon return to our creeks and rivers, we should expect to see bears fishing.

We should never attempt to move a bear on from a natural food source just because we want to take the trail.

When that happens, we can force the bear into our community where they supplement their natural diet with garbage, bird seed and fruit trees.

Keep in mind that bears that find unnatural food sources around our homes are often killed.

Luci Cadman is certified in bear safety and awareness, and is a certified bear-viewing guide with the Commercial Bear Viewing Association of British Columbia. She has been the education coordinator for the North Shore Black Bear Society for five years. n

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NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Project brings high-speed internet choices to Pemberton, Mount Currie LIL’WAT NATION NEXT IN WHISTLER-TO-CACHE-CREEK FIBRE-OPTIC LINE PROJECT

BY ALYSSA NOEL AN

ONGOING PROJECT that quietly established a new fibre-optic line in Pemberton will soon bring more highspeed internet choices to Mount Currie and, eventually, communities up to Cache Creek.

The Whistler-to-Cache-Creek project, which is putting in 40 kilometres of fibreoptic line between Whistler and Mount Currie, was funded with a $1.9-million grant from the province’s Connecting British Columbia program, as well as $2 million from the federal Connect to Innovate program and a $1.6 million contribution from Shaw Communications, which is installing the line.

“Not that long ago we were in a position where, if you built a new place in Pemberton, there was no more capacity,” said Village of Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman. “You couldn’t get it at all.”

But, last year, Telus came into the Village with a fibre optic line. And then, this year, the Shaw connection also became available.

ON LINE A fibre optic line has been installed in Pemberton and is set to reach Mount Currie in October.

GETTY IMAGES

Pemberton went from having no options to two choices, Richman said.

“I’ve gotten nothing but positive feedback about it so far,” he said. “We have a competitive market and access.”

Meanwhile, Mount Currie is expected to have access to the line by the end of

High-speed internet access is particularly important at places like the Ts’zil Learning Centre where Shaw has also upgraded infrastructure.

“Shaw has been a collaborative and great partner,” Mehaffey said. “We worked together to identify areas of mutual interest

“I’ve gotten nothing but positive feedback so far. We have a competitive market and acess.”

- MIKE RICHMAN

October. Like Pemberton, the Shaw line will give residents and businesses more options.

“The new fibre-optic line provides redundancy in service and increases choices by having two providers (Shaw and Telus),” said Kerry Mehaffey, acting CAO of Lil’wat Nation, in an email.

Internet has been “generally good” in the area, he added. “There was a significant upgrade in 2011 to connect the majority of homes,” he said. “The Lil’wat Business Group has been running their own internet service provider at Xet’olacw [Community School] since that time.”

and co-located certain infrastructure such as a back-up generator in Ts’zil that are used by both organizations.”

When the line is finished—which the province estimates will happen in 2021— communities and service providers will be able to improve broadband to more remote communities like Birken, Seton Lake, Tsal’alh Nation, T’it’q’et, Cayoose Creek Band, Xaxli’p, Ts’kw’ayalaxw First Nation, N’Quatqua First Nation, and Bonaparte First Nation, according to a release from the province.

One area that will still have a gap

in service is D’arcy and its surrounding communities, Richman said.

“There are still a lot of pockets that need to connect outside Pemberton,” he said.

The ongoing pandemic in particular has highlighted the need for rural areas to have equal access to internet services, said Anne Kang, B.C.’s Minister of Citizens’ Services.

“There are still gaps,” she said. “That is a challenge of living in British Columbia; we do have very rugged terrain—and some very hard-to-service areas. That’s the role I have with my ministry and the province: advocating for that business value for internet service providers to hop on board with us and identify how we can work together in partnership.”

While the project began before the pandemic, Maryam Monsef, federal Minister for Rural Economic Development said in a release that she hopes the expanded internet service can play a role in the province’s economic recovery.

“We began this work pre-pandemic and will accelerate our efforts moving forward,” Monsef said. “This project will provide critical backbone infrastructure to improve connectivity in under-served communities and First Nations in rural British Columbia. To date, we have invested over $55 million in 10 projects, which will connect over 18,000 households in communities throughout B.C.” n

OCTOBER 1, 2020

25

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Richman recaps UBCM convention WITH ELECTION CALLED, PEMBERTON MAYOR UNSURE OF WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO VOP’S REQUESTS

BY DAN FALLOON VILLAGE OF PEMBERTON (VOP) Mayor Mike Richman, along with municipal councillors and staff, held court with several provincial ministers during the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) convention last week.

But he wondered if the NDP’s snap election call would negate any headway the VOP may have made on issues such as childcare, funding for dyking and flood mitigation.

“That would be the most important part of the week for us, bringing those issues up, which now in retrospect, when an election has been called, we don’t know how productive they were,” he said.

As previously covered (“Pemberton council discusses childcare challenges,” Pique, Sept. 24, 2020), Richman has been frustrated with the process of attempting to sure more childcare spots for Pemberton, as the community has 12.5 spaces for every

100 children, compared to the provincial average of 18.4. The province’s reply has been that the cost per space in Pemberton is too high, but Richman said he’s continuing to explain the circumstances to Minister of State for Child Care Katrina Chen.

“We basically just tried to state our case of how the financial threshold is not feasible for us because the cost of development in our community is just too high,” he said. “She said, ‘Reapply,’ but the financial threshold is still the same. We’ve been back and forth with their staff to say, ‘This is the cost of development in our area.’

“We have the land, so it’s not like we need to acquire the land. It’s just that this is what it costs to build in the Sea to Sky corridor.”

Richman noted that several other communities are able to use existing spaces to get their costs down in a way that Pemberton can’t.

Even if Pemberton secures those childcare spots, finding staff is the next step, and that could provide another challenge.

“We brought to the minister that the

MEETING THE MINISTERS Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman hopes any headway made during meetings with

provincial ministers at the annual Union of British Columbia Municipalities conference will continue even after a provincial election.

FILE PHOTO BY JOEL BARDE

wage is still and going to be an issue if it doesn’t change,” he said. “The level of pay that these workers make for taking care of our children is so low that it’s ridiculous.”

On another topic, Richman gave Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing Selina Robinson a head’s up that the VOP had recently entered an agreement with Sea to Sky Community Services to pursue affordable housing in town and that it would apply for BC Housing funds. The project, he noted, is in its infancy and there aren’t many details available at this point.

“We’ve looked at a handful of properties and we’re going to start that process,” he

said. “There was no specific ask at this point. I was just laying out the need for it.”

Other meetings came up with BC Parks and Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development to discuss tourism impacts and managing Pemberton’s particular assets. As well, Richman advocated for dyking infrastructure, especially with the effects of the Mount Meager landslide still being felt, while the VOP teamed up with the Resort Municipality of Whistler, District of Squamish, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation to push a regional transit strategy. n

PEMBERTON + DISTRICT CHAMBER & ROTARY CLUB OF PEMBERTON WISH TO SAY

THANK YOU! TO ALL OF THE SUPPORTERS THAT MADE OUR 15TH ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT POSSIBLE

A HUGE THANK YOU TO OUR LEAD SPONSOR: PEMBERTON CONCRETE INC.

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BACKCOUNTRY MOTORSPORTS, BLAIR KAPLAN COMMUNICATIONS, BLUESHORE FINANCIAL, CUSTOM FIT ONLINE, DANIELLE MENZEL PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION, FIX AUTO, FRANK INGHAM REAL ESTATE, FREYBE, INNOVATION BUILDING GROUP/VIDORRA, LISA HILTON, MCDONALDS, MOUNTAINVIEW STORAGE, PEMBERTON CONCRETE INC., PEMBERTON VALLEY SUPERMARKET, PIQUE NEWSMAGAZINE, RONA PEMBERTON, SABRE RENTALS, SCOTIABANK PEMBERTON, SQUAMISH LILLOET REGIONAL DISTRICT, SUNSTONE PEMBERTON, WALSH RESTORATION, WHISTLER REAL ESTATE CO. LTD. A SPECIAL THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE STAFF AT THE MEADOWS AND AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF THE HARD WORKING GOLF COMMITTEE WITHOUT WHOM THIS EVENT WOULD NOT BE POSSIBLE: DAVE DEN DUYF, RICHARD MEGENEY, DANIELLE MENZEL, JULIE KELLY, KEVIN MCLEOD & MEREDITH KEMP.

26 OCTOBER 1, 2020

SCIENCE MATTERS

Blame game hurts wildlife MOST OF US can remember a time in childhood when we were caught doing something wrong and pointed a finger at someone else for the misdeed. We might even still feel guilty about it.

Research shows blaming others doesn’t only harm the wrongfully accused; it can also harm those who blame, especially when it becomes pervasive in a culture. “Groups and organizations with a rampant culture of blame have a serious disadvantage when it comes to creativity, learning, innovation, and productive risk-taking,” according to the Harvard Business Review.

Blame culture is rampant in wildlife “management.” Throughout Canada,

BY DAVID SUZUKI governments are implementing culling programs, blaming predators for declining wildlife populations, even though humans are at the root of the problem.

Nature is complex. It’s difficult to determine whether culling even works, and some studies show tampering with nature by isolating and killing one species can do more harm than good.

Yet on July 31, the Ontario government announced a 106-day fall hunt on double-crested cormorants starting Sept. 15, allowing hunters to take 15 birds daily with no obligation to report kills and no provincial oversight of total birds killed. The hunt is likely a result of lobbying. Ontario’s cormorant management review states, “Ontario sport and commercial fishermen have expressed concerns that increasing DCCO [doublecrested cormorant] numbers are having adverse effects on fish stocks and that steps should be taken to control cormorant populations.”

The same review, though, finds cormorants haven’t been the main cause of dwindling fish populations: “Historical declines in the Great Lakes fish populations that led to the DCCO control program appear to have been caused by overfishing, invasion by sea lamprey, and loss of aquatic habitat (e.g., loss of spawning grounds and contamination by pesticides and other toxic chemicals).” Clearly, an untargeted, non-localized, unmonitored approach is not a good solution to perceived problems today.

Along the Pacific Coast, seals and sea lions are often blamed for declining salmon populations. The U.S. recently granted permission for hundreds of sea lions to be killed. According to a spokesperson, Fisheries and Oceans Canada is considering similar actions here. But sea lions and seals eat dozens of other fish, including some that prey on salmon.

More than 100 marine predators eat salmon and sometimes predators become prey, depending on size. According to David Suzuki Foundation senior scientist Scott Wallace, “There are about 140 different

species in the ocean that eat salmon, and we’ve chosen to highlight seals and sea lions. There’s a long history of villainizing and scapegoating seals and sea lions, but I think it’s quite short-sighted to think that we can manipulate an ecosystem to enhance a single species.”

In Alberta and B.C., governments have sanctioned and paid to kill wolves, bears and cougars in efforts to keep imperilled caribou herds alive. Research shows these culls are having “no detectable effect” on recovering caribou. It’s true that wolves and other predators are affecting struggling caribou populations, but it’s mainly because roads and other industrial disturbances increase overall predator success by providing sightlines and travel corridors.

Industrial activity is the primary cause of boreal woodland caribou decline, but wolves and other predators are taking the hit. In Alberta, strychnine is often used to poison wolves, with impacts cascading throughout the food web.

The role of any animal within its ecological niche is far more complicated than the single predator-prey interaction that culling purportedly tries to control.

Cormorants and other birds eat fish, but scientists say that, globally, bird excrement provides nutrients for coral reefs, which close to one-quarter of ocean fish depend on to survive.

Our blame game is growing tired. It’s preventing the creativity and innovation that allows us to recognize nature’s complexity. In a Sept. 1 open letter to Ontario’s environment minister, 51 scientists called for a “science-based, detailed and peer-reviewed approach” to address cormorant stewardship.

“I think it’s quite short-sighted to think that we can manipulate an ecosystem to enhance a single species.”

- SCOTT WALLACE

Humans need to recognize when we’re failing to effectively “manage” the natural world that supports us—when our actions are harming or destroying ecosystems and need to be rethought. We must grow up, take responsibility and stop scapegoating other species for our mistakes.

Wildlife has co-existed for thousands of years, predators and prey each playing their part in a complex, symbiotic dance. It’s our actions that are out of step.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Boreal Project Manager Rachel Plotkin. ■

OCTOBER 1, 2020

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FEATURE STORY

Fight for the forests Exploring the ideology driving Whistlerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s wildfire mitigation 32 OCTOBER 1, 2020

FEATURE STORY

Story and photos by Braden Dupuis

In 2015,

the city of Fort McMurray, Alta., was a growing community— the bustling epicentre of Canada’s oil industry welcoming hundreds of millions in investment and development of all sorts.

Then, in the spring of 2016, disaster descended on an unimaginable scale.

On May 1, the Horse River wildfire (suspected to be human-caused) ignited in a forested area seven kilometres outside Fort Mac. Within two days, it had entered the city, destroying dozens of homes and businesses, and went on to threaten nearby First Nations communities, oil sands camps and facilities, critical infrastructure, and more.

It would be a full 15 months—September 2017—before the fire was declared extinguished.

Forester and biologist Bruce Blackwell, of B.A. Blackwell and Associates, remembers the fire well—in fact, he completed a regional fire management plan for the area on a contract for the Government of Alberta that same year.

Despite the hundreds of millions in investment taking place in Fort Mac, “in a lot of ways, no one really considered this issue at a level that it should have been considered,” Blackwell says.

“And I kinda thought coming out of the plan, ‘Well, this is gonna wake some people up, and some things are gonna be done to try and do it.’

“But obviously the plan was…” he pauses briefly, with an almost regretful laugh, “not done soon enough to have an impact.”

Blackwell has more than 30 years of experience under his belt, completing hundreds of fire management plans and risk assessments for communities and organizations across B.C., Alberta, the Yukon and beyond.

“Obviously you feel disappointment” knowing more could have been done in a situation like Fort Mac, he says.

“When you spend all your time working to try and protect communities, and something happens, I guess you could liken it to a doctor doing heart surgery, and the patient dies,” he says.

“It’s not a great feeling. It’s kind of an eerie feeling.”

In Blackwell’s view, fires in places like Fort McMurray, Kelowna or Slave Lake give a dire glimpse into what could happen here in Whistler.

“Honestly, I believe there are as many trees here, or more trees; there’s more fuel there, because we’re in this transition between the coast and the Interior, than most of the communities that I work in,” he says.

The level of investment and development in Whistler—and the potential devastating losses wrought by an out-ofcontrol wildfire—are on par with or greater

than what was seen in Fort Mac, he adds.

“So it warrants a very high level of attention; it warrants a high level of investment,” he says.

“And I will go to my grave before I suggest that it doesn’t.”

RAPPELLING IN In a nice bit of contrast, Blackwell’s interests out of high school were in marine biology, which he studied for a couple years at the University of British Columbia before taking a year off to ski and climb.

Some of his ski buddies at the time were rappelling out of helicopters fighting fires in northern B.C. “The second year, one of the guys that was supposed to be doing this work dropped out, and they phoned me and said, ‘Do you want to join this crew?’” he recalls.

“I just jumped at it.”

At it, and then out of it, as it were, as Blackwell spent the next year flying all over the province rappelling onto fires.

“I got exposed to firefighting, and then I was hooked,” he says.

Blackwell finished a forestry degree in 1984 and, finding a tough job market, decided to stay in school.

“I got an opportunity to work in the fire lab, which I was interested in, grinding up wood samples and helping with chemical analysis, and then that led into the project where I worked on my thesis in the Smithers area, doing prescribed fire,” he says.

“We lit fires under different intensities …

I studied the effects on fuels, and I studied the effects on vegetation and soil chemistry and a bunch of different things.”

Around this time, Blackwell connected with others doing their thesis work, many of whom worked in government and for other organizations, “and I managed to sort of eke out the start of my consulting business back then, which was in my bedroom at the time,” he says.

“I was 28 at that point, and so I’ve never really had a real job. This has been my real job for a long, long time.”

Over the years Blackwell has been involved in advising on policy, as a legal expert in court, and as a consultant for dozens of governments and private organizations.

“I’ve had a pretty amazing run. [That’s] the only way I could describe it,” he says.

“And I’ve been exposed to a lot of different situations— lots of different people, with lots of different opinions …

What we’ve heard and seen in Whistler goes on in every community.”

Blackwell is referring to public pushback from concerned citizens about fuel treatment—the removal of trees and vegetation to create fire breaks in strategic areas.

“I would say over the years I’ve heard all of the angles about why we should do this and why we shouldn’t do this, and my job isn’t trying to convince every single person that what we’re doing is 100-per-cent right,” he says.

“My job is to basically lay out the facts of what I think are the right things to do, and let people come to common ground on how they’re going to approach it.”

Whistler’s wildfire fuel mitigation plan aims to treat about 30 hectares of forest this year, at Spruce Grove/Lost Lake Park, Nesters Hill and the Cheakamus Lake Road FSR, at a total cost of about $575,000—$135,000 or so from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), the rest from provincial grants.

Since 2007, the RMOW has treated 205.4 hectares, spending $4.5 million ($2.25 million of which came from provincial grants).

In that span, the municipality has issued $551,626 in payments to Blackwell (some of which is also offset by provincial funding).

As a homeowner in Whistler who enjoys the parks and trails as much as anyone, Blackwell understands the sensitivity to losing tree cover.

“But the bottom line is, if you’ve ever been near a fire that starts to go—and I’ve had a few of them—it’s a very scary, scary time, and you can only imagine it getting big and impacting so many different people’s lives,” he says.

“One day there will be a fire here that’s

“My job is to basically lay out the facts of what I think are the right things to do, and let people come to common ground on how they’re going to approach it.” - Bruce Blackwell OCTOBER 1, 2020

33

FEATURE STORY

significant, and we’re going to have to react to it … I’m trying very hard to convince people it’s not about removing every tree, it’s just removing some of them so that they don’t burn as hot.”

forests. “[We] looked at diminishing sizes of these forest stands—so starting from thousands of hectares down to one hectare—and we looked at how the amount of edge to interior forest influences the change in the micro climate,” she says.

A GUT REACTION “So how with increased solar radiation, and increased wind current, the trees start Rhonda Millikin, a longtime forest ecologist dying off, and that impacts all of the food and recently joined member of Whistler’s webs and the ecosystem processes in a Forest and Wildlands Advisory Committee forest.”

(FWAC), doesn’t want to sound overly It was this experience that triggered a dramatic when asked for her initial reaction “gut reaction” in Millikin upon seeing the to seeing the results of Whistler’s fuel- work at Lost Lake. thinning efforts in Lost Lake Park.

“It was like, ‘Oh my god, we’re repeating “I cried. I did,” she says with a laugh. exactly what happened in Brazil, where “I literally cried. I was so appalled, and we’re increasing the edge to the interior of I wanted to try and find a way that I could the forest, particularly along topographic pause what we’re doing long enough for us features,’” she says. to really validate why [we are] doing this.

“And that leads to increased wind “What are the principles behind what currents coming in, increased solar we’re doing? Where is this guidance coming radiation, which dries everything out, from?” changes the microclimate, and leads to the Millikin has 35 years of experience death of the trees, basically.” working with the federal government, first Millikin is a self-proclaimed “North Van spending 10 years as a forest ecologist girl” who’s been skiing in Whistler since the for the Canadian Forestry Service (now ‘80s. She purchased in the community in Natural Resources Canada), then 25 with 2011 and retired here full time in 2018. the Canadian Wildlife Service.

She says she joined the FWAC due to her general interest in forest conservation, She also worked in Brazil on a World Wildlife Fund project studying overgrowth as well as concern over the management of old growth and fire thinning.

On April 30, Millikin conducted a 4.5-hour study of the effect of fire thinning in Lost Lake on snowmelt.

The results of the study (which was preliminary in nature, conducted on her own, and should be repeated next year, Millikin noted in a follow-up email) point to decreased snow and decreased soil moistures where thinning has occurred, she wrote in a letter to council.

“As the literature and forest ecology experts suggest, fire thinning in our forest type will INCREASE fire risk.”

By her fourth attendance at FWAC, she was giving a presentation to the committee expressing her concern with Whistler’s wildfire fuel management practices, which led to a letter to

“As the literature and forest ecology experts suggest, fire thinning in our forest type will INCREASE fire risk.” - Rhonda Millikin

council and subsequent presentation to the Committee of the Whole from Blackwell (see Pique, July 16: “Should Whistler rethink its approach to wildfire mitigation?”).

As an add-on to the discussion, the RMOW organized a field trip to various fuel-treatment sites in the valley, inviting Blackwell, Millikin, FWAC members, mayor and council and Pique Newsmagazine to learn more about Whistler’s wildfire mitigation efforts.

MAKING A STAND Blackwell stands at the edge of a steep slope high above Whistler’s Horstman Estates, as about a dozen or so interested parties listen to him describe his thought process in treating the site some 10 to 12 years ago.

The stand had about 3,000 to 3,500 stems per hectare, Blackwell recalled, and his crews thinned everything that was less than 22.5 centimetres, leaving the biggest, healthiest conifers.

“Why? Because they provide shade, they retain moisture, and because they’re dominant,” Blackwell says.

“They also have a better chance of staying healthy and resilient over time, so they’re not likely to be attacked by insects.”

The key thing, from a fire point of view, is reducing the fine fuels, he adds—fuels less than six inches or 12.5 centimetres that will contribute to the spread of a fire.

“When you get a fire on a roadside, or when you get a fire where somebody is fooling around, it has to have a fine fuel, usually, to start the ignition and spread the fire,” Blackwell says.

“A lot of people used to say we’re almost gardening here, because there’s so little fine fuel here.”

In treating the sites, crews reduce surface fuels and prune up lower branches to “reduce the continuity of fuel on the ground moving fire up into the crown,” Blackwell says.

“And we try to thin the crowns so that fire, in a wind, can’t go crown to crown.”

The trick, he adds, is how hard to thin,

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34 OCTOBER 1, 2020

FEATURE STORY

and how many trees to remove.

After more than 10 years, the treatment of the Horstman stand is starting to lose some of its effectiveness, Blackwell notes as he surveys the site.

Crews will likely have to revisit it in the next 15 years to reduce further stems, he says.

If he were to do it again?

“I would have liked to thin it harder,” Blackwell says, noting that while the Horstman site was thinned to 500 or 600 stems per hectare, on recent fuelthinning projects in the Callaghan and on Cheakamus Lake Road, crews are moving closer to 300 stems per hectare.

“Which in my mind is going to provide an effective break longer, and we won’t have to reenter it and we won’t have to re-spend more money,” he says.

And money is tight.

Fuel treatments in Whistler are “the most expensive in the province,” Blackwell says, due to an abundance of biomass largely spread over steep terrain.

If the RMOW were to achieve everything set out in its 2011 Community Wildfire Protection Plan, it would have to treat 1,200 hectares, Blackwell says—well beyond current budget and time constraints.

“So far we’ve been able to treat about 300 [hectares]. So we’re about a quarter of the way to where we need to be, in my opinion,” he says.

“The rest of the landscape we can’t afford to deal with it, so these are very strategically placed; they’re placed against homes or where we think we can make a stand.”

Those last three words may do more to encapsulate Blackwell’s philosophy than any half-day tour or investigative cover feature ever could.

When it boils down to it, his work is about creating anchor points for BC Wildfire Crews to make a stand in the event of a fire.

With Whistler’s hot, dry summers—only forecasted to get longer, hotter and drier in the face of climate change—the big risk is the winds, Blackwell says, which can come in inflows or outflows depending on the heat gradient in the Interior and on the coast.

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“It could come from the south, or it could of the effects of Whistler’s wildfire mitigation come from the north, either way. So you’ve efforts to ensure important biodiversity isn’t got two sides to protect,” Blackwell says, lost, she adds, noting that after more than a decade, some forest attributes are missing in adding that the RMOW has also started working towards a “landscape strategy” previously thinned areas. rather than a “postage stamp” approach in “I had a list of the arboreal lychens, the the past five years, identifying where crews bryophytes, the dead standing or fallen will have the best chance to make a stand trees, exposed roots, lower branches, before sending in the fuel-thinning crews. large living trees and well-developed “And when I say make a stand against a understory—I mean, those things are not fire, we can put retardant down through the present, and they’re all critical for a healthy trees, we could put people on the ground interior forest,” she says. safely, or we could conduct a burning “I’m really just asking that we pause, both operation where we backburn into the fire the fire thinning and the fuel-break cutting, to remove more fuel,” Blackwell says. until we’ve monitored what we’re doing.”

The projects south of Whistler in Monitoring should be peer-reviewed Cheakamus and the Callaghan represent and conducted by an independent fire strategic breaks, he adds—the strategy is that scientist, Millikin adds, and involve if a fire hits the breaks, it will go to ground. community volunteers as well.

“And the science is pretty strong, and Nevertheless, Blackwell says he we’re pretty confident, that under most fire “honestly believes” the treatments will have conditions the fire will go to ground,” he says. a positive biological impact on the forests, “Can I say absolutely it will go to ground? and notes that local biologist Bob Brett has No, I can’t. But I think I can say that we have helped supervise the work. high confidence that it’s going to improve While Europe has a long history of and provide a much stronger opportunity effective, small-scale tree removal in its to make a stand in that location.” fire management, in British Columbia the “two extremes” tend to whip between smallscale arboriculture (removing individual (BIO)DIVERSE PRIORITIES trees around homes using chainsaws and chippers) to 40-tonne machines meant for While Millikin was pleased that mayor, clear-cutting, Brett says. council and FWAC took time to do the tour, His work with Blackwell over the years “I still feel very concerned that we have “has been consistent in working in secondincreased the fire risk rather than decreased growth forests, near subdivisions, and in it,” she says, adding that, because she’s a that middle ground between, it’s much scientist, she called many friends involved bigger than an arborist, but it’s smaller in forestry and fire science, and consulted scale than industrial logging,” he says. more than 50 papers on the topic.

From Brett’s point of view, one of the “And I cannot find evidence for fire biggest concerns with Whistler’s wildfire thinning in our forest type. The evidence thinning is those who may misuse the term is based on California forests, and mostly in search of profit. ponderosa pine.”

Brett points to a fuel-thinning project in There is a real need for more monitoring the Wedge area north of Whistler carried out

36 OCTOBER 1, 2020

MONITORING PROGRAM IN THE WORKS by the Cheakamus Community Forest in 2017 that removed old growth as part of the work.

“They had some blocks around Wedge Millikin’s point about monitoring is well Creek that they called fuel management founded, Blackwell concedes, noting that when they were actually logging old growth typically, “we don’t go back and look at it and leaving a few trees behind—which is a enough.” misuse of the term,” he says.

“I have spent a lot of time walking areas “If they’re in old growth and calling it and looking at what they look like today, fuel management, as far as I’m concerned, but we don’t have a budget, and haven’t either they don’t quite understand the had a budget, to go and collect information priorities or they’re doing it to make money.” about those areas,” he says You can tell it’s logging rather than fuel “And I think if that’s an outcome of this, management if the new stumps are bigger that’s fine, but my biggest concern is that than the trees left behind, Brett says. we really need to continue to focus on doing “Whereas what we do is the opposite; the work, and we don’t want to be distracted it’s called thinning from below, where you by a bunch of peripheral things in terms of take the smallest trees and you keep on drawing a lot of money away, to look at what taking the next smaller tree until you get we did, versus what we need to do.” the density you want,” he says.

In a follow-up email, Heather Beresford, But what’s really missing in Whistler’s the RMOW’s environmental stewardship wildfire treatments are all the “non- manager, confirmed that the RMOW is commercial” aspects, Brett says. budgeting to develop a wildfire treatment“Biodiversity values—that to me is monitoring program in 2021. what’s missing in a lot of these treatments,” While details are yet to be determined, he says, adding that B.C. has a long history the new monitoring efforts will include of industrial forestry, and as such, a “community and environmental values as tendency to view things through that lens discussed at the field trip,” Beresford said. while neglecting other values.

But in Brett’s estimation, monitoring “Wildlife, water, aesthetics—just old isn’t necessary. growth values in general,” he says.

“To me that’s the wrong direction,” he says.

“We have a chance to restore these “We know what to do, and that’s to leave second-growth forests that are biological more wildlife components (like dying and deserts.” dead trees) when we go back into these While biodiversity is mentioned in stands, and to make it a true priority rather wildfire prescriptions, “the reality is, it’s than just to take logs.” never the top priority,” Brett says.

As important as his work is, Blackwell “It will never be as high-priority as fire also urges homeowners and stratas to do or reducing fire risk, because that’s what their part to be FireSmart. pays for [the treatments], but anytime you “All the fuel management that we’re doing ... do forest management you have a chance to [won’t] be effective unless people start dealing achieve more than one goal,” he adds. with their own private properties,” he says.

“And humans, and B.C. logging in “From my perspective, the message of general has been much, much too focused FireSmart at the local property level is as on just that one goal of producing fibre.” important as what we’re doing.” ■

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TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

Switching masks try heading underwater with snorkel

38 OCTOBER 1, 2020

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE were heading our way!

A behemoth mother and baby whale swam under our boat while a male escort am ready to switch a cloth mask “spy-hopped” straight up near us to check us for an underwater face mask and out! I handed one of the helpful boat team, swap “stay at home” for “play at Buddha, my GoPro for underwater views, sea.” Snorkelling is an immersive and I snapped away topside with a Canon sensual way to enjoy new places. Rebel. A short video of that adventure can It doesn’t require special training also be found at www.OneMinuteTrip.com/ or certification, the equipment is Pacific.php. cheap compared to most sports, And, yes, the snorkelling at our and the riches of experience are bountiful. destination was wonderful, including Many cruises offer “shore expeditions” that some friendly dolphins in the bay, but the take you off-shore—snorkelling. journey was the greatest joy.

With a good guide, it can be an easy way to “test the waters,” if you aren’t a snorkelling pro. For anyone who loves water, it can be a pleasing way to see what’s under some of the sea you have been cruising over. Snorkelling in the Galapagos is so wonderful As I wait for travel to be advisable again, you want to create new superlatives to I have put my prescription underwater describe it. The equatorial waters are colder face mask next to my cloth face mask and than you might think, being off the coast of am savouring some happy memories of Ecuador, but the cooler Humboldt Currents snorkelling from cruises as images float in. from Alaska keep you moving. You may see sea turtles flapping languidly by, just a day after seeing the iconic giant land tortoises.

If you are lucky, you will see the primordiallooking marine iguanas jump in for a swim.

When gliding under the tall graceful sails of You may even witness birds diving for fish— Windstar in the French Polynesian Islands in the air and then underwater. Most cruises of Bora Bora and Tahiti, my husband and I in the Galapagos visit one or two islands a were enthralled with a “Drift Snorkel.” We day and snorkelling is offered often. were outfitted with masks and snorkels tested so they fit well and given short wet suits, then taken on a glorious boat ride over turquoise and cobalt waters to a tropical shore of Taha’a. We then hiked under palms and by a mangrove forest to ease into the clear waters.

Currents carried us in the shallow warm sea through a gallery of colourful corals and schools of fish. The sensations of feeling weightless through wonders and going with currents without effort were both relaxing and invigorating. We held video cameras, and Victor later put together a short reel of flowing with one group of fish so you can sense how they move through the shimmering light, feed on the corral, and I loved touring with EcoVentura, which change directions en masse. Check out is sensitive to the environment and use www.OneMinuteTrip.com/Pacific.php. local guides who brief you well on what you see. The Princess Grace yacht of Quasar Expeditions was the honeymoon vessel that exuded luxury and was given to Princess Grace by Aristotle Onassis. Re-living either Uncruise Adventures has a wonderful trip (above and under water) is enchanting. island-hopping cruise that includes Maui, The snorkelling highlight, though, was Kauia, Molakai, and Hawaii. Their boutique when a group of Galapagos penguins boat lets you approach the islands from sea, decided to cavort with us—spinning right which the ancients and explorers did, but up to our facemasks then darting away. you can enjoy all the modern comforts with a They are the only known penguins that live great staff pampering you. Since the number naturally north of the Equator. They are of passengers is small, all activities are quite small compared to Emperor Penguins, optional and all-inclusive. Each passenger is but they impishly delighted us. outfitted for the week with a package of fins, I kept laughing underwater and mask, snorkel, and a shortie wet suit. breaking the seal of my mask.

Off the Kona coast of the big island of I hope we will all have a chance to swap Hawaii, my fellow snorkellers and I were cloth masks for face masks soon. in two rubber zodiac boats zipping across that azure blue of the open Pacific toward @ copyright Lisa TE Sonne. Sonne loves Kealakekua Bay, a.k.a. Captain Cook Bay, covering Underwater Travel, and has been named after the famous explorer. It’s a collecting the best snorkelling experiences popular tourist destination for vividly for a book. Sonne also loves scuba diving, is diverse fish and can feel like swimming in a member of the Explorers Club, and was the open aquariums. We were en route when first woman to fly underwater in a winged the zodiac drivers got very excited and submersible for a National Geographic slowed down. Humpback whale spouts television piece. ■

By Lisa TE Sonne

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39

SPORTS THE SCORE

On top of the world JESSE MELAMED TOOK TWO OF THREE ENDURO WORLD SERIES WINS IN 2020

BY DAN FALLOON NO ONE CAN PUT any sort of footnote on Jesse Melamed’s third career Enduro World Series (EWS) win.

His first came at home in Whistler and his second came earlier this year in a weather-abbreviated contest, but No. 3, at Finale Ligure, Italy on Sept. 26, showed what he can do under one of the sport’s brightest spotlights where he’d previously finished seventh.

“Finale is one of the most iconic race venues on the circuit, so there’s no arguing about that one,” he said. “It felt really good to win in Finale because I’ve had some big injuries there and some super good results.

“It’s one that I would put pretty close to Whistler as far as iconic to win.

“It definitely feels better than the first one [this season] considering how weird [it was], considering it was the first race after a long time off, and then it was a shortened race. It was all very questionable, so it was nice to back it up, have a super legit race,” he added.

In the pandemic-shortened season, Melamed came away with two victories in three tries in 2020. At Finale, the Rocky Mountain Race Face rider won the first three stages before taking sixth on the fourth and final stanza, ultimately topping

VICTORY LAP Jesse Melamed took the Enduro World Series victory at Finale Ligure, Italy on Sept.

26.

PHOTO BY DUNCAN PHILPOTT/ENDURO WORLD SERIES

40 OCTOBER 1, 2020

France’s Florian Nicolai by 8.98 seconds and third-place rider Jack Moir of Australia by 13.11 seconds.

The roughly 60-kilometre course provided its share of intrigue as always, Melamed said.

“They have such an old and historic network of trails. They really enjoy going out and refurbishing things they can make into a race stage,” he said. “At first, riding is not very fun but for race days, they become super fun to ride.

“There were two amazing super-fun

heading into 2021.

“I was riding confident. I was riding happy,” he said. “I’m happy at the top. It’s a little bit surreal.

“I’ve had stage wins as far back as five years ago, so I’ve had the speed. It was just about having the speed consistently.”

Other local results from the Finale men’s race include Squamish’s Rhys Verner in 23rd, Whistler’s Carter Krasny in 62nd and Squamish’s Remi Gauvin in 94th.

On the women’s side, Andreane Lanthier Nadeau came away with a sixth-

“It felt really good to win in Finale because I’ve had some big injuries there and some super good results.”

- JESSE MELAMED

stages and two different, yanky, physical stages but that’s what Finale always delivers.”

Pulling off consecutive stage wins was also a crowning moment for Melamed, as it displayed the consistency he’s long sought.

“I was definitely the fastest rider out there so it felt really good,” he said.

The win was the third of Melamed’s career after a weather-shortened triumph in Zermatt, Switzerland last month and a podium topper here in Whistler in 2017.

The Enduro World Series is not giving out individual accolades during the 2020 season because of the pandemic, though Melamed sits atop the global rider rankings

place showing, 56.08 seconds behind winner Morgane Charre of France.

Melanie Pugin and Estelle Charles rounded out the French podium sweep.

Squamish’s Miranda Miller came away with a 15th-place result.

Looking back on the season, Melamed had some mixed emotions, saying that while he didn’t expect it to be fun when starting up, it was more enjoyable than expected. That said, it’s a low bar in a pandemic world.

“It was super tough. I don’t think people realized how stressful it was to fly over there, not only for safety, but for moral

reasons thinking, ‘Is this what we should be doing right now with what’s going on in the world?’” he said. “Most people took it pretty seriously over there and we were in full control of the exposure that we had. We’re wearing masks, we weren’t congregating in big groups of people and we weren’t going out all the time.”

Melamed noted the underlying risk of injury when travelling for an extreme sport, so it was difficult mentally to add the possibility of contracting a virus to the stack.

“You try not to think about it, but if something happened, it would be really unfortunate, so it added another level of stress to the whole trip,” he said. “It’s not something that I want to do often and I’m hoping that for next year, things have improved or it’s safer to travel.”

Shutting the book on a bizarre 2020 that saw Melamed and other locals rev up quickly for Crankworx Summer Series before going overseas, he said he feels fulfilled at this point.

“Given how I felt a couple months ago not having anything in the season, it feels great to have done Crankworx and these three EWS races,” he said. “It does feel like we had a season. It might have been weird and it might have been short … but it feels like we did quite a bit of racing and we can be satisfied with what we did.

“This felt like one trip of what would normally be many in a season, so I think in two weeks or three weeks, I’ll be like, ‘Well, it’s a long time to wait until the next races.’”

Melamed added that he appreciated the support from back home encouraging him through the season. n

SPORTS THE SCORE

Minor hockey prepping for winter season SEA TO SKY BEARS TO ICE TWO U15 TEAMS BUT SUSPEND U18 PROGRAM FOR 2020-21

BY DAN FALLOON IT SPEAKS TO the weirdness of 2020 that minor hockey in the Sea to Sky is getting underway the same week as the NHL handed out the Stanley Cup. This season is set to look a little bit different, though, according to Whistler Minor Hockey Association president Joe Baker.

Baker credited collaboration between the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association (PCAHA) programs, which met regularly throughout the pandemic, for sharing ideas and helping to facilitate a safe return to play, which kicked off in Whistler with tryouts beginning on the weekend.

When gameplay resumes, teams will form small four-squad cohorts and play within those for three weeks, then take a two-week break before forming new cohorts. There will be no tournaments or provincial championships this season.

“It’s going to be very development focused, but at least we’re getting the kids on the ice playing real hockey in a competitive environment,” Baker said.

Registration numbers are steady, though rates in some of the younger groups are “soft,” but still high enough to run a team. The addition of a U13 girls’ team to the existing U11 program, meanwhile, provides a boost.

One challenge, at least in the early going, is that restrictions limit the number of on the ice during practices to 15, and that will likely take the form of 13 players and two coaches at a time, Squamish Minor Hockey Association president Chris Green said. While it means players have less time physically on the ice, he anticipates a tradeoff where the time is better spent, especially at younger levels where there can be “chaotic” situations of 30 to 40 players on the ice at a time.

“Now you’ve got to split those groups into two or three ice times. A team will actually see a little less ice than they would in previous years, but at the same time, there’s less kids on the ice, and there’s a better coach-to-kid ratio, so we’re hoping that even with a dip in ice [time] … the development will be about the same or could even see some improvement,” Green said.

In Whistler, Baker credited scheduler Paula Palmer for ensuring that there’s enough access all around.

There are some changes to the Sea to Sky Bears program, which saw both its bantam and midget teams qualify for their respective provincial tournaments before they were cancelled because of COVID-19. In the inaugural season of the BC Hockey pilot, the Bears hosted players from both the Squamish and Whistler minor hockey associations.

This year, there will be no U18 team, but there will be two U15 squads.

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the line in both communities.

In Whistler, Baker said the house team could not dress all the players on its roster.

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to go on a rotation and they weren’t getting a sufficient amount of ice.”

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was little interest in making a combined house league team between Whistler and Squamish and even if there were, having enough goaltenders would likely be an issue.

“Their lives are a little busier,” he said.

“There was no interest in sharing a team, www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com having a third house team that would be www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com www.backinactionphysiotherapy.com 604 962 0555 shared between Squamish and Whistler.

604 604962 962 0555 0555 604 604 962 9620555 0555 “The kids wanted to play with their friends and we were hearing from our board members who were most closely associated with that age level, they talked to their families, and there just didn’t seem to be the interest.”

At the end of the season, the WMHA sought feedback from both those within the pilot program and those within the association as a whole. Baker said that while most parents in the pilot thought it was successful, they understood the domino effect within the organization.

“We couldn’t be trading two rep programs for half a rep program and then have house pick up the slack,” he said. “Our goal as an association, and we mentioned this at every board meeting, is we don’t want any kid who wants to play hockey not to be able to play hockey.

“It was a bit painful last year to have kids have to sit out games.”

In a letter of understanding to BC We are putting the finishing touches on the ambitious Climate Action Hockey, which was approved by the Squamish association and the PCAHA, the Big Moves Strategy and want to hear from you.

WMHA expressed interest in bringing the U18 program back in future years provided Take the Climate Big Moves Survey to share your input on Whistler’s that there is a second rep team. six proposed Big Moves and identify community solutions on how we “There’s a full intention to resume that can all take action to dramatically reduce our community’s greenhouse program next year if we can get all the pieces in place,” Green said. “We are excited gas emissions and energy consumption. that the U15 level is going ahead and it looks like there will be two strong teams there.”

Take the Climate Big Moves Survey now: However, Baker stressed the need for surveymonkey.com/r/BigMoves consistency.

“It takes an incredible amount of time The survey closes Sunday, October 18 at 11:59 p.m. PST. and energy to have to redesign the program every year,” he said.

As well, Baker added that this year’s tryouts have independent evaluators in attendance.

Resort Municipality of Whistler “We want to make sure it’s as transparent whistler.ca/BigMoves and fair as possible,” he said. ■

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41

SPORTS THE SCORE

Clapp earns club pro victory at Nick North SPORTS BRIEFS: TURKEY TROT TO RETURN

BY DAN FALLOON IT TOOK THREE extra holes, but Brad Clapp eventually came away with the 2020 Srixon/Cleveland Golf/XXIO PGA of BC Club Professional Championship victory at Nicklaus North Golf Course on Sept. 22.

Clapp, who has served as Cultus Lake Golf Club’s director of golf for the past two summers, was even with Point Grey Golf and Country Club’s David Zibrik after 36 holes, with each posting a five-under-par 137. Clapp, a tournament winner on the Mackenzie Tour, eventually took the victory, edging out Zibrik on the third playoff hole.

Clapp and Zibrik played alongside each other both days, and the champion praised the runner-up.

“He played fantastic for two days as well. I was just lucky enough that one putt dropped a little bit sooner than his,” Clapp said. “It was a good time, but it was just patience and making sure that I didn’t get ahead of myself.”

After the first round of play on Sept. 21, Clapp trailed leader Philip Jonas by a single stroke, but Jonas suffered a five-over-par 76 in Round 2 to slip into a tie for seventh.

Even though Clapp’s Round 2 score was

five strokes higher than Round 1, his twoday score was good enough to qualify for the playoff. Zibrik’s road, meanwhile, was steadier, as he put up a three-under 68 for Round 1 and a two-under 69 for Round 2.

Clapp credited his short game for putting him in contention, noting his 25-footer for eagle on No. 13 after notching birdies on 10 and 11, helping him post a five-under for the final nine holes of the first round.

“I made a lot of putts. My ball-striking hasn’t really been great all year. I don’t feel like I’m in full control of my golf ball, but I’m just playing smart enough and being patient enough,” he said. “I think in the first round, I just made more putts.”

Clapp was thrilled to play Nicklaus North, adding that it aligns well to his style.

“It’s good to get out and play. It’s a destination that all of us pros want to come to. It’s pretty easy to circle this event on our schedules and make the trip up,” he said.

“It was in awesome shape. It’s a treat to play and I love that place.”

Clapp was also glad to take a couple of days to get out and play a few holes, as during the pandemic, he’s had less time to play because the course was busier but there was less staff. Clapp said he hadn’t so much as touched a club for three weeks before heading up to Whistler.

“Everyone’s been so busy. Golf has seen a huge boom during COVID as people have a little bit more free time and wanted to get outside,” he said. “It’s been a crazy, hectic year and it’s a good problem to have. We love facilitating new golfers. We love getting busier.”

On the local side, Nicklaus North’s Andrew Smart put up the second-best Round 2 score with a two-under 69, five strokes improved from his three-over 74 to kick things off. Smart finished tied for ninth.

“I had a good couple days. I rolled down the greens a little bit the first day but made up for it the second day,” he said. “The golf course was in exceptional shape.”

The two other locals also finished in the top half of the 45-player field as Padraic O’Rourke of the Fairmont Chateau Whistler tied for 13th at three-over and Alan Kristmanson of Whistler Golf Club tied for 21st at 10-over.

As a nearly 25-year veteran of Nicklaus North, Smart admittedly enjoyed some extra familiarity.

“I’ve got a few more reps than a lot of the other players, but I can’t tell you that there’s been much preparation in the last 120 days,” said Smart, who tries to play once a week. “It’s been a busy summer with lots of different responsibilities, so playing golf has not been my No. 1 priority.”

Smart credited superintendent Aaron

Mansbridge for his work preparing the course, overcoming the smoky conditions leading into the tournament to ensure it was pristine.

As well, Smart was glad with how the tournament itself went off.

“We try to support our Professional Golfers Association every couple of years.

It’s great to have these guys up to play and showcase the facility and showcase Whistler,” he said.

TURKEY TROT TO RETURN The annual Whistler Turkey Trot, held by the organizers of the Whistler Half Marathon, will return for a third year on Oct. 11 at Lost Lake Park.

However, there will be some alterations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Registration will be limited to 50 people, while there will be interval starts for participants. Though a 10-kilometre run has been on offer in years past, only the five-km distance will be on tap this year to limit the event’s footprint. There will be no gathering at the end of the event.

All of the $15 registration fee will be donated to the Whistler Food Bank.

Registration opened on Sept. 30 at whistlerturkeytrot.com. Check the website for a full list of COVID-19 precautions. n

Notice

PERMISSIVE EXEMPTION AMENDMENT BYLAW Notice is hereby given of proposed Bylaw No. 2293 which will give the properties listed below exemption from Municipal Property Tax for the period listed beginning in 2021 pursuant to Section 224 of the Community Charter.

We’ve got you covered.

Estimated municipal tax Folio

Address

Proposed Exemption

Statuatory Authority

Term

2021

2022

2023

006161.500

Portion of 7328 Kirpatrick Way

Whistler Waldorf School Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

10,946

11,165

008073.022

1080 Legacy Way

Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

40,178

40,981

008073.024

1315 Cloudburst Drive

Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

6,781

6,917

008073.023

1345 Cloudburst Drive

Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

4,421

4,509

007924.007

1519 Spring Creek Drive

Zero Ceiling

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

3,655

3,728

005160.002

8000 Nesters Road

Whistler Community Services Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

3,644

3,717

005316.102

2028 Rob Boyd Way

Whistler Mountain Ski Club

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

7,311

7,458

006162.002

Emerald Forest

Emerald Dreams Conservation Co Ltd. - Emerald Forest

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

1,142

1,165

006548.000 Emerald Forest

Decigon Development Corp - Emerald Forest

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

1,655

1,689

006641.000

4910 Glacier Lane

Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

69,547

70,938

006571.101

4350 Blackcomb Way

Audain Art Museum

Sec. 224(2)(a)

3 Years

228,685

233,259

237,924

006166.090

4584 Blackcomb Way

Spo7ez Cultural Centre and Community Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

5 Years

65,398

66,706

68,040

Pick up the latest issue of your favourite read in Whistler.

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca

42 OCTOBER 1, 2020

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EPICURIOUS

When life gives you lemons, make hot sauce WHISTLER ENTREPRENEURS BEHIND SPCY GRLS HOT SAUCES HAVEN’T LET PANDEMIC SLOW THEM DOWN

BY BRANDON BARRETT AMIE COMERFORD and Kirby Emmett, the friends-turned-business partners behind the delectable line of Whistler-made Spcy Grls hot sauces, had big plans for 2020.

“We wanted to do a food truck this year because of the markets but that sadly got disrupted because of COVID,” explained Comerford.

So, like most entrepreneurs who’ve been forced to adapt to the new COVID reality, they had no choice but to make lemonade out of lemons. Or, in their case, hot sauce out of chiles (OK, that wasn’t the best metaphor.) “[COVID] has really affected us just because of the markets. There’s no Spcy Grls founders Amie Comerford and Kirby Emmett were planning to launch their food truck this summer until the pandemic forced them to adapt on the fly.

SPICE UP YOUR LIFE

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Christmas market this year and a lot of our big markets have been cancelled,” explained Comerford. “It’s given us time to innovate and try new things and hopefully in 2021, we’ll come back bigger and better.”

With limited market opportunities, the women decided it best to sell their food truck and essentially “recreate their business plan,” Comerford said. That meant finding another kitchen space to complete the transition into hot food, which they had already been planning.

Serving out of The Corner Deli on Main Street since mid-August, Spcy Grls now offer handmade tacos, pierogies, and crispy rollups paired with their own line of hot sauces. They’ve also recently started selling their frozen dumplings on Whistler DineIn, with plans to offer hot food through the delivery service soon.

“We just wanted to give people a reason to use our hot sauce and show them how you can make different flavours,” Comerford said. “Everything we cook is made from our hot sauce, so, for example, all the pulled chicken for the tacos is made from our

original Lil’ Mama’s Hot Sauce.”

The pandemic hasn’t slowed down Spcy Grls’ expansion plans either, with a line of five new sauces being rolled out in the coming weeks to go along with the half-dozen original flavours you can find

“It’s given us time to innovate and try new things and hopefully in 2021, we’ll come back bigger and better.”

- AMIE COMERFORD

everywhere locally from Whistler Brewing Company to Nesters (they also sell their sauces at specific locations in Squamish and on Vancouver Island).

The pair drew on some familiar faces for

Food Lovers Unite!

inspiration for the new sauces, with all five created and named after one of Comerford and Emmett’s friends (in fact, Emmett’s partner also graces one of the bottles).

There’s the King George BBQ Sauce they created in honour of their Aussie friend who is obsessed with Australian barbecue shake mix. Then there’s the Berry Sweet St. Vincent, made with raspberries, habanero peppers, and gin in honour of their friend Vince who “makes us do gin shots whenever we go out,” Comerford noted. Or how about Prince Q’s Jerk Spice, named after their half-Jamaican, spice-loving friend who also happens to be a bit of a jerk.

“The whole line is actually called the Salt Lord Collection because they’re all salty old men,” Comerford said with a laugh.

Ever the optimists, Emmett and Comerford are already looking ahead to a post-COVID landscape when they will be able to dish out their food in person.

“We just need a bus or a barbecue and we can make tacos and steam some dumplings,” Comerford added.

To check out Spcy Grls products, visit spcygrls.com. n

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ARTS SCENE

A Story of Karma shares life-changing journey SQUAMISH AUTHOR SET TO CELEBRATE BOOK RELEASE AT ARMCHAIR BOOKS ON SATURDAY, OCT. 3

BY ALYSSA NOEL MANY PEOPLE in the Sea to Sky corridor know the unique disappointment that comes from a failed adventure.

Weather, poor choices, injury, or a packing error can all turn a coveted goal into a trip home.

But Michael Schauch’s failed attempt to climb an unknown Himalayan peak back in 2012 proves that sometimes life has other plans for you.

“It took me several days to get over it,” the Squamish resident recalls. “I went through this whole Jekyll-and-Hyde thing in my head.

‘Why am I being shut down here?’”

While Schauch had planned to climb the mystery mountain that first captured his attention in a photograph, he and his wife Chantal had travelled to Nepal with a handful of artist friends for another reason, too.

Back then, Nar Phu, otherwise known as “The Lost Valley,” had only recently opened up to visitors and Schauch realized that it wouldn’t be long before it changed.

Before that inevitable transformation, he thought it would be compelling to document the valley with his wife and a handful of other creatives.

MOUNTAIN TALES Michael Schauch’s book A Story of Karma: Finding Love and Truth in the Lost Valley of the Himalaya was released on Sept. 29.

PHOTO BY CHANTAL SCHAUCH

46 OCTOBER 1, 2020

“We thought, ‘Why don’t we go in with a different lens and observe and learn and capture a moment in time,’” Schauch says.

“We brought a photographer, a nature artist, musician, and Chantal and I were going to do filming. That was the inception point.”

The mountain he wanted to climb was a secondary goal.

When the group finally arrived in Nepal and Schauch set out for his climb, however, things started to fall apart.

The village was intensely remote, but, above all, it seemed they valued education.

Education meant a better life for children.

“I was getting all this information because I didn’t climb the mountain,” Schauch says. “We ended up going to another village where we learned there was this little school.”

When they arrived they met a young girl named Karma who was teaching English numbers to a group of about 17 kids.

“I was caught in a snowstorm at 17,000 ft., the mule with my climbing gear ran off and I was forced to hunker down in this little village called Phu.” - MICHAEL SCHAUCH

“One thing after the next started unravelling,” he recalls. “I was caught in a snowstorm at 17,000 ft., the mule with my climbing gear ran off and I was forced to hunker down in this little village called Phu.” That’s when he started connecting with the locals—and his life would never be the same. “[We were] spending days in their homes and we’d join them for meals with 20 people crammed into a stone house,” he says. “We couldn’t speak each other’s language, but we’d often speak with the eyes and go back to more basic ways of communicating.”

“We thought, ‘This is very interesting.

I felt this strong draw to this girl,’” he says.

The little girl seemingly took interest in Schauch and his wife too; in particular, she wanted to learn English from them. The couple wound up meeting with Karma’s family, including her sister Pemba.

“That was the beginning of our connection and the start of our familial connection,” Schauch says.

Since that trip, the couple has gone back every year to visit the family and in 2018, the sisters came on exchange to Squamish.

“They said one of the most amazing

things for them was seeing the ocean,” Schauch says. “Growing up around landlocked, vertical terrain, just this flat horizon of water was mind blowing to them … They played instruments, skied, tried luge, all these things—stuff they would’ve had no exposure to there. They also brought a lot of their culture here.”

Throughout this time, Schauch had been keeping a detailed journal of the remarkable journey with its unexpected outcome, but it wasn’t until 2016 that he considered turning it into a book with some encouragement from Chantal.

While he enjoyed both creative writing and math in high school, after a bad mark on a story assignment, he focused on the latter talent.

“I decided to go into business instead,” he said. “I’ve loved this idea of creative writing, but it wasn’t until 2016—and this whole journey—that I came back to it.”

It took about two years to finish A Story of Karma: Finding Love and Truth in the Lost Valley of the Himalaya, but the book officially came out on Tuesday, Sept. 29 via Rocky Mountain Books.

To celebrate, Schauch will be signing copies at Armchair Books in Whistler on Saturday, Oct. 3 from 1 to 3 p.m.

“I got this great gift of meeting Karma, which I wouldn’t have otherwise had [if I had climbed the mountain],” he says. “It’s funny how things turn out.”

To find out more visit michaelschauch. com/book. n

ARTS SCENE

Wade Davis shines a light on our power to heal MAGDALENA AUTHOR TAKES PART IN WHISTLER WRITERS FESTIVAL ON OCT. 17

BY PAUL SHORE

history, ethnobotany textbook and environmentalist’s primer, Wade Davis’s Magdalena offers up cures for despair that will inspire even the most disheartened among us who strive to foster peace and healing.

Davis’s evocative storytelling blends the rich and complicated ingredients of Colombia’s history into a soulful batter overflowing with sabor. The author’s way with words creates a spicy dish with zests of environmentalism and compassion. He adds to the mixture a touch of sarcastic acidity, as he describes a city’s new span over the Rio Magdalena as “a modern and imposing bridge where lovers gather to watch the lights of the oil refineries.”

He throws in a dash of horrific pungency as he describes how the locals are surrounded by macabre scenes of violence with the words, “the sheer number of corpses spinning slowly in the eddies.”

These days when we think of Colombia, sadly our memories are drawn to the illicit cocaine trade and the associated murderous era that we observed from afar on the evening news. Our mind’s eye focuses on the ruthless bosses of drug cartels and their

Davis opens our eyes to today’s reality that ‘Colombia is falling together’...

cocaine processing labs hidden in jungles.

We lose sight of the fact that Colombia is naturally awe-inspiring, which should come as no surprise since it is the most biodiverse country on the planet. And we forget that Indigenous Andeans valued the coca plant as “the divine leaf of immortality,” rather than a business opportunity to exploit for its psychoactive properties.

Davis opens our eyes to today’s reality that “Colombia is falling together” as peace gradually replaces violence and a new generation reshapes the nation. The country is experiencing a season of healing and cultural resurgence that holds great hope for both its people and its nature.

Davis demonstrates to us that grief can become grace as we learn to apply resilience to stimulate regeneration.

Magdalena seamlessly intertwines

James Dow

A CURIOUS BLEND of travel memoir,

The 56,000 sq. ft. Audain Art Museum designed

by Patkau Architects provides ample space for a physically distant cultural experience.

GOOD READ Wade Davis is set to take part in the

Whistler Writers Festival on Oct. 17.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Colombian history and lessons on sustainability. Davis highlights historical gems, such as the establishment of decrees 200 years ago to protect the environment, by Colombia’s liberator and founder Simon Bolivar.

The great Colombian novelist Gabriel Garcia Marquez imagined that Bolivar lamented the state of Rio Magdalena in his dying days, saying, “the fish will have to learn to walk, because all the water will be gone.”

These words remind me of another brilliant, and at times quixotic author who held the natural world in high regard.

Theodor Seuss Geisel wrote in The Lorax, “you’re glumping the pond where the humming-fish hummed! … They’ll walk on their fins and get woefully weary in search of some water that isn’t so smeary.”

I sense that Davis strives to demonstrate that repairing the world is indeed possible and that it is in fact our obligation to never stop trying, no matter how daunting the task might appear. Magdalena - River of Dreams offers an antidote to despair, and hope for healing and peace.

Wade Davis is set to take part in the Whistler Writers Festival’s Saturday Night Gala on Oct. 17. For more, visit festival. whistlerwritersfest.com.

Paul Shore is a writer, cleantech marketing consultant, and snowboarding instructor living in Whistler, B.C. His current writing project, Planet Hero Kids, is a children’s graphic novel series that takes a lighthearted and uplifting look at climate action, through the spreading of kindness to help fix the planet. n

To explore the art of British Columbia this fall tickets may be purchased online for contactless payment, or at the door.

NOW OPEN THURSDAY TO SUNDAY & HOLIDAY MONDAYS | 11AM – 6PM audainartmuseum.com/visit Bill Reid, Killer Whale, 1984, bronze, Audain Art Museum Collection. Gift of Michael Audain and Yoshiko Karasawa. Courtesy of the Bill Reid Estate, photo by Darby Magill.

OCTOBER 1, 2020

47

MUSEUM MUSINGS

THE HOUSE THAT ANDY, RANDY AND DAVE BUILT The squat built from recycled materials near Fitzsimmons Creek was home to some of Whistler’s early ski settlers.

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BY ALLYN PRINGLE TO MANY, the photograph of a group

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48 OCTOBER 1, 2020

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posed around and on a rustic house is a familiar image of a different era in Whistler, when the nearest grocery store was often found in Squamish and only one mountain had any lifts operating. In 2011, Sarah Drewery, then the Collections Manager at the Whistler Museum, conducted an oral history with Andy and Bonnie Munster, and asked about the history of the house in the picture, which Andy called home for about five years in the 1970s.

Andy first came to Whistler in 1971 to ski. He had been expecting something bigger and drove straight through to Green Lake before realizing he had passed it. According to him, in his first four years in the area, he ran into problems finding a place to rent and so in 1975, he and two friends, Randy and Dave, decided to squat and build their own cabin. Randy, who came from California, chose the site near Fitzsimmons Creek and decided that they didn’t want anything plastic in the house, preferring wood and natural materials. With little money to spare amongst them, the cabin was built almost entirely out of recycled materials.

Construction began in the spring or summer of 1975, often relying on what they could find in the dump. They found lumber that had been thrown away after another construction project finished its foundations, old-fashioned windows that somebody no longer needed, and couches in pristine condition. Other items were donated by people they knew or sold to them cheaply, such as a cast-iron cook stove and wood heater that Seppo Makinen sold to them for $20. Andy estimated that by the time they finished the house, it cost a total of $50 and included an upstairs, a sunroom, a large woodshed, and an outhouse.

The house was comfortable but keeping

it running was a lot of work. All of the heating came from wood and each fall, they would have to cut at least eight cords of firewood. Water had to be hauled from Fitzsimmons Creek in buckets—though in summer they could use a water wheel— and heated on the stove for showers and washing. Andy recalled there were a few times when they decided not to have the wood stove on and then woke up with frost in their mustaches and beards. Luckily, the house was quick to warm up and stayed warm for quite a while.

In late 1978, most of the squatters on Crown land in Whistler were served with eviction notices. According to Andy, they were shocked and seeing the notice “your heart kind of sinks down,” but they were able to meet with the provincial and municipal governments and negotiate a year’s extension. When it came time to leave the house, they gave away furniture, took out the windows and any reusable materials, and talked to the fire department about what to do with the shell.

In a speaker event last fall, Jim Moodie mentioned that, as part of the team managing the village construction at the time, he was partly responsible for burning down Andy Munster’s home. The eviction notices were served around the time that the first ground was broken on the village site and, as Andy put it, “We were actually just moving out when the pile drivers and everything were starting in the village.”

The shell of their house was used by the fire department for fire practice and, after trying a few different things, they let it burn to the ground.

The fire was documented in another series of photographs, depicting what many felt to be the end of an era. The next few years saw the construction of Whistler Village and the opening of Blackcomb Mountain not far from the site of that house, where Andy said if you were to walk past today “you’d never know it was there.” n

PARTIAL RECALL

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LOG LAPS Pemberton’s Ryan Fries was snapped while riding in Squamish recently. PHOTO BY DENNIS ORR. 2 MARMOT MOMENT This “very photogenic” marmot is pictured atop Blackcomb Mountain. “A very fitting sight (and sound!) on the MERRY MARY Pique sports editor Dan Falloon welcomed rescue dog Mary, a jindo mix, into the family on Sept. 27. Mary flew to North America last week after being rescued in South Korea by Free Korean Dogs. PHOTO BY DAN FALLOON. 4 QUILTING FOR GOOD The Whistler Valley Quilters’ Guild has kept up, and continues, with their quilt making for community and charities, as well as creative work and education. While the group’s get-togethers remain virtual for the time being, members recently held a safely-distanced gathering. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 5 ABOVE THE CLOUDS Another beautiful day in Whistler—so long as you were above the cloud cover, as seen from Christine’s. PHOTO BY TY WATTS. last day of sightseeing operations for Whistler Blackcomb, with the dusting of snow on Whistler in the background,” wrote the photographer. PHOTO BY AMANDA DRAGE. 3

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ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF OCTOBER 1 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): “I am, indeed, a king,

because I know how to rule myself,” wrote 16th-century author Pietro Aretino. By January 2021, Aries, I would love for you to have earned the right to make a similar statement: “I am, indeed, a royal sovereign, because I know how to rule myself.” Here’s the most important point: The robust power and clout you have the potential to summon has nothing to do with power and clout over other people—only over yourself. Homework: Meditate on what it means to be the imperial boss and supreme monarch of your own fate.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The basic principle of spiritual life is that our problems become the very place to discover wisdom and love.” Buddhist teacher Jack Kornfield made that brilliant observation. It’s always worth meditating on, but it’s an especially potent message for you during the first three weeks of October 2020. In my view, now is a highly favourable time for you to extract uplifting lessons by dealing forthrightly with your knottiest dilemmas. I suspect that these lessons could prove useful for the rest of your long life.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “My business is to love,” wrote poet Emily Dickinson. I invite you to adopt this motto for the next three weeks. It’s an excellent time to intensify your commitment to expressing compassion, empathy, and tenderness. To do so will not only bring healing to certain allies who need it; it will also make you smarter. I mean that literally. Your actual intelligence will expand and deepen as you look for and capitalize on opportunities to bestow blessings. (P.S. Dickinson also wrote, “My business is to sing.” I recommend you experiment with that mandate, as well.)

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “I’m the diamond in the dirt, that ain’t been found,” sings Cancerian rapper Curtis Jackson, also known as 50 Cent. “I’m the underground king and I ain’t been crowned,” he adds. My reading of the astrological omens suggests that a phenomenon like that is going on in your life right now. There’s something unknown about you that deserves and needs to be known.

You’re not getting the full credit and acknowledgment you’ve earned through your soulful accomplishments.

I hereby authorize you to take action! Address this oversight. Rise up and correct it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The author bell hooks (who doesn’t capitalize her name) has spent years as a professor in American universities. Adaptability has been a key strategy in her efforts to educate her students. She writes, “One of the things that we must do as teachers is twirl around and around, and find out what works with the situation that we’re in.” That’s excellent advice for you right now—in whatever field you’re in. Old reliable formulas are irrelevant, in my astrological opinion. Strategies that have guided you in the past may not apply to the current scenarios. Your best bet is to twirl around and around as you experiment to find out what works.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “Your relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other relationship you have,” says motivational speaker Robert Holden.

Hallelujah and amen! Ain’t that the truth! Which is why it’s so crucial to periodically take a thorough inventory of your relationship with yourself. And guess what, Virgo: Now would be a perfect time to do so. Even more than that: During your inventory, if you discover ways in which you treat yourself unkindly or carelessly, you can generate tremendous healing energy by working to fix the glitches.

The coming weeks could bring pivotal transformations in your bonds with others if you’re brave enough to make pivotal transformations in your bonds with yourself.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In her high school yearbook, Libra-born Sigourney Weaver arranged to have this caption beneath her official photo: “Please, God, please, don’t let me be normal!” Since then, she has had a long and acclaimed career as an actress in movies.

ScreenPrism.com calls her a pioneer of female action

heroes. Among her many exotic roles: a fierce warrior who defeats monstrous aliens; an exobiologist working with Indigenous people on the moon of a distant planet in the 22nd century; and a naturalist who lives with mountain gorillas in Rwanda. If you have ever had comparable fantasies about transcending normalcy, Libra, now would be a good time to indulge those fantasies—and begin cooking up plans to make them come true.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Scorpio-born Prince Charles has been heir to the British throne for 68 years. That’s an eternity to be patiently on hold for his big chance to serve as king. His mother Queen Elizabeth just keeps going on and on, living her very long life, ensuring that Charles remains second-in-command. But I suspect that many Scorpios who have been awaiting their turn will finally graduate to the next step in the coming weeks and months. Will Charles be one of them? Will you? To increase your chances, here’s a tip: Meditate on how to be of even greater devotion to the ideals you love to serve.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Inventor Buckminster Fuller was a visionary who loved to imagine ideas and objects no one had ever dreamed of before. One of his mottoes was, “There is nothing in a caterpillar that tells you it’s going to be a butterfly.” I recommend that you spend quality time in the coming weeks meditating on butterfly-like things you’d love to have as part of your future—things that may resemble caterpillars in the early going. Your homework is to envision three such innovations that could be in your world by Oct. 1, 2021.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): During the Second World War, Hollywood filmmakers decided it would be a good idea to create stories based on graphic current events: for example, American Marines waging pitched battles against Japanese soldiers on South Pacific islands. But audiences were cool to that approach. They preferred comedies and musicals with “no message, no mission, no misfortune.” In the coming weeks, I advise you to resist any temptation you might have to engage in a similar disregard of current events. In my opinion, your mental health requires you to be extra discerning and well-informed about politics—and so does the future of your personal destiny.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Pretending is imagined possibility,” observes actress Meryl Streep. “Pretending is a very valuable life skill and we do it all the time.”

In other words, fantasizing about events that may never happen is just one way we use our mind’s eye. We also wield our imaginations to envision scenarios that we actually want to create in our real lives. In fact, that’s the first step in actualizing those scenarios: to play around with picturing them; to pretend they will one day be a literal part of our world. The coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to supercharge the generative aspect of your imagination. I encourage you to be especially vivid and intense as you visualize in detail the future you want.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “My own soul must be a bright invisible green,” wrote author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. Novelist Tom Robbins suggested that we visualize the soul as “a cross between a wolf howl, a photon, and a dribble of dark molasses.” Nobel Prize-winning poet Wislawa Szymborska observed, “Joy and sorrow aren’t two different feelings” for the soul. Poet Emily Dickinson thought that the soul “should always stand ajar”—just in case an ecstatic experience or rousing epiphany might be lurking in the vicinity. In the coming weeks, Pisces, I invite you to enjoy your own lively meditations on the nature of your soul. You’re in a phase when such an exploration can yield interesting results.

Homework: Make up a song that cheers you up and inspires your excitement about the future. It doesn’t have to be perfect. FreeWillAstrology.com

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES

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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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR AND/ OR ABORIGINAL SUPPORTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT WORKER The N’Quatqua First Nation is seeking a qualified Early Childhood Educator and/or Aboriginal Supported Child Development Support Worker to fill a full-time position at N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre. The successful candidate will join our NCFDC team, the function of the Early Childhood Educator and/or Aboriginal Supported Child Development Support Worker is to provide the extra staffing support to a child care center in order for children with extra support needs to fully participate in the child care settings chosen by their families. The Early Childhood and/or Support Worker works as a team member with child care setting staff and with all the children and families providing general support to the whole program to ensure effective inclusion of the children.

The successful candidate will have demonstrated ability in: • Ability to develop and maintain a warm, caring, responsive relationship with the child.

• Ability to establish and maintain supportive, collaborative relationships with families and staff.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, positive, professional, nonjudgmental attitude.

• Physically ability to carry out the duties of the position.

• Planning and implementing developmentally appropriate curriculum that supports community, inclusion and is culturally significant for young Aboriginal children • Understanding and working knowledge of Child Care Licensing regulations • Interpersonal, written, oral communication skills and maintaining positive communication with parents • Collaborating with community service providers, Self-directed and able to initiate and complete projects In addition, the Early Childhood Educator and/or Aboriginal Supported Child Development Support Worker will have: • A minimum of 2 years work experience in a child care setting • Valid Early Childhood Education Certificate, Special Needs License to Practice or going to school to take Early Childhood Educator and/or special needs.

• Special Needs certificate or relevant experience preferred • Clear Criminal Records Check & Current First Aid • Food Safe, or willingness to obtain • Some knowledge of curriculum and philosophies in First Nations Early Childhood settings Terms of Employment: • Full-time Permanent, Monday to Friday hours to be determined • Start Date: As soon as possible • Wage: (negotiable depending on experience) Cover Letter & Resume to: Title: Lisa Sambo, Manager Agency: N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre Email: lisa.sambo@nquatqua.ca Fax: 604-452-3295/3280 Deadline: until position is filled We thank all those who apply. Only those candidates selected for interview will be contacted.

52 OCTOBER 1, 2020

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-All sizes and types of boilers -Furnaces -In-floor heating -Domestic hot water -Snow melt systems -Sheet metal fabrication -Commercial Kitchen Equipment 604-698-9759 idealcombustion.ca phil@idealcombustion.ca

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SIGN UP TO AVOID DISAPPOINTMENT! Pilates Mat Class ONLINE with Rya Saturdays 9-10 am $48 for Whistler residents for 4 classes Sunday Fun Day Workout STEP! with Liz 8:30-9:30 am ONLY $5 Vinyasa with Hailey Tuesday, 10:30-11:30 am $13 per class Dryland Training –Snow Fit with Garret Tues & Thur, 6:45-7:45 pm $13 per class Spin with Courtney Mon & Wed 5:15-6:15 pm $13 per class

www.whistler.ca/fitness 604-935-PLAY (7529)

SSCS is recruiting for the following vacancies in Squamish.

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SIGNING BONUS Send resume in confidence to: service@spearheadsph.com SPEARHEAD PLUMBING AND HEATING LTD. WWW.SPEARHEADPLUMBING.COM We pride ourselves with having a long term team of employees, and helping you reach your fullest potential.

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Resort Municipality of Whistler

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Director of Planning Parks Planner Manager, Financial Services Customer Service Associate Bylaw and Licensing Coordinator Equipment Operator III – Roads Journeyman Carpenter – Facility Construction Management Emergency Program Coordinator

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20+ hours/week include Extended Health & Dental Benefits for all positions We're offering a base wage for Estheticians and Laser Technicians plus commissions.

GENERAL NOTICES ROTARY CLUBS OF WHISTLER

We are a full-service spa offering RMT and relaxation massage, laser therapy, facials, and Mani/Pedi. We have 8 rooms to serve our clients and are centrally located in the heart of the upper village.

Please send your interest to: clientcare@glacierdayspa.com.

www.whistlerwag.com

The Rotary Clubs of Whistler are now meeting virtually.

The Whistler Club Tuesdays at 3.

The Millennium Club Thursdays at 12:15.

Contact us at info@Whistler-rotary.org for log in info. All welcome.

MEETING PLACE Welcome Centre at Whistler Public Library - Information, support, community connections and ESL practice groups for newcomers and immigrants. Meet people, make connections, volunteer, build your communication skills in English.

Multicultural Meet Up every Friday 9.3012pm.604-698-5960 info@welcomewhistler.com FB: WhistlerWelcomeCentre

Don’t forget to scoop the poop!

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VOLUNTEERS Big Brothers, Big Sisters Sea to Sky Volunteer to Mentor- just 1hr/week - and make a difference in a child's life. Call 604-892-3125.

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Travel Consultants have a passion for ensuring that guests have the best possible vacation experience in Whistler. The main goal of Travel Consultants is to sell an entire Whistler vacation package, including accommodations, activities and transportation.

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We are also recruiting for: Controller, Finance (Full Time, Contract).

To view our career opportunities, and to apply, visit us online at: whistler.com/careers.

… and discover why Nita Lake Lodge is the place for you!

Work alongside our amazing team and enjoy: o Working for a Canadian family owned and operation Boutique Lodge o Peace of mind from enhanced sanitation and operational protocols o Extended Health & Dental o Staff rates at our award-winning spa & restaurants

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54 OCTOBER 1, 2020

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RE BUILD IT CENTRE & RE USE IT CENTRE TEAM MEMBERS

Scandinave Spa is recruiting for • Spa Experience Attendants & • Reservation Agents

WHAT YOU’RE BRINGING • Commitment and Dedication • Your own unique experience • Teamwork and interpersonal skills • Effective leadership and management skills

WHAT WE ARE OFFERING • Ski pass or Wellness Package • Bath access anytime for you and a friend • Great work environment focused on work life balance Don’t miss out. Apply now at https://www.scandinave.com/en/careers/location/whistler/

Re Build It Centre Team Member: We are looking for our next team member at the Re Build It Centre. This is a full-time, permanent position with a competitive wage, benefit package and wellness benefit after 3 months.

If you have experience with a trade, excellent customer service, waste diversion knowledge and want to feel part of the community, we want to hear from you.

Re Use It Centre Team Member: As the Re Use It Centre Team Member, you will use your customer service skill and knowledge of social enterprise to create the best experience for our customers. The role is to receive goods, distribute stock, sell goods and operate a cash register while accepting payment for purchase of goods in a positive and safe environment at the Re-Use It Centre.

Send your cover letter and resume to hr@mywcss.org.

A full job description can be found on our website at mywcss.org

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BCIT Whistler Employment Opportunities

N’Quatqua Band 120 Casper Charlie Place, P.O. Box 88, D’Arcy, B.C. V0N 1L0 Phone (604) 452-3221 • Fax (604) 452-3295

BCIT’s SITE Centre is seeking a qualified Lil’wat Nation History, Culture, and Traditions Facilitator and a Cross-cultural Leadership Facilitator, each to teach segments of the Indigenous and Intercultural Awareness Training Program in Whistler this fall and winter. The program is for employers, employees, and individuals in the Sea-to-Sky region to learn about and better understand their Indigenous Lil’wat neighbours.

The course will be held face-to-face with physical distancing and safety measures taken during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Accountant REPORTS TO:

BAND ADMINISTRATOR SUMMARY OF WORK DESCRIPTION: The Accountant will work in conjunction with the Band Administrator and key Program Staff in maintaining the financial accounting and control system for all programs. He/she will ensure maintenance of all computerized ledgers, journals and produce financial reports. The Bookkeeper will supervise the finance staff and provide support.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

Lil’wat Nation History, Culture, and Traditions Instructor (Part-time Sessional Contract)

Banking: - oversee monthly bank reconciliations.

Accounts Payable: - Reconcile accounts payable sub-ledger.

The successful candidate for this position will be an individual from the Lil’wat Nation with some facilitating or public speaking experience. They will have the ability to teach students about the histories and cultural practices and protocols of theLílwat7ul. The facilitator may be asked to be present for other parts of the course and contribute to the discussion.

Accounts Receivable: - Preparation of invoices and statements as required.

- Maintenance of cash receipts journal.

- Preparation of aged accounts receivable listing.

Financial Reporting: - Prepare monthly-computerized financial reports including budget information.

- Alert the Program Managers as to any significant variances in actual budget comparisons.

- Complete special reports for submission to the Managers and Chief and Council.

- Review reports for accuracy for outside agencies including Health Canada, Human Resources Development Canada and AANDC. - Work with Program Managers to ensure all program reports are submitted to funding sources in a timely manner.

Cross-cultural Leadership Instructor (Part-time Sessional Contract)

The successful candidate for this position will have work or teaching experience in the area(s) of cross-cultural management, communication, organizational behaviour, and/or human resource management. They will have the ability to teach students about creating a safe and inclusive space, cultural competency, and crosscultural leadership. Additionally, they will teach how these concepts can be applied in the workplace.

Budgeting: - Work with Program Managers of each Department to ensure annual budgets are prepared.

- Provide advice and assist the Program Managers in implementing/ monitoring of budgets throughout the year.

- Provide recommendations to the Program Managers and Chief and Council.

Facilitators for both positions will be required to use curriculum that has already been developed through research, and in collaboration, with the Lil’wat Nation.

Apply by October 8th, 2020 To see the full job description and apply, please email Sonia_Dhaliwal116@ bcit.ca/business/indigenous for more information.

Payroll: - Prepare quarterly report & payment for W.C.B. Other related duties: - Attend and participate in Council and community meetings upon request.

- Other related duties as assigned.

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Must have: - Training in accounting, auditing, budgeting, financial planning combined with experience; - Proven experience in financial budget analysis, preparation of monthly/ annual financial reports, and accounting principles; - Experience in working in First Nations accounting or financial management environment.

- The incumbent must have a vehicle and hold valid B.C. driver’s license.

Please forward resume, cover letter to Jenn Levine, jennifer.levine@nquatqua.ca at N’Quatqua Band Office. Only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview.

We would like to have a minimum of 3 applicants prior to setting up interviews.

The closing date for this job posting will be August 20, 2020 at 4pm

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Competitive wages, health benefits, casual environment 58 OCTOBER 1, 2020

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N’Quatqua Band

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120 Casper Charlie Place, P.O. Box 88, D’Arcy, B.C. V0N 1L0 Phone (604) 452-3221 • Fax (604) 452-3295

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JOB POSTING

BAND ADMINISTRATOR The Band Administrator is responsible for the efficient and effective operations of the Band. The Band Administrator will work closely with

each of the Departments of the N’Quatqua Band and will serve as the Supervisor of the Department Managers. The Band Administrator will administer multiple programs and services, including financial assets of the band, property, natural resources and information and will manage in accordance with policies and priorities set out by Chief & Council. He/she will forecast program needs and plan for future program requirements. He/She will ensure effective financial management of programs and services, including accountability and will seek funding enhancements to improve service opportunities. The Band Administrator will keep abreast of new initiatives and will ensure programs are managed, delivered and evaluated in a coordinated and integrated approach on a fiscal basis and in a culturally appropriate and responsive manner. The Band Administrator will develop a detailed annual budget for Council approval, and will assist Department Heads in preparing annual departmental budgets. He/she will maintain sound working relationships with Staff, representatives of other departments, governments and outside agencies.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE: Supervision/Performance Management: Provides a structured process for the supervision of Staff to ensure that required standards and program policy guidelines are met; Provides consultation on a day to day basis to the Department Managers, as appropriate, in the performance of their duties in relation to: a) Policy interpretation d) resource management practice b) Program eligibility e) workload management c) Case management practice f) conflict resolution Works closely with Chief & Council in policy updates and/or developments; Administration & Financial Management: Maintains information, records, monthly calendar, schedules; Ensures that files are secure; Consults with Chief and Council on a regular basis; Provides regular reports and ensures the financial systems of the programs are maintained and accountability is in place; Monitors revenues and expenditures of all departments and works closely with department heads and/or Finance Manager on budgets; Identifies new sources of revenue for programs and services and applies for additional funding; Identifies and informs Council about new economic opportunities and risk assessment; Meets deadlines;

The Sea to Sky corridor’s top civil construction company.

We are currently recruiting professionally minded people to join our team: Equipment Operators Class 1 Truck Drivers Pipe Layers • Construction Labourers Email resume to: info@whistlerexcavations.com

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE: - Degree in Business Management or combined post-secondary education and work experience; - Previous work experience in a First Nations Band Office; - 3 to 5 years working experience with a First Nation;; - Must have experience in planning, conducting and managing programs and projects in a First Nations setting.

- Must have knowledge of First Nations history, traditions, lifestyles, culture, including approaches to community development and programming; - Must have experience and good skills in proposal writing, strategies, policies, operational and financial planning; - Must have excellent communication skills; - Must have ability to prioritize goals and objectives within timeframes; - Must have a sound understanding of financial management and preparing detailed annual budgets with working experience; - Must have good understanding of outside government organizations and funders; - Must have experience in supervising Managers and Staff; - Must have experience in negotiations; - Must have strong leadership skills; OTHER: - Must pass a criminal records check; - Must be able maintain flexible hours.

- Must have transportation and a valid BC driver’s license.

- Must have ability to work as a team member.

- Must have excellent public relations, interpersonal and communication skills.

- Must be able to work independently and serve as a Team Leader.

Please forward resume, cover letter to Jenn Levine, jennifer.levine@nquatqua.ca at N’Quatqua Band Office. Only those shortlisted will be contacted for an interview. We would like to have a minimum of 3 applicants prior to setting up interviews.

The closing date for this job posting will be August 20, 2020 at 4pm

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The Whistler Housing Authority is seeking a qualified candidate to join our organization.

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

The Director of Finance will provide guidance and direction to the General Manager to plan, develop, recommend and implement financial strategies, policies, systems and processes to ensure the WHA acts in accordance with its mandate, internal policies and external regulations in order to secure the financial health and sustainability of the Authority.

A job description is available at www.whistlerhousing.ca Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter by email to mail@whistlerhousing.ca Deadline for applications is October 16th at 4:00 p.m.

OCTOBER 1, 2020

59

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PUZZLES ACROSS 1 6 11 15 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 39 41 42 44 45 48 51 52 55 59 60 62 63 64 67 68 70 72 73 75

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76 77 78 79 81 82 83 84 85 86 90 92 93 94 95 98 99 101 102 103 105 107 108 109 110 113 114 116 117 118 119 120 122 124 126 131 134 138 139

141 143 144 145 147 148 149 150 151 152 153 154 155 156

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DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 23 34 36 37

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38 40 43 45 46 47 49 50 53 54 56 57 58 61 62 65 66 69 70 71 74 76 78 80 81 83 84 85 87 88 89 91 92 93 94 95 96 97

P.O. service Others Lose control (2 wds.)

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129 130 132 133 135 136 137 140 142 146 147

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7

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8

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 55

OCTOBER 1, 2020

61

MAXED OUT

My favourite time of the year AUTUMN BEGAN LAST WEEK, in case you missed it. Autumn is one of my four favourite seasons of the year, possibly my most favourite. For starters, it has the everconfusing ‘mn’ ending. What’s that silent ‘n’ doing after the ‘m,’ you’ve probably found yourself wondering since you first misspelled autumn back in grade school? Blame it on Latin, source of so much confusion and explanation. Autumn, it turns out, is short for autumnus, the Latin name for fall. Autumn, in most of the English-speaking world, is a synonym for fall. Or is that a pseudonym?

Either way, once I learned how to spell it, I stopped calling that season fall.

Putting autumn’s etymological roots aside, it is a great season in the parts of the world where coconut palms don’t grow.

BY G.D. MAXWELL The reasons for this are manifold but let us just consider two of them: shorter days and colder days.

Before we do, we could also consider elections that, at least in the Englishspeaking part of North America often fall during fall, er, autumn. But given the black hole of reason and humanity playing out south of the border this autumn, we won’t.

Back to shorter and colder days.

Unless you’re a farmer—see discussion on colder days below—shorter days are a blessing. Just so there’s no confusion, the days aren’t actually shorter in autumn, it’s just one of those figures of speech, like, “The sun’s getting lower on the horizon.”

Those of us who still believe in science, an admittedly dwindling number in the Age of Unreason, know the days are just as long in autumn as they are the rest of the year and the sun is relatively fixed in the centre of our solar system. This is, of course, thought of as fake news among an alarming number of people who believe almost anything they read on social media so if you’re one of them, you can stop reading now.

But the days seem shorter in autumn.

That’s because summer days are so much longer, which is to say they are chockfull of so many more hours of sunlight— except in British Columbia where it seems we frequently piss off the Sun God—and autumn’s ever-diminishing doses of sunlight give one the feeling of slowly going blind. But that’s a good thing in the case of autumn since it’s followed by winter when days seem even shorter notwithstanding they’re actually getting longer. Is it any wonder people don’t believe science?

Gone are the frantic days when doing something as slothful as lying on the couch watching reruns had to be put off until after 10 p.m. because there was still enough light at 9 p.m. to go challenge the twistiest singletrack around and you felt slothful, as well you should, if you weren’t out doing something strenuous and/or gruelling while the sun was still shining.

62 OCTOBER 1, 2020

GETTYIMAGES.CA

As referenced above, farmers don’t embrace shorter days with the same gusto couch potatoes do. It rubs against the grain of their vaunted, dawn-to-dusk work ethic.

Shorter days mean worries about getting the harvest in which, let’s be frank, is pretty much the money shot when it comes to farming. Being a happy connoisseur of farmers’ products, I feel their pain and wish them all the success their hard work should bring. But that’s where colder days come into play. Soon, in the land of no palms, the long days of hard work will be behind them because the crops will either be in or they’ll be frozen in the fields… the crops, not the

me, you don’t want to know—and crawl back into warm, bulky sweaters, bomber jackets, ankle-length harp seal coats and Ugg boots. If you’ve got a drop of Canadian blood in you, you know the feeling of getting warmed on a cold day is way superior to cooling down on a hot one; sharing body heat beats snuggling up to an air conditioner.

Besides, autumn is the springtime of death and what better way to celebrate than by paying homage to that most autumn ritual: hunting.

I do not hunt—and chances are, neither do you—but some of my best friends are

Gone are the frantic days when doing something as slothful as lying on the couch watching reruns had to be put off until after 10 p.m.

farmers. Either way, the farmers’ll get to curl up on their couches and watch reruns, secure in the knowledge some hardworking lobbyist hired by Big Agra is busy at work sowing the seeds of new subsidies all winter long.

For those of us who aren’t farmers, colder days mean we can stop obsessing about what we look like in a bikini—trust

hunters. OK, that’s a lie. But I do know some hunters and I have been hunting.

OK, that’s not exactly a lie but it’s not exactly true either. Some friends used to take me hunting. They took me because I owned much sharper knives than they did, sharpening knives being one of those autumnal things I like to do when there’s

no good reruns on TV, which explains why my knives are so sharp. They also took me because I like to run after things they shot at to see if they actually hit anything, which they never did.

They never hit anything because they used muzzle-loading long rifles. They used them for two reasons. The “season” for muzzleloaders started a week before it did for everyone else, thereby dramatically lowering your chances of being mistaken for a deer, turkey, elk or cow and subsequently being shot by other hunters, an understandable but tragic mistake.

And, being basically peaceful guys, using muzzleloaders gave them about the same chance of actually killing anything as chucking rocks at them. Less, in fact. As an experiment, they both shot into a flock of wild turkeys we stumbled across once while I chucked a rock at them—the turkeys, not my friends. When the black powder smoke cleared, all the turkeys were still standing; one was gobbling like crazy because he’d been hit by a rock.

But hunting and autumn go together like plaid and hosers and, personally, I’d like to see hunting once again take its rightful place as the sport of kings… or is that king of sports. Whatever. What I’d really like to see is a lot more hunters around Smilin’ Dog Manor where garden-eating deer are as plentiful as rats in a Hong Kong restaurant or cows roaming local roads, just waiting to be mistaken for turkeys.

Besides, I just finished a wonderful venison stew, the venison compliments of a hunter friend, and the chances of me furnishing more is even less likely than President Donald Trump paying taxes. n

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Fully renovated 5 bedroom family home available at Whistlers premium residential address in beautiful Whitegold. Just a few minutes walk to the village and connected directly to all the amenities that the Lost Lake area has to offer. Swimming, hiking, biking in summer and cross country or snow shoe trails in winter.

Dave Sharpe

7

604.902.2779

3D Tour - rem.ax/1015westin

#1015 - 4090 Whistler Way

$364,900

A rare 10th floor studio suite with vaulted ceilings and extra-high windows to draw in the natural light and mountain views is now available for purchase by the discerning investor. Phase 2 nightly rental zoning offers 28 days use in the winter & 28 days use in the summer PLUS hands-off management for revenue generation.

Denise Brown*

.5

604.902.2033

#332C - 2036 London Lane

$189,000

2 bedroom 2 bath overlooking Whistler Creek! Complex amenities include, heated outdoor pool, 2 outdoor hot tubs, games room, owners lounge, movie theater, secure underground parking and on-site ski storage. Monthly fees cover everything, no hassle, no tenant phone calls, no life like it!

Doug Treleaven

2

604.905.8626

3D Tour - rem.ax/206nicklausnorth

#102 - 2111 Whistler Road

$295,000

Best priced phase 1 property available in Whistler, unlimited owner use or rental ! Central location, walking distance to Whistler Creekside. Monthly strata fee is ‘all inclusive’ having just one bill to pay makes ownership so easy! Leasehold property so traditional financing not available.

James Collingridge

.5

604.902.0132

2 Garibaldi Drive

$1,495,000

4

604.935.9171

This condo is located in one of the most prestigious neighbourhoods in Whistler right on the 16th tee of the world-renowned Nicklaus North golf course. Floatplane access gives a luxurious arrival to your Whistler getaway & allows quicker access to the amenities this neighbourhood boasts including biking, hiking, boating, Scandinav Spa & more.

Laura Barkman

Madison Perry

604.905.8777

#223 - 4800 Spearhead Drive

$900,000

Turn key mountainside suite is ready for you. Fully furnished SKI-IN/SKI-OUT 1 bedroom suite on Blackcomb Mountain has an outdoor heated pool, 3 hot tubs, exercise centre, bike room, gardens, and is steps to the Upper Village. Phase 1 zoning allows you to live in the property full time or you can also rent it nightly.

Meg McLean

1

604.907.2223

3D Tour - rem.ax/107woodrun

4729B - Settebello Drive

$514,000

Enjoy owning a 1/4 share in this beautiful 3 bedroom, 3 bathroom townhome with absolutely incredible views of Blackcomb mountain. After a hard day on the ski hill, you can enjoy relaxing in your own private hot tub. It’s just a short walk to all sorts of shopping, restaurants and the village square, yet far enough away for peace and tranquility.

Michael Nauss

604.932.9586

$1,190,000

2

778.919.7653

3D Tour - rem.ax/223aspens

Delightful property nestled in the forest with a skating pond below. The double garage will be the envy of your friends with a refinished floor and thoughtful built in storage. The Glades offers an exceptional location in Spring Creek near the elementary school and Ecole Passerelle. Cozy gathering spaces for family and friends are offered both inside and out.

Matt Chiasson

#206 - 8080 Nicklaus North Blvd.

Have your housing needs changed – are you able to work from home? Consider the purchase of this 7535 sq.ft. flat lot and plan your home build for Spring. Black Tusk, located just 15 minutes from Whistler Resort is the perfect spot to social distance, create a sustainable vegetable garden and enjoy a less hurried lifestyle.

3D Tour - rem.ax/19glades

#19 - 1530 Tynebridge Lane

$625,000

3

#107 - 4910 Spearhead Drive

$1,799,000

WHISTLER OFFICE 106 - 7015 Nesters Road, Whistler, BC V8E 0X1 604.932.2300 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070 *PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

If you are a home owner, buyer, tenant, landlord, or small business in need of help during this time, please see our updated list of resources at: remax-whistler.com/resources

604.907-2717

$1,285,000

This property has a comfortable open floor plan with 2 bedrooms and a lofted area for additional sleeping or office. The views look over the Palmer Golf Course and Blackcomb Mountain. Common area facilities include a hot tub and recreation/ social room. Parking is underground where there is locker and bike storage.

Michael d’Artois

2.5

604.905.9337

3D Tour - rem.ax/10thepeaks

The Woodrun is one of the few concrete buildings in Whistler and #107 is conveniently located on the ground floor facing the green belt. The unit features a boot heater, huge owner locker, Washer, and Dryer in suite and the gym and pool access is just across the hallway.

Richard Christiansen

#309 - 3317 Ptarmigan Place

2

#10 - 1450 Vine Road

$565,000

This 2 bed 2 bath townhome in the sought after Peaks development is located in the preferable cul-de-sac area of the complex, and backs onto a large amount of green space in a private setting. The covered deck off of the living space offers morning sun and afternoon shade for those hot summer days.

Richard Grenfell

604.902.4260

2

PEMBERTON OFFICE 1411 Portage Road, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L1 604.894.6616 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070