Pique Newsmagazine 2753

DECEMBER 31, 2020 ISSUE 27.53

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TO DANCE WITH THE DEVIL IN THE PALE MOONLIGHT

Best of

Whistler 14

TOURISM TASK FORCE

Funding

welcome, but more needs to be done

15

AVALANCHE DEATHS

Two die in slide.

Backcountry risk is ‘considerable’

66

COUNT IT DOWN

New Year’s Eve is set

to look very different this year

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

34

66

40 Best of Whistler The past year hasn’t given us much to celebrate, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate each other. So without further ado, let’s reveal the winners of Pique’s 2020 Best of Whistler poll. - By Pique staff

14

TOURISM TASK FORCE

Whistler is

welcoming $105 million in funding for the tourism industry, but more can

34

COVID-19 ALERT

Parents at Signal Hill

elementary school are alerted to COVID-19 case 17 days after exposure.

be done to ease the pain on operators, according to a task force report.

15

AVALANCHE DEATHS

A deadly avalanche

62

YEARS IN THE MAKING

Five years of

near Pemberton claims two lives while Avalanche Canada warns skiers

fundraising later, Whistler’s Gemini Freestyle Centre is finally complete

and riders to stay in low-angle terrain around Whistler.

and open for business on Blackcomb Mountain.

21

66

TOP COP MOVING ON

After three years

COUNT IT DOWN

New Year’s Eve is set to look

in the Sea to Sky corridor, the head of the Whistler and Pemberton RCMP,

very different this year, but Whistler still has some fun in store to help ring

Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes, is leaving his post next month to assume a new

in 2021—and, let’s be honest, kick 2020 to the curb as well.

provincial position in the Lower Mainland.

COVER After a year none of us were expecting or wanting, it’s nice to leave it under a trail of white fluffy snow! - By Jon Parris 4 DECEMBER 31, 2020

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS As we get ready to welcome in a new year, let’s look to all levels of

#202 -1390 ALPHA LAKE RD., FUNCTION JUNCTION, WHISTLER, B.C. V8E 0H9.

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

government to make some meaningful changes.

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter writers call out those who are travelling to Whistler to ski

Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com Editor CLARE OGILVIE - edit@piquenewsmagazine.com Assistant Editor ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com Sales Manager SUSAN HUTCHINSON - shutchinson@wplpmedia.com Production Manager KARL PARTINGTON - kpartington@wplpmedia.com Art Director JON PARRIS - jparris@wplpmedia.com Advertising Representatives AMY ALLEN - aallen@wplpmedia.com TESSA SWEENEY - tsweeney@wplpmedia.com Digital/Sales Coordinator AMELA DIZDARIC - traffic@wplpmedia.com Production production@piquenewsmagazine.com LOU O’BRIEN - lstevens@wplpmedia.com

and board right now despite the province experiencing high coronavirus numbers.

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Writer Alyssa Noel, an avid backcountry enthusiast, is hoping some changes in favour of public access by BC Parks might mean a more positive 2021 for the outdoors.

78 MAXED OUT Max shelves The Maxie Awards for 2020 and instead thanks the people that have made surviving the COVID-19 pandemic possible.

Environment & Adventure

Arts & Entertainment Editor ALYSSA NOEL arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

38 RANGE ROVER What does it really mean when someone says, “I ski in jeans?” Writer Leslie

Sports Editor DAN FALLOON - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com

Anthony deconstructs the phrase and enlightens us.

Features Editor BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com Reporters BRADEN DUPUIS - bdupuis@piquenewsmagazine.com BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com MEGAN LALONDE - mlalonde@wplpmedia.com Classifieds and Reception mail@piquenewsmagazine.com 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

Lifestyle & Arts

64 EPICURIOUS Really, who doesn’t love a glass of bubbly any time at all, and this week, writer Brandon Barrett digs a little deeper into the history of champagne as a celebratory beverage.

68 MUSEUM MUSINGS Whistler Blackcomb administration staff take turns working frontline positions and this week’s columns tells us how that started.

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.

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OPENING REMARKS

Taking lessons learned into 2021 AS WE GET SET to welcome in 2021, most of us are saying, “Please let it be better than 2020!”

And while there is little doubt that most of what made 2020 challenging can be laid at the feet of the coronavirus, many of the ongoing issues that face us will not go away when the COVID-19 vaccine is generally available.

Yes, an audible sigh of relief was heard as we learned that scientists, working cooperatively, had cracked the coronavirus code and that a vaccine was coming, but this

BY CLARE OGILVIE edit@piquenewsmagazine.com

shot in the arm does not mean we can just carry on as before.

Many lessons have been taken to heart during 2020, but I would argue that one of the most powerful is that we can make a difference facing our greatest challenges if we all work together.

So let’s start local.

When COVID-19 struck Whistler I would argue there was not a single person who

As Pique reported last week, the Whistler Community Service Society received $31,045 from the RMOW in 2020 to continue running its programs and counselling services.

Said executive director Jackie Dickinson, “In early spring, our outreach services experienced a surge in client meetings and connections, and at that time over 57 per cent of the people that we saw identified as being in a place of crisis.

“That’s one in every two people.”

Funding was also supplied to other groups such as Zero Ceiling. And it was Chris Wrightson, Zero Ceiling’s co-executive director, who suggested how we could learn from this adaptation to need—she would like to see multi-year grants.

The RMOW has a long-established, trusting relationship with local organizations, “and I challenge [the RMOW] to consider this as you make plans for the Community Enrichment Program in the future,” she said.

That’s a challenge worth taking up.

What about changes at a provincial level?

There are many that we could focus on, but let’s start with a proper paid sick-leave program.

Without doubt this comes with costs to the business sector, and in these difficult

Many lessons have been taken to heart during 2020 ... one of the most powerful is that we can make a difference facing our greatest challenges if we all work together.

didn’t feel like the wind had just been knocked out of them. Jobs were lost, futures put in jeopardy, housing was at risk, there were plenty of people who would not have survived without the food bank and the support of our social services.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), while taking some time to get organized initially, moved to support the agencies that could support those in need in the community.

Coming Soon

3 Bedroom/2.5 Bathroom Pemberton Townhouse This spacious 1550 sq foot 3 Bedroom/2.5 Bathroom Townhouse will be coming to the market in early January.

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Dave Brown

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davebrown@wrec.com www.davesellswhistler.com Cell: 604 905 8438 / Toll Free: 1 800 667 2993 ext. 805

8 DECEMBER 31, 2020

times where profit margins are razor thin, this can’t be ignored.

But in the long-term it is a benefit that helps retain workers and helps keep workplaces healthy.

In May, hundreds signed a petition asking B.C. Premier John Horgan to put a temporary system in for the pandemic and also look at changing the Employment Standards Act long-term giving of one hour of paid sick time for every 25 hours worked up to a maximum

of 52 hours. This system would mean a fulltime, 35-hour-per-week employee would accrue seven paid sick days per year.

More than half of workers 18 and older in Canada are not entitled to paid sick leave, most of them part-time and contract employees or low-income workers who cannot afford to lose wages.

The Retail Action Network’s most recent research shows that 89 per cent of workers in B.C. who earn less than $30,000 a year don’t receive paid sick days from their employers.

Last month, Isobel Mackenzie, the provincial seniors advocate, added her voice to the cause, speaking out about how many care aides are showing up sick for work because they can’t afford to stay home—aides who then spread the coronavirus in the longterm care homes where they work.

“Poor beleaguered workers,” she said.

“They don’t make that much money to start with and then, if they’re sick, they don’t get paid.”

And what about at a national level? Again, there are many changes we could focus on, but one of the most pressing issues has to be facing the climate crisis.

While it is true the federal government announced its plans for meeting Canada’s targets for greenhouse gas emissions— announcing a carbon price of $170 per tonne of greenhouse gas by 2030—much more needs to be done. (And, yes, ouch—this will likely add 28 cents to the average price of a litre of gasoline.)

There needs to be a clear focus on supporting the technology that will help us transition affordably away from fossil fuels in the coming years.

Within minutes of the plan’s unveiling, economists and climate scientists alike both supported and panned the plan in unison.

That feels like par for the course… and let’s remember the Liberals have to get re-elected to truly put it in motion.

But, for the first time there is a plan that may help us reach our emissions targets.

So, I say, bring on 2021! n

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

This is not the time to make Whistler a bargain Given that [B.C. Provincial Health Officer] Dr. Bonnie Henry again… discouraged Whistler visitors from the B.C. Lower Mainland, I struggle to understand why we would “incentivize” visitors [to use the letter writer’s term] from other parts of Canada that have far higher COVID-19 rates than we have here in B.C. (Pique, “Whistler should consider affordability for visitors,” Dec. 17.)

So far Whistler [the mountains, hotels, businesses etc.] seem to have somehow managed on very limited visits.

If we ignore our provincial health officer and ramp up and experience an outbreak, the result could well be what we experienced March 16, 2020—a total shutdown.

Patience seems a better option rather than encouraging people to come to Whistler this season.

Jim Moodie // Whistler

Why are people still travelling to Whistler?

I read [reporter] Alyssa Noel’s [news] article on how people from the Lower Mainland shouldn’t go to Whistler to ski. (Pique, Dec.

flown in with their family to spend the next week skiing in Whistler. So how is this allowed?

My family shouldn’t go to Whistler and we live less than two hours away, but people can come from another province that is imposing a lockdown without quarantining?

I don’t understand why the province and Vancouver Coastal Health aren’t checking people’s destinations at the Vancouver airport and implementing stricter measures to prevent this and protect our population.

British Columbians are working hard to “bend the curve” again, but clearly there are those from out of province that feel their selfishness should come first. I suspect there are probably many more from out of province doing this and it’s really frustrating.

Is there anyone else who we can contact, or ask Dr. Henry about why this is being allowed to happen?

Miriana Narciso // North Vancouver

22, “Vancouver, Lower Mainland skiers and snowboarders shouldn’t come to Whistler: Dr. Bonnie Henry.”)

I understand that, and as a resident of the North Shore our family is following [B.C.’s Provincial Health Officer] Dr. Bonnie Henry’s recommendations in order to limit the spread of

COVID-19. In fact, no one understands this better than our family as my son has a very serious lung condition so we have been isolating and have kept our children from school.

We have been taking this seriously.

Yesterday I received a message from an acquaintance from the Toronto area. They have

Write to us! Letters to the editor must contain the writer’s name, address and a daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 450 words. Pique Newsmagazine reserves the right to edit, condense or refrain from publishing any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine.

Please, don’t come to Whistler That was the title of the editorial written in Pique in April, and it’s as true now as it was then.

This last week we have seen an explosion of destination travellers coming from across the country looking to escape their own mandatory non-essential travel orders in cities from Ontario, Quebec, Alberta and Manitoba to come visit Whistler.

Our own provincial health officer has asked Lower Mainland skiers not to visit Whistler and other small communities, yet we continue to see many who flout this advice.

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REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

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Wishing all a Healthy and Happy New Year 6488 St Andrews Way Charming, solidly built, ‘european style’ large custom log home located at the end of a cul-de-sac in Whistler Cay Heights. With 4 bedrooms + loft, 2.5 bathrooms, partially finished basement level, sauna, lots of storage space, large patio, 2 balconies, 2 car garage, there is loads of room for family/friends.

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10 DECEMBER 31, 2020

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Now we see travellers coming across the country for their own selfish recreational pleasures.

Enough already.

We, and they, may be taking all the precautions possible but this is not the solution, it’s only prolonging the problem.

To quote from the April editorial: “We must stay close to home and only go out with our family groups while physically distancing from others.”

Visitors can try and justify their ignorance of health professional advice, but to be blunt, it’s disrespectful.

“[W]hy is Whistler welcoming people from afar?”

- KEITH FERNANDES

We will be more than happy to welcome visitors with open arms when our provincial health professionals deem it appropriate.

Until then, stay local, stay safe.

Jamie May // Pemberton-Whistler

Some long overdue thank yous Thank you Stephanie Sloan for the ladiesonly ski workshops! You set me on a path of improvement and a desire to learn and practice ski technique.

Thank you Kathy Kreiner and Dave Philips for the ski perception workshops. Your “key words” provided focus for practising proper technique. It took quite a long time to actually feel “angulation” but what a thrill it was to finally figure it out. I thank you every day that I ski! Thank you also for recommending boots with softer forward flex. You have to have the correct boots to get far enough forward to achieve good technique.

Thank you to Paul Zirk of The Destination, North Vancouver. You took the time to talk about how I ski, what my options were and what I should consider. “I love my new skis!”

[Now for some] recommendations:

Take Lessons! The techniques you learn about will take some time to master but with practice will make you a better and safer skier/rider.

[When] shopping for gear, [a]lways be totally truthful when talking to the shop experts about your abilities! They can only help you purchase the most appropriate gear if you are honest about your abilities!

Thank you all.

Louise Graham // Whistler

#215G3 HORSTMAN HOUSE Ski home to this spacious 2 bedroom quarter share in Horstman House on Blackcomb.

$289,000 WH IS TLER’S #1 RE/MAX AGENT

sally@sallywarner.ca

Why are we not stopping visitors from coming here?

Something is amiss when tourists from Ontario are welcomed in Whistler while British Columbians are advised not to travel or even visit Whistler.

I have encountered people from Ontario, parts of the U.S. and from other points in Canada.

Why do we condone this?

Surely Vail Resorts-Whistler Blackcomb know the home address of all who purchase lift tickets, and hotels must know where their guests are coming from, yet they mingle among us, as potential carriers of the COVID-19 virus.

[Provincial Health Officer] Dr. Bonnie Henry has counselled British Columbians to stay close to home, so why is Whistler welcoming people from afar?

Big White has cancelled the reservations of non-locals.

Is it time for Whistler to follow suit?

Yes, I understand that this might hurt the tourism sector but a total shut down as [we saw] last season will be far more damaging.

Whistler Blackcomb appears to be doing a fine job by limiting the numbers on the mountains, mandating people wear face coverings and urging them to wear masks, requiring reservations for the on-mountain lodges and ensuring adequate distancing in the lift lines and on the lifts.

Now, what do we have to do to get people to wear their masks in the Peak 2 Peak Gondola and when they are away from mountain personnel?

Wishing all a healthy and successful 2021.

Keith Fernandes // Whistler ■

106-7015 Nesters Rd, Whistler

604-932-7741

propertiesinwhistler.com

Marshall Viner

PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

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Backcountry Advisory AS OF WEDNESDAY, DEC 30 The snowpack in the mountains near Whistler has been fairly complex over the holiday period.

There is a persistent weak layer in the top 100 centimetres of the snowpack that has produced large avalanches in the region recently.

During the past week, at least four large avalanches have been reported on this layer, and three of them were triggered by people.

Sadly, one of these avalanches was fatal. At the time of writing, two people were reported deceased after being buried in an avalanche on Goat Peak, north of Pemberton.

Persistent weak layers are typically challenging to manage. Avalanches on them can be harder to trigger compared to avalanches that immediately follow a storm,

but they tend to be larger and more destructive.

This difficulty in predicting avalanches on persistent weak layers, combined with the high consequences of triggering one, means the best approach to staying safe is to choose conservative terrain. This means sticking to low-angle slopes, small terrain features, and minimizing (or eliminating) time spent underneath large, steep slopes.

With more stormy weather expected over the weekend, avalanche hazard will be elevated— further making the case for conservative terrain choices in the backcountry.

This weekend is not the time to be pushing into aggressive and committing terrain. Let’s ring in the New Year by celebrating low-angle powder and meadow riding! ■

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

Engel & Völkers Whistler

DECEMBER 31, 2020

11

To Our Cherished Friends And Valued Clients Near And Far,

Happy New Year

Let’s say goodbye to 2020 and look ahead to a new year filled with good health, true happiness, great success and prosperity.

9005 Skiers Rest Lane On 1.16 Acres of forested land, this flexible 7br, 7 bath design allows for a B&B or use as a company retreat. $3,289,000

We Have So Much To Celebrate!

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PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST

Is BC Parks finally listening?

THERE HAVE BEEN MANY, many times I haven’t agreed with decisions made

by BC Parks. I was exceptionally mad when they decided to ban dogs from Joffre Lake Provincial Park—not so much because I brave the crowds very often, but because it felt like a move to prioritize tourists over locals.

I am also regularly frustrated by their (seemingly unspoken) communications policy to never let reporters—or at least me,

BY ALYSSA NOEL arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

anyway—speak to an actual person when I have questions for a story.

The decision to leave provincial parks in the Sea to Sky corridor closed this spring longer than other parks was also disheartening.

I know many of you have more complaints to heap on to this list (the Cypress ordeal is out of my jurisdiction), but the purpose of this column is actually not to bash BC Parks—rather it’s to offer an observation that has made me cautiously optimistic about the relationship between the government entity and the public.

First and foremost, BC Parks has been chronically and epically underfunded for

a long time when you consider just how well-used, loved, and visited many of the parks are—especially in the corridor.

Destination BC (which received $51.3 million in the 2020 budget) regularly promotes BC Parks to generate some of the $18.4 billion in tourism revenue (that number is from 2018) each year, but BC Parks itself only got $40.6 million in funding this year.

frustrating to have access to something that belongs to all of us cut off without a good enough reason. (Actually, considering it’s unceded territory of Lil’wat and Squamish Nations, it’s more accurate to say it belongs to them before the rest of the public.)

In the last few weeks, though, something has changed. Someone at BC Parks, it seems, is actually taking the time to listen and make some small changes.

[I]t seems to signal a shift that someone at BC Parks is suddenly open to listening to the locals who live, work, and play in those places.

Even in a year when tourism fell drastically—perhaps an understatement— the parks were COVID-proof and still busier than ever.

To that end, it has seemed like any time local recreationalists, outdoor clubs, or advocates have made a suggestion to help people better access these public resources, the default response has been: “We don’t have the money.”

And while that probably is true, it’s still

One example? Outdoor clubs and backcountry skiers and snowboarders have been advocating for BC Parks to spend $12,000 to $18,000 to clear parking spots at the Rubble Creek trailhead to allow winter access to Garibaldi Provincial Park rather than—in conjunction with the Ministry of Transportation—towing cars parked along the access road and highway like they did last season.

Initially, it seemed, officials decided

they didn’t have the budget, but then in an abrupt turnaround, at the beginning of December they announced they would fund the clearing—at least for this winter.

Fast forward another two-and-a-half weeks. Suddenly, BC Parks agreed to a partnership with Tourism Pemberton and Daniel Schranz Consulting Ltd. to allow the day-use parking at Nairn Falls Provincial Park to remain open for the winter.

While they won’t be funding that clearing, they gave the essential stamp of approval to allow a local organization to oversee it.

It might only be two small changes, but it seems to signal a shift that someone at BC Parks is suddenly open to listening to the locals who live, work, and play in those places.

Sure, these could be the only bones they will ever throw, but perhaps it could mean the new government is taking a different approach to managing our parks.

At any rate, it feels like a show of goodwill.

Any time you feel heard—like your concerns are not being shouted into a void, your ideas and insights not just ignored—it’s both encouraging and empowering.

As we transition to 2021 and cautiously hope for a better year ahead, let’s include a better relationship with BC Parks in that positive thinking.

After all, if 2020 taught us anything, it’s that you just never know what’s possible. ■

DECEMBER 31, 2020

13

NEWS WHISTLER

Province commits $105M to tourism—but more work ahead TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS RAPID TESTING, SAFE TRAVEL CORRIDORS, TAX DEFERMENT

BY BRADEN DUPUIS A PROVINCIAL tourism task force has unveiled its recommendations for saving the decimated industry, and government has responded with $105 million in funding supports—but there is more work to do.

Of seven recommendations listed in the task force’s final report issued in early December, the government is acting on the first three (which will allocate $100 million in emergency funding for tourism operators, and a further $5 million for Indigenous Tourism British Columbia), said Melanie Mark, minister for Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport, at a press conference on Dec. 22.

“I recognize that people are struggling, and that this has been a very, very difficult 10 months,” Mark said, before invoking the hopeful message of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry, who “has been our lighthouse in many ways, to give us light, and to give us faith and hope.

“I hope that this response from government is going to give some much needed relief for the tourism industry.”

While the long-term outlook for tourism

UPHILL CLIMB B.C.’s tourism operators are welcoming $105 million in government support, but say there is more work to be done to support the industry during COVID-19.

PHOTO BY VINCE SHULEY

14 DECEMBER 31, 2020

in B.C. is strong, operators who just endured a rough summer and fall are now staring down a tough winter, said YVR president and CEO (and Tourism Task Force chair) Tamara Vrooman.

“I’m delighted that the government has responded to the very important first three recommendations of our Tourism Task Force,” Vrooman said.

“We really hope that [government

instead opting for a risk-based approach that is more conducive to travel.

Things like rapid testing and healthy travel corridors within defined bubbles “could allow for the safe movement of people domestically and internationally, and restore confidence and social license,” according to the report.

Another recommendation is to defer or relieve fixed costs such as property

“We really hope that [government is] able to take a look at the remaining recommendations that we have in place.”

- TAMARA VROOMAN

is] able to take a look at the remaining recommendations that we have in place— things like rapid testing and screening for COVID-19 to support safe travel while the global immunization program proceeds, and establishing healthy travel corridors with markets that have achieved similar success that B.C. has in mapping the pandemic—those are all medium-term things that are all needed in order to support recovery.”

One suggestion in the report is to do away with blanket, 14-day quarantines,

taxes or utility rates, postponing them until December 2022, or “forgiveness for any fixed costs under the purview of the provincial government”—but at this point, the ministry’s focus has been on getting money to those who need it, Mark said.

“We are responding to that initial call to action,” she said.

“I think some of the bigger, more systemic issues, I’ll be working with my colleagues across cabinet. For right now… we wanted to focus on these three recommendations.”

Mark’s funding announcement is welcomed in Whistler, and the $105M in grants dedicated specifically to tourism businesses will be “a welcome relief,” said Tourism Whistler president and CEO Barrett Fisher.

“A streamlined and accessible grant application process is also critical to ensuring these important funds get into the hands of businesses sooner than later,” she said.

“Future supports, such as prioritizing rapid testing and creating healthy travel corridors to open up travel, as well as offering resident travel incentives, supporting future event and sport tourism bids, and investing in tourism infrastructure, will all be important initiatives to support tourism in the mid- to long-term.”

Tourism operators in Whistler rely on peak summer and winter periods to stay sustainable year-round, Fisher added, noting that this December “will be quieter” than in the past.

“We are therefore looking forward to more buoyant times ahead in 2021 and beyond.”

Tourism operators can apply for funding through the Small and Medium Sized Business Recovery Grant at www2. gov.bc.ca/gov/content/economic-recovery/ business-recovery-grant.

Find the task force’s full report at www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/tourismimmigration/tourism-resources/ tourism-task-force.n

NEWS WHISTLER

Two snow-bikers dead following Pemberton avalanche POLICE SAY SLIDE WAS TRIGGERED ON GOAT PEAK

BY BRANDON BARRETT TWO SNOW-BIKERS are dead after getting caught in an avalanche in the Pemberton backcountry, police confirmed as Pique went to press.

In a release, Pemberton RCMP said it was notified late Monday afternoon, Dec. 28 of the missing bikers in the area of Goat Peak. (A snowbike is essentially a cross between a snowmobile and a motocross bike with a standard dirt-bike frame, engine and suspension and the wheels removed and replaced with a single ski on the front and a specially designed snowmobile-style track on the rear.)

Investigators have since learned that backcountry guides had reported a “fresh crown” along the side of the mountain that day, with avalanche debris that was roughly 100 metres wide by 200 metres long. The guides told Mounties they were unable to locate any active beacons and they were unsure at the time if the snowbikers had made it safely to the other side of the slide.

Pemberton Search and Rescue (PSAR) was notified, but the search was postponed until first light on Tuesday morning, Dec. 29. At approximately 8:30 a.m., search crews, representatives from Blackcomb

forecasting program supervisor for Avalanche Canada. “We’re concerned with those mid-pack layers and the persistent slab problem. What that does is it sort of decouples the avalanche hazard from the storm cycle. So even in the lulls between the storms or when the conditions look fairly good, it doesn’t mean that the snowpack is safe and you can go anywhere. In fact, quite the opposite. We’re asking people to dial things back and select more simple, lowerangle terrain.”

Floyer said forecasters are aware of several large avalanches in the Whistler and Pemberton area that may have been human-triggered.

“It forms a little bit of a cluster in the Whistler and Pemberton backcountry, which we’re a little bit concerned with,” he added.

The tragedy marked the second time Pemberton search-and-rescue crews were activated in less than 24 hours, police said. At approximately 3:15 p.m. Dec. 28, police received a call from an international response centre advising that an emergency device had been activated near the Cerise Creek trailhead. PSAR attended and the injured man was helicoptered to a medical centre for treatment.

“The Pemberton and Whistler RCMP would like to remind others thinking of heading to similar areas to carry proper equipment, be aware of local conditions

“[W]e are really trying to get the message out that there is something unusual going on.”

- JAMES FLOYER

Helicopters, and the RCMP’s canine unit began searching for the missing bikers.

Later that morning, a search party located parts of the snow bikes in the debris field and conducted a beacon search in the immediate area before locating a signal. At about 10 a.m., two males were found dead.

Pemberton RCMP said it would not be releasing the names of the deceased. The BC Coroners Service is investigating.

As of Wednesday, the avalanche risk for the Sea to Sky was deemed “considerable,” with Avalanche Canada warning of a complex snowpack, with a persistent weak layer buried approximately 60 to 100 centimetres below the surface (avalanche. ca/map/forecasts/sea-to-sky).

“At this time, we are really trying to get the message out that there is something unusual going on,” said James Floyer,

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and avalanche risk, and ensure someone is aware of the their location and plan,” police urged in the release.

Search-and-rescue groups across the Sea to Sky and beyond have been bracing for a spike in rescues this winter as the pandemic has pushed more recreationalists into the backcountry.

“I don’t think any emergency response agency or group in the corridor isn’t fully prepared for an onslaught,” said Whistler Search and Rescue manager Brad Sills in an interview with Pique earlier this month.

“Every indicators there that it’s going to be very, very busy, so we’re kind of just resigned to the fact that there’s going to be a lot of missed dinners and nights where you don’t come home.”

Pique will continue to follow the story. For updates, visit piquenewsmagazine.com. n

JAMES COLLINGRIDGE

CALL JAMES, THE LEGENDS & EVOLUTION SPECIALIST Direct: 604-902-0132 Toll Free: 1-888-689-0070 james@whistlerrealestate.net www.whistlerrealestate.net

1213 4308 Main Street Delta Whistler Village Suites 1 Bedroom - 1 Bathroom $389,000

PEMBERTON Lot 1 - Heather Jean Properties Chalet: 9 Bedroom | 5 Bathroom Acreage: 1.89 Acres $950,000 Lot 14 - Heather Jean Properties Vacant Lot w/ Septic Installed Acreage: 0.4 Acres $190,000

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Melissa

Connect with us

LOCAL EXPERTS WITH GLOBAL CONNECTIONS Your Real Estate Matchmakers in the “Sea to Sky Corridor”

DECEMBER 31, 2020

15

Engel & Vรถlkers Whistler

Engel & Vรถlkers Whistler

Happy New Year NEW LISTING

318-4320 Sundial Crescent, Whistler

3820 Sunridge Drive, Whistler

The Wilfred, Squamish

The Wilfred, Squamish

$549,000

$16,300.000

$620,000 - $675,000

$620,000 - $675,000

• Premier Ski-in/Out location • Beautiful mountainside amenities • Excellent revenue, 0.5 bed | 1 bath

• 4 Level split, views for days • 5 Bed | 6.5 bath | 6.855 sq. ft.

• Ski in, ski out, work of art

• Two beds starting at $620,000 • Three bed starting at $675,000 • Only 8 units remaining

• Two beds starting at $620,000 • Three bed starting at $675,000 • Only 8 units remaining

JEREMY FAIRLEY

DANA FRIESEN SMITH, PREC*

KRISTEN DILLON

JENNA FRANZE

604.935.9150

604.902.3878

778.266.0150

604.345.5415

jeremy@jeremyfairley.ca

dana@seatoskydreamteam.com

kristen@seatoskydreamteam.com

jenna@jennafranze.com

NEW LISTING

204-310 E 3rd St, North Vancouver

605-919 Station Street, Vancouver

3257 Archibald Way, Whistler

7233 South Fitzsimmons, Whistler

$599,000

$664,900

$3,779,000

• Lower Lonsdale 2 bed | 1 bath • Fully renovated in 2018 • Balcony with downtown views

• 1 Bed | 1 Bath | 674 SF | 1 Parking • Next to new St. Paul’s Hospital • Short-term rentals allowed

• 4 bed house with 1 bed revenue suite • Rare vacant lot, White Gold • Views of Alta Lake and Rainbow Mtn. • Build your Whistler bunker • fully furnished and ready to move in • On Fitzsimmons Creek

$3,499,000

PETER CUDMORE

IAN TANG, PREC*

HANNAH GARCIA, PREC*

JOSH CRANE

604.902.1858

604.839.7347

604.966.8941

604.902.6106

ian@iantangrealestate.com

peter@petercudmore.com

hannah@hannahgarcia.com

josh@joshcrane.ca

SOLD

8510 Buckhorn Drive, Whistler

204-2109 Whistler Road, Whistler

24-4628 Blackcomb Way, Whistler

207A-2020 London lane, Whistler

$2,589,000

$529,000

$1,349,000

$126,000

• Desirable street in Alpine Meadows • Passive house standards as of 2015 • 4 Bed | 2.5 bath | 10,000 sq. ft. flat lot

• Complete high-end renovation • Nightly rentals permitted • Walking distance to Creekside

• 2 beds, 2 baths, 1,040 sq ft • Alpine Greens on the Fairmont Golf Club • Zoned for nightly rentals

• Fully equipped, 1 bed | 1 bath • Steps from the gondola • Quartershare

SADIE BRUBAKER

DAVID WIEBE

NICK SOLDAN HARRISS

SARAH MORPHY, PREC*

604.907.1400

604.966.8874

604.902.0091

604.906.1940

sadie@sadiebrubaker.com

david@davidwiebe.ca

nick@nicksoldanharriss.com

This communication is not intended to cause or induce the breach of an existing agency relationship

*Personal Real Estate Corporation

sarah@sarahmorphy.com

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler’s top cop leaving post next month WHISTLER-PEMBERTON RCMP STAFF SGT. PAUL HAYES PROMOTED TO PROVINCIAL ROLE IN THE LOWER MAINLAND

BY BRANDON BARRETT THE HEAD OF THE Whistler and Pemberton RCMP is leaving his post next month after three years in the Sea to Sky. First assuming the role as the RCMP’s North Zone commander in the summer of 2017, Staff Sgt. Paul Hayes will cut his posting a year short to take on a new position as a provincial inspector for the RCMP’s Divisional Duty Officer Program.

Hayes returns to the Lower Mainland after previously serving in Richmond, White Rock, and Surrey, where he worked in the detachment’s Diversity Outreach Program. It was in that role, which involved introducing new refugees to the RCMP’s policing style, that cemented Hayes’ penchant for relationship-building, a major priority during his time in the corridor.

“The work we did back then to try to make them feel comfortable around police, and teaching them how policing works here versus the various countries they had come from, really opened my eyes to the benefit of being able to get that communitypositive relationship going,” he said.

“Why not have that same kind of community connection with permanent residents here?”

Hayes has helped forge that connection through an increased police visibility at local events and in the schools, as well as creating a special community liaison position.

The RCMP also made headway during Hayes tenure on curbing domestic assault and sexualized violence thanks to the creation of another specialized position specifically dedicated to those kinds of investigations.

“I think by having our officer in place now … the ability of that person to investigate the files, to provide up-to-date guidance to other members on investigative techniques and avenues has been phenomenal in the community,” Hayes said.

In 2019, reports of domestic violence dropped 28 per cent, while assaults—which made up more than half of all violent crime in Whistler last year—were down 20 per cent.

Sexual assault bucked that trend, however, with an increase from 18 to 39 incidents last year, but that was partially linked to a shift in how the RCMP categorizes sexual assault, as well as the ability for survivors to report assaults anonymously through a third party, which was first introduced in the Sea to Sky in 2018.

As it has been for years locally, impaired driving was another key enforcement priority for Hayes. Although Whistler continues to see a concerning number of impaired driving offences (the resort ranked 17th in impaired driving nationwide in a 2019 Maclean’s study once the daily

population equivalent was factored in), Hayes said the relative lack of serious and fatal accidents hints that enforcement is having its intended effect.

“It’s just an interesting statistic to look at, and I’d like to think that maybe our enforcement to remove those folks is paying dividends in terms of people’s lives and health,” he noted.

Impaired driving rose from 326 offences in 2018 to 385 last year, but there were no fatal crashes on Whistler’s roads in either year, while collisions causing non-fatal injuries mostly stayed flat, with 18 incidents last year compared to 16 in 2018.

Bike theft is another persistent issue for Whistler police that, on the surface, might appear like it’s getting worse, but a deeper dive into the numbers bears out a different trend. Between 2018 and 2019, reports of bike theft rose from 31 to 48 incidents, but the overall value of bikes stolen has plummeted as police have targeted

“Why not have that same kind of community connection with permanent residents?

- PAUL HAYES

so-called “shopping criminals” that travel to the resort looking for high-end models.

“We had seen hundreds of thousands of dollars in reductions of bike thefts in the last full year that we looked at as a result of a lot of education, enforcement, a lot of bait bikes, a lot of signage and communication, and then a lot of investigative work,” Hayes said, crediting the RCMP’s partnership with bike-recovery app and registration service 529 Garage for helping return stolen bikes to owners.

Cracking down on bike theft, at least pre-pandemic, has also proved a useful gateway to other forms of property crime, Hayes noted.

“I can recall a bike theft here that we ended up tracking back to the Lower Mainland and finding a house full of bikes and stolen property,” he relayed. “So we’re not just looking for the bike. It leads to other things that we’re following on the investigative path.”

Hayes said Sgt. Sascha Banks will fill in as interim zone commander until his replacement is named. The RCMP is also yet to announce who will take over as Officer in Charge for the Sea to Sky after Insp. Kara Triance departed this fall to serve as Central Okanagan’s new commander. n

DECEMBER 31, 2020

21

NEWS WHISTLER

Kick off the new year with POW’s Climate Challenge YEAR-LONG INITIATIVE AIMS TO HELP PEOPLE MAKE GREENER CHOICES

BY ALYSSA NOEL FORGET NEW YEAR’S resolutions that

GO GREEN Protect Our Winters is set to launch a new 12-month Climate Challenge to help you go green.

SCREENSHOT

“I think as long as people are going to want to drink drinks and eat things, if it comes from plastic packaging we’re never going to solve the problem,” he said.

That’s part of the value of taking part in the 12-month challenge, he added. It will help individuals learn more about where they can do better.

November’s challenge of “nothing new November” could also be particularly eye opening for Whistlerites buying their new ski season gear.

“The way I like to look at that is focusing on quality,” Douglas said. “Because I have items in my closet that are 10, 15 years old. Even though they might have cost twice as much, I’m using them and we’re stopping that process.”

Douglas said he’s hopeful Whistler can

be a leader when it comes to climate change and moving towards green solutions.

“People who generally go out in the outdoors will care about the outdoors and the natural world,” he said. “It’s never been more clear what needs to be done on a big scale than in this year 2020. The first thing people pick on with me, as a professional skier and filmmaker, is how did you get to Europe last month? Who are you to tell us to reduce consumption? The fact is I haven’t been on an airplane since Feb. 2 and carbon emissions have gone up. We need to get action happening on a larger scale.”

The first challenge kicks off in January with “re-use, reduce, recycle, re-learn.” To sign up, visit protectourwinters.ca/the-12month-challenge. n

7233 FITZSIMMONS ROAD SOUTH, WHITE GOLD

E

W

LI

ST

IN

G

!

will fall by the wayside by the time February rolls around. Instead, Protect Our Winters (POW) is inviting you to join its 12-month Climate Challenge.

POW athlete Greg Hill is leading the campaign to help outdoor enthusiasts make changes to their lives in 2021.

“This year-long campaign invites you to make real changes to your lifestyle, rewire your habits and decrease your carbon footprint through committing to a new challenge each month of 2021,” Hill said in a release.

Participants sign up online and receive a monthly challenge along with activities to complete it. Once a month, Hill will host Zoom après for questions, discussions, and guest speakers.

At the end of each month, participants can submit a short reflection exercise for a chance to win monthly prizes from Arc’teryx or Suunto.

Locally, Mike Douglas, board chair for POW Canada, is taking part and hoping other Whistlerites will join in.

“I think the biggest thing about this is to raise awareness of what the issues are,” Douglas said. “Where is your carbon footprint? What are things you can do?

Those are the questions we get through POW. What can we do?”

For his part, Douglas is expecting that April’s “say no to single-use plastics” month will be the most challenging in his household.

“I tried a couple of years ago,” he said.

“Some friends of mine started plastic-free Fridays and I found it next to impossible. It meant I didn’t buy anything that day, but I bought it the next day, so it felt silly.”

Still, it highlighted for him the importance of change at higher business and policy level.

N

DEVELOPMEN T OPPORTUNITY • VACANT LOT • 7500 SQFT

$3,499,000 Upper Village

Whistler Village

Walk to the Village and crawl back home A moose lived here briefly Rare development opportunity. One of the last remaining vacant lots backing onto Fitzsimmons Creek in White Gold. This south west facing lot is a blank canvas for you to build your very own Whistler bunker. White Gold is a personal favourite and arguably Whistler’s most desirable neighbourhood. Walk to everything - Blackcomb Gondola, Upper and Whistler Village, Lost Lake, bike and cross country ski trails to name a few. Your slice of paradise is waiting.

604.902.6106 josh@joshcrane.ca Sign up for a free weekly sales report of new and sold listings in Whistler and Pemberton at whistlerrealestatemarket.com

22 DECEMBER 31, 2020

208-1420 Alpha Lake Rd. Whistler, BC, V8E 0R8

We Love Our People The

DREAM TEAM SQUAMISH • WHISTLER • PEMBERTON

We are so grateful to have the following clients join our big Sea to Sky family in 2020.

S E AT O S K Y D R E A M T E A M . C O M

GIANFRANCO & ALEJANDRA COLIN & ALICIA BARB & KEVIN MIK & ALICIA MARCUS KARYN & GERALD ROB & MARILYN DAV E & J O H A N N A DON LAUREN & JACK ROD & ALANA MONIC CRAIG ASHLEY D AV E & K AT H Y KITT & SETH DANA & BRAD JENN & BRADLEY PAU L & M E R R I L Y SHANE & EMMA SHADI JILL NIK & NANCY LISA L O R A N & M AYA JEREMY & GINNY A N A S TA S I A & C H A D

•

DANA FRIESEN SMITH R E A L TO R ®

604.902.3878

Whistler

FLOYD & ALYSSA C H A N TA L CRAIG & DAPHNE MIKE & VEL STU & CAROLINE MELISSA & VICTOR JULIE & EARL MAX & JEFF DANA & JASON DAV E TOBIN & ALLY C O N R A D & S TA C E Y BEHNAD & TYRA MONIQUE & GEOFF DON & HOLLY CARI-LEE JS & MIMI JAKE & LINDA CHRIS JOAN MARK & JOAN BRIAN LAUREN Y’VONNE JASON & JILL PA M A M Y & PAT R I C K

TYSON & LUCY ALEJANDRO & NURY ERIC & ERIN JULES & ALEX M I K E & K AT I E PETER & SASHA JARED & SAM MAX & SARAH MARKO & AMANDA KAREN JAMES & NICOLA DELPHINE TOM & VICTORIA NOEL & JAIME A DA M & PA M JOSH & SARAH PILAR ZOEY & MIKE LANCE K AT H A R I N E LISA CHRIS M AT T & A S H L E Y ILSE P E T E , S Y L V I A & TA N I A LUCY & CHRIS ANDREW

KRISTEN DILLON R E A L TO R ® Squamish

APPY NEW YEAR 2021 NEW LISTING ALTA VISTA, WHISTLER

3257 Archibald Way $3,779,000 This quintessential Whistler home sits across from Alta Lake boasting stunning views of the lake, and of Rainbow and Sproatt mountains. This newly renovated and immaculately maintained family home or weekend retreat is just steps to the lake and valley trail, and a short drive to Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. This home is in the ideal location, on a quiet street to enjoy all the summer and winter recreation that Whistler has to offer. New stone masonry work on the exterior of the home and patios, and the large windows gives a contemporary feel to this 3.5 bedroom plus loft, 3 bathroom, 2900 sq ft log home. There is a 1 bedroom newly renovated suite.

This home has beautifully resurfaced hardwood floors, heated tiles, a gourmet kitchen with all new kitchen appliances, Ceasar Stone counter tops, a separate tv room, a large entry mud room, plenty of storage and lots of parking. Sit by the warmth of the wood burning fireplace or in the hot tub to warm up after a day of skiing in the winter or sit on the front deck to enjoy the afternoon sun and the beautiful view in the summer. This home has après covered! This home comes fully furnished and is ready to move in.

ALPINE MEADOWS, WHISTLER

8332 Mountainview Drive $5,890,000 Perched atop of Mountainview Drive, sits this stunning 5 bedroom contemporary home, designed by the award winning Battersby Howat Architects. Enjoy full valley, Green Lake and breathtaking Blackcomb/Wedge Mountain views from all areas of the home. The main level also has a large covered patio, theatre room, bedroom, and a beautiful custom white oak designer kitchen, all backing onto a private yard ideal for a pool.

Upstairs there are 4 more bedrooms, all ensuited, two of them being master bedrooms, perfect for entertaining friends and family. Furthermore, there is a long heated driveway, in floor radiant heat, Control4 smart home systems, full Miele appliance package, and much more!

Hannah Garcia Personal Real Estate Corp.

604.966.8941 hannahgarcia.com Over $50 million sold in 2020*

2020 PROPERTIES SOLD

3-2002 Bayshore Drive

$1,190,000

210-2222 Castle Drive

$1,250,000

8-1240 Mount Fee Road

$1,600,000

23-4661 Blackcomb Way

$1,838,000

2-6105 Eagle Drive

$1,850,000

8205 Valley Drive

$1,950,000

6292 Palmer Drive

$2,800,000

2837 Clifftop Lane

$2,400,000

6-2500 Taluswood Place

$2,200,000

8328 Mountainview Drive

$4,775,000

324-4573 Chateau Blvd.

$1,215,000

*According to sales report in the WLS

318-4573 Chateau Blvd.

$1,262,500

WHISTLER VANCOUVER NORTH SHORE

NEWS WHISTLER

EpicPromise Progress Report highlights environmental achievements in tumultuous year VAIL RESORTS ACHIEVED 50-PER-CENT WASTE DIVERSION NINE MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE

BY ALYSSA NOEL VAIL RESORTS’ EpicPromise Progress Report is set to look a little different for the 2020/21 season.

At least one environmental marker that the company uses to track its progress won’t be comparable from this season to next— and that’s due to COVID-19.

“We have more single-use [items] this year because of COVID,” said Allana Williams, Whistler Blackcomb’s sustainability manager.

“We are opting for compostable packaging so we have an agreement with Eco-Products. We favour the plant-based single use if we have to use single use, but that’s not our ultimate goal, to have a ton of single use and divert it.

We want to reduce it … [but] at the moment it’s a safety issue.”

To that end, where Vail Resorts as a whole achieved 50 per cent waste diversion nine months ahead of its end-of-year 2020 goal—as outlined in the Epic Promise Progress Report for 2019-2020—it has moved to month-by-month comparisons

during the ongoing pandemic.

“Comparing to last year might not be the helpful, so our plan is to compare month to month and then we look at those numbers and see if we can identify any problem,” said Williams.

Other highlights from this year’s early December report include: being on track for zero-net emissions by 2030, zero waste to landfill by 2030, and achieving 100 per cent renewable energy for the Park City Mountain Resort.

Locally at Whistler Blackcomb, recent achievements have looked a little different—in part because the resort started with higher environmental standards when Vail Resorts bought it in 2016.

“Whistler is at a 71 per cent [waste] diversion rate,” Williams said. “We’ve actually reduced our waste to landfill by 72 per cent since 2000, and then the 71 per cent is the portion we divert—like recycling and compost. But because we’ve done so much on the reduction side, in some cases we have a third of the waste [despite having] twice as many visits than some other resorts… Our focus has been on

reducing first.”

In the last year, Whistler Blackcomb now has close to 100 per cent LED lighting, which has helped reduce its energy use.

“We’re almost there,” Williams said. “Last year we did some projects in the retail stores, Patagonia and North Face stores.

And then we did the Creekside parkade; and I’m the only one who notices that—it’s a big deal! A super big deal.”

Whistler Blackcomb also recently finished a project to control heat in its lift huts. It installed controls to shut the heat in those small buildings down at night then turn them back on shortly before lifties return to work in the morning, rather than having them heated all the time.

“We did that project with BC Hydro, which was a big one for us,” she said.

Right now they’re in the middle of a lighting project with the harder-to-reach places like the snowmaking pumphouses, workshops, and lift stations.

“Last year, we did a whole lot of work to optimize our snowmaking system,” Williams said. “When we use it, how much we use it, but now we’re focused on

low-energy snow guns because they use between 10 and 30 per cent energy of a normal gun. So we have 65 of them so far and we’ll continue to try to invest in those.

It helps us to make snow mid-mountain and they use a lot less energy. We’ll continue to focus on that.”

Another initiative has been to have energy models on Whistler Blackcomb’s big six restaurants and bars. That means they receive reporting every week on things like energy consumption and heating bills and can adjust consumption regularly.

On the greenhouse gas emissions front—which at Vail Resorts’ legacy operations saw a decrease by 20.7 per cent last season, due mostly to the shortened ski season—Whistler Blackcomb installed SNOWsat, a satellite tracking system in the snowcats to monitor idling time and driving efficiency and report the metrics.

“The SNOWsat has been a big thing for us and something we wanted for a long time and we were able to have it because of Vail Resorts,” Williams says.

The full report can be viewed at epicpromise.com. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Imagine Cinemas files civil claim against Three Below for unpaid rent RESTAURANT OWNERS ALLEGE THEY WERE TURNED DOWN FOR RENT SUBSIDY

BY BRANDON BARRETT IMAGINE

CINEMAS, the owneroperators of Whistler’s only movie theatre, have filed a civil claim against the owners of the recently closed Three Below Restaurant for unpaid rent.

Filed Dec. 10 in B.C.’s Supreme Court, the claim is seeking $40,595 in rent arrears, covering the months from April to November 2020, as well as damages, interest, and other associated costs.

Three Below owners Alex Kingston and Priyanka and Paul Lewis are named in the suit.

Imagine Cinemas, which runs Whistler’s Village 8 Cinemas along with 11 movie theatres in Ontario, subleased the property to Three Below. The property is owned by Larco Investments.

At the onset of the pandemic, Three Below’s Priyanka Lewis said they asked Imagine Cinemas, as the leaseholder, “multiple times” to approach Larco about taking part in the Canada Emergency Commercial Rent Assistance (CECRA)

28 DECEMBER 31, 2020

program, and were initially told they were ineligible as a sub-tenant. After clarifying with the Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation that they were eligible, Lewis claims Imagine Cinemas informed them in late August that Larco was not going to opt in to the program.

Rick Amantea, Larco’s VP of development and community relations, told Pique that any arrangement made would have been solely between Three Below and Imagine Cinemas, the restaurant’s “de facto landlord.”

“We have no direct contractual relationship whatsoever with Three Below, and at the end of the day, whatever decision that Village 8 made, that was in their hands and not in ours,” he relayed, adding that Larco has several tenants in Whistler Village Centre that they supported through the rent subsidy program.

A spokesperson for Imagine Cinemas declined comment.

According to the court files, Imagine Cinemas informed Three Below on Nov. 19 that the sublease was terminated and it would be repossessing the property.

A week later, Three Below announced

it was permanently shuttering its doors after a dozen years in the resort, the same month, ironically enough, that Canada tweaked its commercial rent subsidy to allow for tenants to apply directly to Ottawa for rent and mortgage-payment assistance, without the need for landlord support.

“Certainly it was a little bit too late,” Lewis said in an interview earlier this month. “Obviously now the rent subsidy has moved into the hands of the tenants, and I think if that was the case from the beginning, we would have made it at Three Below.”

Ian Tostenson, president and CEO of the BC Restaurant and Food Services Association, told Pique in a recent interview that amendments to the rent subsidy program were “wreaking havoc with the business planning cycle.

“It’s a good program, but when they changed it the way they did … it just creates more uncertainty for the business owner; that’s the problem.”

Victoria implemented a moratorium in May prohibiting commercial landlords from evicting tenants or terminating

a lease, but that order was lifted Oct. 1, meaning “landlords are now free to pursue their legal remedies for any breach that occurred before or during the moratorium” unless the lease was amended by a rent reduction agreement under the CECRA program or by another other agreed-upon arrangement.

Legal experts expect more rental disputes to hit the courts as businesses contend with the economic fallout of COVID-19. In October, two Hudson’s Bay Co. landlords filed suit in Quebec court for hundreds of thousands in unpaid rent, alleging that the department store continued to operate even though it hasn’t paid its bills at multiple locations since April.

On the residential side of things, B.C. has given tenants until July 2021 to repay any rent or utilities that were owed between March 18 and Aug. 17 of this year, and introduced a repayment framework to guide both landlords and tenants. The eviction freeze for residential tenants was lifted in B.C. on Aug. 18.

None of the above claims have been proven in court. n

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistlerite named one of Canada’s most powerful women—again ENTREPRENEUR SHANNON SUSKO CAPS TURBULENT 2020 WITH NATIONAL HONOUR

BY BRADEN DUPUIS WHEN SHE WAS driving taxi in Whistler or teaching ski lessons on the mountain after first moving here 30 years ago, it’s unlikely Shannon Susko saw herself being named one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women—let alone taking the honour twice.

But that’s where she finds herself at the end of a very turbulent year, as Susko has once again made the Women’s Executive Network’s (WXN) list of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women.

“This year is pretty special, actually, because it was recognition in the entrepreneurship category, and I’ve grown up as an entrepreneur in Whistler; a global entrepreneur,” Susko said.

Since moving to Whistler, Susko has built and sold two companies, written two books (a third is set to publish in 2021) and launched a coaching business that now employs more than 70 coaches working with high-growth companies all over the world.

Technically, she’s been retired for the last 10 years.

“Now I just say I’m re-priored,” Susko said.

“I’m in my re-priorment, meaning that everything I do today is to give back to entrepreneurs, CEOs and leaders who were in the situation I was in, sort of desperate to grow a business.”

Her coaching company, Metronome United, grew somewhat organically from Susko’s initial success—its coaches teach the system she built that proved wildly successful in growing her first two companies.

True to its Whistler roots, Susko’s system takes cues from high-performance athletes, applying concepts like three-year highly achievable goals to business and applied strategy.

Whistler has had a reputation in recent decades for its strong female leadership, whether it be in politics, tourism, arts, sports or business, and Susko sees a common thread underlying the trend.

“I think the secret is the mountain,” Susko said with a laugh, using her own group of friends—great, powerful women

TOP 100 Whistler’s Shannon Susko is once again one of Canada’s Most Powerful Women, according to the Women’s Executive Network.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

who learned early on what it took to keep pace in Whistler—as an example.

“We always laugh, [because] when we

A SEASON OF GIVING

Support your local community.

.

There are a number of reasons to refocus your gifting habits this year.

Whether you’re concerned about the environment, not sure what to purchase or looking for more far-reaching presents, take a look at the community around you. In Whistler, we’re lucky to have a very caring community. From environmental to health to homelessness, there are many worthwhile causes to consider supporting this Christmas.

Especially in such difficult times, it is more important than ever to provide assistance if we can. Please consider making a donation to one of these worthy local causes.

To donate, please visit the following link to find the charity that best suits you: https://tinyurl.com/piquegivingseason 30 DECEMBER 31, 2020

all got here … if there was 10 people, there was only one woman, right? And if you wanted to keep up, you had to keep up,” she said.

“And so everything they know about having to keep up—physically, mentally athletically—take that to business? Yeah, it’s the best of the best.”

That said, “it’ll be a great day when we don’t have to have a ‘Top 100 Women in Canada,’” Susko added.

The Top 100 Awards span the private, public and not-for-profit sectors, with the winners selected by WXN’s Diversity Council of Canada.

In 2018, Susko made the list in the RBC Champions category, which recognizes the impact a person has made on growing opportunities for women in Canada.

“In a difficult year, we’ve been inspired by Canada’s highest achieving women who unite those around them and help us all rise above our challenges,” said Sherri Stevens, owner and CEO of WXN, in a release. “These powerful women continue to lead the way, which is why it’s important to celebrate their achievements.” n

Pemberton, BC

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NEWS WHISTLER

IN WHISTLER,

WE WEAR MASKS SAFE-KEEPING Lil’wat Nation Chief Dean Nelson is urging Mount Currie residents to do their part to prevent the spread of COVID-19 after a recent cluster of cases hit the community.

FILE PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS

First cluster of COVID-19 cases hits Lil’wat Nation MOUNT CURRIE HAS 41 ACTIVE CASES AS NATION LEADERS URGE VIGILANCE

BY BRANDON BARRETT

“… to protect our vulnerable friends and neighbours.”

Jenn Black -Engaged community member

#WhistlerWearsMasks www.whistler.ca/wewearmasks 32 DECEMBER 31, 2020

AFTER MONTHS OF keeping the novel coronavirus at bay, Mount Currie is dealing with its first cluster of COVID cases, the Lil’wat Nation confirmed.

After seeing its first case in midDecember, there were, at press time, 41 active cases in the community.

“We must increase our vigilance to ensure that more cases do not spread through the community,” said Lil’wat Chief Dean Nelson in a Dec. 15 video posted to the Lil’wat YouTube page after news of the first positive case.

“It is not the time for our community to suffer anymore than we already have.

Please at this time, be extra vigilant in looking after yourself, your family and our elders. Be safe everyone.”

Anyone in the community who may have come in direct contact with someone who tested positive is being asked to self-isolate for 14 days from the time of exposure. Nation spokesperson and Lil’wat Business Group CEO Kerry Mehaffey said community members have also been informed that one of the individuals who tested positive attended a funeral in Mount Currie on Dec. 12.

In a recent public video posted to his Facebook page, Nelson said that, while VCH expected the number of cases to rise given the number of shared households in the community, he was concerned after several reports of infected individuals not following self-isolation directives. He said that anyone who has tested positive would not be permitted inside the Lil’wat Nation gas station or the Xit’olacw Tsipun supermarket until their isolation period is complete.

“Now is not the time to ignore the rules and put ourselves at risk,” he said, noting that tribal police will have an increased presence on New Year’s Eve to support the enforcement of public health orders.

“We know that New Year’s Eve is often a time of celebration,” added Nelson. “This year it will have to be a time for quiet reflection with people in your house.”

Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman also called on residents to do their part by limiting their movements and contacts as much as possible in order to keep their neighbours in Mount Currie safe. However, he acknowledged that isn’t as simple as it may seem given how closely linked the two communities are.

“I live about 300 yards or so from Mount Currie, quite honestly,” he said. “From the beginning, trying to understand what our backyard is and where that begins and ends has been very difficult. Right now, to protect community members as best as possible, I would definitely suggest that we limit our contacts and our movement into the community. Having said that, our communities overlap in many, many ways.”

Richman went on to say that Village staff has already been in contact with the Nation, and are willing to assist in any way possible.

“We recognize this has been a tough few months for the Lil’wat Nation, and our hearts are there and our thoughts are there with them, so anything we can do to support, we will.”

For community members that need to self-isolate outside of their home, or require any support, such as food or medication, Mehaffey said they can call 604-902-4397 to arrange drop-off.

“It will take a community effort to stop the spread,” he added in an email. n

so much Whistler Community Services Society would like to THANK our community for your generosity, support, connections and willingness to reach out for support.

This has been a challenging year and the strength of our community has truly been exemplified through powerful community collaborations, donations, connections and volunteer efforts.

Thank you

to our hard working staff of front line workers who every day dedicate themselves to make this community a better place to work, live and play.

Thank you

to our volunteers and our Board of Directors for their ongoing commitment and support.

Thank you

to our donors who continuously support our work through generous monetary donations, non-perishable food items and pre-loved goods to our social enterprises.

“There is no power for change greater than a community discovering what it cares about.�

Margaret J. Wheatley

We wish you all the best for 2021. To learn more about any of our services and programs visit www.mywcss.org or like us on our social media channels.

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Signal Hill Elementary member tested positive for COVID-19 more than two weeks ago VCH SAYS INFECTIOUS PERIOD MAY HAVE EXTENDED BACK TO FINAL DAY INDIVIDUAL ATTENDED SCHOOL

BY BRANDON BARRETT A MEMBER OF the Signal Hill Elementary school community tested positive for the novel coronavirus more than two weeks ago, according to a letter from School District 48 that was sent to parents this weekend.

In a Dec. 27 letter, Sea to Sky School District superintendent Lisa McCullough wrote that the individual tested positive on Dec. 10, and district staff is supporting Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) to undertake contact tracing to determine if any other members of the school community

TEST RESULTS A member of the Signal Hill Elementary school community tested positive for COVID-19 on Dec. 10.

FACEBOOK/ SIGNAL HILL ELEMENTARY

were in contact with the infected person, and if any additional steps are required.

“The safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff remains our highest priority,” the letter continued. “Please be

took more than two weeks for families to be notified. Asked for clarity, a VCH spokesperson confirmed that the district wasn’t notified of the case until Dec. 27, when the letter went out, because contact tracing

“The safety and well-being of our students, families, and staff remains our highest priority.”

- LISA MCCULLOUGH

reassured that our schools will continue to implement the strict protocols and procedures we have in place so that children can continue to attend school as safely as possible.”

The letter prompted questions in the school community about why it

identified that “the infectious period may have extended back to include the final day that the individual had attended school.”

While VCH considers the risk of transmission to be low, the notification was issued “to identify any further households

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that may currently be impacted by the identified school exposure date.”

It’s the responsibility of VCH to inform any potential close contacts, and McCullough noted that, “If you have not been contacted

by VCH, it has been determined that your child is not at risk of developing COVID-19.”

The superintendent also reminded families to continue daily health checks and monitor their child for illness.

According to a district poll that closed Dec. 4, 86 per cent of parents either agree or strongly agree that their children are safe attending school in the Sea to Sky, while nine per cent either disagree or strongly disagree.

“That shows that our staff, our families and our students are working really hard to follow the safety plans and do everything that [B.C. provincial health officer] Dr. Bonnie Henry has asked us to do, and it’s working,” said Phillip Clarke, director of instruction for the district. n

We’ve got you covered.

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

WE KNOW PEMBERTON INSIDE & OUT

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DANIELLE MENZEL* danielle@wrec.com 604 698 5128

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Question?

We’re Listening

Reminder Winter Parking Regulations

Did You Know 604.894.6135

admin@ pemberton.ca

www.pemberton.ca

To facilitate snow clearing, residents are reminded that as of November 15th, parking is not permitted on the even side of the street or in Village public parking lots between 9pm and 9am, 7 days a week.

Vehicles parked in contravention of the posted parking regulation will be ticketed and/or towed at the owner's expense. Winter Parking Regulations are in effect until March 31st.

You can help to ensure quick and efficient snow clearing by: • Keeping cul-de-sacs clear of vehicles; • Parking the entire vehicle in your drive way and off the roadways; • Yielding to the snow plow; • Not pushing snow onto the Village streets; and • By familiarizing yourself with the Village of Pemberton Snow Clearing and related Boulevard Maintenance Bylaws available at www.pemberton.ca.

Parking is not permitted on both sides of Dogwood St between Aster & Greenwood Streets.

LISA AMES

lisaa@wrec.com 604 849 4663

Parking for 72 hours or more on Village streets is not permitted.

Unregistered and uninsured vehicles may not be parked on Village Streets or property.

Vehicles must be parked in the same direction as the flow of traffic.

LISA HILTON* lisah@wrec.com 604 902 4589

For the safety of children, please ensure they refrain from playing on and around snowbanks. Snowbanks will be dumped on or moved, posing a serious threat to children playing in close proximity.

VillageOfPemberton

www.pemberton.ca

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604 894 5166 | WHISTLERREALESTATE.CA DECEMBER 31, 2020

35

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SCIENCE MATTERS

Giving nature a chance improves our chances of well-being IN EARLY 1995, eight grey wolves were transferred from Jasper National Park in Alberta to Yellowstone National Park in the U.S. Within two years, 23 more were brought in. The last wolves in Yellowstone had been killed in the 1920s.

What happened next was remarkable.

Over time, the wolves not only reduced rapidly increasing elk populations, but also caused elk and deer to move away from valley bottoms and riverbanks where they were easy prey. Deer and elk populations levelled off, new growth came in along rivers and valleys—attracting a wide variety of wildlife—

BY DAVID SUZUKI and rivers even changed as new, healthier vegetation stabilized slopes and banks. The wolves now number about 94 in eight packs.

This is one example of “rewilding,” trying to restore an ecosystem to a wilder state by reintroducing species that had been driven away or wiped out. It goes further than conservation, which is protecting and restoring habitats without necessarily reintroducing native plants and animals.

Rewilding comes in many forms, and it’s something almost anyone can become involved in. The David Suzuki Foundation’s Butterflyway Project is a simple, successful effort to reintroduce native plants that support a range of pollinators, including monarch and other butterflies. The intent is to create a habitat network that can support

(Keep in mind physical distancing and other health rules and recommendations.) The idea has been spreading as fast as milkweed in southern Ontario!

There are so many opportunities to bring nature back, from the many lawns that rarely get used to forests and wetlands taken over by resource development.

Lawns could be “rewilded” or used to grow food. Cleaning up the many abandoned and orphaned oil wells and the roads and clearings around them would bring ecosystems and habitat back to health while providing good jobs.

A growing number of economists, ecologists, scientists and planners are recognizing the value of “natural assets”— the many services and functions nature provides that often cost less and are more efficient than built infrastructure.

Research by the David Suzuki Foundation and the Municipal Natural Assets Initiative, in collaboration with a number of towns and cities in B.C., New Brunswick and Ontario, found protecting or restoring ecosystems offers immense value in terms of water purity, flood control, storm protection and more—without the expensive maintenance and limited shelf life of built infrastructure that provides similar services.

Beyond their local benefits, healthy, intact ecosystems do so much, from sequestering carbon to providing food.

They can even prevent or at least reduce the number of deadly diseases that jump from animals to humans—60 per cent of new or re-emerging diseases since 1940, including HIV, Ebola, Zika and a number of coronaviruses came from animals, wild

[E]conomists, ecologists, scientists and planners are recognizing the value of “natural assets”—the many services and functions nature provides that often cost less and are more efficient than built infrastructure. critters as they feed, breed and migrate.

On a bigger scale, restoring and protecting habitat corridors for animals like caribou and grizzly bears that require large ranges ensures that they and the many species under their “umbrella” are able to survive and hopefully thrive. (“Umbrella” species are those whose conservation also protects numerous other species that share their range; they are often indicators of ecosystem health.)

Whether it’s conservation or rewilding, we know that when we give nature a chance, it bounces back. Because we’re part of nature and rely on everything it provides, that’s to our benefit.

We can’t change the planet back to a wild paradise, but we can take steps to reverse some of the damage we’ve done. As the Butterflyway Project shows, efforts can start small, on your block or in your neighbourhood. But don’t be surprised if people want to join in.

36 DECEMBER 31, 2020

and domestic, in part because of forest and habitat destruction.

We know when we give nature a chance to recover, it will, and when we work to restore it, amazing things can happen. We’re showing now that we’re capable of doing what’s needed to keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy. It’s a difficult time for so many people around the world. But we’ve come together, and we’ve slowed down.

Let’s imagine a world where we recognize our interdependence with nature—that what we do to it, we do to ourselves.

Let’s give nature a chance and, in doing so, give our species a better chance for happier, healthier ways to live.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation. Written with contributions from David Suzuki Foundation Senior Editor and Writer Ian Hanington. ■

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37

RANGE ROVER

Zen and the art of skiing in jeans FOR MY LAST column (Pique, Dec. 17), I appeared in a photo wearing a “Trump Skis in Jeans” T-shirt. It’s a joke, of course, but one not immediately obvious to the many who messaged me to say that since skiing in jeans was, in fact, cool, what could this mean? So, let me make one thing clear: skiing in jeans

BY LESLIE ANTHONY rules. At least as an authentic act—not the ploy of a pretender, imposter, mountebank, wannabe or someone so phony they could never represent. Allow me to explain.

Imagine an Orwellian outdoors industry where doublespeak rules. Where cookiecutter experiences are labelled “adventure”; where natural fabrics like wool are marketed as “high tech”; and where “packed powder” is a euphemism for machine-made glop. If you’re chuckling, you recognize we already live in this world. One where the phrase “alternate facts” is believed by millions of conservatives to describe something real—though by definition it cannot exist.

Only in such a world could the bold, lifeaffirming act of skiing in jeans be portrayed by the whims of hater populism as the rockbottom of mountain style.

Why has the contrablishment adopted this view? Perhaps it picked up on the crucible of Colorado snobbery directed

STYLIN’ AND PROFILIN’ Skiing in jeans loudly states: “I don’t give a shit,” about ski fashion. It means you care about the experience not the clothes.

PHOTO BY LESLIE ANTHONY

38 DECEMBER 31, 2020

at Texan visitors to its mountain resorts.

Folks who only ski three days a year clinging to their utilitarian Wranglers hardly seems reason for derision; in fact, it’s actually a paean to both DIY ingenuity and sustainability—repurposing the “adequate” in lieu of better-suited garments that will barely be used but whose manufacture contributes to climate change and water pollution.

And yet, the ranks of ridicule rose. The “Cheney Skis in Jeans” stickers of 2004, a “Romney Skis in Jeans” sign outside a 2012 presidential debate, and 2016’s “Trump Skis in Jeans” lawn signs all sought to make similar points: these people are odious, uncool charlatans possessed of not a shred of savvy or integrity, and ergo, manifestly unfit to lead. But it seems grossly misguided

bags (seven per cent); Lycra (six per cent).

Clearly respondents had never skied in Eastern Europe—or Alberta.

I skied in jeans as a kid because that’s what you did everything in. Tobogganing, hockey, skiing—there was never a thought to wearing something better, only adapting.

Much as we became good at skiing the East’s manmade ice, we also got good at skiing in jeans. You just needed the right layering.

Early on, it was pyjamas that dangled from your cuffs, later, long underwear tucked into socks; and, because you couldn’t pull jeans over the top of a ski boot, gaiters to keep the boot-pant interface snow-free. I don’t recall being wet and cold, perhaps because when the denim absorbed the right amount of moisture and froze up, it became an impervious layer through which more snow

I skied in jeans as a kid because that’s what you did everything in. Tobogganing, hockey, skiing—there was never a thought to wearing something better, only adapting. to appropriate jeans—the quintessential American garment invented in 1873 by Levi Strauss and Jacob Davis—as a symbol of moral failing.

The jeans/Jerry connection, however, transcends politics. As reported by Britain’s Daily Mail: “While most ski fans shun pricey designer clothing, donning a onesie or a pair of jeans to hit the slopes is severely frowned upon.” The paper cites a poll that ranked the Top 5 Ski Fashion Faux Pas: Jeans (31 per cent); Onesie (16 per cent); Tracksuit (15 per cent); Bum

couldn’t melt—the world’s first Gore Tex. As teenagers, the pros of jeans overshadowed any cons: you didn’t have to change before or after skiing, meaning you were ready for après, a night out, or going to work. That your pants might be soggy mattered not—they would dry. It was Zen minimalism.

In the late ’70s, I ski-bummed out West for a year without proper ski pants; not a single person snickered behind me in a lift-line. Today, with egos more fragile, people are wishing they could ski in jeans.

Proof? Over the years, several outerwear companies have made ski pants of treated denim. The best came from Sweden, and there are no greater arbiters of fashion than the Swedes. If you prefer old school, stillavailable flannel-lined jeans work wonders.

Suppressed fashion isn’t the only reason we know skiing in jeans is cool. Colorado’s Grist Brewery produces “Skiing in Jeans Bock,” a bad-ass lager whose graphics depict a bad-ass activity. And there’s even a skiing-injeans film tribute (https://bit.ly/2Hp4ABq).

But the real bellwether lies with those who’ve turned the insult on its head. Which brings us to the “Trump Skis in Jeans” meme (represent.com/trumpskisinjeans), which started like this: “We are skiers and riders in Summit County, Colorado, who want to help fund marginalized people our current president is defunding and mistreating.”

Lighthearted passive resistance to share with friends while standing up for something, with 100 per cent of profits from the sale of T-shirts, etc. going to Planned Parenthood and Protect our Winters. Of course, I bought one.

Here’s the hammer: the greatest ski magazine cover ever, the Powder 40th Anniversary issue, depicts a freewheeling dude in a headband skiing in jeans and an open denim jacket, the look on his face, devoid of even an iota of irony, confirming that he’s the coolest skier of all time.

Far from a semiotic saying “I am weak,” skiing in jeans loudly states: “I don’t give a shit.” And in an age of doublespeak, not giving a shit might really mean you care more deeply about an experience than its accoutrements.

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

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39

FEATURE STORY

Best of

Whistler T

he past year hasn’t given us much to celebrate, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate each other.

In fact, before we reveal all the deserving winner’s of Pique’s 2020 Best of Whistler poll, we should probably take a minute to congratulate you, dear reader: You did it. This wretched year is over, and you came out of it on other side in one piece. And can we just say, you look really good today?

But of course enduring a global pandemic and the complete shutdown of the very industry that sustains us doesn’t happen alone, so while we miss our valued foreign workers and international guests, we can take solace we got through it all with a little help from our friends. It’s nice to know that even when we couldn’t count on the staples of Whistler life we’re used to—going up the mountain, raucous après sessions—the one thing we could still count on was each other. (Awwwwwww...)

So here’s to you, ever-resilient Whistlerites, and the bigger and brighter things you have in store for 2021. It’s all uphill from here. (Or downhill, if we’re talking in ski terms.)

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- Brandon Barrett

DECEMBER 31, 2020

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41

PHOTO BY BRAD KASSELMAN // WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM

BEST COUNCIL DECISION

Handling of the COVID crisis

Quintessential

Whistler FAVOURITE WHISTLERITE

Mike Douglas In a year when so much has changed or been flipped on its head, it’s somewhat comforting to know that there’s still some consistency in the world.

And over the past decade in Whistler, there have been few things more consistent than Mike Douglas being named Favourite Whistlerite in Pique’s Best of Whistler poll.

This marks the pro skier, filmmaker and climate activist’s seventh time taking the award since his first nod in 2012.

“The funny thing is, as time has gone on, I’ve gotten more politically outspoken, and I figure one of these years I’m going to push enough people in the wrong way that they’re going to be like, ‘Yeah, no, we’re over this guy,’” Douglas says.

“I guess the community is aligned in a similar direction as me, so maybe that’s a good thing.”

Like the rest of the world, Douglas and his company Switchback Entertainment were heavily impacted by COVID-19 in 2020 (“We went from 100 per cent down to like 20 per cent of our normal work” when restrictions hit in spring, he says)—but he’s still finding the silver linings.

“There’s so much energy wasted by complaining and worrying about things that you can’t control,” he says.

“Control what you can, and look out the window … We’ve still got the green trees, there’s still snow on the hills, we can go out and play, and appreciate that.

“I mean, I don’t really know anyone that moved to Whistler to get rich.”

Jeremy “Stinky” Peterson, owner of Stinky’s on the Stroll, came second, while

DJ Foxy Moron, a.k.a. Ace MacKaySmith, took third.

FAVOURITE VOLUNTEER

Grace Blok In any normal year, Whistler’s jampacked event calendar requires a small army of volunteers to pull off.

But with COVID-19 wiping out, well, everything, Grace Blok assumes the people who voted her Favourite Volunteer (for the third time in as many years) did so because of her day job at the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS).

“I think some people believe that my job here at WCSS is a volunteer position, which it’s not. I happen to be a friendly receptionist, but that’s not the same as

volunteering,” she says with a laugh.

“Honestly I’m flabbergasted. In any way, when I can support people I’m happy to do that, but this certainly has not felt like the year.”

With higher demand than they’ve ever seen, the team at WCSS has shouldered much of the stress of the community over the past nine months. On top of that, much of Blok’s year was spent caring for ailing family members.

“Everybody, I think, really felt like they imploded … I certainly have tried to be a listening voice for people,” she says.

“I’m really thankful that I have my husband, John, who is pretty even keeled, and we’re out walking in the evenings to get out and just decompress.”

Rosemary Cook finished second, while Denise Wood (who tied for first with Blok in this category last year) placed third.

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42 DECEMBER 31, 2020

FEATURE STORY FAVOURITE NON-PROFIT

It wasn’t close in 2019, either, and in 2020—with Alpine Meadows once again the decisive winner—I am just Bill Murray in Groundhog Day, reliving my worst day on repeat, forever.

Are there other ways to reimagine this category?

What about the least favourite neighbourhood?

Without singling any out, the three neighbourhoods at the bottom of the pack received just 0.43 per cent of the vote (combined): Stonebridge, Kadenwood and Sunridge.

Whistler Animals Galore There’s never been a better year to spend time with man’s best friend.

Dogs don’t know about the pandemic, see, so if you take one for a nice long walk in the forest, you can almost pretend like it isn’t even happening! (Almost.)

Oh to be a sweet, innocent, ignorant canine in this our great year of 2020.

As far as I know, there is no technology that exists that can transplant a human’s consciousness into that of a dog, so we’ll all just have to settle for living vicariously, quietly wondering what if?

And in the meantime, give props to the team at Whistler Animals Galore, once again your favourite non-profit, followed by the Whistler Community Services Society and Zero Ceiling.

BEST TREND

Wearing Facemasks

Absent the proper COVID context, this year’s trends—both best and worst—read like something born of a strange dystopian society.

THE ALPINE MEADOWS While last year (and almost every year), EXCELLENCE AWARD FOR your favourite trend was living an active BEST NEIGHBOURHOOD (FORMERLY BEST NEIGHBOURHOOD) lifestyle, Whistlerites jumped on a new bandwagon this year: masks.

Facemasks, wearing masks, mask-wearing— however you want to phrase it, this The award for best community went wild WORST COUNCIL DECISION neighbourhood has been for masks in 2020. a perennial thorn in Our second this Pique reporter’s ass favourite trend? going back years now.

Better not get too (Seriously—sitting close, because it’s down to write this I physical distancing! almost feel like Wile If someone E. Coyote, blinking cracked their head on through a soot-covered the hill last Christmas stare immediately after and is just now waking an explosion went off in up from their coma to my face). catch up on Whistler’s PHOTO BY BRAD KASSELMAN // WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM As I lamented last favourite trends of year, there’s only so 2020, they are going many ways you can to be so confused. describe a neighbourhood While it’s a fun (in 200 words or less), and Alpine Meadows thought experiment to read these results has never lost. sans-context, holding them up to the In 2017, I tried to retire the defending laughably carefree year that 2019 was champ, renaming the award after it… then in comparison, the reality behind the in 2018 we forgot about that, and Alpine paradigm shift is, of course, rather bleak. won again (oops).

But Whistlerites are a hearty bunch,

Alpine Meadows

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shown by your third and fourth favourite trends: support for local business, and a strong sense of community.

You also liked hand sanitizer, e-bikes, golf, beer and smiles.

WORST TREND

Something, something COVID-19?

It’s hard to pin down a clear consensus in this year’s worst trend category, but the results offer a view into Whistler’s COVID angst.

Tied with the most votes were “COVID restrictions” and “not wearing a mask,” followed closely by “ignoring COVID restrictions” and “wearing a mask.”

Here are a few more COVID-related things that Whistlerites don’t care for: physical distancing, people who don’t physically distance, PPE littering, Plexiglas, big pandemic house parties, and people who deny the existence of COVID. We get it. It’s been a long, taxing year, with more being asked of all of us than we’re accustomed to.

But COVID won’t last forever, so we’ll hold out hope that by next year’s Best of Whistler we’ll be back to bitching about the classics: housing and man-buns.

BEST COUNCIL DECISION

Handling of the COVID crisis For all the upheaval and procedural turmoil contained within 2020, Whistlerites were grateful for how their municipal government responded.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) handling of the COVID-19 crisis was council’s best move this year, according to Pique readers.

Following the closure of Whistler Blackcomb on March 14, the RMOW activated its emergency operations centre on March 15.

Municipal facilities were closed (and gradually reopened with proper protocols

Happy New Year! gershoncpa.com DECEMBER 31, 2020

43

FEATURE STORY

in place as provincial health measures allowed); community group funds were redirected from sports and arts groups to the social services who needed them most; municipal staff were redeployed to help with Whistler Community Services Society, and the Whistler Food Bank was relocated to the conference centre to help meet demand.

As visitors returned in the summer, the RMOW worked with other resort partners to provide timely messaging, as well as hand-sanitizing stations and signage in the village.

But for all the efforts so far, the winter ahead will no doubt prove difficult.

“When this started, I had a real sense that endurance was going to be crucial to our success,” said Mayor Jack Crompton, in March.

“I asked council to consider the fact that this was going to be very much a marathon and that we want to keep capacity to serve for a long time. I have put a lot of my focus on staying healthy and maintaining a clear mind, which I hope marks the way our organization and our council deal with this over the long term.”

So far, so good.

Your second favourite council decision this year was the move in January to buy a residential property in Emerald, restoring access to the Crown land behind the

neighbourhood. In third was a decision in October to stop sending landfill waste to the U.S. Also, someone is really happy that the bylaw officers wear short-shorts now?

Though I don’t believe this was a council directive.

private-developer housing projects, and in third was the RMOW’s handling of the COVID crisis.

Honourable mention to the person who just didn’t like the negativity of this question, noting that everyone is trying their best.

So true.

WORST COUNCIL DECISION

Spending millions (of RMI money) to build new village washrooms Despite a reworked budget and a smaller project scale, Whistlerites are still not happy about council’s decision to spend Resort Municipality Initiativ e money on washroom buildings in Whistler Village.

Originally pegged at $4.5 million for three buildings, the project scope was pulled back in 2020, now with an approved budget of $1.6 million for a facility at Whistler Olympic Plaza and $770,000 for one at the Passive House (in addition to an estimated $330,000 in so-called “soft costs”).

Nevertheless, this decision was far and away your least favourite in 2020.

In a distant second place was council’s continued support for controversial,

BIGGEST NEWS STORY

COVID-19 Hope you’re sitting down for this one.

In a result that should surprise absolutely no one, the COVID-19 pandemic is far and away the biggest news story of 2020.

It’s an event no living person has experienced before—it has killed thousands, shuttered businesses, cost people their livelihoods, forced us inside our homes, turned every aspect of our lives upside down.

For nine months, it has consumed us.

But it’s hard to think of it as just a traditional news story, in a way.

Because COVID-19 is so much more than that.

It’s a long-distance endurance marathon, changing the rules of engagement and dictating them on the fly; a generational event suddenly seeping in to every conversation, every typed sentence,

every posted web story.

When we look back on 2020, we will point to COVID-19 as the big headline, sure.

But hopefully we’ll also remember the names and faces behind the pandemic, and the hundreds of small stories of resilience that paint the real picture.

The death of local businessman Jason Koehler in a police incident in March came second, while a story about charges for two people accused of feeding black bears was third.

BIGGEST ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERN

Climate crisis Although COVID dominated the headlines in the past year, another looming global crisis wasn’t far from the minds of Whistlerites in 2020, and for good reason.

Vehicle emissions continue to make up the bulk of Whistlerites’ GHG output, and the debate continues to rage on locally over the use of single-use plastics, voted the second biggest environmental concern for this year.

Not far behind in third was another issue that has only been exacerbated by climate change, wildfires, an issue that was thrust into the spotlight this summer with forest fires raging across the Pacific Northwest.

- Braden Dupuis

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FEATURE STORY PHOTO BY BRAD KASSELMAN // WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM

BEST PIZZA

Functional Pie

Restaurants &

Comfort food You can’t write about the RimRock Café, as Pique has countless times over the years, without mentioning the Creekside restaurant’s unparalleled consistency in an industry not exactly known for its stability.

For more than 30 years, owner Bob Dawson and chef-owner Rolf Gunther have prided themselves on serving the same beloved dishes to the same exalted standard that Whistler’s go-to spot for fish and game is known for.

And in a year when the only constant was upheaval, that level of familiarity must have felt like a warm hug from an old friend for the restaurant’s loyal clientele.

“The locals are the ones that vote for these awards year after year, and I know some people have come in more than normal because they’re not going on their usual trips, so when they do go out they want to go to a place they feel comfortable with,” says Dawson.

RimRock’s mature staff, some of whom have worked there since the Regan administration, also lent the restaurant an added layer of consistency through turbulent times.

46 DECEMBER 31, 2020

Cafés

“We have probably some of the most mature staff in the valley, and I think that’s helped us in COVID because we don’t have a lot of staff going out to bars and living in their own bubble. That helps when it comes to staying open,” says Dawson. “We have a very consistent staff that shows in our product and what we do.”

That’s not to say there weren’t some firsts at the RimRock in 2020. Without its regular stream of international guests, the restaurant extended its beloved fall special through December, and stayed open through most of October and November for the first time in its history. There were, of course, also the slew of new COVID-19 protocols that completely transformed how restaurants operate, proving you can teach old dogs new tricks.

“In my 40 years being in the restaurant business in Whistler, it’s definitely not the way I thought I’d be running a restaurant in my later years, wearing a mask, basically having to be the COVID police,” Dawson relays.

“But we have definitely tried to be as safe as possible and I think our customers have really appreciated it.”

- Brandon Barrett

BEST BURGER

Splitz Grill PHOTO BY WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM

FEATURE STORY BEST COFFEE 1. Mount Currie Coffee Co. 2. Blenz Coffee Whistler 3. Forecast Coffee BEST BREAKFAST 1. Elements Whistler 2. Wild Wood Café 3.Tie: Alpine Café and Stonesedge Kitchen BEST QUICK LUNCH 1. Ingrid’s Village Café 2.The Corner Deli 3. La Cantina BEST CASUAL DINING 1. Earls Whistler 2. 21 Steps 3. Hunter Gather BEST FINE DINING 1. RimRock Café 2. Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar 3. Red Door Bistro BEST DESSERT 1. Purebread 2. RimRock Café 3. COWS Whistler BEST WINE LIST 1. Araxi Restaurant + Oyster Bar 2. Bearfoot Bistro 3. RimRock Café BEST BURGER 1. Splitz Grill 2. Earls Whistler

Delivering peace of mind When COVID-19 effectively shut down the resort on March 15, most businesses had at least some time to catch their breath and reconfigure their operations before reopening.

Whistler Dine-In, the winner of Pique’s inaugural Favourite Delivery Service category, didn’t have the same luxury.

“That shift had to happen very quickly,” explains co-owner Jean-Francois Giasson. “We closed on the 16th and reopened on the 17th. So we closed for a day just to change everything, because obviously we needed to go fully contactless. So we changed our entire system.”

Along with the responsibility that comes with being an essential service and keeping both drivers and customers safe, Whistler Dine-In also had to contend with a dramatic decline in restaurant partners.

Within days, the company’s roster of partners fell from 25 to five, as eateries

3. Cure Lounge & Patio BEST PIZZA 1. Functional Pie 2. Creekbread 3. Pizzeria Antico BEST STEAK 1. Hy’s Steakhouse & Cocktail Bar 2. RimRock Café 3.The Keg Steakhouse BEST SUSHI

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were forced shutter their doors at the dawn of the pandemic.

“As soon as everything shut down, it was terrifying for us because that’s our business.

But when we started to reopen again and doing deliveries again, it was terrifying for our staff. We were scared for the drivers,” says co-owner Naomi Wright. “We’ve never worked so hard or so much as this year, obviously, and it’s nice to feel that from the community.”

The good news is COVID has given Whistler Dine-In the opportunity to increase its exposure, with more restaurants jumping onboard as they have expanded their takeout and delivery offerings. Today, Whistler Dine-In’s lineup of restaurants and shops is back up to 28.

“It brought some restaurants onboard that were maybe too busy before to be offering delivery. Now that they’ve tried it, we have a great relationship with a few of them,” Giasson says.

“I think we will continue to be essential for a few more months at least.”

- Brandon Barrett

DECEMBER 31, 2020

47

FEATURE STORY

PHOTO BY BRAD KASSELMAN // WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM

BEST BAR

Roland’s BEST WINGS

Bars,& Pubs Clubs Setting the bar It’s been years since Roland’s Creekside Pub has taken home the award for Best Bar, and owner Karen Roland doesn’t think it’s a coincidence that locals recognized the neighbourhood pub in a year when they couldn’t get together like they used to.

“We’ve been making locals a priority since we opened, and that’s what [former owner] Hoz used to do before I took over, so I just carried on with that, because

BEST BAR/PUB 1. Roland’s Creekside Pub 2. Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub 3. Stinky’s on the Stroll FAVOURITE LOCALS’ HANGOUT 1. Stinky’s on the Stroll 2. Roland’s Creekside Pub 3.Tapley’s Pub

locals live here 365 days a year,” Roland says.

Reopening in June with COVID protocols in place, Roland says her staff has had to make significant adjustments to how they work, which was admittedly easier for some than others. “[Bartender] Big Rich loves to hug, high-five and shake everyone’s hands and breaking that habit was especially challenging,

BEST APRÈS 1. Garibaldi Lift Co. 2. Dusty’s Bar & BBQ 3. Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub BEST NACHOS 1. Dusty’s Bar & BBQ 2. Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub 3. Merlin’s Bar and Grill BEST WINGS 1. Roland’s Creekside Pub

48 DECEMBER 31, 2020

especially for those of us who have been doing it for so long,” Roland relays. “It was especially difficult for Rich because he’s such a friendly, outgoing person who wants to be everybody’s friend and wants to shake your hand or give you a hug and address you properly the way that he likes to.

That’s been a huge challenge for us, especially at this locals’ place because we have so many customers that

2. Earls Whistler 3. Dusty’s Bar & BBQ BEST PATIO 1. Table Nineteen Whistler 2. Garibaldi Lift Co. 3. Dusty’s Bar & BBQ BEST COCKTAIL 1. The Raven Room 2. Bar Oso 3.The Mallard Lounge

expect the hug and the handshake from us.”

Earning the title of Best Bar, as voted by locals, does help ease some of the strain at least, Roland says.

“It means a lot. It means that we’re doing something right during these COVID times,” she says. “We still see all the local support that we’re getting, so that’s really encouraging as well. We’re trying to make it as safe as possible for all our wonderful regulars.”

- Brandon Barrett

BEST BEER SELECTION 1. Coast Mountain Brewing 2. Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub 3. HandleBar FAVOURITE DJ 1. DJ Foxy Moron 2. Mat the Alien 3. DJ Gainz

THANK YOU, WHISTLER COMMUNITY! We are honoured to be awarded

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49

FEATURE STORY Après lives on

A MASSIVE THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO VOTED FOR US AND SUPPORTED US DURING THE PAST 2 YEARS. WE APPRECIATE THIS COMMUNITY SO MUCH AND WISH YOU ALL THE BEST IN THE UPCOMING YEAR.

What’s Whistler without its legendary après culture? For that matter, what’s après without the Garibaldi Lift Company, Whistlerites’ favourite spot to indulge postski-day?

“I’m super grateful and we’re super honoured to get this award in such a challenging time,” says GLC general manager Zoey Cotton. “It’s somewhere that everyone wants to come.”

Closed for eight long months before reopening in time for the start of the 2020-2021 ski season, Cotton says Whistlerites have shown immense gratitude for the opportunity to après again, in whatever form.

“The customers this year, along with our staff, there has just been a massive shift in appreciation. They appreciate they can still come here, they’re still able to get some of their favourite things on the menu,” Cotton says.

“The attitude towards the business and the patience everyone has shown for our systems I think is awesome.”

Another unintended consequence of

the COVID era is that you have to book your spot at the GLC ahead of time, so while there may be no spontaneous après sessions this year, Cotton says customers have enjoyed knowing they’ll have a table ready for them. And unlike Whistler Blackcomb’s on-mountain eateries, you don’t have to wait until the day of to book your spot at the GLC. “I think people are just so used to walking up here and being apart of that après experience. It’s a huge adjustment but I think it’s working really well,” she notes.

“Guests just love being able to say, ‘I’m coming skiing on Saturday and I can book a fiver at the GLC’ instead of worrying if they’ll get a table.”

Of course, such a radical shift to how we après couldn’t have happened without the GLC staff who have handled every curveball thrown at them in this ridiculous year.

“This is one of the reasons we win this award: our staff here is, to me, like having a family,” Cotton says. “I know lots of people say that, but it makes such a difference to have a good staff that love being here.”

- Brandon Barrett

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50 DECEMBER 31, 2020

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PHOTO BY BRAD KASSELMAN // WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM

FAVOURITE MUSICAL ACT

The Hairfarmers

Arts &

Culture Cast your memory back 100 years ago or so to earlier this spring during the first pandemic lockdown.

Beloved Whistler duo The Hairfarmers played a livestream show—along with Whistler Live—from a garage in the Tapley’s Farm neighbourhood with the aim of raising a bit of money for the suddenlyoverrun Whistler Food Bank.

“We thought we’d make five grand or

something,” says “Grateful Greg” Reamsbottom.

Instead, he and “Guitar Doug” Craig raised more than $40,000. Since then, they’ve gone on to play other fundraisers—at least five in total—to the tune of $250,000, all for local charity.

“We love to play, so for us to be able to do some good doing what we love and would be doing anyway was really cool,” Reamsbottom says.

That might seem like reason enough for

FAIRMONT CHATEAU WHISTLER

the pair to top the list as Whistler’s Favourite Musical Act in 2020, but, in reality, it’s a position they’ve held for the last 19 years. Aaaactually, that winning streak almost got derailed last year, but only because of a clerical error on Pique’s part that saw the category accidentally omitted.

(All parties involved agree that means they held onto the position for 2019 as well.)

“We appreciate it,” says Craig. “Our audience really does bring that out. We’re just a small part of this wonderful live

music experience. It really does make you humble, actually. When we play in Whistler, it is kind of a very special place for us, so thanks to our fans for always sticking by us … I want to personally send a giant thank you to our listeners. To the fans that missed us—we will be together again.”

Something else they will never take for granted, especially after this tumultuous year? Playing for a live audience.

“Over the summer we were able to do smaller backyard events,” Reamsbottom

2020

Fun-raisers

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TO BOOK, CALL 1 604 938 8000 OR VISIT FAIRMONT.COM/WHISTLER 52 DECEMBER 31, 2020

FEATURE STORY FAVOURITE ARTIST 1. Andrea Mueller 2. Vanessa Stark 3. Kate Zessel

FAVOURITE WRITER 1. G.D. Maxwell 2. Feet Banks 3. Vince Shuley

FAVOURITE MAJOR ART SHOW

FAVOURITE PHOTOGRAPHER

1. Anonymous Art Show 2. Emily Carr: Fresh Seeing 3. Whistler Secondary School Art Show

1. David McColm 2. Blake Jorgenson 3.Tie: Joern Rohde and Logan Swayze

FAVOURITE ARTS & CULTURE EVENT OR FESTIVAL

FAVOURITE MUSICAL ACT

1. Crankworx 2. Cornucopia 3. World Ski and Snowboard Festival

says. “The really fun ones were community backyard parties where a townhouse complex would set up their lawn chairs behind their units. We also played smaller birthday parties and neighbourhood parties, all outside.

Everyone was distanced. In a lot of ways, it was really cool because some of those things we do in a normal summer are really big. You travel a lot and it’s a lot of fun and good for business, but it’s not as intimate.”

Next up, rules and restrictions pending, they’re set to take over après at Buffalo Bills this winter.

“They feel there’s a way to put on an effective live show abiding by all orders and keeping people safe,” Reamsbottom says.

“So we’d love to try and give people a way to get their live music fix. And we’d love to get back to work, in a safe and legal way.”

-Alyssa Noel

Big things in small packages Some online events during the pandemic have been epic fails. Most have been moderately entertaining. But only a handful have been truly successful at transporting us into our computers and away from our troubles for one evening.

One of those was the Anonymous Art Show, which Whistler chose at its Favourite Arts and Culture Event or Festival for 2020.

“I remember at the end of the night thinking, ‘We did it,’” says Mo Douglas, executive director for Arts Whistler, which puts on the event. “We turned this dynamic, slightly nutty event into an engaging online experience.”

Even in a regular year, the show can be more complicated than most to organize.

First, there are hundreds of paintings—all

1. The Hairfarmers 2.Tie: Red Chair and Ruckus Deluxe 3. Brother Twang

on the same size canvas with the artists concealed—up for grabs. Only, art lovers purchase tickets at different price points to determine who gets to choose which piece at which point on the buying night.

And then, of course, when the big night arrives, several people need to organize what could be the chaotic purchasing frenzy.

Now, take all that and move it online.

The key seemed to be that people could interact online while the buying was taking place, fostering a sense of community, Douglas says.

“The other motivating factor is people are serious about watching what art gets picked,” she adds. “They’re vested. They’re staying to watch what people choose.”

The other unique element was not only were people logging in from around the world, but locals were also signing on from strange locales. Councillor Cathy Jewett showed up from a cabin while Liz Peacock, co-director of Mountain Galleries, appeared in a headlamp from a beach in Tofino.

“I could barely see her face,” Douglas says with a laugh. “I was like, ‘What are you doing?’ She was in Tofino camping and it was her birthday.”

The typically adults-only event also became a family affair with kids helping their parents choose the art.

“That was another upside,” Douglas says.

In fact, the event was such a success—raising somewhere between $12,500 and $13,000 for Arts Whistler’s bursaries, awards, and programming—that even if we’re allowed to gather in September 2021, it could remain a hybrid event.

“We just tried our best to replicate every element,” Douglas says. “We’re so thankful for everyone who came on board to watch and buy art.”

-Alyssa Noel

Thank You VOLUNTEERS

Thank you to all the people who volunteer to make Whistler a great place to live!

Our community is the better for the gifts of your time, talents and care.

We are indeed fortunate to live in a place with so much to share.

From A Fellow Volunteer DECEMBER 31, 2020

53

FEATURE STORY PHOTO BY BRAD KASSELMAN // WWW.COASTPHOTO.COM

BEST BIKE SHOP

Coastal Culture BEST SKI SHOP

Business Services

Checking the Forecast Opening up a new business typically comes with its fair share of speed bumps.

A global pandemic isn’t normally among them.

Jim Salusbury of 49 North Foods Co. opened Function Junction’s newest café and grocery store combo, Forecast Coffee, on Family Day this year, in the space formerly occupied by Olives Community Market.

Less that a month later, the residual effects of the COVID-19 pandemic hit Whistler hard.

Despite the seemingly endless challenges it presented, Forecast earned the title of Whistler’s Favourite New Business in this very strange year.

“In and amongst such a wild and turbulent year, it was great that we were able to at least get started and get opened, so to receive this award in this year, when we’re only just getting off the ground and had our focus on so many things? It’s really great,” says Salusbury.

Prior to opening, “What we tried to do, as we were envisioning the changes that

54 DECEMBER 31, 2020

were made, was really to connect with the community and to listen to the feedback that had been provided, and try to provide a product or service that people are asking for; that we thought people would like.”

As Salusbury told Pique earlier this year, that included a small selection of more affordable, more mainstream grocery items, found alongside organic produce from Pemberton farmers and ready-made meal options.

Clearly, those efforts have paid off.

Forecast had the unique opportunity to experience two sides of the pandemic shutdown. As a coffee shop and grocer, the business opted to close its espresso bar and café operations, but kept up the grocery side of the shop to supply customers with all of the toilet paper, flour and hand sanitizer they could keep in stock. Forecast fully reopened all of its services in June.

“The customers, through all of the changes that we’ve made, have been super supportive,” says Salusbury. “Even with COVID and all of the restrictions, you know,

we try to always do what’s right for our staff, and the customers, and I think generally, it’s been pretty smooth sailing in that regard. With the support of the community, it has been really great.”

Despite Whistler being far quieter than anyone could have predicted when 2020 kicked off, at least for certain periods of the year, “We found that we really were able to keep to keep some reasonable operations going through the support of our local customers.”

Now, Salusbury is looking to pay that support forward.

As the business continues to weather the COVID-19 pandemic, Salusbury says he’s also focused on philanthropic efforts, including the business pledging one per cent of its revenues to social community and environmental initiatives.

“We’d like to refocus on that as we come out of COVID and hopefully be able to work with and support a lot of different organizations within the community.”

- Megan Lalonde

Coastal Culture: An all-season success story It’s not a very well-kept secret that Whistler is full of multisport athletes. People who are just as comfortable ripping powder as they are barrelling down a dirt singletrack trail on two wheels, for instance.

It’s also no secret that the legends at Coastal Culture fall into the same category.

For the second straight year, the Creekside shop has earned a double-honour as Whistler’s Best Ski Shop and Best Bike Shop, after first claiming the dual titles in 2019. (Although it’s held a firm grip on its undefeated reign as “Best Bike Shop” since first opening its doors.)

“A huge , huge thank you,” says Thomas Thacker, who opened up Coastal Culture alongside business partner Ryan Brown in April 2016. “It’s always an honour to be voted the best at something in our community.”

The recognition is particularly appreciated in what’s “certainly been a wild year,” says Thacker. “It’s not our first rodeo at that [win], but it’s awesome

FEATURE STORY to be kind of patted on the back again. It operations tend to be slightly more touristshows that all the hard work we all put in focused than its summertime services, is being rewarded.”

“Certainly there’s going to be different Now heading into its fifth winter, challenges,” Thacker acknowledges, “but the shop has cultivated a reputation we’re just running it one day at a time and for being knowledgeable, ready to help trying to make the most of it and trying and completely unpretentious. When to still figure out fun ways that we can customers walk in, whether for enjoy it.” a rental, a repair or otherwise, After all, part of Coastal “there’s no ego,” says Thacker. “I Culture’s success is due to the fact think if you can treat people the that its owners and staff are just as way you want to be treated, it passionate about playing outside certainly goes a long way.” alongside the community as they Though that welcoming, are about serving it. inviting atmosphere has been “If the tourists aren’t here, we still a constant, there have still been “lots of have this wicked town to ourselves and we changes” since Coastal Culture opened get to go shred every day, and just take a bit its doors, particularly amidst a pandemic of a breather,” Thacker says, shortly after that’s forced Thacker, Brown and getting off the mountain on a rainy, the Coastal Culture team to adapt foggy early December day. accordingly to keep customers “We’ve got a minute to breathe, comfortable and safe. so let’s breathe. Let’s have some But in a year that’s proved fun. And I think it’s reflected on to be difficult for many local the hill,” he added. “Sure, the businesses, Thacker says he conditions are shit; it’s miserable couldn’t have anticipated “the extra out there, but it was still awesome. outpour” of community support Coastal Everybody was having fun, and we’re still Culture has seen. stoked on the mountain.”

Considering the shop’s winter - Megan Lalonde

1. Forecast Coffee 2. Dee’s Donuts 3.The Whistler Clinic BEST SKI SHOP 1. Coastal Culture 2. Fanatyk Co. 3. Comor Sports BEST SNOWBOARD SHOP 1. Showcase Snowboard Surf & Skate Shop 2.The Circle 3. Evolution BEST BIKE SHOP 1. Coastal Culture 2. Fanatyk Co. 3. Evolution BEST CLOTHING STORE 1. The Beach 2. Lululemon 3. Re-Use-It Centre

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FEATURE STORY

Sports Fantastic Finn At first blush, it may come as a surprise that this is the 21-year-old downhill phenom’s first-ever victory in the Favourite Summer Athlete category (though he was a shoo-in for Favourite Junior Athlete until aging out).

But when you consider that slopestyle legend Brandon Semenuk claimed this category for the past six years and seven of the last eight, it’s a bit more understandable.

“It feels good to finally get over the hump. It’s cool,” he says.

Being eight years apart, Iles said he didn’t exactly grow up riding alongside Semenuk, but looked forward to capping Crankworx by witnessing, almost certainly, another masterful performance at Red Bull Joyride.

“By the time I got to high school, he’d already graduated and he moved by the time I was making my mark in mountain biking,” he says. “I’ve met him a few times and he’s a really nice guy and he’s probably one of the best mountain bikers that’s ever lived.

“I do have a lot of respect for what he does and how he rides his bike.”

With Semenuk focusing less on competing more on creating rad videos (including cruising through an abandoned mine in an October Red Bull release), Iles stepped up into the top spot after dominating Crankworx Summer Series and nearly hitting his first UCI Downhill World Cup podium during an abbreviated 2020 campaign. With the torch passed, Iles credits growing up in Whistler for helping him reach the heights he has, including consecutive Junior World Cup titles before reaching the pro ranks.

“I don’t think I would be as good as I am, or I wouldn’t have the success I have today if it wasn’t for growing up in Whistler and having the support of the entire community,” he says. “There’s the amount of work that goes into the trails, the amount of work that goes into having small races at the bike park, having Toonie rides and all the stuff that WORCA does.

“The support for athletes is so massive.

“I hope to continue to do the community proud and get better and better.”

The community boost came for Iles in a big way in 2014 to allow him to compete in the Official Whip-Off World Championships at the tender age of 14, when the minimum age is normally 16.

He expressed his gratitude by winning the whole darn thing.

“It’s pretty cool how the community rallies behind people. You can see it with other athletes, too, like Marielle [Thompson] when she won gold and

56 DECEMBER 31, 2020

& Recreation FAVOURITE JUNIOR ATHLETE

Juliette Pelchat

PHOTO BY CHRIS WITWICKI

it was a pretty big moment for the community,” Iles says, harkening back to Thompson’s ski-cross victory at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. “People get really invested into athletes.”

- Dan Falloon

Growth mindset For the first time since the Favourite Junior Athlete category was first offered in 2012, it’s a girl, not a boy, claiming the crown.

And after the year Juliette Pelchat had, there’s no doubt she’s an appropriate trailblazer.

“I was so surprised that people even voted for me,” she says. “This is so cool. It’s insane to know that people were keeping

track and looking at me.

“I’m so honoured. I’m so happy.”

The 16-year-old boarder started out by taking on the Youth Olympic Games at Lausanne, Switzerland finishing 19th in the slopestyle on a super-sized course. Upon returning to Canada, she claimed back-to-back NorAm Cup silvers and defender her National Junior Championships title.

“2020 was actually kind of a crazy year.

There were some upsides and some downsides but I learned from all my low experiences. I tried to make the best of it for the future,” she says. “At Youth Olympics, I didn’t have the best contest, but I definitely took away a lot from it and learned for it and became a better snowboarder.”

Despite the disappointment in Switzerland, Pelchat feels she grew her skills with the physical challenges she overcame at the contest, while she also continues to develop a successful mindset.

“I definitely found that you should not try to make excuses to try to find a way to lose or be bad. You should always try to find reasons to be better and make the most of a situation,” she says. “That’s definitely what I have learned from my past experiences: just be positive and work through it. You’re not always going to be perfect. You’re not always going to have the best experiences. You’re not always going to be great.

“You’re going to have some ups and downs and that’s part of the sport.”

In the summer, Pelchat and her sister, Amalia, launched girls-only skate jams that by the end of the season were drawing 60 athletes over the course of a session. The events landed major sponsors and gained traction quickly.

“The summer was honestly one of the best things that I could ever experience.

It was just so awesome to inspire younger athletes and younger girls and just see them grow confidence going through the skatepark and being a female athlete in a male-dominated sport,” she says. “It was really cool to see that alongside my sister.”

While Pelchat isn’t entirely sure what her 2021 season on snow will look like, she’s eager to take on whatever comes her way, as there are a handful of events proposed, but nothing confirmed at press time.

“I’m super stoked for the season even though we don’t know what it looks like or what it holds,” she says. “It’s going to be good anyway. We’ll find a way.

“I think a couple [events] will run, but if not, I’d be stoked just to do some training in the park and on the whole mountain with my family, just getting better on my board all around.”

- Dan Falloon

Crystal clear In just five years, Dark Crystal went from being granted a reprieve from Whistler Blackcomb after being discovered in 2015 to now being a back-to-back winner of the community’s Favourite Bike Trail.

Original builder Ben Haggar, who constructed the Blackcomb-based beaut with Scott Veach, said the recognition is gratifying.

“For Scott and I, it’s been a bit of a journey, so to have everybody else love the trail as much as we do is pretty cool,” he says.

FEATURE STORY FAVOURITE SUMMER ATHLETE 1. Finn Iles 2.Jesse Melamed 3. Brandon Semenuk FAVOURITE WINTER ATHLETE 1. Stan Rey 2. Mike Douglas 3. Marielle Thompson FAVOURITE JUNIOR ATHLETE 1. Juliette Pelchat 2. Finn Finestone 3.Tie: Stewart Walker and Wei Tien Ho

3. Spanky’s Ladder FAVOURITE SLACKCOUNTRY RUN/AREA 1. Million Dollar Ridge 2. Flute Backside 3. Khyber Ridge

DECEMBER 20 - JANUARY 24

Thanks to a partnership in Truthh & Reconciiliatiion with the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

FAVOURITE BIKE TRAIL 1. Dark Crystal 2.Tie: Crank It Up and A-Line 3. Lord of the Squirrels FAVOURITE GOLF COURSE 1. Nicklaus North Golf Course 2. Whistler Golf Club 3. Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Club

WHISTLER OR BLACKCOMB? Topics to avoid in polite company: politics, religion, and— in the Sea to Sky, anyway—your preference of our resort’s two iconic ski hills.

In Pique’s secret ballot, the junior mountain came away with this category once again in a close election, edging ahead by 33 votes.

And, don’t worry, in case any marriages or BFF-ships are at stake as a result of this question, we’ll reiterate that individual preferences are completely anonymous.

FAVOURITE SKI RUN ON WHISTLER OR BLACKCOMB 1. Peak to Creek 2. Dave Murray Downhill

Recalling the build a few summers on, Haggar said he and Veach sought to provide riders a different experience than they may have been accustomed to.

“Scott and I got together back in 2015 and we were just looking for a beautiful patch of forest to build a trail, something that was a little bit different than the typical Whistler fall-line style of trail, something that was a bit more fun and playful where you didn’t need to be on your brakes as much,” he says. “We had a couple different areas we were scoping around in. We eventually hiked a lot on Blackcomb and fell in love with the area.

“The terrain is really friendly. There’s beautiful granite slabs, there’s lots of dirt and it’s a fairly low angle, so that made our jobs easy as far as roughing the trail in.”

Haggar said he and Veach put together the initial line over one season, as they both consistently got up to a couple days a week to help move things along.

Haggar stressed that he and Veach strived to avoid “overbuilding” the trail in the early days.

“We wanted it to get in a bit more

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naturally so the natural character of the forest would show itself,” he says.

“We didn’t get to really refine the line before it exploded into instant popularity.

“It was still one of those under-theradar trails, but within a few days of it being discovered, Scott and I were up there working and it went from a handful of riders to 50 riders the next day to a couple hundred the day after that.”

When the duo started building, they weren’t aware it was on Whistler Blackcomb (WB) property, Veach told Pique in 2017. When WB discovered the trail, Haggar said it was a “relief” that it was saved and incorporated into the Blackcomb trail network.

“They enjoyed the trail a lot and I think they could see the build quality was there,” he says. “It wasn’t just another rogue trail.”

Haggar, who now lives in Squamish and builds with the local trail crew, said Dark Crystal is 100-per-cent volunteer maintained by Veach and himself. He hopes to convey the message to respect the trail and avoid riding it in conditions that could leave damage.

- Dan Falloon

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57

FEATURE STORY

PHOTO BY KAILI SMITH

FAVOURITE TRAINER

Meaghan Sutter

Fitness Wellness &

No train, no gain

Two might just be the magic number for Meaghan Sutter.

In two years, she’s opened as many fitness studios (or, to use her parlance, movement spaces) and won Best of Whistler’s Favourite Trainer category each time.

If you need some help with the math, that means the kinesiologist and trainer first opened Peak Training in 2019 and then, smack dab in the middle of a global pandemic, took the leap and secured the space across the hall to accommodate other trainers and fitness specialists in the community.

“Was it scary? One-thousand per cent,” she says. “It still is terrifying with the uncertainties. We were allowed to open things again, then closed, then opened and closed. But I felt really called and compelled to do it. I tend to listen to my gut when something is knocking.”

While she primarily trains one-onone in her original space, trainers in the second space have kept their offerings very small, too. That’s helped them stay well positioned with safety protocols during the pandemic.

“I think having the private space where people can come in, it’s very controlled, it’s usually just me and one client or, across

58 DECEMBER 31, 2020

the hallway, one trainer and two clients.

During COVID, we can keep it really clean, safe and distanced.”

But, more than that, returning to a regular workout routine—whether it’s to recover from an injury or to train for a specific goal—has helped people during this time of isolation.

“When I had the go-ahead to open in June, it was full force,” Sutter says. “Everybody plus their family wanted to come back.

People were itching to get back into feeling strong—and get out of the house.”

The goal since then has been to be an outlet for people during this challenging time. “People were happy to take a bit more of a nurturing route,” she says. “They weren’t going as intense. Sometimes, it was more of a stress reliever to come here. I would see them come in stressed and beat down, emotional and leave feeling better. That was more my motivation, to make people feel better.”

Looking ahead to 2021 and what will hopefully be the end of the pandemic, Sutter hopes to focus on community.

“My hope is I can get back to building a community around the studios and building them with very skilled professionals who can provide for the community,” she says.

- Alyssa Noel

FAVOURITE SPA 1. Scandinave Spa Whistler 2.The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge 3.The Spa at Four Seasons Resort Whistler FAVOURITE CHIROPRACTIC PRACTICE 1. Whistler Chiropractic Clinic 2. Village Centre Chiropractic 3. Back in Action FAVOURITE PHYSIOTHERAPY OR MASSAGE PROVIDER 1. Back in Action 2. Peak Performance Whistler 3. Lifemark Whistler Physiotherapy FAVOURITE DENTAL PRACTICE 1. Creekside Dental 2. Whistler Dental 3. Whistler Smiles Dental Clinic FAVOURITE MEDICAL PRACTICE 1. Whistler Medical Clinic

2.The Whistler Clinic 3.Town Plaza Medical Clinic FAVOURITE FITNESS FACILITY 1. Meadow Park Sports Centre 2. Altitude Fitness 3. Whistler Core Climbing & Fitness Gym FAVOURITE YOGA/ PILATES 1. YYoga Whistler 2.Yogacara Whistler 3. Whistler Core Climbing & Fitness Gym FAVOURITE BEAUTY AND AESTHETIC PROVIDER 1. The Spa at Nita Lake Lodge 2. Be Beauty Spa & Tanning Lounge 3. Elevation Hair Studio FAVOURITE TRAINER 1. Meaghan Sutter 2. Cinta Cassini 3.Jack Murray

“A heartfelt thank you from the team at Creekside Dental for voting us as your favourite dental clinic in the Pique’s Best of Whistler 2020.We are again humbled and grateful for this recognition.

LOCAL EXPERTS GLOBAL REACH The same team that you trust with your print advertising can assist in creating your digital footprint

Although it has been a challenging year for all of us, we will continue to strive and provide the best dental experience while keeping you and your family safe.

We truly appreciate your support over the years and look forward to your visit in 2021.

Wishing everyone a safe and healthy holiday season!”

2020

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Happy New Year!

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59

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE

The East Coast Highway by motorcycle Story and photos

by Tim Morch

60 DECEMBER 31, 2020

TRAVEL & ADVENTURE We chased our guide through Chennai, a sprawling urban jungle of eight million, tumultuous traffic of Pondicherry reaching along serpentine streets packed with every the empty beachfront. However, it seemed conceivable vehicle, as well as cows: A trial- more a place to dump trash and wash after by-fire. Splitting lanes liberally, we blazed defecating than relax, swim or surf. between buses, sneaked to the front of On the opposite side of the Chunnambar the pack at red lights, rode on sidewalks, River in Cuddalore, a chai stop generated the shot through any hole in traffic and wove usual flurry of questions. A man asked where reverently around the sacred beast. we were headed and I told we were going to After 40 hair-raising minutes, our find a place to eat. Next thing we know, we guide pulled over on the side of the eight- are chasing him through oncoming traffic lane road, smiled and said: “This is the and along the sidewalk into the parking lot of beginning of the East Coast [Highway], A2B restaurant. “One of the best in town, sir,” sir, just go straight.” Kudos to Vicky, the he whispered before zooming off. owner of Chennai Motorcycle Rental, which A smiling server recommended a provided us our two-wheeled transportation “meals,” which was comprised of foods and the company’s guide. boasting a dozen assorted flavours, spicy Traffic density eased, the crush of and non-spicy, in small bowls surrounding humanity diminished, fields appeared, and a pile of rice on a banana leaf. Dal, sambar the first sea views emerged. Kovalam, a (lentil stew), curds, coconut dishes and tiny seaside village, must not receive many tangy tamarind tantalized the taste buds. foreigners judging by the shocked stares She brought refills for each bowl and followed with wide smiles and waves and reloaded the mountain of rice until we were wonder-stuck schoolgirls marvelling at a bursting, all for a mere $2. woman, my travelling companion Astried On a whim, we turned inland, riding Huebner, riding her own motorcycle. randomly through never-ending rice In the coastal town of Mahabalipuram, paddies and fields teeming with produce the touts were gentle and beggars respectful. in the vast Cauvery River delta, the Surprisingly they heard the word “no” the breadbasket of Tamil Nadu. The crush of third time and relented. (In other parts of urban India receded, and Banyan-shaded the country “no” means try harder.) We stops led to random encounters. picked a guesthouse on the outskirts of In the market town of Vadalur, we were town where the owners were surprised to greeted with wide smiles, frantic waving host foreigners and went out of their way to and shouts of “hello.” Turning south on a make sure we were comfortable. narrow, country road, dozens of tractors Next day included frequent detours to with trailers piled far too high with the small villages, where foreigners rarely stop, sugar cane harvest wobbled dangerously to drink chai, watch and be watched. People down the road. A stream of buses, racing

On a whim, we turned inland, riding randomly through neverending rice paddies and fields teeming with produce in the vast Cauvery River delta, the breadbasket of Tamil Nadu. literally stop in their tracks at the sight of a to get ahead of each other, added to the tall, blond woman riding a motorcycle, her excitement, swerving out from behind tattoos garnering enthusiastic discussion. the towering trailers with no regard for Approaching Pondicherry, “Pondi,” as oncoming traffic, and the few cars were the hipsters call the former French colonial even faster. Inject a parade of motorcycles, city, traffic and population density grew bicycles, people, cows and goats, and thicker. Although it features in The Life of a potholed country road becomes a Pi, it seemed another big city to avoid. So nightmare, often requiring heavy breaking we followed a smoothie sign and found and evasive action to avoid collisions. ourselves in Auroville.

Across the Cauvery River in This is an experimental community Kumbakonam, once referred to as the that boasts “no borders,” is focused on “Cambridge of South India” Astried sniffed sustainable living and filled with expats, out the Kumbakonam Homestay where we barefoot “seekers” sporting local garb, enjoyed a large suite, the manager proudly “volunteers” working for free room and proclaiming we were his first foreign guests. board and resembling a hippy commune A hot shower removed the day’s road more than anything else. grime and a tandoori chicken restaurant In search of a room we rode along a beckoned in what would turn out to be the dirt path, stumbling on a quiet guesthouse best tandoori we tasted the entire trip. located in a cashew plantation. The host family, a lovely young couple, made us To read Part 1 of this odyssey go to right at home and we settled in for a couple piquenewsmagazine.com, Dec.24 and read of nights.

Pique in the coming months for more on Back on the road, we battled the Tim’s 2,600-kilometre adventure. ■

604-902-1711

Amos & Andes is a tiny 188 square foot shop on Whistler’s village stroll that is filled to the brim with luxurious natural fibre traditional sweaters and accessories. The owner of the shop, Hilary, has operated in the same location since 1994. She is the textbook definition of a true Whistlerite. Skiing and mountain biking are a core part of who she is.

If she isn’t out in the mountains, you can probably find her enjoying precious time with her loving family and friends.

Whistler’s mountain town was the perfect place for Hilary to settle down. She bought a beautiful log cabin, ran her shop and raised her two wonderful daughters here. With her infectious smile and an incredible love for both her life and her job, Hilary was really living the dream, until this year.

On March 17th2020, everything changed. Due the Covid-19 pandemic, health orders forced Hilary to close the doors to Amos & Andes, without knowing if they were to ever open again. Over the next couple of months, the devastating reality of knowing that she may need to sell her family home of over 20 years to survive was weighing heavily on her shoulders. Both the shop and her family home were filled with a lifetime of precious memories and the fear of losing both at the same time was gut-wrenching. But anyone who

knows Hilary knows that she would never go down without a fight. So, she did something completely out of her comfort zone, she built a website and focused on taking her small local business to the global online market.

Hilary was now spending all her time learning about digital marketing and learning the ropes from all the amazing people in her surrounding.

Amos & Andes was able to reopen and thanks to all of Hilary’s hard work and determination, the shop had record sales for both October and November of 2020. She will always be grateful for the outpour of love and support from her family and the local community.

Hilary’s hard work, passion, and determination and truly inspiring and really demonstrate what people are capable of when faced with a challenge.

Amos & Andes is on track to keep its doors open for a very, very long time.

Open every day from 10-6 On the Village Stroll - Close to the Visitor Centre 604-932-7202 • www.whistlersweatershop.com

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SPORTS THE SCORE

Gemini Freestyle Centre officially opens on Blackcomb NEW NATIONAL TRAINING FACILITY NOW AVAILABLE AFTER MONTHS OF CONSTRUCTION AND YEARS OF FUNDRAISING

BY MEGAN LALONDE BC FREESTYLE moguls skier Daniel Gannon recently returned home to Whistler from five weeks spent training at Apex Mountain Resort, near Penticton.

Although the 16-year-old would have rather kicked off his winter training here, attending class in-person at Whistler Secondary School instead of online, Apex has the only suitable freestyle training course in the province.

Or, should we say, had.

As of this week, Gannon and his teammates have a new training headquarters in Whistler, now that construction on the long-awaited Gemini Freestyle Centre is officially complete.

The new national training centre and event site opened to athletes on Monday, Dec. 28, four months after construction on the project began and five years after its supporters first launched fundraising efforts. It’s located on Blackcomb’s Sorcerer run—just above the midstation gondola— and includes a world-class mogul run, an airbag to fine-tune high-flying tricks safely, a judges’ stand, a warm-up space for athletes and a storage area, all carefully measured and built to regulation specs.

FREESTYLE, FINALLY After several years of fundraising and hard work, construction on the Whistler Blackcomb Freestyle Ski Club’s Gemini Freestyle Centre is complete. The new national training centre and event site, located on Blackcomb Mountain, officially opened to athletes on Monday, Dec. 28.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

62 DECEMBER 31, 2020

“Now, I can just go up the hill on the weekends or whenever I’m free and go and train, whereas before if I wanted to train on a full course, I would have to put at least a week aside to travel to the closest full course at Apex,” Gannon said.

National Training Centre (NTC) Society board member and Olympian Julia Smart called the finished centre “a reall thrill.”

“When you work for many years with a great team of volunteers and then you’re actually standing there, looking up and seeing all the kids in action, it really is wonderful,” she said.

The centre provides a home for the Whistler Blackcomb Freestyle Ski Club (WBFSC), as well as the BC Freestyle Ski Team and Momentum Ski Camps, while Smart said snowboarders and freeskiers will also be welcome to make use of its features.

The centre makes it easier for the WBFSC to host events, said Smart, in addition to opening up the possibility of accommodating higher-end events, like NorAms, or even, potentially, a World Cup. The goal is to further build the sport, said Smart, pointing out that Whistler freestyle skiers previously lacked both the type of legacy venue that local cross-country skiers or sliding athletes inherited after the 2010 Games, and a convenient home-base like the one the Whistler Mountain Ski Club has in Creekside.

“We’ve always wanted to have a beautiful [turnkey] legacy venue here,” said Smart. “Where you literally open the door and turn on the music, and you can run an event, and the timing system and everything is ready to go.”

The centre also has clear benefits when it comes to athlete development. The beauty

of the course’s set up, explained Smart, is that skiers can hit each feature—and, effectively, each freestyle discipline—from the bumps to the pipe to the airbag jump, in a single lap.

“I just love that everything’s together.

It’s all so close, which means that some of the kids hitting the airbag, if they want to try out the moguls, they can come try out the moguls,” said Gannon, who spent the last two days on Blackcomb, shovel in hand, building jumps and bumps along the Gemini Freestyle Centre’s course.

“We don’t have enough kids in moguls, because everyone wants to ski park. So I think it’ll really help, especially with the younger kids that are just coming into freestyle,” he said.

In between the course-building, “I’ve done a couple of runs where I’ve actually skied it, and it’s so much better than anything we’ve had in Whistler before,” he said, adding, “There’s a lot of happy people.”

The centre is a long-time dream come true for members of the local freestyle community, an idea Smart said she “inherited” from the former WBFSC president when her sons joined in 2011.

“I came on board as a club volunteer and then joined the club as a board member back then, and said ‘Well, let’s make it happen.’ Little did I know what I was getting myself into,” she added with a laugh.

Fundraising for the project began in 2015, after a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Whistler Blackcomb, the WBFSC, Freestyle Canada, and the newly launched National Training Centre Society.

Smart and her fellow stakeholders took their proposal to the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, which offered a $300,000

grant for the project.

The caveat? The donation had to be matched.

Freestyle Whistler and the NTC Society managed to accomplish their goal through three gala fundraisers, additional funding from Freestyle BC and B2ten, a grassroots donation campaign—“Friends and Family” donors are now recognized at the centre, in the form of a plaque—and by “sealing the deal” with a naming rights sponsorship last year from Gemini, a New York-based cryptocurrency exchange and custodian founded by Olympic rowers and bitcoin billionaires Cameron and Tyler Winklevoss.

Yes, the same Winklevoss twins that were portrayed by actor Armie Hammer in The Social Network.

The Winklevosses, it turns out, are mogul skiing fans who attended Momentum Ski Camps—run by Smart’s husband, John—for three summers in a row. It was in a gondola in 2019 that Smart casually pointed out the intended future home of the training centre to the brothers, and the connection was sparked.

Though the ongoing border closure prevented the Winklevoss brothers from making the trip north to help open the centre, Smart said plans to welcome them for a delayed “Grand Opening” will be put into motion once travel restrictions are lifted.

Construction on the project was also delayed by about two months due to the coronavirus pandemic, but after breaking ground in August, project managers Mick Gannon, Marie-Claire Gravel, Jennifer Dunn and Scott Cordell “worked incredibly hard” to complete the build just in time for the winter season, said Smart. n

SPORTS THE SCORE

“We keep you playing” Physiology, Sports, Spinal & Hand Physio, Concussion Rehab, Braces, Orthotics, IMS, Book online at backinactionphysiotherapy backinactionphysiotherapy.com com or call 604 962 0555 for an appointment appointment.

HAVE A CHAT Olympic snowboarder Mercedes Nicoll is hosting the Dropping In podcast where she interviews guests with varied backgrounds.

PHOTO COURTESY OF CANADA SNOWBOARD

Nicoll chats with Whistler kids for podcast

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Please contact me for an initial no-charge confidential consultation.

FOUR-TIME OLYMPIC SNOWBOARDER DELVES INTO GROWING UP IN A RESORT TOWN

BY DAN FALLOON MERCEDES NICOLL is well aware of the Whistler bubble, so much so that the second season of her Dropping In podcast comprises of 10 episodes of interviews with people who, like her, grew up in the mountain resort.

Nicoll, a four-time Olympian as a snowboarder, wanted a diverse array of guests, so while Dropping In features athletes like ski-cross gold medallist Marielle Thompson and pro skier Stan Rey, it also hears from DJ Nathalie Morel, musician Willa Milner, actress Jenna Romanin and environmentalist Irie Smith.

“In Whistler, we always talk about the athletes and the Olympians and the bikers, but I wanted to show that there’s more than that out of Whistler, that grew up out of Whistler that’s actually been very successful,” Nicoll said.

While many of this season’s subjects are from Nicoll’s generation (she turned 37 on Dec. 5), she included episodes with Whistler Secondary School teachers Mitch Sulkers and Brenda Norrie, as well as the 19-year-old Smith, who lived wastefree for a year (“Waste not, want not,” piquenewsmagazine.com, Jan. 11, 2019).

“I was just intrigued with [her] when I saw her article in the paper,” Nicoll said. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I can learn so much more from her.’”

While many of the subjects didn’t pursue athletics at an elite level, sport was very much part of their lives growing up in the mountain town.

“The big takeaway is that sport did play a role in their lives to make them successful, and determined and passionate,” Nicoll said.

Having the opportunity to compare

and contrast experiences with her guests led Nicoll to record her own episode to debrief with the audience, in a way. Guests cited everything from freedom, competitive nature, working with happy and passionate people, enjoying a challenge, and growing alongside one’s idols as the impetus for their achievements.

“I don’t know what makes Whistler kids so successful, and that’s why I wanted to do this series. I know so many successful Whistler kids, and I thought, ‘Let’s just get to the bottom of this.’ It’s been so interesting to see that every person I talk to has something different,” Nicoll said. “I was able to listen to all those stories, get an understanding and put it all together in the end.”

There was the odd element that Nicoll didn’t recognize in her own experience, such as when Garnet Bird (formerly Garnet Clare) of hip-hop group Animal Nation shared how competitive athletes were in regard to measuring themselves against one another, which was a different tack than she took herself.

“I didn’t realize how much people look up to each other in high school,” she said. “I was competing and just trying to be the best I could be in snowboarding.”

Looking ahead, Nicoll hopes to complete a series of interviews with past, current and potential Canadian Olympians for Season 3. It would jive well with the present plan to hold the Summer Games in 2021 and the Winter Games in 2022.

“I’m hoping to piggyback a bit on that, do some interesting interviews, and give the listeners insight that they might not know about, a bit of an inside scoop about the Olympics,” she said.

To tune in, head to droppinginwithmercedes.weebly.com or search Dropping In with Mercedes Nicoll on Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts. n

www.gskllp.ca

Tim Lischkoff, CPA, CA / tim@gskllp.ca / 604-892-9100

DECEMBER 31, 2020

63

EPICURIOUS

A little bit about the bubbly CHAMPAGNE, THAT SURPRISINGLY COMPLEX AND OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD NEW YEAR’S NIGHTCAP

BY BRANDON BARRETT IT’S THAT EXCITING TIME of year when we get to kick 2020 to the curb and, if we’re lucky, ring in the new year in (physically distanced) style.

For much of the Western world, that means popping a little bit of the bubbly, a New Year’s Eve tradition so entrenched that most people don’t even question it. But have you ever wondered why champagne has become so synonymous not just with the new year, but some of life’s most significant milestones?

Well, like Versailles, puffy shirts and a horrific legacy of slavery, we (mostly) have the French Monarchy to thank for that.

“In the old days, when it first came out, it was really a drink of the royalty and I think that’s probably where the perception of what the wine is came from,” explained Jason Kawaguchi, the wine director and restaurant manager for Araxi. “The royalty was drinking it so it must be really great.”

Although still wines from the Champagne region of France have been around for hundreds of years, it wasn’t until the 16th century that the sparkling version appeared. Many erroneously attribute the creation of champagne as we know it to Dom Pérignon, the Benedictine monk who today has a popular champagne named after him, and although he was instrumental in the drink’s development, the oldest recorded sparkling wine actually appeared decades before he was born.

It was also during the 16th century that champagne began to earn its lavish reputation, thanks to aristocrats imbibing the bubbly at royal parties across Europe.

By the 1600s, King Louis XIV counted it as his drink of choice, conferring champagne as a status symbol that it still enjoys today, except dainty French monarchs in powdered wigs have been replaced with platinum-clad rappers spraying models with the stuff in countless music videos.

Still, that doesn’t explain how champagne became so closely linked to new year’s celebrations. According to Kolleen

CAVEMAN The caves at the Tattinger estate in Reims, France. Tattinger is a famed French champagne house that was founded in 1734.

PHOTO COURTESY OF JASON KAWAGUCHI

M. Guy, history professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio and author of When Champagne Became French, the drink became increasingly associated with secular rituals after the French Revolution.

“You could ‘christen a ship’ without a priest, for example, by using the ‘holy water’ of champagne,” she said in a 2010 interview with Live Science.

As production methods were streamlined,

Electric Vehicle Charging Station Rebates Up to 75% available for Whistler single family homes, multi-unit residential buildings, and workplaces. whistler.ca/rebate

64 DECEMBER 31, 2020

all of a sudden the steep price of champagne came down enough that it was accessible to the middle class—at least for special occasions. Add in the fact that nobody can resist bubbles, and by the 19th century, champagne’s place as the world’s go-to choice for joyous occasions was cemented.

“In a secular society, we want to mark both the joy and sanctity of the occasion,” Guy said. “Champagne does

this symbolically, but also visually, since it overflows in abundance and joy.”

It’s perhaps because most of us only drink champagne to mark these rare, momentous occasions that it remains widely misunderstood, at least compared to traditional wines.

“Most people will come and say they’d like a really nice bottle of champagne, we’re celebrating, and they really have no reference point as to what they want.

Although with other wines … they have a lot of reference points in terms of what they like and don’t like,” Kawaguchi said. “Most people don’t understand there’s that much difference in champagne.”

Add to that the canny marketing brands like Moët & Chandon (makers of Dom Pérignon) and Veuve Clicquot have spent years investing in, and often champagne drinkers only have a few broad associations to work off of.

“There’s lots of different levels of it,” Kawaguchi said. “You’ve got your basic champagne and then you’ve got these prestige champagnes, like Dom Pérignon, Louis Roederer, Cristal, the Ace of Spades— all the ones that are in the rap videos but represent a small portion of the champagne made in the world.”

Because of that, champagne can come with a bit of a learning curve, and that’s why the light, approachable sweetness of its affordable cousin, Prosecco, is such a popular gateway to more complex forms of bubbly. (In case you’re wondering, Prosecco differs from champagne not only in the grapes used, but how it’s produced; champagne is much more intensive and ferments in the bottle, while the cheaper and less time-consuming method of making Prosecco sees it fermented in an autoclave tank.)

“I think for most sommeliers and people that drink a lot of champagne, your taste evolves over time and you look for something that has more complexity to it, deeper levels or different levels of flavour,” Kawaguchi noted. “You don’t start with Krug, a very complex, full bodied champ, you start with something that’s easier to get into, and that’s why Prosecco is so popular.” n

MEADOW PARK SPORTS CENTRE SWIM • SKATE • SWEAT • SQUASH

OPEN DAILY: 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. *holiday hours apply Timeslots can be booked up to 72 hours in advance whistler.ca/MPSC GROUP FITNESS SCHEDULE DECEMBER 31

JANUARY 1

JANUARY 2

JANUARY 3

JANUARY 4

JANUARY 5

JANUARY 6

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

I Sweat Effect - Beth 7:30-8:30 am ONLINE

I Low Impact Endurance Andy 7:30-8:30 am ONLINE

I Sweat it Out - Lou 7:30-8:30 am ONLINE

I Body Pump Boot Camp - Jess 7:45-8:45 am ONLINE

C

I Low Impact Strength and Stretch Lou 9-10 am ONLINE

R Gentle Fit for Seniors - MA 9-10 am ONLINE

I Low Impact Strength & Stretch - Jess 9:15-10:15 am ONLINE

L

I Low Impact I High Impact Strength and Fitness - Andy Stretch - Beth 9-10 am 9-10 am ONLINE ONLINE

O

R Gentle Fit for Seniors Diana 11 am-12 pm ONLINE F FLEXIBLE REGISTRATION Flex-reg’ classes have a separate fee and allow you to register for classes on the days that fit your schedule.

S

R REGISTERED FITNESS Registered fitness classes have a separate fee and a defined start and end date.

Pre-registration is required for the entire set of classes.

E

Swimming lesson registration opens January 9, for Whistler residents Learn more about how lessons have changed due to COVID-19 and how to be prepared for registration day at whistler.ca/swimminglessons

I Mountain Ready Fitness Steve 5:15-6:15 pm.

ONLINE

I INCLUDED FITNESS These classes are included with your price of admission for no extra charge.

See exact schedule of classes at the sports centre or online at: whistler.ca/recreation

D

Save the date!

ARENA PUBLIC SKATE SCHEDULE DECEMBER 31

JANUARY 1

JANUARY 2

JANUARY 3

JANUARY 4

JANUARY 5

JANUARY 6

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

10:45-11:45a.m.

CLOSED

12:15-1:15p.m.

12:15-1:15p.m.

12:15-1:15p.m.

12:15-1:15p.m.

12:15-1:15p.m.

12:15-1:15p.m.

1:45-2:45p.m.

1:45-2:45p.m.

1:45-2:45p.m.

1:45 – 2:45p.m.

1:45 – 2:45p.m.

1:45-2:45p.m.

6:30-7:30p.m.

6:30-7:30p.m.

6:30-7:30p.m.

*weather dependant

ARENA STICK AND PUCK SCHEDULE THURSDAY

FRIDAY

9:15-10:15 a.m.

(Family)

CLOSED

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

POOL SCHEDULE

Lap swim and family swim times available daily by reservation only at whistler.ca/swim.

whistler.ca/recreation | whistler.ca/notices | 604-935-7529 @RMWhistler |

@rmwhistler |

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NOW OPEN DAILY Holiday Hours December 31 - 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

January 1 - 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

whistler.ca/Nordic

ARTS SCENE

How to kick 2020 to the curb in Whistler: a New Year’s Eve guide IN LIEU OF PIQUE’S REGULAR RUNDOWN TO RINGING IN NYE, WE OFFER A FEW ALTERNATIVES AS THE FINISH LINE TO THIS EPIC DUMPSTER FIRE OF A YEAR COMES INTO SIGHT

BY ALYSSA NOEL LET’S MAKE ONE THING clear: if your New Year’s Eve celebrations look normal this year, that means you’re doing it wrong.

Like everything else during this exhausting year, kicking 2020 to the curb will take a little more creativity and effort than usual.

In Whistler we’re used to shelling out the big bucks on New Year’s Eve to have any bar or restaurant in town show us a good time. But fear not, there are still plenty of ways to flip this year the bird and, with cautious optimism, usher in a fresh start.

Here’s to 2021 and (hopefully) brighter days ahead.

DANCE IN YOUR LIVING ROOM Wear your favourite party dress or your last clean pair of pyjamas—it doesn’t matter because this party is in your living room. Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) is inviting everyone in the

RING IN THE NEW YEAR One way to have a safe and happy new year? Head outdoors with your household.

GETTY IMAGES

66 DECEMBER 31, 2020

community—from families to individuals, kids and adults—to tune in to its WCSS Virtual New Year’s Eve Celebrations starting at 7 p.m. on Dec. 31.

“As we head into 2021, let us celebrate community spirit and come together for an evening of family, friendship and fun, all from the comfort of your own living room!” the description says.

The event will be hosted by family entertainer and DJ Ira Pettle with contests and prizes.

It’s free, but limited to 400 people.

Register at tinyurl.com/yafq7rr8.

SPLURGE ON TAKEOUT Many of the resort’s high-end establishments are offering take away these days. That goes for Alta Bistro, which is offering a special New Year’s Eve at Home menu. For $125 you can enjoy dinner for two packed with plenty of dishes you’re unlikely to whip up on your own. (Think marinated octopus and albacore tuna tartare.) Likewise, Bearfoot Bistro is offering “Bearfoot Bistro at Home” and Araxi has a “take-home midnight champagne” package.

Of course you can also enjoy takeout from anywhere and head to the new “acorn” picnic tables around Whistler Village to get out of the house.

RING IN 2020 WITH THE MASTERS OF LIVESTREAMING The Hairfamers have dominated the livestreaming format in 2020, raising a mind-boggling amount of money for food banks and charities in the corridor.

Well, they’re capping off the year strong with a Bring in 2021 livestream event on Dec. 31, hosted in conjunction with Whistler Live, starting at 10 p.m. in your living room.

Once again, they’ll be collecting donations.

To tune in, search “Bring in 2021 with the Hairfarmers” on Facebook or visit youtube.com/c/whistlerlive/live.

HEAD TO THE BAR (SAFELY AND EARLY) While we’d usually do the legwork and give you a rundown of what every bar in town is doing to ring in the New Year, this year is, of course, different. Many bars and restaurants in town remain open with restrictions (i.e. only seating people with their own household/core bubbles), but in keeping with public health orders, they must stop serving alcohol by 10 p.m.

To that end, some venues, like The Longhorn Saloon, are hosting a countdown with the East Coast. “We will be celebrating

New Year’s Eve with New York City, bringing in 2021 with the ball drop in Times Square at 9 p.m. PST. We look forward to seeing the end of 2020 with you!” its event description reads.

You must make reservations ahead of time for patio or indoor seating (gibbonswhistler.com/venues) and bring a mask and adhere to all rules.

SPEND THE DAY OUT OF THE HOUSE Whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, it’s no secret there are still plenty of outdoor activities to do in Whistler.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is hosting its Snow Zones and the Ice Rink at Whistler Olympic Plaza is open, despite having to cancel its regular New Year’s Eve celebrations.

Not so keen on the cold? Head to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, where admission is free until Jan. 24.

The Audain Art Museum will also be open regular hours on Dec. 31.

HIBERNATE UNTIL IT’S OVER Crawl into bed, pull the covers over your head and sleep until it’s 2021. You’ve earned it. n

ARTS SCENE Wishing you a

Here’s what it’s like to be the only audience member at a rock ‘n’ roll show ARTS WHISTLER HAS BEEN RELEASING ITS HEAR AND NOW SERIES THROUGHOUT THE PANDEMIC. THEY INVITED PIQUE TO SIT IN ON THE FINAL RECORDING FEATURING WHISTLER’S RED CHAIR

BY ALYSSA NOEL IMOGEN OSBORNE hands me a pair of purple earplugs in a small, sealed bag.

I hesitate before taking them as I do some quick math. My eardrums have remained in a pristine state for the past 10 months—definitely unexposed to rock ‘n’ roll decibels by a long shot. Does that make them more in need of protection for the evening ahead or could they use a little toughening up?

I take them, but quickly shove the bag in my pocket.

Osborne, programs and events coordinator for Arts Whistler, three camera people and I are spread across the very empty theatre in the Maury Young Arts Centre on a Friday night before Christmas for the last recording of Arts Whistler’s Hear and Now: Whistler’s Local Music Celebration Online.

While tonight’s show, featuring Whistler rock ‘n’ rollers Red Chair, won’t be posted until March 4, it marks the 17th band to record in this space during the pandemic.

“They weren’t all [recorded] in order,” Osborne explains. “It just happened that way. It’s a good one to end on.”

The band, made up of lead singer Adam Wilson, guitarist Cam Hyde, bassist Derek Stembridge, and drummer Frankie G., is loading in, clad in masks.

The process, at this point, seems like a well-oiled machine.

The cameras, Osborne says, are borrowed broadcast cameras because the ones Arts Whistler ordered are still en route.

“Ours aren’t quite as big,” she adds.

When the pandemic hit, the organization quickly pivoted to upgrade the theatre into a studio where they could record performances (thanks in part to some grants).

Onstage, the band is now into soundcheck. In regular times when I found myself at a concert before the show started, I would scroll mindlessly through my phone waiting patiently for the lights to dim. But in this foreign-yet-familiar setting where I’m the only real audience member, I feel like I need to take in the scene, memorize it, and never take it for granted again.

“These pants,” Wilson says, standing in front of the mic, “you fan them out and right away it keeps everyone six feet away!”

He’s wearing a pair of bell bottoms, reportedly gleaned from his dad’s closet, and swinging them around.

While the mood is upbeat—everyone seems pleased to be out of the house and about to play or listen to some live music—the atmosphere is still inevitably

punctuated by just how strange this all is.

The soundcheck ends. “This is the waiting part,” Osborne warns.

“We’ve been waiting since March,” Stembridge says. “It’s all good.”

Finally, a signal comes through the headphones. The crew of two upstairs directing the recording are ready.

The band kicks off the first of their four-song set with their original track “Give It All.” It’s high energy, despite the fact that they’re playing to a five-person room—and a future audience three months from now.

I have to remind myself to hold back applause—lest I be the person to ruin a perfectly good take. It feels so bizarrely counterintuitive.

“How was it?” Osborne asks them after a third take when everyone appears to be satisfied.

“Hot, like a bar. It’s authentic,” Hyde jokes.

The band keeps the banter light throughout and they seem genuinely happy to be playing music on a stage.

It’s not merely sound; it’s something you feel— viscerally—rattling your ribcage.

By the third song, “Hang On,” everyone has loosened up, but the sound is tighter than ever. The showmanship has even been cranked up a notch as the band figures out which camera to play to—and with. Wilson sways around with the mic while Frankie tosses his drumstick in the air and catches it.

“You guys are so dramatic,” the camerawoman says. “It’s so good!”

The rest of us even start clapping.

It sounds silly, but after months of experiencing music through a screen I’m struck by the fact that I forgot about one essential element of live music.

It’s not merely sound; it’s something you feel—viscerally—rattling your ribcage, vibrating into your pores. It’s loud and consuming and demands your attention by sheer force.

And I can’t wait to experience it again someday with a room full of people.

Hear and Now performances return to Arts Whistler’s Facebook page and YouTube every Thursday at 7 p.m. on Jan. 7. To see the full schedule and watch old performances, visit artswhistler.com/hearandnow. n

Happy New Year Thank you for investing in a thriving community year after year. Your longterm support offered charities an opportunity to show strength and resilience in 2020.

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67

MUSEUM MUSINGS

JACK OF ALL TRADES Senior staff at Whistler Blackcomb had to try other frontline workers’ jobs every month, including loading the gondolas, which meant physically moving the cars and pushing them out of the barn.

WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION

Trying out jobs on Whistler

BY ALLYN PRINGLE LAST WEEK WE TOOK a look at the response to Blackcomb Mountain’s first traffic jam, when Lorne Borgal (Blackcomb’s administrative manager), Hugh Smythe (Blackcomb’s president) and Al Raine (then the general manager of the Whistler Resort Association) ended up directing traffic on Highway 99 in the dark and snow. When moving over to Whistler Mountain in 1983, Borgal brought this idea that performing duties outside of your own job description could have valuable benefits and made it into policy.

The idea was that everyone at any level of management at Whistler Mountain had to spend at least one day a month during the winter season working a shift on the frontlines (apparently many considered grooming the best assignment). Mike Hurst, the vice president of marketing, described the initiative this way: “So Lorne would have to be up at Pika’s cooking breakfast, or he’d have to be in the car park, or he’d have to be a liftie for a day, and, boy, did that ever change the mentality of the management people.”

During a Speaker Series in 2015, Hurst recalled his own experience working on the phones at the beginning of December when he received a call from a person from Ontario planning to come ski at Whistler.

Their question was, “We’re coming in February, we’re all booked and everything, so what’s the weather gonna be like?” Hurst took a moment and looked around, and then replied, “OK, I’ve got the Farmer’s Almanac here, and what week is that? The 7th to, OK, yeah, that looks pretty good. It’s gonna be a little colder than normal, but just the week prior to that there’s a whole dump of snow so there’ll be beautiful fresh

68 DECEMBER 31, 2020

snow. It’ll be wonderful, yup, but listen, don’t forget, we’re on the coast. So make sure you bring various changes of clothes just in case, but it looks like a sunny week and it looks great, so you’re gonna have a great time.” The customer was satisfied with the answer, though Hurst did not recall whether that week in February was as great as he promised.

While Hurst may have used his marketing skills to sell Whistler Mountain on the phones, the experiences of others helped identify problems and gave management a clear idea of what conditions were like for frontline employees. One such experience was the day that Whistler Mountain’s CFO David Balfour spent loading the old Whistler gondola.

The role of CFO was described by Borgal as “don’t spend money,” at least not money that hadn’t been budgeted already. A shift loading gondolas involved loading the freight up in the morning, loading people all day, bringing the garbage down at the end of the day and putting all the cars away. All of this was done manually as the gondola was still a fixed-grip lift.

Balfour worked the gondola shift from beginning to end and, as Borgal remembered, was exhausted. Borgal said, “I couldn’t stop him talking at me about what we had to change, because this was not humane.”

Balfour wanted to make changes to make the job easier for those who did it full time, even if it did mean spending some money.

Balfour’s experience reportedly demonstrated the value of having managers work a frontline position. It created bonds between staff who might not have otherwise interacted much, and made it easier to demonstrate the need for operational changes. According to Borgal, “If you had to do that frontline job, you really learned fast about what was going on.” n

PARTIAL RECALL

2

1

3

4

5

MOUNTAIN MOONRISE The full moon over Whistler Mountain on Dec. 28. PHOTO BY SEAN ST.DENIS. 2 SANTA SKI DAY Santa—four different versions of him, actually—made an appearance on the mountain on Christmas Eve. PHOTO BY CATHERINE POWER-CHARTRAND. 3 PANDEMIC BUBBLES Sharon Remillard admiring the spectacular new ‘Snow Globe‘ dining bubbles at the Fairmont Château Whistler, Monday, Dec. 28. PHOTO BY DAN HORTH. 4 WHISKY VISIT Wade Sutton had a visit from Canada’s (unofficial ) national bird—a very healthy Whiskey Jack—while skiing Blackcomb Mountain on Sunday, Dec. 27. PHOTO BY CATHERINE POWER-CHARTRAND. 5 PICTURESQUE PONY TRAIL The clear skies on Monday, Dec. 28 led to 1

a stunning sunset, as seen from Whistler Mountain’s slopes. PHOTO BY PATRICK SMYTH.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! Send your recent snaps to arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

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69

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF DECEMBER 31 BY ROB BREZSNY

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land Take notice that the Resort Municipality of Whistler from Whistler BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNROD), Surrey for a tenure situated on Provincial Crown land located at Summer Lane, Green Lake.

The Lands File Number for this application is 2412257.

Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways: 1) Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision Database website at: https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ applications.

2) By mail to the Senior Land Officer at 200 – 10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1. Comments will be received by the Ministry of Forests Lands and Natural Resource Operations until February 4, 2021. Comments received after this date may not be considered.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record. For information, contact Information Access Operations at the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services in Victoria at: www.gov.bc.ca/citz/iao/.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Author Jorge Luis Borges (1899–1986) carried on a long love affair with books.

He read thousands of them, wrote more than 20 of them, and further postulated the existence of numerous imaginary books that were never actually written. Of all the writers who roused his adoration, a certain Russian novelist was among the most beloved. Borges wrote, “Like the discovery of love, like the discovery of the sea, the discovery of Fyodor Dostoevsky marks an important date in one’s life.” I’m wondering if you will experience one of these pivotal discoveries in 2021. I strongly suspect so. It may not be the work of Dostoevsky, but I bet it will have an impact close to those of your original discoveries of love and the sea.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Vietnamese-American novelist Viet Thanh Nguyen has won numerous awards for his work, including the Pulitzer Prize. Here are his views about the nature of accomplishment: “We don’t succeed or fail because of fortune or luck. We succeed because we understand the way the world works and what we have to do.

We fail because others understand this better than we do.”

I bring these thoughts to your attention, Taurus, because I think that in 2021 you will have an extraordinary potential to enhance your understanding of how the world works and what you must do to take advantage of that. This could be the year you become both smarter and wiser.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Modern civilization has not spread to every corner of the planet. There are at least 100 tribes that inhabit their own private realms, isolated from the invasive sprawl of our manic, frantic influence. Among these enclaves, many are in the Amazon rainforests, West Papua, and the Andaman Islands. I have a theory that many of us civilized people would love to nurture inner qualities akin to those expressed by Indigenous people: hidden away from the mad world; content to be free of the noise and frenzy; and living in attunement with natural rhythms. In 2021, I hope you will give special care and attention to cultivating this part of you.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Hurricane Maria struck the Caribbean island of Dominica in 2016. Scientists studied two local species of anole lizards both before and after the natural disaster. They were amazed to find that the lizards after the hurricane had super-strong grips compared to their predecessors. The creatures were better able to hold on to rocks and perches so as to avoid being swept away by high winds. The researchers’ conclusion? It’s an example of one of the most rapid rates of evolutionary change ever recorded. I bring this to your attention, Cancerian, because I suspect that you, too, will have the power to evolve and transform at an expedited pace in 2021—in response to positive events as much as to challenging events.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I hope that in 2021 you will spend a lot of time meditating on your strongest longings. Are they in harmony with your highest ideals, or not? Do they energize you or drain you? Are they healthy and holy, or are they unhealthy or unholy—or somewhere in between those two extremes? You’ll be wise to re-evaluate all your burning, churning yearnings, Leo—and decide which ones are in most righteous service to your life goals. And as for those that are in fact noble and liberating and invigorating: Nurture them with all your tender ingenuity!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “You can’t move mountains by whispering at them,” says singer-songwriter Pink.

Strictly speaking, you can’t move mountains by shouting at them, either. But in a metaphorical sense, Pink is exactly right. Mild-mannered, low-key requests are not likely to precipitate movement in obstacles that resemble sold rock. And that’s my oracle for you in the coming months, Virgo. As you carry out the project of relocating or crumbling a certain mountain, be robust and spirited—and, if necessary, very loud.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In his masterpiece the Mona Lisa, Leonardo da Vinci applied 30 layers of paint

that were no thicker than a single human hair. Can you imagine the patience and concentration that required?

I’m going to propose that you be inspired by his approach as you carry out your big projects in the coming year. I think you will have the potential to create at least one labour of love that’s monumentally subtle and soulful.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Climate change is proceeding with such speed in central Mexico that entire forests are in danger of perishing. In the hills near Ejido La Mesa, for instance, the weather is getting too hot for the fir trees that shelter millions of monarch butterflies every fall. In response, local people have joined with scientists to physically move the fir forest to a higher, cooler elevation. What might be your personal equivalent, Scorpio: an ambitious plan to carry out an idealistic yet practical project? According to my analysis of your astrological potentials, you’ll have a lot of energy to work on such a scheme in 2021.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Author Gérard de Nerval (1808–1855) made the following observation: “I do not ask of God that he should change anything in events themselves, but that he should change me in regard to things, so that I might have the power to create my own universe, to govern my dreams, instead of enduring them.” If you have a relationship with the Divine Wow, that will be a perfect prayer for you to say on a regular basis in 2021. If you don’t have a connection to the Supreme Intelligence, I suggest you address the same prayer to your Higher Self or Future Beauty or whatever source of sublime inspiration you hold most dear.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): The mathematically oriented website WaitButWhy.com says that the odds of winning a mega lottery can be compared to this scenario: You know that a certain hedgehog will sneeze just one time in the next six years, and you place a big bet that this sneeze will take place at exactly the 36th second of 12:05 pm next Jan. 20. In other words, WaitButWhy. com declares, your chances of winning that lottery are very small. But while their analysis is true in general, it may not be completely applicable to you in 2021.

The likelihood of you choosing the precise moment for the hedgehog’s sneeze will be higher than usual. More realistically and importantly, your chances for generating positive financial luck through hard work and foresight will be much higher than usual.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Author Anais Nin was supremely adaptable, eager to keep growing, and receptive when life nudged her to leave the past behind and expand her understanding. At the same time, she was clear about what she wanted and determined to get what she wanted. Her complex attitude is summed up in the following quote: “If you limit your choices only to what seems possible or reasonable, you disconnect yourself from what you truly want, and all that is left is compromise.” I hope you will heed her counsel throughout 2021. (Here’s another quote from Nin: “Had I not created my whole world, I would certainly have died in other people’s.”)

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In 2013, workers at a clothing manufacturing plant in Gazipur, Bangladesh staged a mass protest. Did they demand a pay raise or better health benefits? Were they lobbying for air conditioning or longer lunch breaks? None of the above.

In fact, they had just one urgent stipulation: to dispel the ghost that was haunting the factory. I’ve got a similar entreaty for you in 2021, Pisces. I request that you exorcise any and all ghosts that have been preventing you from fully welcoming in and embracing the future.

These ghosts may be purely metaphorical in nature, but you still need to be forceful in banishing them.

Homework: Has anything in your life changed for the better during the pandemic? What? FreeWillAstrology.com

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca

70 DECEMBER 31, 2020

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• 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.

74 DECEMBER 31, 2020

We are currently interviewing for Red Seal Carpenters (or equivalent experience) Please submit resume to: info@evrfinehomes

Whistler’s Premier Estate Builder Come Grow Sport with us at our Whistler Olympic Legacy Venues We offer competitive wages, a unique environment, seasonal bonuses, staff discounts and benefits.

Ask about accommodation.

EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR AND/ OR ABORIGINAL SUPPORTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT WORKER

Whistler Athletes’ Centre (High-Performance Training and Accommodation) Positions for this venue are currently filled Whistler Sliding Centre (Bobsleigh, Luge & Skeleton) Positions for this venue are currently filled Whistler Olympic Park (Nordic Skiing, Snowshoeing and outdoor activities) Nordic Sport Instructor Guest Activity Rep

LOCAL EXPERTS GLOBAL REACH The same team that you trust with your print advertising can assist in creating your digital footprint

Visit our website to view current postings and to apply: www.whistlersportlegacies.com/careers

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Employment Opportunities • Utilities Group Manager • Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

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Accountant (Permanent, F/T)

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Career Opportunities at the District of Squamish

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The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is located in southwestern BC and consists of 4 member municipalities (Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Lillooet) and 4 electoral areas. The region contains some of the most spectacular forests, waterways, and mountains in the province and affords an endless range of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Headquartered in Pemberton, which is the approximate geographic centre of the region, the SLRD delivers a wide range of regional, sub-regional and local services to its residents. Services include land use planning, solid waste management, building inspection, fire protection, emergency preparedness, 911 services, recreation, water and sewer utilities, regional transit, trails and open spaces as well as financial support for various community services.

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3 2 7 6 1 8 9 Full-Time 8 4 Engineering Services Assistant (Clerk 4) - Regular is seeking an experienced individual to perform asset management duties, grant administration Plan Examiner - Temporary Full-Time (2 9under the direction of the Director 8positions) 6 4 The 5 SLRD duties and other intermediate level accounting duties in support of and of Finance. This is a new permanent, full-time position with diverse responsibilities. At this time, it is Janitor - Casual/On-Call anticipated 6 3 8 that this position will initially be9remote4due to the COVID pandemic but will, in3accordance with the SLRD reopening plan, eventually be located at the SLRD office in Pemberton.

Recreation Facility Attendant 1 - Casual/On-Call The ideal 8 Designation, or be enrolled in such7a program, 6 7 5 3candidate 4 will have a Professional Accounting with a minimum of 4 years accounting experience with a focus on and extensive experience with Recreation Facility Attendant 2 - Casual/On-Call managing tangible capital assets. Candidates must have excellent Excel skills, experience using large 5 deadlines.

7 9 8 7 9 2 communication skills4with the ability to work within data sets and superior Building Inspector - Casual/On-Call The successful candidate will be responsible for: 6 3 2 • Building, maintaining, improving and communicating the SLRD’s asset registry and asset management plans and strategies.

To find out more, please MEDIUM visit: squamish.ca/careers

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MEDIUM

# 46

Developing annual and long-term capital budgets and performing capital budget variance reviews & remediation strategies.

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Assisting with capital projects as they relate to infrastructure asset management.

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Assisting with capital project planning and procurement.

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Reviewing various grant funding opportunities, compiling information and writing grant applications in coordination with the applicable SLRD department.

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Reviewing and reconciling project financial records for completeness and for any grant eligibility requirements, ensuring the project stays within any respective grant requirements.

Completing grant funding reporting requirements.

4 9 5 8 2 1 • Cross-training in all facets of the finance department to assist as needed. financial 1 7 •3Tracking 2 funding resolutions of the Board, 2 preparing funding letters to the3recipients and completing cheque requisitions for funding disbursements.

Pique Newsmagazine is looking to fill a focal role of • Performing other related work as required.

9 3sales department.

1 3 7 sales coordinator in our advertising The chosen candidate will possess uncompromising For further information, please see the full job description at www.slrd.bc.ca/employment customer service and work well under 4 pressure6while 9 Compensation will be determined commensurate with knowledge, skills and ability, 8 includes 7 a comprehensive thriving in a fast-paced deadline driven news media benefit package and Municipal Pension Plan and offers the ability to work a compressed work week environment. The ideal applicant will have previous (nine-day fortnight).

9 7 8 experience working with a7 print/digital media sales Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume with a covering letter by email, no later than team. Strong administrative and communication skills are essential in this role, and attention to detail is a 1 3 January 48, 2021 at 11:59 p.m. to: 3 9 must. You will be highly organized and able to act Suzanne Lafrance, Director of Finance as a liaison between departments, as well as possess Squamish-Lillooet Regional District 3 7 6 9 4 a high level of professionalism when dealing with slafrance@slrd.bc.ca clients. We offer an excellent remuneration package We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration as well as a benefits plan.

5 8 2 1 4 2 will be contacted.

Located in the mountain resort town of Whistler, British Columbia, Pique Newsmagazine 1 6 is the9 2 9 7 1 5 unequivocal leader in reporting, interpreting and

Pique Newsmagazine is seeking a Sales Coordinator.

2

# 45

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understanding the culture of the Coast Mountains MEDIUM and what it means to those who live, work and play in Whistler. It is part of Glacier Media, one of Western Canada’s leading community media publishers, with more than 75 weekly, bi-weekly and daily community newspapers. Pique has been chosen by both the BCYCNA and News Media Canada as the top newspaper in its circulation category in 2020.

# 47

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www.sudoku.com

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# 46

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If you spot a stray If you spot a stray animal or have lost an animal or have lost an # 47 animal, call WAG 2 4 6 3 8 5 9 7 at animal, call WAG at 7 604-935-8364.

6 9 1 2 3 8 WAG 4 604-935-8364.

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6 9 4 7 3 1www.whistlerwag.com 3 8 5 7 2 6 9 www.whistlerwag.com 9 7 3 2 4 8 5 1

Whistler Personnel Solutions Career & temp opportunities # 48 available! Start work right away. 604905-4194 www.whistler-jobs.com

MCC Modern Concept Contracting Looking for key people to join our team.

Not happy with your current employer & looking for a change?

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Interested candidates should forward their resume and a cover letter to Susan Hutchinson at: shutchinson@wplpmedia.com # 45 14th, Deadline is January 9 2021 6 7 No phone calls please. 5 8 1 2 3 4 3 5 9 1 2 8 WHISTLER WHISTLER 7 4 6 PUBLISHING PUBLISHING Limited Partnership 6 7 2 Limited Partnership 8 1 3 4 9 5

***Local Automotive*** Automotive technician for year round MEDIUM position in Whistler. 604-905-9109 steve@localautomotive.com

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2 4 1 6 8 9 7 5 3 7*Foreman 8 3 5 or4 Lead 2 6 Carpenters 1 9 6(Room 9 5 for1 growth 7 3 2) *Carpenters 4 8 4(Room 2 9for8growth 1 6 )5*Helpers 3 7 (Apprenticeships available) * Labour5 7 8 2 3 4 9 6 1 ers 604-902-0956 office@modernc 3onceptcontracting.com 1 6 7 9 5 8 2 4

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@piquenews

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4/11/2005 DECEMBER 31, 2020 75

CALL THE EXPERTS

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PUZZLES ACROSS 1 6 10 15 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 37 39 41 43 44 47 49 51 52 56 57 59 61 63 64 65 66 67

Slow-moving animal Undernourished Rhymes Arctic floaters Sweater letter Chewed the fat Protective covering Not spaced-out Sticky fruits Fixes Laptop symbols Song-and-dance show Famous last words Pavilion Persona non -Thought the same Tiny bit Experimental room -- -- grip!

Altruistically Domain Slap on hastily Round buildings Arizona city Ice pellets Uninteresting Junior Hot -- -- oven The chills Takes a powder Mr. Lugosi Easily bent Eur. airline French Legion headgear Jean Auel heroine Gather facts Computer network

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71 73 75 76 78 80 82 83 87 89 91 92 94 96 97 99 101 103 107 109 111 113 114 115 116 118 119 120 122 124 125 126 128 130 132 137 139 140 143

Faked out the goalie Factory Cut back AAA suggestions Shows the way No gentleman Current style Crusader foes Hero’s horse Retaining the rind Upon Lawn Aquarium scavenger Young lady Cowboy attire Liniment Make empty Redeemed a check Goes over again Verdi masterpiece Make muddy High card Physicist’s study Golden Rule word Bobcats Unseen emanation Many parents Ocean dweller Pierre’s noggin It may jackknife Run words together Panorama Get dizzy Shatter Putting forward Field Mischievous child Ailment Stopping the squeak

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Bellyaches Mischievous look Leek cousin Put one’s two cents in Chili server Wishing undone Forbidden things (hyph.)

Flowerpot spot Varsity (hyph.)

Accumulate Web-footed birds Smirk Painter’s ground Say in fun Church official

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Egypt’s Anwar -Pack animal Made a decision In that case Big bother Directed Not paid Made after taxes Fabric meas.

Doublet Killer whales Hams it up Da Vinci masterpiece (2 wds.)

Almost-grads River vessels Jugs Praises highly Thin porridge Run-down Ebony (hyph.)

30 31 34 36 38 39 40 42 44 45 46 48 50 52 53 54 55 58 60 62 65 66 68 69 70 72 74 77 79 81 83 84 85 86 88 90 93 95

Old Roman province Maria Conchita -Long sighs Indent keys “Alice” waitress -- Dawn Chong Bogged down Treat gently Ties up the phone Sea, in a gale Shaggy flowers Suit coat feature Leadership position Clothes Corkscrew Claim Had to have Amplifiers Bear’s pad Game official Book appendixes Held on tight Fur hunters Common abbr.

Assemble Diner sign Rawls or Gehrig Slights Scorch Heroic adventure Holy Goddess of wisdom Laughed heartily Tijuana “Mrs.” Personal journal Baseball stat Caramel-topped custard Detroit NFLers

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Give in the middle Baseball gear Vetoes Transport Tan shade Letter starter Recoloring Mover and shaker Accident-prone rodents?

Eventual Ogle Thailand, once Wood residue “C’-- la vie!”

Mild brews Plywood layer Battery terminals

129 131 132 133 134 135 136 138 140 141 142 145 147 149 151 152

Protein source Mooch Summer hangouts Become edible Omit, in speech Burn slightly Big celebrations Caruso renditions Got a ticket Not tight Al of Indy fame Fictional sub commander Technical sch.

Caroler’s offering Fail to keep up British rule in India

LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

# 46

Enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, in such a way that: • Each horizontal row contains each digit exactly once • Each vertical column contains each digit exactly once • Each 3x3 box contains each digit exactly once Solving a sudoku puzzle does not require any mathematics; simple logic suffices.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM

1

2 7 6 9

5 8 2 3 3 9 4

3 8 7 9

7 1 5

1 7 8 2

4

MEDIUM Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com# 48

ANSWERS ON PAGE 75

DECEMBER 31, 2020

77

MAXED OUT

Surviving 2020 means saying thanks to many 2020 WAS THE YEAR introverts and agoraphobics finally had their moment to be on top. It was a year to celebrate staying in, avoiding crowds, embracing distractions, culling the clutter of life and discovering where you lived... since there were so few places you could go that weren’t nearby.

It was the year of the RV, when dealer’s lots usually choked with everything from pop-up tent trailers to rockstar-size luxury motorhomes seemed eerily empty.

A year when people travelled—assuming they travelled at all—on tires instead of jet propulsion and wing lift. When they

BY G.D. MAXWELL preferred to sleep in a leaky tent, and by far preferred to sleep in a king-size cab-over berth rather than risk a hotel room.

It was the year sales of toys of all descriptions—motorcycles, boats, jet-skis, e-bikes and others—created scarcity. A year reservations to provincial parks across the country were booked up minutes after becoming available.

It was a year that scared the pants off investors and then rewarded those who somehow managed to keep theirs on and double down on their losses. And it was a year that devastated many when they saw their jobs, businesses and hopes vanish.

It is also the year the Maxies failed to show up this week on this page. Sorry about that.

Thumbing through the first two months of Piques, reviewing 2020’s Act I, seemed like time travel to a distant world. Nothing that happened in January and February seemed to have any relevance to what followed. Reading the “news” of those months was anthropological. Everything seemed to come from a time and place fading into the haze of nostalgia and what we used to jokingly call normal.

The year in review, the human achievements, both dubious and grand, seem unimportant when the bulk of the year was a scramble to simply remain alive and healthy.

Many didn’t; some because they were wilfully negligent, others because they performed necessary jobs in dangerous settings and still others because fate is indifferent to the plans, hopes and dreams of people, no matter how careful we might be.

So this year, no Maxies. Just some thanks and some hopes for the remainder of the dark days ahead.

At the top of my list are immeasurable thanks to everyone who worked to keep food on the store shelves. From farmers to producers, shippers to stockers to cashiers, you, more than anyone else, kept society from devolving into chaos. If you want to see the most wealthy, technologically

78 DECEMBER 31, 2020

GETTYIMAGES.CA

advanced, First World society turn into a dog-eat-dog dystopia, empty store shelves.

Hungry people are desperate people and we saw more than a hint of desperation when things like toilet paper, flour and yeast disappeared.

Thanks to everyone who put community first. During the first lockdown, stores closed and Whistler Community Services Society’s funding—sales at the Re-Use It and Re-Build It stores—dropped to zero at the same time food bank visitation and outreach services reached levels never seen.

The Resort Municipality of Whistler stepped up with redeployed staff, Tourism Whistler repurposed the conference centre as a food bank and the generosity of Whistleratics

the common good. Not all of them, not all the time but enough to rapidly put money in the hands of people and businesses most in need. Yeah, there were mistakes, there were questionable decisions and there was waste, but even the most hardline deficit hawks understood this was not the time to preach austerity. It still isn’t.

And, as weird as this sounds, I’m thankful for Donald Trump. While the world would undoubtedly have been better off had he died at birth, his criminally incompetent, self-serving, beggar-thyneighbour presidency has been an object lesson in just how fast and how far even the world’s biggest power can fall as the result of one man’s actions. I’m thankful

So this year, no Maxies. Just some thanks and some hopes for the remainder of the dark days ahead. and philanthropic organizations filled the void. It made all the difference in the world.

Additional thanks to everyone who realized how important it was to spend whatever dollars they had locally. Not all our familiar businesses will be around whenever this bizarro world we live in becomes less bizarre. But those who do will be thankful for those who made a conscious decision to buy local.

It doesn’t happen often enough, but I’m thankful politicians at senior levels of government decided to work together for

that 81 million voters chose a path of sanity and cooperation in November. But I’m still reeling from the fact 74 million thought another four years of graft, corruption, toadying up to dictators and pissing all over allies was a good idea. I always wondered what the decline of the American Empire would look like. Now I know.

While I’m tossing out surprising thanks, I am particularly grateful Vail Resorts not only got Whistler Blackcomb open, but got it open well. It has buoyed my spirits like no other early season to be able to head up the

mountains. While dreading the reservation system, it’s actually had the effect of increasing the number of days I’ve been on the hills... many of them well before 8 a.m.

And I’m not alone. Having our mountains open has boosted the mental health of many of the folks I meet in the parking lot while the day’s still dark. It has been no small feat to recruit and keep enough healthy staff to keep the bullwheels turning, the runs groomed and the snow guns blasting. Thank you to everyone for that.

And while it’s more presumptive than actual, I’d like to thank a lot of Lower Mainland skiers for staying home and heeding the instructions of St. Bonnie. I’d like to thank a lot more but it seems too many of them ignore the advice and clog the highway every morning and afternoon to indulge their own selfish interests.

Finally, without being too self-serving, I’d like to thank everyone involved with Pique— owners, managers, journalists, contributors, readers and, of course, advertisers and those of you who answered the call to support local journalism. We have stared into the void and thus far muddled through. Everyone involved has taken financial hits and most contributors are doing what they said they’d never do again: working for free. Maybe it’s egotistical, but I’d like to think Pique is an important part of the community. If you’re bored sometime, try this thought exercise.

Imagine Whistler without it.

2020 could have been much, much worse. As a town that depends almost entirely on tourism, we faced dark, unknown days when the world closed down in March.

We’ve proven to be more resilient than this virus. I’m sure when we can refer to it in the past tense, we’ll be building a stronger, even more energetic town. 2020: Good riddance. n

HAPPY NEW YEAR E N J OY T H E H O L I DAY S S A F E LY !

WHISTLER CAY 6693 Tapley Place “Serenity” – A true bustom built gem situated on a 3/4 acre of flat lot, with best craftmanship and finest quality materials. 5900 sqft house is well designed with amazing details. Easy walk to valley trail, school and village Center. $9,990,000

Ruby Jiang *PREC

NORDIC 18-2110 Whistler Road Spacious updated townhome featuring 3 beds, 3.5 baths, steam shower, wood burning fireplace and more! Walking distance to the Creekside Gondola and shops. Available for quick possession. $999,000

778-834-2002 Kerry Batt

EMERALD ESTATES 9508 Emerald Drive Welcome to “Raven-Hut” the epitome of mountain modern design. Interior living spaces flow seamlessly with the outdoor living spaces 3 bedrooms & 2 bathroom house with a lovely 2 bedroom & 1 bathroom suite $3,995,000

604-902-5422 Maggi Thornhill *PREC

604-905-8199

NEW TO MARKET

VILLAGE NORTH 213-4369 Main Street Alpenglow studio suite, centrally located with a sunny balcony. This property has strong revenues, offering the perfect Whistler investment mixed with owner use. Strata fees include hydro and gas. $399,000

Allyson Sutton

WHISTLER CAY HEIGHTS 6318 Fairway Drive Luxury New Custom Home features 5 beds, 5 baths, media room & office. Double garage & HRV heating w built-in A/C. Beautiful mountain views & 2 spacious covered decks. Unique under construction opportunity in an exclusive central location. $5,998,000

SPRING CREEK 1577 Khyber Lane Rare offering in prestigious Khyber Ridge! Six Bedrooms + Recreation Room, Five Bath with over 3,870 sq ft across three levels. Exposed logs and timbers, heated driveway, three car garage & flowing decks.

Property Website: https://hd.pics/183411 $3,349,000

604-932-7609 Ron Mitchell *PREC & Rachel Allen 604-966-4200 Katherine Currall

604-966-1364

SOLD

ALPINE MEADOWS 8361 Rainbow Drive This family home with one bedroom suite is located near the valley trail & nearby Meadow Park.

The Ri-1 Zoning can be explored for future renovations or building your future new Chalet. $1,699,000

SQUAMISH Lot 6 Harris Road What will you build on this 16, 867 sq ft Squamish lot? Zoned for single family home, duplex, stable, light industrial & more. The options are endless.

Full site at: http://6.digitalopenhou.se $1,800,000

Kathy White

Ken Achenbach

604-616-6933

SQUAMISH 40889 The Crescent AMAZING HIGHLANDS HOME! Newly built in University Heights. 4 beds & 4 baths with one bed suite. Beautiful open floor plan, hardwood floors, 2 kitchens on the main. Breathtaking mountain views & heated covered patio. Close to all trails & schools. $2,295,000

604-966-7640 Angie Vazquez *PREC

Whistler Village Shop

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Engel & Völkers Whistler *PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION ©2019 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage independently owned and operated. Engel & Völkers and its independent License Partners are Equal Opportunity Employers and fully support the principles of the Fair Housing Act.

778-318-5900

3D Tour - rem.ax/23SB

#23 - 3102 Panorama Ridge

$705,000

#23 Suncrest is a 2 bed, 1 bath, 904 sf townhome with deck & large crawlspace to store all the toys. 1 parking space + visitor parking. Updates include modern kitchen & hardwood flooring, new hot water tank & washer/dryer. Suncrest has large green park area with gazebo, children’s playground & tennis court. A locals favorite.

Denise Brown*

2

604.902.2033

#322 - 2036 London Lane

$189,000

This very impressive almost 900sq ft 2 bedroom 2 bath has all the amenities a holiday requires, hot tub, movie theater, outdoor pool, ski lockers & ski in ski out access.

The best location you could ask for right when you enter Creekside. 322C is on the mountainside, no highway noise, just a beautiful creek to listen to. Shared ownership.

Doug Treleaven

2

604.905.8626

2 Garibaldi Drive

$625,000

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.

Laura Barkman

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Sea to Sky Real Estate

Wishes Everyone a Very #202B - 2020 London Lane

$229,900

Happy New Year

#101 - 4220 Gateway Drive

Quarter Ownership in a modern well appointed condo at the base of Whistler Mountain.

Overlooking Whistler Creekside Village, this unit has a great kitchen, open floor plan, and is pet friendly. Use your unit 1 week every month, or allow it to be rented out for revenue.

Comes with a ski locker in the building, and a secure owner closet in the unit.

Matt Chiasson

A renovated 635 sq ft studio right in the heart of Whistler Village and within a 2 minute walk to the ski lifts. These fully furnished properties include a fully equipped kitchen and sleep 6. Blackcomb Lodge has undergone extensive renovations and upgrades to the indoor swimming pool, hot tub and other Common Area facilities.

2

604.935.9171

$280,000

Michael d’Artois

604.905.9337

1

3D Tour - rem.ax/107woodrun

#107 - 4910 Spearhead Drive

$1,799,000

#52 - 4325 Northlands Blvd.

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

604.907.2717

$1,650,000

This Phase 1 three-bedroom townhome is as close to the centre of the Village as you can get in a townhome but also offers a quiet setting with spectacular views of Blackcomb Mountain. With all the rooms on one level, the open floor plan feels very spacious. Features include 3 full bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms, fully equipped kitchen with a new fridge.

2

Sally Warner*

604.905.6326

3

3D Tour - rem.ax/304wrc

#304A/B - 2129 Lake Placid Rd.

$979,000

RARE OPPORTUNITY to own a unique PHASE 1 lock-off with TWO SEPARATE RENTAL UNITS which generate great cash flow in Whistler! This bright, renovated top floor, lock-off floor-plan gives the option to have 1 two bedroom unit, or 2 separate units. Rent through short or long term platforms or use for your own personal usage.

Ursula Morel*

604.932.8629

2

WHISTLER OFFICE 106 - 7015 Nesters Road, Whistler, BC V8E 0X1 604.932.2300 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070 *PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

remax-whistler.com awarded best website 2018 by Luxuryrealestate.com

Property Management remaxseatoskypm.com

9286 Siskin Street

$920,000

#105D - 2020 London Lane

$125,000

WedgeWoods is a private 108 lot community with unique privacy and many larger properties.

You can build a family home as well as an auxiliary building of 2150 sq. ft. Perfect for a workshop, studio or guest suite with extra garage. A select group of properties located in The Highlands at WedgeWoods have just been launched and offer beautiful views.

This 1 bed/1 bath QUARTER OWNERSHIP property in Evolution offers custom finishings, contemporary design & comes fully equipped. Building amenities include: outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam room, games room, exercise room & media room. Enjoy 13 weeks per year of personal use and/or rental income.

Ann Chiasson

Bob Cameron*

604.932.7651

604.935.2214

1

PEMBERTON OFFICE 1411 Portage Road, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L1 604.894.6616 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070