Pique Newsmagazine 3010

Developed

Creative disruption

The Squamish Nation is building the largest Indigenous-led housing-retail development in Canadian history. -

By Gregory C. Mason / The

Conversation

14 RAINBOW REVISION Resort Municipality of Whistler officials offer more insight into the decision-making around planned upgrades to Rainbow Park.

15 GET SMART How can Whistler do tourism smarter? Elected officials and municipal staff aim to find out.

23 PARK PUSHBACK

The Village of Pemberton is re-evaluating the location of a new park after public pushback.

28 HAPPY CAMPERS

Whistler played host to Invictus Games team managers for an Adaptive Winter Sports Camp two years out from hosting the games itself.

16 FREE SKI Whistler Blackcomb and the Whistler Welcome Centre teamed up to offer a free ski day for the Ukrainian community on March 6.

34 UNDER THE SEA

Meet the artists behind the jaw-dropping installations at this year’s Whistler Blackcomb Foundation Submerse gala.

- By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

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

President, Whistler Publishing LP

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Opinion & Columns

08 OPENING REMARKS The liberalization of gambling has been a constantly evolving process since Day 1—but is single-sports betting via smartphone apps taking it too far?

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers offer thanks to outgoing Vail Resorts COO Geoff Buchheister, and share more thoughts on how to best optimize Highway 99.

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Fresh off a vacation of her own, columnist Alyssa Noel has a new appreciation for tourists.

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Environment & Adventure

24 RANGE ROVER Leslie Anthony is back with Part 2 of his trip to la belle province.

Lifestyle & Arts

32 EPICURIOUS An insider’s guide to Whistler’s favourite food hacks.

38 MUSEUM MUSINGS Since 1996, the Whistler Museum’s Lego contests have been building good times for both kids and adults.

54 MAXED OUT As B.C. experiments with a new drug decriminalization policy, the missing ingredient is quality control, writes G.D. Maxwell. 32 38

Wanna bet?

LIKE ANY COMMUNITY, Whistler, despite its relative youthfulness, has a long relationship with gambling.

For as long as settlers have occupied the area they called Alta Lake, they’ve found a way to “make it interesting,” as the old saying goes.

According to the Whistler Museum, the Alta Lake Community Club organized poker games as far back as the winter of 1959-60, though those games were likely low stakes and played amongst neighbours.

There was also an assortment of casino night-styled fundraisers, and even a push for proper legalization of gambling in 1982.

BY BRADEN DUPUIS

“There was a group called the Concerned Citizens for Whistler that was in support of bringing gambling to Whistler to provide more revenue and stable year-round employment and help Whistler out of its economic troubles,” relayed the Museum’s Allyn Pringle, in an email.

The legalization of gambling being provincial jurisdiction, the group didn’t make much headway, Pringle noted, though the discussion never fully died out.

B.C.’s first legal casino opened in 1999, “but I haven’t heard of any sanctioned gambling establishments of any kind opening in Whistler,” Pringle added.

That’s not to say any silly old laws were going to get in the way of a good wager.

For as long as gambling has been outlawed, people have found workarounds (or they just outright ignored the law— according to the federal government, Canadians spent more than $10 billion on black-market bets in 2020, and another $4 billion in “grey-market” wagers).

When the British first planted their flags on what is now called Canadian soil, they brought their laws with them—including a ban on dice. It was a decree that few people paid attention to in the colonies, and one under which few, if any, were prosecuted.

Still, “in theory, Englishmen could still be prosecuted under an act of Henry VIII as late

as 1960,” notes one paper published by the University of Calgary in 1983.

Federally, the Canadian government first outlawed all forms of gambling in 1892. Lotteries weren’t legalized until 1969, and another amendment in 1985 effectively shifted responsibility for gambling to the provinces.

So, the liberalization of gambling has been a constantly evolving process since Day 1.

But these days, thanks to smartphone technology and a change to federal law that came into effect in 2021, it’s easier than ever to put your hard-earned cash on the line.

If you’ve spent any time watching a hockey game this year, or any sporting event, really, you’ll know what I’m getting at—an endless parade of sleekly produced adds enticing you to gamble has invaded your sports watching.

They’re on the glass; the ice; the boards.

They’re running back-to-back-to-back during commercial breaks, and sponsoring periods of a hockey game to get more eyeballs.

You can even bet on the game you’re watching right now! Wouldn’t that make it more exciting?

And remember sports journalist Cabbie Richards from The Score? As Sportsnet’s “executive producer of betting content,” he

That’s right: those ads you’ve been seeing during every sporting event you watch in British Columbia aren’t even targeting you— they’re mostly meant for the big gamblers (known in the industry as “whales”) out East in Ontario, where the government legalized such companies last year.

In B.C., only the BC Lottery Corporation (BCLC), a Crown corporation, is permitted to operate single-sports betting (which it does through its site, PlayNow.com).

Any expansion of the market to other companies would be a political decision up to the provincial Ministry of Finance, a spokesperson with BCLC told Pique.

I never thought I would long for the days of nonstop cheeky beer and car commercials, or those horrendous East Side Mario’s commercials they aired during NHL playoffs each year (“eh badda-boom badda-bing!”)— but here we are.

Those ads were obnoxious—sometimes advertising is annoying by design—but the gambling commercials hit differently. Probably because the potential negative effects of gambling are so obvious.

Head to scholar.google.ca and type in “research on gambling addiction” to see

favourite athletes and movie stars—is cause for concern for many.

Like Dr. Robert Williams, a professor in the faculty of health sciences at the University of Lethbridge and a research coordinator with the Alberta Gambling Research Institute, who told CBC News last year he’s concerned about how the advertisements might impact younger audiences.

“It’s not a positive thing, from a public health perspective,” Williams said.

Like all things, moderation is key.

Gambling isn’t always toxic, or a problem. According to one study published in the U.K. in 2019, between 40 and 80 per cent of adults participated in gambling in the previous 12 months, though for most it was a form of casual entertainment or in a social setting.

To go full devil’s advocate, regulated gambling provides enormous economic benefits to the communities and jurisdictions in which it operates, and there is some evidence of positive health impacts (as long as your relationship to gambling itself doesn’t cross into problem territory).

A study published in Ontario in 2021 found that “recreational and casual gamblers were less likely to have diabetes, anxiety disorders,

shouts betting odds at you during breaks in the game now. That’s all he does. You love it.

It happened seemingly overnight, but these sports betting ads now take up a good chunk of the advertising we’re subjected to—an army of deep-pocketed gambling companies and websites aiming to buy up every inch of breathable airspace.

I don’t know what’s worse: the casual, on-demand dopamine hits these ads are endlessly promoting or the fact that the websites in question are not even legal in B.C.

for yourself. The literature on the subject is robust, to say the least.

Pathological gambling is credibly linked to higher rates of mood, personality and anxiety disorders, as well as higher rates of alcohol, nicotine and drug use.

The social and familial costs of addiction gambling—such as debt, domestic abuse and even suicide—are also well documented.

So, the proliferation of sexy gambling app adds on our TVs—during sporting events watched by countless children, starring their

mood disorders, and high blood pressure than their non-gambling counterparts,” adding, “it has been hypothesized that this positive association is due to gambling as a source of socialization, relaxation or hopefulness, though evidence does not exist to support a mechanism for this relationship.”

Either way, given the advertising dollars brought in by these no-doubt lucrative, national campaigns, I’m willing to bet a forceful rebuke from Canada’s TV broadcasters is not in the cards anytime soon. ■

[R]emember sports journalist Cabbie Richards from The Score? As Sportsnet’s “executive producer of betting content,” he shouts betting odds at you during breaks in the game now. That’s all he does. You love it.

Grateful for Geoff

Like an epic powder day, I knew that having Geoff Buchheister at the helm of Whistler Blackcomb wouldn’t last forever. He’s just too good, and was bound to get scooped up or promoted away. I had the pleasure of working with Geoff as co-president of the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation. I will remember him not just for his leadership, hard work, smarts, and core values, but also for being a great guy who gets it. I loved seeing the mountain open a day early for staff this year, even though it meant that I had to wait a day to ski.

On behalf of the board at the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, I want to thank you for rolling up your sleeves and really working hard to help our community. In just over three years as our co-president, you have made a massive difference. You were never too busy to put us first. Your care for this community was on display every time we met. You helped us navigate through a very challenging time and you will be missed. While I am sad to see you go, I am so grateful that you were here. Aspen just got exponentially better!

David Krasny // Co-President, Whistler Blackcomb Foundation

How to best optimize usage of Highway 99?

Two recent letters to Pique drew my attention— the first a repeat of my friend Al Whitney’s

misguided appeal to the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) to open up a third vehicle lane on the highway, with two lanes alternating to accommodate rush-hour traffic (“Letter: A simple solution to Highway 99 traffic congestion, revisited,” Feb. 16).

In the spirit of repeating points made in previous letters, allow me to repeat my point that this will inevitably induce more vehicle traffic, so it would be better for a third alternating lane (great idea!) to be dedicated to buses, shuttles, taxis, e-bikes and bicycles. That would also align it with the RMOW’s stated but painfully ignored policy to “give priority to walking, cycling, transit and other preferred modes over the single-occupant vehicle and

private automobile.”

Then Mr. Whitney steps on his own tail when he doubles down on the misguided notion that reducing congestion will reduce GHGs. Leaving aside the rapid conversion of vehicles to EVs and stop-start technology that turns off the engine when the car is not moving, research shows that adding more capacity might reduce idling a bit, but it will actually induce more driving, which will lead to higher, not lower carbon emissions.

Which brings me to Graham Scott’s excellent letter about Vail Resorts’ lift expansions violating the RMOW’s requirement for more parking to be provided (“Letter: Whistler Blackcomb—Too busy, not enough

parking,” Feb. 16). Mr. Scott calculates a shortfall of 1,000 parking spaces based on recent lift expansions—even more when Fitzsimmons and Jersey Cream chairs are expanded.

Here, again, it’s tempting to fall into the trap of inducing more traffic and congestion by providing more parking. Rather than require Vail Resorts to provide more parking, the RMOW should amend its parking bylaw to require Vail to provide enough transit financing to take 1,000-plus cars off the road.

Transit could be further subsidized by charging for parking at Creekside, instead of attracting vehicles there with heavily subsidized free parking. (There is no such thing as “free parking.”) All Creekside parking revenue should be used to subsidize transit.

Further, BC Transit should offer free transit to anyone with a lift ticket, as happens in other resorts.

There is no way the RMOW will achieve its transportation objectives and reduce congestion without making transit and active transportation irresistibly convenient, safe and affordable. That would free up the existing traffic lane for people who will still have to drive.

Mr. Whitney’s insight of maximizing existing road space is on the money, but only if the added rush-hour lane is reserved for frequent, cheap buses, shuttles and bikes, with Vail Resorts stepping up to help make that financially feasible.

Peter Ladner // Whistler

• 1175 sq/ft 3BR / 3BA townhome walking distance to the Creekside Gondola.

• Excellent value at $1102 per square foot. Perfect for staff housing or renovation project.

• In-suite laundry, wood-burning fireplace, vaulted ceilings, with ample internal storage.

• 896 square foot 1.5 Bed / 1 Bath townhome with 2 large walk-in closets

• Cozy covered deck space can be enjoyed year round

Walking distance to everything Pemberton has to offer

CBC or bust?

Andrew Mitchell’s opinion piece recently titled “CBC or bust” (Pique, Feb. 24) was quite timely and interesting to read. It highlights for me the unfortunate political and social divide we see in Canada today. We seem to be living in a highly charged and polarized reality that finds us rapidly running out of things to agree upon and institutions to trust.

Trust in the state, media, police and church is at an all-time low with no signs of improving. The way things are going I don’t think we can rely on any new politicians to magically fix things for us, nor can we continue to support failed old politicians. It’s going to be up to regular, everyday Canadians to make the necessary changes in attitudes and build the bridges needed. Together we stand, divided we fall.

Mr. Mitchell made a good point that people on the extremes of the political spectrum tend to see the middle ground as a long way away, and thus anything on either side of the middle easily becomes “far-right” or the less commonly expressed “far-left.”

I would suggest that Canada’s mainstream media focus on the threats of the far-right lately could be seen as evidence they are biased towards the left and not right as claimed by Mr. Mitchell. Perhaps we can agree to disagree on that point.

Regardless of our individual political biases affecting how we view the media in general, or in this case the CBC, perhaps we

should all put aside the politics and look at the cold hard facts, data and trends.

Mr. Mitchell wrote, “though the CBC is arguably priceless, I’ll admit that it isn’t free. A billion dollars a year sounds like a lot, but for all the arts, culture, education, music, sports, news and other Canada-centric programming it provides, It’s an incredible investment with huge returns for all of us.”

The CBC received $1.2 billion in federal funds last year, and despite that increase of funding, they only managed to capture less then four per cent** of the market of people that still watch TV. Even worse, less than one per cent of the people that still watch their news on TV watched The National I fail to see how this could be construed as a huge return for “most of us” or a win for the CBC! It would appear that most of us are not consuming the CBC product anymore, despite most of us paying for it.

Mr. Mitchell’s confessed unwavering, diehard support for the CBC apparently does not allow him to realize that he is part of a very small minority of Canadians. If a selfdescribed objective journalist turned opinion writer can be so easily blinded by personal bias, what chance do the rest of us have?

I really wish the CBC had taken a different path years ago, and was actually an unbiased, trustworthy source for news, as Mr. Mitchell believes. It could have been a beacon of reason and quality journalism and leveraged its public funding to achieve worldwide success in

Backcountry Update

AS OF TUESDAY, MARCH 7

After a stretch of sunny days, more active weather is expected to return to the Whistler area this weekend. The snow, wind, and warming are forecast to slowly ramp up over the weekend and intensify overnight on Sunday. As the incoming weather intensifies, avalanche hazard will increase.

The new snow and wind will form slabs that will become increasingly reactive to human triggering as the new snow begins to stack up. These slabs will react differently depending on the kind of surface they are sitting on. For example, a sun crust on sunny aspects or surface hoar on shady aspects would increase the reactivity of the new snow.

Cornices will grow and continue to threaten the large, alpine slopes they dangle above. Remember that cornices are at their weakest while forming during storms and windy periods or in warm, sunny conditions. If they break, cornices can drop a massive load onto the slope below, which can trigger

very large avalanches.

My advice for those venturing into the backcountry this weekend is to remain vigilant to changing conditions. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Be especially cautious as you enter windaffected terrain and notice when the surface snow begins to stiffen and feel more ‘slabby’.

Be on the lookout for whumpfing, cracking, or signs of recent avalanche activity.

Pay attention to what’s above your head. Cornices falling on slopes may trigger large avalanches that a single rider would not trigger.

The art of travelling through avalanche terrain safely is matching the terrain you choose to expose yourself to with the current avalanche conditions. Be prepared to ratchet back your terrain choices if the storm intensifies sooner than expected.

Be sure to check the latest forecast at avalanche.ca and read up on how the snowpack and avalanche problems are developing before heading out. ■

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

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

today’s dismal legacy media landscape.

I, like Mr. Mitchell, was a big fan of the CBC from my earliest memories, and truly miss what CBC Radio used to be! I grew up in Whistler watching Hockey Night in Canada on rabbit ears with so much “snow” on the blackand-white TV that we could not see the puck and had to combine the basic movement of the players with the colour commentators to make sense of the play! Shout-out to the late Walter Zebrowski for his hard work and dedication to local television broadcasting from high up on Sproatt Mountain in the ’70s!

Charley Raine // Whistler

[Editor’s note: In its most recent annual report, CBC Television listed a prime-time market share of 5.8 per cent in 2021-22, up from 5 per cent the year prior. CBC News Network’s all-day audience share was listed as 2.1 per cent.]

Make it safe to bike in Whistler

I am constantly almost hit by vehicles passing me on the roads while cycling.

We have a serious safety concern, not to mention a climate emergency concern—how on Earth can this council claim to be doing anything when it comes to the Big Moves when we do not have safe, dedicated biking for kids and families in the village? There is nowhere to cycle safely to and from the library, the mountain, schools, or workplaces. It is so sad that this council does not make

our community’s safety a priority. Please, I beg all councillors and municipal staff to try biking around the village and beyond—not the Valley Trail. It is very dangerous. We need safe, dedicated biking, not simply painted bikes along the side of the road, which motor vehicles do not honour anyways.

If you want people not to drive, not to be the traffic, to increase the health and wellbeing of this community, make safe, dedicated bike paths that are not shared with trucks and cars. Imagine your 10-year-old biking around the village… where are they to go? Along pedestrian paths? On the road?

All it takes is the courage of council to put up barriers for bikes and create dedicated bike paths—to incentivize biking and alternative mobility. Stop talking about climate action and Big Moves—it’s appalling when you won’t even make it safe for people to bike in this community. Go to Vancouver and see what they have done to reduce traffic and emissions.

Make it safe to bike.

Amanda Ladner // Whistler n

“I am constantly almost hit by vehicles...”

- AMANDA LADNER

Here’s why you should be a dumb tourist sometimes

I WAS LUCKY ENOUGH recently to take a week-long vacation to Maui.

It was my first trip outside Canada in a few years, and my first to a warm, beach destination in many years.

“Nah,” the guy said. “I’m from Canada, too.”

The guy was clearly messing with us for his own mild amusement, but coming from a tourist destination I realized I kind of understood.

On a Sunday morning, the parking lot was already packed with rental cars, and he

BY ALYSSA

arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

I won’t wax on about the warm weather, sandy beaches, and poolside lounging (or, at least, as much “lounging” as a toddler will allow). Rather, I kept having one realization that’s relevant to Whistler: tourists really do kind of suck—but that includes me, you, and everyone else while they’re on vacation.

On our last full day, we decided to do a little hike through a lava field, winding along the coastline. As we walked from our vehicle to the trailhead, a man in a truck that was clearly not a rental slowed and rolled down his window.

“Where you guys from?” He asked, somewhat randomly.

“Canada,” we replied.

Ever the polite guy, my husband added, “Are you from here?”

was driving around aimlessly seeking a spot for himself.

The day before, on a trip to the adorable surf town Paia, there had been next to no parking in the entire town.

How much does it suck to be a local who can’t enjoy their own very expensive backyard? Well, loaded with insight into that, I knew the answer: a lot, sometimes.

This winter, with epic backups on the Sea to Sky Highway every weekend, I’ve deliberately avoided travelling from Squamish up to Whistler on Saturday or Sunday for any reason whatsoever. It’s just not worth it, in my opinion.

All summer long I steer clear of any of the

money, take vacation days, find dog sitters, make sure your work and bills and house are under control, only to arrive at a destination— maybe your only trip of the year or for many years—just to wait in lines, discover no parking, or have your dream itinerary otherwise dashed.

Yes, I realize this is the realm of the privileged, but it can also be the realm of the regular person who saved up money and is looking to spend a nice week or two with loved ones and escape the daily grind. (And, to be honest, I don’t even include many Seato-Skyers in this category, as we get to have a good time in our backyard on the regular.)

While I did have a great time in Hawaii, at every turn, I found myself thinking about the workers in the busy grocery store, the lifeguard over his megaphone shouting out instructions on how to not drown in gnarly waves, and the flustered restaurant servers.

Squamish lakes unless it’s a weekday, too.

Do I resent it? Yeah, I actually really do much of the time, especially having watched tourism boom out of control over the last 10 and a half years living here.

But, here’s the thing: my short time as a tourist re-infused me with insight into the plight of the tourist, too.

It also really sucks to shell out a bunch of

Like us, they live in paradise, and that means paying the price of dealing with clueless tourists.

So, as we head into spring break, the tail end of winter, and what’s sure to be another busy summer ahead, let’s all remember that sometimes you’re the annoyed local, sometimes you’re the dumb tourist, but most of the time we’re all just doing our best to try and have a little fun. ■

RMOW offers more insight into decision-making around Rainbow Park upgrades

PLANNERS HAVE INCORPORATED COMMUNITY INPUT INTO REVISED PLANS—BUT COMMITTEE MEMBERS RAISED THE SAME CONCERNS MONTHS AGO

BY BRANDON BARRETT

THE RESORT MUNICIPALITY of Whistler (RMOW) has offered more insight into the decision-making process around its plans to upgrade Rainbow Park, days after planners revised their designs to incorporate community feedback on two of the project’s most divisive elements.

On Feb. 22, Mayor Jack Crompton confirmed the paved Valley Trail connection originally slated to run parallel to the park’s beachfront has been removed from the draft plans, a proposal that drew significant opposition from residents who questioned the need to add more pavement to the park and worried about the potential safety risk, with additional users expected on the paved promenade.

Originally intended to improve lake accessibility for wheelchair users, instead of the promenade loop, the RMOW plans to “provide beach mats to allow wheelchair users to come onto the beach itself,” the RMOW’s communications department said in an email. “This new piece is a great suggestion received from a resident.”

The other change to the draft plans based

on community feedback will see the paved food-truck pavilion trimmed to half its original proposed size, enough to accommodate a single truck at a time.

At press time, more than 3,000 people had signed a change.org petition calling for the municipality to consider alternate design plans for the park, particularly regarding the beachfront promenade.

“We are working to incorporate the feedback we’ve received since our first presentation of the designs [in January], and appreciative of the community’s input and dedication to making this the best project possible,” the RMOW said.

One major criticism that has been lobbed at municipal hall was the distinct lack of community consultation before the draft plans were unveiled. Although the RMOW based the designs on public input it received through its Outside Voice initiative, an extensive community engagement launched in 2018 to help guide the future of all of Whistler’s major parks, there was no formal opportunity for residents to consult on the plans for Rainbow Park, specifically.

“There was a pause between that [Outside Voice] engagement and this rollout, due to COVID, and in retrospect it would have been nice to present the design for one more Rainbow-specific engagement,” the RMOW said. “The dilemma facing municipal staff was that the [Resort Municipality Initiative] funding source requires a construction timeline, which sees the whole project completed by next spring, which made

pressing forward the priority to meet critical summer construction timelines.”

The RMOW said it expects to award the construction contract in April. The work will necessitate a months-long closure of the park, either this summer to the fall, or this fall to spring 2024, the municipality has previously indicated.

COMMITTEE MEMBERS SAY THEY RAISED SAME CONCERNS MONTHS AGO

When the proposed Rainbow Park plans were first unveiled in January, it didn’t take long for local opposition to mount. But, at least according to two community members at large on the municipal Recreation and Leisure Advisory Committee (RLAC), many, if not all, of the same concerns were raised behind closed doors months ago.

Both members Pique spoke with said the committee voiced issues with plans for the paved promenade, the food-truck pavilion, and the expanded beach area as early as last summer.

“We are to be an advisory group on behalf of the community, so when this came up and I looked at it, my jaw dropped in terms of the Valley Trail being realigned,” said RLAC member Dawn Titus, a former candidate for council who has been an outspoken—and, at times, adversarial—critic of the RMOW in the past. “I raised the concern right away … and [a RMOW planner’s] first reply to me was that I wasn’t the first one to raise that.”

A municipal communications official confirmed that RLAC members did provide feedback, particularly around the Valley Trail, following the committee’s July 14 meeting.

“Those questions, along with feedback from the community, did give our team pause,” the official said. “While we were initially leaning toward accommodating some operational requests with the first design, we made the decision to adjust and we’re working on this redesign now—as we’ve stated.”

As the RMOW gets set to undergo an extensive review of its existing committees of council, the RLAC members said they felt like their input wasn’t taken seriously by municipal staff, who repeatedly justified the proposed plans through technical “planner speak.”

Part of the reason behind the municipality’s committee review is to ensure “every time the RMOW convenes a group of residents and stakeholders for input, there is clarity around the purpose of the discussion, the participants feel valued for their contribution and are able to clearly see where their feedback has been captured and considered in the municipality’s work,” according to a municipal report last month.

The RMOW is also “making a major shift to focus on our community engagement by creating a new Community Engagement and Cultural Services Division,” the comms department explained in an email. “How we work through our projects with the community is very important to us, so we’re making it a focal point in our organization.” n

PROME-NAH A rendering of the proposed beachfront promenade in Whistler’s Rainbow Park, which was ultimately removed from the RMOW’s draft plans following outcry from the community.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE RMOW

How can Whistler do tourism ‘smarter?’

RMOW TO LOOK TO OTHER GLOBAL DESTINATIONS FOR IDEAS ON MANAGING VISITATION

BY BRANDON BARRETT

THERE WERE SEVERAL turns of phrase that seemed to burn themselves into our collective consciousness over the past harrowing few years of the COVID-19 pandemic. “Unprecedented” was a recurring staple, as well as that most jargony of business terms: “pivot.” Another aphorism we heard throughout the pandemic, a favourite of resort officials, was the notion of “building back better” post-COVID.

Locally, that meant taking a hard look at the resort’s future as a global destination, a dialogue already well underway by the time the virus reached Canada in early 2020.

“Pre-COVID visitation levels had reached a level where the need to understand the capacity levels of the resort had become a conversation,” read a recent municipal report. “Overtourism was placing pressure points on many community systems and appeared to be negatively impacting the experience of residents, which eventually impacts the experience of visitors.”

Today, after years of grwoing visitation and concern around how best to preserve the experience and natural assets that helped Whistler grow into a world-class resort, the issue takes on new urgency. It’s partly why officials and staff at the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) have identified “smart tourism” as one of its four core priorities over the coming term.

At the regular meeting of council on Tuesday, Feb. 21, the RMOW offered further insight into its overarching 2023-26 Strategic Plan, which is divided into four main priorities: housing, climate action, community engagement and smart tourism. In the second of  Pique’s series delving further into the plan, we hone in on smart tourism.

“The draw of Whistler as a world-class, four-season resort destination means that visitation will continue to grow and our thinking and planning needs to evolve like these other destinations seeing similar challenges,” the report read. “Visitor volumes ultimately impact the need for employees and for infrastructure to support local and visiting populations and an appropriate balance of these systems must be considered.”

While smart tourism is the least defined of the four priorities in the RMOW’s Strategic Plan, it was identified, the report said, “to help us look at our parks, trails, tourism programming and transportation options to encourage dispersion throughout the resort.”

Striking a better tourism balance has been a key question at Tourism Whistler (TW) since at least 2019, when it undertook a tourism visioning exercise, both internally and in the wider community, coming off the heels of surging visitation.

“That’s really about finding ways to smooth visitation levels where we can,

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bringing down the peaks and boosting the valleys of visitation,” said TW president and CEO Barrett Fisher.

The destination marketing organization has offered packages promoting midweek or offseason stays, along with incentivizing longer stays in the resort. While these efforts were of course curtailed by the pandemic, Fisher said TW’s internal data indicates “we have seen a growth in the length of stay coming out of the B.C. market, and we have seen a shift in growth to some midweek traffic.”

Education is another important plank of the RMOW’s smart-tourism strategy. The municipality said it intends to explore ways to encourage visitors to “expand their experience when they arrive to include learning and interacting with, and potentially giving back to, the local community.” Officials are also hopeful to involve and invite guests in contributing to Whistler’s climate action initiatives.

It’s clear RMOW staff have their work cut out for them. As it further develops its smarttourism approach, the municipality will look to other global tourism destinations to see how they effectively manage visitor volumes.

As part of the process, officials will strive to determine what a smart tourism economy looks like in Whistler, as well as identify any additional metrics the RMOW needs to consider when tracking the community’s progress towards becoming a “regenerative” destination.

“For the next year, we need to be looking at and getting clear on what we mean by it, where people in the world are leading on it, and what makes sense to be implementing in Whistler,” said municipal CAO Ginny Cullen. “Then, after we’ve had time to do that, we’ll have more concrete actions to speak to.” n

SMART START Smart tourism has been identified as one of the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s key strategic priorities over the next four years, and it will look to other global destinations for inspiration.

PHOTO BY NOEL HENDRICKSON / GETTY IMAGES

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Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Welcome Centre organize free ‘initiation ski day’ for Ukrainian community

A GROUP OF 23 UKRAINIANS FROM WHISTLER AND VANCOUVER TOOK TO WHISTLER MOUNTAIN’S LEARNING AREA FOR A FEW TURNS AND A LOT OF FUN ON MONDAY, MARCH 6

BY MEGAN LALONDE

OLHA AKHMEDOVA carefully snakes her way through a line of blue pilons, as her husband, Dmytro, follows closely behind, cheering her on as her skis slide ever-soslightly out of the pizza position to a more parallel stance in between cones.

Skies are blue, the snow on Whistler Mountain’s learning area is packed-down but soft, and a ski instructor, Nikolaj, is standing close by to offer some pointers. Despite living in the Sea to Sky corridor for a few years—first landing in Pemberton for three before moving to Whistler last year—it’s Akhmedova’s first time skiing.

“Everybody here, they always told me, ‘Olha you should try, you should try,” she recalled later, standing outside the Roundhouse while waiting to load the Whistler Village Gondola back down to Midstation.

She was a little nervous—particularly after a recent trip to the emergency room where she was surrounded by skiers and snowboarders seeking treatment for the array of painful injuries they’d suffered on the slopes that

day—but “now I can say it’s not [as scary] as I thought,” she said. “And maybe I will do this again, because I like it.”

Olha and Dmytro were among the 23 participants who turned up on Monday, March 6 for a free “initiation ski day” for Ukrainians living in or around Whistler. Each

the Whistler Welcome Centre and Whistler Blackcomb. Camille Verdier has been working as a ski instructor with the mountain for a few years now, but joined the Whistler Multicultural Society’s Welcome Centre as a settlement and outreach worker more recently.

Thinking back to her experience organizing workshops and other similar events back home in France, “I was like, ‘It could be good, because I’m working with both companies, maybe we could do something together,” she explained.

“What happens right now in the world right now is crazy, and I was surprised to see how many Ukrainians were here in Whistler … so I thought, ‘Why not create something to help the Ukrainians, [however] we can.”

treated to complimentary ski rentals, a lift ticket, a group ski lesson, and lunch from Whistler Blackcomb.

participant was

“I want to say thank you so much for this opportunity,” Akhmedova added, “because it’s amazing.”

The event was a joint effort between

She first ran the idea past Welcome Centre staff, before bringing it straight to Bartosz Barczynski, general manager of adult programs and private lessons for Whistler Blackcomb’s snow school. He was in, immediately, as was now-former COO Geoff Buchheister. In addition to snow school, Whistler Blackcomb’s rentals, snow school sales, food and beverage, and marketing departments also played an important role in putting the day together, with

SEE PAGE 18 >>

HIGH VIBES A group of 23 Ukrainians snap a photo outside Whistler’s Roundhouse during a “initiation ski day” on Monday, March 6.

PHOTO BY CHELSEY SYVRET

particular credit to snow school adult groups manager Nadio Hachey, product sales and services assistant manager Alexia Delas and Julie Liautaud.

“They were amazing … as soon as we got this idea, Whistler Blackcomb was really working with me on it,” said Verdier. “Because we had this idea maybe one month ago. It was really last-minute, so when I asked I didn’t have too much hope.”

In Whistler’s learning area Monday, there were children, teenagers and adults; some Ukrainians living in Vancouver and others in Whistler; some who had clipped into ski bindings before and others who have never stepped into a ski boot. Some, like the Akhmedovas, have lived here for a few years, watching from afar as Russia launched a fullscale invasion of their home country a little over a year ago. “It is so difficult,” Akhmedova said. She has trouble sleeping when she hears about shooting in the region where her family lives, she added. “You feel helpless.”

Others landed in B.C. just a few months ago, finding themselves among the millions of Ukrainians who have been displaced by the ongoing violence.

According to data from Canada Border Services Agency, approximately 177,958 Ukrainian citizens and returning Canadian permanent residents of Ukrainian origin arrived in Canada by land or air between Jan. 1, 2022 and March 5, 2023.

Between March 17, 2022 and March 2 of this year, the federal Canada-Ukraine authorization

for emergency travel program received about 903,439 applications from Ukrainians or their family members applying for a visa to enter and stay in Canada temporarily, 592,405 of which have been approved.

One first-time skier, Illia Yeromenko, is a video editor who has been living in Vancouver for six months. He said he would love to “try out as many countries as possible,” but is happy settling into life in Canada for now, and grateful for the

countless ways this country has supported him since he arrived—Monday’s “amazing experience” in Whistler included.

“I don’t know any different countries that help so much for Ukrainians,” he said. “We are lucky to be here.”

Said Verdier, “The idea behind all of this, for sure, is skiing, and to show how the community supports them, and that they are welcome. And [we] want also to give them some fun times during a time that for them is a little bit hard.”

Even the instructors were chosen carefully: mostly Europeans from countries like France, Spain, Poland and Denmark, who could empathize with living an ocean away from home, maybe even speak a few words of a shared language, plus one Canadian for good measure. Those instructors were thoughtfully armed with a few printed-off phrases in Ukrainian.

But beyond that, Verdier also hoped the event would introduce the newcomers to Whistler Blackcomb as a company. “It’s a big employer here in Whistler, and if in the future, they want to come and work for them, that can be also an employer for them to have more stability,” she explained.

That certainly resonated with one participant, Yeromenko’s housemate, who introduced himself as Dee K-P. He currently works at Cypress Mountain, after arriving in Canada just two months ago. “I really want to stay in Ukraine,” where his family still lives, he admits, but he is enjoying skiing in between shifts and starting to think about, maybe, potentially, what it might look like to move north up the Sea to Sky highway.

“Skiing is like my love of my life,” he said.

With one successful “ski initiation day” complete and a handful of Ukrainians still on the waitlist, Verdier hopes to organize another instalment before the ski season comes to an end, and hopefully extend the opportunity to Ukrainians wanting to learn to snowboard. “I will negotiate,” she said with a laugh. Meanwhile, a Facebook group has been created not just to share photos from the day, but to help create those community connections. n

NATIONAL PRIDE Dmytro Akhmedov (left) and Illia Yeremenko skied a few turns down Whistler Mountain’s learning area holding a Ukrainian/Canadian flag.

PHOTO BY MEGAN LALONDE

Whistler is ‘back in business’ after COVID, mayor says

HOUSING A HOT TOPIC AT CHAMBER’S ‘STATE OF THE RMOW’ LUNCHEON

BY ROBERT WISLA

WITH RISING INFLATION, businesses still recuperating from COVID-19, an incredibly tight labour market creating staffing challenges, and growing permitting fees, the relationship between policymakers at the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) and the resort’s business community is consequential.

On Tuesday, Feb. 28, Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton gave an address on the current state of the municipality at the first in-person Whistler Chamber of Commerce (WCC) Power Luncheon since the pandemic put the event on pause.

According to Crompton, the municipality is “back in business” and “realigning” as the community continues to bounce back from the economic struggles of the pandemic while carrying lessons learned into the future.

“The state of the municipality is back in business. I was talking with [WCC board chair] Chris [Vick] about how busy it is, and I want to say that we’re realigning, that this is an opportunity right now to learn from what we experienced, this massive inflection point in our history through COVID-19,” Crompton said in a presentation.

Crompton’s address focused on the progress of the top four priorities of council: smart tourism, climate action, community engagement and housing. The mayor explained that of the four, housing is the No. 1 priority of the community and the RMOW.

“We intend to expedite the delivery of and long-term planning for employee housing. These two things need to move together,” Crompton said. “I don’t think we can stop and plan, I think we need to build and plan, and they need to move in parallel.”

Crompton highlighted the progress on Cheakamus Crossing Phase 2 as an example of work achieved on the housing front over the last four years, and made an ambitious commitment to complete it by the end of council’s term in 2026.

Vick noted a recent survey of Chamber

members found that 95 per cent of respondents believe affordable housing is the No. 1 businessrelated issue in the community, and 99 per cent of respondents favoured changing zoning bylaws to allow for increased density in areas currently reserved for low-density housing.

According to RMOW chief administrative officer Ginny Cullen, the municipality will consider changes to density zoning in the upcoming Long-Term Housing Strategy and Housing Action Plan, which will come before Whistler’s mayor and council toward the beginning of April.

“We’ll be looking at ways to reduce barriers to infill housing, for one, and also looking at specifications in places and looking at developing neighbourhood plans so that if there are increases in densification, it’s not a surprise to those living in those neighbourhoods,” Cullen said.

In response to a question on increasing public-private partnerships for employee housing, the mayor said that the business community needs to play a significant role in helping solve the housing crisis.

“This is not something that the local government can solve on our own,” Crompton said. “It will take the business community building on land that they own, and it’ll take using buildings that are currently constructed in different ways. It’ll take a different way of thinking. If there was a silver bullet to this and we could just solve it, I think someone would have done that.”

Both RMOW representatives agreed that more engagement with local businesses must occur. Cullen noted that significant engagement fell by the wayside as the municipality poured staff time and resources into supporting the 2030 Olympic bid.

“I will say that, through COVID, it was easier to be connected to the business community,” Cullen said.

“We were more closely connected because we were in crisis mode. We’re now out of that. The Olympic bid did take a lot of our time and attention last year, and now we are back with more time and attention to be able to be really locally focused in the community.” n

BACK IN BUSINESS From left to right: Whistler Chamber chair Chris Vick, RMOW CAO Ginny Cullen, Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton and Whistler Chamber executive director Louise Walker.

PHOTO BY ROBERT WISLA

Whistler business expert Shannon Susko up for YWCA Women of Distinction Award

IT’S THE METRONOMICS FOUNDER’S THIRD TIME BEING NOMINATED FOR THE HONOUR

BY MEGAN LALONDE

SHANNON SUSKO is hoping the third time is the charm.

The longtime Whistlerite has been nominated for a prestigious YWCA Metro Vancouver’s Women of Distinction Award on two previous occasions, but looks to finally take home a win at this year’s gala, taking place at the Westin Bayshore in Vancouver on May 9. Susko, nominated in the Business & the Professions category, is the sole Whistler local out of the field of 78 nominees and 12 categories.

“I think it’s an incredible event to recognize women leaders in Vancouver, and not only Vancouver but in B.C. making a difference,” she said.

Marking their 40th anniversary in 2023, the annual awards aim to celebrate women generating positive change within their communities, while simultaneously raising funds and awareness for YWCA programming. Whistler’s former mayor, Nancy WilhelmMorden, was also nominated in the Business & the Professions category last year.

Susko spun her background studying business and computer science into success co-founding, building, and selling financial technology businesses. She created Paradata Systems Inc. in 1995 alongside co-founders

she met in the Sea to Sky—what effectively became a payment platform and FinTech company in a time when “honestly, that word didn’t even exist,” she laughed. She sold that company in 2006, before moving on to found Subserveo, Inc, a post-trade automated compliance platform for broker-dealers, in 2008, which sold in 2011.

Since, she has turned her attention to helping others grow their business, including thousands of corporations like Telus Health and Aspen Skiing, using her tried-and-true “Metronomics” strategy and a team of more than 80 CEO and leadership coaches based in Canada and around the world.

“As a CEO, when you’re growing a company and building a company, it’s all about growing yourself and growing others, and that’s what I get to do every day—grow myself and grow others,” Susko explained.

She has also authored three business books, The Metronome Effect, 3HAG Way (that stands for three-year, highly achievable goal) and Metronomics.

“A lot of people laugh when I say this, but I actually retired after the sale of my second business 12 years ago. Everyone goes ‘well, you’re not retired’ and I go, ‘I am retired.’ Every day I get up and decide that I’m going to make an impact to other entrepreneurs who are stuck, who want to get to where they need to go,” she explained.

“I have an incredible Whistler-based team. We have team members who are other places in the world, but we have a great physical office in Whistler right in the village, because we believe in Whistler and we believe in making this global impact from where we are. Why not?”

The Women of Distinction nominations are far from the first accolades to accompany Susko’s name. She was recognized as one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women in 2018, 2020 and 2022; named to Canada’s Top 40 under 40 list in 2001; and won the Sarah Kirke Award for Canada’s Leading Women Entrepreneurs in 2006, to name just a few of them.

“Being recognized is amazing—super humbling, when you look back and look at the list of all these incredible women, making an impact every day,” she said. But with that in mind, “anyone who knows me knows that I look forward to the day that we actually are recognizing all these great leaders as leaders, not necessarily gender-oriented.”

While “there’s been great work done, there’s lots more to do,” Susko added. “These types of awards and events and recognition are so important to recognize the people who have pulled really hard, pushed really hard to really get out there and courageously are making a difference in their fields. It just always blows me away. I love, love, love meeting all these

people, whether it’s women-oriented awards or leaders in general—we’re all putting ourselves out there. Yes, women have had to climb quite a mountain, and there’s more to climb.”

Every Women of Distinction nominee, regardless of category, is also up for the YWCA’s publicly decided Connecting the Community award. The community is invited to cast votes online until April 12. The nominee who earns the most votes will see Scotiabank donate $10,000 to the YWCA program area of the winner’s choice.

After the YWCA gala, Susko will quickly turn her attention to the first-ever Metronomics Tip Top Global Growth Summit, scheduled for May 16 and 17 at the Westin in Whistler. The Summit is set to welcome hundreds of CEOs and business coaches to hear from speakers like Arlene Dickinson of Dragon’s Den; author and strategist Jack Stack; and Everest expedition captain Alison Levine, among others.

“I’m just so excited to bring this type of business-thought leadership, these people who make an impact every day globally to our town, to our place, to our entrepreneurs,” she said, adding, “I’m just so stoked about this. It’s been a long time in the making.”

Head to metronomics.com for more information about the summit, and ywcavan. org/women-distinction-awards to vote for the Connecting the Community award. n

Foreign homeowners in Whistler caught off-guard by Underused Housing Tax requirement

NON-RESIDENT OWNERS COULD FACE $5K PENALTY IF THEY DON’T FILE RETURN BY APRIL 30 DEADLINE—EVEN IF THE NEW FEDERAL TAX DOESN’T APPLY TO THEM

BY BRANDON BARRETT

AMERICAN JACK SURGENT and his family recently returned to the recreational property they’ve owned in Whistler for two decades, only to be met with an unwelcome surprise: despite the fact that his second home is exempt from Canada’s new Underused Housing Tax (UHT), he is still required to file a UHT form by the April 30 deadline—or else be slapped with a minimum $5,000 penalty. A chartered accountant in his native U.S. (“Taxes are kind of my thing,” he said), Surgent was caught off-guard by the new requirements, and he’s positive he’s not the only one.

“There is going to be a ton of people like me that don’t know they have to file this form,” Surgent said.

The one-per-cent tax on the value of Canadian real estate owned by non-residents considered to be vacant or underused mimics the speculation and vacancy tax that has been in place in B.C. since 2018, and is aimed at addressing Canada’s housing crisis and make ownership more affordable for citizens and permanent residents. The move coincides with the two-year federal ban on residential home purchases by foreign buyers that went into effect Jan. 1 (and which does not apply in Whistler).

Theresa Walterhouse, the Whistler-based partner at accounting firm, BDO Canada, agreed that “most non-Canadian owners are unaware or just starting to hear about this tax and filing requirements.” She added in an email that the Canada Revenue Agency only released the form UHT-2900 and technical interpretations of the tax and its exemptions in January and into early February, “which means even tax professionals have only recently been able to understand the broad reach of the filing requirements and the exemptions available and start to reach out to their clients and contacts.”

Although the filing requirement still stands, there are a number of exemptions to the UHT for non-resident owners based on

how the property is used. One is the “vacation exemption,” which is available to individual property owners in certain population areas, such as Whistler, and if the owner and/or their spouse occupy the property for a minimum of 28 days in a calendar year. Currently, use by other family members is not included in the in the 28 days—“not sure if that is an oversight or intended,” noted Walterhouse.

There are also exemptions for certain long-term rentals over 180 days but there is currently no exemption available for shortterm rentals. However, Walterhouse believes “the intent in a resort area like Whistler is that the UHT should not apply if the property meets certain criteria and is ‘not residential,’ such as a commercial condo unit or hotel unit. This is really important for Whistler as a resort community, where many properties

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are zoned to promote short-term stays and visitor turnover to drive tourism dollars. The challenge, though, is that CRA has not been explicit with definitions or provided any examples in its guidance to follow.”

Other Canadian entities, such as private corporations, partnerships, trusts and most NPOs, are also required to file the annual return even if they are eligible for exemptions that protect them from tax liability, and could face a minimum $10,000 fine for failing to file.

“Generally speaking, the only individuals that are ‘excluded’ from the filing obligations are Canadian citizens and individuals with permanent residency in Canada (unless they are partners of a partnership or trustees of a trust),” Walterhouse said.

Opinions are divided on whether the UHT will actually have its intended effect. Both the Canadian and B.C. real estate associations have expressed significant concern with the tax.

“The potential benefits of the ban are likely to be modest,” read a September statement from the Canadian Real Estate Association. (CREA) “The experience with British Columbia’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax … provides some indication on the impact of a ban on foreign buyers. Their experience suggests

SEE PAGE 22 >>

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“There is going to be a ton of people like me that don’t know they have to file this form.”

- JACK SURGENT

Regular Meeting

Tuesday March 14, 2023, commencing at 5:30 pm in Council Chambers 7400 Prospect Street or via Zoom Webinar, Meeting ID: 840 0997 7920

How do I get more information?

Copies of the proposed Development Variance Permit application may be inspected at online at www pemberton ca under the current applications webpage or at the Village of Pemberton Office, 7400 Prospect Street during office hours from Monday February 27th to Tuesday March 14

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Former employee trespasses at Whistler tow yard, resists arrest: RCMP

POLICE BRIEFS: NO SUSPECTS IN CHEAKAMUS CAR KEYING; SIX ROADSIDE PROHIBITIONS FOR IMPAIRED DRIVING

BY BRANDON BARRETT

AN EX-EMPLOYEE of a Whistler tow yard was arrested last week after he reportedly trespassed onto the yard and later resisted arrest, local RCMP said in a release.

NOTICE OF COUNCIL CONSIDERATION OF AN APPLICATION TO VARY ZONING BYLAW NO 832, 2018 7340 Crabapple Court - Lot 3, DL203, KAP72731 DVP #131

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 499 of the Local Government Act, R S B C 2015, that the Village of Pemberton will consider a variance to Zoning Bylaw No 832, 2018 at its Regular Meeting scheduled on Tuesday March 14, 2023, commencing at 5:30 pm in Council Chambers or via Zoom Webinar, Meeting ID: 840 0997 7920

Variance Requested:

Jake McEwan, Agent for the landowner on behalf of Pemberton Gateway Limited Partnership has applied for a Development Variance Permit to amend section 8 3 of the Village of Pemberton Zoning Bylaw No 832, 2018

Required Parking stalls: 63 off-street parking stalls

Variance Requested: 21 Dedicated Residential Stalls, 16 Shared Parking Stalls, and 4 Visitor Parking Stalls for a total of 41 parking stalls

On Saturday, March 4, the man failed to heed multiple requests to leave the tow yard, from both a company representative and an officer who had arrived on the scene, police said.

Mounties said the suspect resisted arrest “by clinging to a nearby chain-link fence,” according to the release.

The man was subsequently taken into custody before being released with a future court date, police said.

POLICE CLOSE FILE ON CHEAKAMUS CAR KEYING

Local police have closed an investigation into a car that was reportedly keyed in Whistler’s southern-most neighbourhood last week, the RCMP said.

The incident is believed to have occurred sometime between 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 28 and 9 a.m. on March 1, while the vehicle was parked in a lot in the 1300 block of Cloudburst Drive in Cheakamus Crossing.

Mounties said the car’s entire driver’s side, as well as some of the passenger side, was damaged.

The file was closed after the investigation “did not reveal any evidence or suspects,” the release said.

STOLEN PARKING SIGN RETURNED

Whistlerites love parking. So much, in fact, that one resident decided to bring home a souvenir of this beloved local pastime with them last week. On March 4, police said an officer was “doing

some proactive work” when he noticed some possible stolen property, a parking sign belonging to a local operator, at a local staff housing complex.

After confirming the operator wanted their sign back, the officer arranged its return.

SIX ROADSIDE SUSPENSIONS IN PAST WEEK

Whistler RCMP issued six immediate roadside prohibitions for impaired driving in the span of a week, according to a release. One of those suspensions involved “a driver who crashed his car after having used drugs,” police said in the release. The prohibitions ranged from 24 hours to 90 days, police said, depending on the level of impairment and any past impaired driving offences.

For the week spanning Feb. 28 through March 6, Whistler RCMP dealt with 113 files in all, including half a dozen collision investigations and one mental-health call. n

Where is the subject property?

The variance request considers the subject property located at 7340 Crabapple Court having the legal description of Lot 3, DL203, KAP72731, PID 025-587-897

How Can I provide Feedback?

If you would like to provide feedback at the March 14th Regular Council Meeting, please log-in to the ZOOM Webinar as an Attendee Following the presentation of the DVP application by staff the meeting will be opened for public comment

Written submissions pertaining to the application may be submitted to the attention of Sheena Fraser, Manager of Corporate & Legislative Services, in person at 7400 Prospect Street, via email at admin@pemberton ca, by mail at PO Box 100, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0 or by fax at 604-894-6136 prior to Monday, March 13th at 4:00 pm

Sheena Fraser Corporate Officer

TAX REQUIREMENT FROM PAGE 21

such a measure can have a small effect on real estate markets, housing availability and affordability. These effects are largely isolated to condominium markets, with no statistically significant impact in smaller communities or other forms of real estate.”

There is also worry that the UHT could motivate a retaliatory tax on Canadians with property south of the border. On Feb. 15, Congressman Brian Higgins called for the U.S. to implement its own underused housing tax targeting Canadians. The CREA has recommended excluding American and Mexican homeowners from the tax.

Whenever new tax rules are rolled out, it can take time to iron out their specific applications, said Walterhouse.

“Tax rules can change, it is not uncommon

for Finance to make corrections for unintended consequences after the initial roll-out. Hopefully tax professionals and advocacy groups, such as the chamber network or tourist organizations, can work with Ottawa to make appropriate changes,” she said.

Walterhouse advised concerned owners to contact a qualified accounting firm to understand their specific filing obligations and potential tax exemptions. Non-resident individuals will require International Tax Numbers, while corporations will need Business Numbers and RU program numbers in order to file a return.

For more information on the tax, who has to file and the exemptions available, visit canada. ca/en/services/taxes/excise-taxes-duties-andlevies/underused-housing-tax.html. n

BUSTED Whistler RCMP dealt with a total of 113 files between Feb. 28 and March 6.

PHOTO BY KIMBERLY REIMER / GETTY IMAGES

Village of Pemberton to re-evaluate Nature Park Playscape relocation

THE VOP’S PROPOSAL TO ERECT THE PLAYGROUND NEAR THE SPRAY PARK HAS BEEN MET WITH CONSIDERABLE OPPOSITION

BY DAVID SONG

VILLAGE OF PEMBERTON (VOP) officials are tapping the brakes on a proposal to relocate the municipality’s Nature Park Playscape structure due to vocal opposition from locals.

The proposed motion arose from a Committee of the Whole meeting on Feb. 7, where elected representatives considered establishing the Playscape in a “pocket park” between the existing spray park and the Radius building next to the Pemberton and District Community Centre.

The pocket park was the second of three choices presented at the meeting. Option No. 1 would relocate the playground to the east side of the community centre’s great lawn, while option No. 3 would have it moved to the grassy maze immediately north of the Spray Park.

Mayor Mike Richman and his council have voted to revisit the issue at a future Committee of the Whole session.

PUBLIC ENGAGEMENT

Richman was initially under the impression that a majority of Pembertonians approved of the Playscape structure moving to the

new pocket park. However, as of the Feb. 28 council meeting, the VOP has received 27 letters from residents who oppose the move on several grounds.

Numerous individuals balk at the idea of removing mature trees from the vicinity of the Spray Park due to the beneficial shade they provide in summer—removals that would be necessary to accommodate the Playscape. Some also feel that the proposed new park space is too cramped and too close to the nearby scrapyard for any new developments.

Many are arguing that the structure should instead be built on the east side of the great lawn, an area they feel is underutilized and has more room for future development. Similar conclusions were drawn by Alex van Zyl, an associate at Tom Barratt Landscape Architects, in her Jan. 25 report to Pemberton and District Recreation Services.

Some other locals have brought forth entirely new alternatives, like building the Playscape in Pioneer Park. As of this writing, only one Pembertonian has submitted correspondence in support of erecting the structure at the originally intended location.

“In my opinion, if we were to just go ahead and push forward [with the original proposal], we’re not listening to our residents,” Richman said on Feb. 28. “This conversation has become quite public. Many people have had the opportunity to weigh in, and from what we’ve seen from folks so far, I don’t think [building the Playscape in the proposed location] is the will of the people.”

Councillor Laura Ramsden agreed, suggesting that the VOP request more public input on the matter.

“At this point, given the fact that we seem to be relying so heavily again on values and what people would like to see from the Playscape, we would be better off not making a decision, and actually going out and seeking public engagement,” she said. “We’ve got limited resources, [but] this seems to be a very, very important decision for the community.”

A BROADER PICTURE

Coun. Katrina Nightingale believes that the question at hand is far bigger than the location of a single playground.

“For me, it feels like the bigger issue is: what is the value of the entirety of that space [on the great lawn]?” she opined. “One thing that COVID taught us was that people missed gathering—people of all varieties, all genders and all ages. We, as councillors, need to think of everybody in this community.

“The letters [we received] were from the perspective, primarily, of one interest group. I heard it loud and clear, and I’m a mom, and I get it. But for me, if we’re going to go back to the community [for input], the question is not: ‘will the [Playscape] be here or there?’ It has to be a much bigger question—a values question.”

Meanwhile, Coun. Ted Craddock argued that the letters opposing the pocket park initiative do not necessarily represent the views of what he called “the silent majority.” He said that he has

talked to many within his neighbourhood, the Glen—which is home to several families—and that most there do not have an issue with the Playscape’s proposed location.

According to Craddock, several residents of the Glen have actually voiced safety concerns if the playground were to be built on the great lawn’s east side. In that case, it would be located some distance away from the Spray Park, making it difficult for parents to watch all their kids in case one wanted to visit the Playscape and another to play in the water. Craddock expressed his belief that consolidating all the children’s leisure areas into one place would be the safer option.

Richman pushed back on Craddock’s argument.

“I find it interesting, the notion that we get a bunch of letters but that’s not representative of the community, yet a conversation on the streets that the rest of us aren’t privy to is representative of the community,” said the mayor. “When we [as councillors] bump into folks who tell us things that are on their minds, it’s important that we encourage them to write to us, so that all of council has the same information.

“Considering that there’s a lot of values being considered here, I’m very much in support of Coun. Ramsden’s suggestion that we see a little bit more input from the community.”

Council has directed VOP staff to conduct further community engagement on the relocation of the Playscape. Further details will be available in the coming weeks. ■

PLAY PLACE A screenshot showing the proposed location of the Nature Park Playscape.

IMAGE COURTESY OF THE VILLAGE OF PEMBERTON

Plus de Québec

IN MY LAST COLUMN (Pique, Feb. 24), we’d started a winter trip to Québec by making our way through the Lanaudière and Mauricie regions northeast of Montreal. Winter fun was on tap everywhere we went, but we knew the beating heart of the province’s invernal culture lay further east, in the provincial capital of Québec City, our next stop.

To that point, maple-syrup-infused food and drink had been ubiquitous, but to really tap (ha ha) into this element of Québec

BY

gastronomy we’d have to step it up. That started with brunch at the Sugar Shack-themed La Bûche (the log), with a maple-syrup-addled meal of beans, crêpes, sausage and the most delicious bacon I’ve ever eaten (trust me—I keep track). Not only that, but the appetizer was a heavenly poutine—Belgian-style fries, squeaky (ergo fresh) cheese curds, and gravy with a hint of maple.

To work off that caloric mess, some of us chose a walking tour (you can also do it on fatbikes) of the Old City founded by Samuel de Champlain in 1608, with its historic buildings, defensive ramparts and outdoor art that has garnered UNESCO World Heritage status. The more adventurous among us opted for ice canoeing.

Practiced nowhere else on Earth, the pure, beautiful madness of crewing a specially designed canoe across the frigid St. Lawrence River through moving ice floes is not for the faint of heart or risk-averse (see my 2015 report: piquenewsmagazine.com/opinion/

pure-beautiful-madness-2497875).

Ice canoeing remains a quintessential Quebecois sport evolved from a utilitarian need to connect the north and south shores of the river in winter before there were bridges. Although thousands watch ice-canoe races from shore with a cup of boozy hot chocolate and six layers of clothing, they still get chilled, while competitors in this highly aerobic insanity wear much less since they cannot, under any circumstances, stop moving. Apart from a huge set of gonads, key equipment includes a flotation vest, shin-pads and either boots with bolts screwed to the bottom or crampons pulled over neoprene booties. Ice canoeing may not be on everyone’s bucket list, but it’s one of the raddest, not-to-be missed experiences ever.

behind only the fêtes of Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. Bonhomme (“happy man”), Carnaval’s Michelin-Man-meets-Mr.-StayPuft ambassador, is everywhere, and if he takes you by surprise in a restaurant (he did us), protocol dictates you go in for a hug.

Beyond the city we found alpine skiing at Stoneham and Mont Ste. Anne, plus ski, snowshoe and fat-bike trails at Parc national de la Jacques-Cartier—a stunning glacial valley surrounded by plateaus.

oyster mushrooms (if I’d read that on a menu on my own I probably wouldn’t order it, but it blew my mind).

To finish the trip, we drove 3.5 hours east up the Fleuve Saint-Laurent to Saguenay-LacSaint-Jean region, landing at Mont Édouard, a ski hill of a respectable 450 vertical metres with backcountry hut-to-hut touring and gladed descents; the “Haute Route Sector” includes eight summits and four cabins spread over 81 hectares. Touring to the first reachable cabin—about an hour of skinning— was a perfect introduction. As we navigated the final summit ridgeline of stunted trees, the heavy ceiling lifted just enough to spot cabins atop nearby mountains, and the powder stashes draping the latter’s flanks.

To soothe the adrenalin of the day, we enjoyed Indigenous storytelling in the authentic longhouse at Wendake that evening, followed by dinner there rendered by a Michelin-starred chef—whitefish caviar on bannock fingers, anyone?

As befits a 420-year-old city, historic stays abound in Q.C.—like Hôtel Clarendon, built in 1878 overlooking the old city, from whose oval windows I watched roped-up workers clear snow from a nearby church roof. More history dwells on the Plains of Abraham, a former battleground for colonial European forces but these days the site of tobogganing, cross-country skiing and the myriad activities of the Carnaval de Québec—a preLenten celebration third in size globally

On the way back to Q.C., we added a tour of Hôtel de Glace. Since opening in 2001, Québec’s world-famous ice hotel has morphed from a gimmicky sleepover amidst stacks of ice blocks to a technological marvel and work of art. It takes an army of people more than a month to build its cavernous gathering areas, crystalline sculptures, indoor bar, and dozens of rooms themed with incredible carvings and dazzling décor.

Fittingly, we finished a long day in nature with dinner at Restaurant Légende, featuring a fully boreal cuisine—including the wine pairings—in which each plate is a sensory journey through Québec terroir, whether field, forest, river or ocean. The multi-course chef’s dinner was spectacular, with treats like cod in sturgeon broth, wagyu beef fat and fermented

During dinner at venerable Auberge des 21, we learned about the largest ice-fishing villages on Earth situated on Saguenay Fjord, and the traditions and regulations of ice-fishing in the area—not to mention the 20-some species you can catch. We overnighted at Imago Village—a unique cluster of personally appointed glamping domes started by a company that not only makes yurts, but serves up a filet-mignonadorned poutine with a spicy gravy.

Our final outdoor excursion in Saguenay was a snowshoe climb to the Vallée des Fantômes (Valley of the Ghosts—snow ghosts to be specific) in Parc National des MontsValin. Actual ghosts were few and far between in a somewhat low-snow winter, but from the summit you could see all the way to clifflined Saguenay Fjord, a summertime stop for whalewatchers. Clearly, we’d have to come back to découvrir more.

Leslie Anthony is a Whistler-based author, editor, biologist and bon vivant who has never met a mountain he didn’t like. ■

[T]he pure, beautiful madness of crewing a specially designed canoe across the frigid St. Lawrence River through moving ice floes is not for the faint of heart or risk-averse.

LESLIE ANTHONY

BELLE OF THE BALL Historic stays abound in Quebec City and la belle province.

PHOTO BY LESLIE ANTHONY

THE BEST DEALS OF THE SEASON

ON YOUR FAVORITE BRANDS

BY GREGORY C. MASON THE CONVERSATION

irst Nations have been resisting the historic and ongoing impacts of Canada’s extractive economy on their communities by exercising their right to self-governance and taking control of their economic futures.

Creative disruption stands in contrast to creative destruction, a term coined by Austrian political economist Joseph Schumpeter. Schumpeter argued that capitalism causes old ideas and technology to quickly become obsolete through the process of innovation. In the pursuit of profit, capitalism ruthlessly and relentlessly eliminates old ideas and installs new ones.

Creative disruption, on the other hand, aims to make space for new ideas by forcing the old ways to adapt and adopt. First Nations communities are doing this in a number of ways.

As an academic with a background in urban land economics, I have studied how First Nations are using creative disruption

to shape businesses, urban communities and the health-care system in Canada.

SEN ’ ÁKW DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

One of the ironies of modern Indigenous land law is how the reserve system defined by the Indian Act, originally designed to assimilate Indigenous nations and communities into mainstream Canadian culture, has morphed into a strategic asset for First Nations.

As author Bob Joseph notes in  21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act, the Squamish Nation lost 14 acres (about 0.05 square kilometres) of their territory in Vancouver to a lumber company through expropriation in 1904.

After a century of litigation, the Squamish Nation recovered some of the lost land and is now in the process of building Sen ’ ákw, a massive economic development project in Kits Point, Vancouver.

Sen ’ ákw is the largest Indigenous-led housing retail development in Canadian history and will add much-needed housing supply to a

market that has become unaffordable for most. The development plans to build 11 towers and 6,000 housing units.

NAAWI-OODENA URBAN RESERVE

A second example of creative disruption is the creation of the Naawi-Oodena urban reserve in Winnipeg. It’s the largest urban reserve in Canada, covering 64 hectares.

Naawi-Oodena was officially established after the land the reserve sits on—the former Kapyong Barracks—was recently repatriated to the seven Treaty One First Nations.

Treaty One Nation fought to have the land returned to them under the provisions of the Treaty Land Entitlement Framework Agreement after the Canadian government tried to transfer the land to a Crown corporation years ago.

After a prolonged legal process, a judge ruled the federal government failed to adequately consult with Treaty One Nation and the land transfer was ruled illegitimate in 2015.

An incorporated consortium run by the Treaty One Nation, called the Treaty One Development Corporation, will oversee developments on Naawi-Oodena.

As a self-governing nation, Treaty One will set its own land management policies, potentially in contrast to the zoning and building codes of Winnipeg. In reality, it’s likely to gently push or disrupt urban development, rather than outright destroy current practices since its goal is to attract tenants, the majority of which will be non-Indigenous.

FIRST NATIONS HEALTH-CARE

First Nations entrepreneurs are also seeking out ways to revolutionize the Canadian healthcare system. Enoch Cree Nation in Alberta entered into an agreement with contractors to create a private health clinic offering simple hip and knee surgeries.

The provincial government will fund the procedures through medicare and publicly funded hospitals will still handle more complicated surgeries.

AFTER A CENTURY OF LITIGATION, THE SQUAMISH NATION IS NOW BUILDING THE LARGEST INDIGENOUS-LED HOUSINGRETAIL DEVELOPMENT IN CANADIAN HISTORY

PHOTOS BY REVERY ARCHITECTURE COURTESY OF SEN ÁK W DEVELOPMENT

Enoch Cree Nation joins a growing number of private health clinics in Canada forming public-private partnerships. They are not the first First Nation to get involved with health-care, either.

In 2012, Westbank First Nation announced a plan to build a private, for-profit hospital. Some constitutional experts warned that Westbank First Nation was violating the Canada Health Act, but the nation responded by arguing that, as a self-governing nation, it was not bound by federal laws.

Enoch Cree Nation’s private clinic will face other challenges. While COVID-19 has shaken the faith Canadians have in our health-care system, and receptivity to private health-care may be growing, the affinity for public health care remains strong.

LEGAL REDRESS

First Nations have also become creative disrupters by pursuing legal redress for past injustices. The courts have reached back through treaties all the way back to the Royal Proclamation of 1763 to widen Canada’s constitution beyond the formal acts to include treaties with First Nations.

Institutional changes supporting disruption include Article 35 of the 1982 Constitution Act that recognizes the “existing aboriginal and treaty rights of the aboriginal peoples of Canada.” This clause is widely interpreted as creating a nation-to-nation relationship between First Nations and Canada.

Equally important for commercial ventures is Article 87 of the Indian Act which exempts First Nations land from taxation by any order of government. This means an urban reserve does not pay property tax to a municipality.

Despite criticism of the Indian Act by authors like Joseph, Article 87 offers a major fiscal benefit for First Nations individuals and businesses on reserve. Although a

complex area of law, this tax exemption is an important reason why First Nations may prefer to add land to existing reserves or to create new reserves, rather than owning land conventionally like corporations.

FURTHERING RECONCILIATION

Despite some First Nations regaining rights and titles to their lands, Indigenous communities in Canada still face many barriers to economic participation. By engaging in the examples of creative disruption here, First Nations are working toward economic prosperity for their communities and, in the process, are also working toward reconciliation.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples—the framework for reconciliation according to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada—states Indigenous people have the right to pursue their own means of economic development. By starting their own entrepreneurial and developmental projects, First Nations are engaging in their inherent “right to maintain and develop their political, economic and social systems or institutions.”

Reconciliation also works best when all parties involved benefit from changes. These examples of creative disruption will benefit non-Indigenous Canadians as well as Indigenous people by increasing the housing supply in Vancouver and Winnipeg, bringing remote First Nations into the economic orbit of cities and offering increased health treatment options.

Gregory C. Mason is an associate professor in economics at the University of Manitoba. This article was originally published March 1 on The Conversation, an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts. Learn more at theconversation.com. ■

BY STARTING THEIR OWN ENTREPRENEURIAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS, FIRST NATIONS ARE ENGAGING IN THEIR INHERENT “RIGHT TO MAINTAIN AND DEVELOP THEIR POLITICAL, ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL SYSTEMS OR INSTITUTIONS.”

NAAWI-ODENA URBAN RESERVE

Whistler hosts Adaptive Winter Sports Camp for team managers ahead of the Invictus Games

THE 2025 GAMES WILL BE THE FIRST OF THEIR KIND TO FEATURE BOTH WINTER AND SUMMER SPORTS

BY DAVID SONG

THE 2025 INVICTUS GAMES will be the first of its kind to include both winter and summer sports, as well as the first time that the flagship sporting event for ill and injured military personnel graces British Columbia. In advance of the competition, Whistler recently hosted another “first”: an Adaptive Winter Sports Camp for the team managers of participating nations.

Not every country is familiar with winter athletics. For that reason, the Invictus Games Vancouver-Whistler put on a training camp from Feb. 26 to March 4 intended to familiarize participants with alpine and cross-country skiing, snowboarding, biathlon, sit-skiing, wheelchair curling and skeleton.

Participating Nations Team Managers (PNTMs) from Germany, Poland, Colombia, Estonia, and the Netherlands took part, as did Canadians, Americans, Brits and Australians who were already in Whistler for Soldier On’s Allied Winter Sports Camp: a separate event that serves as a training ground for athletes who represent Canada at the Games.

“The goal behind [the PNTM Camp] is to educate people on what winter is,” said Peter

Lawless, CEO of the 2025 Invictus Games. “Twelve months a year, no matter where you live, getting outside and active is good on your journey of recovery. Even if you’re not a winter nation, you can still be participating in traditional [winter] sports such as setting up a curling rink in a gym or using a Nordic ergometer to train for cross-country skiing.”

Throughout the week, PNTMs and guests of Soldier On spent time at Olympic Station on Whistler Mountain, Whistler Olympic Park (WOP), the Whistler Sliding Centre

world-class facilities, they’re world-class mountains, and we have the luxury of just sort of dropping in and putting on our own world-class event.

“One of our messages to the PNTM managers is that: you are not defined by your injury, and you are what you choose to be,” he continued. “[For example], no one has trained on skeleton before, and they’re going to go headfirst down the skeleton track to see who’s going to be the fastest. I think there’s a powerful message in there about

next year’s camp is already expected to have a robust turnout.

Lawless has been deeply involved with Soldier On for years. He knows the toll that military life can take on people, but he’s also seen many service members and veterans find community and renewed purpose through athletic and creative endeavours. For him, the Invictus Games represents another golden opportunity for soldiers around the world to take ownership of their recovery.

“This is about using sport as a vehicle for recovery,” Lawless said. “We all know about the transformative power of sport: it can change people, it can change communities, it can change nations.

“When you go off to serve your country and you’re injured, your family is injured as well. I think [the Invictus Games] take a very strong view on the importance of bringing families back together and giving tools to allow for that.”

(WSC) and the Vancouver Curling Centre.

According to Chelsey Walker, director of Whistler operations for the Games, PNTMs were familiarized with these facilities ahead of time, so they will be ready to bring athletes here in two years.

No new venues are going to be built for the Invictus Games Vancouver-Whistler. Instead, organizers and athletes will be taking full advantage of the area’s existing Olympic venues.

“The beauty of Whistler having hosted the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games is that the venues are there,” said Lawless. “They’re

going off into a new future, regardless of the circumstances.”

Also on the agenda was an off-snow session covering how to ready off-season and warm-climate training options like roller skis, echolocation rifles and the aforementioned Nordic ergometers.

Overall, Invictus Games representatives are very pleased with how the first PNTM Camp unfolded, and hope that the team managers involved will spread the word within their countries and to others as well. All of the 20-plus nations slated to compete in the 2025 Games were invited this year, and

The idea of a host organizing committee offering to prepare coaches and managers from other countries in advance of an international contest may seem odd to those familiar with the Olympics or a World Championships in any given sport. That’s why it’s important to understand that the Invictus Games cannot be viewed through the same lens as more traditional competitions.

“This has nothing to do with how fast you go—it’s that you go,” Lawless emphasized. “The Invictus Games themselves are never the end of the journey. They’re really a celebratory moment in stepping off into the next part of your journey.”  n

HAPPY CAMPERS Participating Nations Team Managers pose for the camera at the 2023 Adaptive Winter Sports Camp hosted in Whistler by the Invictus Games.

PHOTO BY JEREMY ALLEN/COURTESY OF INVICTUS GAMES 2025

“This is about using sport as a vehicle for recovery.”

- PETER LAWLESS

Whistler fatherand-son duo take on Spearhead Traverse

ROWAN GORMICK, 13, AND HIS FATHER JONATHAN ARE AVID SKI TOURERS WHO MADE THE ICONIC 45-KILOMETRE BACKCOUNTRY TREK THIS MARCH

BY DAVID SONG

ROWAN GORMICK is 13 years old. Like many youths in the Sea to Sky corridor, he is an avid skier. Gormick says that he “fell in love” with the sport at the age of three, making his way down Grouse Mountain with his parents for the first time.

Rowan’s father, Jonathan, bought a pair of skis on the way home that day. He knew that his son had just discovered a lifelong passion.

That said, you might be asking yourself: what makes Rowan so special? Plenty of other boys in these parts love skiing.

Far fewer among them would dream of going on a three-day overnight ski-touring adventure on the cusp of adolescence, but from March 4 to 7, that is exactly what Rowan tackled.

TIP OF THE SPEAR

The Spearhead Traverse is located between the Whistler and Blackcomb ski areas. It is a 34-kilometre route that winds its way across 13 glaciers and nine mountain passes. Individuals wishing to attempt this journey must typically

tired, or I don’t really want to keep going and I want to get back to the car.”

Of course, Rowan had his dad by his side throughout the trip. Jonathan has 30-odd years of ski-touring experience, dating back to his high school days, in addition to being an avalanche safety instructor and former volunteer ski patroller. He passed on much of his mountaineering and rappelling know-how to his son, ensuring that both were ready for the task at hand.

Nonetheless, most would balk at the idea of taking a 13-year-old on an excursion like the Spearhead Traverse, and for good reason. Jonathan certainly understands the risks, and he knows he could not live with the consequences if he ever put his son in harm’s way. The two carefully laid out their game plan and calculated what could go wrong.

Needless to say, they prioritized safety above all else. By extending their trip to three days, the Gormicks were able to proceed at a more forgiving pace and take a few detours to ski pristine lines down largely-untouched mountain faces. In total, they expected to cover 40 to 45 kilometres instead of the direct 34-kilometre path favoured by other backcountry adventurers.

Furthermore, Jonathan and Rowan have

set aside at least two full days and ready themselves to face 1,700 metres of elevation gain, a myriad of crevasses and an ever-present avalanche risk.

A moderately more difficult undertaking than your average black-diamond resort run.

Some skiers live their whole lives without acquiring the skills and mental fortitude necessary for such a task. Rowan is not one of them. Despite his youth, he already has four seasons of ski touring under his belt, conquering terrain from the North Shore Mountains, to Alberta, to Wyoming.

Now, he is eager for a fresh challenge.

“I love a good goal, and [the Spearhead Traverse] is the next level of skiing for me,” Rowan said. “I want to go from a resort skier who is touring maybe 10 to 15 days a year to the next level of [spending half a season] touring.”

The young Whistlerite prepared for his mission with a purpose. “This season, I’ve spent tons of days on the skins, back-to-back days, even 15-kilometre days,” he explained. “It symbolizes the task of the Spearhead, of being able to push through even though I’m

the benefit of a rock-solid relationship to lean on in the mountains.

“When we’re out touring, we’re partners,” Jonathan said. “We’re not a kid and a parent. I trust [Rowan’s] judgment and he trusts my judgment. I expect him to contribute to decisions and be candid about things, even things that can be hard to talk about. We’re really honest with each other.

“Just as much as I’m prepared to listen to Rowan if he’s not feeling it and needs to turn around or end the day, I think he trusts me if I see something that doesn’t look safe. What we need as we start to progress into more adventurous touring is honesty between each other, and I wouldn’t be doing this if I didn’t think I had that from Rowan.”

Likewise, the younger Gormick trusts and respects his dad.

“He’s pretty great,” said Rowan. “He takes my judgment and how I want to ski [into account], and if I’m nervous through something, he validates that. Also, the knowledge of avalanche terrain that he has is unbelievable.”

“When we’re out touring, we’re partners.”

- JONATHAN GORMICK

MOUNTAIN AMBASSADORS

It’s easy to tell that Rowan is mature beyond his years and accustomed to bearing responsibility. He already knows his way around mountains better than many adults, and he is committed to finishing his schoolwork on the road or after long powder days. Jonathan and his wife have offered their son a deal: Rowan can take as many days off school to ski as desired, as long he keeps his marks up—which he has.

The Gormick family splits its time between Whistler and Vancouver. Jonathan is a firefighter and teaches avalanche safety for Mountain Skills Academy and Adventures (MSAA), while his wife also works in emergency services. They have two boys, Rowan and a 10-year-old named Liam.

Their eldest is already giving back to the ski community. Rowan has worked with Genuine Guide Gear—also known as G3—to film educational videos that provide advice on how parents can safely tour with younger skiers. As well, he was a key product tester for G3’s “Swift” series of gear for lighter riders.

“The engineers from a ski company take the feedback of a 13-year-old seriously. I mean, that’s a pretty cool position to be in, to influence what products are coming out of a big ski company at that age,” Jonathan said.

Father and son are also partnering with MSAA to build interest in their youth-specific Avalanche Safety Training 1 (AST1) courses. According to Jonathan, enrollment in these programs has been suboptimal despite a huge market, and the fact most providers’ AST courses are only open to adolescents if they’re with a parent. That’s why MSAA developed

the teen-focused AST1 curriculum.

“Backcountry skiing exploded about 10 years ago, and all of those 20- to 50-yearolds have or will have kids,” he said. “MSAA, Rowan and I want to promote the idea that parents can continue touring even with kids or teens.

“Getting away from the crowds and into new areas where you have to work together has been an unbelievable experience for Rowan and I, and it can totally be done safely. You could ski in the resort for years and not

get the days of untouched powder like we do: run after run of skiing bliss!”

In any case, Rowan is doing everything he can to advocate for improving youth access to the mountains.

“I want to put [backcountry touring] out there because it is way different than resort skiing,” Rowan said. “The risk plays a big part, for sure, but you won’t be able to ski untracked, beautiful faces in the resort that you can in the backcountry. Yes, you might have to put in effort, but the views you get are unbelievable.”

For his part, Jonathan is over the moon that he and his oldest child have been able to bond through a shared passion.

“I’m exceedingly proud,” he beamed. “I was excited when Rowan wanted to ski. I was excited when he was nine, when he showed an interest in touring. At no point have I pushed him into any of this, because I think it’s one of those things that you can’t force someone to like.

“I just love that he loves [skiing] as much as I do. The time we get together is absolutely invaluable.” n

FATHER-SON SUMMIT Rowan Gormick of Whistler climbing Disease Summit.

PHOTO BY JONATHAN GORMICK

An insider’s guide to Whistler’s favourite food hacks

IN A TOWN FULL OF CASH-STRAPPED RESTAURANT WORKERS, SOMETIMES THE BEST DISH IS THE ONE YOU WON’T FIND ON A MENU

BY BRANDON BARRETT

AS A GENERAL RULE, Whistlerites are a pretty resourceful bunch. When you live in a pricey resort town that passes the keys over to a new throng of visitors every weekend, it’s important to hold on to those rare local hacks that make getting by here that much easier.

Don’t believe me? Ask any longtime Whistlerite for their favourite secret alpine run or free parking spot or pristine public washroom and chances are you’ll get back an academic-level analysis.

That’s why I wasn’t surprised when, last week, I posted to the Whistler Winter Facebook group asking the masses for their favourite food hacks and secret-menu items, and got back a smorgasbord of responses. As it turns out, in a ski town full of cash-strapped restaurant workers, sometimes the best dish is the one you won’t find on a menu.

So, without further ado, welcome to Pique’s non-scientific, non-exhaustive guide to locals’ favourite secret-menu items, some born out of financial necessity, some out of a sense of epicurean adventure, and all playing into Whistlerites’ inherent yearning for something that’s just for us

THE NICOLE ROLL AT SUSHI VILLAGE

Nicole Weiss hasn’t worked at Sushi Village for four years, and yet, she still gets stopped by sushi lovers

professing their love for her namesake Nicole roll, Whistler’s favourite not-so-secret secret roll.

“I still serve in town and people are like, ‘Oh my god, you’re the Nicole.’ People would hug me or say they were in the presence of a celebrity,” she says. “It’s one of the best things you’ll ever put in your mouth.”

A notoriously picky eater, Weiss says the Nicole Roll came about many moons ago because “I like to mod the shit out of everything.” Not a fan of mayonnaise or seaweed, Weiss would customize the restaurant’s Super Hiro Roll—a spicy tuna roll wrapped with avocado on a bed of tempura bits—to remove those ingredients, and add mango, cilantro and house-made chili oil. Soon, she began telling customers about her sweet-savoury-spicy creation, which quickly caught on. Management wanted to put the roll on the menu, but Weiss wasn’t having it, hoping to maintain its mystique.

“People are stoked. It’s like letting them in on a little secret,” she says.

But not just anyone can be granted the secrets of the Nicole roll.

“I don’t tell everyone,” Weiss says. “If you’re not my favourite human, I’m not going to tell you something fun like that.”

MAC-AND-CHEESE PIZZA AT CARAMBA!

Proving once and for all you can never have too much of a good thing, Caramba!’s contribution to this exalted list is a combination of two hearty comfort foods executed with the restaurant’s usual Mediterranean flair: macand-cheese pizza.

This rib-sticking creation swaps out the usual tomato sauce in favour of a rich cheese sauce base made from a mix of mozzarella, cheddar and Boursin, topped with macaroni

noodles and a drizzle of truffle oil, before being fired in a wood oven.

While it appeared on the menu one winter several years ago, nowadays diners in the know have to specifically request it to enjoy all that cheesy, gooey goodness.

“It’s that popular that people will ask for it from time to time,” said Caramba! owner Jay Pare.

Insider Tip: If you like a bit of spice on your pizza, add chorizo to the mix.

GARLIC DOUGH BALLS AT HANDLEBAR

This Upper Village haunt known for its vast selection of craft beer switched up its original menu that skewed more towards German street food to now offering classic New York-style pizza by the slice.

A welcome side effect of that change are what one local commenter called “the best garlic dough balls in town,” served with a zesty pizza sauce for all your dippin’ needs. (Editor’s Note: HandleBar reached out just before press time to say that the dough balls are a one-off. But maybe if you ask real nice, they’ll still make it for you.)

MILLER HOT WINGS AT EL FURNITURE WAREHOUSE

This one’s not for the faint of heart or weak of stomach. If you’re a spice head and ever find yourself in El Furni and want to put your tastebuds to the test, utter these three simple words to your server: “Miller hot wings.”

Named after a cook with a penchant for spicy foods, ordering the Miller hot wings essentially gives the El Furni kitchen crew license to make them as scorchingly hot as possible. Loaded up with a spice mix of chili powder, cayenne and

Cajun chili flakes and topped with diced fresh jalapenos, these absolute sadists will then coat the wings in Frank’s Red Hot, Sriracha, and whatever else they can find that will induce temporary blindness.

“Most people’s eyes start watering just from making or smelling them,” Miller tells me. “Been meaning to email Hot Ones and see if they want to do a Whistler special.”

Insider Tip: Pair your hot wings with a pickleback shot; the pickle brine will help dilute some of the heat. And if you’re not a drinker, order something else you won’t soon find on the El Furni menu: a tall glass of milk.

HONOURABLE MENTION: THE FREESTYLE WRAP AT INGRID’S VILLAGE CAFÉ

Sadly, Whistlerites’ beloved lunch spot, Ingrid’s Village Café, closed its doors for good in 2021, but that doesn’t mean locals have forgotten about its most coveted of secret-menu items: the Freestyle Wrap.

The café was long known for its highly customizable sandwiches, and the Freestyle Wrap was invented by a particularly genius customer in the early Aughts. Containing Ingrid’s famous chicken schnitzel, bacon, cheese, avocado, lettuce, tomato, cucumber, onion, shredded carrot and alfalfa sprouts, all pulled together with homemade spicy mayo, the wrap never appeared on a menu, its ingredients were never written down, and yet, it wasn’t unusual for the café to sell 25 or more a day.

A true Whistler icon, the Freestyle Wrap lives on in the hearts and minds of hungry locals.

Check back with Pique in the coming weeks for more of Whistler’s favourite food hacks.

Know of any secret-menu items we missed?

Email

n

ON A ROLL Sushi Village is home to one of Whistler’s favourite not-so-secret, secret-menu items, the Nicole roll (not pictured).

PHOTO BY KEN REDDING / GETTY IMAGES

MEADOW PARK SPORTS CENTRE SWIM • SKATE • SWEAT • SQUASH

ARENA SCHEDULE

Please see whistler.ca/recreation for the daily arena hours or call 604-935- PLAY (7529)

Under the sea: Meet the artists behind the jaw-dropping installations at this year’s WBF Submerse gala

FROM BURNING MAN TO THE CONFERENCE CENTRE, IT HAS BEEN A LONG, STRANGE TRIP FOR SET DESIGNERS MIKE TYLER, BOB VANENGELSDORP, AND THEIR LEGION OF HELPERS

BY BRANDON BARRETT

SEVERAL YEARS AGO, Mei Madden, the irrepressible executive director of the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation (WBF), caught wind of an intricate float designed by a crew of locals that was headed south for that year’s edition of Burning Man.

“Quite a few years ago, when we first got involved, the (WBF) gala was doing a ’50s diner theme and it just so happened that me and my buddy Bob (VanEngelsdorp) and a few of our friends had built a ’50s diner that we had taken to Burning Man,” recalls local sculptor Mike Tyler. “Mei ended up hearing about it and asked us if we wanted to get involved and we were like, ‘Absolutely not. No way.’ But in Mei’s usual style, she didn’t take no for an answer.”

Staying true to his Burner roots, Tyler says they were initially reluctant to commercialize the float they had built for fun with friends. But, as Tyler has established, Madden can be quite persuasive.

“That first year ended up going really well, and from there she started having us make things every year until eventually we got to the point where we were doing pretty much all the art for the entire event,” Tyler says.

Thus began the long, strange trip from Black Rock City to the Whistler Conference Centre for Tyler and VanEngelsdorp, the brains and brawn behind the stunning, large-scale art installations that have wowed guests at the WBF’s annual Winter Classic fundraising gala for years now. After years at the Roundhouse—an alpine venue that presented its own logistical challenges— the extravagant Submerse gala was held at the conference centre on March 4, which enabled Tyler, VanEngelsdorp and their legion of helpers to create their most ambitious event yet.

“We can’t help ourselves,” says VanEngelsdorp. “We were so excited to be in the conference centre because we had easier access and a bigger space that we filled right up.”

Featuring multiple, large-scale

installations that hewed to the underwater theme, the result was an aquatic dreamworld that immersed guests in the underwater environment from the moment they walked into the room through a corridor of “bubble walls” made to look like an aquarium.

On the opposite side of the room were two interactive installations that wouldn’t feel out of place in Black Rock City: a massive LED turtle which guests enter through the mouth, to find stand-up tables and a tequila bar inside; right next to the “Sea Deeper” installation, a sort of psychedelic coral reef that came to life once you donned a pair of 3D glasses, designed by Angela and Andrea Cooney, sisters best known for their wildly inventive, custom clothing line that blurs the lines between fashion and art.

Closer to the entrance was an installation made to look like the skeleton of a large, humpback whale lit up with dozens of twinkling lights, next to a photobooth (designed by Tyler’s daughter, Garnet) that captured guests—most of whom were decked out in elaborate, marinethemed costumes—with multiple cameras, lending the images a three-dimensional feel that mimicked floating underwater.

The centrepiece of the room was a 10-foot-

tall, 360-degree DJ booth that doubled as a cascading waterfall, with rushing water falling over a series of jutting plateaus lit up with LED lights.

“It’s a very interesting and unique piece,” says Tyler. “It was quite a technical challenge to get the look and the feel that we wanted. The technicality became quite difficult.”

Although the hours can be long—Tyler estimates they spent 12 hours a day, seven days a week in his Mount Currie studio in the lead-up to the event—the work has become something of an escape for the pair of tradesmen.

“Just like I would say of any of the many athletes in town, it’s our meditation zone,” says VanEngelsdorp. “Working with our hands and our brains like that is really awesome.”

Fortunately for the two friends, they had plenty of help along the way, with close to 70 people lending a hand wherever it was needed.

“We’ve had hundreds of volunteer hours from our friends, because this gala was so intense with how much work we were doing,” Tyler says. “With the talent pool of our friends and some of these other artists working to help us generally as well as doing individual pieces, it is the only way we were able to get this done.” n

MOBY LIT A giant whale installation that was one of several eye-catching pieces on display at the Whistler Conference Centre for the Submerse gala on Saturday, March 4. PHOTO BY COAST

TURTLE POWER Top: A large LED turtle that doubled as a tequila bar. SEA-ING EYE Bottom: The “Sea Deeper” 3D installation designed by Angela and Andrea Cooney.

Whistler Writers Festival launching new one-day retreats

ARTS NEWS: MARCUS MOSELY ENSEMBLE GETS NEW DATE; WHISTLER CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL RETURNS; POET’S PAUSE SEEKS SUBMISSIONS

BY ALYSSA NOEL

LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY to focus on that novel?

The Whistler Writers Festival has decided to offer four sessions of its One-Day Writing Retreat this year, set to take place on March 26, April 30, May 28, and June 25 at The Point Artist-Run Centre.

“These four retreats are an incredible chance to take a day and focus on your creativity and writing in a way that can be hard if you’re sitting in your home glued to your desk and surrounded by distractions,” said Rebecca Wood Barrett, Whistler Writers Festival artistic director, in a release. “At the retreat, you’re surrounded by mountains and a glacial lake, and other writers who are also committed to taking some time to work on their craft. It’s an opportunity to absorb the environment, which does so much to inspire wonder and connection to your writing.”

Each session kicks off with a meet-andgreet during which participants can share their goals and more about their projects. After, writers can find a quiet spot to work before the group reconvenes for a potluck

lunch and further discuss their projects— including troubleshooting.

The June 25 session, meanwhile, will include a one-hour mindfulness workshop with Nicola Bentley. That “mini workshop”— involving guided meditation and visualization exercises—aims to “help writers use mindful awareness as a tool to reconnect to their senses and powers of observation so that they can add

MOSELY MOVES

The Marcus Mosely Ensemble was set to perform in Whistler as part of the Arts Whistler Live! Series on Feb. 26—but Mother Nature had other plans.

Thanks to a snowstorm that walloped the Lower Mainland and Sea to Sky, the show has moved to March 19 at 3 p.m.

Tickets are still available at showpass.

From May 19 to 21 and again on May 27 and 28, the festival—run by Arts Whistler—will host a range of free and ticketed events for kids. The Cultural Connector will see dance parties, face painting, street entertainment, and circus acts, while ticketed performers and workshops include Fred Penner and Kelly Haines.

Tickets will go on sale in mid-April. For more, stay tuned to artswhistler.com.

POET’S PAUSE POETRY COMPETITION OPENS

Do you have a poem burning inside?

Well now is not the time to bury and hide! Put pen to paper and submit your best verse; In order to win some dollars from the RMOW purse.

Just kidding, there’s no money, but your work will be displayed;

more richness and nuance to their writing and storytelling,” according to the release.

Retreats are open to writers at any stage of their career. The cost is $40 per session and participants can sign up for more than one session.

For more information, visit whistlerwritersfest.com/programs/whistlerone-day-writing-retreat.

Pemberton Visitor’s Map

The official map of Tourism Pemberton will be published in May 2023 and will include maps, attractions and popular hiking destinations that Pemberton has to offer year-round.

Booking Deadline: Thursday, April 6, 2023

com/aw-live-mme. If you had tickets for the original show, they were directly transferred to the new date.

WHISTLER CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL UNVEILS DATES

The Whistler Children’s Festival is set to celebrate its 40th year over two weekends in May.

At Alta Lake Park, beneath the trees’ shade. There. We just put a terrible poem in print to give you a confidence boost to submit to this year’s Poet’s Pause Poetry Competition.

The deadline for submitting your work is March 16 at 3 p.m.

For the full set of rules, visit whistler. ca/culture-recreation/arts-nature-heritage/ public-art/poetry-competition. ■

Pemberton Visitor’s Guide

The official guide of Tourism Pemberton will be published May 19th, 2022 and will include editorial content on all four seasons, showcasing all that Pemberton has to offer year-round. Get a head-start on

“It’s an opportunity to absorb the environment, which does so much to inspire wonder...”

- REBECCA WOOD BARRETT

PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE

Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond. FIND MORE LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS (and submit your own for free!) at piquenewsmagazine.com/local-events

MAR10-16

ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT A MOMENT IN TIME: CELEBRATING THE ART OF JOAN BARON

Celebrate the vibrant life and work of Joan Baron, while enjoying a drink and grazing table from Picnic Whistler. Public sale of her artwork will begin during this reception. This event is free, and everyone is welcome.

> March 10, 7 p.m.

> The Gallery at The Maury Young Arts Centre

> Free

SPRING BREAK APRÈS ART PROJECT

Come by the Whistler Public Library and create a masterpiece to be displayed in the kids’ area. The library will supply a variety of materials, so choose your medium and get inspired.

For children in Kindergarten to Grade 6. Kids in grades K to 2 must bring a grown-up. No registration required.

> March 14, 3:30 p.m.

> Whistler Public Library

> Free

COMMUNITY

MAKING CONNECTIONS

The Making Connections dementia program runs every Wednesday morning from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the

Catholic church.

The program includes gentle fitness, games and activities, and socializing over a light lunch for people with early stage dementia and their caregivers. Entry is $5 per session. Registration required.

Contact 604-698-9958 or cdkriz@gmail. com for more information.

> March 15, 10:30 a.m.

> Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church

> $5

SEA TO SKY BOOK CLUB: NAMWAYUT – WE ARE ALL ONE: A PATHWAY TO RECONCILIATION

Sea to Sky residents are invited to a three-part, virtual discussion of Namwayut–We Are All One: A Pathway to Reconciliation by Chief Robert Joseph.

The group will meet three times, discussing different themes and questions at each meeting. Everyone is welcome to join this virtual reading group. Please be prepared to attend all three sessions.

You can borrow a copy of the book or ebook from the Squamish Public Library, Whistler Public Library, or Pemberton and District Public Library on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you wish to purchase a copy yourself, you can mention the book club to Armchair Books in Whistler or Little Bookshop in Squamish and get 15 per cent off.

Registration is required to receive the Zoom link. Email publicservices@whistlerlibrary.ca to sign up.

> March 16, 7 p.m.

> Online

> Free

CALL FOR FUNDING APPLICATIONS

Applications are now being accepted for our April 1st, 2023 Spring Funding Deadline.

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

We are open for lunch Wednesday - Friday at 11:30 am and for brunch on Saturdays & Sundays at 11am. Join our lunch club! Get 10 stamps on your card and your 11th lunch is free* (*Some restrictions apply)

Land Act: Notice of Intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that the Pemberton Valley Dyking District of 1381 Aster St, Pemberton, BC have applied to British Columbia Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations & Rural Development (FLNRORD), Surrey, for institutional purpose situated on Provincial Crown land located at that part of E1/2 of SE1/4, District Lot 203, together with that part of Dyke Reserve as shown on Plan 5957, District Lot 204, Lillooet District, Containing 1.02 hectares, more or less.

The Lands File Number for this application is 2412423. Comments on this application may be submitted in two ways:

1) Online via the Applications and Reasons for Decision Database website at: https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/applications

2) By mail to Senior Land Officer at 200-10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1 Comments will be received by FLNRORD until April 14, 2023. FLNRORD may not be able to consider comments received after this date.

Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record For information, contact information Access Operations at the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services in Victoria at: www.gov.bc.ca/citz/iao/.

JOAN BARON

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Build a building

BY ALLYN PRINGLE

PLASTIC BRICKS and a building competition probably aren’t the first things you would associate with a museum; however, for many who grow up in the Whistler area they are one of the first introductions a child has to the Whistler Museum. The museum held its first “Build a Building” competition using Lego bricks in September 1996, and the annual event continues to bring crowds of children to the museum each summer.

In the Sept. 12, 1996 edition of the Whistler Question, the museum called on “Lego fans, budding engineers and aspiring architects” to enter their creations in a bid to win prizes donated by Lego and local businesses such as Great Games and Toys. There were two ways to enter: participants could build at home with their own bricks, or build at the Whistler Museum on the day of the competition with bricks provided by the toy store. The two categories were judged and awarded prizes separately. Costing $2 to enter, the event was both a fundraiser for the museum building fund and a fun way to bring more children to the museum.

According to the report of museum board director Paul Fournier, 66 children participated in this first competition and created “some really elaborate entries.” With any kind of building allowed, kids built hospitals, museums, libraries, lakefront homes, and even some helipads (the helipad at the Whistler Health Care Centre was upgraded in late summer of 1996). Entries were judged by Citizens of the Year Kris Shoup (1995), Stan and Shirley Langtry (1994), Sonya McCarthy

(1991) and Linda Marshall (1996). Winners included Robyn and Liam Fisher, Jamie Pratt, Emily Macalister and Julia Murray, Jesse Clemiss, and Evan Macalister.

The following year’s event saw more than 200 participants. The competition took place both inside the museum and in the parking area outside (even today, trying to fit 200 people inside the museum building is not recommended) and organizers immediately began asking the community about alternative venues for the next year’s event. Again, there were two categories, and winners took home prize packages of Lego from Great Games and Toys.

Since the 1990s, the building competition has evolved and moved locations, taking place at the Spruce Grove Field House, Florence Petersen Park and even online in 2020. The annual event continues to introduce children to the museum each summer (this year will mark the 28th competition) and has itself become a part of Whistler’s history.

Building competitions, however, are not just for children. This month the Whistler Museum and LUNA (Late and Unique Nighttime Alternatives) is hosting The Big Kids Building Competition for adults on Wednesday, March 22. Entry is $5, or $2 for museum or LUNA members, and there are limited spaces available. Unlike the museum’s early building competitions, there will be no build-at-home category and all participants will build at the Whistler Museum on March 22 with bricks provided by the museum. Like the early competitions, entries will be judged and winners will go home with great prizes from local businesses including Armchair Books, Escape! Whistler, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Scandinave Spa. n

BRICK BY BRICK The 1997 edition of the “Build a Building” competition in Whistler. THE WHISTLER MUSEUM COLLECTION

airbag for its U12 and U14 mogul challenge on Blackcomb on Saturday, March 4.

PHOTO BY

MEGAN LALONDE 6 RACE PACE Pairs of skiers (and a few snowboarders) tested their skills through the gates during Whistler Blackcomb Foundation’s Telus Winter Classic “guess your time” ski race on Saturday, March 4.

PHOTO BY MEGAN LALONDE

RENT SELL

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Pat Wiebe 604.902.9300

Fairmont Chateau

Whistler Resort is growing its Housing portfolio and sourcing additional Chalet and Condo Rental contracts for our Hotel Team Members. Our leaders are mature, career driven drivers that know the word respect. Contract terms for property Owners are stress free with no commissions and includes representation from our 4 person fulltime Housing Department working with you 24/7; maintaining all aspects of the tenancy including quarterly inspections.

A great next move for Whistler property Owners that have tired with the Airbnb game or Property Fees. Let’s see if we can make a match and develop a long-term relationship here. General inquiries please email mark.munn@fairmont.com

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raymondo99.69@gmail.com FLOORING

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Group

Tom Ronayne

November 24, 1956, to December 10, 2022

Memorial at Pember ton Museum at 1:00pm on S aturday, April 8, 2022

Condolences can be made to the family through kettlevalleymemorial.ca

We’ve Been Waiting For You

About You

You are curious, have a positive attitude, and a desire to learn.

You are detail-oriented and have strong communication skills.

Ideally you have a marketing, advertising, or media background, and office experience.

About Us

Guru Communications is a Whistler-based company that provides media strategy and negotiations for national advertisers. We have a full-time year-round Media Coordinator position available. There is no limit to the long-term career advancement for the right candidate.

If this sounds like a match, please send resume to careers@gurucom.ca

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TEPPAN VILLAGE IS HIRING A GENERAL MANAGER Teppan Village is a locally owned Teppanyaki Steakhouse

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

• Overseeing daily operations

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• Responding to customer service needs

• Insuring team member satisfaction

• Monitoring staff performance and scheduling.

THE PERFECT CANDIDATE:

• Minimum 4-5 years management experience in a high volume food and beverage environment

• Manage reservations systems

• Strong problem-solving abilities

• Excellent leadership, organization, and time management skills.

• Ability to develop and motivate staff to achieve challenging goals.

ABOUT THE ROLE, BENEFITS +PERKS

• Full-time, year-round career opportunity.

• Competitive wage

• Annual mountain pass.

• Free meals and restaurant discounts.

• Educational allowance & growth opportunities.

• Extended health, dental and vision benefits

• Paid vacation time

Address: 301-4293 Mountain Square, Whistler, BC, V0N 1B4

Apply by email at teppanvillage@shaw.ca

• Competitive Benefits

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• Extensive Travel Perks

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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PembertonVeterinaryHospitalRegisteredVeterinaryTechnician ThePembertonVeterinaryHospitalis seekinganRVT(orequivalent)tojoin ourteam.Thepositionisparttime,but thereispotentialforfulltimeworkfor therightcandidate.Wecurrentlyhave asmallteambutthepracticeisgrowingwiththeadditionofanothervetthis year.Theidealcandidatewillbepassionateaboutveterinarymedicine, havetheabilitytoworkaspartofa teamandindependently,andthrivein abusyclinicenvironment.Wageand workscheduleisnegotiablebasedon experienceandthecandidate.Benefits includelicensingdues,CEallowance andmedical/dentalcoverage.604-894 -1119laura@pembertonvet.com www.pembertonvet.com

PersonalCaregiver/mentor

Longtermcaringforahighfunctioning 32yearoldcognitivelychallengedfemale.Rolewouldincludeactivities, mentoring,housekeepingandsome mealprep.includesroomandboard andsalary.Musthavepostsecondary educationwithsomebackgroundand workexperiencewithpersonswith disabilities.Mustbeasinglefemaleof similaragewithdriverslicenseand flexibleschedule.jesafood@shaw.ca

WhistlerPersonnelSolutions

Full-time,part-time&tempjobs. Nocost,nostrings.604-905-4194 www.whistler-jobs.com

PWTransitHiringFull-TimeWash BayAttendant PWTransitiscurrentlyhiringafull-time WashBayAttendant.Startingwage: $23.66/hour Formoreinformationpleasecall780449-7119ext174,orapplyonour websiteatpwtransit.ca,oremail cassandram@pwt.ca. www.pwtransit.ca

AttentionHappyCampers! Baristas/RetailAssistants/AssistantManagerpositionsavailable. Wagesstartingat$20/hrplustips, staffdiscount,funteam&amazing coffee!Emailinfo@camplifestyle.ca www.camplifestyle.ca

Poulton Power LTD is Hiring

Electricians & Apprentices

Electrical work: Mainly Residential and Commercial, occasionally industrial. Hydro services/Solar infrastructure & backup generators/Automated lighting control/Powered blinds/ Audio visual

BENEFITS:

Training: Continuous on job training

Hours: Full time starting Feb 1st 2023 Sun life plan (Dental/Medical/Eyes)

Travel to and from work: Personal vehicle required/ paid KM’s ($0.68/KM)

Tools supplied: Company supplied power tools, ladders, and safety gear

Tools required: Personal hand tools, work boots

Certification required for Electricians: Red seal electrical ticket.

Drivers licence

Certification required for Apprentices: Registered with the ITA. Drivers licence.

Rates for electrician with up to 2 years of experience actively working with their red seal: STARTING AT $35

Rates for electrician with minimum 3years of experience actively working with their red seal: STARTING AT $40

Rates for apprentices will be based on level of school and level of training.

Candidates must reside in either Pemberton, Whistler, or Squamish. Please e-mail resume’s to: poultonpower@gmail.com

SHARE YOUR PASSION

CULINARY OPPORTUNITIES

Full Time & Part Time, Summer Seasonal

The Whistler Golf Club is looking for culinary rock stars to join our returning team for the 2023 summer season (and beyond!). Now hiring:

• Line Cooks

• Prep Cooks

• Dishwashers

What we offer: come work with us and enjoy all new equipment on the service line from your air conditioned office, free golf at our legendary course, staff meals, competitive wages, monthly staff events, and a great team environment!

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

YOUR EXPERIENCE & SKILLS:

• Minimum 8 years of cooking experience

• Diploma/Certification in culinary discipline an asset

• Red Seal Certification or equivalent required

• Excellent interpersonal, communication and organization skills

• Ability to work well under pressure in a fast paced environment

We are hiring a

Sous Chef

WHAT YOU WILL BE DOING:

• Maintain and enhance food products through creative menu development

• Have full knowledge of all menu items, daily features and promotions

• Liaise with Outlet Managers to keep open lines of communication regarding guest feedback

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• Competitive Benefits

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HOW TO APPLY:

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SPECIALIST, MEMBER RELATIONS

Full Time, Contract (18 Months)

The Specialist, Member Relations is responsible for managing and engaging Tourism Whistler’s membership. The Specialist advocates for Tourism Whistler to build Member understanding and support for the organization’s purpose and initiatives, while consistently relaying the benefits of membership and representing Member interests in Tourism Whistler’s strategic planning.

This role requires a highly self-motivated individual with a customer service focus, a proven ability to build relationships, and extensive knowledge of Whistler and the resort’s business community.

What we offer: a flexible schedule offering work-life balance, a commitment to health and wellness, competitive compensation package, and a great team environment.

We’re also recruiting for: Coordinator, Ask Whistler, Maintenance Technician/ Cleaner, Visitor Centre Agent.

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

There’s a place for you here.

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Housekeeper (Cascade Lodge) - Full Time all year around Night Auditor - Full Time all year around Guest Service Agent - Full Time all year around

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https://www.vacasa.com/careers/positions or email: paul.globisch@vacasa.com or call to find out more details at 604-698-0520

We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

is now hiring for

Guest Service Agent

This dynamic role include the following Perks and Benefits:

• Extended Benefits

• $20 per hour, plus Commissions

• $500 signing bonus, plus Seasonal Bonus

• Discounted F&B and Hotel Stays

• Development for Supervisory Positions available

Journeyman Electrician position available, Service / Renovation

If you thrive in a fast paced, busy and diverse environment with lots of autonomy then this could be the position for you. If you like variety in your work experience, are responsible and would like the opportunity to advance your career, Please send your resumé in confidence to: e. info@sparkelectrical.com

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Employment Opportunities

LEADERSHIP POSITIONS

HOUSEKEEPING

· Legislative and Privacy Coordinator

· Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

• Engineering Technologist

· Skate Host

· Program Leader

Banquet Captain

Room Attendant

· Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Supervisor

· Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

• Engineering Technologist - Utilities Maintenance Planner

House Attendant

FOOD & BEVERAGE

WE OFFER AMAZING EMPLOYEE PERKS & BENEFITS!

· Solid Waste Technician

• Custodial Guard

· Labourer I – Village Maintenance

Night House Attendant

Life & Leisure Program

· Accountant

· Youth and Public Services Specialist

• IT Systems Analyst

Banquet Server

Restaurant Host

ENGINEERING

Extended Health Benefits

• Planning Coordinator

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

• Records Digitization Assistant

• Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

Resort Municipality of Whistler

• Labourer I - Irrigation

Employment Opportunities

CULINARY

Cooks

Chef de Partie

Dishwasher

Maintenance Technician

LOSS PREVENTION

Security Officer

Free Staff Parking

Free Staff Meals

Tuition Reimbursement Program

· Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

· Legislative and Privacy Coordinator

Retirement Savings Program

• Labourer I - Horticulture

· Skate Host

· Program Leader

• Labourer I - Turf

SALES

· Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Supervisor

· Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

Sales Coordinator

50% Discount in our Food & Beverage outlets

· Labourer I – Village Maintenance

· Solid Waste Technician

Hilton Team Member

• Labourer III - FireSmart

· Accountant

· Youth and Public Services Specialist

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

Parents of New Grads: Is your new graduate mechanically minded and not going to school in September?

Black Tusk Fire and Security Inc. provides apprenticeships and a supportive learning environment through on-the-job training and a four-year Sprinkler Fitter Apprenticeship Program.

Overview

Black Tusk Fire & Security is one of BC’s most trusted fire safety and security providers, servicing the Sea to Sky region and the Lower Mainland. The Fire Sprinkler apprenticeship is a full-time, paid position, working Monday-Friday; based out of our office in Whistler to service customers within the Sea to Sky corridor.

Job Duties

• Install wet and dry sprinkler systems as per the NFPA and Building Code;

• Install fire sprinkler systems for residential and commercial applications;

• Service, inspect and repair wet and dry sprinkler systems;

• Service, inspect and repair backflow systems

Requirements

• Self-starter who takes initiative

• Mechanical aptitude and basic knowledge of hand tools

• Strong attention to detail

• Excellent communication skills

• Valid drivers’ license

• Must reside within the Sea to Sky corridor

• We offer competitive wages, extended medical/dental benefits and growth potential with paid education/training.

This is a great opportunity to get your foot in the door within the industry or advance your current work experience into a long-term career with a growing company.

Please respond with your resume and current references.

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only those qualified will be contacted.

Starting wage: $18.00 per hour

SEND YOUR RESUME TO: hr@btfsi.com

109-1330 Alpha Lake Rd., Whistler, BC V0N 1B1

Whistler: 604.935.1140 | Squamish: 604.892.9793

Vancouver: 1.877.657.1140 | www.BTFSI.com

Travel Program (including Friends & Family Benefits)

NOW HIRING

Deli, Bakery, Produce, Grocery and Meat Clerks.

Cashiers

Journeyman Meat Cutter Nutritionist

Full or Part Time

E-mail or drop in your resume to: rory_eunson@nestersmarket.com

please cc ian_fairweather@nestersmarket.com or call us at 604-932-3545

PERKS

• Competitive Experience Based Wages

• Flexible Scheduling

• Relative Training

DISTRICT OF SQUAMISH

WE ARE HIRING

Front Counter Clerk – Regular Full-Time

Labourer 2 – Regular Full-Time

Utility Operator 1 – Water Distribution – Regular Full-Time

Recreation Program Instructor 1 – Biking – Temporary Part-Time (4-19 hours) (2 Positions)

Recreation Program Instructor 1 – Biking – Casual/On-Call (Multiple Positions)

Building Official – Casual/On-Call

Labourer 2 (Multiple Positions) – Temporary Full-Time

Economic Development Specialist – Regular Full-Time

Small Equipment Operator and Winter Truck Driver 3 – Regular Full-Time

Executive Assistant to the General Manager, Community Planning and Infrastructure and Administrative Technical Coordinator – Regular

Full-Time

General Manager of Community Planning and Sustainability – Regular

Full-Time

Recreation Facility Attendant 2 – Casual/On-Call

Recreation Facility Attendant 1 – Casual/On-Call

Custodian – Casual/On-Call

Municipal Engineer 1 – Regular Full-Time

Recreation Program Instructor 1 – Fitness – Casual/On-Call

Recreation Program Leader – Casual/On-Call

Lifeguard 1 – Casual/On-Call

Financial Services Specialist – Temporary Full-Time

squamish.ca/careers

Roland’s Pub is looking for a new bar manager.

Must be a sports enthusiast and have bartending experience. Duties will include inventory and ordering of all alcoholic products as well as other items. Creating promotions with suppliers and other Pub events. A few bartending shifts and management shifts, a combination of days & nights. Salary will be based on experience, plus tips and staff meals. Extended medical & dental benefits, ski pass, and gas allowance.

Please email resume to info@rolandswhistler.com

We’re

Labourers, Carpenters, Foreman, Project Managers

ARE YOU A SELF-MOTIVATED INDIVIDUAL LOOKING TO GROW YOUR CAREER IN SQUAMISH?

Come be a part of our awesome team as The Squamish Chief’s new Media Account Manager.

If you don’t already live in Squamish, you should know it’s one of the most innovative and attractive communities on the West Coast just a short commute from the North Shore of Vancouver. It has a growing worldwide reputation for outdoor recreation with world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, water sports and skiing, boarding and the backcountry in the winter. We’re youthful, engaged and passionate about where we live!

And if you’re a local – well, you know you’re in the right place to forge a career and lucky to call Squamish home.

We’ve got an opportunity to work and truly be a part of this inspired community at its media hub, The Squamish Chief. We’re part of Glacier Media Group and Local News Network, the largest local digital network in Canada. We work with our clients to offer cutting edge solutions like programmatic, Social, SEO, sponsored content and community display advertising on our website – and yes, we reach customers through our trusted newspaper as well. We’ve got media opportunities covered.

Here’s what we’re looking for:

• You have sales experience and are comfortable making cold calls and setting up/ leading meetings with new and existing clients.

• A self-starter with a consultative selling approach working with clients planning both digital and print advertising campaigns.

• Building and maintaining client relationships with your exceptional communication skills comes easy to you.

• You are a goal orientated individual with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.

• You possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to multitask in a fast paced environment.

Here’s the essentials of what we offer:

• Competitive salary + uncapped commission package.

• Comprehensive health and dental coverage and extended benefits.

• Extensive onboarding training and ongoing support.

Come join us!

Please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence to:

Cathie Greenlees cgreenlees@squamishchief.com

Closing date is March 31, 2023

Lil’wat Nation Employment Opportunities

Ullus Community Center

· Early Childhood Educator

· Director of Lands & Resources

· Director of Community Programs

· General Manager, Community Services

· Finance Assistant

Ts’zil Learning Center

· Indigenous Advocate Supervisor

· Indigenous Support Worker – Culture & Language

· Receptionist

Lil’wat Health & Healing

· Intake Coordinator

Youth Centre

· Administrative Assistant

· Youth Program Coordinator

Xet’olacw Community School

· High School Math Teacher

Lil’wat Business Group

· Forestry Summer Students

· Junior Saw Labourer

· Senior Saw Labourer

· Transfer Station Operator

Please

ACROSS

DOWN

LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

A song of suck and blow

“You can’t suck and blow at the same time.” -Unattributed proverb

TELL IT to our political leaders.

Anyone who has paid attention to politics knows politicians try to suck and blow simultaneously with alarming frequency. They also misrepresent their positions to the point of lying, which the highest court in the land has said they can do with impunity, since no one in their right mind actually believes what politicians promise.

BY G.D. MAXWELL

In 2016, the B.C. government declared illicit overdose deaths a public health emergency. Since then, more than 11,000 people have died from overdoses. Many of those deaths, likely most, have been caused by people using drugs they didn’t know they were using: fentanyl, carfentanil and other synthetic opioids instead of heroin, ecstasy, cocaine, whatever.

Public health officials report the majority of those deaths involved occasional users, not addicts. In other words, the kind of folks you might see snorting a line in a local bar or with a glazed, happy look dancing like no one’s watching at a rave.

In January, B.C. instituted a new decriminalization policy that allows individuals over 18 to possess up to 2.5 grams of opioids, cocaine, meth and MDMA with no criminal penalties.

So it’s okay with our politicians if we possess that stuff. But it’s not okay if someone wants to ensure what we’re possessing is, in fact, what we hope it is, and not something that’s going to stop our hearts and leave our lifeless bodies for an overworked first responder to scrape up off the floor.

Ostensibly, the new policy is a three-year experiment to bring down the overdose death rate. But without a clean supply of drugs, the message becomes a classic suck-and-blow job: It’s okay to possess, but you have to roll the dice, buy on the street, and hope that coke you’re about to snort isn’t fentanyl.

Enter Langley’s Adastra Labs. Cue the outrage.

Last week, in a news release, Adastra said Health Canada had given it approval in midFebruary to amend its controlled substance dealer’s licence. The cannabis company said the amendment granted it the right to possess, produce, sell and distribute cocaine. Specifically, it allowed the company to “interact”—whatever that means—with up to 250 grams of coke, and to import coca leaves from which it could synthesize the drug.

The resulting bright light you may have seen coming from Victoria was Premier David Eby and opposition leader Kevin Falcon setting their hair on fire. Eby was “astonished!” At a news conference last Thursday, puffing up his plan to increase funding for overdose prevention and mental health, he was shocked Health Canada

would do such a thing without notifying and engaging the provincial government. “It is not part of our provincial plan,” he said.

True. The provincial plan seems completely mute on any effort to prevent overdose deaths by targeting the biggest cause of those deaths—tainted supply.

Not to be outdone, Liberal leader Falcon was quoted as saying, “Cocaine isn’t prescribed, it isn’t safe and this is wrong. Commercializing cocaine as a business opportunity amounts to legalizing cocaine trafficking.”

And wading in, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau characterized the whole event as

Labs, issued its own news release saying Health Canada amended its licence to allow the production, sale and distribution of cocaine, opium and MDMA. In a statement that reeks of logic and understanding of the issue, the company said it “aims to bring safer supply of drugs to the global market.”

This may be a good point to say I am not advocating drug use. Not my circus, not my monkey. Or if you find that phrase offensive, I don’t have a dog in this race. I—and for that matter no one I’ve ever known—haven’t been sitting on the sidelines, rubbing my hands and saying, “Man, I can’t wait for them to legalize hard drugs so I can be a junkie.”

working? The numbers speak for themselves.

The BC Centre for Disease Control reports a record 272,000 naloxone kits were shipped in 2020. Their mathematical modelling suggests naloxone averted more than 3,000 death events between January 2015 and March 2021. That’s 3,000 in six years. Compare that to the number of overdose deaths.

Even the Centre understands the current effort is insufficient. “Naloxone is not enough. It does save lives, but it’s only an afterthought, a Band-Aid solution. We have to focus on preventing overdoses, and the only solution is safer supply,” according to Dr. Jane Buxton, the Centre’s harm reduction lead.

So why is everyone in a position of power to affect the change needed going apeshit over someone in the private sector trying—in an admittedly small way—to do the one thing that needs to be done to begin to stem the tide of overdose deaths?

Cowardice? Hypocrisy?

VANDU, the Vancouver Area Network of Drug Users, floated a plan to the provincial government a few months ago to provide safe drugs. The response was a flat no.

a “misunderstanding” between Health Canada and Adastra, clarifying the company could only sell coke to other licence holders. Ostensibly for further research as opposed to office parties.

Adastra, in turn, walked back its press release, waffling as to exactly what the Health Canada amendment to its licence allowed or prohibited. This caused Eby to reiterate his position that, “Health Canada is not apparently in line with us ... We need to work together on the toxic drug crisis and our response to it.”

But, as they pitch on late night TV, there’s more. A Victoria company, Sunshine Earth

But the inescapable fact is people use this stuff. I’ve used some of it, but that was back in the day when penicillin cured just about anything you might pick up during casual sex and the worst thing you might find in coke was baby laxative.

That was then; this is now. People die in B.C. at the rate of about six a day from overdoses. As stated, most are casual users— recreational users looking for a good time, not their last time.

The government’s efforts to reduce overdose deaths is largely limited to allowing safe injection sites—very few— and distributing naloxone kits. How’s that

This is absurd. People are going to use drugs. Other people are going to supply drugs. Far too often, the drugs supplied are not the drugs desired. There is no quality control, and the only way there will ever be quality control is if the government exercises that control.

Ironically, governments recognized that role decades ago when they exercised control over the production, distribution and sale of alcohol. You don’t hear about too many people going blind or dying from bad booze anymore, eh?

Suck and blow... but grow up and face reality. ■

It’s okay to possess, but you have to roll the dice, buy on the street, and hope that coke you’re about to snort isn’t fentanyl.

GLOBAL REACH, LOCAL KNOWLEDGE FOLLOW YOUR DREAM, HOME

CREEKSIDE

4 – 2400 Cavendish Way WHISKI JACK Complex, near Creekside Gondola for skiing and summer mtn biking access. Cozy 2 bed, 1 bath townhouse just under 800 sq.ft. Enjoy this as your home or rental investment property. $950,000

Kathy White prec* 604-616-6933

Welcome Callum Clarke

Real Estate Advisor

Moving from England in 2013, Callum has fully embraced the new style of life offered in the Sea To Sky. The ability to have the mountains at his fingertips opened new opportunities and experiences. Callum has launched into a Real Estate career in Whistler to help facilitate this lifestyle to the community, pairing local knowledge of the Sea to Sky with an international network and global expertise. Callum hopes to flourish in his career endeavors by laying great foundations within the community while being reliable, trustworthy, and passionate to buyers, sellers and investors alike.

BENCHLANDS

3 - 4894 Painted Cliff Road Mountain Star 3 is your private and peaceful slopeside retreat on Blackcomb. 2.5 beds and 2 bath over 1225 sq.ft. Enjoy ski access, a private hot tub, a ski locker, secure underground parking and strong revenues with a flexible Phase One rental covenant. $2,499,000

Katherine Currall

604-966-1364

BENCHLANDS

4653 213 G2 & G3 Blackcomb Way Rarely available backto-back weeks in Horstman House on Blackcomb. This quiet 1 bedroom offers owners the perfect home away from home with the option for nightly rental managed by the front desk. Price is per share. $219,900

Nick Swinburne prec*

604-932-8899

WHISTLER CAY HEIGHTS

51 - 6127 Eagle Ridge Cres Stunning mountain views from this popular neighbourhood! A short walk to Whistler Village, this spacious 3 Bedroom, 3 bath Townhome includes a patio for summer entertaining! Walk to Whistler Golf Course or the slopes! 2 parking. $1,915,000

Connie Spear

604-910-1103

Callum Clarke 604-932-1875

callum.clarke@evrealestate.com

CONTRIBUTION AT CLOSING

WHISTLER CAY ESTATES

6304 Lorimer Road Enjoy the privacy of owing a single family home in one of Whistler’s most desirable neighbourhoods and within steps of the Valley Trail. This three bdrm, two bath property has tons of potential, a legal two bdrm suite, good storage and lovely flat backyard. $2,379,000

Laura Wetaski 604-938-3798

Engel & Völkers i s a proud c hampion of Special Olympics. Many o f our a dvisors donate a p or tion of t heir commissions to Special Olympics o n behalf o f their clients. This simple p rogram m eans t hat ever y time we help our c lients realize their real estate goals, we are helping a Special Olympian get j ust a bit closer to theirs.

Whistler Village Shop

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

whistler.evrealestate.com

SQUAMISH

Paradise Valley Road Escape to your 9-acre waterfront estate in Paradise Valley. Down valley living offers lot size & absolute privacy unavailable in Whistler. Live in the carriage home while building your 5,400 sq.ft. dream home. $3,185,000

Ken Achenbach

604-966-7640

Squamish Station Shop

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

Ann Chiasson 604.932.7651

#314 - 4122 Village Green Way

$330,000

You simply cannot ask for a better location in the village of Whistler, than the Adara Hotel. Right across the street from the iconic Bearfoot Bistro and the newly established Wild Blue Restaurant. This Phase II complex comes with a kitchenette, bar fridge, microwave, outdoor pool and hot tub.

Doug Treleaven 604.905.8626

#19 -

Dave Sharpe 604.902.2779

Denise Brown 604.902.2033

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

*PERSONAL REAL ESTATE CORPORATION remax-whistler.com

Property Management remaxseatoskypm.com

1710 River Run Place

$2,599,000 1710 River Run Place is an expansive 8639 square foot lot in a coveted new neighbourhood less than fifteen minutes south of Whistler Village. The property sits on a quiet cul-de-sac surrounded by extensive trail networks, picture-perfect mountain ranges, and the stunning turquoise Cheakamus River.

Kristi McMillin 778.899.8992

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