Pique Newsmagazine 3041 by Pacific Coastal Publications LP

OCTOBER 13, 2023 ISSUE 30.41

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WORD STRINGS

WINTER OUTLOOK Bookings are picking up ahead of winter, TW says

FINE AND DANDY Whistler’s bylaw department shares yearly stats

HAVE A LAUGH Laugh Out LIVE takes the stage at the Whistler Writers Festival

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

36 40

32 Why do we write? Whistler Writers Festival authors discuss their craft. - By Rabbi Paul Plotkin, Bronwyn Preece, Todd Lawson and Mike Janyk

14 WINTER OUTLOOK

After a slow start, bookings

28 FAMILY AFFAIR

The Lil’wat Nation’s Indigenous

are picking up ahead of winter, according to Tourism Whistler—but busi-

Strong Powwow took place Oct. 6 to 8, featuring dancing, food, and prizes

nesses are still struggling with labour and housing.

for attendees.

15 FINE AND DANDY

36 RIDING HIGH

Whistler’s bylaw department

Recently minted Freeride World Tour

saw a massive increase in solid waste calls in 2023, while year-round pay

skier and Canadian Open Enduro champ Wei Tien Ho is riding high after a

parking and increased rates boosted revenue.

dream come true.

18 LIBRARY LOVE

40 HAVE A LAUGH

For Canadian Library Month this

Local improv troupe Laugh

October, the Whistler Public Library is highlighting its unique offerings—

Out LIVE prepares to share the stage with Brent Butt at the Whistler

which go way beyond books.

Writers Festival.

COVER Why is a very loaded question for someone with a vivid imagination and very little direction. - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art 4 OCTOBER 13, 2023

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Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@piquenewsmagazine.com

NEW

THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Weekend Forec Ins

SEE PAGE 11 >>

Weekend Forecast Inside

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS

When it comes to development, the Resort Municipality of Whistler some-

times deploys a double standard for its own projects, writes editor Braden Dupuis.

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers weigh in on housing in Whistler, off-

Editor BRADEN DUPUIS - bdupuis@piquenewsmagazine.com

leash dogs, term-limits for politicians, and more.

Sales Manager SUSAN HUTCHINSON - shutchinson@piquenewsmagazine.com Production Manager AMIR SHAHRESTANI - ashahrestani@wplpmedia.com

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Columnist Andrew Mitchell explains a simple rule that would make

Art Director JON PARRIS - jparris@piquenewsmagazine.com

skiing (and life in general) so much easier: no dickheads.

Advertising Representatives

54 MAXED OUT Max answers all your burning housing questions in another instalment of Tales

TESSA SWEENEY - tsweeney@wplpmedia.com GEORGIA BUTLER - gbutler@wplpmedia.com

From the Inbox.

Digital/Sales Coordinator KATIE DOUGLAS - traffic@piquenewsmagazine.com

Environment & Adventure

Production - production@piquenewsmagazine.com Features Editor BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com Arts Editor ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

30 THE OUTSIDER Looking back at a summer skiing adventure in Whistler, 60 years later.

Reporters BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com MEGAN LALONDE - mlalonde@piquenewsmagazine.com DAVID SONG - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com RÓISÍN CULLEN - rcullen@piquenewsmagazine.com Classifieds and Reception - mail@piquenewsmagazine.com Office and Accounts Manager HEIDI RODE - hrode@wplpmedia.com Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL,

Lifestyle & Arts

38 EPICURIOUS Mountain Meal Prep offers nutritious eats for extreme-sport enthusiasts—or even just busy parents.

41 MUSEUM MUSINGS When Whistler Mountain was first being developed as a ski resort in the 1960s, A-frames were a popular design choice, whether building a ski cabin or a Skiers’ Chapel.

ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of Pacific Coastal Publishing Limited Partnership, a division of Glacier Media) distrubuted to over 150 locations from Squamish to D’arcy. The entire contents of Pique Newsmagazine are copyright 2023 by Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of WPLP, a division of Glacier Media). No portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express written permission of the Publisher.

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In no event shall unsolicited material subject this publication to any claim or fees. Copyright in letters and other (unsolicited) materials submitted and accepted for publication remains with the author but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Letters to the Editor must contain the author’s name, address and daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 250 words. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine. Pique Newsmagazine is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact (edit@ piquenewsmagazine.com). If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil. ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. This organization replaces the BC Press council (and any mention of it).

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OPENING REMARKS

Whistler’s development double standard WHISTLER DEVELOPER Rod Nadeau, of Innovation Building Group, is quite proud of his latest build in Golden, B.C. The high-performance rental building is “the best-performing apartment building in B.C.,” Nadeau says, and tenants have been moving in since early August. “The design is people-centered with a

BY BRADEN DUPUIS large community garden, lots of casual seating, the best coffee shop in Golden with the best patio, EV charging at every parking stall, walking distance to downtown Golden, trails and parks,” he says. “Since Golden is a very active town like Whistler, we have a workshop building with a ski bench, bike bench with tools, gardening tools and bike storage with e-bike charging.” Nadeau started the development process in Golden a few years after submitting an application to develop a similar apartment building in Whistler’s White Gold neighbourhood in 2018. He has since completed two builds in Golden—and has yet to break ground in Whistler. Since it was first proposed in May 2018, the White Gold application has bounced back and forth between developer and staff, going through numerous design changes, shrinking from 65 units to just 36 at last count. Council gave a rezoning bylaw for the project first two readings in Sept. 2022. A public hearing followed in November. Nearly a year later, third reading has not taken place. In its first iteration in May 2018, the proposed rents were $2.31 per square foot. Today, due to higher building costs and interest rates, it’s between $4 and $4.70 per square foot.

Nobody expects a project to break ground weeks after it’s proposed, but the years-long delay on the White Gold build is frankly baffling. Council has stated housing is its No. 1 priority—shouldn’t that mean expediting any and all serviceable housing projects? Of course, when the project is under the purview of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, delays are not an issue. One need only look at the expediency applied to any and all regulatory hurdles in Cheakamus Crossing Phase 2, which had its rezoning bylaws drafted and passed and its building permits approved in record time, by Whistler standards. Let’s be clear: making short work of bureaucratic obstacles so we can build more employee housing is objectively a good thing. But why is the same standard not applied to private developers or other areas of the resort? Developing in Cheakamus is obviously not an apples-to-apples comparison with developing in White Gold. The Cheakamus

The ADP felt the modular addition was a poor fit, and that “a higher overall design standard should be sought.” But council approved it anyway, following staff’s advice that adding to the annex was the most “costeffective” and “achievable” solution. Again, this is objectively a good decision. We should be looking for easy wins wherever we can find them. The sky will not fall if every last building in town doesn’t perfectly reflect our self-important sense of mountain chic. But why is it OK for the RMOW to relax its rules and ignore its own design panel only when it benefits the municipality itself? As Councillor Jeff Murl rightly pointed out at the Sept. 26 meeting, the ADP is unlikely to support modular builds in any context. “I think if you’d shown up anywhere with modular construction, they would have not been happy. It doesn’t matter how you did it, there’s some clear resistance to that. That really made it a hard road for the rest of the presentation,” said Murl, who is council’s

These are excellent points. Now, take them and apply them to housing for Whistler employees. Modular builds are incredibly beneficial. They are fast, cheap, and material-efficient, and could mean the difference between a well-staffed resort and one forced to limp through another winter; the difference between a warm, secure bed and leaving town for greener pastures. When it comes to municipal staff having office-space, the RMOW is perfectly willing to accept these facts; to stand up to stringent design guidelines in the name of efficiency and convenience. Would officials take the same stance if a proposal for a modular work camp came through the hall? Would we hear the same argument about the clear benefits to the community, and give it a pass for not living up to our own self-glorified standards? If the urgency given to the White Gold project is any indication—perfectly

Of course, when the project is under the purview of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, delays are not an issue.

land is earmarked for housing, and you’re not going to hear much NIMBYism when it comes time to break ground—the same can’t be said for White Gold. Even so, it would be nice if the RMOW gave the same urgency and attention to other projects as it does its own. A similar double standard was on display at the Sept. 26 council meeting, when council voted against the recommendations of its Advisory Design Panel to approve a new addition to municipal hall.

This bright upgraded one-bedroom townhome is a quintessential Whistler property! With its prime location in Creekside, skiers and bikers will love the two-minute walk to access the gondola, while a short stroll will put you in front of the bustling shops and restaurants Creekside has to offer. The new windows offer plenty of natural light and southwest mountain views in the open-concept main living areas. Unlimited owner use with nightly rental option

representative on the ADP. An aversion to modular construction “really handicapped them in terms of seeing the benefits to the community, and how quick this is going to be executed, how it serves the workers that can lose their office and get back in [another one] pretty quickly,” Murl continued. “And I think we’re doing a great job of reducing waste by reusing something that’s already there, which in their desire to build something bigger and better would not be the case.”

serviceable from its first iteration all the way back in 2018, and still floundering in bureaucratic purgatory six years later— we’re going to guess no, we wouldn’t. We don’t need to see modular work camps popping up in every neighbourhood. But the resort would be well-served by dialling back the rigidities of Whistler Exceptionalism to make way for more creative, out-of-the-box solutions—or even just semi-timely approvals for good housing projects. ■

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Whistler’s housing approach the ‘definition of insanity’ Housing, affordable and attainable that is, has been the single biggest issue in Whistler for as long as I can remember. In fact, when I moved here in 1988, I was told to come in early fall to try and secure a place. So I did, to no avail, and I flew back east dejected. Determined, I ended up driving an RV out in the depths of winter and parking it at the KOA campground (now Spruce Grove). In retrospect, things were much less dire back then. There were at least some options. Ski bums could find a room or couch-surf the many ski chalets that have since all been replaced with huge luxury homes that rarely get rented or even occupied. Many resourceful folks built squats in the woods, and, believe it or not, there was even a tent encampment at Edgewood where the biggest, most expensive monstrosity in history is continually being built. Higher interest rates, mortgages, strata fees and insurance are usually to blame. But I blame supply and demand, and of course greed. The only rental ad in the paper now is a five-bedroom in Emerald for... wait... $12,500 per month! For a family only, of course; no skid-ball workers, partiers and skiers. Who are these people and who are their prospective tenants? Anyone who could afford that rent should already be mortgaging their own home.

This has been going on for so long, I am now convinced the powers-that-be are more interested in capitalizing with the status-quo than thinking out of the box and coming up with solutions. Squamish is building highdensity housing like crazy, and Pemberton has some, too. Why not here? Let’s face it: without the Olympics, Whistler’s only recent major, large-scale development, at Cheakamus, wouldn’t even exist. Of course, a shortage of housing directly translates to a shortage of workers and a

degradation in the quality of service that has been a hallmark of Whistler’s experience. Employees often need multiple jobs to survive the high cost of everything, contributing to a grumpy, overworked, short-staffed workforce. Many established, long-term locals have even cashed out and left, being replaced by someone who is wealthy enough to buy their house. Rich enough not to need the hassle of renting out their basement suite. The demographic has also changed drastically. Free spirited, transient ski bums

have been replaced by entitled privileged kids whose parents help pay for their Airbnbs. Don’t even get me started on the loss of housing from short-term rental sites. I’m sick of the studies, committees, lipservice and excuses. Housing can be built almost anywhere there’s land in short order. It happens all over the country in mining camps that are often in inaccessible, harsh regions. If the resource sector can figure it out, how come the tourism sector can’t? I see high-end hotels looking for staff housing where rent, insurance and maintenance is guaranteed. Why can’t they just designate a wing of their hotel for their workers? The easy commute would get them to work on time. There are several reasons for the lack of progress on this most important issue... pretentiousness, elitism, capitalism, NIMBYs, but mostly... greed. I believe the corporate entities and governments that support the current system would rather continue to milk a dying cow than solve the problem. If the rules were relaxed to allow for social housing, work camps or tiny homes, those in cahoots with the policymakers have so much to lose. Think about permits, inspectors, real estate agents, their advertisers (and Pique), property tax, strata fees, property management companies, transfer tax, insurance companies, banks, architects, engineers, consultants, tradesmen, contractors, and of course the very politicians that could actually make changes. They all have something to lose: lucrative business and money.

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NATIONWIDE EXPOSURE

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR The yearly property taxes on the recent $40-million, record-breaking house sale are a whopping $95,000! That could go towards housing (three container homes) but instead it barely covers most bureaucrats’ yearly salary. Until we see a major paradigm shift, things will stay the same. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. The result we are seeing not only in Whistler but almost every community in North America is a worsening housing crisis and systemic inequality, resulting in very visible poverty and homelessness. How long can society keep riding the gravy train without looking out the window at what has become an apparent nightmare? Do something different now! Mike Roger // Birken/Whistler

Another reason for term limits The NDP are planning to fine BC Ferries for sailings missed due to staff shortages, according to Transportation Minister Rob Fleming. The NDP funds BC Ferries with taxpayer dollars. Half a billion dollars this year. Hence, missed sailings will be penalized by taxing the same people using those ferries. Minister Fleming. Another career politician. Eighteen years as an MLA. Six as a city councillor. Zero days making payroll. Another reason for term limits. Patrick Smyth // Whistler

Leash your dogs—Whistler is bear country There are many reasons why I picked Whistler over Banff, but one reason was no grizzlies. Over the last four years, I have found myself preparing for interactions with these bears. A grizzly sow found the first hole on the Fairmont golf course this spring, and she was a stroll from the ski runs on Blackcomb. She tolerates some proximity from humans in small numbers. She’ll be back, and at some point with cubs in tow. BC Parks expects grizzlies to repopulate Garibaldi Park. The ski runs offer an accessible route to access the park. The Ascent trails have always been offlimits to dogs under the BC Wildlife Act. Many locals regularly ignore the ban and hike the

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trail with off-leash dogs. The grizzly doesn’t know or care that your dog doesn’t bother bears, is a service dog, or any other excuses for your dog being on the trail. Past incidents at Skywalk, Rainbow Lake, and Lord of the Squirrels involved dogs. The tragedy in Banff National Park recently underscores the danger. Ignoring Vail Resorts’ rules and the Wildlife Act endangers innocent hikers on the Ascent trails, and the bear. Just stop. Now. Sharon Audley // Whistler

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From Whistler to Israel I often many times regret leaving the powder of Whistler’s snowy mountains for the powder-keg of life in Israel/Palestine back in 2014. But to see and experience first-hand how oppression and the fuel of weapons keeps pouring onto this powderkeg I am not surprised but deeply saddened. That it has finally blown up with bloodshed that knows no borders is tragic. It would feel good to retreat to the backcountry and escape into complacency. But being shocked out of complacency by the ravages of militarism, inequality, climate change, and extremism, is what I needed, and I wish for all others. Keep Whistler helping to build playgrounds where the rights and freedoms for all can be played out. William Roberts // Ontario

Repetitive holiday columns are tedious

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After last year’s tedious succession of festal musings—pieces on Victoria Day, BC Day, Mother’s Day, Halloween, etc. etc.—I’d hoped 2023 might spare us further G.D. Maxwell “holiday specials.” However, his most recent excursus on Thanksgiving (Pique, Oct. 6, “Giving thanks in Whistler”) has proven him our most consummate local barrel-scraper. Extensive sections are regurgitated verbatim from a largely identical offering published just a few years ago (Oct. 4, 2017, “Counting my blessings”), including his “fresh” take that he’s “thankful for the leadership we’ve enjoyed. No, seriously.” Perhaps in future the editors might suggest that when Maxwell can’t come up with something original or thoughtful he consider taking a holiday himself? Brandon Green // Whistler n

OCTOBER 13, 2023

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(Originally $20.95) 1 piece each of Sockeye Salmon Nigiri • Atlantic Salmon Nigiri Tuna Nigiri • Ebi Nigiri • Cali Roll 4 pieces Shrimp Tempura 2 pieces • Yam Tempura 4 sticks Gomaae • Spring Salad

Order available from 4pm. 15% off will be offered until early December. The Whistler Valley Housing Society is seeking applications for nominations to the Board of Directors Board of Directors December 2024 AGM People with either knowledge, involvement or formal skills in the following areas: • Lived experience • Social justice knowledge/experience • Social housing knowledge/experience • Essential worker • Rental Property Management

The Whistler Valley Housing Society is a not-for-profit established in 1983 and is the owner of Whistler Creek Court, a 20 unit affordable rental housing project for Whistler employees. Our Vision

To provide, and advocate for, a broader spectrum of housing opportunities for the Whistler community.

WVHS currently has a 30-unit rental building under construction for tenancy mid 2024. Applications close October 22nd. Contact WVHS.info@gmail.com for additional information and to express interest. 12 OCTOBER 13, 2023

Samurai Bowl at Creekside Fall season special deal.

20% OFF

SEAFOOD Box: $14.35

(Originally $17.95) Tuna Poke • Rice Ebi Fry 1 piece • Takoyaki 2 pieces Seaweed Salad • Spring Salad Miso Soup

Mie Goreng: $12.00

(Originally $15.00) Homemade Indonesian Noodle Dish with Beef/Chicken/Agedashi to chose for protein

KIDS Plate: $5.60 (Originally $7.00) Teriyaki Chicken Rice Ebi Fry 1 piece Edamame

Order available from 4pm.

PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST

Pinkies out AS I COME up on my 25th winter in Whistler, it’s amazing how a little autumn snow in the alpine still manages to be exciting after all these years. Experience has taught me that it will probably melt long before it can be shredded—and also how that melting is usually a good thing given how early season snowpacks sometimes complicate

BY ANDREW MITCHELL the avalanche situation and can delay lift openings through an entire winter—but it’s an exciting development nevertheless. Whatever you think of Turkey Sale crowds, there’s also no denying that the long weekend does an amazing job building hype for something at least six weeks away. It’s kind of like a Christmas commercial the day after Halloween. We’re all now drifting in that strange dead space between the sale and opening day when Whistler gets quiet. Too quiet. Leaves fall off of trees, days get shorter, the air gets colder, the sky turns a paler shade of blue (assuming it doesn’t rain every day), lights appear on the mountains after dark as snow-making crews get down to business,

and everybody starts to look nervously to the surrounding mountains for the first real signs of winter while our new ski and snowboard gear, neatly stacked and ready by the front door, taunts us as we come and go. Being a La Nina weather system, literally anything can happen. Usually the coast region is wetter, but not always, and it can be a little bit warmer as well, except when it’s not. But after 24 seasons I can safely say that the mountains will open on time, probably, with some actual snow on the ground—some natural, some artificial. We will get more snow on top of that at some point, followed by periods of snow that will stretch all the way to at least April. Bank on it. Even our worst winter seasons come through with enough snow to have fun, so I’m not worried at all about that—the winters here are long and virtually guaranteed. What I am increasingly worried about is people, and how etiquette and general courtesy count for less and less on the slopes every year. It seems to be a uniquely Whistler thing, or at least I’ve never experienced anything like the panic, anxiety, intensity and all-around peevishness you get on a local powder day at any of the other mountain resorts I’ve visited, where people mostly just seem happy to be there. The Alpine Responsibility Code was

only ever the minimum code of conduct to prevent catastrophes, and I honestly doubt many skiers or snowboarders could even name three of its 10 commandments. There are also dozens of unwritten rules of conduct, some as old as the lift-assisted ski industry, that we all figure out over time. Really though, it could all be simplified into one easy-to-remember rule. With Rugby World Cup going full-tilt in France, I’m reminded of one principle that has been standard operating procedure for the New Zealand All Blacks for decades: No Dickheads. It doesn’t matter how good you are, if you’re a dickhead then you won’t be invited to play. No one player is bigger than the team. It’s a simple rule, and I think it captures the essence of what’s increasingly wrong in the sport of skiing and snowboarding. It’s the answer to everything: Cussing out lifties and ski patrollers because you’re frustrated waiting for a lift to open. Booing or throwing snowballs at skischool instructors and their clients for using their lift-line privileges. Not paying attention or communicating in the lift lines for the six (and now eight!) seaters, leading to chaos, confusion and halfempty chairs during busy times. Not merging correctly in lines or skipping ahead, pretending not to notice other people

who have the right-of-way. Waking up at six in the morning, putting your skis in the lift line, going back home to sleep, then coming rushing back at 8:15 a.m., elbows out, to claim your spot up front just as the lift is opening, getting in everyone’s way and breaking up groups. Jumping ahead of people in singles lines so you can be with your friends… in the singles line. Not helping people pick up their gear after a crash or checking to make sure they’re OK. Going out of bounds without the necessary gear or knowledge. Heading into permanently closed or avalanche closed areas, endangering all the good people who now have to rescue your sorry ass. Cutting across people at chairlift exits, causing crashes that force the lifties to slow everything down while people sort themselves out. Smoking and vaping in lines and on lifts. There’s really not much that happens on the mountain that couldn’t be improved upon with a strict “No Dickheads” policy. In fact, a lot of the civility problems that seem to be getting worse in society, especially after COVID gave everyone a mild case of Main Character Syndrome by validating our non-stop whining and complaining, could be sorted out by the same simple rule. Just something to think about while we wait. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Housing, labour top list of business challenges heading into Whistler’s winter season TOURISM WHISTLER PROVIDES PRE-SEASON UPDATE TO WHISTLER’S MAYOR AND COUNCIL

BY BRADEN DUPUIS THOUGH INITIAL FORECASTS predicted a “softer” winter season, bookings are beginning to pick up as the temperatures continue to drop, according to Tourism Whistler (TW)— though the same old challenges remain. “The financial viability of many of our smaller businesses coming out of the pandemic has been tough for them,” said Tourism Whistler’s president and CEO Barrett Fisher, in a presentation to Whistler’s Committee of the Whole on Oct. 10. “We know that the labour shortage still remains. We’re hearing from most of the large accommodations and [Whistler Blackcomb] that they’re in much better shape when it comes to filling their labour, but that some of the smaller businesses are still struggling.” Further, despite the “excellent progress” being made by the Resort Municipality of Whistler and Whistler Housing Authority, “we still are hearing of some of those tight pinches when it comes to housing, which impacts affordability,” Fisher said. And challenges for businesses lead to challenges for consumers. Rising costs are being passed down to potential visitors to Whistler, which are being

FALL FORECAST With the mountains closed for fall, Whistler is now officially gearing up for another winter. PHOTO BY MIKE CRANE / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

14 OCTOBER 13, 2023

seen in everything from airfare and activities to accommodations and meals, Fisher said. There’s also rising interest rates to contend with, impacting the debt load of tourists. “The fallout of that is really that we’re seeing either fewer vacation purchases, or when they are coming maybe that they’re spending less,” Fisher said. Whistler saw a softer summer 2023, business-wise, as compared to the pre-

Whistler sets hard targets for high season now, we are no longer looking at growth targets. We are looking at neutralizing that high-season period, so really looking to where is the growth—it’s in midweek or it’s in shoulder-season months,” Fisher said. “And that’s why conference groups, as well as festivals, events and animation, are a great way to drive that sort of spring, fall and midweek business.” Looking to the winter ahead, Tourism

“[W]e still are hearing of some of those tight pinches when it comes to housing, which impacts affordability.” - BARRETT FISHER

pandemic summer of 2019, “but we did see growth over 2022,” Fisher added. “And the reason for that is that occupancy in the hotels was kept in 2022 at around 80-per-cent occupancy, whereas that was opened up [this year], and that was due to more labour and front-line people at the hotels. One big positive is the resort is seeing “very strong” conference business, which is always beneficial for Whistler as conferences typically book in the spring and fall, when the resort is less busy. “And I should note when Tourism

Whistler was initially anticipating a slower season, “but more recently we have started to see some strong pickup during the festive season and during February, March and April,” Fisher said. “February is still pacing lower than a pre-pandemic February, but where we’re seeing the biggest gaps right now is in that pre-festive week … and then into early January.” There’s also a “pretty substantive gap” in January, which TW attributes primarily to the Australian market. “They are big January travellers, and they are not coming back yet in the forces

that they historically used to,” Fisher said. “So we’re forecasting to achieve similar occupancy levels, and how we’re making that up is primarily through our continued strength in the B.C. and the domestic markets and the loyal visitation that we see there.” Looking to 2024, TW’s key areas of focus include growing year-round viability; advancing responsible, sustainable, regenerative tourism; optimizing the visitor experience; and elevating the value of tourism. One long-term goal is to roll out a resortwide sustainable tourism benchmarking and accreditation program, Fisher said, adding that Tourism Whistler is also looking at opportunities for facilitating weatherindependent activities—particularly in light of Whistler’s theatre closing last year. “We know that in high season, summer and winter, we have our best foot forward. But how do we continue to support with weather-independent activities?” Fisher asked. TW has gotten a lot of feedback about the theatre closing, she added. “We manage and operate the Rainbow Theatre [at the Whistler Conference Centre]. It’s a little premature to think that we can open that as a theatre, because it is utilized for conference groups and because it has been renovated recently—it’s not really set up for popcorn and cokes spilling on the floor,” Fisher said. “But that aside, we recognize that activities like that are important when we do have rainy days or inclement weather.” n

NEWS WHISTLER

WASTE NOT Bylaw complaints related to solid waste issues nearly doubled this year. FILE PHOTO

Solid waste complaints, dog bites up in annual Whistler bylaw report YEAR-ROUND PARKING, HIGHER RATES HAVE REVENUES ON PACE FOR $1.8M

BY BRADEN DUPUIS IT’S BEEN A GOOD YEAR for dog bites in Whistler—assuming, of course, you like it when people get bit by dogs. According to a presentation to Whistler’s mayor and council on Sept. 26, reports of dog bites jumped from 10 in 2022 to 17 this year, while calls related to animal responsibility in general also climbed slightly, from 110 to 118. Overall, Whistler’s bylaw department saw a similar volume of calls year-over-year, from 715 in 2022 to 717 this year. “The most noticeable increase is our solid waste complaints have almost doubled [from 65 to 112],” said bylaw supervisor Juan Pineda in a presentation to council. Solid waste calls are often connected to garbage and other improperly-disposedof bear attractants—which is crucial to get a handle on this year in particular, noted Councillor Arthur De Jong, as the current berry crop for Whistler’s bears has “crashed.” “We’re in a very desperate situation through October, and we can’t message that strongly enough to our community, that we need a full waste lock down,” De Jong said. Reports of illegal nightly rentals were also up, from 21 to 39. “While we’re seeing compliance generally quite high, actually, illegal nightly rentals can change the look and feel of a neighbourhood. Sometimes it can displace the local workforce as well as will result in any enforcement action when we are seeing illegally rentals,” said protective services manager Lindsay DeBou, in a presentation to council. Since September 2021, 15 tickets for illegal nightly rentals have been disputed, and all but one were upheld, DeBou said. Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) bylaw has doled out 17,592 parking tickets so far this year, which is actually down slightly from the 18,629 handed out at the same point last year. “We were issuing around 67 tickets per day, for last year, and this year we’re at 68, so pretty similar,” DeBou said, adding that bylaw has also

seen a reduction in complaints this year. “One thing that we’ve really done a really good job of, and I attribute this to the team, is when we do get a complaint in an area, we’re being really proactive in those areas,” she said. “So the community is really good at letting us know where the problems are, and then we continue to maintain and look at those areas.” Local bylaw officers are also hearing positive things about new messaging and signage around the resort. “We’re hearing that people appreciate the signage and efforts we have around compliance on a range of subjects, such as dogs off-leash, smoking, and open liquor,” Pineda said. “From April through September, we have a dedicated team of four park and trail ambassadors that patrol over 40 kilometres of Valley Trail, public spaces and parks.” Year-round pay parking in the Day Lots, as well as higher rates, are unsurprisingly having a positive impact on revenues. Once operating costs are paid for, revenue from pay parking in the Day Lots is used to expand transit and active transportation initiatives in Whistler. Prior to 2021, the Day Lots contributed, on average, about $1 million to the Community Transportation Initiatives Fund annually. That jumped in 2022 to $1,359,182, and is on pace in 2023 to crack the $1.8 million mark. Whistler’s bylaw department typically receives about 1,000 disputes annually, most of which are resolved internally and don’t require adjudication, DeBou said. So far this year, the RMOW has hosted three adjudication hearings covering 18 disputes—16 of which were upheld. As for getting people to actually pay their fines, the RMOW recently issued a Request For Proposals for a debt collection agency to collect outstanding payments on behalf of the municipality, DeBou added. “We continue to advocate with the province for ways to collect debt that reduces staff time,” she said. “That’s an initiative that many municipalities across the board are taking up with [the Union of BC Municipalities].” n

$1,899,000

23 CLOUDBURST ROAD Black Tusk Village 2 bed • 2 bath • 1332 sqft Welcome to Pipers Peak! an exquisitely renovated masterpiece in the premier gated community of Black Tusk Village just 12 mins south of Whistler. Completely redone and finished in June 2023 Pipers Peak is for the discerning buyer who appreciates quality craftsmanship and fine details. Offered turn key this home boasts views of Black Tusk with plenty of sunshine on a generous sized lot. A short walk in the backyard just past the custom sauna brings you to the north end of the neighbourhood’s private lake ideal for canoeing, paddle boarding and swimming. Features include, new reclaimed heart pine hardwood flooring, wool carpeting, custom solid-wood millwork from Elmwood Kitchens including: entry cabinet, main floor bathroom cabinetry and kitchen with built-ins and hidden appliances, complete list available.

Josh Crane 604.902.6106 | josh@joshcrane.ca whistlerrealestatemarket.com 120-4090 Whistler Way Whistler, B.C. V8E 1J3

OCTOBER 13, 2023

NEWS WHISTLER

COS responds to reports of grizzly on Nicklaus North golf course NEWS BRIEFS: BEAR KILLED AFTER ENTERING MULTIPLE HOMES; TRAILS CLOSED DUE TO COUGAR ENCOUNTER

BY BRADEN DUPUIS SEVERAL HOLES at Whistler’s Nicklaus North are closed due to a grizzly bear spotted in the area last week. According to the Resort Municipality of Whistler, the Conservation Officer Service (COS) responded to reports of a grizzly at the golf course over the Thanksgiving weekend. “Nicklaus North Golf Course has closed holes 3 to 13 as a safety precaution for guests. There is no access for the public to the golf course,” the RMOW said in a Facebook post on Monday, Oct. 9. “Residents and visitors are reminded to keep all pets leashed when walking. Please be extra vigilant of bears on the Valley Trail surrounding the west side of the golf course.” The grizzly was reportedly roaming the area around Myrtle Philip Community School on the morning of Oct. 11. COS said it is monitoring the situation, and the bear is not showing agressive behaviour. If you encounter a bear, give it space, back away slowly from the area and speak in a calm, firm voice. It’s the second time a grizzly has been spotted on a Whistler golf course this summer, after a 300-pound female grizzly

The Sept. 30 incident serves as a reminder to residents and visitors that Whistler’s bears are still active, even as temperatures drop. Black bears typically enter a phase called “hyperphagia” this time of year, where they’ll go to greater lengths to find food as they prepare to settle into their winter dens. “Keeping doors and windows closed when

BLACK BEAR KILLED AFTER WANDERING INTO HOMES

A black bear is dead after it was caught feeding on garbage inside an Alpine Meadows home last weekend. A wildlife notice posted to the RMOW’s website Wednesday morning, Oct. 4 confirmed members of Sea to Sky RCMP and the B.C. COS jointly responded to reports of a bear intrusion on Saturday, Sept. 30. Upon arrival at the home, officials found a black bear inside the house, eating household trash it located. It had reportedly caused property damage. The animal matched the description of another black bear witnesses saw entering another residence in Emerald one week prior, by “pushing in the front door,” according to the wildlife notice. Conservation officers made the call to kill the animal in response to heightened public safety risks associated with the bear potentially entering another home.

“It is important to keep all pets on leash... - RMOW

residents are not in a position to immediately close them when a bear appears on the property, mitigates the risk of a bear entering homes,” the wildlife alert reads.

COUGAR ENCOUNTER CLOSES TRAILS

Several trails near Whistler’s Alpine neighbourhood will stay closed for the next month after a cougar encounter.

$939,000

$18,899,000 5

was tranquilized and relocated in early June near the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. From Jan. 1 to July 5, the COS received 30 reports of grizzly encounters in the Whistler area, and encounters have doubled in recent years, according to stats uncovered by a Pique Freedom of Information request.

5.5

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“On September 30, the Conservation Officer Service received report a cougar approached a hiker from behind crouching low and exhibiting stalking behaviour, on the Skywalk South Trail,” the Resort Municipality of Whistler said on its website. “The hiker hazed the cougar by throwing stones, as it approached to approximately 20 feet. The cougar was not initially phased, but eventually backed off.” As a result, part of the trail system above the Alpine neighbourhood will be closed for one month, including: New View; RainbowFlank North; 19 Mile Creek; Howler; Rick’s Roast; Cat Scratch Fever; Green Monster; Skywalk South; and Jaws. All other trails are open, though the RMOW advises people to be cautious, and consider carrying bear spray when using alpine trails. “It is important to keep all pets on leash when using these trails and small children should be kept close by,” the RMOW said. If you encounter a cougar you should: stay calm, and keep the cougar in view; pick up kids immediately; back away slowly, giving the animal a clear avenue of escape, while making yourself look as large as possible; never run or turn your back on a cougar. Report animal encounters to the COS at 1-877-952-7277. n

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Have you got a spare room? Tamwood International is looking for warm and welcoming homestay families in Whistler to provide a nice room, meals, and positive experiences to our motivated students, aged 18+ from all over the world. Host families are required the whole year round. For more information, please contact homestay@tamwood.com

OCTOBER 13, 2023

NEWS WHISTLER

Show the Whistler library some love for Canadian Library Month FROM CUTTING-EDGE TECH TO UNIQUE ITEMS, THE WHISTLER LIBRARY IS SO MUCH MORE THAN BOOKS

BY BRADEN DUPUIS SINCE THE WHISTLER Public Library (WPL) opened its new Wonder Lab in May, it has played host to a local yoga teacher making instructional videos, a Whistler musician recording an album, and even helped launch a local podcast series. “It’s been really amazing,” said WPL director Mikale Fenton. “In the last month, it’s been pretty interesting. We’ve started to see the fruits of labour of people using the Wonder Lab.” The Wonder Lab is a “digital learning space” featuring a green screen and filmmaking kit, a sound recording booth, and a digitalization station, as well as “technology kits” to help children and families learn coding and programming skills. But it’s not the only unique offering you’ll find at Whistler’s library. October is Canadian Library Month, and the WPL is taking the opportunity to showcase its diverse offerings—all available for free with a library card. “I think it’s important for people to be aware that the library has so much more than just books,” Fenton said. “And in Whistler specifically, we are really proud of our Unusual Item collection, as an example.”

CREATIVE CONTROL The Whistler Public Library’s new Wonder Lab is the key to unlocking all your creativity. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER PUBLIC LIBRARY

Among the WPL’s unusual items you’ll find things like sewing machines, bat-detector kits, board games and robotics, to name just a few items in the collection. “I think that one of the key pieces that every library is trying to do is to continually grow and adapt to the needs of our communities, and fill that gap and be that equalizing force,” Fenton said. “Inclusivity is one of our central values, and so regardless of your socio-economic background, or where you come from, you can come to the library and you have the same access as everyone else in your community—and it just creates this really balancing tool for society.”

To that end, the library also hosts creative workshops, classes and groups; offers reliable access to computers and the internet; and opens its doors to the public during extreme weather events. “We’re this community hub where people come together to connect and share ideas, participate in events, and through that act, we help to build social cohesion, and a sense of belonging,” Fenton said. “And in the digital age, in particular, we just have this added responsibility where so many individuals may not have access to resources at home.” Fenton is approaching one year as

Whistler’s library director, a role she describes as a “dream come true.” “The WPL has such an incredible team of competent, creative, passionate individuals who really care about the services that we provide and making an impact in our community, and it’s really inspiring to be a part of it,” she said, adding that Oct. 20 is Canadian Library Workers Day. Though the Wonder Lab is still in its infancy, the WPL team is excited to see what Whistlerites dream up inside of it. “Some of our most treasured community events like film festivals and programs through Arts Whistler really highlight that there is a huge portion of people in our community who are seeking more opportunities to be able to express themselves, and the kits that we offer are designed to be able to help that process and to help them get the tools that they need to see their projects come to life,” Fenton said. “It’s been really interesting to see the range of projects as people discover the Wonder Lab and get to know what’s available.” Check it out for yourself, as well as everything else on offer at the WPL, this October. “Library cards are free,” Fenton said. “They’re open to everyone, and the best way to support your library is to have a card and to use it, and to visit us.” Find more info at whistlerlibrary.ca. n

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LIAM JOSEPH FISHER June 30,1989 - September 9, 2023

With disbelief and shattered hearts, we announce the death of Liam Fisher. Liam lived with passion and a rare focus on being the person he wanted to be. Born in New Zealand and raised in Pemberton, he was a child of the “sea to sky”; he skied, mountain biked, paddled canoes and kayaks, played hockey, skate-skied, snowboarded, hiked, surfed, and dreamed of owning a boat and a sled and of one-day ending right back here where he started. After graduating from Pemberton Secondary, Liam enrolled at the University of Victoria where he rowed for two seasons winning a gold medal at the Canada Games, but he decided to finish his degree in exercise physiology at Auckland University, in New Zealand. After receiving his degree, he returned to Canada and opened MVMT Academy a gym and fitness training Centre in North Vancouver. He loved coaching and helping others to achieve their fitness and lifestyle goals. When COVID shutdowns closed gyms, Liam switched to online classes and soon had participants joining daily workouts from places around the world. Anyone who knows Liam from his Fitlikefisher Instagram profile knows he was always up for a challenge. He wore a 50 lb weighted vest for one month to symbolize the weight carried by many who suffer from depression and to raise money for mental health support. In 2022, he raised $26,000 for cancer research by flipping a 300-pound tire for 10 kms over a 24-hour period. Most of us imagine things we’d like to do or be. Liam worked with single-minded determination to make those things happen. In 2022, he sold the gym and fixed his sights on a new course. He was attending St George’s Medical School in Grenada when he lost his life to tragic circumstances while taking part in a cross-country trail run. He was living on a sailboat in the Caribbean Sea and taking every opportunity to explore the island while excelling at school. We’ve been told everyone knew Liam for his smile, his big beard, and his kindness and after only two semesters, he was already training the University’s Dean of Medicine. He was fit, fast, happy, and confident in his future. Liam is predeceased by his beloved sister Riva who died of cancer in 2017 and survived by his parents Hugh and Hillary as well as family and friends around the world who miss him dearly. A memorial will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the Pemberton Secondary School on Saturday, October 14th. OCTOBER 13, 2023

NEWS WHISTLER

Work at Lil’wat Nation development in Function Junction expected to start this spring PLANS FOR THE SITE JUST OFF HIGHWAY 99 HAVE BEEN IN THE WORKS SINCE 2017, BUT A SERIES OF DELAYS HAVE HALTED PROGRESS

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter SITE WORK at the Lil’wat Nation’s longawaited development in Whistler’s Function Junction neighbourhood is expected to start in the spring. The project is part of a series of initiatives intended to boost the Nation’s economic presence on its unceded, traditional territory. Rosemary Stager, CEO of the Lil’wat Business Group, provided an update on the project at the Pemberton Chamber’s “lunch and learn” event on Sept. 28. “Our plans aren’t finalized, but we are looking at a mix of commercial and residential buildings,” said Stager. “Maybe about four or five residential and commercial buildings. It will be blended. We are looking at also having a gas station … We are hoping to start that work next spring.” Stager is extremely determined to get work on the site completed during her time as CEO. She is the daughter of late Stl’atl’imx Hereditary Chief Allen Stager, and was previously a member of Lil’wat Nation council. Located just off Highway 99 at the entrance to Function Junction, the Lil’wat

LEGACY LANDS The Lil’wat Nation is hoping to break ground on its new Function Junction development this spring after years of delays. PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS

Nation reclaimed the lands through the Legacy Lands Agreement of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The plans were first proposed in 2017, but a series of unexpected delays followed. Whistler’s mayor and council issued the first conditional development permit for the work way back in October of that year. The project was last before council in February 2022, when council approved a related development permit. Traffic access has proven a sticking point for the development, and a previous traffic

study conducted by the Lil’wat Nation found the development would generate a five-percent increase in traffic. Ultimately, the Nation and B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI) settled on an incremental approach to traffic improvements. Plans include dedicated lefthand and right-hand turn lanes as well as a straight-through lane departing Function, along with the addition of a 110-metre southbound acceleration lane on Highway 99. Lynham Road will also be realigned to form an intersection with the access point into the

development, while the Valley Trail will be connected from the intersection at Highway 99 to the nearby CN Rail crossing. The Lil’wat and MOTI will split the roadwork responsibilities. In her speech at Big Sky Golf Club on Sept. 28, Stager explained the Lil’wat Nation were always an economically minded, independent people. “It’s part of the legacy lands that my late father worked on. It’s a project close to my heart,” she said. “There was always a desire to have economic development and a source of revenue for the Nation long-term on the property. It’ll be nice to have a long-term presence on our traditional territory in Whistler.” Function Junction is one of many exciting projects in the works for Lil’wat Nation, Stager said. “We are in negotiations on new projects and in the planning stages for others,” she said. “We have a number of parcels of land in Whistler and Pemberton. We are contemplating appropriate development.” A major mixed-use development in Mount Currie—at the intersection of Highway 99 and Pemberton Portage Road—is also in the works. In that case, the Nation aims to build 53 affordable housing units and six commercial spaces in two separate buildings on Mount Currie’s Main Street. n

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OCTOBER 13, 2023

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler is still in a childcare crunch, but officials are optimistic DAYCARE SHORTAGE ISN’T ‘GOING TO BE SOLVED OVERNIGHT,’ BUT LETTERS FROM COMMUNITY HELPED ILLUSTRATE NEED FOR ACTION

BY MEGAN LALONDE IN A RECENT INFORMAL survey in a Facebook group for local parents, 61 per cent of the 74 respondents reported they were unable to return to work—full-time or at all—after welcoming a child, due to a lack of childcare in Whistler. Only eight per cent of respondents said they managed to secure a daycare spot, enabling them to return to work, while roughly a third of respondents said they were able to return to some form of work after privately hiring a nanny. Alistair and Natalie Cray shared that statistic in a letter they wrote to Whistler’s mayor and council, received at a council meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 26, urging officials to continue advocating for solutions to the resort’s debilitating daycare shortage at the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM) conference in Vancouver last month. It was one of four pieces of correspondence expressing frustration with the lack of childcare options and yearslong waitlists in Whistler. Officials have acknowledged ongoing challenges associated with Whistler’s welldocumented childcare shortage for years. Councillor Jessie Morden wants struggling families to know they aren’t forgotten, even if

progress is slow. At the Sept. 26 meeting, Morden detailed her meetings with a provincial parliamentary secretary tasked with the childcare file, and with B.C.’s director of childcare development at the UBCM conference. “We spoke about the Early Childhood Educator certificate and what can be done about addressing the issue of credentials from outside B.C. not being recognized here. We talked about wages and bringing it up to a livable wage. We talked about housing and making it more available for essential workers. We talked about long waitlists and how we were losing doctors and nurses and managers—and I could go on—in our workforce, not to mention the mental toll and loss of belonging the lack of daycare is taking on parents of this community,” Morden said. “My takeaway from these meetings was not that it’s going to be solved overnight. We all know that, but I’m optimistic that we can make a change in this regard, and the letters of support that we saw from the community helped and will continue to ring in their ears when they think about Whistler,” Morden continued, becoming emotional. “Obviously, this is important to me. Your help has been critical to the progression of this and I appreciate and I hear all your voices.” Council heard from four families illustrating the substantial impacts of

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Whistler’s childcare shortage they’re experiencing, including limits on household income and career growth opportunities for at least one parent. Council also heard from one letter writer who still hasn’t been able to secure steady care for her two-and-a-half-year-old. “As I approach the end of my second maternity leave with my youngest, I do not want to be put in a position where I am having to consider resigning from my career,” she wrote. “I would be forced to resign if I either haven’t received the placement call from a daycare or

“Our big challenge here is finding workers” - JACK CROMPTON it doesn’t end up making economic sense to give a large portion of my pay check to a cashpay nanny. It would hurt me and my employer (a wonderful Whistler business) deeply if I was no longer able to work.” Even parents able to hire in-home care compared the high costs of a private nanny— in one letter-writer’s case, $30 per hour—to the subsidized, $30-per-day rate at Creekside Kids Daycare. “From an availability and continuity of care

perspective, we don’t know how long we will have this nanny as her housing lease expires in December and the housing supply in Whistler is its own challenge,” that letter added. “We are also left to find other care whenever she is sick or chooses to go on vacation.” Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton acknowledged that, while there’s a long way to go before childcare availability in Whistler is where it needs to be, “we’re seeing movement.” In particular, “I’m really enthusiastic about the roll-out of $10-a-day daycare,” he said following the Sept. 26 council meeting. “It’s evidence that our advocacy delivers results.” In 2018, the provincial government rolled out more than 2,500 spaces for children under the $10-a-day model, at 50 centres approved for operation through the Canada-British Columbia Early Learning and Child Care Agreement. According to the province, an expansion of that program will see B.C.’s total number of affordable daycare spaces exceed 15,000 by the end of the year. Crompton pointed to the incorporation of childcare into B.C.’s Ministry of Education as another cause for optimism that wages for childcare providers could soon start to rise. “Our big challenge here is finding workers that want to work in the sector,” he added. “A lot of those people can’t get credentials, or can’t find housing, and so those are issues we still need to spend a lot of time and energy on.” n

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Mental Health And wellness

Mental Health and wellness

Entrepreneurs are facing a mental health crisis— here’s how to help them BY NEIL SEEMAN

Mental health is a pressing concern in the startup community. Entrepreneurs face a number of unique challenges, including securing funding and meeting gruelling performance targets—all while trying to achieve a work-life balance. These demands can take a significant toll on someone’s mental health. According to a report from the Business Development Bank of Canada, almost half of Canadian entrepreneurs are experiencing mental health challenges, mostly related to stress and finances. Entrepreneurs are twice as likely to report a lifetime history of depression, three times more likely to have bipolar disorder and three times more likely to experience substance abuse and addiction. They are also twice as likely to attempt suicide or be hospitalized in a psychiatric institution. Despite this, many entrepreneurs have difficulty accessing mental health support. Cost is the biggest barrier, but the risk of being seen as too vulnerable is also an issue. Many entrepreneurs fear that being seen as too weak or timid could jeopardize their chances of securing funding. Since entrepreneurship is the backbone of economic growth, the importance of mental health support for entrepreneurs cannot be overstated. Recognizing and addressing mental health is not just a matter of compassion, but also an essential investment in society at large.

The ‘founder’s dilemma’ Steve Jobs, the founder of Apple, once likened starting a venture to putting a dent in the universe. In other words, it’s extremely difficult. Many are drawn to entrepreneurship, but few manage to thrive commercially. And many quit for reasons they shouldn’t. Noam Wasserman, dean of Yeshiva University’s business school, wrote about the “founder’s dilemma” in 2008. According to him, this dilemma revolves around the tension between accepting money from outside investors and resisting losing control over one’s company and, sometimes, being ousted altogether. Fast forward 15 years, and things have changed in the startup space. Early investors are now able to secure generous stock option grants or loans from founders. Being in onerous debt amid financial uncertainty puts a firm’s flexibility and capacity for innovation at risk. Out of financial self-preservation, some founders fall into a cycle of constant fundraising to get them out of debt. The quixotic drive to balance short-term financing with long-term operational excellence can drive any entrepreneur into distress.

Mounting pressure The pressure that startup founders face today is more intense than it has been for two decades. Entrepreneurs are now grappling with whether the hustle is still worth it.

24 OCTOBER 13, 2023

First, their cash runway is a cliff face. During the first half of 2023, global venture capital funding slid by 48 per cent compared to last year. In North America, second-quarter venture spending was the lowest in over three years. Second, talent is scarce and expensive. Third, exit opportunities for later-stage founders— through an initial public offering or a sale to a bigger firm—are vanishing. This leads to layoffs amid intensifying pressures to find a “path to profitability” while early financial backers seek to liquidate their investments. According to Crunchbase News, mergers and acquisitions for venture capital-backed companies based in the United States this year are on course to be the slowest since 2013. Investments in what were only last year considered booming sectors, such as health technology, have shrunk dramatically.In this high-interest rate, scarce money, no-exit environment, startup founders are facing a financial and mental health crisis.

Addressing mental health challenges Past research on business and entrepreneurial mental health can guide us toward promising new solutions. There are many potential low-cost or no-cost solutions to founders’ mental health troubles in this current investment climate. First, outside investors in private ventures need to be qualified not only in terms of net income or net worth, but also on the basis of their commitment to population health in general, and mental health in particular. This builds on the wisdom and research behind the Founder Mental Health Pledge pioneered by serial entrepreneurs Naveed Lalani and Brad Baum and supported by founders globally. The pledge aims to de-stigmatize mental health and treat it as a business expense, including therapy, coaching and group support. Investors should acknowledge the importance of protecting a founder’s mental health by including the potential harms that may befall a startup on the term sheets. Practically, this could mean paying for more mental health benefits and memberships in peer support networks for founders. This strategy can build investor awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health challenges. Second, firms should establish expert advisory committees dedicated to protecting founders’ mental health. This would encourage founders to speak openly to the committee about hardships they encounter. This would be another important step in the uphill battle to de-stigmatize mental illness and steer founders toward mental health supports. Perhaps the most important way we can help entrepreneurs is to send honest messages about both entrepreneurial hardship and hope. Nurturing a venture from birth to commercial maturity can be emotionally exhausting. And yet, with the right psychological supports, entrepreneurship can ignite passion, purpose and result in prosperity. This article was first published in The Conversation on Sept. 25. Neil Seeman is a Senior Fellow with the Institute of Health Policy, Management and Evaluation at the University of Toronto, and Adjunct Professor at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto.

Mental Health And wellness

Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm

How does our Outreach team help? Whistler Community Services Society provides FREE, non-judgemental support and connects clients with the help they need for their mental and physical health. WCSS Outreach workers saw over 8000 visits in 2022, we need YOUR HELP to keep these vital services running, please donate if you are able!

Can YOU help WCSS provide mental health support for the community? 604-932-0113 mywcss.org

DONATE NOW!

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Mental Health And wellness

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A mental health counselling session followed by a 1 hour massage of your choice. Following your massage you will be served tea and personal meditative questions in the relaxation lounge. The last part of your rejuvenation time may be spent enjoying the Eucalyptus steam room, sauna, hot tub, pool & fitness area This time is intended to deepen & anchor the work you are doing, bring calm to your mind, and release areas of tension in your body For further inquiries please contact The Whistler Spa at 604-283-7685, cpostalcounselling@gmail.com or book at www.whistlercounselling.janeapp.com *A minimum of 3 hours is suggested *$320.00 (Medical Receipts available for Clinical Counselling $169 & RMT $150plus gst)

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Mental Health And wellness

OCTOBER 13, 2023

NEWS PEMBERTON

‘We dance because they tried to stop our ancestors dancing’ ORGANIZERS AND DANCERS FROM LIL’WAT NATION’S INDIGENOUS STRONG POWWOW REFLECT ON THE IMPORTANCE OF THE EVENT

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter LIL’WAT NATION’S Indigenous Strong Powwow took place from Oct. 6 to 8 in the U’ll’us Community Complex in Mount Currie. The powwow is a fun family event, held every Thanksgiving weekend. Local vendors set up their stalls and crowds came from all around the province and further afield. Lucinda Williams-Gabriel and her family have hosted the event for a decade now. They know more than most the months of preparation that goes into running a successful powwow. “My mom used to take my eldest daughter to the powwows,” said Gabriel. “My youngest Hannah was also a dancer. We couldn’t afford all the new regalia, so we made our own stuff. My family and I were interested in hosting. We took it on about 10 years ago. I wouldn’t have done it without my husband, Barren Gabriel. My husband and my boys worked in the kitchen.” Feeding the entire community is not easy work, a task the family have grown used to. “We take two trips to Vancouver to shop for the concession stuff,” said Gabriel. “We also

STRONG AND PROUD The Lil’wat Nation’s Indigenous Strong Powwow took place in Mount Currie from Oct. 6 to 8. PHOTO BY ROISIN CULLEN

28 OCTOBER 13, 2023

try to shop locally or go to Squamish for the meals. We usually have fish and potatoes, a traditional meal to feed the people. We usually catch them over here in Mount Currie, but we were so busy. My nephew Leonard Jones caught the fish this time and donated them to us.”

THE IMPORTANCE OF DANCE

Gabriel explained the importance of the Indigenous Strong Powwow and what it represents. “To me, it’s a place to see everyone gather, have fun, listen to the drums, dance, hand-drum, mingle and enjoy the food. We dance because they tried to stop our ancestors dancing,” she said. “With the Indian Residential Schools they tried to stop us from doing our traditions. Both my parents went to residential schools. It’s very important to me. My family sees that and help.” This year, the committee tried to attract more big drum groups. Gabriel explained only having the one group can also be a good thing. “I went to Hawaii during the summer and I went to two powwows,” she said. “They had the same drum group. They were amazing.” For Gabriel, the highlight of the whole weekend was the “honour song,” where everybody’s hard efforts were appreciated. “We had the honour song at the end to honour the committee,” she said. “My husband, my sons and all the kitchen help got to come out. They didn’t get to see the rest of the powwow

because they were so busy in the kitchen. The honour song recognized everybody and everybody’s hard work.” The princess pageant is another important part of the powwow. “We need royalty to represent our powwows,” explained Gabriel. “They go to other powwows and represent the Indigenous Strong Powwow. They sell raffle tickets. This shows how much effort they put in to help our powwow. There’s a speech. They have to do a talent. That could be anything, a dance, a song, a joke. They share their talent. They then dance with whoever they are competing with. It’s just to see if they are comfortable introducing themselves and to see how they carry themselves.” Gabriel was part of the team tasked with making the delicate winner’s crown. “It’s all hand-beaded,” she said. “Normally people sell their crowns. They are worth at least $500 because it’s a lot of work.” While the money is nice, Gabriel’s daughters have never danced looking for a reward. “They don’t dance for the competition,” she said. “They dance for the people who can’t dance, for the people that are sick or in hospitals that need prayers. They dance for the people that are struggling with alcohol or drugs.”

A FAMILY AFFAIR

Gabriel’s daughter Hannah Jones helped co-host the event with her mom. “We make the

decisions—what’s going to happen throughout the weekend, what are we going to sell. We direct our workers and volunteers,” she said. “I also handle all of the money, the contests, specials, games and raffles.” Creating a healthy and positive atmosphere is the most important goal for Jones. “I love being able to see people smile and enjoy themselves while listening to the powerful songs and watching the amazing, graceful dancers,” she said. Jones started dancing when she was fiveyears-old. “I grew up with it,” she said. “I would travel across B.C. with my grandma Theresa Jones and two cousins Serenity and Leonard Jones. Once my mom got into powwow, I would then travel with her. As soon as powwow season hit we would go to a powwow every weekend. I did it because I loved it, the feeling it gave me. It was my outlet. I didn’t like competitive dancing because I never dance for money. It has always been for the people and for myself.” She was surprised by this year’s large crowd. “Our powwow is definitely growing,” she said. “I love being able to see it bring more people in year after year. I think after 10 years of running it, we are finally understanding how to host it. It’s a big learning curve. I’m always learning something new.” Jones added you are never too old to start out on the powwow trail. “I recently

SEE PAGE 29 >>

NEWS PEMBERTON

Pemberton’s ‘Field of Screams’ is back—and it’s not for the faint-hearted THE NOW-ANNUAL EVENT IS ALREADY SOLD OUT WITH ALL PROCEEDS GOING TOWARDS THE PEMBERTON ANIMAL WELLBEING SOCIETY

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter IT’S NOT EVERY DAY you see Michael Myers chasing dogs and cats around Pemberton. However, this year’s “Field of Screams” video captures the ruthless serial killer bonding with some adorable pets to the beat of “Thank You For Being a Friend.” That’s exactly what the event is offering the community: a good scare to help some furry friends. The Laughing Crow Organics sunflower maze has undertaken its spooky transformation for four years now. All proceeds from the ingenious idea go directly to the Pemberton Animal Wellbeing Society (PAWS). The spine-tingling at the back of the Beer Farmers is ready to go for this weekend’s scarefest. The two-hour-long time slots for Oct. 13 and 14 are already sold out, and the countdown is well and truly on. Lisa Canjar-Bishop will be one of the enthusiastic “scarers” this weekend. She has some old and new tricks up her sleeve. “Laughing Crow Organics has a sunflower maze that they do during the summer,” she said. “They’re kind enough to let us use it after they’re done with it. We tweak the maze a bit because we don’t actually want people to get lost! We have a few props in there. There are at least a dozen of us scary people.” The now-annual Halloween tradition was born during COVID-19, when people had to find alternative ways of getting their thrills. “I used to turn my garage into a haunted house,” Canjar-Bishop said. “I was pretty successful with that for a lot of years. I used to donate

money from my haunted house to PAWS. During COVID, nobody was really doing Halloween. I noticed that the old sunflowers looked kind of creepy. Then I suggested the haunted maze idea to the Laughing Crow Organics guys.” Canjar-Bishop explained every Halloween is different. The team re-uses props and tries to re-invent the event every year, so nobody walks away feeling brave. All props also have to be able to withstand the elements, as October weather is anything but predictable. “We have different kind of mannequins that we dress up in different ways,” she said. “Some people tend to dress up the same every year. Others just change their costumes. There is usually a bit of Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I’m a big fan.” The brains behind “Field of Screams” admitted she enjoys scaring the living daylights out of her neighbours. “It’s fantastic,” she said. “I have a good sense of pride when I hear people laughing, screaming or maybe crying… It’s a pretty good feeling. We get all kinds of reactions. A lot of people are genuinely scared. Others are just well entertained.” At the end of the day, the team hopes its scary antics will help some lovely pets find their forever homes. “People have always been good about wanting to support their animals,” said Canjar-Bishop. “They are pretty overwhelmed. I always hope that people donate as much as they can so we can help them out.” Find more info at laughingcroworganics. com/about-3, and donate to PAWS at pawspemberton.com. n

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INDIGENOUS POWWOW FROM PAGE 28 did a documentary on this elder dancer,” she said. “Powwows were banned, and they weren’t allowed to dance or sing. He told me that they would sneak off and have secret ones. It’s thanks to people like him who keep powwows alive.”

FIT FOR A QUEEN

Nineteen-year-old Emháhka Wells was crowned Powwow Queen over the weekend. She is currently studying for a BA in health and wellness at Vancouver Island University. She was the senior princess for the Lil’wat Celebrations Powwow for three years. “Anybody can do it. You just need to be in a certain age group,” she said. “My one was 19-plus. There are senior princesses which are 13 to 17/18. Junior Princesses are from 7 to 12. Tiny Tot princesses are up to six-years-old.” Wells has been dancing since she was six. “I learned at the powwow,” she said. “It means the world to me. It’s one thing that brings

you out of your shell. It really builds your confidence. It heals the people. Lots of hours get put into the regalia. While you’re making a regalia, you need to be in a positive state. If you start to get too stressed, then you should take a break.” At the powwow, Wells was wearing a jingle dress—a healing dress. “The jingle dress represents every day of the year. Every cone on the dress represents a day,” she said. “This weekend was really good for me. I think I needed it in my spirit.” Wells has learned more and more over the years, about the importance of dance and so much more. “You always have to be positive,” she said. “You pray while you’re dancing for the people who can’t dance or for those in need. We have certain songs for our nation with the hand drumming. The beat is like a heartbeat.” The young role model wants to use her degree to become a nurse. “I love helping other people,” she said. n

OCTOBER 13, 2023

THE OUTSIDER

Whistler Bowl, 60 years later SUMMER SKIING is somewhat of a novelty. Those who partake in the niche activity of seeking snow during the hottest months of the year tend to fall into two camps. There are the one-and-doners, who are initially reluctant to get involved in a full day of walking for not very much skiing, but are convinced by a friend that it’ll be “totally worth it.” After returning home with a sunburn, some photos and a few more

BY VINCE SHULEY core shots, the one-and-doners consider the box checked and move forward, letting skiing reside in the winter months where it belongs. Then there are the summer skiing lifers. They spend their winters sliding on snow, but also monitor the snowpack and backcountry conditions for prime summer skiing missions. Some go as far as needing to ski every month of the year, however dismal the conditions. The feeling of sliding on snow in the mountains is something these folks are unable to replicate with other activities, hence the obsessive planning and execution of their (arguably necessary) summer backcountry ski days. I recently had a Pique reader reach out

SUMMER LOVIN Summer skiing conditions in Whistler have changed drastically over the past six decades. PHOTOS COURTESY OF BOB CALLADINE

30 OCTOBER 13, 2023

about a story of skiing in August, before skiing in August was ever really a thing. Bob Calladine skied Whistler Bowl (well before it was named Whistler Bowl) in the summer of 1963. To those who aren’t versed in our local history, this was a full three years before the resort existed. Calladine had teamed up with his cousin, fellow Canadian National Ski Team member Karen Vagelatos (who went on to be a two-

cut yet. There was logging up to the timing flats, but everything after that was slogging uphill without a trail, over and under fallen trees. It was difficult. It was the first time I’d done anything like this. I was 16 years old.” Calladine remembers the frustration of carrying their skis up to the snowline more vividly. “It was an experience,” he says. “The skis were over two metres long and when

“In the film footage of us skiing Whistler Bowl in ’63, there was so much snow in August you could have jumped right off Liftie’s Leap.” - BOB CALLADINE

time Olympian) and their ski coach Lorne O’Connor. They were tasked with hiking up from near the base of the mountain (now Creekside) to capture some film footage for Franz Wilhelmsen, who was seeking investment in the Garibaldi Lift Company to kick-start the ski area. Those old film reels were recently unearthed in a Whistler attic, and have been handed to the Whistler Museum, so we may soon get to watch one of our town’s earliest ski movies. “We drove up from Vancouver in a van, and everything north of Squamish was a logging road,” recalls Vagelatos. “We camped at (what is now) the timing flats and then began hiking up Whistler Creek the next morning. There were no lift lines or ski runs

hitched to your pack they would catch all the tree branches, then if you lowered them they would hit the back of your boots when you’re hiking up a slope as steep as Franz’ Run. We were all skiing in laced leather boots—buckles had barely been invented yet.” The trip was successful. The trio managed to reach what is now named Whistler Bowl, capture some photos and film footage, hike back down to Creekside then drive all the way back to Vancouver. Back in August of this year, Calladine, Vagelatos and some friends decided to return to the site of their summer skiing mission 60 years later, this time with the assistance of the Whistler Village Gondola and—given the state of the summer snowpack—without skis.

While a commemorative occasion for these lifetime locals, the state of this glacier in 2023 was, for lack of a better word, sad. “In the film footage of us skiing Whistler Bowl in ’63, there was so much snow in August you could have jumped right off Liftie’s Leap,” says Calladine. “Glacier Bowl (below what is now The Saddle) stretched about 20 metres below where the T-bar starts. Before COVID, these glaciers had already receded quite a lot, but I think they’ve whittled down to almost nothing just in the last four years or so.” After more than six decades of skiing Whistler Mountain, Vagelatos has an equally hard time recognizing its alpine slopes in the summer. “Basically, there’s nothing left,” she says. “For quite a long time there was good coverage when you look up Whistler Bowl in the summertime. It’s more over the last 10 years or so that it really began to disappear.” I’ve been skiing Whistler Bowl since the winter of 2004, and like all the locals here, I’ve said goodbye to some of its iconic ski entrances, Liftie’s Leap being one of them. What was a steep chute that you could confidently drop into on a winter pow day is now more or less an unskiable cliff. Like most alpine slopes in our corner of the Coast Mountains, summer skiing is gone from Whistler Bowl. With the temperature trends we’ve had in recent years, it won’t be long before skiing in August will be a concept viewed in history books. Best get it checked off your list sooner rather than later. Vince Shuley is more of a spring skier than a summer skier. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider, email vince.shuley@gmail.com or Instagram @whis_vince. ■

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OCTOBER 13, 2023

FEATURE STORY

From a very young age, I was enamoured with the written word. I read every book I could get my hands on, and scribbled my own stories on loose leaf and scrap paper. Though my mom thought I was too young when I discovered them, I loved the cheap thrills I found in R.L. Stine’s Goosebumps series. Not long after that, the irreverent silliness of Gordon Korman and Louis Sachar helped shape my sense of humour. And it was the latter who gave me my first brush with depression, when his novel Holes became so bleak at one point my tiny little brain could hardly comprehend it. What is this strange, melancholic sensation? I’m sad, but it’s not because of something that happened to me. It’s because of some made up words I’m reading in a book, and the utterly hopeless situation now facing two characters to which I’ve grown so attached. Looking back on it, that was likely the first time an author made me truly feel something. And here I am, three decades later, still thinking about it—a testament to the raw, persuasive power the simple act of storytelling can have on us. It’s the kind of impact every writer strives to make on their readers. We all take a different approach, plot our own routes to the final page—but no matter the scribe, it has to come from the soul. This week, we celebrate another instalment of the Whistler Writers Festival by turning ’s pages over to some of the amazing writers at the heart of this year’s event, who help Pique’s unpack a very loaded question for most writers: why do I write? Find the full schedule for this year’s fest at whistlerwritersfest.com. -BRADEN DUPUIS

How did my book get to be your book? And why I am thrilled that it did BY RABBI PAUL PLOTKIN, AUTHOR OF Wisdom Grows in my Garden I was a successful pulpit Rabbi for 40 years, two years in Vancouver and 38 years in Florida. During that time, I wrote and delivered more than 2,000 sermons and hundreds of articles. With all lack of modesty, I was very good at it, mostly because I learned early on that successfully communicating required three components. I needed to believe in what I was saying; I needed to keep my listeners awake; and I needed to leave them with a message that they would remember. The first part was easy. I am passionate about my beliefs, and I despise phoniness and hypocrisy. Keeping people awake meant I needed to use humour, because a good laugh launched a positive engagement with my audience. Finally, a good story that carried my message would last in people’s memories better than the most articulately argued position on the subject. I remember returning to my first congregation in Vancouver some 25 years after I left to speak about my first book. Many congregants came over to me and kindly shared their remembrances of my two years there, but one person came over and shocked me by referring to a specific sermon that touched and sustained him because it was based on a story that delivered the message. I can’t remember what I talked about last week, let alone 25 years ago, but he did, because he remembered the story. I have extensive files of all my stories and jokes, and I date when and where I used them, because if I reuse them within 10 years of their debut, someone will come up to me and say, “You used that before, didn’t you?” Those that remember after 15 years get a gold star. Not surprisingly, my new book, Wisdom Grows in My

32 OCTOBER 13, 2023

Garden, contains a lot of humour and a lot of stories, but it also contains 25 important life lessons that I learned from my garden. I wanted to share those lessons with the public, because I was sure they would improve people’s lives, but I also want to share how they came to me. Years ago, I was dreaming in a deep sleep, and woke up in the midst of it feeling that this dream was special. I knew that if I regained full consciousness, I would forget the contents by morning. This dream was too important to forget, so I forced myself to remain in an intermediate stage between sleeping and being awake. I stealthily made my way to my study and started writing parts of the dream on a small pad of paper. Each sheet was one thought, one lesson, and I kept writing until the flow of ideas ended. I then returned to bed and to a deep sleep. When I woke in the morning, I remembered having a weird-but-vivid dream, and though I was sure it was a dream, it seemed so real. I decided to check it out just in case. I entered my study and there on my desk were many pieces of paper with writing on them. It wasn’t a dream, but surely it would be a bunch of somnolent gibberish—except it wasn’t. Each sheet had a lesson and was attached to some part of the gardening process. I knew it would be a book, but I was in the midst of my career

FEATURE STORY with no time for extra projects, so I put the pieces in a file folder with a clear idea of what I would do in retirement. That is the genesis of my book. Before actual publication and armed with a PDF advanced review copy, I solicited reviewers from my orbit to write a review. My son in his mid-40s asked many of his friends to read and review as well. I was amazed at their positive reaction to the book. I always assumed I was writing for my generation, with no idea that my book would resonate with my son’s. In the spring when I was visiting him, I met two of his readers and I had my next surprise. I asked them what they thought of the book. The first, a self-described urban gardener, and father of three teenagers, loved it, and then described his full reaction. “For me,” he said, “it was a fantastic book on childraising,” and he was using it already with his kids. I immediately thought to myself, “What book is he talking about? Surely not mine.” The other reader was a lawyer who was reading the book on the subway during his daily commute to work. He loved it, he said, because it taught him that if he does not succeed at first, he could stick with it, because there was always a chance that he would succeed in the future. My response was immediate, if silent: “What book was he reading?” And that is when I learned a life lesson for all writers and artists. You own your work until you share it with the public. From that moment, it belongs to the reader or viewer, and I am OK with that. Paul Plotkin was born in Toronto and was a pulpit Rabbi for 40 years beginning in Vancouver. After a divorce, he wrote a book on the healing power of Psalms entitled, The Lord Is My Shepherd, Why Do I Still Want? His newest book, Wisdom Grows in My Garden, is a compilation of 25 life lessons learned from his garden. He blogs on Medium. He reads at the Literary Cabaret Oct. 13 and A Walk to Lost Lake Park and Back on Oct. 15.

i write

BY BRONWYN PREECE, AUTHOR OF knee deep in high water: riding the Muskwa-Kechika i write. somehow it feels out of necessity … i can’t imagine not writing, not scribing my reflections, my appreciations, my discernments and distillations, my values, my curiosities … but i do wonder about this necessity or necessaryness … who is it for? what need does it satiate? my writing is so intimately private—a space for brutal honesty, where my transparency is made even more transparent—but then, alarmingly, almost daringly, awkwardly, shyly, humbly—i turn and share this intimate encounter, invite “others” in— make “it” public, make “me” public … i publish, i “get” published … words written: a sensuous act. an act of union, writing into wholeness, that bond, inking my inextricability … or my attempts to feel, to enliven, to exist within, or from, a (dis) connected, immersive space … to dwell in this place, to inhabit this (un)known, in (un)certain times. writing: an act of community. i am a site-sensitive poet, place-based children’s author, a “creative geographer” through words, through art. i am also an avid multi-day backpacker who chronicles as she hikes, writes as she walks: translating traversed landscapes into language, trail experiences into engaged narratives, synthesizing into words my ever-deepening understandings of self, Peoples and place, as a person of predominantly settlerdescent living on, and visiting, unceded Ancestral Lands. i document these unfurling relationships, overlaps, challenges, hopes and their inextricable

reveals in situ. my writing aims to capture snippets, soundbites, moments, geology, geography, ornithological-envy, botanical reverie, history and gaps. my writing travels through many territories and ethical terrains, remaining at once personal and poignantly political … i connect through story. storying towards deeper understandings, towards small acts of reconciliatory repair: active pursuits which defy the fixity of text. writing is a process of living, verbing my unfolding and developing awarenesses … i gravitate towards unlined pages, which let my words wind, warp and wrap around page. a process which ignores margins, but manages to always wander into, and dwell within them; ignores lines, but always manages to write between them; a process and practice which disregards the linearity of script: circling into the realms of lexicons which may or may not exist. in my attempts to seek some form of wholeness, i am, ironically (?), full of line breaks, syntaxical splits and grammatical ruptures. i am always asking questions. of myself/of the world. i word my wild as a lover of words—yet find the confines, rules and use of the English language often objectifying and othering—however, i play within—and expose—these “limits.” language becomes an invitation. a lure. alluring. irresistibly so. i necessarily embrace neologisms. i, however, still have not fully come to understand the connection, the line i walk—the lines i write—between the personal-through-public sphere … a continuum that presents itself with ends that always seem to meet together in a centre; a centre, whose “i” of the storm is not always calm. i write through resilience, vulnerability, sensitivities and strength. writing: an act of (inward/outward) connection. i language (verb) as a process of engaging in relationship, scripting possibilities … writing my constant companion amongst the ebb and flow of experience, of observation, marvel, overwhelm, beauty, dreads, trysts, twists … and thresholds. my writing is never fantasy. it’s my reality, different from anyone else’s. singularly unique, informed by the plurality of life. hopeful, honest. privately wanting, and waiting, to be shared … naked, baring all … to be held in the arms of an understanding companion: the reader. together, an open book. writing, or reading, are never singular acts. my writing is indivisible from the way i try to lead my life—largely in lowercase—infused with an ethic that brings with it many levels of responsibility, engaged curiosity and a commitment, and eager willingness, to learn more—to seek out the stories of both the place i call home and the places i visit. stories exist on many levels, in many forms. stories comprise our varied histories and “our” sense of History (capital, Western H), some stories hidden from view. stories are not always written or spoken. i aim to live, write and read between them, these “lines.” stories live in our waterways, in the formation of cumulus clouds, in the budding of spring, in the waitlists for social housing, the shifting landscape, the price of gas, the coffeeshop closures, the posters on bulletin boards, wildfires and highway detours, in the “land-based” salmon labels, in the accessibility to contraceptives, in the sunrise and the alpenglow, in the dew drop caught in variegated leaf, in the graffiti, in the avalanche’s path, in the public art installation, in the peregrine’s skyscraper perch, in the smell of the skunk cabbage, in the morning full of mist, in the weather forecast, in the call of the raven … writing for me invites a tuning into an animate world, alive with knowledges. Sea to Sky Alphabet (Simply Read Books, 2023) alliteratively travels from ocean’s edge up into the snowy slopes of the alpine. it courses down river rapids, traipses along trails, gazes upon glinting glaciers, climbs cliffs, revels in the sights that surround and glimpses the richness of this place’s history and myriad landscapes. it is a project i worked on with both the Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations, incorporating words from both the Ucwalmícwts and Sk wx wú7mesh Sníchim languages. it is a book i wrote in honour of a place i feel so privileged to call home and with this privilege comes an obligation—one i rise up and meet eagerly and with openness—to always look deeper, to immerse myself in, to become even further aware of the diversity of this place always storying itself. the book is an homage to a place i am always learning anew. knee deep in high water : riding the Muskwa-Kechika, expedition poems (Caitlin Press, 2023) chronicles a journey, an experience, a story. penned in, and amongst, a mixture of saddles, stirrups, tents and tarps, melting mountains and rising rivers, thwarted plans, awe, overwhelm, and breathtake in the backcountry of northern british columbia. it is my chronicling of a remote, two-week horse expedition, embarked upon while recovering from a leg-shattering injury, that left me with an acutely crooked knee. in many ways it is a love story. it houses struggles and celebration. it becomes, and bears, witness… i write as witness, as observer, as learner. what a humble honour and a privilege. Bronwyn Preece holds a PhD in Performance, and an MA and BFA in Applied Theatre. Her 2023 publications are knee deep in high water: riding the Muskwa-Kechika (Caitlin Press, 2023), a collection of expedition poems, and the children’s book, Sea to Sky Alphabet, in which she worked with the Lil’wat and Squamish Nations to incorporate words from both respective languages. All her artistic and educational work aims towards cultivating place-based awareness and small acts of reconciliatory repair. She reads at the Whistler Writers Festival’s Literary Cabaret Oct. 13.

OCTOBER 13, 2023

FEATURE STORY

Connecting with the World

Uniting through story

I remember walking down the street in Rossland, B.C. with a handful of newfound friends—well, more like family, really—as the snow, lit up by the beautiful orange glow of a streetlight, fell from the black sky like chicken feathers. It was February 2000, and the crisp freshness of winter made everything particularly dark and cold. Suddenly, someone asked me a question that hit the middle of my heart like a boxer’s punch. “Did Sean know that he was in trouble?” Never once in my life had I witnessed fear in Sean’s eyes before, I answered. “But when I saw him leaning against that bed in the ICU, I knew he was scared. Neither of us wanted to admit it, though, and I’ll never forgive myself for that. Had I acted sooner, he’d probably be walking with us right now.” I felt that Sean’s friends needed, and wanted, to hear more, so I rambled on for a while as we strolled down the street, eventually burying the harrowing hospital room drama under more adventurous anecdotes of our time together in southern Africa. “Wow, Todd, you really should write a book about this,” said a friend as we approached the house I was living in at the time. I quickly brushed it off. I didn’t know anything about writing and the idea certainly felt way beyond my capabilities. But, whether I liked it or not, the seed had been planted. Soon thereafter, I picked away at the framework of my “book” in bits and pieces and enrolled in journalism and photography school a year later, where I dove head-first into learning how to piece my thoughts and memories together on paper, lighting a creative fire that was buried somewhere inside my soul. Little did I know then that there was so much of this story still to come. My book would have never seen the light of day had it not been for the volumes of travel journals, stacks of postcards and mountains of letters my brother Sean wrote throughout the course of his short-but-out-of-the-ordinary life. Sean’s journal entries within my book are taken verbatim from the pages of his journals, intentional spelling mistakes and all. I wanted to tell part of this story in his own words. In these writings Sean revealed his aspirations, his eccentric character and his longing for worldwide adventure. Wading through all of this material gave me a profound respect for him as a citizen of the world, and has continued to help in my healing process. The parts of this book where I was not physically present were without doubt the most challenging to write. In these sections I leaned into Sean’s journals; letters from his friends from around the world; interviews with many people who had spent time with Sean, both in Rossland and abroad; and recollections of the many stories he told me of his outrageous exploits and mishaps over the years. I also wanted to lay down some family roots on paper, going way back into my family history from Poland in the 1920s, right up to 2008 in Uganda, Africa. Weaving a story from 80-plus years of family history was a tall order, but one that felt necessary to show to readers exactly where my family had come from. And where we’re going next in this crazy, beautiful world. Travel has provided me with an unmatched education in humanity, and the people of the world have taught me that kindness is the only way forward. And now I am given the honour of passing that along to our daughter, Seanna. What a special gift fatherhood is. At times it seemed unfathomable how the hands of fate had delivered me to the mountains of Whistler, and there were zero complaints as we settled into family life in this little pocket of the world. I was living my life surrounded by new friends that I’d likely never have met had it not been for Sean. Six degrees of separation were unfolding all around me every day, and I tried hard not to take that for granted. Often taken out of my comfort zone by my new tribe, my world and my mind began to expand; as a father, an entrepreneur, a friend and a life-loving individual lucky enough to be able to walk upon this fascinating home we call Earth. Grateful I will be until the end of my days. It all brings me to my one true reason for writing a book—my North Star as I struggled night after night emotionally and intellectually. And that is to inspire as many people as possible to travel as often as their means and desires allow, so that we’re all more connected, more understood, and more in love with humanity as time marches on.

During my ski-racing career, I routinely sought out books, conversations and interviews from others in different walks of life for insights and inspiration. As I moved further away from my last World Cup race, a strengthening sense of gratitude developed for how much others had given to help achieve my results. In light of this, I wanted to give back in the way many had done before me, to give back through story. It was hard to open up at first and talk about the mental pressures of performance and struggles that I went through. It was easy to write about the successes, but I knew these were only placeholders for the real story to be told. If I wanted to make a connection with people, I had to share my vulnerable moments and not just the lows, but the intimate steps taken of re-discovery along the way. This was not easy, of course. When you spend a lifetime trying to prop yourself up like a superhero and then try to remove the armour, it can hurt a bit. I had kept a journal over the last years of my career where I wrote my raw thoughts and emotions of the day. If I was feeling angry, elated, jealous, arrogant, or sincere gratitude, I wrote it down. When I sat down to write this book, I knew I had to share parts of these journal entries… but which ones? After reading through many, which were a bit embarrassing to read back, one stood out. It was my very first entry, a letter to my sport psychologist at the time, stating that I was retiring from ski racing (which ended up being four years before my actual retirement date). I was angry, scared, tired, and needed to vent when I wrote it, but most importantly, I was honest and open. In my first draft of the manuscript, this entry was used as my starting chapter and served as a reminder to stay true to the story that wanted to be shared. I also knew my closing chapter would be of my last World Cup race, so now I just had to fill in the gaps. Over the next eight months and with the help of my book coach, I wrote a chapter a week and slowly saw the story emerging. When the manuscript was done, it was time to submit to the editor and get my first real feedback. “Mike, you’ve written a really wonderful manuscript but I’m wondering if you should start the book with a more gentle topic. The journal entry is powerful but you can leave it for later in the book. When it would appear in its chronological order,” she graciously offered. “No, it has to stay at the beginning! I need to highlight that there were struggles along the way and show the pain. I need to be as open and honest with the readers as possible.” I defended my position, feeling my jaw clench and body tense up with each word spoken. Luckily my editor was not fazed by this response, and continued with her kindness and suggestion. “I agree that this is important, but let the readers get to know you first. Start with something that brings them along the journey with you. Let them be a part of it and then they’ll be more likely to go to the darker places with you.” I sat in reflection for a while and after the emotion to defend subsided, I could sense that my editor was right. My first approach was like hitting the reader over the head with a message rather than letting them come to it on their own accord. So I changed the opening of the book to a joyful moment when I first became aware of the real reason why I ski raced. Which, spoiler alert, ended up being the same joy I experienced in my last World Cup race ever. I then went through the process of editing my manuscript with the intention of letting people come along this journey with me. When I was done, it read more gently, and as the reader, I felt more willing to hear the message that at the beginning, I so desperately wanted to share. This is the power of storytelling. It allows us to hear difficult messages that change how we think, act and show up in this world. As I start to share mine, I hope my story is able to do this, giving back to the ski racing world that I love so much, the Sea to Sky community, and to my teammates and coaches who pushed me to achieve greater heights than I knew was possible. Maybe most importantly though, I’ve been able to give back something special to my younger self with this book by giving this kid a road map for how to come out of his darkest hole, back to the light and home to his true sense of self.

BY TODD LAWSON, AUTHOR OF Inside the Belly of an Elephant

Todd Lawson believes in passion, diversity, and the search for freedom outside. He’s an avid world traveller, writer, photographer, creator, storyteller, mountain athlete, humanitarian, adventureseeker, and lover of life and all its wonderful ways. “Stay in your lane” is not in Todd’s vocabulary. He is the publisher, producer, and photo editor at Mountain Life Media, CEO/Founder of RISE Outdoor Innovation Inc., and Co-Founder of the Rise and Sean Foundation. Inside the Belly of an Elephant is his first book. Todd lives in Whistler, British Columbia. Lawson is part of the Writers of Non-Fiction Panel on Oct. 14. He also leads the Show Me, Don’t Tell Me non-fiction workshop on Oct. 14.

34 OCTOBER 13, 2023

BY MIKE JANYK, AUTHOR OF Go to the Start

Michael Janyk grew up in Whistler and was raised in a family of ski racers, where at an early age, he was inspired to compete for Canada on the World stage. He raced on the Canadian Alpine National Team for fourteen years, is a three time Olympian and World Championship Bronze medalist in Slalom. Go To The Start is his first book that shares his journey and the transformations that came from it. He lives in Whistler with his wife and daughter. He reads at the Whistler Writers Festival’s Literary Cabaret Oct. 13. ■

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SPORTS THE SCORE

Wei Tien Ho riding high after ‘a dream come true’ THE RECENTLY MINTED FREERIDE WORLD TOUR SKIER AND CANADIAN OPEN ENDURO CHAMP CO-STARS IN TETON GRAVITY’S LATEST FILM, LEGEND HAS IT

BY DAVID SONG IT’S SAFE TO SAY Wei Tien Ho’s career is on the up and up. The Whistler fan-favourite junior athlete made the cut for the Freeride World Tour (FWT) earlier this year after racking up 4,050 points on the FWT Challenger Series. In just a few months, he’ll join childhood friend Marcus Goguen and another fellow Whistlerite, Jackson Bathgate, at the pinnacle of the freeride universe. “That’s a bit of a dream come true, honestly, and to have one of my best friends on the tour as well,” he said. “Ever since we started competing in the freeride scene, [Marcus and I] always looked up to the Freeride World Tour and dreamed about being on a livestream one day. Over the years, I’ve woken up in the middle of the night to watch it, so now to be on the big scene is pretty surreal.” Sometimes good things come in

ALL SYSTEMS HO Wei Tien Ho flies through the air amidst a grove of snow-covered trees. PHOTO BY COLE NELSON

36 OCTOBER 13, 2023

bunches, and they did for the 19-year-old back in July when he struck gold at the Canadian Open Enduro on home soil. More recently, he and Goguen joined Olympians Megan Oldham and Maggie Voisin, plus a bevy of other athletes, in Teton Gravity’s latest snow sports film Legend Has It. For Ho, who loves filmmaking virtually as much as he does competing, it’s yet another dream come to fruition—as well as a learning experience. “I’ve always wanted to be featured in a ski film, and then to do it with one of my best friends, Marcus, is pretty surreal as well,” he revealed. “We had a lot of learning curves there. I was pretty new to [snowmobiling], plus just figuring out how much patience the whole filming process takes. To get a three-minute segment takes what feels like forever, days after days of waking up early … but I definitely feel like we ended up with something pretty sick.”

ROOM TO PROGRESS

As leaves and temperatures continue to fall, Ho is getting ready to break out the skis and stow his mountain bike away for the winter. He finished seventh overall in the UCI Enduro World Cup (EDR) rankings, but believes he has much more to offer.

Indeed, Ho would’ve accumulated more than 691 EDR points if not for a few unfortunate mishaps. His bike chain broke during an event in Châtel, France, relegating him to 10th. There was also a one-minute penalty he took during his season-opening contest in Italy for handing in his timing chip late, which bumped him down from sixth to 16th. Ho admits it was an honest mistake, as he was used to event organizers collecting his chip at race’s end rather than needing to return it himself. It’s a frustrating gaffe, and Ho feels he made his fair share of “stupid mistakes” this past summer. At the same time, he’s poised enough to move on from the past. “Definitely some ups and downs,” said the two-sport competitor. “I wouldn’t say I’m very satisfied with my end result. I am satisfied with some process goals, things that I’ve learned along the way, and that I can work on going into this offseason. There were definitely some highs with Canadian Nationals and some decent individual results, but I feel like I have potential that I haven’t tapped into and a lot of room to progress.”

TIES THAT BIND

For now, Ho looks forward to upgrading

his ski skills in preparation for the FWT. He naturally took up the sport as a child, switching to his bike in summer months as many Sea to Sky residents do. As he realized not many compete in skiing and biking at a high level, it drove him to keep up with both and set himself apart. Ho met Goguen at a local ski camp when they were eight years old. They’ve been piggybacking off of each other’s abilities and experiences ever since, building a fraternal bond that isn’t fading anytime soon. “We’ve spent so much time together, both in sports and out of sports, and we’ve just gotten to know each other like the backs of our hands,” Ho said. “We’re like brothers, pretty much, and yeah, I definitely wouldn’t be where I am without him.” Don’t get Ho wrong—he and Goguen are dedicated athletes who push one another hard every day. Yet intense competition rarely, if ever, erodes relationships between athletes in their community. Skiers and bikers from different nations routinely look out for one another, maintaining an atmosphere of safety and good cheer. Podium results are obviously in the back of his mind, but Ho’s primary goal is to focus on the little things and put down runs he can be proud of all winter long. Win or lose, he doesn’t intend to hold back. n

SPORTS THE SCORE

Bingers Army Whistler FC hanging tough amidst new challenges THE LOCAL MEN’S TEAM KICKED OFF ITS INAUGURAL DIVISION 1 SEASON WITH TWO WINS IN THE VANCOUVER METRO SOCCER LEAGUE

BY DAVID SONG THE BINGERS ARMY Whistler FC (BA Whistler FC) men’s soccer team is looking for more talent. Founded in 2021 by a cadre of Sea to Sky players as an affiliate of the Bingers Army Originals, BA Whistler FC experienced immediate success by earning a Division 3 title in the Vancouver Metro Soccer League (VMSL). That granted them the right to move up into Division 2 last year, where they finished third. A league restructuring subsequently placed them in Division 1. With backing from longtime sponsor Corona Excavations Ltd., BA Whistler FC won its first pair of Division 1 matches before dropping the next three. As of this writing, they are 10th out of 16 teams in the standings. “We won 2-1 the first game, scoring in the last minute, and then [the next match] we won 2-nil,” recounted player-manager Dale Barker. “It was a gritty game with a lot of yellow cards, which suits us a little bit because a lot of the players are English or Canadian and used to that. But, it’s definitely a big step up in standard.” Division 1 is the VMSL’s second-highest tier of play behind the Premier category. Barker and his teammates are enjoying a more professional feel to their games now, owing to the presence of linesmen and a higher standard of officiating. By the same token, they must contend with younger, faster and fitter opponents on squads who draw their members from teams throughout Metro Vancouver. Whistler is obviously known more for fresh powder than turf, and Barker acknowledges a measure of difficulty in attracting players during ski season. Travel is also a factor: there are some who are unable or unwilling to go to Vancouver every weekend for league play. Fortunately, those who do show up are a close-knit bunch, and news of BA Whistler FC’s recent exploits have garnered support on social media.

YOUTH INFUSION

Critical to the recent growth of BA Whistler FC—as well as soccer throughout the corridor—is Mark Freeman, head coach of the Whistler Youth Soccer Club and Pemberton Youth Soccer Association as well as the adult team. Freeman has done an excellent job developing waves of adolescent players into upstanding adults both on and off the pitch. Many of these individuals have joined BA Whistler FC or other teams in the more recreational Whistler Summer League.

“We’re now getting the youth coming through from Mark Freeman and Dale,” said Jim Walker, co-owner of Corona Excavations and a longtime champion of soccer in Whistler. “Those guys have done an incredible job over the years to nurture the quality of player that you need [for a Division 1 team]. It’s now coming to fruition, all the hard work that the boys put in.” BA Whistler FC’s roster includes local youth alumni such as Sabin-Faegan Dixon, Tyson Stager, Charlie Robinson, Noam Steele, Luke Soane, Jack L’Estrange, Scott Aikins, Taylor Boehm, Aidan Ramage, Alex Fuez, and Mathias Nelson. Barker names the 19-year-old Dixon in particular as a standout. “He’s only 5-foot-3, he’s a small guy, but from what he’s learned from Mark and his natural talent, he can stand his own against 34-year-old Serbian fellows whom he did extremely well against [in our second Division 1 game],” said Barker. “It’s key in a higher division to have young guys who are quick, tenacious and agile to help blend in with the more experienced players.” Then there’s Walker, who along with his co-owners Dave Robson and John Minton has been a staunch supporter of Sea to Sky soccer for decades. Corona Excavations began sponsoring the first Whistler team (which until recently operated as Corona FC) in the late 1990s. Walker has been there every step of the way.

WE ARE HIRING! Club Executive Administrator Aug-Apr 10-20hrs/week

XC SWAP tomorrow Oct 14th! 9am-11am drop off, 11am-2pm purchase Creekside underground parking.

Get your equipment for this winter New Retail Gear Used Gear

May-July 5hrs/week

Drop off 9am-11am SWAP 11am-2pm at Creekside Underground Parking

Please send your resume to admin@whistlernordics.com by Oct 20th

Volunteers needed

whistlernordics.com

‘A PRETTY BIG MILESTONE’

Corona FC dissolved in 2020, spreading its relatively high-end talent across the eightteam Whistler Summer League. Walker, Robson and Minton continue to sponsor BA Whistler FC with their company, providing— among other things—a brand-new kit for the team. “Putting in a Division 1 team is a pretty big milestone,” Walker said. “We definitely had some talent in the early years, we’ve had ex-pros coming in, but we’ve never had that same commitment as the players [in Barker’s generation]. I played in the Pacific Coast Soccer League in my formative years here in Canada, and it’s a tough league to play in … so to be able to get a team of this calibre, I think, is pretty major. “It’s another testimony to Whistler and the people this town brings. We’re excited for the boys, and we’re there [as Corona] to support them. Whatever they need.” Those interested in lacing up the cleats for some competitive play are invited to join practices on Wednesdays at 7 p.m. in Cheakamus Crossing. Locals can also follow the team’s exploits on its recentlyestablished Instagram page at instagram. com/bawhistlerfc/?hl=en. n

NEW SUMMER WHISTLER MAGAZINE IS OUT! WHISTLER’S PREMIER VISITOR MAGAZINE SINCE 1980 Get your new edition in hotel rooms and select locations around Whistler.

/whistlermagazine

OCTOBER 13, 2023

EPICURIOUS

Mountain Meal Prep offers delicious meals for those chasing adventure—and busy parents who just need a break A POT OF WATER IS ALL YOU NEED TO BRING THE NUTRITIOUS GRUB TO LIFE

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter RESIDENTS OF THE Sea to Sky corridor are no strangers to snacking on the go. But when you don’t have time to pack that nutritious lunch before you head out the door on your next adventure, Mountain Meal Prep has you covered. The farmers’ market favourite caters to those who need quick and easy food while participating in extreme sports in the Sea to Sky corridor, but it also works for a different type of extreme sport: helping busy families get a quick dinner on the table after a long day in the wild. Most B.C. residents fall into at least one of, if not both of these groups. The idea is simple: pop some boiling water on the pre-prepared, dehydrated food and you’re good to go, an ingenious concept that lessens the hassle of modern living. Mountain Meal Prep founder Jacqueline Parakin is a holistic nutritionist with a business mind, a perfect combo for a successful product range. After years of slogging away at seasonal

MAKE A MEAL OF IT Mountain Meal Prep is a fixture at farmers’ markets throughout the Sea to Sky. PHOTO BY ROISIN CULLEN

38 OCTOBER 13, 2023

jobs in Whistler, the Nanaimo native was ready to make her passion her career. “I came from a family of entrepreneurs,” she said. “My mom is a business owner. I knew I wanted to run a business. I started my first business in 2017, but it was about a year until I ran into regulatory issues. I’m a holistic nutritionist, and I really wanted to start a business focused on my passion. I also wanted to try to help other people.”

up in just half an hour with the help of some H2O. Lazy lasagna, hearty vegetable soup, and deconstructed burritos are just some of the options on this no-nonsense menu. “It’s a dehydrative meal-prep kit,” Parakin said. “They are all just easy, one-pot meals. I made them to help busy families and busy individuals who don’t have time for cooking.” On the other end of things, Parakin’s

“They are essentially single-serve meals. You just add water into the pot… they are perfect for hiking, camping, you name it.” - JACQUELINE PARAKIN

Parakin and her mom brainstormed, and found the perfect idea for people who like easy, healthy food. “My mom has had a life-long passion for dehydration. We put our heads together and created the product line that we have now,” she said. Parakin’s first range of products are “family meals”—meals that can be whipped

mountain meals pack plenty of punch for people snacking in the wild. “They are essentially single-serve meals. You just add water into the pot,” she said. “They are perfect for hiking, camping, you name it. As an avid snowboarder and biker, I knew there were limited choices available on the menu. I wanted to create something that was a little bit more nutritious.”

Following the dream was far from plain sailing. However, Parakin was determined to bring the idea in her head to fruition. “It was not easy,” she said. “I had four jobs while I started my business. I make everything in Pemberton. I go as far afield as White Rock. I’m slowly increasing my online presence. Hopefully, by winter I’ll start to be in some of the local shops.” Parakin was surprised it was the family meals that garnered the most attention. “I thought that the bagpacking meals were going to be way more popular,” she said. “It turns out that the family ones are much more popular. Not everyone hikes, but everyone has to eat. There are just those nights where you don’t want to cook or run out of time.” As for the customer response, testimonials posted to Parakin’s website say it all. “I’m always hesitant to try new meal preparation companies, but I can honestly say I am SO glad that I took this leap of faith. Our family (full of picky eaters) absolutely loves everything we have gotten from Mountain Meal Prep,” reads one testimonial. “Our favourite dishes are the Easy Lasagna and Chili Mac & Cheese, so delicious and super simple for working parents like us. I cannot recommend this meal prep service enough!” Read more at mountainmealprep.com. n

MEADOW PARK SPORTS CENTRE SWIM • SKATE • SWEAT • SQUASH OPEN DAILY: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.

FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE OCTOBER 13

OCTOBER 14

OCTOBER 15

OCTOBER 16

OCTOBER 17

OCTOBER 18

OCTOBER 19

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

I Mountain

I Strength &

I Spin Mixer

I Strength & Cardio 7:30-8:30 a.m. Andy

R Boys

Learn 2 Lift 7:15-8 a.m. Josh

I Strong

Glutes and Core 7:30-8:30 a.m. Jess

Ready Conditioning 7:30-8:30 a.m. Steve

Mobility 7:30-8:30 a.m. Anna

7:30-8:30 a.m. Sylvie

I Strength Training for Endurance Athletes 8-9 a.m. Marie-Anne

F Swim Fit Endurance 7:30-8:30 a.m. Marie-Ann I Aqua Fit Deep 8:45-9:45 a.m. Marie-Anne

I Aqua Fit Shallow 8:45-9:45 a.m. Marie-Anne

I Full Body HITT 9-10 a.m. Alex

I Low Impact Strength 9-10 a.m. Andy

I Yin & Yang Yoga 9-10 a.m. Heidi

I Low Impact Strength 9-10 a.m. Anna

I Functional Strength & Conditioning 9-10 a.m. Mel

I Strength & Stability 9-10 a.m. Andy

F Pilates 10:30-11:30 a.m. Josie

I Zumba 10:30-11:30 a.m. Susie

R Mom & Baby 10:30-11:30 a.m. Sara

R Swim Fit Technique 10-11 a.m. Marie-Anne

F Be the Change 10:30-11:30 a.m. Katrina

R Lift Club 3:45-4:45 p.m. Steve

I Gentle Fit 1-2 p.m. Diana

F Spin 5:15-6:15 p.m. Courtney

I Gentle Fit 1-2 p.m. Diana I TRX Mixer 5:15-6 p.m. Mel

I Functional Strength & Conditioning 5:30-6:30 p.m. Steve

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

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

I Dance Fit 6:15-7:15 p.m Mel

F Dryland 6:45-7:45 p.m. Steve

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

F Dryland 6:45-7:45 p.m. Sylvie

F Spin 6:15-7:15 p.m. Marie-Anne

I Slow Flow Yoga 8-9 p.m. Laura

I Zumba 6:30-7:30 p.m. Carmen

I Yoga Roll & Release 8-9 p.m. Laura

POOL HOURS* OCT 13 FRIDAY

OCT 14 SATURDAY

OCT 15 SUNDAY

OCT 16 MONDAY

OCT 17 TUESDAY

OCT 18 WEDNESDAY

OCT 19 THURSDAY

MAIN LAP POOL

6 a.m.-3:45 p.m. & 6-8 p.m.

6 a.m.-8 p.m.

6 a.m.-3:45 p.m. & 6-8 p.m.

6 a.m.-8 p.m.

6 a.m.-3:45 p.m. & 6-8 p.m.

LEISURE (KIDS) POOL

9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 4-8 p.m.

9 a.m.-8 p.m.

9 a.m. – 8 p.m.

9 a.m.-12 p.m. & 4-8 p.m.

HOT SPOTS

6 a.m.-8 p.m.

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

whistler.ca/recreation | whistler.ca | 604-935-7529 @RMWhistler |

@rmwhistler |

@rmowhistler

ARTS SCENE

Laugh Out LIVE teaming up with Brent Butt at Whistler Writers Festival THE LOCAL STAND-UP GROUP OPENS FOR THE CORNER GAS STAR ON OCT. 14

BY DAVID SONG GOOD NEWS, Sea to Sky comedy fans: Laugh Out LIVE is here to stay. Local improv talents Ira Pettle, Rebecca Mason and Dave Francis have registered their performing troupe as a company. They’ve secured proof of concept and engage with their growing fan base through a website, a newsletter and an email list. Now, they’re about to touch off their third season on Oct. 14 by opening for none other than Brent Butt at the Whistler Writers Festival (WWF). Indeed, Laugh Out LIVE will brew up a batch of thriller-themed improv to complement the Corner Gas icon as he reads from his first novel: Huge, in a Saturday night special titled “A Killer Night of Comedy, Murder and Mayhem.” Afterwards, the trio will help wrap up the WWF with a pair of “Writer’s Block Parties” on Sunday and Monday night: high-energy stand-up shows at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler that promise to make light of all sorts of literary tropes. “It’s a great opportunity to work alongside a well-known performer, and for us, it feels like the next natural step in our development,” says Pettle. “We’re stoked, and also not surprised because we do feel like we are there. We’ve been working so

WE’RE LIVE Ira Pettle (middle) is never afraid to get a little messy on stage with Laugh Out LIVE. PHOTO BY JOERN ROHDE PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY OF LAUGH OUT LIVE

40 OCTOBER 13, 2023

hard to get good, to create original content, to keep developing and working towards the end goal, which is to have Laugh Out LIVE be a mainstay in Whistler’s communities and beyond.” Ironically, Pettle won’t be able to attend his group’s marquee event with Butt. He is a finalist for Children’s Artist of the Year at the Western Canadian Music Awards, and will be attending said awards ceremony on Saturday in Kelowna. Some might be frustrated at having to give up one good thing for another, but the longtime Whistlerite holds a healthy perspective. “You know, it’s such a blessing that I had to choose between both of these incredible things,” Pettle says humbly. “As much as I would love to personally be there [on stage with Butt] in my physical body, Laugh Out LIVE is going to be representing me that night. It’s not necessarily about Dave, Rebecca and I. It’s about the brand, as opposed to the three of us.”

THE MAGICAL TRIANGLE

When Pettle first came to Whistler some 13 years ago, he was shocked to discover a tourist town that played host to so many visitors lacked a consistent form of afterdinner theatre entertainment. He recalls locals putting on sporadic shows for other locals, but dreamt of creating some type of recurring theatre production meant for tourists and Whistlerites alike. Years elapsed without any real momentum in that direction… until Mason spoke up. Mason and Francis initially met Pettle as his students in various improv classes. Pettle

had tried and failed to launch other shows before, but Mason—bringing the drive that once propelled her through a competitive junior hockey career—convinced him to give it another go. The trio pitched Arts Whistler on what would become their flagship production: Laugh Out LIVE. They knew the chances of establishing a regular show in such a sports-centric town weren’t great. Things only got harder when COVID-19 emerged on the scene. Against the odds, however, the new weekly winter comedy act took off thanks to “a s—t ton of hard work” and the unique chemistry between its leads. “We call ourselves the magical triangle,” Pettle reveals. “It’s because—and I’m going to use Rebecca’s words here—we each have a unique zone of genius. Each of us brings to the magical triangle a skill-set, an outlook, a certain energy and experience that the others don’t necessarily have. “So, there’s something really special about the three of us together.”

THE FESTIVAL THAT COULD

How did the magic triangle land its big break? Well, Pettle has an existing relationship with the WWF: for the past three years, he and Pique features editor Brandon Barrett have hosted an event there called “Comedy Quickies”: a way to share local comedy sketches with a wider audience. This time around, Pettle knew the WWF would be an ideal way to open Laugh Out LIVE’s new season. WWF director Rebecca Wood Barrett was on board once again. She soon returned their call, asking them to open for Butt on a

Saturday night. It was a no-brainer. “In the amount of time [that I’ve been here], the WWF has always occurred to me as the little festival that could,” says Pettle. “Whistler’s a sports-centric town. To have a writer’s festival in Whistler goes against everything. It’s just this magical little festival—well, it’s not little. It’s really big. “With Rebecca and [former WWF director] Stella Harvey over the years, the amount of work and energy that goes into creating what the event is, it’s immeasurable. The talent they bring in, the spotlight that they bring to local artists, is huge. And it’s not just readers, writers and publishers—I’m a performing artist. Nothing but gratitude for Stella and Rebecca, the whole team, and the opportunity just to do what I love.” Pettle doesn’t like to limit himself. He’s a burgeoning musician, an accomplished comedian and, of course, a beloved children’s performer. Not every artist can cater to both mature and youthful audiences with skill, class and taste, but he pulls it off masterfully. “I do think I’m still figuring it out on some level, and with that, I also believe that performance—whether it’s for young people and families, or the 18-plus crowd—are one of the same,” opines Pettle. “We’re talking about engaging people. I have an internal process where I’m really just looking for things that lighten me up with these particular demographics in mind. “With the comedy thing, I’m really just listening for what I find funny. In the kids’ world, it’s the same thing: I’m just thinking about my inner six-year-old and what it’s calling for.” n

MUSEUM MUSINGS

FREEZE FRAME BJ Godson’s miniature A-frame on Nesters Road. PHOTO COURTESY OF BJ GODSON

Framing early Whistler BY ALLYN PRINGLE WHEN WHISTLER MOUNTAIN was first being developed as a ski resort in the 1960s, A-frames were a popular design choice, whether building a ski cabin or a Skiers’ Chapel. A-frames could soon be found throughout the valley, partly because of their relatively simple construction and the availability of kits that could quickly be assembled. In 1996, an inventory of A-frames in the Alta Vista neighbourhood was compiled by Rosemary Malaher for the Whistler Museum. Each A-frame structure still standing in Alta Vista at the time was photographed and, where possible, additional information about the building was gathered from its owners, such as when it was built or by whom. Malaher also noted unique or unusual features, such as a stained-glass window in the front door, a metal roof with skylights, or modifications and additions. While some of these structures stand today, others have been redeveloped or torn down and replaced over the last few decades. BJ Godson moved to the Whistler area in 1974, and lived for a time in an A-frame on Alta Lake Road. Around 1977, she moved into another A-frame, this one located where Nesters Market is today. In a recent oral history interview, she described this A-frame as a “little hobbit house” with a bathroom at the back that was on “a bit of a slant,” and said that everything inside was miniature, including the woodstove. Despite the woodstove, Godson recalled the house wasn’t intended to be a winter cabin and the pipes weren’t insulated underneath the building. This meant she often had to go under the A-frame with a torch to warm up the pipes, though this turned out to be a good way to save money. When she first moved in, Godson paid $157 per month; she remembered one day, her landlord Rudy Hoffman (of nearby Rudy’s Steakhouse) came by and told her, “OK, your rent is now lowered to $75 a month

and I don’t want to hear about frozen pipes. You’re on your own.” Godson lived in the little A-frame for about four years. When her partner moved in, however, it proved too small for the two of them, their cat, and the guitar, and they moved down to the Garibaldi townsite. Another A-frame we have heard stories about was supposedly the smallest house in Whistler in 1988. After sharing a photo of the A-frame, we received more information about it from Rich Miller, who lived in the building in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Miller remembered the A-frame had been used as a display home at the end of Denman Street in Vancouver by Capilano Highlands Ltd. to promote its new Alpine Meadows development in the late 1960s. It was later moved to the corner of Alpine Way and Highway 99, before being moved further into Alpine, where it stood in 1978 when Miller was looking for a place to live. He had been renting a basement suite for $125 a month, which was a good deal, until his landlord raised his rent to what Miller remembered was the going rate of $450 a month. Over a beer with Jack Bright and Peter Soros, Bright suggested he buy the A-frame and the lot it was on. After figuring out the financing and completing about $6,000 worth of work for Soros for the down payment, Miller was able to call the little A-frame home. Miller later decided to build a “real” house behind the A-frame, and had to come up with a creative solution to keep the A-frame. Bylaws at the time did not allow for two separate dwellings on one lot, but they did allow for a workshop. According to Miller, “you were allowed a bathroom in a shop and a sink for cleaning up and storage, but no cooking facilities… so I disconnected the stove and ‘put it in storage.’” The stove would sometimes come out of storage when making a meal and then be returned. Eventually, the A-frame was allowed to stay. If you’d like to share the story of your favourite A-frame (or other kind of structure), we’d love to hear it! n

OCTOBER 13, 2023

ONLY IN ...

The Attic

AB OV E 21 ST EP S

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ARTS SCENE 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

Appetizers

1 OCT. 3 47 FALL SPECIALS

Course Dinner

for

Full portion sizes Choices from entire menu

Excluding Long Weekend Sundays

Get

Free

FUNGUS AMONG US

AVAILABLE Sunday to Thursday

RESERVATIONS 604.966.2121 www.21steps.ca

FOOTBALL IS BACK! Catch all the games on Thursdays, Sundays & Mondays (with volume) Join us for Monday Night Football when our dinner special is MNF Flatbread!

$19.50 plus tax with a choice of 3 toppings. Buckets of 4 Budweiser, Bud Light, or Moosehead for $32 including taxes on Sundays & Mondays

12-15

ZERO CEILING: CIRQUE FOR CHANGE Join Zero Ceiling’s Cirque For Change: Because Everyone Deserves A Home on Friday, Oct 13 in the Woodland’s Terrace at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for a night of wonder and fundraising to end youth homelessness. Expect a fabulous dinner by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler team, exhilarating performances, catchy music, and a chance to win fantastic prizes in our raffle draw. But the real magic is in your support—we aim to raise $100,000 to keep changing lives. > Oct. 13, 5 p.m. > Fairmont Chateau Whistler > $85

FUNGUS AMONG US MUSHROOM FESTIVAL The Whistler Naturalists present the annual Fungus Among Us Mushroom Festival. This two-day event includes expert-led talks, guided walks, cooking demonstrations, and tastings from mushroom gurus. Find more info at whistlernaturalists.ca. > Oct. 13 and 14 > Various locations > Varies

Planning your perfect Whistler wedding? P I C K U P YO U R C O P Y T O D AY !

42 OCTOBER 13, 2023

PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS

WHISTLER 50 RELAY & ULTRA Participate or cheer on athletes at this fun, athletic event that is open to everyone, with distances ranging from 10 km to 50 km. From first-time relay participants to experienced ultra-marathoners, there’s something for runners of all abilities, with both competitive and recreational categories. The course is centred around Whistler Olympic Plaza and Whistler’s incredible Lost Lake trails. > Oct. 14 > Whistler Olympic Plaza > Varies

PARTY IN PINK ZUMBATHON— CANCER FUNDRAISER Party in pink breast cancer fundraiser. A 90-minute Zumba class featuring five instructors from Whistler, Squamish and the Lower Mainland. Door prizes and refreshments provided, with all proceeds donated to the BC Cancer Agency. > Oct. 14, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. > Meadow Park Sports Centre > $20

CONCERT PIANIST IAN PARKER World-renowned concert pianist Ian Parker plays the Whistler Chamber Music Society’s 2023-24 Concert Series. Parker will treat audiences to a showcase of four of the classical realm’s greatest minds: Johann Sebastian Bach, Ludwig van Beethoven, Frédéric Chopin and George Gershwin. > Oct. 15 > Maury Young Arts Centre > $25

PARTIAL RECALL

1 SPIRIT SISTERS Sisters in Spirit organizer Linda Epp (right) and Indigenous fashion designer Himikalas Pamela Baker (left) at Arts Whistler’s Spirits Rising Fashion Show on Oct. 5. PHOTO BY KEVIN ROP 2 GOODBYE, GURU Pique reporter Megan Lalonde (also known as our social media guru) was gifted a traditional “retirement” cover—custom designed by art director Jon Parris—at a going-away gathering on Oct. 4. We’ll miss you, MegMeg! PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS 3 BEAR AWARE Parts of the Nicklaus North Golf Course were closed this week after reports of a grizzly bear in the area. The Conservation Officer Service says it is monitoring the situation, and the bear is not acting aggressive. PHOTO BY SARAH STROTHER 4 NEWSROOM BABIES Pique editor Braden Dupuis (with Cibulka) and arts editor Alyssa Noel (with Olive) show off their babies in the newsroom. PHOTO BY CLARE OGILVIE 5 CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION The Lil’wat Nation’s Indigenous Strong Powwow took place from Oct. 6 to 8 in the U’ll’us Community Complex in Mount Currie, featuring dance, food, and good times for families. Read more on page 28. PHOTO BY RÓISÍN CULLEN 6 AIR SUPPORT A helicopter scans the ground for missing senior Robert McKean, 80, on Tuesday, Oct. 10. McKean went missing the morning of Oct. 9 while he was walking his dog, Lexi. As of Pique’s press time, he had not been found. PHOTO BY CLARE OGILVIE

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www.rcbc.ca RECYCLING COUNCIL OF B.C. MEMBER OCTOBER 13, 2023

Upcoming events with

AWARE in partnership with the Resort Municipality of Whistler

COMMUNITY GARAGE SALE Everyone can buy. Everyone can sell. SUN OCT 15, 10AM-2PM CREEKSIDE UNDERGROUND

GO BY BIKE Register now and ride this fall to work, to school, for fun or for exercise. OCT 16-29

REPAIR CAFÉ Bring your broken items to be repaired by skilled volunteers. SAT OCT 21, 10AM-3PM WHISTLER PUBLIC LIBRARY

Event details at www.awarewhistler.org

THE 2023-2024 PEMBERTON GUIDE on stands now! 44 OCTOBER 13, 2023

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF OCTOBER 13 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): The Indigenous Semai

people of Malaysia have an unusual taboo. They try hard not to cause unhappiness in others. This makes them reluctant to impose their wishes on anyone. Even parents hesitate to force their children to do things. I recommend you experiment with this practice. Now is an excellent time to refine your effect on people to be as benevolent and welcoming as possible. Don’t worry—you won’t have to be this kind and sweet forever. But doing so temporarily could generate timely enhancements in your relationship life. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Taurus author Shakespeare reshaped the English language. He coined hundreds of words and revised the meanings of hundreds more. Idioms like “green-eyed monster” and “milk of human kindness” originated with him. But the Bard also created some innovations that didn’t last. “Recover the wind” appeared in Hamlet but never came into wide use. Other failures include, “Would you take eggs for money?” and “from smoke to smother.” Still, Shakespeare’s final tally of enduring neologisms is impressive. With this vignette, I’m inviting you to celebrate how many more successes than flops you have had. The time is right for realistic self-praise. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I hope beauty will be your priority in the coming weeks. I hope you will seek out beauty, celebrate it, and commune with it adoringly. To assist your efforts, I offer five gems: 1. Whatever you love is beautiful; love comes first, beauty follows. The greater your capacity for love, the more beauty you find in the world. —Jane Smiley. 2. The world is incomprehensibly beautiful—an endless prospect of magic and wonder. —Ansel Adams. 3. A beautiful thing is never perfect. —Egyptian proverb. 4. You can make the world beautiful just by refusing to lie about it. —Iain S. Thomas. 5. Beauty isn’t a special inserted sort of thing. It is just life, pure life, life nascent, running clear and strong. –H. G. Wells. CANCER (June 21-July 22): I read a review that described a certain movie as having “a soft, tenuous incandescence—like fog lit by the glow of fireflies.” That sounds like who you are these days, Cancerian. You’re mysterious yet luminous; hard to decipher but overflowing with life energy; fuzzy around the edges but radiating warmth and well-being. I encourage you to remain faithful to this assignment for now. It’s not a state you will inhabit forever, but it’s what’s needed and true for the foreseeable future. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): The published work of Leo author Thomas de Quincey fills 14 volumes. He inspired superstar writers like Edgar Allan Poe, Charles Baudelaire, Nikolai Gogol, and Jorge Luis Borges. Yet he also ingested opium for 54 years and was often addicted. Cultural historian Mike Jay says de Quincey was not self-medicating or escaping reality, but rather keen on “exploring the hidden recesses of his mind.” He used it to dwell in states of awareness that were otherwise unattainable. I don’t encourage you to take drugs or follow de Quincey’s path, Leo. But I believe the time is right to explore the hidden recesses of your mind via other means. Like what? Working with your nightly dreams? Meditating your ass off? Having soul-altering sex with someone who wants to explore hidden recesses, too? Any others? VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo journalist H. L. Mencken said, “The average person doesn’t want to be free. He wants to be safe.” There’s some truth in that, but I believe it will be irrelevant for you in the coming months. According to my analysis, you can be both safer and freer than you’ve been in a long time. I hope you take full advantage! Brainstorm about unexpected feats you might be able to accomplish during this state of grace. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Libran philosopher and writer Michel Foucalt aspired to open up his readers’ minds with novel ideas. He said his task was to make windows where there had been walls. I’d like to borrow his approach for your use in the coming weeks. It might be the most fun

to demolish the walls that are subdividing your world and keeping you preventing free and easy interchange. But I suspect that’s unrealistic. What’s more likely is partial success: creating windows in the walls. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): More and more older people are transitioning to different genders. An article in The Guardian (tinyurl.com/GenderMeaning) describes how Bethan Henshaw, a warehouse worker, transitioned to female at age 57. Ramses Underhill-Smith became a man in his 40s. With this as your starting point, I invite you to re-evaluate your personal meanings of gender. Please note I’m not implying you should change your designation. Astrological omens simply suggest that you will benefit from expanding your ideas. Here’s Scorpio singer Sophie B. Hawkins, a mother who says she is omnisexual: “My sexuality stems from an emotional connection to someone’s soul. You don’t have to make a gender choice and stick with it.” SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Sagittarian author Mark Twain said that in urgent or trying circumstances, uttering profanities “furnishes a relief denied even to prayer.” I will add that these magic words can be downright catalytic and healing—especially for you right now. Here are situations in which swearing could be therapeutic in the coming weeks: 1. when people take themselves too seriously; 2.when you need to escape feelings of powerlessness; 3. when knowit-alls are trying to limit the range of what can be said; 4. when people seem frozen or stunned and don’t know what to do next. In all these cases, well-placed expletives could provide necessary jolts to shift the stuck energy. (PS: Have fun using other surprises, ploys, and twists to shake things up for a good cause.) CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In Roman mythology, Venus was goddess of love, desire, and beauty. Yet modern science tells us the planet Venus is blanketed with sulfuric acid clouds, has a surface temperature of 867 degrees Fahrenheit, and is covered with 85,000 volcanoes. Why are the two Venuses out of sync? Here’s a clue, courtesy of occultist Dion Fortune. She said the goddess Venus is often a disturbing influence in the world, diverting us from life’s serious business. I can personally attest to the ways that my affinity for love, desire, and beauty have distracted me from becoming a hard-driving billionaire tech entrepreneur. But I wouldn’t have it any other way. How about you, Capricorn? I predict that the goddess version of Venus will be extra active in your life during the coming months. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Thousands of heirloom food species are privately owned and hoarded. They once belonged to Indigenous people but haven’t been grown for decades. Descendants of their original owners are trying to get them back and grow them again—a process they call rematriation—but they meet resistance from companies and governmental agencies that commandeered the seeds. There has been some progress, though. The Ho-Chunk Nation of Wisconsin has recovered some of its ancestral corn, beans, and squash. Now would be a good time for you Aquarians to launch your own version of rematriation: reclaiming what was originally yours and that truly belongs to you. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): I like Piscean poet Jane Hirshfield’s understanding of what “lies at the core of ritual.” She says it’s “the entrance into a mystery that can be touched but not possessed.” My wish for you right now, Pisces, is that you will experience mysteries that can be touched but not possessed. To do so will give you direct access to prime riddles at the heart of your destiny. You will commune with sublime conundrums that rouse deep feelings and rich insights, none of which are fully explicable by your logical mind. Please consider performing a homemade sacred ritual or two. Homework: What burden are you too attached to? Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com.

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

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

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING WAIVER ELECTORAL AREA C

Pursuant to Section 464 of the Local Government Act this is to provide notice of intent of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District to amend the Electoral Area C Zoning Bylaw No. 765, 2002, in a manner consistent with the Electoral Area C Ofﬁcial Community Plan Bylaw No. 689, 1999. Public notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 467 of the Local Government Act that a Public Hearing is being waived regarding the following bylaw: •

FIREWORKS SPONSOR:

ENTRANCE SUPPORTED BY:

EVENT SUPPORTERS:

Notice PERMISSIVE TAX EXEMPTION BYLAW Pursuant to Section 224(2) of the Community Charter, the Council of the Resort Municipality of Whistler will consider Bylaw No. 2411, 2023 for adoption at the Regular Council meeting on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 starting at 5:30pm at Maury Young Arts Centre, 4335 Blackcomb Way, Whister BC in the Franz Wilhelmsen Theatre. Bylaw No. 2411, 2023 exempts the following land and/or improvements from property taxes in 2024. Exemptions for 2025 and 2026 will be dependent on eligible organizations submitting a completed application form, and approval by Council.

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Electoral Area C Zoning Bylaw No. 765, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1829-2023

PURPOSE OF BYLAW No. 1829-2023 The bylaw is associated with an application to amend the zoning at 1888 Sea to Sky Hwy 99 to provide for a site-specific exception to increase the gross floor area (GFA) of the food and beverage service lounge associated with a brewery. The text amendment would provide for a food and beverage service lounge with 125m2 of indoor GFA and 125m2 of outdoor GFA, as per the maximum set by the Agricultural Land Reserve Use Regulation (ALR Use Regulation). The current SLRD Area C Zoning Bylaw provides for 60m2 of indoor GFA and 60m2 of outdoor GFA. The application states that North Arm Farm holds a brewery manufacture license, and it is understood that the intention is to build a food and beverage service lounge associated with this brewery use. As Amendment Bylaw 1829-2023 is consistent with the Electoral Area C Official Community Plan, a local government is not required to hold a public hearing. The area covered by Bylaw 1829-2023 is PID: 030-277-922 LOT A DISTRICT LOT 214 LILLOOET DISTRICT PLAN EPP68874 as outlined on the map included in this notice:

Estimated Municipal Tax Folio

Address

Proposed Exemption

Statuatory Authority

Term

2024

2025

2026

008073.022

1080 Legacy Way

Whistler 2010 Sport Legacies Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

1 Year

43,380

44,460

45,570

007924.007

1519 Spring Creek Drive

Zero Ceiling

Sec. 224(2)(a)

1 Year

3,310

3,390

3,470

005160.003

8000 Nesters Road

Whistler Community Services Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

1 Year

19,010

19,490

19,980

005316.102

2028 Rob Boyd Way

Whistler Mountain Ski Club

Sec. 224(2)(a)

1 Year

9,120

9,350

9,580

006162.002

Emerald Forest

Emerald Dreams Conservation Co Ltd.

Sec. 224(2)(b)

1 Year

1,210

1,240

1,270

006548.000

Emerald Forest

Decigon Development Corp

Sec. 224(2)(b)

1 Year

1,760

1,800

1,850

006641.000

4910 Glacier Lane

Whistler Sports Legacies Sec. 224(2)(a)

1 Year

81,140

83,170

85,250

006571.101

4350 Blackcomb Way

Audain Art Museum

Sec. 224(2)(a)

1 Year

268,310

275,020

281,900

006166.090

4584 Blackcomb Way

Spo7ez Cultural Centre and Community Society

Sec. 224(2)(a)

2 Years

67,440

69,130

70,860

INFORMATION & SUBMISSIONS A copy of the proposed bylaw and relevant background documents may be inspected at the Regional District ofﬁce, 1350 Aster Street, Pemberton, BC, during ofﬁce hours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from September 29 to October 24, 2023 not including weekends and statutory holidays or on the SLRD website at https://www.slrd.bc.ca/inside-slrd/ notices/public-hearing-or-meetings/notice-public-hearing-waiver-electoral-area-c.

006548.310

6299 Lorimer Road

Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church

Sec. 224(2)(f)

1 Year

28,990

29,710

30,450

Written submissions (mail or email) must be received at the SLRD ofﬁce no later than 4:00 pm Thursday October 24, 2023.

006547.925

7226 Fitzsimmons Road North

Whistler Community Church

Sec. 224(2)(f)

3 Years

18,380

18,840

19,310

006546.935

7146 Nesters Road

Dandelion Day Care Society

Sec. 224(2)(j)

1 Year

2,280

2,340

2,400

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca

The SLRD Board will be considering ﬁrst and second reading of Amendment Bylaw 1829-2023 at the October 25, 2023 SLRD Board meeting. All persons who believe that their interest in the property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the bylaw. Written submissions must be addressed to “SLRD Board of Directors,” and include your name and community of residence. Until 4:00 pm on October 24, 2023, written submissions will be received at the following: Email: Hard Copy:

planning@slrd.bc.ca Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Planning Department PO Box 219, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0

OCTOBER 13, 2023

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EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Guest Services Agent We’re looking for a passionate Guest Services Agent to join our team.

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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• Previous Food & Beverage Leadership • Knowledge of Food & Beverage software • Guest-centric approach with exceptional communication skills

Community

THE 2023-2024 PEMBERTON GUIDE on stands now!

NOTICES LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES Warehouse Lien Act Alan Sidorov, unless $2,730.00 plus all costs of this action are paid the contents of your storage Unit G24 at Mons Holdings Ltd 8080 Nesters Rd.Whistler, BC will be sold at 10:00am October 31,2023 Abc Professional Bailiffs Ltd 604-618-1721 doug1413@gmail.com

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Free Housing Join our team of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Hiring 3rd and 4th year apprentice or journeyman candidates with experience in service/repair work. • Offering competitive wages • Providing fully stocked truck, tools, and phone • Extended health plan available. • We can hire skilled foreign workers and support permanent residency applications. • Short-term accommodation available free of charge. Long term housing options available as well. Send your resume to: Dough@spearheadsph.com

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Carpenters • Apprentices Labourers Project Coordinator For more information on all we have to offer, please visit www.evrfinehomes.com or send your resume to info@evrfinehomes.com OCTOBER 13, 2023

Lil’wat Nation

Employment Opportunities Ullus Community Centre • Custodian • Recreation Assistant • Social Worker • Financial Reporting Manager • Accounts Receivable Coordinator • Family Enhancement Worker • Snow Removal Technician • Accounts Payable Coordinator

Xet’òlacw Community School • Child and Youth Therapist • High School Vice Principal

Lil’wat Health & Healing • Custodian • Nurse Manager • Assistant Health Director • Administrative Assistant to Health Director • Clinical Counsellor

Ts’zil Learning Centre • On Call Receptionist

Youth Centre

• Youth Centre Worker

Lil’wat Business Group • Cashier

Benefits Pension Plan • Employee Assistance Program • Gym facility Extended Health Benefits • Professional Development Please visit our career page for more information: https://lilwat.ca/careers/

Blackcomb Façade Technology is hiring Glaziers and Fabricators to join our team of smart, engaged and fun people in Whistler. Working on world class projects with the best contractors and architects. Only new construction, no service work. We are looking for candidates who have the ability to read construction drawings, proficiency with tools, and a penchant for finding solutions. Blackcomb Façade Technology offers: • Top Wages • Extended Health Benefits • Leisure Benefit • RRSP Contribution Matching Resumes and job descriptions: careers@blackcomb.tech www.blackcomb.tech/careers

48 OCTOBER 13, 2023

Vacasa’s forward-thinking approach and industry-leading technology help set us apart as the largest full-service vacation rental company in North America. We are seeking individuals with a passion for providing exceptional vacation experiences for our Owners and Guests. We offer competitive wages and benefits: Travel allowance for Squamish/Pemberton-based employees OR Ski Pass/Activity allowance, Extended Medical, RRSP match, Fun & Safe Work Environment-Great Team, opportunities to grow and more.

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Lotus Spa & Lounge The Sea to Sky corridor’s top civil construction company.

We are looking for friendly & professional candidates to join us!

Front Desk Agent

We are currently recruiting professionally minded people to join our team: Class 1 Truck Drivers

Full Time or Part Time

*Competitive wages, extended health benefits (after 3 months) Email resume to: info@whistlerexcavations.com

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Employment Opportunities • Resort BuildingMunicipality Official of Whistler

Employment Opportunities

Legislative and Privacy Coordinator • ··Program Leader Supervisor Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

·· Program Leader Skate Host ·· Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Supervisor • ·Recreation Cashier/Receptionist Waste · Solid Labourer I – Technician Village Maintenance ·· Accountant Youth and Public Services Specialist

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

SERVICE TECHNICIAN Great opportunity for a super motivated/organized person to excel in the field of lock technician services and access control solutions. The successful individual will have experience in carpentry and/or building maintenance. Any experience in low voltage electrical and/or hotel card access systems will prove very beneficial. Good communication and customer service skills as well as a strong work ethic are essential to this position. Please reply to Service@alpinelock.com with a resume and cover letter outlining your suitability and qualifications for the position. No drop-ins or phone calls please, apply only by email.

Masseuse

Full Time or Part Time Training provided Extended health benefits and a ski pass provided for full time employees. Located in the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel 4359 Main St, Whistler, BC V8E 1B5 Contact us on the info below or apply in person info@lotuswhistler.ca • lotuswhistler.ca • 604-938-8882

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Sachi Sushi is hiring experienced Japanese Chefs in Whistler. • Preparing Sushi and cooking other Japanese traditional food. • Plan menu and ensure food meets quality standards. • Estimate food requirements and estimate food and labour costs. • Instruct Kitchen Helpers and Cooks in preparation, cooking, and presentation of food. • Assist Head Chef and supervise cooks and kitchen helpers. • Inspecting ingredients for quality and freshness and supervising all food preparation. • Create new menu, recipes, and specials. • Work as a team and ensure orders are completed in a timely manner. Qualifications: • Completion of secondary school and 2 years of cook/chef experience Full-time, Permanent or Temporary All season, 30+ hours per week • $27.50 per hour Language of work is English Benefits: 4% vacation pay Start date: As soon as possible. Address: 106 – 4359 Main Street, Whistler, BC, V8E 1B5 Apply by email at sushikoba@shaw.ca

OCTOBER 13, 2023

WE ARE

HIRING

6 2

6 3 7

5 9 4 9 3 We offer competitive wages, a comprehensive pension 6 8Why work for us? plan 7 and health1 benefits, 3 2and we are driven by our passion to serve community. 8 2 1 • Clerk 2 – Casual/ On-Call 1 All Departments 3 7 6 5 8 8 4Community Planning • Plan 4 Examiner 2 – Regular Full-Time 2 1 8 Technician – Regular Full-Time • Engineering Engineering • Manager of Transportation – Regular Full-Time 3 7 1 9 9 1 3 4 Facilities # 25

• HARD Custodian – Casual/On-Call

Public Works

• Utilities Technologist – Regular Full-Time

RCMP

• Detachment Clerk – Casual/On-Call • Victim Services Case Worker – Temporary Part-Time

Squamish Fire Rescue

5 7

# 26

Staff Accommodation, Perks & Benefits

NOW HIRING FOR WINTER! Be up close with Whistler’s most unique sports, bobsleigh, skeleton & luge! Work in a fun, dynamic and inspirational team environment, meet the world’s fastest athletes and help facilitate unique public experiences. No experience needed, all training provided! Open positions: Facility Operations Worker – Snow Clearing Refrigeration Operator What we offer: STAFF HOUSING OPTIONS! Competitive wages & guaranteed hours Extensive benefits package & perks incl. health & wellness options, WB season pass financing & more Whistler’s most unique & inspirational workplace!

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• Deputy Fire Chief: Prevention, Administration and Wellness – Regular Full-Time

Looking to adopt? For an updated list of who is available, check out our website.

3 As an equitable and inclusive employer, we value 6 diversity 4 1of people to9best represent 3 the community we serve and provide excellent services to our citizens. We strive 9 2 1 to attract 7 and retain passionate and talented 5 3all backgrounds,6 individuals of demographics, and life experiences. 7 8 7 4 squamish.ca/careers 8 3 6 8 9 1 8 9 7 8 1 8 2 4 6 9 3 6 1 5

www.whistlerwag.com

Staff Accommodation, Perks & Benefits

WE’RE HIRING

2023

# 27

HARD

Whistler Olympic Park is hiring for the 2023–2024 season (November to April)

# 28

www.whistlerexcavations.com

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We are one of the largest cross country skiing and snowshoeing venues in British Columbia, located in the beautiful Callaghan Valley, just south of Whistler.

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What we offer:

We are currently recruiting professionally minded people to join our team. # 26

Required: # 27 5 1Heavy 8 9 6 Duty 3 7 4Red 2 Seal 1 6 9 5 3 8 4 2 Technician or7Apprentice 3 6Heavy 7 8 4 Duty 2 1 5 9 4 2 7 6 1 8 3 9 5 Technician 2 7 8 9 4 1 6

9 4 7 5 1 8 6 3 5 3 8 9 4 2 1 7 6 5*Competitive 1 3 2 8 6 9 wages, 4 6 9 health 3 1 2 5benefits 7 8 4 extended 4 6 5 1 9 2 3 7 7 5 1 4 8 6 9 2 3 (after 3 months) 3 2 4 7 6 5 1 8 2 8 4 3 9 7 6 5 1 7 3 6 8 5 9 2 1 3 1 2 8 5 9 4 6 7 to: 9 7 6 2 3 4 5 1 8 8Please 5 2 9 send 4 3 7 resume 6 2Email: 9 1 3 info@whistlerexcavations.com 7 4 8 5 8 4 5 7 6 1 2 3 9

50 OCTOBER 13, 2023 Page 7 of 25

STAFF HOUSING OPTIONS IN WHISTLER!

# 28

9 2 7 3 4 8 6 1 5

Answers 1 8 4 5 6 9 7 2 3

3 6 5 1 2 7 9 4 8

2 4 9 8 3 6 5 7 1

7 1 3 9 5 4 8 6 2

6 5 8 2 7 1 3 9 4

4 9 2 6 8 5 1 3 7

8 3 6 7 1 2 4 5 9

Competitive wages Transport and carpool options to/from work 5 7 1 4 9 3 2 8 6

4/11/2005

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GUEST SERVICES AGENT At Whistler Superior Properties, we are dedicated to creating memorable experiences for our guests. Our commitment to exceptional service and attention to detail sets us apart, and we’re looking for a passionate Guest Services Agent to join our team. Key Responsibilities: • Greet and assist guests with check-in and check-out procedures. • Handle guest inquiries, requests, and concerns with professionalism and courtesy. • Ensure a smooth and efficient arrival and departure process. • Preferred: Assist with basic maintenance tasks as needed. • Preferred: Possess a valid driver’s license for shuttle service and errands. Qualifications: • High school diploma or equivalent. • Previous experience in hospitality or guest services is a plus but not required. • Strong interpersonal and communication skills. • Preferred: Maintenance skills and experience. • Preferred: Valid driver’s license. What We Offer: • Competitive salary. • Opportunities for growth and development. • A supportive and friendly work environment. • Comprehensive training. • Health and wellness benefits. To apply, please send your resume and a brief cover letter to info@whistlersuperior.com, for a detailed description of the position, please visit www.whistlersuperior.com Whistler Superior Properties is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND SNOW SERVICES BUILDING AN EXCELLENT COMPANY, PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS, AND RESULTS

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STRONG WORK ETHIC

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES SNOWPLOW OPERATOR, Whistler - Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence required. Must be available from November 15 through March 31. Prior work experience an asset but all those with a willingness to work hard and learn are welcome to apply; on-the-job training is provided. HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, Squamish - Minimum 5 years or 5,000 hours operating experience on excavator. Full-time, Monday – Friday.

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NOW HIRING Pemberton Arts Council

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OCTOBER 13, 2023

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PUZZLES ACROSS 1 6 10 14 19 20 22 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 35 39 41 43 45 47 48 51 53 55 56 59 61 62 64 66 68 70 72 73 75 77

Metal rope Homer’s “Iliad” is one “-- a Lady” Maxim Grant permission Art on a wall Fable writer -- cotta Ward (off) Make points Cousin to a croc Zeus’s shield Container weight Scoundrel Attentive one Actor -- Ferrer Soon, in sonnets Mascara mishap Game birds Earn Miscalculation Take delight in Narcotics org. Evergreen Fat Actor -- Mineo Cash dispenser Otherwise Ring out Waterproof canvas Type of sweatshirt Scottish landowner River deposit Kind of pitcher Overflow Prime Minister -- Gandhi Reunion attendee French painter

4 1 8

79 80 82 84 86 88 90 91 95 97 101 102 104 106 108 110 112 114 115 117 118 120 121 122 124 126 128 129 131 133 135 139 141 145 146 148 150 151 153

Elongated fish Take down the tent Ointment Syria’s capital Apparel Temperamental Pear-shaped instrument Publishes anew Engaged in, as a trade Rescind Bearded creature Escargot Earth’s neighbor Drives back Coniferous tree Intertwine Boat with cargo Orange type O.T. book “Beowulf,” for one Storied racer Peru’s capital To the -- degree Show assent Variety Great number Pen point Lookout man White wine variety Belt Picketing one Bit of grass Lasted Singer -- Horne Like some tests Adhere Pasternak character Gasket (hyph.) -- salts

6 3 7

1 3 2 1 7 6 5

9 1 3

155 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164 165

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 21 23 31 33 36 37 38 40 42

5 9 3

Body of water Type of pear Blockhead Playground attraction Instant noodles Outmoded Malicious look Sufficient, in verse Singer -- Lovett Saplings

Social class Communion table Raucous sound Beautiful Sheep Print measures Robin Goodfellow Shackles Chewy candy Droop Noggin Bar legally Bring comfort to -- -- standstill Radio personality Inert gas Grain for grinding Facilitates Movable handle Primps “I’m all --!” Hindu prince Lubricant -- tide Attaches Traveled way Opera highlights

44 46 48 49 50 52 54 56 57 58 60 63 65 67 69 70 71 74 76 78 81 83 85 87 89 91 92 93 94 96 98 99 100 101 103 105 107 109 111

Flow off Domain Sandwich shop Antelope Stage direction New York island Group of three Parting word Works a field Brooks and Gibson Rock’s -- Clapton Of punishment Oil cartel Tows Group of players Turn Skeletal part Collect Hoof-on-pavement sound Spud Dried plum Actress -- Falco Playing card Hits on the head Hankerings Holiday dinner item Soil “The Seven Year --” Marner of fiction Noble’s territory Fall birthstone Actor -- Spacey Tropical resin Valley Nigerian port city Flies high Thick slice Therefore Chocolate substitute

113 116 119 123 125 126 127 129 130 132 134 135 136 137 138 140

Pen Rule the -Merit Assigned tasks Soft mineral Type of insurance Father Posture Place of worship Bravery Rotating star Trudges “Peanuts” character Cat- -- -- -tails Varnish ingredient Foe

142 143 144 147 149 152 154 156 157

Union demand Wipe out Some Scandinavians Extinct bird Highlander Neighbor of Switz. Kitten’s cry Dir. letters Likely

LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

HARD

# 26

Enter a digit from 1 through 9 in each cell, in such a way that: • Each horizontal row contains each digit exactly once • Each vertical column contains each digit exactly once • Each 3x3 box contains each digit exactly once Solving a sudoku puzzle does not require any mathematics; simple logic suffices.

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: HARD

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

9 3 6 7 4 1

8 1 6 9 3

HARD # 28 Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com

ANSWERS ON PAGE 50

OCTOBER 13, 2023

MAXED OUT

Tales from the inbox, revisited “MAIL CALL!” It seems in old war movies of WWII vintage, mail call was a moment of both jubilation and fear. All the grunts wanted to hear from home, but no one wanted the dreaded “Dear John” letter. I can’t remember the last time I actually got mail that was anything but political flyers, advertisements or the occasional magazine. The same can not be said for email. That seems to come in regularly. Fortunately, my spam filter captures most of the kinds of things that appear in my Canada Post mailbox, but judging from the rest of it, there’s no surprise people who read this column seem concerned with their chances of landing decent housing in Tiny Town. So, autumn cleaning, like spring cleaning,

BY G.D. MAXWELL seems like a good time to clean out my inbox. Not that I don’t answer emails directly. Just seems some subjects come up like mushrooms in the forest this time of year. Hey Max. You seem to have drunk the buildbaby-build Kool-Aid. Weren’t you the guy who frequently called for right-sizing the resort? Reining in growth? Now you seem to be a cheerleader for more and more employee housing. Doesn’t have anything to do with you joining the WHA board, does it? -Inquiring mind. Until Kool-Aid comes in Scotch flavour, IM, I’ll pass on it—too much sugar. Years ago, as a green lawyer arguing my first case, a crusty old judge called me to the bench for a “word.” It seems I’d made my point... repeatedly. Perhaps he was getting hungry or possibly bored, but he leaned down and said, “Counsellor, you’re beating a dead horse.” I cancelled the next three witnesses who were going to give that horse another kick and rested my case. Right-sizing Whistler is a dead horse of a different nature. It’s an argument I’ve lost. Still dead, though... until market forces make it come alive some time in the future. The current political reality is for the town to continue to build employeerestricted housing without abatement. The demand, from employees, employers and just about everyone in town who needs a better and more secure place to live, is relentless. In the math of politics, Demand + Political Will = Action. I’m pretty sure Sun Tzu had something to say about not fighting battles you’ve already lost. Dude. I’ve been on the WHA waitlist like forever. When are you going to build more housing? -Reno Victed Judging from your nom de plume, I’m going to hazard a guess you’re on the rental waitlist,

54 OCTOBER 13, 2023

ADOBE STOCK

Reno. To answer your question, I’m not going to build any housing. You wouldn’t want to live anywhere I’ve built, or even worked on. But the efforts of the Whistler 2020 Development Corporation and the Whistler Housing Authority have managed to put up five new buildings since 2018, about one a year. Two more are coming out of the ground this moment. There seems to be a common misconception, borne no doubt out of desperation, that creating housing is as easy as saying, “build more housing.” Actually, it makes rocket science look easy, rocket science being mostly math and engineering. The key ingredients to building housing are land, labour, material, permits, and lots of money. Whistler is lucky to have the land,

has managed to build as much employeerestricted housing as it has is because it’s been done without direct taxpayer subsidies, the former Athletes Village excepted. I’m not sure how enthusiastic local taxpayers would be about underwriting employee housing. Not sure I want to find out. My neighbours rent out a suite in their house through Airbnb. It’s like a revolving door over there. We don’t live in a part of town zoned for tourist accommodation. Why doesn’t bylaw shut them down? -Steamed Airbnb started out, like other disruptive businesses, as a pretty good idea. Rent a room in your house out to visitors, enhance their

Just confiscate rich peoples’ homes and let the workers live there. What could go wrong?

an Olympic™ legacy. After that, it gets a lot harder. It’s a toss-up at any given point in the development process which of the others is going to bite you on the ass and derail your efforts. Private developers in town will point to the permitting process. But labour is neither cheap nor abundant. The increases in the price of many building materials makes grocery shopping seem reasonable. And money, well, let me know if you figure out how to rig the lottery. One of the reasons people come to see how Whistler

“experience” by having them stay with a local rather than in an anonymous hotel. That idea, quaint as it is, was sideswiped by investors who bought property for the sole purpose of flogging it on Airbnb. As you say, Whistler does have restrictive zoning disallowing—and a bylaw requiring a business permit to do—nightly rentals. Both are enforced, albeit not with a great deal of gusto. And as with many towns, the fine is too puny to deter hardcore greedheads. But if you haven’t ratted on your

neighbours to bylaw, that’s the first step. I don’t know what the second step is, and Redneck Max gets in trouble telling people a litre of gas is cheap, so I won’t go there. Ironically, the federal government, which just woke up to the housing woes rampant across the country, is floating the idea of inducing—strongarming?— municipalities to limit the number of Airbnbs through bylaw changes designed to increase long-term rentals. What’s ironic about it is an unnamed “government source” said it could alleviate rental shortages in places like Tiny Town and Banff. Obviously we’re a long way from Ottawa. Max. Why doesn’t council force these greedy big homeowners to rent out rooms to us workers? They don’t live in their houses. No one does. We should just confiscate them. -Power to the People Hey, I saw your recommendation at the latest Vital Cafe. Just confiscate rich peoples’ homes and let the workers live there. What could go wrong? It has been tried in other places, Hungary comes to mind, as does... nevermind. I guess it would work, as long as we overthrew government while we were at it. Ditto the Constitution and Charter of Rights and Freedoms, several hundred years of jurisprudence and widely held beliefs of most Canadians. But no doubt it would provide more housing. Thing is, in most of those places where it’s happened, it wasn’t the workers who ended up being housed, at least not for very long. When the revolutionary dust settled, those houses tended to be occupied by bigwigs in the Party apparatus, who somehow seem to amass substantial wealth. At least until the counter-revolution. But heck, might work here. Never know. ■

T KE AR M TO EW N

#219 – 2050 Lake Placid Road: Lake Placid Lodge 3 bed / 2 bath fully furnished condo. Walk to Whistler Mtn Gondola, nearby pubs, shops, parks and lakes. Enjoy owner use and excellent nightly rental option too! $2,599,000 + GST 604-616-6933

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