Pique Newsmagazine 2803

JANUARY 21, 2021 ISSUE 28.03

WWW.PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM

FREE

& ON THE PIPE

Snowmobiling’s Snowmobiling’s Snowmobiling’s

coming of age coming of age coming of age As the world changes, the sport is evolving with it

14

MIXED MESSAGES

Frustration is

mounting in Whistler as COVID wears on

16

SCHOOL EXPOSURE

Survey shows

schools feel safe during pandemic

42

AVALANCHE EXHIBIT Land of Thundering Snow looks at the history of avalanches

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

38

42

34 Snowmobiling’s coming of age As the world changes, the sport is evolving with it. - By Dan Falloon

14

MIXED MESSAGES

Some are asking for local

28

REDUCTION REQUEST

Coast Mountain

leaders to make messaging about not visiting the resort stronger, while

Cannabis’ co-founder pens a letter to Village of Pemberton council highlighting

stats show that out-of-town visitation is low.

the difference in business licence fees facing those in the industry.

15

SAFE AS POSSIBLE

While Whistler

38

BOUND FOR FINLAND

Cross-country

Blackcomb is dealing with some cases of COVID-19 amongst its staff, it

skier Joe Davies is set to head to Europe for the 2021 FIS Junior World Ski

does not plan to restrict skiers and riders coming from out of town.

Championships in Finland.

16

42

SCHOOL EXPOSURE

An elementary school

AVALANCHE EXHIBIT

Land of Thundering

and the high school are dealing with cases of COVID-19, while a new survey

Snow takes an in-depth look at the history of avalanches in Canada. The

shows that most parents feel the school safety protocols are satisfactory.

travelling exhibit runs at the Whistler Museum until the end of March.

COVER Glad to see local groups changing old stereotypes. - By Jon Parris 4 JANUARY 21, 2021

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS With new variants of the coronavirus on the horizon, and the vaccine

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

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

program slowing down, Whistler needs to think about putting itself first for long-term survival.

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter writers this week thank the staff of the Whistler Health

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

Care Centre for “saving [their] son’s life,” and remind us of the value of the mountain-bike community’s fundraising.

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Writer Megan Lalonde argues that it’s time for society to reevaluate the typical Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 grind, which is not the most productive way to accomplish our goals.

54 MAXED OUT Close the border to protect Whistler in the long run, argues Max. Better to suffer up front for long-term gain.

Environment & Adventure

Arts & Entertainment Editor ALYSSA NOEL arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

32 SCIENCE MATTERS New research shows global average temperatures could stabilize within a

Sports Editor DAN FALLOON - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com

couple of decades if we quickly reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero, writes David Suzuki.

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 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.

33 THE OUTSIDER Vince Shuley has been watching this winter’s avalanche conditions and offers a warning in his column to beware in the backcountry.

Lifestyle & Arts

40 FORK IN THE ROAD Glenda Bartosh celebrates cake in all its glory, from its humble beginnings hundreds of years ago to today.

44 MUSEUM MUSINGS When Blackcomb Mountain opened in 1980, it partnered with the local newspaper to offer tips and advice on skiing.

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

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

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

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

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OPENING REMARKS

Is closing B.C.’s border the right move?

IN THE LAST few days, B.C. Premier John Horgan has said that he is investigating closing B.C.’s borders as a way of helping to control the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, which appears to be in a runaway situation in Eastern Canada.

Indeed, this weekend, CBC reported on the work doctors are doing in Ontario and Quebec to familiarize themselves with the protocol, Prioritization for Access to

BY CLARE OGILVIE edit@piquenewsmagazine.com

Intensive Care (Adults) in Context of Extreme Pandemic, which advises them how to prioritize patients most likely to survive COVID-19 in an ICU. Said one doctor: “I’m told this happens on the battlefield all the time, but I never saw our medical system as a battlefield.

In B.C., the acute beds situation is not critical, according to comments made by Health Minister Adrian Dix at a Jan. 18 briefing where he said: “We are at 86.5 per cent, which means there are 1,263 beds vacant or available in the entire healthcare system.” If you add in the surge beds available, that goes up to 3,811. Typically at this time of year, he said, base beds would be 100-per-cent filled.

“Seventy-five cent of our critical care beds are full,” said Dix, with 129 of those beds available.

Keeping these numbers at these types of levels is presumably one reason why B.C. is considering this border restriction.

Whistler has seen many, many visitors from back East, as well as Alberta, over the holiday period and travellers are continuing to arrive here.

We now have to contend with two new varieties of coronavirus as well—the U.K. variant and one from South Africa.

Howe Sound had 14 cases from Jan. 3

“The spread of COVID-19 is not tied to where people live, but how people behave.”

- VIVEK SHARMA

“And I guess that’s what some of us need to change our perspective on.”

For perspective, Montreal’s Jewish General Hospital’s ICU has 27 beds, but it’s currently caring for 35 patients, half of whom have COVID-19. At McGill University Health Centre, there are 56 patients in 61 ICU beds.

We all remember the headlines coming out of Europe and New York about doctors facing the same terrible dilemma in the first wave of the coronavirus.

to 9 according to the BC CDC website—and 503 in 2020 in total.

But these new variants could change everything and are no doubt playing a role in Horgan’s decision to look into closing provincial borders.

Sister publication Tri-City News reported that British Columbia could see up to 5,000 cases per day by March should a highly contagious variant of the coronavirus establish itself in the province, according to

recent modelling conducted by a Simon Fraser University infectious disease researcher.

Mathematician and epidemiologist Caroline Colijn has been tracing the trajectory of the virus in everything from B.C.’s schools to the wider population, the News reports. Her latest model assumes a highly transmissible variant from the United Kingdom moves into community transmission in B.C. by Jan. 25.

“The picture looks like what we have now until late February and then it kind of just skyrockets,” said Colijn. “It’s pretty worrying.”

But as we learn of this type of modelling, which if it comes to pass could put at risk an operation like Whistler Blackcomb staying open, the tourism sector also needs consideration.

Whistler is under threat as a tourism operation—no question. Walking through the village, more and more store windows are sporting brown paper coverings instead of goods for sale. It is sobering. And the food and beverage and accommodation sectors are suffering more than most.

Said Vivek Sharma, chair of the Tourism Industry Association of British Columbia: “A travel ban would further heighten the unnecessary fears, misperceptions and growing resentment by B.C. residents toward visitors as a result of actions aimed at our industry. The spread of COVID-19 is not tied to where people live, but how people behave.”

I can’t but feel this is an oversimplification. We know there are asymptomatic people, we know people simply do not wear their masks all the time and we now know how contagious the U.K. coronavirus is—are we really willing to risk resort operations for the rest of the season and beyond by hosting visitors from outside of B.C.? n

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«My ethos is that they should look like they've had nothing done to themselves, They should just look like the best version they can be at whatever age they're at» Dr. Sarah Kennea

Whistler Marketplace 4370 Lorimer Rd

Whistler Phone: (604)962-1201 info@whistlerdr.com

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Whistler Health Care Centre staff—you saved our son’s life This is an open letter to the incredible emergency staff at the Whistler Health Care Centre.

Our nearly two-year old son had a very serious anaphylactic food reaction on Sunday evening, Jan. 17. After I gave him an injection of epinephrine at home, we rushed to the emergency room, where we were greeted by the entire staff.

The next four hours were the scariest hours of our lives as the medical team worked extremely hard to stabilize Parker, while also managing to make us feel safe throughout it all. We knew our little man was in the best hands (not an easy feat when dealing with a terrified and very sick toddler and his equally terrified parents).

They went above and beyond for us, and the doctor even stayed past the end of his shift to wait with us for the critical care pediatric team to come up from the city and bring us to Lions Gate Hospital, where we would spend the night. The doctor said that he was not leaving until we left, and that was an extraordinary level of care.

At a time when their jobs are more critical and scary than ever before, the Whistler staff exuded nothing but calmness, compassion, and the highest level of skill.

Their quick thinking and seamless teamwork saved our son’s life, and we are eternally grateful.

So, to Dr. Clark Lewis, and nurses Tracey

Kavanagh and Emma Haggerty, and everyone else on shift that night, we wanted to say THANK YOU a gazillion times over. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!

Parker is currently painting a thank you “masterpiece” for your office windows (haha).

Parker, Nora, and Stu Clarke // Whistler

Life-saving equipment came from fundraisers by mountain-bike community A group not mentioned in last week’s “’Herculean

reached the ground as a result of massive heart failure.

A fellow guide and member of WORCA at that time organized an annual race/ride to provide funds to provide Whistler’s first responders the opportunity to purchase equipment not provided for in their budgets.

The Ken Quan Memorial Ride, over the span of 11 riding seasons, provided first responders with funds for some very impactful, life-saving equipment. The last purchase was the Rapid Deployment Craft (RDC) used to save the cross-country-skiing senior (in Pique’s story).

Maybe it is time for WORCA to reach out to the first responder community and once again create another fundraising event whose funds can be used to assist those who come to our aid in our time of need.

Just a thought.

Tom Thomson // Whistler

effort’ rescues Whistler senior who fell through ice at Alta Lake,” story (Pique, Jan. 14, 2021) was Whistler’s mountain-bike community.

A mountain-bike guide died one Monday evening while guiding a group of riders in Lost Lake Park. Ken Quan was the well-known and liked manager of Whistler’s IGA, now Fresh St. Market. Ken, while guiding and riding shotgun for his group, fell from his bike. The first responders could not revive him despite their Herculean efforts. It was later found out that Ken was most likely deceased before he

Looking for home, sweet home Like so many in Whistler, I’m on the hunt for my dream home. Don’t worry, though, this isn’t a desperate personal plea disguised as a Letter to the Editor.

I’m looking for a home for Zero Ceiling.

We’re a Whistler non-profit that provides stability and opportunity for young people facing homelessness. In the last year, we’ve seen more demand for our services than ever before, as these vulnerable young people suffer some of the harshest consequences of the pandemic.

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.

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9567 Emerald Drive Vacant Lot

Backcountry Advisory AS OF WEDNESDAY, JAN. 20 Winter is coming… finally.

If you haven’t lost feeling in your toes yet this season, maybe it’s because 2020 hardened you into a thick-skinned, mountaindwelling hinterlander, impervious to trivialities like frostbite or hypothermia. But more likely, it’s because it hasn’t really been that cold.

We’ve had some pretty spring-like conditions so far, complete with mild temperatures, high-elevation rain, slushy skiing, crusty skiing, a highly complex snowpack, avalanches releasing on deeply buried weak layers, and big, saggy cornices.

Mother Nature has decided it’s finally time for some proper winter weather, with freezing levels dropping to valley bottom by the weekend, followed by a possibility of snow touching down in Vancouver as we get closer to the start of next week.

This doesn’t mean we’re leaving our soggy, early season troubles behind us. In fact, a high-

pressure cold snap may further exacerbate our already troublesome snowpack. Sure, calm clear weather is great for getting up high in the mountains, but a stagnant snow surface can often mean a problematic weak layer once buried by new snow.

The most likely candidate for this is the surface crust found up to 1,900 metres. As it sits exposed to the air and the sky, weak crystals like surface hoar and facets have likely begun to form on top. When new snow finally starts to pile overtop, these snow crystals often persist and resist bonding between the old and the new, creating a weak failure plane for slab avalanches to occur.

On a lighter note, cold temperatures mean fluffy, dry powder, which makes for fun skiing even in terrain with limited avalanche potential. So play safe, have fun and brace yourself for the next chapter of tricky snowpack conditions for the 2020-21 winter.

Get forecast details at avalanche.ca ■

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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.

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EXPERIENCE MAKES THE DIFFERENCE. #322 Glacier Lodge Location is key in this fabulous updated 1 bedroom and loft home situated at the Base of Blackcomb just steps from the Gondola, restaurants and the free shuttle.

You will love the vaulted ceilings with huge windows capturing the mountain views from the open living space or from the spacious deck. Glacier Lodge is a sought after property that has Phase 1 zoning, a year-round saltwater heated pool and hot tub along with an exercise room, ski and bike storage, plus secure underground parking.

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PIQUE’N YER INTEREST

Could a four-day workweek combat burnout?

I’D SAY THE vast majority of people in Whistler have their work-life balance pretty dialed.

Since mid-March, I have not been one of them.

When the pandemic began, I decided to start working six days a week. It was a no-brainer—I’d been working three days a

BY MEGAN LALONDE week for Pique for years, happily balancing that with another part-time serving job. But in same week that the restaurant I worked for shut its doors, one of our Vancouverbased sister publications got in touch. Their editorial team was unexpectedly short-staffed and needed some help, three days a week.

Like I said, it was a no-brainer. I needed another job, I wanted to be helpful, more experience never hurts, and there wasn’t exactly anything else to do anyways. Not to mention, I really do enjoy my job (most of the time).

Keep in mind, at this point I thought lockdown would be over in a few weeks, maybe a couple of months at most.

But as the weeks, and then months, went on, I completely burned out. And

pushed through it, and then burnt out all over again. And again and again.

(Remember that feeling in high school or university, when you would be studying so hard for an exam that you’d find yourself staring at a page, having to reread the same sentence over and over because you were no longer absorbing the words? Picture that feeling, but with writing.)

With so many people out of work due to the pandemic and essential workers putting themselves at risk on the frontlines, I still feel intensely guilty ever complaining about having two jobs that let me work from home, but without the usual routine of heading into an office—and having to leave said office in order to accomplish basic tasks like making dinner—any boundaries between work and home life were effectively erased. As my to-do lists got longer and longer, my workdays started stretching longer and longer into the evenings. There were way more days than I’d like to admit spent working from the time I woke up to the time I went to bed.

I’m not alone in that, as it turns out. As Bloomberg reported at the end of April, employees working from home in the U.S. were logging an extra three hours per day on the job, on average, than they were before COVID-19 hit. That statistic came from NordVPN, which tracks when users connect and disconnect from its service. In

the same article, the CEO of a Toronto-based tech startup confirmed her 15 employees were working, on average, 12-hour days, up from nine hours pre-pandemic.

But, despite the fact that I was working far more hours, most days I didn’t necessarily feel like I was producing better quality work than in the Before Times.

There’s data to back up my experience there, too. A report from Business Insider cited studies that found working more than 40 hours a week has negative effects on the quality of your work. According to that report, we can handle working 60-hour weeks for three weeks before those 60 hours become less productive than a standard workweek.

After months and months of promising myself I’d cut down on my hours, I finally made the decision to drop down to five days a week beginning around the holidays. It has been, without a shred of exaggeration, life-changing.

Having that extra day to reset, avoid looking at my phone, and get outside for some fresh air without having to stress about making it back in time for a Zoom meeting has made all the difference. I still experience feeling rundown from time to time, but overall, my head feels clearer, I’m taking better care of myself, and I already feel more motivated and more productive when I am on the clock.

These differences I feel with just one extra day off have me considering what kind of collective benefits we’d see if our society

shifted away from the typical Monday-toFriday, minimum-eight-hours-per-day grind.

In 2019, Microsoft Japan’s experiment with shortened weeks found that the company’s productivity was boosted by about 40 per cent.

Meanwhile, in a Facebook Live earlier this year, New Zealand’s Prime Minister mused whether four-day workweeks could help her country’s tourism industry recover from the pandemic by giving people more time to travel.

According to a recent Angus Reid poll, there’s no lack of support for the idea of a shortened workweek in Canada. Survey results released last June show 53 per cent of Canadians think a four-day or 30-hour work week is a good idea, compared to just 22 per cent of adults who think it’s a bad idea, and a quarter of respondents who said they’re unsure.

So, put me firmly into the “good idea” camp.

If there’s one thing I hope comes out of the COVID-19 pandemic, it’s an unprecedented commitment to our health, happiness, and quality time spent with the people we love. While I’m sure the shift to a shortened workweek would have negative implications somewhere along the line, if getting the same amount of work done in fewer hours—or even the same number of hours compressed into fewer days—gives us more time to allocate to that commitment, I struggle to see a downside that would outweigh the benefits. ■

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13

NEWS WHISTLER

Frustration mounts in Whistler as pandemic wears on OUT OF PROVINCE VISITATION ‘MINIMAL,’ TW PRESIDENT SAYS

BY BRADEN DUPUIS LIKE

MANY WHISTLER locals, musician and entrepreneur Josh Smyth dealt with the challenges posed by COVID-19 one by one as they arose.

As a DJ, restrictions on gatherings put in place last spring severely hampered Smyth’s income (he estimates revenues were down 90 per cent last year), while a later decree that music in bars must be kept at a conversational volume was similarly unhelpful.

A last-minute order halting liquor sales at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve—one of the most lucrative nights of the year for musicians—was also “a hard pill to swallow,” Smyth said.

Not eligible for small business recovery programs, Smyth saw potential relief in a BC Arts Council grant program, for which he hoped to enlist professional help—until one of his housemates contracted COVID-19.

“Since I’ve been told I’ve got two weeks where I can’t make any money, that’s just gone out the window,” he said.

“So it’s been hard.”

If Smyth has rolled with the punches to this point, his forced quarantine has him “fuming,” especially for the fact that he and his four housemates have followed

COVID CHRISTMAS Long lift lines and outof-province plates caused frustration for many Whistlerites over the holidays—though Tourism Whistler says inter-provincial visitation was minimal.

PHOTO BY ANDY DITTRICH // WWW.GRIP.TV

14 JANUARY 21, 2021

the rules of Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry to a tee.

“The five of us have sacrificed a hell of a lot to try and curb this curve … I know in my heart of hearts that my housemate didn’t get this from being in a bar, or from being at a house party,” Smyth said, adding that he has several friends who tested positive for the virus in a 24-hour period.

“It looks like, unfortunately, it’s just people that are escaping their own lockdowns, and coming here for a holiday.”

Smyth is not alone in his frustration.

Many Whistlerites have shared anxieties about long lift lines and out-oftown licence plates in recent weeks, both in Pique’s Letters-to-the-Editor section and on social media.

On Jan. 14, Premier John Horgan said the province is seeking legal advice over whether or not it can stop interprovincial travel—news that sparked an immediate outcry from B.C.’s tourism industry.

But looking at Tourism Whistler’s (TW) statistics, such a ban may not even be necessary, according to president and CEO Barrett Fisher.

TW has access to area-of-origin data, Telus collects mobile data from movement within the region and in Whistler, and resort partners also work with Vancouver International Airport to share incoming flight info, Fisher said.

“And in fact, Whistler has seen a very small percentage of visitors coming from the Ontario and Quebec markets, and those visitors were specifically here over the holiday period,” Fisher said, adding that

numbers from those markets have dropped off significantly in recent weeks.

For context, overall visitation last month was at about 25 per cent of normal December levels, and more than 90 per cent of those visitors would have been coming from B.C., Fisher said.

“Yes, people saw lineups at the ski hills, but the majority of those lineups were coming from locals, from second-homeowners and from day visitors,” she said.

“So really the number coming from out of province was minimal.”

As for out-of-province plates, “we do have employees that are here from Ontario and Quebec, and we also do have some visitors who have been here for several months,” Fisher added.

“So there’s lots of different pieces going on in the equation. It’s not as simplistic as it might seem.”

In terms of TW’s marketing, Fisher said efforts have shifted to summer 2021 and next winter.

Occupancies in Whistler’s hotels are also behind last year, both in number and duration of stay, said Hotel Association of Whistler chair Saad Hasan.

“However, we are optimistic considering we have put the most stringent and thoughtful safety measures in place at all our properties, pivoted to service training programs that are more suited to our new environment, used the closure to complete capital projects and are well prepared with an exceptional product and service for now and into the summer,” Hasan said.

Visitation at Whistler hotels so far this

winter has come “largely from within the province,” he added.

But for Smyth’s money, leaders both local and provincial should be taking a stronger stance.

“I’m getting to the point where it’s like, you have to tell people, concretely, [to stay home] … we are 10 weeks into a two-week travel advisory. It clearly has not worked,” he said.

“People are still coming here. I understand we are a resort municipality.

I understand we make our money from tourists, but if we can’t get ahold of this, are we just going to be in this semi-lockdown forever, where businesses can‘t open up and actually start making money so they can start investing in themselves again?”

While the messaging from health officials is to limit travel, local resort partners aren’t doing much to deter visitation, Smyth noted, pointing to Tourism Whistler’s website, which features a glamorous ski shot and endless options to book your trip, or a recent online chat he had with a Vail Resorts rep who informed him he and his friends could share a room on their trip to Whistler, regardless of their bubble.

“So we’ve got this mixed messaging out that’s just not helpful,” he said.

“We have corporations that are not really fulfilling their responsibility, because to them it’s all about the money. Where does that leave small businesses like mine?

Because right now, the casualty of this is me and my livelihood, and my ability to be able to put food on the table.” n

NEWS WHISTLER

CONVENIENT LOCATION CONVENIENT AMENITIES

Whistler Blackcomb not considering ban on non-local skiers BIG WHITE THIS MONTH ANNOUNCED IT WOULD LIMIT RESORT TO LOCALS FOLLOWING EXTENSION OF HEALTH RESTRICTIONS

BY BRANDON BARRETT WHISTLER BLACKCOMB (WB) is not considering a ban on skiers from outside the region after another B.C. resort limited access to locals amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

On Jan. 8, Big White Ski Resort took the unusual step of cancelling all bookings from non-local customers after B.C extended health restrictions until Feb. 5. The resort’s senior vice-president, Michael J. Ballingall, told media the decision was “not about the bottom line; it’s about bending the curve and staying open for our season passholders and local skiers and boarders.”

Big White has been dealing with a COVID outbreak since the first two cases linked to the ski resort near Kelowna were confirmed last month. In its Jan. 15 update, Interior Health reported the ski resort town’s cluster had grown to 175 cases, with 110 of those residing on Big White Mountain. There are 32 people with known active cases.

By comparison, the Howe Sound health region, which comprises Whistler, Pemberton, Squamish, Lions Bay and parts of the southern Stl’atl’imx Nation, had 503 confirmed cases for the entirety of 2020, according to the BC Centre for Disease Control. (Community-specific numbers are not publicized under a certain threshold due to medical privacy reasons.)

Vail Resorts’ West Coast communications director Marc Riddell said the company has followed Vancouver Coastal Health’s guidance on health protocols and is stressing “personal responsibility” to the public in obeying health orders and advisories.

“What we’ve said from the get-go is that we expect people to follow the recommendations of the provincial health officer,” he said. “We work very closely with the health authority and for us, that’s always in their purview if they decide to be a bit more restrictive, and that is something we would of course have to follow.”

Talk of a possible interprovincial travel ban has reached a fevered pitch both locally and provincially in recent days. Last week, in a French-language interview with CBC Radio-Canada, Whistler emergency physician Dr. Annie Gareau called for a travel ban after seeing a “worrying” number of patients from Ontario and Quebec over the holidays. Premier John Horgan, meanwhile, said last Thursday, Jan. 14 that the province was seeking legal advice on the measure, a move the tourism industry warned could cripple a sector already fighting to survive the pandemic. (See related story on page 14.) Provincial Health

Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry has also urged skiers to stick to their local mountain, but commented recently that a travel ban was unlikely to work, given how many ways there are to enter the province.

“It’s hard to see how that is feasible,” she said in a daily presser last week.

Unlike Big White, “the only game in town,” Riddell said numerous sectors and businesses rely on WB to keep Whistler’s economic engine running.

“It’s a little bit of a different dynamic for us,” he said. “Our employees need to work; they need to get paid. It’s not just the resort that relies on us, it’s all the businesses and the community itself that rely on us to be open.”

With a reduced staff and a flurry of new health protocols in place, Riddell said the challenge of COVID-19 has “galvanized” staff across all of WB’s operations.

“Everybody has really taken up the mantra that we needed to open as safely as possible, and in order for us to stay open for the remainder of the season, everybody needed to lean in,” he noted. “What you’re seeing are people from all walks of our business taking responsibility.”

WB has also confirmed that a number of staff may have been recently exposed to COVID-19 and are currently in selfisolation, based on VCH guidance and its own internal policies.

“There is no impact to staffing or operations and the Whistler Blackcomb team is supporting those employees impacted,” a statement read.

Across the company, Vail Resorts, on Jan. 15, reported certain ski-season metrics for its North American resorts. Through Jan. 3, total skier visits were down 16.6 per cent compared to the same period last year, while season-to-date lift revenue was down 20.9 per cent. Ski-school revenue, meanwhile, dropped 52.6 per cent and dining revenue was down 66.2 per cent.

“Visitation was particularly impacted in regions where heightened COVID-19 related restrictions exist, including Whistler Blackcomb, Tahoe and Vermont,” Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz said in a release. “We are pleased with the resilience of our guest demand, with local visitation at our western resorts in line with our prior year results and destination visitation supported by our strong season pass sales results leading into the season.

“Despite the challenging environment and specific capacity impacts of COVID-19, we are pleased with our overall revenue performance compared to the prior year period, which we believe demonstrates the value of our long-term advanced commitment strategy and the loyalty of our guest base.” n

225 EAGLE LODGE, TOWN PLAZA WHISTLER VILLAGE Walk to Whistler’s best shops, restaurants and Whistler/Blackcomb. Spacious 2 bed/2 bath condo sees high revenue and is perfect for the investor or family looking to earn income.

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WELCOME TO THE TEAM,

DYLAN LAYZELL

Born in South Africa, raised in the UK, Dylan moved to Whistler when he was 18 to enjoy the opportunities the Sea to Sky has to offer and begin building a life for himself in the best part of the world.

During his time in Whistler, Dylan has seen multiple successes in all endeavours he has undertaken. Firstly, in sales, setting a record for highest dollar amount in a season for an individual at Whistler Blackcomb. Raced mountain bikes professionally internationally and domestically at a competitive level. Most recently, gained over 6 years’ experience working in the construction industry on multiple types of properties in Whistler.

With this unique experience combined and wanting to enhance his career Dylan made the seamless transition into Real Estate.

With an excellent knowledge of the building process, Whistler neighbourhoods and complexes coupled with sales expertise and the drive required to become a top tier athlete, Dylan brings a complete set of skills to every transaction.

Dylan aims to exceed the expectations of his clients, providing a quality of service built on trust and reliability.

LET’S CONNECT 604.905.9799 dylan@wrec.com

JANUARY 21, 2021

15

NEWS WHISTLER

COVID cases confirmed at Spring Creek, Whistler Secondary schools SURVEY REVEALS SEA TO SKY CHILDREN SAFE AT SCHOOL, BUT MENTAL HEALTH IS WORSENING

BY STEVEN CHUA AND BRANDON BARRETT MEMBERS OF TWO Whistler schools have tested positive for COVID-19, confirmed Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) and the school district this week.

VCH lists the potential exposure dates at Spring Creek Community School between Jan. 6 and 8, and also on Jan. 12, and at Whistler Secondary School (WSS) from Jan. 11 to 14. At press time, letters home to parents on Jan. 19 say there has also been exposures on school buses, the most recent being on Bus 4, afternoon route, on Jan. 15—as well as another Spring Creek exposure in school.

Whistler Secondary School PAC chair Tanya Goertzen said two members of the high school have tested positive, and added that she was happy with the speed and breadth of the information shared with parents around the exposures.

“It was good timing that our PAC meeting was [Monday] night (Jan. 18) and the principal was able to lay out to parents

3

exactly the timeline of how she was given the information via Vancouver Coastal Health and she was able to relay that information in a very timely fashion out to the parents,” she noted. “They definitely have the information available and all the information they have they make available to us as parents.”

The news comes on the heels of a new local survey suggesting most parents believe their children feel safe at school, though a significant number also say their kids are experiencing worsening mental health due to COVID-19.

On Jan. 13, the Sea to Sky School District board presented findings from an 885-person survey that was conducted from late November to early December.

About a quarter of respondents said their children don’t want to attend school because of the pandemic, and some families are concerned their high-school kids may not finish in time to apply for postsecondary school.

Of those who responded, 726 were parents of children from Kindergarten to Grade 9. The remainder were parents of students in Grades 10 to 12.

COVID CASES Two members of Whistler Secondary School have tested positive for COVID-19, with the potential exposure between Jan. 11 and 14.

FILE PHOTO BY CLARE OGILVIE The survey results, presented by assistant superintendent Chris Nicholson, encompassed responses from all Sea to Sky corridor communities falling under School District 48.

About 86 per cent of parents who responded to the survey believe their child

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NEWS WHISTLER << FROM PAGE 16 when parents were asked whether or not they believe the safety plans are working during recess and breaks.

There was, however, widespread consensus among respondents that communication around the safety plans was effective, with about 90 per cent in agreement.

“We will continue to scan our school learning environments for compliance within those [safety] plans and make those adjustments as necessary,” Nicholson said.

Mental health was another big topic, with many parents reporting their children experienced negative emotions as a result of the pandemic.

About 37 per cent of parents said students were experiencing more anxiety and worry than usual, and 33 per cent said their kids were more sad or down than usual.

The survey showed 34 per cent of parents felt children were more irritable than usual, and 26 per cent said their kids did not want to attend school because of COVID-19.

“That gave us lots of things … to work on,” said Nicholson, adding that the district will be asking principals to communicate their mental health plans to their school communities. He noted that authorities would be asking teachers to communicate those plans to students and their parents, which is what many of them are already doing.

“Definitely there’s a bit of a COVID burnout and the tedium of the protocol is wearing on students, parents and families,” said Goertzen of the general mood at WSS, where she said administrators have brought in a third counsellor for additional support.

“So we have someone whose job it is to monitor mental health and be available to students. They are very aware that there are students in our school that

had access to mental health support in the general community.

The impacts of COVID-19 on learning were also documented.

About a third of parents—32 per cent— of children between Kindergarten and Grade 9 said they were concerned about how the spring lockdown, which kept most kids from in-person classes, affected their kids’ learning.

However, 86 per cent said their children

“Definitely there’s a bit of a COVID burnout and the tedium of the protocol is wearing on students, parents and families.”

- TANYA GOERTZEN

need propping up and need a little bit of extra help, and they’re on it, whether it’s through trying to get food support for them or getting them extra quiet space for them to work,” she added. “I see that in action, and I think the school is doing a really good job of that.”

About 45 per cent of parents who responded to the survey felt their children had access to mental health support at their school, and 65 per cent felt their children

were making good progress after returning to in-person classes. The survey showed 73 per cent of parents felt their children’s learning was back on track since in-person classes resumed.

Those numbers were different for parents of students in Grades 10 to 12.

Among those parents, 43 per cent of respondents said they were concerned about how the spring lockdown affected their children’s learning.

A majority of those respondents—85 per cent—said their kids were making good progress after returning to class this fall, and 77 per cent said their children’s learning was back on track.

There were concerns about graduation among parents of students in Grades 10 to 12, with 36 per cent of those parents concerned about whether or not students would finish their courses in time for graduation. And 38 per cent of respondents said they were worried about whether their kids would finish their classes in time for acceptance to postsecondary institutions.

“Not surprising, given the circumstances,” said Nicholson.

He said principals have been provided with individual school data and they will work with school PACs and staff to create a plan to address the concerns.

“We want to ensure there’s a tailormade plan to address these issues at each of the sites,” he said.

A final highlight of the survey was families’ feelings about safety on school buses.

Perhaps the biggest highlight in this regard was that 75 per cent of parents believed their kids felt safe riding the bus.

Further, 83 per cent of parents said their children wear masks on the bus, though Nicholson said that the youngest of kids aren’t required to do so.

A version of this story originally appeared in the Squamish Chief on Jan. 14. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

COVID vaccinations begin in Whistler FRONTLINE WORKERS, HIGH-RISK FIRST IN LINE; GENERAL AVAILABILITY EXPECTED IN APRIL FOR SEA TO SKY

BY BRADEN DUPUIS LESS THAN A YEAR since the COVID-19 pandemic ground life in Whistler to a halt, the first shots of the novel coronavirus vaccine are now being administered in the resort.

So far, staff that work in long-term care, acute care and assisted living have received the vaccine, said Dr. Fern von der Porten, Whistler’s medical director.

“It’s the beginning of a new chapter,” von der Porten said in an email.

“The sooner we can protect people from becoming sick from COVID, the better.

Until there’s further evidence about how vaccination affects the spread of COVID, all vaccinated people will need to continue to wear masks, wash hands and socially distance like before.”

Those eligible for the vaccine at this stage include long-term care residents, staff, medical staff and essential visitors, as well as eligible acute care staff and other medical staff, according to Vancouver

Coastal Health (VCH). Those who are eligible are contacted directly by VCH. Asked whether it’s the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine that’s being administered in the Sea to Sky, a VCH spokesperson said both provide immunity against COVID-19.

“Regardless of the vaccine received by recipients, we are confident they are safe and effective,” the spokesperson said, in an email, adding that VCH has not reported any severe adverse reactions associated with the vaccine at this time.

Health Canada has conducted a rigorous scientific review, with no major safety concerns identified, they added.

“According to Health Canada, the side effects observed during the clinical trials are similar to those reported from other vaccines,” the spokesperson said.

“The most common side effects are minor pain or swelling at the site of injection. Less commonly, people may experience body chills, feeling tired and feeling feverish. As with all vaccines, there is a small risk of allergic reaction, which is why vaccine recipients are asked to stay for

FIRST VACCINE Elise Maranda, a registered nurse, became the first recipient of the COVID-19 vaccine at the first immunization clinic in Squamish.

PHOTO COURTESY OF VANCOUVER COASTAL HEALTH

15 minutes after vaccination.”

According to the BC Centre for Disease Control, the Howe Sound region saw 14 new cases of COVID-19 from Jan. 3 to 9, and 503 in all of 2020.

“Anecdotally numbers are going up again,” von der Porten said, when asked about cases in Whistler.

“The most important thing is behaviour.

No matter where you’re from, COVID is opportunistic and will hitch on to anybody that allows it. The less we socialize and travel, the less this hitchhiker will succeed.

“Wash your hands, wear a mask, get the

vaccine when it’s your turn. This is the time for all of us to listen to the recommendations of [Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie] Henry to keep ourselves and others safe.”

Depending on supply, VCH expects to begin vaccinating the general public “after March,” according to a release.

Find more info at www.bccdc.ca/ health-info/diseases-conditions/covid-19/ covid-19-vaccine.

For other questions about the vaccine, its effectiveness and safety, VCH advises the public to speak to their healthcare provider.

-with files from Megan Lalonde n

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NEWS WHISTLER

IN WHISTLER,

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Metro Vancouver’s new low-carbon centre will have strong Whistler voice at the table WHISTLER CENTRE FOR SUSTAINABILITY’S CHEEYING HO WILL HELP GUIDE LC3 INNOVATION CENTRE

BY BRANDON BARRETT A NEW GREEN innovation centre

“... to keep our families, coworkers and our guests safe.”

Kevin Winter, Founder and Brewer, Coast Mountain Brewing

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22 JANUARY 21, 2021

being established in Metro Vancouver will have a prominent local voice at the table.

The Whistler Centre for Sustainability’s executive director Cheeying Ho has been tapped to serve on the core project team for the Metro Vancouver Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) Innovation Centre, which is aimed at accelerating “urban climate solutions through research, capacity building, and innovative financial tools,” according to a release.

“This is a pretty exciting thing for Greater Vancouver,” Ho said. “The collaboration between us based in Whistler, and to be able to support this initiative but also learn from it and be able to share it with Whistler, is very exciting.”

Expected to launch in September, the Metro Vancouver LC3 will be a nonprofit entity guided by Simon Fraser University’s Renewable Cities program that will aid cities across the region meet their climate goals. It will be funded through a $21.7-million endowment from the federal government, which is part of the broader $183-million Low Carbon Cities Canada initiative, presented in partnership with the cities of Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Toronto, Ottawa, Montreal, Halifax and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities.

Modelled after the Toronto-based Atmospheric Fund, which utilizes “innovative financial tools, administers grants and advances policies and programs” to reduce carbon emissions and improve air quality in the greater Toronto and Hamilton areas, Vancouver’s LC3 centre will look at ways to finance and scale up local climate solutions across a number of sectors, such as energy-efficient building retrofits, integrating transportation with land-use patterns, and distributing renewable power.

Ho’s official role on the team leading the establishment of the centre is as an engagement and non-profit start-up specialist, which, initially, means working to identify stakeholders and “probing deeper into the gaps, the challenges and the biggest needs,” she said, adding that she will also help recruit members to the board. Once the centre is established, she will lead the strategic planning process that will guide the organization over the next five years.

Financing climate innovation will be a key feature of the centre, Ho said.

“So if there’s a company or an

PROMINENT VOICE The Whistler Centre for Sustainability’s Cheeying Ho will help guide the direction of the Metro Vancouver Low Carbon Cities Innovation Centre.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

organization that needs investors to try to develop a new technology, part of this endowment that we’re getting as seed funding [is intended] to bring in other investors who can then create a big fund to get a new initiative going,” she explained.

“It’s about different financing models we could learn from, not just the Metro Vancouver centre but maybe the other centres that other municipalities could [replicate] as well. So there are definitely learnings to share.”

The City of Vancouver has an ambitious timetable for climate action, meant to align with the targets set out in the Paris Agreement, including cutting carbon pollution in half by 2030.

“The Federal funding to create the LC3 centre will boost our ability to develop and invest in new local solutions and support innovation as we continue to reduce carbon emissions from buildings and transportation, which are key priorities of our accelerated climate work,” said Vancouver Mayor Kennedy Stewart in a release.

Last month, the Resort Municipality of Whistler adopted a new climate plan that includes targets of cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 50 per cent (below 2007 levels), reducing visitor travel emissions, and ramping up construction of zeroemission buildings to align with B.C.’s Energy Step Code.

For more information, visit lc3.ca. n

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23

NEWS WHISTLER

Experts highlight how recreationalists can do better coexisting with grizzly bears NO MATTER WHAT YOUR SPORT OF CHOICE, WE ALL HAVE AN IMPACT, EXPERTS SAY

BY ALYSSA NOEL BACKCOUNTRY recreationalists might like to imagine that only select activities disturb local grizzly bears, but the truth is, every sport can impact coexistence.

That was one of the messages from Dr. Lana Ciarniello, one of four speakers who took part in a webinar called Coexistence Recreation and Grizzly Bears in the Backcountry, hosted by AWARE and the Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative on Jan. 11.

“What’s interesting is there was a survey done and recreationalists, they actually blame other recreationalists that do other recreation for having an effect on bears, but their recreation doesn’t necessarily,” she said. “That’s not true. All recreation poses a risk to wildlife. Why? Through actual displacement moving them off the land.”

Ciarniello—who is the co-chair of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s bear specialist’s group’s humanbear conflict expert team—broke down recreation into high speed and low speed.

High-speed included mountain biking, during which a rider is focused on moving down a track at a high speed, often quietly.

“If you have ever taken a bear awareness course in your life, you will know that these are the exact things we tell you not to do,” she said. “We want you to make noise, to be aware of your surroundings

into a conflict with a bear than a hiker who’s making noise, Ciarniello added.

But even hikers have been found to impact grizzlies. During COVID-19, for example, more people have been hitting the trails—and at earlier and later times when bears are likely to be out—and spacing out. (That’s not to mention ear-bud-wearing

“All recreation poses a risk to wildlife.”

- LANA CIARNIELLO

or consider your surroundings. And why is this? Because all of these high-speed activities limit the reaction time the bears have to respond to us.”

A study conducted in Yellowstone National Park, for example, put collars on bears and GPS receivers on recreationalists and found that bears do in fact move out of the direct path of noisy, slow-moving people.

To that end, uphill bikers have been found to have no greater chance of getting

hikers that can’t hear their surroundings, or those with off-leash dogs, which increases the risk of human-bear conflicts.)

“Bears like predictability,” she said. “They want us to be predictable and they can try to move around us. They’re trying to coexist with us. When we remove that predictability from the equation, it gets even more stressful and displacement gets even higher.”

While winter recreationalists might think they’re off the hook for disturbing

hibernating bears, that’s not actually true.

All noisy, motorized recreational vehicles also have an impact.

“It’s winter, the bear is denning up in the alpine, a snowmobile comes up. It’s very loud and noisy. Now where is that bear going to flee to? Because it’s in the middle of winter. It’s not eating, it’s not urinating, it’s not defecating and it needs every little bit of energy and fat it has to maintain it through that wintertime … So these noisy, recreational activities have these big displacement impacts on them,” Ciarniello said.

For her part, during the webinar, Melanie Percy, the protected areas applied ecologist for BC Parks, fielded questions about how other agencies handle grizzly bear-human interactions in their jurisdictions.

“Grizzly bears are an indicator of ecosystem health and more and more agencies are realizing that if we focus on the management of the landscape and on managing people and human use, these proactive management strategies lessen the need for hands-on bear management,” Percy

SEE PAGE 26

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The first strategy is mindful planning of facilities like trails, campgrounds, and picnic areas. That includes not putting facilities in known wildlife movement corridors.

“Some … agencies are actually relocating facilities that either have historically been in places we now realize are bad or even newer ones,” she said. “I have heard of some trails that have been removed because they were leading people into conflict with bears.”

Another approach some agencies are taking is to manage attractants—including unnatural attractants like human food.

That includes things like bear lockers or ensuring berry bushes are cut back from campgrounds.

Then there are methods like signage and area closures during certain times of the year.

In other locations, bear spray is mandatory for hikers (it should be noted the panel agreed bear spray is the only deterrent you need to carry in the backcountry; bangers and bells don’t work) or mandating that hikers hike in groups of minimum four people.

“That’s a very common one for national parks for grizzly access restrictions,” Percy added. “These restrictions come with pretty hefty fines too under the National Parks Act regulations. You can be fined up to $25,000 for failing to comply.”

Some agencies conduct more traditional bear management, too, including electric

LOCAL GRIZZLIES Johnny Mikes, field coordinator with Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative, talks about Whistler’s history with grizzly bears during a webinar called Coexistence Recreation and Grizzly Bears in the Backcountry, co-hosted by AWARE on Jan. 11.

SCREENSHOT

fencing around campgrounds or bear hazing.

Educating the public about bear safety is also often a component.

For anyone who opposes closures to protect bears, it’s important to remember, “we have a choice as to whether we go out into the backcountry or not,” Percy said. “We have lots of other places to go. Bears don’t. They don’t have a choice. They need to be there.”

More than 330 people logged in to the virtual event, said Claire Ruddy, executive

director of AWARE. As part of the event, Chief Ian Campbell of the Squamish Nation shared information and stories about the importance of grizzly bears to the Nation, Squamish ecosystem biologist, Steve Rochetta, also talked about his research on the local population, and Johnny Mikes, field coordinator with Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative shared more about his group and numbers of grizzlies in the area.

For Ruddy, the importance of a healthy

grizzly bear population is clear. “What we see when we have healthy groups of population on the landscape is that we have clean water, clean air, space for wildlife to roam and those things are what many other species of wildlife need, too,” she said. “When we do things that are good for grizzlies, we’re not just doing it for that one species, we’re doing it for many.”

To watch the entire presentation, visit youtu.be/WQfBmacmUeA. n

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27

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Pemberton cannabis company requests fee review COAST MOUNTAIN CANNABIS CO-FOUNDER PENS LETTER TO PEMBERTON COUNCIL REGARDING BUSINESS LICENCE FEES

BY DAN FALLOON THE CO-FOUNDER of a Pemberton cannabis company is requesting that the Village of Pemberton (VOP) reconsider its fees for cannabis business licences.

In a letter to council written in December and addressed at its Jan. 12 regular meeting, Andrew Ellott of Coast Mountain Cannabis asked that the VOP alter its fee structure to bring cannabis licences in line with regular licences. A cannabis licence comes with a $5,000 price tag while a regular business licence runs $150.

“I was just trying to raise the inequity of it,” he said of why he submitted the letter.

“It’s hard to … justify a licence fee that’s [more than 30 times] higher than any other business in town.”

He explained that the company, which boasts more than a dozen employees, is well-funded and his concern is less about the dollar amount than the principle of the matter.

Ellott, who also raised the issue in 2019,

SEEKING RECONSIDERATION Coast Mountain Cannabis’ co-founder Andrew Ellott sent a letter to Village of Pemberton council asking for a reduction in business licence fees for those in the cannabis industry. Mayor Mike Richman said the municipality plans to review the fee structure.

PHOTO COURTESY OF COAST MOUNTAIN CANNABIS

28 JANUARY 21, 2021

understands the “knee-jerk” to have high fees at the outset of cannabis legalization, but feels enough time has elapsed without issue that the fee should be looked at again.

“We haven’t had a visit from anyone at the Village. I don’t think we’ve caused them any headaches. I don’t think we require any additional manpower to manage,” he said. “I don’t see where the extra workload’s

and make sure that we’re doing the right thing,” he said.

Richman said council appreciates feedback and works to rectify policies that aren’t working as planned.

“Whenever we write a policy or bylaws, depending on what we’re talking about, staff is good at alerting us that, ‘Hey, we didn’t get it 100-per-cent right,’ or if there’s some

“It’s hard to … justify a licence fee that’s [more than 30 times] higher than any other business in town.”

- ANDREW ELLOTT

coming from.

“If anything, we’re an incredible stimulus to the economy, creating nontourism, non-construction jobs for locals who aren’t having to drive to Whistler.”

Ellott noted he doesn’t understand why the cannabis industry’s business licence fee is different, particularly from establishments in the alcohol industry.

When addressing Ellott’s letter during the meeting, Mayor Mike Richman said he was open to reviewing the structure, which he reiterated in a Jan. 19 interview.

“It’s probably time we had a review of that policy of the cost for business licences

good reason to give it a review, especially if it’s around some new policymaking or some new items that we haven’t dealt with before,” he said. “Whenever we write a policy, we always plan on reviewing it, whether it’s short-term rentals, business licence fees, whatever, we like to circle back and make sure we got it right.”

Richman explained that, in the leadup to cannabis legalization, the Village’s thinking was that it would be better to start conservative and potentially relax restrictions rather than the other way around. He cited council’s decision last year to remove the requirement on cannabis

retail zoning that two employees be onsite at all times as an example of its willingness to review its approaches.

“We were assuming this new industry might require some more work, whatever that looks like,” he said. “If it’s proven that it’s too much or too conservative or too aggressive or whatever the case might be, then we have the opportunity to pull it back and look at it again rather than add it on after if we feel the need.”

Richman anticipates that the review will likely reach council “quite quickly” in the coming months.

LOOKING AHEAD Coast Mountain has been in business for four years but is still in start-up mode. After an arduous three-and-a-half-year process, the company received Health Canada licensing and is in the final steps of securing its sales licences from the provinces.

“Our organic Pemberton cannabis will end up in dispensaries by the spring, hopefully,” Ellott said. “We’re getting close to the finish line of getting through all the [Health Canada regulations].”

Ellott noted that Pemberton is emerging as a hub of premium organic cannabis, as two of Canada’s four licenced organic producers are based in town. He adds, however, that operating organically is more expensive and more difficult to do on a large scale. n

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Lil’wat Nation clears all active COVID cases ‘THERE’S BEEN A LOT OF STRENGTH SHOWN HERE,’ SAYS LIL’WAT CHIEF

BY BRANDON BARRETT AFTER DEALING WITH a COVID-19 cluster in recent weeks, the Lil’wat Nation has cleared all active cases of the virus.

Lil’wat Chief Dean Nelson confirmed the news in a video update to his Facebook page Jan. 15, but cautioned that the community wasn’t in the clear just yet.

“We cannot get careless because we have no active cases at present. We are not out of danger so we need to stay focused on keeping safe practices within the COVID health and safety guidelines to get through this,” he said.

After keeping the novel coronavirus at bay, Mount Currie saw its first confirmed case Dec. 15. In the weeks that followed, the caseload grew to over 40, before levelling off and ultimately dropping to zero.

Going 10 months without a single case, Nelson believes that some community members grew complacent, with a handful reportedly not following self-isolation directives. But soon, thanks in part to the calm, measured influence Nelson showed in his regular video updates, the safety message hit home.

“I was doing daily updates, so I was just trying to get people to realize how serious it was and everything they needed to know, and where they could find the information,” he said.

“I think there’s been a lot of strength shown here within little family groups and helping one another, sharing information and sharing resources.”

Indigenous communities across the province have reported a rise in racism and discrimination since the pandemic began.

Leaders of the Cowichan Tribes, the largest single band in B.C., said there was a spike in racist comments, both online and off, towards band members since news emerged of a cluster in the community. The band issued a stay-at-home order until Jan. 22 after reporting 73 COVID cases since Jan. 1.

The backlash was condemned by both residents and political leaders in and around Duncan, where the band is based, and was even addressed by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry in her Jan. 14 daily presser.

“This type of racism cannot be tolerated and I stand against this with my colleagues to say this must stop on Vancouver Island and elsewhere,” she said. “Racism has no place in our society and in our communities here in British Columbia and we must all take the time to speak up and speak out.”

Lil’wat members have experienced similar discrimination since the pandemic began, Nelson said.

“I’ve seen it in on construction sites … and there were people driving by [seeing] a

First Nations person and hollering stuff at them. I’ve heard of it in the grocery stores, even last fall until now. Especially after the outbreak … every Indigenous person you see in the community was pretty much suspect,” he said, noting that the backlash came weeks after the corridor showed such widespread support for Mount Currie after two Lil’wat members, father Peter Oleski and son River Leo, went missing in October while mushroom picking before being found dead a week later.

“Hard times bring out the worst in people—and they bring out the best in good people,” Nelson said.

For all the talk of how unprecedented the pandemic has been, for many Indigenous communities, COVID-19 is just another page in a history marked by devastating health crises and forced isolation.

“Hard times bring out the worst in people—and they bring out the best in good people.”

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Between 1780 and 1889, smallpox ravaged First Nations across B.C. and Canada and wiped out entire villages. A measles epidemic compounded the toll on Canada’s First Peoples between 1847 and 1850. And in 1918, the so-called Spanish Flu wreaked further havoc. Add in the forced separation of families and widespread cultural genocide of Canada’s residential schools, and it’s easy to see how isolation was the norm for generations of Indigenous people.

“The removal of our children to residential schools far from home was also a form of plague. It devastated our people’s health and well-being as much as the diseases visited upon us,” wrote Heilstuk Nation member and residential school survivor Hilistis Pauline Waterfall in a piece for The Tyee this spring (“For First Nations, These Are Precedented Times,” May 22, 2020).

For Nelson, he’s hopeful to counter some of the ignorance with education. While supportive of the wave of reconciliation efforts that has swept the country in recent years, he feels it has go beyond mere lip service.

‘There’s a lot of gestures—but the understanding is the main thing,” he said.

“This will just keep going if they carry those judgements without understanding the history of the people that are here.”

The Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Whistler’s First Nations museum, is offering free admission until Jan. 24. n

JANUARY 21, 2021

29

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

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CHANGING HUES The snowshoe hare’s winter colour change is sometimes out of sync with snowfall.

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NOTICE

2021 COMMUNITY ENRICHMENT PROGRAM The Resort Municipality of Whistler will be accepting Community Enrichment Program (CEP) applications from community groups looking for financial assistance for 2021. The application period runs from January 25 until February 15, 2021.

The CEP provides funding to not-for-profit organizations or societies based within Whistler that are considered by Council to be contributing to the general interest and advantage of the municipality. The categories include ‘Environment’, ‘Community and Social Services’, ‘Recreation and Sport’ and ‘Arts and Culture’.

Each interested community group will be required to complete a Grant Application Form and present to Council at a Committee of the Whole Meeting on March 16, 2021. All approved funding will be issued no later than April 30, 2021.

Grant Application Forms will be available at www.whistler.ca/cep or at the reception desk of the Whistler Municipal Hall, 4325 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, B.C., Monday to Friday, from 8a.m. to 4:30p.m., excluding holidays.

Please submit applications to: Legislative Services Department Resort Municipality of Whistler 4325 Blackcomb Way Whistler, BC V8E 0X5 Phone: 604-935-8121 Fax: 604-935-8109 Email: corporate@whistler.ca Completed applications must be received by 4p.m., February 15, 2021.

No late applications will be accepted.

Community organizations wanting to learn more about the CEP application and granting process are invited to contact the Legislative Services Department.

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca 30 JANUARY 21, 2021

Naturespeak: Connecting with nature, one step at a time

BY REBECCA MERENYI DURING THESE challenging times when we have to remain physically distant from each other, a great way to cope is by going out into the woods and being mindful— being aware of your surroundings and connecting with nature.

As the days are short and the weather is cold, many of us feel the urge to curl up inside and rest (after we hit the slopes of course), and many of our wildlife friends are thinking the same thing at this time of year. To survive the challenging winter season when many food items can be harder to find, a number of wildlife species go into a state of dormancy. Some animals enter a true hibernation-state in which they don’t wake or move (e.g. marmots), while others enter a state called torpor in which their heart rate and core body temperature drop, they do not eat, but they may wake occasionally (e.g. bears and chipmunks).

Walking outside in the snow can be a great way to stay active and to help keep the pandemic blues at bay. Whenever I walk through the forest, I like to be aware of the animals that are sharing the space with me.

But with many of our local species hunkering down for the winter, what wildlife is left?

Some animals change colour in winter to camouflage with the snow. Examples include the snowshoe hare and ptarmigan (a grouse-like bird) that both turn white in the winter. Short-tailed weasels (sometimes called ermines) also turn white in winter, but its bigger cousin the marten stays a brown/orange colour.

An easy way to learn what animals are around is to look for tracks in the snow.

From the Jersey Cream chairlift the other day, I was able to look down and see some prints. They were two by two and showed

a loping or jumping pattern. This method of moving through the snow is common in weasels, and based on the alpine location of these tracks, they are likely from a marten.

In winter, the soles of a marten’s feet are covered with fur and their five toes are not distinguishable in the tracks.

Another animal with distinguishable tracks is the snowshoe hare. They have large furry back feet that helps them travel over snow—and give them their name—and smaller front feet. Their tracks will be in sets of four that form a narrow rectangle shape, in a repeating bounding pattern.

Some animals change colour in winter to camouflage with the snow.

When looking for felines such as bobcats, their prints can be distinguished from canines by checking to see if there are claw marks in the snow—felines won’t have any as their claws retract, but canines will.

Both canine and feline prints will have four toes, so the presence of claw marks is your key distinguishing feature!

Spending time outside can be a great energy booster, while focusing on observing our surroundings can help us feel more present. I always feel more connected to the forest when I go through it slowly and mindfully. So, when you’re out on your next winter stroll, I invite you to slow down and connect a little more to the beautiful world around us.

Naturespeak is prepared by the Whistler Naturalists. To learn more about Whistler’s natural world, go to Whistlernaturalists.ca. n

THE PEMBERTON REAL ESTATE MARKET’S PEAK PERFORMERS We would like to recognize the following agents who’s business focus is done in the amazing community of Pemberton.

We would like to acknowledge their outstanding sales achievement along with their commitment to the Community.

Danielle Menzel*

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Dan Scarratt* Of their units sold, 75% were in Pemberton

604 894 5166 WHISTLERREALESTATE.CA *Personal Real Estate Corporation

“Let’s Talk Affordable Housing” A Virtual Public Informa�on Session

Did You Know?

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 contraventon 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.

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.

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.

haveyoursay.pemberton.ca JANUARY 21, 2021

31

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

SCIENCE MATTERS

TUESDAY, JANUARY 26, 2021 – 5:30 P.M. This Public Hearing will be held electronically pursuant to Local Government Meetings and Bylaw Process (COVID-19) Order No. 3 (Ministerial Order M192/2020).

If the Government of British Columbia lifts the Provincial State of Emergency currently in place before January 26, 2021, this Public Hearing will be held at the following location: MAURY YOUNG ARTS CENTRE Franz Wilhelmsen Theatre, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW (CHEAKAMUS CROSSING PHASE 2 PARCELIZATION) NO. 2298, 2020 SUBJECT LANDS: The parcel that is the subject of the proposed Bylaw is 1340/1360 Mount Fee Road, Whistler, legally described as Block A, District Lot 8073 Group 1 New Westminster District, Except Plan EPP277, PID 026-772-213. The parcel is identified as “subject property” on the map attached to this notice.

PURPOSE: In general terms, the purpose of the proposed Bylaw is to replace the UR1 Zone (Urban Reserve 1) designation for the subject lands with RM-CD2 Zone (Residential Multiple – Comprehensive Development Two) and PAN1 Zone (Protected Area Network One) designations, and to assign the existing permitted residential uses and total permitted density to specifically identified sub-areas within the new RM-CD2 zone. The proposed bylaw also adds specific regulations for building heights, size and siting, as well as landscape requirements. Daycare is added as a permitted use.

INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS: A copy of the proposed Bylaw and relevant background documentation along with written submissions received may be inspected at the Reception Desk of Municipal Hall at 4325 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, during regular office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (statutory holidays excluded) from January 14, 2021 to and including January 26, 2021.

A copy of the proposed Bylaw and relevant background documentation along with written submissions received may also be viewed online on the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) website at: whistler.ca/RZ001165 PUBLIC PARTICIPATION: All persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaw will be afforded a reasonable opportunity to be heard by Council at the Public Hearing. All persons can: 1) submit written comments to Council; and/or 2) make oral representations LIVE via online video or phone conferencing. (Your image will not be broadcast to Council or the public.)

1.

Submit Written Comments to Council Written comments must be addressed to “Mayor and Council”, and include your name and mailing address.

Until 3:30 p.m. on January 26, 2021, written submissions will be received at the following: Email: Fax: Hard Copy:

corporate@whistler.ca 604-935-8109 Resort Municipality of Whistler Legislative Services Department 4325 Blackcomb Way Whistler BC V8E 0X5

Written submissions will also be accepted on January 26, 2021 between 3:30 p.m. and the time when the motion to close the Public Hearing is made. During this timeframe, written comments must be submitted by email to: corporate@whistler.ca All submissions will form part of the Public Hearing record and will be added to the Public Hearing Package as they are received. The Public Hearing Package will be available on the RMOW website at: whistler.ca/RZ001165 2.

Participate LIVE via Online Video or Phone Conferencing The live Public Hearing will take place January 26, 2021 at 5:30 p.m. via online video and phone conferencing. The Public Hearing will be conducted using Zoom and can be accessed via either online video or phone conferencing. No registration is required.

If you wish to make oral representations to Council on the proposed Bylaw by online video or by phone, please use the Public Hearing web link or one of the phone numbers (including Webinar ID) provided below.

• • •

The web link for the Public Hearing online video option is: https://whistler.zoom.us/s/67733256546 The phone numbers to access the Public Hearing phone conferencing option are as follows: +1-778-907-2071 +1-647-374-4685 The Webinar ID is: 677 3325 6546

Instructions for Participating via Zoom Online Video or Phone Conferencing •

Online video: It is possible to access the Public Hearing on a computer, tablet or smartphone using the web link above.

Your camera will not be available, but your microphone will need to be enabled.

To indicate that you wish to make an oral representation, click on the ‘raise hand’ feature. The moderator will allow each person to speak in turn. When it is your turn to speak, your microphone will be unmuted and you will be asked to provide your name and address for the public record. Please be patient as there may be others in the queue before you.

•

Phone conferencing: To access the Public Hearing by phone, use one of the phone numbers above along with the Webinar ID as prompted. To indicate that you wish to make an oral representation, use the ‘raise hand’ feature by dialing [*9]. When it is your turn to speak, the moderator will announce the last three digits of your phone number, and your line will be unmuted. You will be asked to provide your name and address for the public record. Please be patient as there may be others in the queue before you.

Net zero offers affordable path to climate stability ANOTHER YEAR, another record. Even with a global seven per cent drop in fossil fuel burning during the pandemic, 2020 tied 2016 for the hottest year recorded, making the past decade the warmest.

The previous record in 2016 was set during an El Niño event, which contributed somewhat to rising temperatures, meaning last year was likely the hottest in terms of global heating. Average global surface temperature was 1.25 C higher than the

BY DAVID SUZUKI pre-industrial average, nearing the 1.5 C aspirational target the world’s nations set under the Paris Agreement five years ago.

In the Arctic and northern regions, average temperature was 3 to 6 C higher.

As the world heats up, we’re experiencing ever-increasing impacts, from deadly heat waves to more frequent and intense extreme weather events. Last year, the Western U.S., Siberia, Australia and parts of South America were hit with some of the biggest, most expensive wildfires on record, and studies showed climate disruption played a major role.

These fires release carbon dioxide into the atmosphere and destroy important carbon sinks, driving warming even faster. Smoke and particulates also cause health problems and death.

Last year also set records for Atlantic hurricanes and tied 2018 for the most tropical cyclones.

Forum. The European Union, Japan, South Korea and the U.K. have pledged to do so by 2050, as has the incoming U.S. Biden administration. Canada has introduced legislation but must do even more.

Previous research indicated rapid heating would continue long after we reduce emissions because gases such as CO2 and methane remain in the atmosphere for many years. New findings offer a hint of optimism. This is in part because as we bring emissions under control, natural systems such as oceans, wetlands and forests—and possibly technology—will remove some greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

Of course, that means we must also take better care of those natural systems. It’s all interconnected.

We’re not on track to meet even the aspirational target of 1.5 C warming. We’ve already heated to at least 1.1 C above preindustrial levels and are heading to 2 C or more. We’re still looking at more heat waves, flooding, wildfires, disease spread, displacement of people and refugee crises, biodiversity loss and water shortages. But to avert even worse catastrophe, we can and must do all we can to bring it under control.

We already have affordable methods to achieve net-zero emissions, and it’s likely we’ll continue to develop more and better solutions. Resolving the crisis will lead to a less-polluted, healthier world with greater opportunities for all.

Look at how rapidly the world has been able to deal with the COVID-19 pandemic. Not that it’s under control, but vaccines have been developed in record time, and countries that have acted decisively to implement safety

“We already have affordable methods to achieve net-zero emissions, and it’s likely we’ll continue to develop more and better solutions.”

After the conclusion of this Public Hearing, Council cannot receive representations from the public on the proposed Bylaw.

General information on participating in the RMOW’s electronic public hearings is available here: https://www.whistler.ca/municipal-gov/council/public-hearings Members of the public can also view the Live Stream of the Public Hearing at: https://www.whistler.ca/municipal-gov/council/meeting-agendas-and-minutes ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW (CHEAKAMUS CROSSING PHASE 2 PARCELIZATION) NO. 2298, 2020) Map showing Subject Lands

Subject Property

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca

32 JANUARY 21, 2021

It’s dire, but there’s still time to avoid the worst consequences—if we act quickly and decisively.

New research shows global average temperatures could stabilize within a couple of decades if we quickly reduce net greenhouse gas emissions to zero.

Reducing emissions to “net zero” means not releasing any more than are being removed from the atmosphere. Although dramatically bringing emissions down is the critical factor, methods to remove CO2 and other greenhouse gases—such as forest and wetland protection and restoration, and carbon capture and sequestration—can balance out some released emissions.

As the UN points out, affordable methods to get to net zero exist. At the end of 2020, 126 countries representing 51 per cent of emissions had either adopted, announced or were considering net-zero goals, according to the World Economic

measures have seen success.

And the powerful computers that most of us now carry in our pockets and purses show how quickly technology can develop.

As climate scientist Katharine Hayhoe told the Washington Post, “It’s no longer a question of when the impacts of climate change will manifest themselves: They are already here and now. The only question remaining is how much worse it will get. And the answer to that question is up to us.”

We must all get behind rapid and decisive climate action. Taking steps in our own lives is important, but holding governments and industry to account is crucial. There’s no time to waste.

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

OUTSIDER

Navigating the season of the Kraken THERE ARE FEW things as scary as feeling the mountain begin to move under your feet. That buoyant pushback from the powder against our skis—the sensation we all seek—suddenly morphs into a sliding maelstrom. You can’t turn, you can’t stand

BY VINCE SHULEY up and you sure as hell can’t stop. Sometimes you’ll get lucky that you’re skiing on the edge of the slide, allowing you a chance to escape onto an island of safety before it engulfs you.

Most times not.

The “washing machine” analogy comes from surfing, when you get rolled around under water by a breaking wave. You don’t know which way is up or down, only that you can’t breathe. In moving snow, that aerated green room of the ocean is instead a ghostly shade of grey, one that gets darker as you descend. It’s eerily quiet save for the scratches of snow layers against one another.

There’s no greater wake up call in the mountains than triggering an avalanche.

It rattles our nerves, questions our motives

SNOW SCIENCE How do the professionals understand this inexact science? They live, breathe and respect the snowpack.

PHOTO BY VINCE SHULEY

and shatters our confidence. Some years we’re blessed with our relatively calculable “right side up” snowpack on the South Coast of B.C.; light snow on top and increasingly denser snow as you go down deeper into the snowpack. While the behaviour of a “right side up” snowpack can be easier to predict, it can often lull us into a false sense of security and catch skiers off guard.

Some years we get the dreaded “upside down” snowpack, where the lower density, lighter snow is buried under higher density, heavier snow on the surface. You learn pretty early in snow science that this “mattress on marbles” snowpack (credit to forecaster Joe Lammers for that analogy) is a recipe for avalanches.

Then there’s the kind of season we’re having now: A (mostly) right-side up snowpack but with a buried rain crust (thanks to an early season rain event in the alpine that was followed by consistently cold temperatures).

This is what the forecasters refer to as a “deep persistent slab,” otherwise known as “persistent weak layer” (PWL). From the Avalanche Canada website: “Once formed, a deep persistent slab can last for an extended period, sometimes throughout the entire season. They can survive numerous avalanche cycles and are inherently difficult to forecast.

“A deep persistent slab problem often leads to a low-probability/high-consequence scenario, where the chances of triggering an avalanche are slim, but the destructive potential of any that are triggered is great.

Managing this problem involves avoiding large avalanche paths and avoiding terrain where the problem exists.”

According to Avalanche Canada, right now in the Sea to Sky our deep persistent slabs are around 100 to 200 centimetres deep. This is what is causing a lot of the high-consequence avalanches lately.

Despite all the “be cautious” messaging from search and rescue groups, avalanche forecasters and ski guides, backcountry recreationists will continue to press their luck against this looming Kraken. While it may keep some folks happily cruising low-angle terrain, I’m not naive enough to think that this will stop people skiing aggressive lines and big slopes. But everyone needs to ski and tour as if the Kraken was just sighted off the port bough.

I know that can interfere with the good vibes of a bluebird day in the backcountry, but after one of my own close calls a number of years ago, I began to use a new mantra when planning ski touring days: Complacency has no place in the backcountry. Like glancing over green and yellow colours on the Avalanche Canada bulletin and assuming that a “Moderate” rating means it’s good to go. Like assessing the slope’s potential to slide purely on recent storm snow rather than taking the deep persistent slab into account. Like seeing tracks on the face and assuming that if it was going to slide, it would have slid

when the first group skied it.

The problem with inexact sciences like snowpacks is that you never really know how close to the line you are treading.

This fuels egos and other human-factor heuristics that get parties of skiers and snowmobilers into trouble. I’ll let Powder Mountain Catskiing lead guide Don Schwartz close out this sentiment with an excerpt from his Facebook post last week: “No this layer won’t go away any time soon.

Rain to the peak for two days may fix it.

No it won’t be active every day.

It may sit dormant for a week or more.

Ski in the wrong spot and you’ll find it.

If you think you’re smarter than it, it will kill you.

This is a layer to be respected, avoided, worked around and just plain left alone.

Give it a WIDE margin.

Please treat it with the respect it deserves, and we can all live to ski another day.

How to avoid: Ski with a guide.

Avoid the convex roll overs.

Don’t ski above cliffs Avoid the shallow rocky areas.

Don’t ski above creeks or terrain traps.

Pick well supported terrain that is lower angle.”

Vince Shuley fears the Kraken. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider email vince.shuley@gmail.com or Instagram @whis_vince. ■

JANUARY 21, 2021

33

FEATURE STORY

Snowmobiling’s Snowmobiling’s Snowmobiling’s

coming of age coming of age coming of age As the world changes, the sport is evolving with it

34 JANUARY 21, 2021

FEATURE STORY

By Dan Falloon

F

ive years ago, after the death While there are Sea to Sky snowmobilers of a Seattle sledder in the who fit that mould, the Powder Mountain Pemberton backcountry, Snowmobile Club president also notes there Whistler Search and Rescue are users who, like him, got into the sport (WSAR) manager Brad Sills as a means to expand their backcountry didn’t mince words when discussing the ski range but found they enjoyed the strain snowmobiling was putting on the sport for its own sake and can appreciate organization’s resources. the interests of both motorized and non“Something is changing, whether it’s the motorized users. technology or the demographic,” Sills said at Black Tusk Snowmobile Club is also the time, shortly after the 53-year-old man bringing in the next generation of riders fell into a crevasse on the Appa Glacier near with growing numbers of younger riders Pemberton (“Snowmobiling straining local and, specifically, women. rescue efforts: WSAR,” Pique Newsmagazine, Hayley Auld, who sits on the club’s March 24, 2016). “[Snowmobiling] has board of directors, has been involved for already replaced backcountry skiing as our a decade, joining at age 16 after taking an No. 1 winter response.” avalanche safety course in order to expand Sills relayed that, between 2004 and her backcountry skiing reach. She’s made 2014, about one in five WSAR callouts was a point of bringing younger people out snowmobile-related. to help keep the club numbers healthy However, speaking with Pique earlier while also completing necessary physical this month, Sills has been impressed with work, such as stocking the club’s two cabins what he’s seen from local snowmobile clubs with firewood and cutting brush in the as they have focused on boosting education, summertime. installing safety caches in the backcountry, “It’s getting people comfortable with and “promoting that sledders take care of the idea that these clubs run on volunteer themselves when they can.” time and the sooner that’s understood, “There’s been a big improvement,” he says. the easier that is for everybody,” she says.

At a time when backcountry use is “I encourage my peers to come out and exploding thanks to COVID-19, with influxes volunteer because it has been instilled in of newer, less-experienced adventurers me that we’re the future.” leading to record callout volume for nearby Auld has noted the increasing numbers teams in Squamish and on the Sunshine of women’s nights, while Black Tusk Coast, any reduction is appreciated. president Tony Cailes has observed more “It’s relatively new, but it has really and more couples taking part in the sport. matured, I think, in the last 10 years,” Sills “It’s becoming a couple thing where they says. “The safety programs being offered come up to enjoy sunsets,” he says. by the clubs have gone a long way to Nadeau’s interest in snowmobiling was recognizing the need for better knowledge piqued in 2009, after doing a heli-drop on out there.”

Rainbow Mountain.

In addition to boosting backcountry “We got clouded out on our morning safety, local snowmobiling clubs have also drop,” he recalls. “We toured for about emphasized responsible land use as a new three hours and we were having lunch on generation of participants gets into the sport.

Rainbow Peak.

“We hear this sound and we look over and there was some snow build on the Changing demographics top of Rainbow Peak. This was before they closed the access to that area. Some dude Ryan Nadeau acknowledges the stereotypical was up there, just brapping along and we image of a snowmobiling as a blue-collar had worked for three hours to get there and sport, with roots in the prairie provinces. we’re exhausted.”

Riding on Mount Cayley. Photo by Ryan Nadeau After that, he bought a snowmobile and started riding with friends who primarily did sled-access skiing.

Saving Sproatt Concerned about access to Mount Sproatt, Nadeau joined Powder Mountain in 2010, first as a member of the executive team before rising through the ranks to president.

The Land and Resource Management Plan (LRMP), updated by the province in 2008, zoned the 21 Mile Creek watershed as non-motorized.

Nadeau and others didn’t want to lose access to the greater Sproatt Mountain area without a fight.

“It was one of the first places I snowmobiled in Whistler and it really is a phenomenal spot,” he says.

While it was at times difficult to drive home the point to some of the community’s veterans that some compromise was necessary, he stressed that the club would dig in and hold its ground on specific key areas.

However, it was essentially an ultimatum from the province in late 2018 threatening to revoke sledders’ access to the broader area that compliance levels came down to an acceptable rate. The

province and the club started with several initiatives, installing signs and a pole line. While there was some improvement, it wasn’t to the needed level, so Alistair McCrone, the Sea to Sky recreation officer with Recreation Sites and Trails BC, threatened closure at the start of the 2018-19 sledding season.

“Within three months, they had it fixed,” he says. “Kudos to the club. They were always very supportive, but they seemed to need a little bit more ammunition to convince their user group.

“I was being very forthright with them, and honest, when I said we might end up with a closure.”

The pole line was removed in the spring of 2019 and the club has continued to work on resources and tactics to keep sledders out of the restricted area, Nadeau says. That includes creating a map that can be loaded onto a cell phone or GPS without using data at powdermountainsnowmobiling. org/mobile/sproat/iWatershed.html, while also following up with those who access the watershed illegally.

“Everyone’s got their warning. The community has been advised on the policy where if you see someone going in there, tell them ‘this area is closed’ and offer to escort them out,” Nadeau says. “We’ve been talking people down and having a

JANUARY 21, 2021

35

FEATURE STORY

The backcountry near Ring Mountain. Photo by Ryan Nadeau.

conversation with them, and even the most confrontational people we’ve found were just having a bad day.

“In the past, the worst offenders have actually donated money to the cause as a voluntary thing, not a fine, that was able to pay for more pamphlets that we hand out at the trailhead.”

The plan has worked, with less than 0.5 per cent of users not complying, a rate that impresses McCrone. He adds that he’s received fewer and fewer snowmobilerelated complaints since the watershed issue was resolved.

“There’s been a change from 2012 or so, when we might have seen 50 or 60 users a day in the watershed on some weekends,” he says. “We’re shooting for what we call an acceptable level of infringement because we realize that we’ll never have perfection.

“When we talk about better-than-99per-cent compliance, that’s certainly very acceptable … That level of compliance is not really heard of in any other issue I’m dealing with in the district.”

McCrone notes that while Rec Sites and Trails has had issues with individual snowmobilers over the years, the number of incidences is in line with other user groups.

When there is an issue, however, the nature of snowmobiling has the potential to create tension with other backcountry users.

“Snowmobiling is particularly

Ryan Nadeau out for a ride. Photo by Will Elias.

contentious and it sticks out, not because of sledders understand the risks, like in it’s worse than the other user groups, but activity, there will always be some who act because the snowmobiler can travel so far recklessly. Even so, there are situations and use so much of the land base so easily where users find themselves in peril even that they have a [disproportionate] impact when they’ve been riding responsibly. than other users,” McCrone says. “It’s not “We are a significant part of searchthat the people themselves are better or and-rescue’s response calls,” Nadeau says. worse behaved. The type of recreation has “There is a recognition in the community more conflict because it has a larger impact, that the sport is dangerous and you need to because it is motorized and fast and you be prepared, but there are people that don’t can travel over lots of terrain. take it as seriously as they should.

“One or two guys can go into an area “There are still accidents. People still hit that’s closed and popular with skiers, spend trees. People still get lost. People still get half a day in there and there’s no fresh snow injured.” left to ski for anybody else.”

The vast amount of terrain snowmobiles have the potential to access can be problematic when compared to a Easing the rescue burden self-propelled sport, particularly if users overestimate their abilities, Sills says. In Even though snowmobiling’s relative addition to posing issues for SAR teams, it demand on search-and-rescue resources makes it especially crucial for snowmobilers is lightening somewhat, it’ll never be to be well prepared. eliminated entirely.

“Snowmobiles can travel a huge distance “Some serious accidents happen out in a day, so extra food and clothing is there and people need help, so we’re going even more imperative,” he says. “Whereas to help them,” says Gavin Christie, a WSAR we may be able to get to somebody that’s volunteer and Powder Mountain director just outside the ski-area boundaries, it’s at large. “With the amount of people quite another thing to go to Overseer or going snowmobiling and the activity out some of the remote peaks way back in the there, it’s not really producing that much Pemberton ice fields. more than our backcountry skiers or our “Those riders tend to be in the upper slackcountry skiers.” echelon and are already doing that. The Nadeau explains that though the bulk concern is that new people coming into

the sport look at that and think, ‘That’s what I’m going to do, too’ but without that knowledge.”

Local clubs have been at the forefront of safety messaging for some time. Black Tusk Snowmobile Club president Tony Cailes notes that the club launched its own Alpine Learning Centre at the top of Brohm Ridge, which will mark is 20th anniversary next year.

Cailes says more than 1,300 students have gone through their AST-1 and AST-2 courses through the program. He notes that search-and-rescue crews from across the province also send team leaders to the centre.

“We’re high enough, in the government’s eyes, that we teach search and rescue their Level 2-Plus,” he says. “They send team leaders from all across the province to Brohm Ridge and they spend four days up there studying avalanches. It’s an amazing course, but due to the COVID crap this year, that course has been cancelled.”

Meanwhile, the Powder Mountain club is also taking steps towards creating a safer backcountry environment. One recent initiative was installing what Nadeau calls a “lunar lander” modular shelter structure near Ring Mountain. The two three-by-three-metre pieces were installed in mid-October, with a shipping container base and an insulated shelter on top.

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FEATURE STORY

The top of Brohm Ridge. Photo by Tony Cailes.

Installing the safety shelter via helicopter in October.

Photo by Ryan Nadeau.

“It’s all custom fabricated, built in our parking lot, and we went out and installed it in a day,” he says.

The impetus was an occasion last winter when roughly 20 snowmobilers were stranded after the weather turned on a bluebird day and they took shelter for the night in a culvert.

Nadeau says the structure will be a step up for those who find themselves in need.

“You wouldn’t want to camp there on purpose. It’s not the vibe for a party spot,” he says. “But if you have a mechanical [issue] or the weather rolls in, you can have at least 10 people in there and have a warm evening without worrying about losing toes.”

As well, Christie notes that there are five safety caches in the backcountry with plans for two more.

“There’s a full-package first aid kit in there so when people do have incidents, they’ve got some good first aid stuff to take care of the person until SAR can get there,” he says.

While general backcountry advice applies to snowmobilers as well as all other users, Christie has some specific recommendations for equipment.

“If you have a $10,000 snowmobile, you can afford an InReach [Garmin satellite communicator] to have two-way satellite communication,” he says. “That’s a

required thing people should have out in the backcountry, especially if they don’t really know where they are.

“From a SAR perspective, it’s awesome to get actual GPS locations for one, and second, to be able to communicate and get a much better picture of what’s going on on the ground.”

As well, Christie reiterates that being prepared and, particularly, being practised, is key. As an instructor, he will often run exercises during training where he’ll surreptitiously hide his transceiver and then start the five-minute drill.

“I come back and I say, ‘All right, clock starts now. There’s an avalanche over this way,’” he says. “Inevitably, people will run over there with their transceivers, get really close to it and start kicking snow. They’ve forgotten their shovels and then they have to go back to their packs … and then time runs out.”

As well, Christie stresses that riders should keep visual tabs on one another rather than relying exclusively on radios.

Increased agility Though snowmobile technology itself is improving, Christie notes that machines are sticking mostly to similar terrain.

However, an emerging difficulty comes

with snow bikes, which rely on added agility and their sleeker sizes to weave through thickly treed areas and reach new locales.

“When they get into tighter trees, it’s a place that a snowmobile is just not going to fit,” he says. “With that agility and manoeuvrability, they’re getting into some more interesting places where we haven’t seen tracks before.”

Christie adds that a snow bike can ride along a sidehill easily, whereas it’s an advanced manoeuvre to tackle similar terrain on a snowmobile.

Last month, two experienced snow bikers, including Squamish Lillooet Regional District project coordinator Graham Haywood, were killed after being caught in an avalanche in the Goat Peak area (“Two snow-bikers dead following Pemberton Pemberton avalanche,” Pique Newsmagazine, Dec. 29, 2020).

Sills says that learning what is and isn’t safe sometimes comes with a cost, and the Sea to Sky can be an unforgiving teacher.

“Snow-biking is in its formative years and there’s going to be a learning curve there as to the terrain that’s safe to ride in,” he says.

“Snow bikes will go just about anywhere and while people, when they first get them, want to take them just about everywhere, and I think that community is going to have to define their own boundaries.”

Issues on the horizon Though there has been increased cooperation on the land-use front, there are still ongoing discussions between motorized and self-propelled user groups and the province regarding whether motorized or non-motorized designations or boundaries should be changed in the Land and Resource Management Plan in numerous areas in the Sea to Sky. The local users, headed by Nadeau, and the province, represented by McCrone, would not elaborate on the details of the discussions, saying only that there is finally progress being made after years of inertia.

“It wouldn’t be productive to talk about these discussions, which are very much in the beginning stage,” McCrone says. “We’ll get farther along in the process and then we’ll share more information.”

Closer to Squamish, meanwhile, Cailes is concerned about the planned Garibaldi at Squamish resort, which would jeopardize access to Brohm Ridge.

“Brohm is the beginner area, so it’s one of the safest places you can actually ride a snowmobile just for the controllable avalanche exposure,” he says. “You don’t have to get into that deep snow. You don’t have to go anywhere, whereas in those other drainages, you’re kind of exposed.” ■

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37

SPORTS THE SCORE

Davies set for Junior Worlds PEMBERTON SKIER PREPARES FOR CROSS-COUNTRY ACTION, WHISTLER’S PEIFFER DECLINES U23 SPOT

BY DAN FALLOON WHILE JOE DAVIES was honoured to make Nordiq Canada’s list of alternates for the 2020 FIS Junior World Ski Championships, he was determined to make the team outright in 2021.

The COVID-19 pandemic complicated those efforts, wiping out events including the trials, but the Pemberton cross-country skier found himself qualified based on his 2019-20 season and will line up next month in Vuokatti, Finland.

“It’s super exciting, especially with this year that has had so much uncertainty,” he said. “It’s nice to actually get to race to the best of my ability.”

With the World Championships Trials, originally slated to take place at Whistler Olympic Park earlier this month, ultimately being cancelled, Nordiq Canada released its criteria for athletes to qualify for such major events in December. After analyzing the metrics, Davies was not surprised to get the call that he’d made the team.

With Canada’s World Cup squad serving as a vanguard to Europe, Davies has kept an eye on how things are going and feels confident in his safety as he opts to head overseas.

“There hasn’t been any trouble on the

FIT FOR FINLAND Joe Davies is getting set for the FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Finland next month.

PHOTO BY DOUG STEPHEN

38 JANUARY 21, 2021

World Cup circuit so far, so I’m not too concerned about it,” he said.

Based out of Canmore, Alta., Davies said he and his junior development teammates have been working since the fall with an eye toward the one potential race.

“At the start of the season, all of our races were cancelled so it was a little up in the air how to approach training this year,” he said. “We knew that World Juniors was going to go ahead relatively early in the season, so me and the other people on the

for Davies to do something to directly crack this year’s team, but he said he still harnessed the fire in training and made it a priority to do well when he’s in the start gate.

“Being close last year was a little upsetting, honestly, but it was still good in the sense that I knew I could get there, but the chance to go this year is really awesome,” he said. “I’m finding motivation and you go through ups and downs.

“I’ve had my ups. I’ve had my downs.

“I’ve had my ups. I’ve had my downs.

Now I’m back up and extremely motivated.”

- JOE DAVIES

junior national team were just training in preparation that we’re going.”

Because of the quality of internal competition, Davies feels as well prepared as possible given the lack of organized races since March. He knows that everyone else is in a similar position as well.

“It’s definitely going to be interesting because a lot of people don’t have too much of an idea as to how they stack up against everyone else, but I figure I’ve got a pretty fast group of guys to train with,” he said. “I have a decent reference point. I’m keeping up with them and they’re keeping up with me.”

The lack of racing also made it difficult

Now I’m back up and extremely motivated.

The entire season of training is going towards this one race, so it’s a little stressful but it’s also a good motivator to give my best.”

Davies and the rest of the team are supposed to head over on Jan. 29. There’s no isolation requirement in Finland, though he will quarantine upon returning to Canada.

“In normal years, we’d have a precamp, so we’d be over there for longer, but we’re just flying over, doing the races, then heading home,” he said.

Davies said racers normally find out their events at pre-camp, so he’s not entirely certain right now which races he’ll line up in, though

he anticipates he’ll be in the individual start, mass start and relay contests.

Whistler’s Benita Peiffer, meanwhile, was named to the U23 team but declined her spot. Peiffer is rehabbing a torn ACL and meniscus suffered last spring. While she feels recovered enough to go, her fitness was not at the point where she felt competitive and opted to cede her place.

“I think that there’s someone else who could probably represent Canada better than me right now,” she said.

Peiffer, also based in Canmore, acknowledged that she was surprised to see her name listed.

“I was honestly pretty shocked,” she said. “It wasn’t something that was on my mind this year, but I’m honoured that they selected me and I could have had the opportunity to go.”

Peiffer will instead compete in the trials in hopes of landing a spot at the International Biathlon Union Youth World Championships at Obertilliach, Austria starting Feb. 24.

“The past six months have been focused on rehab for me and we’re basically back to normal,” she said. “I’m focused on the biathlon World Juniors right now because that’s more of an attainable goal right now.

The end of January was a little too rushed.

“I’m feeling good on my skis and my knee is feeling totally fine.”

Peiffer added that while she recovered, she gained the opportunity to focus on shooting training during the offseason.

“I’ve had all the resources I’ve needed to get back to being healthy and I’ve had a lot of people supporting me,” she said. n

SPORTS THE SCORE

O’Rourke cracks list of top 10 pros SPORTS BRIEFS: KRIPPS CLAIMS DOUBLE BRONZE; IRVING HITS AERIALS PODIUM

BY DAN FALLOON THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC couldn’t stop Padraic O’Rourke’s professional development.

The Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course’s head pro took 10th place in the Professional Golf Association of BC’s Professional Development Program in 2020, marking the seventh consecutive year that O’Rourke cracked the top 100 and his first time in the top 10 in the order of merit. It was a banner year for O’Rourke, who took home the association’s Dick Munn Golf Professional of the Year Award in October.

Pros earn professional development points “[t]hrough participation in continuing education, competitions, the PGA of BC Awards Program, annual Buying Show and various forms of volunteerism…” according to a release.

O’Rourke was the lone Whistler or Pemberton pro to make the top 100.

KRIPPS CLAIMS BACK-TOBACK BOBSLEIGH BRONZE The Canadian crew may have joined the IBSF World Cup tour partway through the season, but Justin Kripps continues to look like he didn’t miss a beat.

Kripps has now hit the podium in three consecutive races after picking up a pair of third-place finishes at St. Moritz, Switzerland.

In the two-man contest on Jan. 16, Kripps and Cam Stones were 0.92 seconds back of winners Francesco Friedrich and Alexander Schueller of Germany while another German sled, Johannes Lochner and Florian Bauer, took second. Meanwhile, former Whistlerite Chris Spring and Mike Evelyn were second in their World Cup season debut.

In the four-man race the next day, Kripps’ sled, including Stones, Ben Coakwell and Ryan Sommer was 0.49 seconds back of Friedrich, who took the win while Austria’s Benjamin Maier was second. Spring’s sled, with Evelyn, Mark Mlakar and Shaquille Murray-Lawrence, placed 11th.

“It was awesome for us to get a double podium here in St. Mortiz. We sure missed the crowds and the champagne this year but we’re loving building this momentum together,” Kripps said in a release.

In women’s action, Christine de Bruin and Sara Villani were in the top Canuck sled, taking eighth as Germans Stephanie Schneider and Leonie Fiebig topped Americans Elana Meyers Taylor and Sylvia Hoffman and Switzerland’s Melanie Hasler and Irina Strebel. The

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second Canadian sled of Alysia Rissling and Dawn Richardson Wilson tied for 11th.

As for skeleton action, Elisabeth Maier was the top Canadian in sixth, as German Tina Hermann bested Austria’s Janine Flock and German Jacqueline Loelling. Fellow Canadian Jaclyn Laberge, meanwhile, was 11th.

On the men’s side, Kevin Boyer was the quickest Canadian, taking 18th while Mark Lynch was 24th. At the top of the heap, Germany’s Alexander Gassner topped Latvia’s Martins Dukurs and South Korea’s Sungbin Yun.

IRVING CLAIMS AERIALS PODIUM Quebec City aerialist Lewis Irving claimed the fourth FIS World Cup podium of his career in Yaroslavl, Russia on Jan. 17 in the second of back-to-back competitions.

Irving’s tally of 120.36 was 4.98 back of Russia’s Maxim Burov, while another Russian, Stanislav Nikitin, placed second.

In the Jan. 16 event, Irving was 17th as Burov bested countryman Pavel Krotov and Switzerland’s Noe Roth.

On the women’s side, Marion Thenault took Canada’s top result with a sixth-place showing on Jan. 16 as Australia’s Laura Peel downed American Ashley Caldwell and Russian Liubov Nikitina. Meanwhile, Flavie Aumond and Justine Ally were 17th and 19th, respectively.

Ally had a 12th-place finish in the Jan. 17 competition as American Megan Nick came away with the win over Belarus’ Alla Tsuper and fellow American Kaila Kuhn.

Other Canadians were Aumond in 16th and Thenault in 22nd.

GRENIER CRACKS TOP 15 Valerie Grenier came away with Canada’s top performance on the slopes in FIS World Cup action over the weekend.

Grenier scored a 15th-place showing in the giant slalom and Kranjska Gora, Slovenia on Jan. 17, as Italy’s Marta Bassino came away with the victory over Switzerland’s Michelle Gisin and Slovenia’s Meta Hrovat.

Cassidy Gray, meanwhile, was 26th in her second World Cup start.

In the Jan. 16 giant slalom, Grenier was one slot back in 16th as Bassino bested France’s Tessa Worley and Gisin.

In men’s action at Flachau, Austria, Erik Read was the lone Canadian to finish in the points. In the Jan. 17 slalom, he placed 26th as Norway’s Sebastian Foss-Solevaag earned the win over Austria’s Marco Schwarz and France’s Alexis Pinturault.

In the Jan. 16 slalom, Read placed 27th, while Austria’s Manuel Feller took the top step over France’s Clement Noel and Schwarz. n

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39

FORK IN THE ROAD

Let them eat cake WHEN ‘THEM’ IS ‘US’ I SAY HAVE ANOTHER SLICE IT’S TOUGH WHEN writing a fortnightly column to stake out the right turf in any obvious, upcoming news event—as in, will the 25,000 National Guards in Washington D.C. have little or lots to do on Jan. 20? (I hesitate to use the British “fortnightly” but we know with certainty, something we could all do with a bit more of right now, that it means every two weeks whereas “biweekly”

BY GLENDA BARTOSH means both twice a week and once every two weeks—naughty and confusing English language that it is.) But one thing we know for sure any time beforehand: One side or the other will be celebrating.

Personally, if I’d been part of the I would have been on the side saying, Joe, come on, let’s just have a little indoor inaugural thingie on the 20th. We can still have cake.

But I know my place. And cake knows its place, too.

Anywhere, anytime, cake is more than welcome.

Imagine moving through life knowing that. Delicious, celebratory, elevating, especially when it rises properly. And, bonus, cake is always and absolutely good for you. Especially during a pandemic and a

ENOUGH FOR THE MASSES Timeless snow host Debbie Smythe would agree it seemed like a milelong cake if you were lucky enough to get a taste of it at Blackcomb Mountain’s opening 40 years ago.

COURTESY WHISTLER MUSEUM, GREG GRIFFITH COLLECTION

40 JANUARY 21, 2021

news cycle so full and fraught that only the word “historic” might temper it a bit.

Need a lift? Have a slice of cake. The bigger the better. (See above.)

Chocolate cake, coffee cake, sponge cake, flourless cake (yum). Whatever you choose, you know you’ll come out a winner, as all kinds of people have been doing for centuries.

Cakes literally are quite ancient. “Cake —which harkens back to 13th century Middle English—originally meant a baked mass of bread or similar substance vs. the usual loaf. It comes from the Viking/ Icelandic/Swedish “kaka.” Scottish and Welsh cakes of the day were “thin, hardbaked brittle species of oaten-bread.” It was the English who made them sweeter, although ancient Greeks knew honey cakes.

Speaking of which, my ancient cake experience was a slice of wondrous orange honey cake at the Fête de la Véraison (graperipening festival) we literally stumbled on in Châteauneuf du Pape. The vendor, ironically, an Englishman at a French wine festival, had the recipe all written out. It was from the 15th century, the recipe, not the cake, although it may well have been, too, given how dense and fantastical it was.

Cake, from a scientific point of view and otherwise, is a most interesting substance.

“The essence of most cakes is sweetness and richness. A cake is a web of flour, eggs, sugar and butter (or shortening),” writes Harold McGee in On Food and Cooking, “a delicate structure that readily disintegrates in the mouth and fills it with easeful flavour.”

Ease us on, oh mighty cakes.

Traditional cakes, notes McGee, weren’t nearly as sweet as cakes today. Think English pound cake and French quatre

quarts, or four quarters, made with equal weights of the four main ingredients: flour, eggs, butter and sugar. Pound cakes were so-named for the pound each of butter, flour and sugar and the dozen eggs beaten in by hand for hours.

If you don’t feel like all that work, and getting a wrestler’s arms, you can’t go wrong getting your cake fix from any of the Purebread bakeries in Whistler and Vancouver. Shop in person for slices or, for whole cakes, go to the online bakery at Purebread.ca.

Even the photos will make you drool.

But Purebread’s Barbara Murawska—who ended up being a baker after coming to Whistler from Poland for one winter four years ago when her boyfriend got a job as a ski instructor—has a definite favourite: The salted caramel one made with chocolate sponge cake.

“To be honest it’s quite sweet,” she says.

“But I like sweet things. That’s why I’m working here, I guess!”

Whatever form they take, cakes are the icons of celebrations. Just ask my mom, who celebrated her 93rd last week at an outdoor picnic with a towering cake. Or any of the lucky ones on hand for the g-in-o-r-m-o-u-s runway of a cake that Ted Nebbeling and Jan Holmberg—the boys at Gourmet Bakery, the go-to… well, the only bakery at Whistler in the 1980s—whipped up to celebrate Blackcomb Mountain’s opening 40 years ago.

I was still in journalism school so I didn’t get a slice of that cake. But I did of the one as big as a carport that Vancouver Mayor Mike Harcourt served up in Stanley Park in 1986 in honour of the city’s 100th birthday and Expo ’86.

More recently, we may well have heard a chandelier-rattling “let them eat cake!” thundering out from the golden bowels of Trump Tower or Mar-a-Lago Resort onceupon-a-yesterday had Trump ever seriously contemplated any meaningful financial assistance for America’s people either before or during the pandemic—had he ever been literate enough to know such a reference even exists. My eyes grow wide imagining all the fiction that’s going to roll out of this vain, insane, dangerous presidency. (BTW it was Shannon Cake at WPTV News who introduced a segment showing the Trumps’ moving vans arriving in Palm Beach on Monday.)

We should not, however, lay the original cake-eating suggestion for starving peasants at the feet of Marie Antoinette. Historical records only reveal it was spoken by a princess or someone of that ilk, and the original noun was “brioche” meaning a light, sweet bread— not “gateau” or “cake.”

And, no, since most all inaugural celebrations this year are virtual, it doesn’t look like they’ll be serving a posh cake. But note that Trump’s singular event featured a nine-tier creation that looked startlingly identical to the cake served at President Obama’s inauguration.

At the 2017 Commander in Chief party, Vice President Mike Pence cut into it with a sword. Hope he hung on to that thing. He may need it yet.

Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning journalist who’s happy to learn that you can also use “fortnightly” as a noun to describe magazines or similar publications issued every two weeks. n

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ARTS SCENE

Land of Thundering Snow tells Canada’s avalanche history TRAVELLING EXHIBIT RUNS AT THE WHISTLER MUSEUM UNTIL MARCH 31

BY ALYSSA NOEL ON MARCH 4, 1910, Canada’s deadliest avalanche hit Rogers Pass.

First, a non-fatal slide came down in the late afternoon off the slopes of Cheops Mountain. It buried the Canadian Pacific Railway line, stranding passengers bound for Vancouver, but no one was hurt.

While those stranded waited at the Rogers Pass Station, east of the avalanche, a work train from Revelstoke was sent in to help clear the way. They arrived at the east side of the avalanche and worked away all day attempting to remove the snow and debris.

Then, close to midnight, another massive slide hit, this time from the other side of the valley off the aptly named Avalanche Mountain.

This slide was deadly. Fifty-eight men—long-time Canadians and new immigrants—were buried and killed.

“It was a huge impact to the region,” says Cathy English, curator at the Revelstoke Museum & Archives. “In 2010, we did a commemoration of that. It was a collaboration between Avalanche Canada, the Revelstoke Railway Museum, Parks Canada, CP, and our museum. We had an event in downtown Revelstoke on March 4 and well over 500

ON DISPLAY Allyn Pringle, events and community manager the Whistler Museum, checks out the avalanche map.

PHOTO BY ALYSSA NOEL

42 JANUARY 21, 2021

people—we figure 800—attended, a tenth of the population of the town. It really resonated with a lot of people.”

After witnessing the interest in that ceremony, the museum realized there was a bigger story to tell: the history of avalanches in Canada. Revelstoke— and the museum—had become a kind of de facto hub for avalanche education and history. For one, Avalanche Canada and the Canadian Avalanche Association are located in town. The Revelstoke

“It really came out of that recognition that Revelstoke was the epicentre of a lot of avalanche events, but also avalanche history,” English says. “It made sense for our region to be the one to do that. The interest and the expertise was here.”

In conjunction with launching the website, they also set up an in-person exhibit at the museum.

“We’re a relatively small community and a relatively small museum,” English adds. “But we always have big ideas. We

“It really came out of that recognition that Revelstoke was the epicentre of a lot of avalanche events, but also avalanche history.”

- CATHY ENGLISH

backcountry has also seen its share of tragic avalanche fatalities.

The museum itself had also become a repository for avalanche photos and artifacts from various people either living in town or passing through.

So, the museum applied to what was then called the Virtual Museum of Canada (now Digital Museums Canada) for a program to create a website that dives in depth into a historical subject.

By 2012, funding was approved and 2015, they officially launched Land of Thundering Snow.

have all these resources in this community that can pull these things off.”

The virtual exhibit went on to win an award from the Canadian Museums Association in 2016 for best science exhibit for a museum with a budget under $1 million “which we definitely qualify for,” English jokes.

But that honour prompted them to take the show on the road. “We felt if we created the travelling exhibit, we’d find a lot of museums interested in taking it,” she said.

And she was right. The first stop on the tour: the Whistler Museum and Archives.

*** One of the first things you notice when you step into the back corner of the Whistler Museum to explore the travelling exhibit is a dull roar.

At first, it’s hard to tell where it’s coming from, but after a quick peek around, you’ll notice a TV screen with the image of a massive avalanche streaming down a mountainside. The snow resembles thick lava, ripping out trees and carrying along debris as it goes.

“Watching that and seeing all the trees come down is kind of terrifying,” says Allyn Pringle, events and community manager with the museum. “But it’s also just impressive how much that snow can do.”

It turns out, there is one feature of the exhibit—the first travelling exhibit the museum has hosted since the ‘90s—that some visitors are first drawn to though.

“We’ve had some older ski patrollers come through,” Pringle says. “I’m pretty sure one of the first things they do is they use the little map and they zoom in on Whistler.”

The map, which is also accessible online, shows the entire country marked by little dots, each of which represents an avalanche that had at least one fatality, dating back to 1782.

The vast majority of the dots appear in B.C., but, surprisingly, there are a fair number on the east coast of Canada as well.

“The concentration in B.C. is rather amazing,” says John Woods, the man behind

ARTS SCENE

RESERVOIR

BY REBECCA BELMORE

BOMBS AWAY Old shells from avalanche control bombing are part of the Land of Thundering Snow exhibit.

PHOTO BY ALYSSA NOEL

the map, and the researcher and writer for both the virtual and physical exhibits. “Then there’s all these avalanches that happened in the Maritimes. Until we got involved in this project, we didn’t know that.”

Because Whistler’s culture, education, and conversation around avalanches centres on backcountry recreation, it’s not hard to overlook the other ways snow slides have impacted Canadians historically.

To that end, along with recreation, the exhibit delves into avalanches impacting travel, mining, even towns and villages built in the wrong places.

“One of the things that surprised me the most is the number of avalanche accidents with mining,” Woods says. “I managed to find quite a few references to avalanches that had destroyed mines and killed folks all over the backcountry of B.C.—and also the Maritimes—where these operations were in very dangerous areas for avalanches. These stories are hard to tease out because they’re in remote locations … I’m sure we haven’t found all of them.” *** To trace Woods’ involvement in this project, you have to go all the way back to 1975, when he was hired as the chief naturalist at Glacier National Park. “Part of the duties as chief naturalist is public education,” he says. “One of our main messages … is the history of Rogers Pass, which is very much the history of avalanches.”

Woods also helped produce a film called Snow Wars, for which he had to learn about

the science of avalanches. “I had some of the foremost people in the world instruct me in it,” he says.

His background set him up perfectly to contribute to Land of Thundering Snow many years later.

“What was fortunate—how a biologist became a historian—is this is all going on around me,” he says of the avalanche hub that is Revelstoke. “I was so fortunate to be able to see all these things in action and have the people there to talk to… not just talking, but going out with them in the field.”

Of course, the history of avalanches is still evolving. While Woods might be done with the meat-and-potatoes of creating the exhibits, he still volunteers to upkeep the map as fatalities continue to accumulate.

“I’ve been keeping the database up to date since the exhibit opening in 2015,” he says. “Since then, [there’s been] 51 additional fatal accidents—67 people have lost their lives.”

For everyone involved in the online and in-person exhibit, the motivation is to draw attention to the power and danger of avalanches—throughout Canada’s history and into present day.

“It’s not a ‘was’ story; it’s an ‘is’ story,” Woods adds. “Part of all our motivation in not only getting the story, but keeping the topic as high-profile as we can, is so people take the precautions they need to.”

OPEN THURSDAY TO SUNDAY | 11AM - 6PM

Land of Thundering Snow runs at the Whistler Museum until March 31. To see the online exhibit visit landofthunderingsnow. ca/index-eng.php. n

JANUARY 21, 2021

43

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44 JANUARY 21, 2021

WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION, 1980

AT FA I R M O N T C H AT E A U W H I S T L E R

* Available Sunday - Thursday excluding holidays

EACH WEEK, we really enjoy sharing stories, events and photos from Whistler’s past through the Museum Musings column in Pique Newsmagazine. This column offers a way to share far more stories than would be possible in our physical building.

In 1980, another Whistler institution had its own column in another Whistler newspaper, the Whistler Question, which it used to share knowledge and information each week. This was “Get Ski-ed on Blackcomb,” written by various employees of Blackcomb Mountain.

In preparation for the official opening of Blackcomb Mountain in December, the first “Get Ski-ed” column was published in the early fall of 1980. Though the main purpose of the column was “to keep you informed on the most up-to-date skiing ideas and hints to further your skiing education,” the column also offered a way to introduce members of the Blackcomb team and new programs to the public.

“Get Ski-ed” was kicked off by Dennis Hansen, a 29-year-old Level 4 instructor who had previously worked at the Grouse Mountain Ski School. He joined Blackcomb as the director of Ski-ed, “a new focus on ski education offering programs for everyone.”

Hansen shared his tips for getting in shape before the winter season, stating that getting in shape by skiing was not recommended.

Conveniently, this article coincided with the introduction of a “Get fit for skiing” program for adults offered by Ski-ed.

Running or jogging was the preferred way of getting in shape for Bob Fulton, the assistant director of Ski-ed. He recommended varying your running route to prevent boredom, using a run as a chance to take in the scenery around Whistler’s many trails.

Over October and November, Fulton and Hansen shared tips for buying

equipment (“The most important part of your equipment for any level of skier is your boots”), and maintaining current equipment. From minor ski tuning to how to wax skis, they encouraged skiers to prepare for the upcoming season and continue taking care of their equipment throughout the season.

In total, seven of Blackcomb Mountain’s ski pros were introduced through the Whistler Question column by the end of 1980. Linda Turcot and Jose (Pepo) Hanff discussed the Molstar Race program for recreational racers and how to start racing as an adult skier. Rob McSkimming offered tips for skiing smoothly with less effort, taking inspiration from Swedish racer Ingemar Stenmark. Jani Sutherland, Skied’s Kids Specialist, gave parents helpful tips for getting their kids ready for ski lessons. Her advice included such practical matters as ensuring they were sent to a lesson with Chapstick, Kleenex, and contact information for a parent in their pockets.

Sutherland also provided information about buying equipment for children and advised parents to pay attention to their own form when skiing, as children learn through imitation.

Perhaps the most practical advice provided by the “Get Ski-ed” column that year was from full-time ski pro Cathy MacLean, who wrote her article about how to ride a chairlift. According to MacLean, “first thing to do is try to find a person who has ridden a chairlift before, and is willing to go up with you.”

At the time, the Get Ski-ed column, like the earlier articles by Jim McConkey in Garibaldi’s Whistler News, blended advice, information, and promotion of Blackcomb Mountain’s events and programs. Today, however, they offer insight into changes in equipment technology, the teaching of ski education, and even the individuals who worked at Blackcomb Mountain in its first year of operations. n

PARTIAL RECALL

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HERE COMES THE SUN The sun broke through the clouds briefly while the Chili trees were in full effect off Harmony Ridge, near the Symphony Express lift on Jan. 7. PHOTO BY ANDY DITTRICH // WWW.GRIP.TV. 2 BRIGHT LIGHTS The skies above Metal Dome in the Brandywine area were aglow during Jonathan Brouilletteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recent visit. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 3 RIDING BUDDY This Whiskey Jack stopped by to join a snowboarder while taking a break on the slopes recently. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 4 LIFTIE LOVE These hard-working Whistler Blackcomb lift ops workers follow physical distancing requirements while skiing out earlier this year. PHOTO BY TANEISHA BROWN. 5 REMEMBERING JESSE A table full of of flowers, hockey sticks, 1

candles and his favourite beers lies in front of the Beacon Pub & Eatery, in memory of bartender Jesse Van Roon, who passed away in an accident on Whistler Mountain on Jan. 7. PHOTO SUBMITTED.

SEND US YOUR PHOTOS! Send your recent snaps to arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

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45

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF JANUARY 21 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): On May 4, 2019, my Aries friend Leah woke up in a state of amazement. During the night, she felt she had miraculously become completely enlightened. Over the next 16 hours, she understood her life perfectly. Everything made sense to her. She was in love with every person and animal she knew. But by the next morning, the exalted serenity had faded, and she realized that her enlightenment had been temporary. She wasn’t mad or sad, however. The experience shook her up so delightfully that she vowed to forevermore seek to recreate the condition she had enjoyed. Recently, she told me that on virtually every day since May 4, 2019, she has spent at least a few minutes, and sometimes much longer, exulting in the same ecstatic peace that visited her back then. That’s the Aries way: turning a surprise, spontaneous blessing into a permanent breakthrough. I trust you will do that soon.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): One morning, famous French army general Hubert Lyautey (1854–1934) instructed his gardener to spend the next day planting a row of saplings on his property. The gardener agreed, but advised Lyautey that this particular species of tree required 100 years to fully mature. “In that case,” Lyautey said, “plant them now.” I recommend that you, too, expedite your long-term plans, Taurus. Astrologically speaking, the time is ripe for you to take crisp action to fulfill your big dreams.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Someone asked poet E. E. Cummings what home was for him. He responded poetically, talking about his lover. Home was “the stars on the tip of your tongue, the flowers sprouting from your mouth, the roots entwined in the gaps between your fingers, the ocean echoing inside your ribcage.” What about you, Gemini? If you were asked to give a description of what makes you feel glad to be alive and helps give you the strength to be yourself, what would you say? Now would be a good time to identify and honour the influences that inspire you to create your inner sense of home.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “Be sweet to me, world,” pleads Cancerian poet Stephen Dunn in one of his poems. In the coming weeks, I invite you to address the world in a similar way. And since I expect the world will be unusually receptive and responsive to your requests, I’ll encourage you to add even more entreaties. For example, you could say, “Be revelatory and educational with me, world,” or “Help me deepen my sense that life is meaningful, world,” or “Feed my soul with experiences that will make me smarter and wilder and kinder, world.”

Can you think of other appeals and supplications you’d like to express to the world?

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Throughout his many rough travels in the deserts of the Middle East, the Leo diplomat and army officer known as Lawrence of Arabia (1888–1935) didn’t give up his love of reading. While riding on the backs of camels, he managed to study numerous tomes, including the works of ancient Greek writers Aeschylus and Aristophanes. I’d love to see you perform comparable balancing acts in the coming weeks, Leo. The astrological omens suggest you’ll be skilled at coordinating seemingly uncoordinatable projects and tasks—and that you’ll thrive by doing so. (P.S.: Your efforts may be more metaphorical and less literal than Lawrence’s.)

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Sculptor Stefan Saal testifies that one of his central questions as a creator of art is to know when a piece is done. “When making a thing I need to decide when is it thoroughly made, when is it dare-we-say ‘perfected.’” He has tried to become a master of knowing where and when to stop. I recommend this practice to you in the next two weeks, Virgo. You’ve been doing good work, and will continue to do good work, but it’s crucial that you don’t get overly fussy and fastidious as you refine and perhaps even finish your project.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): You’re entering the potentially most playful and frisky and whimsical phase of your astrological cycle. To honour and encourage a

full invocation of gleeful fun, I offer you the following thoughts from Tumblr blogger Sparkledog. “I am so tired of being told that I am too old for the things I like.

No cartoons. No toys. No fantasy animals. No bright colours. Are adults supposed to live monotonous, bleak lives? I can be an adult and still love childish things. I can be intelligent and educated and informed and I can love stuffed animals and unicorns. Please stop making me feel bad for loving the things that make me happy.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Nature cannot be ordered about, except by obeying her,” wrote philosopher Francis Bacon (1561–1626). That paradoxical observation could prove to be highly useful for you in the coming weeks.

Here are some other variants on the theme: Surrendering will lead to power. Expressing vulnerability will generate strength. A willingness to transform yourself will transform the world around you. The more you’re willing to acknowledge that you have a lot to learn, the smarter you’ll be.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In his book The Lover’s Dictionary, David Levithan advises lovers and would-be lovers to tell each other their very best stories.

“Not the day’s petty injustices,” he writes. “Not the glimmer of a seven-eighths-forgotten moment from your past. Not something that somebody said to somebody, who then told it to you.” No, to foster the vibrant health of a love relationship—or any close alliance for that matter—you should consistently exchange your deepest, richest tales. This is always true, of course, but it’s especially true for you right now.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): On Oct. 18, 1867, the United States government completed its purchase of Alaska from Russia. How much did this 586,000-acre kingdom cost? Two cents per acre, which in today’s money would be about 37 cents. It was a tremendous bargain! I propose that we regard this transaction as a metaphor for what’s possible for you in 2021: the addition of a valuable resource at a reasonable price. (P.S.: American public opinion about the Alaskan purchase was mostly favourable back then, but a few influential newspapers described it as foolish. Don’t let naysayers like them dissuade you from your smart action.)

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “My business is circumference,” wrote poet Emily Dickinson in a letter to her mentor. What did she mean by that? “Circumference” was an important word for her. It appeared in 17 of her poems. Critic Rochelle Cecil writes that for Dickinson, circumference referred to a sense of boundlessness radiating out from a centre—a place where “one feels completely free, where one can express anything and everything.” According to critic Donna M. Campbell, circumference was Dickinson’s metaphor for ecstasy.

When she said, “My business is circumference,” she meant that her calling was to be eternally in quest of awe and sublimity. I propose that you make good use of Dickinson’s circumference in the coming weeks, Aquarius. It’s time to get your mind and heart and soul thoroughly expanded and elevated.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Should I quote the wisdom of people who have engaged in behaviour I consider unethical or immoral? Should I draw inspiration from teachers who at some times in their lives treated others badly? For instance, Pisces-born Ted Geisel, better known as beloved author Dr. Seuss, cheated on his wife while she was sick, ultimately leading to her suicide. Should I therefore banish him from my memory and never mention the good he did in the world? Or should I forgive him of his sins and continue to appreciate him? I don’t have a fixed set of rules about how to decide questions like these. How about you? The coming weeks will be a good time to redefine your relationship with complicated people.

Homework: Where in your life do you push too hard? Where don’t you push hard enough? Testify: FreeWillAstrology.com.

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

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

46 JANUARY 21, 2021

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EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR AND/ OR ABORIGINAL SUPPORTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT SUPPORT WORKER Maternity leave 1 year may be extended to full time position The N’Quatqua First Nation is seeking a qualified Early Childhood Educator and/or Aboriginal Supported Child Development Support Worker to fill a full-time position at N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre. The successful candidate will join our NCFDC team, the function of the Early Childhood Educator and/or Aboriginal Supported Child Development Support Worker is to provide the extra staffing support to a child care center in order for children with extra support needs to fully participate in the child care settings chosen by their families. The Early Childhood and/or Support Worker works as a team member with child care setting staff and with all the children and families providing general support to the whole program to ensure effective inclusion of the children.

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

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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.

48 JANUARY 21, 2021

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Applicants MUST have a BC Drivers Licence, local accommodation, Red Seal plumbing and BC Class B gas fitter qualifications. You will also need your own hand tools.

Velofix S2S Bike Mechanic Velofix Sea to Sky is currently hiring a full-time lead mechanic and operator who has a passion for cycling, possess outstanding customer service EASY skills and has the ability to manage their own mobile bike shop.

You will be provided with a company work van, iPad and uniform. After a 3 month trial you will receive a ski pass and full healthcare benefits.

The ideal candidate is self-motivated, trained to build/repair all types and levels of bicycles, and has awesome communication skills. ryan.torvik@velofix.com https://www.velofix.com/locations/sea -to-sky/

Email a cover letter and resume to lcarterplumbing@gmail.com

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Sales Manager- Maternity Leave (1 year cover) Executive Hotel and Resort Squamish / The Inn at Whistler Village & Mountain Side Hotel 40900 Tantalus Rd, Squamish, BC

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Benefits: Dental care, Disability insurance, Extended health care, Life insurance, On-site gym, On-site parking, Vision care Additional pay: Bonus pay

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The Sales Manager is responsible for all activities relating to the sales department including the management of key accounts and developing new business in all market segments.

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PART-TIME HOURS: 24-40 PER WEEK EXPECTED START DATE: 2021-02-15 Send updates to: ajackson@executivesuitessquamish.com

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Communications and Engagement Manager (Permanent, F/T)

SHARE YOUR PASSION

Whistler Golf Club Maintenance Positions Full Time & Part Time, Seasonal (May to October) Join the Whistler Golf Club Maintenance crew for the 2021 summer season! The Golf Maintenance department is hiring for the following specialized positions: • Grounds Maintenance (Full Time & Part Time, Seasonal) • Assistant Gardener (Full Time, Seasonal) • Irrigation Technician (Full Time, Seasonal, April – October) All positions require individuals who enjoy working outdoors, have golf experience, and the ability to deliver “Whistler’s Attitude”!

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Andrew Arseneault, Assistant Superintendent: andrew@whistlergolf.com.

For a complete list of summer positions at the Whistler Golf Club, visit: whistlergolf.com/careers.

DISPATCHER/ DELIVERY DISTRIBUTION SUPERVISOR DRIVER Seeking a reliable individual to oversee the dispatching and package distribution for a large Seeking reliable individuals delivery operation in Function Junction.

THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) is located in southwestern BC and consists of four 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.

The SLRD is seeking an experienced individual to fill the role of Communications and Engagement Manager as part of the senior management team, reporting to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

This position is responsible for managing a wide range of internal and external communications and public relations functions, community and stakeholder engagement, identification and development of grant funding sources and other projects as determined by the CAO. The ideal candidate will have post-secondary training in the area of communications, business administration, public relations, community engagement, or a related field, supplemented by 5 or more years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Digital communications education and / or experience is required, including working with web-based content management systems (Drupal 7 preferred), social media and other forms of electronic communication and engagement tools. In addition, local government experience is an asset, including working knowledge of BC’s Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and its implications for local government communications. Excellent verbal and written skills are a must, along with an ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships internally and externally.

The successful candidate will be responsible for leading the SLRD’s communications and engagement under the direction of the Chief Administrative Officer, including but not limited to: •

Providing strategic and tactical communications advice;

•

Developing and managing SLRD communication strategies and plans; overseeing content development for SLRD communications channels (website, print, social media, advertising);

•

Building relationships with First Nations, SLRD member municipalities, community groups, business associations, stakeholders and other interested parties in support of Board and organisational priorities, as directed by the CAO;

•

Identifying potential sources of grant funding, coordinating development of grant funding proposals, and overseeing grant administration.

For further information, please see the full job description at www.slrd.bc.ca/employment.

Compensation will be determined commensurate with knowledge, skills and ability, includes a comprehensive benefit package and Municipal Pension Plan and offers the ability to work a compressed work week (nine-day fortnight).

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume with a covering letter by email, no later than January 24, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. to: Nathalie Klein, Executive Assistant Squamish-Lillooet Regional District nklein@slrd.bc.ca We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

for package delivery service The person best suited for the position… in Whistler and Pemberton.

Has a positive attitude

is a fast-paced multi-tasker

Potential to have a driver route as well, with reliable vehicle

Glacier Media Group is growing. Check our job board regularly for the latest openings: www.glaciermedia.ca/careers

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Must be available year-round Always Reliable and available year-round and able Can work a 4to or 5work day weeka minimum including Friday - Sunday 3-5 days per week.

Call or email mail@wplpmedia.com Email Kyle at lunalogistics20@gmail.com or 604-815-3685 to see if this is the right or call at 604-902-1237 opportunity for you. for more information and to apply.

JANUARY 21, 2021

49

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Join Our Team Employment Opportunity

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VOP-portunities!

Customer Service Coordinator–Permanent, Full-Time Position Are you a natural?

Become one of the Village of Pemberton’s most valuable natural resources— our people.

The Customer Service Coordinator is a key point of contact for the Recreation Department at the Village of Pemberton. Primary duties include ensuring efficient, courteous and quality customer service. They coordinate and oversee Customer Service Representatives, are the first point of contact with the public, take a role in marketing and program/event communications, monitoring and improving business operational activities including but not limited to knowledge of Recreation Programs, and all other Facility uses.

If you’re able to provide best in class customer service, work independently whilst supervising a team, thrive in a busy environment and have experience with booking/reservation software and programs, let’s talk. Please send your resume and cover letter to recruiting@pemberton.ca by Thursday, February 4th, 2021.

For a full job description and to learn more about the Village of Pemberton, please visit www.pemberton.ca.

VillageOfPemberton

www.pemberton.ca

IRRIGATION TECHNICIAN Full Time, Summer Seasonal (April – October) The Whistler Golf Club is hiring an experienced, passionate and energetic Irrigation Technician to become an integral part of the Golf Maintenance team. The Irrigation Technician is involved with all facets of maintaining and operating the irrigation system, and works closely with the Superintendent and Assistance Superintendent on all irrigation repairs, troubleshooting, programming, and planning.

This position requires an individual with formal education in Turfgrass Management, or experience in golf course maintenance and/or irrigation; an understanding of golf and how it pertains to the set up and maintenance of the course; and an ability to deliver “Whistler’s Attitude”!

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Andrew Arseneault, Assistant Superintendent: andrew@whistlergolf.com.

For a complete list of summer positions at the Whistler Golf Club, visit: whistlergolf.com/careers.

SCHOOL DISTRICT NO. 48 Squamish Whistler Pemberton

BUS DRIVERS School District No. 48 (Sea to Sky) is accepting applications for the following positions: Bus Driver - Part time - Pemberton/Whistler area Bus Driver - Part time – Squamish area These positions are covered by our CUPE Collective Agreement and offers a competitive rate of pay and benefits package.

Further information regarding this position and the School District can be found at https://www.makeafuture.ca/regions-districts/ bc-public-school-districts/metro/sea-to-sky/ Please note applications for this position will be received up to 4:00 pm on Friday, January 29, 2021.

We've Got You Covered

Career Opportunities at the District of Squamish HR Coordinator, Recruitment and Engagement Temporary Part-Time Are you an experienced, passionate, and self-motivated HR professional, with a background in recruitment and employee engagement? Applications are now open.

Labourer Temporary Full-Time (Multiple positions!)

Labourers at the District play a key role in maintaining essential services. If you have two years of experience, please visit our website to apply. squamish.ca/careers

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Employment Opportunities • Systems Administrator • Lifeguard/Swim Instructor • Engineering Technologist - GIS and Data Management • Senior Accounting Clerk • Utilities Group Manager

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

50 JANUARY 21, 2021

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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

J�i� O�� T��m Emp���m��� Opp�����i�� VO�-p�����i���� ��� ��� � �������� ������ ��� �� ��� ������� �� ����������� ���� �������� ������� ��������� � ��� �������

I.T. OPERATIONS MANAGER Full Time, Year Round The I.T. Operations Manager provides a wide range of technical leadership relating to the network, software, and hardware for the Whistler Conference Centre, Visitor Information Centre, Whistler Golf Club, Whistler.com, and Tourism Whistler’s administrative office.

This role requires a hands-on professional with highly developed customer service skills, and a logical, formal approach to problem solving.

Technical knowledge and abilities include: mastery of the latest Microsoft workstation and server technologies, network design and security, Windows security, and Office 365 administration; MSCE (or equivalent) certification; and knowledge of wireless technology.

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LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

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: EASY

6 4 3 1 7 9 2 5 6 8 2 6 2 7 9 5

1

7 6 8 3 5 6 1 2 9 3 4 4 3 8 1

EASY Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com# 49

3 2 4 7 5 4 8 7 7 6 9 8 EASY

5 2 6 9 7

9 8

3 5

6

7 9 1 8 9 5 6

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 48

JANUARY 21, 2021

53

MAXED OUT

An argument bordering on nonsense “WHAT WE ARE SAYING is the problem (COVID-19) is not happening because of the travel.” (Italics mine) So says Vivek Sharma, chairman of Tourism Association of B.C. Mr. Sharma is apparently not particularly familiar with math and the power of exponents. Perhaps a lesson from middle school arithmetic will help. It’s the old chestnut about which is more valuable, $1 million in your hand or a penny a day, each day doubled, for 30 days.

The game of chess, not unlike the game of politics, is only played well when the

BY G.D. MAXWELL player(s) think more than a couple of moves ahead. That’s why most people aren’t very good at either. We don’t seem to be wired to think that far ahead. So most middle school kids, faced with this numbers game, inevitably choose the million bucks.

Their strategy-challenged minds can’t see beyond, say, the first seven moves—one cent, two cents, four cents, eight cents... I’ll take the million, thanks.

Of course, if they ran it out they’d find that penny a day for a 30-day month works out to $5,368,709.10—12 actually but Canadians round down since we don’t even have pennies any more.

So what’s this got to do with Mr. Sharma’s arithmetic-challenged world view, I hear you say?

The more-or-less current global numbers for COVID-19 stand at 96.2 million cases, 2 million deaths and counting, and 69 million recovered “survivors.” Of that latter number, it is estimated one-in-three are experiencing long-term effects that may never fully disappear, lingering maladies ranging from mild to debilitating.

But here are the kickers. It all started with one case! It spread outside China through travel... as opposed to wandering around on its own little legs. In a few months it covered the world. Duh. Mr. Sharma’s pathetic reasoning is, naturally, the product of myopic self-interest, being the mouthpiece for provincial tourism. It comes in response to Premier Horgan’s trial balloon last week that he was seeking legal advice on whether this province can limit interprovincial travel, that is, ban all but necessary travel into B.C. from other provinces.

I know there is language in Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms guaranteeing Canadian mobility rights but it would seem that barrier has already been overcome. The Canadian Civil Liberties Association asserts the government would have to show evidence a travel ban is necessary to overcome this constitutional

54 JANUARY 21, 2021

WWW.GETTYIMAGES.CA

right. They are appealing the earlier court decision that upheld Newfoundland and Labrador’s travel restrictions last year.

As far as evidence, it’s hard to argue with the results of Australia’s and New Zealand’s travel restrictions as well as other countries that have acted decisively and harshly to bring the spread of the virus under control. Closer to home, the Atlantic provinces’ bubble was successful in keeping case numbers down, not to mention proving how travel does, in fact, spark outbreaks.

By comparison—and by any measure— Canada’s federal response and the patchwork of most provincial responses have unerringly been too-little-too-late, resulting in Quebec’s province-wide curfew and Ontario’s province-wide lockdown,

is all about tourism. I have lots of friends who own, manage or work in businesses that depend on tourism, many of whom are barely hanging on and quite a few who probably won’t make it without enhanced government support. I’ve seen the impact of last March’s sudden lockdown when Whistler became a ghost town overnight and more people turned to the food bank than ever before.

Better we should limp through to whatever comes next without tourists from outside the province than be totally closed for business again, admitting not every business will be able to continue limping.

Perhaps the other reason B.C. should remain open is our modest success in keeping the provincial virus numbers relatively

It’s the economy, stupid.

both of which are just beginning to have some positive impact. By comparison, cases per capita in Manitoba and Alberta, provinces that have been reluctant to take meaningful steps against the spread of the virus, consistently rank in the top three in the country, jockeying with Quebec for the honour of being No. 1.

So why shouldn’t B.C. close its borders to non-essential travel?

It’s the economy, stupid. Mr. Sharma says tourism is, “... the glue that binds communities together.”

Tell me about it. I live in a town that

low. Then again, that result has come at an increasingly distressing cost for those who live here and follow the guidelines of our provincial health officer while watching others, both neighbours and people from other provinces and countries, who believe their weekends and holidays in town are far more important than controlling the spread.

Mr. Sharma believes the “solution” lies in a contorted reliance on the oh-soCanadian predilection to follow rules.

“There should be no reason why Canadians cannot continue to travel to B.C. if they are tested, know and follow the rules, as

well as practice health and safety protocols outlined by the PHO and implemented by all businesses,” he said.

Would following the rules include the one about staying local? Oh, that’s just an advisory, a suggestion. How can people from Ontario and Quebec follow their own rules by leaving the province?

I don’t know what the quantifiable risks are of people travelling to Whistler. Neither do you. I do know whatever they are will be greater with the new, more transmissible strains of virus getting a firm foothold in this country. And I take no comfort in the logic of the spokesperson for the Canadian Civil Liberties Association when she says, “It is not clear that B.C. has seen a rise in COVID-19 cases linked to interprovincial travel.”

This is just another way of saying we need a body count to quantify the risk and make it actionable. That might have been reasonable logic to mandate seat belts in cars but it hardly makes sense when we’re fighting a pandemic.

The businesses in town have done an outstanding job in establishing robust COVID protocols. I feel safe and believe the town is safe lining up and skiing. Weekends are still a bit spooky with the onslaught of Lower Mainland enthusiasts but I don’t know what additional steps could be taken to make things safer.

I don’t believe Premier Horgan will close the province. I don’t think he’s that brave and hope he marshals all his bravery to shut down Site C. But it only takes a spark to start a fire. So fingers crossed we make it through the rest of the season and into warmer weather. ■

FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, HOME G L O B A L R E AC H , L O C A L K N O W L E D G E NEW TO MARKET

BENCHLANDS 413-4800 Spearhead Drive Top floor, ski-in/ski-out, one bedroom suite with forest views & all day sun. Enjoy unlimited personal use or rent out for revenues. Enjoy use of an outdoor hot tubs, an outdoor pool, gym, front desk, & a lounge. Strata fees include utilities. GST Paid. $900,000

Allyson Sutton

WHISTLER VILLAGE 509-4369 Main Street Alpenglow - Penthouse Studio Suite. Top floor views, large deck, pool, hot tub, sauna, gym. All you need after a long day on the slopes. Good revenues with onsite management or Airbnb options. $409,000

604-932-7609 Rob Boyd

604-935-9172 Jody Wright

Janet Brown

WHISTLER CAY HEIGHTS 6318 Fairway Drive Brand new luxury custom home. 5 bed, 5 bath, media room & office. Beautiful mountain views & 2 spacious covered decks. Exclusive central location. Under construction - move in this Spring! Visit 6318FairwayInterior. com & 6318FairwayExterior.com $5,998,000

SPRING CREEK 1577 Khyber Lane Six Bedrooms + Rec Room, Five Bath spread over 3,872 sq ft across three levels. Exposed logs and timbers, heated driveway, three car garage, flowing decks and covered hot tub area for apres-skiing! Property Website: https://hd.pics/183411 $3,349,000 Asking price

604-935-0700 Ron Mitchell *PREC & Rachel Allen 604-966-4200 Katherine Currall

NEW TO MARKET

NEW TO MARKET

604-966-1364

NEW TO MARKET

WHISTLER CREEKSIDE D101-1400 Alta Lake Road 1 Bed / 1 bath 645 sq.ft.

Recently renovated with spacious interior livingroom, natural gas fireplace, large kitchen, with covered patio.

Near to Whistler Creekside ski / bike lifts and easy access to paddle board or kayak on Alpha Lake $580,000

WHISTLER VILLAGE 125/125A-4388 Northlands Blvd Village GEM! Amazing lock-off townhome that sleeps 10 comfortably. Recently renovated throughout, gas fireplace, private hot tub on a 480 sq ft deck, Airbnb rentals okay, outdoor pool, ready and “turn-key“ for a new owner. $1,949,000

Kathy White

Kerry Batt

604-616-6933

604-935-4680

SOLD

VIRTUAL TOUR

WHISTLER CREEKSIDE 215A-2020 London Lane, Evolution Quarter share, pet friendly property just steps fron Creekside gondola, shops & restaurants. Beautiful contemporary design with great amenities including entertainment rooms, fitness centre, outdoor pool, hot tubs and sauna. $114,900

BENCHLANDS 518-4660 Blackcomb Way Top floor, 1 bed, 1 bath. Nightly rental or unlimited owner use. Great location with easy access to lifts, bike/hiking trails, Fairmont golf and Lost Lake. Treed setting with pool & hot tub $749,000

PEMBERTON 2019 Tiyata Blvd Enjoy stunning views of Mt. Currie from this brand new 6 bedroom home with 2-5-10 warranty.

Room for family, work and dreams. Live on the happiest street in Pemberton.

Full Website: http://19.digitalopenhou.se $979,000

604-902-5422 Ken Achenbach

Whistler Village Shop

Whistler Creekside Shop

Squamish Station Shop

36-4314 Main Street · Whistler BC V8E 1A8 · Phone +1 604-932-1875

325-2063 Lake Placid Road · Whistler BC V8E 0B6 · Phone +1 604-932-1875

150-1200 Hunter Place · Squamish BC V8B 0G8 · Phone +1 778-733-0611

whistler.evrealestate.com

whistler.evrealestate.com

whistler.evrealestate.com

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.

604-966-7640

New Price

3D Tour - rem.ax/34redsky

#34-8400 AshleighMcIvorWay

$2,399,000

This stunning Red Sky townhome offers fabulous south facing exposure and delivers sunshine from dawn to dusk. There are 3 bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms, a huge family room or 4th bedroom. This townhome offers contemporary mountain architecture with extensive use of natural wood and stone.

Sally Warner*

3.5

604.905.6326

3282 Arbutus Drive

$2,399,000

Bright family home within walking distance to Whistler Village with beautiful Blackcomb Mountain views. Open concept floor plan is perfect for entertaining.

Flex room could be used for an office or bedroom plus master bedroom are situated on the main level. The upper level showcases 3 bedrooms with a loft.

Ursula Morel*

7

604.932.8629

9076 Corduroy Run Court

Located just 12 minutes north of Whistler Village and 5 minutes from the new grocery store and liquor store in the ‘Rainbow’ neighbourhood, the lots at Wedgewoods offer privacy, views and light. Each property has been carefully designed to have the best building site available and the services are at the lot line.

Ann Chiasson

3D Tour - rem.ax/8361valley

#105D - 2020 London Lane

$125,000

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.

Bob Cameron*

1

604.935.2214

8361 Valley Drive

3D Tour - rem.ax/23SB

#23 - 3102 Panorama Ridge

$705,000

2

604.902.2033

8349 Needles Drive

$2,699,000

Situatedonover12,000squarefeet,agorgeousquintessentialWhistlerhome,over2,500 squarefeet.Thedetachedgaragehas9footceilings.Vaultedlivingroom,windowswrapped aroundtheentirepropertytoletinthelight.Skylights,viewsofWedge,Armchairand Blackcombmountains,ampleroomfortheentirefamilytohavevisitsandmemoriesforever.

Doug Treleaven

3D Tour - rem.ax/2310cayley

2310 Cayley Close

5

$1,200,000

This unit has had a wonderful renovation that is clean bright and modern. Wide plank wire brushed engineered oak floors run through out the home and both bathrooms are finished with heavy glass doors,recessed tile walls and heated floors. This is a truly turn key luxury apartment with a south facing deck with all day sun.

Dave Sharpe

604.902.2779

2

6

604.905.8626

#8 - 2213 Marmot Place

$718,000

Just a stone’s toss from Creekside village and gondola is this gorgeously updated 1 bedroom townhome, boasting vaulted ceilings, large private deck, wood burning fireplace, and an amazing view of Rainbow mountain - this gem is sure to please.

Custom upgrades include cabin style wood feature walls throughout.

Laura Barkman

604.905.8777

1

3D Tour - rem.ax/16_2300nordic

$2,088,000

#16I - 2300 Nordic Drive

$209,900

With 4 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms and a large living area, this is a perfect home for entertaining. A flexible floor plan enables the fourth bedroom to be an office or nursery adjoining to the master bedroom. Log posts with vaulted wood ceilings accent an open floor plan illuminated by skylights throughout the main floor.

Exclusive slope-side Luxury Residence in 10th share fractional ownership. This 3 bedroom 2450 sqft. home offers the best ski in/ski out location in Whistler, coupled with unmatched luxury and simplicity. Your one tenth ownership offers 5 weeks per year in this beautiful, completely turn-key home.

Madison Perry

Matt Chiasson

778.919.7653

#312 - 3317 Ptarmigan Place

3D Tour - rem.ax/8349needles

The perfect Whistler family home walking distance to Whistler Village. #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.

Denise Brown*

$1,839,000

604.905.8855

604.932.7651

3D Tour - rem.ax/312greyhawk

Enjoy this character home and private, convenient Alpine Meadows location.

The main three bedroom and two-bathroom house features custom cabinetry, west coast native carved front door, brick fireplace, wood panelling, vaulted ceiling and plenty of light through wall to wall windows and skylights.

Dave Beattie*

$1,495,000

5

WHISTLER OFFICE 106 - 7015 Nesters Road, Whistler, BC V8E 0X1 604.932.2300 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070 *PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

If you are a home owner, buyer, tenant, landlord, or small business in need of help during this time, please see our updated list of resources at: remax-whistler.com/resources

604.935.9171

3

#212 - 4220 Gateway Drive

$285,000

A renovated studio with loft - right in the heart of Whistler Village and within a 2 minute walk to the ski lifts. These fully furnished lofted studios 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.

Michael d’Artois

604.905.9337

1

PEMBERTON OFFICE 1411 Portage Road, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L1 604.894.6616 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070