Pique Newsmagazine 2912

MARCH 24, 2022 ISSUE 29.12

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LIFE EXPERIENCES

After C

OVID-1 9 upen in myr ded ed iad wa ucation y s , local s increas tudent ingly lo s are o k i n pursue g at a g ap yea their p r to assions

14

BACK TO BUSINESS

B.C. wants to return to 2019 tourism levels by 2024

15

DORM DAZE

Whistler Blackcomb housing project back on track

40

LITERARY LEADER

Rebecca Wood Barrett takes over as WWF director

From all of us at Nesters, enjoy all your time with your family during Spring break!

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

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28 A map for a gap After COVID-19 upended education in myriad ways, local students are increasingly looking at a gap year to pursue their passions. - By Dan Falloon

14

BACK TO BUSINESS

B.C. wants to return

24

POISON CONTROL

Multiple birds of prey have

to 2019 tourism levels by 2024—but shoring up its labour shortage and

been found dead in Pemberton in recent years, and some think rodent

stimulating international markets will be key.

poison could be the cause.

15

34

DORM DAZE

A rezoning for a 240-bed Whistler

Blackcomb employee housing building was back in front of council on

WINNER HAWKS

As girls hockey explodes in

popularity in the resort, local teams are finding success.

March 22, and is now headed for adoption.

18

ZERO CEILING

A research study completed in

2019 has helped Whistler non-profit Zero Ceiling broaden its mandate.

40

LITERARY LEADER

Under new director

Rebecca Wood Barrett, the Whistler Writers Festival is poised to expand on the event’s mandate of accessibility and inclusivity.

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS Editor Braden Dupuis poses a (only partially rhetorical) question: what

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happens when it just becomes too expensive to be alive?

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter writers this week offer thanks—for your laughter and your

Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com Editor BRADEN DUPUIS - bdupuis@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 TESSA SWEENEY - tsweeney@wplpmedia.com GEORGIA BUTLER - gbutler@wplpmedia.com Digital/Sales Coordinator AMELA DIZDARIC - traffic@wplpmedia.com Production production@piquenewsmagazine.com Arts & Entertainment/Features Editor BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com

generosity—and come to the defence of a recent Pique column.

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Media distrust has reached dangerous territory, writes Megan Lalonde. How can we turn it around?

66 MAXED OUT Max responds to a recent letter from Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch, pointing out that loyalty is a two-way street.

Environment & Adventure

27 RANGE ROVER Leslie Anthony shares his spring reading list recommendations.

Social Media Editor MEGAN LALONDE - mlalonde@piquenewsmagazine.com Reporters BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com MEGAN LALONDE - mlalonde@piquenewsmagazine.com ALYSSA NOEL arts@piquenewsmagazine.com HARRISON BROOKS - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com

Lifestyle & Arts

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38 FORK IN THE ROAD Making small adjustments to what we think we need to be satisfied can

Office and Accounts Manager HEIDI RODE - hrode@wplpmedia.com

have huge positive impacts once it all adds up, writes Glenda Bartosh.

Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, FEET BANKS, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL, ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY, LISA RICHARDSON

44 MUSEUM MUSINGS It wasn’t until 1980, when two doctors set up practices in the resort, that

President, Whistler Publishing LP SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com

Whistler had full-time medical care.

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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

Is it almost time to take out the trash?

WATCHING FRIENDS and colleagues try to find a place to live in the Sea to Sky recently leaves me with a rather upsetting (and only partially rhetorical) question: what happens when it just becomes too expensive to be alive?

Between skyrocketing housing and gas prices, mostly stagnant wages and general

BY BRADEN DUPUIS inflation, how are Canada’s younger generations supposed to get ahead?

Don’t try and answer that—it will only end in frustration.

Every time I try, I follow the same train of thought to end up in a familiar place: an interview I conducted nearly 10 years ago with a sociology professor at the University of Regina.

I don’t remember the exact topic, or even what the story was about—but one line from that interview has stuck with me all these years later (funny how that works sometimes).

This professor posited that, in a societal, greater-good sense, people don’t tend to push for change until things first get very bad.

I’ve referenced that line to friends and acquaintances dozens of times since then, and applied it to various situations in my own realm of understanding.

As in, you can be aware of the garbage and recycling piling up in the closet, but you don’t need to take it to the Nesters depot until you can smell it when you walk in the door (I may or may not be pulling this metaphor directly from my life this week).

So when I look at a situation like, say, a two-month-and-counting transit strike, I find

myself empathizing with the employees.

Workers don’t go on strike because it’s fun. They do it out of necessity, usually as a last resort to counter the suffocating force that is greed. The transit workers I’ve had a chance to speak with since the strike began have all told me the same thing: they just want to get back behind the wheel.

But they also want to be able to feed their families, pay their rent or mortgage, and still have enough left over to save for the future—you know, the same very basic things most humans want, and deserve, out of life.

I can’t speak directly to the conditions our local transit workers have to deal with on a daily basis—or the intricacies of negotiations between unions and employers, and how one deal might affect the next round of negotiations in another town—but I applaud their resilience, and I

other Vail Resorts ski towns for weeks— stories about staffing shortages, underpaid workers, overcrowding, bad customer service, petitions calling for change… The volume and breadth of bad coverage really is impressive.

With all that negativity, Vail Resorts CEO Kirsten Lynch must have known she needed something positive to balance out the universe—and good on her and Vail Resorts for stepping up in a big way.

With any luck, the new wage on the mountain will force more employers in town to follow suit. It won’t solve our problems overnight, but it’s a positive step in the right direction.

Getting less attention, but equally important, is Vail Resorts’ stated commitment to employee housing in the towns in which it operates.

The company’s long-delayed 240-bed

there were signs things were headed for more unpleasantness. An Instagram account created in early March declared a Whistler Blackcomb-wide walkout was to take place on March 11, with a stated goal of demanding better wages and benefits as well as monthly rent subsidies.

As it turned out, the movement was just one guy, and on the day of the proposed walk-out, Whistler Blackcomb said it saw fewer call-outs than on an average day. But every movement, no matter how small, has to begin with a single step.

Both B.C. and Canada have long and colourful histories when it comes to strikes and labour action—Canada’s first general strike took place in Vancouver in 1918, after labour leader and conscientious objector Albert “Ginger” Goodwin was killed by a police officer.

At that time, inflation caused by the

Between skyrocketing housing and gas prices, mostly stagnant wages and general inflation, how are Canada’s younger generations supposed to get ahead?

wish them the best.

And while we’re handing out applause (and talking about things having to get very bad before they change), news that Vail Resorts is hiking its minimum wage for all employees was a welcome surprise last week.

The announcement comes on the heels of a certifiably disastrous season, PR-wise, for the mega resort conglomerate.

Putting aside the complaints we hear on a weekly basis here in Whistler, my inbox has been full of negative headlines from

employee housing building was back on the Whistler council agenda on March 22 (read more on page 15), and its completion can’t come soon enough.

In regards to its most recent generosity, I suspect Vail Resorts’ boardroom in recent months bore a metaphorical resemblance to my closet—that is, producing an unpleasant smell growing too invasive to ignore. So they took the garbage to Nesters before it became even more unpleasant. A prudent move.

Prior to the company’s announcement,

First World War had the effect of devaluing workers’ income, which led to a labour shortage. It would take more time and space than this column affords to properly explain the context of the strike—and the violence it was met with—but there are clear parallels to what we’re seeing today.

So as we trace the trajectory we’re currently on, wondering where it’s all headed, we might find clues in the history books—but sooner or later, one way or the other, someone’s going to have to take out the trash. ■

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Laughter really is the best medicine It’s been a tough two years for so many people and I can’t help but reflect and feel so incredibly grateful to be part of an initiative aimed at bringing laughter and joy to our community at this time. With six shows remaining, this letter may be a smidge premature, but there are so many people to thank for making Laugh Out LIVE! possible.

To Maureen Douglas and the entire Arts Whistler team, co-producing Laugh Out LIVE! with you has been a great experience and I’ve learned so much along the way. Thank you for giving us crazy theatre kids a stage to play on and the support we needed to bring this dream to life.

To the cast of special guests, feature comics, and writers, you have worked so hard behind the scenes to prepare each week, and your efforts are beyond appreciated.

Brandon Barrett, Julie Farr, Tara O’Doherty, Sara Marrocco, Kate Lee, Emily McDonell, Kyle Killeen, Brandon Smith, Cedar Lynn Dobbin, Emily Qureshi, Andrew Slater, Sarah Ford, Christan Leonard, G.D. Maxwell, Katherine Fawcett, John McGie, Ed Scherrer, Bernice Lever, and Anyssa Jane, thank you for “bringing the funny” each and every week!

To our local business prize sponsors, Stinky’s On the Stroll, Fairmont Chateau

10 MARCH 24, 2022

funny” to so many people. Thank you for all your efforts, guidance, and patience with me along the way!

What an incredible journey so far, and with Season 2 already in sight, so much more is coming your way, Whistler! Laughter really is the best medicine.

Ira Pettle // Co-producer Laugh Out LIVE!

Let locals run Whistler Blackcomb

Whistler, Gibbons, Whistler Hardware, Wine & Brew Craft Collective in Squamish, The Circle & The Circle Kids, Picnic Whistler, Velvet Underground, Alpine Cafe, Nita Lake Lodge, Harajuku, Coast Mountain Brewing, Basalt, and Arts Whistler, thank you so much for contributing to our epic weekly prize packs.

We now give away more than $450 in prizing each week and your support has helped create what might be Whistler’s greatest weekly prize giveaway!

To the entire community, thank you for coming out each week, filling those seats, and having a great time! People are already buying

tickets to closing night on April 28 and it blows my mind that in this sport-obsessed town we have managed to sell out every show so far.

Thank you for getting behind this project and giving it wings to fly.

Finally, to my partners in crime, Rebecca Mason and Dave Francis, you two could never fully understand how eternally grateful I am for you. When we began to create the show content back in the fall, we were inspired to create Whistler’s first weekly resort show and now, three months into the run, we’re hitting our stride, producing a uniquely different show each week, and truly “bringing the

I am giving my feedback with the background of being mistreated by Vail Inc. I am an American who has skied at Whistler since 1967. Last year, as we are all aware, us Americans could not come across the border to Canada. I paid for the local season pass for that year and was promised on the contract to be reimbursed for the money spent. After numerous inquiries to Whistler, Vail Resorts, and the so-called insurance company in California, I was denied a refund. I also had a local season pass at Stevens Pass which I did use that year.

At Stevens Pass, more than 40,000 people signed a petition to get reimbursed by Vail Resorts for several reasons. It could have created a big problem for Vail. Vail did the right thing and hired Tom Fortune, a past local at Stevens, to fix the problems. He has done a fine job to lessen the issues there. In my opinion, Vail Resorts needs to let the people at Whistler deal with the problems there. They do not need to be hampered by corporate Vail Resorts. Give locals the authority to run Whistler.

I will list some of my issues with the

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR service at Whistler: The food and service on the mountains has been very bad and expensive. We used to love eating lunch at the restaurants on the mountain. Ski tuning, waxing, and adjustments used to be handled

by Whistler personnel. No longer, just closed facilities. Vail Resorts could have eased the transportation problems caused by the transit strike. All we got was overcrowded parking lots with huge potholes. This has not been very good treatment of staff and visitors. There are other issues as well that I will not add.

Whistler has excellent staff to care for its customers if Vail Resorts will let them do their job and make decisions that make the experience better. If so, then corporate Vail may be able to increase cash flow and grow.

Kirk Smith // Washington state

In defence of “Carnival of cowardice” There are some great writers at Pique, and Leslie Anthony’s piece “Carnival of cowardice” (Pique, March 10) really is impressive—I agree with every bit of it.

The trucker convoy and protest was totally legitimate. Everyone has freedom of speech in this country, but when your idea of freedom of speech impacts everyone else in a very negative way, both mentally and economically, then you’ve gone too far. Let’s assume, for the sake of argument, that everybody in the convoy was unvaccinated, which would equate to about 10 per cent of the population in B.C. Since when does the 10 per cent get to demand the government resign? Who do they think they are? All draped in and waving the Canadian flag as if they are the only true patriots and

FOR THE RECORD An article in last week’s Pique, “Whistler Film Festival showed resolve to bump attendance in 2021,” incorrectly stated there were fewer films available to stream at the 2020 festival compared to the 2021 edition. In fact, the 2020 WFF counted 97 films, compared to 81 in 2021, all of which were viewable online. n

the rest of us are what, traitors? Kind of sounds like Putin, doesn’t it?

The organizers made no attempt to censor the people flying swastikas, which, incidentally, in Germany, will get you arrested.

Confederate flags [which are historically linked to the enslavement of] minorities. Defacing monuments and harassing people who were wearing masks. And then there’s the organizer, Pat King, who publicly stated that [Prime Minister Justin] Trudeau is going to catch a bullet. I hope he goes to jail for a long time, because that’s not how you do things in a democracy.

My father and three uncles served in the Second World War, in Europe and in Burma.

They fought for freedom and democracy.

The right to peaceful protest. The right to vote.

They didn’t fight for anarchy.

Lyall Fetherstonhaugh // Whistler

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Spud Valley Nordics offer thanks We just wanted to write this letter on behalf of the Spud Valley Nordic Association, to share some good news with everyone in Pemberton.

We were hit hard when our trailer was stolen in December, just as the cross-country ski program was about to start.

We lost not only our trailer but all the equipment inside it—equipment we had saved up for and purchased through the seasons since the club was started about 25 years ago.

Now three months later the snow is gone, the Jackrabbits have had their last session and it was a great season in spite of what we had to deal with at the start. Our volunteer coaches and helpers really made the best of a situation with some difficult challenges.

When the news broke about the stolen equipment, it was amazing to see how the community of Pemberton rallied around us and the support we received from individuals, businesses and local government.

The donations kept pouring in and we now have a new trailer and have been able to replace some of the equipment we lost. We bought 10 pairs of skate skis, two refreshment tables, drink coolers, cones, balls, pinnies and PVC piping for games and we also replaced our lost canopy tent and 125 race bibs.

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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. GOT GOOD VIBES TO SHARE? Send them to goodnews@piquenewsmagazine.com

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

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There is still much more to do but the generous donations will allow us to get all the things we need.

We just wanted to share this happy ending with all our supporters and express our sincere appreciation.

Thank you so much: BC Parks; SquamishLillooet Regional District; Pemberton Valley Farms; the Den Duyf family; Pemberton Valley Hardware and Building Centre; Myrtle Meadows Farm; Gail Talbot; Sue Hellevang;

Mary Wolf; Wendy Beker; Zdenek Los; Dave Kirk; Pemberton Dance Studio; Pemberton & District Chamber of Commerce; Pemberton Valley Supermarket; and last but not least— thank you to all the people who donated to our GoFundMe. We are so fortunate to be part of such a caring community and we are looking forward to many more years with happy young skiers.

Delores Los and Annikka Snow // Spud Valley Nordic Association ■

Backcountry Advisory AS OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23 Winter is not over!

While the warm weather earlier this week may have had you thinking about biking, climbing, and other spring-time pursuits, it is time to shift your mindset back to winter.

On Friday evening, we are expecting another storm to hit the Sea to Sky region.

This storm will pack a bit of a punch, with the possibility of more than 40 centimetres of snow over a 36-hour period starting late Friday night and ending Sunday afternoon. With freezing levels likely sitting at about 1,500 metres and southerly winds getting into the strong range at

times, it will certainly feel like winter isn’t over.

This new snow will fall on a widespread crust that formed earlier in the week during the warm-up. While this crust will cap the snowpack and make triggering deeper layers unlikely, it will make a great sliding surface for all that new snow. We suspect it will be a bit of a spicy weekend, with easily triggered storm and wind slab avalanches. The best riding will probably be found on planar treeline features that are sheltered from the wind.

Enjoy a few more days of winter and don’t forget to check the forecast for the latest information! ■

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

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PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST

Media distrust has reached dangerous territory—how can we turn it around?

IT’S TOUGH to scroll through social media for more than five minutes without feeling your eyes start to roll. I’d imagine that’s the case for most Canadians, regardless of which side of the increasingly wide political divide you find yourself standing on.

That mild annoyance was replaced by pure disbelief after Russian president

BY MEGAN LALONDE Vladimir Putin decided to launch a fullscale invasion into Ukraine. After the initial shock subsided, I’ll admit to having a darkly optimistic thought that, at least, opposition to this war is something that, surely, we’re all on the same page about.

Until I saw a couple of Instagram stories pop up with a promise to explain what’s “actually” happening in Ukraine. No, Putin isn’t invading his sovereign neighbour in an effort to restore glory to the Soviet Union or re-establish Russia’s position as a global superpower, they explained. He’s not lashing out in response to Ukraine’s desire to join NATO. The attack isn’t even aimed at “denazifying” Ukraine, as Russian citizens are being led to believe. As one North-American man rationalized in a reel

widely shared among some circles, Putin is instead on a heroic crusade to obliterate U.S.-funded bioweapon labs in the area.

(These claims have been widely debunked by enough reputable sources that I won’t bother repeating those fact-checkers here.)

But these posts’ main point? “This is what Western mainstream media doesn’t want you to see.”

Aside from sparking another involuntary eye-roll, those claims made me revisit a question that I, and I’m sure a lot of other journalists, ask themselves on a routine basis. Why do so many people hold such a strong distrust for news media?

That distrust isn’t even attributable to a small-but-loud segment of the population: A 2021 report by communications firm Edelman that surveyed 1,500 Canadians, as cited by CBC News, found 49 per cent of respondents believed journalists and reporters are purposely trying to mislead people by saying things they know are false or gross exaggerations, while 52 per cent agree that most news organizations are more concerned with supporting an ideology or political position than with informing the public. Fifty-two per cent of Canadians also agree the media is not doing well at being objective and non-partisan, according to the survey.

(I’ll just take this quick opportunity to remind readers that as a publicly-funded

broadcaster, CBC is accountable to an independent ombudsman for meeting journalistic standards and practices.)

Like a lot of problems, I think this one comes down to a lack of understanding, among other factors.

Firstly, I can promise the many journalists I know have no intentions of ever trying to purposely mislead the audiences they work hard to serve. I think the increasing polarization of news outlets in the U.S. over the past few decades has bled over the border in a way that has prompted some audiences to call “bias!” when reporting doesn’t line up with their beliefs. As The Walrus’ editorin-chief Jessica Johnson wrote in last year’s O’Hagan Essay on Public Affairs, “If audiences once treated outlets as authorities, we now follow news based on its relevance to our interests.”

I also think the conglomeration of legacy media (think CBC, CTV, The Globe and Mail—sources a lot of people might refer to as “mainstream”) has contributed to an apparent belief that there are bigger forces out there—I picture it as a Wizard of Oz-type character hiding out in a boardroom, plotting with Justin Trudeau—telling reporters what and what not to publish.

But news media is still a business like anything else, even when it’s publicly funded. I can see why some question how

big an influence the institutions funding journalism have on those outlets’ editorial content. (In almost every case, the answer is none.) “I’m not that worried about objectivity in professional journalism: media has always been funded by someone, whether a beauty brand or an automaker— it just hasn’t been the customer,” Johnson’s essay explained.

The industry is struggling for more reasons than public distrust: traditional funding models just aren’t working like they used to, but changing those models is difficult when news is viewed as a public service most audiences aren’t accustomed to paying for. Regardless of how audiences feel, journalism’s main purpose is to keep the public informed, in large part by holding government and institutions accountable.

In order to do so the industry needs to win that trust back.

So what can we do to try and repair this deepening rift?

I don’t know that there’s one answer, but I’d argue it’s going to take transparency from news organizations and hard work from journalists to keep telling every side of the story. It’s also going to take critical thinking and open-mindedness from audiences— after all, approaching the information you’re consuming from a place of unwavering distrust is arguably as damaging as approaching it with blind belief. ■

MARCH 24, 2022

13

NEWS WHISTLER

B.C. wants to return to 2019 tourism levels by 2024—but what’s it going to take?

SHORING UP LABOUR SHORTAGE AND STIMULATING INTERNATIONAL MARKETS KEY TO WHISTLER’S RECOVERY

BY BRANDON BARRETT EARLIER THIS MONTH, the B.C. government laid out its roadmap for rebuilding and revitalizing tourism to 2019 levels by 2024—but what is it going to take to get the province, and by extension, Whistler, back to that point?

Well, it’s a complex answer, one that will require significant investment and commitment on a number of fronts, something Tourism Whistler president and CEO Barrett Fisher believes the NDP was fully cognizant of in its ambitious, overarching plan.

“I do feel quite optimistic that the provincial government in this plan is really hitting on all the right notes,” said Fisher, who also sits on B.C.’s Tourism Sector Recovery Roundtable. “The provincial government was listening to industry and they have put forward a really strong plan that addresses the key challenges our industry has been facing out of the pandemic.”

The renewed Strategic Framework for Tourism takes a multi-pronged approach to recovery. There’s funding for the obvious things, like the $6 million committed through 2024 for Destination BC to market the province in a competitive international market. There’s also $1 million for event-bid preparation and sponsorships to help attract large-scale events back to B.C., on top of the $8 million Victoria recently announced to help draw business events and conferences.

The NDP kept an eye towards the industry’s long-term future as well, with a further $2 million earmarked for post-

LEADING ATTRACTION B.C.’s roadmap to rebuild tourism includes $1 million to help the province attract large-scale events. Pictured is a past edition of Whistler’s Cornucopia festival.

PHOTO BY MIKE CRANE / COURTESY OF TOURISM WHISTLER

14 MARCH 24, 2022

secondary education and training to support B.C. students who enrol in tourism and hospitality certificate, diploma or degree programs, tourism-related apprenticeships, and trades training and development programs. Still in development, the program will prioritize Indigenous, immigrant and refugee applications, as well as those from rural or remote locations, and people with accessibility needs.

But for a tourism and hospitality sector that was already bleeding workers prior to the pandemic, it’s going to take more than just money to shift perceptions of an industry not known for its career prospects, said Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC. “We’ve really got to start at the highschool level, or even the elementary school level, to expose the types of careers that are available and the types of businesses that make up the tourism and hospitality sectors,” he said. “We automatically think of hotels and restaurants and maybe some attractions, and that’s all fair. But there are several jobs that students don’t know about that they can pursue in the industry.”

Along with what one may consider non-traditional tourism careers—Judas highlighted the Sea to Sky-relevant positions of fishing guide and ski instructor as examples—there are also tourismadjacent jobs that help the industry run.

“I’m talking about things like: tourism companies and businesses have lawyers and accountants. Some have medical personnel.

There are landscape architects. There are engineers. These are all positions in the broader business sector that are also required within a tourism environment in places throughout the province,” Judas added. “It’s really looking at tourism rather than a first job or a part-time job or what have you, but as a career that can be built in tourism at the executive or highly specialized level.”

You of course can’t talk about B.C.’s

labour shortage without mentioning its housing crisis either.

“We have to make sure there is sufficient housing for people who want to move here, and especially when you have new Canadians or immigrants coming in, even those coming through the temporary foreign worker program, and relaxing some of the regulations or policies or procedures to allow these people a place to live would be most helpful,” Judas said.

On that front, local leaders continue to push the federal government to streamline the temporary foreign worker stream—a crucial segment of Whistler’s workforce—to get much-needed staff back in the resort more quickly as tourism ramps back up.

MARKET STIMULATION One of the silver linings of the pandemic for Whistler has been a renewed demand from the wider B.C. and Canadian markets.

Heading into March break, Whistler was pacing at about 70-per-cent occupancy, “not that much below” pre-pandemic rates, Fisher said, and almost entirely made up of domestic guests.

But make no mistake: if the resort wants to get back to 2019 visitation levels, it will have to stimulate its traditional international markets.

Although the U.K. has recovered steadily, “without a doubt we’ve seen a pretty depressed U.S. market, Australian market, German market, Asian markets,” Fisher said. “Some of those markets are going to take longer to recover than others, but we do believe there’s a lot of opportunity coming out of the U.S., the U.K., and then as other markets, such as Australia and Asia, are ready, those will come back.”

Part of that effort will be in the marketing, Judas said, but for international markets to regain their confidence in travel, the messaging also has to come from

outside the industry.

“It’s really having people of influence be part of that messaging,” he said. “It can’t be only the tourism industry saying this, because people will then determine you’ve got a vested interest in this and you’re doing it for selfish reasons, which, to be fair, yes, that’s true. We want to build our businesses back but we need credibility from people that the public believes and knows and trusts and has been communicating with all throughout the pandemic.”

Revitalizing conference business is also a key strategy in Tourism Whistler’s recovery plan. Fisher said about half of the conferences slated for Whistler this year were rebooked from 2020 or 2021, while the other half is made up of new bookings. And while Fisher said smaller, mid-haul business trips may have gone by the wayside in the pandemic, there is ample demand for larger, in-person conferences following two years of virtual meetings.

“There’s pent-up demand to meet in person,” she said. “People want to be face to face when the time is right and it clearly is becoming that time. There is a real perk in going to a destination, clearing your head and being inspired by a different location and having outdoor experiences in a place like Whistler.”

In order to attract the kinds of largescale conferences and events B.C. is hoping for, Judas said incentives should go a long way towards sweetening the pot.

“What are some things we can help with to offset the costs of travel here?” he asked.

“I think looking at what meeting planners are asking for, what they need, helping to market to delegates that may be considering a potential conference, or looking at offsetting costs for a major event, such as a sporting event, which could be things like security or the building of infrastructure or whatever that looks like.

That’s something we’ll need to consider.” n

NEWS WHISTLER

Plans for new WB staff housing building moving ahead FIRST BROUGH TO COUNCIL IN 2019, THE SIX-STOREY, 66-UNIT GLACIER LANE PROJECT IS HEADED FOR ADOPTION

BY MEGAN LALONDE A NEW STAFF

housing building proposed for Whistler Blackcomb employees is one step closer to breaking ground.

On March 22, Whistler mayor and council gave third readings to both a housing agreement and a rezoning bylaw for the Glacier Lane lot, offering the project a clear path forward to adoption at a future council meeting.

The six-storey, 66-unit “Glacier 8” facility would house about 240 employees at Whistler Blackcomb’s existing dormitorystyle staff housing complex, in a mix of shared one-bedroom and two-bedroom units. Vail Resorts first submitted a rezoning application for the building back in June 2019. The project was initially expected to welcome seasonal residents in time for the 2020-2021 ski season but was tossed onto the backburner amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think this is terrific, and look forward to seeing shovels in the ground very soon,” said Mayor Jack Crompton.

The zoning amendment bylaw previously received third reading in January 2020, but was brought back to council this week with a reduction to its parking requirements and minimum parcel size. (The development’s density, including overall strata plan area, site coverage, and floor space ratio, remains unchanged from earlier proposals).

As part of the rezoning, Vail Resorts has committed to providing two share cars for Glacier 8 residents, in addition to a onetime, $1.08 million contribution to help fund increased transit services to the employee housing complex over a 25-year period, all in an effort to limit occupants’ reliance on personal vehicles. The site plan calls for the addition of 14 more parking stalls.

Revised plans also include elevator access to all six floors. A minimum of four out of the project’s 66 units must be onebedroom accessible units adhering to BC Housing Design Guidelines and Construction Standards, while at least two units will also be designated for temporary respite use. All others will be configured as two-bedroom units featuring a shared kitchen and bathroom, according to a report from Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) staff.

The building will include storage areas on the bottom two floors and common areas located on the third and fourth floors, alongside two shared laundry facilities for residents. The project will also be constructed in accordance with the RMOW’s Green Building Policies and to Step 3 of BC’s Energy Step Code, and will not connect to natural gas lines.

PROJECT PROGRESS The 66-unit building would come as an addition to Whistler Blackcomb’s existing staff housing complex on Glacier Lane.

SCREENSHOT / RMOW

An associated housing agreement similarly given third reading at Tuesday night’s meeting, meanwhile, authorizes the RMOW to set usage, occupancy and eligibility restrictions, as well as permitted rental rates for the proposed building.

Under the housing agreement, workers eligible to reside in the building must be employed for an average of at least 30 hours per week. The document caps rent at $950 per month for a one-bedroom unit and $1,900 per month for a two-bedroom unit, including utilities. It allows Vail Resorts to increase rental rates once every 12 months, but prevents the company from raising rent beyond the levels set out in B.C.’s Residential Tenancy Act. As Councillor Cathy Jewett pointed out, that pricing works out to “a very reasonable” $475 per month per person in a case where two employees share a bedroom.

While Jewett raised minor concerns over the number of laundry units planned for the building, councillors in attendance appeared overwhelmingly supportive of the longproposed project, particularly when it came to the commitment to provide car-share vehicles.

“Obviously a few years have passed since this was first brought forward to us and it will be great when the ribbon gets cut and people start sleeping in this building,” said Coun. John Grills.

The project marks another step towards the RMOW’s goal of creating 1,000 new employee beds by 2023, while aligning with Vail Resorts’ recently renewed pledge to create affordable housing in its mountain communities. In a letter to employees earlier this month, CEO Kirsten Lynch said the company plans to “aggressively pursue building new affordable housing on the land we own, and pursue company leases in existing affordable housing developments.”

The RMOW expects the project to come back to council in the near future. n

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MARCH 24, 2022

15

NEWS WHISTLER

‘We built a castle for Gloria—that castle collapsed in an instant’ TORONTO FAMILY CELEBRATES THE ‘LIFE AND SUCCESS’ OF 22-YEAR-OLD WOMAN WHO DIED IN WHISTLER “Always responsible, lovely girl, honest and all this, and this year she started working for a consulting company downtown, as a young engineer. It was her first trip in the workplace with her coworkers, to enjoy that weekend in Whistler.”

Gloria “was and she remains perfect in all aspects,” Arben said.

She served as a teacher’s assistant in her third and fourth years at Queen’s; made the Dean’s List; was awarded the University Medal in Civil Engineering for Excellence in Industry Design; was a Royal Conservatory Musician piano player.

She was also “a great activist for women’s rights,” and advocated for the “blind interview” in the workplace, “which means that you don’t judge someone for the way you look, but for the skills that you bring in a workplace,” Arben said.

Gloria had been skiing since she was young, when Arben would take her and her sister Arbela to a hill near their Toronto home, and read a book in the chalet while they skied.

The Kodra family moved from Milan, Italy to Canada in 1999, when Gloria was still in her mother Manuela’s womb, Arben said.

“Since 1999 until today, we as parents, we worked very hard, day and night. I started working physically during the night, and

BY BRADEN DUPUIS AS GLORIA KODRA made her way from her home in Toronto to Whistler for her first trip to the resort, she kept her father Arben in the loop via text.

A thumbs-up when she caught her Uber; a thumbs-up when she arrived at the airport. Another thumbs-up before her plane took off for Vancouver.

“I have in my texts the last words that I said to my daughter ... it was during first recess in my class, when I said ‘bon voyage,’ and that’s all,” said Arben, who works as an educator in Toronto.

“My last communication with my child.

I never thought that she would not be back.”

On Friday, Feb. 25, Gloria was pronounced dead at the Whistler Health Care Centre after colliding with a tree in Whistler Mountain’s Symphony Zone.

But she was so much more than just a young woman who tragically lost her life on the slopes of Whistler, her father said.

“She was a beautiful, bright child; a young girl that finished Queen’s University last year with a 95-per-cent [average] and double degree in engineering and business,” he said.

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teaching during the day, and we tried to do everything right for our daughters,” he said.

“We gave them both a great education, good values, and everything—and God was unjust.”

In the weeks since Gloria’s death, the family has been left searching for answers—what happened? What were her last moments like?

“Did she scream? Did she panic? We would like to know,” Arben said.

“We keep looking at the slopes of Whistler … what kind of slope was that?

What is the protection that is offered to these people there, the guidance? I have been told that there are signs, but still, it’s not enough for us.”

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GLORIOUS GLORIA Gloria Kodra.

Arben went so far as to contact the restaurant Gloria dined at the night before she died, which sent him the CCTV footage of their party.

In it, Gloria can be seen laughing and smiling for a few fleeting moments before heading out of frame.

“You can see Gloria, adjusting carefully her necklace, her white scarf to be properly balanced, as she has been taught, to be always with the good manners, and always presentable,” Arben said.

“I still cannot imagine how she lost her life. How did she lose it? As a parent, one day I’d like to come and put a flower at the place where my daughter lost her life.”

If there’s any solace to be found in imagining Gloria’s last days, it’s that “she seemed very, very happy those two days” in Whistler, Arben said, noting the last text message Gloria sent to her mother on Feb. 25, consisting of just two words.

“She said to her mom, ‘insanely pretty,’ when she was on top of the mountain of Whistler,” he said.

The Kodra family arrived in Canada in 1999 with nothing but their luggage, “and we built here a wonderful life for our kids, with honesty,” Arben said.

“We built a castle for Gloria—that castle collapsed in an instant.” n

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Stilhavn Real Estate Services | 208-1420 Alpha Lake Road, Whistler | 1388 Main Street, Squamish | Stilhavn.com This communication is not intended to cause or induce the break of an existing agency relationship. *Personal Real Estate Corporation.

We would like to acknowledge that we work and live on the traditional, unceded territory of the xwməθkwəýəm, səlilwətaɬ, Lil’wat & Sḵwxwú7mesh People.

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Together, we’re building a In good times and tough times, British Columbians take care of each other.

The BC Government is taking action to build a StrongerBC together.

Budget 2022 includes new investments to support people by: ▪ Lowering child care fees by 50% for kids under six ▪ Reducing surgical wait times ▪ Expanding access to training for jobs in health care, technology and skilled trades ▪ Fighting climate change with over $1 billion in new funding for CleanBC

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StrongerBC.ca MARCH 24, 2022

17

NEWS WHISTLER

Research study pushed Whistler’s Zero Ceiling to expand its mandate ROYAL ROADS UNIVERSITY STUDY INFORMED MUCH OF THE WORK THE SUPPORTIVE HOUSING PROVIDER IS DOING TODAY

BY BRANDON BARRETT SINCE 2017, researchers at Royal Roads University have been following the progress of participants in Whistler non-profit Zero Ceiling’s groundbreaking Work 2 Live program, which helps support youth at risk of homelessness transition to self-sufficiency through supportive housing, employment and adventure-based learning. But, like so many things over the past two years, COVID19 threw a wrench in those plans, delaying the final report from the study’s third year, 2019, until last month.

The lag time came with an unintended side effect, however. Nearly three years after the fact, and the study’s findings serve as something of a time capsule, capturing an organization in flux and foreshadowing the shifts that were still to come.

“This was carried out six months before the pandemic and it really just accelerated things. Everything we were hoping to do in maybe three years, we did in 18 months,” explained Lizi McLoughlin, Zero Ceiling’s development manager. “We took on the additional houses. We took on employment partners. We rethought that model. We massively expanded the mental health

support we provide.”

Carried out between August and November 2019, the study was the culmination of 21 in-depth interviews with current Work 2 Live participants, program graduates, Zero Ceiling staff, and board members.

“The thing that really stood out for us was the level of support the youth were asking for. It really pushed us to take a look at everything,” McLoughlin noted. “So many of those recommendations came out of this report and were really driven by the fact that that’s what the youth were asking for.”

MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT Prior to the pandemic, Zero Ceiling wasn’t directly providing significant levels of mental health support, but “really in the past two years, we’ve had to pivot completely and a huge part of that work that our youth workers and caseworkers do now is mental health support,” McLoughlin explained.

That has translated to 24-7, round-theclock support and an expanded staff team, including an onsite support worker at the private home housing six Work 2 Live participants. Another home—a threebedroom unit in the Granite Ridge building in Cheakamus Crossing—was secured last spring

thanks to a landmark agreement inked with the Whistler Housing Authority, which now houses three female Work 2 Live participants.

Interestingly, as Zero Ceiling’s mandate has widened, its support for Work 2 Live participants and graduates has grown more focused, with staff taking a more individualized approach, something that was identified as an area for improvement in the study.

“I would like to see interpersonal support [and] each person having their own gains to get to where they want to be,” one program grad commented in the study.

“There is no other person in the program that is where I am at now and it has been so hard … so I can understand why no one has really come up to this point.”

HOUSING For years, Zero Ceiling housed participants, often in shared units, in a Whistler Blackcomb staff housing building in the valley, but with the switch to operating its own housing, participants have their own rooms and staff are better able to manage any issues as they arise.

“The first thing is participants no longer have to share bedrooms, which is fantastic and just gives people privacy and control of their own space,” McLoughlin said. ”These

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are permanent homes for Zero Ceiling and they definitely feel like a home.”

Zero Ceiling has increasingly adopted more of an advocacy role in the pandemic as well, with co-executive director Sean Easton in particular taking up the mantle on behalf of Whistler’s most vulnerable residents, both at Zero Ceiling and as a new board member for the Whistler Valley Housing Society.

“We think there’s opportunity to diversify the approach to housing so we can meet the needs of all community members and so people don’t get squeezed out,” he told Pique in an interview last spring.

EMPLOYMENT The pandemic also pushed the organization to rethink its employment model, which sees it partnering with local businesses to offer work to program participants. Whistler Blackcomb has played a huge role in that arrangement, and still does—about half of the current participants work for the ski resort. But with COVID shutting down the mountain early two years in a row, staff looked to diversify its list of partner employers in town. That came with a subtlebut-important change in philosophy as well.

“There was one quote [from the study] that really stood out about being able to

NEWS WHISTLER

1577 Tynebridge Lane.

ZERO HEROES Whistler non-profit Zero Ceiling has significantly expanded its core mandate, a process that was accelerated in the pandemic. Pictured are participants in Zero Ceiling’s groundbreaking Work 2 Live program on a hike.

PHOTO BY TYLER BLANK-MOYES

provide people not just an opportunity for employment but the opportunities that they wanted and needed,” McLoughlin said.

Now, staff will work to pair participants to a job of their choosing, even if that employer isn’t on the list of partner businesses, giving youth more say in their time here. “It really resonated with us that we wanted to empower people not just to be working in a job, but a job that was meaningful to them, where they felt it could help take them in the direction they want to go.”

Moving away from staff housing means participants’ housing is no longer tied to their employment status, giving them more freedom to pursue their passions in Whistler that go beyond their job.

“Not everybody now needs to work fulltime, so if it’s working for somebody to do a couple shifts a week, maybe they receive an income supplement, that’s great, then they can do that and do what works for them,” said McLoughlin. “It’s 100-per-cent the direction we wanted to go in and 100-per-cent why we invested so much in our capacity and the size of our staff team so we can do that.”

A common refrain heard from participating employers was the need for more resources so they could better support the Work 2 Live participants in their workplace. Zero Ceiling now does monthly check-ins where participants will sit down with a caseworker and their manager. The non-profit also runs “mental health First Aid” training courses for all the managers it works with, offering “tangible, practical content about recognizing and supporting people with mental health challenges, and also lots of great discussion about how that shows up in the workplace,” McLoughlin said.

INHERENT CHALLENGES Whistler offers a number of benefits to Work 2 Live participants: easy access to nature and outdoor adventure, a tightknit sense of community, and ample opportunities for work chief among them. But Whistler, by its very nature, poses several inherent challenges as well.

In the study, several interviewees noted how the resort’s party lifestyle only adds to the temptation around substance use. (It should be noted Zero Ceiling does not require participants to be sober in their time here, preferring a harm-reduction approach.)

“There is going to be so much party and drug use around so just be aware and watch out for it and don’t fall into that trap,” said

one participant.

Others interviewed highlighted the tenuous nature of housing here, something that has been ameliorated through Zero Ceiling now operating its own housing, while some touched on challenges with their employer.

Staff in the study also recognized the need to better tailor their approach for Indigenous participants so they can best navigate the program.

“The things we see people struggle with the most, particularly with the Indigenous young people—it is the context of where they are in their families and in the world,” said one staff member in the report.

Funding was noted as another challenge for Zero Ceiling, something the pandemic has both helped and hindered: without the ability to run its regular fundraising events, Zero Ceiling’s most productive funding stream was cut off, but COVID-19 has also led to new grants opening up at both the provincial and federal level. Whistlerites have also generously opened their wallets throughout the pandemic—the organization hit its $150,000 fundraising goal for 2021— something McLoughlin believes is at least partly to do with a greater understanding of the barriers many face in town. ”Since the beginning of the pandemic, there’s been such a shift in the way people look at some of these social issues that maybe weren’t talked about that often in Whistler up to that point,” she said. “I think there’s been much greater recognition of the challenges facing people in this community and the people we work with are some of the most vulnerable in our community, but it’s not just them. It’s loads of people dealing with challenges around income and the cost of living and things like that.

“It’s not an easy problem to solve but we definitely feel really supported and it’s been really collaborative to figure out what this looks like moving forward.”

To view the full report, visit zeroceiling. org/research.

“I encourage people to take a look at the report and read some of these people’s experiences in their own words because they speak better to them than I can,” McLouglin said.

Zero Ceiling is hosting its AGM on April 26 at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre from 5 to 7 p.m.

The non-profit is also looking to hire an overnight support worker. Find the job listing at zeroceiling.org/join-our-team. n

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Resort Municipality of Whistler

Canoe, kayak and SUP storage rack rental spaces at Whistler parks Staggered dates for seasonal reservations. SUP storage spaces will be available online from April 12 at noon, and canoe/kayak spaces from April 13 at noon. Reservations are on a first come first serve basis online, and storage spaces typically sell out quickly.

Rack spaces will be available for renters to use from April 15 to November 15.

See Canoe, kayak and paddleboard storage rental at: whistler.ca/SUPstorage

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca /parks

MARCH 24, 2022

19

NEWS WHISTLER

‘I am hugely honoured’: Former Whistler mayor nominated for prestigious award NANCY WILHELM-MORDEN UP FOR YWCA WOMEN OF DISTINCTION AWARD IN THE BUSINESS & THE PROFESSIONS CATEGORY

BY MEGAN LALONDE NANCY

WILHELM-MORDEN has accumulated a series of impressive achievements and titles over the span of her career: mayor of Whistler; lawyer; partner at Race & Company; first Sea to Sky corridor lawyer to earn the title of Queen’s counsel; mentor; mom and grandmother.

This spring, she could add another accolade to the list. Wilhelm-Morden is nominated for a YWCA Women of Distinction Award, the organization announced earlier this month. She’s the only Whistler local out of 75 nominees tapped this year.

For nearly four decades, the prestigious annual awards ceremony has been honouring individuals and organizations from the Metro Vancouver and Sea to Sky region “whose outstanding activities and achievements contribute to the well-being and future of” the community.

Wilhelm-Morden is nominated in the Business & the Professions category, alongside nine other nominees. Award recipients will be announced at the Women of Distinction Awards Gala at Vancouver’s

JW Marriott Parq Hotel on May 26.

“I am hugely honoured to have been nominated and to have made it this far.

It’s really quite an honour, for sure” said Wilhelm-Morden.

Wilhelm-Morden was nominated by friend Ginny Dennehy, who was recognized with a Women of Distinction Award herself in 2012. The glowing nomination package referenced Wilhelm-Morden’s commitment not only to her profession and her clients, but to her community since arriving in the resort from Ontario in 1973.

Wilhelm-Morden opened her own law practice in Whistler in 1987, which merged with Race & Co. the following year. She served as a municipal councillor before being elected as mayor, where, over the course of two terms, she fought for the preservation of the Emerald Forest, formed the Mayor’s Task Force on Resident Housing, and welcomed the Audain Art Museum to Whistler—all while continuing to practise as a civil litigator with Race & Co. When she looks back on her time as mayor and the packed schedule that defined those years, “I kind of shake my head like, ‘Wow, holy cow,’” she said with a laugh. “But I was surrounded by very good

people on both councils when I was the mayor. All of them were very eager to step in and help me. I was able to delegate and be confident that the task would get done.

And, you know, we had issues but we just kept a list and knocked them off one by one.

“I have to say I loved being the mayor. It was very gratifying. It was very rewarding work …

They were really good times, at the time.”

- NANCY WILHELM-MORDEN

“I have to say I loved being the mayor. It was very gratifying. It was very rewarding work … They were really good times, at the time.”

Her time as mayor “emphasized to me just what a spectacular place this is to live and work and raise a family,” WilhelmMorden added. “I feel very, very fortunate to have been able to do those things and to effectively grow up with this town since I

arrived all those many years ago.”

Wilhelm-Morden has managed to stay busy since retiring from municipal politics in 2018 by working full-time as a lawyer, serving as an elected member of ICBC’s Defence Counsel Liaison Committee, and enjoying spending more time with family and friends. (She became a grandma last year, and is eagerly anticipating the arrival of her second grandchild this year.) Even more family time will be on the agenda when she officially retires from her role with Race & Co. at the end of March.

The Women of Distinction award winners are decided by “an external, diverse panel of judges, including community leaders and members of the public,” according to the YWCA. Individual nominees are also eligible for the YWCA’s Connecting the Community Award, decided by the public. Until April 13, members of the public can cast votes online and the nominee who garners the most will be named winner. Their prize? A $10,000 donation from Scotiabank to the YWCA program area of the winner’s choice.

Wilhelm-Morden said she would direct the winnings toward affordable housing initiatives—“no question.” n

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20 MARCH 24, 2022

NEWS WHISTLER

SLCC, WCSS receive pair of grants for Indigenous-led programming WHISTLER’S SOCIAL SERVICE PROVIDER WAS ALSO RECENT RECIPIENT OF NEW HORIZONS GRANT FOR SENIOR PROGRAMMING

BY BRANDON BARRETT TWO WHISTLER organizations were the recent recipients of Heritage BC grants that will help expand Indigenous-led cultural and educational programming in the resort.

Whistler’s Indigenous museum, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), and the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS) each received funds through Heritage BC’s $10-million 150 Time Immemorial Grant Program, which is intended to “raise cultural awareness, educate people about B.C.’s colonial past and its ongoing impacts, advance reconciliation and promote inclusivity and diversity as a foundational aspect of B.C.’s future,” the non-profit said in a release.

The SLCC was awarded $32,044 for its upcoming exhibition, Ancient MedicinesFrom Feast to Famine to Freedom, while Whistler’s social service provider received approximately $24,000 for training workshops that will educate participants on the respective history and culture of the local Squamish and Lil’wat First Nations.

The curriculum will be developed and led

by SLCC staff and Nation leaders.

“This was really a venture to educate individuals who arrive here and begin to work on these lands to understand where they are and where they should be getting their information and resources from: a place of cultural safety and connectedness, which is not always the case,” explained Jackie Dickinson, executive director of the WCSS. The multi-hour sessions are intended to be offered year-round, and although the details are still to be ironed out, Dickinson said they would be designed with accessibility in mind.

“We want to make it accessible to everyone who comes to visit this area that wants to live, work and play and recognize the Nations’ land that they reside on,” she added.

The SLCC exhibit, slated to open June 21 for National Indigenous Peoples Day, details “the health journey of Indigenous people in Canada, but is really focused on the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations,” noted SLCC curator and Lil’wat Nation member Mixalhítsa7 Alison Pascal.

The exhibit grew out of the SLCC’s tea tours, which introduce guests to a number of local plants and ingredients with inherent medicinal benefits. Unlike Western medicine and its reliance on a cause-and-effect model to treat specific symptoms as they arise, traditional Indigenous medicine tends to take a more preventative, holistic approach that leans on the concept of the medicine wheel, which represents the interconnectivity of all aspects of one’s being—including the connection to the natural world.

The exhibit led Pascal and her team to further research the obliterating impacts

of Canada’s residential school system on Indigenous people’s health and way of life.

“They went from that really healthy lifestyle to a system where they were pretty much starving from the ages of six to 16,” Pascal said. “So I started to research what the effects of long-term famine were. And really, it’s everything that you’d [expect]: height stunting, chronic illness like diabetes, stress-induced heart problems, strokes. Your thyroid gland is just thrown out of whack, especially when those children who had been living in residential school returned home. Their bodies were so used to being starving that when they did get food, all of that food was stored as fat.

Their whole body systems were damaged— and it’s something that’s now hereditary.”

Heart disease rates for Indigenous Canadians are as much as 50 per cent higher than non-Indigenous Canadians. Agestandardized rates of Type 2 diabetes are 17 per cent for Indigenous Canadians living on-reserve and 10 per cent among those living off-reserve, compared to five per cent in the general population. Indigenous Canadians typically suffer higher percentages of mental health challenges as well, which have only worsened in the pandemic.

“So when you’re looking at Indigenous people and why we’re really looking to return to our traditional system, it’s because, well, for me, one of the things is to balance out those inherited chronic disorders now,” Pascal said.

Originally titled “From Feast to Famine,” Pascal said the SLCC team decided to take a more uplifting approach to the exhibit in light of the heaviness of the past two years.

“We were hesitant to stay in this purely negative zone. So our exhibit, when it opens, will be ‘From Feast to Famine to Freedom.’

We’re really wanting to take that whole arc, and give people resources and tools to help with their health journey.”

The WCSS received another $24,000 in funding recently, this time through the federal New Horizons grant stream, to expand on its senior-focused programming.

That means the non-profit will build on its existing Activate and Connect monthly programming for ages 50 and up, as well as adding new programming.

To hear Dickinson tell it, the funding has been a long time coming.

“A lot of this programming stemmed way back to 2009 and 2010 when we were looking at the visions of [sustainability guiding document] Whistler 2020,” she said. “At the time, you had members of the Mature Action Community and elders within our community really strongly advocating for this vision of aging in place … [making] that possible was an ongoing discussion for 12 years.”

Dickinson added that WCSS’ decision to apply for the grant was informed by the Whistler Community Foundation’s Vital Signs Cafes it ran on the topic of aging in place. n

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The Board has a diversity of skills and experiences and delivers strategic direction to the WHA on Whistler’s Employee Housing Program. The successful individual will possess a number of relevant qualifications including and not limited to: strong ethical and inclusive decision making; familiarity with Whistler’s Employee Housing Program and local business community; housing sector experience (development, construction, management etc.); financial and legal acumen.

Interested candidates must have the ability to commit to a 3-year term (June 2022 – May 2025) including attending approximately eight Board meetings per annum. 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 their completed Application Form to: meredith@whistlerhousing.ca by 4:00 pm on April 11, 2022.

HELPING TO MAKE WHISTLER THE PLACE YOU CALL HOME

MARCH 24, 2022

21

NEWS WHISTLER

U.K. couple on holiday in Whistler rattled after door kicked in during attempted break-in IAN GWINNELL AND HIS WIFE HAD JUST SAT DOWN TO DINNER IN THEIR GLACIER LODGE AIRBNB WHEN THEIR APARTMENT DOOR WAS VIOLENTLY KICKED IN

BY MEGAN LALONDE A U.K. COUPLE’S first visit to Whistler was soured after an attempted break-in to their Upper Village Airbnb unit over the weekend left them shaken.

Ian Gwinnell and his wife were relaxing in their vacation rental in the Glacier Lodge on Sunday evening, March 13, when they heard a violent sound at about 6 p.m.

The pair had taken their last day in Whistler off from skiing and had just returned to the apartment from exploring the village, with take-out food in tow.

“I took my shoes off, sat down on the couch and we heard a horrendous thud at the door,” Gwinnell said over the phone from Vancouver. “And then in quick succession there was a second one, from which the inner frame started to come apart on the door.”

At that point, the couple realized the door was being kicked in.

“We jumped up and started shouting at the top of our voices to ‘get out,’” recalled Gwinnell. A third kick was forceful enough to

burst the door open, while smashing the door’s lock housing and causing further “considerable damage” to the doorframe, Gwinnell said.

“Pieces of the door and lock casing flew across the room. But I think us creating a bit of noise from the inside scared them, because they turned around and they ran.”

Due to the building’s short corridors, the suspect disappeared around a corner before Gwinnell or his wife were able to catch a glimpse of the individual. Footprints, however, were visible where the suspect had kicked in the door.

Whistler RCMP confirmed in a release that police responded to a report of an attempted break-and-enter in the 4500 block of Chateau Blvd. on the same date, and the same time.

“Occupants of the residence were startled when an unknown individual kicked open the door to the residence,” but “the suspect fled from the scene and did not enter the dwelling,” said Cpl. Nathan Miller in the release.

Police said they do not have a description of the suspect at this time and are asking for the public’s assistance with

their investigation into the matter. Whistler RCMP is asking anyone with information to call the detachment’s non-emergency line at 604-932-3044 or BC Crime Stoppers.

Gwinnell said he was impressed with both Glacier Lodge staff and police’s speedy

“Really, there’s been nothing [we did] to prompt an attack...”

- IAN GWINNELL

response to their call for help, and with the Airbnb host’s offer to provide the couple with different accommodation that night, but is now left searching for answers about how common incidents like this are within the resort.

He said the couple had limited interactions with others during their fourday stay in Whistler, aside from servers at local restaurants.

“Really, there’s been nothing [we did]

to prompt an attack or no one that we could have come into contact with that would have had any prejudices against us,” he said, adding, “If there was somebody targeting the area, and there were other reported incidents, then that would just make me feel like I was unlucky on that day.

“But if I felt as if it was just us … then I’ve got to review my own safety standards and the way in which I address people and what information I divulge to them in future—I can only use this as a learning curve.”

In a follow-up email, police said they had no information to indicate this was a targeted event, and added that no similar incidents were reported in the area on that day. And while it is unusual for a door to be kicked in in instances like these, Miller said “we often see people walking into the wrong rental units. Often we will respond to someone trying to gain entry through a patio door, etc. [not] knowing that they are at the wrong residence.” Miller noted this often happens late at night “when someone had had one too many drinks and can’t quite remember where they are staying.”

-With files from Brandon Barrett n

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

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler’s Claire Buchar riding 57 km for ovarian cancer LOCAL MOUNTAIN BIKE PRO INSPIRED BY B.C. ROAD CYCLIST VYING FOR WORLD RECORD—AND THE LOSS OF HER MOM

BY MEGAN LALONDE LIKE A LOT of things these days, it started with an Instagram post.

Whistler’s Claire Buchar was scrolling through the app recently when she came across a post promoting Metro Vancouver road biker Bianca Hayes’ upcoming crossCanada ride in support of ovarian cancer research.

Hayes became the fastest woman to cycle across Canada two years ago, when, motivated by the loss of her 32-year-old sister in 2018, she completed the more than 5,700-kilometre trip from Vancouver to Halifax in 20 days. This summer, Hayes is gunning for the official Guinness World Record and is hoping to raise awareness and $1 million along the way. (Guinness set the women’s record at 15 days.)

Buchar related instantly—and not just because of their shared habit for achieving massive feats on two wheels.

The pro mountain biker lost her mom to ovarian cancer as a 17-year-old.

After the two connected through Instagram, Hayes invited Buchar to participate in a “ride anywhere” for ovarian cancer event scheduled for April 2. “I was like, ‘Well, that’s a great idea,’ but I don’t even own a road bike,” she explained.

So Buchar will support Hayes’ campaign in her own way: off-road. Buchar is currently in the process of mapping out a 57-km route through the Squamish trail network that she’ll complete next weekend, in honour of Hayes’ upcoming 5,700-km ride.

“Obviously riding singletrack, it’ll be a big day,” said Buchar.

But, “I’ve been searching for more meaningful things to do and [to] connect my riding with,” she added. “I’ve been working with youth and rider development, but this is just something that’s so close to my heart and I feel like it’s a good use of my time and energy.”

Initially, the former downhill national champion and World Cup medallist had a goal in mind of rallying the mountain bike community to raise $570 for ovarian cancer research. Less than 24 hours after throwing up a social media post about her plans, Buchar’s fundraising total had already surpassed the $2,400 mark. At press time, her total stood at more than $3,200. All funds will benefit Ovarian Cancer Canada and BC Cancer.

Ovarian cancer is one of the deadliest forms of the disease: the Canadian Cancer Society estimated that of the approximately 3,000 Canadian women who would be diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2021, approximately 1,950 would die from it. It has

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RIDING FOR RESEARCH Whistler-based pro mountain biker Claire Buchar plans to tackle 57 kilometres of Squamish singletrack on April 2, in an effort to raise awareness and funds for ovarian cancer.

PHOTO BY HAILEY ELISE

a 44 per cent survival rate over five years.

Currently, no screening test for ovarian cancer exists for women without symptoms.

“It shaped my entire life, losing my mom,” Buchar explained.

“Losing her and watching her deteriorate over the period of one year; it was very traumatic as a teenager … It’s a scary thing to think about, because she looked so healthy and so strong right up until she was diagnosed. She had a few symptoms, but she was feeling fine.”

Adding to the trauma is Buchar’s resulting fears about her own health, with ovarian cancer present on both sides of her family. But Buchar said seeing people like Hayes working to raise awareness—and now, contributing to those efforts herself— is helping her find optimism.

“Just seeing how devastating [cancer] can be … I’ve had friends that have passed and just watching the people left behind struggle with it; it really is life changing.

This gives me hope, for a type of cancer that is so deadly, that maybe there could be a cure one day, and spare a lot of people the horror of having to go through it and losing family members,” she said.

“Hopefully, we can grow this into something bigger and more positive in the years to come … I think we can rally together and do some good work. I’m just so proud of the community and of the response so far, it’s been amazing.”

To contribute to Buchar’s fundraising efforts, head to bit.ly/3iwha7e. n

MARCH 24, 2022

23

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

Multiple birds of prey found dead near Pemberton in the last year SLOW-ACTING RODENT POISON COULD BE THE CAUSE, SAYS BC SPCA

BY HARRISON BROOKS WHILE RIDING her bike last summer, Pemberton local Nicole Jean came across a dying hawk on the side of the trail. Wanting to help, she rode into a nearby yard to see if the homeowners had gloves she could borrow to safely transport the bird to an animal rehabilitation centre, but unfortunately the bird died before it could get treated.

While there tending to the suffering hawk, the homeowners recounted their own story to Jean of seeing a hawk drop dead out of the sky and land in their yard just one day before.

Fast forward a few months, while out for a walk on a crisp February day, Jean once again came across a large bird dead in the snow. This time it was a Barred Owl. “I have now found three dead birds in the last seven months. And I’ve just had knee surgery so I’m not exactly out and about covering a large amount of terrain, yet still have managed to find three animals,” said Jean, who made a post on the Pemberton Community Forum Facebook page to bring awareness to her concerns.

“Since that post five other people have contacted me to say they’ve found dead owls and hawks. I’ve lived in Pemberton for a long time, 25 years, and have noticed in the last year that in my neighbourhood there have been fewer [large birds]. Normally, in

POISON CONTROL A Barred Owl found dead near Pemberton in February by Nicole Jean.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

24 MARCH 24, 2022

the spring, you see the hawks sitting on a fence post, but they’re not there anymore.”

From there, Jean contacted someone at the provincial Ministry of Environment who then put her in touch with the British Columbia Interagency Wild Bird Mortality Investigation Plan, which took in the bird for testing.

While she has not received the test results yet, Jean believes the deaths could be caused by slow-acting rat poisons entering the birds’ systems through the rodents that they hunt.

Although the cause of death can’t be known for certain until test results come back, Jean’s hypothesis isn’t a far stretch. In fact, it has been an issue across the province

community members are the ones finding these poisoned animals out in the wild and it’s upsetting to them.”

Ryan explained that anti-coagulant rodenticides—which work by thinning the blood and causing the animal to slowly die from internal bleeding over days or weeks—have been the most prominent tool in the pest control industry for a long

“I think the biggest problem with this issue is we don’t know the full scope of how big it is.”

- ERIN RYAN

for years, according to BC SPCA research communications specialist Erin Ryan.

“I think the biggest problem with this issue is we don’t know the full scope of how big it is,” she said. “So owls that eat poisoned rodents, if the poison doesn’t kill them right away, we often don’t see the sub-lethal effects. And I think this has been happening for a very long time, but I think in the last couple years there has definitely been a pique in community interest because

time, which has led to everyday people following that lead for their own rat and mouse problems without realizing the dangers they present to other animals higher in the food chain.

With the increased awareness of this issue over the last couple years, the B.C. Government imposed a temporary, 18-month ban on all second-generation anti-coagulant rodenticides across the province, which took effect in July of 2021.

Second generation rodenticides were designed to be more potent and fasteracting, which in turn means they are also more dangerous for animals that prey on the rodents that eat them.

Moving forward, Ryan hopes to see a more comprehensive ban on rodenticides across the province, and hopes the pest control industry does a better job of identifying why a home has a pest problem in the first place— and addressing the root causes instead of resorting solely to poisonings.

“The part that gets overlooked a lot is a truly integrated pest management approach,” she said. “As long as there is food and shelter, the mice and rats will just keep coming back.

So what I’d like to see the industry do more of, and what customers can do, is more of that proactive management. Keeping on top of sanitation and building maintenance to make sure we are preventing problems before they happen.”

Meanwhile in Pemberton, Jean is set to make a presentation to the village’s mayor and council on April 5, and hopes to see them adopt a policy to join the other 20 B.C. municipalities that have completely banned anti-coagulant rodenticides already.

For more information on alternative options for rodent control visit spca.bc.ca/ urban-wildlife. n

NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY

THROUGH THE DARKNESS Pemberton distance runner Troy Knecht looks to double his previous best endurance run when he attempts to run for 24 straight hours on April 2 and 3.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Pemberton local to do 24-hour run for mental health awareness TROY KNECHT IS LOOKING TO START A CONVERSATION ABOUT MEN’S MENTAL HEALTH AND SUICIDE PREVENTION WITH HIS MOVE THROUGH YOUR DARKNESS INITIATIVE

BY HARRISON BROOKS WHETHER HE RUNS, walks or crawls his way through it, when April 2 rolls around, distance runner Troy Knecht will be on the streets and trails of Pemberton for 24 straight hours attempting to raise awareness for men’s mental health and suicide prevention.

The initiative that he titled Move Through Your Darkness is a personal endurance project that aims to combine two of Knecht’s passions: distance running and mental health awareness.

“I chose that name because it kind of represents and symbolizes the notion that a lot of us are going to have dark times during our life, but I’m hoping to kind of show that just by striving to move forward and putting one foot in front of the other and just staying in the fight, you will find the light again and you will come through the dark times,” he said.

“So I thought I’d try and do something to change the script and get people talking, end the stigma type thing, and combine the two passions into one project, which I’m super excited about, but slightly scared about. It will be something I’ve never done before.”

Men’s mental health and suicide prevention is an issue that hits close to home for Knecht, who lost a family member to suicide, and he will be doing this run in his memory.

The plan is to start his run the morning of Saturday, April 2, and by finishing at the same time the following day, Knecht will be keeping with his mantra, and will literally be moving through the darkness back into the light of a new day.

“The whole thing is that, come Sunday

morning, the sun will rise again. So even after the darkest nights, the sun always rises,” he said. “So I’m just trying to let people know that it’s OK to not be OK, and that speaking isn’t a weakness.”

Knecht realizes we are in a “weird time” right now and he isn’t looking for any monetary donations to any charities.

Instead, he just hopes for it to be an opportunity for people to connect with one another, start a conversation around mental health and hopefully share their own stories with him.

“What I’m hoping will happen, is people will get in and get involved. Remotely, in person, whatever it may be, whatever mode they want to do, for as long or as short as they feel they can do it,” said Knecht. “But I hope people get involved in person. I understand there will be some low points in my run, and you’d be surprised, maybe seeing people might be just what I need to re-energize me and lift the spirits and get me back on my feet and moving forward still.”

While his route isn’t totally planned out yet, Knecht said he is planning to stick to a consistent loop that will have an aid station in the middle of the village where people can meet and join him if they’d like. People will also be able to follow along and stay up to date with his progress during the day via his Instagram account @troy_knecht where he plans to post hourly progress videos.

Moving forward, Knecht hopes to make his Move Through Your Darkness initiative an annual occurrence. And while it may not always be a 24-hour run because he likes to challenge himself in different ways, the main focus of creating a conversation and giving people a space to share their stories will always be at the centre of whatever endurance project he chooses to do next. n

MARCH 24, 2022

25

SCIENCE MATTERS

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In loving memory of

Georgia Clare Hybner 1975 - 2022 It is with great sadness that we advise of the passing of Georgia Clare Hybner after a long battle with cancer.

She was an optimistic, generous, kind, considerate and energetic person. A successful business and sports woman, her radiant smile and spirit will be remembered by all who knew her.

Georgia grew up in Mona Vale Australia. She was an avid surfer, figure skater and skier. Her love of skiing and helping others made her a natural fit on the Thredbo volunteer Ski Patrol. She followed her passion for skiing, moving to Whistler and realizing her dream of becoming a Canadian citizen.

Georgia is survived by and will be dearly missed by her partner Steven Toulch, mother Merilynne Johnson, brothers Nicholas and Adrian Hybner, Auntie Louise Johnson, stepfather Glen White and many other dear friends and

please join us for a “Celebration of Georgia”

tomorrow March 25, 1pm Whistler Conference Centre or virtually at skiwithgeorgia.com

more info: skiwithgeorgia.com

26 MARCH 24, 2022

Climate crisis is taking a toll on mental health CLIMATE CHANGE is sad. It’s frightening. It’s demoralizing. Even knowing that countless solutions are available, with more emerging daily, can cause despair because of the petty pace at which we’re embracing them.

It’s bad enough that people are suffering ever-increasing impacts of climate disruption—from heat domes and wildfires to floods and droughts—but the toll on mental health has also reached crisis levels.

The recent Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change report has, for the first time, assessed the mounting effects

BY DAVID SUZUKI of climate disruption on mental health worldwide. Evidence shows that fast-paced climate events, as well as slower ones like sea level rise, ice melt and seasonal changes, contribute to increasing rates of stress, anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, suicide, sadness, ecological grief, substance abuse, diminished social relations and domestic violence.

As with global heating itself, impacts are disproportionately harming the most vulnerable—people with limited wealth and resources, people living closer to the land, people already experiencing mental health challenges, and women, the elderly, youth and children. It also has profound effects on those working on climate issues, including scientists, writers and activists.

The obvious solution is to address the climate crisis with the resources and solutions it demands. Although many impacts are locked in because of emissions we’ve already pumped into the atmosphere, knowing people everywhere were taking it seriously and working to resolve it as quickly as possible would restore hope and confidence to many.

But even if we were to stop burning fossil fuels and start employing the many available solutions immediately, we wouldn’t suddenly be living in a happy, unpolluted world.

As we address the ongoing climate crisis, we must also deal with the growing mental health crisis it’s causing.

Three Canadian scientists who contributed to the IPCC’s Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability report argue that building and promoting resilience is important.

Ashlee Cunsolo from Memorial University of Newfoundland and Breanne Aylward and Sherilee Harper from the University of Alberta point to the American Psychological Association’s strategies to build personal resilience, “including building belief in one’s own resilience, fostering optimism, cultivating coping strategies, finding sources of personal meaning, finding social support networks (family, friends, organized groups), fostering and upholding a connection to place and maintaining connections to one’s culture.”

They also write about the need for

“climate-specific training in education and for physicians, nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors and allied health professionals.” And they argue that “health systems and health authorities must take measures to assess and enhance health system readiness to deal with growing mental health needs and increase disaster planning and training, to further support individual and community resilience to climate change.”

In our 2017 book Just Cool It! The Climate Crisis and What We Can Do, we devoted just one page to the effects of climate change on mental health, in part because there was little research on the topic. It’s good to see more study and resources going into the problem, but much more is needed.

Cunsolo, Aylward and Harper, who have expertise in climate and health, write that all levels of government must prioritize mental health in all policies. Incorporating individual and community mental health in climate change adaptation measures, and taking urgent measures to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, they say, would increase health and well-being overall, and mental health in particular.

We must also find ways to take care of ourselves and each other. Part of that is recognizing that if you or people around you are feeling anxious, sad or depressed, you aren’t alone. Connecting with others can provide purpose and comfort, whether it’s with family, friends, support groups, social or sports organizations or the climate and environmental movement.

We must also find ways to take care of ourselves and each other.

Taking measures to reduce our impact can make us feel we’re part of the solution.

Exercise can improve mental and physical health. And, as always, getting out into nature has numerous health benefits, from better physical fitness to reduced anxiety and depression and improved emotional states and adaptive behaviours.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If your workplace has an employee and family assistance program, use it. Check in with family and friends. Start a peer support group—David Suzuki Foundation staff have held monthly meetings since 2016.

And learn about the various mental health resources in your community.

We’re all in this together. Take care.

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

RANGE ROVER

Your spring reading list SOMETIMES, the only way to escape the Whistler bubble is through a book. The bonus is that from the comfort of our over-priced, under-insured homes we can not only escape to myriad elsewheres, but also return betterinformed about the glossed-over realities and greater machinations of the world. In that

BY LESLIE ANTHONY vein, here are a few travel- and science-related non-fiction titles worth sharing: THE SOUND OF THE SEA: SEASHELLS AND THE FATE OF THE OCEANS, BY CYNTHIA BARNETT, 2021, NORTON I put this first because it’s one of the most delightful reads I’ve enjoyed these past few years, where surprise and wonder lurked in every chapter. Anyone who has ever picked up a pretty shell on a beach will be amazed to find out how these mollusc constructions have influenced both biological and human history, and how the chemistry behind them points to a dangerous future for our rapidly acidifying oceans. Also, Barnett, Environmental Journalist in Residence at the University of Florida, writes beautifully.

SPRING READING Columnist Leslie Anthony outlines his seven top reads for those looking to dive deeper into the surrounding environment.

GETTY IMAGES

FINDING THE MOTHER TREE: DISCOVERING THE WISDOM OF THE FOREST, BY SUZANNE SIMARD, 2021, KNOPFF Most folks in B.C., likely even Canada, know of UBC professor Suzanne Simard’s pioneering work on soil fungi, forest structure and tree communication. This is the story of how it came to pass, beginning with being born into a forestry family and naturally pursuing it as a career before realizing something was terribly wrong with the way it was practised, driven as it is by industry’s demand for more wood yet a catastrophic lack of knowledge of how forests function, regenerate and stay healthy. You’ll never look at a tree the same again—and likely cut down fewer.

the remote B.C. coast in 1984 to study wild orca clans, she became embroiled in the fight to protect migratory wild salmon from the significant impacts of salmon farming. Co-authoring more than 20 scientific papers on the subject, she founded the Salmon Coast Research Station, has been featured on 60 Minutes, and participated in numerous legal and protest actions, including a First Nationsled occupation of salmon farms in the Broughton Archipelago. You’ll marvel at her composure and perseverance in the face of malign government and industry forces— and never eat a farmed salmon again.

EVER GREEN: SAVING BIG FORESTS TO SAVE THE PLANET,

BY JOHN W. REID AND THOMAS E. LOVEJOY, 2022, NORTON Speaking of forests, and since literally nothing could be more important than saving the world’s last remaining large tracts, Reid and Lovejoy take us on a journey from the Amazon to the Congo to New Guinea to northern Canada to make clear that preserving and restoring Earth’s remaining megaforests is, in fact, the way to prevent the worst of the coming climate disaster, but also the only hope we have for finding a new way of living on this planet.

SUPER VOLCANOES: WHAT THEY REVEAL ABOUT EARTH AND THE WORLDS BEYOND, BY ROBIN GEORGE ANDREWS, 2022, NORTON Sure volcanoes are cool—as long as they’re not hot. So, we pay attention to them. Hell, there’s one up at the head of Pemberton Meadows that poses the greatest geohazard risk to life and limb in the Sea to Sky corridor. But they’re not just evil conduits to the centre of the Earth waiting to blow us to smithereens. They tell stories that connect the Hadean underworld to the human one above it, about the Earth’s early days and, in fact, most of the solar system. Volcanoes on the moon? Mars? Venus? You bet.

NOT ON MY WATCH: HOW A RENEGADE WHALE BIOLOGIST TOOK ON GOVERNMENTS AND INDUSTRY TO SAVE WILD SALMON, BY ALEXANDRA MORTON, 2021, PENGUIN Field biologist Alexandra Morton began her career studying communication in dolphins and captive orcas. Moving to

THE PREMONITION: A PANDEMIC STORY, BY MICHAEL LEWIS, 2021, NORTON I won’t say much about this other than the first whodunit about the COVID-19

pandemic is an informative, well-penned page-turner from a master about whom a New York Times book reviewer remarked “I would read an 800-page history of the stapler if [Lewis] wrote it.”

WHAT YOUR FOOD ATE: HOW TO HEAL OUR LAND AND RECLAIM OUR HEALTH, BY DAVID R. MONTGOMERY AND ANNE BIKLÉ, 2022, NORTON A geologist and a biologist walk into a grocery store. But it’s no joke. In fact, there’s nothing funny about it because what they see isn’t what you see. Amidst the visage of 21st-century plentitude, aisles packed with colourfully packaged products and produce aisles stacked in colourful pyramids, is a terrifying reality: troubling nutrient declines across the spectrum of the human diet, from fruits and vegetables to grains, meats, and dairy. A sea of molecules, but not the phytochemicals, fats and micronutrients we need, but synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, antibiotics and the sugar, salt and trans-fats of processed food. Journeying from research labs to farm fields the authors uncover scientific and historical evidence for how farming practices influence soil health and shape the types and amounts of healthpromoting substances in our diet—and ourselves. This ultimate “you are what you eat” is a return to a cri de coeur first uttered

by Hippocrates in 400 BCE. Leslie Anthony is a biologist, writer and author of several popular books on environmental science. ■

MARCH 24, 2022

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FEATURE STORY

A ft e r C O V ID -1 9 upended ed u c a ti o n in m y ri a d w a y s , lo c a l s tu d e n ts a re in c re a s in g ly lo o k in g a t a g a p y e a r to p u rs u e th e ir p a s s io n s

FEATURE STORY

Happy Spring from the team at Alpine Learning. We are grateful to provide consistent support for our students and families this year.

Our team is a group of qualified local educators who cater sessions to meet your child where they are at. We specialize in supporting Neurodiversity and we honour our students individual learning needs.

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By Dan Falloon

A

fter getting a taste of online “It was a very hard decision and it was learning in the spring of 2020 very stressful,” Wheeler says. “It felt like life as she approached the high- or death at that point. school finish line, Kristin “If I’m going to do university, I want to Wheeler wasn’t exactly do it right and do it where I’m comfortable feeling confident heading into doing it.” her first year at the University of British Columbia that fall.

Still, the Whistlerite decided to give university the old college try. She attended her first few weeks of biology classes virtually, but never quite found her groove.

“I can’t really learn that way. I need to be sitting in a classroom, watching the teacher,” Wheeler says. “When I went to the first two weeks of online university, I did nothing. There was no drive for me to do anything. There was nothing really helping For about the first month after Wheeler me move forward.” decided to leave school, she admittedly felt Instead of continuing to flounder “useless” and second-guessed her decision. behind a keyboard, Wheeler opted to spend But, with tuition in hand, she started her time more strategically. She had the researching internships and soon discovered difficult conversation with her parents that the Oceans Research Institute based in South she wanted to leave UBC; in exchange, she Africa. With an opportunity to gain relevant, promised her father she would take that practical experience in her chosen field of opportunity to gain experience pursuing marine biology, Wheeler applied in October, her passions. was quickly approved and, after a pandemic-

Swimming with sharks

MARCH 24, 2022

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FEATURE STORY

All photos submitted

related rescheduling, was off to South Africa feeling, so if you’re just calm in the water for two months last summer. while they’re swimming around, they won’t Oceans Research Institute specializes bother you. in population and habitat assessments of “I’ve just learned how to stay calm. species such as sharks, dolphins and other “It is a little bit scary when they turn and marine life. come right up to your face first, but I don’t For Wheeler, hands-on experience really find danger in it. I’ve been told I’m meant she literally had her hands on these crazy for it, but it’s just normal for me.” creatures, such as when she contributed to a project tracking white sharks’ migration patterns using satellite tags.

“We learned how to safely catch, release and handle sharks, and also how to tag them, remove tags and take the data from the tags,” she recalls. “We had to do all the catch-and-release [process] in less than a minute so the shark would be safe.”

Other projects included assessing the While Wheeler took her gap year, for all number of species present in a given area of intents and purposes, straight out of high an intertidal zone (an area where the ocean school, sometimes it makes more sense to meets the land between high and low tides) break up the university experience. and trawling the water to measure plastic That was the case for Squamish’s pollution.

Shondra Martin, who took her first In addition to developing baseline two years of her business degree at the skills in seamanship and research methods, University of Victoria before getting bit Wheeler also learned how to inform local by the travel bug. Luckily for Martin, the communities about Oceans Research midway point was a natural place to take a Institute’s work. year to explore abroad before entering the And, thanks to a partnership with a local “core years” of the program. She also wanted dive shop, Wheeler went from rookie to dive to smoothly transition to the workforce master in the span of two short months, even upon graduation rather than journeying at descending down with the sharks. that point, so the timing was perfect.

“You don’t wear chainmail or anything,” “Sitting in lectures for weeks on end was she explains. “They can sense what you’re driving me a little crazy,” she acknowledges.

Breaking things up

30 MARCH 24, 2022

In January 2018, Martin set her alarm for 6 a.m. each day and started plotting out her gap year before her morning classes.

The early wakeup call only lasted a few weeks, but it gave her a needed headstart on planning her tricontinental expedition.

“It would help me get out of bed, make some tea and just be excited and inspired,” she says. “It helped me get through the semester, just knowing I had this adventure coming.”

Martin took two trips starting in the summer of 2018, spending a month in Peru with her family starting in mid-June, then spending a globetrotting five months that saw her start in Iceland and end up in New Zealand. In between, she spent time in Switzerland visiting her grandmother before heading to Nepal, Bali and Thailand.

“It was a full-circle zigzag in both hemispheres,” she says.

An avid climber, Martin hit up several iconic ascents along her path, including completing 6.1 kilometres from Everest Base Camp even after falling ill and not consuming food for 48 hours beforehand.

“There was a moment maybe 400 metres from the top that I did not think I was going to make it. I was really struggling and not eating was catching up to me,” she recalls.

Her climbing partner noticed her struggling, turned around and gave her a fist-bump of encouragement. She made it the rest of the way.

“I didn’t think I was going to make it, and I made it,” Martin says.

After a whirlwind that saw her not only attain great heights, but also relax on Bali’s beaches to help recover from a bout of frostbite, Martin returned home on Christmas Day and worked until returning to school for 2019’s fall semester.

“That eight months was a really nice time to process my trip as well, instead of coming home from this crazy trip and going to class seven days later,” she said. “It was really nice time to take everything I’d learned, the ways I’ve grown, and apply it to my life during that time.

“By the time I got to class, I was motivated, strong, confident, ready to go.”

Not just for travel Gap years like the ones taken by Wheeler and Martin come with significant price tags. Wheeler works full-time to fund the internship while Martin used savings she accumulated while working in high school and in advance of her trip while noting

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FEATURE STORY

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that her parents paid the bulk of her postsecondary expenses such as tuition and residence in her first two years.

However, students don’t necessarily need to have a huge outlay to have a fulfilling gap year, stresses Michelle Dittmer, the president and co-founder of the Canadian Gap Year Association (CanGap).

While going overseas to backpack across Europe—or ski-bumming around the Sea to Sky—are stereotypical ways to spend a gap year, Dittmer’s organization has identified several other reasons a break could be worthwhile.

They can range from the need to save up for tuition and myriad other expenses associated with university, to recovering from burnout or other personal circumstances, to focusing on starting a business or committing to a social justice cause.

According to a 2015 national alumni survey conducted by the American Gap Association in conjunction with Temple University, more than 90 per cent of

32 MARCH 24, 2022

survey participants declared outcomes such as developing as a person, improving their communication skills, boosting their self-confidence and developing a greater respect or understanding for other cultures.

Dittmer estimates that 70 per cent of students taking a gap year do so between high school and entering university, which is where CanGap, a registered non-profit, steps in.

“They’re going from a system where bells literally ring and they know what seat they have to sit in to planning a whole year of activities,” she says. “Everybody would benefit from one, but if you’re not ready to do the work, then that’s a red flag for me, because it’s not easy to take a gap year.

“It’s not easy to schedule your time 17 hours a day. That’s a big job to do that.”

To help students determine if a gap year could make sense for them and, if so, what they hope to get out of it, CanGap

hosts a number of free resources on its conversations where one of the parties is website, cangap.ca. The organization also hesitant. offers paid programming and one-on-one “About half the families, everybody’s sessions for those who need additional on board, everybody feels good,” she said. assistance in researching and planning a “A quarter of the time, it’s the youth that gap year. reaches out and says, ‘I want to do this, but According to Dittmer, the COVID- I’m scared my parents will say no.’ The 19 pandemic was a turning point for the other quarter of the time, it’s the parents gap year movement. With travel options saying, ‘My kid needs this, but they feel halted and education suddenly coming in pressure to continue on.’” a dramatically different package, the other reasons for taking time away from school came to the fore.

“Historically, in Canadian culture, we work on this idea of ‘Go faster, harder, stronger, do not stop,’” she said. “In order to be successful, you need to hold the line and any deviation from that In the fall of 2019, Martin returned to UVic means you are failing in some way. The with a renewed vigour for her studies. She pandemic has caused a lot of people to was on top of work, had constructed a re-evaluate that.” healthier schedule and was active in class.

While attitudes toward gap years are Shortly after settling into her new and shifting to being more accepting, Dittmer improved university experience, though, notes that CanGap can also help facilitate Martin faced an unimaginable tragedy,

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as her sister Mikayla died in a mountain biking accident on Oct. 1, 2019.

As she grappled with the weight of her grief and struggled to participate remotely once ready to resume her studies, Martin was granted a second deferral.

“I was going to go back the next year, but then it all went online due to COVID,” she says. “I really struggle with online, so I deferred another year.

“I’m kind of in a weird in-between state.”

Martin stresses that the timing of her gap year was best for her, and highlights that another time could work better for others.

“In your last year of high school, it feels like you’re being washed down this creek and it’s taking you towards university,” she said. “After taking a gap year, you realize that’s not the only option.”

Even though the tide is turning with respect to gap years, Dittmer says she hopes those who are wary of the idea come to realize that they can be a sensible option for many students.

“The most highly desirable university and college programs are the co-ops where they get hands-on experience and yet the idea of getting hands-on experience independently is still stigmatized,” she says.

Wheeler, meanwhile, will continue to get practical experience after she opted to take a second gap year in 2021-22 as virtual learning continued. She’ll be returning to South Africa this spring to take part in the Africa Media program, which teaches participants how to use technology such as underwater cameras and light rigs.

She also retook Biology 12 to help better prepare her for when she returns to the classroom, also at UVic, as UBC did not accept her deferral request.

“I had a lot of doubt, but I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” she says. “It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, and I’m terrible at decisions.

“If you have a vision behind it, go for it.” ■

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SPORTS THE SCORE

Whistler U13 women’s Winterhawks finish the season on a strong note BOTH U13 GIRLS HOCKEY TEAMS IN WHISTLER RODE A POST-CHRISTMAS HOT STREAK THROUGH THE PLAYOFFS AND YEAR-END TOURNAMENT AND CAME AWAY WITH SOME BIG WINS

BY HARRISON BROOKS PRE-COVID, the Whistler Minor Hockey Association (WMHA) had just seven girls registered across the entire minor hockey program. Now, just two years later, the association boasts 50 girls including two U13 all-girls’ teams.

“What we were noticing is after U13, girls don’t necessarily come back [when integrated with the boys’ teams], so we thought we would try a female program. It started with my daughter’s team in U11, and it was her and three friends and we grew that team to about 15 or 16 players … this year we’ve grown that team to 30 players,” said Jeremy Robb, coach of the U13 C2 women’s Winterhawks.

“So now there are 30 girls at the [U13] age and that’s why we divided into two teams, and then there’s about 20 girls that are starting to come up through the program too.

So the growth on the female side is incredible.

I believe the association only has about 150 athletes and 50 of them are now female.”

And with that growth has come success.

At first, the two U13 teams—which the coaches tried to split evenly at the start of

WINNING WINTERHAWKS Whistler’s U13 C1 Winterhawks pose for a picture after winning the Tri-Cities tournament to cap off a successful year.

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34 MARCH 24, 2022

the year—started in the same division and even tied their only Winterhawks versus Winterhawks matchup with a score of 1-1.

But after a post-Christmas-break league restructuring, the two teams were split into different divisions with a C1 and C2 team.

While the beginning of the season was a bit up and down, after the Christmas break, the C2 Winterhawks found their form and started to “learn how to win,” according to Robb.

The C2 Winterhawks went 5-1 in their playoff round robin before winning a nail-biter in front of hundreds of fans at Whistler’s Meadow Park Sports Centre early in March to win the championship banner, something no one thought possible just a few months prior.

“Last year, we lost every single game.

We only played about six games, and we were terrible, so I would have never thought we could win the league,” said Winterhawks player Carolyn Bachler. “It was so exciting, especially because there’s only two other girls banners and they’re from like, 2009. So to have this come back in [the] 2022 season it’s really exciting for the team. And it was crazy to see how many people supported our team.”

The final game, played against the North Shore Winter Club, stayed 0-0 until the Winterhawks opened the scoring with about six minutes left to play. However, North Shore would ultimately tie the game to force a shootout. After each team’s first shooter scored, the goalies closed the door on the next

four shooters, forcing sudden death.

Once in sudden death, “my best friend Olivia shot first,” said Avery Maile. “It’s her first year of hockey this year. She shot right at the goalie and it went in and we won.

It was awesome. I was so happy I started crying. It was so great for her.

“She was talking about quitting hockey to pursue swimming, but it was just so great because now she’s like, ‘I love hockey so much.’”

The C2 team took the momentum from the league championship and finished the season off strong by winning its division at the year-end Tri-Cities tournament.

Meanwhile, the C1 Winterhawks also started to heat up in the second half of the season. In the final game of their playoff double round robin they found themselves needing a win to also book their ticket to the championship game.

Despite their best efforts, the Winterhawks couldn’t pull off the win and ended up tying the eventual bannerwinning Chilliwack team, missing out on the championship game by a single point.

“After Christmas, the C1 team was on fire—we were almost unbeatable in C1 hockey. It was just like this crazy push to the final,” said coach Trevor Burton. “It kind of came down to us, Chilliwack and Langley, and we went to Chilliwack knowing that we needed to win.

“With two minutes left they tied the game. We pulled the goalie, it was complete

chaos and we ended up tying instead of winning. That was an emotional low, that was a tough tie to take.”

However, the C1 Winterhawks would go on to get their revenge on Chilliwack at the year-end Tri-Cities Tournament. After tying them again in tournament play, the Winterhawks faced Chilliwack once again in the tournament final and were able to get the monkey off their back and pull out the win.

“I’m incredibly proud,” said Burton.

“You definitely have a moment where you are really invested with this group of kids because you’ve been there with them early mornings, you’ve driven down to the city with them, they’re a committed group.

They show up to every ice that we offer them. They put in work, they’re happy to come, they’re learning to love the game.

“As a coach you can’t ask for anything more and it was great to see them rewarded for that effort.”

Moving into next year, Whistler’s girls’ hockey program looks like it will continue to grow and should even have enough girls to have a team in each of the U11, U13 and U15 categories. And for the members of the current U13 girls’ teams, half of whom will be graduating to U15 hockey next year, this season was a benchmark for what they hope will be sustained success for the program.

“Yep, [winning] would be the goal,” said Bachler. “Now that we can see that we have the ability to do it, I think that’ll motivate us to work hard in the forthcoming years.” n

SPORTS THE SCORE

Whistler Olympic Park hosts Ski Jumping Continental Cup TWENTY-SIX ATHLETES FROM SIX COUNTRIES WERE ON HAND AT WOP TO COMPETE ON MARCH 18 AND 19

BY HARRISON BROOKS FOR THE FIRST TIME in more than three years, the slowly building buzz of jumpers humming down the icy track before the surprisingly loud whoosh that comes when they launch off the platform at about 90 km/h could be heard at Whistler Olympic Park (WOP) last weekend.

On March 18 and 19, WOP played host to a two-day Women’s Ski Jumping and Men’s Nordic Combined Continental Cup, which featured a total of 26 athletes from six different countries all competing for a spot on the podium.

But the weekend belonged to the Germans. Including both the men’s and women’s events, the German team took 10 of 12 podium spots across the two days of competitions, led by two-time Olympic silver medallist Katharina Althaus’ two first-place finishes.

The only non-German athletes to podium were Austria’s Marc Luis Rainer and Canada’s Alexandria Loutitt, who took home a secondand third-place finish in the Men’s Nordic Combined and Women’s Ski Jumping, respectively, on the event’s first day.

Things didn’t quite go in Loutitt’s favour on the second day, when wind gusts forced her to delay each of her two jumps.

The delay added some physical challenges, she said, as the more time spent strapped to the skis results in more soreness in the knees and ankles.

But despite the added challenge, Loutitt still managed to claim a fourth-place finish.

“I’m happy with how I performed this weekend. Conditions weren’t in my favour, but some of the other girls had some incredible jumps and deserved to be where they finished,” said Loutitt. “These are the girls I compete against in the World Cup. They are the German A team—we see each other every weekend so we are friends and, you know, one day you beat one girl, one day you beat another girl and sometimes they beat you.”

But regardless of the results, Loutitt said it was just “special” to be able to compete at home in Canada for the first time in four years.

“I think [having these events in Canada] makes people realize just how exciting and special our sport is,” she said. “And having big names, like some of the German girls here, it kind of shows people that we can hold some of these big events and we can have these superstars show up who can dominate on the hill.”

In the Men’s Nordic Combined, which includes one jump to decide the start order of the following 10-kilometre cross-country race, the weekend’s big winners were Germany’s David Mach and Jakob Lange, who each podiumed twice, with Mach finishing first

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FLYING HIGH One of the weekend’s Nordic Combined competitors launches off the ski jump at Whistler Olympic Park during Continental Cup action.

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and second and Lange finishing third and first on each respective day.

While Lange was the leader going into Saturday’s cross-country race and finished in the top spot, the race was anything but easy.

For the first three laps, Lange was followed closely by Austria’s Thomas Rettenegger, with a significant lead on the next group of four athletes. But as the last lap came around, Lange was able to put some distance between himself and Rettenegger.

“I knew on the long climb out of the stadium I was way stronger than him,” said Lange. “On the first three laps we worked together a little bit because you save so much energy when you work together. But the guys behind were pushing hard and they were in a bigger group and so we needed to get our stuff together, and in the last lap I knew I was way faster than him so it all went to plan.”

Meanwhile, Mach and fellow German Wendelin Thannheimer were also able to capitalize on the last lap and make their move past the Austrian duo of Rettenegger and Rainer to finish on the podium.

However, the most impressive crosscountry performance of the day belonged to Italian skier Aaron Kostner, who came back from a more than two-minute deficit to finish just two seconds off the podium.

According to Norm Laube, chair of the event’s organizing body Black Tusk Nordic Events (BTNE), the competitions were used as a test event for the upcoming World Junior Championships that will be held in Whistler in January.

And with everything going smoothly, Laube said BTNE is ready and excited for the next event and happy to be back hosting ski jumping events in Whistler again.

“Having all the nations here for the Continental Cup has been absolutely spectacular,” he said. “It gives us great confidence how the event came together, and we are really confident for next year’s World Juniors. I think our team is ready.

They did an amazing job getting everything prepared and actually executing the event.”

Find more information and results at whistlercontinentalcup2022.ca. n

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MARCH 24, 2022

35

SPORTS THE SCORE

Marielle Thompson, Jack Crawford finish seasons strong SPORTS BRIEFS: OLIVIA MCNEILL SET FOR FWT FINALS; WHISTLER JUNIOR AND YOUTH ATHLETE RESULTS ROUNDUP

BY HARRISON BROOKS AFTER WINNING the second Olympic medal of her career this February with a silver in Beijing, Whistler’s Marielle Thompson finished off this year’s ski cross World Cup circuit with identical secondplace finishes in Reiteralm, Austria and Veysonnaz, Switzerland.

The two podium finishes mark the sixth and seventh of the season for Thompson, and were enough to earn her third overall in the World Cup standings trailing only Sweden’s Sandra Naeslund and Switzerland’s Fanny Smith.

Similarly, Whistler Mountain Ski Club (WMSC) alum Jack Crawford, who won a historic bronze medal in the Alpine Combined event at the Beijing Olympics in February, also ended his season on a high note.

Crawford capped off the 2021-22 World Cup Circuit with second- and fifth-place finishes in super-G in Kvitfjell, Norway and Meribel, France, respectively.

Crawford’s strong finish to the season was enough to earn him a top-five finish in the super-G world cup standings for 2022, a feat that hasn’t been matched by a Canadian since Dustin Cook in 2015.

FWC’S OLIVIA MCNEILL SET FOR FREERIDE WORLD TOUR FINALS Four competitions down, one to go.

The Freeride World Tour (FWT) is set for its last stop in Verbier, Switzerland on Saturday, March 26 and Whistler Freeride Club alum Olivia McNeill has a chance to shoot for the podium.

After the first four competitions, McNeill currently sits fourth in the overall rankings, 10,000 points behind leader Jessica Hotter from New Zealand.

In the FWT, skiers are awarded a predetermined number of points for where they land in the rankings of each event, with the top three results being used to calculate the final rankings.

McNeill currently has a first, third- and sixth-place finish under her belt, and with the increased points being given out in the two final stops of the tour, the Whistler product has a strong chance of jumping up a few spots in the rankings if she can top her sixth-place finish.

Unfortunately, with Hotter already having two firsts and a second this year— including a win in Fieberbrunn, Austria, where first-place gives you 12,500 points instead of the usual 10,000—the top spot is just out of reach for McNeill, even with a win.

However, a podium spot is still well within reach for McNeill, who just needs to finish ahead of one or both of Lily Bradley and Hedvig Wessel to steal a spot.

If you are interested in following the competition live, the finals get underway at 1:15 a.m. PST on Saturday, March 26 and will be streamed on freerideworldtour.com.

WHISTLER JUNIOR AND YOUTH ATHLETE RESULTS ROUNDUP While all eyes were on Sea to Sky lugers Natalie Corless, Trinity Ellis and Reid Watts, who were competing at the Olympic Games in February, another pair of Whistler lugers were quietly putting up dominant seasons on the junior circuit.

In January, Whistlerites Caitlin Nash and Embyr-Lee Susko slid to seventhand 12th-place finishes, respectively, at the Junior Luge World Championships in Winterberg, Germany. Also in Winterberg was the Junior America Pacific Championships, where Nash and Susko both landed on the podium with first- and third-place finishes, respectively.

Following that up, Susko, Nash and fellow Whistlerite Midori Holland swept the podium at the Junior National Canadian

Congratulations Mollie!

We are humbled by your performance!

36 MARCH 24, 2022

Luge Championships, held at the Whistler Sliding Centre in March.

Two days later, also at the Whistler Sliding Centre, Susko came first in the Youth A division of the Youth National Luge Championships for the third year in a row.

In the world of biathlon, the Sea to Sky Nordics had a strong showing in both the youth and senior categories at the Canadian National Biathlon Championships in Prince George from March 13 to 16.

Leading the way for the youth athletes was Jasper Fleming and Sofie Hill, each taking home multiple top-five finishes.

Fleming went three for three on the podium with a second-place finish in the 10-km pursuit race and two thirds in the 7.5km sprint and 12.5-km individual.

Meanwhile, Hill landed on the podium with a second-place finish in the 6-km sprint event and followed that up with a fourth-place finish in the 10-km individual.

On the senior side of things, Sophie Firth snagged a silver medal in the 6-km sprint event while Graham Benson managed two fourths and a second in the 6-km sprint, 7.5-km individual and 7.5-km pursuit, respectively.

For more local results in alpine skiing visit piquenewsmagazine.com. n

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37

FORK IN THE ROAD

‘Enough is enough’ brings a bold welcome to the season of renewal SPRING IS SPRUNG, the grass is riz, and if you’re wondering where those cheerful birdies is, you’re not the only one.

Once again this year, spring—the season of renewal, of light, of a return to growth and optimism—is seemingly being escorted in by the four horsemen of the apocalypse.

Conquest: tick. War: tick, tick, tick.

Famine: tick. Death: tick and double tick.

And what’s that you say? We need a fifth

BY GLENDA BARTOSH horseman since temperatures in Antarctica reached a shocking 40—count ’em, 4-0— degrees above normal and those at the North Pole were 30 C above normal last week?

Bring it on, horsemen, for there’s an attitude adjuster out there that I’ve been thinking about a lot lately for contending with all kinds of seemingly unconquerable things—the wonderfully simple and satisfying idea that enough really is enough.

The hellish war in Ukraine—and to that we should rightfully add the equally horrific war in Syria, now in its 11th year and still aided and abetted by Russia; the civil war and famine in Yemen, Afghanistan, in Ethiopia and Eritrea… the list goes on,

REINING IT IN Simply realizing that you have enough can tame all sorts of demons. Spring for sufficiency, and the satisfaction it brings.

GETTY IMAGES

38 MARCH 24, 2022

but it’s the vicious war in Ukraine that has many of us recalling war stories right now, stories from family, friends, our elders, stories often filled with scarcity.

For me, it’s a story my dad told, I don’t know how many times, of being in the mess hall during naval training for the Second World War. Officers would tell the gangly young recruits, over and over, to push away from the table before they were full.

That’s right, the patter went, don’t stuff yourselves, boys. You’ll be sharper, leaner, meaner on the battlefield, readier to act and react, if you keep yourselves just a little bit hungry.

I so liked that story when I was a kid, and while I can’t say that I’ve stuck to it assiduously, ahem, my dad surely did. He never got above his navy weight his entire 93 years, and had a bounce in his step almost to the end.

Try it! Don’t go for that extra spoonful of porridge in the morning. Just say no thanks to that whopping hunk of cake, or put a little less on your plate because by the time the dishes are cleared you really do feel satisfied. The bottom line, as marathoners and other athletes know, is you’ll be livelier, sharper, more energetic and focused when you’re not weighed down by a gutful of food and a digestive system working overtime.

The idea that enough is enough is applicable on so many levels right now, and when you bring it on home to your personal choices, it can make you feel so much better—including turning down that guilt thermostat—you might wonder why you didn’t do it sooner.

Food waste alone is such a huge contributor to the climate crisis and so many other problems that Whistler, like many other jurisdictions, is working hard to reduce it.

In North America, what with 40 to 50 per cent of food wasted, “enough” should be our constant bellwether, especially now with the threats to our global food supply.

There’s food loss in the supply chain, say, out in the fields; there’s food waste when you drag too much food home and later find the moldering results in your fridge.

Wasted farmland, wasted energy, wasted labour, wasted fuel, and a host of other hidden wastes would dry up if only we practiced sufficiency.

Lloyd Alter is an extraordinary Canadian—a writer, public speaker and instructor in sustainability design at Ryerson School of Interior Design (now there’s a career path for any bright students graduating from Whistler Secondary this year!). He’s rejigged the public conversation around sustainability with a very practical notion—the simple idea of sufficiency.

In Alter’s lucid book, Living the 1.5 Degree Lifestyle, I was excited to see an idea near and dear to my heart: We North Americans (and pretty much anyone lucky enough to live in a developed nation) use too much of everything. Too much food, too much water, too much space, too much money, too much wood and concrete to build too big houses and fill them with too much crappy furniture. In a nutshell, we’d all be much happier, and better off, if we only consumed enough.

Mr. Alter points out that serving sizes in the Joy of Cooking cookbook, for one, have increased by one third since 1996. A recipe that serves seven today used to serve 10.

Imagine how many people that recipe would have served in a Second World War mess hall, or a bomb shelter in Mariupol today.

Then there’s all the waste involved when we simply eat too much—waste that costs us money, our health, our shared carbon budget and natural world. A 2010 study of the carbon footprint of obesity in the Medical Journal of Australia concluded that a human population with 40 per cent obesity and a high BMI, or body mass index, needs 19 per cent more food energy—read, more carbon emissions, more fuel, more everything—to sustain itself.

Most of us are lucky. Very lucky. We have enough, dare I say, plenty of everything, if this spring finds us living anywhere in the Sea to Sky. That alone is reason for hope and optimism. Making small adjustments to what we think we need to be satisfied can have huge positive impacts once it all adds up.

Start eating, and using—even doing— just enough. As for the “extras” you’ll save?

Share them, of course. You’ll figure out a way, and you’ll feel better, act better, know better once you do.

You’ll also be distinguishing yourself from the tyrants of the world driving the horsemen, who don’t understand when enough is enough.

Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning journalist who definitely has enough. n

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MARCH 25

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

MARCH 26 MARCH 27 SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MARCH 28

MARCH 29

MARCH 30

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

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ARTS SCENE

Perfectly imperfect: The next evolution of the Whistler Writers Festival NEW DIRECTOR REBECCA WOOD BARRETT POISED TO EXPAND FESTIVAL’S INCLUSIVITY, ACCESSIBILITY MANDATE

BY BRANDON BARRETT FOR A LONG TIME, award-winning author, filmmaker and new director of the Whistler Writing Society Rebecca Wood Barrett didn’t think too deeply about what it was that drew her to the arts.

“In some ways, I was kind of in this river, going along in the arts. It’s always been something I just did. I don’t think I examined why I did it. I just thought it was my place,” she says. “But the last two years, thinking about things like Me Too, Black Lives Matter, Truth and Reconciliation, these huge movements in our society, I realized the arts, the literary arts, reading and writing, it all contributes to those conversations and relationships that improve society.”

As it stands, Wood Barrett will have ample opportunity to drive these important conversations locally in her new role, which sees her taking over the reins of the society, along with the Whistler Writers Festival (WWF), from founder Stella Harvey, who announced her retirement earlier this month.

“After 20 some odd years, I think it’s important to have fresh ideas, fresh blood,” says Harvey. “I think we’ve always changed and adapted … and so, with the hybrid [online-in-person] model [adopted for the

THE WRITE STUFF Rebecca Wood Barrett, right, with Whistler Writing Society founder Stella Harvey.

PHOTO BY JOERN ROHDE / COURTESY OF THE WWF

40 MARCH 24, 2022

2021 festival], we started to think, how else could it change? How else could it be better and improved? It’s building on that accessibility and inclusivity piece. So maybe that had something to do with it.

Plus, I’m an old woman!”

It’s difficult to overstate the impact Harvey has had on the Sea to Sky’s smallbut-mighty literary arts scene. Founding the society two decades ago after learning there were no writing groups in town, she was astonished when 23 people showed up

over the years, even as it has grown into a marquee date on B.C.’s literary calendar—no small feat in a tourist town with a penchant for corporatizing its signature events.

“This is something that Stella has always done so well and she’s mentored me on, that it’s about that feeling you get when you come to an event, and you can be an audience member or a publicist or an author, but you feel like you have a connection to the people that are there,” Wood Barrett says.

“The authors are not just award-winning

“I feel like I’m going into this year with more purpose than ever and the importance of what we’re doing, even if it’s not perfect.”

- REBECCA WOOD BARRETT

for that first meeting in her living room.

“I just think the most important thing is how many people have come along for the ride. That’s what I’m proud of: to be able to have built something like this, which is very different than the community we live in, a sports community,” Harvey says.

“You know, there are still people who come to the festival every year who were there in my living room from Day 1, which is unbelievable.”

Since that first fateful meeting, the writers’ festival has maintained the same intimacy

authors and the audience aren’t just ticket buyers. They’re people that we get to know.

We know their first names.”

Involved in some form with the festival since its inception, Wood Barrett began doing contract marketing and administrative work for the event in 2013, before moving into a more operational role and taking over the society’s Authors in the Schools program. For the past three years, she’s been shadowing Harvey on the programming side of things.

“I gained a real understanding of every

piece of the puzzle,” Wood Barrett says.

A particularly tricky puzzle for organizers to solve has been the transition to a hybrid online-in-person model, a process accelerated by the pandemic and one that convinced Wood Barrett she has what it takes to run the festival.

“Having to do the really difficult technical side gave me the confidence,” she adds. “Then I thought, I’ve been reading Canadian literature for 30 years, why wouldn’t I have some authority and knowledge about the … literature side?”

The shift to online also helped drive one of the festival’s key mantras: making it as accessible as possible.

“We’ve always tried to be inclusive and I think that has expanded in some ways with the capabilities of going online. So while we’ve always tried to include people that are in the corridor, it hasn’t always been easy,” explains Wood Barrett. “There are cultural barriers. There are affordability barriers. Even travel. And now being able to get online, we can pull those barriers down.”

The WWF has long been known for its culturally diverse lineup of writers and performers, but, unsurprising for a literary festival in a wealthy ski town, the audiences don’t always reflect that same diversity, something organizers have been striving to improve. At last year’s event, they offered free access to Indigenous attendees wanting to tune into any of the online events and workshops—but there is still work to be done on that front, says Harvey.

“Something like 19, 20 people took us up on the offer and were able to access workshops

ARTS SCENE

Whistler artist’s Ukrainian bear painting raises $9K for charity FUNDS FROM SALE OF DORIA MOODIE’S JUST STOP AT MOUNTAIN GALLERIES WILL GO TOWARDS DOCTORS WITHOUT BORDERS IN UKRAINE

BY BRANDON BARRETT Last week, a Saskatchewan woman was poring over Doria Moodie’s painting of a bear—a common sight in the Whistler art scene—hanging at Mountain Galleries in the Fairmont Chateau.

Taking in the forlorn-looking grizzly that is the focal point of the piece, she notices in the background what she thinks are golden fields of wheat set against a cerulean sky. That is, until a lightbulb goes off: that’s not a scenic horizon behind the bear, but the distinct yellow and blue of the Ukrainian flag.

“She was standing in front of it and when she realized what Doria had done, she started to cry,” says Wendy Wacko, founder of Mountain Galleries, which counts locations in Whistler, Banff and Jasper.

Although as a conservationist Moodie

has long been a vocal advocate for B.C.’s bears (along with being the official artist for the Grizzly Bear Foundation, she is also a board member), that was about the extent to which her art and her politics intertwined. But with news of Russia’s brazen invasion dominating the airwaves, it was almost by osmosis that the symbol of Ukrainian resistance made it into her piece, titled Just Stop.

“I was in the process of painting this large bear in the water and listening to the news and being quite overwhelmed by it all,” she says. “It just kind of organically happened. The water colour changed and it became a sort of battered Ukrainian flag.”

The piece comes with an added layer of meaning that was something of a happy accident for Moodie. The bear has been a symbol for Russia since at least the 16th century, and a complicated one

SEE PAGE 42

>>

WHISTLER WRITERS FESTIVAL FROM PAGE 40 and the reading events at the festival from their home communities,” she says. “So obviously there’s a need there that we can build upon that could provide our offerings beyond Whistler, beyond our community.”

Wood Barrett even has ambitions of reaching out directly to communities across B.C. that are underserved by the arts to offer access to the festival and nurture emerging writers.

“That’s kind of a big dream and it’s something we’d like to continue to grow,” she says. “We may need to connect personally with those librarians and say, ‘Here’s an idea. What do you think? Would this serve your population? Do you have writers out there who want to figure out, ‘I have a story to tell. How do I get started?’”

Connecting with the 20- and 30-something crowd is another goal for Wood Barrett, who believes reaching the demographic is as much about framing the festival’s programming as the programming itself.

“There’s a certain group of people in Whistler that like a contest. They like the idea that anybody can enter and that it doesn’t necessarily have to be literary,” she says. “It could be about storytelling, oral storytelling. It could be a short piece, but it doesn’t have to be necessarily polished.

I think the word literary sometimes is awkward. So when you say, ‘Oh well, we want all readers and writers. Do you read?

Come. Do you write? Come. Do you like

listening to writers? Do you like stories?’ So it might be reframing some of the events so that it feels more casual.”

An important lesson Wood Barrett has learned over the past two years is the value of imperfection, an epiphany she feels will serve her well in her new role.

“I feel like I’m going into this year with more purpose than ever and the importance of what we’re doing, even if it’s not perfect. I’ve let go of some of that fear of not being perfect. I realize I like things not being perfect,” she says.

“Ultimately, I think embracing the fact that we’re trying to say something here with the festival is really important.”

As for what’s next for the inexhaustible Harvey? She will continue her work with Simon Fraser University, offering manuscript consultations, and is at work on her next untitled novel, “which is quite a dark manuscript,” she reveals. You might even find Harvey at a future festival, doing what she’s always done: generously filling in wherever needed, and doing it all with a smile on her face.

“I’ll always be a supporter, an audience member and I’ll volunteer if they need me,” she says. “I love people. Maybe I’ll be on the registration desk or something if they’ll have me. Or coat check. Hi. Welcome! I’ll be the Wal-Mart greeter, because I like that.”

The 2022 Whistler Writers Festival is scheduled for Oct. 13 to 16. Learn more at whistlerwritersfest.com. n

MARCH 24, 2022

41

ARTS SCENE << FROM PAGE 41 at that. British and U.S. media over the years have depicted the Russian bear in unflattering terms, often as a big, clumsy brute. Russians themselves have claimed the bear at various times, including Russian President Vladimir Putin’s own United Russia party. It wasn’t until she was partway through the painting that Moodie caught on to the symbolism, with her bear’s unmistakably sad eyes serving as an effective stand-in for the Russian dissenters who have spoken out against Putin’s single-minded aggression.

Moodie was motivated in part by the helplessness so many have been feeling watching the images of carnage and devastation beamed back from the frontlines. She and her husband quickly donated to a special military fund set up by the National Bank of Ukraine. Even still, she felt the pull to do more.

“Like everybody else I feel pretty powerless. It’s frustrating,” she says.

Soon, a plan was hatched. Wacko, who married into a Ukrainian family, offered to buy the painting for Mountain Galleries’ inventory so it could be resold, with Moodie donating her respective share to Doctors Without Borders in Ukraine, a charity with a close connection to the gallery.

“One of our artists, who we can’t name because she doesn’t want to be named, is a doctor and she’s over there. She’s working with Doctors Without Borders,” Wacko says.

STOP SIGN Whistler artist Doria Moodie with her painting, Just Stop, which helped raise more than $9,000 for Doctors Without Borders in Ukraine.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

“She’s one of the most extraordinary human beings I’ve met since I’ve been doing this, and she’s very talented.”

As it turned out, Moodie jumped the gun when she posted on social media

that the painting had been sold. “I called Doria right away and said, ‘Good God, change the wording of that. It’s for sale!’”

Wacko recalls. Almost instantly, Wacko began getting messages from prospective

buyers inquiring about the piece. Wacko reassured them it was still available, and sold it to the Saskatchewan family that was originally so moved by it. It sold for $10,000, with just over $9,000 of that going to charity after Wacko’s framing and shipping costs were factored in.

“It felt really good to make a statement.

As sad as it is, as appalling as it is, it felt good to break out of that mould,” Moodie says.

“I think people, even if they’re here on vacation and want to forget about the troubles of the world, they might like to see that we are paying attention.”

For an art scene catering primarily to well-heeled tourists, making overt political statements can sometimes risk alienating your clientele. But through this process, Wacko is realizing the importance of speaking out when it’s called for.

“The more response we get … it’s really made me realize it’s OK to make a political statement when it’s this important,” she says. “I don’t know anybody that would feel that it’s controversial and if they do, they’re not welcome in my gallery.”

Wacko has now tapped three other Mountain Galleries artists to donate paintings for the Ukrainian cause, and she plans to rotate one for sale every month at each of her three gallery locations.

“I’ll be delighted if we could raise $5,000 to $10,000 every month for this cause,” she says.

For more information, visit mountaingalleries.com. n

CARVING OUT A SPORT

WHISTLER MUS EUM SPEAKER SE RIES

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42 MARCH 24, 2022

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The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is dedicated to providing nancial support to community groups and charities whose activities provide benet to residents of the Sea to Sky Corridor in the areas of health, human services, education, recreation, arts & culture and the environment. Special emphasis is placed on children, youth and family programs. For more information, eligibility requirements and to complete an application, please visit our website at whistlerblackcombfoundation.com. Or contact Mei Madden, Executive Director at mmadden@whistlerblackcombfoundation.com

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MUSEUM MUSINGS

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LAND ACT: NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPLY FOR A DISPOSITION OF CROWN LAND Take notice that the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District has applied to the Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resource Operations and Rural Development (FLNROD), Surrey for a Waste Disposal Site situated on unsurveyed Provincial Crown land located in the vicinity of Gates River and Anderson Lake, containing 0.78 hectares.

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44 MARCH 24, 2022

HEALING HOME The Whistler Medical Centre soon after opening in February 1982.

WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION

Treating Whistler

BY ALLYN PRINGLE FOR DECADES, portable buildings and trailers have been temporary homes for organizations and businesses in Whistler. At one point or another, the liquor store, real estate offices, municipal hall, the library, the museum, the Whistler Arts Council, and even the bank have been located in trailers around the valley. One facility that you might not expect to find in a trailer, however, is the Whistler Medical Centre.

In the late 1960s, Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. began providing accommodation for the Whistler Mountain Medical Association, a group of skiing doctors who also provided medical care for residents after skiing on winter weekends. It wasn’t until 1980, when two local doctors set up practices, that fulltime medical care came to Whistler. Dr. Christine Rodgers saw patients in her home in White Gold, while Dr. Rob Burgess set up in a trailer near the base of Whistler Mountain in Whistler Village, which was still under construction.

of the ski season. The station was operated

by Shari Imrie and Beverly Wylie, both registered nurses, who treated emergency patients 36 hours per week.

The trailer was always meant to be a temporary facility for the Medical Centre but, in 1984, the Society turned down a location in the lower level of municipal hall due to concerns about their ability to fund the larger space and worries that this new facility would lead the province to think that Whistler was adequately serviced. By this time, however, it would appear that the medical needs of the community and its visitors had outgrown the 111-square-metre space. It was reported that 69 per cent of the patients treated at the Medical Centre during the ski season were visitors, and Society member Chuck Blaylock described the facility as “a little scruffy. It’s like a MASH unit on a busy weekend.”

This sentiment was seconded by Wylie, who later remembered taping IV units to the wall while patients lay on mattresses on the floor because there were no empty beds.

The Society continued fundraising for a new facility through charitable donations

“[A] little scruffy. It’s like a MASH unit on a busy weekend.”

- CHUCK BLAYLOCK

The Whistler Health Planning Society was then formed in 1982, spearheaded by residents including Craig MacKenzie and Rollie Horsey. The Society began fundraising for a dedicated medical facility and, in September 1982, opened the Whistler Medical Centre in a double-wide trailer. It was located on Whistler Way between the Delta Mountain Inn (now the Hilton) and the Sports & Convention Centre (today the Conference Centre). This new facility had rooms for both Dr. Rodgers and Dr. Burgess, as well as the public health nurse Marilyn McIvor and physiotherapist Susie Mortensen-Young, and a holding area for injuries.

Whistler Emergency Services also began operating out of the facility at the beginning

and events such as chili cookoffs, hot dog sales, golf tournaments and raffle draws.

In 1985, the Whistler Health Planning Society changed its name to the Whistler Health Care Society and restructured its constitution so that the Medical Centre would qualify for provincial funding.

The next year the Whistler Medical Clinic moved into the earlier proposed space in municipal hall, tripling the size of its space.

The trailers, which at that time were located on the parking lot of the Whistler Golf Course, were sold to Whistler Land Co. Developments. The medical needs of the community and visitors would continue to grow and outgrow the space, leading to another move in the 1990s. n

PARTIAL RECALL

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SUNSET VIEWS “After spending the evening with good friends, booters and fun, we were skiing out only to come across one of the most stunning views of Whistler I’ve ever seen,” writes the photographer. “Blackcomb Mid-station TIGHT ‘N’ BRIGHT Whistler Blackcomb employees put on their very best Ski(iTour) gear for a mountaintop staff event featuring the local DJ duo on Wednesday, March 16. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 3 GUITAR GUYS Presented by the Whistler Chamber Music Society, the Canadian Guitar Quartet performed to a near sell-out on Sunday, March 20. PHOTO BY LEN VAN LEEUWEN. 4 OPENING NIGHT The Team at Mountain Galleries at the Fairmont pictured with owner, Wendy Wacko (centre left) and Artist Corrinne Wolcoski (centre right) at the opening of Wolcoski’s solo exhibition on Saturday, March 19. PHOTO SUBMITTED. 5 SPUD VALLEY THANKS Members of Pemberton’s Spud Valley Nordics cross-country skiing club are pictured in front of the club’s new trailer and some of the replacement equipment it managed to purchase to replace gear that was stolen in 1

glowing and the lights of the village illuminating the rolling clouds charging down the valley.” PHOTO BY CARTER EDWARDS. 2

December. Now that their season has come to an end, club officials are thanking the Pemberton community for the donations and support that made this possible. PHOTO SUBMITTED.

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

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45

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF MARCH 24 BY ROB BREZSNY

THIS EARTH HOUR, SHINE A LIGHT ON CLIMATE ACTION Switch off your lights and turn on your social power.

RMOW invites you to celebrate EARTH HOUR. Saturday, March 26 from 8:30 p.m. to 9: 30 p.m.

Unplug – Switch off – Power Down – Make a Difference Join millions around the world in taking positive climate action for our future.

For more info, visit earthhour.org and whistler.ca/climate

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/climate

VILLAGE OF LIONS BAY NOTICE CONSIDERATION OF TEMPORARY USE PERMIT NO.3080.20.07 The Village of Lions Bay (the “Municipality”) is considering issuing Temporary Use Permit No. 3080.20.07 (the Permit) for the property located at 190 Mountain Drive and more particularly known and described as: PID: 007-893-345 • Lot 25, Block A, District Lot 1814, Plan 14230 (the “Lands”) The Lands are shown in bold outline on the map below.

PURPOSE: In general terms, the purpose of the proposed permit is to authorize Short Term Rentals on the Lands, pursuant to section 4.6 of Part IV of Zoning and Development Bylaw No. 520, 2017, as amended.

INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS: A copy of the proposed permit may be inspected at the Reception Desk of Municipal Hall at 400 Centre Road, Lions Bay, BC, during regular office hours of 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., from Monday to Friday, excluding statutory holidays, or online at lionsbay.ca under “Planning and Development Services”.

WRITTEN SUBMISSIONS The Council of the Village of Lions Bay has delegated its authority to issue temporary use permits to the Chief Administrative Officer (“CAO”), who will consider issuing Temporary Use Permit No.3080.20.07 on March 28, 2022 at 4 pm. Before deciding whether or not to issue the Permit the CAO will consider written submissions on matters relevant to the issuance of the Permit, from persons who believe their interests may be affected by the Permit.

Comments may be submitted using the online Comment Form on the webpage noted above, or submitted via email to cao@lionsbay.ca, or via regular mail or in person at the Village Office, PO Box 141, 400 Centre Road, Lions Bay, BC, V0N 2E0, addressed to “CAO-TUP” and submitted by 4 pm on Friday, March 25, 2022.

46 MARCH 24, 2022

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The Carib people from Surinam quote their mysterious Snake Spirit as follows: “I am the force of the spirit of the lightning eel, the thunder ax, the stone. I am the force of the firefly; thunder and lightning have I created.” I realize that what I’m about to say may sound far-fetched, but I suspect you will have access to powers that are comparable to the Snake Spirit’s in the coming weeks. In fact, your state of being reminds me of how Aries poet Marge Piercy expressed her quests for inspiration: “When I work, I am pure as an angel tiger, and clear is my eye and hot my brain and silent all the whining grunting piglets of the appetites.”

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “It’s always too early to quit,” wrote cheerful author Norman Vincent Peale, who first popularized the idea of “positive thinking.”

I’m an optimistic person myself, but I think his advice is excessively optimistic. On some occasions, it’s wise to withdraw your energy from a project or relationship you’ve been working on. Struggling to find relevance and redemption may reach a limit. Pushing ever onward might be fruitless and even harmful. However, I don’t think that now is one of those times for you, Taurus.

According to my reading of the astrological omens, it is too early for you to quit.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “You can be as earnest and ridiculous as you need to be, if you don’t attempt it in isolation.” So says author Barbara Kingsolver. She adds, “The ridiculously earnest are known to travel in groups. And they are known to change the world.” In my view, this is perfect advice for you right now. If you and the members of your crew focus on coordinating your efforts, you could accomplish blazing amazements in the coming weeks. You may solve riddles that none of you has been able to decipher alone. You can synergize your efforts in such a way that everyone’s individual fate will be lifted up.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): About 200 years ago, poet William Wordsworth wrote, “Every great and original writer must himself create the taste by which he is to be relished.” Now I’ve come up with a variation on that wisdom: “Every great and original soul must herself create the taste by which she is to be understood and appreciated.” That’s what I hope you will work on in the coming weeks, Cancerian: fostering an ambience in which you can be even better understood and appreciated. You now have extra power to teach people how to value you and get the best out of you.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): “I hate housework!” complained comedian Joan Rivers. “You make the beds, you do the dishes, and six months later you have to start all over again.” I wish I could give you a six-month reprieve from having to attend to those chores, Leo. In fact, I’d love it if I could permanently authorize you to avoid all activities that distract you from thinking big thoughts and feeling rich emotions and pursuing expansive adventures. But I’m afraid I can only exempt you from the nagging small stuff for just the next three weeks or so—four, tops. After that, you’ll have to do the dishes and make the beds again. But for the foreseeable future: Focus your energy on thinking big thoughts and feeling rich emotions and pursuing expansive adventures!

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): A British plumber named Kev Crane worked for weeks to install a new bathroom at a private home. As he toiled, he passed the time by singing his favourite songs. He didn’t know that the homeowner, Paul Conneally, was the owner of a music label. So he was surprised and delighted when Conneally offered him a deal to record an album in the label’s studio. There may be a comparable development in your life during the coming weeks, Virgo. You could be noticed in new ways for what you do well. Your secret or unknown talents may be discovered or revealed. You might get invitations to show more of who you really are. Be alert for such opportunities.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): It’s the start of the Listening Season for you Libras. I propose a full-on celebration of listening: a three-week Holiday of Paying Close Attention to Important and Interesting Words Being Said in Your Vicinity. Make yourself a magnet for useful revelations.

Be alert for the rich information that becomes available as you show the world you would love to know more of its secrets. For inspiration, read these quotes. 1. You cannot truly listen to anyone and do anything else at the same time. —M. Scott Peck. 2. Learn to listen.

Opportunity sometimes knocks very softly. —my friend Jenna. 3. Listening is being able to be changed by the other person. —Alan Alda. 4. If you want to be listened to, you should put in time listening. —Marge Piercy. 5.

Listening is a magnetic and strange thing, a creative force. When we are listened to, it creates us, makes us unfold. —Karl A. Menninger.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “Worry doesn’t count as preparation,” writes author Lily Akerman. That sounds wise, but I don’t think it’s true in all cases. At its best, worrying may serve as a meditation that helps us analyze potential problems. It prompts us to imagine constructive actions we might take to forestall potential disruptions— and maybe even prevent them from erupting into actual disruptions. I bring these thoughts to your attention, Scorpio, because now is an excellent time to engage in this kind of pondering. I declare the next three weeks to be your Season of Productive Worrying.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): If I had my way, you’d be a connoisseur of kisses in the coming weeks. You’d make it your intention to expand your repertoire of kissing styles and ask willing partners to do the same. You would give and receive unwieldy kisses, brave kisses, and mysterious kisses. You would explore foolish, sublime kisses and sincere but inscrutable kisses and awakening kisses that change the meaning of kisses altogether.

Are you interested in pursuing this challenge? It will be best accomplished through unhurried, playful, luxurious efforts. There’s no goal except to have experimental fun.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Anybody who has survived his childhood has enough information about life to last him the rest of his days,” wrote author Flannery O’Connor. Her observation may be a bit of an exaggeration, but not much. And I’m offering it to you now, as you begin a phase when you can glean many new teachings about your childhood—insights that could prove handy for a long time to come. I encourage you to enjoy a deep dive into your memories of your young years.

They have superb secrets to divulge.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): “Creativity is the power to connect the seemingly unconnected,” said author William Plomer. I agree with that. And I’m pleased to let you know that in the coming weeks, you will have more of this power to connect than you’ve had in a long time.

I hope you will use it to link your fortunes to influences that inspire you. I hope you will wield it to build bridges between parts of your world that have been separate or alienated until now. And I hope you will deploy your enhanced capacity for blending and joining as you weave at least one magnificent new creation.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “I use my intelligence to discover more ways of appreciating you,” author Piscean Anaïs Nin told her lover Henry Miller. In the coming weeks, I recommend you activate a similar ambition. Now is a time when you can enhance your close relationships with important allies by deepening your insight into them. What magic is at play within them that you haven’t fully recognized before? How could you better see and understand their mysteries? PS: You may be pleased when your deepening vision of them prompts them to extend the same favour toward you.

Homework: What non-sexual experience or adventure do you lust for? FreeWillAstrology.com.

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

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

Notice of Public Hearing

OFFICIAL COMMUNITY PLAN AMENDMENT BYLAW (5298 ALTA LAKE ROAD) NO. 2289, 2020; and ZONING AMENDMENT BYLAW (5298 ALTA LAKE ROAD) NO. 2283, 2020 Wednesday, April 6, 2022 @ 5:30 p.m., via Zoom online and telephone Purpose: In general terms, the purpose of the proposed Official Community Plan Amendment Bylaw is to amend Schedule “A” (Whistler Land Use Map and Designations) of Whistler’s Official Community Plan to change the land use designation of the subject lands from Visitor Accommodation to Protected Natural Area, Parks and Recreation, Residential and Visitor Accommodation, and Residential Low to Medium.

In general terms, the purpose of the proposed Zoning Amendment Bylaw is to amend the TA17 Zone (Tourist Accommodation Seventeen) to provide for 21 employee housing dwelling units, 11 tourist accommodation dwelling units, 11 residential dwelling units and an amenity building on a 1.93 hectare portion of the subject lands conditional on the provision of amenities. The amenities entitling the owner to the greater density of development are transfer to the Resort Municipality of Whistler of a 1.44 hectare portion of the subject lands for nature conservation park and community park and a 0.5 hectare portion of the subject lands for future employee housing, construction of valley trail on the subject lands, relocation and restoration of two heritage structures on the subject lands, construction of the community park on the subject lands, and construction of 21 employee housing dwelling units on the subject lands.

Subject Lands: The lands that are the subject of the proposed Bylaws are located at 5298 Alta Lake Road, and are identified as “subject lands” on the map attached to this notice.

To learn more: A copy of the proposed Bylaws, background documentation and written comments received from the public regarding Public Hearing for RZ001157 are available for review from March 24, 2022 to April 6, 2022 at: •

Municipal Hall at 4325 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, during regular office hours of 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday (statutory holidays excluded)

•

Online on the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) website at: whistler.ca/RZ001157

How to provide input: All persons who believe that their interest in property is affected by the proposed Bylaws will be given an opportunity to provide written and verbal comments that will be considered by Council as follows: 1.

Submit written comments to Council via email: corporate@whistler.ca (must be received by 3:30 p.m. on April 6, 2022) (include “Public Hearing for RZ001157” in the subject line, address the comments to “Mayor and Council”, and include your name and mailing address in the email); and/or RD

2. Submit written comments to Council via mail/hand delivery: Resort Municipality of Whistler, Legislative Services Department, 4325 Blackcomb Way, Whistler BC V8E 0X5 (must be received by 3:30 p.m. on April 6, 2022) (include “Public Hearing for RZ001157” in the subject line, address the comments to “Mayor and Council”, and include your name and mailing address in the letter); and/or

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3. Provide verbal comments at the Public Hearing via online video or phone conferencing. Visit whistler.ca/RZ001157 or scan the QR code below for instructions on how to access and participate in the Public Hearing. The Public Hearing link and phone numbers are also below.

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After the conclusion of this Public Hearing, Council cannot receive further input from the public on the proposed Bylaws.

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For more information visit whistler.ca/RZ001157 Public Hearing link: https://whistler.zoom.us/j/62328137711 Public Hearing phone numbers: +1-778-907-2071 or +1-647-374-4685 Webinar ID: 623 2813 7711

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Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/RZ001157 MARCH 24, 2022

47

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JANUARY 27, 2022 ISSUE 29.04 WWW.PIQ UENEWS MAGAZIN

E.COM

FRE E

Life after death

Two snowboarders lost a part of themselves after devastating head injuries—then they found each other

29.05 FEBRUARY 3, 2022 ISSUE

14

SEEING GREEN The RMOW is prepping a new Green Building Policy

18

SURF’S UP A surfpark at Britannia Beach is one step closer to becoming a reality

IS IDENTITY CRIS

WWW.PIQUE NEWSMAGA ZINE.COM

FREE

TO MOVE FORWARD

42

THE INN AT WHISTLER VILLAGE

HOUSE

OF HORROR Former Whistlerite self-publish es horror novel

& MOUNTAIN SIDE HOTEL

E OLYMPIC LONG AFTER TH ES, SPOTLIGHT FAD FACE ELITE ATHLETES OF THE CHALLENGE TRANSITIONING

WE’RE HIRING:

TO A LIFE OUTSIDE OF SPORT

WWW.PIQUENEWSMA GAZINE.COM

FEBRUARY 10, 2022 ISSUE 29.06

FREE END TIMES

14

16

Workers, businesses pause get creative with transit on

TRANSIT STRIKE

44

Whistler’s wedding industry the pandemic has taken a major hit from

‘TIL DEATH

PHOTO FINISH New series takes you behind the scenes of an epic

expedition

A MILLION AND COUNTING PART I

WORLD IS EXPERTS BELIEVE THE GREAT IN THE MIDST OF THE SIXTH TY EXTINCTION , AND BIODIVERSI CONTINUE LOSSES AROUND THE GLOBE GET HERE? TO MOUNT. HOW DID WE ABOUT IT? AND WHAT CAN BE DONE

FEBRUARY 17, 2022 ISSUE 29.07

WWW.PIQUENEWSM AGAZINE.COM

FREE

14

TRAGIC WEEKEND Search-and-rescue

crews responded to multiple calls last week

FEBRUARY 24, 2022 ISSUE 29.08

14

WHAT A WASTE A 2021 audit of Whistler waste found significant contamination

EXECUTIVE

16

PERMIT APPROVED Long-awaited Function Junction development set to move ahead

44

BEAR HUGS ANCIENT ORIGINS Whistler film crew traces skiing’s origins in Return to Roots

WWW.PIQUENEWSMA GAZINE.COM

16

56

POP UP Corridor populations are up in recent years, according to 2021 Census data

FREE

FRIENDLY BANTER Whistler Secondary alum publishes new novel SQUEAKY TOYS

POSITIONS OPERATIONS MANAGER AVAILABLE:

Submit resumes to:

hotelmgr.whistler@executivehotels.net

MAINTENANCE TECH HOUSEKEEPING ASSOCIATE

SEARC HING FOR A

PERFE CT MATC H

Competitive Wages

Meet the Whistler Animals Galore residents currently looking for a forever home

29.10RMOW presents ISSUE SERVICE AT YOUR MARCH 10, 2022

14

proposed funding for Fee For Service groups

16

BACK TO BARGAINING

ZINE.COM WWW.PIQUE NEWSMAGAFOUND Whistler author

Parties return to the table in bid to end transit strike

44

LOST AND

FREE

details battles with grief and addiction

BUS FARE

re What if riding the bus we

free?

Full Ski pass will be provided to Full time employees.*

MAKE PUBLIC TRANSIT UP SAYING ‘NO FARES’ COULD SAFER, WHILE SPEEDING BETTER AND STREETS BOARD? PROGRESS. WHO’S ON CLIMATE AND JUSTICE

Hiring - Construction Workers

*Housing Available*

Corona Excavations Ltd is looking for Construction Workers for the upcoming construction season. We are a civil based construction company with a professional and enjoyable working environment working in the sea to sky corridor from Pemberton to Squamish.

14

No end in sight for

17, 2022 ISSUE 29.11

transit strike

16

Whistler Blackcomb vaccine policy leads to lawsuit

CIVIL SUIT

48

SLCC exhibit highlights First Nations languages

LIVING LANGUAGE

WWW.PIQ UENEWSM

AGAZINE .COM

FRE E

BETTER FUTURES

Time for

Indigenous Futurism Today’s Indige nous music ians and filmmakers unearth tomor row’s memo ries

BUSINESS DRI

H

AC

EL

KC O

M

ICOPTER

S

BLACKCOMB HELICOPTERS TECHNICAL RECORDS CLERK Job Location: Status:

BHLP Pemberton Base - 1850 Airport Road, Pemberton B.C. Full-Time Permanent Position

ABOUT US Blackcomb Helicopters is a well-established full service, multifleet helicopter company with rotary flight and maintenance services. We have bases in Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Sechelt, Lillooet and Vancouver.

POSITION This position will be part of the Technical Records Team working in a variety of projects such as: organization of technical records information, data input, filing, assisting the Technical Records supervisor, updating all aviation relation databases, assistance in safety initiatives, and other office duties when required.

QUALIFICATONS: • • • • • • • •

Above average English skills, both verbal and written; Experience in the aviation industry or related work a definite asset; Good attitude and excellent work ethic. A self-starter.

Detail driven – your attention to detail is a source of pride for you; Superior knowledge of Word and Excel and able to pick up new software quickly; Excellent organizational skills and ability to focus on repetitive tasks; Great sense of humour; Legally entitled to work in Canada.

This is a position working Monday to Friday of 40 hours per week, however, we will require flexibility in terms of days worked as occasional weekend work may be required due to the nature of our business. Minimum salary for this position is $41,600 per annum. We offer an excellent benefits program, RRSP, and an energetic and diverse work environment. This position does require working at our base, however, remote work from home is available on an occasional basis.

Note: Blackcomb Helicopters is federally regulated, therefore, proof of double vaccination is a condition of employment.

If you are interested in this position, please send your resume to attention to: Human Resources at mcleanhr@mcleangroup.com noting Technical Records Clerk Application in your subject header.

BLACK'S HOT WHEELS is now hiring:

Full Time Service Writer

We are offering full-time hours with wages dependant on experience.

• Monday to Friday • Located in downtown Pemberton • Competitive wages • Work with fun and happy people • Long term and immediate start

call 604-966-4856 or email me with your CV at Dale@coronaexcavations.com.

Send resume to blackshotwheels@shawbiz.ca

*Please contact us for details*

LONG ROAD MARCH

L

B

B

TO PUT THE PIECES TOGETHER

Submit resumes to: gm.whistler@executivehotels.net If you are interested or have any questions please

MARCH 24, 2022

51

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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM/JOBS

THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

Nagomi Sushi is hiring experienced Japanese Chefs in Whistler.

• Preparing Sushi and cooking other Japanese traditional food.

• Plan menu and ensure food meets quality standards.

• Estimate food requirements and estimate food and labour costs.

• Instruct Kitchen Helpers and Cooks in preparation, cooking, and presentation of food.

• Assist Head Chef and supervise cooks and kitchen helpers.

• Inspecting ingredients for quality and freshness and supervising all food preparation.

• Create new menu, recipes and specials.

• Ensure excellent customer services at the Sushi bar.

• Work as a team and ensure orders are completed in a timely manner.

Qualifications: • Completion of secondary school and 2 years of cook/chef experience

Full-time, Permanent All season, 30-40 hours per week $25 per hour Language of work is English

Benefits: 4% vacation pay, extended health plan.

Start date: As soon as possible.

Address: 108-4557 Blackcomb Way, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4 Apply by email at whistlernagomisushi@hotmail.co.jp

DOUG BUSH

EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, APPLY TODAY! Diamond Resorts Canada Ltd., Whistler, BC

Part Time Tour Receptionist $20.00 per hour Please note that Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) acquired Diamond Resorts International (DRI) as of August 02, 2021. If you apply to work at a Diamond Resorts company you will be an applicant of a subsidiary of HGV. A transition to HGV will occur as we integrate technology, systems and branding but it will take time until our separate operating systems, employment policies and benefits are fully integrated. As a result, for a period of time, employees will receive correspondence and messaging from Diamond Resorts as well as from HGV and related entities.

Email your resume with the position you wish to apply for to: : embarc_hr@hgv.com

SURVEY SERVICES LTD.

is looking for a

SURVEY FIELD TECHNICIAN: Preferably with a technical school program in geomatics.

Experience and Proficient in the use of robotic survey instruments and GPS equipment is an asset.

Work in engineering and building construction layout, topographic site surveys, site improvement surveys and precise monitoring.

Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D also an asset to assist in office with computations and drawing preparation.

Please call Ian @ 604-932-3314 or email @ ian@dbss.ca #18-1370 Alpha Lake Rd. Whistler BC V8E 0H9 Serving Squamish, Whistler and Pemberton

WeWe areare currently hiring for currently hiringthe thefollowing following positions positions for projectsininWHISTLER. WHISTLER. projects Journeymen Carpenters (5+ years) Journeymen Carpenters (5+ years)

Skilled Labourers Skilled Labourers

We offer competitive pay, a benefits package, company cell phone plan, interesting projects, We offer competitive pay, a benefits package, company cell a collaborative team environment, andteam phone plan, interesting projects, a collaborative environment, chance toyour improve your existing a chanceand toaimprove existing skills. skills.

We are looking for dedicated team players who want to join a We arerapidly looking for dedicated team players growing company and establish a who long-term career in construction. want to join a rapidly growing company and

establish a long-term career in construction.

Please forward your resume to Lea@gccltd.ca

Please forward your resume to Lea@gccltd.ca

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Employment Opportunities is now hiring for

Assistant Maintenance Manager

This dynamic role includes the following Perks and Benefits: • • • • •

Full-Time, Year Round position Competitive Wage and Benefits Extended Medical Benefits Supportive Executive Team $23-$25/hour starting wage Please reply with a cover letter and resume to hr@listelhotel.com

Thank you for your interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted.

52 MARCH 24, 2022

·· Legislative and Privacy Coordinator Lifeguard/Swim Instructor ·· Program Leader Skate Host •· Lifeguard/Swim Custodial Guard Instructor · Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Supervisor •·· Solid Bear Smart Program Assistant Waste Technician Labourer I – Village Maintenance Resort Municipality of Whistler •·· Accountant Program Leader - Myrtle Philip Community Centre Youth and Public Services Specialist • Capital Projects Manager, Infrastructure Services

Employment Opportunities

• Labourer III - FireSmart

·· Labourer Legislative Privacy Coordinator Lifeguard/Swim Instructor •Resort II -and Roads Municipality of Whistler

· Program Leader · Lifeguard/Swim Instructor WastewaterOperator Treatment •· Wastewater I Plant Process Supervisor ·· Solid Waste Technician Labourer I – Village Maintenance •· Youth Leader · Accountant Youth and Public Services Specialist · Labourer Skate Host •whistler.ca/careers I - Village Services

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

Whistler’s premier visitor magazine is on stands now!

PICK UP YOUR COPY TODAY!

Look for our Winter 2022 Issue!

Find it on select stands and in Whistler hotel rooms.

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Now Hiring

We’ve got a job you’ll love.

Learn to build rock walls & patios!

Summer Positions PERKS & BENEFITS: • Employee accommodation available • Employee discount on Food & Beverage, Spa & Golf • Benefits plan for full-time employees (Health, Dental, Life Insurance, Short Term Disability) • Fairmont Pension Plan including matched employee contributions for full-time status • Employee benefit card offering discounted rates at Accor worldwide • Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within Fairmont Chateau Whistler and across the world!

POSITIONS AVAILABLE: • • • • • •

Culinary Housekeeping Food & Beverage Accounting Golf - Seasonal Gardening - Seasonal

APPLY HERE:

WE ARE HIRING

High Country Landscaping 2022 season ALL POSITIONS Full-time and Part-time

Landscape Maintenance | Garden Shop | Construction Competitive wages and seasonal perks

Email resume and cover letter to highcountrylandscape@telus.net Call us at 604 932 3654 MARCH 24, 2022

53

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Become part of a creative team and surround yourself with art

Tourism Whistler. Photo by Justa Jeskova

WORK, PLAY, REPEAT. Clique Hotels & Resorts

The Audain Art Museum is currently seeking:

Guards part-time, prominently weekends

Provide security for the art and educate visitors to ensure safety protocols are upheld.

Prior experience an asset, but not required.

Paid training is provided.

NOW HIRING

DIRECTOR OF SALES & MARKETING • • • •

Ability to work from home Highly competitive salary Comprehensive wellness package Permanent year- round salaried position • Medical, dental & vision benefits from day one.

TO APPLY, PLEASE SEND YOUR RESUME TO

HR@clique.ca OR BRING IT DIRECTLY TO THE BLACKCOMB SPRINGS SUITES!

For complete job descriptions and to apply visit audainartmuseum.com/employment or email bbeacom@audainartmuseum.com

INSURANCE ADVISOR TRAINEE Westland Insurance Group Ltd has an exciting opportunity for an Insurance Advisor Trainee at our Whistler office. Do you love to talk about insurance and provide exceptional client service? If so, you will love working for Westland! We are looking for a career minded individual who is focused on growing their insurance industry knowledge and experience.

OUT !

NOW

What we offer: Competitive salary Comprehensive medical and dental benefits Diverse mix of staff and demonstrated work/life balance Career growth opportunities and continuing education programs Monthly paid parking pass Annual paid Whistler Spirit Ski Lift Pass

Whistler’s only dedicated wedding magazine.

AVAILABLE ON STANDS IN THE SEA TO SKY

54 MARCH 24, 2022

piquenewsmagazine.com/ local-events/

Learn more at can61e2.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/ westlandcorp/Posting/View/3142 or email us at jobs@westlandinsurance.ca

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Reach Your Full Potential OPPORTUNITIES FOOD & BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR

GUEST SERVICES SUPERVISOR

SOUS CHEF

OVERNIGHT GUEST SERVICES SUPERVISOR

BARISTA

GUEST SERVICES MANAGER

SALES COORDINATOR

OVERNIGHT GUEST SERVICES MANAGER

HOUSEKEEPING COORDINATOR

RESERVATIONS AGENTS

OVERNIGHT HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

SHIPPER/RECEIVER

OVERNIGHT LOSS PREVENTION OFFICER

ROOM/HOUSE/UNIFORM ATTENDANTS

PERKS & BENEFITS • SUBSIDIZED STAFF ACCOMMODATION

• COMPLIMENTARY STAFF MEALS

• FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES

• BENEFITS & RRSP (BASED ON ELIGIBILITY)

• MARRIOTT HOTEL DISCOUNTS

• GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES

Email your resume to work@westinwhistler.com or visit Monday to Friday, 9am - 5pm

We've Got You Covered

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES We are a collaborative team with a passion for where we live and what we do. If you love Whistler’s unique mountain culture and want to join an innovative and supportive team, we are now hiring for the following full time opportunities: • Coordinator, Conference Sales Events (Contract) • Supervisor, Building Operations • Maintenance Technician • Specialist, Research (Contract) • Visitor Centre Agent • Travel Consultant What we offer: a flexible schedule offering work-life balance, excellent compensation and benefits package, and a great team environment.

TO VIEW OUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, AND TO APPLY, VISIT US ONLINE AT WHISTLER.COM/CAREERS.

VISITORS’ GUIDE 2017-2018 FREE

MARCH 24, 2022

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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

The Pinnacle Hotel Whistler has the following positions available:

HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR

JOIN OUR TEAM! Encore

STARTING RATE $25 P/H

ROOM ATTENDANTS STARTING RATE OF $23 P/H

Please reply by email: parmstrong@pinnaclehotels.ca

is currently hiring the following positions for Whistler!

We also offer amazing health benefits!

Event Audio Visual Technician Part and Full Time

Red Door Bistro is looking for line cooks.

Experience required, wage based on experience.

Extended Medical & Dental benefits, staff meals, staff discounts in Roland’s Pub, and tips with pay cheques.

Sales Coordinator For more information, please search our Encore Job Opportunities page at the below link. https://jobs.encoreglobal.com/search-jobs/Whistler

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH

Email resume to info@reddoorbistro.ca or apply in person at 2129 Lake Placid Road

WE ARE

HIRING Senior Environmental Specialist Regular Full-Time Human Resources Advisor Regular Full-Time Engineering Technician Temporary Full-Time Municipal Engineer 1, Development Regular Full-Time Recreation Program Leader, Biking Casual General Manager of Community Services Regular Full-Time Chief Operator Waste Water Treatment Plant Regular Full-Time Casual Clerical and Administrative Support – Clerk 2, Customer Service

squamish.ca/careers 56 MARCH 24, 2022

Get noticed!

• Social • Google • Websites • Programmatic • SEO/SEM • Sponsored content Glacier Media Digital experts help businesses succeed online.

Contact your Sales representative at Pique Newsmagazine today for a free digital audit

604-938-0202 sales@piquenewsmagazine.com

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NESTERS MARKET & WELLNESS CENTRE

NOW HIRING Deli, Juice Bar, Produce, Grocery and Meat Clerks Full or Part Time E-mail or drop in your resume to: bruce_stewart@nestersmarket.com please cc ian_fairweather@nestersmarket.com or call us at 604-932-3545 PERKS • Competitive wage – Depending on experience • Access to medical and dental benefits for full time applicants • Percentage discount from store bought goods • Flexible and set schedule • Relative training

WE AR

E

HIRING

We're hiring in Whistler and Squamish

Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic Civil Construction Labourer/Pipe Layer • Gravel Truck Driver Heavy Equipment Operator APPLY

secure.collage.co/jobs/coastalmountain

APPLY TODAY!

*Housing options are available for the right candidate.

Renumeration is based on experience.

Glacier Media Group is growing.

Check our job board regularly for the latest openings:

R001408475

WIDE OPEN WELDING IS LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED STEEL ERECTOR/WELDER.

www.glaciermedia.ca/careers

Please forward your resume to contactus@wideopenwelding.com MARCH 24, 2022

57

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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS

Career Opportunities with the SLRD Looking to contribute to your local community?

Consider a career in local government. Join the SLRD’s team of dedicated staff who work together to make a difference in the region.

Headquartered in Pemberton, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) delivers a wide range of regional, sub-regional and local services to its residents.

The SLRD is a BC Regional District consisting of four member municipalities (Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Lillooet) and four electoral areas. Services include land use planning, solid waste management, building inspection, fire protection, emergency preparedness, 911 services, recreation, water and sewer utilities, regional transit, trails and open spaces as well as financial support for various community services.

JOIN OUR TEAM, WE ARE HIRING! We have the following positions available to join our well established family practice: REGISTERED DENTAL HYGIENIST (FT or PT) who is a team player, hard working, able to multi-task, and is very personable.

New grads welcome!

No weekend or evening shifts! Free parking in Creekside! Extended benefits package provided after 3 months of employment.

Please send your resume to: managercreeksidedentalwhistler@gmail.com

The region contains some of the most spectacular forests, waterways, and mountains in the province and affords an endless range of opportunities for outdoor adventure, making it an exceptional place to live, work and play.

The SLRD is currently hiring for the following positions: • Administrative Clerk (Regular, Full-time) • Planning Assistant (Graphics) (Temporary, Full-time) • Legislative Coordinator (Regular, Full-time) • Emergency Program Coordinator (Regular, Full-time) • Communications Coordinator (Temporary, Full-time) The SLRD offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, participation in the Municipal Pension Plan, a compressed work week (nine-day fortnight), and learning and career development opportunities.

For more information on these career opportunities, please visit www.slrd.bc.ca/employment. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume (preferably in pdf format) by email to careers@slrd.bc.ca

Experience in Plumbing is required. Gas Fitting and HVAC would be preferred but not essential.

Wages are based on experience, Starting between $38-$50/hr.

Part-time or Full-time positions available.

Please call 604-935-8771 or email straightlineplumbingandheating@gmail.com for more information.

EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, APPLY TODAY!

H I G H M O U N TA I N BREWING CO.

Diamond Resorts Canada Ltd., Whistler, BC

WHISTLER, BC

Full Time Maintenance Manager Eligible successful candidates may receive* • Extensive benefits package which may include; ski pass or wellness allowance, disability coverage, travel insurance and extended health and dental.

• Travel Allowance and discounted employee rates at any Diamond Resort International resort.

• Full-time work year round and a FUN work environment. *eligibility and conditions based on DRCL policies and practices set out in general terms and conditions of employment. Please note that Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) acquired Diamond Resorts International (DRI) as of August 02, 2021. If you apply to work at a Diamond Resorts company you will be an applicant of a subsidiary of HGV. A transition to HGV will occur as we integrate technology, systems and branding but it will take time until our separate operating systems, employment policies and benefits are fully integrated. As a result, for a period of time, employees will receive correspondence and messaging from Diamond Resorts as well as from HGV and related entities.

For more information on this position or to submit your resume, please email: embarc_hr@hgv.com

58 MARCH 24, 2022

We are looking to hire another member to our team at Straightline.

BREWHOUSE Be a part of our dynamic team at one of Whistler’s busiest spots!

At The High Mountain Brewing Company, Whistler Brewhouse, we take pride in our product and service - From the busy patio to the cozy two-sided fireplace, from our exceptional pizzas to our hand-crafted beer.

We are currently looking for

Dishwashers and Line Cooks We offer comprehensive benefits packages after a probationary period, as well as competitive wages.

Starting wage $19.50 p/h Please come by with your resume or apply via email to mvedan@mjg.ca

4355 BLACKCOMB WAY

WHISTLER, BC, V0N 1B4

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ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US?

are hiring an

9 2 Overnight 8 9 2 Support Worker 7 4 to help us end youth homelessness 8 3 1 7 2 1 5 1 6 6 8 9 2 5 7 4 3 5 5 6 2 4 #5

7

4

9

3 7

Room Attendant | Overnight Cleaner | Laundry Attendant

1 4

Steward | Night Steward | Commis 1 | Demi Chef de Partie

8 4

BENEFITS $500 signing bonus | Career development | On shift meals

Staff housing | Employee rate & free rooms at other FS locations

7 6

2 6 7 8 1

MEDIUM

9 1 3 4

7 8

*For immediate start

#6

2 9 4 8 3

5 7

3 2 2 8 9 1 2 5 6 3 5 9 7 9 Vacasa's forward-thinking approach and industry-leading technology help set us apart as the largest full-service 6 1 vacation rental company in North America. 3 1 We’re We are seeking individuals with a passion for providing 3 7 4 6 Owners and Guests. 5 4 exceptional vacation experiences for our We offer competitive remuneration and benefits: Travel allowance for Squamish and Pemberton-based 5 employees OR 6 8 4 Ski Pass/activity allowance, Extended Medical, RRSP match, Retention bonus, Recognition Program, Fun & Safe Work #7 MEDIUM Environment-Great Team, opportunities to grow and more.

Hiring!

#8

Vacasa Whistler is currently hiring:

$1000 SIGNING BONUS BENEFITS, FULL TIME WORK ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION? WANT TO COME AND WORK FOR A GREAT TEAM WITH LOTS OF ROOM FOR CAREER GROWTH? APPLY TO CONNECT@TMBUILDERS.CA

Assistant Housekeeping Manager $55,000 per Year Apply online today! https://www.vacasa.com/careers/positions or email: paul.globisch@vacasa.com #6

7 5 6 1 8 2 9 3 4

9 3 2 5 7 4 8 1 6

4 8 1 6 3 9 7 2 5

2 4 7 3 6 8 1 5 9

#7 8 6 1 5 3 5 1 7 3 2 4 8 9 9 1 2 6 7 6 8 4 9 7 5 1 3 5 3 8 4 9 9 3 2 1 6 8 4 5 7 9 4 2 8 3 5 8 7 9 6 2 4 2 4 5 9 1 7 6 9 4 1 2 3 8 1We 5 thank 3 7 all 6 applicants for2their 4 1interest 8 5 but 3 7only 6 4those 2 6selected 3 5 for an interview 4 7will 5 be 2 contacted.

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

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Carpenters, Foreman, Project Managers

6 2 7 1 5 9 3 4 8

#8

7 3 1 4 9 8 2 6 5

Answers 8 2 5 6 1 7 4 9 3

9 6 4 3 2 5 8 1 7

1 9 7 5 4 6 3 8 2

2 4 8 9 7 3 1 5 6

6 5 3 1 8 2 7 4 9

4 8 2 7 5 9 6 3 1

3 1 9 2 6 4 5 7 8

5 7 6 8 3 1 9 2 4

4/11/2005

WILDWOOD IS HIRING: FT EXPERIENCED LINE COOK

CONTACT bob@wildwoodrestaurants.ca TO APPLY MARCH 24, 2022

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CURRENTLY HIRING

JOB JOB POSTING POSTING #OPH1208 #OPH1208

POSITION: POSITION: OPERATOR OPERATOR –– HYDROELECTRIC HYDROELECTRIC ENERGY ENERGY PEMBERTON, BC PEMBERTON, BC (CANADA) (CANADA) Upper Upper Lillooet Lillooet Hydroelectric Hydroelectric projects. projects.

60 MARCH 24, 2022

1ST COOK

Min 2 years experience, competitive wages, tips and dinner Limited use of golf pass at Chateau Whistler

COME AND WORK FOR CANADA’S #1 RESTAURANT ON TRIP ADVISOR CALL 604-932-5565 IN THE AFTERNOON AND ASK FOR ROLF OR JEFF OR EMAIL RESUME TO INFO@RIMROCKWHISTLER.COM

Whistler Premier Resorts, Whistler’s leading property management firm is currently recruiting!

What We Offer You:

• Full Time Positions • Competitive Wages • • Discounted Ski Pass • Discounted Employee Rates • • Supportive Team Environment • Staff Housing • • Opportunities for growth & more • • Signing Bonus •

The current career opportunities are:

ROOM ATTENDANT GUEST SERVICE AGENT ROOM •ATTENDANT NIGHT AUDIT HOUSEMAN/INSPECTOR GUEST• SERVICE AGENT GUEST SERVICE NIGHT AUDIT • SUPERVISOR HOUSEMAN APPLY TODAY AT PEOPLE@WHISTLERPREMIER.COM

We offer competitive wages, a unique environment, seasonal bonuses, staff discounts and benefits.

Ask about accommodation.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by April 3, 2022.

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications by April 3, 2022.

Do you have experience as a Millwright, Industrial Electrician or Mechanic, Do you have experience as a Millwright, Industrial Electrician or Mechanic, Electrotechnician, Lift Mechanic or Welder?

Electrotechnician, Lift Mechanic or Welder?

Are you interested in renewable energy?

Are you interested in renewable energy?

Do you want to be part of a growing company and a team of Do you want to be part of a growing company and a team of experienced professionals? experienced professionals?

Being an Operator – Hydroelectric Energy in Pemberton is to work with the operations team to operate the hydroelectric Being an Operator – Hydroelectric Energy in Pemberton is to work with the operations team to operate the hydroelectric power plants by way of conducting and documenting all regular monitoring and maintenance. Your experience and your power plants by way of conducting and documenting all regular monitoring and maintenance. Your experience and your ability to be and work on your own while reporting to a team will make you an ideal candidate. ability to be and work on your own while reporting to a team will make you an ideal candidate.

Your day-to-day: Your day-to-day: • Operate the hydroelectric power plants by way of conducting and documenting all regular monitoring and • Operate the hydroelectric power plants by way of conducting and documenting all regular monitoring and maintenance; maintenance; • Carry out all actions required to optimize the output and production of the power plants; • Carry out all actions required to optimize the output and production of the power plants; • Participate in the set-up and monitoring of a Preventative Maintenance program for plants’ and facilities’ equipment • Participate in the set-up and monitoring of a Preventative Maintenance program for plants’ and facilities’ equipment including their electrical and mechanical testing and repair; including their electrical and mechanical testing and repair; • Perform maintenance, annual maintenance and repair of the power plant; • Perform maintenance, annual maintenance and repair of the power plant; • Read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, pneumatic and hydraulic drawings; • Read electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, pneumatic and hydraulic drawings; • Carry out all necessary actions for the troubleshooting and resolution of alarms generated by the hydroelectric • Carry out all necessary actions for the troubleshooting and resolution of alarms generated by the hydroelectric power plants to minimize downtime (availability 24 hours a day) when on duty; power plants to minimize downtime (availability 24 hours a day) when on duty; • Manage and/or assist any specialized contractors needed to perform maintenance and repairs at the power plants; • Manage and/or assist any specialized contractors needed to perform maintenance and repairs at the power plants; • Participate in the daily work planning and operations activities; • Participate in the daily work planning and operations activities; • Adhere to and implement the Occupational Health and Safety standards of WorkSafe BC and Innergex; • Adhere to and implement the Occupational Health and Safety standards of WorkSafe BC and Innergex; • Adhere to a variable work schedule and reside at the Innergex residence while at the facility.

• Adhere to a variable work schedule and reside at the Innergex residence while at the facility.

The site and work details: The site and work details: • Remote worksite is located 90 minutes outside of Pemberton, the marshalling point; • Remote worksite is located 90 minutes outside of Pemberton, the marshalling point; • Employees’ work schedule is 8 days on and 6 days off at 10 hours per day for a total of 80 working hours per two • Employees’ work schedule is 8 days on and 6 days off at 10 hours per day for a total of 80 working hours per two (2) week period. Travel time between the marshalling point and the site is included in these hours; (2) week period. Travel time between the marshalling point and the site is included in these hours; • Employees are provided with a pickup truck for travel between the marshalling point and site and for use on site; • Employees are provided with a pickup truck for travel between the marshalling point and site and for use on site; • Employees are required to stay at company-provided accommodations while on shift; • Employees are required to stay at company-provided accommodations while on shift; • Employees are provided with furnished accommodation while working on site: fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, • Employees are provided with furnished accommodation while working on site: fully equipped kitchen, cable TV, telephones and internet access are available; telephones and internet access are available; • Employees are provided with a Living out Allowance for each day they are on site.

• Employees are provided with a Living out Allowance for each day they are on site.

• • skills, Our requirements!: Your • Training and experience as a Millwright, Industrial Electrician or Mechanic, Electrotechnician, Lift Mechanic or • Training and experience as a Millwright, Industrial Electrician or Mechanic, Electrotechnician, Lift Mechanic or Welder; Welder; • Certification as a Journeyman is an asset; • Certification as a Journeyman is an asset; • Must posses a valid BC driver’s license in good standing • Must posses a valid BC driver’s license in good standing • Must have an appreciation for outdoors; • Must have an appreciation for outdoors; • Experience with 4-wheel drives and snowmobiles is required (Class 1 driver’s licence, an asset).

• Experience with 4-wheel drives and snowmobiles is required (Class 1 driver’s licence, an asset).

• Experience in instrumentation, an asset; • Experience in instrumentation, an asset; • Experience in troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing industrial, electrical and electronic control systems and • Experience in troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing industrial, electrical and electronic control systems and other related devices, an asset; other related devices, an asset; • Experience with hydro plant operations, an asset.

• Experience with hydro plant operations, an asset.

Additional considerations: Additional considerations: • The position is based at our hydroelectric power plants outside of Pemberton, BC. • The position is based at our hydroelectric power plants outside of Pemberton, BC. • You need to be comfortable in spending many consecutives days at camp; • You need to be comfortable in spending many consecutives days at camp; • You must commit to further education relevant to the role: Innergex provides formal and in-house training, as • You must commit to further education relevant to the role: Innergex provides formal and in-house training, as required. required.

Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. is an independent renewable energy producer with an extensive and growing portfolio Innergex Renewable Energy Inc. is an independent renewable energy producer with an extensive and growing portfolio of assets in Canada, the United States, France and Chile. The Corporation develops, acquires, owns and operates of assets in Canada, the United States, France and Chile. The Corporation develops, acquires, owns and operates hydroelectric facilities, wind farms, solar farms and energy storage facilities. hydroelectric facilities, wind farms, solar farms and energy storage facilities.

For 30 years, Innergex has believed in a world where abundant renewable energy promotes healthier communities For 30 years, Innergex has believed in a world where abundant renewable energy promotes healthier communities and creates shared prosperity. We are convinced that generating power from renewable sources will lead the way to a and creates shared prosperity. We are convinced that generating power from renewable sources will lead the way to a better world. We remain committed to responsible growth that balances people, our planet, and prosperity. We believe better world. We remain committed to responsible growth that balances people, our planet, and prosperity. We believe in offering an engaging, inclusive and supportive work environment where each team member can thrive. in offering an engaging, inclusive and supportive work environment where each team member can thrive.

Innergex employees are offered competitive wages, group benefits, a dynamic work environment, and the opportunity Innergex employees are offered competitive wages, group benefits, a dynamic work environment, and the opportunity to contribute to building a better world. to contribute to building a better world.

Innergex is an equal opportunity employer that values each person’s unique background, diversity, experiences, Innergex is an equal opportunity employer that values each person’s unique background, diversity, experiences, perspectives and talents. Innergex is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination perspectives and talents. Innergex is committed to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment and bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications. and harassment and bases all employment decisions on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications.

The key to our success as a global company is to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse The key to our success as a global company is to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool. candidate pool. www.innergex.com www.innergex.com Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

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Join the Nicklaus North family; start in April or May Flexible schedule with trio leadership structure Dreamy winter schedule/lifestyle Inquire: jgordon@golfbc.com

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

• • •

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Whistler has a worldwide reputation for outdoor recreation and boasts a vibrant village featuring restaurants, bars, retail and more. While this legendary resort is an international mountain sports mecca, it is also a down-to-earth mountain town, where community and culture have forged a unique environment. This opportunity offers you the chance to call a world-class ski hill you own—and if you are a local, well you know you’re in the right place to forge a career and lucky to call Whistler your home.

To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence to Susan Hutchinson, shutchinson@wplpmedia.com Closing date: Open until filled.

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NOW HIRING! Cooks, Dishwashers, Food Expeditors, Hosts, Bartenders, Servers, Server Assistants we provide our staff with: Competitive Wages, Health Benefits, Gratuities, Employee Discounts and Staff Housing

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• Accounting Assistant Worker - Finance • Administrative Assistant to Health Director • Career Development Practitioner • Early Childhood Educator and/or Assistant - Daycare • Early Childhood Educator Infant Toddler - Daycare • Education Jurisdiction Coordinator - Xet'olacw Community School • Elementary On-Call Teacher - Xet'olacw Community School • Family Enhancement Worker • Home Care Nurse RN or LPN • Homemaker - Lil'wat Health and Healing • Indigenous Support Worker Casual - Ts'zil Learning Centre • IT Co-ordinator • Kindergarten Teacher - Xet'olacw Community School • Payroll and Benefits Administrator • Project Coordinator – Social Services • Project Coordinator - Xet'olacw Community School • Project Manager for Health • Receptionist - Casual • Transfer Station Operator

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Relax, we have the perfect job EVR Fine Homes is looking for exceptional people to join our team.

We are a proven leader in residential home and estate building in Whistler. We partner with the best architects, designers and trades in the industry. World class, custom projects require commitment and dedication from our partners and our team of craftspeople.

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EVR is committed to the long-term retention and skills development of our employees - we are only as good as our team. We are passionate about investing in the future of our workforce, and offer: • • • • • •

Competitive Wages Annual Tool Allowance Apprenticeship Training & Tuition Reimbursement On-site Mentoring and Skills Development Extended Health and Dental Benefits Positive Work Environment

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We look forward to hearing from you!

62 MARCH 24, 2022

WE ARE LOOKING FOR Marketing and Digital Platforms Advisor Barista Team Leader Reservation Agent Outdoor Spa Experience Attendant Night Cleane Barista Guest Services Agent

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Diamond Resorts Canada Ltd., Whistler, BC

Full Time Front Desk Agent Full Time & Part Time Housekeepers Full Time Night Auditor Eligible successful candidates may receive* • $750.00 Hiring Bonus for successful full time candidates; $375.00 Hiring Bonus for successful part time candidates! (if hired between January 1, 2022 and June 30, 2022) • Potential staff accommodation available.

• Extensive benefits package which may include; ski pass or wellness allowance, disability coverage, travel insurance and extended health and dental.

• Travel Allowance and discounted employee rates at any Diamond Resort International resort.

• Full-time work year round and a FUN work environment. *eligibility and conditions based on DRCL policies and practices set out in general terms and conditions of employment. Please note that Hilton Grand Vacations (HGV) acquired Diamond Resorts International (DRI) as of August 02, 2021. If you apply to work at a Diamond Resorts company you will be an applicant of a subsidiary of HGV. A transition to HGV will occur as we integrate technology, systems and branding but it will take time until our separate operating systems, employment policies and benefits are fully integrated. As a result, for a period of time, employees will receive correspondence and messaging from Diamond Resorts as well as from HGV and related entities.

Email your resume with the position you wish to apply for to: embarc_hr@hgv.com

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9

1 5

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2 4 1 7 9 7

6 5

68 69 70 72 74 75 77 78 80 81 83 86 88 89 93 95 96 97 98 99 101 102 104 105 106 107 108 110 111 112 113 115 116 117 120 123 127 128 130

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1 4

8 4

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DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 33 36 37

3 7

7 6

2 6 7 8 1

MEDIUM

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39 40 42 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 55 56 57 58 59 60 63 64 65 66 68 69 71 73 75 76 79 80 82 83 84 85 87 88 90 91 92

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Bean or Welles Really stupid Wait on Almost-grads Chafed places Gloom “The Name of the Rose” author Candy base Contour Of the Arctic Poor Arab prince Rutabaga kin Exclamation of surprise Zinger Improves the road Soup ingredient High IQ group Outback maker Brains, maybe Hex halved Jacques, in song Wishing undone Internet notes Chicken -- -- king Dugout Irritates Later than Indira’s father Eminent Happy tunes Glasgow or Burstyn Bramble (var.)

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94 96 100 101 102 103 106 107 109 110 111 112 114 115 116 117 118

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LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

#6

Enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, in such a way that: • Each horizontal row contains each digit exactly once • Each vertical column contains each digit exactly once • Each 3x3 box contains each digit exactly once Solving a sudoku puzzle does not require any mathematics; simple logic suffices.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: MEDIUM

7 8 3 9 1 2 7 6 5

2 9 4 8 3

3 1 5 4 6

5 7 2 5 6 3 9 8 4

MEDIUM Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com # 8

ANSWERS ON PAGE 59

MARCH 24, 2022

65

MAXED OUT

Dear Vail Resorts: loyalty is a two-way street Kirsten Lynch CEO, Vail Resorts Dear Kirsten:

I TRUST you don’t mind the informality.

Your nice email earlier this week seemed so chatty and informal I feel as though you’d prefer we be on a first-name basis.

“Thank you sincerely for being a Pass Holder.” You’re welcome. Thank you for continuing to offer a Senior Pass option for Whistler Blackcomb, something not available under the Epic™ program. It

BY G.D. MAXWELL makes living and skiing here a bit easier, and more affordable.

“Your Loyalty to our mountain resorts is greatly appreciated.” Well, one out of two is batting .500, which will get you a fat contract in the major leagues. But the fact is, Kirsten, I don’t feel any loyalty to your mountain resorts. I might have but I don’t feel Vail Resorts has any particular loyalty to my mountain community. And as we all know, loyalty has to be a two-way street. Otherwise it’s just fealty. And while Canada still has Queen Elizabeth’s picture on our folding money, feudalism never really took root here.

Happy to hear about your clarity to, “... never waiver from our commitment to continuously reinvest in our team members, our resorts, and in you, our Pass Holders.”

Nice thoughts. Kind even. But let’s unpack the actions behind them.

I can guarantee many workerbees at Whistler Blackcomb will be happy about your decision to peg the minimum wage at $20 per hour. I know I would have been happy with that during my 18-year tenure at WB. My wage as a lead hand never cracked $18.50.

But North America is a big continent.

Canada, the U.S., Mexico. Mexico is important as a source of visitors but we don’t need to consider them for this since none of your resorts are that far south.

Canada isn’t the U.S. though. Viceversa. Back when I worked in banking, the only thing scarier than one of my clients telling me they were going to expand into the U.S. was someone from south of the border telling me they wanted to expand into Canada. Quebec notwithstanding, we have different countries, different cultures, different business climates, same language. It’s that language thing that trips people up. “Hey, they’re just like us.”

Wrong.

Same with $20. I’m too lazy to do it month-by-month, but for, say, the past 10 years, the average exchange rate between

66 MARCH 24, 2022

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the Canadian and U.S. dollar has been about 1.2. One of your dollars got you a buck-twenty of ours. Right now it’s more like $1.26.

I know Vail is all about consistency across all its resorts, but that’s a big difference. Especially since the cost of living here is demonstrably higher. If you want to see for yourself, head to the grocery store and liquor store if you’re ever up here. KD, a product you are intimately familiar with from your time as senior marketing director at Kraft, costs about twice as much here. You won’t believe how much more a six-pack is.

And if you think that change will, “... ensure that our resorts are fully staffed next season...” you are likely in for a rude awakening. WB, for one, will not be fully staffed next season. Higher wages are good.

But they’re meaningless without housing.

This community has built a lot of employee

Which is irrelevant if you don’t have the staff to operate, say, restaurants, rental locations, grooming, all those many things that keep all those many people whizzing up new lifts happy. Op. Cit., housing.

Somehow, in your email, you’ve conflated new lifts and terrain with, “... continuous improvements to your experience—from lift-loading efficiency to improved guest service...” I don’t know how to sugarcoat this, Kirsten, but at least at WB, Vail has no guest service. None.

Possibly negative.

Guest service, guest relations, is where I spent 18 years. Frontline. Day-to-day.

Solving problems. Fixing things. Exceeding guests’ expectations. That last sentence was the foundation. It was what was expected of us. Exceed guests’ expectations. We were empowered to do that. Fix things.

The few people I still know who work there can’t do that any more. They

I don’t know how to sugarcoat this, Kirsten, but at least at WB, Vail has no guest service. None.

housing since the last time WB built any. But not for the staff you’ll be paying $20/hour.

That’s on you and we’re still waiting for you to make good on the planned and approved new employee housing project [see related story on page 15]. It’s way more important than...

“New Lifts and Terrain On-Mountain.”

Plans here are for a new gondy at Creekside and a new six-pack to replace the Red Chair.

Thing is, that only facilitates throughput.

aren’t empowered. They don’t even call themselves guest services. Product sales.

That’s what they call themselves. They can’t fix dick.

Lift goes down. People sit, get cold, wonder when it’ll get going again. Get a hot chocolate voucher at the top. But they have to ski all the way down and swap it for a different voucher at product sales to be able to use it. The same day.

When we did guest service, they got a voucher they could use then and there. Or on another visit. If they were stuck longer, they got a $5 or $10 voucher they could use at the restaurants. Any day. Even longer?

They got a voucher for a free lift ticket.

We were empowered to fix passes when it turned out a guest bought the wrong pass. Like some of the people who bought “Local” Epic passes. That didn’t turn out to be at all local. But they couldn’t swap them for the pass they wanted because pass sales ended. Tough luck. Suck it up.

We were empowered to fix skis. Replace skis. Comp rentals. If we went too far we were told that was okay but maybe next time try a different approach. Better to go too far than not far enough.

Got a computer glitch? Call IT. They were local. Not in Broomfield. Things got fixed right away. Not another job in a long to-do list.

You see, when Blackcomb Mountain opened in 1981, 16 years after Whistler Mountain opened, they didn’t have much to brag about. Not lifts. Not terrain. Not reputation. So they put their money on guest service. In a remarkably short period of time, they were kicking Whistler’s ass.

Whistler played catch-up. People skiing up here got used to a high level of service. Got used to empowered staff. Staff who could fix their problems. Happily. Now they wonder where the hell that disappeared to.

Broomfield. That’s where.

Your predecessor and your company’s absurd focus on centralized management has destroyed a lot of value up here. I’m hoping you understand that. I’m hoping you’ll fix that. I’m not optimistic.

Blow me away, Kirsten. Prove me wrong. There are lots of people up here that’ll build monuments to you if you do. ■

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

GREEN LAKE ESTATES 8437 Golden Bear Place On the edge of Green Lake/River of Golden Dreams. Highly coveted cul-de-sac. Architectural masterpiece. 5Bed/4Bath, open-concept living, chef’s kitchen, wet bar, billiards/rec room, 5 fireplaces, hot tub, and unobstructed VIEWS! $10,799,000

BENCHLANDS 416 - 4369 Main Street Bright, spacious studio with mountain views & all day sun. Enjoy amazing revenues or limited personal use. Outdoor hot tub, outdoor pool, gym, sauna & front desk. Located in the heart of the Village. Strata fees include utilities. $445,000

778-998-2357 Allyson Sutton

Gina Daggett

BENCHLANDS 248 - 4573 Chateau Blvd Glacier Lodge One Bedroom zoned for nightly rentals. Incredible Ski In / Ski Out location!

Fully renovated with gas firepalce, balcony, owner storage, ski locker, outdoor pool, hot tubs, fitness room & 24-hour front desk. $1,299,000

604-932-7609 Rachel Allen

604-966-4200

NEW TO MARKET

ALTA VISTA 10J - 3031 St. Anton Way Renovated 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom townhouse with two large decks to enjoy Blackcomb Mountain views. Extra storage and 2 parking spots. Schedule your private showing today. $1,895,000

Nick Swinburne *PREC

604-932-8899 Kathy White

RAINBOW 8428 Ski Jump Rise Set against a hillside that truly emphasizes the mountain experience with breathtaking mountain views & incredible light. $2,100,000

Maggi Thornhill *PREC

CREEKSIDE 212 - 2111 Whistler Road Enjoy this partially-furnished studio condo for owner personal use, long term rental or nightly rental use. Close to Creekside ski lifts, shops & local parks. $289,000 GST exempt.

CREEKSIDE CP2 - 1400 Alta Lake Rd Lakeside living! Spacious 1 bed/1 bath penthouse in Tamarisk, on the shores of Alpha Lake.

All day sun, cozy wood fireplace and sauna! Canoe/kayak & bike storage, and large personal storage locker. No short term rentals, and no GST. $789,000

604-616-6933 Janet Brown

PEMBERTON 1414 Pemberton Farm Rd W Voila! .921 acre south facing flat lot with a 5bed/4bath estate home and pool located at the end of a quiet road, close to town and steps to the Lillooet River. Double garage with a self-contained suite above for nightly/long term rentals. $2,950,000

604-905-8199 Suzanne Wilson *PREC

604-935-0700

SQUAMISH 41456 Dryden Road Stunning Brackendale Home!

Gorgeous Craftsman 4 bed & 4 bath on a 10,000 Sq.ft lot.

Chef’s kitchen, open floor plan, vaulted ceilings, media room, large covered deck. $2,989,000

604-966-8454 Angie Vazquez *PREC

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.

778-318-5900

3D Tour - rem.ax/31twinlakes

#31 - 1200 Alta Lake Road

3D Tour - rem.ax/8345mtnview

$2,099,000

Twin Lakes 31 is nestled on the shore of Alpha Lake. This property offers beautiful views and easy access to the water. With 3 bedrooms & 2 full baths, you’ll have plenty of room for family & friends. The spacious main living area features a vaulted ceiling and a wood-burning fireplace to cozy up after a day on the slopes.

Madison Perry

3

778.919.7653

#326 - 4360 Lorimer Road

$998,000

WOW! This end unit/top floor condo at Marketplace is sure to impress, with custom finishes throughout, Wi-Fi heating and cooling, in suite laundry, and a great deck to enjoy the VIEW - it will be a nice pad for you or your guests to relax for time in town. Marketplace Lodge offers direct stroll access, valley trails across the street, a hot tub down the hall.

Laura Barkman

1

604.905.8777

8345 Mountain View Drive

Walk in and embrace the eye catching panoramic view of our beautiful mountains and valley below. Situated below street level this 5 bedroom 3 bathroom home on 3 levels is a classic Whistler chalet. This allows for an easy walk from the car to the kitchen, dining and living area on the main floor.

Michael d’Artois

OPEN HOUSE Fri/Sat 1-4pm

#30 - 4375 Northlands Blvd.

$1,985,000

This Valhalla town home is an extremely spacious 2 bedroom and den, with 2 bathrooms and a powder room. Situated in the North Village it is larger than most similar town homes in this area. You can catch the free bus right across the street, it will take you to both Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain.

Michael Nauss

2.5

604.932.9586

#221 - 4314 Main Street

5

604.905.9337

3D Tour - rem.ax/43glacier

$1,495,000

Stylish, updated 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom in the heart of the Village in the Town Plaza Complex - High revenue producing property only a 7 minute walk to the base of Whistler and Blackcomb Gondolas, and our towns finest restaurants and shops just outside your front door. 3D Tour - rem.ax/eagle221

Melissa Schneiderova

$4,488,000

2

778.938.7383

#43/43A - 4388 Northlands Blvd

$1,599,000

Renovated 2 bedroom in Glacier’s Reach – located on the edge of Whistler, within walking distance to all the amenities of the Village and a short bus ride to the slopes. This ground level 2 bedroom offers the unique ‘lock-off’ option so that you can use/rent one side or both. Other features include a gas fireplace, in-suite washer/dryer, owner’s storage, and 2 full bathrooms.

Sally Warner*

604.905.6326

2

Price Reduced

9202 Pinetree Lane

$1,699,000

#602 - 4050 Whistler Way

$314,000

9333 Warbler Way

$1,275,000

This spacious lot in Emerald has fantastic views of Arm Chair and Wedge Mountain. Take advantage of this wonderful elevated lot assuring privacy and mountain views. This serviced corner lot sides/backs onto parkland, is on the bus route, is a short walk to Emerald Park and the Green Lake boat launch.

This is one of the best hotels for accessing both mountains and Whistler Village. Enjoy everything this award winning Hilton Resort & Spa hotel has to offer: heated outdoor pool/ hot tub, spa, 24hr fitness centre, tennis courts, parking, pub, dine in service and more! Unlimited owner usage (19% fee applies), or rent through The Hilton and collect consistent revenue.

Welcome to Wedgewoods, a master planned community of 108 beautiful properties. Phase Six includes the final 19 estate lots which allow for luxury homes plus a carriage house. Stunning mountain views and sunshine make Phase 6 a very special offering.

Sherry Baker

Anastasia Skryabina

Ann Chiasson

604.932.1315

3D Tour - rem.ax/208horstman

#208 - 4653 Blackcomb Way

$905,000

604.905.0737

604.932.7651

3D Tour - rem.ax/6252palmer

This professionally managed 1 bedroom sleeps four and offers a full kitchen, quartz counter top, gas fireplace, upgraded lighting, Smart TV, private outdoor deck, ensuite washer/dryer and ensuite lockers. The building offers hot tub, heated pool, outdoor barbeque, exercise room, pool table, kid’s play area, adult games room/TV and 4 ski lockers.

Bruce Watt

1

604.902.3292

1

6252 Palmer Drive

$5,198,000

Enjoy a short stroll to Whistler Village from this desirable Whistler Cay Heights location. Gather around the outdoor fire or relax and soak in the mountain views from your private hot tub. An excellent floor plan with 4 bedrooms, den, a spacious media and entertainment lower level plus double garage.

Dave Beattie*

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

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

604.905.8855

4.5

#201 - 4910 Spearhead Place

$88,500

Ski in ski out at Woodrun offers the best of shared ownership that has long since been SOLD OUT. Rarely are ski season shares found,but here they are! Enjoy the BEST of winter during the first 3 weeks of the New Year. Week 1 Week 2 and Week 3 are available to purchase. Unit #201 is a 1,325 sq. ft. unit that can sleep up to 8 people.

Dave Sharpe

604.902.2779

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