Pique Newsmagazine 2947

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What’s in a name?

Just in time for opening day, revisit the stories behind the weird and wonderful ski-run names found on Whistler’s mountains. - By Sarah Drewery

14

GRAND OPENING

Pique sat down with Whistler Blackcomb’s COO ahead of opening day to chat staffing, traffic solutions, terrain and when that pesky Creeskide Gondola will finally be ready. 18 DREAM

34

BANK ON

DEFERRED

As Canadian Olympic officials urge B.C. to reconsider 2030 bid talks, provincial MLAs raise questions about the timing of a new Major Events MRDT tool.

STEWARD

A Q&A with the RMOW’s Heather Beresford, who retired last month after 27 years spent guiding the municipality’s ambitious environmental strategies.

52 GRAY DAY

From basketball prospect to national-level bobsledder, Duncan, B.C. brakeman Cyrus Gray is poised to make a splash at the IBSF World Cup in Whistler this month. 58

IT Weeks since the opening of Pemberton’s new food bank location and it continues to see surging demand. 26 STEADY

CARRY ON

Buffy Sainte-Marie is undoubtedly one of Canada’s—and the music industry’s—most gifted songwriters, but as a new documentary screening at WFF next month details, she hasn’t gotten the same recognition as her peers.

COVER I’ve always wanted to name a run Toe Jam. You know that feeling of jamming your toes into tight-fitting, cold boots? - By Amir Shahrestani

Opinion & Columns

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Environment & Adventure Lifestyle & Arts

IT SHOULD COME as a surprise to absolutely no one who has spent even one blustery afternoon in this great, vast country that one of Canadians’ favourite pastimes is discussing the weather. This isn’t just conjecture, either: according to a 2014 report by Influence Communication, Canadians love to talk about the weather more than anyone else in the world, with weather-

BY BRANDON BARRETT

related news stories regularly dominating the headlines.

This is especially true in Whistler, where the ski hill continues to influence practically every single component of our community, and where scores of locals can still get away with calling off work for a powder day whenever it dumps prodigiously.

So, in the longstanding, illustrious tradition of Whistlerites talking all things weather, we are going to revisit a question this week that has only seemed to grow in significance in recent years: does Whistler need to beef up its “weather-independent” offerings?

The short answer, for my money, is a resounding yes. For a variety of reasons both local and global in scope—our climateshortened ski season; rising unaffordability making the sport less accessible; stagnant youth involvement in snowsports; a skiresort clientele shifting more towards the novice than the hardcore ski bum—the average visitor to Whistler is no longer drawn exclusively to Whistler Blackcomb. Yes, it is and surely always will be the No. 1 driver of tourism here (at least until climate change has other plans), but show me a oneresource town that has ever sustained over the long term without diversifying, and I’ll show you a unicorn riding a rainbow. And, let’s face it, there is plenty room to diversify

here in Whistler.

The reality is, once they’ve kicked off those ski boots and finished their laps for the day, there isn’t much for the eager visitor to do in Whistler besides eat and drink, which is not for nothing, of course, given our lively après culture, but even that can get old pretty quick (especially if you don’t imbibe and/or don’t want to take out a second mortgage to afford dining out here).

Not that there isn’t a smattering of non-ski-related forms of entertainment on offer: snowshoeing, ziplining, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, the Audain Art Museum, the Meadow Park Sports Centre, the Whistler Escape Room, Village 8, what else? Um … the library is lovely. All great options for an afternoon or two, but not exactly the robust slate of activities you might expect from a worldclass resort and destination.

So, what gives? Even ski towns a fraction of the size and reputation of Whistler has

City also counts The Egyptian Theater, an historic cultural hub that is not only the premier location for Sundance’s biggest screenings, but serves as the community’s home for live theatre, concerts, dance, and other performances year-round. Then you’ve got Aspen, which has come to host some of the world’s leading thinkers and speakers, primarily though the non-profit, Aspen Institute, and its popular Aspen Ideas Festival.

Whistler does of course offer all of these kinds of events—the Whistler Film Festival, a cinephile’s dream, returns next month, for instance—but rarely to the frequency or level of demand, tourism-wise, that these other, more established draws do elsewhere. Part of that has got to do with Whistler’s relative young age; we have only been around as a ski resort since the ’60s, by which time the Banff Centre had already been operating for three decades, for example.

And it’s not just about one-off or even

in 2017, for an indoor water park, roller coaster, and night skiing, part of the resort’s ambitious, $345-million “Renaissance Plan.” (The plan itself was divisive in the community, with some fearing it would further corporatize Whistler, turning it into Disneyland North.) While Vail has stuck with some components of that plan, most significantly, the planned on-mountain and lift upgrades that were included as part of Renaissance, some of the glitzier plans intended to broaden the resort’s recreational offerings have been scrapped.

Then there’s the infamous bowling alley proposal brought forth by a Calgary company that had pitched adding a 600-seat gaming centre and restaurant to the location adjacent to Village 8 and the Pan Pacific.

Drawing concerns from some in the business community about its massive size and potential for driving down prices (which, in a town awash with $18 cocktails, is something), proponent Concord Entertainment Group eventually backed off the plan. But the mostly

seemed to catch on to this weatherproofing trend quicker than we have. Banff has for decades now been home to the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, a world-renowned learning centre and artistic residency that offers a full slate of cultural programming year-round, from workshops to art exhibits to an annual film festival. Park City, Utah also houses its own film festival— Sundance—that has evolved into the largest independent film festival in the U.S. Park

regular events, either. More weatherindependent infrastructure would go a long way towards filling both the tourist’s and the local’s schedule beyond ripping it on the hill or filling up on après-hour meal specials. But there seems, at least historically speaking, a certain unwillingness to make those kinds of options a reality. Prior to Vail Resorts’ assuming operation of Whistler Blackcomb, plans were announced,

positive response it got from entertainmentstarved locals is all the proof you need something like it is needed here.

The pandemic showed firsthand what Whistler looks like without its economic engine revving, and as the wider ski industry reckons with the ravaging effects climate change and a stagnant consumer base could have on the future of the sport, Whistler can’t afford to ignore its weatherproofing potential much longer. ■

Time for a paradigm shift on employee housing

A world-class seasonal employee housing neighbourhood, say what?

If we want our resort to keep its vibe and deliver world-class service, it is long past time we built a world-class seasonal staff housing neighbourhood.

I think it’s been 26 or so years since a single seasonal rental bed has been built in all of Whistler. Thirty years ago, Whistler was just another ski resort with no summer business. Now it’s a year-round powerhouse. It is one of the busiest resorts in the world in the summertime that is principally a winter resort.

We generate more than $1.37 million in taxes a day from the resort. I am confident that all levels of government will support this concept.

Let’s build a well-planned campus for rental accommodations, with the appropriate amenities for people staying a few months to two years maximum.

Whistler needs world-class seasonal housing, to attract world-class employees, to deliver world-class service.

Nothing better than being able to say to a prospective seasonal employee, “I guarantee you will have the best time of your life.”

Great seasonal housing is all we need to make that promise.

Let’s make this a reality.

Scott Carrell // Whistler n

READY TO RIDE Pictured are a selection of photos from Blackcomb Mountain’s inaugural opening day in 1980. The skis may have modernized—not to mention the haircuts—but the stoke remains the same.

WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION / WHISTLER MUSEUM

Three pieces of advice for British Columbia’s new premier

ON NOV. 18, British Columbia officially welcomed David Eby as the province’s 37th premier.

The 46-year-old, Point Grey-based lawyer became premier after a contentious and controversial leadership race following the retirement of one of the most popular premiers in Canadian history, John Horgan.

BY ROBERT WISLA

Horgan ended his career with the highest approval rating of any premier in Canada, with an average approval of 54 per cent over five years. Levels not seen since the Social Credit Party premiers from days of old. Big shoes to fill.

While I’m not all that qualified to offer political advice, I thought I’d offer some tips to the new premier on what I think would help make this a successful tenure.

VISIT THE SMALL TOWNS

Some of the smaller towns and villages in the province—the under-20,000 club—need attention, in some cases, even more so than the cities.

Lytton, Merritt and fast-growing

Pemberton, to name just a few, are dealing with massive issues of varying scales and need strong provincial support. I could write a whole opinion piece on why supporting rural communities is so important, but I’ll save that for another time.

The NDP has been an urban-focused party for decades now. Following the most recent election, many rural communities decided to go with the soon-to-be-renamed BC Liberals, even in a year when the NDP was polling exceptionally well.

STICK TO YOUR GUNS—BUT LISTEN TO PEOPLE’S CONCERNS

From what I’ve seen so far, this premiership is certainly off to an ambitious start, with a far-reaching housing plan and proposals to tackle affordability and get crime under control in our urban areas already unveiled.

There will be pushback, and we are starting to see the beginnings of it. Some people will not be onboard with the new proposed rules around allowing rentals in strata buildings

KEEP YOUR STICK ON THE ICE

Keeping your stick on the ice means being ready for anything. When the puck comes your way, you must be prepared to one-time it into the net.

If the pandemic and recent climate events have taught us anything, it’s that you can’t predict the future, and sometimes we are dealt with unforeseen challenges to overcome.

Many places are still rebuilding from the fires and floods that devastated the province a year ago, efforts that will continue throughout the rest of the term.

Many of these areas are unlikely to flip to the NDP in a future election. However, being premier means representing all citizens of our great province, so I recommend extending the olive branch to the smaller towns and working diligently to help solve some of the complex issues facing them.

You never know; some voters could change their minds if they feel like you are making a concerted effort to listen to the countryside’s concerns.

or plans to open the door to higher-density housing in lower-density neighbourhoods.

It’s important to stand your ground on policies you believe will help solve the province’s problems, but you have to pair that with a willingness to listen to people’s concerns. Be open to changing your mind, and don’t get too ideological.

We’ve seen more than a few politicians fall to their ideological brinkmanship over the last few years, so best to avoid that where possible.

Progress has been made, with Highway 8 finally reopening, and most of the damage has been cleared up in the Fraser Valley. But, these days, as one emergency ends, another seems to begin. Just look at the Sunshine Coast, where a state of emergency was lifted just days ago after severe water shortages hit the coastal region.

Being premier doesn’t strike me as an easy job. There are countless crises to manage simultaneously, and you have to do so in partnership with various other levels of government which may not see eye to eye, while also tackling complex, longstanding issues such as the housing and the opioid crises all at the same time. So, let’s raise a glass to B.C.’s new premier. He’s got a long road ahead. ■

I recommend extending the olive branch to the smaller towns.

Whistler Blackcomb opens for winter season Nov. 24

PIQUE SAT DOWN WITH WB COO BUCCHEISTER TO CHAT STAFFING, SHUTTLES, TERRAIN AND LIFTS AHEAD OF OPENING DAY

BY MEGAN LALONDE

AFTER TWO consecutive years of opening days marked by pandemic-related health and safety measures, Thursday, Nov. 24 was poised to be Whistler Blackcomb’s first “normal” winter kickoff in recent memory.

That is, until freight delays left an everimportant gondola haul rope stuck on a cargo ship for several weeks this fall.

Whether it’s a mechanical problem, weather issues, a delayed lift or a global pandemic, “I’ve been in it long enough [to know] every season has its hurdles,” said Whistler Blackcomb chief operating officer (COO) Geoff Buchheister.

“If we train ourselves and prepare to be ready to handle hurdles—like that’s actually my goal: to be ready, to be proactive, to try and make a great plan, but also to be ready to be resilient, because every season has it.”

This year, those early-season trials have manifested in one less avenue to take skiers up and out of the valley. Thanks in part to lingering supply chain shortages and shipping delays, as Buchheister announced earlier this month, Whistler Blackcomb’s upgraded Creekside Gondola and Big Red Express lift replacements will not be ready by Thursday.

CREEKSIDE GONDOLA HAS ‘A SHOT’ AT OPENING BY HOLIDAYS

When the long-awaited haul rope finally arrived in the Whistler Village Day Lots at 5 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 18, Buccheister was there to greet it. Or, “to see this thing that I’ve been tracking for months with my own eyes,” in his words.

“I took a selfie,” Buchheister said with a laugh.

Staff from lift manufacturer Doppelmayr and Whistler Blackcomb were working to

afternoon, he added.

Before either lift can open to the public, Doppelmayr staff will conduct a commissioning process that Buchheister described as going through a “checklist” to ensure all aspects of the higher-capacity lifts are functioning correctly.

“We’d rather catch something that’s wrong in that phase, then rush to open, and then have something that’s chronically wrong forever that causes us problems,” the COO explained, “so we just have to display a little bit of patience at the end.”

WB AIMING TO MAKE CREEKSIDE EXPERIENCE ‘AS COMFORTABLE AS POSSIBLE’

With only two of its three bases ready to welcome guests, Whistler Blackcomb officials are doing what they can to make the early-season experience as painless as possible in the meantime.

The mountain operator has opted to enlist third-party charter buses to serve as free shuttles that will circulate continuously to carry guests between Creekside’s free parking lot and the village, while temporary signage installed in partnership with B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will display available parking information. Parking in Base II Lots 6 to 8 will remain free.

Specific buses will be bound for either the Blackcomb Gondola or Whistler’s Skiers Plaza, where guests can access the Whistler Village Gondola, the Fitzsimmons Express chair or the Excalibur Gondola, which deposits skiers and snowboarders of the base of Blackcomb’s Excelerator chair.

splice that haul rope together on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 22, said Buchheister, as the COO was sitting down for an interview with Pique in his Upper Village office.

Construction on the Red Chair replacement, meanwhile, is moving along, and is currently expected to be complete somewhere around the “first week or 10 days of December, is our hope,” said Buchheister. About 100 of the lift’s 175 carriers were loaded as of Tuesday

In terms of the gondola, “everything that we’re doing is focused on [a] pre-holiday [opening], if we can,” said Buchheister, cautioning that a lot of work needs to “happen in sequence” between now and then.

“We need every day and good things to happen every day to get there, but we have a shot,” he said. “Do we have a date? I don’t know, but we’re going to stay committed to keeping people updated on a frequent basis so that there’s no surprises.”

“The goal is really to not have people waiting at Creekside; it’s to constantly be moving,” Buchheister explained. “I think there’ll be days where we have to move a lot of people and there’ll be days where the village has enough [capacity] to soak up the volume. We’re ready on either end.”

Guests loading the shuttles will receive proof of their Creekside status as they step onto the buses—likely in the form of a hand stamp, said Buchheister—that will then

SNOW-GO ZONE With limited natural snowfall in recent weeks, Whistlers’ snowmaking systems have been hard at work ahead of Thursday’s opening day.

PHOTO BY ABEL RIGS / COURTESY OF WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

“We need every day and good things to happen every day to get there, but we have a shot.”

- GEOFF BUCCHEISTER

grant them priority access to an expedited queue in the gondola corrals. Buchheister said those queues will function similar to the way ski school groups merge into existing line-ups.

“We’re going to try and make the Creekside experience as comfortable as possible so people feel like they can start their day there,” said the COO.

The shuttles will run from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., though the system is designed to be “flexible” in order to meet increased demand on weekends and powder days. Those times were determined after resort officials heard the public feedback questioning if a previously proposed 8 a.m. start-time for the shuttles would create a backlog ahead of the lifts’ 8:15-a.m.-at-theearliest opening.

“If after the first day, there’s some adjustments that need to be made, I mean, we’ll be doing a debrief every afternoon, trying to see what we could do better,” said Buchheister.

“Hopefully we’re not in this very long and the lift will get done quickly,” but in the meantime, staff are “ready to respond,” he added.

OPENING DAY WILL SEE LIMITED TERRAIN OPEN

Whenever skiers and snowboarders do make it up to higher elevations over opening weekend, they’ll be greeted with 125 acres (or about 50 hectares) of skiable terrain open on the Blackcomb side, and roughly 116 acres on Whistler.

Though Buchheister acknowledged that “isn’t a lot” of terrain, he maintained, “opening is going to be good.”

In addition to the three gondolas, Whistler will have Garbanzo, Emerald, Fitzsimmons and Franz’s chairlifts running on opening day, while Excelerator, Jersey Cream and Catskinner will be spinning on Blackcomb. Those lifts will offer access to a variety of mostly manmade trails on both mountains. As is often the case early in the season, skiers and snowboarders will be asked to download from mid-mountain until the ski-outs fill in.

The cold temperatures Whistler’s experienced of late mean the resort has been able to make good use of its snowmaking systems, but temperature swings and fluctuating freezing levels have dictated where exactly resort officials have been able to direct that snow, Buchheister explained.

“It was nice to see some snow, some precip,” on Tuesday, said Buchheister, “so I think it’s an ever changing kind of situation … With natural snow, things could expand.”

WITH INTERNATIONAL BORDERS OPEN, WB WELCOMES NEW STAFF COHORT

With most COVID-19 border restrictions now come to an end and working holiday visas once again flowing, Buchheister said the resort’s staffing landscape this fall “feels like it’s snapped back a little bit to what we used to see.”

Whistler Blackcomb greeted 1,200 new staff members at its annual Welcome to

Winter orientation, held for the first time at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre on Sunday, Nov. 20.

Buchheister said Whistler Blackcomb parent company Vail Resorts and its CEO Kirsten Lynch, who stepped into the role in August 2021, remain focused on employee well-being ahead of the 2022/23 ski season, for example upping its minimum hourly wage to $20, increasing staff discounts and investing in mentalhealth supports.

“We provide a service and our people deliver experiences. And so we need to flip it to think about our people first, because if they’re not feeling supported, and if they’re not feeling like they have a shot, then it’s really hard to kind of go out there and deliver for the guests,” he said.

Still, with Whistler Blackcomb’s existing staff accommodation supply now full and ground not yet broken on the newly-approved Glacier 8 employee housing building, the COO acknowledged that more than a few of those 1,200 new employees are beginning their winter in accommodation limbo as they search for secure housing.

“I think our town’s changed a little bit in terms of the availability of longer-term rentals. It feels different,” he said. “We’re trying to support and be there for our employees as much as we can.”

Whistler Blackcomb is currently hammering out the details of “some housing incentive programs with our existing employees to bring on some of the new people,” Buchheister explained, and is still on the lookout for even more longterm market rentals the resort calls “valley houses” to secure for its staff this winter.

CUTOFF TO PURCHASE PASSES SET FOR DEC. 4

As in previous years since Vail Resorts assumed ownership of Whistler Blackcomb, passes will only be available for sale for a limited time once lifts start spinning this winter.

This year, the final date to buy a pass—whether you’re in the market for fullseason, unlimited access, a single-day pass, a 10-day EDGE card or one of the resort’s numerous other products—will be Sunday, Dec. 4. Day tickets will be sold throughout the season after passes go off sale, but the amount of day tickets available each day will be limited.

“Obviously, we’re going do everything we can to make opening as incredible as it can be on the terrain that we have available and quickly bring on these new lifts and investments, but we have a long season ahead of us, ” said Buchheister.

Whistler’s community is “kind of going into a season where a lot of the things that we’ve gotten used to in terms of restrictions are no longer there in the way that they were,” he added. “I’m hoping that people will find enjoyment and gratitude for being able to come back into the mountains, come back to Whistler and experience what we have to offer, what our town has to offer and really just to highlight how special this place is.

“There’s not a lot of places in the world like this. Sometimes we forget that.” n

Whistler Blackcomb releases season plan for backcountry access

REDUCED TICKET PRICE, NEW ROUTES PART OF UPHILL TRAVEL PLAN FOR 2022/23, BUT SOME SAY IT’S JUST A START

BY ALYSSA NOEL

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB (WB) has unveiled its plan for backcountry access to Garibaldi Provincial Park for the upcoming season.

One major change is the ticket price. Backcountry tickets have dropped from $62 in the 2021/22 season to $45 for the 2022/23 season.

In addition to changes to uphill routes to access the park, the time-restricted access to the South Route on Blackcomb Mountain has also been extended by a half hour from 5 a.m. until 9:30 a.m.

“It still means someone in Vancouver has to leave at 2:30 a.m. to get there for their opening time. It’s totally crazy,” says Paul Kubik, director with the British Columbia Mountaineering Club (BCMC).

On Whistler Mountain, access to the park is via Singing Pass from the valley bottom to the park boundary or with a lift ticket via Oboe Traverse.

Some new routes, meanwhile, have been established on Blackcomb Mountain (A full map is available at whistlerblackcomb. com/the-mountain/about-the-mountain/ backcountry.aspx):

The Blackcomb Bench Climb is an unmaintained lower-mountain access winter route that leads to three upper route options.

The Excelerator Connector is an unmaintained winter route that creates a short connection to Excelerator, which means it requires a valid pass or lift ticket.

The other new pilot route this season is the North Route, which travels the forest outside the ski-area boundary to the park. It’s an unmaintained winter route, but flagging will be added ahead of the season, according to WB. However, navigation skills are required.

Meanwhile, the time-restricted South

Route requires all skiers and splitboarders to be clear of the bottom of 7th Heaven by 9:30 a.m.

The East Col route requires both a lift ticket and high-alpine clearance. “The North Route, I’m quite happy to have such a route, but they said it’s not maintained, not even marked currently— and it’s not even a route. All it is is a GPS track. They haven’t done clearing. It’s bushwacking through the woods on skis. We can do that already,” Kubik says. “What exactly is it they’re giving us?”

The BCMC and various stakeholders have been working for the last several years to secure year-round uphill access for all backcountry users—including snowshoers and hikers—to Garibaldi Provincial Park through WB terrain, as outlined in the 1979 Blackcomb Master Development Agreement (MDA).

In the past, WB has cited safety reasons for the time-restricted access.

“What I’ve heard of [reaction to this year’s backcountry plan] is it’s basically a start, but doesn’t seem to meet the requirements in the MDA,” Kubik said. “I think basically there are a lot of big issues in the area.”

While the routes are secured for this season, BC Parks says work is underway to create a permanent plan.

“Once a long-term permanent access plan is determined, BC Parks will be updating language in its current Park Use Permit with Whistler Blackcomb to reflect agreed-upon access routes and bring the permit into alignment with the MDA commitments,” the Ministry of the Environment said in a written statement to Pique

WB said no one was available to comment ahead of opening day.

For more information on backcountry access through WB this year, visit whistlerblackcomb.com/the-mountain/ about-the-mountain/backcountry.aspx.

ALL UPHILL Whistler Blackcomb has announced its plan for backcountry access to Garibaldi Provincial Park this season.

PHOTO BY MIKE CRANE / TOURISM WHISTLER

As Olympic officials urge B.C. to reconsider bid, MLAs raise questions about new tax tool

COC SENT OPEN LETTER NOV. 21, ONE MONTH AFTER FINANCIAL CONCERNS PROMPTED PROVINCE TO KILL THE BID

BY MEGAN LALONDE

ONE MONTH AFTER the province nixed plans for a potential 2030 Olympic bid, leaders from the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic committees are urging British Columbia’s government to keep a flicker of hope alive, especially as questions have emerged around the province’s new Major Events MRDT tool.

Bid proponents sent an open letter addressed to B.C.’s elected officials on Monday, Nov. 21 inviting the province and new Premier David Eby to reconsider and “sit down with all parties and fully explore the potential of this project–together.”

Minister of Tourism, Sport and Culture Lisa Beare’s Oct. 27 announcement that the province would not support efforts to bring the Winter Olympics back to Canada’s West Coast came nearly one year after the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) and the Canadian Paralympic Committee (CPC) joined forces with the  Lilwat7úl  (Lil’wat), xwm 0kw y ’ m (Musqueam), Sk_wx_wú7mes (Squamish) and s lilw ta l (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations, alongside the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the City of Vancouver, to explore the feasibility of an Indigenous-led bid to host the 2030 Games.

The letter signed by COC president Tricia Smith and CPC president MarcAndré Fabien said the decision took bid proponents by “surprise.”

Considering “the feasibility work completed and a draft proposal submitted, we expected the next step to be a face-to-face meeting with all parties to discuss the costs and benefits, priorities, and possibilities,” it read. “The B.C. government has not yet given any of the parties, despite attempts by us and the Nations, an opportunity to have this discussion.”

In a statement issued Nov. 15, prior to the letter’s release, Lil’wat Nation Chief Dean Nelson told Pique his initial reaction to the province’s refusal of support for a First Nationsled Olympic bid “was one of realization that this is where we are in our relations.”

In Nelson’s view, “there was very little dialogue between the Provincial government and the Four Host Nations about the Olympic bid.” The lack of meaningful discussions with the province prompted Nelson to wonder if there was ever “any intent on entertaining the concept” of an Indigenousled Games, he continued.

“I felt that if the Province was serious about the relationship there would have been a greater effort and availability to meet right from the beginning. I stated in the beginning of the Olympic talks that we will see where First Nations stand at the end when the decision is made,” said

Nelson. “I felt that we could have had clear communication and an even better process of inclusive talks with First Nations and the Provincial government, and all parties included. The legacy could have been one of opportunity for at least one First Nation youth to experience taking part and as a witness from the Lil’wat Nation as one of the Four Host Nations.”

In Monday’s letter, Smith and Fabien reiterated the event’s potential benefits, arguing the Games could serve as a model for reconciliation and as the first climate positive Olympics. They said no Winter Games has ever “relied so little on government investment.”

The bid proposal requested more than $1.2 billion in government funding.

“Know, however, that we are only interested in moving ahead with this project if it makes sense to do so, with the benefits outweighing the costs … To make that determination it requires a full review and dialogue with all parties at the table. A unique project of this nature, led by the potential Host First Nations, deserves a deeper look,” the letter concluded.

In a written statement sent to Pique on Nov. 22, Minister of Tourism Lisa Beare said the NDP cabinet reviewed the 2030 proposal before determining the investment and risks hosting required outweighed potential benefits. Beare said she met virtually with representatives from the host First Nations and the COC on Oct. 24 to communicate that decision.

“The Cabinet decision is binding,” Beare confirmed.

“We know that this decision is disappointing for everyone that put so much hard work into the bid,” she added, “but supporting the proposal any further would require dedicated and substantial provincial resources across government, while there are many competing priorities and challenges to be addressed.”

QUESTIONS REMAIN ABOUT B.C.’S NEW MAJOR EVENTS MRDT

Bid stakeholders weren’t the only ones questioning the province’s decision this month.

While discussing the implementation of a new accommodation tax tied to major tourism events, BC Liberal MLAs grilled the NDP government over its decision to introduce that new funding tool two business days after publicly refusing support for, arguably, the pinnacle of international events.

On Oct. 31, B.C.’s Ministry of Finance announced a new Major Events Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT) of up

to 2.5 per cent on short-term accommodation sales, intended to help communities cover the cost of planning, staging and staging large-scale “international tourism” events.

The new accommodation tax is distinct from the existing MRDT already in effect in more than 60 areas across British Columbia, including Whistler. Communities will be able to apply for the tool through Destination BC.

“This isn’t a new concept,” said B.C. finance minister Selina Robinson in a release. “In 2007, a temporary 4% Resort Area Tax, on top of the existing 2% accommodation tax, was introduced in the Resort Municipality of Whistler to help pay its costs for hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics. We see the potential benefits for other communities that are working to put B.C. on the international stage and bolster our economy.”

This new funding tool comes in direct response to the City of Vancouver’s request to temporarily increase existing MRDT rates to help cover costs associated with FIFA matches in 2026. As one of the 16 North American cities slated to host the next FIFA men’s World Cup, Vancouver is expected to welcome teams— and fans—for five or six matches.

Bill 42 seeks to amend the province’s Provincial Sales Tax Act to include the new MRDT tool. The bill was discussed by the Legislative Assembly’s Committee of the Whole on Tuesday afternoon, Nov. 22 after receiving its second reading on Nov. 2.

“At literally the exact same time that

they were drafting Bill 42—a bill to enable extra revenue generation for international events—those same ministers said no to an Indigenous-led Olympic bid, based on potential financial risk, without ever discussing this bill and its revenue potential to those proponents so that they could rework their business plan and show the government how their risk is diminished,” said BC Liberal finance critic Peter Milobar, MLA for Kamloops-North Thompson during the assembly’s Nov. 2 session, later adding, “It defies logic as to why there were not those discussions.”

During a Tuesday, Nov. 22 committee discussion, Robinson maintained the Olympics and the new MRDT “are two completely separate” topics.

She said cabinet could see no business case for hosting the 2030 Games, and maintained the “scope and scale” of the previously-awarded FIFA matches compared to the Winter Olympics and Paralympics “are like night and day.”

While this new MRDT was created specifically with Vancouver and FIFA in mind, it can, however, be used by other communities for other events, Robinson said.

The Major Events MRDT is intended to be “a time-limited, dedicated funding tool” available to communities ahead of big events, but questions still remain about just how many years that timeframe would be limited to, and about what constitutes a major international tourism event in the first place.

Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy asked

whether that definition, for example, could be extended to “every day in Whistler?”

The resort “sees 50,000 visitors on any given day in both summer and winter,” and “generates $1.44 billion in consumer spending every year,” he told colleagues on Nov. 2. “I would argue that that’s a pretty major event. It generates $500 million in tax revenue. You’d say to yourself, ‘Well, it should have plenty of tax revenue,’ except that isn’t tax revenue that goes to the municipality, unfortunately, or fortunately. It comes to the province.”

Though Sturdy said he supports the concept of the bill, he expressed concern that there wouldn’t be enough time to clarify its terms before the Legislative Assembly’s fall session wraps up on Nov. 24.

FIVE WHISTLER EVENTS RECEIVE FUNDING BOOST FROM B.C. TEP

The new MRDT tool is the latest of several mechanisms the province has at its disposal to help fund events in B.C.

On Nov. 10, the province named nearly 100 organizations that will together receive $4,808,467 in funding through B.C.’s Tourism Events Program (TEP), representing the program’s return after a two-year pandemic-induced hiatus.

Among the list were five major sporting and culture events slated to take place in Whistler in the coming months.

The 2023 FIS Junior /U23 World Nordic

Championships will receive $102,163, while BMW IBSF Bobsleigh and Skeleton World Cup Whistler 2022, set to take place at the Whistler Sliding Centre beginning Nov. 24, has been granted $22,500. The 2022 Eberspächer Luge World Cup, scheduled to hit the Sliding Centre’s track Dec. 8 to 10, will receive $14,500.

A couple of Whistler’s marquee festivals were also included, with the 2023 World Ski & Snowboard Festival taking home $50,000 and Crankworx Whistler 2023 earning $125,000.

TEP grants are capped at a maximum of $250,000 per event.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Black Tusk Nordic Events Society said the FIS Nordic Junior/U23 World Nordic Ski Championships’ organizing committee is “really excited” to welcome more than 500 athletes from almost 40 countries to Whistler Olympic Park from Jan. 27 to Feb. 5.

“In addition to the affordable admission price to the event ($5 daily spectator ticket or a pass for the duration of the event $25), this event will be livestreamed and actively broadcasted on television across Europe,” the spokesperson added.

“Black Tusk Nordic Events Society has worked really hard with every source of funding available, including the provincial and federal governments, the private sector and many generous donors and the $100,000 received from the Tourism Event Program makes an important contribution to the event’s $3 million total budget.” n

AMERICAN INDIES FILMS FROM AWAY

MOUNTAIN CULTURE

Long-time Whistler environment manager Heather Beresford receives prestigious conservation award

A Q&A WITH THE RMOW’S OUTGOING ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP MANAGER, HEATHER BERESFORD

B Y ROBERT WISLA

WHISTLER IS PERHAPS best known worldwide for three things: top-notch skiing, a resort enveloped by towering green forests and an absolute ton of bears.

Having a robust environmental department at the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) that can intertwine the environment into decision-making at all levels of the planning process has been key to ensuring the community protects those unrivalled natural assets for generations to come.

For 27 years, Heather Beresford has been instrumental in those efforts, and as the RMOW’s outgoing environmental stewardship manager, she has contributed to a number of ambitious initiatives to, among other things, better manage Whistler’s bear population, lower the community’s GHG emissions, and mitigate the effects of climate change inherent to a global tourism destination.

The conversation around the environment and how we manage it has never been more critical, as climate change impacts worsen and natural disasters

become increasingly frequent and deadly.

Following her retirement last month, Pique caught up with Beresford to discuss her municipal career and the recent recognition she received from the Conservation Officer Service (COS).

The following interview has been edited for length and clarity.

How does it feel to retire?

BERESFORD: I have mixed feelings because I feel like I landed in my dream job. I get to contribute to my community, help protect the natural environment, connect with so many amazing people in this town that are all trying to do the same thing. Like, ‘Wow, what more can I ask for?’

I’m a tree hugger, by nature, so this has just been a perfect job for me. So I love that, but at the same time, I’m ready to ski a lot more.

What kind of policies and work at the RMOW have you been proud of over your time there?

Well, we started the environmental stewardship department from scratch.

Even just creating this department, this role has been really important. Our community continually says it’s important to protect the natural environment, so we’ve been

able to start doing that internally.

For specific projects, I think that the Cheakamus Community Forest is a huge one, which gives us control over what happens on the land around Whistler— and we partner with the Lil’wat and the Squamish Nations. It’s definitely challenging, but I think it’s an incredible opportunity to be able to manage our forests around Whistler.

The Bear Smart program, being able to achieve their Bear Smart community status, really helped our community minimize our conflicts with bears and reduce the number of bears that get shot every year. I know now it seems like it’s embedded in what we do, but 15, 20 years ago, we all had to start from scratch and change all our garbage cans, change all our garbage sheds, change our bylaws, all that kind of stuff. So that’s been a really important piece as well.

The climate strategy in the last few years, that’s massive. I’m sure we all have such a feeling of urgency around taking action and I’m really excited about the Big Moves Climate Action strategy, and we’ve

GRIN AND BEAR IT The Resort Municipality of Whistler’s outgoing environmental stewardship manager, Heather Beresford, was recently honoured by the Conservation Officer Service for her contributions to bear management over the years.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

100% silk scarf featuring a reproduction of Butterfly Transformation Theme, 1981 by renowned BC artist, Jack Shadbolt.

Photo by Mirae Campbell

been working really hard internally over this last year or so to get that embedded into the municipal decision-making so that everything we do has to deliver on our climate strategy targets.

Did the conversation around climate change exist when you started?

It was non-existent. In 2016, we developed the Community Energy and Climate Action Plan. So that was kind of the start of it. We spent a year with a community group. We had volunteers from different walks of life here in Whistler, and we sat down and said, ‘OK, what can we do about climate change? What are the important areas to look at and important first steps to take?’

So that’s when we got what we call the CECAP, the Community Energy and Climate Action Plan, which we evolved into being that Big Moves Climate Action Plan.

Climate change was on the periphery of my awareness for a long time, as it was with everybody else, but now we can take action.

Can you tell us more about the award you recently received from the COS?

The special recognition award is given to a group or a citizen who takes extra measures to help protect wildlife in the province, and so they wrote a little story on the award about all the things that I had been involved

in getting the Bear-Smart community status and things like that.

I had no idea they were doing that. It’s a special recognition award for the work that I was involved in, but there’s many people involved in this. I certainly didn’t do this alone.

[Former Whistler Bear Smart director] Sylvia Dolson, she really got everything rolling, and then all the players that needed to be involved, including the [Resort Municipality of Whistler].

Some statistics recently came to light showing the number of bears killed in various communities across the province, with Prince George as the deadliest town for bears, at 36 deaths last year, compared to two in Whistler.

It’s not because they have more bears than us. They probably have a lot of bears, but we have a lot of bears and it’s because our community wants to do things differently and the municipality took it seriously, as did a lot of other players, like [waste management company] GFL now, but before that was Carney’s [Waste Systems], and they do 95 per cent of our waste disposal in the corridor, and they were huge partners in adopting all of their waste systems, trucks and their sites.

The Conservation Officer Service, they go above and beyond. The mountain, Whistler Blackcomb. There’s so many people involved. And that’s what this award recognized; they called us North American leaders on what

we’re doing here and over the years.

I know many communities have called me. I just spoke to a group of Russians about a year ago, Russian biologists in Sochi, that we’re interested in what we do here because they want to do similar things at their resort there. So we’re recognized around the world for what we do here on bear management.

What do you see as the biggest challenges facing your replacement?

Luisa Burhenne is my replacement. She’s been here for the last two years as our climate action coordinator and she is very capable, very smart, very collaborative. I know she’s up to the task because it is challenging, for sure. There’s so many different players. I think that the climate file is still going to be challenging.

The municipality has a corporate plan and community plan with elements of corporate and community in it. But, you know, the RMOW is only two per cent of the emissions in our community. So getting the rest of the community to get onboard with reducing emissions, that’s going to be a big challenge.

It’s such a challenge because you need to have the infrastructure and services in place for people to make change. For example, you know, we want people out of their cars. Well, what are the alternatives?

There needs to be more bus service or whatever those solutions are. That has to be in place to help people change their behaviour, but then at the same time, you

have to get people to grasp that they need to change their behaviour, and so it’s sort of a chicken-and-the-egg thing.

What would your advice be for a young person thinking about getting into environmental stewardship at the government level?

Be a systems thinker; you can’t look at anything in isolation. We heard a lot of the candidates through the election talking about mental wellness being linked to having stable housing, which is linked to having decent working conditions. Everything is all linked, and it’s the same on the environment side.

You have to think about not only natural systems, but what authority does the local government have to take action. Who are your potential partners and allies in the community?

There’s a lot of opportunity coming up. I have a 21-year-old son going out into the world and I look at a lot of young folks and it seems like it’s pretty fraught and scary out there. But in times of change and crisis, there is also a time of great opportunity.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I firmly believe, and this is really my personal mantra, that we’re all in this together. And that’s what’s really made this job a joy: to be able to connect with likeminded people in our community and do good things for the natural environment. n

Notice of Public Hearing

Amendment Bylaw (7104 Nancy Greene Drive) No. 2370, 2022 (the “proposed Bylaw”)

Tuesday, November 29, 2022 @ 5:00 p.m. Via Zoom Online/ Telephone

Purpose and Subject Lands: The purpose of the proposed Bylaw is to rezone the subject lands from Residential Single Estate One (RS -E1) Zone to Residential Multiple 75 (RM-75) Zone, a site specific multi-family zone to permit a 36-unit employee-restricted rental apartment building The proposed bylaw specifies density, building height, size, and siting , and minimum parking requirements, and restricts the building use to employee rental

Bylaw Readings: Council gave the proposed Bylaw first and second readings on September 20, 2022

To learn more: A copy of the proposed Bylaw is available for review from November 17, 2022 to November 29, 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 /RZ1146

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

1. Submit writ ten comments to Council via email: corporate@whistler.ca (must be received by 3:00 p.m. on November 29, 2022) include “Public Hearing for RZ1146” in the subject line, address the comments to “Mayor and Council”, and include your name and mailing address in the email); and/or

2 . Submit writ ten 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 3:00 p.m. on November 29, 2022) (include “Public Hearing for RZ1146” in the subject line, address the comments to “Mayor and Council”, and include your name and mailing address in the letter); and/or

3. Provide verbal comments at the Public Hearing via online video or phone conferencing: Visit whistler.ca /RZ1146 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

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

‘He had time for everybody’: Remembering Steve “Cuz” Cousins

THE LONG-TIME SPICY SPORTS OWNER DIED SUDDENLY ON NOV. 2 AT AGE 61

BY MEGAN LALONDE

JULIAN BASE first met Steve “Cuz” Cousins in the late ’90s. As Base recalled, he was working as a sales rep for Nordica at the time, while Cousins was an owner of Spicy Sports, the ski, snowboard and e-bike rental and repair outlet that first opened its doors in the Le Chamois Hotel at the base of Blackcomb Mountain in 1992.

But in recent years, the friends’ meetups started taking place not in Cousins’ rental shop, but on the trails, long after most Whistler businesses had closed for the day.

“Over the last couple of years, we’ve been mountain biking together, and mountain biking at, like midnight, or 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. and hanging out and chatting,” Base explained.

“I’m super busy all the time and I have kids and a wife, so [finding time to ride] is just really hard for me. We got into e-bikes and Cuz said, ‘Well, we’ll just ride after the kids go to bed!’” Base said with a laugh. “He’s a crazy night owl. And we go way out in the mountains—like, we go for hours, and there’s nobody out there but wildlife and animals. But you feel safe with him because he’s—well, he was—super huge.”

With a height measuring closer to seven feet than six, Base described Cousins as “a beast of a man” in stature, but “a gentle giant” in demeanour.

“Cuz was the person that, I would say, cared about everyone,” Base explained. “He had time for everybody. He always had time to listen.”

Cousins died suddenly on Nov. 2, after suffering a heart attack. He was 61 years old.

The long-time Spicy Sports owner was born and raised in Sarnia, Ont., where, as his brother Stuart remembered in a Facebook post, he excelled more as a championshipwinning lacrosse and hockey player than as a student. Eventually, his “restless spirit” drew Cousins to leave school for good in Grade 12, heading west to pursue life as a ski bum, first in Lake Louise, and then in Whistler.

His adventures also took him from behind the bar at Buffalo Bill’s, to the skies in his paraglider, to the rapids surrounding Whistler with his venture C3 Rafting, and to slo-pitch diamonds where he could usually be counted on to provide a few home runs. Most importantly, Cousins’ journeying took him to Japan, where he met Sawako “Sassy” Kobayashi. The two were married in 1997 and settled in Squamish, filling their days with travelling, skiing, hockey, live music, and, of course, leading the Spicy Sports team.

Tragically, Sawako died in 2012 after a lengthy battle with cancer. “Steve was devastated,” his brother recalled.

In the years since, Cousins was proudly known as the sole proprietor of Spicy Sports’ two locations, as a wealth of Whistler knowledge and as “uncle” to Isshin, Ryoma, and Yamato Chiyasu.

“Everybody knows him,” said Base. “Of all the business owners I know, he would be one of the ones most connected to his employees, and most concerned about their welfare.”

Will Naylor, Spicy’s sales and marketing manager, can attest to that. He worked for Cousins for the last decade, but said some members of the team have been around for

even longer.

Cousins often spoke about wanting to treat the rental and retail outlet like a family and always went above and beyond for his employees, Naylor explained in an email to Pique. “In recent years, particularly during the lockdowns and pandemic, he really showed this was true. Keeping us employed full time when other shops were closing, keeping us all safe in the shop, and putting our needs above that of the business,” Naylor wrote. “His presence and personality will be missed.”

In particular, Naylor remembered how “Cuz loved to give the staff gifts, particularly Christmas presents.

“Although instead of giving a gift to me, he would often give me something and say, ‘This is for your wife, make sure you share it!’ which I guess showed what he knew about the importance of family and treasuring them while they are here.”

According to a social media post last Friday sharing the news of Cousins’ passing, Spicy Sports will remain a local, familyowned business, as per his wishes. “We look forward to continuing his legacy, and making him proud this winter,” staff added.

Friends are invited to the GLC this Friday, Nov. 25 to celebrate “Cuz” and to share memories from 8 p.m. to midnight. n

JUST CUZ Steve “Cuz” Cousins.

PHOTO BY JULIAN BASE

New Pemberton Food Bank location continues to experience surge in demand

FOOD-BANK OPERATOR FACING BUDGETARY SHORTFALL HEADING INTO WINTER

BY ROBERT WISLA

THE PEMBERTON FOOD Bank continues to experience a surge in demand weeks after it officially opened in its new location.

The Sea to Sky Community Services Society (SSCS) first opened the food bank’s doors in September at 1343 Aster Street, just a few doors down from its former location downtown.

The new location is set up to weather the growing demand, with 75 per cent more space than its former home. Following the trend at food banks around the country, it is designed to provide patrons with a shopping experience more akin to a grocery store than the traditional food banks of old, allowing clients to bring a shopping cart into the building and pick out specific items they require. It’s a model that is aimed at removing some of the stigma and barriers food-bank users have faced in the past.

“This new market model provides clients the autonomy to select food for themselves rather than being handed a package of food by some of our volunteers and staff,” said Jaye Russell, executive director of the SSCS.

“There’s a lot of empowerment. There’s

a lot of dignity, and as I say, it provides a lot of autonomy to our clients to select the foods they want for their families versus us doing that for them.”

The long-term plan is to build a $35,000 kitchen in the new location, which the society is currently fundraising for, with plans to eventually offer cooking classes and provide ample space for programs such as Healthy Pregnancy Outreach.

“The idea that they could come in and use the kitchen, learn to cook a meal, come together and connect with other mothers is a real dream come true for us to be able to use the food bank space in that way,” Russell said.

“We are moving from what we would call more ‘downstream’ crisis intervention, the emergency food bank, to having the potential

for the kitchen and space that could provide us opportunities to offer different programming related to food security and support.”

LIKE FOOD BANKS AROUND THE COUNTRY, PANDEMIC DROVE DEMAND IN PEMBERTON

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Pemberton’s food bank hit record usage levels. In 2020, the SSCS reported the food bank increased the number of people fed by 189 per cent.

Before the pandemic, the Pemberton Food Bank received an average of 19 new

PHOTO BY ANITA BONNARENS

Liz has extensive knowledge of the real estate market in the Sea to Sky corridor, starting with her personal real estate portfolio soon after moving to Whistler 20 years ago Growing up renovating and flipping homes with her family, real estate is in her blood She used this passion and knowledge to do the same when moving to Whistler

After enjoying fifteen plus years serving the community of Whistler, she chose to combine her love of connecting and helping people with her passion and experience in real estate She understands that purchasing and selling properties is one of the most important decisions in life, a decision that deserves an advisor that provides a complete luxury service from your starter home to your retirement dream

Whether it’s your dream home close to the ski hill and shops, the perfect backyard to watch your kids grow and play, a profitable investment property, or all three, Liz will find it!

She is committed to finding ‘good homes for good people’ and helping you every step of the way Just because you move in, doesn’t mean she moves on Liz is committed to lifelong relationships and will be there for you in the years to come, ensuring you are just as happy coming home years later as you are the moment she hands you the keys

BROWN

clients per month. In 2020, that average grew to 106 new clients a month. That same year, the food bank saw a total of 9,080 visits (including repeat visits), which rose by 31 per cent in 2021, to 11,870. So far this year, the food bank has seen 71 new clients.

According to Russell, most of the people that take part in SCSS programs are experiencing food insecurity, which, understandably, has a significant impact on their day-to-day lives.

“Not one person that comes through our door, depending on the type of services that they require from us, isn’t experiencing some deficits in their ability to put food on the table for their families, which certainly impacts other areas of their lives,” she said.

“So when they come to us for a poverty law advocate, sexual violence counselling, childcare, and the various services we offer, we can begin to have conversations around their health and well-being and their ability

for the surrounding rural areas, from D’arcy on Anderson Lake down to the First Nation communities along the In-shuck-ch Forest Service Road. To help these areas with food security, SCSS plans to purchase a new refrigerator van to make food deliveries to the outlying First Nations communities possible.

The SSCSS is set to make the move from its current Pemberton office—located a few doors down from the new food bank— once the upcoming Harrow Road affordable housing project is finished, with plans to relocate to the bottom of the 63-unit, fivestorey development.

With the increasing demand for services, the agency is in serious need of donations. Currently, the organization is experiencing a budgetary shortfall as it heads into winter.

“We’re heading into the winter season, which is our crunch time, and the colder months are setting in,” Russell said.

“In order to get us through to the end

to feed themselves and their families.”

Pemberton’s recent growth spurt—its population rose 32 per cent between 2016 and 2021—means more pressure has been placed on the SSCS and its slate of programs.

In the 2021-22 fiscal year, SCSS served just under 7,000 people in the Sea to Sky corridor, with Pemberton making up 31 per cent of those clients. In the last four years, the number of people served in Pemberton has increased by 94 per cent.

SCSS currently offers 41 programs across the Sea to Sky corridor, with 32 programs out of Pemberton.

On top of serving the Pemberton Valley, the agency also provides support

of the next fiscal year, I want to underscore the need for around $20,000 in additional operational funds.”

The food bank is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Thursday at 1343 Aster Street. If you are a senior/elder and require food-bank delivery, that can be provided upon request.

On Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m., the SSCS will welcome the community to an open house with a free pancake breakfast to show locals the new space and explain some of the organization’s programs. Learn more at sscs.ca/event/free-pancake-breakfast.

If you are interested in donating to SSCS or volunteering with the food bank, find more information at sscs.ca/foodbank. n

“Not one person that comes through our door ... isn’t experiencing some deficits in their ability to put food on the table for their families, which certainly impacts other areas of their lives.”

- JAYE RUSSELL

JANET

N OT I C E O F B U S I N E S S L I C E N C E A N D R E G U L AT I O N BY L AW A M E N DM E N T

As climate conference wraps, we must all do our part

THE 27TH ANNUAL  Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change recently wrapped up, and the world continues to burn.

Despite positive commitments— including on methane emissions and a climate “loss and damage” fund—it will take more to slow and reverse climate disruption and the impacts it’s fuelling.  We can’t hope it will be resolved by governments—or the industry responsible for the crisis, which was well-represented at COP27 in Egypt.

That doesn’t mean individuals should shoulder the burden. Governments must

BY DAVID SUZUKI

make big decisions that enable us all to reduce emissions. Personal choices and behaviours are important and add up, but one of the most powerful things we can do is join with others to demand action. Research shows that when just 3.5 per cent of a population actively supports a campaign, protest or movement, real change is likely.

We’ve been certain for decades that burning fossil fuels is causing ever-worsening impacts, but industry, governments and media have perpetuated myths and misinformation to keep the inevitable transition to renewable energy from happening in the time needed. Now it’s urgent. We must demand a rapid end to the fossil fuel era.

Let’s support real solutions to curb our

the first three months of 2022 alone.)

More than 30 media outlets from more than 20 countries published an opinion article arguing for such a tax, with money directed to helping the vulnerable adapt to climate consequences and forestall the worst, and to compensate for “loss and damage.”

“Rich countries account for just one in eight people in the world today but are responsible for half of greenhouse gases. These nations have a clear moral responsibility to help,” the article says.

To ensure governments get serious about climate disruption, calls are also getting louder for a “fossil fuel nonproliferation treaty.” Harking back to the 1970 global nuclear non-proliferation treaty, advocates say, “Climate change, like nuclear weapons, is a major global threat.”

The fossil fuel non-proliferation treaty website states that “thousands of academics, scientists, parliamentarians, cities and civil society leaders” have joined the call to “stop the expansion of fossil fuels and manage a global just transition away from coal, oil and gas.”

To rein in industry and do our part in the global effort against climate change, Canada needs a strong, declining, vigorously enforced cap or limit on emissions from the oil and gas sector immediately. It’s Canada’s largest and fastest-growing emissions source, accounting for 26 per cent of the domestic total—increasing 89 per cent since 1990 as other sectors reduced emissions.

Industry is trying to get the federal government to halt or water down its promised regulations. We can’t let that

Purpose: The purpose of the proposed Bylaw amendment is to include an additional application requirement for a cannabis retail store business licence.

Bylaw Adoption: Council gave the proposed Bylaw first, second and third readings on September 20, 2022 . Council will consider adoption of the proposed Bylaw at the Regular Council Meeting on December 6, 2022

To learn more: A copy of the proposed Bylaw is available for review from November 24, 2022 to December 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 Resor t Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) website at: whistler.ca /Bylaw2373

Members of the public who believe they are affected by the proposed Business Licence Bylaw may provide written submissions to Council prior to adoption.

Written submissions will be accepted up to 3:30 p.m. on December 6, 2022 If you wish to make comments to Council on the proposed Bylaw, please email: corporate@whistler.ca

Resor t Municipality of Whistler whistler ca/Bylaw2373

voracious consumer habits and the coal, oil and gas that are fuelling them and polluting land, water and air and altering the climate. We must let governments know we expect them to live up to and strengthen their global commitments.

It means calling for transparency and ensuring no one is left behind in the global transition to clean energy and better ways of living. Global North nations must step up with financing for the most vulnerable countries, communities and people who contribute least to the climate crisis but are most affected.

One idea gaining traction in the wake of COP27 is a windfall profits tax. With fossil fuel executives and shareholders gorging on record returns squeezed from global conflict as people everywhere struggle to keep up with rising fuel costs and related prices, many, including UN secretary general António Guterres, say industry should pay up. (The  Guardian reports oil and gas companies made US$100 billion in

happen. Restrictions need to be strengthened, not weakened—and they need to cover all emissions, including those from burning fuels.

Canada must uphold its commitment to 100 per cent net-zero-emissions electricity by 2035. David Suzuki Foundation research shows how we can move even beyond that to entirely emissions-free, affordable, reliable electricity.

We can’t continue to support an industry that’s putting our health, wellbeing and survival at risk. We need to end all fossil fuel tax breaks and subsidies. With its slow-moving governments and industry lobbyists, COP27 shows again that we all must step up, with votes, actions, calls and letters. We’re in this together.

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

Industry is trying to get the federal government to halt or water down its promised regulations. We can’t let that happen.

Recently extended and elegantly renovated family home on a 13,044 sq.ft. flat lot in Whistler Cay Estates. Features in-ground hot tub, 2 screened porches plus 2 large decks for all day sun. The house has an upgraded one-bedroom suite with separate entrance and private patio.

This charming and well-maintained 3-bedroom chalet plus studio suite has plenty of space for family and guests. With its wood finished walls and floors, it has a warm ski chalet feel. Enjoy the hot tub and wood burning fireplace on a winter day or the sundeck and yard in the summer.

This spacious townhome has one of the largest floor plans in the Complex of Alta Vista Pointe. A large 85 sq. ft. deck extends from the kitchen along the entire south side of the unit, offering privacy and forested views. The space is all on one level and there is plenty of storage and parking.

7710 PEMBERTON PORTAGE RD

PEMBERTON

Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 4 Square Feet: 2,836

A well maintained family home on almost 2.5 acres, an in-ground pool, and an 18 hole wiffle golf course! The attached 1 bedroom suite has its own garage and is comfortable with stylish finishes. Storage is a breeze with a 20’ x 8’ shipping container, 2 covered storage buildings, 2 sheds and an indoor loft storage area.

Chalet

205 - 7330 ARBUTUS STREET

PEMBERTON

Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Square Feet: 558

This centrally located one bedroom condo in the Pemberton Gateway has great views, a beautiful renovation and is fantastic value! The stylish updates include cork flooring throughout, custom tile and a bright, very functional kitchen and new bathroom.

Condominium $495,000

302 - 7331 ARBUTUS STREET

PEMBERTON

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 835

Looking for spectacular views, beautiful updates, and a great location?! Come home to this 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom Winchester condo! Located on the top floor, this home gets plenty of sun light, and features a large balcony, and fully updated kitchen and bathroom.

Condominium $699,000

Happy US Thanksgiving

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,278

Boasting the finest location in Creekside, First Tracks Lodge is right at the base of the gondola, and a short stroll to all of Creekside amenities. This spacious two-bedroom suite overlooks

ARE YOU THINKING OF SELLING?

As we come out of Covid the real estate market in Whistler has changed, and the seller is not necessarily in the driver’s seat. To find out more and how to navigate the changing landscape of the Whistler real estate market, contact me.

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 807

7309 PINEWOOD PLACE

PEMBERTON

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3.5 Square Feet: 2,813

Attractive custom-built home on a quiet cul-de-sac upon the Pemberton Plateau. Built in 2018, this exceptionally energy-efficient home features high-end custom millwork and cabinetry throughout, a very private setting amongst nature, and delightful, landscaped yards.

1715 PINEWOOD DRIVE PEMBERTON

Bedrooms: 4.5 Bathrooms: 3.5 Square Feet: 2,727

This stunning home located in the sought-after Pemberton Plateau has all the luxuries you’re looking for. The functional layout boasts a sleek kitchen with butler’s pantry, large sundeck, office near the entry, the bedrooms and laundry upstairs, and a one-bedroom rental suite below. Chalet $1,995,000

6 - 4000 SUNSTONE WAY

PEMBERTON

Bedrooms: 3.5 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 2,200

This desirable downhill unit enjoys unobstructed iconic views of Mt Currie, three bedrooms, flex room, generous double-car garage, ground level patio, and huge deck off the living room. Enjoy maintenance-free living while you ride the best trails, play world-class golf, and explore the Coast Mountains. GST is paid. Unit is move in ready!

30-8030 NICKLAUS NORTH BLVD WHISTLER

2619 WOLVERINE CRESCENT WHISTLER 7501 AMBASSADOR CRESCENT WHISTLER

Bedrooms: 4.5 Bathrooms: 4 Square Feet: 2,821 Bedrooms: 4.5 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 1,593 Bedrooms: 3.5 Bathrooms: 2.5 Square Feet: 1,722

This gorgeous townhome is a rare opportunity to own in Englewood Greens next to Nicklaus North Golf Course. This meticulously cared for 3 bedrooms plus den feels like home as soon as your step in the front door. Enjoy biking, skiing, golfing and family fun, as this complex is in an outstanding location.

This hidden gem located on a 17,000 sqft lot in Nordic Estates backs onto crown land with a ski home trail next door! Enjoy big beams, vaulted ceilings, gas fireplace, gorgeous views and room for family and friends. Bright 1 bedroom suite plus double garage and plenty of storage. Don’t miss out, there is still time to be in for the holidays!

This charming home is a rare opportunity to own on a corner lot in this highly desirable White Gold neighborhood, with just a few steps to the village, the Valley Trail and Lost Lake. Large bright kitchen, a spacious living room with a wood burning stove, vaulted ceilings and plenty of room for entertaining.

7601 PEMBERTON MEADOWS ROAD PEMBERTON

Bedrooms: 5 Bathrooms: 3 Square Feet: 3,261

212 - 7350 CRABAPPLE COURT PEMBERTON

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Square Feet: 840

Welcome to Orion! Built in 2020, Orion is an award winning development featuring the latest in construction and energy efficient practices. This 2 bed/ 1 bath unit has a separate laundry/utility room, modern finishes and stainless steel appliances. This unit comes with a private, dedicated and secure state of the art garage; accessible through the underground parkade. 20 minutes from Whistler and steps to all of the amenities that Pemberton has to offer. Chalet

Located on sought after Pemberton Meadows Rd, this custom built home sits on ¼ acre with exceptional views of Mount Currie and the Pemberton Meadows. Custom kitchen with gas range, walk-in pantry on an open floor-plan layout. The main floor features 2 bedrooms with a massive primary bedroom above, a private deck and his and her walk in wardrobes. Below is 1 bedroom suite and an oversized 2 car garage/workshop.

SEVEN O’CLOCK DRIVE PEMBERTON

Bedrooms: 4.5 Bathrooms: 4 Square Feet: 3,116

This brand-new contemporary home combines modern Scandinavian design with luxury mountain living. Enjoy the double-sided, Stûv fireplace from your living and dining spaces while taking in the breathtaking views of Mount Currie.

HP2 - 1400 ALTA LAKE ROAD WHISTLER

Bedrooms: 1 Bathrooms: 1 Square Feet: 541

Waterfront in Whistler! This top-floor, 1 bedroom condo is an ideal full-time home, weekend getaway, or rental investment just minutes from the Creekside amenities. In the summer, lounge lakeside, enjoy a swim or kayak on Alpha Lake.

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 2 Square Feet: 951

Located at the base of Whistler Mountain! The large floor plan offers an open living space with a fully equipped kitchen, a cozy gas fireplace, and a covered balcony for relaxing summer evenings. Enjoy 1 week out of every 4 for unlimited personal use or earn revenues through the onsite rental management. Condominium

Bedrooms: 2 Bathrooms: 1 Square Feet: 696

This well appointed, 2 bedroom condo has an open layout and functional floor plans that is perfect for full time Whistler living. Nordic Court is located on a private cul-desac mid-way between Creekside and the Village. An easy stroll to Lakeside park on the Valley Trail, this home offers a private storage locker for all your sporting needs and ample parking.

Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 5.5 Square Feet: 5,335

A rare opportunity in Whistler, welcome to 1351 Alta Lake Road! Enter through your private gate and be transported to another world but still only moments from all the best of Whistler. Situated on over 5 acres in Whistler South this wonderful compound is perhaps the the best in its current price range.The home is an ode to a European ski lodge, with seamlessly blended impressive log structures, old world stone and modern amenities that reflect quality craftsmanship. Co-Listed by Rob Palm *PREC.

A much-needed minisnowbird migration

YOU MAY HAVE NOTICED that every year, sometime between Labour Day and Christmas, many Whistler locals participate in their own type of short-term snowbird migration. The frigid October drizzle (unfashionably late this year) can feel challenging enough, but when you hit

BY VINCE SHULEY

November fallback hours, it can all start to resemble the colour palette of a Tim Burton movie. The cold, dark pre-winter blues of B.C.’s coast can be enough to send anyone on a roundtrip to Baja Sur.

Booking a mid-winter trip to the tropics always gets the ski bums a bit nervous about missing the biggest storm of the year, or the sickest trip with the crew. But the November’s patience-wearing wait for snow to fall and the mountain to open? Few skitown veterans need to hang around for that.

The October and November turns I’ve seen posted from across western North America are impressive. But while the early season is producing some great backcountry ski runs, our beloved Whistler Blackcomb still needs a heavy storm cycle

or two before the switch gets turned on. Venturing into thin coverage will still net you a busted tib-fib if you’re not careful. I love skiing opening day, but if you’re going to miss any part of the ski season, the early weeks is probably the best time.

Mexico and Hawaii are the go-tos for many mini snowbirds, but when I am lucky enough to take some vacation around this time of year, I’ll usually go to Australia. This is where my family lives, so returning to the southern-hemisphere island nation

grocery bills or any other number of inflated goods and services—I understand how a mini-snowbird vacation wasn’t in the cards for everyone. But if you can wrangle a week or two off work for some sun and sand, it does help with reinvigorating winter stoke.

Wondering if a mini-snowbird vacation might be what you need next November? Here are a few signs that some time away from Whistler might be exactly what the doctor ordered.

Seasonal depression. As mentioned

rain. Whistler has one of the longest ski seasons in the world, which is why some people start shelving their planks in March in favour of scratching out some bike trails (blasphemy, I know). Extend your window for summer pursuits in the fall and you’ll get the most out of your winter pursuits.

The overdue bubble break. As much as we all love our town and valley, nothing makes you appreciate it more than a bit of time away from it. The grumpiest of jaded locals are the ones who never leave. Don’t be one of them. Refresh your perspective and you’ll be back to greeting clueless tourists with a warm welcome. For a while.

hits the good old two-birds-with-one-stone of catching up on family time and getting sand between my toes. The flight back to Brisbane is a slog and never really gets that cheap, but the cost and effort of the voyage also gives me an excuse to spend a bit longer there. This is also the first time I’ve travelled outside of Canada since the pandemic, so adding a week to the itinerary this year felt sufficiently earned.

With us all feeling the squeeze this winter—whether it’s finding housing, getting jacked by interest rates, stomaching

earlier, the dark and stormy months (inconveniently in front of the holidays) can be a catalyst for declining mental health, especially if we don’t have a fun activity to pursue. Spending time in the sun learning a new sport, train a new skill or simply being somewhere that’s not your usual four-wallsand-a-roof will have you back refreshed and ready to slay the pow days.

Snowsport burnout. Yes, this is a thing. It’s particularly prevalent when we have terrible snow years or when every snowstorm gets served with a sidecar of

Family. Because not all Whistler locals are lucky enough to have their immediate families around them in the Sea to Sky, or even in B.C., schedule a small reunion some place warm and you’ll generate a stack of memories you never knew how badly you needed. The lifers who moved here from far away here all have their “Whistler” families of friends, but reconnecting with your O.G. fam can do wonders, too.

Today is Whistler Blackcomb’s opening day and I hope it’s a pow-filled and prosperous winter for all. Whether or not you managed to get out of town for your own mini-snowbird migration, skiing always makes everything better. See you on the slopes next week.

Vince Shuley is feeling recharged and ready for winter. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider email vince.shuley@gmail. com or Instagram @whis_vince ■

PHOTO BY VINCE SHULEY

By Sarah Drewery

JUST IN TIME FOR OPENING DAY, the skier’s Christmas if ever there was one, Pique is re-running a cover feature from 2014 that delves into the origins of some of the ski runs dotting Whistler and Blackcomb mountains, which have helped to preserve and disseminate the local lore and history that makes this town so unique.

Stay safe out there and enjoy those fresh tracks.

- Brandon Barrett

Many of us who have skied on Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains—from first-time visitors to long-term locals— have been curious about one or other of the weird and wonderful ski-run names found on our mountains. There is a plethora of intriguing runs to choose from. Some, like “Burnt Stew” or “Pig Alley” seem inexplicable, others like “VD Shoots” just seem alarming.

But when you scratch beneath the surface, you discover the names of our runs reflect our rich history and culture, telling Whistler’s story from pioneer times to the present day.

Whistler Museum has been carefully recording the stories behind the runs for some time now. Here we share some of our favourites.

WHISTLER MOUNTAIN

PONY TRAIL  is the oldest run on Whistler Mountain. When the ski hill was being built in the summer of 1965, workers would take materials and supplies up the mountains by pack horse. The pony trail was the route cut for the horses to use. Because it took the easiest route possible, it was the perfect candidate to become Whistler’s first green run.

FRANZ’S RUN is named for Franz Wilhelmsen, one of the founders of Whistler Mountain and president of the company for its first 23 years. Already a successful Vancouver businessman, Franz’s vision and drive meant that the dream of a ski hill on Whistler Mountain became a reality. In 1983, Whistler honoured its “father” by naming his favourite ski run “Franz’s Run.” The chairlift Franz’s Chair was also named after him in 1998.

CHUNKY’S CHOICE  is for Chunky Woodward, one of the founding directors of Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. and the head of Woodward’s Department Store. It was his favourite run.

JIMMY’S JOKER  is named after one of the loggers working on Whistler Mountain felling the trees to create ski runs. One afternoon in the summer of 1966, it was cloudy and particularly foggy. Jimmy was meant to be cutting down trees to create what is today, Franz’s Run, but got disoriented. By the time he realized he was lost, he had cut enough trees to make a new ski run. His mistake became a great joke among the other loggers and the run was consequently called Jimmy’s Joker.

Resor t Municipality of Whistler

MCCONKEY’S is named after Jim McConkey, the ski-school star of early Whistler Mountain. With a magnetic personality and his shock of white hair, “Diamond Jim” is a Whistler legend. McConkey had already had a long and distinguished career in the ski business when, in 1968, Franz Wilhelmsen asked him to be Whistler’s new ski Director.

In the spring of 1968 McConkey took a chance, moved to Whistler, and invested all his money in building a ski shop there. His decision to come to Whistler turned out to be a good one. New technology in skiing equipment meant more people were taking up the sport, and consequently there was a great market for instructing. Jim managed the ski school until 1980 and the rental and retail operations until 1985.

Whistler Mountain honoured Jim by naming a run after him on Dec. 15, 1994— the same day the Harmony Express chairlift was opened. This was clearly not enough for some, as there is also an unofficial McConkey’s on Whistler Mountain—a large unpatrolled area near Peak to Creek.

A true fun-lover with an infectious joy for mountain life, McConkey’s catchphrase “Every day’s a bonus” is one we can all learn from.

BURNT STEW has one of the best stories behind it. In the summer of 1958, before Whistler Mountain became a ski hill, long-time locals Florence Petersen, Kelly Fairhurst and Don Gow were on a backpacking trip around the mountain. After setting up camp one evening, they started cooking dinner in an old Billy can over a fire, built into the rocks of a dry creek bed. Nobody remembered to stir the pot, however, resulting in the terrible burnt smell after which the area is named for.

S E E K I N G A P P L I C AT I O N S F O R A DV I S O RY D E S I G N PA N E L

The Resort Municipality of Whistler is seeking qualified applicants to serve in a voluntary capacity on the Advisory Design Panel in the position of regular member for a

EGO BOWL  is named from the inflated egos of those whose skiing could be easily admired by onlookers from the Green Chair above.

HELLY HANSEN WHISTLER WESTIN RESORT

HELLY HANSEN WHISTLER VILLAGE

SEPPO’S RUN  has a place in most locals’ hearts. Seppo Makinen logged many of the early runs on both Whistler and Blackcomb. He was an unstoppable workhorse with incredible strength who helped clear many of the runs on Whistler Mountain. In 1980, Seppo cut his last run. The wild, off-camber descent quickly became a locals’ favourite on big snow days, and was named “Seppo’s” in his honour.

Whenever nostalgia causes long-time Whistler locals to reminisce about the old days, the conversation invariably leads to Seppo. It says a lot about this community that one of the most cherished figures in our history was not a politician or “founder” in the traditional sense, but a generous and warm-hearted Finnish logger.

BAGEL BOWL  was the preferred piste of former Whistler Mountain president Lorne Borgal, affectionately known as the ‘Lone Bagel.’

PIG ALLEY a shortcut from Whiskey Jack to Ego Bowl, was the nickname of the ski patrol’s first Ski-Doo, a pig of a machine that always got stuck. The patrol had the trail cut because it was easier to cross over to Ego Bowl and climb that with the Ski-Doo than to climb Whiskey Jack.

FRANZ’ RUN is named for Franz Wilhelmsen, one of the founders of Whistler Mountain and president of the company for its first 23 years. Already a successful Vancouver businessman, Franz’s vision and drive meant that the dream of a ski hill on Whistler Mountain became a reality. In 1983, Whistler honoured its “father” by naming his favourite ski run “Franz’ Run.”

bed. Nobody remembered to stir the pot, however, resulting in the terrible burnt smell after which the area is named for.

1968 Olympics. This run was marked out by Hugh Smythe long before the Olympics were finally held in Whistler in 2010.

EGO BOWL is named from the inflated egos of those whose skiing could be easily admired by onlookers from the Green Chair above.

The chairlift Franz’ Chair was also named after him in 1998.

BOOMER BOWL  was named for the effect it had on residents in the Alpine Meadows subdivision; whenever it was avalanchebombed, the windows in Alpine would rattle.

CHUNKY’S CHOICE is for Chunky Woodward, one of the founding directors of Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. and the head of Woodward’s Department Store. It was his favourite run.

SURPRISE  is a steep area skiers’ right of the Shale Slope. One weekend day in the mid1970s, there was an avalanche in this area. At that time, very few people other than the ski patrol had avalanche transceivers. One fellow riding the T-bar came on scene saying that he had witnessed a burial and could find the buried skier. He took a probe and within a few minutes located the subject, who was dug out relatively unharmed. Surprise!

VD CHUTES Despite what you might

Canadian downhill racers of the late 1970s and early 1980s known for their fearless (and sometimes reckless) racing style. Fellow Crazy Canuck Steve Podborski remembers, “He was a much more complex man than just a ski racer. He was a deep thinker who realized skiing was just for the moment. He was a powerful influence on all of us. He gave us a balance and perspective we wouldn’t have had without him. He was a creator.”

TOKUM  was named after Tokum Corners—an iconic ski-bum house lived in by John Hetherington, George Benjamin, and a number of others. It was named by Rod MacLeod and Bruce Prentice who laid out the run, and who had both lived in Tokum Corners.

Murray retired from competitive skiing following the 1982 season and returned to Whistler to found the Dave Murray Ski School. The downhill course was named after Dave Murray in 1990.

The Dave Murray Downhill deserves a section to itself as the run is divided into many parts, which allows those working on the races to identify specific areas on the track. Here in order of descent are the names and their stories. There are some sections that we are still not sure about, so if any readers know more, please get in touch with us at the museum!

WATERFALL It is not clear why this section carries this name, but there is a small waterfall in that area in the summer, which is likely the reason.

SEPPO’S RUN has a place in most locals’ hearts. Seppo Makinen logged many of the early runs on both Whistler and Blackcomb. He was an unstoppable workhorse with incredible strength who helped clear many of the runs on Whistler Mountain. In 1980 Seppo cut his last run. The wild, off-camber descent quickly became a locals’ favourite on big snow days, and was named “Seppo’s” in his honour. Whenever nostalgia causes long-time Whistler locals to reminisce about the old days, the conversation invariably leads to Seppo. It says a lot about this community that one of the most cherished figures in our history was not a politician or “founder” in the traditional sense, but a generous and warmhearted Finnish logger.

ORANGE CLIFFS Named after the Orange Chair that used to run above this section. This section used to be called Double Trouble as there were two jumps one after the other, but the racers, understandably, didn’t enjoy having an area called “trouble” on the run.

outfit his whole family in suits similar to what he was wearing. One particular ski season, green was the fashionable colour so Niewerth (who was over six feet tall), and his children were all dressed in green. This coincided with a Jolly Green Giant commercial on TV, which featured another character called the Little Green Sprout. People seeing the Niewerths on the hill would say “there goes the Jolly Green Giant and his little green sprouts!”

he

time he realized he was lost, he had cut enough trees to make a new ski run. His mistake became a great joke among the other loggers and the run was consequently called Jimmy’s Joker.

KHYBER PASS Here is how local Vincent “Binty” Massey explains the story behind this area: “We used to hike the peak years before a chair went up the peak. We would go up the T-bar and hike up Little Whistler then hike all the way around the back of the peak to access this killer zone of steep chutes that are a perfect load-zone for powder during big storms. We figured it was so far away to get to that the Khyber Pass was an apt name, after the Afghanistan pass. The logging slash down below had not been logged yet, so it was premo tree skiing all the way to Bunbury’s road, then out to Creekside. This route was pioneered by my father Geoff Massey and John Frazee back in the ’60s.”

OLYMPIC (Upper and Lower) were named in honour of Whistler’s dream to host the

BURNT STEW has one of the best stories to explain it. In the summer of 1958, before Whistler Mountain became a ski hill, longtime locals Florence

CADDY FLATS Adjacent to another building for timing races called the “Caddy Shack.”

JOHNSON’S SWAMP Ron Johnson, who worked on the mountain in the early days and skied the area one spring morning found it very wet.

BEAR CUB Next to the run named Bear Cub.

TOILET BOWL This amusing name was for a very narrow area that suffered a lot of congestion (it has subsequently been

JOLLY GREEN GIANT is named after Vancouver and Whistler resident Casey Niewerth. Niewerth owned Skyline Sports on the North Shore. Being in the ski retail t his whole family in suits similar to what he was wearing. One particular ski season green was the fashionable colour so Niewerth (who was

Seppo Makinen

HOLIDAYS

The Jolly Green Giant and his little green sprouts. Photo courtesy of Steve Neiwerth

JOLLY GREEN GIANT  is named after Vancouver and Whistler resident Casey Niewerth. Niewerth owned Skyline Sports on the North Shore. Being in the ski retail business,

would

KHYBER PASS — Here is how local Vincent Massey explains the story behind this area: “We used to hike the peak years before a chair went up the peak. We would go up the T-bar and hike up Little Whistler then hike all the way around the back of the peak to access this killer zone of steep chutes that are a perfect load zone for powder during big storms. We figured it was so far away to get to that the Khyber Pass was an apt name, after the Afghanistan

very few people other than the ski patrol had avalanche transceivers.

One fellow riding the T-bar came on scene saying that he had witnessed a burial and could find the buried skier. He took a probe and within a few minutes located the subject, who was dug out relatively unharmed. Surprise!

VD CHUTES — Despite what you might imagine this actually stands for Very Difficult!

THE SADDLE is named for the saddle shape at the entrance to the run. Prior to the construction of the Peak Chair this area was a cliff. Later it was blasted out and bulldozed to create the run.

DAVE MURRAY DOWNHILL is named for Dave Murray, one of Whistler’s skiing legends.

Born and raised in Vancouver, his family owned a cabin on Alpha Lake. He became a member of the Crazy Canucks, the Canadian downhill racers of the late 1970s and early 1980s known for their fearless (and sometimes reckless) racing style.

Fellow Crazy Canuck Steve Podborski remembers, “He was a much more complex man than just a ski racer. He was a deep thinker who realized skiing was

The saddle before it was blasted, c. 1964.

THE SADDLE  is named for the saddle shape at the entrance to the run. Prior to the construction of the Peak Chair, this area was a cliff. Later it was blasted out and bulldozed to create the run.

DAVE MURRAY DOWNHILL  is named for the late Dave Murray, one of Whistler’s skiing legends. Born and raised in Vancouver, his family owned a cabin on Alpha Lake. He became a member of the Crazy Canucks, the

LOVE SHACK JUMPS The “Love Shack” is a building to the side of the run used for timing the races; the Love Shack Jumps are the section next to the Love Shack.

The newest, most meaningful way to add to your jewelry collection

‘Permanent jewelry’ from Lazy Maisie Creates in Whistler adds an effortless, elegant addition to every look you put together

If you love adding an elegant sparkle to your everyday outfits, but can’t stand the fumbling fuss of taking something on and off every single day, “permanent jewelry” may be exactly what you’re looking for and, we promise it’s not painful.

Typically offered as bracelets or anklets, this kind of jewelry is sized to your body before being welded shut with a little zap from a laser, as opposed to being closed with a clasp. The process is quick, simple and, most importantly, leaves you with a beautiful accessory potentially for life.

“You can choose the style of chain that you want, and you can wear multiple chains, either welded together as one bracelet or separately so that you can layer them. You can also add charms, so there’s infinite customization. Every person ends up with a unique piece,” says Helen Bateman (Chan), jewelry designer and maker of her line, Lazy Maisie Creates.

Every weekend from 10-5 p.m the Whistlerbased artisan will be offering this exact service at the Fairmont location of 3 Singing Birds with several sterling silver and 14k gold fill chains for customers to choose from. Dainty and delicate, these bracelets and anklets are perfect for people wanting to bring some effortless elegance to their everyday looks. “Subtlety can really stand out so much more.

It draws your eye in. It’s very feminine, almost angelic,” explains Helen.

They’re also a great solution for people who tend to be forgetful of where they last left their accessories after taking them off, she adds with a laugh.

But, permanent jewelry isn’t strictly for individuals it’s a great way to celebrate, honour or memorialize a relationship or special memory with a loved one, too.

Think of it as a more grown-up, timeless version of the colourful braided-cord bracelets we wore in elementary school, without the fraying, fading and eventual snipping off.

“Permanent jewelry is new and exciting, and I love the idea of it. It’s charming,” says Helen. “It’s a nice base to form your everyday outfit on, but it really becomes a part of you. These bracelets will form a part of your everyday self, and if you’ve had them done with your partner, your friends, whoever, it’s just a really nice reminder that you have them with you, always.”

And even though you technically could go get your piece removed if you needed to, it shows a level of commitment without the scariness that comes with getting a tattoo, for example.

“I’m so excited to bring this new experience to the Sea to Sky, and can’t wait to get you all zapped!” adds Helen

Learn more or book an appointment via Facebook or Instagram @lazymaisiecreates

moved

further up the hill to

Whistler’s logging heritage – logging in the 1920s.

For the 2010 Winter Olympic Games the men’s course at the bottom was altered and new sections were named:

widened significantly). In the days that Woodfibre pulp mill was in operation on Howe Sound, you could often smell the pollution from the mill at this point in the mountain, adding to its ‘charms.’

CAROUSEL The origins of this section also remains a mystery.

THE WEASEL We don’t know why it was called the Weasel, but the name Weasel begat the Weasel Workers—the volunteers who work on the races. The area is very steep and the older snow cats were not able to make it up there to groom. The race workers would have to tread up and down the Weasel on foot to flatten it out and therefore called themselves the Weasel Workers.

EXPRESSWAY Where the course crosses the run “Expressway.”

FALLAWAY

moved further up the hill to ensure there would always be snow. Before this time, the finish line was right at the bottom of the mountain, almost by Dusty’s.

THE BITE  referred an area in the curve or slack of a cable. When the cable pulls a log, the slack snaps out, causing this area to be very dangerous.

COUGAR MILK   was a term referring to the grease used on logging equipment.

UNDERCUT was a notch made in the tree to make sure it fell in the desired direction.

A SKIDDER  was any type of heavy vehicle used in a logging operation for pulling cut trees out of a forest in a process called “skidding.”

SPRINGBOARD  referred to a board that hand fallers stood on above the broad base when felling a large tree.

“He drove excellence amongst ski patrol... He defined responsibility to me. When I hit a real challenge, I think of Xhiggy, giving his all.” There is a plaque commemorating Peter Xhignesse on Blackcomb Mountain.

AND FALLAWAY FLATS

This corner falls away down the slope forcing racers to ski on one leg through the turn. and is then followed by a flattened area.

SEWER Beneath the Toilet Bowl.

COACHES’ CORNER It is considered one of the best places for coaches to see their charges racing down the run.

ROY’S This section is named after a Weasel Worker who was killed on the road to Vancouver.

MURR’S HOP This was named after Dave Murray, who was affectionately nicknamed “Murr.”

Rob Boyd, strong chin. 1994.

BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN

THE CHOKER  was a short length of wire rope used to wrap around the log to be yarded to the landing.

GEARJAMMER was a nickname given to a heavy equipment operator.

7TH HEAVEN  was named by Blackcomb President Hugh Smythe after he figured out that the lift servicing

Blackcomb’s seventh lift.

referred to a tree stem that branches into two or more trunks or tops.

SCHOOL MARM

BOYD’S CHIN — This is obviously named after Rob Boyd’s impressive jawline.

FORTNA’S CORNER is named after a racer called Fortna who had a bad crash in this spot.

TIMING FLATS Where the timing lights were situated.

When Blackcomb first opened, all the runs were named with a logging theme in mind. This was intended to reflect the logging heritage in the valley. As you can see from the names below the importance of forestry to the area has been captured forever.

MURR’S HOP — This was named after Dave Murray, who was affectionately nicknamed “Murr.”

FRANZ’S LEAP A jump named after Franz Wilhelmsen.

ROD’S REVENGE Peter Müller was the Swiss ski racer who skipped the line up to the gondola, to the ire of Rod McLeod, the lift supervisor. Müller was forced to apologize. The next day Müller was just about to win the race when he fell on a bump right at the end. The bump was thereafter known as Rod’s Revenge. This was probably the 1986 World Cup.

JERSEY CREAM  referred to the extra good timber—the cream of the crop. This run was originally named Hooker, the name given to a foreman of a logging “side.” However, the name was changed, as (unsurprisingly) it was not considered politically correct.

BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN

STOKER  was a person employed to fuel the steam engines used to pull the logs.

After 1989, the course was changed. Hot Air was built and the finish line was

FEATURE STORY 48 NOVEMBER 24, 2022

Smythe thought of the name because of an experience he’d had as a young man. He was skiing in Stevens Pass in Washington on a really dreadful day around 1964. The snow was terrible: “When it hit you, it sort of knocked you over.” As he got to the top of the chairlift, the lift operator came out of the shack, a bearded man with a deep voice, and said: “Welcome to seventh heaven.” Years later that lifty’s words came back to Smythe when naming the area.

Peter Xhignesse enjoying some Blackcomb powder.

A CRUISER was a logger who surveyed standing timber for volume.

CATSKINNER  was the name given to a driver of a machine with caterpillar treads.

XHIGGY’S MEADOW  was named after Peter Xhignesse. “Xhiggy’”worked on ski patrol from the time Blackcomb first opened in 1980 and was quickly promoted to be the first avalanche forecaster for Blackcomb Mountain. He was extremely dedicated to his job and made sure every step possible was taken to ensure the safety of staff and guests. Sadly, he was claimed by cancer at the young age of 33. Even in his last few days of life, he still made sure to spend hours educating his successor on running ski patrol. Arthur De Jong remembers him with great respect:

When Blackcomb first opened all the runs were named with a logging theme in mind. This was intended to reflect the logging heritage in the valley. As you can see from

BOYD’S CHIN This is obviously named after Rob Boyd’s impressive jawline.

it was

“The 7th Heaven T-bar (which was built in 1985 and replaced in 1987 by the 7th Heaven Express) was the seventh lift built on Blackcomb, making 7th Heaven a really appropriate name that reflected the outstanding ski experience of that highest region of the mountain,” he said.

Creekside Gondola Upgrade Delay Everything You Need to Know

Work continues on the Creekside Gondola and Big Red Express upgrade projects. Until uploading from the Creekside area is possible, Whistler Blackcomb will provide free shuttle service between Creekside and Whistler Village.

Parking

• Whistler Blackcomb Base II Lots (6-8) and Creekside parkade will remain open and free.

• Resort Municipality of Whistler’s Village Lots (1-5) will operate as normal.

• Electronic road signs will be operating throughout construction, providing parking/shuttle information and updates when Blackcomb and Village lots are full. Guests are encouraged to follow @wbmtnops on Twitter for updates.

• Guests do not need to have accommodations in Creekside to ride the shuttle service.

Shuttles

• Shuttles will run frequently between 7am and 5pm daily.

• During peak periods (weekends and powder days), there will be more shuttles in service.

• Guests in Creekside will be picked up/dropped off at pull-ins outside of Legends and the parkade on London Lane.

• Blackcomb Shuttles will drop off/pick-up at the Blackcomb Daylodge Loop, Whistler Shuttles will drop off/pick-up at the Gondola Transit Exchange.

Priority Lift Lines

• Guests offloading shuttles will be directed to enter priority lines at Blackcomb Gondola, Excalibur Gondola, Fitzsimmons Express and Whistler Village Gondola. However, we encourage guests to use either the Blackcomb Gondola or Fitzsimmons Express.

• Lifts will begin running 15 minutes early at 8:15am (if weather and lighting permits).

Like many in our community, we are disappointed that the new Creekside Gondola is delayed. However, we want to share our immense gratitude for our team’s incredible commitment, focus, and passion for all they have done – and continue to do – in service of these projects and the guest experience. We are focused on what we can control and remain resolute on finishing these projects in a timely and safe manner, while still providing a great start to the season for everyone who joins us.

For all the latest, please follow us on social media:

@wbmtnops on Twitter | @whistlerblackcomb on Instagram

THE CRYSTAL CHAIR opened in 1989. This coincided with a changing attitude of the next generation of skiers and snowboarders who were growing more adventuresome than their predecessors. Skiing in the trees became popular and more and more people started to enjoy it. Unfortunately, the danger of tree wells is very real, especially when the forest is dense. Blackcomb Mountain needed to make a decision: Were they going to try to discourage tree skiing (which probably wouldn’t work) or would they make efforts to make tree skiing safer?

Their answer was to introduce gladed skiing, which gave the guest a much safer option for tree skiing. De Jong, who was by now Blackcomb’s mountain manager, led the new policy of glading. When the work had been done, the marketing director at the time, David Barry, asked De Jong to pick his favourite of the new gladed areas. He selected a particular run because he knew the Whistler kids would love it; a gladed area with plenty of features and character, which was both challenging and fun. Barry therefore proclaimed that the run should be called “Arthur’s Choice.”

Another fun fact relating to these new glades was that there was a small amount of revenue generated from selling the lumber from the thinned forests. This money was put towards building the first alpine hiking trails on Blackcomb on the south side of 7th Heaven.

ROSS’ GOLD  is named after Ross Rebagliati, who grew up in North Vancouver, but called Whistler his home for over a decade. Ross was a snowboarder who won a gold medal at 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. As this was the first Olympic snowboard event, Ross was the first Olympic gold medallist snowboarder in history. He was presented with a lifetime pass to Whistler Blackcomb and was able to choose a run to be named after him.

The original name for Ross’ Gold was Gandy Dancer—this is a term used for early railroad workers who laid and maintained railroad tracks in the years before the work was done by machines. A worker would lift his gandy (a long-handled tool) and force it into the ballast to create a fulcrum, then throw himself sideways using the gandy to check his full weight so the gandy would push the rail toward the inside of the curve.

BUSHRAT  is a technical chute off of Chainsaw Ridge, and was named after John Hetherington., a.k.a. “Bushrat,” who had previously worked on the Whistler Mountain Ski Patrol with Ken Newington, Blackcomb’s first ski patrol director. He named this run for Hetherington soon after the area opened.

LADIES FIRST on Blackcomb Glacier was named after Whistler ski patroller and current councillor Cathy Jewett. Jewett was out ski touring with a group in 1984. She dropped in first and instantly set off an avalanche that she rode down the slope until she managed to self-arrest. So, although she was theoretically “first,” she didn’t really ski it that day!

GARNET, DIAMOND, SAPPHIRE AND RUBY BOWLS on the backside of Blackcomb after you climb Spanky’s ladder, were named by Peter Xhignesse and former

Whistler Mayor Hugh O’Reilly. They figured that since they had a Crystal Ridge, these were much more precious runs so deserved more value in the namesake.

HUSUME HuSueMi should be the correct spelling, as the title is made out of three names run together: Hugh Tucker, Dr. Sue Hopkins, and Miguel Guerico, who claimed the first decent in 1983.

SAUDAN COULOIR / COULOIR EXTREME  was originally named Saudan Couloir after the early French extreme skier Sylvain Saudan. A very popular extreme ski racing event used to take place on this run in the late ‘80s/early ‘90s. Unfortunately, Saudan was not pleased by the mountain using his name without his permission and Blackcomb subsequently changed the name to Couloir Extreme. After lengthy negotiations between Saudan and Whistler Blackcomb, the ski resort agreed to revert the run back to its original name, Saudan Couloir, in 2017. n

SLCC Cornucopia Fall Feast, 6:30pm Experience a culinary journey brought to life through authentic Indigenous cultural sharing, blending storytelling, a traditional shared feast and Spo7ez Performers in regalia sharing songs from Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation

Opening Weekend Celebration! The Longhorn Saloon, 7pm Come experience opening weekend in style! Sat , Nov 26 Tour de France, 2pm

Bobsledder Cyrus Gray brings the thunder to Whistler

VANCOUVER ISLAND ATHLETE ONE OF SEVERAL CANADIANS RACING AT WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE THIS MONTH

BY DAVID SONG

I HEARD IT before I saw it.

Standing amidst a throng of viewers at the Whistler Sliding Centre on Saturday, Nov. 12, my ears picked up a rumbling noise from further up the track. It started faint, but rapidly gained in both volume and intensity. Something big was inbound.

Down it came through the Gold Rush Trail, leaving a row of protective tarps flapping vehemently in its wake. Had I blinked at the wrong time, I would’ve missed it. Had I closed my eyes, I would’ve thought it a locomotive, such was the noise and power it possessed.

‘It’ of course, was a four-man bobsleigh, a sleek steed bearing a quartet of burly, twitched-up athletes weighing at least 200 pounds each. Add the mass of the sled itself and you have nearly 1,400 pounds (635 kilograms) hurtling down the track, mere metres away from my fixated eyes. I could have reached out and touched the thing—not that any sane person would do so.

In two seconds, tops, the vehicle roared across my field of vision and through Thunderbird Corner, the Whistler Sliding Centre’s epic final turn. At that point, it had reached its top speed of over 150 kilometres per hour. Corner 16 is arguably the best place on track to watch the action, but sometimes it needs to be tarped up to prevent sunlight from damaging the carefully conditioned ice.

On Saturday afternoon, however, Thunderbird Corner was open for business, and everyone watching was lucky for it.

The North American Cup event from Nov. 7 to 13 was the first time the Whistler Sliding Centre had hosted official races in three years, and Canadians were well-represented. Cyrus Gray from Duncan, B.C. placed third in fourman bobsleigh on Nov. 12, alongside pilot Taylor Austin and fellow brakemen David Caixeiro and Davidson de Souza. He added a gold medal the next day, this time with Austin, de Souza and Chris Ashley.

“It’s always a young Canadian’s goal to represent their country and be with the best of the best,” Gray said.

Fresh off an appearance at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, the Vancouver Islander already has his sights set four years down the road on Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. He knows that every race between now and then is an opportunity to solidify his place as one of Canada’s best.

FROM BASKETBALL TO BOBSLEIGH

The Whistler Sliding Centre offers introductory bobsleigh programs for those as young as 16, but Gray did not start quite so early. Basketball was his first athletic passion, from Grade 10 at Cowichan Secondary School to his first year as point guard for Camosun College. It was always Gray’s goal to represent his country at the highest levels of sport.

“Every time I watched the Olympics, I was like, ‘Oh, I’d love to play basketball one day at the Olympics,’” he said.

Yet Gray eventually realized that hooping against world-class athletes was not in the cards for him, and he spent a few years trying to figure out what was next. That next step came in the form of RBC Training Ground, a development program that has produced numerous Canadian Olympians, such as fellow bobsledder Mike Evelyn, silver medallist sprinter Jerome Blake and Olympic champion track cyclist Kelsey Mitchell.

Gray admittedly “didn’t want to do it” at first, but his mom saw potential and signed him up for Training Ground anyway. A mother’s instincts about her children are often sound, and in this case they were.

In 2017, Gray proved himself to be among the top 100 RBC Training Ground athletes in B.C. He didn’t know much about bobsleigh at that point, though he

remembers watching past Canadian icons like Kaillie Humphries and Lyndon Rush at the 2010 Winter Olympics. When the opportunity arose for Gray to climb into a sled himself, he took it.

The Vancouver Islander wasn’t considered an elite prospect at first, but he developed steadily under the tutelage of athletes such as Justin Kripps, who won two-man bobsleigh gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics and four-man bronze in 2022. Kripps, who retired this August and is now a technical coach for Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton (BCS), praise Gray for “growing a ton” and “coming out of his shell” since his early days.

Whistler-based veteran Canadian pilot and four-time Olympian Chris Spring is likewise proud of how far Gray has come.

“Cyrus is a real success story, I’d say,” Spring remarked. “When he came into the program, he hadn’t had very much coaching, didn’t really know much about the sport, and to be honest, didn’t test very well when he first came out. And to his credit, he had this goal of becoming a national team member competing at a World Championships, Olympic Games… and he did everything he could possible.

“He’s literally changed himself into the athlete that he is today.”

GRAY DAY Duncan, B.C. bobsledder Cyrus Gray is one of several Canadian athletes racing at the Whistler Sliding Centre this month.

Whistler skier Marcus Goguen goes from big mountain to big screen

LOCAL FREERIDER FEATURED IN PROLIFIC SNOWSPORTS FILM, DAYMAKER

BY DAVID SONG

MARCUS GOGUEN HAS always been an athlete. Now he can call himself a movie star—in a manner of speaking.

The 18-year-old Whistlerite is one of more than 30 skiers and snowboarders featured in Daymaker, the latest snowsports film by Warren Miller Entertainment. The movie, which screened Nov. 18 at Whistler Secondary School, depicts athletes throwing down tricks and carving their way through breathtaking backcountry playgrounds in Alaska, Colorado, Idaho, Utah, Greece, Switzerland and, of course, British Columbia.

“Oh, it was great,” Goguen said. “A totally new experience being up with, like, the big dogs and the big filming crew. We hit it right with the snow conditions. We

CYRUS GRAY

FROM PAGE 52

TAKING OWNERSHIP

So, who is Cyrus Gray today? At 27 years old, he is a senior member of the Canadian national bobsleigh team. He helps crew the top four-man sled in the nation, continuously acclimating himself to the intense G-forces that bobsledders experience.

Pilots don’t have it quite as harsh, but brakemen can feel up to six Gs (or six times the normal force of gravity) when speeding down a track like Whistler’s, considered the fastest in the world. The further back you sit in your sled, the worse it gets. To put that in perspective, military fighter jets like the F/A-18 Super Hornet featured in the Tom Cruise blockbuster Top Gun: Maverick are rated to handle 7.5 Gs in a turn.

Kripps knows firsthand that to conquer such intense G-forces on worldclass tracks, you need both explosive physicality and ice in your veins. Competitors must switch immediately from an all-out aggressive push at the start to a calm “flow state” of mind that helps them navigate the track at breakneck speeds. The foundation of it all is courage, for bobsleigh can be a scary sport.

“Mental fortitude, I think, really starts to separate the really successful people from those who aren’t,” Kripps said. “You can start to see that with Cyrus: he’s got a very confident, calm demeanour.”

Something else that many are unaware of is the fact that high-level bobsledders such as Gray must both compete and care for their own equipment. Mechanics are available to deal with significant breakdowns, but day-to-day maintenance falls to the athletes themselves, who polish

got 100 centimetres when we went up to Mustang Powder and it was game on.”

Weather and snow conditions are crucial for freeriders like Goguen, who trade the safety and control of artificially curated ski resorts for the untamed, infinite white of the open backcountry. They are trained in avalanche safety and often carry various forms of precautionary gear, especially in Europe, where outside supervision tends to be limited.

Freeride skiers and snowboarders are not to be confused with their freestyle counterparts: the latter, who compete at the Olympics and X Games, perform tricks on man-made elements. There can be overlap between the two: for instance, Olympic medallists like Canada’s Mark McMorris and New Zealand’s Zoi Sadowski-Synnott are

their sled’s runners for up to 90 minutes ahead of each event. It’s a lot of work for a few fleeting moments in the spotlight, but it’s part of the process.

Gray’s leadership off the track has earned recognition as well. Two-time Olympian skeleton racer Mirela Rahneva praised him for making posters to help advertise the North American Cup and the season’s first World Cup event from Nov. 24 to 26.

“BCS is very lean,” she said. “There’s not a lot of staff. There’s not a lot of volunteers. Athletes are recognizing that there’s a lot of work to be done and they’re stepping up.”

Kripps and Spring have both seen firsthand the fruit of Gray’s labour.

“We actually had a bunch of fans come out for [the North American Cup],” Kripps said. “Usually, you don’t have fans other than people’s parents at these kinds of development-level races.”

Gray is well aware of younger eyes on the national team looking his way, and he strives to be an example to them the way that Kripps and Spring have been to him. With World Cup action right around the corner, the Vancouver Islander is honoured to represent both country and province here in Whistler.

“Being [able] to say that your home track is the fastest track in the world?” Gray said. “That puts some pride on your shoulders for sure. Can’t take that for granted.”

For more information and the full schedule of IBSF World Cup events, visit whistlersportlegacies.com/whistler-slidingcentre/this-week-on-track. n

skilled both in the park and on the mountain.

Even when conditions are optimal, freeriders are challenged with picking their own lines or routes through a specific section of nature that organizers have vetted ahead of time. Terrain inspection is key and the margin for error is substantially smaller than it would be on an artificial venue.

“You never know exactly what’s going to be under the snow,” explained Goguen. “Sometimes stuff does happen. Maybe you’re going to hit a rock off the takeoff, or there’s going to be some rocks in the landing. When you succeed, it’s pretty rewarding to know that you did everything right.”

Goguen has been doing things right for a while. Originally from Vancouver, he began skiing at age two on visits to his family’s Whistler cabin. A two-sport athlete, Goguen picked up mountain biking shortly after his introduction to powder and found success on dirt as well, winning a bronze medal in August at Crankworx Whistler’s U19 Canadian Open DH race. He also picked up some unexpected hardware: the Stevie Smith Memorial Award for competing in both Crankworx DH races this year.

But how did Goguen find himself in front of Warren Miller cameras? He was previously unfamiliar with the company, which is an active player in the snowsports movie industry. Miller himself, a celebrated late American filmmaker, stopped producing content after 2004, but Warren

Miller Entertainment has outlived its founder’s career to showcase dozens of athletes across many films. These include Canadian alpine ski racer Erin Mielzynski, American halfpipe freestyler Aaron Blunck, and Goguen’s mom, Astrid.

Goguen’s mother is not a multiple-time Olympian like Mielzynski and Blunck are, but she was seen in an older Warren Miller film cruising around on skis as a child. Decades

later, her son credits former sponsor Helly Hansen for getting him into Daymaker.

“What I’ve been learning the past couple of years is that if you’re filming, you’ve got to be patient,” Goguen said. “And then hopefully the line comes together for you. It’s a huge stepping stone in my career.”

The young Whistlerite isn’t ready to choose between his two loves just yet. He finds that his focus shifts depending on

the season: skiing in winter and biking in summer. That said, he knows he will eventually need to pick one, and figures that the grand slopes of the big mountain probably have his heart.

“I feel like it’ll most likely be skiing,” Goguen admitted.

Learn more about the film at warrenmiller.com/film-archive/ daymaker-2022. ■

STAR TURN Whistler freeskier Marcus Goguen is featured in the new ski film, Daymaker.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE IFSA

Whistler golfer Stewart Walker is New York bound

THE 17-YEAR-OLD WILL PLAY NCAA DIVISION I GOLF AT LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY

BY DAVID SONG

AFTER YEARS HONING his craft on Sea to Sky fairways and greens, Whistler golf whiz Stewart Walker is heading east.

On Nov. 15, the 17-year-old announced via his Instagram account that he has committed to play NCAA Division I golf at Long Island University, where he will also be studying finance. Walker was impressed by the Sharks’ on-campus facilities and practice courses, which he described as “just unbelievable.” Rapport with head coach Ben Belfield also helped.

“I really found that we just made a solid connection off of the first call,” Walker said of his relationship with Belfield. “He was from England, and my mom [Rhona] is from England, so we sort of have that little connection there.”

Walker’s golfing skills have turned heads for some time on the amateur and Canadian Junior Golf Association (CJGA) circuits. He racked up seven wins this year, most recently at his season finale on Sept. 18 at Golden Eagle Golf Club in Pitt Meadows. Walker might have added even more hardware to his trophy case if not for shoulder and back injuries that caused him to miss roughly a month, including the BC Junior tournament.

Many competitive golfers start young— very young. Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson both picked up a club around the age of two, and Walker was about two and a half years old when he first found the sport in his hometown of Pemberton. As a young child, he learned the fundamentals at Big Sky Golf Club and was known to get in some extra practice by hitting plastic balls off handmade sand tees at Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island.

Walker and his family moved to Whistler in 2010 and Nicklaus North has since become his home course. He refers to the director of instruction there, Graham Kehoe, and director of golf Andrew Smart as “pivotal members” of his golf career, in addition to his mom and dad. Although he grew up a local, Walker is no stranger to the wider golf world, having traveled far and wide to play in tournaments across Canada and the United States.

Long Island University’s Post campus counts more than 5,100 undergraduate students, which give it a larger population than the village it’s located in: Brookville, N.Y. has a population of about 2,847. Walker is optimistic that the transition to living there won’t be too jarring.

“The nice thing about Long Island University is, it’s like its own little town,” he said. “It’s gated, it’s private. But I’m

definitely excited to be able to take the train into New York and go into some pretty cool places and shows and things.”

Walker believes golf has taught him the importance of mental strength and a positive attitude over the years. When asked, he thought back to a particular Maple Leaf Junior Tour (MJT) event in Chilliwack, where a relaxed mindset helped him shoot 7-under-par on the second day after a brutal 7-over first day.

That same kind of mental toughness has buoyed Walker to recent success, too. He shot 73 and 65 in his Sept. 18 CJGA victory at Golden Eagle Golf Club, with his second-day effort coming one stroke short of his personal course record, 64.

“I always try to just live in the moment, and leave the bad shots behind,” Walker explained. “I’m not going to be able to change the past, so I just focus on the next shot.”

The Whistlerite plans to depart for Long Island next August, and his plans until then aren’t set in stone. Next July’s BC Amateur Championship is still on his radar, a large tournament he has yet to compete in, with a large field of 156 players expected. Morningstar Golf Club, located roughly a 10-minute drive from Walker’s childhood stomping grounds at Qualicum Beach, will be the host course.

But if he were to pick a career highlight, Walker’s mind turns to this year’s 2022 Big Sky Amateur Tournament, which he prevailed in. Despite Big Sky being the first course he ever played on, he had never entered that particular event before, let alone won it.

“It was nice to go back there and win,” he said. “There’s all the same guys that are working there. I call them the ‘pros.’ So it was great to just have that full circle.” n

P lease come and join us at the GLC (details below) to celebrate one of W histler, Squamish, Lake L ouise, and hometown Sarnia, Ontario’s favourite people.

L egendar y figure to ever yone that was fortunate enough to know him, Cuz was a fantastic husband to Sawako, an amazing ‘Unc le’ to Isshin, Ryoma, and Yamato (and Family), an absolute Crusher in the sof tball wor ld, owner and Mentor of Spicy Sports, and Bartender extraordinaire back in the day at Buffalo Bills

Cuz was a true music lover and he and Sassy travelled ever ywhere to enjoy live music. L ooking for ward to sharing stories and myths with all of Cuz’s people Fr iday 25th November at GLC, 8pm 12

CITY BOY Whistler’s Stewart Walker has committed to play NCAA Division I golf at Long Island University next year.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

A, B, C is for Cornucopia

FUN FACTS AND FAST FOOD FOR THOUGHT AS THE EPICURIOUS CARRY ON

THE OYSTER SHELLS at Bearfoot Bistro’s annual throwdown have long been gathered up and dumped in the bin. And the tunes from the House Party are still ringing in your head as you conjure up the unique notes mizunara (which translates to “wateroak”) brought to the samples at the Japanese whiskey tasting seminar.

Once again, as fall fades into the sunset, so does Whistler’s biggest and best food and drink fest, Cornucopia. And while this

BY GLENDA BARTOSH

year’s events started Nov. 4, don’t feel like you’ve entirely missed out, folks.

You can still catch some great seminars and spectacular events, like Saturday’s authentic, traditional Fall Feast at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC), which includes a multi-course meal featuring roast bison bavette, storytelling and Spo7ez Performers in regalia sharing songs from the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations.

Plus, you couldn’t pick a better way to mark Cornucopia’s final weekend than Saturday’s wine seminar at the Aava Hotel, led by none other than the legendary BC Restaurant Hall of Famer, André SaintJacques. Founder of the aforementioned

JACQUES OF ALL

Bearfoot Bistro, André is equally celebrated for slicing open bottles of champagne with a single swipe of a sabre as he is for the mythic— and, sadly discontinued—bacchanalian Masqueraves hosted at Bearfoot during past Cornucopias. Picture creatively painted, barebreasted women serving up whatever was on offer, including canapés presented on the fair, bare, painted bod of a beautiful woman reclining on a table.

In the meantime, as you conjure up Cornucopias past, book tickets for the present, or daydream about the future, let me offer you a few tasty tidbits from the ABCs of all things kitchen and cuisine. Good, quick conversation starters at any table—pub, dining room, or otherwise.

A IS FOR…

Artisanal. You have to reach a bit to get to the roots of this adjective, since it wasn’t accepted usage in the original Oxford English Dictionary. But an adjective it is, folks, meaning: related to, or characteristic of an artisan; of a product, especially food or drink, made in a traditional or non-mechanized way, as in “artisanal bread.”

So, please, package designers and writers of all things menu-ish or promotional: Don’t describe your products as “artisan bread” or “artisan cheese.”

By the world’s trustiest Oxford dictionary, “artisan” is a noun, from the Italian artigiano, in turn from the Latin artitianus, meaning “to instruct in arts.” An artisan is someone who practises or cultivates an art; in short, they’re an artist.

So if your menu, sandwich board or label proclaims “artisan bread” or “artisan pizza,”

it’s actually saying you’re offering “artist bread” or “artist pizza.” What you really want your customers to know is that you offer artisanal products, meaning they’ve been made with care in a traditional and, as the dictionary says, non-mechanized, nonindustrialized way.

A is also for aril. This lovely word is mostly used by botanists, but you can now sprinkle it into conversations at whatever table you find yourself.

In one more lesson pointing up the many advantages of reading your packaging, I’ll confess, ladies and gentlemen, that I first learned about arils from a bag of President’s Choice frozen pomegranate arils. (While not as tasty or beautiful as the real McCoy from fresh pomegranates, they’re sure handy for adding zing to a winter salad.)

“Aril” is from the Latin arillus, (also the root of the Spanish arillos, meaning “raisins”). It means a specialized outgrowth that partially or completely covers a seed. The first recorded use of “aril” in English was in Rousseau’s Botanical of 1794: “two seeds covered with an aril or detached coat.”

If you keep reading that pomegranate package, you’ll notice the French translation, arilles de grenade—a big tip-off as to the source of that grenadine syrup you love in your favourite cocktail, alcoholic or otherwise.

B IS FOR…

Bison, and for bavette, the centrepiece of that delicious-sounding roast bison bavette with cheeks and tomato jus at the traditional Fall Feast at the SLCC.

Before we get into bavette, I just want

to set the record straight on bison. While we Canucks usually call those big beasts “buffalo,” there are no buffalo in North America. The Smithsonian Institute tells us true buffalo are native only to Africa and Asia—Cape buffalo and water buffalo. North America only has native bison, and that’s what you’ll get Saturday night at the SLCC.

As for bavette, that’s a French term for flank steak, a loosely textured, highly flavoured flat cut also called the butcher’s cut, since butchers often prize it for their own plates. Enjoy!

C IS FOR…

Cornucopia. Of course! Think “horn of plenty”—the horn-shaped basket that’s a symbol of Thanksgiving from which tumbles all kinds of harvest bounty.

The horn of plenty, writes Edith Hamilton in the classic Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes, is based on the Greek myth of Amalthea. By one myth, Amalthea was a goat on whose milk Zeus was fed as an infant boy. By another, she was a nymph who owned the goat. Either way, she had a horn that was “always full of whatever food or drink anyone wanted.”

In Latin, this was a Cornu copiae, the horn that Hercules broke off the river god, Achelous, who had taken on the form of a bull to fight him. It, too, was always magically full of fruits and flowers—a perfect trope for Whistler’s signature food and wine fest.

Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning journalist who goes for the bacchanalian whenever she gets the chance. n

TRADES Bearfoot Bistro founder André Saint-Jacques is leading a wine tasting seminar on Saturday, Nov. 26 as part of the Cornucopia food and wine festival.

R Prenatal Fitness 5:30-6:30 p.m. Sara

F Spin 6-7 p.m. Alex

Susie

F Barre Fit 12:15-1 p.m. Marie-Anne

I Strength & Stretch 9 10 a.m. Lou

I Zumba 12:15-1:15 p.m. Carmen

I Gentle Fit 1-2 p.m. Sara

F Mom & Baby 2.0 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sara I Gentle Fit 1-2 p.m. Sara

FLEXIBLE REGISTRATION Flex-reg’ classes

F

I TRX Mixer 5:15-6 p.m. Courtney

F Spin 6:15-7:15 p.m. Courtney

I Mountain Ready 5:30–6:30 p.m. Anna

F Spin 6-7 p.m. Courtney

I HIIT Express 5:15-6 p.m. Alex

F Spin 6:15-7:15 p.m. Alex

I Zumba 6:30-7:30 p.m. Carmen I Yoga Roll & Release 8-9 p.m. Laura

I Strong Glutes and Core 6:15-7:15 p.m. Carly

New Buffy Sainte-Marie doc chronicles the extraordinary life of a music legend

BUFFY SAINTE-MARIE: CARRY IT ON SCREENS AT WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL, FEATURED IN WOMEN IN FOCUS PROGRAMMING

BY ALYSSA NOEL

THERE IS A MOMENT early in the documentary Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On when Joni Mitchell appears on screen to speak about the titular, award-winning, Indigenous singer-songwriter, activist and visual artist.

“I was very impressed with her. Her stage performance, songwriting ability. Buffy was different,” Mitchell says.

That’s when it hits you: Sainte-Marie might be Mitchell’s peer, but, so far, the music world hasn’t held her up to the same legendary status.

Slowly, that seems to be changing.

“That’s one of my frustrations,” says Andrea Warner, the Vancouver-based author of Buffy Sainte-Marie: The Authorized Biography, who also serves as writer and associate producer of the documentary. “It’s been one of my frustrations for so long. I don’t think it’s a frustration she carries—that would be exhausting; that’s not really her vibe. But I think it sucks for the world, frankly, that there isn’t more awareness of how important she is. What an

incredible songwriter she is. There’s not as much appreciation for her craft and talent.”

The documentary unravels some of the possible reasons for that lack of recognition, while chronicling her complicated and fascinating life, and holding up her varied accomplishments—from the tangible, like

Warner wound up writing Buffy’s authorized biography after an interview in which the connection seemed to flow two ways. (When Pique spoke to SainteMarie ahead of her performance at Whistler Olympic Plaza in 2019, she also spoke warmly of Warner.)

cool expansion of the written form.”

It perhaps helped that Sainte-Marie’s life story—and music—is so ready-made for the big screen. She started out as a freshfaced folk singer in New York City alongside the likes of a burgeoning Bob Dylan; she wrote monster hits like “Until It’s Time for You to Go” covered by Elvis and Barbra Streisand; she was unknowingly blacklisted from American radio by presidents Nixon and Johnson for her “protest” music; broke barriers on Sesame Street; and has worked in various ways to support Indigenous youth in the arts.

winning a Grammy (and Polaris Music Prize, Juno and Golden Globe, to name just a few) to the more abstract, like the influence her activism and music has had on young, Indigenous people over many decades.

“She’s such an extraordinary person,” Warner says. “I just really appreciate her so much—how humble and creative she is. She’s not somebody who downplays her accomplishments or innovations, but she doesn’t want to spend a lot of time treading in that water either. She’s always moving forward. There’s so much momentum to Buffy.”

Shortly after the book’s 2018 release, White Pine Pictures, a Toronto-based production company, reached out to Warner to ask some questions and invite her to serve as a consultant.

As the work unfolded, Warner came onboard as a writer and associate producer.

“Writing in a visual medium is very different,” she says. “It took me a while to get used to it. For a while, I was like, ‘Is this writing?’ I realized, ultimately, yeah, it’s a different form of writing than I’ve ever done. I loved it. I’ve always wanted to work in documentary. I think it’s an extremely

“I’ve cried every time I’ve watched it,” Warner says. “And I’ve watched it 1,000 times … At one point, Buffy says she wishes she could’ve been more effective. I just think, ‘Damn, if Buffy Sainte-Marie thinks that she should’ve been more effective, what are the rest of us doing?’”

Buffy Sainte-Marie: Carry It On screens as part of the Whistler Film Festival on Friday, Dec. 2 at 4 p.m. at the Maury Young Arts Centre.

Sainte-Marie, Warner, and Madison Thomas, the film’s director, will also take part in a livestreamed conversation (though Warner will attend in-person) as part of the festival’s Women in Focus programming. That takes place on Dec. 2 from 2:30 to 3:20 p.m.

For more information or tickets, visit whistlerfilmfestival.com. n

ROCK DOC Buffy Sainte-Marie is the subject of a new documentary  Carry It On, screening at the Whistler Film Festival on Friday, Dec. 2.

PHOTO BY CHRISTIE GOODWIN

“I was very impressed with her. Her stage performance, songwriting ability. Buffy was different.”

- JONI MITCHELL

Here’s where to get your Christmas music fix this season

FROM DEC. 2 ALL THE WAY UP TO DEC. 24, CATCH AN ARRAY OF PERFORMANCES AND SINGALONGS

BY ALYSSA NOEL

IF YOU’RE LOOKING for a musical injection of holiday cheer, you’re in luck.

Starting Dec. 2, the Whistler Singers, Whistler Children’s Chorus and Barbed Choir—and the directors behind them— have a long list of events taking place leading up to Christmas.

WHISTLER SINGERS CAROLLING,

DEC. 2, 3, 9 AND 10

Sponsored by Tourism Whistler, the choir carols through the village for two weekends in early December. This year, the group has extended an invitation to the Whistler Children’s Chorus as well.

“That’s always fun,” says Alison Hunter, director of the group. “That will be our usual Christmas cheer wandering through the village.”

The group sets out on Friday, Dec. 2 and Friday, Dec. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday carolling—Dec. 3 and 10—will take place from 3 to 6 p.m.

BARBED CHOIR HOLIDAY SINGAPALOOZA, DEC. 9

Whistler’s pop-up rock choir is back with its special holiday singalong.

While the group is usually adults-only, this event is open to all ages.

“Our youngest participant last year was six years old—and in his pyjamas,” says Jeanette Bruce, who runs the group with local musician Laura Nedelak. “He had a great time.”

No prior singing experience is required. Just show up, warm up with some Christmas songs, and prepare to learn the harmonies to The Beach Boys’ “Little Saint Nick.”

Doors for that event are 7 p.m. Entry comes with a minimum $5 donation to the Whistler Community Services Society.

WHISTLER SINGERS’ HOLIDAY CONCERT, DEC. 11 AND 22

This annual show will offer both a chance to listen and an opportunity to sing along.

“We have Christmas songs and winter songs like Gordon Lightfoot’s ‘Song for a Winter’s Night,’” Hunter says.

The show on Dec. 11 takes place at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church by cash donation.

If you can’t make it to that indoor show, you can catch the group on the old Basalt patio in the village where they will perform a similar set as part of the Crystal Lounge’s Winter Wonderland. That event takes place Dec. 22 at 5:30 p.m.

WHISTLER CHILDREN’S CHORUS’ CHRISTMAS AT RAINBOW SHOW,

DEC. 17

Thanks to funding from 100 Women Whistler, the Whistler Children’s Chorus is staging the 1984 production, Christmas at Rainbow.

Written by former chorus director Molly Boyd and former Myrtle Philip School principal Bob Daly, it chronicles Whistler pioneers Alex and Myrtle Philips’ journey to Alta Lake.

Two adults have been brought in to play the starring roles, but in a fitting twist, they’re both chorus graduates who are now pursuing careers in acting.

“We’re really excited to be able to book both of them,” Bruce says. “It’s a cool success story of kids in choir who don’t just leave performing behind when they graduate.”

The show takes place Dec. 17 at the Maury Young Arts Centre at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Tickets are $10 for kids and $15 for adults, available at howpass.com/whistlerchildrens-chorus.

A WINTER’S SONG SOLSTICE CONCERT, DEC. 18

This is a special one for both Bruce and Hunter. They perform (vocals and harp, respectively) as a trio alongside flute player Anna-Elise Keefer.

“It gives us a chance to be musicians, rather than facilitating everyone else,” Hunter says. “It’s nice to make our own music.”

This year, they’ll be performing a mix that includes medieval music, a couple of Newfoundland songs, and contemporary folk songs.

“Even though right now our schedules are chockfull of various rehearsals, there is a different feeling to the solstice rehearsal,” Bruce says.

That show takes place at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church. Tickets are available for $20 by searching A Winter’s Song Solstice Concert on eventbrite.com.

CHRISTMAS EVE CAROL SERVICE, DEC. 24

You can mark this down as the third year in a row the Christmas Eve Carol Service, Whistler’s longest-running arts event, has had to make some changes.

Due to COVID, the last two years have been recordings, and while this year will be a return to in-person songs and stories, the venue has changed.

In recent years, it’s taken place the Westin Resort and Spa, but due to issues like staff shortages, the hotel is not able to accommodate the event this year. Instead it will take place at the Whistler Public Library.

Doors for the service—its 39th—will be at 6 p.m. for a 6:30 p.m. start, first come, first served. n

Learn more at www.artswhistler.com/emham

> Maury Young Arts Centre

> Nov. 25, 6:15 p.m.

FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST NOV24-27

COMMUNITY

BRATZ BIZ

This popular annual market fuels the entrepreneurial spirit and artistic passions of young artisans by providing a venue for selling crafts and a meeting place for likeminded individuals to share new ideas and learn the business side of marketing arts and crafts. Come and enjoy a wonderful outdoor market and support our young vendors. There will also be raffle tickets sold for 10 amazing gift baskets. Learn more at bratzbiz.ca/event-info.

> Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre parking lot

> Nov. 26 and 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

> Free entry

TRADITIONAL LÍLWAT DRUM-MAKING WITH JANICE AND FIONA

Join Janice Telfer and Fiona Milton for an evening of traditional drum-making. It is common in Líl wat tradition to gift the first drum you make to someone else. With that in mind, we recommend you attend the workshop with a friend—you can each make a drum and gift it to each other. Participants will each make a 12” drum.

> $60

FREE PANCAKE BREAKFAST AT THE PEMBERTON FOOD BANK

The Pemberton Food Bank is hosting a FREE pancake breakfast for the community of Pemberton at their 1343 Aster Street location. Come learn about the food bank and the services it offers all while enjoying a tasty pancake breakfast. Find out more about the new food bank space, the kitchen they’re raising funds for, and the exciting programs and workshops they plan to offer in 2023 and beyond.

All are welcome… we hope to see you there!

> Pemberton Food Bank

> Saturday, Nov. 26 from 9 to 11:30 a.m.

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT

WHISTLER ARTISAN MARKET

A brand-new market hosted by your local artists featuring creatives from the Sea to Sky and across B.C. This two-day event will feature up to 40 vendors in Whistler’s biggest indoor market since 2019.

> Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Frontenac Foyer and Ballroom

> Nov. 26, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Nov. 27, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

> Entry by can or coin donation to Whistler Community Services Society

GETTY IMAGES

Dusty’s infamous opening and closing parties

BY JILLIAN ROBERTS

THE EVENTS AT DUSTY’S are legendary: staff parties with the band playing from atop the roof; the lively celebration after Rob Boyd’s World Cup win in 1989; end-ofseason parties; dressing up for theme nights; and scavenger hunts. Even amongst these raucous events, the opening and closing parties at Dusty’s stand out.

Dusty’s opened in 1983, after Whistler Mountain took over food and beverage on the mountain and redeveloped and rebranded L’Après. The massive opening celebration aimed to show off the new venue to the community, with a guest list stacked with local dignitaries, including Whistler Mountain and Blackcomb Mountain management, the RMOW, and local clergy.

Throughout the night, the celebration ended up showing off a lot more than just the facility. As one version of this nowinfamous event goes, right as the Reverend was blessing the new venue, Lady Godiva jumped “bareback” onto the stuffed Dusty’s horse, shirt waving in the air like a lasso. With that, a legend was born and the new Whistler pub was open for business.

Dusty’s went on to become a popular spot for live music and a testing ground for up-and-coming entertainers, including the Poppy Family, and Doug and the Slugs. In 2000, it was announced that Creekside was to be redeveloped, including the demolition of Dusty’s. In honour of the incredible music scene, live music played each night in the week leading up to ‘Dusty’s Last Stand’ in April 2000.

The final weekend brought with it a disco party, a retro fashion show, a prize for the person with the most Whistler Mountain passes, and of course, more live music. Local favourites who took the Dusty’s stage “one last time” included Guitar Doug, Steve Wright, Dark Star, Pete and Chad and the

Whole Damn County, and the Hounds of Buskerville.

Starting early in the afternoon, the crowds built until servers were required to walk a hundred metres up the base of Whistler Mountain to deliver orders. Once the sun set, the eager crowd either dispersed or relocated inside. With the saloon packed with over 2,000 people, it was a sight to be seen, the mosh pit and stage diving like no other. The crowd was so wild that management nearly stopped the last band from taking the stage. Even with the 20 additional security personnel brought in specifically for the event, it was still difficult to manage the crowd intent on sending Dusty’s out in style.

With so much of Whistler’s history made in L’Après and Dusty’s, everyone was encouraged to record their memories before and during the event. Those with particularly fond memories were stealing tables and chairs as souvenirs, and there were some arrests in the afternoon and evening, including a snowboarder carrying on the local tradition of celebrating sans clothing. Rumours had been swirling that people were planning on burning the building down before it could be demolished, but thankfully the gas cannisters were found outside before anything happened.

Despite these few hiccups, according to David Perry, then-vice-president of sales and marketing for Whistler Blackcomb, “It was probably the best party this valley has ever seen.” For a party town like Whistler, that is a bold claim. Within hours of the party ending, the area was fenced off for demolition.

The story of Dusty’s does not end there. Only eight months later, the modern Dusty’s had it’s grand reopening, and playing on the new stage was none other than Guitar Doug’s band, The Hairfarmers.

Now that Dusty’s has reopened for the winter season, The Hairfarmers will again be gracing the stage on Tuesday and Saturday each week, continuing the livemusic tradition. n

SURE-FOOTED Local rock band Foot in the Door at Dusty’s in 1984. Have any photos of Dusty’s? Whistler Museum would love to add to the archives!

WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION

1 TRAINING DAY An American bobsleigh pilot heads down the Whistler Sliding Centre track during a Wednesday, Nov. 16 training session for this weekend’s BMW IBSF World Cup bobsleigh and skeleton races.

PHOTO BY DAVID SCHWEITZER 2 WHAT A DRAG Vancouver-based drag queen Gia Metric performing at Cornucopia’s Drag Me to Brunch event on Sunday morning, Nov. 20. PHOTO SUBMITTED 3 SHUCK IT After a two-year hiatus, more than 650 guests returned to the Whistler Conference Centre for the 10th Annual Bearfoot Bistro World Oyster Invitational & Bloody Caesar Battle, presented by Sawmill Bay Shellfish Company, on Sunday, Nov. 20. Twenty of the world’s top shuckers were in Whistler to compete, coming from as far as Ireland and Japan. Chris Manocchio from Rodney’s Oyster House in Toronto took home the top prize, while Ryan Doumont from Elisa Steakhouse in Vancouver was named Caesar Battle champ for his Ardbeg and Charton Hobbs concoction. The event raised $36,000 for Myeloma Canada.

PHOTO BY JOERN ROHDE, COURTESY OF THE BEARFOOT BISTRO 4 BIRTHDAY BASH Friday, Nov. 18 saw friends and family gather at The Pemberton Brewery in celebration of a milestone birthday for Mike Walsh. In lieu of gifts, Walsh requested a donation to the Africa’s Gift charity, to help the Pemberton Lions raise funds for materials ahead of their planned humanitarian trip next year. Pictured are Dick Penycate from Africa’s Gift, Paul Selina, Mike Walsh, and Derek Graves. $3000 was raised. PHOTO SUBMITTED 5 ON THIN ICE Pemberton’s frozen Mile One Lake was full of skaters enjoying the sunshine on Saturday afternoon, Nov. 19, but take this as a warning: after two people reportedly fell through the ice over the weekend, remember ice thickness can vary. The Canadian Red Cross says ice should be a minimum of 15 centimetres thick for walking or skating alone, and 20 cm “for skating parties or games.” Ensure ice is thick enough before lacing ‘em up! PHOTO SUBMITTED 6 ON THE ROPES The long-awaited haul rope for the new Creekside Gondola finally arrived in Whistler early Friday morning, Nov. 18, less than a week before Whistler Blackcomb’s 2022/23 Opening Day. PHOTO COURTESY OF WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

Free Will Astrology

BY ROB BREZSNY

WIN CANUCKS TICKETS!

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ARIES (March 21-April 19): One of your callings as an Aries is to take risks. You’re inclined to take more leaps of faith than other people, and you’re also more likely to navigate them to your advantage—or at least not get burned. A key reason for your success is your keen intuition about which gambles are relatively smart and which are ill-advised. But even when your chancy ventures bring you exciting new experiences, they may still run you afoul of conventional wisdom, peer pressure, and the way things have always been done. Everything I have described here will be in maximum play for you in the coming weeks.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Your keynote comes from teacher Caroline Myss. She writes, “Becoming adept at the process of self-inquiry and symbolic insight is a vital spiritual task that leads to the growth of faith in oneself.” Encouraging you to grow your faith in yourself will be one of my prime intentions in the next 12 months. Let’s get started! How can you become more adept at self-inquiry and symbolic insight? One idea is to ask yourself a probing new question every Sunday morning, like “What teachings and healings do I most want to attract into my life during the next seven days?” Spend the subsequent week gathering experiences and revelations that will address that query. Another idea is to remember and study your dreams, since doing so is the No. 1 way to develop symbolic insight. For help, I recommend the work of Gayle Delaney: tinyurl.com/ InterviewYourDreams.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The science-fiction TV show Legends of Tomorrow features a ragtag team of imperfect but effective superheroes. They travel through time trying to fix aberrations in the timelines caused by various villains. As they experiment and improvise, sometimes resorting to wildly daring gambits, their successes outnumber their stumbles and bumbles. And on occasion, even their apparent mistakes lead to good fortune that unfolds in unexpected ways. One member of the team, Nate, observes, “Sometimes we screw up—for the better.” I foresee you Geminis as having a similar modus operandi in the coming weeks.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In accordance with astrological omens, here’s my advice for you in the coming weeks: 1. Know what it takes to please everyone, even if you don’t always choose to please everyone. 2. Know how to be what everyone wants you to be and when they need you to be it, even if you only fulfill that wish when it has selfish value for you. 3. DO NOT give others all you have and thereby neglect to keep enough to give yourself. 4. When others are being closed-minded, help them develop more expansive finesse by sharing your own reasonable views. 5. Start thinking about how, in 2023, you will grow your roots as big and strong as your branches.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Even if some people are nervous or intimidated around you, they may be drawn to you nonetheless. When that happens, you probably enjoy the power you feel. But I wonder what would happen if you made a conscious effort to cut back just a bit on the daunting vibes you emanate. I’m not saying they’re bad. I understand they serve as a protective measure, and I appreciate the fact that they may help you get the cooperation you want. As an experiment, though, I invite you to be more reassuring and welcoming to those who might be inclined to fear you. See if it alters their behaviour in ways you enjoy and benefit from.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z has stellar advice for his fellow Sagittarians to contemplate regularly: “Ain’t nothin’ wrong with the aim; just gotta change the target.” In offering Jay-Z’s advice, I don’t mean to suggest that you always need to change the target you’re aiming at. On many occasions, it’s exactly right. But the act of checking in to evaluate whether it is or isn’t the right target will usually be valuable. And on occasion, you may realize that you should indeed aim at a different target.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You now have extra power to exorcise ghosts and demons that are still lingering from the old days and old ways. You are able to transform the way your history affects you. You have a sixth sense about how to graduate from lessons you have been studying for a long time. In honour of this joyfully tumultuous opportunity, draw inspiration from poet Charles Wright: “Knot by knot I untie myself from the past / And let it rise away from me like a balloon. / What a small thing it becomes. / What a bright tweak at the vanishing point, blue on blue.”

Resort Municipality of Whistler

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I like how Cancerian poet Stephen Dunn begins his poem, “Before We Leave.” He writes, “Just so it’s clear—no whining on the journey.” I am offering this greeting to you and me, my fellow Cancerians, as we launch the next chapter of our story. In the early stages, our efforts may feel like drudgery, and our progress could seem slow. But as long as we don’t complain excessively and don’t blame others for our own limitations, our labours will become easier and quite productive.

Resor t Municipality of Whistler

Village proper ty owner, managers and merchants

Whistler Village property owners, managers and merchants

As the winter season is with us again, we’d like to take this oppor tunity to remind owners, proper ty managers and merchants of the impor tance of keeping walkways, roofs, stairs and landings adjacent to their stores and proper ties free of ice and snow It is essential that customers and guests visiting our Village feel safe and comfor table in being able to travel freely about the area

free of ice and snow It is essential that customers and guests visiting our Village feel safe and comfortable in be ing able to travel freely about the area.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Leo poet Kim Addonizio writes a lot about love and sex. In her book Wild Nights, she says, “I’m thinking of dating trees next. We could just stand around all night together. I’d murmur, they’d rustle, the wind would, like, do its wind thing.” Now might be a favourable time for you, too, to experiment with evergreen romance and arborsexuality and trysts with your favorite plants. When was the last time you hugged an oak or kissed an elm? JUST KIDDING! The coming weeks will indeed be an excellent time to try creative innovations in your approach to intimacy and adoration. But I’d rather see your experiments in togetherness unfold with humans.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): In accordance with current astrological rhythms, I am handing over your horoscope to essayist Anne Fadiman. She writes, “I have always felt that the action most worth watching is not at the centre of things, but where edges meet. I like shorelines, weather fronts, international borders. There are interesting frictions and incongruities in these places, and often, if you stand at the point of tangency, you can see both sides better than if you were in the middle of either one.”

You are required to clear snow and ice from walkways, roofs, stairs and landings adjacent to stores and propertiesby 10 a.m. daily

You are required to clear snow and ice from walkways, roofs, stairs and landings adjacent to stores and proper ties by 10 a.m. daily.

RMOW Property Maintenance Bylaw No. 810

RMOW Property Maintenance Bylaw No 810

Get ready winter by:

Get ready for winter by:

1 Stocking up on ice melting products (not road salt) and shovels

Stocking up on ice-melting products (not road salt) and shovels

2 Checking the heat tracing on stairs and ramps around your property

Thanks in advance for your cooperation

2 Checking the heat tracing on stairs and ramps around your proper ty Thanks in advance for your cooperation.

Download the Proper ty Maintenance Bylaw at www whistler.ca /bylaw in the Frequently Requested Bylaws section.

Download the Property Maintenance Bylaw at www whistler ca /bylaw in the Frequently Requested Bylaws section

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): In her book Daughters of the Stone, Virgo novelist Dahlma Llanos-Figueroa tells the tale of five generations of Afro-Cuban women, her ancestors. “These are the stories of a time lost to flesh and bone,” she writes, “a time that lives only in dreams and memories. Like a primeval wave, these stories have carried me, and deposited me on the morning of today. They are the stories of how I came to be who I am, where I am.” I’d love to see you explore your own history with as much passion and focus, Virgo. In my astrological opinion, it’s a favourable time for you to commune with the influences that have made you who you are.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Over the course of my life, I have been fortunate to work with 13 psychotherapists. They have helped keep my mental health flourishing. One of them regularly reminded me that if I hoped to get what I wanted, I had to know precisely what I wanted. Once a year, she would give me a giant piece of thick paper and felt-tip markers. “Draw your personal vision of paradise,” she instructed me. “Outline the contours of the welcoming paradise that would make your life eminently delightful and worthwhile.” She would also ask me to finish the sentence that begins with these words: “I am mobilizing all the energy and ingenuity and connections I have at my disposal so as to accomplish the following goal.” In my astrological opinion, Pisces, now is a perfect time to do these two exercises yourself.

Homework: In what process have you gone halfway, and you really should go all the way? Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com.

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES

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

Notice of Public Hearing

Purpose: The purpose of the proposed Bylaw is to designate Temporary Use Permit (TUP) areas for the retail sale of cannabis and specify general conditions regarding the issuance of TUPs for the retail sale of cannabis including minimum required distances between cannabis retail stores and schools and maximum number of cannabis retail stores

Bylaw Readings: Council gave the proposed Bylaw first and second readings on September 20, 2022 .

To learn more: A copy of the proposed Bylaw is available for review from November 17, 2022 to November 29, 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 /Bylaw237 1

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

1. Submit writ ten comments to Council via email: corporate@whistler.ca (must be received by 3:00 p.m. on November 29, 2022) include “Public Hearing for Cannabis Retail Bylaw 237 1” in the subject line, address the comments to “Mayor and Council”, and include your name and mailing address in the email); and/or

2 . Submit writ ten 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 3:00 p.m. on November 29, 2022) (include “Public Hearing for Cannabis Retail Bylaw237 1”in the subject line, address the comments to “Mayor and Council”, and include your name and mailing address in the let ter); and/or

3. Provide verbal comments at the Public Hearing via online video or phone conferencing: Visit whistler.ca /Bylaw237 1 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.

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

RE-USE-IT CENTRE

Donations daily 10 am to 4 pm Accepting pre-loved clothing, gear and household items. Shopping daily 10 am to 6 pm 8000 Nesters Road 604-932-1121

RE-BUILD-IT CENTRE Donations daily 10 am to 5 pm Accepting pre-loved furniture, tools and building supplies Shopping daily 10 am to 5 pm 1003 Lynham Road 604-932-1125 Visit mywcss.org and our social channels for updates.

monthismyrentalbudgetDec01April02.Formoreinfoonmyinterests: 604-724-6360 BrianWBecker@gmail.com https://whistler.craigslist.org/hou/d/win ter-or-long-term-wanted-in-whistler/ 7553563108.html

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Employment Opportunities

• General Manager, Community Engagement and Cultural Services

• Garage Assistant

Resort Municipality of Whistler

• Building Official - Inspector

· Lifeguard/Swim Instructor · Skate Host · Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Supervisor · Labourer I – Village Maintenance · Youth and Public Services Specialist

· Legislative and Privacy Coordinator · Program Leader · Lifeguard/Swim Instructor · Solid Waste Technician · Accountant

Employment Opportunities

• Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

· Legislative and Privacy Coordinator · Program Leader

• Program Leader - Myrtle Philip Community Centre

Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

• Wastewater Operator 1 • Village Host Program Assistant

· Lifeguard/Swim Instructor · Skate Host · Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Supervisor · Labourer I – Village Maintenance

Solid Waste Technician

Accountant

Youth and Public Services Specialist

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

Free Housing

Join our team of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Hiring 3rd and 4th year apprentice or journeyman candidates with experience in service/repair work.

• Offering competitive wages

• Providing fully stocked truck, tools, and phone

• Extended health plan available.

• We can hire skilled foreign workers and support permanent residency applications.

• Short-term accommodation availablefree of charge. Long term housing options available as well. Send your resume to: Dough@spearheadsph.com

We are currently hiring the following positions for projects in WHISTLER.

Journeymen Carpenters (5+ years) Skilled Labourers

Journeymen Carpenters (5+ years) Skilled Labourers

We offer competitive pay, a benefits package, company cell phone plan, interesting projects, a collaborative team environment, and a chance to improve your existing skills.

We are looking for dedicated team players who want to join a rapidly growing company and establish a long-term career in construction. Please forward your resume to Lea@gccltd.ca

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH

Chief Operator – Wastewater Treatment Facility – Regular Full-Time

Truck Driver Class 3 – Night Shift - Temporary Full-Time Recreation Program Leader – Temporary Part-Time (20-30 hours)

Executive Assistant to the Chief Administrative Officer – Regular Full-Time Recreation Facility Attendant 1 - Regular Part-Time (20 hours) Labourer 2 – Roads and Parks – Regular Full-Time Recreation Program Leader – Regular Part-Time (4-19 hours)

Assistant Chief Operator – Wastewater Treatment – Regular Full -Time IT Senior Systems Specialist – Regular Full-Time Manager of Procurement – Regular Full-Time Recreation Facility Attendant 2 – Regular Part-Time IT Systems Specialist – Regular Full-Time Financial Services Specialist – Temporary Full-Time Truck Driver Class 1 – Regular Full-Time Utilities Technician – Regular Full-Time Custodians – Casual/ On Call

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.

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 bene ts including career support services, nancial 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 t 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 quali cation 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 Certi cate™

• 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.

Rate of Pay as of April 10, 2022: Auxiliary Sales Associate - $20.33

Made contact with

Not as hot

Faucet defect

Fisherman’s fly

Kind of swing

Summon

Lowest ebb

Melodies

Of the moon

“The Moon Is Blue” star

Where Aesop shopped

Skilled person

Whisper on stage

On the lookout

Did in the dragon

Artist’s plaster

Entertainer Della -DOWN

Olfactory stimulus

Logically sound

In the saddle

Textbook division

Wool fabric

Less refined

Down and out

Nerve network

Lawman Wyatt --

Sudden ouster

Telescope lens

Neckline type

Poodle pros

Showy flower

Most demure

Aloud

Delicious drink

Husband of Fatima

Infuriate

Girder material

Barely gets by

Thickened, as pudding

Hawaiian cli

Moon -- Zappa

Where hackles rise

getter

canine

insect

Pinch hitter

Brash songster

Sheer fabric

Sa ron dish

Rainier’s realm

“Harpo” Marx

Fix a shoe

Giants slugger of yore

Small earthquake

Degree holders

Title of respect, in India

Virus

Turkish title

Press

Laser emission

I, to Caesar

lander

Aircraft compartments

Used plastic

Mexican menu item

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Sports o cial

Cottonwood

Ice hockey locale

Courteous

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letters

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Big Bird colleague

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Gym iterations

The irrelevance of Canada’s ‘only relevant’ political party: The Greens

QUICK QUIZ. Which Canadian politician said those words recently?

If you guessed David Eby, the newlyminted premier of all British Columbians, you’d be wrong. While it is possible the NDP are the only relevant party in the province— although with the upcoming change in the Liberal-in-name-only party to B.C. United, not to be understandably confused with a non-existent soccer team—he didn’t say that.

Likewise, Danielle Smith, Alberta’s

BY G.D. MAXWELL

loony premier, didn’t say it either. When you think about it, something like that would have been one of the more reasonable things she’s ever said.

Justin Trudeau, leader of the naturalgoverning federal Liberal Party certainly thinks that but probably wouldn’t say it without apologizing first and worrying about infuriating Jagmeet Singh, co-leader of the Liberal-NDP coalition.

The leader of the loyal opposition federal Conservative party, PeePee Poilibear, undoubtedly believes his party is the only relevant party, but undermines that notion every time he opens his mouth... or posts a video on social media.

No, the self-described only relevant party is—muted drum roll—the Green Party. Yes, the Green Party, according to its back-to-the-future, newly elected co-leader, Elizabeth May, is the only relevant party in Canadian federal politics.

“Why?” I hear you ask. Because, May says, “The Greens are more trustworthy than other parties on the environment.”

If you pay any attention to issues relating to the environment and the climate “crisis,” you quickly discover there are two or more camps fighting for hearts and minds. There’s the economic-hardship camp, peopled with pragmatists and climate deniers who argue Canada is such a bit player in CO2 emissions that whatever we do is a fart in the breeze in the overall scale of the problem and only likely to cause economic hardship and lead to loonies like Smith running Alberta.

And there’s the scientific camp that implores us to look at the science and stop emitting CO2 before we turn Canada and the rest of the planet into sub-Saharan Africa. Presumably the Greens hew more closely to the scientific camp.

But the science—all science—is based, largely, on mathematics. And that’s where the Greenies’ claim of relevance begins to break down. Okay, it completely disintegrates.

In the last federal election, which you can be forgiven for having suppressed in

your memory even though it was only 14 months ago, the Green Party received 2.33 per cent of the popular vote. Even that abysmal result was largely because of Mrs. May’s stubborn hold on her Vancouver Island riding, which gave them three MPs, since reduced to two as a result of the astute leadership of the former party leader, Annamie Paul.

By contrast, the Bloc Quebecois, a party that doesn’t even run candidates outside of Quebec, garnered 7.64 per cent of the vote, and the crazy-as-a-loon People’s Party racked up twice as many votes as the Greens.

Relevant? More like rounding error.

By stepping back to lead the Green Party, Mrs. May is both missing the point—the point being the Green Party is completely irrelevant—and missing an opportunity to actually contribute something useful to the dialogue and possibly even action on

siphoning votes—admittedly not a lot— away from defeating the Conservative Party, which continues to promise to roll back the carbon tax and model Canada’s climate policy on the game Blind Man’s Bluff.

Environment aside, a Conservative victory in the next election would be a disaster on other fronts. Last week PeePee’s Just Say No video on how he would handle the opioid overdose issue suggests he fails to understand even the basics, hasn’t learned a thing from the decadesold war on drugs, and will dredge up any zombie he thinks might spark his base of intolerables, as opposed to conservativeminded Conservatives who are at least still able to reason.

PeePee claims the province’s approach, offering addicts access to a safer supply of drugs, is a failed experiment. Failed because there are still far too many people

good time to ask yourself what planet PeePee lives on.

Canada’s land border is more than 5,000 kilometres long. Its coastal border is over 3,800 km long. Canada has 13 international airports, some 500 airports in total and countless places to land some form of plane on land or water.

There are 57 federal correctional institutions in Canada. There isn’t one able to completely keep drugs out.

Is it just me or is PeePee and anyone else who thinks the answer to Canada’s drug problem is tightening up supply coming across the border suffering from some kind of brain malfunction? Rhetorical question.

I’ll admit it’s taken a long time for me to completely warm up to the idea of government being the corner drug pusher. It was a deep dive into the history of prohibition and alcohol consumption that convinced me it was a good idea.

Before governments stepped in, adulterated, often home-made alcohol killed, blinded and otherwise incapacitated thousands of people globally each year.

Prohibition obviously didn’t work. In fact, it exacerbated the problem by cutting off “clean” supplies of alcohol. But regulating, licensing and to some extent or another controlling the sale of liquor eliminated the problem. People can and do still drink themselves to death, but it’s not from consumption of poisons in their bottles.

climate mitigation, the last, slim hope we have for avoiding a local banana industry in B.C.

Her energy and pair of percentage points of the popular vote would have more voice and power if she were to fold the party into the governing Liberal Party. Rather than have no ability to move the needle on environmental policy, she would at least have a seat at the table to help affect change.

More importantly, she would not be

overdosing and dying in Vancouver. Failed because it is an insane policy devised by a “woke Liberal and NDP government.” (Hint: Any time someone uses the word “woke” in other than a satirical sense, whatever they say should immediately be ignored.)

His solution is to strengthen Canada’s border, not to, say, build a wall, and intercept that tsunami of illicit drugs before it reaches the streets. Now is probably a

Governments will never staunch the numbers of folks bent on getting high or finding pain relief through opioids. But only governments can ensure a safer supply of drugs and underpin that supply with programs to help people deal with their devils in a better way.

Obviously, like environmental action, not if guys like PeePee hold the reins of power and not if ideologues like Mrs. May continue to enable his efforts by failing to see the reality of power politics.

“We’re the only relevant party.”