Pique Newsmagazine 3046

NOVEMBER 17, 2023 ISSUE 30.46

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CORRAL STAMPEDE

A Whistler ski-season

primer Everything you need to know ahead of opening day

14

COMMON CENTS Whistler budget proposes 8.18-per-cent tax increase

16

HALL OF FAME Roger McCarthy inducted into Canadian Ski Hall of Fame

42

THREE FOR ALL The Victoria Guitar Trio plays Whistler Nov. 19

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

38

34

42

A Whistler ski-season primer Everything you need to know ahead of opening day. - By Brandon Barrett

14 COMMON CENTS

Whistler’s preliminary draft

28 CULTURAL COOK

A traditional pit cook held at

budget is now available for review, with an 8.18-per-cent tax increase and

Pemberton’s Signal Hill Elementary doubles as a bridge-builder between

a focus on the “nuts and bolts” of infrastructure.

cultures and communities.

16 HALL OF FAME

38 BODY BREAK

Whistler’s Roger McCarthy, who

Coached by Lylas Leona, Whistlerites

has left an indelible mark on the Canadian and global ski industries, will

Michelle Elliott and Rebecca Murphy-Bishop reached the podium at high-

be inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame on Nov. 17.

level bodybuilding events in Washington and Calgary.

20 SHUCK CANCER

42 THREE FOR ALL

Bearfoot Bistro’s 11th annual

After four years away from col-

World Oyster Invitational is raising funds in support of myeloma, a rare

lective performance, the Victoria Guitar Trio is reuniting in Whistler—but

form of blood cancer.

with a new face among them.

COVER Praise be to Ullr. - Photo by Matthew Sylvestre // Courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb 4 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Weekend Forecast Inside

Weekend Forec Ins

SEE PAGE 11 >>

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS

As we wait for the snow to arrive, editor Braden Dupuis does a deep dive

#202 -1390 ALPHA LAKE RD., FUNCTION JUNCTION, WHISTLER, B.C. V8E 0H9.

PH: (604) 938-0202 FAX: (604) 938-0201 www.piquenewsmagazine.com

into Whistler’s historical snowfall data.

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers weigh in on the costs of climate change

Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@piquenewsmagazine.com Editor BRADEN DUPUIS - bdupuis@piquenewsmagazine.com

and B.C.’s confusing approach to drug enforcement.

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

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST A year into his tenure with Pique, columnist David Song offers up

Art Director JON PARRIS - jparris@piquenewsmagazine.com

some reflections from a city boy.

58 MAXED OUT Like a kid caught up in an endless wait for Christmas Eve, Max is counting the sleeps to

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

Whistler Blackcomb’s opening day.

Digital/Sales Coordinator KATIE DOUGLAS - kbechtel@wplpmedia.com

Environment & Adventure

Production - production@piquenewsmagazine.com

33 RANGE ROVER Columnist Leslie Anthony breaks down the financial realities faced by many home-

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

owners in Whistler.

Reporters

Lifestyle & Arts

BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com DAVID SONG - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com

40 FORK IN THE ROAD Glenda Bartosh offers up a list of fast food (and drink) facts that might

RÓISÍN CULLEN - rcullen@piquenewsmagazine.com SCOTT TIBBALLS - stibballs@piquenewsmagazine.com

serve you well in many a holiday social setting.

Classifieds and Reception - mail@piquenewsmagazine.com

46 MUSEUM MUSINGS Looking back on some of Whistler’s earliest ski swaps, which proved to be

Office and Accounts Manager HEIDI RODE - hrode@wplpmedia.com Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL,

remarkably effective fundraisers in the resort’s early years.

ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT Pique Newsmagazine (a publication of Pacific Coastal Publishing Limited Partnership, a division of Glacier Media) distributed 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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OPENING REMARKS

Counting snowflakes in Whistler IN 1991 , Guns N’ Roses released the classic rock ballad “November Rain,” which was confusing for some of us in Saskatchewan.

Hearing it as a child growing up on the vast, frozen tundra we call the prairies, I assumed Axl Rose was going for some

BY BRADEN DUPUIS kind of clever metaphor—being absolutely certain, as I was, that rain in November was simply not possible.

Of course, as everyone living on the West Coast can attest, rain in November is not only possible, it’s often inevitable.

The past couple weeks in Whistler are proof.

And as opening day creeps ever closer, all eyes are on the snowline drifting its way towards the valley floor.

The snow is slow to arrive in the valley so far this year, but not to fear—as always, Whistler Blackcomb’s (WB) 359 snow guns are hard at work faking winter in the mountains.

“We’re certainly hopeful for the forecast through the back half of next week after the storm moves through on the weekend, and cautiously optimistic about what that will bring in terms of natural snow,” WB’s new chief operating officer and VP Belinda Trembath told Pique on Nov. 9. “We’re certainly ready to go, so no concerns about our snowmaking capacity, and certainly the team are ready to go. They’re all trained up and we’re in production.” (Read more about opening day preparations on page 34.)

But how does this November’s meagre snowfall stack up against other years?

According to Environment Canada’s weather station on Nesters Road, November

is often a month of extremes when it comes to snowfall.

From 1980 to 2019, Whistler saw, on average, 61 centimetres of snow in November. But that of course doesn’t tell the full story.

Broken down by decade, November snowfall in Whistler is showing signs of decline. From 1980 to ’89, the resort averaged 64.7 cm in November. From 1990 to 99, it averaged 75.95, and from 2000 to 2009, that dropped to 57.51.

From 2010 to 2019, November’s average was 45.61 centimetres of snow in the Whistler Valley.

On only two occasions since 1977 has Whistler gone a full November with no snow: in 2002 and 2019. The biggest snowfall accumulation on record for the month came in November 1984, when a staggering 195.4 cm fell in the valley—a monthly total that is among the biggest

cm); and 2010 to 2019 (91.44 cm).

So, aside from the ’80s, which appears to be something of an outlier decade in terms of snowfall, December’s totals are also trending downwards.

And Whistler’s total annual snowfall accumulation is also declining, at least in the valley.

From 1980 to ’89 (again, something of an odd decade for snowfall), Whistler saw a total of 3,713.8 cm, for an average of about 371.38 per year.

From 1990 to ’99, local skiers and boarders were spoiled, as the resort tallied 4,783 cm in the valley (an average of about 478 cm per year).

According to Environment Canada, 1999 is the biggest calendar year on record in terms of snowfall, with an astounding 716.1 cm recorded in the Whistler Valley from January to December.

To put that into context, 1999 is the only

According to Environment Canada, 1999 is the biggest calendar year on record in terms of snowfall, with an astounding 716.1 cm recorded in the Whistler Valley from January to December. ever seen in Whistler (the overall honour goes to December 1996, when 257.6 cm were recorded in the valley—more than the total annual accumulation of 1981, 2005, 2013, 2015, and 2022).

It’s no surprise the record occurred in December, which, since 1980, has proven Whistler’s money month when it comes to snow, with an average monthly snowfall of about 108 cm from 1980 to 2019.

By decade: Dec. 1980 to 1989 (88.31 cm); 1990 to 99 (136 cm); 2000 to 2009 (115.73

calendar year the resort topped the 700-cm mark, and it has only surpassed 600 cm three times: in 2006 (657.7 cm); 1990 (646.9 cm); and 1994 (632 cm).

From 2000 to 2009, Whistler recorded 4,056 cm of total snowfall, for an average of about 406 cm per year. From 2010 to 2019, that number dropped to 3,336 cm and an average of 333.6 cm per year.

The data doesn’t lie—Whistler is seeing less snow than it did in decades past.

In fact, from 2010 to 2019, the resort did

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not top the 500-cm mark once, according to Environment Canada’s data, and the lowest snow year on record occurred in 2015, when just 142.1 cm were tallied in the valley.

That’s only slightly above the 165.6 cm counted in 2022—good enough for the second lowest year on record.

And to top it all off, it’s looking very likely 2023 will go down as the absolute worst snow year on record; as of this writing, a measly 47.4 cm have fallen in Whistler this calendar year, meaning December has its work cut out for it if 2023 wants to avoid the honour of worst snow year ever.

What else can we glean from this comprehensive and time-consuming data collection and sorting project?

Well, we’re not quite halfway through our current decade, so it’s possible we see a snowfall resurgence—but current trends are not encouraging. From 2010 to 2019, Whistler had only one month, December

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2016, that tallied more than 150 cm of snow.

Compare that to 2000 to 2009, which counted six months with more than 150 cm, or 1990 to 1999, which had eight, and it’s easy to see which way we’re headed.

So… what bounties will Ullr bestow upon us in 2024? Only time will tell. Fire up your ski burns and hope for the best.

But the longterm trends point to a snowline that, eventually, never quite reaches valley bottom—and plenty more of that cold November rain. ■

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

How should we pay for climate change?

I was recently reading a report that the B.C. government will spend upwards of $966 million on just wildfires in 2023. Here in Whistler we spend millions on FireSmart™. All levels of government are embracing the spend, but who is paying for that?

How do we get the biggest emitters to pay the biggest part of the cost of climate change, i.e. floods and fires?

The Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives estimates extreme weather events cost the B.C. economy between $10 to 15 billion in 2021. We know our insurance rates are going up, but where else are true climate change costs being passed on?

As I look into the carbon tax, it seems like a brilliant piece of policy: charge emitters based on actual carbon burned, give rebates to those who can least afford the cost. Want to take a long flight? Pay more carbon tax! Want to drive a bigger vehicle that emits more? Pay more tax!

This seems so sensible, yet I hear many well-educated people talking about how bad the carbon tax is. What are they opposed to?

Shockingly, even Conservatives are opposed to a user-pay climate tax model. I truly don’t understand.

Can someone please explain to me why the largest emitters should not pay?

I look forward to a time where the carbon tax will start to be high enough that people will change their behaviour… or perhaps there is a better way to have high emitters pay more for climate change adaptation… I would love to learn more about those models.

Brendan Ladner // Whistler

Whistler Old School Initiative couldn’t do it without you Well, here we are almost in 2024. We formally

founded The Old School Initiative during the spring of 2020, and we have never looked back. It’s been an interesting journey, and we continue to learn and grow.

Aside from some food-bank donations and support for Myrtle Philip Community School (our alma mater), we have consistently focused our support on The Real Wild Kittens skateboarding program, The Whistler Skateboarding Club and our four local rockstar athletes: Broderick Thompson, Juliette Pelchat, Emeline Bennett and Truth Smith.

We have provided both financial support and tailored access to learning and development.

Not only are our athletes excelling in their sports across the globe, but they are also incredible young community members, which is a pillar of our program in terms of qualifying for assistance.

In the last few weeks, we have re-signed with all our athletes for the 2023-24 season, which would not have been possible without the generous contributions from Beedie Living (the company behind the Northlands development), Coastal Mountain Excavations (true Old Schoolers), as well as from our collaboration with Foon Skis (that awesome local ski company based out of Pemberton).

So, I wanted to say thank you to all of you.

Your support and belief in what we are doing, particularly in these challenging times, goes such a long way.

Moving forward, our aim is to support more athletes. We have interviewed several local athletes who have applied for funding and sponsorship. All these young folks are amazing in their sport and in our community.

We are actively seeking ways to support you!

Stay tuned…

Beau Jarvis // Whistler

Buckets full of thanks to B.C.’s firefighters We’re sending buckets full of deep appreciation out to all the firefighters

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10 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR and BC Wildfire Service personnel who came from near and far to work with their courage and diligence this past summer.

Their monumental jobs were nothing short of formidable as they tamed such a tempestuous dragon with a mind of its own, growing and blowing in all directions over the Bendor Range. Whether delivering the goods with boots on in steep terrain, aiming through the smoky air, or over the rough road with machinery, their personal sacrifices and devotion demonstrated genuine inner callings. What we witnessed was outstanding. Thank you all!

In 1970, near Casper Creek, we cleared land, with man- and horse-power, covered by huge amounts of logging debris. As the small trees grew by leaps over time, our labour turned to annual stewarding of the land and managing the surrounding forest. This important activity has become an annual spring workout. FireSafe activities are more important than ever as weather patterns change here and everywhere. We try our best to be prepared.

Thanks to friends, in the nick of time, we obtained our irrigation water from the creek. Since previous wildfires had come too close for comfort, we fortunately invested in high-pressure roof sprinklers for structural protection. Tactical preparation can really help avoid disaster—not only for oneself, but it will positively affect the next-door neighbour’s safety, too, and could even save the whole community from a bad outcome.

The BC Wildfire Service and firefighters will definitely benefit if we do our homework.

Wherever we are, we all can do better to clean up our places and exercise regular maintenance. But who can tame the wind’s directions and turbulent gusts? In this day and age, it’s all about making ourselves as ready as possible.

At both ends of the Interior Salish corridor, our St’at’imc Nation neighbours have been generous with sharing their land-stewarding practices and Fire-Safe knowledge. The

welcome advice was taken to heart and put into action. Glued to his mountain perch this season, the old fellow’s fire education included some extreme hands-on experience and sideby-side instruction from the Salish Crew’s Mount Currie unit. All the generous teachings throughout the years, and particularly this recent close-up mountain episode, have become treasured gifts... as too is our home, still standing!

(Read more about the Thors’ efforts to preserve their home from last summer’s wildfires at piquenewsmagazine.com/localnews/one-mans-fire-7771792.)

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Confused by B.C.’s drug policy I am confused. My friends think that all the time by the way. I am seeking help. LOL. In a recent operation, the Vancouver Police Department (VPD) conducted raids on stores that were selling psilocybin, resulting in multiple arrests.

Meanwhile, mushrooms, particularly the so-called “magic” mushrooms, can be found growing naturally in places such as Whistler. I saw some on the trail from Lot 5 to Lost Lake.

It’s a stark contrast to substances like fentanyl, a synthetic opioid exclusively produced in laboratories. It doesn’t occur naturally in our forests. Curiously, one can snort fentanyl in British Columbia without facing legal consequences.

However, if you choose to use a plastic straw to snort fentanyl, that’s against the law.

I’ve decided to take the red pill, as this version of the Matrix seems to be in disarray.

Patrick Smyth // Whistler

et

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A short note of thanks My favourite part of the week is reading the Pique on Saturday morning. This week the last page was particularly good. Thanks, Max. (see Pique, Nov. 10, “Dear Trudeau…”).

Steve St. Arnaud // Whistler n

Write to us! Letters to the editor must contain the writer’s name, address and a daytime telephone number.

Maximum length is 450 words. Pique Newsmagazine reserves the right to edit, condense or refrain from publishing any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine. Send them to edit@ piquenewsmagazine.com before 11 a.m. on Tuesday for consideration in that week’s paper.

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PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST

Reflections of a city boy NOV. 4 marked the one-year anniversary of my arrival here in Whistler. As I said back then, it was the first time I’d ever set foot in this picturesque resort town. I arrived not knowing what to expect, and I wasn’t especially optimistic about making friends in a place that thrives on skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking—none of which I’d ever really tried.

BY DAVID SONG dsong@piquenewsmagazine.com I’m a city boy used to the amenities found in my longtime home of Calgary.

More than 365 days later, I know I’ll be sticking around for the foreseeable future.

But it’s not for the reasons most people choose Whistler as their home.

I still haven’t gone skiing yet.

Sacrilegious, I know, but it was important for me to find my bearings at work before taking up a new leisure activity.

Rest assured, I have plenty of church friends who’ve been good-naturedly peerpressuring me into skiing, and the plan is to try the Magic Chair this winter. (If I break my femur out there, my blood is on all of your hands.)

Mountain biking is even further outside my world. Don’t get me wrong: covering

Crankworx this July was a privilege and a learning experience, but bikes are expensive and I just don’t think this particular activity is for me. No offence to any of the talented riders I’ve written about so far, but I’ll leave the speed and acrobatics to you.

There are certainly things about this town that disappoint me or make me anxious. Cost of living is a constant factor, and having experienced it, I cannot listen to Albertans complain about gas prices in the $1.40 range ever again. Village 8

large. Disruptive accidents seem to happen on that road far too often for my liking, though I’m told it used to be much worse.

Nonetheless, I check the “Sea to Sky Road Conditions” Facebook page obsessively whenever I have plans.

So what’s keeping me in Whistler, other than a job at Pique Newsmagazine that pays me for talking to Olympians?

I did get exceptionally lucky with housing. Outside of that, my mind goes back to something Vicki Romanin told me.

I still haven’t gone skiing yet.

Sacrilegious, I know, but it was important for me to find my bearings at work before taking up a new leisure activity.

closing down was frustrating—though a movie theatre is a first-world luxury, I love watching films the way most of you love skiing, and I’ve burned a lot of fuel driving to Vancouver to do so.

That puts me at the mercy of Highway 99: our sole timely link to civilization at

Romanin was my very first interview for Pique, and a truly memorable one after she’d conquered her age group at the 350-kilometre Tor des Géants ultramarathon.

“Takes a lot to break into any community, let alone this one, which can seem a little bit ‘closed’ at first,” Romanin wrote me in an

email. “So many people in and out—people (ok, locals) get a bit wary. That being said, you are the perfect age to get into it all!”

I celebrated my 27th birthday back in January, and while it’s somewhat disturbing to be close to 30, I’m still relatively young.

As one of the most extroverted people you’ll ever meet, I do my part to connect with others, but Whistler was daunting at first for a non-athlete like myself.

Even our town’s neighbourhoods are typically sequestered away from one another and hidden from view of the main highway.

That’s as closed-off a first impression as any I’ve encountered.

Yet today, it’s not the sports or the nature that keep me here, although they are great. It’s the people.

Understanding that religion is not a very popular pursuit in the Sea to Sky, I found a lively and welcoming friend group at Whistler Community Church. Against the odds, it happened in one of Canada’s most secular areas. No doubt some of you have had much more negative encounters with Christianity than myself, but that’s a topic for another time—I’m just telling you about my personal experience.

With a support system in place, I felt empowered to really explore life in my new town. Gradually, I began meeting other locals for whom sport is not king. Folks like Ira Pettle showed me that one need not be a ski bum to find one’s niche in Whistler. n

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13

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler showcases ‘nuts and bolts’ budget in mid-process information session THE RMOW IS PROPOSING AN 8.18-PER-CENT PROPERTY TAX INCREASE ALONGSIDE SMALLER INCREASES IN UTILITY FEES

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS IT WAS A MILD TURNOUT at the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) budget mingle information session on Thursday, Nov. 9, with about 20 residents turning out at the Whistler Public Library.

In what was described by the RMOW’s director of finance Carlee Price as a “nuts and bolts” budget, the municipality is proposing tax and utility fee increases to help make up lost ground from previous years of low rates so critical infrastructure can be renewed without heavy cost incursions in the near future.

As proposed, the municipal property tax rate will rise by 8.18 per cent, while utility fees will go up by five per cent for solid waste, four per cent for water, and seven per cent for sewer—but these numbers could yet change, as the RMOW is only midway through the budget process.

In opening remarks for the presentation, Councillor Jen Ford described the budget process as hard work, “especially with the current state of the economy.

“Inflation is on everyone’s mind—this is not something we take lightly,” she said.

MAKING CENTS Director of finance Carlee Price presents at a budget info session at the Whistler Public Library on Nov. 9.

PHOTO BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

14 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

“We have to plan for the future, and we have to address the needs of today. But we don’t want all of the burden of the cost of replacement of our critical assets to be a moment in time; this is something we spread out over generations.”

Chief administrative officer Ginny Cullen also spoke of the economic headwinds facing Canada, and the impact on municipal operations when talking about external

who primed the attendees with contextual and comparative information showing where Whistler stands next to other municipalities and their own tax rates in a lead-up to explaining the rationale behind the 8.18-percent increase proposed for 2024.

In short, Price said Whistler was undercollecting taxes for years in relation to other municipalities, essentially kicking the can down the road, especially considering

“Inflation is on everyone’s mind—this is not something we take lightly.”

- JEN FORD

factors in the process.

“Our costs are inflating … This is specifically hitting the cost of our affordable housing projects, and the care and maintenance of our RMOW buildings and infrastructure, so it is an important consideration and a stress on our budget,” she said. Cullen also talked of general unpredictability in the global economy, ongoing challenges to institutional sturdiness when faced by climate change, and affordability.

TAX INCREASE PROPOSED

But most of the information came from Price,

Whistler, as a relatively young community, was not used to renewing capital infrastructure— expenses that were coming.

“In the last decade, the scale [of budget priorities] has been weighted towards minimizing the amount of tax collected,” Price said. “We have better information now and can make better choices, and there’s still time to make up for lost ground.”

Price’s presentation covered everything from explaining the high level of amenities enjoyed by Whistler locals to the priorities of spending. As far as minimizing tax increases, there are ongoing demands from both those wanting more for their money and those

wanting to hold onto more of their money, she said.

“Budgeting, at its heart, is weighing the balance between those in the community that believe that taxes are far too high, and those in the community that want more and more things from the municipality,” she said.

To that point, staff describe the 2024 budget as being infrastructure- and asset renewalfocused through the topping up of reserves.

As it exists now in preliminary form, the RMOW has forecast a $92.2-million operating budget, with a $24.1-million capital budget, $24.3-million utilities operating budget and $20.2-million utilities capital budget.

All that adds up to the 8.18-per-cent increase, which according to the RMOW “is equal to approximately $103 per million dollars of assessed value on a market residential property, [and] $529 per million on a business property.”

TRACKING PROPOSED EXPENSES

Breaking down some of the numbers presented by staff at the mingle, figures across the board are budgeted to go up by varying degrees.

For the office of mayor and council, the RMOW has budgeted $674,244, up by a slim 2.26 per cent from 2023 when $659,300 was budgeted. (2023’s actual expense is as yet unknown as the year has not ended).

The office of the CAO and associated administrative functions (such as human

NEWS WHISTLER resources) is $2,103,472, up by a meaty 12 per cent from 2023, when $1,877,840 was budgeted.

But the two above departments are small potatoes when compared to community engagement and cultural services, budgeted at just over $15.5 million (up 10.9 per cent), or climate action, planning and development at $20.8 million (up by 11.2 per cent).

The big item, and the focus of the budget, is infrastructure services, which has $27.5 million budgeted, an increase of 6.5 per cent from 2023 when there was $25.8 million budgeted. In 2022, that department’s actual expense came in at $24.3 million.

More granular data gives a good look at what sort of projects that money is going to—including some 121 separate projects funded from the various operating and capital reserves, as well as from tourismderived funds.

Still to come is a council review of projects for 2024; a presentation to council on a more final budget on Dec. 19 (“so close to Christmas, what a gift,” joked Ford in her remarks); and a final five-year plan going to council on Jan. 9.

The RMOW wants more of your input: Residents are encouraged to stay in the conversation by engaging through the RMOW’s Engage website (engage.whistler. ca), by communicating with councillors, and emailing the budget team. The RMOW is after information on resident priorities, what they want to see more of, and notably what they want to see less of, too.

Coun. Cathy Jewett took a moment to speak to Pique after the mingle, and encouraged locals to get more involved and up to speed on the budget process.

“Council only has so much time with this information,” she said, noting early engagement through the budget survey helped give the RMOW an idea of where the community’s priorities lay, but more input is needed.

And gaining insight into the things residents would be OK seeing cut from the budget is just as important as hearing what services they want expanded or maintained, Jewett added.

“It’s important to hear from staff, but it’s also super important to hear from the folks that live here and pay taxes to ask: ‘what do you cut?’” she said.

THE 2024 PROJECTS

The list of ongoing projects on the agenda through 2024 runs long at 121, with money coming from the municipality’s various reserves and funding streams.

Here’s a quick look at just a handful: • From the General Capital Reserve, $20,000 is budgeted for public art repair. Whistler owns and curates more than 40 pieces of public art, with those funds budgeted for their ongoing care and repairs.

• $155,000 is on the books. Literally.

The RMOW is budgeting a healthy sum to go towards the Whistler Public Library to continually update its selection of physical and digital media collections.

• The municipality also has a hefty sum of funds going towards the upgrading and maintenance of its computer systems and associated infrastructure that ensure the secure transport and storage of data, with $452,000 coming from the general capital

reserve. The funds also cover third-party audits, assessments and contract services for network architecture and security methodology.

• From the general operating reserve, the RMOW is planning to spend $20,000 on Indigenous cultural awareness training for staff and council along with another $35,000 on “Diversity, Equity and Inclusion,” though the latter file does not elaborate. Both of those expenses are going through the CAO’s office.

• The municipality is also putting aside some $45,000 to develop a priority habitat management strategy as an alternative to doing assessments on a case-by-case basis as developments arise in the valley.

• Another $75,000 is listed under “targeted engagement,” with the project described as designed to “support innovation and pilot new engagement activities in the community,” with the Whistler Sessions falling under this project.

• From the MRDT funding stream, which is drawn from charges to hotel stays and therefore tourism-facing, the RMOW has nine projects on the docket, including $26,000 for new lamppost banners, $157,000 for village enhancement (explained as ongoing repair to the Village Stroll, among other things), as well as $150,000 for Valley Trail maintenance and another $200,000 for general improvements to parks.

• From recreation works charges, the RMOW is plowing $591,655 into the Meadow Park Sports Centre to extend its life. A large chunk of that money will go towards replacing windows, but some of it will go towards detailed design development of a “heat recovery loop system” that, according to the project description, will harvest waste heat and significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the facility. The adjacent Meadow Park also gets another $3.25 million from the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI) funding stream to replace the existing water spray park and playground.

• Also from the RMI (which is tourismfacing funding), $62,284 will go towards new interpretive panels; $150,000 is going into the Whistler Conference Centre; $174,877 is for three interconnected projects along Alpha Lake; there’s $239,000 for washroom rejuvenation; and the Rainbow Park rejuvenation project gets $866,061, to be completed in 2024.

• At the nuts and bolts level of the project list, there’s $1.65 million going into sewer main upgrades and another $250,000 for annual upgrades across the system as smaller capital works.

• The sewer capital reserve has another two seven-figure projects on the books, with $2.15 million going to water treatment plant upgrades, and another $1.5 million to optimize treatment.

• In transportation, $1.59 million is earmarked for upgrading roads, while the municipality has $2.14 million set aside for its fleet replacement program in 2024.

• From the water capital reserve, more than $3.7 million is going to the south Whistler water supply project, while $300,000 is for water well upgrades at Emerald wells, community wells, and Alpine Meadows wells.

This is just a small snapshot of the projects on the list. Read the full list at whistler.ca/ budget. n

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15

NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler’s Roger McCarthy inducted into Canadian Ski Hall of Fame OVER HIS 50-YEAR CAREER, THE NEW ZEALAND NATIVE LEFT AN INDELIBLE MARK ON THE CANADIAN AND GLOBAL SKI INDUSTRIES HUMBLE BEGINNINGS

BY BRANDON BARRETT WHISTLER’S ROGER MCCARTHY is one of this year’s inductees to the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, recognition of a sprawling career that saw him usher snowsports forward in Whistler, Quebec, Colorado, and beyond.

“Roger’s length and breadth of scope over his 50‑year career, in multiple countries, and multiple languages, but most significantly in Canada, has had a remarkable impact on the ongoing growth and development of snowsports that will continue to benefit the industry through the future,” wrote fellow Canadian Ski Hall‑of‑Famer Hugh Smythe, who was pivotal in the development of Whistler Blackcomb, in his nomination form.

McCarthy, 73, was nominated in the “Builder” category, and is one of 10 inductees to the 2023 Hall of Fame class.

“Being inducted into the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame has such great meaning to me,” McCarthy said in his pre‑taped acceptance speech, which was shared with Pique ahead of the Nov. 17 induction ceremony in Montreal. “Coming to Canada to ski when I was just 22, and getting a job as a liftie at Whistler, I certainly never dreamed that I would be blessed to have the amazing and fulfilling career that I have enjoyed—or that I would be receiving such a huge honour all these years later.”

A native of Auckland, New Zealand, McCarthy grew up skiing Mount Ruapehu on his father’s hand‑made, fibreglass‑wrapped wooden skis, quickly developing a passion for the sport. It was at Ruapehu that a young McCarthy first heard stories and saw grainy Super 8 footage of Whistler Mountain, the upstart, rugged ski resort even then known for its spectacular terrain and jaw‑dropping scenery.

Arriving in Whistler in the early ’70s, McCarthy first worked as a handyman at the Cheakamus Inn, before landing a job as a lift operator on Whistler. It was there the Kiwi first met members of the mountain’s pro patrol, inspiring a career change, “especially after getting some chances to go on a few avalanche control missions with the patrol and carry around explosives,” Smythe said.

“When he first came on the Whistler Ski Patrol during the 1970s, as Patrol Leader I recognized him as a trustworthy and reliable team member,” said Chris Stethem in his nomination letter. “He was committed to the ski industry and soon moved into leadership roles in Whistler’s operation. The staff recognized him as a caring and fair supervisor who would listen as well as lead. He carried these qualities throughout his career.”

Through his drive and initiative, McCarthy was eventually appointed assistant patrol leader, then safety supervisor, and from 1979 on, held

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1990, Smythe offered him the director of HR position at Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler’s competitor at the time, a role he “excelled at,” Smythe said.

TURNING AROUND TREMBLANT

CROWNING CAREER Roger McCarthy, left, with fellow Whistlerite and Canadian Ski Hall-of-Famer Hugh Smythe. McCarthy is one of 10 inductees to the 2023 Hall of Fame class, which will be honoured in a ceremony in Montreal on Nov. 17.

PHOTO COURTESY OF HUGH SMYTHE

the position of safety and lift ops supervisor, from which he oversaw the construction of Whistler’s Peak Chair—“a formidable and very complex project,” Smythe said—as well as the construction of Pika’s, which tripled the size of the Roundhouse.

Impressed by McCarthy’s leadership, in

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The following year, McCarthy was tapped by Intrawest for what was perhaps the biggest challenge of his professional life: turning around Mont Tremblant, the Quebec ski resort that, at that point, was virtually bankrupt and on the brink of collapse.

“Roger became the general manager and guided this great resort through a total renewal and renovation to become the top ski area in Eastern North American within five years,” wrote Whistler’s Paul Mathews, founder and CEO of Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners, in his nomination letter. “Under Roger’s guidance, the resort renewed and expanded quickly, and visitation year‑round grew quickly, and he managed the resort into profitability within two years.”

Walking into Tremblant, McCarthy had to navigate a run‑down ski area with equipment in disrepair and power shut off over unpaid bills, not to mention a “disgruntled and heavily unionized staff,” Smythe said. It’s

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NEWS WHISTLER << FROM PAGE 16 testament to his leadership skills that he was able to ingratiate himself so quickly to his new employees, immediately buying slick new staff uniforms and implementing employee recognition programs.

“He made connections with staff at every level—crawling under snowcats to talk with the mechanics, and an open door: always available to meet with staff and discuss their concerns and ideas,” Smythe added.

McCarthy’s leadership evidently paid off: in 1994, Tremblant won the Prix Grande du Tourisme Quebecois, handed out for the best customer service in Quebec’s tourism sector, a dramatic transformation from only a few years before, followed by, in 1996, recognition from SKI Magazine as the No. 1 ski resort in eastern North America, an accolade it has won 22 times since.

GROWING NORTH AMERICAN SNOWSPORTS

After helping to revitalize the Quebec snowsport scene, in 1998, McCarthy relocated to New Jersey after he was promoted to a senior VP role for Intrawest’s eastern region, meaning he was now tasked with overseeing Blue Mountain, Mont Ste. Marie, Mountain Creek, Stratton and Snowshoe, along with Tremblant.

It was there he became known for his ability to attract new people to snowsports, through a suite of learn-to-ski programs, ideal beginner terrain, and cutting-edge ski rental shops.

In 2000, Vail Resorts headhunted

McCarthy to become the new COO at Colorado’s Breckenridge Ski Resort, where he forged closer ties with the Town of Breckenridge. Former Mayor Ernie Blake described him as “a gentleman to work with, and very savvy.”

Two years later, Keystone Resort was added to McCarthy’s responsibilities, putting

The following year, he departed Vail Resorts to take on a unique challenge: leading the development of Russia’s brand-new Rosa Khutor resort, the alpine venue for the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.

Along with contributing to Russia’s successful Olympic bid, at Rosa Khutor, McCarthy oversaw the layout and initial

“There is no better way to spend your days—living and working in the mountains, giving guests a great experience, and working with people who share the same passion and enthusiasm.”

- ROGER MCCARTHY

him in charge of two of the most popular ski resorts in the U.S., both of which enjoyed significant growth under his leadership.

“Roger raised the bar on guest service levels at Breckenridge and Keystone, resulting in a significant increase in annual SKI Magazine rankings for both resorts,” former Vail Resorts CEO Rob Katz was quoted in 2007.

In 2006, McCarthy assumed the role of co-president of Vail Resorts’ mountain division, which shared oversight of five resorts: Vail, Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, and Heavenly.

construction of three gondolas; one high-speed, six-seater chair; a fixed-grip quad; two platter lifts; and several carpets—and he had to do it in a relatively short timeframe to be ready for the Olympics.

BACK WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

After his time overseas, McCarthy returned to Whistler, his home away from home since 1972.

In 2009, he enjoyed a brief stint at Tremblant, the resort he helped make, and which helped make him, filling in as interim COO through

that holiday period until the position could be filled full-time.

Back in Whistler, McCarthy continued to give back to the community in various ways, volunteering for Whistler Blackcomb’s mountain safety team and serving on a number of boards, including at the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, where he was involved in the creation of the award-winning Whistler Spirit Program.

In 2011, he was elected to council, serving one term, bringing his well-honed insight and leadership to Whistler’s municipal hall.

In reflecting on his remarkable decadeslong career, McCarthy summed up his motivation in the most McCarthy-esque way possible: it’s all about the people.

“There is no better way to spend your days—living and working in the mountains, giving guests a great experience, and working with people who share the same passion and enthusiasm,” he said. “This recognition belongs as much to all the people I have worked alongside through my 50 years in the ski industry.”

McCarthy is in good company with this year’s Hall of Fame class. Nominated posthumously is another ski-industry lumineer beloved by Whistler: the late, great freestyle skier Sarah Burke, five-time X Games gold medalist, 2005 halfpipe world champion, and dedicated coach, mentor and fundraiser for the sport she loved. Burke died in 2012 after a severe training injury in Park City, Utah.

To learn about all the 2023 inductees to the Canadian Ski Hall of Fame, visit skimuseum.ca. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Living with myeloma, the relatively unknown form of blood cancer BEARFOOT BISTRO’S 11TH ANNUAL WORLD OYSTER INVITATIONAL RAISING FUNDS FOR MYELOMA CANADA

BY BRANDON BARRETT WHISTLERITE YOLANDE PAINE wants something cleared up off the bat: melanoma and myeloma are two different things, the former a serious form of skin cancer, the latter a rare form of blood cancer.

“Most people mistake it for melanoma,” said Paine, who has lived with myeloma since 2012.

“I never knew anybody who had myeloma, so it’s relatively unknown. We’re trying to change that and trying to educate people.”

It’s an uphill battle Paine and other myeloma patients often find themselves fighting to raise awareness. A blood cancer associated with the abnormal behaviour and uncontrolled growth of plasma cells—which can negatively affect different parts of the body, such as the bones and kidneys—11 Canadians on average are diagnosed with the disease every day, according to Myeloma Canada.

To date, there is no cure for myeloma, but advancements in research and treatment have allowed patients to live longer, more comfortable lives with the disease.

“Myeloma patients 20 years ago would be lucky to live three years [after diagnosis].

There have been many changes in research and in treatment,” Paine said.

Whistler has contributed to those efforts

20 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

SHUCK CANCER Last year’s World Oyster Invitational and Bloody Caesar Battle raised approximately $36,000 for Myeloma Canada. in its own small way, raising roughly $36,000 for Myeloma Canada at last year’s Bearfoot Bistro World Oyster Invitational & Bloody Caesar Battle, the closing event of Cornucopia, Whistler’s annual food and drink festival. This year’s event, slated for Sunday, Nov. 19 at the Whistler Conference Centre, will once again raise much-needed funds for the organization.

“I’m thrilled that this fundraiser is going on, and one of my fellow myeloma patients is the one that organized some friends together to raise money for Myeloma Canada,” said Paine. “We need money for research. We need to raise awareness and raise funds.”

Marc Des Rosiers, Bearfoot Bistro’s communications manager, said putting

PHOTO COURTESY OF BEARFOOT BISTRO

on a fundraiser of this magnitude relies on the generosity of suppliers like the event’s presenting sponsor, Sawmill Bay Shellfish Company, which is donating a whopping 8,000 oysters for attendees to enjoy.

“Quite often we do events where we like to tag on a charity component, and this time we’re reaching out to all of our sponsors and to all of the product being donated in order for the net proceeds of the event to be given to a charity. That’s pretty unique,” he said.

Heading into its 11th edition, this year’s World Oyster Invitational welcomes 20 shuckers from as far away as Japan, who will vie for the cash prize and bragging rights as the world’s preeminent shucker. A growing component of

the event is the Bloody Caesar Battle. This year, nine mixologists will compete to pour the best Caesar, a Canadian staple.

For her part, Paine’s myeloma journey has, like so many cancer patients, come with its ups and downs. Originally diagnosed with “smouldering” myeloma, the disease grew active, before Paine underwent a stem cell transplant in 2016. Today, thanks to a trio of drugs, Paine’s myeloma is officially in remission.

“I’m in remission and doing very well,” the 69-year-old said. “My quality of life is huge. I can hike mountains and walk 20K, 25K. The treatment doesn’t stop me from leading a regular life, a healthy life.”

Paine also wanted to stress to other myeloma patients out there: you are not alone.

“There is help out there through Myeloma Canada and other great support groups,” she said. “There’s lots of hope. I didn’t have that when I was diagnosed. I didn’t know much about Myeloma Canada and we didn’t have a Vancouver support group at the time. There are just so many resources for people now, and Myeloma Canada is a wonderful organization.”

To learn more, visit myelomacanada.ca.

The World Oyster Invitational runs from 3 to 7 p.m. on Nov. 19. Tickets include refreshments, food and entertainment, available at showpass.com/oysterfest2023. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler council makes aquatic cremation proclamation COUNCIL BRIEFS: WHY ARE COMMITTEE MINUTES SO STALE?; RMOW DODGES DUELLING LIGHT-UP REQUESTS

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS THE RESORT MUNICIPALITY of Whistler (RMOW) now formally supports altering the province’s cremation and burial legislation after council supported a proclamation to include alkaline hydrolysis, or “aquamation,” in the Cemetery, Interment and Funeral Services Act of British Columbia.

The proclamation was made Nov. 7 in response to a letter to all B.C. local governments from the Aquamation Initiative, an alliance lobbying for the change. In the letter, the group cited aquamation’s smaller environmental impact compared to traditional cremation, which it said emits huge amounts of carbon; and burial, which requires large tracts of land.

As the name suggests, aquamation is a comparitively eco-friendly technique that uses a mixture of water and a strong alkali, such as potassium hydroxide, to process remains.

It is currently permitted in four other Canadian provinces and territories: Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories.

The Aquamation Initiative has sent letters to all other municipalities in B.C. pushing for the change, and according to Gail Mitchell of the Cowichan Aquamation Initiative (which

22 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

sent the letter), they have so far received positive responses from two local governments, which have passed proclamations in support.

“Although this may seem a low number, we are encouraged to know that we are spreading the word about Aquamation. The 2024 convention of the Union of BC Municipalities will be the event for a resolution to support Aquamation. We will be following up with key municipalities with this in mind,” she said in

Transportation Advisory Group—except the minutes were from May 2022, almost a year and a half ago.

Councillor Cathy Jewett had some thoughts.

“One of the things that we have to look at in the governance committee is getting this information into the public sphere quicker,” she said. “My sense is that things shouldn’t go over a year; there should be a

“As a history aficionado, I appreciated reading the minutes...”

- CATHY JEWETT

an email to Pique.

“Our goal is the legalization of this process in B.C. We believe that as more citizens learn about this alternative to fire-based cremation, there will be incentive for our government to alter the necessary legislation.”

The RMOW will forward its formal proclamation of support back to the Initiative.

STALE MINUTES

It was a blast from the past on Nov. 7, with council receiving minutes from the RMOW’s

deadline. Otherwise what happens is you have a completely different group of people [on the committee the next time the committee sits] that would not have been at the meeting.”

Staff explained the long delay was due to the committee not meeting until recently (Oct. 23) to review the minutes, but added there were new processes to ensure past minutes were reviewed and released sooner going forward.

Jewett said she was pleased there was progress, but still cracked a joke in backing up her point. “As a history aficionado, I appreciated reading the minutes as well,”

she said to some laughs in the room. “It was a different time—we were in the middle of a transit strike when that meeting was held.”

According to staff, the minutes from the most recent Transportation Advisory Group will be before council before the end of the year.

RMOW DODGES LIGHT-UP REQUESTS

Mayor and council turned down a pair of requests this month to light up the Fitzsimmons Bridge connected to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

The first initially asked the municipality light the bridge in white and blue in support of the Jewish community and in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war (later revised to remove reference to the war, and changed to recognize upcoming Hanukkah). Another asked it be lit up in the colours of the Palestinian flag to recognize those who have died in Gaza.

In comments responding to the requests, Mayor Jack Crompton kept the RMOW out of it.

“Bridge lighting really isn’t the venue we use for acknowledging religious occasions or governments,” he said.

“For residents who are interested in celebrating Hanukkah, please do attend the menorah lighting that is at the Whistler Public Library on Dec. 10.”

Council voted to receive the lighting requests, but took no further action. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Liberal MP says Poilievre’s popularity a sign of tapped anger, and fading memories of Harper VOTERS AGED 18 TO 34 SHOWING SURGING SUPPORT FOR CONSERVATIVES, POLLING SHOWS

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS WEST VANCOUVER–SUNSHINE Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler is downplaying continually strong polling numbers for the Conservative Party, saying the party has been better at tapping into constituents’ frustrations and channelling anger over issues that many incumbent governments around the world are facing.

Weiler, one of B.C.’s 15 Liberal Party MPs, credited the Conservative Party’s ability to get a message across, but doubted the party’s ability to actually solve the problems facing Canada.

“I think the Conservative Party has been very effective at tapping into that sense of insecurity and frustration that people have right now in Canada, of course without offering any real solutions to people, but really being able to amplify those challenges,” Weiler said.

Notably, Liberal Party support amongst Canada’s youth has fallen well behind their support for the Conservative Party, something Weiler said was a result of their vulnerability in the housing crisis.

“It’s one thing if you’re in the market and

have a home, it’s another thing if you’re a young person looking to get into the market, and just seeing the challenges of getting a downpayment, and what you need to have saved to get into that,” he said.

The numbers are not pretty for the Liberal Party: recent polling by Mainstreet Research conducted in early November showed the number of Canadians between 18 and 34 that would vote Liberal is only 16.6 per cent, compared to 36 per cent that would support the Conservatives.

“I completely understand the frustration that a lot of young people have,” said Weiler, but he added younger voters are being drawn towards a Conservative Party they have little memory of living under.

“I think that for a lot of young people, particularly gen Z, they don’t remember what it was like to have a Conservative government under [Stephen] Harper. They don’t remember what that government did to roll back the rights of minorities, to completely turn its back on any work on fighting climate change, and so many other things.”

Weiler said Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre’s appeal is built on buzzwords, and he would be “much worse” than previous Conservative P.M. Harper, whose cabinet he sat in.

“Pierre Poilievre is so much to the right of Stephen Harper, as scary as that sounds,” Weiler said. “The conspiracy theories that he really caters to is something we should all be concerned about.”

Asked what theories Poilievre showed support for, Weiler named the Opposition leader’s ongoing criticism of the World Economic Forum by claiming it’s a “global conspiracy to control the world” as among the

“I completely understand the frustration...”

- PATRICK WEILER

“very odd” ideas he has put forward.

Weiler also said Poilievre “sowed doubts” about vaccine effectiveness during the pandemic, and his statements that Canadians should invest in cryptocurrency to avoid inflation were signs of his embracing of fringe politics.

Broadly speaking on the low polling numbers for the Liberal Party, Weiler said he was “laser focused” on the issues driving

those numbers, such as housing affordability, transportation, climate change, and cost of living pressures, saying that while Canadians are frustrated, the country as a whole is on sound footing to recover quickly because of its free trade deals, healthy resources sector, and economic diversity.

The Liberal Party recently announced its co-chairs for its National Campaign Committee, but Weiler said there was not much to read into, saying he expected the next election to be held in September 2025 due to the Liberal Party’s working relationship with the NDP. “Certainly we’re not looking to have an election. I don’t think the NDP is, and I don’t think Canadians want an election right now,” he said.

“What we’re focused on as a government right now is dealing with the very real challenges we’re having in Canada … The necessity to keep taking action in tackling the housing crisis, and continuing to take action on global challenges that we have like climate change.

“I think particularly given what’s happening around the world and the instability we’re seeing globally, it’s really important that we have that sense of security and certainty in Canada.” n

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www.cheakamuscommunityforest.com NOVEMBER 17, 2023

25

NEWS WHISTLER

Naturespeak: Heat and ice—how Wedgemount and Overlord glaciers handled this summer’s heat archiving glacier photos.

Though we found nothing immediately concerning, stay tuned; next year’s work schedule will see ice and lake depth measurements and ice edge/surface measurements.

BY KARL RICKER AND KRISTINA SWERHUN AFTER A SUMMER of heat warnings and record-breaking temperatures, Whistler residents can feel lucky to have a dedicated set of eyes on our backyard glaciers. This year marks 50 years of monitoring on Wedgemount Glacier and 38 years on Overlord Glacier.

Measurements of our glaciers in September 2023 over a two-day excursion showed the expected effects of a warm and dry year. Significant recession of the terminuses (front edges) of Wedgemount and Overlord Glaciers coupled with severe ablation (evaporation/melting) of their surfaces have left thin and debris-covered ice and the formation of ice tunnels. We have also been monitoring new lake basins at both locations uncovered and filled by the melting glaciers—Tupper Lake at Wedgemount and Investigator Lake at Overlord.

ICE IN RECESSION Wedgemount Glacier on Sept. 11, 2017 (left), compared to Sept. 2, 2023 (right).

WEDGEMOUNT

OVERLORD

Sept. 2, after the brutal heat of the summer, saw Wedgemount Glacier recede 20 metres since last year. Now with a “perched” terminus some 118 metres in elevation above Wedgemount Lake, and a lesser but significant height above

SUMMARY

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER NATURALISTS

intervening Tupper Lake, this is more than double last year’s recession of eight metres.

It’s worth noting the recession measurement could have been much more, since the toe of the glacier has only a flimsy connection with the rest of the glacier (a finger of ice over an ice cave).

On a rainy Sept. 3, we had 45 minutes on the ground to measure the significant sixyear recession of the terminus (117.5 metres or 19.6 metres per year). The aerial inspection included three to four laps around the lake,

with video cameras in action to try and answer the question: is the lake in a stable basin, or quasi-stable, and will further glacial melt see it enlarge and find a way for it to drain?

Because the emerging Investigator Lake at Overlord is a potential downstream hazard if it suddenly emptied into Fitzsimmons Creek (which runs through Whistler Village), this year we called upon new personnel to help assess the risk: Dr. Gwenn Flowers, a glaciohydrologist at Simon Fraser University; James Hallisey and Andrew Tucker from the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) engineering staff; and former RMOW 1970s head engineer Doug Wiley, who is now

Since the surveying began five decades ago, Wedgemount Glacier has receded 700 metres from where it used to sit in Wedgemount Lake. The average recession is 14 metres per year, and in those five decades it registered a minuscule advance from 1983 to 1984. The glacier was severely “whacked” by a 57-metre collapse above Tupper Lake between 2020 and 2021. For Overlord Glacier, Karl’s on-theground research from 1986 to 2023 showed it receded 385 metres, or an average of 10.4 metres per year.

After 50 years of surveying, Karl is retiring, and has handed off this monitoring project to a younger generation of researchers.

How future summers affect these glaciers will be determined by our future climatic patterns, but we can at least be confident this dedicated community of professionals and keen youth will be keeping a careful eye on them.

Naturespeak is prepared by the Whistler Naturalists. To learn more about Whistler’s natural world, go to whistlernaturalists.ca. ■

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Resort Municipality of Whistler

Thank you Ullr! Winter is here and it’s time dig into our favourite task: snow clearing.

Tuesday, November 28 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

Fairmont Chateau Whistler This free breakfast session will cover essentials such as electrical servicing to construction sites, upgrading electrical supply to homes, and supporting the Zero Carbon Step Code building energy code increases.

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NOVEMBER 17, 2023

27

NEWS PEMBERTON

‘We are all one heartbeat’ PIT COOK AT SIGNAL HILL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TEACHES IMPORTANT MESSAGE OF UNITY

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter S I G N A L H I L L E L E M E N T A R Y ’ S pit cook was once again a roaring success this year. The now annual event was held on the Pemberton school’s grounds on Fri, Oct. 27 under a full moon.

The cook uses vegetables grown by the students in the school garden, a concept dreamed up by teacher Tami Jazic in partnership with the school’s Indigenous support worker Lakál’t (Tanina Williams) back in 2019.

It was paid for with funds from the provincial Civil Forfeiture Grant Program, after a successful grant application from the Parent Advisory Council’s Claire Fuller.

The garden was built in 2020 with handson support from the Rotary Club of Pemberton, Pemberton Men’s Shed, the parent body and the school community, and the pit cook became part of the school calendar in 2021. The garden allows the kids to be part of the pit cook process from the very beginning, when they put their seeds in the ground.

Lisa Vertefeuille helps the kids plant their own vegetables and nurture them until it’s time for the pit cook.

“The kids sometimes would ask if they could eat something or bring it home when we were working in the garden,” she said. “It was eventually understood then that we were all working together towards this common goal,

COOK SMART Signal Hill Elementary’s 2023 Pit Cook was a roaring success.

PHOTO COURTESY OF SALT & PINE PHOTOGRAPHY

28 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

this pit cook.”

Lakál’t said the pit cook is a valuable learning process for the students.

“It has been a wonderful experience,” she said. “I always tell the kids, Lil’wat people did this type of cooking and all people all over the world did this type of cooking. It was beautiful that my dream was coming to fruition. We keep growing and learning through it, experiencing it and making lots of hilarious mistakes. We just keep trying. I had only ever really done small pit cooks where I cooked rainbow trout or cinnamon buns.”

The Indigenous support worker said bridging the gap between Indigenous and nonIndigenous people is her job.

“By explaining that all people all over the world have done pit cooks, it’s one way to bridge the gap,” she said. “It’s a way of saying that we are all the same. We have all learned how to survive in this world. We break down those barriers and the systemic belief that Canada created, that Indigenous people are lesser than everyone else. It’s an important way of showing that we are all the same. We are all smart and all intelligent. We all have ways of creating something this cool!”

Fuller believes the event has given her family an opportunity to learn more about ancient traditions.

“The pit cook has just been such a wonderful opportunity for me as a parent and for my kids as newcomers to Canada to have a chance to look at life through Lil‘wat principles,” she said. “The leadership that Tanina has shown in sharing this knowledge has given such meaning to sharing, to eating food that has been produced in the garden.

I just feel like I have really benefited from learning about Indigenous cultural practices.

Everything is rooted back to creation, to the world and to nature. There is this holistic approach to gathering and sourcing our food.”

Signal Hill principal Krista Brynjolfson stressed the pit cook is now one of the most important dates on the school calendar, and something officials are constantly adding to.

“The big thing with the kids is that they were a part of it from the start of the garden,” she said. “They saw it from garden to pit cook. With the pit cook experience, they were really hands-on. They were really seeing the connections. They couldn’t wait to see it happen. The real beauty of it is the conversation that happens around the fire that whole day.”

Brynjolfson said the respect her students give the event directly demonstrates its importance.

“We have had elders, our bus driver and maintenance workers onsite,” she said. “The kids feel super comfortable to ask questions.

Having that dialogue has been more powerful than they even really know. The Lil’wat principles are really important to us in our school learning plan. We make mistakes, absolutely, but that’s what learning is all about.

For me as an educator here, we look at Truth and Reconciliation. Part of this means we have to move forward together through this whole learning experience.”

Lakál’t made sure the children were involved in all aspects of the process, and reflected on their experience.

“I talked to as many of the kids that I could to unpack it,” she said. “They all loved the t’áqsa7 (salmon on a stick), but hands down, bannock wins every time!”

The students get to learn from an early age that change is desperately needed in order for

both communities to look to the future.

“I am very explicit,” said Lakál’t. “I explain that we are doing it because we need to start seeing Indigenous people as equals. In this country, we have learned that we are not. Even myself as an Indigenous person, I didn’t even see myself in this way. I’m always upfront and outspoken with the kids about how Indigenous people have been crushed so much that they even start believing it. We need to change it.”

The pit cook is a small step that can make a big difference.

“I ask them if they see their Indigenous students hurting, and they say yes,” said Lakál’t. “This is one way of showing that we are all the same. I explain that getting excited about this helps Indigenous students to feel uplifted.”

Lakál’t led hand drumming during the event, something that continued throughout the afternoon.

“The closest thing I can compare it to is a concert where all the fans are there and are jumping to their favourite song,” said Fuller. “All the kids had their eyes on Tanina. They were drumming and singing. It was like this wave. It was incredible. Everyone was connected.”

At Signal Hill Elementary, children and teachers often learn together.

“At our school, we are really fortunate to have an Ucwalmícwts teacher,” said Lakál’t. “I am the cultural teacher, but I also introduce words. We get to learn Ucwalmícwts words and we learn how to drum together. In our culture, we all naturally drum together when there is a gathering of people. To teach that to people where this isn’t part of their culture and to really see it happen is super cool. I reinforce that this is what it’s meant to be like. We are all one heartbeat.” n

NEWS PEMBERTON

TAKE A HIKE A video shared with Pique shows a long line of cars parked illegally on Highway 99 near Joffre Lakes on Saturday, Nov. 11.

SCREENSHOT

The Joffre Lakes surge returns north of Pemberton LOCALS ARE WORRIED ILLEGAL HIGHWAY PARKING COULD CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter THE JOFFRE LAKES SURGE is back, much to the dismay of Pemberton and Mount Currie locals.

Video footage shared with Pique shows a long line of cars illegally parked on Duffey Lake Road outside Joffre Lakes on Saturday, Nov. 11. Vehicles can be seen parked to the yellow lines on a bend in the road, with people getting out to go hiking. Joffre Lakes reopened for day-use on Tues, Sept. 19.

Lil’wat and N’Quatqua First Nations announced they were “shutting down” access to the park in a joint statement on Wednesday, Aug. 23. In a statement sent to Glacier Media the following week, the Nations said their access to resources has not been prioritized Visitors have not needed day passes to enter the cultural site since Monday, Oct. 9, and backcountry camping season will end on Monday, Nov. 13. Lana Joy said she saw approximately 50 cars along the side of the road below and above the Joffre Lakes parking lot. Joy and other road users are concerned the dangerous stretch of highway was also not plowed after a heavy overnight snowfall.

“It forced drivers like myself to have to make a blind pass into the opposite lane for a sustained period of time,” she said. “I had to pull over at one point, getting very close to a group of people who really didn’t seem to clue in as to the risk of their situation, taking selfies and stuff.”

Joy said the obstruction could have easily caused an accident. Like many others, she regularly uses the road, and is concerned about Joffre Lakes’ growing popularity.

“I have driven this route two to four times a month for the last three years,” she said.

“I have never seen such stupidity and lack of consideration for other drivers who are

passing through. The area should be closed.

People aren’t able to assess risk on the road, only increase the risk for others for the sake of vanity or lack of preparation.”

Jamie May was in the area the same day at 10:30 a.m., and was surprised the vehicles still hadn’t cleared when he was on his journey home, five hours later. He said he approached the RCMP. “I was passing through on Saturday morning,” he said. “I spend a lot of time up there touring and hiking. Forty centimetres of snow had fallen and the road hadn’t been plowed. Just before Joffre, people had left their cars. It’s a really dangerous section.

It was mostly Evo cars coming up from Vancouver. It was quite obvious that we were having the storm. Anyone that was responsible for plowing that road knows how much snow is up there.

“There was a RCMP officer who ticketed someone. He said he couldn’t ticket everyone.”

Cpl. James Gilmour with the Pemberton RCMP confirmed police attended, and found five Evo cars parked illegally on the highway.

“Tickets were issued and some of the vehicles were also towed away. Most of the drivers were international travellers,” he said.

Chief Dean Nelson of the Lil’wat Nation previously told Pique Joffre Lakes is a cultural trail first and foremost.

“It’s like an amusement park. It’s a commodity for them,” he said. “People think they have to be there, to take the picture there.

There is hunting there, too. We have actually had a lot of confrontation because of people going hunting on cultural trails. All of a sudden, there were mountain bikers ripping down wondering what the hell they were doing. It’s a cultural trail first. People would just love to have Joffre gone. It could be the future.”

Pique reached out to BC Parks, Miller Capilano Highway Services, and the Lil’wat Nation for comment, but did not receive responses before press time. ■

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SCIENCE MATTERS

Deadly climate science denial puts us all at risk IN 1988, NASA SCIENTIST James Hansen warned the U.S. Congress that Earth was heating at a dangerous, accelerating rate mainly from burning coal, gas and oil.

The science wasn’t new. Throughout the 1800s, scientists recognized what is now known as the “greenhouse effect.” In 1859, Irish physicist John Tyndall conducted experiments that showed gases including carbon dioxide could affect climate by preventing heat radiation from escaping.

In 1896, Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius demonstrated how changes in CO2 could affect climate.

BY DAVID SUZUKI Their research coincided with the fastdeveloping fossil fuel era. Although Earth’s climate has always fluctuated, the rapid warming we’ve experienced since fossil fuel burning began is unprecedented. As NASA points out, “It is undeniable that human activities have produced the atmospheric gases that have trapped more of the Sun’s energy in the Earth system. This extra energy has warmed the atmosphere, ocean, and land, and widespread and rapid changes in the atmosphere, ocean, cryosphere, and biosphere have occurred.”

When Hansen testified 35 years ago, the evidence for human-caused global warming was already undeniable—and it spurred a shift. The United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was formed. Hundreds of scientists and policy-makers met in Toronto for a major

Even the oil companies recognized the problem. According to Harvard researchers, starting in 1977, “Exxon researchers created a series of remarkably reliable models and analyses projecting global warming from carbon dioxide emissions over the coming decades.”

Oil industry executives realized their enterprises threatened human health and survival, but they were more concerned about how climate action threatened their bottom lines. Instead of helping the world reduce consumption of its products, they devised campaigns to sow doubt and confusion about the climate science their own researchers had confirmed.

In concert with the automobile industry, they developed products and encouraged lifestyles that would burn even greater amounts of the polluting, climate-altering fuels. With help from compromised media, paid politicians, shady front groups and uninformed, fearful citizens, the denial machine went into full swing.

Now we’ve reached a critical point. Over the past 35 years, sales of gas-guzzling SUVs and trucks have accelerated, emissions have risen, the planet has heated to dangerous levels and politicians still campaign against sensible, effective climate policies. Even those in politics who recognize the problem and implement measures to address it have to compromise or water them down in the face of rampant denial.

It’s not hyperbole to say those who have fuelled and are still fuelling climate science denial have blood on their hands. And while the ignorant might have once been excused for being duped by such a sophisticated, exorbitantly financed public relations behemoth, there’s no justification now to ignore what has become a clearly evident crisis.

It’s long past time to move from denial to action. international conference on climate change, releasing a statement that read, “Humanity is conducting an unintended, uncontrolled, globally pervasive experiment whose ultimate consequences could be second only to a global nuclear war.”

In that momentous year, even U.S. President George H.W. Bush (an oilman!) and British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher promised to heed the environmental warnings, with the former establishing the U.S. Global Change Research Program and implementing the Global Change Research Act, which mandated a National Climate Assessment every four years.

In Canada, newly elected Prime Minister Brian Mulroney appointed Lucien Bouchard as environment minister. In an interview, I asked Bouchard what he considered to be our most important environmental issue.

“Global warming,” he replied. “How serious is it?” I asked. “It threatens the survival of our species,” he responded. “We have to act now.”

32 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

James Hansen retired from NASA in 2013, but he hasn’t stopped warning about the climate crisis. He recently led research that concluded warming and climate sensitivity to rising emissions have exceeded even the IPCC’s best estimates, thanks in part to a collective failure to implement proven measures to slow emissions, such as carbon pricing.

Hansen and his team demonstrate that we’re perilously close to exceeding the 1.5 C warming threshold set in the Paris Agreement, which will result in a world “less tolerable to humanity, with greater climate extremes.”

We’ve had plenty of time to shift course— any further delays will cause more pain and hardship for everyone. It’s long past time to move from denial to action.

David Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author and co-founder of the David Suzuki Foundation.

Written with David Suzuki Foundation Senior Writer and Editor Ian Hanington. ■

RANGE ROVER

First-world problems?

THE

ENVELOPE SAID “Important Information Enclosed.” Not unusual for sweepstakes draws. But this was different. It was from the BC Assessment office, and a month earlier than Mig usually heard from this bureaucratic automaton. Mig wondered what was inside, but was sure it wasn’t good, having received a similar missive the year before.

Sure enough, she found a carefully worded warning that her property value was shooting

BY LESLIE ANTHONY up an absurd 43 per cent in 2023, something rich investors might welcome but homeowners like Mig, already barely scraping by, could do without. Because it meant her property taxes were going up. Again.

And by a lot. Again.

Indeed, it was the second year in a row, a bona fide financial shock—like when you drop your savings to get your 10-year-old twins into ski racing, then the next year find out both need extensive orthodontic work and you have no insurance. Mig wondered how she could continue living in Whistler.

She’d been happy in her modest, 1,300-sq.-ft. townhome for more than 20 years, putting the already hefty tax bill on a line of credit each year and paying it off slowly. She knew she was privileged to live here, but now the shit was hitting the fan.

ASSESS THIS Short-term rentals in Whistler have had a noticeable impact on property values.

PHOTO BY EDB3_16 / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

Mig bought her townhome for $339,000 in September 1999. At the time a fully furnished, fully equipped, short-term rental owned by an absentee landlord in Washington state, it seemed a good deal.

It proved a sound investment, its value doubling over the next decade; taxes increased in kind, too, but the timespan over which this occurred was reasonable and justified given the value one gets for their tax dollars in Whistler. Plus, Mig liked where she lived. Most of the units were owned by weekenders, so for the first few years she was the only one who lived there full-time.

After the 2010 Olympics, things changed, as some owners gave over their units to the market thirst for long-term rentals while others sold to folks looking for an investment to do the same. It didn’t work out well for many landlords, as seasonal renters did a number on properties; there were bedbug infestations, and even a sublet scam next door to Mig where a couple renting for $2,000/ month put bunks into every room and rented the entirety for more than $9,000/month.

Eventually things settled again, all the while property values creeping slowly up, as they do, with the silent metronome of time.

Then came some weird wobbles, enough to catch Mig’s attention. The small tax increases she was used to became larger and more unwieldy. More places were up for sale.

A few were clearly flipped. Then came the pandemic, and all hell broke loose—heralded by back-to-back “Important Information Enclosed” letters from BC Assessment.

Her property was assessed at $1,294,000 in July 2021, but leapt to $1,811,000 in 2022, a 40-per-cent increase, then $2,592,000 in 2023, a 43-per-cent jump over the previous year—while the average increase in the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) was just 13 per cent. Mig did the math: this

was an astounding rise of just over 100 per cent from the 2021 value—which explains why her taxes literally doubled in two years and she found herself staring down an almost $7K bill. Nothing having been done to the property, the only conceivable metric to this inflation must lay in some kind of disruption.

And that disruption is Airbnb.

When Airbnb took off in the early-mid 2010s, it was followed by crazy renovating to be able to charge more and increase capacity. When house prices rose, owners no longer married to their weekend getaway logically began selling; but buyers were now largely those seeking investments that could capitalize on Airbnb—including those with little intention of using the place themselves—like numbered companies.

Since BC Assessment doesn’t consider renos (a serious shortcoming), everyone in Mig’s strata suffered the same propertyvalue-tax jumps two years running on valuations that in no way reflect the worth of an as-is unit—which, as tested on the open market, is about two-thirds of the BC Assessment valuation.

A newly overhauled unit in Mig’s development sold for $3,195,000 in February 2022 (2021 assessed value: $1,917,000); another previously reno’d unit sold for $3,027,000 in April 2022 (2021 assessed value: $1,984,000); these are million-dollar-plus differences—i.e., 53-per-cent and 66-percent price increases, respectively—in less than a year. Nearby comparable properties shown on the BC Assessment website didn’t vary remotely as wildly between selling price and assessment (e.g., $1,999,900 versus $1,632,000; $1,180,000 versus $880,900; $1,270,000 versus $1,067,000) or ~20 to 34-per-cent value/price increases.

Now we have people like Mig caught in

a stampeding housing crisis courtesy of the pandemic, supply chains, and Airbnb and its competitors. With more than 6 million listings in 100,000 cities globally, Airbnb “hosts” (a hilariously inappropriate moniker) are making bank. According to watchdog group Inside Airbnb (excellent pun), shortterm rental investments explain 2020’s 44-per-cent surge in vacation home sales.

But it isn’t just individuals buying in: realestate investment firms (like Mig’s numbered neighbours) gobble up as much Airbnb-able property as possible—fully a quarter of hosts on the platform own nearly two-thirds of listings.

With the aim of reducing Airbnbs by at least 10,000, New York City instituted a new measure that requires hosts to register their property and provide proof of residence or risk fines of $1,000 to $5,000. Restrictions, of course, don’t always work and are hard to enforce. But something has to break to rein in short-term rentals.

The B.C. government’s new rules around these establish a new provincial regulatory role that will provide stronger tools to local governments like the RMOW to enforce short-term rental bylaws that should return units to the long-term market. Among the measures: principal resident status (from which Whistler is exempt), much higher fines (up to $50K) and displaying business licenses on listings (for liability reasons, stratas might have to get into the game of requiring license registration as well).

Will any of this help? Mig’s not holding her breath, but knows she can’t handle too many more “Important Information Enclosed” greetings.

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

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

33

FEATURE STORY

A Whistler ski-season

primer Everything you need to know ahead of opening day All photos by Matthew Sylvestre courtesy of Whistler Blackcomb

By Brandon Barrett

A

lthough Belinda Trembath has skied Whistler Blackcomb (WB) several times before, you can be sure none will be quite like her first foray down the mountain this coming winter.

“I’ve been a guest here a number of times over the years. The first time was about 30 years ago, when the two resorts were still run independently, and then more recently, I brought the family over here for the holidays,” says WB’s new chief operating officer and VP. “So, obviously, I’ll be enjoying the mountain with a very different lens and a set of fresh eyes.”

Starting in the role this past May, the Aussie won’t be the only one experiencing personal firsts this winter on WB.

Infrastructure

The ski resort’s new, eight-pack Fitzsimmons Express chairlift—which, it should be noted, won’t be ready for opening day on Nov. 23—is sure to transform how skiers and riders access the mountain, increasing capacity from 1,850 to 3,300 skiers per hour.

“Of course, it’s our first eight-pack and it’s our first lift that has a moving carpet in the load area, which I think will take a little bit of time for both our staff and guests to get used to. But it’s a fantastic way to load an express chair,”

34 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

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Trembath says. “It certainly will be a great way for folks to move out of that Skiers’ Plaza area and then obviously be able to explore the rest of Whistler utilizing the Garbanzo quad. And our team will certainly make sure that experience is very much focused around moving people efficiently both out of Skiers’ Plaza, but also making sure that we are focusing on the experience at the Garbanzo load as well. So, I think it will be a great alternative to the Whistler Village Gondola but, of course, that gondola moves a lot of people and it’s certainly still a fantastic way to access the ski terrain up at Whistler, taking you straight through to the Roundhouse.”

WB is also working on the replacement of its Jersey Cream lift, a significant capital project that was delayed earlier this year and is now set for installation next spring, Trembath says, after crews completed the foundation pouring for about 10 towers this past summer.

“The majority of the towers are poured and ready to go and we certainly set ourselves up to get into that construction in spring next year and, of course, that will change the spring footprint for our spring operations next year,” she adds.

On the snowmaking front, despite a pre-season malfunction on Whistler Mountain that delayed snowmaking this month (which has since been fixed), WB is banking on some colder weather coming up. But if not, its 359 snow guns across both mountains are ready to chug into action ahead of opening day.

“We’re certainly hopeful for the forecast through the back half of next week after the storm moves through on the weekend, and cautiously optimistic about what that will bring in terms of natural snow,” Trembath said on Nov. 9. “We’re certainly ready to go, so no

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concerns about our snowmaking capacity and certainly the team are ready to go. They’re all trained up and we’re in production.”

Parking

As part of the approval of the new Fitz Express, Whistler’s mayor and council adopted a parking bylaw amendment in March that sees WB paying $200,000 annually to the municipality to go towards transit services in lieu of the 725 additional parking spaces the ski resort would have normally been required to install, a move that was largely met with criticism from a wider community still frustrated with the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) introduction of year-round pay parking to Day Lots 4 and 5.

Trembath is confident the mountain operator will have enough parking capacity once the lift is fully operational.

“I’d say we’re not concerned about parking capacity,” she says. “From a parking perspective, the team are working really hard on improving the way that we bring cars into our lots and refining how we park up so that we can park people more efficiently. But we’re also looking at really encouraging people to rideshare and carpool and, of course, to use the range of transit options that are available within the broader village.”

How significant that transit uptake will be this winter remains to be seen, particularly as visitors are generally less likely to hop on a bus to get to the hill.

“I think that’s part of the challenge: to preserve not just our destination guest experience, but the local guest experience as well. And that’s where I think we’ve had some benefits in our resorts in the U.S. with encouraging carpooling and ridesharing,” Trembath explains. “If

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35

FEATURE STORY everyone wants to turn up to ski for the day in their own vehicle with one passenger per vehicle, then there are definitely going to be some challenges with respect to parking all those folks. We certainly want to continue to work with Tourism Whistler and with the broader community on how we encourage folks to take other transit options other than a rental car, perhaps, if they’re flying in from North America or other destinations.”

One of the RMOW’s conditions for approving the Fitz Express expansion was a requirement that WB conduct a study intended to better understand parking utilization and needs in Whistler, data that will be shared with the RMOW and used to inform future infrastructural decisions. WB has 12 months to complete the study, which Trembath says will begin by Christmas.

WB is required to pay the $200,000 a year to the RMOW until it introduces pay parking on the lots it owns, something WB’s parent company has rolled out at several of its U.S. resorts in recent years.

Trembath says the incoming parking study will help guide the company in determining whether to implement pay parking or not.

“Certainly, pay parking has been something that we’ve introduced successfully at our resorts in North America, and I think it’s a responsible way to influence guest behaviour. But we will really be guided by the outcomes of that parking study,” she says.

Staffing

While WB wouldn’t share specific staffing numbers for this ski season, the company in the past has shared with Pique that its winter workforce typically hovers around the 4,000 mark. Trembath says she’s more than happy with staffing levels heading towards opening day, and she was heartened to see the proportion of returning employees.

“Staff have been working away, obviously, for months building their teams, and I’m very comfortable with the number of folks that are joining us for winter again,” she says. “I love when I go to speak to our team and I ask who has worked for us for more than 10 years and a sea of hands go up. I’m excited about welcoming back our returning stuff and very comfortable with our staffing levels moving into winter.”

About half of WB’s workforce will be in staff housing this year, which includes both its own on-mountain accommodation as well as market rental housing in the valley, typically intended for more senior employees and management.

“We’re in a fortunate position where we do have a high volume of beds available for our team and we have been back in the community more recently securing some leases, both here in the valley and also out to Pemberton as well,” explains Trembath.

“That is a component of our housing and I think it always will be, because there are more mature staff that would prefer to live outside of the frontline housing that we provide, which tends to be higher-density living, albeit most of our frontline staff are living in twobedroom apartments with a couple in each room, so it’s very comfortable.”

In securing those leases, WB says it

36 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

strives to rent in areas that are under-utilized, recognizing the housing crunch Whistler continues to experience. It has also launched an internal Facebook group designed to connect employees to rental housing, and continues to work with the RMOW and local non-profits to find solutions for staff in need of accommodation.

WB’s long-awaited Glacier 8 staff complex will certainly help lighten the load, a planned six-storey, 66-unit building at Blackcomb Base II that will add an estimated 240 staff beds to the mix. Crews broke ground on the project in September, and WB is targeting an opening date in time for the 2025-26 winter season.

Pass sales

Vail Resorts continues to build its roster of Epic Passholders, a major cog in the Colorado-based company’s economic strategy.

“I think incentivizing people to buy our passes ahead of the season has created so

much stability for our industry, and I think that it’s been worth it with the range of products that we have on offer, both here at Whistler and broadly through our enterprise,” Trembath says. (Pass prices go up Nov. 19, by the way.)

According to its 2023 Q4 earnings call, through Sept. 22, Vail Resorts saw its North American ski season pass sales increase seven per cent in units and 11 per cent in sales dollars, compared to the same period last year. It saw particularly strong sales among renewing passholders, while also growing sales among new passholders.

Of course, that doesn’t lessen the sticker shock of seeing the steep price of a day pass if purchased at the ticket window, which will run you $299. Asked if she thinks the high cost will alienate more casual skiers, Trembath says that, by this point, most WB guests are aware of early-bird pricing and the variety of more affordable pass options on offer.

“We’ve got everything from our Edge Cards to our Epic day passes to our Epic season passes,” she says. “I mean, there are just so many choices for people to purchase in advance and I think that the communication of that and the behaviour that we’ve driven as an industry—and it’s not unique to our business, either—has really permeated, much in the way that I don’t think anyone turns up to the airport anymore to buy a ticket to go and travel interstate or overseas.

So, I’m not concerned.”

Evidently, the strategy has paid off, as WB reports that about three-quarters of its guests are on some type of pass product, versus the 25 per cent that buy a window lift ticket.

Improving relations with local First Nations What was expected to be a routine re-signing

FEATURE STORY this June of the 2020 framework agreement between the local Lil’wat and Squamish First Nations, the RMOW, the province, and WB turned out to be a much more surprising affair when Lil’wat Chief Dean Nelson refused to sign the document on behalf of his people.

“We’re talking about relationships and understanding, but up to this point, we haven’t had that relationship … I’ve never really known who I’m talking with, whether it’s the governments or neighbours,” Nelson told the small crowd of stakeholders gathered at the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain on June 16.

“I’ve requested for time to build our relationship with them, but that never happened, even up to now—previous Olympics, political things. So, I’m not here to disrespect anyone, but I will not be signing the agreement until we establish the relationship with the governments—all governments.

We’ve never had that, and I seek that still.”

It was a dramatic display of the political leverage the Lil’wat have increasingly been relying on in recent years, and a pointed call to the RMOW, Victoria and WB to ensure their efforts towards Truth and Reconciliation aren’t mere lip service.

So, how does WB intend to improve those

relationships in a meaningful way?

“One of the highlights for me joining the team at Whistler Blackcomb is the close connection that we have with our First Nations partners and with the [Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre]. I’ve certainly really enjoyed embarking on my own listening and learning journey in respect to the history and culture of the First Nations, and I’m really looking forward to continuing that journey and establishing strong relationships with the senior leaders and elders within the Lil’wat community and the Squamish Nation community,” Trembath says. “We have some exciting projects coming down the line that we will be able to share in the coming weeks and months in respect of our partnership with the First Nations.”

about the relationship with Whistler itself?

It’s not an understatement to say WB’s relationship with the wider Whistler community has been testy at best since Vail Resorts took over in 2016, with the prevailing

sense among some locals that the ski industry behemoth and its roster of 41 resorts worldwide doesn’t recognize or appreciate the distinct features that makes Whistler and its twin mountains so special.

But Trembath says she’s committed to getting out and immersing herself in the community.

“One of the things that I have been really focused on since I started back in May is getting to know the community, and I’ve done that in a variety of ways, whether it’s in formal ways where I’m taking a seat on several boards within the community, which is still ongoing in terms of my onboarding with those. But also getting to know the team at the RMOW and the Chamber [of Commerce]. I have attended a number of Chamber events. And we also hosted our own community roundtable recently … I think it was 90 representatives from non-profits that attended that session,” she says.

“It was an opportunity for our team to host tables and to just talk through some of the issues that the community is facing and ways in which we can work more proactively with the community, and that might be through influencing or direct action.”

Learn more at whistlerblackcomb.com. ■

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

37

SPORTS THE SCORE

Whistler bodybuilders strike silver at WNBF Canada Pro Show COACHED BY LYLAS LEONA, MICHELLE ELLIOTT AND REBECCA MURPHY-BISHOP REACHED THE PODIUM AT HIGH-LEVEL EVENTS IN WASHINGTON AND CALGARY

BY DAVID SONG THE SEA TO SKY CORRIDOR is known as a hub of physical activity and recreation, and it’s much more diverse in that regard than many expect. Sure, we’ll always be known for skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking, but we’ve also got soccer, rugby, figure skating, kendo, hockey (on ice and on the field) and the sliding sports of luge, bobsled and skeleton.

We’ve also got a thriving community of bodybuilders.

When people think of Whistler, bodybuilding is not the first or second thing that comes to mind. Therefore, Lylas Leona wasn’t especially optimistic upon moving here in 2015 that she could keep pursuing her passion. She had eight years of competitive bodybuilding experience at the time, but that background in aesthetics— making male and female bodies look a certain way—did not prepare her well for the performance-based sports that dominate the Sea to Sky limelight.

Leona became a sommelier for a time, but people got wind of her fitness credentials in unexpected ways. Out of the woodwork, lady after lady approached her for help with

SCULPTING GREATNESS Lylas Leona, owner of the Whistler-based Lady Sculpt fitness and bodybuilding program.

PHOTO BY SOMBILON STUDIOS

38 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

small-time bodybuilding contests they were interested in.

The Burnaby native put her first three Whistler athletes on stage in 2018, three years after her own retirement. She has since established Lady Sculpt Lifestyle, a podcast and platform dedicated to helping women train their physiques and minds in a healthy, natural manner.

On Oct. 14 and 15, two of Leona’s athletes, Michelle Elliott and Rebecca Murphy-

so doing, they earned more prize money and qualified for the World Championship from Nov. 18 to 19 in Seattle.

LADY SCULPT

Elliott and Murphy-Bishop (who is affectionately known as “Bex”) both discovered aesthetic fitness later in life, as is the case with much of Leona’s clientele.

Elliott got started by way of her partner

“It’s just this beautiful collaboration of female athletes supporting female athletes, which makes my heart sing a little bit.”

- LYLAS LEONA

in 2021 and finished ninth in her worlds debut that same year.

“Michelle is a breeze,” said Leona. “She’s so easy to train. She just does what I say, and in the midst of that, there’s definitely been empowerment. Some of my athletes prefer for me to give them a plan, and some want to learn how to create the plan for themselves.

Michelle tends to be someone who just wants to follow a plan.”

Bex, meanwhile, has lived in Whistler for roughly a decade and a half and owns the Coast + Oak interior design firm. Despite her relative lack of bodybuilding experience, Bex’s dance background helps her maintain a desired stage presence, and she’s even helped Elliott in that department.

“It’s just this beautiful collaboration of female athletes supporting female athletes, which makes my heart sing a little bit,” Leona gushed.

ALL-NATURAL

Bishop, earned some hardware at the World Natural Bodybuilding Federation (WNBF) Washington State Naturals. Elliott, who turned professional in 2019, won the overall bikini pro title and US$1,000, while MurphyBishop earned her pro card by winning the masters open bikini and overall bikini titles.

Both women followed up their efforts south of the border with second-place finishes at the WNBF Canada Pro Show on Oct. 28 in Calgary despite facing stiff competition. In

Jack Murray, an Altitude Fitness coach who thought she could benefit from joining Lady Sculpt Lifestyle. Together, Murray and Leona convinced Elliott to give it a shot.

Though an avid hiker, Elliott doesn’t ski, snowboard or mountain bike. She does have a physique well suited to bodybuilding, and five years in the sport have given her newfound purpose outside of her career at Quattro Restaurant. The results have come, too: Elliott won the Canadian Championship

Though her sport is inherently focused on appearance, Leona’s modus operandi is to pursue good overall health inside and out. She and her clients train year-round in a balanced manner instead of engaging in heavy offseason lifting followed by harsh contest prep.

They almost never use diuretics. The fact that most of her athletes menstruate throughout their competitive seasons—a rarity in women’s bodybuilding—is a point of pride for Leona.

So, too, is working exclusively with the WNBF, an organization with a double-drug

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NATURAL STATE Left to right: Rebecca Murphy-Bishop, Lylas Leona and Michelle Elliott at the 2023 WNBF Washington State Naturals.

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test policy. Everyone who competes in a WNBF event is polygraphed and must state on the record that they have been clean for 10 years. That not only involves being free of all performance-enhancing substances, but also adhering to strict regulations on stimulants, diuretics and recreational drugs.

Afterwards, professionals who reach the podium (and win money) must immediately undergo urinalysis, as do amateurs who win their pro card. They’re escorted directly into a private room at that point—do not hug your coach, do not pass go, do not collect $200.

It can be a daunting process, especially for beginners. That’s why Leona coaches her proteges on both the mental and physical side of competition. She’s also very transparent about recommending supplements so they understand clearly the difference between a branched-chain amino acid and a prohibited anabolic steroid.

Moreover, Leona appreciates the WNBF for putting its contestants first. According to her, the federation is “very low on the political scale,” enabling most athletes to have a positive experience much like she did throughout her career.

Leona began working out at 14 years of age and remembers being fascinated by the fact that one can change the shape of one’s body through intentional exercise. She drew empowerment from fitness through her at-times turbulent teen years, and first discovered bodybuilding in her early 20s at a gym in her native Burnaby.

A former coworker once intimated that

Leona, at 5-11, was too tall to bodybuild.

She stands above most in her sport, but that didn’t stop her from entering her first event in 2007. Much of Leona’s competitive career took place in Brandon, Man., before Whistler, but she says bodybuilding can be a great pursuit for older women, or those who don’t have another sport.

Indeed, most of her clientele is between 30 and 60 years of age. There are even endurance athletes who show up wanting to cross-train or look more like their own conception of a traditional athlete.

These days, Leona is the proud leader of a vibrant fitness sisterhood with members online across North America, Australia, and even Romania—something she feels is crucial to balance out the individualistic nature of bodybuilding.

“It can be very difficult to form a team of women who are competing directly with each other in some cases … but the motto we have within Lady Sculpt is: ‘you can’t compete with me, I want you to win too,’” Leona explained. “I really preach that your only competition is your last stage presence, your last stage body. Don’t worry about what anyone else looks like.

“This once-very-independent sport that could feel really lonely and very isolating has now become this community of women that hang out together outside of the gym. It gives us friendships that are like-minded, and in a town like Whistler, which is very pro athlete or party-focused, it really kind of creates an in-between option.” n

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39

FORK IN THE ROAD

Fun food facts for your next festive feast WITH HOLIDAY SEASON AROUND THE CORNER, SPARK UP YOUR CONVERSATION STARTERS WHOOSH—WHERE DID that year go!?

Hard to believe, but the holly-jolly season is right around the corner, and with it all the incumbent parties, for dinner and otherwise, where sparkling conversation starters, along with social defusers, are as much a

BY GLENDA BARTOSH requirement as the latest appetizers.

With that in mind, here’s my latest list of fast food (and drink) facts that might serve you well in many a social setting.

But first, a tip of my newsboy cap to Harper’s Magazine, published since 1850, making it the oldest continuously published monthly magazine in North America—one I’ve subscribed to for decades. Rightfully praised by The New York Times as an “unexpectedly excellent magazine” due in part to its wide-reaching range “amid a homogenizing media landscape,” you

FESTIVE FACTS Feel free to use these fast food facts to wow your friends and family at your next festive get-together.

PHOTO BY STEVE CHENN / THE IMAGE BANK / GETTY IMAGES

40 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

can’t go wrong giving it—or any number of good publications, including Pique Newsmagazine—to friends and family, near and far.

Nothing like holding a beautiful paper copy of a top publication in your hands as the weather outside grows frightful. No hideous LED light glaring in loved ones’ faces. And no tedious wrapping required on your part. Just pop a note into a holiday card, and the rest will take care of itself, all year long. Including the support of publications you don’t want to see vanish from your cultural landscape.

• Average per cent of a typical domesticated turkey weight that is breast meat: 70 • Country that ranks as the biggest per capita consumer of turkey meat worldwide each year: Israel, at 28 lb (12.7 kg) per capita • No. 2: Hungary at 19.84 lb (9.02 kg) per capita • No. 3: U.S. at 16.55 lb (7.52 kg) per capita • Ranking of Canada in turkey consumption: eighth, at 8.8 lb (4 kg) per capita • Amount of feed, such as corn or soy, that a domesticated turkey eats to put on a kilogram of weight: 6.6 kg • Factor by which pasture-fed turkeys eat more than regular, domesticated turkeys: two • Number of different bee species that cranberries, apples and pumpkins rely on for pollination: Thousands • Amount of water needed to grow a kilogram of cranberries: About 1,000 to 1,250 litres • Average amount of water needed to grow a

kilogram of squash: About 333 litres • Amount of water a dog needs per day: 50 to 100 ml per kg of body weight, so about 1.25 to 2.5 litres for an average female lab • Number of litres of water an average (240kg) black bear needs per day: about 11 • Number of litres of water an elephant requires per day: 200 • Number of litres of water in the average two-seater hot tub: 650 • Amount of weight an average grizzly bear puts on per day before hibernation: 1.36 kg (three pounds) • Number of calories a grizzly needs to eat per day to pack on the required amount of weight for hibernation: 20,000 • A black bear: 15,000 to 20,000 • Number of black bears that live around Whistler: 50 • Value of non-alcoholic drinks market in Canada, including soft drinks, in 2023: About $30 billion • Total annual rate of growth for that market: 3.2 per cent • Predicted annual growth rate for nonalcoholic beer sales in Canada: 22 to 25 per cent • Predicted annual growth rate for regular beer sales in Canada: 6.75 per cent • Value of non-alcoholic beer market worldwide in 2022: $30.4 billion • Value of non-alcoholic wine market worldwide in 2022: $2 million • Estimated age of oldest known protowine, which was found in China and made

without grapes: 9,000 years • Estimated age of the oldest, and supposedly, drinkable liquid wine, which is currently housed in a wine museum in Speyer, Germany: 1,700 years • Year of origin of what’s considered the first cocktail, the Sazerac—a blend of cognac or whiskey, absinthe, bitters and sugar— created in New Orleans: The mid-1800s, with some pegging it at 1838 • Number of candy canes sold each year: 1.76 billion • Percentage sold between Thanksgiving and Christmas: 90 • Weight of world’s biggest candy cane: 318,267.3 kg • World record for number of candy canes stuffed in a mouth at once, set by Jim “Mouth” Purol in 2012 in Hollywood: 83 • Size of world’s biggest gingerbread house, created in Bryan, Texas, in 2013: 18.28 m (60 ft) long, 12.8 m (42 ft) wide and 3.07 m (10.1 ft) tall at the highest point.

Thanks to these good sources: World Population Review; World Wildlife Fund; Naked Scientists; Beco Pets; Yellowstone Bear World; Port Hardy Bear Smart Committee; Bear Smart Whistler; Statista.com; Food in Canada; The Globe and Mail; Food & Wine; Wikipedia; Chivas.com; Publish0x; Old Time Candy. com; KTLA.com; Guinness World Records.

Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning journalist who has never set a world record. n

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

FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE NOVEMBER 17

NOVEMBER 18

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

NOVEMBER 19 NOVEMBER 20 SUNDAY

R Boys

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

Josh

I Strong Glutes & Core 7:30-8:30 a.m Jess

NOVEMBER 21

NOVEMBER 22

NOVEMBER 23

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

I Mountain Ready Conditioning 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Steve

I Strength & Mobility 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Anna

I Spin Mixer 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Mel

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

Lou

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

Marie-Anne

I Full Body HIIT 9-10 a.m.

Andy

I Low Impact Strength 9-10 a.m.

Lou

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

Josie

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

I Gentle Fit 1-2 p.m.

Diana

F Swim Fit Endurance 7:30-8:30 a.m.

Marie-Anne I Yin & Yang Yoga 9-10 a.m.

Heidi

I Aqua Fit Deep 8:45-9:45 a.m.

Marie-Anne

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

Sara

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.

Lou

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.

Sara

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

Courtney

F Pilates Mat Class 12:15-1 p.m.

Liv

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

Marie-Anne

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.

Garret

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 NOV 17 FRIDAY

NOV 18 SATURDAY

NOV 19 SUNDAY

NOV 20 MONDAY

NOV 21 TUESDAY

NOV 22 WEDNESDAY

NOV 23 THURSDAY

MAIN LAP POOL

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

6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

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

11:45 A.M. - 8 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.

11:45am - 8pm

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

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

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

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

HOT SPOTS

6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

6-8:45 a.m. & 11:45 a.m. - 8 p.m.

6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

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

Victoria Guitar Trio making its return in Whistler ADRIAN VERDEJO, MICHAEL DIAS AND NEW MEMBER MICHAEL KOLK PLAY NOV. 19 AT THE MAURY YOUNG ARTS CENTRE

BY DAVID SONG AFTER FOUR YEARS away from collective performance, the Victoria Guitar Trio is back— but with a new face among them.

Gone is Bradford Werner, who has moved on to other projects after co-founding the band roughly a decade and a half ago.

Taking his place is fellow Canadian classical musician Michael Kolk, who has nine albums and extensive international performing experience under his belt. Several of his songs are frequently heard on American and Canadian radio stations, and he has for years partnered with Drew Henderson as the HK Guitar Duo. Kolk will soon join founding members Adrian Verdejo and Michael Dias for a Nov. 19 concert at the Maury Young Arts Centre in partnership with the Whistler Chamber Music Society (WCMS).

Verdejo has been described as a “go-to guy for new music featuring guitar” by the Vancouver Sun, focusing on contemporary music with equal proficiency on both classical and electric guitars.

Dias, a former biology major, changed his career focus in university and has since earned his PhD in musicology. He has taught undergraduate courses in music theory and history at the University of Victoria in

THREE’S COMPANY Left to right: Victoria Guitar Trio members Adrian Verdejo, Michael Dias and Michael Kolk.

PHOTO BY ADRIAN VERDEJO

42 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

addition to his performance pursuits.

When most of us think about guitars, we might imagine rock concerts, country music festivals or the timeless act of strumming and singing around a campfire. We’re not all familiar with classical guitars and how their nylon strings deliver a more mellow sound than the steel strings of their acoustic counterparts. However, the classical guitar is the Victoria trio’s instrument of choice.

Verdejo and his cohorts plan to bring a diverse repertoire to the Sea to Sky. The

Christmas carol, “What Child Is This?”

“We’re very excited to be re-forming the group and adding Michael [Kolk], who’s a wonderful musician and guitarist,” says Verdejo. “This concert will be a return to the performance mode for us.”

SOCIAL MUSIC-MAKING

The Victoria Guitar Trio first came together in 2007. Verdejo, Dias and Werner were all teaching at the Victoria Conservatory of Music

“We’re very excited to be re-forming the group and adding Michael [Kolk], who’s a wonderful musician...”

- ADRIAN VERDEJO

European tradition will be well-represented by a section of the Pope Marcellus Mass as well as works by Spain’s Isaac Albéniz and Roland Dyens of France. There will also be Canadian content from Patrick Roux and Jordan Nobles—Roux is one of Verdejo’s former teachers who draws inspiration from Latin genres, while Nobles is a fellow British Columbian who has previously worked with the trio.

To ring in the holidays, the band will additionally showcase an arrangement of “Fantasia on Greensleeves” set by Dave Burnett to the melody of a traditional

back then, and they joined forces officially after putting on some performances on campus and in the community. Doing so has allowed them to branch out and experience new aspects of the music industry.

“One thing about the traditional path for guitarists is that there’s been a lot of emphasis on solo playing,” Verdejo says. “If you study in a university or if you develop a career as a guitarist, there’s a lot of repertoire to learn. I think we have less opportunities than the conventional orchestral musician to play in groups: be it orchestras or smaller chamber settings.

“For us, [we appreciate] the experience and the opportunity to collaborate in more and larger works together, and really just taking part in the social experience of musicmaking—which is something I really try to impart to my developing guitar students.

There’s a lot of music out there, and a lot of the time, playing different collaborations with various musicians will help in the long run to develop your abilities.”

Verdejo knows this first-hand, having collaborated with flutist Mark Takeshi McGregor, the Vancouver Symphony Orchestra, the Vancouver Intercultural Orchestra, Turning Point and Aventa Ensemble in his career. These days, he teaches at Douglas College and Vancouver Community College, as well as privately, outside of his performing gigs.

Verdejo’s first show in Whistler came roughly four or five years ago alongside McGregor, and he’s eager to return with Dias and Kolk in tow.

“I definitely noticed and appreciated that the audience was very receptive, very warm, and very friendly,” recalls the Vancouver resident. “In the concert [McGregor and I] played previously, there was a good variety of works and I think that went over very well.

“Whistler, obviously, is a beautiful location and a destination spot. We didn’t have as much time to hang out or visit some of the locations there last time, but the scenery is always very inspiring and I do look forward to seeing a little bit more of the town this time, if possible.”

Find tickets and more information on the upcoming Victoria Guitar Trio concert at whistlerchambermusic.ca. ■

ARTS SCENE

Retired Whistler ski racer Mike Janyk finds himself in new memoir GO TO THE START CAPTURES THE LIFE OF AN ELITE ALPINE ATHLETE—AND WHAT COMES AFTER HANGING UP THE SKI BOOTS

BY BRANDON BARRETT

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honestly, particularly around his struggles with mental health, an important theme in the book. He shared the story of a fellow national team racer who faked a back injury to get out of an international race because he didn’t feel comfortable sharing his mentalhealth issues with coaches.

“Because that was OK to say, ‘Oh, my back’s hurt.’ Totally normal. And so he got to go home. But what was really going on: He was so depressed, he didn’t want to be there,” says Janyk.

Heartened by the new generation of ski racers talking openly about their mental health, Janyk was asked if it’s possible for the top athletes in ski racing to prioritize their well-being and still achieve the results they need to progress in the sport.

“This is something that, ever since I retired, has been the question that I’ve been working with, when I was working with kids.

And there’s wonderful people now who are doing the work, like psychologists who are giving us studies that show that these two goals are congruent. And I wouldn’t have gotten back into sport development if I didn’t believe it was not only possible, but I feel like that’s the only way to progress sport,” he says.

Janyk will be at the Whistler Public Library on Tuesday, Nov. 21 for a conversation with program coordinator Jeanette Bruce, followed by a reading from his book and a Q&A. The free event starts at 7 p.m., and registration is required by emailing publicservices@ whistlerlibrary.ca. Copies of Go to the Start will also be available for purchase, courtesy of Armchair Books. Learn more about the memoir at books.friesenpress.com. n

EC

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE JANYK

2

Janyk will read from his new memoir at the Whistler Public Library on Nov. 21.

R N OV E M B E R

STARTING FRESH Retired Whistler ski racer Mike

9D

THERE WAS A CERTAIN point in Mike Janyk’s glittering ski-racing career, captured in his new memoir, Go to the Start, when the three-time Olympian questioned what it was all for, or, more precisely, who.

In his late 20s at the time, the thirdgeneration ski racer was asked a rather simple question by his sports psychologist: What is your motivation as an athlete?

“Before, when someone asked me that, it was like an affront. Why would you ask me that? I’m here to win. Every time you get asked that question as an athlete, it’s almost like, are you imitating what you want the coaches to hear? Or is that really what you’re saying?” Janyk, now 41, recalls. “So, when I was asked that, I was at a place where I was going through this shift, and I went to go answer right away—and nothing came out.”

For the unfamiliar, Janyk’s list of accomplishments in the skiing world is long.

The Whistlerite hails from Canada’s “first family of skiing,” with a mom, the late Whistler councillor and youth sports coach Andrée Janyk, who was an accomplished national-level skier in her own right, while older sister, Britt, also made her mark on the World Cup circuit, and joined her brother on the Canadian national team at Whistler’s 2010 Olympics.

Those who know Janyk personally will attest to his innate sensitivity and depth, qualities not always associated with elite athletes at the highest levels. Even before Janyk knew his early scribblings would turn into a book, it was clear this was someone who was seeking—for meaning, for purpose, for a life after sport.

In an environment where he was not only beholden to an army of coaches and sponsors, but an entire community of supporters, Janyk noticed a shift within him, as he describes it, from “an external proving to an internal knowing.”

“I decided I was going to use sport to discover who I am, rather than prove who I am,” he says. “My results back then were up and down, and my identity was super attached to my results. It was a chance to discover something about myself. Every loss, every win, that was my process for discovering who I am as an athlete, which led to the bigger picture of who I am. Who do I want to be in this world?”

In the intervening years, Janyk has certainly stepped into who he is in the world. He became a father. He toured the motivational speaker circuit. He founded, alongside friend and fellow Olympic skier Manny Osborne-Paradis, the Mike & Manny Foundation, which supports youth skiers. He served close to two years as executive director of the Whistler Mountain Ski Club.

Through it all, he has shared his own experiences in the sport openly and

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

43

ARTS SCENE

Whistler’s Paul and Ian Morrison star in new short film DIRECTED BY RYAN REGEHR AND JEFF THOMAS, CO-WORKERS WILL SCREEN UNTIL NOV. 19 AT THE VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL MOUNTAIN FILM SERIES

BY DAVID SONG IN RYAN REGEHR’S humble opinion, Paul Morrison is “the godfather of mountain photography.”

Morrison’s decorated career spans 45 years, and he’s been one of Whistler Blackcomb’s lead photographers since the beginning. Sea to Sky locals and visitors alike have grown up marvelling at his work in all kinds of publications, though they may not know his name. The Ontario native has since passed the torch to his son Ian, who is an accomplished skier, mountain biker and photographer in his own right.

Now, the two are getting their own time in the spotlight by way of Co-Workers, a new short film co-directed by Regehr and Jeff Thomas. The movie is screening as part of the Vancouver International Mountain Film Festival (VIMFF) Fall Series, with in-person premieres Nov. 14 to 19 and an online version running until Dec. 10.

FATHER-SON ENTERPRISE

Co-Workers will be a fitting tribute to a pair of men whose contributions to Whistler’s

mountain community are immense and difficult to quantify.

“Paul’s career should have more light shone on it, and I think [the VIMFF] is a cool venue for that,” Regehr opines. “Sometimes photographers, especially with the way COVID happened, kind of fade into the background, and Paul’s retirement wasn’t really [heralded].

He just stopped shooting as much as he used to and retired, which is what he wanted to do, but I just feel like a man with that kind of career needed more of a send-off.”

Co-Workers represents a segment of a longer film called Fixed Grip, which Regehr and Thomas made for Whistler Blackcomb. In Fixed Grip, the aim was to tell stories of Sea to Sky residents and how their lives shape—and are shaped by—the biomes and environments around them. Paul’s name naturally entered the conversation, for he’s been a key mentor in Regehr and Thomas’ lives.

It’s not every day a man pursues his father’s career with gusto and talent in equal measure, but Paul’s relationship with Ian made their story even more worthwhile.

After five years of discussion and deliberation, the right opportunity to tell said story presented itself.

“There’s obviously artistry in Paul’s photos. He does them incredibly well and he

cares about the community, too,” said Regehr.

“When I was starting out, he reached out to me and he’s helped me with tons of stuff. A long list of photographers look up to Paul as a bit of an inspiration. He’s always tried to help the up-and-comer.

“Paul and Ian have worked together since Ian was 13. Ian will basically tell you where he’s going to turn and where you should point your camera, because he’s done it so many times and can do it so well. Ian looks at the mountain so differently than other skiers do—whereas a lot of skiers are looking for the most rad turn, and he’s looking at how [to frame the photo].”

SEEING THE STORY

The weather hasn’t always been ideal for winter filmmaking this year. Regehr, Thomas and the Morrisons aimed to showcase top-flight powder skiing in Co-Workers, and a dearth of snow made them work to accomplish that goal. The project’s story, meanwhile, coalesced virtually in one night—both directors had a dinner party with many of their subjects, and Paul ended up offering myriad interesting tangents and anecdotes from his life.

Regehr thanks Thomas for helping it all come together.

“Jeff sees stories in a different way, and he can see them well before me a lot of the time,” said Regehr. “We bounce off of each other really well, and it makes working a lot more fun. Sometimes, [editing] by myself can be a little bit boring for me, so it’s nice to have someone to lean over and be like: ‘Hey, this is cool, this is not cool.’ [The film] definitely wouldn’t have happened without him.”

Thomas, who likes to stay busy, has directed two movies for this year’s VIMFF fall lineup. 23.4 Degrees is the other: a project featuring former X Games slopestyle champion Anna Segal and her journey through the changing seasons.

Regehr graduated from film school at the BC Institute of Technology and has lived in Whistler since 2011. His resume includes contracts with the likes of Red Bull, Nintendo, GMC and Whistler Blackcomb, as well as experience at Crankworx, the World Ski and Snowboard Festival and the World Freestyle Motocross Championships.

Also on tap from Sea to Sky talents this month at the VIMFF are Slides on the Mountain, Shaped by Wild, Hankin Evolution, People Like Us, Racing for the Next 7 and Ready or Not. Find out more about the festival and its offerings at vimff.org. ■

17th ANNUAL MOUNTAIN FM AND THE WESTIN RESORT & SPA, WHISTLER

NOVEMBER THURSDAY | 30 | 6-9 AM THE WESTIN RESORT & SPA, WHISTLER JOIN US AND BRING A NEW TOY, NON-PERISHABLE FOOD ITEM, OR TAP YOUR CARD TO MAKE A DONATION TOWARDS LOCAL SEA TO SKY CORRIDOR FOOD BANKS AND ENJOY A DELICIOUS FREE BREAKFAST. FREE PARKING AVAILABLE FOR ALL GUESTS.

44 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

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

The Four Seasons Whistler is looking to add to our employee housing inventory!

FALL FEAST PHOTO BY ALEXRATHS / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

CORNUCOPIA WHISTLER SPO7EZ FALL FEAST Experience a culinary journey brought to life through authentic Indigenous cultural sharing and inspired cuisine celebrating the fall season.

Enjoy an exquisite long-table experience in the Great Hall with Spo7ez Performers in regalia sharing storytelling and song from the Sk_xw _ ú7mesh and Líl’wat7úl. > Nov. 18, 6:30 to 10 p.m. > Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre > $117 to $160

MATURE ACTION COMMITTEE HOUSING FORUM This afternoon is aimed at those 55+ (or anyone actively planning their older future) who are either renting or owning their home or looking for a home in Whistler, whether it is market, Whistler Housing Authority, or other. We will take a snapshot of the current demographics of housing for seniors here in Whistler by asking “if you want to age in place in Whistler, what type of housing do you need? What are the issues? And what is suitable seniors housing?” > Nov. 18, 1 to 4 p.m. > Whistler Public Library > Free

WHISTLER EXPERIENCE LIVE AT ARTS WHISTLER Join us for the highly-anticipated return of Whistler Experience LIVE. These engaging in-person sessions

FOR SALE

are thoughtfully crafted to provide newcomers with the tools to live your best life in Whistler! At Whistler Experience LIVE, you’ll gain local insights, go in the draw to win exciting prizes, and ignite your excitement for the upcoming snow season! Learn about the land on which you’ve chosen to live, work and play, discover services and supports to help you live your best life and delve into the heart of Whistler’s renowned customer service philosophy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the true essence of Whistler! > Nov. 22, 9 to 10:30 a.m. and 12 to 1:30 p.m. > Maury Young Arts Centre > $20

MAKING CONNECTIONS DEMENTIA FRIENDLY SOCIAL CLUB MAC’s Making Connections is a weekly program for people with early-stage dementia and their caregivers on Wednesday mornings.

More like a social club, this program starts with 45 minutes of gentle fitness, followed by games and brain-stimulating activities, and socializing over a light lunch.

The goal is to slow cognitive decline in the afflicted and allow caregivers to bond, share experiences and develop their own support network.

Register at whistlermac.org under the events tab, Making Connections Program.

Prepay by e-transfer to treasurer@whistlermac.org. > Nov. 22, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. > Our Lady of the Mountains Catholic Church > $5

1 Bdrm, 1 Bthrm townhome in desirable Alta Vista neighbourhood a short walk to both Lakeside Park & Wayside Park on Alta Lake

Zoning permits both weekend Cottage Use by an out-of-town owner or full-time occupancy by an owner or long-term renter.

In-Unit Washer & Dryer. Gas Fireplace. Balcony faces to the sunny south. On the Valley Trail between Village & Creekside, below Whistler Mountain, close to Alta Lake.

On-site mail delivery. Re-cycling & Waste Shed. Storage Locker. Ideal for lake lovers.

ASKING PRICE: $799,000 (no gst applicable).

Duane Kercher, Real Estate Agent & Managing Broker

Real Estate Sales & Long-Term Rental Management Cell: 604-932-7849 Email: duane@whistlerproperty.com

We are fortunate to have existing, long term relationships with many local home and property owners and are continuing to expand our housing inventory.

What can we offer?

Commitment from the Four Seasons on ensuring your property is well looked after, secure, long term rental, management of tenancy by dedicated Housing Team, with the peace of mind knowing your property is in good hands.

Does this sound like it could be a fit?

Please email Odeta.Bartasiute@fourseasons.com

310 (G3) 4653 BLACKCOMB WAY Horstman House - Benchlands

2 bed, 2 bath, 973 sqft – Best 1/4 share building in Whistler. Horstman House offers owners 1 week each month which you can use personally or have the front desk rent it on your behalf. Property is fully equipped, has in-house management and is turn key. Only a short 5 min walk to Lost Lake, Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf Course, and you can ski home.

Amenities include; Free shuttle, heated outdoor pool, gym, hot tub, bbq area, ski & bike lockers and secured underground parking. $349,000

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

Thank You Whistler Firefighters Association

would like to thank Nesters Market for their amazing community support and generous donation to our fireworks and hot chocolate Halloween event.

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

45

725/727 4050 WHISTLER WAY Hilton Hotel - Whistler Village

1 bed, 2 bath, 1146 sqft – INVESTMENT PROPERTY! The Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa offers the perfect mix of personal usage and revenue. This “1 bed lock off suite” which is 2 separate units (#725 and #727) can be used separately or used together. One side has 2 queen beds and the other has 1 king and a full kitchen. Use one side and collect the revenue on the other or use both, it’s up to you. Located at the base of Whistler Blackcomb with all the amenities you would expect from the Hilton brand. Get in touch today for revenue potential and owning in the heart of Whistler Village. $939,000

604.902.6106 | josh@joshcrane.ca whistlerrealestatemarket.com

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120-4090 Whistler Way Whistler, B.C. V8E 1J3

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529/531 4050 WHISTLER WAY

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Hilton Hotel - Whistler Village

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1 bed, 2 bath, 1146 sqft – INVESTMENT PROPERTY! The Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa offers the perfect mix of personal usage and revenue. This “1 bed lock off suite” which is 2 separate units (#529 and #531) can be used separately or used together. One side has 2 queen beds and the other has 1 king and a full kitchen. Use one side and collect the revenue on the other or use both, it’s up to you. Located at the base of Whistler Blackcomb with all the amenities you would expect from the Hilton brand. Get in touch today for revenue potential and owning in the heart of Whistler Village. $899,000

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

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Whistler’s early ski swaps

BY ALLYN PRINGLE IN 2018, we began a weekly post on our

Josh Crane Whistler REALTOR®

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AVAILABLE Sunday to Thursday

RESERVATIONS 604.966.2121 www.21steps.ca

Whistorical blog featuring a selection of photographs and captions taken during that week from each year that was represented in the collection of negatives from the Whistler Question Collection. “This Week In Photos” has become a useful starting point to learn more about what was happening in Whistler at any given time (between 1978 and 1985).

When looking into the stories behind the photographs, we often find connections to other images. Some of these connections are unexpected, such as crowds of cars outside the Myrtle Philip School in November and ski racer Dave Murray sawing through a ski at the opening of a sports store in Vancouver in August.

The photograph of a crowd of cars was captured at the Whistler Mountain Ski Club’s (WMSC) fourth annual Ski Swap in 1979. The first Annual Ski Swap in Whistler was held on November 13, 1976, when skiers of all levels were encouraged to bring in their extra or outgrown equipment and clothing to sell or trade. A percentage of the proceeds made from the sales went to support the WMSC junior racing program.

The gear brought in by local skiers was supplemented by leftover articles from the Vancouver Ski Swap and, with prices ranging from $2 for some of the clothing to $200 for boots, the WMSC was able to raise about $500.

According to WMSC spokesperson Hugh McLennan, the sale “was an overall success, with very little theft of the merchandise on display.”

The Ski Swap continued to be a successful fundraiser for the WMSC, as well as a great place to find a deal on equipment. By 1979, the event drew hundreds of people to Myrtle Philip School, their cars filling the school parking lot and spilling over onto the street.

Like in previous years, the equipment and clothing brought by skiers was added to by wholesalers, such as a Vancouver company that brought boxes of incorrectly-sized wool sweaters to sell at greatly discounted prices, and by store owners such as Casey Niewerth of Skyline Sports, who brought in any stock left from the previous winter.

Niewerth founded Skyline Sports in North Vancouver in the 1950s as Vancouver’s second ski shop. He began by selling the sample skis wholesalers would bring to show department stores, ordering another pair once the first one was sold, and by the 1960s had expanded to include other sports and activities in a larger space, including a workshop for setting, repairing, and putting edges on skis.

In early 1966, when Whistler Mountain officially opened for skiing, Niewerth and his young family began skiing in the area, buying a lot in Alta Vista in the spring and moving into their newly completed cabin less than a week before Christmas that year. Like most stores at the time, Skyline Sports was closed on Sundays, and during the ski season the family would drive up late Saturday evening

RIBBON CUTTING Dave Murray saws through an old wooden ski at the opening of Skyline Sports in Kerrisdale.

WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION, 1979

in order to be at the base of the mountain for ski school on Sunday morning.

Niewerth built up a loyal clientele at Whistler Mountain, in particular by offering free binding adjustments behind the bullwheel of the Red Chair.

Just a few months before the 1979 Ski Swap, the Niewerths expanded Skyline Sports further by opening a new store in Vancouver’s Kerrisdale neighbourhood. The opening of the 6,000-sq.-ft. space replaced the usual ribbon-cutting ceremony with Crazy Canuck Dave Murray sawing through a 25-year-old ski, an event captured and reproduced in the Whistler Question.

After the opening event, the new Skyline Sports location opened to the public with a “Super Ski Sale” where skiers could get the latest equipment ahead of the coming season.

Like the Ski Swap raised money for the WMSC racing program, the Super Ski Sale was also a fundraiser for the Canadian National Ski Team, and any donations made to the team of more than $5 during the sale would be matched by the store.

There are many photos of Ski Swaps in the Whistler Question Collection, and even some more of events involving Skyline Sports.

Though the retail locations of Skyline Sports closed in the 1990s, Niewerth remains an important part of the community, and the WMSC Annual Ski Swap continues to raise money for the club and its racing programs each fall. n

PARTIAL RECALL

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1 LEST WE FORGET Whistler once again commemorated Remembrance Day on Saturday, Nov. 11 with a solemn service at the Whistler Olympic Plaza cenotaph. PHOTO BY DAVID BUZZARD / COURTESY OF THE RESORT MUNICIPALITY OF WHISTLER 2 ALPENGLOW The skies over Whistler put on quite a colourful show on the evening of Tuesday, Nov. 14. PHOTO BY JON PARRIS 3 WELCOME COMMITTEE Friends celebrate the return of former Pique production manager Karl Partington (left) with a dinner at Red Door Bistro. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUSAN HUTCHINSON 4 LUXURY LODGE The Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa, a new luxury accommodation north of Whistler, is set to welcome its first guests. Read more at wedgemountainlodge.com. PHOTO COURTESY OF WEDGE MOUNTAIN LODGE 5 LET IT SNOW With opening day just around the corner, all eyes are on the snowline slowly creeping its way down the mountains. PHOTO BY SUSAN HUTCHINSON

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

Recycle? Yes or no?

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Stay Stinky!

21-4314 Main Street

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HOLIDAY POP-UP Sip & Shop Nov 17th 1pm to 7pm Sat Nov 18th 11am to 5pm

3121 Alta Vista Rd Whistler (corner of Alta Vista & Alpine Cres)

SKI SWAP & AGM Wednesday, 23rd November Pemberton Community Centre, Room B Ski Swap - 6:00 - 7:30 AGM 7:30 - 9:00 pm

spudvalleynordics.com or contact Delores Los at 604-894-6189 • dfflos@hotmail.com

Have you booked your staff

CHRISTMAS party yet? It is not too late!

Wildwood in Function Junction are taking reservations for staff Christmas Parties.

A 4 course sit down dinner $59.95 per person minimum of 20 people, maximum of 44 people.

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF NOVEMBER 17 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In accordance with astrological omens, I would love you to experiment with blending the sacred and mundane. Bring your deep self into the daily routine and imbue ordinary rhythms with tender care. Here are a few fun rituals to get you in the groove: 1. Say prayers or chant ecstatic poems while you’re shopping. 2. Build a shrine in a parking lot. 3. Stir up an inspired epiphany while doing housework. 4. If you find yourself in a confusing or awkward situation, dance like a holy person to conjure a blessing. 5. Commune with the Divine Creator during crazy-good sex.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): I’ve met many people who feel their love lives are jinxed. Often, they believe this nonsense because a creepy fortune-teller declared they will forever be denied a satisfying intimate relationship.

I hate that! Any astrologer who delivers such crippling bewitchments should be outed as a charlatan. The good news for you, Taurus, is that you are in a grace period for all matters regarding romance, intimacy, and togetherness. If you have ever worried there is a curse, obstruction, or bad habit inhibiting your love life, the coming weeks will be a favourable time to free yourself from it.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Gemini comedian Drew Carey says, “If I didn’t run from my fears, I wouldn’t get any exercise at all.” Let’s discuss his approach in relation to you. After analyzing the astrological omens, I believe that as 2023 draws to a close and 2024 unfolds, you will feel less and less motivated to run from your fears. In part, that’s because you will face them with more courage and poise; they won’t have the same power over you. In addition, I suspect your fears will become objectively less scary. They will be less likely to come to pass. More and more, your fine mind will see how they trick you into imagining they’re more threatening than they truly are.

Congratulations in advance, Gemini!

CANCER (June 21-July 22): I would love to see you intensify your devotion to your masterpiece—however you understand “masterpiece.” It could be a work of art or an innovation in your job or business. It could be a new baby, an adopted pet, a redefinition of what family means, or an invigorated community. Might even be a beautiful alliance or enhanced connection with the divine or a refinement of the best gift you give the world. Life will conspire to help you in unexpected ways during the coming months if you rededicate yourself to this treasure.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Dear Sun, our one and only star: We love you and appreciate you! It’s amazing that you consume 5 million tons of yourself every second to generate the colossal energy you send in our direction. Thank you, beloved Sun! Is it OK with you if we think of you as a god?

You are a superpowered genius of nourishment! And by the way, do you know who adores you the best? I’ll tell you: the Leo people here on Earth. They comprehend your grandeur and majesty better than anyone else. Would you consider giving them extra rewards in the coming weeks? They need and deserve a massive delivery of your bounty. Please fill them up with even more charisma, personal magnetism, vitality, and generosity of spirit than usual. I promise they will use it wisely.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo musician and actor Shirley Manson has a message for you. She testifies, “I say embrace the total geek in yourself and just enjoy it. Life is too short to be cool.” This will be especially helpful and inspirational counsel for you in the coming months, dear Virgo. The wish to appear chic or trendy or hip should be so far down on your list of priorities that it drops off the list entirely. Your assignment is to be passionately devoted to your deepest truths, unique desires, and imaginative experiments.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If you’re given a choice to advocate for either a dull, mediocre truth or a beautiful, invigorating truth, give your love to the latter. If you wonder whether you should ask a polite question that

engenders harmony or a provocative question that pries loose agendas that have been half hidden, opt for the latter. If you feel nostalgic about an old tradition that stirs up little passion or fresh insight, let it go. Instead, dream up a new tradition that moves you emotionally and excites your mind.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Icelandic singer Bjork is a triple Scorpio, with sun, moon, and ascendant in your sign. Neptune is there, too, giving her even more Scorpionic intensity. It’s not surprising that she describes her daily practice like this: “I have to re-create the universe every morning when I wake up and kill it in the evening.” In another quote, she places greater emphasis on the rebirth: “To wake up in the morning and actually find the day exciting is the biggest victory you can have.” In accordance with current astrological omens, I invite you to exalt and celebrate the post-resurrection aspects of your life’s work.

It’s time for you to shine and sparkle and shimmer and bedazzle.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): At the risk of sounding melodramatic, I prophesy that what has been lost will be found. What was last may not catapult all the way into the first spot, but it might—and will at least be close to the first. Here are more zingers for you as you move into the climactic stages of the Season of Turnarounds and Switcheroos: A difficult test will boost your intelligence; a rut will be disrupted, freeing you to find a smooth new groove; an unsettling twist will ultimately bring you delightful support. To get the best out of the upcoming challenges, Sagittarius, welcome them as opportunities to expand your understanding of how the world works.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Many cultures throughout history have staged rites of passage to mark the transformation from childhood to puberty. In ancient Greece, for example, kids formally relinquished their toys, symbolizing the intention to move into a new phase of their destinies. In accordance with astrological omens, I want to tweak this custom for your use, Capricorn. I propose that you embrace your second childhood. Fantasize about how you might refurbish your innocence, curiosity, playfulness, and spontaneous joy. Then select an object that embodies a burdensome or unpleasant aspect of adulthood. Discard it. Find an object that signifies the fresh young spirit you’d like to awaken within you. Kiss it, sing to it, and keep it in a prominent place.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): For advice about money, I talk with a banker who sometimes analyzes financial trends using Tarot cards. To keep abreast of politics on the ground level, I consult with a courtesan who has a PhD in political science and cultivates intimate relations with governmental leaders. For guidance about rowdy ethics and etiquette, I seek input from an activist singer in an all-women punk band. How about you, Aquarius? Now is a favourable time to take an inventory of your posse of teachers, helpers, and counsellors. Make sure it’s serving you well and providing maximum inspiration and support.

Hot tip: It may be time to add a new facilitator or two to your entourage.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Now and then, you glide through a phase I describe as Freedom from Cosmic Compulsion. During these grace periods, fate has a reduced role in shaping your destiny. Your past doesn’t have its typical power to limit you or entrance you.

According to my astrological analysis, you are now enjoying such a chapter. That’s why I predict that an infertile status quo will soon crumble. A boring, inflexible rule will become irrelevant. These and other breakthrough developments will give you extra leeway to innovate and invent. You will have a big, bright emptiness to work and play around in.

Homework: My new book Astrology Is Real is available: https://bit.ly/AstrologyReal.

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

Please send all inquiries to

bob@wildwoodrestaurants.ca.

48 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

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

FOOTBALL IS BACK!

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

PROFESSIONALISM

RELIABLE AND HONEST

PROBLEM SOLVERS

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

Join us on Sunday Nov. 19th for the 110th Grey Cup! Montreal vs Winnipeg - first time ever!

Food and drink specials all day!

Get here before kick-off and get tickets to win prizes at half-time.

Or order some takeout and visit our Cold Beer & Wine Store for your beverage needs

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. $28-$33 per hour.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, Squamish - Minimum 5 years or 5,000 hours operating experience on excavator. Full-time, Monday – Friday. $33-$42 per hour.

Y APPL

coastalmountain.ca/careers instagram.com/coastalmountainexcavations

THE 2023-2024 PEMBERTON GUIDE on stands now!

AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

49

Victoria Shilston Accommodation

RENT SELL HIRE

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S E N I OR P ROP E R T Y M A N AGE R

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Get the added punch to make your business ad standout with a classified display ad.

Free ad design, colour options, incentives for ad frequency.

Contact a sales rep today.

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• Kitchen and Bath • Renovations & Repairs • Drywall • Painting • Finishing • Minor Electrical & Plumbing

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MARKETPLACE PETS

Wag Adoptable

TUNA

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

Age: Approx 10-12 years old Gender: Male

HANDYPERSON Woodworker & Handyman

.Updating kitchen cabinet ,Vanity .Repairs and Reno .Casing .Finishing .Painting .Custom Cabinet,Vanity,Furniture .Ikea stuff assembling .Installing kitchen cabinet 604-5187525 sekechin@gmail.com

SNOW REMOVAL

Looking for Snow Removal and Ice Management Services?

Valley Brothers Contracting Ltd., a liability insured company, specializing in residential driveways, strata properties and commercial lots in Whistler, BC.

Hi I’m Tuna, I’m currently spending time in my loving foster home whilst I await dental surgery with the doggy dental specialist in Vancouver. It’s all booked and I can’t wait to feel better but it’s a complicated procedure due to my age so WAG are looking for help with the costs.

Ray Wiebe 604.935.2432 Pat Wiebe 604.902.9300 raymondo99.69@gmail.com

We've Got You Covered

Breed: Chihuahua

Contact us today for additional information.

Email: info@valleybrotherscontracting.com Phone: 604-830-SNOW

Size: Tiny!

Visit whistlerwag.com to learn more about me and donate towards my much needed specialist dental procedure to give me a second chance at health and happiness.

CLEANING

VISITORS’ GUIDE 2017-2018 FREE

Peak Cleaners ^^ Your local experts for top-notch residential cleaning in Whistler & Pemberton. 604-698-5311 (call or text) info@peakcleaners.ca

HOME SERVICES MOVING AND STORAGE

requires:

Front Desk Staff $22/hour

F/T & P/T hours available Must be available Friday, Saturday & Sundays big or small we do it all!

Call 604-902-MOVE www.alltimemoving.ca

Duties include pre arrival & post departure check of vacation rental units Some duties include: providing resort information & directions, providing information about the lodge, changing light bulbs, troubleshooting WIFI and Cable, unloading the occasional dishwasher.

We are looking for someone who has attention to detail, is able to work independently, can communicate clearly, is a problem-solver, is willing to use a computer and can self lead completing daily tasks.

Please send resumes to:

info@acervacations.com

604.932.1968

office@northlandstorage.ca

Thank you to all our volunteers and foster homes, we love you!

Services

HEALTH & WELLBEING SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Group Fitness Classes Fridays - Gentle Fit 1:00-2:00 pm w Diana Sundays - Strength Training for Endurance Athletes 8-9 am w M-A Mondays - Pilates Mat 12:15-1:00 pm w Liv Tuesdays - Slow Flow Yoga 8-9 pm w Laura Wednesdays - Spin Mixer 7:30-8:30 am w Mel Thursdays - Strength & Stability 9-10 am Lou

IS SEEKING AN

Executive Director Based in beautiful Whistler, BC, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is seeking an Executive Director to lead a high performing, passionate team.

The Executive Director is an advocate of the SLCC, building strong community awareness and support. The ideal candidate for this role will be responsible for implementing the SLCC’s strategic plan, striving for financial sustainability, and rooting all business decisions in the culture of the centre.

At the core of all SLCC business decisions is the sharing of Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation culture through art, history, language and cuisine.

The ideal candidate will bring previous experience from an executive role, exemplifying strong business acumen and a proven ability to align and lead teams from a place of inspiration, compassion, and empowerment.

Experience leading full cycle financial planning, budgeting and reporting is required.

Annual salary range between $100-135k.

Please visit SLCC.ca/careers/ for complete job description and application process. Posting closes on Friday, November 30th.

See our full page schedule ad in this issue of Pique for details

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

51

Community

NOTICES LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES

We are growing our team!

PART TIME SALES ASSOCIATE Applicants must be friendly, professional and enjoy multi-tasking. Duties include customer service and performing a variety of print jobs.

2 days per week - flexible. $19 per hour.

Competitive wages, unique bonus program, extended benefits, team building days, supportive work environment and lots of opportunity for growth and leadership.

Journeymen/women and apprentices

kanegray@baseelectric.ca • 604 902 6073

LEGAL/PUBLIC NOTICES Warehouse Lien Act

Please apply in person to 1200 Alpha Lake Road in Function Junction or email resume to whistler@garibaldigraphics.com

Free Housing Join our team of Plumbers and Gas Fitters

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Employment Opportunities

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

• Lifeguard/Swim Instructor

• Wage range $35 - 50 per hour.

•Employment Supervisor, Utilities – Wastewater Opportunities

• Extended health plan available.

MASSAGE THERAPIST/ BODY WORKER Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler is seeking a Massage Therapist / Body Worker • Competitive contractor wages • Flexible hours REQUIREMENTS: • Minimum of 2 years experience in a Luxury brand, or Spa • Canadian recognized Massage Course with 2200 hours or equivalent diploma If this exciting opportunity sounds like a fit for you, please email: robin.jewers@ fourseasons.com

52 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

For more information, please call Cooper’s Towing Ltd. @ 604-902-1930

• Short-term accommodation available free of charge. Long term housing options available as well.

Send your resume to: Dough@spearheadsph.com

WE ARE HIRING

PART TIME SERVER & BUSSERS CUSTOMER SERVICE EXPERIENCE PREFFERED STRONG ABILITY TO MULTI-TASK MIX OF DAY & NIGHT SHIFTS FOR SERVER NIGHT SHIFT ONLY FOR BUSSERS

piquenewsmagazine.com/ local-events/

EMPLOYMENT EA

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

Whereas the following registered owners are indebted to Cooper’s Towing Ltd. for unpaid towing and storage fees plus any related charges that may accrue.

Notice is hereby given that on November 24, 2023, at noon or thereafter the goods will be seized and sold.

1. Brian Neil Ferguson 2014 Ubilt Boat Trailer Plate # WDD55F $8762.25 2. Owner : Unknown Boat 13K-46124 T.A.C $8526.00 3. Jonathan Boyce 2003 Chevrolet Venture VIN: 1GNDX03E23D275328 $3391.50 4. Webb Wilkinson Riley Jackson – 2006 Audi A3 VIN: WAUMF78P76A203199 $3423.00 5. Matterson Grace 2002 GMC Envoy VIN: 1GKDT13S222418521 $4305.00 6. Norman Luke 1969 Dodge/Ram Coronet VIN: WS27L9G193844 $2079.00 7. Lundrigan Shawn 2002 Dodge/Ram Dakota Vin: 1B7GL42XX2S685946 $2068.50 8. Owner: unknown 2011 Dodge/Ram Avenger Vin: 1B3BD1FB1BN564128 $1590.76 The vehicles are currently being stored at Cooper’s Towing Ltd 8065 Nesters Road Whistler, BC, V8E 0G4

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

M

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Part Time Work at Recycle Depot Sites – Nesters/Function – Training provided – send resume to denise.imbeau@gflenv.com

FUN T

the starting wage for this position is $43.80 per hour ·· Legislative and Privacy Coordinator Lifeguard/Swim Instructor •·· Program Building Official – Plan Examiner II or III Leader Skate Host the starting wage for this position is $40.30 per hour ·· Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Supervisor Waste •·· Solid Equipment Operator III – Roads Labourer I – Technician Village Maintenance ·· Accountant the starting wage for this position is $33.75 per hour Youth and Public Services Specialist

• Providing fully stocked truck, tools, and phone.

STAFF MEAL & DISCOUNTS WEEKLY T IP S

the starting wage for this position is $24.86 per hour Resort Municipality of Whistler

Warehouse Lien Act Jesse Van Rikxoort, Unless $1134.00 plus all costs of this action are Paid the contents of your Storage unit G16 @ Mons Holdings Ltd. 8080 Nesters Rd. Whistler, BC will be sold at 10am Dec. 3rd 2023. ABC Professional Bailiffs Ltd 604-518-6858 skk044@gmail.com

SERVING IT RIGHT REQUIRED FOR SERVER POSITION WAGE $16.75/HR WITH VERY GOOD TIPS ALL YEAR AROUND

DROP OF YOUR RESUME AT THE FRONT COUNTER OR EMAIL SAMURAISUSHI WHISTLER@GMAIL.COM

Love working in Whistler? Hate mice and bed bugs? Tired of working 2 jobs? Look no further!

Solutions Pest Control is growing & we need another service technician to join our family for the fall/ winter 2023. We offer guaranteed full-time employment, medical/ dental benefits, employee assistance program (EAP), 3 weeks holidays, birthday off, streaming subsidy, housing subsidy and more.

This shift is designated to include one weekend day (Sunday to Thursday; Tuesday to Saturday).

Must reside in Whistler for housing subsidy; PR or Canadian citizenship required. Vaccination required. Send cover letter AND resume to: HR@PestSolutions.ca

Whistler Personnel Solutions Full-time, part-time & temp jobs.

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3 1 9 2 4 7 6 8 5 5 8Whistler’s 4 1 9 6 only 2 7 3 7 2 6 3 8 5 9 1 4 dedicated wedding 6 4 1 5 3 2 8 9 7 8 3 2magazine.

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(Full-Time, wage Year-Round) $24.50 per hour Apply online today! https://www.vacasa.com/careers/positions or email: paul.globisch@vacasa.com or call to find out more details at 604-698-0520 We thank all applicants for their interest but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

4/11/2005

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

53

Administrative Clerk (Regular, Full-time)

Looking to contribute to your local community? Consider a career in local government.

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

Headquartered in Pemberton, the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) delivers a wide range of regional, sub-regional and local services to its residents. The SLRD is a BC Regional District consisting of four member municipalities (Squamish, Whistler, Pemberton, Lillooet) and four electoral areas. Services include land use planning, solid waste management, building inspection, fire protection, emergency preparedness, 911 services, recreation, water and sewer utilities, regional transit, trails and open spaces as well as financial support for various community services. The region contains some of the most spectacular forests, waterways, and mountains in the province and affords an endless range of opportunities for outdoor adventure, making it an exceptional place to live, work and play.

The SLRD is seeking an experienced, organized and customer-service focused individual to fill the fulltime position of Administrative Clerk. The Administrative Clerk position is responsible for providing a range of clerical and administrative duties in support of the Legislative and Corporate Services Department and for acting as the first point of contact for in person, phone and electronic enquiries to the SLRD. This is an office-based role located at the SLRD Administration Office in Pemberton.

Qualified candidates possess a completed high school diploma and additional business, computer and/ or public administration courses with a minimum of 1 year of office administration experience. Qualified candidates also have proficiency with Microsoft Office programs and an aptitude for office technology.

The ideal candidate is a self-confident and effective communicator who enjoys engaging with people, demonstrates attention to detail, and has customer-service always in mind. The successful candidate will positively contribute to a team-oriented environment and must build and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of groups including SLRD staff, the public, elected officials and other external contacts.

Lil’wat Nation

Employment Opportunities Ullus Community Centre • • • • •

Financial Reporting Manager ($93,475.20 - $101,556 per year) Family Enhancement Worker ($38,038 - $53,599 per year) Band Social Development Worker Assistant ($17.10-$20.90 per hour) Communications coordinator ($38,038 - $53,599 per year) Administrative Assistant, Community Services ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)

Xet’òlacw Community School • Child and Youth Therapist ($57,330 - $80,080 per year)

Lil’wat Health & Healing • • • •

Nurse Manager ($59,878 - $99,717.80 per year) Assistant Health Director ($93,475.20 - $101,556 per year) Administrative Assistant to Health Director ($38,038 - $53,599 per year) Homemaker ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)

Ts’zil Learning Centre • Administrative Assistant - Culture Centre ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)

For further information, please refer to the full job description at www.slrd.bc.ca/employment.

Lil’wat Business Group

Salary will be determined commensurate with experience. This position also offers a comprehensive benefits package, participation in the Municipal Pension Plan, a compressed work week (9-day fortnight) and learning and career development opportunities.

• Kitchen Staff ($17.10 – $18.50 per hour)

Interested candidates are invited to submit their cover letter and resume (preferably in .pdf format) by email to careers@slrd.bc.ca. This posting will remain open until filled, with application review commencing on October 10, 2023.

We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.

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/

Staff Accommodation, Perks & Benefits

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

• • • •

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.

Open positions: Nordic Ski Patrol $23/hr start wage Groomer $25/hr start wage

What we offer: STAFF HOUSING OPTIONS IN WHISTLER! Competitive wages Transport and carpool options to/from work Benefits package & perks, incl. health & wellness options Full time, part time and casual roles available WB season pass financing & more Whistler’s most unique & inspirational workplace!

APPLY NOW! whistlerolympicpark.com/careers

54 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

Entry Level Mountain Planner Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners Ltd. of Whistler B.C. specializes in the planning and design of four-season mountain resorts and Winter Olympic Alpine and Nordic competition venues.

We are currently seeking an Entry-Level Mountain Planner for a full time / permanent position to work from our office in Whistler. You will receive additional training from your base set of related planning and design skills as Mountain Planning is a unique career. The ideal candidate will have completed a diploma-level or higher Civil Engineering Technology program, GIS program, or similar and will have work experience in planning and design and a passion for skiing / snowboarding.

The position consists of general AutoCAD support for our design team, as well as earthwork cut/fill calculations for ski trails, mountain access roads and base area developments. Typical project work will include the manipulation and analysis of large topographic mapping data sets and preparing drawings for digital and paper presentation. A keen eye for detail and graphic presentation is required.

A comprehensive understanding and working knowledge and experience of AutoCAD and Civil 3D software and the ability to visualize and work in 3D is essential. Experience using ArcGIS, 3DS Max Design, Sketchup, Photoshop, Excel, and similar computer programs would be an asset.

The successful candidate will be a team player and prepared to work in a deadline oriented office environment. A positive attitude and interest in outdoor activities and a mountain resort life style will be an asset.

Ecosign is an employee owned firm with a track record of providing career advancement opportunities to our long term staff. Starting hourly pay rate will be $30.00 - $35.00 per hour depending on experience and skill set.

Please submit a letter of application, including a resume and portfolio to the attention of:

NOW HIRING! Full Time Meat Manager

($64,480 – $76,960 (+ benefits) depending on experience)

Full Time Assistant Meat Manager ($54,080 – $70,720 (+ benefits) depending on experience)

Our Team enjoys: ü

Flexible schedules

ü

Training and experience

ü

Substantial Employee Discount Card & Benefits

ü

Prime location in Pemberton

ü

Short commute = less time, more $$$

Download or fill out our online application at https://www.pembertonsupermarket.com/ about/employment/ or stop by the store and we will give you an application to fill out.

You can also email us at jobs@pembertonsupermarket.com or call us at 604-894-3663.

Mr. Eric Callender, Vice President Ecosign Mountain Resort Planners Ltd. P.O. Box 63 Whistler, B.C. Canada V0N 1B0 E-mail: ecosignmrp@gmail.com

Lil’wat Nation

Child and Youth Therapist- Maternity Leave Department: Special Needs

D E L T A

W H I S T L E R

V I L L A G E

S U I T E S

WE'RE HIRING

Status: Contract Full-time

CHIEF ENGINEER

Start Date: November 2023

(The salary range for this position is $74,000 to $97,000 annually)

End Date: June 20, 2024 Pay Grid: $57,330 to $80,080 per year.

Reporting to: School Admin team Summary of Duties: The Child and Youth Therapist works with students aged 4-18 within a school-based setting. The child and youth therapist uses trauma-informed and therapeutic modalities including narrative therapy, expressive arts, and CBT. The child and youth therapist will report to the school admin support team.

For more information, or to apply for this position please visit our careers page https://lilwat.ca/careers/

ASSISTANT ROOMS MANAGER (The salary range for this position is $49,000 to $58,000 annually)

STAFF HOUSING COORDINATOR (The pay range for this position is $24.00 to $26.50 per hour)

HOUSEKEEPING (The pay range for this position is $21.98 to $24.26 per hour)

STAFF HOUSING AVAILABLE.COMPETITIVE RATES & BENEFITS.GLOBAL DISCOUNTS.GLOBAL CAREER.

Join the #1 Global Leader in Hospitality. Apply at Jobs.Marriott.com.

Contact Adela.Celustkova@deltahotels.com for more information, or drop by and talk to us - we love to meet new people.

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

55

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604-815-4545 • www.avesta1.com 56 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

PLUMBING AND HEATING

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TILE

PUZZLES ACROSS 1 6 11 16 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 32 34 36 37 39 41 43 44 45 48 50 52 55 57 59 63 64 66 68 69 70 72 73

Hot and sticky Packing case Colors Triangular wall below a roof From the beginning (2 wds.)

Receive a -- welcome Like a lot Beyond the suburbs Copier need Leaves unmentioned Nobleman Japanese dog Devour Alaskan island Kind of boat Thought long and carefully Fishing gear Dele’s undoing Olympian queen River in France -- Aviv Dried out Stiff cat hair Big pipe Faction Notices “-- -- I cared!”

Consumer Place of prayer Weather phenomenon On a train Attention to detail Dirty Big swallow Purpose Jeweled headband Apple product

74 75 76 78 79 80 82 83 85 86 87 88 89 90 93 95 96 100 101 102 104 105 106 107 109 110 111 112 115 117 118 119 121 122 123 125 127 129 132 134

Railways on trestles Tree trunk State of mind Health resort Prospector’s tool Poked fun Little bit Bullwinkle’s foe Unorthodox religious groups The dawn personified Armed conflict Revolver Damage Traditional skill Bridge support Calendar abbr.

Go off point Weapon handle Litigate Medieval bondman Old spearlike weapon -- -- nutshell Faithless one Kiddie-book elephant -- anglais “By --!”

Underground passage Muddled with drink -- borealis Stockholm native Try hard Tresses Thaw Burned superficially Neural network Make ready Flap gently Roll of cloth Brownie Greek letters

136 137 141 142 144 146 148 149 151 153 155 157 158 159 160 161 162 163 164

Exchange fee Not quite dry Clean-air org.

Snake Actress Meg --- Bator, Mongolia Exclude Car type Call forth Kind of nut In a huff Build Reddish brown Landlord’s offer Walks Liking What’s popular Miscalculated Practices in the ring

DOWN 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20

Loathes War vessel (hyph.)

“The Count of -- Cristo” “-- had it!”

-- the Explorer Throttles Worthy of note “Exodus” hero Preschoolers Composition Dramatic scene Actress Lupino Standard Food fish Becomes conscious of -- school Diving bird Saline solution Delayer’s motto Make joyous

31 33 35 38 40 42 44 46 47 49 51 52 53 54 56 58 60 61 62 64 65 67 69 71 75 76 77 79 81 82 84 85 87 89 90 91 92 93 94 95

“Is -- seat taken?”

Doctrine Sister of Orestes Spin Fable writer Expand upward ASAP Garment part Estuary Nearest in time Edible seed German city Pilfered Balance Scam Dried grape Eye part Command Onionlike veggies “-- Lang Syne” Shadowy Hats “What -- around comes around” Unruly crowd Stain Severe Thesaurus writer Contented sound Masterful Greek letter Massage Teller’s place Lei Actor -- Myers Actor -- Pratt Laughing Make modifications Helicon Dry, said of wine Public meeting

96 97 98 99 101 103 104 107 108 110 111 113 114 116 117 120 122 124

Prima donna Source of down Catty Filled Angelic Mauna -Lisbon denizens Variety of cheese Harvest La --, California Prize “The Simpsons” son Terrible Game official Understand Old tire made new Greek portico Most senior

126 128 129 130 131 133 135 138 139 140 142 143 145 147 150 152 154 156

Money earned Did a farm job Attack on all sides “A Night at the --” Fills with cargo Ague Rich fur Manila hemp Alma -Printer’s need Poker stake Lasso -- -do-well Pinches False show Kith and -Sailor Knock

LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

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: VERY EASY

8 4

5 3

7 8

6 9 1 2 7 5 3 1 9 5 9 5 6 2 7 8 2 7 5 6 9 3 4 3 5 6 6 4 8 7 V. Solution, EASY # 30 tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com

ANSWERS ON PAGE 53

NOVEMBER 17, 2023

57

MAXED OUT

I just want to go skiing THERE SEEMS to be a palpable difference in the air this year. Or is that just an abundance of sunshine and a lack of snow?

People—which is to say, the few who are left in town instead of ducking the shoulder season in Hawaii or Costa Rica or the desert— don’t seem particularly excited by the prospect of another ski season. Let me take this opportunity to say, unequivocally, I am not among them. Notwithstanding the thin dusting of snow creeping down the slopes outside my window, I still feel like a kid caught

BY G.D. MAXWELL up in an endless wait for Christmas Eve that feels like it will never come. Santa, Schmanta, I just want to go skiing.

So, what’s different? Partly it’s the reality of a fixed opening day. Back in the before time, opening day was whenever there was enough snow on the ground to go skiing and boarding.

It was a race. A race against nature and a race against other ski resorts, notably Vail Resorts.

No, this isn’t a Vail bash. Far from it.

One of the side effects of growth, of success, of acreage, and of increasingly complex machinery, is the time it takes to get the mountains open. Of course, we also aren’t in a race with other ski resorts anymore. So a fixed opening date is a reality and, in some ways, a blessing. We know when it’s going to happen. We’re increasingly certain it’s going to happen on machine-made snow, for the most part. Fair enough. At least I will never again have to wake up at 5:30 a.m. to scrape storage wax off skis because early opening was announced the afternoon before.

There used to be a manic energy around the village, fuelled by the tsunami of newbies who’d drifted into town over the past six or eight weeks. They were always pumped at the prospect of bumming through their first season in a place they’d either visited, had blown out of proportion by older siblings, or simply dreamed about. Easily identifiable by their newly-acquired, not quite comfortably fitting phatpunk, instant locals’ attitude, they’d wander the village sneaking quick looks up the slopes, judging for themselves the depth and quality of virgin snow, nearly busting just beneath their skins to get up there and slide back down.

Shoulder season weather teased them.

Endless foreplay; no pop. Some snow, some rain and, to underscore the irony in their lives, a bit of sunshine, something otherwise treasured but wholly unwelcome this time of year. Walking slump-shouldered and toqued, they’d become supplicants to pagan gods and goddesses of precipitation. Let the heavens open up and unleash their manna. Pray to Ullr. Find a virgin to sacrifice. Let it be me.

That was then; this is now. So many fewer of them they’re almost invisible, lost in the continuing numbers of wandering daytrippers and conference-goers.

Longtime locals, especially business owners and managers, wonder whether

58 NOVEMBER 17, 2023

FILE PHOTO BY MATT GUNN

there’ll be enough of them to fill the job openings, make the beds, serve the food, sell the logowear. They wonder how many of them will actually show up for jobs they’ve been offered, how many will stay through the holiday crush and how much longer than that they’ll stick around.

We remember wistfully, or maybe not at all, what it was like before the pandemic shuttered things. Before, when the “economy” was a barely noticeable landscape instead of a threatening boogeyman. When finding a place to live was burdensome, not

Maybe that’s the answer to the contagion gripping our country, the strife enveloping the rest of the world. Go skiing. Live life. Let your face freeze in the winter’s wind. Feel the snow float up your nostrils and choke your breath away in its icy grip. Lose your sense of up and down as you tumble ass over teakettle down Whistler Bowl, laughing your brains out like a looneytune all the way down. Climb the career ladder in reverse or, better yet, jump off entirely. Not like it really goes anywhere you want to go.

Surrounded by a town full of snow

Surrounded by a town full of snow junkies, of unrepentant winter lovers and adrenaline-fuelled thrill seekers, I wonder why more people—everyone—and especially Canadians whose very definition of self rests on a foundation of winter, don’t ski?

Or board?

impossible. When taking a year off to be a ski bum was a blast, a rite of passage, not a career-threatening mistake. When more of the world wasn’t trying to kill each other.

Get back to normal? Or this is the new normal?

Hell, I don’t know. I just wanna go skiin’.

junkies, of unrepentant winter lovers and adrenaline-fuelled thrill seekers, I wonder why more people—everyone—and especially Canadians whose very definition of self rests on a foundation of winter, don’t ski?

Or board? I don’t wonder about it for the same reasons skico execs wonder about it;

it’s not a monetary, bottom-line, grow-likea-cancer-or-die sort of thing. I just wonder how they can know there’s something out there, something they can do in an otherwise dreary, endless, dark season, that’s better than sex, better than food, better than drugs, better than driving a fast car on a twisty road, better than a technicolour sunset on a deserted beach, better than clipping along at 20 knots on a sailing yacht with the leeward rail under water and the keel threatening to come out. Better than... chocolate.

Is it the expense? The cold? The fear of falling? The stories of friends and friends of friends injured and broken after a skiing holiday? The learning curve and the visible foolishness felt struggling with something those surrounding you do with such grace and simplicity while you feel like Gumby in zero gravity? Not knowing anyone among your circle of friends who has caught the fever? Fear of the uncaring vastness of mountainous landscapes? Fear of trying something so powerful it can suck the soul out of who you thought you were and send you careening on a new life path? Fear of fear?

Interviewing Warren Miller once long ago, he mused, apropos of nothing we’d been talking about, “How different would the world be if Osama bin Laden’s parents had taken him skiing?” Maybe not at all. Maybe profoundly. I only know how different my world is because my sister and wife made me go skiing one day decades ago. It’s a debt incapable of repayment.

Less than a week to go. I can’t wait. ■

1563 Spring Creek Drive: Discover mountain luxury in this architecturally designed home. This 4-story private retreat features a 66’ heated infinity pool, outdoor kitchen, cantina, and breathtaking views. An ideal escape or venue for unforgettable gatherings.$7,900,000 Connie Spear 604-910-1103

7208 Spruce Grove Circle: Charming duplex in a private setting close to the Village. 4 Bedrooms, 2.5 Bathrooms plus Family Room. Primary bedroom with vaulted ceilings & mountain views. Modern updates throughout. Features sundecks, walkout yard, patio, storage & garage. $2,799,000 Rachel Allen 604-966-4200

#1 – 2641 Whistler Road: Park in the double garage and walk to the ski hill from this 3 bdrm + loft, 3 bath, west facing end unit in Powderwood. Exceptional privacy with great sun and views. Many upgrades, offered furnished and ready to move into before the snow flys! $2,650,000 Laura Wetaski 604-938-3798

9112 Corduroy Run Court: Best priced lot in Whistler + great views & privacy. Over 1 acre, a size that is usually unavailable in this town. Build an up to 5,920 sq.ft. dream home + large coach house. $1,325,000

7308 Fitzsimmons S Rd: Charming 3br/2ba house, freshly painted and carpeted, on a generous 11,000‘ lot by Lost Lake Park. Short stroll to village and ski lifts. Perfect for winter adventures. Priced below assessed value - ideal for renovations or a rebuild. $2,750,000 Rob Boyd - Boyd Team 604-935-9172

2928 Big Timber Court: One of the last large lots over 27,000 sq. / 2,500 sq.m. in exclusive Kadenwood neighbourhood.

Access Whistler Mtn. ski in-out trails & Creekside via private gondola. Build your legacy home or Phase 1 Nightly Rental residence. $4,250,000 (GST Exempt). Artist drawing.

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1360 Collins Rd, Pemberton: Custom 4,404 sq ft home with stunning views & mature landscaping on 10 acre retreat.

Zoned for garden nursery, horse riding academy, green housing, brewery/cidery, agritourism, B&B, home business and limited weddings. $3,790,000

301-2135 Heritage Park Lane, North Vancouver: This end unit has 3 beds, 2.5 baths and backs onto green space. Unit 301 is a gold green build and boasts an extra large double tandem garage with a separate storage room. $1,264,000

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