MARCH 31, 2022 ISSUE 29.13
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FREE TO BE FAIR
‘HERE
FOR THE LONG HAUL’ 14
GOLD DIGGING Costly White Gold project
has “fractured the neighbourhood”
SCENES F A BUS ST ROM RIKE
15
WALKING FOREVER for transit strike
No end in sight
38
CALL OF THE WOLF Audain welcomes new exhibit Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob
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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE
32
38
28 ‘Here for the long haul’ Scenes from a bus strike. - Photos and interviews by Brad Kasselman / Kasselman Creative Ltd.
14
GOLD DIGGING
Some say a costly project to bury
24 BACK TO LIFE
The Lil’wat Nation’s Tanina
power lines in White Gold has “fractured the neighbourhood”—but it may
Williams is a top-five finalist for Small Business BC’s Business
not be a done deal.
Impact Award.
15 WALKING FOREVER
Now headed into its
32
TOP TALENT
Some of North America’s top cross-
third month, there appears to be no end in sight for the Sea to Sky
country athletes converged on Whistler Olympic Park last week for a pair
transit strike.
of high-profile events.
17
MAKE SOME NOISE
Whistler’s mayor and
38
CALL OF THE WOLF
New Audain exhibit
council are considering a new noise regulation bylaw that would allow
Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob features close to 100 works from the
construction in residentially-zoned areas from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m.
mastercarver’s decades-spanning career.
COVER Buses sit idle at the Whistler Transit bus depot.- By Brad Kasselman // kasselmancreative.com 4 MARCH 31, 2022
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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE
Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS For all the talk of building back a better tourism industry after COVID, it
#202 -1390 ALPHA LAKE RD., FUNCTION JUNCTION, WHISTLER, B.C. V8E 0H9. PH: (604) 938-0202 FAX: (604) 938-0201 www.piquenewsmagazine.com
sure seems like the industry is headed for business as usual, writes editor Braden Dupuis.
Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT
10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Letter writers this week bring attention to a public hearing for a
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
controversial development and plead with the government for more consultation time on aerial spraying.
13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST If Whistler really wants to improve the ongoing housing crisis, it needs to humanize the housing hunt, writes Brandon Barrett.
62 MAXED OUT Participation in sports is positive for many reasons, but high-level athletics can be anything but, writes G.D. Maxwell this week.
TESSA SWEENEY - tsweeney@wplpmedia.com GEORGIA BUTLER - gbutler@wplpmedia.com Digital/Sales Coordinator AMELA DIZDARIC - traffic@wplpmedia.com Production production@piquenewsmagazine.com
Environment & Adventure
Arts & Entertainment/Features Editor BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com
27 THE OUTSIDER Vince Shuley takes his bumps in the backcountry as he learns the ropes of
Social Media Editor MEGAN LALONDE - mlalonde@piquenewsmagazine.com
sledding in the Sea to Sky.
Reporters BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com MEGAN LALONDE - mlalonde@piquenewsmagazine.com ALYSSA NOEL arts@piquenewsmagazine.com HARRISON BROOKS - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com
Lifestyle & Arts
Classifieds and Reception mail@piquenewsmagazine.com
36 EPICURIOUS The ongoing effort to shift racist perceptions of MSG can be largely attributed to one
Office and Accounts Manager HEIDI RODE - hrode@wplpmedia.com
woman, Kumiko Ninomiya, and her tireless work promoting the “fifth taste.”
Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, FEET BANKS, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL, ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY, LISA RICHARDSON
40 MUSEUM MUSINGS While it would take Whistler longer to embrace snowboard culture,
President, Whistler Publishing LP SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@wplpmedia.com
Blackcomb was generally supportive thanks to the persistence and passion of a few on staff and in the community.
Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of Whistler Publishing Limited Partnership, a division of Glacier Media) distributed to over 130 locations in Whistler and to over 200 locations from Vancouver to D’Arcy. The entire contents of Pique Newsmagazine are copyright 2021 by Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of WPLP, a division of Glacier Media). No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express written permission of the Publisher. In no event shall unsolicited material subject this publication to any claim or fees. Copyright in letters and other (unsolicited) materials submitted and accepted for publication remains with the author but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Letters to the Editor must contain the author’s name, address and daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 250 words. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine. Pique Newsmagazine is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact (edit@ piquenewsmagazine.com). If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil. ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. This organization replaces the BC Press council (and any mention of it).
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OPENING REMARKS
Tourism: Building Back Bigger? IN MAY 2021, I sat in on a virtual Whistler Institute session focusing on the future of tourism post-COVID-19. The event—called Tourism: Building Back Better—posed a pair of important questions: could the pandemic serve as an opportunity for a “reset and a reinvention”
BY BRADEN DUPUIS for the tourism industry; and can tourism recover by being “greener, smarter and less crowded?” Both questions stemmed from a New York Times article on the concept of regenerative travel—or leaving a place better than you found it—and the conversation they spawned amongst panellists is well worth a listen (you can still watch a recording of the event on the Whistler Institute’s YouTube page). But revisiting the piece I wrote about the event one year later—a cover feature titled “Tourism takes a breath: When COVID-19 recedes, will it be business as usual?”—I didn’t have to think hard in answering my own question. Yes, it is absolutely going to be business as usual. Not only that, but by the looks of it, it’s going to be business far beyond usual: last summer was the busiest on record for visitation to Whistler parks (a whopping 35 per cent over 2020, and an astounding 77 per cent over 2019). What does summer 2022 hold? Barring another “black swan” disaster, I don’t expect those numbers to go backwards. I’ve written before in this space about “unconstrained growth,” and the longerterm visitation projections the Resort Municipality of Whistler is working with— and they aren’t pretty.
On a provincial level, the B.C. government launched its new three-year roadmap for the tourism industry on March 11, and there’s nothing to suggest a reinvented, smarter take on travel— everything about it screams “business as usual.” In fact, the main guidance of the roadmap is to rebuild tourism to 2019 levels by 2024. Let’s take a second to reminisce about 2019, and the topic of the day. What was that buzzword again? Oh right. Overtourism. Crowded parks. Crowded trails. Packed highways. Jammed parking lots. Three million annual visitors and adding more every year. Then, in an instant, it was gone. A pandemic came, and the visitors left. Suddenly, it was just us. Our leaders spoke of it as if it were a blessing and a curse—that while the social and financial impacts were no doubt devastating, the pandemic afforded us a chance to reconsider our collective trajectory, and become masters of our own
staff to serve the visitors who are coming, right? Oh. It’s too early to say with certainty if all the nice words about building back better and being responsible stewards of tourism were just empty platitudes. It’s possible the pandemic actually has course-corrected us to a more sustainable path. Only time will tell. At the RMOW, a scenario-planning exercise (dubbed “The Whistler Sessions”) wrapped earlier this month, which was to consider some more pertinent questions: what is the current state on the ground in the resort? What could happen in the years and decades ahead? And what must Whistler do—individually and collectively—to recover from COVID-19 while staying true to the vision laid out in its new Official Community Plan? We’re still waiting to see the results of that work—and whether or not it will have any impact at all on the long-term sustainability of tourism in Whistler. But if you thought Whistler was busy before, I sense we’re about to find out what
That interest has continued to grow ever since, and as of March 21 was sitting 52-percent higher than the same date last year. On an international scale, Canada ranks 14th in terms of destination interest, and Whistler itself doesn’t crack the top 50. But singling out Canadian destinations, Whistler finds itself in 10th place in terms of demand (three points above Victoria and three points below Edmonton—Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal took the top three, respectively). Google’s Travel Insights tool was launched in July 2021, and it offers a fascinating glimpse into the potential near future of Whistler— and for tourism as a whole. I say potential, because tourism futures always come with a caveat, be it geopolitical, economic or environmental— we never know when the next black swan will arrive in town. I suppose that line of thinking is partially behind the great rush to return to where we were prepandemic—make hay while the sun is shining, and all. Whistler Councillor John Grills, in an interview with Pique last year, noted he was
Have we got our shiny new overtourism strategy firmly in place? Our levers and controls to limit visitation, or ensure it’s properly dispersed and managed?
tourism destiny. So… as B.C. and Canada’s pandemic strategy shifts and border measures ease, are we prepared for what comes next? Have we got our shiny new overtourism strategy firmly in place? Our levers and controls to limit visitation, or ensure it’s properly dispersed and managed? No? Well, at the very least we’ve got enough
Extensively renovated townhouse, only steps from Whistler Creekside Gondola and shops. Unlimited owner use, with the option to do nightly or long-term rentals. No GST. Take a virtual tour
industry stakeholders mean when they speak of “pent-up demand.” According to Google’s Travel Insights tool, demand for travel to Canada (as indicated by search volume) has been tracking well above 2021 all year—and steadily increasing since January. On Jan. 1, Google showed worldwide interest in Canada as a travel destination was 37-per-cent higher than on Jan. 1, 2021.
reading a book on overtourism when the pandemic hit. In the context of COVID and its myriad complications, suddenly the book had lost some relevance, he said. Well, he’d best pick it up again, and share it with his fellow councillors—or keep it somewhere safe for Whistler’s next council. I have a feeling it’s about to regain its relevance. ■
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Have your say (again) on controversial Nita Lake development Thanks to a procedural error, a public hearing will again be held for the controversial development on the west side of Nita Lake (5298 Alta Lake Road); to my mind, however, the even bigger error was council moving forward with this project in the first place—voted the Third Worst Decision by Council of 2021 by readers of Pique. Now our elected officials have an opportunity to reassess the numerous flaws and relative benefits of this proposal, and Whistler residents are once more invited to share their views on a development that will irreversibly transform the character and appearance of Nita Lake. Last time nearly 250 individuals wrote to council in opposition to this development and fewer than two dozen in support; its opponents came from all over Whistler and even included people on the Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) waitlist. Employee housing is the main ostensible benefit to Whistler from this development (20 WHA units in exchange for 22 market and tourist accommodation townhomes), but serious concerns remain about the affordability of these units and whether they will be within reach of many Whistler employees. Other issues remain or have even escalated over the past year: the additional traffic burden on local streets and Alta Lake Road has always been a worry, but traffic in
Whistler has only gotten worse. School District 48 has now indicated that the extra bed units will have an impact on Whistler’s classrooms. Council and staff have still never properly answered criticisms about apparent conflicts-of-interest regarding this applicant, who was still chair of the WHA while developing this incredibly profitable business opportunity. The amount of clearcut and tree loss on one of Whistler’s last undeveloped lakeshores does not seem to be consistent with the values of our community. I encourage my fellow residents to review these and other concerns raised at last year’s
On behalf of my family and community I am writing to express our concern about the proposed Pest Management Plan (PMP) on, Stó:lo-, St’át’imc, Nlaka’pamux, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh territories by BC Timber Sales. The proposal outlines a plan involving the aerial and ground-spraying of chemicals, including glyphosate, triclopyr and Formula 40 to kill native plant species in forest areas from Squamish to Hope, including areas near Chilliwack, Mission, and Agassiz. We are deeply concerned about the lack of time to provide public input, especially given the potential impacts of pesticides and the lengthy proposed duration of five years. We ask that you extend the deadline for at least another 60 days beyond the current deadline of March 27, 2022. We also ask that you issue a new statement advertising the opportunity for members of the public to provide feedback and post it widely across multiple platforms, including online platforms. The initial posting, which we saw only in the Hope Standard, provided just 30 days for public comment and was not widely advertised. Many members of our communities rely on impacted lands for foods and medicines, however, none of the people we have spoken with were aware of the public comment period or any details of the proposed pest management plan. The continued use of chemical herbicides, including glyphosate—which has been linked to cancer and is named in ongoing lawsuits—is a matter of enormous public importance. We have concerns about the aerial
public hearing and summarized at nitalake.ca. This is our final chance to remind council that this rezoning does not enjoy the support of the community; the public hearing is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 6 via Zoom. Brandon Green // Whistler
Plan to spray chemicals needs more consultation This letter was sent to several provincial ministers, federal members of parliament and BC Timber Sales officials, and shared with Pique and other media outlets.
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR and ground application of these chemicals to vital native plant species, as well as concerns about potential contamination of waterways. Glyphosate, triclopyr, and Formula 40 can all have serious consequences on aquatic life. The status of sockeye salmon is of great importance to Indigenous people and we cannot risk contamination of local waterways, especially seeing as this year is expected to be a major spawning event. Given the complexity and potential severity of these issues, 30 days is simply not enough time for members of our communities to be adequately engaged and provide feedback. Berry pickers, medicine harvesters, and others who rely on these lands and forests for food and cultural purposes must have sufficient time to be consulted. The broad-leaf plant species that BC Timber Sales proposes to target with glyphosate, triclopyr, and Formula 40 include salmonberry, huckleberry, thimbleberry, elderberry, salal, red raspberry, blueberry, mushrooms, Indian Hellebore, Devil’s club, and fireweed. These are all culturally significant plants and medicines that local Indigenous peoples have harvested and relied upon for thousands of years. Targeting these native plants will have serious negative impacts on local Indigenous peoples, local wildlife, and wild salmon. Your government has pledged to undertake a paradigm shift in forest management in British Columbia, to prioritize community values and ensure the full involvement of Indigenous Nations and peoples. We are calling on you to honour your commitments. We look forward to your timely response. Nichola Napora // Pemberton
Everything old is new again A new cultural epoch is emerging from the silt of a global pandemic, gone largely unwitnessed by anyone without the key to youth lingo. My generation, Gen Z, the “broken” generation, has finally dislodged the stagnation of the 21st century. For the past two decades, we’ve been criticized for bringing nothing new to the table. Any trends—in fashion, music, entertainment—were piggybacking off of our parents’ childhoods.
Early 2000s emo and scene—Hot Topic and Claire’s—was just the ’80s rebooted. The deafening acceleration of tech and the reign of the iPhone muffled any attempts for cultural breakthrough. Autotune and Photoshop stole the stage from real artists. But there’s been a shift. COVID and self-isolation forced us all into introspection. Narrowed our realities inward, with nothing and no one to turn to other than the long-forgotten corners of our own thoughts. For some of us, it took plunging to rock bottom to reemerge with our eyes cleared of their rose-gold haze. Returning with the scars to prove it—scars inflicted by our own minds—we bonded over what we saw down there. Brought back souvenirs from the places of respite we found in these chasms. Tiny trinkets of ancient knowledge left behind by other explorers of the deep tracing back centuries. In search of what our parents had lost hope in us finding: meaning. Poetry, art, Greek statues, domestic arts and ritual spirituality. Nothing more than postcards in their ability to capture and convey a place in time. But we arranged them into some rudimentary collage; a hypothesis falling just short of an answer. We called it “aesthetic.” Dark Academia and Cottage Core, Witch Core, Classic Hollywood. We demoted the iPhone to the role of Bard, relying on its ability to convey the message of change, and started these hashtags trending on TikTok. But they are more than a trend. More than a fashion statement, because we took more than just the clothes off of the remains of these travellers of old. Not a reboot, but a Renaissance. A blood transfusion. We shaped these historical archetypes to fit our needs: connection and purpose. Through this cultivation emerged culture—and for some of us, even careers. We live in a time where an 18-year-old girl can make a living promoting videos of herself reciting poetry in historical costumes. They called us the broken generation, but didn’t give us splints to heal the breaks. So, we dug deep, until we struck bone—the remains of broken pilgrims who came before us. We took these bones and made ourselves prosthetic limbs. Concealed the old break lines under the hems of wide-leg jeans and the laces of our Doc Martens. Recounted the tales
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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Nick Davies, Whistler local and experienced family lawyer practising across BC andYukon.
Call at 604-602-9000 or visit www.macleanlaw.ca Maclean Law is headquartered in Vancouver with offices across British Columbia.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR of our journey in the one universal language of our generation: humour. Memes: obscure and seemingly crude images that capture the “it” factor of our humour that we can’t quite put words to. Soon, perhaps, our alphabet will no longer be phonetic. Sea shanties we add to our playlists—almost unironically. These work songs carried sailors through dark times; can we too not find some comfort in them? Tell the world that we have found our culture. Carved ourselves a place in history. A monument carved from bone and ancient ruins, decorated with a filigree of irony. No longer 21st- century liability. This is the 21st-century Renaissance. Mira Alden-Hull // Whistler Waldorf School, Grade 11
How are energy-saving measures affecting indoor air quality? This letter was sent to Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry and shared with Pique. The adverse effects on health and the susceptibility of humans to bacterial and viral infections from poor air quality have been known for decades. As a long time advocate for healthy air, especially in the indoor living environment that is certifiable by recognized standards with quantifiable metrics, I am disappointed that this factor does not appear to have been considered in lockdown mandates. Starting with the 1985 British Columbia Code, energy-saving measures were mandated that included tightly sealing the vapour (air) barrier of residential dwelling units in what I coined “the plastic bag over the occupants effect.” At the 1985 Building Inspectors Conference in Nanaimo, I stood up, addressed the Code Committee and raised serious concerns about the effect of mandating energy-saving measures that could adversely effect the
health of occupants and buildings. Little attention was given to this important issue. A major failure was, and still is, the failure to educate the public whose health is at stake on the importance of attaining and maintaining good indoor air quality. Thirty-seven years later this issue has still not been fully recognized, let alone addressed.
“There is no debate that suboptimal indoor air quality compromises the first line of defence ...” - DAVID MACPHAIL
There is no debate that suboptimal indoor air quality compromises the first line of defence in the airways and especially the nasal passages by exposing occupants to toxic gases and particulate matter that have the potential to transport viruses, including COVID-19 into the living space. I find it both perplexing and troubling that you appear to have mandated lockdowns without considering air quality in the indoor living environment. My concerns about indoor air quality were reignited by health issues my wife and I experienced in our new high-end condo that I eventually traced to the ventilation system. A critical review of the ventilation requirements of the current BC Building Code (2018) found a number of serious inadequacies that I detailed in a report called “Clearing the Air on COVID” as well as a Code Suggestion document that has been accepted by the NRC. David MacPhail // Maple Ridge, B.C. ■
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12 MARCH 31, 2022
AS OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 30 It got warm! The temperature was above zero right up to the mountaintops in many places earlier this week. As the temperature cools down for the weekend, expect to find a frozen crust under your feet on all aspects up to 2,200 metres. The weather outlook for the weekend is mostly cloudy, but you might find a few spots of sun. Very light precipitation will continue, but probably not enough to stop you from feeling the firm surfaces underneath. The freezing level will generally be around 750 m early in the mornings, rising to around 1,500 m by the afternoons. The key to safe terrain choices this weekend will be to pay attention to the temperature, cloud cover, and sun, and their effect on the upper snowpack overnight and through the day. Even if it doesn’t get super cold overnight, a clear sky will encourage wet snow surfaces to freeze. And even if you are in the alpine and the temperature is below zero, the spring sun can still pack a punch. That solar radiation will
encourage frozen surfaces, loose snow, and cornices to become more unstable. Some tips for making safe choices this weekend: A supportive surface crust means that avalanche activity is unlikely, but travel and riding conditions may be challenging. Changes can be rapid. Sometimes significant change is possible in a matter of minutes, and certainly within an hour or two. Avoid sun-exposed slopes when the solar radiation is strong, especially if snow is moist or wet. Cornices become weak with daytime heating, so travel early on slopes exposed to cornices above. If you find yourself in cold, winter snow (still possible at high elevations on north- facing slopes), watch for shooting cracks, recent avalanches, or signs of reactive wind slabs. As always, check out avalanche.ca to get the most up to date information on conditions. Enjoy your weekend! ■
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.
PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST
Humanizing the housing hunt I RECENTLY JOINED the ranks of longtime locals who have left Whistler for greener pastures. Or at least slightly more liveable pastures. Yes, I have officially committed to the Sea to Sky shuffle, swapping a too-cheap-to-be-true shoebox in Alpine with no actual window or functioning oven for a right-at-the-edge-of-my-budget
BY BRANDON BARRETT bright, modern unit in downtown Squamish. Unlike each Whistler place I’ve landed in my decade here, I tried to listen to my gut more so than my bank account on this one— but that’s a luxury many locals can’t afford. Year after year, the police blotter is filled with stories of young foreigners eager to score a place here only to discover the hundreds of dollars they just sent to some scammer was for a home that either doesn’t exist, or is very much not for rent. Sure, you can scoff at the naivety of sending money to someone you’ve never met for a place you’ve never seen, but there’s a reason these scams are effective. They prey on a young and desperate workforce trying to enter one of Canada’s tightest, costliest real estate markets, in a
town they are unfamiliar with. The advice you always hear is to get someone you know and trust to check out the place in person to make sure it’s legit, but what if you don’t know anyone here? Then, if you do get scammed, and you, a 20-something from overseas with only a tenuous grasp, if that, on Canadian law and probably very little desire to get police involved in your short time here… are you likely to report it? I suggest not. Even after all that, if you do file a report, there is almost nothing the police can do. These scammers commonly live outside of the country, outside of the RCMP’s jurisdiction, and are likely to have covered their online tracks anyway. It’s the kind of severely underreported crime that makes you wonder: how many young people missed out on the Whistler dream before it even began that we just simply never hear about? But it’s not only the young seasonals suffering the dehumanizing effects of the Whistler housing hunt. Economic forces have created such a pressure cooker that even if you do find a place you love like I did, there are dozens of other candidates you have to compete with. I’ve heard stories in both Whistler and Vancouver of renters—not homebuyers, renters—forking over hundreds of dollars on top of their deposit just to secure a place. Along with being illegal, this kind of wheel-greasing is yet another example of
the ways money will get you a leg up on the people who actually need housing the most. It also means every interaction with a potential landlord or roommate is fraught with all the phony performativeness of a job interview. If you’re lucky, you’ve got 20 minutes to make an impression, probably not the most effective way to determine where you’re going to lay your head for the next year. Oh, and if you are fortunate enough to have a place offered to you, don’t even think about taking any time to mull it over, because if you don’t snatch it up at record speed, it’s just going to go to the next person on the list. How, in one of the most modern, progressive nations in the world, is this still how we provide an essential, inalienable human right—shelter—to our citizens? I realize this isn’t exclusive to Whistler, or Canada, for that matter, and there are things being done to make the housing hunt a little bit smoother for everyone involved. I know Jen Biberdorf and the moderators of the Whistler Housing Rentals for Locals Facebook group work hard to ensure the housing that gets posted there is legit, but it is still an unregulated, volunteer-led group done off the sides of their desks. It shouldn’t have to fall on their shoulders. Then there are the for-profit models I’ve seen pop up, like the woman who messaged me after I posted on the Squamish housing forum
offering her services: for a flat rate, I could fill out a questionnaire about my housing preferences and be matched to a suitable landlord. If I wound up accepting a unit she connected me to, she would get paid again. It’s not a terrible concept, to be honest, but it was, again, an unregulated service offered by a stranger who I had no way of knowing actually had my best interest in mind or not. (I declined her offer, by the way.) If this was something led by, say, a local non-profit with the mandate and the resources to go out and either suss out housing on a client’s behalf, or help match them directly to a pool of participating landlords, then I think we’d be getting somewhere. Think of them like outreach workers, except for housing. The Whistler Housing Authority (WHA), for all the great work it does to house the resort’s young families and management class, has, if we’re being honest, grown out of reach for many on the lower end of the market. Besides, the young, transient demographic that’s only here for a season or two (and therefore ineligible for WHA) needs a place to live, too. Adding more housing stock is just one piece of the puzzle. To paraphrase something Whistler Community Services Society director Jackie Dickinson told me recently: housing is wellness, and until we start thinking long and hard about how we can humanize the housing hunt, Whistler’s long-term well-being will remain at stake. ■
MARCH 31, 2022
13
NEWS WHISTLER
Costly White Gold beautification project has ‘fractured the neighbourhood’ NEIGHBOURHOOD WILL HAVE ANOTHER CHANCE TO VOTE ON RESIDENT-INITIATED PROCESS—UNLESS COUNCIL AXES IT ALTOGETHER
BY BRANDON BARRETT HOMEOWNERS IN White Gold have another chance to vote on a costly, residentled project to bury utility lines that some say has divided the neighbourhood—unless Whistler council decides to axe it altogether. The project—which originally passed on Nov. 3, 2020 (with Councillor Jen Ford opposed) before being brought back for reconsideration by Coun. Cathy Jewett two weeks later—has proved controversial in the neighbourhood, pitting neighbours against each other in the otherwise placid suburb. “It’s really fractured the neighbourhood because it seems to be long-term locals who don’t have a lot of money versus people from out of town,” said 21-year White Gold owner Ian Reith, who has been opposed to the project since its inception. “Now some neighbours won’t talk to other neighbours over this; some get heated—I get heated about it sometimes.” On Sept. 5, 2019, council received a letter from Toni Metcalf, speaking as a resident of the neighbourhood (Metcalf is also the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s [RMOW] economic development coordinator—she has recused herself from discussing the project at past council meetings) expressing the interest of White Gold residents to initiate a formal
LINING UP Residents of White Gold have another chance to vote on a costly project to bury power lines that some say has divided the neighbourhood. FILE PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS
14 MARCH 31, 2022
petition process for the work. Though the project was initiated by residents, some have since argued the process—which required 50 per cent support representing 50 per cent of the total property value—was not fully transparent about the costs to some homeowners. Ultimately, of 160 total affected properties, 93 voted in favour of the project, or 58 per cent. As of December 2020, the total estimated cost for homeowners was pegged at $4,675,000, which could be covered by each affected resident with a lump sum
could still bring the price tag down closer to its original level. “We’re 80 to 95 per cent through the designs and cost estimates from BC Hydro, Telus and Shaw, but we still need one last cost estimate around the civil infrastructure piece and that may actually drop the total project cost,” explained Ginny Cullen, chief administrative officer for the RMOW. If the estimated cost is over the original petition value, the project will go back to council, which will decide on whether to re-petition residents.
“It’s still going to come out of my pocket eventually, whether I sell in five, 10, 20 or 30 years, for something I don’t want, don’t need and won’t make any difference.” - IAN REITH
payment of $38,751, or 30 annual parcel tax payments of between $1,130 and $1,230, depending on the property and the complexity of the work required. That estimate has since ballooned by nearly $3 million, for a total projected cost to homeowners of $7,488,118, representing a lump sum payment of $46,801 per resident, or 30 annual parcel tax payments of $2,438, which is what triggered a second vote in the neighbourhood. In an interview last week, however, RMOW officials were clear that there remains some cost analysis to be done that
Owners can choose to defer their tax payments, although of course that only puts off the inevitable financial burden to a later time. “You can’t refinance your house without paying that back,” Reith noted. “It’s still going to come out of my pocket eventually, whether I sell in five, 10, 20 or 30 years, for something I don’t want, don’t need and won’t make any difference.” That also doesn’t take into account any additional costs required for homeowners to bury the power lines on their own property. The estimate Reith got for that work, which
would require the line to be buried under his deck and into his backyard, was about $9,500. Owners do have a cheaper option that will allow them to install a pole on their property to run a power line above ground to their home, estimated to cost up to $5,000. Fortunately for frustrated owners like Reith, there is another lifeline in play. In spite of the successful petition, Whistler council has the authority to reject the project. There was initially some confusion as to whether council had the power to turn down a resident-initiated process, and the legal precedent it might set. But after local officials consulted with B.C.’s Minister of Municipal Affairs Selena Robinson at last fall’s Union of B.C. Municipalities Convention, the confusion was cleared up. “We will go back to residents to update them and hold another open house and then we would bring it to council for final review,” Cullen added. Both Ford and Jewett have expressed their opposition to a project that would potentially foist thousands of dollars onto owners who weren’t in favour of the project to begin with. “I feel I made a mistake on Nov. 3 by not opposing it … People are hurting in this town, and these are some of the people that are hurting,” Jewett said at a council meeting in December 2020, in reconsidering her original vote in favour. “So this doesn’t pass, for me, the smell test, particularly during COVID, and the fact that people can’t afford an extra [cost].” Find more info and follow the project at whistler.ca/whitegoldutilities. n
NEWS WHISTLER
No end in sight for Sea to Sky transit strike WITH ONLY THREE DAYS AT THE BARGAINING TABLE SINCE STRIKE BEGAN, PARTIES RESORT TO TRADING BARBS IN THE MEDIA
BY BRANDON BARRETT THE SEA TO SKY transit strike shows no signs of a resolution more than two months since it began after the union representing local transit operators declined to go into arbitration. In a statement last week, Pacific Western Transportation (PWT), the private company contracted by BC Transit to deliver transit in the corridor, said it had reached out to Unifor on March 22 to see if the union would agree to enter a binding interest arbitration. Two days later, Unifor indicated they would not agree to arbitration. “Whistler Transit Ltd. and Diversified Transportation are frustrated with the Union’s response, as we believe we are doing everything reasonably possible to provide a fair and reasonable settlement to ensure transit services can be returned to the communities in the Sea-to-Sky region,” PWT’s statement said. PWT represents the employers, Whistler Transit and Diversified Transportation in Squamish. Unifor Local 114, the union representing striking transit workers, issued its own release the same day contending that PWT wasn’t telling the full story, a sentiment that was echoed by Unifor’s western regional director Gavin McGarrigle in a phone call with Pique. “What they didn’t tell the public is they withdrew the offer they made on March 17, and of course these were the offers that the bargaining committee was prepared to recommend, subject to the one outstanding item on wage parity,” he said in an interview on Friday, March 25. “Under the right circumstances, binding arbitration can move things forward where there’s good faith, but what they’ve done is try to stack the deck to get the result they want.” That prompted a follow-up from PWT, which provided a statement to Pique on March 29 explaining the company only withdrew its previous offer after Unifor had rejected it. So, if the parties did enter arbitration, the third-party arbitrator would have the ability to review the entire settlement package, as opposed to just wage rates. “Interest arbitration should not proceed while an offer is open. The Union cannot have it both ways,” PWT said in the statement. “Interest arbitration is one way to achieve a fair and reasonable collective agreement, end the strike, and restore normal transit services to the community. An interest arbitrator listens to both the Union and the Company, and then decides what the new collective agreement should be.” Transit services are also allowed to resume while arbitration is ongoing. The offer that was turned down by the union last week included benefits for all employees paid entirely by the employer, as
well as a commitment to adopt Unifor’s CAAT pension plan for all workers. The private contractor also offered fully retroactive wage increases in each year of the proposed deal, as well as a large signing bonus—but it doesn’t appear ready to budge on wage parity. “At the end of the day, nobody has made an economic argument as to why there should be such a wage disparity. All we ask for is a roadmap to deal with that and it’s been rejected time and time again,” McGarrigle said. Unifor has consistently called for wage parity with transit workers in Vancouver, where, earlier this month, they voted to ratify a one-year contract extension that included a three-per-cent wage increase for transit operators and a five-per-cent hike for skilled tradespeople, further widening the gap in relation to transit employees in the Sea to Sky. Grumblings among local officials seem to indicate there is little, if any, money in the provincial coffers for wage increases. As previously reported, it’s Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy’s understanding much of the funding in this year’s provincial budget allocated to BC Transit for operational increases in the Sea to Sky are for increases that have already taken place. “So that money is already spoken for. That means the NDP has not budgeted any money for transit in the Sea to Sky over and above its existing service, which doesn’t bode well for regional transit service, obviously,” Sturdy said in an interview this month. “But it also creates a real squeeze on what BC Transit and their contractor is able to offer in a wage settlement going forward.” McGarrigle has pushed back against that assertion, noting there are contingency funds built into the B.C. budget that could be used to shore up the wage gap in a settlement package. Both BC Transit and PWT have declined interviews throughout the strike, with PWT preferring to provide written statements while the negotiations are ongoing. Since local transit workers began their strike on Jan. 29, the two sides have spent just three whole days at the bargaining table. That hasn’t stopped them from trading barbs in the media, however. “I’m convinced one of the most important aspects of strong representation within both unions and companies is the ability to negotiate and get deals done,” said Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton at the March 8 council meeting. “The unwillingness to talk doesn’t serve the drivers or our community. We need transit service to return in our corridor yesterday.” As previously reported in Pique, the parties haven’t met with an appointed mediator since Jan. 11. Mediator Dave Schaub was first brought in by the Labour Relations Board in September. There are no future plans for the two sides to meet. n
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Engel & Völkers Whistler
NEWS WHISTLER
Debate over Whistler construction noise continues COUNCIL DIRECTS RMOW STAFF TO SEEK MORE INPUT FROM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY BEFORE PROCEEDING WITH BYLAW CHANGE times for Whistler construction crews, in line with other B.C. municipalities that allow work to start at 7 a.m. or 7:30 a.m. on weekdays. The change would also account for periods of high or extreme fire danger during the summer, when the RMOW’s current fire regulations state that any high-risk construction activity taking place within 10 metres of the forest must cease at 1 p.m. each day. At the time, council directed staff to consider seasonal changes to the start time for construction noise and seek additional input from the community. A construction noise survey shared with Whistler residents last October garnered 387 responses, 81 per cent of which were from people outside of the construction industry. The survey found 55 per cent of respondents were not satisfied with the current permitted construction noise times. However, 55 per cent of respondents also named 8 a.m. as their preferred start time for construction noise on weekdays. Fifty-nine per cent supported banning construction noise on Sundays, while 66 per cent supported no construction on public holidays. RMOW staff reviewed this feedback, as well as the different approaches taken in other municipalities throughout the Lower Mainland, and presented council with a report outlining three potential options for
BY MEGAN LALONDE THERE’S A CHANCE construction noise in Whistler could soon start half-anhour earlier in the day—but if that change pans out, locals could also be in store for more quiet hours overall. During the March 22 meeting, Whistler’s mayor and council discussed the pros and cons of implementing a new noise regulation bylaw that would allow construction in residentially-zoned areas to begin from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday to Saturday year-round, and ban construction noise on Sundays and statutory holidays. Currently, construction noise in Whistler is permitted from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., seven days per week. That adds up to 4,508 total annual hours during which construction noise is permitted. The issue was first brought to council’s attention in July 2021, when a bylaw seeking to raise noise infraction fines in the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) received its first three readings. But rather than adopting the bylaw last September, council opted to defer the decision after receiving a letter from the Sea to Sky branch of the Canadian Home Builders Association (CHBA) advocating for earlier start
WHISTLER
|
- CATHY JEWETT that the shift proposed in Option 1 would see the number of allowable construction noise hours drop significantly. “I’m not in the construction industry, but I imagine losing 600 hours per year might affect some projects,” she said. (RMOW planner Kevin Creery pointed out that many of the lost hours would cover evenings, Sundays and holidays when many construction sites choose to close.) Coun. Duane Jackson agreed. “I think what the industry was looking for was to be
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able to start earlier at different times of the year … but I’m not sure that they wanted to reduce the total hours,” he said. As RMOW chief administrative officer Ginny Cullen noted, the survey itself did receive some input from construction industry stakeholders. “The options that you have in front of you are a compromise between the community input and what we understood to be the construction industry’s request to have earlier start times,” Cullen told council. “If we go back and get more input, I don’t think [the options] you have in front of you are going to change much.” The idea of implementing a 7:30 start time, added RMOW general manager of corporate and community services Ted Battiston, “was to try to meet the construction industry with hours that were valuable to them, and the moving away from statutory holidays and Sundays was to meet the community with the additional quiet time hours that they were seeking.” After a lengthy discussion, council ultimately voted to direct RMOW staff to solicit further input from the construction industry before drafting an amendment to the noise regulation bylaw—featuring a new approach, if needed—to bring forward at a future council meeting. n
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regulating construction noise in Whistler’s residential areas. Staff recommended the first option, which would allow construction noise between 7:30 a.m. and 7 p.m. from Monday to Saturday throughout the year, with no construction noise permitted on Sundays or statutory holidays. The changes would result in a total of 3,895 permitted annual construction noise hours. Councillor Cathy Jewett pointed out
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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.
MARCH 31, 2022
17
NEWS WHISTLER
RMOW finances weathered turbulent 2021 to land on upward trajectory in Q4 BOTH HOTEL TAX AND PARKING REVENUES WERE APPROACHING 2019 LEVELS BY END OF LAST YEAR, COUNCIL HEARS
BY MEGAN LALONDE DESPITE FACING a series of challenges in 2021—including numerous COVID-19 outbreaks and rapidly changing public health orders—Whistler’s economy seemingly recovered better than expected last year. The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) overall operating revenues reached 103 per cent of budgeted amounts by the end of the fourth quarter (Q4) of 2021, Whistler’s mayor and council learned during a meeting held last Tuesday, March 22. RMOW revenues totalled $94,363,136 in 2021, compared to nearly $92,648,582 in 2020 and $100,419,365 in 2019. Operating expenditures, meanwhile, reached $69,371,113 in 2021, hitting about 100 per cent of their annual budgeted amounts, explained RMOW director of finance Carlee Price in a report to council. Comparatively, expenditures reached 92 per cent of budgeted amounts at the same point in 2020. The composition of the RMOW’s 2021 expenditures was, however, notably different than
pre-pandemic years, with more funds allocated to initiatives like keeping the community informed of changing health orders, for example. In 2021, “Many things affected the financial performance of the RMOW—some were good, some were bad … [but] it’s not just about financial performance,” Price told council. “The RMOW and the community of Whistler rose to the challenge of the pandemic and rose to the challenge of the cyber security incident with grace.” According to Price, the RMOW’s 2021 revenue can largely be attributed to a thriving real estate, construction, and renovation market. But outside of the construction industry, she explained, general economic activity in the community continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic’s impacts “in fits and starts.” Price pointed to Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT, or hotel tax) and parking revenues as particularly useful economic recovery indicators due to their correlation to visitation levels. Despite a series of peaks and valleys in those revenue streams throughout the year, MRDT was less than one per cent short of budgeted
amounts, and increased 19.2 per cent from 2020 levels. Price noted an encouraging upward tick in MRDT revenues as the end of the year approached. “In fact, December 2021 revenues are very near to 2019 revenues,” she said. “Recovery as far as MRDT revenue is well underway.” Parking revenue also benefitted from strong visitation in the fourth quarter, she added. In 2021, annual parking revenues fell in line with the RMOW’s budgeted amounts and were similarly nearing 2019 levels by the end of the year.
VILLAGE WASHROOMS COMPLETED UNDER BUDGET Last year was a decent one in terms of municipal projects, Price told council. In 2021, the RMOW spent $32,806,178 on municipal projects, about $9.9 million of which comprised a loan to the Whistler 2020 Development Corp for an employee housing project at Cheakamus that will be paid back. “Excluding the WDC amounts, project spending in 2021 was $24.7 [million] against budgeted expenditures of $47.7 [million],
for a full-year project completion rate of 51.7 per cent,” the report read, comparing those figures to an average year-end project completion rate of 63.4 per cent over the past five years. The RMOW finished work on several major projects in 2021, including connecting 33 Alta Lake Road properties to Whistler’s sanitary sewer and finishing the third of three planned village washroom buildings. The controversial washrooms were covered by Resort Municipality Initiative funds and came in at a total of $4,421,914, which, as Price pointed out, is approximately 10 per cent below the $4,846,355 budgeted for the project in 2020. The focus now will be continuing to build up the RMOW’s reserves in order to protect those assets and others like them, said Price. “Both of these types of projects placed demands on our reserve balances,” she explained, in reference to the maintenance of existing assets, like the sewer system, and the addition of new assets, like the washrooms. “As a community, we are not yet in a place where we can confidently say our assets will be well cared for into the future.” 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
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SECURE BICYCLE PARKING IN THE VILLAGE For more info and how to apply visit: www.whistler.ca/bikeparking
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Resort Municipality of Whistler Whistler.ca/bikeparking MARCH 31, 2022
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NEWS WHISTLER
‘This is my church’: Former Whistlerite hikes Chief every day for a year—but he’s not done yet MIKE ROBERTS CLIMBED THE EQUIVALENT OF 29 EVEREST ASCENTS, ALL FOR MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS
BY BRANDON BARRETT MIKE ROBERTS is not the same person he was a year ago. For one, he’s in the best shape of his life and some 30 pounds lighter, a good thing when you’ve committed to hiking the Stawamus Chief every day, rain, sleet, snow or shine. The last thing you want on such a gruelling, thigh-burning climb, day in and day out, is excess weight. And I’m not just talking about the literal kind. “Every ounce of weight carried on this hike is too much, so if your mind can shed things, it does,” Roberts says. “That is the lesson I’m sharing with everybody else: there’s no energy to hold onto this stuff. It’s liberating. All the trauma I’ve endured in my life, if I was carrying it like a backpack, imagine how much stronger I’d be if I could take it off and walk freely. I’d be a powerhouse, and that’s how I feel right now. I’m unstoppable.” You would think Roberts would have every reason to stop. After all, just this past Thursday, March 24, he marked his 365th daily ascent of the Chief in a row,
completing his mission to raise awareness of the mental-health services available locally after a stint in rehab and regular therapy pulled him from the abyss. Early on, however, a voice kept telling Roberts something he didn’t exactly want to hear: You’ve got to keep going. “I instantly said, ‘Shut up, man! What the hell are you talking about?’ I battled that for months. But listen, there is no stopping. I’m not stopping,” he asserts. “Now the goal is to share this with everybody else, because if I just continue on for myself, it would be selfish and pointless.” Roberts has been documenting his daily ascents through his Instagram account, @mikefrommontreal, and taken together over the span of a year, the short video clips form a collage of resilience that is as inspirational as it is nerve-racking, at times. Often the videos are as simple as Roberts ringing the bell at the top of the Chief, his proof for the day that he completed the hike. Other times, you’ll see him speaking directly to the camera, offering a steady stream of positive affirmations to his followers, even as he battles the elements, trudging through waist-deep snow in the middle of the night.
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ON THE EDGE Over the course of a year, Mike Roberts hiked roughly 256 kilometres of elevation, the equivalent of climbing a 77,576-floor building. PHOTO BY MILES RUDKA / @THAT_MILES_GUY
“This is very hard. I should stress that. This is very hard but I’ve also learned to live with the madness of it all—because this is madness—and I’ve found joy in it. I’m the guy that does this. There’s no moments of pity,
and you know what, if there are moments of pity, because they do come up, I try to find the positivity in it and share that,” he says. Roberts wants to be clear about another thing: despite his experience, he is no expert, chasing down times. When people have accompanied him on his hike, they are often surprised at how slow he is. Some days he gets to the parking lot at the base of the Chief and realizes he forgot a crucial piece of gear, but rather than head back home, he keeps going, refusing to let his positive momentum dwindle. “You have no idea how many days I’ve been up here in a T-shirt, in the snow. It’s preposterous. People are like, ‘You should be prepared. You should have a bag,’ and it’s like, ‘OK, you do it. You pack a bag everyday.’ There are things that are going to slip by,” he explains. “Everything has to fire at the same time. If I show up to the parking lot and I didn’t bring boots or spikes, I’m not going home because if I go home, I’m not coming back. So I’ve had to walk up in the snow, in my shoes, in jeans.” In his commitment to keep on keeping on, Roberts draws a parallel to his mental-health
SEE PAGE 22
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Whistler RCMP investigating after stabbing at Marketplace POLICE BRIEFS: LOCAL POLICE OFFER TIPS TO AVOID PHISHING SCAMS
BY BRADEN DUPUIS THE RCMP is seeking the public’s help in investigating an apparent stabbing that occurred early Sunday, March 20, in Whistler Village. Police were called to the Marketplace parking lot on Lorimer Road to assist the BC Ambulance service at about 4:20 a.m., according to a release from the Whistler RCMP. “Whistler RCMP arrived on scene and located two men who had been stabbed and provided aid until they were able to be transported to hospital,” the release said. “Squamish RCMP were able to identify two individuals who were believed to have been involved and they were arrested and later released pending further investigation.” All involved were from the Lower Mainland, and in their 20s, police said. The two victims have since been released from hospital. A large section of the Marketplace parking lot was taped off on the morning of March 20 as police investigated, according to posts on social media. Whistler RCMP led by the Sea to Sky General Investigations Section continue to investigate the incident, and are asking anyone with information to contact the Whistler RCMP at 604-932-3044.
WHISTLER, PEMBERTON POLICE OFFER TIPS TO AVOID PHISHING SCAMS The Whistler and Pemberton RCMP offered tips this week to help the public identify and avoid so-called “phishing” scams. Phishing refers to a scammer calling,
texting, emailing or using social media “to trick you into clicking a malicious link, downloading malware, or sharing sensitive information,” police said in a March 29 release. Phishing attempts often come in the form of a generic mass message that goes out to many people and can appear legitimate, as if from a trusted source, such as a bank or company you do business with. “Spear phishing” is another version of the scam that targets individuals specifically. Those messages may use personal details to reel victims in, often based on your recent online activity and purchases. “Whaling” is similar in its execution, using personal details to scam so-called “big phish” like CEOs, executives and those with direct access to sensitive information. Some signs of phishing, police noted, include: if the sender’s name, email address or phone number is unfamiliar; if the message contains numerous spelling and grammatical errors; the sender requests your personal or confidential information; the sender makes an urgent request with a deadline; they ask for payment in cryptocurrency, pre-paid gift cards or other forms of “unusual payment”; and, finally, if an offer sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Phishing scams have been on the rise in recent years, particularly during the pandemic, as people have spent more time online. In 2021, spear phishing was the third most profitable scam for fraudsters, who bilked Canadians out of a reported $38 million, according to the Canadian AntiFraud Centre. As of Feb. 28, there have been 12,252 reports of fraud across the country this year, 7,922 victims of fraud, and a total of $75.5 million lost. For more information, visit antifraudcentre-centreantifraude.ca. n
EX-WHISTLERITE HIKES CHIEF FROM PAGE 20 journey and the profound value of simply showing up. Over the year, he has ascended a total of roughly 256 kilometres elevation, the equivalent of climbing up and down a 77,576floor building, or nearly 29 ascents of Mount Everest. But Roberts stresses this isn’t about “the grandness of the effort” being made, but the commitment you make to the routine, to yourself. To showing up. After all, the only way to climb Everest is one step at a time. “You don’t have to hike the Chief. The simple act of having a ritual you partake in every day, rain or shine, day or night, ice or snow, like walking around the block, is the same benefit I get from climbing up this mountain,” he admits. “Everybody has their own Mount Everest and your Mount Everest is different than mine. It could be getting out of bed in the morning. It could be not dealing drugs that day. It could be phoning your mom.” The Chief has held a certain magnetic
22 MARCH 31, 2022
power for thousands of years. Known by the Squamish People as Siyám Smánit, it refers to something that is to be deeply respected, like a mentor or elder that can impart many important teachings. For Roberts, those lessons were both personal and universal, and as his year went on, his relationship to the 700-metre monolith evolved. “I had to ask for permission to be here, because I wanted to be a part of this and my mission was one of good intentions, so I let it be known. That in itself made me more spiritual,” he says. “There were moments when I was just really terrified and you just have to have faith and sometimes you have to yell out loud, ‘Please, help me!’ Now we have this relationship where it’s just known I’m coming and I’m here. I give it respect. I’m not treating it like a Tae Bo fitness class; this is my church.” A longer version of this story appeared online on March 26. n
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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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 31, 2022
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NEWS PEMBERTON & THE VALLEY
Lil’wat Nation’s Tanina Williams named Top 5 finalist for Small Business BC Awards WILLIAMS’ CONSULTING COMPANY AMAWILC HAS BEEN HELPING CLIENTS FURTHER TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION SINCE 2020
BY MEGAN LALONDE ONLY TWO YEARS have passed since Lil’wat Nation’s Tanina Williams launched her consulting business, Amawilc, but the Mount Currie-based businesswoman is already in the running for a major prize. Williams was named a top-five finalist for Small Business BC’s (SBBC) Business Impact Award earlier this month, with winners slated to be announced at a gala on April 28. Amawilc—meaning “to come back to life,” in the Lil’wat Nation’s traditional language, Ucwalmícwts—aims to bring “Indigenous ways of knowing and being” to classrooms, companies, and non-profits, Williams explained. She offers workshops built around traditional practices like sharing circles, making crafts, and storytelling; providing opportunities to “create awareness, understanding, respect and together-ness between Indigenous and non-Indigenous cultures.” Williams also guides and supports Indigenous entrepreneurs to develop a business model that incorporates their culture and perspective. Her first contract was a non-profit that asked for her help crafting a letter to the Lil’wat, in an effort to begin building a relationship with the First Nation. Amawilc was selected out of 636 nominations submitted for this year’s awards, for 442 businesses in 88 communities, according to SBBC. More than 38,000 public votes narrowed down the massive field to 20 businesses, while a panel of experts determined the five finalists. Those five businesses were each required to deliver a virtual pitch to judges this week, who are now tasked with selecting an overall winner who “embrace[s] the challenge of entrepreneurship, display their business savvy, and take positive action to invest in their community,” according to a SBBC release.
AWARDING AMAWILC Tanina Williams’ efforts to further truth and reconciliation through her business Amawilc have earned her high honours in the form of a Small Business BC Awards nomination. PHOTO BY ROBBIE STEVENS
“I think it went really well,” Williams told Pique shortly after her presentation. As it should have. While advocating for an award might be new territory for Williams, the art of successfully delivering a pitch isn’t. Amawilc is a side hustle of sorts for Williams, complementing her day job as an Indigenous support worker for four different schools across the Sea to Sky corridor. These days, she takes meetings with clients on her lunch hour, after work and on the weekends. (She’s also preparing to graduate from Capilano University’s Language and Culture certificate program and learning her traditional language, all while finding time to spend with her husband, when she can.)
Williams doesn’t just attribute her relentless work ethic to lessons learned from her parents: “When I work at a job, I have to give 200 per cent, because I am an Indigenous female,” she explained. “If I don’t, I am looked down upon, like I’m not doing enough, and so it’s uncomfortable for me to not fill every second of my time.” She decided to launch the venture in early 2020, after participating in an Indigenous entrepreneurship course with online training company Empowered Nations at Mount Currie’s Ts’zil Learning Centre. While she’s felt the pull of entrepreneurship before, Williams’ previous business ideas “didn’t come to fruition because they just weren’t feasible,” she explained.
“This platform came along, and it was really something I could understand in the simplest terms. They were still teaching you how to be a business person, they just changed the language so that it was understandable.” Now, Williams’ ultimate mission is to continue the conversation about truth and reconciliation, “To talk about what it means to have equity and equality in our country; to break down barriers of unconscious and conscious biases,” she said. “Those things are very important to me.” Williams continued, “We also need to show ourselves love, and we need to say, ‘OK, [I] made a mistake.’ Now if you need to apologize, go do that. Do the work; build those relationships up again, whatever that might look like, and be willing to forgive when other people make mistakes … we’re really at the beginning stages of truth and reconciliation. “I would say we’re in truth; but in moving towards truth, there’s also appreciation,” she said. “Appreciation is nice, but how do we dig deeper? I have this huge, big dream to really move that forward and really get into the meat of it, but that means more work needs to be done.” Williams’ Amawilc is nominated alongside Atlin Mountain Coffee Roasters, Kamloops-based Friendly Composting Inc., Lil’ Ronnie’s BBQ in Tofino, and Saanichton beeswax wrap maker Nature Bee. The winning business will walk away with an $8,000 prize, while second and third place will receive $4,000 and $1,500, respectively. “Every small business is a winner in the eyes and hearts of the people they support in their community,” said Ravi Kahlon, B.C.’s minister of jobs, economic recovery and innovation, in a release. “I want to congratulate Amawilc for everything they’ve done for their community. As we celebrate the strength of entrepreneurs in all areas of this province, I invite all British Columbians to continue to support the small businesses in their communities.” n
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THE OUTSIDER
Sledding: Getting (un)stuck on the learning curve IN MY LAST COLUMN I addressed the rather large sums of money required to get oneself set up for snowmobiling. Even if you’re one of those pragmatic sled owners who “just want one for ski-touring access,” the startup costs are not dissimilar. And while accessing new ski-touring terrain was a primary motivator for my own sled ownership, well, in
BY VINCE SHULEY for a penny, in for a pound. As a first-season sledder, the skitouring access days were actually a great way to start off. The process of loading, securing, driving and then unloading my sled was enough problem solving for the first couple of outings. Driving a sled on groomed roads (bumps and whoops notwithstanding) isn’t particularly difficult, but it is physically demanding, especially when you’re figuring out how your machine behaves at speed. Stance, body position, over-gripping the handlebars, it all takes it out of you. Just like most sledding rookies, I had the benefit of more experienced friends to show me the ropes. With their guidance (and occasional assistance to help me get my sled upright again) I was soon able to
SLED HEAD Through his company Broken Boundary Adventures, Tyler Kraushar helps snowmobilers progress up the learning curve much faster. PHOTO COURTESY OF BROKEN BOUNDARY ADVENTURES
turn and carve my sled in deeper snow with an acceptable level of control. But knowing all too well the difference that professional instruction can make in other mountain sports, I wanted to see if I could experience another breakthrough on the learning curve before the snow turned to melt-freeze for the rest of the spring. So last weekend I hit up Broken Boundary Adventures (based out of Pemberton) for a full-day clinic. Broken Boundary owner and COO Tyler Kraushar has been leading groups in the Hurley and Rutherford sled zones for more than 10 years and reassured me that even though I’d be showing up for a beginner clinic, there would be plenty to learn with the small group. Getting to the staging area was the first exciting challenge of the day, taking about 90 minutes from Whistler in total, including four kilometres of snow patches up the Hurley in order to reach the groomed trail. Once the rest of the crew arrived and unloaded their gear, Tyler began the clinic without even starting a snowmobile. Opening the left side panel of my machine, he shook his head when he saw the level of my oil reservoir. “Got oil, Vince?” he jibed. I didn’t, cursing my rookie error of not bringing extra oil in my truck, and sheepishly accepted a top-up from one of the other attendees. Two-stroke machines burn gasoline and a proportionately lower amount of oil at the same time, and while I thought I had enough for the day, I learned that a low oil reservoir can cause the engine to suck in air when the engine is running on its side, as it often is.
“Full, before every ride,” instructed Tyler. I nodded my head. By the time we were through all the mechanical checks, I could already count the dollars saved from avoiding potential mechanical mishaps. Belt tension, chain tension, belt wear, grease ports for my suspension... I started making a list of more tools I need to purchase in order to keep my sled running and out of the expensive repair shops. Once we got a few kilometres up the trail, Tyler showed me a trick called “chainsawing” to quickly cool down my engine temperature. Mountain sleds are built for riding in powder, so compact, groomed roads will inevitably cause overheating. By tilting my machine on its side with a regulated throttle, I effectively sawed a trench with my track and immersed the back of the machine into spraying snow. The engine cooled down double digits in a matter of seconds. It’s a great trick, especially when dealing with the long road distances of the Hurley. We arrived at a fresh meadow where Tyler coached us on handling the sled onto one ski to initiate a carve. It takes throttle control, counter steering and balancing your weight, all simultaneously. I’d had a bit of practice at this already this season, so Tyler challenged me to see how tight I can turn by laying the sled further over on its side. I promptly got stuck. “Think of it as riding into a big berm on your mountain bike,” he analogized. “The more you lay it over, the more speed you need to counteract gravity. Here, overcoming gravity comes with more throttle.”
After a few semi-successful attempts and a handful of rollovers, I left the meadow with a slightly boosted confidence. Then we got to the sidehilling session. Tyler demonstrated the control possible while crossing a steep slope, half his body hanging off the machine on the uphill side, the throttle constantly pulsing. I discovered there’s a whole lot more going on than that when I attempted to sidehill a small mound at the base of the slope and got bucked like a rodeo cowboy. But I understood the theory. With a couple of productive skills sessions behind us, Tyler led us out to an alpine bowl where we could let loose with a bit more room. I managed a few sidehills and made sure to get some downhill carving face shots, which I’ve discovered is one of my favourite parts of sledding. Hoots and hollers were heard between the highpitched whine of two-stroke engines. Confidence elevated, I tackled a steeper sidehill when my ski hit something solid under the snow, rolling my sled on its side before I was able to recover. My body came down on the relatively pointy edge of my snowmobile ski, ribs first, and the crash knocked the wind right out of me. I think I found my limit for the day. After a few minutes I collected myself, the pull-start causing aches from my bruised abdomen. It was time to head back, but, bruised ego and all, I couldn’t wait to get out braaping again. Vince Shuley is converted. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider email vince.shuley@gmail.com or Instagram @whis_vince. ■
MARCH 31, 2022
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FEATURE STORY
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All photos by Brad Kasselman // www.kasselmancreative.com
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FEATURE STORY OW WELL INTO its eighth
week, the Sea to Sky transit strike shows no signs of letting up, effectively handcuffing a tourism town already desperate to recover some of the losses of the past two years. And while the impact on Whistler’s tourism engine is significant, of course, it’s always a community’s most vulnerable that bear the brunt of it: hard-working bus drivers who’ve watched as the community they quite literally help run has become untenable for them to live in; an underpaid working class forced to shell out money they don’t have on cab fares; and struggling small-business owners who already have a tough-enough time filling shifts as is before having to contend with the complete shutdown of an essential public service. As negotiations ground to a halt again last week between Pacific Western Transportation, the Alberta-based company contracted by BC Transit to deliver transit in the corridor, and Unifor Local 114, the union representing local transit operators, Pique sent photographer Brad Kasselman to capture some scenes from the bus strike, showing the day-to-day effects it has had on the community. Starting on March 17, Kasselman documented everything from the rush of St. Patrick’s Day revellers that night, to frustrated bus drivers and average residents speaking out, before heading to the Whistler Transit bus depot, which continues to sit mostly empty 60 days into the strike.
- Brandon Barrett
MARCH 31, 2022
29
1.
2.
1. Doug, bus driver
“Pacific Western [Transportation] didn’t handle this. We’ve been in negotiations for two years, and I think this is the third time they’ve come to the table in those two years, so I don’t know. It’s like they figure they’ll wait us out and make us out to be the bad guys.”
3.
3. Ronald Schultz, bus driver
“I’ve never been on strike before. I’ve never been out of work before. So it’s hard. I can’t save money. I need to rely on my savings to pay my bills, pay my mortgage. So it’s tough. It’s very stressful. It’s a very stressful time. I’ve actually never been this stressed out before. So it’s a very big impact on me personally, and my fellow drivers and even 2. Michael Duchenes, bus driver my wife as well. She feels it as well because I’m not happy “I’ve got two small children who go to local schools here and … We are not going to bend. We have absolutely no reason they’re on spring break now and they’re absolutely stranded. to go back for any deal that doesn’t include full benefits They have no way to get to their social group. They can’t go for everybody, a good wage increase and a pension. None see their friends. Their friends can’t come visit, so they’re of us are going to give in. We are all solid. We’re here for just sitting at home right now on their phones or watching TV.” the long haul.”
4.
4. Satnam Singh Sekhon, bus driver 5. Andrew Bacon, Whistle Ride founder and driver
“It’s put a definite strain on our business in the sense that the demand for rides has been enormous. And we’re doing our best to take care of our valued customers to the best of our abilities. Certainly, like every other company, we wish we had more employees, we wish we had more drivers. But at the end of the day, with our scheduled rides and with the technology in our app, we’re moving as many people as we can and doing the best under the circumstances … On a side note, we support the bus drivers, we want to see them back to work. We hope that they’re able to resolve this as quickly as
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30 MARCH 31, 2022
The usually bustling Whistler Transit bus depot sits empty on March 18.
5.
6.
possible and we can get those who need the service the most back on the roads.” 6. Matt Hardy, Patty Deveraux and Kelly McMahon, WB staff
Pique: How have you been affected by the bus strike? MH: “Wet feet.” KM: “We have to walk up the hill [to staff housing] every day, which is not their problem. But the [groomer] cats come down every single day. It’s quite dangerous. Everything comes down. Everything comes out in the evening, in the night, when it’s dark, so it’s kind of dangerous.” 7. Taka Ozama, exchange student
Taka Ozama is a 20-year-old Japanese exchange
7.
8.
student who works part-time as a dishwasher at Il Caminetto. Prior to the transit strike, he rode the bus four times a day: to and from the hill in the morning, and to and from work at night. 8. Laura Norton, WB staff
“I’ve been out here nearly a decade. Working for the mountain, I think it’s fantastic that they’ve managed to set up these buses in the morning and afternoon to get us to and from work … It’s a huge pain on my days off, though. I really can’t get anywhere. I don’t have a car, so yeah, I’m hoping it’s just going to be resolved as soon as possible. Make everyone happy, give the drivers what they want.” ■
MARCH 31, 2022
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SPORTS THE SCORE
North America’s top cross-country athletes converge on Whistler Olympic Park HUNDREDS OF ATHLETES FROM CANADA AND THE U.S. COMPETE IN CROSS-COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS AND US SUPER TOUR FINALS FROM MARCH 20 TO 27
BY HARRISON BROOKS HUNDREDS OF North America’s best cross-country athletes were on hand at Whistler Olympic Park last week for the 2022 Canadian Ski Championships and US Super Tour Finals. Among the top competitors at the weeklong event spanning March 20 to 27 were a handful of Olympians, including Americans Jessie Diggins and Julia Kern—who led the pack in most of their events—as well as Canada’s Cendrine Browne and Katherine Stewart-Jones. Some of Canada’s best young athletes were also in attendance, including Jasmine and Remi Drolet and Tom Stephen, who will be looking to return in January when the World Junior Championships and U23 Championships come to WOP. While the event didn’t go quite as well as local cross-country athlete Michael Murdoch had hoped, he said having the stiffer competition with the addition of the US Super Tour race added more excitement and fun to the racing, and gave him a clearer picture of where his skiing needs to
HESS PLEASE Paralympic cross-country sit skier and Pemberton local Ethan Hess shown here competing at the 2022 Canadian Ski Championships at Whistler Olympic Park. PHOTO COURTESY OF BLACK TUSK NORDIC EVENTS
32 MARCH 31, 2022
be to qualify for the U23 Championships in January. “It’s nice to see how everyone’s doing around North America. See where you are with that group. It’s a motivating scene. Seeing these fast guys in front of you makes you want to train a little harder,” he said. “It definitely makes you [want] to step up your game and get training ASAP. I’ve been
And while this competition was more so a fun way to cap off the year as opposed to a hyper-competitive event for Hess, he said it was still a little disappointing not being able to go head-to-head in the sprint events with Collin Cameron—one of Canada’s top cross-country sit skiers. “At a World Cup, the top 12 qualify [in sprint events] and unfortunately at the
“I think it’s awesome. I think it’s really important that para sports try to have at least a possible podium at major competitions like nationals.” - ETHAN HESS
looking forward to the [U23 Championships] for a while and I know it’s going to be hard to qualify, but this event will be good motivation for the summer and fall training. It should be a really exciting event because I think the last international event that we’ve had here was probably the Olympics.” Like Murdoch, things didn’t go as planned for 2022 Paralympian and Pemberton local Ethan Hess. After competing in the men’s sitting five-kilometre free technique on the first day of competition, Hess tested positive for COVID-19, prematurely bringing his season to an end.
Games, I wasn’t able to qualify. And I’d never gone head-to-head with him in a heat,” said Hess. “So I was really looking forward to that. Sprint is just such a fun day to be on site and watch the other races as well, so it was really disappointing, but the main thing was making it to the Games COVID free. So it wasn’t the worst timing in the world.” Despite only competing in one race, Hess said he is thankful for the opportunity to help show off what para sports are all about at such a big event and bring more attention to just how good para athletes can be.
“I think it’s awesome. I think it’s really important that para sports try to have at least a possible podium at major competitions like nationals,” said Hess. “I think that will go a long way to increasing the visibility and people thinking about and talking about paraskiing, especially when you have a guy who is as good as Collin. I think that that raises the awareness when they see how incredibly fast some of these guys are.” Aside from the continuously changing conditions that the athletes had to deal with, the competition went off without a hitch, according to Norm Laube, chair of host organization Black Tusk Nordic Events. “For an event that spans over an entire week, you’re going to get some different weather and conditions really changed dramatically every day. We had some wet, rainy days, but then we had some crisp, cold mornings that allowed the snow to be nice and firm … it was a little bit of everything,” he said. “But it was exciting. It’s really the biggest event that’s happened since the 2010 Olympics. We had a really strong group of folks that knew that we could collectively handle an event like this, and we’re just really happy that everything flowed smoothly from folks getting into the venue, to parking, to having food and beverage service at the venue. Logistically, it all came together.” Find more info and full results at skinationals2022.ca. n
SPORTS THE SCORE
Matteau Rushbrook falls short in U Sports National Championship THE BROCK BADGERS COULDN’T KEEP THE MOMENTUM GOING IN P.E.I., LOSING THEIR OPENING MATCHUP AGAINST SASKATCHEWAN
BY HARRISON BROOKS IN HER FIRST full season playing for the Brock University Badgers, Whistler’s Camie Matteau Rushbrook helped her team punch its ticket to the U Sports National Championship in Charlottetown, P.E.I. on March 25. Unfortunately, the Badgers fell short, dropping their first game of the singleelimination tournament 4-0 to the University of Saskatchewan Huskies. But despite the lopsided final score, the game was close right until the end with the U of S taking a 1-0 lead into the third before adding to their lead in the second half of the final frame. Heading into the tournament, Matteau Rushbrook said the team didn’t want to settle for just being the Ontario University Athletics (OUA) division champions, but wanted “to go all the way,” with their sights set on being national champs. And while they weren’t able to capitalize on that goal, looking back on the season as a whole she couldn’t be more proud of what her team accomplished in her first full season with Brock. “I am so proud to be part of this amazing group. After two long, difficult years dealing with the pandemic, our team was able to persevere and win an OUA championship— the first in program history,” she said. “Everything we accomplished this year was a full group effort and I could not be more thankful to have gone through this amazing experience with this group of people.” After being limited to practicing in her first year at Brock last year, Matteau Rushbrook said while it was a bit of a rollercoaster season, this year has exceeded all of her expectations. “It’s definitely a lot faster-paced than anything I was used to playing before, but it’s a really good time and the team here is awesome,” she said. “It’s a big adjustment coming from minor hockey … obviously the game is a lot faster-paced and there is a lot more experienced players on the ice, but after that initial adjustment period it’s just so much fun. [There are] so many opportunities to learn from players who have been around for a long time and been really successful.” Heading into the year, Matteau Rushbrook’s focus was set on carving out a role on the team and cementing her position in the lineup. And describing herself as more of a grinder than a scorer, she said she has been able to earn the trust of her teammates and coaches through her hard work and gritty play so far this season. “It’s kind of like a whole year of trying to prove yourself a little bit, trying to prove that you deserve the ice time you are getting and all that stuff. So I’ve been able to do
that and my coaches have been able to put me where they think they see me fit,” said Matteau Rushbrook. “I’ve definitely never been a big goal scorer, but they like to put me out there to stop the pucks from going in the net and working hard and kind of getting the energy up on the bench and on the ice, so that’s been really good. And my coaches have been really great at letting me use that and letting me use my skills to get the team going a little bit.” The Badgers started the year strong going 6-1 through their first seven games, but ended up sputtering a bit down the stretch. With the losses piling up on top of a handful of games being postponed or cancelled in the middle of the year, the Badgers wound up with a final record of 10-9 heading into the playoffs. Needing to refocus before the single elimination OUA division playoffs, the Badgers held a players meeting to discuss what needed to be done to reach their goals. “We went through the bracket for playoffs, and I remember looking at it and us being like, ‘wow, we only really need to win three games,’” she said about the new playoff format adopted by the OUA for this season, which switched from a best-twoout-of-three format to single elimination. “We all kind of looked at each other and were like, ‘We have talent on the team to do this and we all want it really, really bad, it would be such a great way to end a really long two years back, just to see some success.’” Their efforts paid off and the Badgers won all three games in the OUA playoffs to book their ticket to the National Championship. However, even having the advantage of playing in do-or-die playoff situations for the past month already, it wasn’t enough for the Badgers in their opening game against the Huskies. The Badgers would go on to lose their next game in the consolation bracket 2-0 against the University of P.E.I. But despite going winless—and goalless—in the National Championships, Matteau Rushbrook believes this experience was invaluable for a young Badgers team, and could be the foundation for future success. “It is so cool to have made nationals in my first official year with the team. We trained so hard over last year’s lockdown and into this season—it’s amazing to finally be rewarded for all our hard work,” she said. “Although we have several graduating players, I am confident that our team will be successful in the coming years. All of us young players gained invaluable experience from our playoff run this year that we will be able to carry with us into next season. This has been such an incredible year for our program, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.” n
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SPORTS THE SCORE
Whistler Winterhawks beat the odds to snag provincial berth THE U13 A1 REP TEAM FINISHED THE TOURNAMENT WITH A 2-3 RECORD CAPPED OFF WITH AN 8-3 WIN IN THEIR LAST GAME
BY HARRISON BROOKS DESPITE HAVING just 11 players, Whistler’s U13 A1 Winterhawks beat the odds and punched their ticket to this year’s provincial tournament, taking place March 19 and 20. While making it to provincials was the goal the team was striving for from the beginning of the year, with the way the season started, head coach Amanda Schmitt never would have thought it would actually come to fruition. “Not going to lie, I kind of laughed at them like, ‘OK, we’ll get to provincials,’ but I didn’t really think we’d make it. But they were dead serious and completely set on it,” said Schmitt. “So we made a game plan on everything we needed to work on, and honestly, I’ve never seen such dedicated kids to the sport of hockey than I did this season.” Whether it was attending public skates, watching any game they could at the Meadow Park Sports Centre or spending their spare time shooting pucks and playing games on each other’s outdoor rinks, the team lived and breathed hockey this year, according to Schmitt. And the dedication paid off. All year, the Winterhawks, a tier-four
WINNING WINTERHAWKS The Winterhawks swept their playoff matchups en route to a provincial berth. PHOTO SUBMITTED
team, played against stiffer competition from the flight above them. So once playoffs rolled around and the Winterhawks had to return to tier four, they did so as the top ranked team with a first-round bye. In the second round, they beat the Squamish team by a combined score of 17-0 in their two-game series before moving on to the finals where they would win again to punch their ticket to the provincial tournament. “It was the best feeling ever as the final playoff game was against Semiahmoo and we were down 1-0, but at the end of the game we won 5-2,” said team captain Noah Eade.
“As the final buzzer went, we all threw our sticks and gloves and we were screaming that we were going to provincials.” Ultimately, at the provincial tournament, the Winterhawks finished the five-game round robin with a 2-3 record but were able to keep each game close, an impressive feat given the short bench and the increased game times from one hour and 15 minutes to twoand-a-half-hour games. But as proud as she is about everything the team was able to accomplish on the ice, Schmitt was even more proud about the growth she saw in each of her players off
the ice. “I definitely went home a couple times and went, ‘oh this is going to be a tough year, I don’t know how I’m going to rally this group of kids.’ But we just followed the process and by the end of the season … the community members that these kids have become this year is way more important than the hockey players they became,” said Schmitt. “Like I said, I had some behavioural issues at the beginning of the season and by the end of the season the kids that I had been dealing with are now probably the best teammates that the other kids could ever ask for. I’ve even had some of the kids come up and say, ‘I’m so happy he’s on my team, and I didn’t want him on my team at first.’ So I think that is a huge thing more so than the hockey itself—just how much they’ve developed as a little group and a little community.” With the 2021-22 season having come to a close, and some of the players set to move up to U15 hockey next year, this particular crew won’t be together again next year, but according to Eade, this season has set the bar for the coming years and the boys all hope to be back in provincials again next year. “It felt really great, even though we didn’t win,” said Eade. “It was really awesome that we made it there. That was our goal, and next time we’ll try and get better and better and try to win it all.” n
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EPICURIOUS
The culinary discovery that helped shift racist perceptions of MSG IN SPITE OF NUMEROUS STUDIES DISPROVING THE FOOD ADDITIVE’S ILL EFFECTS, IT WASN’T UNTIL THE CONFIRMATION OF UMAMI THAT MINDS BEGAN TO CHANGE
BY BRANDON BARRETT LATE, GREAT TV HOST, chef, author, nomad and all-around bon vivant Anthony Bourdain once had this to say about the West’s antiquated belief that the food additive MSG is bad for you. “You know what causes Chinese restaurant syndrome? Racism. ‘Ooh, I have a headache; it must have been the Chinese guy.’” MSG, or monosodium glutamate, is an ingredient ubiquitous to Chinese kitchens the world over. That is, until, the 1960s and ’70s, when Chinese restaurants catering to the white-bread palates of the West began popping up all over North America. A 1968 letter to the editor in the New England Journal of Medicine suggested MSG caused weakness, dizziness, chest pain and a host of other vague symptoms it linked to the so-called “Chinese restaurant syndrome.” Thus, the xenophobic MSG panic was born. It’s a perception so deeply entrenched that, as recently as 2020, Merriam-Webster had an entry for the term that described the syndrome as a legitimate illness brought on by food seasoned with MSG—but “especially Chinese food.” (The dictionary has since added a disclaimer noting the term as “dated” and “offensive.”) Numerous research studies have concluded that MSG, which comes from glutamate, a common amino acid or protein building block naturally found in food, is a safe addition to your meal. Other studies with people identifying as sensitive to MSG have found that neither the additive nor a placebo caused consistent reactions. Ultimately, it isn’t academic research papers helping shift racist perceptions of MSG (because who listens to scientists these days, am I right? Heavy sigh). Like much of the modern advancements in our understanding of food, it was actually a
MSG MISSION Despite numerous scientific studies proving that MSG is safe to eat, it wasn’t until the confirmation of the existence of umami, the so-called “fifth taste,” that racist perceptions of the food additive began to change. PHOTO BY VIVIEN.X.LI / GETTY IMAGES
food manufacturing company that was almost solely responsible for moving the dial on MSG in North America—and they had to get pretty creative to do so. Japanese mega-company Ajinomoto, a food processing and biotech firm that specializes in seasonings, sweeteners, cooking oils, and yes, MSG, has poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into MSG research. Around the turn of the millennium, the company switched gears, tapping biochemist Kumiko Ninomiya to convince the scientific community to accept umami as its own basic taste. For the uninitiated, umami, also known as “savouriness,” is today understood as the “Fifth Taste” after sweet, sour, bitter and salty. People have debated whether it
should be recognized as its own taste since Kikunae Ikeda first proposed its existence in 1908, and it wasn’t until the early 2000s that scientists determined it was, in fact, a taste, due to umami having its own distinct taste receptors that typically respond to nucleotides and glutamates, common in meat broths, fermented products and, of course, MSG. Coating the mouth in a pleasant, savoury aftertaste, umami is often used to round out a dish and can be found in foods such as mushrooms, tomatoes, cheese, shellfish and certain meats. (It’s also found in a long list of popular processed foods, like Doritos and ranch dressing.) “If you eat a long cooked stew or slurping chicken soup or, you know, biting a slice of the pepperoni and mushroom pizza, you
feel a long-lasting and a very comfortable aftertaste. And that’s umami,” Ninomiya said in a recent episode of the Vox podcast, Unexplainable. (A fascinating listen that is totally worth checking out, by the way.) After Ninomiya’s Herculean efforts convinced the scientific community of the existence of umami (Unexplainable credits her decades-long campaign with changing “the field of sensory science forever”), she quickly set her sights on the culinary world. Ninomiya, known today as the “Umami Mama,” decided the best way to persuade food writers and Michelin chefs of the value of MSG was through their stomachs. With Ajinomoto’s blessing, she soon embarked on a gastronomic tour of sorts, organizing International Symposiums on Umami Taste that featured lavish spreads of Japanese cuisine for the top tastemakers of North America. “That’s why I think that tasting is the most important part,” Ninomiya told Unexplainable. “So through the symposium, I try to make an opportunity to have our tasting session about umami taste and how to find umami in the tomato or cheese. And they gradually understand what the umami is.” It certainly wasn’t the only factor, but that precipitated a Japanese food boom that has yet to let up two decades later, and soon enough, umami was everywhere. Sadly, while considerable progress has been made on changing widespread views of MSG, there is still work to be done on that front. In fact, it was Ajinomoto that persuaded Merriam-Webster in 2020 to update its definition of Chinese restaurant syndrome, part of its wider “Redefine CRS” campaign, led by a number of prominent Asian-American restaurateurs, chefs and medical professionals. “To this day, the myth around MSG is ingrained in America’s consciousness, with Asian food and culture still receiving unfair blame,” the company said on its campaign website. “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome isn’t just scientifically false—it’s xenophobic.” n
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ARTS SCENE
Call of the wolf: Audain hosts mastercarver Dempsey Bob’s first-ever career retrospective WOLVES: THE ART OF DEMPSEY BOB FEATURES CLOSE TO 100 WORKS FROM BOTH PUBLIC AND PRIVATE COLLECTIONS
BY BRANDON BARRETT THE AUDAIN Art Museum’s newest exhibition showcasing the work of renowned B.C. carver Dempsey Bob, has, practically speaking, been in the works for more than three years. But for chief curator and museum director Dr. Curtis Collins, the seeds for this latest exhibit were first planted 35 years ago. Then an assistant curator for an exhibition of North American Indigenous art in Toronto, it was the first curatorial gig of Collins’ nascent career, and also where he met Dempsey, even buying one of his prints for “half of all the money” he had at the time. The two have stayed in touch ever since. “I’ve known Dempsey since 1986, so you could say we’ve been working on this show for a while,” he says. “It’s an honour to be able to work with an artist of this quality, who cares so much about his work, but also cares about representing Tahltan and Tlingit artistic traditions in a present context, while pushing forward to the future.” The first-ever career retrospective of Bob’s work, Wolves: The Art of Dempsey Bob features work spanning from the 1970s to the present. While Bob, 74, is known primarily for his highly-stylized masks and totem poles that draw on his Tahltan and
LONE WOLF Dempsey Bob wearing Killer Whale Headdress and holding Eagle Human Mask and Eagle Bear Mask, all from 1987, in the University of British Columbia, Museum of Anthropology collection. PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF DEMPSEY AND MARGARET BOB
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Tlingit ancestry, the show demonstrates the breadth and ambition of his prolific output, featuring a selection of panels, wall sculptures, prints, traditional regalia, and jewelry alongside his inventive masks. Living up to the exhibit’s name, wolves are featured prominently. Hailing from the wolf clan on his mother’s side, “the wolf is important in terms of how he’s rendered,” Collins explains. “He’s always baring teeth. His ears are always back. And he’s got what I refer to as that sleepy eye,” one of Bob’s trademarks. As Bob’s career progressed, he moved away from more traditional depictions, while still maintaining their cultural essence. Where his early-career masks
depicting animals, often stacked on top of each other or intertwined together. “For the last, I would say, 20 years, he’s created what I refer to as these little vignettes, almost like a little story in and of itself,” Collins says. “He’s creating these little mini-narratives.” Along with his decorative work, Bob is no stranger to creating more utilitarian pieces, such as ceremonial bowls and spoons, vestments he designed and had made by his sister, Linda, and even a stunning glass coffee table propped up by a bronze frog. “This show oscillates between purely display works, ceremonial works, and utilitarian works,” Collins notes.
“I’ve known Dempsey since 1986, so you could say we’ve been working on this show for a while. It’s an honour to be able to work with an artist of this quality who cares so much about his work ...” - CURTIS COLLINS
were functional and maintained a realistic shape, his later output played with form and angles, lending the masks a playful, almost surrealistic quality. “He’s building these composite masks that are increasingly complex, even Baroque-like,” Collins says. Bob continued on this path through what he calls his “wall sculptures,” dynamic, mounted, three-dimensional scenes usually
A co-production with the McMichael Canadian Art Collection in Kleinburg, Ont., the exhibit features work borrowed from some of Canada’s foremost public museums, as well as private collectors. Acquiring the exhibit’s nearly 100 works required some serious investigative work on the part of Collins and co-curator Sarah Milroy, from the McMichael. “It’s a question of knowing what pieces
you want and how to track them down. The private ones are a little trickier. It’s a lot of phone calls,” says Collins, who adds that one of Bob’s masterpieces, a mask called The Smart One that Collins has been hunting for years, was acquired just days before the show opened. Running April 2 to Aug. 14, the ambitious exhibit not only marks the culmination of Bob’s decades-spanning career, but a coming-of-age for the Audain. “This museum is very young by museum standards, so after six years, the fact we have relationships with the National Gallery, the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Anthropology, the McMichael, it speaks to the fact that we’ve arrived,” Collins says. “In a larger context, this show also marks our arrival because we’re producing it on our own.” The exhibit also comes with a deep personal meaning for Bob himself. At a small art opening in Vancouver last weekend that Collins attended, Bob got emotional talking about his retrospective at the Audain. “It was a very touching moment, because he said it was about his teachers, those people that taught him, those people that supported him, those people that told him all these stories that are embedded in his work,” Collins says. “For him, it’s a recognition of those people because he was chosen by his elders, his family to commit to have these stories communicated. Now he knows that.” The Audain is also hosting its annual fundraiser, the Illuminate Gala, on April 23 at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. For more information, visit audainartmuseum.com. n
ARTS SCENE
The delightful frenzy of the Anonymous Art Show ARTS WHISTLER’S SIGNATURE FUNDRAISER RETURNS NEXT MONTH
BY BRANDON BARRETT THERE’S A LONG TRADITION of artists and performers surreptitiously looking on as an audience takes in their work, oblivious to their presence. Every so often you hear about a movie star slipping into the back row of a cinema to catch a screening of one of their films undetected. A friend and former circus performer recently told me a delightful story about a time she noticed Michael Jackson don a disguise to watch circus-orchestra renditions of his popular hits. When “Bad” came on during the elephant act, the King of Pop could reportedly be seen with a “huge shit-eating grin on his face” before he left quietly through a back door and jumped into a waiting limousine. I’ve run into similar scenarios myself (minus the circus, elephants, limo and worldwide fame) whenever I happen to notice a stranger reading one of my articles out in the wild. I usually have to resist the urge to blurt out, HEY I WROTE THAT at top volume, which, let’s be honest, is mostly for my ego. But then, how often do creative types get such an untarnished view into someone else consuming their work? It’s a temptation many of the artists who’ve taken part in the Anonymous Art Show have had to fight themselves. Staying true to its name, the Arts Whistler fundraiser sees locals submitting miniature paintings on an eight-by-eight-inch canvas, with the artist’s name only revealed after the work is purchased. Sometimes, however, keeping a tight lid on a piece’s provenance is easier said than done. “We’ve had times on buying night where the artist is so excited one of their pieces is about to get sold that they just can’t contain themselves and we’ve had to tell them, ‘Hey, cool your jets. It’s supposed to be anonymous!’” says Arts Whistler executive director Mo Douglas. Returning for the fourth time, this year’s Anonymous Art Show features nearly 300 tiny pieces by 183 artists, of all experience and ability levels. This speaks to the core of the show’s appeal: its inherent accessibility, breaking down barriers for both artists and collectors. “The arts are still battling perception in a lot of places that it’s somewhat elitist or for the wealthy and educated,” Douglas says. “That’s why we do our best to blow those out. Art is absolutely for everyone and creating opportunities that are accessible for everyone to really dig in and enjoy it.” Besides the art, the show’s real attraction is buying night, set for April 8, which Douglas says is “like no other way to buy art.” Attendees pay $25 to get in the door, then they can purchase “art-buying spots”: This year, there are 10 spots available at the $250 level, up to 50 spots available at the $150 level, up to 50 at the $100 level, and up to 100 at the $50 level. Also, for the first
SHOPPING SPREE Anonymous Art Show has evolved into Arts Whistler’s signature fundraiser, partly off the sheer, frenetic fun of buying night. ARTS WHISTLER / FACEBOOK
time, Arts Whistler added three top spots at the $500, $400 and $300 level. “The first chance to buy art is buying night, so it’s a bit of a small-g gala, but it’s more as if we’ve merged Whistler’s sport community and arts community because the randomness of the number you get, [which indicates] the order in which you’ll choose, creates a certain measure of competition,” Douglas says. “Somebody is hoping the person ahead of them isn’t going to take the piece they have their eye on. Folks end up with a shortlist of 10 or 20 pieces, and in the buying line, it’s funny, we didn’t institute this, but people started a little elbowing and … trash-talking if they want the same piece.” If you miss out on the frenzy of April 8, fear not: Douglas notes typically about half of the works sell on buying night, with the remainder available for purchase through May 25. The Anonymous Art Show has developed into Arts Whistler’s signature fundraiser, with the event historically bringing in about $16,000 for community programming. “It’s just one of those things that helps us do more community programming or leverage something new like an Art on the Lake, an idea that we had that we didn’t have budgeted but was just too good to not do,” explains Douglas. The exhibit officially launches April 1. Get a sneak peek of the works on April 6 from 7 to 9 p.m. for the artists’ reception. Buying night on April 8 gets underway at 7 p.m. and will include appetizers, drinks, live DJs, and if Douglas has her way, plenty of dancing in the theatre. “So people need to be ready to buy art and get their dancing in,” she says. “It’s just a really fun night for people to celebrate the bravery of a lot of our local artists to jump in and create some great work.” Tickets are available at showpass.com/ anonymous-art-show-2022, and the works can be viewed online at artswhistler.com/ anonymous-art-2022. n
MARCH 31, 2022
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MUSEUM MUSINGS
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HIGH-FLYER A snowboarder takes flight near the Kokanee Snowboard Park. BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN COLLECTION, DANO PENDYGRASSE
Snowboard park—no skiers allowed! BY JILLIAN ROBERTS BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN opened for snowboarders in the 1987-88 season. While it would take Whistler another year to start embracing snowboard culture, Blackcomb was generally supportive of the “knuckledraggers,” thanks to the persistence and passion of a few snowboarders on staff and in the community. Additionally, Blackcomb general manager Hugh Smythe could see the strategic benefits of welcoming a new group of riders. Before terrain parks were a common feature of ski resorts, snowboarders would travel from all around Canada and the world to take advantage of the many natural features of Blackcomb, perfect for sending big air and pushing the boundaries of the new sport, like the natural quarterpipe and wind lip on Blackcomb featured in many publications and films, including the cover of Transworld Snowboarding with Doug Lundgren. Before the official park was created, groups would also build their own kickers and crude halfpipes on the mountain. This sometimes involved trying to avoid the watchful eye of ski patrol. Stu Osborne was instrumental to the snowboarding scene on Blackcomb. Stu started as an instructor and went on to become snowboard coordinator and then terrain park supervisor, founding the first Blackcomb management-sanctioned halfpipe and snowboard park. While the Kokanee Snowboard Park officially appeared on the Blackcomb trail map in the 94-95 winter season, the first halfpipe and park launched earlier. There, skiers-versus-snowboarders mentality still existed at this time, and despite receiving approval to create the initial halfpipe, accessing the resources from the Blackcomb operations team
necessary to build the park was a different story. To get around the lack of resources, Snow Ejectors, a private snow removal company, became a sponsor, providing custom-painted shovels for the build. The early halfpipe was created using these shovels and a little cat time. During a competition featuring many of the world’s best riders, the Snow Ejectors’ hand-painted banner was larger than those of any of the other sponsors, much to the chagrin of Blackcomb management. The next year, more equipment and support was provided by Blackcomb Mountain. Before the opening of the Kokanee Snowboard Park, Blackcomb became one of the first resorts in Canada to purchase a pipe dragon, a piece of specialized grooming equipment capable of carving out a uniform halfpipe far more easily than hand-digging. In the early days, “Blackcomb Snowboard Park” was exactly that—a park for snowboarders. Rules had changed (at least in this one niche area on the mountain), while a big sign specified there were “no skiers allowed.” Skiers would wait outside the snowboard park in groups, and bomb the park together in a train so they were harder to catch. It wasn’t long, however, until the park evolved to welcome both snowboarders and skiers as the more inclusive “terrain park” that we know today. Originally, the park features on Blackcomb and other resorts in the Canada West Ski Areas Association were rated like ski runs, with greens, blues, blacks and double blacks. As most people probably understand, riding a beginner feature requires different skills than a typical green run; however, the system broke down when a visitor went off a jump that was far beyond their ability and sustained a debilitating injury. The resulting lawsuit was eventually settled out of court and, learning from this experience, the ratings in the terrain park were changed to the same ones we see today. n
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DROPPING IN Competitors line up on Blackcomb Mountain to compete in the International Freeskiers & Snowboarders Association’s Freeride World Qualifier event on Wednesday, March 23. PHOTO BY CHRISTIE FITZPATRICK FOR WHISTLER BLACKCOMB. DOG DAYS Freddie making the most of the snow that’s still lingering in the valley. PHOTO BY GEORGIA BUTLER. 3 JOJO CAT Help find Jojo a home! This Whistler Animals Galore (WAG) resident is a sweet senior looking for a quiet home with a family capable of handling his diabetic needs. PHOTO BY CORINNE BOLES. 4 RAD REFLECTIONS Ken Achenbach (left) and Graham Turner took a look back at the history of snowboarding in Whistler during a Whistler Museum speaker series event on Monday night, March 28. It was the museum’s first in-person event of 2022. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER MUSEUM. 5 LOW VIZ Views from the top of Blackcomb’s 7th Heaven were more or less non-existent on Saturday afternoon, March 26. PHOTO BY MEGAN LALONDE. 6 READY FOR A ROAD TRIP Leo the lion (no one remind him he’s a housecat) made himself comfortable for a trip down the Sea to Sky Highway over the weekend. PHOTO BY HEIDI RODE. 1
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ASTROLOGY
Free Will Astrology WEEK OF MARCH 31 BY ROB BREZSNY
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42 MARCH 31, 2022
to use performance-enhancing drugs during Olympic competitions. Runner Thomas Hicks took advantage of this in the marathon race. The poison strychnine, which in small doses serves as a stimulant, was one of his boosters. Another was brandy. By the time he approached the finish line, he was hallucinating and stumbling. His trainers carried him the rest of the way, and he was declared the winner. I recommend you make him your inspirational role model in the coming weeks. How might you cheat to gain a great victory? APRIL FOOL! I lied. While it’s true that a meaningful triumph is within your reach, you’re most likely to achieve it by acting with total integrity, following the rules, and imbibing no stimulating poisons. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Science fiction aficionado Wil Wheaton suggests that all of us should have the following: 1. A nemesis; 2. An evil twin; 3. A secret headquarters; 4. An escape hatch; 5. A partner in crime; 6. A secret identity. Dear Taurus, I have doubts that you possess any of these necessities. Please embark on intensive efforts to acquire all of them. Your deadline is April 21. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. There’s no way you could add all those things to your repertoire in such a short time. See if you can at least get a secret identity and a partner in crime. It’s time to have wicked fun as you add to your potency and effectiveness. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): “I hate being on my best behaviour,” wrote Gemini author Colleen McCullough. “It brings out the absolute worst in me.” In the coming weeks, I hope you avoid the danger she describes. Don’t be on your best behaviour! Emulate Gemini filmmaker Clint Eastwood, who said, “I tried being reasonable, but I didn’t like it.” APRIL FOOL! I lied. Here’s the real truth: Being kind and generous and reasonable will be your secret weapon in the next three weeks. Doing so will empower you to make interesting and unforeseen progress. CANCER (June 21-July 22): A Tumblr blogger named Alyssa complains, “I’m still peeved that I can’t fly or set things on fire with my mind.” You might share that feeling, Cancerian. But here’s the good news: I predict that you could soon acquire, at least temporarily, the power to fly and set things on fire with your mind. Use these talents wisely, please! APRIL FOOL! I lied. In fact, you probably won’t be able to fly or set things on fire with your mind anytime soon. However, you may acquire other superpowers that are only slightly less fantastic. For example, you could change the mind of an ally who has been ridiculously stubborn. You could uncover a big secret that has been hidden. You could mend a wound you thought would never heal. Any other superpowers you need right now? LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): I suspect that only a Leo would say what Leo filmmaker Stanley Kubrick once asserted: “You know, it’s not absolutely true in every case that nobody likes a smart ass.” In accordance with astrological omens, I authorize you to prove his assertion. Be the kind of smart ass that people like. APRIL FOOL! I’m half-joking. The truth is, I hope you will be the kind of smart ass that people absolutely adore and get inspired by. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In honour of your arrival in the most lyrical and soulful phase of your cycle, I offer you advice from poet Richard Jackson: “The secret is to paint your own numbers on the clock, to brush away those webs that cover the wild country of the soul, to let your star hover between the flowers of the moon and the flowers of the sun, like words you have never spoken yet always hear.” APRIL FOOL! I partially lied. I don’t think you should paint your own numbers on the clock. But the rest of what Jackson said is totally applicable and useful for you. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “I want excitement,” declared Libra novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald, “and I don’t care what form it takes or what I pay for it, so long as
it makes my heart beat.” In the coming weeks, I hope you will make that statement your motto. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. While I do foresee you being able to gather a wealth of excitement, I hope you won’t be as extreme as Fitzgerald in your pursuit of it. There will be plenty of opportunities for excitement that won’t require you to risk loss or pay an unwelcome price. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “If you can’t make fun of yourself, you don’t have a right to make fun of others,” said comedian Joan Rivers. I agree! So if you are feeling an irresistible urge to mock people and fling sarcasm in all directions, please prepare by first mocking yourself and being sarcastic toward yourself. APRIL FOOL! I lied. I will never authorize you to make fun of others. Never! In the coming weeks, I hope you’ll do the opposite: Dole out massive doses of praise and appreciation toward everyone. To prepare, dole out massive doses of praise and appreciation toward yourself. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): In the traditional opera performed in China’s Sichuan province, magical effects were popular. One trick involved characters making rapid changes of their masks. The art was to remove an existing mask and don a new one with such speed that the audience could not detect it. An old master, Peng Denghuai, once wore 14 different masks in 24 seconds. This is an antic I think you should imitate in the coming days. The more frequently you alter your persona and appearance, the more successful and popular you’ll be. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. I recommend that you gleefully experiment with your image and exuberantly vary your self-presentation. But don’t overdo it. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): A nutritionist named Mark Haub decided to try losing weight by eating only sugary treats. For 10 weeks, he snacked on junk food cakes, cookies, and sweet cereals. By the end, he had lost 27 pounds. In accordance with astrological omens, I suggest you try the metaphorical equivalents of this project. For instance, work on deepening your relationships by engaging your allies in shallow conversations about trivial subjects. Or see if you can enhance your physical fitness by confining your exercise to crossing and uncrossing your legs as you sit on the couch watching TV. APRIL FOOL! I lied. Here’s your real horoscope: For the next four weeks, take better care of your body and your relationships than you ever have before in your life. Make it a point to educate yourself about what that would entail, and be devoted in providing the most profound nurturing you can imagine. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Aquarius-born Giordano Bruno (1548–1600) was bravely heretical in his work as a philosopher, poet, mathematician, and friar. He angered the Catholic Church with his unorthodox views about Jesus and Mary, as well as his belief in reincarnation, his practice of occult magic, and his views that there are other stars besides our sun. Eventually, the authorities burned him at the stake for his transgressive ideas. Beware of a similar outcome for expressing your unusual qualities! APRIL FOOL! Luckily, no punishment will result if you express the rich fullness of your idiosyncrasies in the coming weeks. I’m happy about that, since I’m encouraging you to be as eccentrically yourself as you want to be. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Life is too complicated to accurately comprehend. There’s too much to know! It’s impossible to make truly savvy and rational decisions. Maybe the best strategy is to flip a coin or throw the dice or draw a Tarot card before doing anything. APRIL FOOL! While it’s a fact that life is too complex for our conscious minds to fully master, we have massive resources available on subconscious and superconscious levels: our deep soul and our higher self. Now is an excellent time to enhance your access to these mother lodes of intelligence. Homework: What’s the most compassionate prank you could perform? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com.
In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates
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Retail applicants should have relevant experience in bicycle or outdoor adventure retail.
Email us a resume whistlerbikeco@gmail.com www.bikeco.ca
Group Fitness Classes Thursdays – Aqua Fit Shallow @ 8:30-9:30 am w Wilma Fridays – Gentle Fit @ 1:30-2:30 pm w Diana Mondays – Yin & Yang Yoga @ 9-10 am w Heidi Tuesdays – Zumba @ 12:15-1:15 pm w Carmen Wednesdays – Functional Conditioning @ 5-6 pm w Anna
Do you share our passion for: - Building spirited relationships? - Challenging the status quo? - Thriving on challenges? We offer: -Full Health Benefits - Commission - Device and service discounts - TELUS share options
Hiring - Construction Workers 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. We are offering full-time hours with wages dependant on experience. If you are interested or have any questions please call 604-966-4856 or email me with your CV at Dale@coronaexcavations.com.
Relax, we have the perfect job
ADULT SERVICES
WE ARE LOOKING FOR
ADULTS ONLY
Massage Technicians Registered Massage Therapists
WHAT WE OFFER Baths membership for you and a friend Staff housing upon availability Flexible schedule Competitive wage
APPLY AT hr.whistler@scandinave.com
EMPLOYMENT Call 604-902-MOVE www.alltimemoving.ca
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Experienced Cannabis Cultivator Experienced cultivator needed for the cannabis industry. Room to Grow. inagreenment@gmail.com ***Local Automotive*** Automotive technician for year round position in Whistler. 604-905-9109 steve@localautomotive.com Nanny position available Local family looking for a nanny to start in April 3-4 days a week (Mon -Thurs) in Emerald Estates, Whistler for a 1.5 and 4.5 year old. Hours are approx. 7:45am-5pm. Pay negotiable. Text for more info: 778.389.1775
STAGS! STAGS! STAGS! ESCORTS • STRIPPERS TOPLESS BLACKJACK DEALERS SEXY SKI INSTRUCTORS! MAKE ANY PARTY AMAZING!
604-992-4746
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44 MARCH 31, 2022
FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS
At TELUS you create future friendly possibilities. https://careers.telus.com/job-invite/20027/
See our full page schedule ad in this issue of Pique for details
big or small we do it all!
PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM/JOBS
TELUS Retail Sales Representative Take your career to new places in Whistler with TELUS
SHAW Open Monday through Friday 8:30 - 4:30 Saturday 10:00 -4:00 Sundays and Evenings by appointment only.
We sell Norco, Giant, Kona and Devinci bikes and a wide range of parts and accessories.
Repair shop applicants should have at least one year of experience as a Bike Mechanic in a retail or rental setting.
FLOORING
CARPET & FLOOR CENTRE
Whistler's year round bike shop requires retail sales and repair shop staff for our busy spring and summer seasons.
EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Whistler Personnel Solutions Full-time, part-time & temp jobs. No cost, no strings. 604-905-4194 www.whistler-jobs.com
For the Time of Your Life! Reservations Highly Recommended
roxysinwhistler.com
Whistler’s only dedicated wedding magazine. AVAILABLE ON STANDS IN THE SEA TO SKY
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FEBRUAR Y 10, 2022 ISSUE 29.06 WWW.PIQ UENEWS MAGAZIN
E.COM
Grow. Contribute. Explore.
FRE E END TIMES
A M LION ANDIL COUNTING PART I
WWW.PIQUE NEWSMAGA ZINE.COM
EXPE RTS BELIE VE THE WORL D IS IN THE MIDS T OF THE SIXTH GREA EXTIN CTION T , AND BIODI VERS ITY BEAR HUGS LOSS ES AROU ND THE GLOB TO MOUN T. E CONT INUE HOW DID WE GET HERE AND WHAT ? CAN BE DONE ABOU T IT?
29.07 FEBRUARY 17, 2022 ISSUE
14
FREE
TRAGIC
WEEKEND Search-and-r escue crews responded to multiple calls last week
16
PERMIT APPROVED Long-awaited
Junction development
Function set to move ahead
44
GFL is hiring Seasonal support in all areas – Class 5 Drivers, Wash Pad Personnel, Yard Attendants, Office Support and more – Tuition Bursary’s available for Candidates returning to secondary education in September.
ANCIENT ORIGINS Whistler
traces skiing’s origins
SUMMER IS COMING!
film crew in Return to Roots
HERE
Resume’s to squamish@gflenv.com WWW.PIQUENEWSMA GAZINE.COM
FEBRUARY 24, 2022 ISSUE 29.08
FREE
SQUEAKY TOYS
14
WHAT A WASTE A 2021 audit of
16
Whistler
waste found significant contamination
POP UP
56
Corridor populations are up in
recent years, according to 2021
Census data
FRIENDLY BANTER
Whistler Secondary
alum publishes new novel
SEARC HING FOR A
PERFE CT MATC H
Meet the Whistler Animals Galore residents currently looking for a forever home
MARCH 3, 2022 ISSUE 29.09
WWW.PIQUENEWSM AGAZINE.COM
FREE
14
AT YOUR SERVICE RMOW presents
proposed funding for Fee For Service groups
16
44
BACK TO BARGAINING
Parties return to the table in bid to end transit strike
UKRAINE LOST AND FOUND Whistler author
details battles with grief and addiction
EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, APPLY TODAY! Diamond Resorts Canada Ltd., Whistler, BC
Part Time Tour Receptionist $20.00 per hour
TOO WET, TOO RAINY
HOW CLIMATE CHANGE CO ULD END THE SKI BUSINESS FO R MANY B.C. RESORTS
WWW.PIQUENEWSMA GAZINE.COM
MARCH 10, 2022 ISSUE 29.10
14
FOREST FUTURES Cheakamus Community Forest looks for revenue beyond old growth
16
44
TRAUMA AVERTED WHCC’s new trauma centre officially opens its doors
FREE
THAT ’80S SHOW PSS take on The Wedding Singer is a throwback to the age FARE of mullets BUS
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
What if riding the bus were
free?
Ziptrek Ecotours is now hiring:
Zipline Tour Guides Positions starting in April Staff Housing Available Apply online on: whistler.ziptrek.com/careers/
TRANSIT SAYING ‘NO FARES’ COULD MAKE PUBLIC SPEEDING UP BETTER AND STREETS SAFER, WHILE ON BOARD? CLIMATE AND JUSTICE PROGRESS. WHO’S
No end in sight for ROAD 29.11 LONGISSUE MARCH 17, 2022
14
transit strike
16
CIVIL SUIT
Whistler Blackcomb
ZINE.COM WWW.PIQUE NEWSMAGA LANGUAGE SLCC exhibit
48
vaccine policy leads to lawsuit
LIVING
FREE
highlights First Nations languages
BETTER FUTURES
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.
Time for
Indigenous Futurism ous musicians and Today’s Indigen s tomorrow’s memorie filmmakers unearth
14
BUSINESS DRIVER MARCH
Whistler 24, 2022 ISSUE resolution 29.12 businesses hope for transit
15
Wages are going up—both in B.C. and at Vail Resorts
WAGE LIFT
38
Local shops collaborate on vintage pop-up
VINTAGE EMPIRE
WWW.PIQ UENEWSM
AGAZINE .COM
FRE E
LIFE EXPERIEN CES
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 Af ter
CO VI
D-1
in my 9 ria d wa up en de d ed uc ys , loc inc rea ati on al sin gly loo kin stu de nts are pu rsu g at a e the ir pa ssi ga p ye on s ar to
JOIN THE MONGOLIE CREW!
We are hiring:
CHEFS (FT OR PT) for the summer season and beyond
Hourly wage + tips, flexible schedule, fun & fast-paced work environment, staff meals. Come see us with your resume or email it to careers@mongoliegrill.com MARCH 31, 2022
BACK TO BUSI
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM/JOBS
THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS
ARE YOU READY TO JOIN US? Room Attendant | Overnight Cleaner | Laundry Attendant Steward | Night Steward | Commis 1 | Demi Chef de Partie *For immediate start
Red Door Bistro is looking for bussers
BENEFITS $500 signing bonus | Career development | On shift meals Staff housing | Employee rate & free rooms at other FS locations
No experience required. Full-time or part-time available. $15.20/hour plus tips. Staff meal every shift and staff discounts in Roland’s Pub. Email resume to info@reddoorbistro.ca
H I G H M O U N TA I N BREWING CO. BREWHOUSE WHISTLER, BC
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
We've Got You Covered
Please come by with your resume or apply via email to mvedan@mjg.ca
4355 BLACKCOMB WAY
WHISTLER, BC, V0N 1B4
[Restaurant Floor Manager] The ultimate TRIO! Work with our supportive + fun + professional Food & Beverage Manager and Assistant Manager
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)
FREE GOLF + health and other benefits + progressive perks + Whistler’s Best Patio
• Supervisor, Building Operations • Maintenance Technician • Specialist, Research (Contract)
Join the Nicklaus North family; start in April or May Flexible schedule with trio leadership structure Dreamy winter schedule/lifestyle Inquire: jgordon@golfbc.com
• 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.
46 MARCH 31, 2022
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BLACK'S HOT WHEELS is now hiring:
Become part of a creative team and surround yourself with art
Full Time Service Writer
• Monday to Friday • Located in downtown Pemberton • Competitive wages • Work with fun and happy people • Long term and immediate start
The Audain Art Museum is currently seeking:
Send resume to blackshotwheels@shawbiz.ca
Visitor Services Associate
Award winning Landscape Design and Maintenance
Part-time, 1-3 shifts per week
2022 season and beyond
Landscape Gardener/ Horticulturist
Guards
- Whistler, BC
Join our team and the awesome gardens we care for!
Part-time, predominantly weekends
4-day work, 3 days off - Great training opportunities We work and have fun - Get fit and learn! Wages depend on skills and experience + benefits avail. April 15 - end October, year-end bonus Team player, Experience + Horticulture certificate ideal
For complete job descriptions and to apply visit audainartmuseum.com/employment
Emails only please: info@heikedesigns.com
WILDWOOD IS HIRING: FT EXPERIENCED LINE COOK
CONTACT bob@wildwoodrestaurants.ca TO APPLY
is now hiring for
Assistant Maintenance Manager & Guest Service Agent These dynamic roles include the following Perks and Benefits:
R001408475
Glacier Media Group is growing. Check our job board regularly for the latest openings: www.glaciermedia.ca/careers
We’re Hiring!
Carpenters, Foreman, Project Managers
• Full-Time, Year Round positions • Competitive Wages and Benefits • Extended Medical Benefits • Staff Housing Available 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.
$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
MARCH 31, 2022
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS
L
H
Join the Team !
HILTON WHISTLER RESORT & SPA IS CURRENTLY HIRING FOR THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS:
GUEST SERVICE AGENT
FOOD & BEVERAGE HOST
MANAGER IN TRAINING
FOOD & BEVERAGE SERVER
ASSISTANT FRONT OFFICE MANAGER
FOOD & BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR
NIGHT AUDITOR
FOOD & BEVERAGE MANAGER
NIGHT AUDIT SUPERVISOR
KITCHEN STEWARD
ROOM ATTENDANT
CHEF DE PARTIE
NIGHT HOUSE ATTENDANT
1ST COOK
EXECUTIVE HOUSEKEEPER
2ND COOK
MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN CASUAL BANQUET SERVERS
Email your cover letter and resume to hr@hiltonwhistler.com
WE OFFER AMAZING EMPLOYEE PERKS & BENEFITS! · Staff Accommodation · Life & Leisure Program · Extended Health Benefits · Free On-Site Staff Parking · Free Staff Meals · Tuition Reimbursement Program · Retirement Savings Program · 50% Discount in our Food & Beverage outlets · Team Member Travel Discount (including Friends & Family Benefits)
AC
EL
KC O
M B
B
PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM/JOBS
ICOPTER
S
BLACKCOMB HELICOPTERS STORES ASSISTANT Job Location:
BHLP Pemberton Base - 1850 Airport Road, Pemberton B.C.
Status:
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 is part of the Aircraft Maintenance Department assisting in all areas that arise out of the day to day running of our helicopter operation. Duties include but are not limited to: assisting with inventory and counts, expediting parts for overhaul and repair, tracking incoming and outgoing freight, preparing reports on aircraft parts, organization and maintenance of stores rooms, input and transcription of technical records, maintenance of aviation software systems, and other duties as required. QUALIFICATIONS • • • • • • •
Excellent accuracy with data input and extremely detail-oriented; Previous experience in the aviation industry a definite asset; Firm knowledge of Microsoft Excel and Word programs, as well as ability to learn new computer systems quickly; Excellent interpersonal skills and superior customer service skills; Strong organizational and time management skills; Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment with a great sense of humour; Legally able to work within Canada.
This is a position of approximately 40 hours per week, however, we will require flexibility in terms of days worked as weekend work may be required due to the nature of our business. We offer an excellent benefits package, RRSP matching, and a great work environment. Renumeration will commensurate with experience. 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 stores@blackcombhelicopters.com noting Stores Assistant Application in your subject header.
Now hiring for the following positions:
HOTEL MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN FULL & PART TIME YEARS & TYPE OF EXPERIENCE REQUIRED Essential • Previous maintenance experience. • Knowledge of electrical and mechanical systems. • Previous experience with related machinery and hand tools. • Painting and general handyperson repair experience. • Excellent interpersonal skills. • Observational skills. • Troubleshooting ability. • Ability to prioritize.
Essential Preferred • Previous hotel maintenance experience in a four-five-star hotel. • Pool Maintenance Certification and experience. • Journeyman papers in one of the following: carpentry, electrical, plumbing, HVAC or a similar designation.
Discover new opportunities and embark on a career in Hospitality with Pan Pacific Whistler. To apply, please submit your cover letter and resume to careers.ppwhi@panpacific.com
48 MARCH 31, 2022
CREATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE? WORK WITH US! We are currently recruiting for:
Front of House Coordinator (full-time) Applications considered as received.
APPLY TODAY! Job descriptions at artswhistler.com/careers
Apply to: getinvolved@artswhistler.com attn: Mo Douglas Maury Young Arts Centre | 604.935.8410
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ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A PLACE TO WORK WITH FLEXIBLE SCHEDULES, GREAT DISCOUNTS, LEGENDARY STAFF EVENTS AND PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES TO LEARN AND GROW?
NOW HIRING: BACK OF HOUSE POSITIONS KITCHEN STAFF - UP TO $25/HR + TIPS
To apply, email your resume to whistler@kegrestaurants.com or come in-person Sunday – Thursday from 4:00pm-5:30pm for an on-the-spot interview. LOCAL EATERIES SPOTLIGHT
BOOK NOW FOR THE
2022/2023 EDITION
EVENTS THINGS TO DO MAPS BUSINESS DIRECTORY AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
Sales deadline April 27th Contact your sales rep at 604.938.0202 today! MARCH 31, 2022
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THE FIRST PLACE TO LOOK FOR LOCAL JOB OPENINGS
The Whistler Chamber of Commerce is looking for two experienced and driven individuals to join our team!
DIRECTOR, STRATEGIC IMPLEMENTATION The Director, Strategic Implementation oversees all operational aspects of the Whistler Chamber’s strategic plan, supports the CEO to set and initiate growth objectives and is responsible for the flow of operations information to the CEO that helps inform the board. • Leadership - Leads with integrity, honesty, humility, and a clear focus • Member Value - Develops programs and services that meet the current and evolving needs of our Members
NOW HIRING!
• Business Development - Ensures annual business strategy and initiatives are effectively implemented • Strategic Implementation - Supports CEO in the implementation of the Strategic Plan
Cooks, Dishwashers, Food Expeditors, Hosts, Bartenders, Servers, Server Assistants
• Financial Management - Supports the CEO in the organizations financial well-being
MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
we provide our staff with:
The Marketing & Communications Manager is at the centre of the action, delivering sharp, fresh content that keeps Whistler Chamber Members dialed-in, supported, and learning. In partnership with the CEO, this role manages the overall brand identity and content of the Whistler Chamber.
Competitive Wages, Health Benefits, Gratuities, Employee Discounts and Staff Housing
PLEASE SUBMIT YOUR RESUME TO: CAREERS@ILCAMINETTO.CA
• Marketing & Communications - Responsible for leadership and strategy on all communications and marketing initiatives • Campaign Strategy & Management - Prepares and executes marketing campaigns for all Whistler Chamber products and services • Strategic Implementation - Prepares and manages long term strategic direction for Marketing & Communications
We've Got You Covered VISITORS’ GUIDE 2017-2018 FREE
• Digital Engagement- Engages and builds strong relationships with Members and the community on all digital channels For full details, visit the Job Board on Whistlerchamber.com
Diamond Resorts Canada Ltd., 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
50 MARCH 31, 2022
We offer competitive wages, a unique environment, seasonal bonuses, staff discounts and benefits. Ask about accommodation.
EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, APPLY TODAY!
To apply for either position, please submit your resume and cover letter to chamber@whistlerchamber.com by Monday, April 11th, 2022.
Come Grow Sport with us at our Whistler Olympic Legacy Venues
Whistler Sliding Centre (Bobsleigh, Luge & Skeleton) Manager, Sport
Visit our website to view current postings and to apply: www.whistlersportlegacies.com/careers
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Now Hiring
We’ve got a job you’ll love.
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:
Resort Municipality of Whistler
Employment Opportunities ·· Legislative and Privacy Coordinator Lifeguard/Swim Instructor
•·· Program Bear Smart Program Assistant Leader Skate Host
Instructor •·· Lifeguard/Swim Custodial Guard Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Supervisor Waste Technician Labourer Village Maintenance •·· Solid Labourer III-–Roads · Accountant
and Public Services Specialist •· Youth Labourer I - Horticulture
Whistler’s premier visitor magazine is on stands now!
Look for our Winter 2022 Issue! Find it on select stands and in Whistler hotel rooms.
• Labourer I - Irrigation
Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers
• Labourer I - Village Services
• Student Labourer I - Horticulture •Resort Student Labourer I - Irrigation Municipality of
Whistler
Employment Opportunities
• Student Labourer I - Turf
•· Legislative Program Leader Myrtle Philip Community Centre and- Privacy Coordinator
· Lifeguard/Swim Instructor
Leader •·· Program PlannerHost - Development Skate
Instructor Wastewater Treatment •·· Lifeguard/Swim Wastewater Operator I Plant Process Supervisor · Solid Waste Technician ·· Accountant Youth and Public Services Specialist
I – Village Maintenance •· Labourer Youth Leader
Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers MARCH 31, 2022
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are hiring an
Overnight Support Worker to help us end youth homelessness
INSURANCE ADVISOR TRAINEE
We've Got You Covered
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. 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 Learn more at can61e2.dayforcehcm.com/CandidatePortal/en-US/ westlandcorp/Posting/View/3142 or email us at jobs@westlandinsurance.ca
52 MARCH 31, 2022
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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
Sales Associates Positions Available!
At the Liquor Distribution Branch (LDB) our vision of ‘Service. Relationships. Results.’ is all about providing a valued service, building strong relationships with our stakeholders, and achieving greater results for the province. The LDB is one of two branches of government responsible for the cannabis and liquor industry of B.C. We operate the wholesale distribution of beverage alcohol within the province, as well as the household retail brand of BC Liquor Stores. We employ nearly 5,000 people in over 200 communities and have been named one of BC’s Top Employers 14 times over for offering exceptional places to work rooted in values of fairness and respect, work-life balance, and inclusion and diversity. We believe that our people are our greatest asset. Being a reputable employer with programs of skills training and professional development are what attract candidates to BC Liquor Stores, while our progressive, forward-thinking culture is why employees with a growth mindset thrive. Auxiliary positions are on-call, meaning hours of work are not guaranteed and subject to availability. Some auxiliary employees may not initially work a full 35-hour week, but with more hours worked and more seniority gained, more opportunities for more hours of work will follow.
www.whistlerexcavations.com
The Sea to Sky corridor’s top civil construction company. We are currently recruiting professionally minded people to join our team: Equipment Operators • Class 1 Truck Drivers Pipe Layers • Construction Labourers *Competitive wages, extended health benefits (after 3 months) Email resume to: info@whistlerexcavations.com
Auxiliary positions are not permanent full-time but can lead to permanent full-time opportunities with a very competitive total compensation package, including a comprehensive pension plan, medical and dental coverage (including massage and physiotherapy), tuition reimbursement and scholarship programs, and access to public service employee benefits including career support services, financial and legal services, and employee and family counselling. We are dedicated to the highest quality of customer service, delivered with friendliness, individual pride, initiative, and retail passion! If you fit this description and you are prepared to work in a fast-paced environment, we encourage you to apply to become a part of the Whistler area BC Liquor Stores. To be eligible, applicants must meet the following qualification requirements: • • • • • • • •
Be at least 19 years of age Be able to legally work in Canada Be able to provide excellent customer service Be able to communicate effectively and professionally with the public Be able to demonstrate aptitude for cashier and related duties, including calculations Be able to perform physically demanding work, including lifting 20-25 kg boxes Have a valid Serving It Right Certificate™ A Criminal Record Check is required.
BC Liquor Store Sales Associates may be required to operate a variety of mechanical and hand-operated equipment, in addition to handling large volumes of bottles as part of the LDB’s recycling program. The Pinnacle Hotel Whistler has the following positions available:
HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR
STARTING RATE $25 P/H
ROOM ATTENDANTS STARTING RATE OF $23 P/H
Please reply by email: parmstrong@pinnaclehotels.ca
For exciting and challenging retail opportunities, please apply online at: http://bcliquorstores.prevueaps.ca/pages/openings/ Or apply in person at: Whistler Marketplace 101-4360 Lorimer Rd, Whistler On November 1, 2021 the BC Public Service announced the COVID-19 Vaccination Policy that defines the conditions and expectations for BC Public Service employees regarding vaccination against COVID-19. Among other possible measures, proof of vaccination will be required. It is a term of acceptance of employment that you agree to comply with all vaccination requirements that apply to the public service. More information can be found here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/careers-myhr/all-employees/safety-healthwell-being/health/covid-19/covid-19-vaccination-policy-for-bc-public-service-employees
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Lil’wat Nation
Employment Opportunities
Reach Your Full Potential OPPORTUNITIES DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE & CULTURE FOOD & BEVERAGE SUPERVISOR SOUS CHEF SALES COORDINATOR HOUSEKEEPING COORDINATOR OVERNIGHT HOUSEKEEPING SUPERVISOR OVERNIGHT LOSS PREVENTION OFFICER
GUEST SERVICES SUPERVISOR OVERNIGHT GUEST SERVICES SUPERVISOR GUEST SERVICES MANAGER OVERNIGHT GUEST SERVICES MANAGER RESERVATIONS AGENTS SHIPPER/RECEIVER 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
• Administrative Assistant to Health Director • Career Development Practitioner - Ts’zil • Data Technician - Ullus • Early Childhood Educator and/or Assistant - Daycare • Early Childhood Educator Infant Toddler - Daycare • Elementary On-Call Teacher - Xet’olacw Community School • Family Enhancement Worker - Ullus • Homemaker - Lil’wat Health and Healing • Indigenous Support Worker - Ts’zil Learning Centre • Kindergarten Teacher - Xet’olacw Community School • Payroll and Benefits Administrator - Ullus • Project Coordinator - Xet’olacw Community School • Project Manager for Health • Receptionist - Ullus • Receptionist-Ts’zil
Benefits Pension Plan Employee Assistance Program Extended Health Benefits Professional Development Gym facility Please visit our career page for more information: lilwat.ca/careers/career-opportunities-2/
Fairmont Chateau Whistler - Enjoy Your Summer Outdoors
You’ll showcase the natural beauty of the environment in which our guests visit! With your attention to detail you will care and maintain ornamental plants, shrubs and trees on the hotel grounds and selected golf course sites.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE • Knowledge of the characteristics and cultural requirements of ornamental plants, shrubs and trees adapted to the region is an asset • Must have knowledge and experience or skills in basic gardening or other horticulture related areas • A valid BC Driver’s license with a clean record is required
WIDE OPEN WELDING IS LOOKING FOR AN EXPERIENCED STEEL ERECTOR/WELDER. *Housing options are available for the right candidate. Renumeration is based on experience. Please forward your resume to contactus@wideopenwelding.com
54 MARCH 31, 2022
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PERKS & BENEFITS • • • • •
Discounted hotel stays Participation in our Wellness Program Extended medical benefits Daily staff meals Career growth opportunity
APPLY TODAY CAREERS.ACCOR.COM
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8 JOIN OUR 2TEAM!9 Encore 6 is currently hiring 9 the following 3 positions for Whistler! 6 4 8 We also offer amazing health benefits! 3
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For more information, please search our Encore Job Opportunities page at the below link. https://jobs.encoreglobal.com/search-jobs/Whistler
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environment and offer a flexible HARD work schedule.
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9 5 3 2 8 1 2 6 Please e-mail a recent resumé to: 1 5 7 4 3 6 9 7
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thebreadbunker@gmail.com www.sudoku.com
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WE AR
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#7
JOB ROLE: • Production of raw product to be baked at café location • Delivery of items to the shop location • Communication with food suppliers to order ingredients • Adhering to foodsafe policies • Quality control • Inventory management • Training new team members • Permanent position (30-40 hours per week) • $25 p/h THE CANDIDATE: • Minimum 1 year supervisor/ #5 7 9management 1 3 6 8 4experience 5 2 • Passion for food • valid driver’s 4 3 6 license 5 2 1 9 8 7 2 work 8 5 alone 4 7 9 1 3 6 • Self motivated and able to 2 8 9 3 6 5 7 4 • Organised with good time1 management 6 4speaking 7 8 1 5 2 9 3 • Attention to detail • English
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7 4 2 HIRING We're hiring in Whistler and Squamish 4 8 5 1 9 3 7 1 Heavy Duty Equipment Mechanic 2 1 4Civil Construction Labourer/Pipe 1 Layer • Gravel Truck 8 Driver 9 In search of 2 English speaking 5 1 8 5 Heavy Equipment Operator full-time cooks/supervisors for our Function kitchen to 5prepare food3 2 9 7 secure.collage.co/jobs/coastalmountain to be baked at our café location. APPLY We provide 6 9a relaxed work 3 5 8 6 4 2 We’re a locally owned café located at Nesters, offering take-out coffee, sandwiches and baked goods made in house.
104-7015 Nesters Road, Whistler, BC, V8E 0X1 604-935-2277
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#7 #8 2 3 4 9 8 5 7 6 1 www.whistlerwag.com 2 7 4 5 6 9 8 3 7 4 3 6 5 9 1 2 9 8 3 1 7 2 6 5 4 5 9 7 1 2 8 4 3 5 6 4 9 8 3 1 7 2 4 8 2 5 3 6 9 1 3 1 6 2 4 7 5 9 8 1 It’s 6 8 7 9 3 5 4 7 9 8town. 6 5 3 2 1 not fun to step in, or to see 4around 9 Help 5 6 keep 4 1 Whistler 7 2 8 clean and pick 8 5 up 2 after 3 1 your 9 4 dog. 6 7 6 1 5 3 7 2 8 9 2 3 8 5 9 1 7 4 6 3 2 9 8 4 1 6 7 7 4 5 6 3 8 2 1 9 8 7 1 2 6 4 3 5 6 9 1 7 2 4 8 3 5
Don’t forget to scoop the poop!
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Relax... we have the perfect job
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
WE ARE HIRING FOR INDOOR AND OUTDOOR POSITIONS FULL TIME AND PART TIME NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED WE OFFER... Competitive wage | Employee discount | Bath membership | Staff housing upon availability | Free massage after 3 months | Extended health benefits Apply at hr.whistler@scandinave.com or at www.scandinave.com/careers/
EXCITING CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, APPLY TODAY! Diamond Resorts Canada Ltd., Whistler, BC
Full Time Front Desk Agent Full Time & Part Time Housekeepers 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
56 MARCH 31, 2022
• 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
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WE ARE HIRING
Part-time Labourers and Full-time Scaffolder/Carpenter
PLAY HERE
• Great working atmosphere with a fun crew operating in the Sea to Sky corridor • Competitive wage negotiable based on experience • Experience preferred but not mandatory for Labourer position • Internal paid training • Physical ability to complete the tasks; heavy lifting, bending, reaching etc. is required on a daily basis • Schedule is typically Monday – Friday 7am-3pm
DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH
Send cover letter and resume to admin@alpinescaffolding.com
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WE ARE
HIRING Senior Environmental Specialist Regular Full-Time Director of Public Works Regular Full-Time Recreation Program Leader Regular Part-Time Financial Services Specialist Regular Full-Time Human Resources Advisor Regular Full-Time Engineering Technician Temporary Full-Time Chief Operator WWTP Regular Full-Time Clerical and Administrative Support Casual
squamish.ca/careers
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. We have several significant projects currently in progress across Whistler and we are looking for individuals who are keen to build a rewarding career with a company that values quality workmanship. We are currently hiring for Finish Carpenters, Carpenters, Apprentices, and Labourers. 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
If you love what you do and have a desire to work on architecturally-beautiful and sophisticated while growing your career with a renowned Whistler builder, please get in touch.
custom homes
You can send your resume to info@evrfinehomes.com and can view our work at www.evrfinehomes.com. We look forward to hearing from you!
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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. 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
We are looking to hire another member to our team at Straightline. 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.
DOUG BUSH
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
CURRENTLY HIRING 1ST COOK
Min 2 years experience, competitive wages, tips and dinner Limited use of golf pass at Chateau Whistler
HOUSEKEEPING
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
58 MARCH 31, 2022
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JOIN OUR TEAM
Experienced Service Plumbers / Gas Fitters Required
Full Time - Long Term - Immediate start Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton Competitive Wage Package + Incentives Company Vehicle, Phone + Uniforms Provided
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.
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
Be a part of an amazing team as our newest Digital Account Representative! We have a rare opportunity to work at one of Canada’s best-read online newsmedia companies, Glacier Media. You will be part of the Pique Newsmagazine team, a division of Glacier Media. In your role you will consult with local businesses to offer cutting edge marketing solutions: programmatic, social media, SEO, sponsored content and community display advertising on our website and yes, we still reach customers through our trusted newspaper as well. What we are looking for • • • • •
You are comfortable making cold calls and setting up/leading meetings with new and existing clients. A self-starter with a consultative selling approach working with clients planning both digital and print advertising campaigns. Building and maintaining client relationships with your exceptional communication skills comes easy to you. You are a goal orientated individual with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn. You possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to multitask in a fast-paced environment.
What we offer is seeking
CLASS 4 DRIVERS, full-time, part-time or casual.
* Flexible Schedule & Hours * Taxi, Gas, Maintenance & Insurance Provided * New Eco Friendly Fleet * Toyota Highlanders / AWD * Get Paid Weekly Whistler Resort Cabs will assist the right candidates in acquiring their Class 4 License. For Inquiry please call Jazzy directly at 1 (604) 815-9863.
• • •
Competitive salary + uncapped commission package. Comprehensive / competitive group health and welfare benefits Extensive onboarding training and ongoing support.
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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BLINDS ETC.
BLINDS ETC.
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WINDOW COVERINGS
BLINDS ETC.
Whistler’s Source for Blinds since 1989
Custom Blinds • Shades • Draperies
• BLINDS • SHADES
• SHUTTERS • DRAPERY
Connie Griffiths Tel: 604-935-2101 Email: windowcov@shaw.ca www.whistlerwindowcoverings.ca
Custom Window Treatments Contact us today for a free quote or consultation info@suncrestwindowcoverings.com
604.698.8406
CARPET CLEANING
CHIMNEY
BLACK BEAR CARPET CLEANING LTD.
BLACKCOMB CHIMNEY PATROL LTD. Serving Whistler since 1986
• Carpets • Upholstery • Tiles • Car Interiors
• Furnace • Airducts • Dryer vents
www.blackbearcarpetcleaning.ca • 604 698 6610
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• • • •
Wood blinds Sunscreens Shades Motorization
www.summersnow.ca
ummer
Snow Finishings Limited
CLEANING
Specialized in cleaning
Chimneys, Furnace & Airducts, Dryer vents.
100% ECO FRIENDLY CERTIFIED
David Weldon david@summersnow.ca 604-938-3521
Coast Mountain Cleaning • Full service cleaning • Residential & Commercial • Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning • Property Maintenance • Established 2011 We follow all VCH, Min of Health and WHO Covid 19 protocols
Insured & Bondable • Criminal background checks on all staff
604.932.1388 / 1.877.932.5775 blackcombchimney@yahoo.ca
604-966-1437
coastmountaincleaning@gmail.com
We use tea tree oil based cleaning products.
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Call Pique at (604) 938-0202, or email sales@piquenewsmagazine.com Available for private viewings. Tel: 604-868-0117 7322 Old Mill rd, Pemberton,bc
GLASS
HEATING AND COOLING
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THE COMPLETE GLASS CENTRE
FOR ALL YOUR HOUSEHOLD & COMMERCIAL NEEDS
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• Carpentry • Tiling • Drywall Repairs • Texture Finishing • Renovations • Installation • Painting • Plumbing • Snow Removal • Appliance Repairs Ask Us About • Mine Sweeping Your Home
Residential/Commercial Heat Pumps Boilers-Furnaces-Chillers Design Build Call us today! 778-994-3159 www.westerntechnical.net
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www.birdhouseservices.com BirdhouseServices@gmail.com
SURVEYING
SURVEYING
BUNBURY & ASSOCIA BC LAND SURVEYORS
Serving the Sea to Sky Corridor Since 1963 Our paint team has over 25 years combined paint sales experience, and we can help you get things right the first time. Now offering In Home Paint Consultations! Pemberton Valley Rona. Let us help you love where you live.
Book your in-home leen Consultation with Col today!
604-894-6240 7426 Prospect St, Pemberton
60 MARCH 31, 2022
▪ ▪ ▪
Phone: 604-932-3770
Surveys Surveys
▪ ▪ ▪
North Vancouver to Lillooet
Surveys Plans
find us on
Surveys
www.bunbury-surveys.com SQUAMISH OFFICE #207 - 38026 Second Avenue Phone: 604-892-3090 email: squamish@bunbury-surveys.com
DOUG BUSH SURVEY SERVICES LTD DOUGLAS J BUSH AScT, RSIS p: 604-932-3314 c: 604-935-9515 Engineering & construction layout Topographic & site improvement surveys Municipal, volumetric & hydrographic surveys GPS - global positioning systems www.dbss.ca // dougb@dbss.ca
PUZZLES ACROSS 1 6 11 15 20 21 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 35 39 41 42 44 45 48 51 52 55 59 60 62 63 64 67 68 70 72 73 75
Jeer Instruct Aussie rock group Distance down Esteem Cool bower Seraglio Stan’s comic foil Outlandish Demeanors As -- -- (generally) Andes ruminant Iridescent gems Sampras of tennis Presage Vessel Freeload Computer network Danube city Bleachers sound Car wash step Capone foe Astronaut -- Shepard Neeson of the movies Skosh Egret cousin Wool producers Old French coin Lacking curves Reek This, in Latin Organizes Breathe hard Island welcomes Porcelain In progress Yothers or Sinatra Pub pints
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Dainty ornament Come to a halt Frisbee One of two Mineral analyses Bath scrubber Polar show Marbles Orchestra’s thing One-sidedness Border patrol org. Hum Years and years “Out, cat!” ICU worker Pump parts Languages Ave. crossers Starbucks orders Ernesto Guevara Slows down Truisms NFL events Genetic material Spanish “that” Summer on the Seine Dangerous curve Chimneys Subatomic particles Transported NYSE worker Mariachi wear Musical notes Graduates Landscape College maj. Easily duped one Madame Bovary Ski mecca
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Talon Sweater letter Lillie or Arthur Carnivore’s delight (hyph.) Gave a portent of Host’s plea Suggestive look Night follower Bluish-gray feline Cram Fugitive Threw Had occasion for Most congenial Lady PABA part
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Furthest bound Epochs Durable fabric Famous Chilling Recognized Jazz instruments Commotion (hyph.) All’s opposite Homer’s instrument Flight dir. Floppy takers
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: HARD
7 3 9 5
7 4 9 3 1 9
8
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HARD Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com # 8
ANSWERS ON PAGE 55
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MAXED OUT
The dark side of sport THE CANADIAN federal government, through Sport Canada, spends about $3.5 million annually to promote participation in sport for children and youth, largely through ParticipACTION and other programs, some of which also receive private funds. Fair enough. Participation in sports is a positive thing for a number of reasons. It gets kids away from their devices and gets them moving. Team sports contribute generously to the socialization of children and youth, to—hopefully—their developing an understanding of fair play, group effort, winning and losing, all things that are likely
BY G.D. MAXWELL to make them more well-rounded, more successful adults. Money well spent. That’s an assumption on my part, because wherever there is government money to be spent there are people who failed somewhere along the line to develop those concepts of fair play and group effort. Scoundrels. Cheats. Sore losers. An interest in sports at a young age, and the chance to succeed or fail at various sports, sow the seeds of what can be a lifetime’s interest. Very few will, for example, ever dribble a basketball for an NBA team, but I recall any number of people sporting significant grey hair playing pick-up ball at the Y or on the courts of various universities I attended. Ditto beer league softball, soccer, ultimate frisbee, et al. Weekly on the mountains, there are folks who’ve been around long enough to collect Old Age Security cheques who take part in the Valley Race Series. Their love of sport has stuck with them for a lifetime. The funds spent on children and youth sport pale to insignificance compared to the federal dollars spent on elite-level sports. Sport Canada spends about $180 million— some 50 times more—channelling funds to the Athlete Assistance Program (national team athletes), Sport Support Program (sports organizations) and the Hosting Program (Canada Games and international sports events). Just to be clear, that funding does not include the hundreds of millions of dollars spent on Own the Podium, a program established for the 2010 Winter Olympics to salve the Canadian psyche for hosting two previous Olympics with no gold to show for the effort. In the overall scheme of things one might consider the totality of sports spending a drop in the bucket. Or a waste of money. High-level sports have been in the news lately. Frequently. Not for accomplishments on the field of play. Not for reasons to celebrate. Not for glory. The news has been about abuse.
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Sexual. Psychological. Physical. Bullying. Discrimination. Maltreatment. Wilful blindness. All-too-human behaviour, fuelled by money, power, powerlessness, blind ambition, fear of missing out, dreams of glory. Most recently, gymnasts. Before that, bobsleigh and skeleton sliders. Before that, synchronized swimmers. Elite athletes all. This is probably a good time to hang a target on my back—front—and state my own belief that participation in athletics taken to the Olympic level constitutes a psychological malady. Any activity that allconsuming is pretty much the definition of an obsession, if not obsessive-compulsive disorder as defined in The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. The thing that saves elite athletics is, tautologically, sport itself. Sport-based obsessions are given a pass because, well,
can’t stop thinking about, dreaming about. If it’s a sport, no problem. If it isn’t, your folks are going to send you to a shrink. And even if it is a sport, you might be in trouble. If you’re not interested in competition, not interested in Olympic gold, the fact you spend 10 hours a day in the gym or pool or on the track is likely to be looked on less favourably. Probably considered nutty behaviour. So what happens when that kind of obsession bumps up against those all-toohuman behaviours? Sometimes nothing. Let’s not tar the current allegations with too broad a brush. I’ve known elite athletes who, other than their obsession with their sport, were perfectly well-adjusted human beings. I’m not sure the exception proves the rule. But I’m not sure it doesn’t. But when you take that desire, mix it in with the funding, colour it with the hopes
These stories repeat as often as tales of sexual abuse by priests. And the results are frequently the same. they’re sports. No better reason. You want to spend 10 hours a day doing something over and over and over again that bumps up against the ability of your body to actually do it? No problem... as long as it’s a sport. And you dream of winning an Olympic medal. You want to participate in something that completely disrupts your daily life—and quite possibly the life of your family—something that causes personal distress if you don’t do it to the point it disrupts your daily life, something you
of international success, add a soupçon of national pride, you have a pretty good Petri dish for abuse. Success at any price. Coaches who push their athletes until they drop. Physically. Psychologically. Coaches who know their continued employment depends on the success of their athletes. Athletes who know their goals depend on their continued access to coaches, trainers, medical staff, sports psychologists. Who know their parents want them to succeed as badly as they want to succeed. Sometimes even more.
Who let coaches berate them, touch them inappropriately, even worse, because they’re afraid if they speak up they’ll be washed out. Coaches who fail to control their devils and sexually abuse their athletes. Belittle them and discriminate against them because they are the “other.” Coaches who feed them baloney about their bodies, their diet, their motivation or lack thereof. These stories repeat as often as tales of sexual abuse by priests. And the results are frequently the same. Cover it up. Deny it. Pretend it’ll go away. Stonewall. Sports bodies, whose very existence depends on continued success and access to money, don’t want this to be the story. They want sport and success and happy competitors to be the story. They’ll do anything to make these stories go away. Anything except believe the allegations when athletes become brave enough—or retired enough—to make them. And so now the federal Minister of Sport, Pascale St-Onge, says her office will be, “taking a closer look at how the governing bodies of more than 60 sports in Canada operate.” What? She doesn’t read the newspapers? “We are looking to strengthen how we monitor the responsibilities of organizations to keep their athletes safe, and we will hold organizations accountable if they fall short of expectations,” she said. Hard to do when it’s those very organizations that investigate allegations brought by athletes. Hard to do when those organizations rely on government money to keep doing what they’re doing. Maybe better to just take the funding away. Reduce sport to sport. Encourage people to engage in sport for the pure enjoyment of playing the game, enjoying the activity, enriching their lives, playing for life, not for glory. As if. ■
It is with great pleasure to Welcome It is with great pleasure to Welcome
Jenna, Connie, Jane, Jeremy & Allie Merideth, Sherry & Justine to to Engel & Völkers Whistler Engel & Völkers Whistler
Jenna Franze Jane Frazee Merideth Connie Spear Real Estate Schutter Advisor Real Estate Advisor
Jeremy Fairley Sherry Boyd Real Estate Advisor
Allie Smith Justine Levenberg Real Estate Advisor
Jenna’s for real estate began 11 years Realpassion Estate Advisor ago when she purchased her first home in Merideth started hershe real estate careermany in Ontario. Since then has purchased 2004 quickly became one ofVancouver the top homesand across Canada including, 1% agents in Sky. Vancouver. After many andsales up the Sea to Her experience with years of selling estate, co-founding renovating andreal decorating made each Qi Integrated Health along side husband, property stand out. Jenna hasher a record and launching technology platform, of selling each ahome above any market PROtect. Smart Personal Safety, Merideth comparable, breaking every record to date. and her family were craving a quieter, more Jenna left her corporate sales job of 12 years to outdoorsy lifestyle to raise their children. pursue her dream of real estate. Having lived Whistler was the ultimate choice as Merideth on the west coast for 8 years, she found her grew up skiing in Whistler and knew the town forever home in Squamish, BC. She spends her well. The ideal work/life balance. In 2018 they spear time renovating, decorating, running an made the permanent move to the mountains Airbnb rental and enjoyingtext the great outdoors. reduce and have not looked back. Recently Merideth Squamish onlyis45 mins to 30 joined E&Visand excited to Vancouver, share the luxury mins theher ski hill in Whistler. to 1000’s brandtowith clientele, both Access local and of hiking, biking and climbing trails. Coupled abroad. with people that live in the community makes Squamish one of the best places to live in the lower mainland.
Born and Estate raised in West Advisor Vancouver and Real Whistler, her family tradition in Whistler goes Bornto and raised inand Vancouver, Whistler has back the1960’s her familiarity with the always been be part of Connie’s After activeselling lifestyle. area cannot understated. her In 1999,successful she and her husband purchased their highly clothing manufacturing first vacation property in in Whistler never business, ‘Bravo for Kids’ the midand 1990’s, lookedReal back! Alongcareer with their 11-year-old Jane’s Estate began in West twin boys, they arehigh grateful to now call Vancouver’s end market. SheWhistler then moved home. Connie bringsin20 years of multimedia full time to Whistler 1999 where she held the sales and marketing prestigious record ofexperience the highestfrom real The estate Vancouver SunCanada and Province to Engel & sale in western from 2001-2003. Völkers. Jane has had decades of experience dealing Her core values align with giving back to her with sophisticated investors from all over community. She spent ten years volunteering the world in her manufacturing business and for both B.C. Children’s Hospital and B.C. in Real Estate. She continued successful texther “Your Cancer Agency.reduce Connie believes, home, career here in Whistler until 2014 when she including your vacation property, is your temporarily hung up her license to pursue a sanctuary, a place where you collect beautiful life long dream of sailing the high seas. After memories and is honoured to help create four years, 18 countries and over 10,000 miles those lasting memories for clients.” of ocean cruising, Jane has recently ended her ‘sailbatical’, returned to port and back to her
AReal concentrated, young professional working Estate Advisor towards being the perennial name in Luxury Sherry, never afraid is a true Real Estate in the SeaofToadventure, Sky corridor. west coast success story.inRaised in North Being the first baby born Whistler, and Vancouver, the Gulf Islands and Coast his father owning a high-end construction Mountains, her life of actionunderstands has ranged from business, Jeremy intricately the world class snowboarding, growing market and brings astunt rare performing and unique for film, to building a local talent agency and perspective to this world-class resort. Jeremy raisinginto herthe twobusiness boys with her husband and came identifying multiple local ski Boyd. Her tenacity to do issues in legend the realRob estate industry - particularly the job rightofshows through accounting in the realm marketing andher service, and and property management skills, which plans to elevate the entire process from also vaulted herup. to the Chief his of Finance position the ground Tailoring interpersonal for amarketing reputableskills localtowards corporation. Actionhe is and real estate, in Sherry’stoblood. It’sclient whatexpectations fuels her positive promises exceed and reduce text to build energylong-lasting and professional attitude deliver results. bridges for real estate success, to the point “I do not identify myself as an individual who is that she was awarded the Engel & Völkers in sales – Rather, I see myself in the business of Onyx award after only six months in the first-class service where clients’ needs are the industry. pivotal piece of the puzzle – Respect, integrity & honesty were traits I was raised with, and I &
Allie is a hard working driven professional; she Real Estate Advisor has a natural ability to connect and understand Justine’s as an of two the needsextensive of others.background Married, a mother entrepreneur, business coach, realAllie estate and a Whistler local for over tenand years, is investor has after givenfalling her a unique perspective living happily in love with Whistler’s on buyinglife. andHer selling homes. HerWhistler clients mountain years of calling are thebuying beneficiaries of her ofher own, home, and selling realbreadth estate of experience, as she ishas committed using and helping others, equippedto Allie with the her powersknowledge of negotiation ensure her experience, andto expertise to make clients receive theneeds best possible deal in every all your real estate come true. transaction. It is clear how passionate Allie is about the Helping others make strategic real estate entire Sea to Sky community, from Squamish moves is Justine’s passion in life and she to Pemberton, and everything these locations uses this passion to guide every decision she have to offer. Whether you’re planning to lay makes. Justine understands the intangible roots as Allie has, or looking to invest for partnature of finding your dream house and is time or rental use, Allie is excited to share what committed to working strategically with your she knows and loves with you. best interests at heart to help you find the home of your dreams.
Connie Spear 604-910-1103 Jane Frazee 604-935-2135 Connie.spear@evrealestate.com
Sherry Boyd 604-902-7220 Justine Levenberg 604-938-3886 Smith 604-xxx-xxxx Jeremy Fairley 604-935-9150 Allie Sherry.boyd@everealestate.com Justine.levenberg@evrealestate.com
Merideth Schutter 604-999-8665 Jenna Franze 604-345-5415 Merideth.schutter@evrealestate.com
WhistlerVillage VillageShop Shop Whistler
WhistlerCreekside CreeksideShop Shop Whistler
SquamishStation StationShop Shop Squamish
36-4314Main MainStreet Street··Whistler Whistler 36-4314 BCV8E V8E1A8 1A8··Phone Phone+1 +1604-932-1875 604-932-1875 BC
325-2063Lake LakePlacid PlacidRoad Road··Whistler Whistler 325-2063 BCV8E V8E0B6 0B6··Phone Phone+1 +1604-932-1875 604-932-1875 BC
150-1200Hunter HunterPlace Place··Squamish Squamish 150-1200 BCV8B V8B0G8 0G8··Phone Phone+1 +1778-733-0611 778-733-0611 BC
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Engel & Völkers Whistler *PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION ©2018 Engel & Völkers. All rights reserved. Each brokerage is independently owned and operated. All information provided is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed and should be independently verified.
3D Tour - rem.ax/301evolution
#301B - 2020 London Lane
3D Tour - rem.ax/31twinlakes
$375,000
Poolside two bedroom quartershare now available to purchase! 301B Evolution enjoys two weeks at Christmas this year. Bring your whole family or rent it out for excellent income. One of the most popular locations in the building, this end 2 bedroom, 2 bathroom 1013 sf 1/4 share suite enjoys brilliant light from extra windows. Pet friendly.
Denise Brown*
2
604.902.2033
#101 - 4338 Main Street
$499,000
$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
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.
Doug Treleaven
Madison Perry
604.905.8626
8345 Mountain View Drive
3D Tour - rem.ax/413alpenglow
$4,488,000
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
#413 - 4369 Main Street
$1,985,000
#75 - 4335 Northlands Blvd.
$449,000
Best Price in Alpenglow! This 4th floor studio with views of Sproat Mountain is a perfect little getaway and revenue generator. Located in the middle of Whistler Village, steps from Olympic Plaza, food and shopping, and a short walk from the ski hill. Complex includes a pool, hot tub and exercise room, and secure underground parking.
5
604.905.9337
3
778.919.7653
Matt Chiasson
.5
604.935.9171
3D Tour - rem.ax/75lagoons
#30 - 4375 Northlands Blvd.
$2,099,000
This is a “Business Only Purchase”. Extensive renovations in 2017, the latest in equipment upgrades, all inventory included, makes this transition into one of the top franchises in Canada seamless for the right owner. The Blenz Coffee shop location is a No Brainer, established here 25 years ago at what is the Coffee Corner of Whistler!
3D Tour - rem.ax/8345mtnview
#326 - 4360 Lorimer Road
#31 - 1200 Alta Lake Road
Price Reduced
$1,149,000
9202 Pinetree Lane
$1,699,000
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.
Cozy up by the fireplace after a day on the slopes or relax on the patio overlooking the lagoon after a fun day of golf or biking. This delightfully appointed ground floor one bedroom in Stoney Creek Lagoons features an open plan living/dining/kitchen area, gas fireplace, 4-piece bathroom, owner’s storage and in suite washer/dryer.
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.
Michael Nauss
Sally Warner*
Sherry Baker
2.5
604.932.9586
1
604.905.6326
604.932.1315
3D Tour - rem.ax/105wrc
#105A/B - 2129 Lake Placid Rd.
$1,050,000
RARE TURNKEY OPPORTUNITY IN THE Whistler Resort Complex in CREEKSIDE! Perfect for a private residence or investment potential! This 2 bedroom and 2 bathroom lock-off unit allows for the ultimate in versatility. Upgrades include a new kitchen, bathroom and flooring.
Ursula Morel*
604.932.8629
1
#602 - 4050 Whistler Way
$314,000
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.
Anastasia Skryabina
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
604.902.3292
.5
9333 Warbler Way
$1,275,000
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.
Ann Chiasson
604.932.7651
PEMBERTON OFFICE 1411 Portage Road, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L1 604.894.6616 or Toll Free 1.888.689.0070