Pique Newsmagazine 2818

MAY 6, 2021 ISSUE 28.18

WWW.PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM

FREE TO GET HIGH

The

Climbing Contagion AT THE ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA’S ANNUAL GENERAL MOUNTAINEERING CAMP, ENTHUSIASM IS CATCHING

16

HACK ATTACK

Resort Municipality of

Whistler hacked in ransomware attack

18

FUNCTIONAL FLOW

Lil’wat Nation

moving ahead with Function development

46

PHOTO FINISH

Whistler photographers

earn top honours at national exhibit

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

42

38

46

The climbing contagion At the Alpine Club of Canada’s annual General Mountaineering Camp, enthusiasm is catching. - By Leslie Anthony

16

HACK ATTACK

Resort Municipality of Whistler

24

PROTECTING WETLANDS

Lil’wat

services were handcuffed this week after a ransomware attack—which

Nation and the Pemberton Wildlife Association seek to spread the word on

cyber security experts say could affect thousands.

keeping vehicles out of sensitive wetlands.

18

42

FUNCTIONAL FLOW

The Lil’wat Nation is

MTB MIKE

After more than a decade at the helm of

finally moving ahead with its development in Function Junction after

Team Squamish, renowned mountain bike coach Mike Charuk is taking

receiving provisional approval from the province.

over as coach of a new team, Charge BC-XC racing.

20

46

BEAR AWARE

One year after a sighting of a grizzly

in Whistler Cay, an expert weighs in on how to co-exist with brown bears.

PHOTO FINISH

Three Whistler photographers

recently earned top honours at a national exhibit. Read the stories behind the images.

COVER I think I’d be much more interested in climbing if the way down wasn’t so arduous. Why fight gravity when it’s so much fun to play with! - By Jon Parris // Photos by Leslie Anthony 4 MAY 6, 2021

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS Whistler may be heaving a huge sigh of relief for its COVID-19

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

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

vaccinations, but the reality is the pandemic won’t be gone until everyone on Earth is immunized.

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR A letter writer this week answers Pique’s woodpile challenge and

Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com

Whistler Community Services Society asks everyone to stand up against racism.

Editor CLARE OGILVIE - edit@piquenewsmagazine.com Assistant Editor ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com Sales Manager SUSAN HUTCHINSON - shutchinson@wplpmedia.com Production Manager AMIR SHAHRESTANI - ashahrestani@wplpmedia.com Art Director JON PARRIS - jparris@wplpmedia.com Advertising Representatives

15 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST UFOs have long been something of a punchline in mainstream circles, but a recent flurry of disclosures from the Pentagon have ushered in a golden age of UFO research.

62 MAXED OUT This weekend marks one of the most important celebrations of the year, writes G.D. Maxwell: Mother’s Day.

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

Environment & Adventure

Arts & Entertainment Editor ALYSSA NOEL arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

37 RANGE ROVER Writer Leslie Anthony considers how the man-made moguls we ski and ride on have

Features Editor BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com

become habitat for creatures that live beneath the snow.

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

Lifestyle & Arts

Classifieds and Reception mail@piquenewsmagazine.com Office and Accounts Manager HEIDI RODE - hrode@wplpmedia.com Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, FEET BANKS, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL, ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY, LISA RICHARDSON President, Whistler Publishing LP

44 EPICURIOUS The Restaurant Association of Whistler launches a new ‘Meal Train’ initiative for the Whistler Food Bank, as indoor dining suspension continues.

50 MUSEUM MUSINGS The White Gold neighbourhood would look quite different today if the original development plans of the 1970s had gone ahead.

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

The entire contents of Pique Newsmagazine are copyright 2021 by Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of WPLP, a division of Glacier Media). No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express written permission of the Publisher.

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

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OPENING REMARKS

Enlightened self-interest FOR THE LAST several weeks we have been hyper focused on our own community as we saw the case numbers of COVID-19 skyrocket.

Acting a bit like a spoiled child, I’m afraid, we demanded that our community and those who work here get vaccinated immediately and though it’s hard to know exactly how it all came together (as spokespeople just seem to want to stay mum on it) it’s clear that local government working with Vancouver Coastal Health medical leaders, our own local medical

BY CLARE OGILVIE edit@piquenewsmagazine.com

professionals and the weight of our tourism and business sector bore down on decision makers, and the clinics were put in place.

We all heaved a sigh of relief, and our cases have gone from hundreds a week to just 15 cases last week, April 26 to May 2.

Let’s think about that for a moment.

Vaccination, most people following health guidelines not to travel, and not eating inside restaurants led to a steep decline in COVID-19 here.

Not exactly rocket science, but still not within the grasp of some.

These examples, though, are happening amidst a frightening third wave of the coronavirus across B.C., indeed across Canada.

And if we switch our viewpoint from the hyper local to provincial to national to global the reality of the way forward in fighting this killer virus clearly has to be on a worldwide scale.

In only the last few months pharmaceutical companies have produced millions of doses of COVID-19 vaccine, and in the coming months into 2022 the production will be in the billions. But some 11 billion doses are required to vaccinate 70 per cent of the world’s population— assuming two doses are given per person.

Like anything else, vaccine production is being impacted by COVID19 with interruptions to supply chains for manufacture—producing a vaccine requires more than 200 pieces of equipment, including glass vials, filters, resin, tubing and disposable bags.

“If any critical item falls short, then it can disrupt the entire process,” Richard Hatchett, chief executive of the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations, a nongovernmental organization headquartered in Oslo, told a summit of manufacturers and policymakers last month, reported Nature.

In developed countries the race is on to get populations vaccinated—high and upper-

“The virus is bad enough, but if you combine the virus with idiotic and criminally negligent politicians then the result is catastrophic and that is what we are seeing in several parts of the world now.”

- DR MADHUKAR PAI

And it’s not just Whistler which is seeing success with this process. Prince Rupert saw the same pattern. Like Whistler in mid-March, the city of 12,000 had some of the highest COVID-19 transmission rates in B.C. Weekly cases peaked at 117 between March 7 to 13 there—mass vaccinations were started in the city March 15 with 85 per cent getting immunized.

The week of April 11 to 17 case numbers had dropped to just three in Prince Rupert.

middle income countries (about one-fifth of the worlds population) have so far secured 6 billion of 8.6 billion available doses. But this virus is going to continue to seriously impact people globally, and the global economy, unless the vaccine reaches all nations.

Manufacturers such as BioNTech, the Serum Institute of India, Astra Zeneca, South Africa’s Aspen Pharmaceuticals, and Johnson & Johnson are making the vaccine,

but with politics, questions about the rights over intellectual property of the vaccines, and some producing nations needing all the vaccine they can make themselves, there are serious concerns about getting doses to low-income nations.

Yes, the COVAX program is up and running—this program has international funders, including Canada, pledging to vaccinate one-fifth of the world’s population.

But it is generally accepted that this is not enough to wrestle this coronavirus to a place where it is not disrupting everything.

Think for a moment about the stories coming out of India (population 1.3 billion) as it grapples with a truly horrifying pandemic situation—where there are a reported 400,000 daily cases (real case numbers are likely 10 times this, say experts) and the daily death count is at 3,600 a day (also believed to be seriously underestimated).

Dr. Madhukar Pai, a Canada Research Chair in Epidemiology and Global Health at McGill University told CBC’s The Sunday Magazine on May 2 that India’s pandemic threatens the world.

He is advocating, along with many other leading scientists, that the “recipe” for the vaccines be shared with all nations so that they can make their own as fast as possible.

“The virus is bad enough, but if you combine the virus with idiotic and criminally negligent politicians then the result is catastrophic and that is what we are seeing in several parts of the world now,” said Pai. “This cannot be about holding vaccine and keeping it to ourselves and having this stupendously foolish idea that just vaccinating ourselves in the rich countries is going to keep us safe.

“Viruses don’t give a damn about national boundaries and yet we are stuck with this nationalistic paradigm, which is forcing us to hold [vaccines] rather than saying if some part of the world is in crisis we have to help, otherwise that variant is coming back to us— in fact they are already here.

“We will never be safe until we really vaccinate the whole world.”

We need only look at the examples of polio and smallpox to see the wisdom of his words. n

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Taking the wood-pile challenge So there I was ... just stoked the woodstove in the cozy cabin (which has a well-worn copy of Norwegian Wood) and sitting down to enjoy a copy of the Pique, when lo and behold there’s a well-penned missive from Herr Bruns von Bunpffdorf, requesting photographic evidence of our woodpiles! (Pique, April 15, “Banff offers up a challenge to Whistler,” by Walter Bruns.)

[I’m] happy to oblige! Last year’s pile [was] 246 cubic feet (almost two cords) of red alder sourced free from a nearby residential project (go to piquenewsmagazine.com to see the photos).

It’s just a single-width stack facing due south with a stone wall behind and dark pavement beside that radiates a lot of heat. Herr Bruns will notice the pile is not covered... Well, those of us who follow Dr. Cliff Mass religiously know that Pacific Northwest summers are very warm and dry with low dew points (Seattle is drier than Phoenix in July!), which rapidly makes for bonedry, clean firewood.

You might say we are warmed three times by our firewood.

Mark Grist // North Vancouver

STAND UP WITH US AGAINST RACISM

For many decades, Whistler has thrived as

a community built by those from near and far. Ever since its beginning as a resort municipality, it has been long-term locals and seasonal workers who have made this wonderful place what it is: a playground for the world, residing on the unceded territory of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation; and a place where new discoveries and experiences of a lifetime happen.

The energy in the resort as new people arrive each season is palpable and exciting.

New friendships are made, and adventures unfold, creating memories that last a lifetime.

But Whistler is not without its challenges; it is not immune to difficulties stemming from poor mental health, poverty, homelessness, racism, and displacement of the marginalized and underserved.

Last year, 2020 brought a reckoning to the world unlike any other most of us have ever seen.

The global pandemic, the strengthening of the Black Lives Matter and civil rights movement, deeper conversations around what it means to be privileged, and confrontation of the colonial past and longstanding mistreatment of the First Peoples of this land.

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.

SOLD OVER ASKING!

Through it all, Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) has been a constant in serving our community—feeding the hungry, supporting those in crisis, diverting our community’s waste and engaging in continued conversations around how we can all do better as citizens of Whistler and of the world. We work with everyone. If you need help, you will find it at WCSS. Given all of this, we have recently been saddened and deeply disappointed by several incidents of racism directed towards our staff at WCSS and members of the community.

To be clear, we do not tolerate racist actions and they are strictly against our code of conduct as it governs our clients, patrons, vendors, and staff.

We are not naïve and realize these incidents do happen and have never gone away. We are working hard to look at ourselves, our place in the community and how we can be more inclusive and equitable to those we serve. We are taking on training, we are listening to a broad range of voices and we are engaged in a lifelong journey in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Despite these efforts, incidents of racism—whether outright or more insidious and systemic—are happening. They are being directed at our staff at WCSS. We must not turn a blind eye to them. None of us can afford to be complicit; we all deserve better.

We, the board of WCSS, ask that you, our community, stand with us in condemning any instances of racism, hate speech, and any action that serves to denigrate, dispossess and disempower anyone who is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People of Colour). We continue

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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to educate ourselves on issues of race and inequality, and we ask you to do the same.

Learning together, from, and with each other empowers us all to continue to shape our home as a place we all want to be and where all are welcome.

So, what next? Listen and engage with your neighbours, your friends, your coworkers, your staff, and your family. Undoubtedly, there will be individuals amongst them who belong to a marginalized and underserved group and have experienced mistreatment in their lifetime.

Listen with the intent to learn what we can do together to address racism in all its forms.

As we find ourselves in the midst of this civil rights movement, we all have to ask ourselves what role we want to play in this history. We must be committed to do this important work, this cannot wait—the time is now.

Dave Clark on behalf of the WCSS Board of Directors // Whistler

FOREST INDUSTRY NEEDS A SHAKE UP

The fight to change the way B.C. manages its forests has been going on for a long time but you would not know it from the action on the ground.

Herb Hammond [said in Pique’s April 15 feature, “The forest for the trees”] that “Forestry causes the largest losses of biodiversity across the province while contributing less than 2.5 per cent of B.C.’s GDP.” [This] is a dramatic statement, which on its own should be enough to force change.

I am writing to elaborate on the point Hammond makes in the Pique article, and that is what I would call the futility of forestry education and research in this province.

He states: “The timber tenure system has proven to be an incredibly powerful tool in the hands of industry. It shapes the regulations, legislation and policy through a very concerted lobby, and it has huge influence over education and research.

“A lot of the monies needed for higher education and research flow directly from the timber companies that benefit from the tenure system making education and research reluctant to bite the hand that feeds them. The industry’s sway over the institutions training and employing new foresters is one reason that many in the sector have largely remained silent on the practice’s ecological impact.”

B.C.’s highest centre of learning, UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, should be leading the way

with respect to researching, developing and promoting the highest level of science-based forestry practices in B.C. However, there is little evidence of this being enacted upon.

When an esteemed academic came to UBC from Harvard via Yale in 1990, to become Dean of the Faculty of Forestry, many people saw this as a sign of a new, positive change in B.C.’s forestry practices. This turned out to be a major disappointment. Nothing changed.

If the Faculty of Forestry is doing good things, publicly it doesn’t show—it seems irrelevant. If it is doing good things but is being excluded from having a positive impact then the system needs to change and industry’s negative impact removed.

UBC’s Faculty of Forestry, the bureaucrats in the Ministry of Forests and our politicians should be compelled to collaborate on an ongoing basis to ensure that the best forestry practices are embedded and followed religiously.

Our government agency, BC Timber Sales, seems to log at all costs. This mindset and the aspect of ever-changing harvesting regulations on the ground need to go. Industry could/should have input along the way but should not be leading the way. Historically that strategy has not worked and needs to change.

Why is it that in public discussion on the state of our forests and best practices the UBC Faculty of Forestry is never mentioned? It is supposedly teaching and producing the next leaders in the field.

Why isn’t government listening to and preaching publicly on the merits of capitalizing on this asset? If the Faculty of Forestry is truly irrelevant then the system needs a major shakeup.

Our government needs to reprioritize whom it is listening to with regard to our forests and the industry.

This change needs to happen now.

Dennis Perry // West Vancouver-Whistler

CYBER ATTACK INCLUDED LIBRARY

The library got cyber-attacked! Who would attack a library? Do they know what books I checked out! I’m concerned. That’s private!

I’m not sure about the rest of the municipality’s systems. More muni information could also have been leaked. If anyone has any information please let … the municipality know.

Erik Allas // Whistler n

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PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST

Is it time for Canada to start taking UFOs seriously?

FOR DECADES, the mere mention of UFOs would conjure images of flying saucers and little green men. But at some point in the last few years, U.S. officials have gotten over the punchline, heralding something of a golden age for UFO research.

In 2017, a New York Times bombshell confirmed the existence of a secret program at the Pentagon that had, for years,

BY BRANDON BARRETT investigated reports of unidentified flying objects. Officials with the program studied videos of encounters between unknown objects and American military, including one from 2004 that has since been leaked to the public showing a white oval object, about the size of a commercial plane, being followed by a pair of Navy fighter jets off the coast of San Diego. In it, the Tic-Tac-shaped aircraft appears to “bounce around like a Ping-Pong ball,” with no visible wings or means of propulsion, wrote reporter Gideon Lewis-Krauss in a recent New Yorker piece. Then, just last month, the Pentagon confirmed the authenticity of a number of leaked videos and images of supposed UFOs (although officials stopped short

of labelling the objects as “unidentified aerial phenomena,” the military’s preferred nomenclature), including one of the more puzzling clips to be released yet. Recorded in 2019 from the deck of the USS Russell, a Navy destroyer that was also stationed off the coast of San Diego, the nightvision footage appears to show several unidentified flying triangles “flashing” in the clouds before merging.

For an institution as opaque and buttoned-down as the U.S. freakin’ military to acknowledge the existence of UFOs is a pretty big deal. For better or worse, UFOs have officially gone mainstream, no longer the exclusive domain of tinfoil-wearing crackpots and conspiracy theorists. And for good reason. Unexplained aerial phenomenon may capture the imagination of alien chasers, but they could represent a far greater threat if linked to foreign adversaries. Although, in more grist for the extraterrestrial mill, several high-ranking security officials believe it virtually impossible for any foreign power to possess technology as advanced as the unidentified objects observed by military personnel. “When we talk about sightings,” former National Intelligence director John Ratcliffe told the Washington Post, “we are talking about objects … that frankly engage in actions that are difficult to explain, movements that are hard to replicate, that we don’t have the technology for, or are

travelling at speeds that exceed the sound barrier without a sonic boom.” Freaky stuff.

Donald Trump, for all his flaws, probably did more to advance the public disclosure of UFO phenomenon than any U.S. president in recent memory. Buried in last year’s 5,500page, US$2.3-trillion appropriations bill that provided millions in coronavirus relief aid was a bizarre provision mandating a report, expected next month, detailing everything the government knows about UFOs. Needless to say, whatever the origin of these unexplained aircraft, it’s not the kind of thing that governments can simply ignore.

So what about Canada, where UFO sightings have risen by as much as 50 per cent in the pandemic? Thanks to the work of Vice reporter Daniel Otis, this month we got official proof that the Canadian military is documenting unexplained aerial phenomenon, thanks to an unclassified intelligence report from January 2019 of a medical transport flight crew that reported “an inexplicable bright light followed them … at the same altitude and speed” over northern Manitoba.

Otis has since combed through thousands of reports in a government flight incident database, honing in on dozens of recent UFO sightings from both Canadian and international airlines. The Civil Aviation Daily Occurrence Report System, a publicly searchable archive operated by Transport Canada, contains nearly 300,000 aviation

incident reports over three decades. It’s the most readily available—albeit enigmatic— window we have into UFO sightings in Canadian airspace, but, at least at this point, officials have had little to say on them, which is troubling to experts in the field.

“It concerns me that there is so much secrecy around this,” professor Timothy Sayle from the University of Toronto’s International Relations program told Vice.

With the help of aviation experts, Otis was able to explain away many of the sightings, but there remains a handful that defy easy answers, like a Kalitta Charters Boeing 747 cargo flight that reported an object “flying sporadically” and travelling as fast as Mach 4, beyond the capabilities of modern aircraft, over the Northwest Territories in 2018, or the close call from 2015 when a Porter Airlines plane flying over Lake Ontario was forced to dive out of the way of an unidentified object, injuring two crew members.

For decades now, UFOs have been treated as something of a joke, and it was only through the efforts of a handful of U.S. officials and dogged reporters that the subject is finally being taken seriously in a public way. Given the security implications, it would behoove Canada to do the same, even if it turns out, to my dismay, that these unexplained phenomenon aren’t the product of an army of little green men. Until then, all we can do is look up and wonder. ■

MAY 6, 2021

15

NEWS WHISTLER

RMOW operations handcuffed after ransomware attack DATA BREACH COULD AFFECT THOUSANDS; NO TIMELINE FOR RETURN OF RMOW SERVICES

BY BRADEN DUPUIS RESORT MUNICIPALITY of Whistler (RMOW) services remain offline with no timeline for bringing them back following a ransomware attack last week that could potentially impact thousands.

While the criminals claiming responsibility for the breach continue to post updates to the dark web, the RMOW noted the claims are unsubstantiated, and it does not yet have any evidence that any personal information was taken from its system.

“There is a very thorough investigative process underway, and we continue to work with forensic cyber security experts to understand what may have been accessed, and how that access may have happened,” said Gillian Robinson, the RMOW’s manager of communications, adding that the RCMP and Office of the Information and Privacy Commissioner for B.C. are also involved.

“As you can appreciate, we have several servers, and it’s a very exhaustive and time-consuming process to go through all of those. I can tell you that that work is underway 24 hours a day, and many people are working overtime to do that—we are treating it with the utmost urgency from our end.”

The RMOW held a closed meeting May 5, “to discuss the security of the property of the municipality, the receipt of advice that is subject to solicitor-client privilege,

SYSTEM SHOCK Operations at Whistler’s municipal hall were thrown into disarray after unidentified cyber criminals gained access to municipal servers in late April.

PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS

16 MAY 6, 2021

and discussions regarding the provision of a municipal service.”

While services including email, phones and the municipal website remain offline as a security measure, the RMOW has control over its servers and website and is focusing on business continuity for the community (something it has recent experience in due to COVID-19), Robinson said.

“Getting back online, we have to be 100-per-cent sure that [our systems] are secure before we can do so, and that just speaks to the thoroughness of the investigation that’s underway,” she said.

“It’s a dial to get things back up; it’s not a switch.”

The RMOW has set up a FAQ at whistler. ca, which it continues to update, and will post any new developments to the website as well.

The municipality also has cyber security insurance to protect from criminal activity such as this, Robinson said.

RMOW infrastructure such as water and sewage, and emergency systems such as 911 and the Whistler Fire Department have been secured and continue to operate as normal, while in-person service at municipal hall has been temporarily suspended.

Council meetings scheduled for Tuesday, May 4 were cancelled, and the RMOW is looking at May 18 for the next meeting.

The public can call 604-932-5535 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday with any questions.

CYBER CRIMINALS POST THREATS TO DARK WEB The community became aware of the attack when visitors to the RMOW’s website on April 27 were greeted with an ominous

message left by the unidentified hackers. “this is very fun … guys, if we do not talk now, you’ll have big troubles in future,” read the message.

“I have a lot of patches on your systems to gain access and you can’t restore your network from backups again. So talk in chat and i’ll stop this now. I’m waiting.”

The message included a link to download the Tor browser, which enables anonymous communication online, along with another link followed by more ominous words: “no way to run.”

The RMOW responded by taking all of its services offline as a precautionary measure.

In an update posted to the RMOW’s website on April 28, the municipality advised the public to be vigilant about phone calls or emails that appear to be coming from the RMOW, noting that it does not ask for private, personal information by phone or email.

The cyber criminals claiming responsibility for the attack, meanwhile, continued to post updates to the dark web (a part of the internet not visible to search engines, and accessed through an anonymous browser called Tor).

On April 30, the criminals claimed to have access to about 800 gigabytes of RMOW data.

“Whistler people personal information (names, addresses) sql databases, stats, huge email dumps, emails database, passwords, network scheme, services, private documents placed on darknet auction,” the post read.

“It will be sold in next 7 days. Follow to chat to bet. ~800gb of archive. Yum yum.”

Another post on May 2 suggested that the RMOW is not responding to the ransom threat.

“The Government of the Whistler does not want to protect citizens and guests from leak,” it read. “Well… they have less than 5 days … what will they do?”

Asked about the posts, Robinson deferred to the criminal investigation taking place.

“We have to recognize that the RMOW is a victim of a crime, and the possibility of theft of personal information is something we take very, very seriously,” she said.

“But as you can appreciate, we aren’t able to comment on any specific details while that investigation is underway.”

THOUSANDS COULD BE IMPACTED Until a full forensic investigation is completed, there’s no way of knowing what the criminals actually have, said Brett Callow, threat analyst with Emsisoft, a cyber security company with a particular expertise in ransomware.

“These are criminal organizations. They don’t always tell the truth,” Callow said, adding that, because the cyber criminals’ systems are all scrambled, it’s not at all easy to work out what data was taken.

“It can require a forensic investigation that can take several weeks to complete, if they can work it out at all,” he said.

“And the criminals do attempt to use that uncertainty. There are cases where they will claim to have more data than they actually do. There are also, however, cases where they have exactly what they claim to have, so there really is no way of knowing.”

Data is stolen in about 70 per cent of ransomware attacks, Callow said.

As for the amount that could be being demanded, “it could be a lot,” he said.

“The highest amount on record to date,

NEWS WHISTLER at least the highest amount to have become publicly known, is $50 million.”

While “it’s very hard to say” how local governments should respond to threats like this, “my personal feeling is that organizations should never pay,” Callow said.

“It doesn’t guarantee they will get their data back, it doesn’t guarantee that the criminals will not misuse whatever data was stolen, and of course it simply incentivizes the cyber crime.”

And while it’s still unclear how the hackers breached the RMOW servers, in about 50 per cent of cases, it is through email phishing scams, Callow said— instances where someone has inadvertently downloaded remote access software.

“That gives the criminals access to the network. They can then use various methods to move laterally throughout it; they elevate their privileges, they disable security products, they suck out the data, and then when they’re good and ready they finally encrypt the network,” he said.

“And that is the point at which the organization realizes it has a major problem.

But of course by that point their data is already long gone.”

With the technology and tactics constantly evolving, safeguarding against cyber crime is “a constant and ongoing game of Whack-a-Mole,” Callow added.

While the extent of the breach is still unknown, Whistlerites—and indeed any business or organization that has an account with the RMOW— should “work on the assumption that the cyber criminals now have whatever information the municipality held about me,” Callow said.

“That may not be the case, but it is best to be safe [rather] than sorry.”

A report published recently by Emsisoft estimates that the average ransomware demand grew by more than 80 per cent globally in 2020, with a minimum of $18 billion paid in ransoms.

In Canada, there were 4,257 reports of ransomware demands, with a minimum cost of about $165 million.

“The data that ends up being posted online in these cases can be extremely sensitive. We have seen information relating to alleged cases of child abuse, for example, be posted online, [and] medical reports about those children, when social services departments and/or healthcare providers have been hit,” Callow said.

“And that’s really terrible. If your financial information leaks, at least you can eventually fix your credit. When extremely sensitive personal information like that leaks, once it’s out there, it’s out there.

There’s nothing you can do about it at all.”

PUBLIC ADVISED TO REMAIN VIGILANT In the days following the attack, several Whistlerites reported receiving strange calls from people claiming to represent the RMOW. Leah Howard said she received a call from a man speaking very quickly and mumbling his words.

When the man asked her how many people live in her house, and how old they are, the red flag was raised for Howard.

“I just said I don’t feel comfortable

responding to this phone call … he mumbled again, and then he just hung up the phone,” Howard said.

While Howard said she’s received calls about the RMOW’s Community Life Survey (CLS) in previous years, those calls were always clearly identified, and in this case the caller seemed “kind of aggressive” (this year’s CLS ended on April 19).

The ransomware attack on the RMOW is “kind of unsettling, obviously, because we live in such a small community,” Howard said, adding that one of her first thoughts after hearing the news was for Whistler’s elderly citizens, who may be more susceptible to scammers.

“There’s unfortunately so many scams out there these days,” she said.

Calls like the one Howard received are quite common after attacks such as this, as some criminals use the information they have to make their phishing campaigns more successful, said Derek Manky, chief of security insights and global threat alliances at Fortinet’s FortiGuard Labs in Burnaby.

“It’s called spear-phishing, which is a targeted phishing attack,” he said.

“A lot of these organizations, they’re not just purely running on the ransom card, right? They have other ways they can try to monetize their attacks, so using information against victims through phishing attacks is a big way to do that.”

The criminals are potentially attempting to “regionalize” what information they have, and the initial question posed to Howard was likely a red herring, Manky said.

“At the end of the day, what they’re trying to do is get through to the end users, and at some point in time there has to be an exfiltration,” he said.

“So oftentimes they’re looking for some sort of way to open the user up, and then get information out.”

Most attackers are looking to get credit card information, but in some cases the end goal is gathering enough personal identifiable information to commit identity theft—often used to open up bank accounts or to launder money.

With more than 100 billion attacks happening every day worldwide, “it’s not a matter of if, but when,” Manky added. “The cyber criminals, they really don’t sleep, collectively, and so you always have to be on guard.”

If you receive a suspicious call or text, always verify that you can call them back, Manky said, adding that you should not return the call to the number that tried calling you, but call your bank or the affected organization directly.

People should also practise good “cyber hygiene” by avoiding unsecured WiFi networks, Manky said.

Businesses should ensure they have proper backups for their data, and practise network segmentation so that if one channel is compromised, it doesn’t provide the hackers access to the entire network.

As it relates to opening email attachments and clicking on links, adopt a “zero-trust mentality,” Manky said, noting that things like digital certificates or online signatures can be used to verify data.

To read more on this story, head to www.piquenewsmagazine.com. n

Shannon Flanagan Norminton (1982-2021) Shannon grew up in Whistler, between Rainbow Mountain and the River of Golden Dreams. Fitting for a soul who was so close to nature, who loved and excelled in sports and embraced an incredible zest for life. More recently, Pemberton is where Shannon made her home with her beloved husband Allan, surrounded by lifelong cherished friends, family and wonderful neighbours.

Allan was the love of Shannon’s life. There truly was no better person in this world for Shannon to share her life with. They shared a passion for living a life filled with love, travel, sports and exploring nature along with their faithful pets by their sides. Together they demonstrated the perfect example of what love is.

Family was very important to Shannon and she excelled at making family gatherings memorable. She delighted in hosting family dinners with exquisite table settings and delicious healthy food from her garden.

Shannon possessed a tremendous sense of humour and strong competitive nature that were evident in our Trivial Pursuit nights and lawn croquet.

Fitness and health were always a part of Shannon’s life from snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, running, or while travelling and exploring the world. She had a hunger to see and do it all!

I think that all who knew her, have treasured memories of special times spent with Shannon on the many trails in Whistler and Pemberton. Here, the sounds of her happiness and infectious laughter will fill the forests and our memories forever.

Gifted with an incredible sense of style, her passion was to create a soothing, calm, beautiful environment. This was reflected perfectly in her home. It is not surprising that she created a successful interior design business where she shared her gift with many clients to create a calm & beautiful sanctuary in which to live.

Lovingly she tended her garden where she expertly grew food, colourful flowers and amazing dahlias from which she created fabulous meals and beautiful bouquets for friends and family.

The most obvious of Shannon’s attributes was her gentle and kind demeanour. She radiated love in everything she did and to each person that she met. She had the unique ability to make each person feel as though they were the most important person in her world. Even in her illness, Shannon demonstrated courage, grace, gratitude and the strength to never give up on hope.

We, her family and friends, have learned many lessons from Shannon’s fine example, such as: how to remain calm in chaos, how to listen attentively, how to appreciate the beauty of nature and how to love and enjoy life to it’s fullest while not allowing it to be ruled by fear.

Darling girl, you are missed beyond words, may you soar happily in peace until we are privileged to meet again.

“Whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable, think about these things” .... we remember our beautiful Shannon in all we see and do.

MAY 6, 2021

17

NEWS WHISTLER

Lil’wat Nation development set to move ahead WITH PROVISIONAL APPROVAL FROM MOTI, LIL’WAT PLAN TO BREAK GROUND THIS YEAR

BY BRADEN DUPUIS A LIL’WAT NATION development in Function Junction that received conditional approval from the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) way back in 2017 is finally set to move ahead after receiving provisional approval from the province.

The land in question, just off Highway 99 at the entrance to Function Junction, is owned by the Lil’wat Nation through the Legacy Land Agreement of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games.

One of the conditions set by the RMOW in 2017 was that the Lil’wat receive approval from the provincial Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) regarding planned improvements to what is already a very busy intersection at the entrance to Function.

“I don’t think it’s a surprise to anyone to know that that intersection has some existing challenges,” said Lil’wat Nation chief administrative officer Kerry Mehaffey.

A traffic study conducted by the Lil’wat Nation concluded the development would generate about a five-per-cent

increase in traffic, Mehaffey said, though he declined to share the study when Pique asked; a Freedom of Information request for the study submitted by Pique in 2018 was also denied (see “Lil’wat looks to break ground in Function, but where’s the traffic study?” Pique, April 3, 2019).

The Lil’wat will be responsible for the roadway improvement costs associated with the development.

Mehaffey said the Lil’wat and MOTI have agreed on a realignment of Lynham Road to create a new four-way intersection, and an extension of the right-hand turn lane accessing Highway 99 heading southbound.

The extended right-hand turn will feature an acceleration lane rather than the yield sign currently in place.

“So we’re hoping that people will essentially be able to—if there’s traffic coming out of our site turning right, which we think a significant portion of the gas station traffic, for example, will be southbound—they would be able to get back onto the highway without getting into the line of cars, or impeding the line of cars trying to go straight or left, which was a big one,” Mehaffey said.

The roadwork proposed in the original

2017 report to council pondered more significant changes, including widening Alpha Lake Road to include a dedicated left-turn lane and a second eastbound through-lane towards the highway, and adding a second northbound throughlane and eastbound turn-lane at the Highway 99 and Alpha Lake Road intersection.

In the end, the Lil’wat and MOTI settled on “a series of incremental changes, as opposed to a significant change to the intersection,” Mehaffey said, adding that the Nation is hoping to begin construction as soon as possible.

“So we are working on the remaining outstanding development permit items, and hope to get those done in short time, [as well as the] tender works, and maybe [begin construction] as soon as late summer, fall” he said.

Outstanding conditions include supplying a letter of credit for all the onsite and offsite landscaping and servicing works that need to be completed, and a finalized agreement that will hold the Lil’wat responsible for maintenance of landscaping between the Valley Trail and the edge of its property.

Though no tenants have signed on yet, plans for the 2.15-hectare site include a

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gas station and three mixed-use buildings containing office and commercial space, as well as 48 units of employee-restricted rental housing.

The Retail Operations branch of the Lil’wat Business Group, which also operates the recently opened gas station in Mount Currie, will manage the gas station.

The project has long been a priority for the Lil’wat, which sees many positives in the development, Mehaffey said.

“I think for a lot of [Lil’wat Nation members] it’s really another opportunity for them to demonstrate their presence in Whistler, how long they’ve been there, and to sort of make a mark on the community,” Mehaffey said, adding that the project will also be a revenue generator, “and a way for us to deliver better programs and services directly into the community.”

Pique reached out to MOTI for further details on April 30, but did not receive a response before press time.

The RMOW was unable to provide an interview or any information about the project, as it is still dealing with the effects of a ransomware attack that took all municipal services offline for more than a week (see related story on Page 16). n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Rid the Vid makes trash clean-up a community effort NEW INITIATIVE OFFERS PRIZES FOR STRANGE FINDS AS PART OF ‘TRASH CHALLENGES’

BY ALYSSA NOEL WHEN THE SNOW BEGAN to melt in the valley this spring, eight-year-old Micah Carsen and his siblings noticed something.

“There was lots of trash just lying around from different celebrations in the winter and it all got buried under the snow so no one dealt with it,” he said. “We started to clean up that trash, but then we noticed it was a problem all over Whistler.”

That’s when they asked their mom, Eliana Mandel-Carsen, if there were any community groups that organized trash clean-ups. The family learned about Whistler’s annual Pitch-in Day—which took place on May 1 this year—but they wanted to do more ongoing work.

So Mandel-Carsen asked around, leading to Mayor Jack Crompton connecting her to local Cathy Zeglinski. The two came up with the clean-up committee, attracting other green-minded locals along the way.

Dubbed Rid the Vid Clean Up, the initiative encourages Whistlerites to

get out and pick up trash around their neighbourhoods. But there’s a twist: if they take videos or photos of items on the “trash challenges” list—things like unique items, largest piece of trash, unique trashcleaning outfits—along with the hashtag #RidtheVidCleanUp, they could be eligible to win an array of prizes.

“I found a hat, old ladders, and tubs,” Micah said. “I also found a really, really old coin that was just laying there covered in moss. We found huge pieces of Plexiglas and four-foot-long cellophane.”

Trash pick-up doesn’t have to be an allday endeavour. As 10-year-old Noah Carsen advised, you can easily spend five minutes cleaning up when you take your dog for a walk.

“When you’re going for a walk always bring gloves and a bag,” he said. “As you’re going around, pick up the stuff you see.

Every little piece of trash that’s picked up makes a big difference.”

Already, the family has noticed their neighbourhood near the village is looking cleaner. “Even kids can make a difference,” said six-year-old Leah Carsen.

FAMILY EFFORT

PHOTO SUBMITTED

There are other perks, too. Micah said it’s been great getting outside more—and, when they clean up old food containers, they’re also removing bear and wildlife attractants from the area.

“There have been coyotes around our area and last year there were a whole bunch of bears,” he said. “Also, by cleaning up all the food garbage and garbage that has a smell, hopefully the animals will stop eating it, so they won’t be sick.”

Some other common items they’ve found? Cigarette butts, many face masks and “I also found a lot of fireworks,” Leah said. (Mandel-Carsen estimates they turned up the remnants of about 100 of those.)

Meanwhile, the family is also counting the bottles and single-serve cups they pick up to tally for the Million Dollar Bottle Challenge, led by a Coquitlam man who recently ran up the Sea to Sky Highway picking up trash.

(More at millionbottle.com.)

“People seem to be excited by it,” Mandel-Carsen said. “It’s nice for people to have a fun place to share and the hashtag ties it all together. It helps to unite the community in a COVID-safe way.”

For more—or to send in your videos and photos—visit Facebook and search “Rid the Vid-Clean Up” or email ridthevidbc@gmail. com before May 31. n

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19 21

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler’s valley could see more grizzly bears ONE YEAR AFTER SIGHTING IN WHISTLER CAY, EXPERT WEIGHS IN ON HOW TO CO-EXIST

BY ALYSSA NOEL ONE YEAR AGO, a grizzly bear was spotted walking around the Whistler Cay neighbourhood, setting off alarm bells for many locals.

While black bears might seem as common as squirrels in Whistler, their larger, shyer relatives certainly are not.

However, several factors could contribute to more frequent grizzly sightings in the valley going forward, said Jolene Patrick, who focuses on community coexistence and education with Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear initiative.

“There’s no reason to panic, but it could be a possibility that grizzly bears are coming into the valley bottom as their population increases,” she said. “Their movements and ranges are going to have to be altered as new [recreational] trails come in. That means they might get more pressure to come to the valleys.

“Also, things like climate change, contributing to a late berry season or no food, they might move into the valleys again [for these reasons].”

The grizzly bear population in Whistler’s region—Garibaldi-Pitt—remains

low according to 2018 numbers. The estimated population is just three. However, bordering that region in Squamish-Lillooet, the population is at 46. Just months after the resort’s 2020 encounter, Squamish saw two grizzlies captured in town.

So what should residents do to live peacefully alongside these four-legged creatures?

“We should be very cautious around grizzly bears—and black bears as well,” Patrick said. “They are wild animals. We need to be cautious and wary about that, but we have to have that respect and [find out] why they’re coming into the community. Is it just natural food? That’s fine, they can eat natural food. Conservation will monitor that and they’ll usually return to the mountainside.”

The problem starts to occur when they become attracted to human sources of food.

To that end, just as you would for black bears, Patrick said you should ensure your property is free of bear attractants—from bird feeders to barbecues to ripe fruit.

And be sure to call conservation officers if you spot a grizzly in the valley to ensure outreach and education can happen soon after.

One major difference between spotting a grizzly and a black bear on your property?

Where you might haze a black bear off with

wilderness on an alpine trail, hopefully you have your bear spray with you, you’re travelling in groups, you’re making lots of noise to let bears know you’re there,” Patrick said. “We don’t want a surprise encounter.

The safest encounter is one you avoid.”

SLRD PARTNERS WITH WILDSAFEBC

FOUR-LEGGED VISITOR Last spring a grizzly bear was spotted strolling through Whistler.

PHOTO BY COLIN MAY/ ARCHIVES

loud noises, you won’t want to try that tactic with a grizzly.

“In the valley, most people might see it from the comfort of their home,” Patrick said. “If it’s munching on grass or casually strolling by, you’re lucky. It’s beautiful. But if you see a grizzly in a residential area call the RAPP line, the Conservation Officer Service.

That’s what’s going to help the bear.”

The rules are a little different for backcountry sightings. “If you’re in the

The proof is in the pudding.

The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has partnered with WildSafeBC for a second year to help raise awareness about wildlife safety.

The program’s community coordinator, Devin Pawluk, will work through to November on initiatives like door-to-door outreach, garbage tagging, and community presentations on safety and wildlife.

“We are pleased to be able to bring back this important program for a second year,” said SLRD board chair Jen Ford in a release.

“We had some great success last year, even with the COVID-19 pandemic, which meant a shift in the way some of the programs are delivered. It will be important to build upon that initial success, and to maintain momentum moving forward, so that we can continue to do the important work of reducing human-wildlife conflict.”

For more follow WildSafeBC Squamish Lillooet RD on Facebook. n

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

NEWS WHISTLER

WCSS staff has been target of ‘multiple’ racist incidents, nonprofit says ‘THIS IS NOT SOMETHING AS AN ORGANIZATION WE HAVE EXPERIENCED IN THE PAST’

BY BRANDON BARRETT STAFF AT THE Re-Use-It and Re-Build-It centres have been the target of a number of racist incidents over the past several weeks, prompting the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) to issue a statement it hopes will spark a wider conversation in the resort.

In a May 3 letter sent on behalf of the WCSS board, the organization said it was “saddened and deeply disappointed by several incidents of racism directed towards our staff at WCSS and members of the community,” before urging Whistlerites to stand with them against racism and intolerance.

“We, the board of WCSS, ask that you, our community, stand with us in condemning any instances of racism, hate speech, and any action that serves to denigrate, dispossess and disempower anyone who is BIPOC (Black, Indigenous People of Colour),” the letter went on. “We continue to educate ourselves on issues of race and inequality, and we ask you to do the same.”

Jackie Dickinson, executive director of WCSS, offered more details on the incidents, noting the racist comments were not relegated to just one customer, and took place over the past five or six weeks.

“It was different customers and multiple staff members, and specifically staff members of different races, and [the comments] directed at them were in regards to their accents and the way they speak,” she explained. “This is not something as an organization we have experienced in the past, to our knowledge.”

The verbal harassment prompted the issue to be brought to the WCSS board, which decided to release Monday’s statement in the hopes of initiating a community dialogue addressing intolerance and inequality, two issues that Dickinson sees as inextricably linked.

“I don’t think our experiences here are isolated. Our hope is we may see people from other local businesses speaking to their experience as well,” she said. “The pandemic has exposed inequities in our community and in society, and to me, [racism and inequality] aren’t two separate conversations.”

WCSS staff had already engaged local anti-racism and diversity consultant Anita Naidu prior to the incidents, and Dickinson is looking to make diversity training mandatory for anyone joining the organization.

In today’s current “racial flashpoint,” Naidu said her training centres around

“pragmatic and realistic idealism— shifting from pageantry and performative allyship to restorative justice and measurable change.

“Right now is when organizations, companies and individuals decide what side of history they are going to be on and what future the next generation will inherit.”

Numerous organizations have reported a rise in reported cases of racism in B.C. since the onset of the pandemic, and in particular, hate towards Asian-Canadians. In February, Vancouver police said anti-Asian hate crimes spiked by more than 700 per cent in 2020.

Whistler’s hasn’t been immune either.

Last May, a local Japanese family, the first to settle in the resort some 50 years ago, spoke out after a white man pedalling by on his bike along the Village Stroll reportedly yelled something to the effect of, “Chinese, go back home.” Then, in October, staff at Whistler’s First Nations museum, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, was reportedly on the receiving end of a guests’ verbal tirade that amounted to “hate speech supporting the loss of life of Indigenous people,” said executive director Heather Paul.

Despite its reputation as a relatively progressive, international hub, Whistler is “perceived as White Space, so while it’s disappointing that overt racism occurs, it’s not surprising,” said Naidu, who is of Indian descent.

“Often racist structures are upheld by the well-intentioned but misguided, who simply have no awareness of their part in upholding systemic racism. That is true of Whistler and other mountain towns that are predominantly steeped in Eurocentric culture.”

Naidu acknowledged the discomfort that regularly accompanies discussions of race, and she encourages clients to lean into the feeling.

“At the root of dismantling covert racism is White discomfort, which is at an all-time high since many people have never had to think about racial issues at such depth or for this long before or examine their role in it,” she said. “So the best thing those who are committed to fighting racism can do is be willing to get really uncomfortable, because no matter how progressive, educated and international a community deems itself to be, those insidious forms of racism will be difficult to upend until that discomfort is welcomed.”

Anyone interested in Naidu’s diversity, equity and inclusion training and programming can email her at mountainanita@gmail.com. n

Part of the Global Perspectives Speaker Series, an initiative of the Whistler Institute

TOURISM: BUILDING BACK BETTER

MAY 14, 2021 | 12-2 PM FREE EVENT REGISTER FOR TICKETS WHISTLERINSTITUTE.COM An online global conversation with expert panelists

MAY 6, 2021

19 21

NEWS WHISTLER

Upcoming speaker series to explore Whistler’s tourism future WHISTLER LEARNING CENTRE REBRANDS AS WHISTLER INSTITUTE

BY BRADEN DUPUIS WHISTLER’S Village Stroll may be eerily quiet again as COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in place, but it’s only a matter of time before the visitors return in droves.

An upcoming Speaker Series event hosted by the Whistler Institute (formerly known as the Whistler Learning Centre) will explore the risks and challenges that lie ahead when the visitors return.

The May 14 virtual event, titled Tourism: Building Back Better, will explore the topic of regenerative tourism, said Suki Cheyne, executive director of the Whistler Institute.

“The topic of regenerative tourism has been around for awhile now, and that concept is, ‘how do we leave the place that we have better than we found it?’” Cheyne said.

“Prior to the pandemic, Whistler was experiencing some of the impacts of overtourism, and the community had started to voice concerns. So there’s an opportunity during this time of looking ahead, and looking at what do we do better.”

The event will feature a panel

HIT RESET Whistler’s eerily quiet Village Stroll isn’t likely to stay that way once travel restrictions are lifted.

PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS

discussion with Megan Epler Wood, director of the International Sustainable Tourism Initiative; Rodney Payne, CEO of DestinationThink!; and Barrett Fisher, president and CEO of Tourism Whistler.

Mayor Jack Crompton will serve as session chair for the discussion.

“The idea is to look at some case studies and examples from other places in the world who’ve been doing a really good job with regenerative tourism, and then learning from those experiences,” Cheyne said.

“And then trying to look at what might work for Whistler, and that idea of looking ahead, and what can Whistler do differently in the future.”

The session is free to attend, and registration closes at 11:30 p.m. on May 12. A “book club” discussion with Epler Wood will follow the main event for those interested.

For more info and to register, go to whistlerinstitute.com/course/gp-tourism-bbb.

While the Whistler Institute was founded as the Whistler Learning Centre

in 2012, the name change represents a new direction for the Sea to Sky based non-profit organization.

“The business plan [and] the activities of the organization have changed during that time, so we felt a name which better reflected the breadth and depth of the activities that we’re now performing was warranted, and the Whistler Institute really kind of captures what we’re doing and where we’re going in the future as well,” Cheyne said.

While the institute has always focused on developing partnerships with education institutions and instructors, “we’re also looking at developing programs as well,” Cheyne said, pointing to recent initiatives like the Indigenous and Intercultural Awareness course, a partnership with BCIT. “We’re also looking at working with Vancouver Community College and BCIT to look at the need for culinary programs in the local area, and developing those, so we’re moving into program development [along with hosting the ongoing speaker series events],” she said.

“Our vision is much broader than it was previously, and the [Whistler Institute] name better reflects it.” n

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Whistler doctors wrestle with backlog of Pap tests due to COVID-19 PHYSICIAN TURNS TO PILOT INITIATIVE TO HELP WORK THROUGH LONG LIST OF WOMEN WHO NEED FOLLOW-UP EXAMS

BY ALYSSA NOEL SOME WOMEN IN Whistler have been struggling to get Papanicolaou (Pap) exams in the community over the last year and local doctors say ripple effects from the COVID-19 pandemic are to blame.

Just before Holly Bune left her home in the U.K. to move to Whistler, she learned her Pap test—a routine medical exam that screens for cervical cancer—had turned up irregular cells.

Her doctor advised she was safe for the moment, but she should definitely follow up with a physician in 12 months.

So, in September 2020, Bune asked to book an appointment at Whistler’s Town Plaza Medical Clinic but “they said they weren’t doing [Pap exams] with COVID,” she said.

Instead, she was told to try Whistler Medical Clinic (WMC). They, in turn, referred her to the Whistler Options for Sexual Health Clinic.

But as it turned out, when Bune was scheduled to speak to a clinic doctor over the phone, which patients have to do before booking an exam, she happened to be out of cell service and missed the call.

In the end, despite not having a car, she booked an appointment at the Squamish Sexual Health Clinic in November and got in two weeks later. Following the appointment, she was told to get checked in six months to monitor the situation.

Earlier this month she called Town Plaza for the follow-up but with ongoing COVID-19 patient protocols and backlog, it couldn’t be booked, so her plan now is to return to get a Pap test in Squamish.

Bune isn’t the only Whistler woman in this predicament. And, according to local doctors, it’s due to a combination of problems.

Town Plaza Medical Clinic is hoping to address this situation of Pap test backlog more fully heading into June, as the situation with the pandemic improves, doctors get fully vaccinated, and patients can return, well-spaced out, to in-person visits as needed, said Dr. Janice Carr.

While a few patients have had the tests done at the clinic in recent months, Carr confirmed that due to the coronavirus, “I haven’t done routine Paps for well over a year.”

She added that any patient who had the exams and needed follow-up was, of course, helped.

“It won’t be practice as normal … until maybe the fall,” she said, adding that Town Plaza is moving forward as safely as it can

and is booking as many patients as possible.

“All physicians are disheartened having to work under these circumstances. It is really difficult.”

WMC faces the same issues, with the main problem being a backlog of appointments due to the early days of COVID-19. Back then, patients were reluctant to come in for regular exams. On top of that, clinics also have a policy of first speaking to patients by phone to determine if they should come in.

To help address the problem—which is compounded by a perpetual doctor shortage in the resort—Dr. Danielle Patterson, of WMC, has come up with a pilot initiative that’s proving to be successful.

“Normally we get lists every month or so [from the BC Cancer Agency] telling us how many people we have to recall for their Paps,” Patterson said. “During COVID, the regular recall system was on hold because we weren’t seeing people in person. We had to prioritize COVID-related work and try to find a way to see patients in person in a safe way. Once we were seeing people in person again I got a fullpage list of women who needed their recall for Paps or women’s health exams.”

In a town with only seven permanent primary care providers, this has been a problem, she added.

In the meantime, Patterson had heard about a pilot project in Kamloops that saw nurses hired to work alongside doctors to help tackle some of the workload, and inspired, has done the same thing.

“It’s been hugely successful,” she said.

“We see an extra 10 women each week over and above my normal workload. We’re not just doing Paps; we also look at other preventative health strategies [such as] blood pressure, blood checks, skin checks and other cancer screening.

“The volume is much more manageable,” she added. “I actually couldn’t get through the list of recalls by myself. It would take forever.”

In the meantime, new patients needing Pap exams are encouraged to book through the Whistler Options for Sexual Health Clinic.

“It is stressful and it’s not how we want to practise,” said Patterson. “We don’t want to leave people unattended for their medical needs. As GPs, we do care a lot.”

For her part, Bune encourages Whistler women to persevere with finding an appointment for the potentially lifesaving exam.

“I definitely want to emphasize it’s paramount that women get checked— although it might not be easy because of COVID, options are available in Squamish,” she said. “You should get seen no matter what, especially if you’re having concerns.” n

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23

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Pemberton wetland area at risk due to vehicles, campers LIL’WAT NATION, PEMBERTON WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION ASK PEOPLE TO ONLY VISIT SENSITIVE AREA BY FOOT

BY ALYSSA NOEL SINCE THE start of the pandemic last spring, crowds of campers and partiers have been driving trucks, cars, and ATVs onto the sand bars in the Pemberton Wetlands Wildlife Management Area.

The problem? The 750 hectares of fish and wildlife habit along the Lillooet River is both environmentally sensitive and a culturally significant location for the Lil’wat Nation.

Ahead of what’s poised to be another summer of people clamouring for outdoor activity, the Pemberton Wildlife Association (PWA) and the Nation are hoping to spread the word that the area was never meant for vehicles, camping, or campfires.

“There’s different values there,” said Chief Dean Nelson, political chief of the Lil’wat Nation. “It has become a value for people to seek their own private place, but there’s a lot of [spiritual and cultural] value there they maybe don’t know about. Or if they do know, it’s whether or not they’re respecting it at all.”

That includes burial sites and some pictographs (though some of those have been blasted off rock faces by the forest

SENSITIVE ECOSYSTEM Vehicles and campers crammed onto the sandbar in the Pemberton Wetlands Wildlife Management Area last summer.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE PEMBERTON WILDLIFE ASSOCIATION

24 MAY 6, 2021

industry, Nelson added).

The two problem areas have been near the Green River and at the confluence of the Lillooet River and Lillooet Lake.

Last June, the PWA wrote a letter to Doug Donaldson, then-Minister of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development, outlining the problem and asking for an update to the management plan for the area.

“The update should include an assessment of all the areas vulnerable

On a recent weekend, she observed several dirt bikes in the area.

“There are people who know about these places locally, but there are others on an adventure,” she said. “Last year, everyone was stuck inside, then they flooded that first week. We’re kind of in the same boat again … Managed camping isn’t available, which is harder on these wild spaces.”

Woodruff will sometimes go and talk to campers to find out more about how they discovered the area and gauge what their

“[T]here’s a lot of [spiritual and cultural] value there they maybe don’t know about.”

- DEAN NELSON

to increased recreational pressures,” it read. “Some strategies to consider in the updates will be access management, public education and awareness, designated use areas, restrictions, and enforcement mechanisms.”

The ministry responded and, last summer, sent a contractor to deter access.

“I don’t think it was robust enough for the determined [visitor],” said Veronica Woodruff with the PWA. “There was a bit of work done, but it didn’t hold up.”

knowledge is of the ecosystem.

“I don’t think it’s malicious,” she said.

“People aren’t doing it because they know and don’t care. I think they don’t know.”

One lesson they do quickly learn? In the spring, especially, the warm weather can trigger alpine melt, which leads to the river rising up to two metres, which has resulted in many people either waking up to wet tents or finding their vehicles stranded.

“People just don’t realize it,” she said.

“They get there Friday night and say, ‘Look

at all this sand.’ [I’ve seen] cars stuck on the other side of the channel at 7 a.m.”

One example of the problem vehicles in the area can cause is the impact on newly hatched salmon. “If you’re coho and you just emerged from the gravel, that’s where you’re going to go [in shallow river water].

The water is warmer, it’s newly wetted, you’re swimming for the first time, you’re in these shallow areas along the edge of the shoreline. There’s physical damage, but then there’s also the potential for other types of deleterious substances [like fuel],” Woodruff said.

The goal isn’t to ban people from the area, but rather restrict cars, camping, and fires. “We don’t want to stop people from going there,” Nelson said. “It’s a beautiful area. We just want to educate people.”

Woodruff echoes that sentiment.

“I’m OK with people walking in there and enjoying the view and having a picnic because it’s a really beautiful area,” she said. “You can get an appreciation of those components we’re trying to protect.”

In the end, Woodruff said she’s hopeful that the PWA, Lil’wat Nation, and provincial government will be able to come up with solutions.

“The best thing right now, like any initiative that’s successful, is these partnerships,” she said. “With having the Nation onside and the wildlife association and the province working together, I have high expectations. I think we can accomplish a lot with very little if we’re working together.” n

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Pop-up vaccine clinic held for Pemberton grocery store workers

WE KNOW PEMBERTON INSIDE AND OUT 7470 PROSPECT STREET PEMBERTON

LAST-MINUTE CLINIC FOLLOWED LOBBYING FROM LOCAL OFFICIALS AND BUSINESS LEADERS

BY BRANDON BARRETT AFTER LOBBYING from local officials, Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) arranged a last-minute vaccine clinic for Pemberton grocery store workers on April 30.

In an information bulletin Friday, April 30, VCH said the pop-up clinic, which ran for six hours at the Pemberton Community Centre, was targeted at Pemberton grocery store workers aged 30 and up offering the AztraZeneca/COVISHIELD vaccine.

“At least there’s the opportunity for them now,” said Pemberton Valley Supermarket (PVS) founding partner Sue Adams, who had written letters to local officials pushing for her staff to be immunized.

The clinic appeared to come together at the last minute, with the PVS management only notified of the pop-up two hours before it was set to begin. “[We] have notified as many people as we could as not all our staff are here today but we made phone calls and left messages as well as posted it on our employee-only Facebook page,” explained store GM Kirsten McLeod in an email Friday, adding that, because the AstraZeneca vaccine is only available to those aged 30 and up, there

said. “We’ve done everything in our power at this time to protect our staff outside of the vaccine.”

Pemberton retail staff also had to watch as the majority of Whistler’s adults and workers were immunized between April 12 and 18 as part of a mass vaccination campaign organized by VCH, an effort to target COVID hotspots around the province.

Given the close ties between the two neighbouring communities, it made sense to vaccinate Pemberton’s frontline staff as well, said McLeod.

“Not only do a lot of people work in Whistler who live in Pemberton, but people who live in Whistler also come up to Pemberton to bike,” she said.

Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman has been “pounding the drum” on behalf of local frontline workers for some time now, and said the message seems to have sunk in with health officials.

“I feel like anybody frontline that has been serving the public over the last 13 months needs and deserves that protection, whether it’s gas station workers, restaurant workers, retail, anybody frontline that is serving tourists,” he said. “If supplies allow, I feel like they should definitely be a priority.”

“I feel like anybody frontline that has been serving the public over the last 13 months needs and deserves that protection...”

- MIKE RICHMAN

remains “a lot of employees” younger than the cutoff age who were not eligible for last week’s clinic.

McLeod estimated that about a dozen of the approximately 85 full-time and part-time workers at the supermarket had been vaccinated prior to the pop-up clinic through the B.C. government’s agebased and Indigenous immunizations plans. Averaging just over 1,000 customers a day, the supermarket has stayed open throughout the pandemic and has served as a crucial lifeline to the community, delivering groceries and even medical prescriptions to residents as the pandemic wore on.

“We’ve done everything as far as social distancing, different lunchrooms,” McLeod

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Welcome home to Pioneer Junction!

This 2 bedroom, 1 bathroom condo directly across from the playground is fully updated & has sweeping views of Mt. Currie. Act fast this one won’t last long.

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

2

LISA

1

HILTON*

lisah@wrec.com 604 902 4589

1749 PINEWOOD DRIVE PEMBERTON PLATEAU

$1,299,000

This great 3.5 bedroom, 2.5 bathroom home has a separate 2 bed/1 bath revenue suite which can be easily incorporated into the main house. The back yard boasts a giant custom cedar deck and pergola!

Bedrooms:

Bathrooms:

5.5

3.5

DAN SCARRATT* dan@wrec.com 604 938 4444

1365 GREENWOOD STREET

$1,948,000

PEMBERTON BENCHLANDS

As of May 4, all grocery store workers aged 18 and up in the VCH and Fraser Health regions are eligible to receive the vaccine, thanks in part to lobbying from United Food and Commercial Workers 1518. Register at getvaccinated.gov.bc.ca/ s/?variant=frontline.

VCH said it has so far delivered 17,100 doses of vaccine to residents of Whistler and those in neighbouring communities.

Positive reports of COVID-19 continue to drop in Whistler, with 15 new cases between April 26 and May 2. Year-to-date there has been a total of 1,790 Whistler residents with the coronavirus.

(Note: Previously reported numbers are not cumulative, due to ongoing data reconciliation.) n

This 4 bedroom quality-built timber frame home is at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac and includes a 1 bedroom revenue suite, oversized garage and huge rec room. A beautiful family home on The Pemberton Benchlands.

Bedrooms:

5.5

DANIELLE

Bathrooms:

4

MENZEL*

danielle@wrec.com 604 698 5128

604 894 5166 WHISTLERREALESTATE.CA MAY 6, 2021

25

Summer Camps 2021

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Summer Camps 2021

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29

Home & Garden

What do you need to know to

es e in your b backyard? support

Squamish educator Rhonda O’Grady uses mason bees when she works with students.

PHOTO BY RHONDA O’GRADY

Delores Franz Los keeps bees on her Pemberton property.

PHOTO BY DELORES FRANZ LOS

THE BUZZ ABOUT BACKYARD BEES IN THE SEA TO SKY

BY JENNIFER THUNCHER While vaccines are rolling out at increasing speed, it still looks like the summer of 2021 will be one spent close to home.

But what about having a bee-sized adventure in your own backyard, either by becoming a full-fledged beekeeper or setting up a backyard “Airbeenb” of sorts for mason or leafcutter bees?

It turns out there are lots of options in the corridor for families curious about buzzers.

Pemberton’s Delores Franz Los has kept bees for more than 40 years.

She started in Paradise Valley when she taught at the North Vancouver Outdoor School (Cheakamus Centre), and they had bees.

“When I was hired to work there, they asked me to look after the farm animals and the bees. Well, I didn’t have a clue about bees,” she said.

She soon found a local mentor who taught her all she needed to know.

Then she met other beekeepers in Squamish who offered guidance.

She has been hooked on the little critters ever since.

“I don’t think there is anybody who goes and watches bees and goes into a hive and sees what bees are doing who wouldn’t be amazed at it and want to keep working with

30 MAY 6, 2021

them,” she said. “We wouldn’t be alive if it weren’t for bees pollinating all the food that we eat, so it is really important, but it is such an interesting job to observe them and look after them.”

In one hive, in the summer, there can be 50,000 to 80,000 bees, she said, and with all those bees, there is one queen.

“I am not telling them what to do.

Nobody is. They are all organized. They go and find the flowers. They go and find the nectar, the pollen; they do it all. It is unbelievable what they do,” Los said.

WHAT IF I WANT TO START MY OWN HIVE? There has been a lot of buzz around bees the last few years, but said Los, it’s important not to rush in with no experience as you may get stung, so to speak, and so will the bees.

“It is good to work with an experienced beekeeper to find out what needs to be done,” she said. “It is unfair to the bees to keep them and not care for them in a way in which they can survive.”

Los has started a community beehive in central Pemberton (at Cold Creek Acres), to help folks get educated.

“This is the most important thing for anybody who is interested in starting hives— even one hive—they should go to a beekeeper and go through the hive with the beekeeper.

You should not just start a hive and think that you are going to be able to do it on your

own, without having experienced opening up a hive and taking out the frames and doing everything you have to do without harming the bees or yourself.”

If people are interested in keeping honey bees, they can buy a nucleus colony locally, added Los. “Large beekeepers do divide their hives, and they will sell a nucleus—a package of four to five frames with a queen that is already laying,” she said. “So, in those frames, there will be some brood and there will be a lot of bees. They can start with those.”

Nucleus colonies are available in late May. “It takes time for the bees to get started in the spring and lay eggs and have a large enough group in the hive to split the hive and make a nucleus they can sell,” said Los. Getting started keeping bees can cost approximately $1,000 to $1,500 with all the basic equipment and hive components, according to hiveworld.ca.

Los said the closest place for beekeeping equipment is BC Bee Supply in Burnaby.

There are other places to shop for bee supplies in the Lower Mainland, too.

A yard doesn’t have to be massive to keep bees, but common sense would dictate that the hives not be kept too close to the house.

“You just need to have them spaced away, so you aren’t walking into them all the time, and they have room to fly,” said Los, ading that it’s a good idea for hives be kept about 10 metres from buildings.

Be sure to follow municipal regulations

around beekeeping.

Once your hives are set up, the upkeep involves checking the hive once every two weeks, at minimum, explained Los. You need to check that the queen is doing OK and that there are eggs and larva in the hive—and when you first start, you have to provide the bees with food.

“In addition to getting pollen and nectar to feed the queen, to feed themselves and to feed the brood, they need to build honeycomb ... In order to help them do that, you feed them [regular, store-bought] sugar syrup and it is two amounts of sugar to one amount of water,” said Los. “That helps them to get started.”

WHAT IS UP WITH BEE SWARMS? From time to time, during the spring and summer, locals will take to Facebook forums looking for their bees, which have swarmed.

But what is going on?

“First of all, it is natural for bees to do that,” Los said. “That is how they reproduce and get more hives in the wild—more colonies of bees.”

The bees generally swarm because the hive can’t hold them all.

“That is why you go into your hive every two weeks or 10 days ... The reason [the queen] is wanting to leave with half the bees is because she is running out of space, and they want to create a new hive,” said Los.

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Home & Garden Beekeepers give their queen and colony more space, so they don’t search for a new home.

“Anybody who collects the swarm, it is theirs,” she said, with a laugh. “That is a good way to start a new hive.”

in their hands, and the bees will hatch in their hands.”

The males hatch before the females.

“In the spring, we can hold them in our hand and put them out in the warmth of the sun, and you will see them move around [in their cocoon].”

It is best to get the cocoons in February NOT JUST ABOUT or March; keep them in the fridge or another HONEY BEES cool place until April.

The honey bees we all know are non-native “It is such a beautiful experience. The species. Canada has about 800 species of kids never forget holding a bee,” she said. native bees and none of them make honey, “When the little males hatch, they have this according to Canadian Geographic. little white moustache—like an old man Rhonda O’Grady, education outreach moustache—and they will sit around on the coordinator with the Squamish River hand. Sometimes they will poop, which is Watershed Society (SRWS), often brings in like a little gift because they haven’t pooped mason bee cocoons when she works with all winter. Then off they will fly away.” students.

She said she likes to do this activity with “Mason bees are a native solitary children because it connects the pollinators bee,” she said. “This is one species that is with food sources. gentle and easy to raise. It is an amazing “The gifts that we receive from these tiny, pollinator.” tiny little things that we often don’t even They are typically attracted to orchards think about at all, but they are feeding the and fruit trees. world,” she said.

Usually, these bees come out in the spring.

It is also a little creature kids have the Pre-COVID-19, O’Grady bought mason power to kill, but which is so precious, so bee cocoons and houses (from West Coast that is another life lesson.

Seeds) to work with classes at Valleycliffe “The kids get it immediately,” said Elementary.

O’Grady. “They are so gentle. I have never (She warns against buying mason bee had a kid hurt a bee.” houses from random retailers as they The males don’t sting at all, and while the can be death traps for bees. Buy from a females can occasionally sting, it is more like supplier that specializes in these types of a mosquito bite than an actual sting. things, she said.)

O’Grady said the leafcutter bee, a “Everything about them is interesting,” solitary, native bee species seen in the she said, of mason bees. summer, is also fun to raise. “It is a super “If this is a family kind of thing, they are pollinator for our veggie gardens.” a species that children can hold the cocoon Houses for leafcutter bees are smaller

than mason bee houses and can be bought, or there are online tutorials for making them at home.

The houses should be placed in an eastsouthern exposure in the yard, O’Grady said.

“They need to be warm but can’t get too warm and need some sort of cover over the house to protect it from rain and from too much direct sun,” she said.

Leafcutter bees hatch in the summer.

They will be flying around mid-June to August.

“Instead of using the clay to make their little chambers [like mason bees], they use leaves,” she said. “If you have ever seen perfectly cut circles in your rose leaves, or any other thin plant leaves in your garden, that was a leafcutter bee that did that.”

If you put out a house for leafcutter bees they would probably use it, so you wouldn’t have to purchase anything else.

“They are awesome for pollinating your squashes, pumpkins, and beans—all the summer vegetables. They will probably make your harvest double of what it would normally be.”

SPLISH SPLASH FOR BEES Whether you have bee houses or not, keeping dishes of water for bees is a kind thing to do.

“Climate change has made it so hot in the summers, you often see the poor bumble bees dying of heat exhaustion on the flowers,” O’Grady said.

She puts out an old pie dish of water and adds little pebbles and rocks.

“I fill it up every day in the summer. That way, when the bees go in the water to drink, they don’t drown. They have something to climb out.”

SHARE AND SHARE ALIKE For every backyard, O’Grady believes in leaving a little part of the yard wild.

“Just let it go kind of messy in one corner of your yard. Let there be mud, let there be sticks and things and some wildflowers in there, and give it back to nature. That is my big thing. I am trying to promote, “Grow, don’t mow.”

LOW-BARRIER BEE FUN

WILDFLOWERS If you are going to have any kind of bees around, having wildflowers is important.

“Native species of wildflowers are really important because they have kind of adapted with each other—the flowers and the bees here know each other and they have known each other for thousands of years,” said O’Grady.

The provincial government lists plants that are good for bees.

If all of these options aren’t the bees knees for you, families can always become bee paparazzi and snap a photo whenever they see a bumblebee. Bumblebees are dying, and scientists are concerned.

Making Sea to Sky bees celebrities can help save them.

The pictures can be uploaded to Bumble Bee Watch, a citizen science effort to track and conserve North America’s bumble bees. ■

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Home & Garden

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RANGE ROVER

What lies beneath EARLY IN MARCH, on a sunny morning after a glorious snowfall, my partner and I were riding up Garbanzo chairlift when we noticed a set of animal tracks cascading down through the new snow beneath us. Unlike the tracks often seen in the meadow at the top of the lift, which tend to be from several different creatures crisscrossing the lift line

BY LESLIE ANTHONY from one forested patch to another, these tracks had a more deliberate feel. From the bottom of the liftline run to almost the top—a considerable distance, I might add—the footfalls went directly from one specific spot to another and stopped, showing evidence of investigation or, in some cases, digging. This pattern immediately got my attention. The tracks clearly belonged to an animal on the hunt for another, and sure enough, at two different places where the former had stopped to dig, the snow was stained with the blood of the latter. Fascinating.

The tracks were too large and widely spaced to belong to a long-tailed weasel, the perky predator whose summer brown coat shifts to winter white, perfect camouflage for prowling the subnivean (under-snow) world for the voles, mice and shrews that remain active throughout the season. But they were also too small to be a coyote. Fox maybe? Pine marten?

Whichever animal made the imprints,

SUBNIVEAN SECRETS Animal tracks seen from Garbanzo chair this winter.

PHOTO BY LESLIE ANTHONY

however, mattered less than what these showed. Each spot the animal more-or-less beelined to and checked out was a mound of snow—a skier-made mogul. And always a mogul, never the compressed troughs between. I can’t attest to whether these mounds harboured clumps of vegetation or stumps or rockpiles, but they definitely contained critters. And since the hunter clearly knew something about what was going on beneath certain moguls, I had to wonder: was this subsidized predation— the term employed when an anthropogenic action or construct directly or indirectly makes it easier for an animal to find its

realm of the forest gods, it now feels like you’re skiing a packed run that just happens to be studded with trees. I wondered if anyone had thought to look into this and, of course, they had.

The wily Swiss, who have many hardclosure areas on their ski hills for alpine ungulates like chamois and ibex that use these forests in the winter (a situation we do not have in Whistler) conducted a study of stress generated by “free-riders” (their pejorative use of the term is comical) on wildlife. The premise was that human disturbance probably adds to other negative impact factors affecting vulnerable

Ski areas have all sorts of known effects on the ecosystems they spring up in—and probably double that in unknown effects.

prey? In other words, was there a correlation between our mogul-making on this run and a congregation of prey beneath them?

If so, it was both interesting and news to me. But not surprising. Ski areas have all sorts of known effects on the ecosystems they spring up in—and probably double that in unknown effects. Only a few weeks prior to that chairlift ride, I’d wondered aloud to my partner about snowcompression in the trees and what kind of effect it might have on understory plants, birds and other creatures. This occurred to me because traffic in non-gladed forest areas on Whistler Blackcomb has increased 100-fold or more in the two decades I’ve lived here; whereas skiing the trees once felt like you were a careful interloper in the

populations. Evaluating the physiological stress response of radio-monitored black grouse, they concluded that being actively flushed from their snow burrows by offpiste skiers was indeed stressful to the birds. As far as compaction of snow within regularly skied forest areas, we can take out cues from the several studies of on-piste snow compaction.

A large review of the ecological implications of artificial snow and pistepreparation in general found the expected direct impacts related to the compaction of snow cover, namely the induction of soil frost, formation of ice layers, mechanical damage and a delay in plant development.

Vegetation also reacts with changes in species composition and a decrease in

biodiversity. The use of artificial snow modifies some of these impacts: soil frost is mitigated due to increased insulation of the snowpack and mechanical impacts of snow-grooming are mitigated due to deeper snow cover. But there is no getting around the delay of vegetation development being enhanced by a considerably postponed snowmelt—solely due to snow compression.

In a study in the Australian Alps, the range of indirect impacts on plants from snow compaction was extensive, and included lower soil temperatures, greater depth of soil freezing, depleted soil nutrients and higher pH. This in turn induced changes in soil biota, herbivory, animal activity, predation, insect activity, seed dispersal and the composition of plant communities.

Mostly, however, it highlighted that no one is really studying these things. We have no clue how this affects the small critters of the subnivean world and their outsize role in ecosystem health; their success in any given year is at least partially responsible for regulating populations of everything from owls to weasels to larger predators.

There might even be a role in climate change. Since up to half the carbon that plants take up in summer is released back into the atmosphere by microbes in winter under normal circumstances, does snow compaction increase or decrease this?

There’s no real point to this column other than the usual ponderings of humans not knowing much about either our surroundings or what we’re doing to them.

The reality of not knowing what goes on beneath our snowy landscapes might be a little like not seeing the forest for the trees.

Leslie Anthony is a science/environment writer and author who holds a doctorate in connecting the dots. ■

MAY 6, 2021

37

FEATURE STORY

38 MAY 6, 2021

FEATURE STORY

Climbing Contagion The

AT THE ALPINE CLUB OF CANADA’S ANNUAL GENERAL MOUNTAINEERING CAMP, ENTHUSIASM IS CATCHING

I

Story and photos by Leslie Anthony

t’s a quintessential British Columbia scene: a scatter of people, a heap of gear, a helicopter, and someone plucking a Spanish guitar in the background and singing like an angel—all swathed in a gentle rain pattering down through a veil of wildfire smoke.

It’s Day 1 of our week at the Alpine Club of Canada’s annual General Mountaineering Camp (GMC), and the big swap is underway—36 people flying out with baggage, garbage, empty gas cylinders, blisters and sore muscles; the same number flying in with an even larger load including food and other camp supplies.

The 2018 edition of the 111-year tradition is taking place at Hallam Glacier in the Monashee Mountains north of Revelstoke. We’ve driven three bumpy hours from town to the staging area to await our turn in the rotation amidst what seems an endless series of heli-shuffles, refuellings, and baggage-only flights. When we finally do lift off, four hours after arriving, the pilot expertly navigates the thick smoke by shadowing valley walls, ridges, and streams all the way to camp, set high on a moraine near the toe of the glacier. We debark into what can only be described as a marvel of modern wilderness technology, featuring solar panels, rudimentary plumbing, propane kitchen appliances and showers, a portable drinking-water treatment plant, sinks with bladder pumps, comfortable latrines, and large tents for cooking, dining, storage, drying, and even a library, the rocky surroundings constellated by some 30 roomy nylon tents for campers and staff. Though occupying a similarly stark setting, it makes Everest Base Camp look like a low-tech ghetto.

Speaking of which, the glacier hanging above us is mesmerizing on a Himalayan scale, its fractured blue depths exacerbated by the melting snows of late summer.

Ringed by mountains, Hallam Glacier flows off an icecap that requires a 1,200-metre vertical climb to reach before even thinking of attacking its surrounding peaks. My body quivers at the thought of how much pain this might entail, while others salivate at the prospect. As with the GMC’s five previous one-week occupants, our

group is an eclectic mix from around the continent that includes camp veterans, high-functioning mountaineers, and relative novices like myself.

The intimidation I feel is real, but I convince myself I’ll get over it. After all, challenging oneself is the point of mountaineering.

THE SLOW ASCENT The storm hits around 2 a.m.—spectacular lightning, driving rain, howling winds, little sleep. Nonetheless, by 6:00 a.m. the dining tent is buzzing with folks who can’t wait to get at it. It’s weird to see so much enthusiasm at a time of day when most of us are zombies awaiting our caffeine fix—but it’s also invigorating.

With a choice of objectives to sign up for each night, I’ve joined the “skills group” today—folks looking for refreshers or introductions to simple ropework, rockclimbing, and glacier travel. After an organizational talk we head out with amateur guides Jesse Milner and Bree Kullman, crossing the valley to a wall of glacier-polished rock hung with a 120-m curtain of water whose echoing cascade—lightning interruptions notwithstanding— provides perfect white noise for sleeping. We cross a stream on a rope-and-ladder bridge, pick our way through rocks to the wall, and harness up (“transitioning,” according to the guides’ lingo) to begin the slow ascent through a system of ledges (or “rock steps”). Safety ropes have been fixed in places where exposure is an issue and so, suddenly, “situational awareness” becomes key.

Already high above camp, a fall in some spots could be fatal, requiring you to pay maximum attention to foot and hand placements. Oddly (or perhaps not), learning to manage the seriousness of alpinism seems to increase the enjoyment.

Eventually hands-on rock climbing is required, and we rope up as a team. After Jesse ascends and sets an anchor we follow, 10 m apart. The rock remains greasy from last

night’s rain, but it doesn’t take long to clip around the first bolt and move upward. At the top we exit the rope onto a small plateau, then spend an hour hiking over a steep ridge to a lake constellated by icebergs calving from a rapidly retreating glacier.

We circle the basin, first on sand then crumbling moraine. Just before the point where the glacier’s icy tongue looms over the frigid lake we hit “dry glacier”—a stretch that looks for all the world like rock and dirt but is riven with channels gushing meltwater from ice stranded beneath the rubble. On the glacier proper we rope up into teams, donning crampons and ice axes for walking. Hail from last night’s storm has gathered into odd patterns on the glacier’s surface, in some places frozen into puddle-like display cases.

At the glacier’s headwall the real clinic begins, as we practise setting and retrieving ice screws and self-arresting with ice axes during pretend falls down a snow slope. As per mountain dogma, we turn around at 1:30 p.m. for the long slog back. Everyone returns sore but in good spirits from a first day out, and we set to lounging outside the tea tent with other returnees. Snacks and beer and stories spark the familiar camaraderie of the mountains—one of the reasons so many attend these camps year after year.

At dinner—a raucous but delicious affair featuring gourmet-level food—we meet our Association of Canadian Mountain Guides (ACMG) leaders for the week. The allstar crew includes climbing legends Helen Sovdat and Ian Welsted; Alberta Parks public safety specialist Matt Mueller; former Parks Canada visitor safety specialist Paddy Jerome; and Cyril Shokoples, past ACMG president and chief instructor of the Canadian Forces Search and Rescue Technicians for the past quarter century.

Afterward, I take my first crack at communal dish duty, an industrial enterprise of several hours requiring six people to execute washing, disinfecting, rinsing, and drying. By the time I get to my tent, I’m asleep before I can pull the zipper down behind me. Fortunately, there are no bugs at this altitude.

MAY 6, 2021

39

FEATURE STORY

THE HALLAM HIGH Next day, groups that signed on for big objectives wake at 4:30 a.m. and leave camp within the hour. With bruised feet from my shakeout climb in rental plastic mountaineering boots, I’ve decided on a lighter day of hiking around camp in my own well-broken-in footwear.

The climb to the Hallam’s high moraine starts just behind camp and heads straight up. At the top, the trail meanders upward through the preternaturally green meadows of “Waterfall Alley,” a chunk of bucolic lushness in an otherwise stark alpenscape. Here, water braids thinly over at least four different kinds of rock, highlighting the multifarious folding and buckling the Monashees are famous for. Heading up a gully, I stick close to the shaded wall to avoid rockfall, then traverse onto the moraine. The trail, marked by rock cairns, now steepens significantly.

At the top cairn, prodigiously—or perhaps mockingly— decorated in birdshit, the view to Hallam Glacier is stupendous. Far below, colourful ants dot its icy toe—a crew of University of Alberta students on an outdoors course practising crevasse rescue. I can also see across the valley to Iceberg Lake and the route traversed the day before. Such constantly evolving perspectives of mountains are one of the best features of travelling in them.

On the way down, I meet another lone traveller.

Dr. David Hik is a terrestrial ecologist from Simon Fraser University and long-time ACC member teaching a module for the U of A course. He’s scouting places to bring the students and we sit on a rock to watch a ptarmigan family and chat ecology; climate change—the effects of which are starkly visible here in melting glaciers, lowering water tables, wildfire smoke, and changing ranges of plants and animals—dominates the discussion.

The only comfort we can take away is knowing that when it comes to climate awareness, this is a classroom

par excellence: mountains breed curiosity, the curious are environmentally conscious, consciousness begs information, and information fosters concern.

Back at camp, as climbers return, reports of conditions flow in with them: two crews aiming for the big peaks above Hallam Glacier couldn’t solve the crevasse “riddle” on its rapidly melting surface and had to turn back; another group that struck out for Wiser Peak is moving slow and won’t return before sundown.

It’s all grist for the guides in figuring out the next day’s offerings.

CURIOUSER AND CURIOUSER Still nursing blackened toes, I’ve signed onto something moderate—a climb to Bombay Peak. Though the first night’s thunderstorm briefly cleared out the smoke, the province’s abundant wildfires—including new ones sparked by the storm—have made themselves known again. A blood-red sun hangs in a thick gauze of smoke that worsens as the day wears on.

Helen Sovdat and amateur guide Peter Findlay lead us up the same rock step I’d climbed previously. Despite

having an extended family of seven from Barrie, Ont., with us—paterfamilias Rob Hamilton, two daughters plus the husband of one, a son and his wife, and a son-in-law married to a daughter who isn’t here—the climb goes more quickly than the first day and we gather at the top to angle up a tumble of slick, heavily glaciated rock. As we scramble up a tricky section someone yells, “Goat!” We gaze up to see a huge male perched on a promontory, ears twitching at a torturous halo of flies, staring us down in curiosity. Even when we close to within 20 m it doesn’t move, as if it knows our route will take us around him.

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Above the goat we climb onto a balcony abutting glacial ice, then step gingerly onto its surface. This glacier is dirty and heavily crevassed, so we follow these wounds laterally until we hit a main gully we can head up without much worry. The higher part of the glacier surrounds Mount Joy, little more than a tiny nunatak from this distance, but

we’re heading in the opposite direction, toward the col between Bombay and Wiser peaks.

Near the end of the slog, Helen punches through collapsing snow into a small crevasse, gingerly reversing her steps and poking around to find a more solid route.

We skirt the crevasse and, a few steps later, step off the ice onto the rock of the col. From there it’s 20 minutes along a spectacular ridge to the 2,400-m summit of Bombay and impressive views in every direction—though we can see little more through the smoke than the fractured glacier we’ve just climbed.

Lunch is a joyous celebration for the Hamiltons, who’ve accomplished this together; 73-year-old Rob has had two heart attacks and is on blood thinners, and a small nick on his head bleeds profusely as he poses with a funny-looking bandage for the family photo. We hang on the peak for 45 minutes before Peter pulls the plug, splitting the group based on desired speed of descent and hectoring the faster squad onto the trail zigzagging down the ridge.

At dinner, more stories are shared. When it’s the guides’ turn to reminisce on previous GMCs, Helen tells the story of her first, when the helicopter with all the gear didn’t show up because the pilot got lost. Everyone spent the night out around a fire, but in the morning, despite little sleep, everyone still wanted to climb. Seeing such commitment in the face of adversity, Helen had immediately known she wanted to be a part of it.

That kind of tradition, 111 years strong at this point, is contagious indeed. ■

40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION IS HERE! IN PRINT AND ONLINE!

/whistlermagazine MAY 6, 2021

41

SPORTS THE SCORE

Meet Mike Charuk, one of the Sea to Sky’s most respected mountain bike coaches AFTER MORE THAN A DECADE AT THE HELM OF TEAM SQUAMISH, CHARUK IS TAKING OVER AS HEAD COACH OF NEW TEAM CHARGE BC-XC RACING.

BY MEGAN LALONDE IF YOU’VE heard about a B.C. crosscountry mountain biker accomplishing a particularly impressive feat recently, there’s a good chance Mike Charuk had something to do with their success.

Highly regarded as one of the province’s most respected mountain bike coaches, Charuk moved from Whistler to Squamish 13 years ago, after seven years of living in the resort full-time and racing as an athlete for Team Whistler.

Before even landing on the West Coast, Charuk studied physical education and sports injuries management, eventually beginning a career as an athletic therapist.

Even then, “I thought, ‘I’d rather be the coach than the therapist,’” Charuk recalled.

“But I got distracted, and I went into more therapy … About five years ago I thought ‘I came out here to be a coach,’ so I obtained my advanced coaching diploma through the Canadian Sport Institute.”

Charuk took over as head coach of crosscountry program Team Squamish in 2010.

Since then, he estimates he’s coached more than 100 riders. Among them are athletes he’s helped land spots on provincial and national teams, podium at races like national and

MTB MENTORS Renowned cross-country coach Mike Charuk, left, is stepping into the role as head coach of Charge BC-XC racing, a new Sea to Sky-based mountain bike team launched by Tobin McCallum, right, last year.

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42 MAY 6, 2021

world championships, and win gold medals at the Canada Summer Games. He landed the role as lead mountain bike coach for Cycling BC seven years ago, and has even been honoured as MTB coach of the year by Cycling Canada—all while maintaining his day job as a registered massage therapist.

Now, after more than a decade at the helm of Team Squamish, he’s stepping into a new gig as the head coach of a brand new cycling team, Charge BC-XC racing.

Launched last year by Tobin McCallum, the team—currently comprised of eight athletes ranging in age from 13 to 17—is intended to support young high-performance athletes working towards big races like World Cups, World Championships and Olympics.

“Squamish was kind of having a change in direction, with working more on the developing of athletes where Charged BC-XC racing is more of a race crew … so it’s been a nice transition,” Charuk said.

Having Charuk lead coaching duties was a no-brainer, McCallum said. He first met Charuk when his own son, Cam McCallum, was looking for a coach about six years ago.

“There’s no question: He’s the best coach in the world,” McCallum said. “There is no one that can make the kids work so hard and have so much fun at the same time.”

More importantly, Charuk’s coaching skills and style give his athletes the confidence to pursue being the best in the world, McCallum added.

That’s something that Holden Jones— who among numerous impressive results, finished third at the junior men’s world championships in 2017—agrees with.

Jones first met Charuk when he was

about eight years old. He praised his coach for always having strong connections in the high-performance sports world and sharing the knowledge of what it takes to earn success on an international stage in the years since. Charuk’s experience makes big dreams “a lot more manageable and achievable,” Jones said.

But once an athlete makes it to that big stage, “It’s easy to forget you belong at a high level race … he was always good at taking that stress off your mind,” Jones added.

Now, after just wrapping up his third year of engineering studies at UBC, Jones is paying that experience back as a mentor rider with Charge BC-XC racing, where more athletes are following in Jones’ footsteps under Charuk’s instruction.

Team member Mara Roldan is currently racing in Europe, while her teammate Eric InJae Sol is gearing up for the South Korean national championships this summer.

Meanwhile, one of Charuk’s longtime athletes, Sean Fincham, just earned third at the Leukerbad Swiss Bike Cup on May 2—one spot ahead of Carter Woods, another of Charuk’s charges. “This is a pretty big deal, because it’s 110 racers and the Swiss are obviously world leaders,” Charuk said.

The pair are preparing for a series of World Cup races in the coming weeks that will ultimately determine who represents Canada at the upcoming Olympics.

By this point, you might assume, with all of this success, that Charuk is well compensated for his work as a coach.

You’d be wrong.

Unlike many of the paid mountain bike coaches offering up their services

these days, every single hour Charuk has dedicated to coaching over the decade has been donated. “I believe in volunteerism, and I’m proud that we had yearly fees of, like, $200 or $250 for the athletes,” he said.

To that end, Charuk said he focuses just as much on his athletes’ development off the bike with his programming. “The bike riding is one part of these individuals, but we’re working on building good people,” he explained.

Agreed McCallum: “Mike is very big on being a well-rounded athlete. So not just being on the bike, but working on your schoolwork, being a part of the community, maybe trying out other sports.”

Despite the accolade, the ever-humble Charuk refused to take the brunt of the credit for his athletes’ successes.

“A kid in Squamish is born; they’re a granite block. We’ve got a whole bunch of people in town that have chisels and hammers, and everyone chips away to bring that athlete out of that [kid],” he said.

“It’s a team community effort. You know, the boys at CORSA [cycles], have been instrumental. Tobin at Charge. We’ve always used Tony Routley with Team Whistler as an advisor and mentor, a coach. So, yeah, it’s not just one person. I’m just one person in the system, it’s always a team.”

Amongst all of his athletes’ podiums and medals, “the accomplishment is more in the program—the blueprint that we’ve kind of established,” he added. “We’re just plugging the kids into that system, and with that, you know champions are going to come out of it … if you have a good system in place, success will follow it.” n

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43

EPICURIOUS

Restaurant Association launches ‘Meal Train’ initiative for Whistler Food Bank EVEN WITH INDOOR DINING SUSPENDED, RESTAURANTS ARE FINDING WAYS TO GIVE BACK

BY BRANDON BARRETT FOR RESTAURATEURS like Priyanka Lewis, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a constant lesson in relinquishing control— not exactly an easy thing to do for the kind of type-A personalities usually drawn to the industry. But in the face of rejigged dining protocols, 11th-hour closures, and the shutdown of Whistler Blackcomb, Lewis wanted to reclaim control in one way she still could: By giving back.

“We’ve been putting out fires and I think for me there was just an a-ha moment where I knew I needed to do something useful,” said Lewis, co-owner of Brickworks Public House and Main Street Noodles.

“I can’t control a lot of the stuff that is going on in our industry, but I can control this. I wanted to do something that made a difference to someone else.”

So, with indoor dining suspended until at least May 25 and the resort’s visitation slowed to a trickle, Lewis decided to capitalize on what restaurants do best—feed people—to give back to the community.

With support from the Restaurant

FOOD FIX The Restaurant Association of Whistler is giving back through a new initiative that will see local restaurants donating fresh-made meals to the Whistler Food Bank, pictured.

FILE PHOTO

44 MAY 6, 2021

Association of Whistler (RAW), Lewis is encouraging local restaurants to prepare and donate meals or coupons through the online platform, Meal Train. (Sign up at mealtrain.com/4qegkm.)

“We’re trying to make it as easy and as accessible as possible,” Lewis said, adding that she hopes the initiative will continue on long after the pandemic. “Each

has put on their staff, the initiative is yet another way to break down the stigma of accessing the food bank in a year when more Whistlerites than ever have experienced food insecurity.

“In the community right now, there is so much stigma around coming to the food bank or not knowing if there is going to be fresh and healthy foods,” explained

“I definitely don’t think we can sugar-coat the toll this is placing on people.”

- PRIYANKA LEWIS

restaurant has a choice: you can donate 30 meals from your restaurant, 20 meals, 10 meals, or you can, like with Brickworks, just cook up a batch of something … that can be frozen and then delivered to people in isolation, families in need and people accessing the food bank on the day-to-day.”

Live cookouts are also being organized, with participating restaurants utilizing Alta Bistro’s refurbished 1967 vintage Airstream Bambi trailer to prepare meals onsite at the food bank.

At a time when restaurant owners have seen firsthand the strain the pandemic

Gizem Kaya, food security manager with the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), which operates the food bank.

“Is it going to be the traditional picture we have in our mind of a food bank? No, actually, we will have frozen meals from Brickworks. We’ve been having frozen meals from the Brew Creek Centre, where they grow their own vegetables and cook freshly harvested [ingredients].”

The restaurant association is also raising much-needed funds for the WCSS’ outreach services, targeting $10,000 of the non-profit’s $50,000 goal, another

recognition of the impact the pandemic has had on residents.

“I speak to many, many, many business owners and a lot of staff and people are struggling. That’s why the outreach work is so important to me, to raise that money, because I don’t know the long-term effects [of this pandemic],” Lewis said. “I definitely don’t think we can sugar-coat the toll this is placing on people.”

Demand for the food bank has dropped somewhat from the recent spike during Whistler’s third wave, Kaya said, adding that the Nesters Road facility has changed its operating hours. Instead of six days a week, drop-in hours are now from 1:30 to 5 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and by appointment on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Food deliveries are also available by calling 604-932-0113.

Kaya stressed that the food bank is open to anyone experiencing food insecurity.

“People think, ‘Oh, am I going to take away resources from someone who needs it more?’ This is one of the messages we want to get out: We have the community support,” she said. “The local restaurants are helping us, the grocery stores are helping us, so nobody should shy away from coming and getting fresh food at no cost. That’s one of the things that I think people really struggle with because they think there are others who need the food bank more—but this year, we all need it.” n

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ARTS SCENE

Whistler photographers earn honours at national competition MEET THE TALENT BEHIND THE LENS AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEIR WILDLY DIFFERENT STYLES of in my photographic journey.

BY ALYSSA NOEL WHISTLER WAS WELL represented at this year’s 2021 National Image Salon of the Professional Photographers of Canada.

In total, three local photographers— Diane Hanna, Paul Wright, and Stephen Mayhew—had multiple images selected for the national exhibition.

Pique caught up with them to highlight one of their winning images and find out more about their work.

DIANE HANNA “This shot represents our newfound freedom during the COVID-19 lockdown where we can get outside, be active and socialize. Free at last!”

PIQUE: What does it mean to you to have your photos selected for this exhibition?

DIANE HANNA: It was an honour for my image to be chosen Best in Class by the Professional Photographers of Canada in the Conceptual Illustration category. To have my image in the exhibit is an accomplishment I’m proud

TOP PICS (From left): Diane Hanna’s “Mountain Drive,” Paul Wright’s “Falkland Stampede,” and Stephen Mayhew’s “Heavenly Bodies.”

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46 MAY 6, 2021

PIQUE: Tell us a little bit about your approach to photography. How did you find your niche or style?

DH: My first and foremost photographic endeavour focused on headshots, corporate branding and website content, which I’m still passionate about. When the COVID

PIQUE: Whistler has so many talented photographers. What’s the key to standing out?

DH: Whistler has so many world-class talented outdoor sport action and nature photographers. They capture their subjects in natural light and as the action happens.

What sets me apart is the use of my studio, controlled light and environment.

“Whistler has influenced my photography by encouraging me to remain youthful in my approach to this craft.”

- PAUL WRIGHT

lockdown occurred, none of this was possible so I expanded my interest into more illustrative and creative techniques through wardrobe, makeup, lighting, styling and post digital production.

PIQUE: Has Whistler influenced your photography at all?

DH: Whistler has an extremely strong and supportive creative arts community. We are lucky to have Arts Whistler that has exhibits, education and helps promote local artists.

I also offer makeup application and help my subject through coaching and wardrobe selection. All these elements combined highlight a personal photographic experience that gives my subjects unique and exceptional shots.

On the creative side, I capture photos, both in studio and outdoors, combine them together, sometimes incorporating handcrafted textures and digitally edit them into the final image.

More at DianeHannaPhotography.com and Unhinged.photos.

PAUL WRIGHT “This image is the cover of a 32-page album covering the Falkland Stampede over 10 years. It won the Best in Class Award for the best Feature Album and is now part of the Professional Photographers of Canada’s Loan Collection.

The images depict the heart and essence of the yearly event that spans three days. The town of Falkland punches far above its weight to stage this event. The town of several hundred swells to several thousand and it attracts international athletes. It is considered to be one of the remaining ‘authentic’ stampedes in Canada.”

PIQUE: What does it mean to you to have your photos selected for this exhibition?

PW: It is always an honour to have your work selected into the Salon of the Professional Photographers of Canada.

This particular class is that of an Album. This 32-page album was the result of a 10-year project, capturing the imagery of the Falkland Stampede. The album gives a feel of the stampede itself: from the rodeo events to the folks who follow the rodeo. Especially meaningful was being able to show the kids and the way their dreams are lived by attending the event.

The Album was also selected for the “Loan” collection, which means that it will be displayed across Canada.

ARTS SCENE

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We’ll present an overview of 2020 and elect new board members.

PIQUE: Tell us a little bit about your approach to photography. How did you find your niche or style?

PW: A photographer’s style is really an authentic reflection of who you are. I am attracted to images and situations that portray the reality of life. Often that is raw, peak action and often a display of the natural beauty that is around us.

PIQUE: Has Whistler influenced your photography at all?

PW: Whistler has influenced my photography by encouraging me to remain youthful in my approach to this craft. The photographic community is encouraging and receptive to energy and one can feed off the vitality of our extremely accomplished photographic community. Now that I am in my 70s, it is refreshing to still be encouraged by the youthful talent about me.

PIQUE: Whistler has so many talented photographers. What’s the key to standing out?

PW: Just being authentic. Being yourself is the key.

Find out more at wrightmoment.com or on Instagram at wrightmoment.

STEPHEN MAYHEW “Heavenly Bodies” “I named this after the two main subjects [which] are aptly named ‘Heavenly’: The Milky Way being the most stunning night time visual one will see in their lifetime and the church, “Church of the Good Shepherd” is also a place of worship.

The shot was taken in the South Island of New Zealand on the shores of Lake Tekapo within the McKenzie Dark Sky Reserve.

It has been known that with the perfect night and with the perfect atmosphere you could possibly see your shadow from the brilliance. The experience one witnesses from the intensity of the Galactic Center is overwhelming.”

The reviews are in from AGM 2020: “Hilarious!”; “The most fun I’ve had on Zoom in a long time.”

“Don’t miss one of the most fun AGMs of the year!” ; “Inspirational and uplifting”; “I think I’m in the wrong meeting.”

artswhistler.com

PIQUE: What does it mean to you to have your photos selected for this exhibition?

SM: As a child the night sky fascinated me, and as I grew older, I developed skills to photograph my fascination. I wanted to capture the untarnished night sky and share these experiences with children young and old.

Having photographs selected is sincerely an honour to show the grandeur of the night sky.

PIQUE: Tell us a little bit about your approach to photography. How did you find your niche or style?

SM: The driving force behind my desire to develop skills in photography has evolved from an innate sense of curiosity of nature.

PIQUE: Has Whistler influenced your photography at all? If so, how?

SM: Living in the embrace of the Cascade Mountains has nurtured my intrigue and wonder for the natural world. This has added a subtle depth to my photography.

PIQUE: Whistler has so many talented photographers. What’s the key to standing out?

SM: The ability to capture the essence of the subject, exposing a beauty which is greater than which can be seen on the surface.

Find out more at smayhewphotography. com. n

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48 MAY 6, 2021

CONNOR WARNOCK SPENT THE WINTER COLLECTING FOOTAGE OF THE CLUB’S SKIERS AHEAD OF ROUGH CUTS FILM COMPETITION

BY ALYSSA NOEL CONNOR

WARNOCK had been collecting footage of Whistler Freeride Club (WFC) skiers all winter long by the time he learned about the World Ski and Snowboard Festival’s (WSSF) Rough Cuts film competition.

“I didn’t even know the contest was going on,” the WFC coach says. “Then a friend of mine messaged me and said, ‘You should submit that video you’ve been working on for the kids. I was like, ‘That’s a good idea.’”

He had slowly been piecing together clips—which he, other coaches, and club skiers had filmed on iPhones over the season—to fit with the song “Seven Day Weekend” by New York Dolls.

“I stopped once I had enough footage to fill up the song,” he says. “I had so much footage.”

The icing on the cake though was an epic shot of skier Marcus Goguen flying down Air Jordan to open the entire clip: That was captured by someone named Britney Hule, who just happened to be in the lift line at the time.

“It was on her Instagram story,” Warnock says. “Someone sent it to me in a message and said, ‘Is this Marcus?’ I was like, ‘Yeah, awesome. What a good shot.’

I messaged her to ask for the clip and she sent it to me. It’s a perfect opening shot.”

The video garnered the most votes at the WSSF finals on Friday, April 30, and took home the top prize for the local category of Rough Cuts—along with $5,000.

“I was a little bit shocked,” Warnock says of the moment the winner was announced during the livestream. “I was at home by myself. I was like looking around like, ‘I won?’”

Not only did he take the top video prize, but he also won $1,000 for the photo prize, which is a still from the film of skier Tristan Curran (with whom he plans to split his winnings).

“The photo, I thought I had a little bit better of a chance,” he says. “I didn’t see many people promoting their photos as much as the video. Originally, I was like, ‘I don’t have a chance with the video, but maybe with the photo.’”

In the end, the big wins were the perfect way to cap off what was a great— albeit short—season, Warnock says.

He happened to finish collecting video footage right before Whistler Blackcomb unexpectedly had to shut down.

“It was a great season, good snow,” he says. “The kids are on another level this year, for sure. They’re really pushing it nowadays.”

Meanwhile, the other winners of this year’s virtual WSSF included: • Eric Beckstead for his film TAO, featuring Marie Thomsen, which won the Rough Cuts global category. That came with $1,000 cash and the key to WSSF 2022.

• U.K. digital illustrator Annie Ryan in the Whip Sheet snowboard topsheet contest for her design “Miss.”

• Michelle Spragg for her design “First Light” in the Whip Sheet topsheet ski contest. Her art will appear on a limited quantity of Foon Skis.

For more visit wssf.com. ■

PARTIAL RECALL

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BOGEY BEAR A black bear headed out for a sunny stroll along the Whistler Golf Course on May 2. PHOTO BY CLARE OGILVIE. 2 VILLAGE VIEWS Whistler Village was looking far quieter than usual—or downright empty—on Monday afternoon, SPRING SNOW The remaining snow on the 19 Mile Creek trail leading to Iceberg Lake is melting a little unevenly, to say the least. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 4 KEEP THE BEAT Signal Hill Elementary School students in Pemberton are participating in “Keep the Beat for Mental Health,” a community drum circle during the week of May 3, and learning about the importance of mental health awareness. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 5 LOVELY LOLA Longtime Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) resident Lola smiles big after a walk while she awaits her perfect furever home. Looking for more Lola content in your life? You can follow her on Instagram @lookingforahomelola. PHOTO BY KENDALL BENBOW. 6 BEE COOL 1

May 3. PHOTO BY MEGAN LALONDE. 3

The community hives in Pemberton are up and running, and the bees are busy collecting pollen and nectar. Pictured are the hives being assembled last month. Interested in taking a close look at what happens inside a hive? Feel free to contact Delores Franz Los at 604-894-6189 or dfflos@hotmail.com to arrange a time.

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helping to make Whistler the place you call home

MUSEUM MUSINGS

Request for Proposals Property Management Services Whistler Housing Authority The Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) is inviting proposals for Property Management Services for a 3-year term to manage 327 long-term rental units owned by the WHA. Additional details can be found in the Property Management Services RFP and Terms of Reference located on the WHA’s website at: www.whistlerhousing.ca Property Management companies intending to submit proposals must be insured, bondable and licensed to perform these services within BC. Proposals for the above services must be received via email to jessica@whistlerhousing. ca no later than 4:00pm on June 7th, 2021.

Any questions regarding proposals should be directed to Jessica Averiss at jessica@whisterhousing.ca.

helping to make Whistler the place you call home Call for Expression of Interest: Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) Communication and Engagement Strategy The Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) invites individuals and/or organizations with suitable experience to submit an Expression of Interest to develop an organizational Communication and Engagement Strategy.

Please read the detailed Call for Expression of Interest: Communication and Engagement Strategy found at www.whistlerhousing.ca.

Interested candidates are asked to email a completed Expression of Interest to: sam@whistlerhousing.ca by 4:00 pm May 19, 2021.

helping to make Whistler the place you call home Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) is seeking a qualified individual to join the WHA Board of Directors The WHA Board of Directors provides a governance role for the Whistler Housing Authority. Participation as a WHA Director is an opportunity to make an important contribution to Whistler’s Employee Restricted Housing Program and to the overall Whistler community.

Relevant qualifications for WHA Directors include knowledge and enthusiasm about the Employee Housing inventory and initiatives; housing and development experience; competence in reviewing budgets, financial statements and strategic planning; and the ability to commit to a 3-year term including attending approximately 8 Board meetings per annum in Whistler.

Please read the detailed Call for Expression of Interest for Candidates to WHA Board of Directors and the WHA Board Candidate Application Form found at www.whistlerhousing.ca.

Interested candidates are asked to email a completed Application Form to: jessica@whistlerhousing.ca by May 17, 2021.

50 MAY 6, 2021

WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN This map shows the plans that the Ambassador Development Corporation of Canada Ltd. had for White Gold. Much of the area shown in orange is now protected wetlands.

BROWN COLLECTION

The White Gold Estate that isn’t

BY ALLYN PRINGLE

BY THE EARLY 1970s, various developments had begun to appear in the Whistler area spurred on by the growing success of Whistler Mountain. Some of these projects can still be found in the valley today, but many of the developments started in the late 1960s and early 1970s never realized the entirety of the developers’ plans.

The original plans for both Adventures West and Tamarisk called for far more units and facilities than can be seen today (Tamarisk was meant to include over 400 units and a “condo-lodge” that would contain a cocktail lounge and dining facilities). Another development that would look very different today if the full plans had been constructed is the neighbourhood of White Gold.

According to a pamphlet in the archives, the Ambassador Development Corporation of Canada Ltd. (ADCC) was planning to build “a whole new community.”

When first promoted, The White Gold Estate was to include large cabin lots, condominiums, a shopping area and a hotel complex spread over 172 acres [70 hectares].

The developers claimed that they would keep a large portion of the natural setting intact, “retaining as much of the park-like landscape as possible.”

The serviced cabin lots were described as being planned “very carefully” to leave as many trees as possible untouched, both to create a “serene” atmosphere and to guarantee privacy for the owners.

A number of these lots had already been sold by the 1970s, with some cabins already under construction. In the fall of 1970, an advertisement in Garibaldi’s Whistler News offered lease-to-purchase lots with a deposit of $250 and three-bedroom cabins available from $16,800. That winter it was reported

that Nancy Greene and Al Raine hoped to be settling into their new cabin in White Gold in the new year and by 1972, it was not uncommon to see houses in White Gold advertised for rent or sale.

While some roads and cabin lots were constructed, other parts of ADCC’s plans never came to fruition. The White Gold Estates plans included a commercial area of shops off of Highway 99 near the existing Ski Boot Lodge Motel that opened in 1970.

Luxury one- and two-bedroom condos were to be constructed, for which a “qualified management staff” would be provided to look after the units during the owners’ absence or even handle arrangements to rent out units for owners.

According to a map included in the ADCC’s pamphlet, an artificial lake was proposed in the middle of what today is protected wetlands. Along with the lots that make up today’s White Gold, cabin lots would have extended from Fitzsimmons Creek to Highway 99 and even onto the other side of the highway.

There is not much information in the archives about the ADCC or why its plans for The White Gold Estate were not completed.

It appears that the company was dissolved by 1979, though it is unclear why.

By the mid-1970s, however, the ADCC had completed the four roads that currently make up White Gold: Nancy Greene Dr. (fittingly named for one of the neighbourhood’s early residents), Toni Sailer Ln. (the Toni Sailer Ski Camps had been operating for several summers by that time), Fitzsimmons Rd. (running parallel to Fitzsimmons Creek), and Ambassador Crescent (presumably named for the development company that built it).

Like other projects from that time, the development that we find in White Gold today is only a part of what was envisioned by early investors in the Whistler Valley. n

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF MAY 6 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Created by Leonardo da Vinci in the 16th century, the Mona Lisa is one of the world’s most famous paintings. It’s hanging in the Louvre museum in Paris. In that same museum is a less renowned version of the Mona Lisa. It depicts the same woman, but she’s unclothed. Made by da Vinci’s student, it was probably inspired by a now-lost nude Mona Lisa painted by the master himself. Renaissance artists commonly created “heavenly” and “vulgar” versions of the same subject. I suggest that in the coming weeks you opt for the “vulgar” Mona Lisa, not the “heavenly” one, as your metaphor of power. Favour what’s earthy, raw, and unadorned over what’s spectacular, idealized, and polished.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus poet Vera Pavlova writes, “Why is the word yes so brief? It should be the longest, the hardest, so that you could not decide in an instant to say it, so that upon reflection you could stop in the middle of saying it.” I suppose it makes sense for her to express such an attitude, given the fact that she never had a happy experience until she was 20 years old, and that furthermore, this happiness was “unbearable.”

(She confessed these sad truths in an interview.) But I hope you won’t adopt her hard-edged skepticism toward YES anytime soon, Taurus. In my view, it’s time for you to become a connoisseur of YES, a brave explorer of the bright mysteries of YES, an exuberant perpetrator of YES. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): In Indigenous cultures from West Africa to Finland to China, folklore describes foxes as crafty tricksters with magical powers.

Sometimes they’re thought of as perpetrators of pranks, but more often they are considered helpful messengers or intelligent allies. I propose that you regard the fox as your spirit creature for the foreseeable future. I think you will benefit from the influence of your inner fox—the wild part of you that is ingenious, cunning, and resourceful.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): “The universe conspires in your favor,” writes author Neale Donald Welsch. “It consistently places before you the right and perfect people, circumstances, and situations with which to answer life’s only question: “Who are you?” In my book Pronoia Is the Antidote for Paranoia: How the Whole World Is Conspiring to Shower You with Blessings, I say much the same thing, although I mention two further questions that life regularly asks, which are: 1. What can you do next to liberate yourself from some of your suffering? 2. What can you do next to reduce the suffering of others, even by a little? As you enter a phase when you’ll get ample cosmic help in diminishing suffering and defining who you are, I hope you meditate on these questions every day.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The poet Anne Sexton wrote a letter to a Benedictine monk whose real identity she kept secret from the rest of us. She told him, “There are a few great souls in my life. They are not many.

They are few. You are one.” In this spirit, Leo, and in accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to take an inventory of the great souls in your life: the people you admire and respect and learn from and feel grateful for; people with high integrity and noble intentions; people who are generous with their precious gifts. When you’ve compiled your list, I encourage you to do as Sexton did: Express your appreciation; perhaps even send no-strings-attached gifts. Doing these things will have a profoundly healing effect on you.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “It’s a temptation for any intelligent person to try to murder the primitive, emotive, appetitive self,” writes author Donna Tartt. “But that is a mistake. Because it is dangerous to ignore the existence of the irrational.” I’m sending this message out to you, Virgo, because in the coming weeks it will be crucial for you to honour the parts of your life that can’t be managed through rational thought alone. I suggest you have sacred fun as you exult in the mysterious, welcome the numinous, explore the wildness within you, unrepress

big feelings you’ve buried, and marvel adoringly about your deepest yearnings.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Science writer Sharman Apt Russell provides counsel that I think you should consider adopting in the coming days. The psychospiritual healing you require probably won’t be available through the normal means, so some version of her proposal may be useful: “We may need to be cured by flowers. We may need to strip naked and let the petals fall on our shoulders, down our bellies, against our thighs. We may need to lie naked in fields of wildflowers. We may need to walk naked through beauty. We may need to walk naked through color. We may need to walk naked through scent.”

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): As Scorpio author Margaret Atwood reminds us, “Water is not a solid wall; it will not stop you. But water always goes where it wants to go, and nothing in the end can stand against it.” According to my reading of the astrological omens, being like water will be an excellent strategy for you to embrace during the coming weeks. “Water is patient,” Atwood continues. “Dripping water wears away a stone.

Remember you are half water. If you can’t go through an obstacle, go around it. Water does.”

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In a letter to a friend in 1856, Sagittarian poet Emily Dickinson confessed she was feeling discombobulated because of a recent move to a new home. She hoped she would soon regain her bearings. “I am out with lanterns, looking for myself,” she quipped, adding that she couldn’t help laughing at her disorientation. She signed the letter “From your mad Emilie,” intentionally misspelling her own name. I’d love it if you approached your current doubt and uncertainty with a similar light-heartedness and poise. (P.S.: Soon after writing this letter, Dickinson began her career as a poet in earnest, reading extensively and finishing an average of one poem every day for many years.)

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Now is a favourable time to celebrate both life’s changeableness and your own. The way we are all constantly called on to adjust to unceasing transformations can sometimes be a wearying chore, but I suspect it could be at least interesting and possibly even exhilarating for you in the coming weeks.

For inspiration, study this message from the “Welcome to Night Vale” podcast: “You are never the same twice, and much of your unhappiness comes from trying to pretend that you are. Accept that you are different each day, and do so joyfully, recognizing it for the gift it is. Work within the desires and goals of the person you are currently, until you aren’t that person anymore.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarian author Toni Morrison described two varieties of loneliness. The first “is a loneliness that can be rocked. Arms crossed, knees drawn up; holding, holding on, this motion smooths and contains the rocker.” The second “is a loneliness that roams. No rocking can hold it down. It is alive, on its own.” Neither kind is better or worse, of course, and both are sometimes necessary as a strategy for selfrenewal—as a means for deepening and fine-tuning one’s relationship with oneself. I recommend either or both for you in the coming weeks.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): England’s Prince Charles requires his valet to iron his shoelaces and put toothpaste on his toothbrush and wash all of his clothes by hand. I could conceivably interpret the current astrological omens to mean that you should pursue similar behaviour in the coming weeks. I could, but I won’t. Instead, I will suggest that you solicit help about truly important matters, not meaningless trivia like shoelace ironing. For example, I urge you to ask for the support you need as you build bridges, seek harmony, and make interesting connections.

NOTICE

Some RMOW services are currently unavailable and Municipal Hall is temporarily closed.

We apologize for this inconvenienvce.

For more information and the latest RMOW updates visit www.whistler.ca

Homework. The Dream of the Month Club wants to hear about your best nightly dreams. Truthrooster@gmail.com

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

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

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3 9 6 7 PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM/JOBS 8 1THE FIRST9PLACE4TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB3OPENINGS ROTARY CLUBS 7 1 4 9 7 4 OF WHISTLER 4 2 8 1 7 2 5 6 The Rotary Clubs of Whistler are now meeting virtually.

3 Club 8 5 7 6 2 8 The Whistler Tuesdays at 3.

The6Millennium Club 9 4 1 2 5 4 9 Thursdays at 12:15.

Contact us at 6 2 9 1 3 2 Now hiring7for the following positions: info@Whistler-rotary.org for log in info. All welcome.

MAINTENANCE ASSOCIATE 9 1 Scandinave 6 2 6 5 MAINTENANCE 1 TECHNICIAN MEETING PLACE Spa 3 is NIGHT AUDITOR | HOUSEMAN 7 5 6 2 7 recruiting for 4 HOUSEKEEPING ROOM ATTENDANT 1 9 2 8 Human3 Resources 4 5 1 8 4GUEST 6 SERVICE AGENT Manager • Competitive Wages NOTICES

Welcome Centre at Whistler Public Library Information, support, community connections and ESL practice groups for newcomers and immigrants.

Meet people, make connections, volunteer, build your communication skills in English.

V. EASY Multicultural Meet Up every Friday 9.30-12pm.604-698-5960 info@welcomewhistler.com FB: WhistlerWelcomeCentre

53 ARE OFFERING V. EASY WHAT#WE Free bath access for you and a friend 6 Free massages (3 bi-annual) Extended health benefits Subsidized staff accommodation Great work environment focused on work life balance

• • • • •

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

Call 604-892-3125.

Don’t miss out. Apply now at www.scandinave.com/en/careers/ location/whistler

5 8 1 EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 8 7 5 7 3 6 2 7 Nail Salon 6 1 9 Supervisor/Manager for Soles Nail 4 9 3 Lounge & Footwear 3 5 2 7 1 2 4 8 EMPLOYMENT

Must have management experience AND be certified as a nail technician.

Retail experience also an advantage as we also have a retail footwear store.

40 hrs/wk

Please forward resume to V. EASY liz@solesofwhistler.com

***Local Automotive*** Automotive technician for year round position in Whistler. 604-905-9109 steve@localautomotive.com

# 53

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# 54 Associate Housing Wellness Allowance/Ski Pass Flexible Schedule Discounted Food Extended Medical Benefits Spa Discounts

Discover new opportunities and embark on a career in Hospitality with Pan Pacific Whistler To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers.ppwhi@panpacific.com

4 8 7 9 3 6 3 6 7 4 9 7 8 1 5 2 7 9 3 5 4 1 Spray 4 Foam Technician 2 6 1 Full Time - Permanent Full Wages Time 3 9 2 Competitive 1 5- Permanent - Benefits Package Competitive Wages - Benefits Package Candidate 8 7 Training 9 Provided for the Right info@tminsulation.ca

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A Longstanding Construction Trade Shop in Whistler is looking for experienced help for Full Time Employment of either CARPENTERS AND/OR LABOURERS who are mechanically inclined and proficient with power and hand tools. # 54

# 55 6 8 experience 1 9 4 5 7 3 2in general 3 9 4 5 8 1 7 Good construction 9 2 5 7 6 3 1 8 4 practices an asset.8 6 1 4 2 7 9

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6 1 5 7 4 2 3 8 9 7 4 8 5 9 3 6 2 1 WE ARE HIRING: 9 3 2 8 1 6 5 7 4 3 9 7 4 8 1 2 5 6 Foremen, Apprentices 1 Carpenters, 5 4 2 6 7 8 9Labourers, 3 8 2 6 3 5 9 4 1 7 Please contact 2 6 9 1Marc@balmoralconstruction.com 3 5 7 4 8 4 7 3 9 2 8 1 6 5 5 8 1 6 7 4 9 3 2

4/11/2005

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N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre PO BOX 88/64 CASPER CHARLIE PLACE, DARCY BC V0N 1L0

JOB POSTINGS

PRESCHOOL CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR INFANT TODDLER EDUCATOR The N’Quatqua First Nation is seeking 2 qualified Early Childhood Educators. One is a full-time permanent position, the other is a full time maternity leave position at N’Quatqua Child and Family Development Centre. The successful candidates will join our NCFDC team. The Early Childhood Educators work as team members with other child care setting staff and with all the children and families providing general support to the whole program to ensure effective inclusion of the children.

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

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

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

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• Competitive Wages • Affordable Staff Accommodation Available for Successful Candidates • Extended Health & Dental Plans • Healthy & Fun Place to Work • 10% off Groceries

WE’RE HIRING CASHIERS • DELI EXPERTS Must be avaliable to work evenings & weekends

To apply, send resume to sheryllc@freshstmarket.com

• 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

Join Our Team

• Interpersonal, written, oral communication skills and maintaining positive communication with parents

Recreation Attendant I Canada Summer Jobs 2021 Full-time, 14 weeks

• Collaborating with community service providers, Self-directed and able to initiate and complete projects

Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which aims to provide flexible and holistic services to help young Canadians develop skills and paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market. To be eligible you must be aged between lS and 30 at the start of employment, you must also have a valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

In addition, the Early Childhood Educators will have: • A minimum of 2 years work experience in a child care setting • Valid Early Childhood Educator Certificate, ECE Licence to Practice or going to school to take Early Childhood Educator courses.

Based out of the Pemberton Community Centre in the heart of the Village, you’ll be supporting the Recreation Team with all the operational aspects of launching and running Spring and Summer programs.

You’ll be guest facing and often working with children so we’re looking for someone with the confidence to communicate in a friendly and proactive manner.

• 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, Monday to Friday hours to be determined

If you're interested in this opportunity and meet the criteria of the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, let's talk. Please send your resume and cover letter to recruiting@pemberton.ca by Sunday, May 16, 2021.

• Start Date: As soon as possible

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

• 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.

56 MAY 6, 2021

VillageOfPemberton

pemberton.ca

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Join Our Team

Labourer I Canada Summer Jobs 2021 Full-time, 23 weeks Canada Summer Jobs is an initiative of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, which aims to provide flexible and holistic services to help young Canadians develop skills and paid work experience to successfully transition into the labour market. To be eligible you must be aged between lS and 30 at the start of employment, you must also have a valid Social Insurance Number and be legally entitled to work in Canada.

Enjoy being outside, working on your feet and with your hands? Look no further! Supporting the maintenance of our open spaces at the Village of Pemberton you'll be supporting a small crew with anything from picking up litter to mowing lawns and minor repairs to facility buildings. This is a public facing role and you'll be working closely with your crew so excellent communication and teamwork is essential for the role.

If you're interested in this opportunity and meet the criteria of the Canada Summer Jobs initiative, let's talk. Please send your resume and cover letter to recruiting@pemberton.ca by Sunday, May 16, 2021.

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

VillageOfPemberton

pemberton.ca

88/64 CASPER CHARLIE PLACE, DARCY BC V0N 1L0

JOB POSTING

ABORIGINAL SUPPORTED CHILD DEVELOPMENT EDUCATOR The N’Quatqua First Nation is seeking a qualified Aboriginal Supported Child Development Educator 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 Aboriginal Supported Child Development Educator 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 Educator works as a team member with child care setting staff and with all the children and families providing general support to the whole program to ensure effective inclusion of the children.

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

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

• Ability to maintain confidentiality, positive, professional, non-judgemental attitude.

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

Become part of a creative team and surround yourself with art

• 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

Currently hiring for the following positions:

• Collaborating with community service providers, Self-directed and able to initiate and complete projects

Registrar

In addition, the Educator will have: • A minimum of 2 years work experience in a child care setting

Cultural Engagement Assistant For complete job descriptions and application instructions, please visit audainartmuseum.com/employment Mirae Campbell

• Valid Early Childhood Educator Certificate, SNE Licence to Practice.

• 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, Monday to Thursday hours to be determined • Start Date: As soon as possible

Employment Opportunities: Guest Service Agents Maintenance Apply to: jobs@pembertonvalleylodge.com

Competitive wages, health benefits, casual environment

• 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.

MAY 6, 2021

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We are looking for:

FULL-TIME HOUSEKEEPING

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PART-TIME FRONT DESK AGENT FULL-TIME CLERK

Aid all departments meet daily workload

FULL-TIME MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

At The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler, discover a place where you’re given a choice to not just get up, but to rise. Work together to enhance the well-being of our guests and our communities.

DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO RISE Email resume to work@westinwhistler.com

Competitive wages and a great working environment.

Please send your resume to Glen Murray Assistant - General Manager Glen.Murray@wyn.com

Delta Hotels by Marriott Whistler Village Suites

Reach great heights in a Full-Time position at the District of Squamish!

is recruiting for the following:

- Guest Experience Expert (FT Front Desk Agent) - Overnight Guest Experience Expert (FT Night Auditor) - General Runner (Summer Seasonal Housekeeping Support)

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To Apply: either submit an application online at Marriott.com/careers or send your resume to barbara.fraser@deltahotels.com

58 MAY 6, 2021

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Environmental Coordinator

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Executive Coordinator to the Mayor and CAO

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RCMP Front Counter Clerk

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Bylaw Enforcement Coordinator – Clerk 3

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SENIOR INFRASTRUCTURE ANALYST (YEAR-ROUND) Apply online at: https://jobs.vailresortscareers.com/whistler VISITORS’ GUIDE 2017-2018 FREE

Office Administrator DVAD Inc. are searching for a dynamic Office Administrator to assist our close-knit Architectural Office in Whistler. Part-time/casual hours to be negotiated, salary dependent upon experience.

To apply, please send both resume and cover letter to gs@dvad.org

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Custom Window Treatments Contact us today for a free quote or consultation info@suncrestwindowcoverings.com

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Specialized in cleaning Chimneys, Furnace & Airducts, Dryer vents.

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60 MAY 6, 2021

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PUZZLES ACROSS 1 6 11 16 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 36 37 39 41 43 45 47 49 51 53 54 55 59 60 61 63 64 65 66 67 69 70

Braid Midler or Davis Attics Occupy the throne Solitary Mall for Plato Barbecuer’s garb Golden -Winter wear Earmark “Peachy-keen!”

Rule Check fig.

High flyers Bound by oath Spider’s creation Annapolis grad Volvo rival Hits the hammock Cry of woe Like rising bread Kuwaiti leaders Cabs Alkali opposites Full of fat Natural fabric Baha’i origin Advantage Spot Gets healthy again Ringing sounds Percent ending Pet owner’s buy Ashcroft or Lee Sets a trap State Farm competitor Not Dem. or Rep. Horus’ father

72 73 74 76 77 78 79 81 82 83 86 87 88 92 93 94 96 97 98 99 100 102 103 105 106 107 109 110 111 112 114 115 116 119 121 123 127 128

Kelp Kind of cracker Discreet summons Roman foe Unchained Ramble Rock tumbler stone Petitions Bolt for an I-beam Without wasted words Weather system Mr. Letterman Embraced Very happy Coronet Outback manufacturer -- kwon do “The Pink Panther” actor Food from heaven Rathskeller mug Spaghetti topping Byron work Heavy hooded jacket Is willing to More embarrassed Vegas alternative Worse than bad Glues together Prepared baby food Main Welsh dog Invigorating Shabby Wild Hamburger extra Fez wearer of yore Id companion “Murder, -- Wrote”

130 132 134 135 137 139 141 143 144 145 146 147 148 149 150

“Rigoletto” composer Uneasy Mauna -Grads Feel anxiety Rust or lime -- -craftsy Media biggie From Oslo Many spouses Callas or Montessori Garbo or Bergman Took steps Circumvent Ritzy

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 31 33

Mamas’ bandmates Alpaca kin Major artery Sign a contract Wood for furniture Dry cell Way out Light breakfast -- -Star Pictures Diner sign Skin softener La Scala productions Euro casualty Little one Kind of leopard Hijacked English cathedral town Runs in neutral Mammoth Informative -- wolfhound Floor polishes

35 38 40 42 44 46 48 50 51 52 53 54 56 57 58 59 60 61 62 65 66 68 71 72 73 75 77 78 80 81 82 83 84 85 86 87 89 90

Watching Purple vegetables Itches Kind of chop Rattlesnake kin Strong silent type?

Griffith or Gibb Soup containers Hollows Freeways Authentic Work by Homer Supple Arm bones Mineral strata Short-lived deviation Country music’s -Haggard Canary abodes Bilko’s nickname Devoutness Meadow sound Mars neighbor Bring to a boil Rodeo venue Donor Try a bite Goddess of flowers Sofa Ms. Davis of films Shenanigan Frenzied Male vocalist Miss a syllable Poe’s night visitor Student’s worry Oater shoot-outs Chopin opus Tied

91 93 94 95 98 99 101 104 105 106 108 110 111 113 114 115 116

Forest ruminant Import tax Rehearsal spot Software buyers Incite Nightclub number Skillful Horse sound Globe Bankrupts Harvest moon mo.

Got on the plane Complain Headache Trouser feature Hearth residue Widens a hole

117 118 120 122 124 125 126 129 131 133 136 138 140 142

Radiant Chisel Turn inside out Gullible Violet lead-in Gymnast’s stickum Sealskin canoe Ferber or Best Hawkeye state Sweet potatoes Malicious gossip Sinbad’s transport Centurion’s 14 Windy and cold

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.

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5 8

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8 1 9 4 9 7 7 2 7 2 5 1 3 2 3 6 5 4 5 1 V. EASY

3 5 6 2 4 9

7

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 55

MAY 6, 2021

61

MAXED OUT

Celebrating moms everywhere …

PERHAPS it wasn’t the best time to set a celebration of life, the life of the single most important person in bringing about your life—your mother. This time of year abounds with so many distractions as life in the northern hemisphere begins anew it’s easy to lose track of Mother’s Day. Mother’s Day isn’t as nebulous as, say, Easter, which seems to float between late March and late April and is, therefore, the Holiday You’re Most Likely to Lose Track Of, but it doesn’t have the cachet of a fixed date like Canada Day. Second Sunday in May— except after C or something like that—ails to fix it in the flotsam of consciousness as well as, for example, Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican celebration of mayonnaise which always follows Quatro de Mayo, the Mexican

BY G.D. MAXWELL celebration of quarter barbecue chicken to go.

This conveniently makes it totally excusable, even understandable, that many of us will wait too late to send our cards and flowers. Mom’s Day has a nasty habit of sneaking up on us like an unmarked traffic cop in a 30km/h zone. Naturally this means Mother’s Day cards will be arriving in mailboxes everywhere well into the middle of the month and possibly as late as Father’s Day, the date of which I haven’t a clue. In my feeble defense, I no longer have either to celebrate, except in memory.

In the pantheon of things to celebrate, mothers are a no-brainer. Mothers have been celebrated since pagan times. This is probably puzzling to those of you who are convinced we still live in pagan times and, if pressed, I wouldn’t have a clue exactly when pagan times were or, if pressed further, if pagan times wasn’t actually the name of a newspaper as opposed to an historical epoch. But in a world where we universally measure things by comparing their size to football fields—and when none of the three fields something called football is played on are the same size—cut me some slack.

Mother’s Day has been around a very, very long time. Far longer than Hallmark Cards.

As long, in fact, as the ancient Greeks, who invented everything it seems except Saran Wrap. The very first celebrations in honour of mothers were held in the spring in ancient Greece, a time of year when the Greeks weren’t celebrating much of anything other than spring lamb with mint sauce. The Greeks paid tribute to Rhea, the Mother of Formaldehyde, who begot Naugahyde, who begot the twins Tuck & Roll, Patron Saints of hotrodders everywhere. As so many things ancient and Greek, it is lost to antiquity exactly how the Greeks celebrated motherhood but rumour has it there was definitely a tie-in with the whole spring lamb thing.

In the years between the Ancient Greeks and the Pre-Thomas Crapper English, no

62 MAY 6, 2021

PHOTO BY ZOLGA_F / GETTY IMAGES

one celebrated Mother’s Day. With all the attention being paid to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, the Dark Ages, the Plague, the Crusades, the Inquisition and the general perfection of warfare, mothers everywhere got short shrift and wondered why they laboured to birth such wankers.

There was even a period of several centuries when men—whose natural place in the scheme of things was to promulgate explanations for everything, regardless of their lack of understanding of anything— were so out of touch with what women did on a day-to-day basis, no one except other women actually knew where babies came from. This was the historical period known as, alternatively, Stork Time or The Cabbage Patch, named for men’s popular conceptions of how babies managed to

Mother’s Day. Mothering Sunday was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of Lent, its floating nature cast in quicksand forever.

Since Lent was the sadistic celebration of guilt, penance and fasting, the minds of England’s upper class, already addled by inbreeding and lack of sound dental hygiene, went along with this plan.

In an uncharacteristic act of noblesse oblige, wealthy Brits gave their serfs the day off to celebrate their mamas with song, celebrations and something called mothering cakes, a confection made of boiled grains, floor sweepings, sugar and molasses. It was during these early years that mothers everywhere popularized the phrase, “You shouldn’t have.”

Despite bad food, the popularity of Mothering Sunday quickly drew

Mom’s Day has a nasty habit of sneaking up on us like an unmarked traffic cop in a 30km/h zone. arrive at their houses on a regular basis.

Women, knowing men wouldn’t believe them if they were told The Truth, kept them in the dark and let them go about the business of laying waste to the world, a task for which they seemed eminently suitable.

When men had matured enough—as if—to be let in on the secret of childbirth, it became popular once again to celebrate

the attention of the power brokers of Christianity. Always quick to spoil a good party or cash in on any gift giving, the Holy Men moved to co-opt the celebration to one honouring not only one’s own mother but the Mother Church as well.

Having collective memory sufficiently long to encompass the coercive frivolities of the Inquisition, people acquiesced to this

unwarranted but completely characteristic power grab.

Like all things New World except poutine, Mother’s Day as we now know it in Canada was invented in the United States.

The idea of celebrating Mother’s Day, a day dedicated to peace, was first floated in 1872

by Julie Howe, a genteel southern woman whose Louisiana hot pepper plantation— Howe’s Bayou—escaped the ravages of the Civil War. Ms. Howe, whose lasting claim to fame was penning the words to Battle Hymn of the Republic and inadvertently giving John Steinbeck a catchy title for a great book, failed in her efforts, possibly because she couldn’t come up with another good song for the occasion.

Anna Jarvis succeeded where Julie Howe failed and Mother’s Day became a holiday filled with irony. Ms. Jarvis was, herself, a single woman and never a mother.

After throwing a party to celebrate her own mama, two years dead, Ms. Jarvis agitated to have the day formally declared a holiday. In 1914, Woody Wilson, then pres, capitulated to what had become a groundswell of populism and proclaimed Mother’s Day. By 1923, Ms. Jarvis was protesting what Mother’s Day had become, a manipulative, commercial celebration, tearing at the guilt and regret we all feel for never being able to repay the debt we owe our mothers.

When she died in 1948, having spent her modest fortune and the last quarter century of her life trying to put the genie back into the bottle, Ms. Jarvis was sorry she’d ever started Mother’s Day. Kind of like the Aussie who bred the first Labradoodle. Strange, but true.

Happy Mother’s Day, Moms everywhere. ■

WISHING ALL THE MOMS A VERY H A P P Y M O T H E R S D AY LAKEFRONT

SOLD

WHISTLER CREEKSIDE 1400-DP3 Alta Lake Road Whistler waterfront! Now’s your chance to own a little slice of lakefront magic at Tamarisk. This top floor, 2B unit is bright and spacious with unbeatable views and amenities galore. Call me for details and a private tour!. $949,000

Gina Daggett

778-998-2357 Brigitta Fuess

WHISTLER VILLAGE 329/330-4905 Spearhead Place Ski in/out bright lock-off unit located on Blackcome Mountain. This 2 bedroom unit in Greystone Lodge are now rented separately, to generate a higher-than-average nightly rental revenue. $1,579,000

Ruby Jiang *PREC

WHISTLER VILLAGE 223-4338 Main St. Spacious 1 bedroom/1 bath condo in the Tyndall Stone Lodge features brand new kitchen, appliances, new carpet, fresh paint with insuite washer/dryer. Amenities include outdoor pool & hottub, underground parking and elevator. $798,000

604-932-0751 Maggi Thornhill *PREC

WHISTLER VILLAGE 303–4111 Golfers Approach Make yourself at home in this spacious, fully furnished 1 bedroom and den condo in the heart of Whistler Village. Unlimited owner use or enjoy nightly rental income when you‘re not in town. All that’s missing is you. $998,000

778-834-2002 Nick Swinburne *PREC

604-932-8899

SOLD

604-905-8199

GARIBALDI ESTATES, SQUAMISH A106-40100 Willow Crescent Great value 2 bed/1 bath ground floor condo. Private patio, mountain views, open layout and inviting floorplan. Walking distance to all the amenities of Garibaldi Village. Perfect for first-time buyer or investor. $489,000

Kerry Batt *PREC

604-902-5422

SOLD

PEMBERTON PLATEAU 1766 Pinewood Dr Congratulations to the Sellers that can now move on to their next adventure! If you’re considering buying or selling, let me share my expertise so you can get rolling with your real estate goals. $2,198,000

Laura Wetaski

EMERALD ESTATES 9508 Emerald Drive Welcome to “Raven-Hut” the epitome of mountain modern design. Interior living spaces flow seamlessly with the outdoor living spaces. 3 bedrooms & 2 bathroom house with a lovely 2 bedroom & 1 bathroom suite $3,995,000

PEMBERTON 2041 Tiyata Blvd Open concept living in Pemberton in this brand new 2,261 sq.ft. 5 bed/4.5 bath family home. Single garage with huge 6’ tall crawlspace. Unbeatable views of Mt. Currie. Move in this August. $1,200,000

604-938-3798 Ken Achenbach

604-966-7640

PEMBERTON 33-7410 Flint Street Bright and spacious 2 bed / 2 bath end unit offering an open layout, all day light from many windows with mountain views. Also offers an allocated parking spot in the underground parking. $550,000

Allyson Sutton

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.

604-932-7609

SOLD

2034 Watson Way

$1,750,000

Unique Opportunity! Enjoy views overlooking Nita Lake and mountains in all directions.

Close proximity to Nita Lake in Whistler’s Creekside, and all of Whistler Creek’s amenities. Current Cabin has 2 bedrooms and a studio suite for use or long term rental, and is prime for redevelopment. Call today to arrange a viewing of this rare property.

Matt Chiasson

3.5

604.935.9171

#4 - 4661 Blackcomb Way

Situated in the prestigious Benchlands area surrounded by nature within close proximity of Lost Lake and the Whistler Valley trail system, this three bedroom, two bathroom town home has it all.

Fully renovated and gorgeously furnished-sleeps up to 7 people.

Merideth Schutter

3D Tour - rem.ax/107woodrun

#107 - 4910 Spearhead Drive

$1,799,000

2

604.907.2717

#510 - 4320 Sundial Crescent

Sally Warner*

$495,000

.5

604.905.6326

3D Tour - rem.ax/501alpenglow

$1,495,000

#501 - 4369 Main Street

$988,000

A rare opportunity to have a ski in/ski out location at the base of Blackcomb Mountain and minutes to Whistler Village. The 1 bedroom 2 bathroom floor plan allows for the bedroom and studio to be locked off and rented separately. Le Chamois is a concrete building with a gym, pool and hot tub after a hard day skiing or biking. 2 personal use parking stalls.

Michael d’Artois

1

604.905.9337

3D Tour - rem.ax/112greystone

This 5th floor studio has a fully equipped kitchen, living/dining area, gas fireplace, sundeck, beautiful bathroom and sleeps 4 comfortably with a queen size murphy bed and queen size pull-out couch. Amenities include a heated year-round salt water pool & dual hot tubs which enjoy spectacular mountain views.

WedgeWoods SOLD OUT!

9099 Corduroy Run Court

3

604.999.8665

#211 - 4557 Blackcomb Way

3D Tour - rem.ax/510pan

The Woodrun is one of the few concrete buildings in Whistler and #107 is conveniently located on the ground floor facing the green belt. The unit features a boot heater, huge owner locker, Washer, and Dryer in suite and the gym and pool access is just across the hallway.

Richard Christiansen

$1,998,000

#112/113 - 4905 Spearhead Pl.

$1,599,900

This recently renovated (2019) lock off unit is steps away from ski in/out access.

Upgraded with high end appliances including washer/dryer, walk in shower etc.

Ground floor unit is on the same floor as ski in/out access, hot tub, outdoor heated pool and all the desirable aspects that this complex has to offer its owners!

Ursula Morel*

2

604.932.8629

3D Tour - rem.ax/9604emerald

$624,000

9604 Emerald Drive

$1,479,000

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.

Renovated, fully furnished Penthouse one-bedroom suite with kitchen and balcony.

This bright and sunny apartment faces south with forested views of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. The Alpenglow Lodge is a concrete building with air conditioning and features an outdoor pool, hot tub, sauna, and workout room.

Charming and bright 2 1/2 bedroom Whistler A-Frame cottage in Emerald Estates!

Just steps away from Green Lake and the boat launch, this treed property boasts peek-a-boo mountain views and has the potential for abundant southern sun exposure. The driveway features a beautiful rock wall and ample parking.

Ann Chiasson

Bruce Watt

Dave Beattie*

604.932.7651

604.905.0737

1

3D Tour - rem.ax/305fourseasons

#208 - 4868 Painted Cliff Road

$59,000

2.5

604.905.8855

3D Tour - rem.ax/222aspens

#305/306 - 4591 Blackcomb Way $1,550,000

#222 - 4800 Spearhead Drive

This is a great Fractional Ownership on the Blackcomb Benchlands. A 2 bed/2 bath unit with over 1200 ft2 of space with soaring ceilings and 4... yes, 4 Balconies. This end unit has 2 dedicated underground parking spaces that provide direct access to the unit. Enjoy easy access to the ski in/bike in trail that is steps away from your front door.

This luxurious 2 bedroom suite is an end unit featuring two spacious, ensuited master bedrooms. Two private patios to enjoy a main living area with a pull-out sofa. Enjoy the Four Seasons Resort Whistler including 9000 square foot spa, outdoor pool, health club, in-house restaurant and lounge, room service, and ski concierge.

SLOPESIDE on Blackcomb - this 1 bed Aspens unit is a true ski-in/ski-out property with views of the slope from the outdoor pool and several hot tubs. Enjoy being slope side in one of Whistler’s most popular complexes - walking distance to the Village or access the bus system free of charge.

Dave Sharpe

Doug Treleaven

Laura Barkman

604.902.2779

2

WHISTLER OFFICE 106 - 7015 Nesters Road, Whistler, BC V8E 0X1 604.932.2300 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070

604.905.8626

2

604.905.8777

$1,025,000

1

PEMBERTON OFFICE 1411 Portage Road, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L1 604.894.6616 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

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