NOVEMBER 24, 2023 ISSUE 30.47
WWW.PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM
FREE THE NEXT AIR FORCE
FLYING HIGH
WITH WHISTLER’S WOMEN FREESTYLERS
14
FEE FOR ALL The RMOW is hiking rec user fees to keep pace with expenses
15
LABOUR LAW New labour legislation welcomed—but housing the main concern
54
GET CRACKING Sea to Sky ballet community teams up for The Story of the Nutcracker
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WHISTLER 7019 Nesters Road
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nestersmarket.com Prices Effective At Whistler And Squamish Nesters From: Thursday, November 23rd to November 29th 2023. We reserve the right to limit quantities. Sale limited to stock on hand. Some items subject to Tax, plus deposit, recycling fee where applicable.
THIS WEEK IN PIQUE
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Whistler’s women freestylers In an historically male-dominated sport, four Whistler women represent the future of Canadian freestyle. - By David Song
14 FEE FOR ALL
The Resort Municipality of Whistler is
hiking recreation user fees to keep pace with ever-rising expenses.
34 GOOD NEIGHBOURS
As grizzlies return to
the Pemberton Valley, the Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative is working towards coexistence.
15 LABOUR LAW
New provincial legislation will make
50 FUTURE-FOCUSED
Whistler-based snow-
it easier for workers with foreign credentials to work in their area of exper-
boarder Jasmine Baird—the first woman to win a World Cup big air event
tise—but housing is still the biggest labour concern locally.
in a stadium—is looking towards the future.
16 TRAFFIC JAM
54 GET CRACKING
Whistler’s mayor and council dis-
The Sea to Sky’s ballet commu-
cussed highway closures with the RCMP’s I-Teams at a meeting last
nity is teaming up for a timely showing of a holiday classic with The Story
month.
of the Nutcracker.
COVER I’ve been waiting 20 years for an appropriate time to name-drop in print and let the world know I was on the Alberta Freestyle Ski Team when Jenn Heil was a grom! In an historically maledominated sport, our Canadian women have dominated the world at large for a very long time. They are certainly much better at skiing than I ever was. - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art
4 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
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NEW
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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE
Weekend Forecast Inside
Weekend Forec Ins
SEE PAGE 11 >>
Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS
Being a local in a tourist town comes with clear tradeoffs, writes editor
#202 -1390 ALPHA LAKE RD., FUNCTION JUNCTION, WHISTLER, B.C. V8E 0H9. PH: (604) 938-0202 FAX: (604) 938-0201 www.piquenewsmagazine.com
Braden Dupuis—but officials best not lose sight of who elects them.
10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers share thanks for a successful Remem-
Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@piquenewsmagazine.com Editor BRADEN DUPUIS - bdupuis@piquenewsmagazine.com
brance Day ceremony and advocate for a Sea to Sky townhall on housing.
Sales Manager SUSAN HUTCHINSON - shutchinson@piquenewsmagazine.com Production Manager AMIR SHAHRESTANI - ashahrestani@piquenewsmagazine.com
13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST B.C.’s housing strategy will not put affordable homes within reach,
Art Director JON PARRIS - jparris@piquenewsmagazine.com
writes Glacier Media’s Kirk LaPointe.
74 MAXED OUT Max serves up something we could all probably use more of these days: a cute, inconse-
Advertising Representatives TESSA SWEENEY - tsweeney@wplpmedia.com GEORGIA BUTLER - gbutler@wplpmedia.com
quential story about a playful mountain pup.
Digital/Sales Coordinator KATIE DOUGLAS - kbechtel@wplpmedia.com
Environment & Adventure
Production - production@piquenewsmagazine.com
44 THE OUTSIDER Whistler Blackcomb is once again open for skiing and riding, but columnist Vince
Features Editor BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com Arts Editor ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com
Shuley has the long game on his mind this week.
Reporters
Lifestyle & Arts
BRANDON BARRETT - bbarrett@piquenewsmagazine.com ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com DAVID SONG - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com
52 EPICURIOUS Whistler’s award-winning vegan bakery, BReD, demystifies the art of plant-based
RÓISÍN CULLEN - rcullen@piquenewsmagazine.com SCOTT TIBBALLS - stibballs@piquenewsmagazine.com
baking in a stunning new cookbook.
Classifieds and Reception - mail@piquenewsmagazine.com
62 MUSEUM MUSINGS Looking back at the history of Whistler’s avalanche dogs, who have helped
Office and Accounts Manager HEIDI RODE - hrode@wplpmedia.com Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL,
save lives in the resort for more than 40 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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In no event shall unsolicited material subject this publication to any claim or fees. Copyright in letters and other (unsolicited) materials submitted and accepted for publication remains with the author but the publisher and its licensees may freely reproduce them in print, electronic or other forms. Letters to the Editor must contain the author’s name, address and daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 250 words. We reserve the right to edit, condense or reject any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine. Pique Newsmagazine is a member of the National Newsmedia Council, which is an independent organization established to deal with acceptable journalistic practices and ethical behaviour. If you have concerns about editorial content, please contact (edit@ piquenewsmagazine.com). If you are not satisfied with the response and wish to file a formal complaint, visit the web site at mediacouncil. ca or call toll-free 1-844-877-1163 for additional information. This organization replaces the BC Press council (and any mention of it).
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OPENING REMARKS
Life as a local in a tourist town THIS PAST WEEKEND , the first-ever F1 Las Vegas Grand Prix raced through the streets of Sin City, the culmination of months of planning and construction efforts—and at a cost that reportedly far outweighed the initial estimated budget of about $500 million. Those watching on TV likely only saw the grand spectacle—the slick, speeding cars
BY BRADEN DUPUIS against the iconic LED backdrop of the Las Vegas strip at night. But the reality on the ground for locals was anything but glamourous in the months leading up to the big day. “This race has made our lives a living hell,” said one cocktail server at a popular strip casino, in an interview with online news site The Messenger. The woman said her 25-minute commute had doubled and often tripled since race prep started. “They started road work in April. They’re telling us they might not be completely done with the teardown until just before New Year’s Eve. And then what? Las Vegas is going to be back to normal for a few months before they get ready for the next race? Is this our new reality?” It is for the next decade, at least, after officials entered into a deal with F1 earlier this year to host the race in Vegas annually for the next 10 years. That’s life as a local in a tourist town— sacrificing personal convenience for the privilege of living somewhere so desirable. Were the wants and needs of Las Vegas locals taken into account when the contracts were inked? Or were officials blinded by, ahem, other priorities? According to the Associated Press, the
event brought in 315,000 people over four nights and generated $1.2 billion of economic activity in the area—a figure Clark County officials will likely point to every time they hear from grumbling locals. The parallels to Whistler (Ironman, anyone?) are evident. As is the underlying conflict. Purpose-built destinations like Las Vegas and Whistler are faced with a unique dilemma, in that their raison d’etre is to attract tourists and their money—but officials also have to make decisions with the best interests of locals at heart, lest they find themselves out on their ass after the next election. Indeed, peer into the local politics of any of the world’s major tourist destinations, and you’re likely to see some variation of the same discussion: too many visitors, not enough thoughtful management, and locals lost somewhere in the shuffle. Take Miami, where there are 1,641 tourists for every 100 locals—the world’s highest
on out-of-state and international tourism that it ignores its own residents, emphasizing that for out-of-state or international tourism to continue, Florida needs what it pitches: a pristine, beautiful environment. “We wanted to be the most traveled-to destination,” he said. “It should have been, ‘We want to be the best.’” Sound familiar? In Whistler, where we have 143 tourists for every 100 locals, we are fortunate to be somewhat ahead of the curve on this discussion, even if concrete measures to achieve true balance aren’t happening fast enough for some. The importance of Whistler locals to the tourist economy was highlighted in a placebranding exercise undertaken by Tourism Whistler (TW) in 2019. Through that project, TW wanted to “really confirm the characteristics and the local spirit of who Whistler truly is,” said TW president and CEO Barrett Fisher at the time.
Being a local in a tourist town means accepting that you won’t always be in complete control of your logistical destiny—but it’s reassuring to know the RMOW is alive to resident concerns.
tourist-to-local ratio, according to Business Insider (Vegas is second with 993 tourists for every 100 locals). According to NPR, crushing numbers of tourists are having dramatic impacts on Florida’s marine environment, while the state’s destination marketing organization, Visit Florida, pursues a goal of becoming the No. 1 travel destination in the world. Some Florida locals, like Chad Crawford, are pushing back. Crawford told NPR the state gets so hooked
“And why? Because we believe it critically important that a healthy local community will bridge to a vibrant tourist economy. You need both working in tandem.” The makeup of that community may have shifted somewhat in recent years due to COVID and changing economics, but the underlying sentiment remains solid. But even with that early acknowledgement, achieving true, sustainable balance for Whistler will take serious effort—a fact not lost on local officials.
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In recent years, the Resort Municipality of Whistler has attempted to address this reality head-on through its Balance Model Initiative, which, in mid 2022, predicted more visitors, more residents, increased workforce shortages and 50-per-cent more traffic congestion in Whistler by 2040. The initiative went mostly quiet in 2023, but Whistlerites will hear more in 2024. “We are currently working with a consultant to conduct some methodological updates of the Balance Model,” an RMOW communications official said in an email. “The goal is to ensure it is optimized for our current and future demands of the model, and how it supports our strategic planning and understanding of Whistler’s carrying capacity. This work is underway and will continue through Q1 of 2024. We will be sharing updates when sufficient internal quality assurance has been conducted on the new outputs, likely in Q2 of 2024.” Being a local in a tourist town means
accepting that you won’t always be in complete control of your logistical destiny— but it’s reassuring to know the RMOW is alive to resident concerns. Taking it a step further, Whistler’s mayor and council identified “smart tourism” as one of four key priorities for the council term. Through that initiative, RMOW staff will look to other global tourism destinations to see how they effectively manage visitor volumes. Let’s hope they also take a good long look at what the locals in those places are saying. ■
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR approved, but what other solutions are in the works? Will Pemberton or Whistler opt in to the new short-term rental legislation? What are they doing to ensure seniors can age in place with dignity? What do they suggest high-school graduates do when they want to move out of their parents’ home? What solutions do they have for families who earn over $100,000 a year, but cannot afford to rent or purchase a home? These are bigger questions addressing issues that cannot be solved by local politicians alone, but wouldn’t it be nice if they at least tried to answer them? Tania Chiasson // Pemberton
Lest we forget The Whistler Remembrance Day Committee would like to thank everyone who made this year’s event a success. Thanks to the Whistler Children’s Choir, the Whistler Chorus, the poetry readers, the speakers, the piper, the Guides and Scouts, Blackcomb Helicopters for the flypast, Arts Whistler and West Electric for the technical support, the Whistler Fire Rescue Service for logistical support, the Rotary, the Resort Municipality of Whistler, and all those who marched in the parade. Finally, thanks to the veterans who served so bravely to guarantee the freedom we all enjoy today. Steve LeClair // Whistler Remembrance Day Committee
Town hall on housing would benefit Sea to Sky I was recently invited to participate in a virtual town hall on housing hosted by Premier David Eby and Minister of Housing Ravi Kahlon. I was excited to be a part of a constructive conversation on this important issue. The premier and minister took questions from those who joined, which were submitted to the operator. The chosen questions were then answered live on the call. The questions and answers were carefully curated to allow the
A different take on the costs of climate change
premier and minister answer with policy changes and new initiatives the sitting NDP government has enacted. Very savvy, these politicians are. While my question did not get answered (for those wondering, I asked why this conversation did not consider a cap on market rents), I left the call with a true feeling of being an active participant whose opinions mattered. It led me to wonder why we do not host these events in our own communities. We don’t need anything on the scale of a provincially hosted
virtual town hall. An impartially moderated (Pique editor Braden Dupuis perhaps?), locally organized virtual housing town hall would give us the opportunity to question our elected officials. MP Patrick Weiler, Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton and Pemberton Mayor Mike Richman could engage with their electorate, listen to our concerns, and let us know what they are currently doing to help people find homes to live in. It’s laudable that larger rental projects like Harrow Road in Pemberton have been
I appreciate the letter from Brendan Ladner (Pique, Nov. 17: “How should we pay for climate change?”). There are few issues as polarizing as climate change. His research on the cost of climate change is shocking, and somebody does need to pay for it. Here is a different take. Canada’s share of world emissions decreased from 1.8 per cent in 2005 to 1.5 per cent in 2020. The carbon tax the way it is does nothing to fight climate change. It simply fills the government coffers to be spent on other things while punishing Canadians. People can’t afford to heat their home, drive to work and
WHISTLER · PEMBERTON · SQUAMISH Nordic Estates
Ucluelet
Squamish
2E-2300 Nordic Dr
204-596 Marine Drive
5-41360 Skyridge Place
SOLD
Whistler
NEW PRICE
$1,495,000
$1,099,000
$349,000
$1,750,000
15-2211 Marmot Place
309-4809 Spearhead Drive
228-4220 Gateway Drive $3,249,000
21 4890 Painted Cliff Road
2 B E D I 2 BAT H I 8 5 9 SQF T
$389,000
Short description of property listing - no more than words. Git, tem am ea sant 4 BED | 530 BATH | 2,702 SQFT omnis alitio de sa es quis maios eate • Outdoor pool, spa, two hot tubs and dolupti quid quatumendus, ut excerferiae concierge ommostori cum quaecep tatibus. • Exercise room, clubhouse
Creekside • Ski-in & Ski-outWhistler on Whistler Mountain DAVID LEWIS
1 B ED I 1 B ATH I 537 SQFT
$299,000
Short description of property listing - no
more than |30 words. Git, tem am ea sant STUDIO 1 BATH | 475 SQFT
omnis alitio de sa es quis maios eate •dolupti Oceanfront studio in BlackutRock Resort quid quatumendus, excerferiae cum quaecep •ommostori Owners can use 35 daystatibus. at each stay • Up to 155 days owner use a year
Whistler Upper • Revenue producing when not inVillage use by owner
Realtor LISA wolfofwhistler@gmail.com ASHCROFT
604-935-2287
604-905-8912
suttonwestcoast.com
LOCAL EXPERTS 10 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
2 B E D I 2 B ATH I 958 S QFT
$1,299,000
Short description of property listing - no more than 30 BATH words. Git, tem am ea sant 3 BED | 3.5 | 2,070 SQFT omnis alitio de sa es quis maios eate • Amazing secure mountain views + privacy dolupti quid quatumendus, ut excerferiae • 3 level townhouse, single garage + driveway ommostori cum quaecep tatibus. • Gas furnace, f/p, stove, h/w flrs + wool carpets Whistler Village
• Faces protected greenspace - steps to trails!
DAVID NAGEL
MARSHALL PREC VINER david@davidlewisliving.com
Personal Real Estate Corporation 604-902-7270 marshall@marshallviner.com
1 B ED I 1 B ATH I 517 SQF T
Realtor 604-906-0026 lashcroft@sutton.com
CATHERINE MCKAY
JENNIFER Realtor SALE cmckay@sutton.com
Personal Real Estate 604-902-9447 Corporation js@jennifersale.com
604-723-3525
#203 - 1080 Millar Creek Road, Whistler British Columbia, V8E0S7
suttonwestcoast.com
Short description of property listing - no more than 30 words.in Git,Ski-In/Out tem am ea sant Specializing omnis alitio de sa es quis maios eate Real Estate dolupti quid quatumendus, ut excerferiae ommostori cum quaecep tatibus. WhistlerSkiInSkiOut.com
Whistler Upper Village MATTHEW CALLAGHAN
MARION PREC ANDERSON matt@whistlerrealestatelistings.com
Personal Real Estate Corporation 604-935-3635 manderson@sutton.com
604-938-3885
NATIONWIDE EXPOSURE
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR buy groceries. The cost of living is a crisis. Are there better ways? Here are a few: • There was a business case to sell natural gas to Germany last year. It would have helped them cut coal dependency. • Tax our large industries that cause the most emissions. • Export natural gas and our proven technology to reduce emissions to India, China and other countries dependant on coal. If we want to make a dent in the rising emissions in our world, helping poorer countries seems like the only option. This government has failed so far—betting
9129 RIVERSIDE DR Spectacular 5 bedroom home with a 2 bedroom suite in Wedgewoods.
is a year-round resort, arguably the mountain biking capital of the world, and is less than a two-hour drive on the scenic Sea to Sky Highway from Vancouver International Airport. Doug Garnett // Whistler
$4,395,000
In response to Patrick Weiler
WH IS TLER’S #1 RE/MAX AGENT
Patrick Weiler says the Conservative Party doesn’t have any solutions for all the frustrations people have. My message to Weiler is simple. Here are some common sense Conservative solutions: 1. Axe the Carbon Tax to bring down the
“These are bigger questions addressing issues that cannot be solved by local politicians alone, but wouldn’t it be nice if they at least tried to answer them?”
Register at marshallviner.com to receive weekly real estate updates
8065 Nicklaus N. Blvd
- TANIA CHIASSON
3 Bedrooms + Family Room + Office + Den 4.5 Bathrooms Spectacular lakefront views across Green Lake and up to the Armchair Glacier Open-concept living space with numerous decks to enjoy
on the next one makes more sense than where we are now. Steve St. Arnaud // Whistler
Whistler is No. 1 in North America After crunching the numbers of hundreds of ski resorts across North America, The Wall Street Journal, in an article on Nov. 9, named Whistler Blackcomb the top ski resort in the U.S. and Canada. The Journal’s research included size and quality of skiable terrain serviced by lifts, average annual snowfall over the past 10 years, vertical skiable terrain, and length of ski season, as well as a score based on ratings from visitors of each resort’s après ski scene, including bars, restaurants, and hotels. Not mentioned was the fact that Whistler
cost of everything. 2. Stop printing money and balance the budget to end inflationary deficits. 3. Restore common sense in government decision making. Young people might not remember what life was like under a Conservative government, but they will soon see how great it can be! During the last Conservative government in our country, inflation was under control, groceries were affordable, streets were safer, taxes were lower and Canada was a better place. After eight years of Justin Trudeau (with four years of Patrick Weiler voting for all the same policies), Canada has lost its way. Keith Roy // Conservative Party of Canada Nomination Candidate, 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.
Private primary bedroom on the top level with sweeping views.
$7,249,000 Viner & Associates
604-935-6287
marshall@marshallviner.com
6343 Fairway Drive $8,800,000
Feature Listing A four-seasons resort, a safe haven in the mountains, a gathering place for family and friends, a feast of exceptionally refined contemporary design – all centrally located within minutes of the gondola, the golf course and Whistler’s finest awardwinning restaurants. This extraordinary residence designed by one of Vancouver’s most renowned luxury interior designers will undoubtedly exceed your expectations. Tranquility inside and out. Four bedrooms, four bathrooms, den, games room, pool and exquisite gardens and outdoor entertaining spaces. In a class by itself. Learn more at maggithornhill.evrealestate.com MAGGI THORNHILL PREC* · ENGEL & VÖLKERS WHISTLER 4314 Main Street | Suite 36 | Whistler | BC V8E 1A8 0 +1-604-932-1875 | M +1-604-905-8199 maggi.thornhill@evrealestate.com *Personal Real Estate Corporation
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
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Dave Beattie
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Nick Davies, Whistler local and experienced family lawyer practising across BC and Yukon. Call at 604-602-9000 or visit www.macleanlaw.ca Maclean Law is headquartered in Vancouver with offices across British Columbia.
Tuesday, November 28 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Fairmont Chateau Whistler
This information session will cover electrical servicing to new buildings, understanding when upgrading electrical supply to homes is needed, and supporting the Zero Carbon Step Code followed by a facilitated discussion with POW Canada’s own Mike Douglas! Bring an empty stomach and your questions!
Reserve your spot!
Market at the Helmer Farmstand GROUND FLOOR ONE BEDROOM .... WALKOUT LIVING AT ITS BEST! 104-1025 LEGACY WAY 1 bedroom, 1 bathroom, 708 SF
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PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST
B.C. housing strategy will not put affordable homes within reach BY KIRK LAPOINTE IN ITS FIRST half-dozen years, the provincial gestures on housing have been what the Texas ranchers refer to as all hat and no cattle. In any other political scenario than the poll-leading one in which the BC NDP finds itself, its five-pack of legislation in recent weeks would be considered the Hail Mary pass of a desperate government—the equivalent of what we’re seeing with Justin Trudeau’s Maritime manoeuvre on home heating oil. Instead, the province’s government of the day is being given the long leash as if it were the government of the decade or the generation. It worries me when governments move swiftly after not moving much at all, so I have qualms about the expedient process and the sustainability of what’s been rushed into place. We are entering an era of mass rezoning for more density with a reduced public opportunity for political accountability. Let’s deal with the latter issue first. Now, it is a truism that there can sometimes be too much democracy. Winston Churchill once mused: “The best argument against
democracy is a five-minute conversation with the average voter.” Still, even though I’ve spent hours I will never get back to watch public hearings, I revere the concentrated purpose of citizenry to produce granular critiques of any esthetic neighbourhood disruption that construction might bring. The commitment is heartening. I side with people who buy a house and expect that, save a major earthquake or a military invasion, their views to the left and the right and the ahead and the behind will be what they bought.
agree—but municipal politicians will now be able to simply point to the provincial laws and say it is out of their hands. It is less likely that a provincial politician will pay the price of increased local density, whereas development is a core local responsibility for which elected officials have been historically held accountable. What also concerns me is the impact on amenities. There is a horrid history of communities trading increased density or height in buildings for the financing of a local amenity. Many communities have developed
Many communities have developed an unholy dependence on the quid pro quo ... Of course, I also get that owners have not in this market for a quarter-century now needed to lift a finger to reap substantial rewards. They just have to buy and be there; it’s as if someone quietly deposits a couple of hundred dollars every week into their bank accounts to reflect the appreciation of their properties. People have a significant entitlement to challenge significant change to their neighbourhoods—even Churchill would
an unholy dependence on the quid pro quo of additional cash for additional construction. The province seeks some kind of rationalization of this largely underground economy of development, and good on them. But I suspect it will mean smaller cheques from developers into larger community needs—again, mostly without community consultation. The largest of the needs involve infrastructure. Forget about the water
fountain in the park; think about the water treatment plant in the region. While it will now be possible to divert community amenity contributions into larger projects, we need to remember that ultimately it will mean larger sale prices on what politicians still falsely term “affordable” housing. Affordable housing is an oxymoron politicians cannot admit. Anything affordable now can’t be manufactured without profound public subsidies. We have passed the point of satisfying a bargain-hunting younger generation of aspiring homeowners, much less the hundreds of thousands who will emigrate here in the years it will take for all this new legislation to take effect. I am impressed by the chorus of appreciation and support from mayors and business groups for the BC NDP’s legislative carpet-bombing to compensate for inertia on what has long been, and long will be, the province’s insatiable concern. It rings of solitary confined prisoners at last provided solid food. Yet our government deludes itself that it has fashioned a timely response and that its underinformed citizens will actually believe an attainable property is soon within reach. Let’s see if its hurried housing strategy really produces the results it professes at launch. Over to you, developers. n
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
13
NEWS WHISTLER
RMOW hikes recreation user fees to counter rising costs WITH CURRENT FEE STRUCTURE FOR WHISTLER’S RECREATIONAL FACILITIES EXPIRING, NEW FEES TO BE ENFORCED JAN. 15
BY SCOTT TIBBALLS THE RESORT MUNICIPALITY of Whistler (RMOW) is updating its parks and recreation fees and charges structure, with council supporting changes recommended by staff at the Nov. 21 council meeting. In short, prices are going up as part of regularly scheduled rate increases intended so the municipality can “return an acceptable level of cost recovery” across its 11 facilities that incur user fees, while still encouraging community use. According to staff, increases are needed in order to counter increasing costs due to inflation, rising wages, and cost of operations. In a presentation to council, the RMOW’s manager of recreation, Roger Weetman, said funding recreation services is a matter of balance, with the municipality currently running at what he said was a 50-per-cent cost recovery—meaning about half of the cost of recreational services are covered by user fees. That 50 per cent needs to be maintained, though, which is only attainable in two ways, Weetman said: increasing subsidies from taxpayers, or increasing fees. As for why prices are going up, Weetman called it a “death by a thousand cuts” from
REC RATES Drop-in rates at the Meadow Park Sports Centre, pictured, are about to see a slight increase. PHOTO BY SCOTT BRAMMER / WHISTLER.CA
14 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
increases across the board, such as the cost of pool chemicals rising by 30 per cent in the last two years. The user fees in place are due for an update at the end of the year, with the new fees to be enforced from Jan. 15 next year. Besides modest fee increases across the board, staff also recommended changes to the RMOW bylaw that governs the fee structures. First up, there’s a slight fee increase at the Meadow Park Sports Centre (MPSC) from
Speaking of locals, multi-day passes are going up, with the 10-, 20- and 30-day passes increasing, respectively, by $5.35 to $85, $9.25 to $148, and $12.50 to $197.50. An adult monthly pass will cost $89.50, a three-month pass will cost $215, a six-month pass $359.75, and an annual pass will cost $610 under the new fee structure. Over at the Lost Lake Nordic trails, an adult day ticket will increase from $24 in 2023, to $26 in 2024 and $27 in 2025, while an
“It is estimated that the revenue will increase due to the fee increases as well as more people using RMOW facilities.” - RMOW
$9.25 to $10 for the adult drop-in rate, with the RMOW set to get rid of the early-bird and midday/midweek drop-in rates, which are both $7. According to staff documents, the early bird and midday/midweek rates were “underutilized,” meaning dropping in to use the MPSC on a one-time basis will cost $10 across the board if you’re an adult. According to Weetman’s report to the RMOW’s Recreation Leisure Advisory Committee, which received the updated fee structures at its Sept. 14 meeting, part of the rationale for increasing drop-in rates was to minimize impact on local passholders.
adult season pass will remain unchanged for 2024 but will rise to $351 in 2025 (from $336 now). Books of five- and 10-day passes will go up, too, while early-bird season passes will increase in 2025 to $283.50. “Extra early-bird” passes will be discontinued from the 2024-25 season onwards. The Whistler Olympic Plaza Ice Rink is also due for an update, with staff recommending the municipality formalize and add a new fee structure for the rink to the new parks fees bylaw. Currently, use of the plaza is possible through a $2 admissions fee for everyone. Under the new structure, children aged
four to 12 can skate for $3, youth between 13 and 18 for $4, and adults for $5. In 202425, those rates will go up again, to $3.25, $4.50 and $5.50, respectively. According to the report, the Whistler Olympic Plaza Ice Rink is a primarily tourism-facing asset. Indoor and outdoor facility rental rates are also going up by three per cent in 2024, and another three per cent in 2025. “It is estimated that the revenue will increase due to the fee increases as well as more people using RMOW facilities,” reads the staff report, which added staff will monitor facility use following the fee increases in light of “ongoing operating cost pressures,” and will present more data to council in mid-2025, when the fees are due for another update. Staff said that, under a conservative estimate, the fee increases will net an additional $291,943 in revenues across the MPSC, Lost Lake Trails, Whistler Olympic Plaza Ice Rink and facility rental over the next two years. A suite of affordable options intended to ensure accessibility of all facilities remain on the table, including half-price access to the MPSC on Tuesday and Friday evenings, an MPSC spring pass promotion, and discounted pass sales on National Health and Fitness day. A full list of options are available to read in the staff report. The fee changes were supported by the RMOW’s Recreation Leisure Advisory Committee, and on Nov. 21, Whistler’s mayor and council gave the associated bylaw first three readings, with adoption to follow at a later date. n
NEWS WHISTLER
Whistler’s housing challenges dampen welcome for new professional legislation
IN ST LI W
to smooth the path for professionals trained outside of Canada is a welcome step in the right direction, according to the Whistler Chamber of Commerce—but housing remains at the core of the resort’s labour challenges. “We’re pleased to see changes that will facilitate the recognition of credentials of professionals who were educated outside of Canada,” said Louise Walker, executive director of the chamber. “While Whistler’s economy is largely tourism-based, there are many professions [in the legislation] that are important for the health of the community.” The legislation introduced at the end of October is promoted by B.C. Premier David Eby as a step towards making British Columbia a more attractive destination for workers considering moving to Canada, and as a way to allow those already in B.C. to work in the profession they’re formally trained in. “Skilled professionals from around the world move to B.C. hoping to put their skills to good use, but instead face huge obstacles and an often-confusing process to get their credentials recognized,” Eby said in an Oct. 23 release. “With the skills shortage we have in this province, we cannot afford to leave anyone on the sidelines.” The legislation would require regulatory bodies remove barriers to certification of foreign training in 29 professions, which according to the release would “eliminate the catch-22 of requiring Canadian work experience prior to being accredited in Canada.” Among the professions included are early childhood educators and assistants, social workers, veterinarians, lawyers, paramedics and more. Walker said in Whistler, despite its tourism-heavy economy, the local market is diversified and is facing labour challenges across the board. “When we surveyed our membership last winter, we discovered that around 70 per cent were not fully staffed. This compares to winter 2018-19 when about 70 per cent were fully staffed,” she said. Coast Mountain Veterinary Services is one such business affected by the legislation. While the legislation helps the industry overall, Whistler’s vet sector is hurting for support staff, rather than vets themselves, said managing veterinarian Blythe Sola. “For us, what would be more beneficial would be if this legislation was also extended to include veterinary technicians and nurses
E
NEW PROVINCIAL legislation designed
… I have many members of my team who were trained in places like Australia who have the training and the qualifications, and they can’t get that recognized here,” she said. Vet technicians perform duties like blood tests and carrying out X-rays, while nurses serve the same role as in human hospitals. “In veterinary medicine, you always need another set of hands—the patients are maybe not as compliant as humans,” Sola said. “Look at human health-care too—humans get nowhere without nurses, and a perennial problem that we have here is attracting and retaining enough competent, qualified technical support staff.” As with all labour issues in Whistler, Sola said it comes back to housing—so even if licensing and accreditation changes were exactly what the sector wanted, it would still be a challenge. “As long as it’s so hard for these people to find a place to live and stay in our community, we’re going to continue to have this issue, but one barrier would be the licensing challenges,” she said. The legislation would have the effect of opening up the hiring pool for Sola’s team, however, who noted that of all the vets on staff, only she was trained in Canada, and none were from countries that didn’t have reciprocal accreditation schemes in place. “I do employ people in technician roles who are licenced as veterinarians in other countries … but the process was too difficult and time-consuming, so they’re currently working in a technician role—in some cases because they’ve decided that’s a better path for them long term, and in some cases because they’ve decided to get industry experience in order to complete some of those checkboxes to eventually become licenced here.” Pique enquired with the B.C. government about whether the legislation will be extended, but received no response. According to Whistler Chamber data, the sectors hardest to recruit for in Whistler during the 2022-23 winter season were retail, culinary, housekeeping, trades, management and business development. But again, Walker said it always comes back to housing. “[Housing and labour shortages] are one and the same. Labour is the problem, but housing is the root of the challenge, and we absolutely need more affordable housing for more employees in Whistler,” said Walker. “The more we allow people to work in the occupation in which they’re trained, the better it is for our community and our economy. Anything will help. [The new legislation] is a step forward, but it’s not the solution for the entire labour challenge.” n
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BY SCOTT TIBBALLS
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NOVEMBER 24, 2023
15
NEWS WHISTLER
Whistler council chats Highway 99 response times with head of Integrated Police Services MAYOR SUGGESTS EXPLORING VIABILITY OF INSTALLING COLLISION ANALYSIS CENTRE IN SQUAMISH TO SHORTEN RCMP’S RESPONSE TIMES TO ACCIDENTS
BY BRANDON BARRETT THE B.C. RCMP’S Integrated Services covers a whole lot of ground when it comes to policing. Made up of five separate teams that offer specialized policing services to participating local governments, the head of I-Teams, as it’s known, was in Whistler last month presenting to mayor and council. While the discussion at the Committee of the Whole meeting covered a wide range of topics, much of the talk near the end of the session centred on a persistent thorn in the side of Whistler motorists: lengthy closures of Highway 99 following a motor vehicle accident. “I think it’s fair to say it has been a concern of the community, the length of time the highway was being closed,” said Ted Battiston, the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) GM of corporate and community services, during the meeting, referring to past discussions between local officials and I-Teams. “Generally, I think both sides understand the value of shorter response times, and things have moved in a positive direction since that time. It’s been more recently less of a focus from our team to
continue those conversations, but it remains important to us and I think some of the things that were explained today speak to the fact that they understand it’s important to us.” The Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (ICARS) is one of the RCMP’s five aforementioned integrated policing
around wait times, but stressed that evidence gathering will always take priority. “It’s unfortunate it takes the time it does, but it is very meticulous,” he said. “We have one shot at getting that evidence, and if we lose that evidence, we might as well not even come up for the investigation.”
“We have one shot at getting that evidence, and if we lose that evidence, we might as well not even come up for the investigation.” - BRUCE SINGER
units, which responds in partnering communities whenever a potentially criminal vehicle collision leads (or could lead) to a fatality or serious injury. Whistler represented 1.12 per cent of ICARS’ 178 calls last year. Over the past five years, ICARS attended Whistler accidents a total of six times, while the entire length of Highway 99 saw ICARS respond 49 times over that span. Asked about ways to reduce response times, Lower Mainland I-Teams Chief Superintendent Bruce Singer acknowledged the inconvenience
ADELE CAMPBELL F I N E A R T, W H I S T L E R
When RMOW officials met with I-Teams representatives several years ago, Mayor Jack Crompton said there was discussion of installing an ICARS centre in Squamish to help trim response times. “One of the things that came up was that the significant factor was not actually doing the work, but getting to the location,” he said. “It may make sense at some point to interact like that again and review that data. Maybe the province could pick up more of
the costs, since the majority of accidents are in their jurisdiction, which may allow us to put an ICARS team in Squamish, which may be costly, but saves money overall for the province of B.C. and our region.” Singer noted opening an ICARS facility in the Sea to Sky would cost “multimillion” dollars “just to staff it, let alone the infrastructure to go with it.” As it stands, participating local governments cover a portion of the costs for I-Teams services, which includes the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team and the Integrated Emergency Response Team. While ICARS is based in Surrey, Singer also explained it’s not a centralized team in the traditional sense. “We have a number of people that live on the North Shore with ICARS. We’ve got two West Vancouver police officers that respond quite often, so you’re getting a fairly quick response time with respect to ICARS,” he explained. “Centralized is kind of a misnomer. Yes, we’re out of Green Timbers, but very rarely do you see a police officer sitting there waiting for the next call to come in. Almost all the time they are starting at home wherever they’re at, or at a local detachment.” n
30TH ART OF WINTER GROUP EXHIBITION OPENING WEEKEND NOVEMBER 24TH - 26TH We want to take this opportunity to say thank you to clients, admirers and supporters, near and far, who have been a part of the gallery journey. Thank you to our talented artists, many of whom have been represented since the beginning of ACFA. Our success is shared with you. We remember those who are no longer with us and look forward to making new connections and welcome you to the gallery family. We are passionate about Canadian art and deeply committed to spreading joy through artwork for many years to come! ALL ARE WELCOME TO COME SAY CHEERS AND HELP US CELEBRATE!
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NEWS WHISTLER
Whistler’s e-bike share program sees six times more users in 2023 RIDERS PEDALLED 58,000 KM OVER NEARLY 7,000 TRIPS
BY SCOTT TIBBALLS IN HARD NUMBERS, data released by the BCAA last week for its Evolve e-bike share showed that between 4,600 riders, there were almost 7,000 trips taken during the program’s six-month runtime between May and October in 2023—more than six times the number taken during the 2022 program. Those rides added up to 58,000 kilometres of pedalling around town—or the equivalent of one Whistler local cycling to and from Vancouver 240 times. The BCAA seemed chuffed with those numbers, which translate to saving 12,500 kilograms in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Spokesperson for BCAA’s Evolve program, Leanne Buhler, told Pique the Whistler program is helping build confidence that micro-mobility projects are sustainable, and applicable across smaller communities and not just large cities like Vancouver. “Many companies including ourselves have confidence that e-bike shares and e-scooter shares and micro-mobility in general does have a future of being sustainable,” she said. “It takes a little bit of scale, and developments in the industry to get there and make them efficient and well-performing and make sure they’re serving the needs of people, (but) we are
really pleased because a lot of the initial data shows that people are really using the service as it should be used, which is replacing vehicle trips and really getting people out of their cars and into active and sustainable transportation. “And that’s really the goal of micromobility, to provide people with a great option and an alternative to vehicles, and we are seeing that behaviour tick up more and more each year.” Survey results gathered from users showed they are using the program in the spirit in which it was intended, too. An RMOW communications official said the municipality is pleased with the initial data released from the program, “especially seeing that 59 per cent of survey respondents said they would have used a vehicle to get around, if the service was not available.” In addition, 76 per cent of riders said they thought the e-bike share “added value” to the overall transportation network in the community. For BCAA, the numbers are promising. “Whistler is a good model to show that smaller communities can work as well,” said Buhler, who added many other municipalities around the province are gearing up to release RFPs for 2024 programs—among them, larger communities like Coquitlam and Surrey. Whistler’s 2023 program consisted of 70 bikes spread across 12 parking zones for a six-
9199 EMERALD DRIVE WHISTLER
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month period, in an expansion to the original 2022 demonstrator program where there were 60 bikes across an initial eight parking zones. BCAA’s Evolve e-bike share program was selected by the RMOW back in 2022 because it was presented as a no-cost demonstrator project for that year. In 2023, the program again required no injection of funding from the
“We’re seeking feedback from the community on more locations...” - LEANNE BUHLER
RMOW to operate, with only minimal staff time dedicated to helping coordinate the project. The same setup will be in place for the 2024 program. In fact, according to the RMOW, BCAA is charged fees to use municipal infrastructure for storage and charging, “as would be the case with any relationship with a vendor.” Looking ahead, the 2024 program in Whistler will likely get off the ground slightly earlier to take advantage of the early season—or as soon as the trails are clear of snow in the spring.
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1.5
Buhler said the 2023 data will go a long way in informing what the 2024 program looks like. “The longer season was great for us to really get our stride and make sure that the system was in peak condition for the whole season, in that we had more bikes at the start of the program,” she said. “That made a difference in making sure people could really access the bikes where and when they needed them.” Whistler locals who used the program and have feedback are encouraged to reach out to the BCAA with their thoughts. “We’re seeking feedback from the community on more locations that would be valuable for them to use the system, and so we’re always open for feedback through surveys and through our various customer service channels, and would love to hear about what the people want,” Buhler said. Locals can contact the BCAA team behind the program by emailing info@evo.ca. A full report on the program will be delivered to the RMOW in December. The municipality will make decisions about the longer-term future of the e-bike share contingent upon their analysis and community feedback. The RMOW is also asking local bicycle rental and tourism companies to put in their two cents: when the program was originally announced in 2022, the impact on local business was a sticking point. n
#12 - 2213 MARMOT PLACE WHISTLER
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$999,000 2
SQFT: 970
1
1
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• Steps to trails, shops, restaurants in Creekside
• In-suite laundry, wood burning fireplace, modern kitchen
• Short walk to Green Lake and 8 min drive to the Village
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NICK SOLDAN HARRISS
PETER LALOR
604 907 1400
604 902 0091
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nick@nicksoldanharriss.com
peterlalor@stilhavn.com
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NEWS WHISTLER
A look under the hood of the RMOW budget: Utilities and services HERE’S WHAT THE MUNICIPALITY IS SPENDING ON WATER, SEWER AND WASTE
BY SCOTT TIBBALLS THE
RESORT MUNICIPALITY of Whistler (RMOW) is proposing a “nuts and bolts” budget for 2024 that is light on major new projects while leaning into infrastructure and reserve-building. That’s in keeping with the mild community feedback the RMOW got back from an early budget survey, which indicated residents want the municipality to focus on the core responsibilities of the RMOW by keeping service levels where they are. So what are those core responsibilities? The nuts and bolts: Water and sewer management, waste management, roads, transportation, and infrastructure. In the RMOW’s budget as it exists in preliminary form, officials forecast a $92.2-million operating budget, a $24.1-million capital budget, a $24.3-million utilities budget and a $20.2-million utilities capital budget. The tax increases proposed are intended to funnel cash into projects, operations, and reserves, with an overall 8.18-per-cent property tax increase, a five-per-cent increase for utilities, a four-per-cent increase for water and seven-per-cent for sewer. Coming from the RMOW’s sewer capital reserve in 2024 is $8.32 million across 15
projects. None of them are sexy, but they’re in line with the community’s wishes to focus on services. The projects include infrastructure upgrades, improvements, maintenance and conditions assessments—with a majority related to the Wastewater Treatment Plant’s various needs. Meanwhile, officials are tapping the Solid Waste Capital Reserve for $1,823,000, the majority of which is taken up by $1.52 million to replace aging infrastructure, including for a new truck scale plaza at the Whistler Transfer Station which, according to the RMOW, will “elevate the level of service provided by the RMOW to the transfer station customers.” On the same line of garbage, $90,000 will come from the Solid Waste Operating Reserve for community outreach—meaning the RMOW will undertake efforts to “create community behaviour change achieving zero waste community goals and targets,” likely in the form of community surveys and/or information flyers and signage. Over in the last big utility, water, $8,693,000 from the Water Capital Reserve will pay for annual upgrades across the network, with the big expense coming in the form of $3,713,000 for water pump station upgrades at the South Whistler Water Supply Project. According to the RMOW, that project is in the implementation phase, and will improve
AT YOUR SERVICE Whistler’s Wastewater Treatment Plant is getting more attention in next year’s budget. FILE PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS
the utilization of the water available in south Whistler at both Cheakamus Crossing and Function Junction wells. Also included in the project is the design and implementation of additional water treatment at the 21 Mile Creek water source to improve corrosion protection. Another seven-figure expense is $2,550,000 for high-priority works to replace some infrastructure in the water system between the village and Nicklaus North, which, according to the RMOW, is due to
soil that is corroding valves in the pipes. Also included is planning, design and implementation of water main upgrades in Creekside, Tapley’s to Crabapple and Tamarisk due to aging infrastructure. Last but not least in a nuts-andbolts look at the project list for 2024 is transportation, which includes everything to do with roads (that fall under the RMOW’s jurisdiction). With $2,225,000 coming from the Transportation Works Charges reserve, $1,590,000 is going to everyone’s favorite: Small capital works. This broad category is everything from curb repairs, winter maintenance equipment and traffic calming works, or everything you’d notice if it wasn’t up to snuff. Another item people notice more when it’s broken is paving work, which comes in under this project. Finally, the RMOW has budgeted some $2,143,000 for its ongoing fleet replacement schedule, with that funding appropriately coming from its Vehicle Replacement Reserve. The municipality has 150 vehicles in its fleet, and in 2024 it anticipates adding 15 trucks, a new 15-passenger van, new snowmobiles, an aerial lift and more. The new vehicles will take the place of vehicles that have come to the end of their service life. All documents related to the 2024 budget are available on the RMOW website at engage. whistler.ca. n
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NEWS WHISTLER
Whistler Community Foundation dipping into emergency fund for Whistler, Pemberton food banks ORGANIZATION IS DONATING $5K, SPLIT BETWEEN THE TWO FOOD BANKS—BOTH OF WHICH HAVE CONTINUED TO SEE HIGH DEMAND SINCE THE PANDEMIC
BY BRANDON BARRETT THE WHISTLER Community Foundation (WCF) is dipping into its longstanding emergency fund to donate much-needed funds to the Whistler and Pemberton food banks, both of which have continued to see high demand since a pandemic surge. The two food banks will split $5,000 from the WCF’s emergency fund, which was created in 2005 to allow the organization to respond quickly to local needs outside of the regular granting cycles. The WCF acts as the steward of money gifted to the community, and provides grants in the areas of environment, arts and culture, social service, and education. Because the emergency fund is not permanently endowed like the WCF’s other funds, it is set up to be used on short notice and was commonly handed out to support individuals or groups through a local charity that then arranges assistance in the case of, say, a house fire. “We recognize that a gift of $5,000 to the affected communities of Whistler and Pemberton is not enough to resolve food insecurity. Especially, when food banks across the country are experiencing unprecedented visits,” said Claire Mozes, CEO of the WCF, in a release. “And yet, we hope this action signals to the communities that at this very moment in time their neighbours need support, as do the charities who provide emergency food assistance.” Both communities’ food banks saw usage skyrocket as COVID-19 took its toll on employment rates and food security. Jackie Dickinson, executive director of the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), operator of Whistler’s food bank, told Pique demand is on par or higher now than at the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. Prior to that time, a busy month would see the food bank distribute goods 250 times. Now, hitting the 250 mark typically takes just two days. Open for three hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, the Whistler Food Bank now averages 160 unique visitors a day, Dickinson said. “People come up and ask me if there is still really a need. Sadly, there’s a greater need now than when the world changed for everyone,” she added. A follow-up question Dickinson often gets is: Who are all these people? “It’s everybody. It’s across the board,” she said. “I really don’t think it discriminates in any way, and what I’ve been saying a lot is
22 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
we obviously have concern and care for the people coming in to access service—but that’s also not determining true need. What keeps me up at night are the people that may not be coming in.” The Pemberton Food Bank is experiencing similarly high demand. At the start of the pandemic, demand rose 169 per cent, and has remained high ever since. These days, 1,420 people access the food bank on average every month, including 419 families. Of those served, nearly a third are children, and 63 per cent identify as Indigenous. “There is a perfect storm of factors affecting food security in Pemberton and the surrounding areas,” said Sea to Sky Community Services, operator of the Pemberton Food Bank, in the release. “Inflation is fuelling a high need while also driving up operating costs for food banks. In Pemberton, this means less money to purchase fresh food and higher rent costs.” Although a number of factors contribute to food insecurity, Dickinson was clear that, like food banks in much of the country, the prime reason people now find themselves accessing their services should come as no surprise to locals. “Safe, affordable housing is crucial to hunger and mental health, and so there’s lots of money being raised to support it, but we know the people visiting us and getting support from us are often housing-insecure,” she explained. Dickinson added there is a particular need to affordably house Whistlerites without permanent residency status. “We need to create the inventory for individuals on closed work permits who are not eligible at this time for permanent residency. That will be the way to tackle the lineups we’re currently seeing,” she said. “If we’re only increasing inventory throughout the province for people who have permanent residency, we’re still going to see an increase in need. It’s really disheartening to hear that people with secure work are experiencing housing insecurity.” As always, given the food banks’ respective purchasing power, cash donations tend to stretch farther than non-perishable items. Both the Whistler and Pemberton food banks recently wrapped fundraising campaigns, but there is still a great need to keep the shelves full as we head into the holidays. To donate, and learn more, visit mywcss. org/food-security for the Whistler Food Bank, and sscs.ca/pemberton-food-bank for the Pemberton Food Bank. You can also donate to the WCF at whistlerfoundation.com. n
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DEC UNPLUGGED Katherine Johnson Martinko delves into the harms of frequent smartphone use on developing brains in her new book, Childhood Unplugged: Practical Advice to Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance. PHOTO COURTESY OF KATHERINE JOHNSON MARTINKO
Childhood Unplugged author outlines the harms of teen smartphone use in Whistler talk KATHERINE JOHNSON MARTINKO IS LEADING A FREE TALK AT WHISTLER WALDORF ON NOV. 28
BY BRANDON BARRETT KATHERINE
Whistler
the grocery store everything’s good here
24 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
JOHNSON Martinko’s 14-year-old son just started high school, and unlike the vast majority of his classmates, he doesn’t own a smartphone. Martinko has told her son repeatedly: if he can find an academic study showing how smartphones benefit the teenage brain, she will let him join the ranks of his phonewielding peers. He hasn’t yet. “It is a point of contention in our home, as most of his friends have them, but I just can’t see the harm in delaying it as long as possible,” she said. The author of Childhood Unplugged: Practical Advice to Get Kids Off Screens and Find Balance, released this summer, Martinko echoes a growing field of research showing the harmful effects of frequent smartphone use on the developing mind. “Ever since smartphones became a major part of children’s lives, there’s been a shift in time use: less time in-person with people, sleeping less, and more time online. It has profound impacts on childhood development,” she said. A 2021 study by U.S. non-profit Common Sense Media found teens between 13 and 18 years old spent, on average, nearly nine hours a day on devices, meaning less time for outdoor play and socializing face-to-face. “We know that kids develop optimally by rehearsing for adulthood through their play, and ideally that play takes places outside, unsupervised by adults, so they can come up with their own games and rules,” Martinko said. “Children learn by navigating conflict, communication, and learning to read other people’s facial expressions. All of this is important, and what we’re finding is smartphones are displacing these opportunities for in-person interaction and outdoor play.” Just as there are age minimums for
alcohol use and driving a vehicle, Martinko believes the same should be considered for smartphones, with 16 generally being the accepted earliest age among researchers to introduce the technology to teens. “Social media is a beast of a thing. Kind of on par with driving a car, there is tons of responsibility involved, tons of risk, and the need to have a certain level of maturity to deal with it,” she said. But what of kids already in the thrall of their devices? “For a lot of parents whose children are already in it, I encourage them to pull back. I don’t think it’s ever too late to revisit the rules around screen time, even as a teenager,” Martinko explained. It’s important to help kids “fill the void” of their previous smartphone time with meaningful pursuits, Martinko said—and it’s up to parents to model that behaviour themselves. “We need to develop offline hobbies and interests of our own that show our kids there’s a wonderful world that exists offline that makes your life better,” she said. One of the more common justifications for teens’ smartphone use is how integral it is to their social lives, with some parents fearing banning phones could lead to their kids being alienated from their peers. “I’m not overly concerned about that idea,” Martinko said. “The older a kid can be before they get their phone, the better balanced they will be. They will know more about the pleasures of real life and offline living. They’ll know how to make eye contact and develop empathy, which we know is lacking in kids that use their phones too much.” Martinko will lead a talk at Whistler Waldorf School on Tuesday, Nov. 28 at 6:30 p.m., which is open to all. She will discuss six myths about digital media and share solutions to implement at home. A second talk covering the same topics is planned for Nov. 30 at 6:30 p.m. at Sunwolf in Squamish. n
NEWS WHISTLER
B.C. woman loses bid for winter strata path to hot tub UNABLE TO USE YARD HOT TUB, STRATA OWNER CRANED IT OUT OF THE BACKYARD AND REPLACED IT WITH ONE ON UPSTAIRS DECK
BY JEREMY HAINSWORTH Glacier Media B.C.’S CIVIL RESOLUTION Tribunal has ruled a Whistler strata owner has no right for a path to be cleared through snow banks so she can access her hot tub. Beverly Constantini sought $4,600 for loss of use of her hot tub, hot tub maintenance costs and expenses incurred to move her hot tub. She claimed significantly unfair treatment for unreasonably interfering with her right to use a common property path to access her hot tub. In her Nov. 14 decision, tribunal member Kristin Gardner said Constantini said the strata’s contractor regularly uses a common property vehicle turnaround next to the bare land strata to pile snow cleared from the strata’s streets during the winter months. Constantini said the snow piles damage the common property and leave behind excessive rocks and gravel in the spring, requiring maintenance and repair. Gardner said that, from 2018 to 2020, the strata paid Constantini’s gardener each spring to repair and clean up the area around the common property turnaround. However, in 2022, the strata declined to pay the gardener for such work.
Constantini also said the snow piles prevent her from accessing her hot tub at the rear of her property during the winter. Constantini also sought $367.50 for reimbursement of her gardener’s invoice to clean up the turnaround area in 2022, as well as an order that the strata budget $500 annually for spring repair and maintenance in the common property turnaround. The strata said it is not obligated to
covenant requiring the home to include a suite for employee housing. “Constantini installed a basement suite to comply with the covenant, which cut off access to her hot tub on the basement level behind her house,” Gardner said. While her initial tenant allowed her to access the hot tub through their suite, new tenants in May 2021 did not agree to that arrangement. So, Constantini said she had to exit her front door and use the common property stone path behind the turnaround to access her backyard. The snow piles made that difficult, she said. “As the strata continued to pile snow in the turnaround area, Ms. Constantini says she ultimately decided to crane her hot tub out of the backyard in November 2022, and replace it with a smaller hot tub that fits on her upstairs deck,” Gardner said. She said Constantini’s expectation was unreasonable. “I agree with the strata that Ms. Constantini is responsible for her own inability to easily access her hot tub,” Gardner said. “I find it is unreasonable to expect the strata to create or maintain a path through common property so that Ms. Constantini can access the backyard.” As such, Gardner dismissed the claim. n
So, the strata said, that does not mean it is obligated to continue paying for that work. The strata also said it is not obligated or responsible to clear a path on common property for Constantini to access her hot tub. Still, Gardner found the strata likely does not pile any snow directly on Constantini’s strata lot. The strata claimed the gravel is not damage, and that gravel is a “normal state
“I agree with the strata that Ms. Constantini is responsible for her own inability to easily access her hot tub.” - KRISTIN GARDNER
reimburse Constantini for common property repair and maintenance that she chose to undertake. While it did acknowledge it previously agreed to pay for Constantini’s gardener to do some spring cleanup work, the strata said that was based on its strata manager’s misapprehension of the common property boundary.
of affairs” in a mountain community like Whistler. “it is not the strata’s responsibility to maintain or repair any damage caused by its snow-clearing activities,” Gardner said.
THE HOT TUB
The tribunal said the strata is subject to a
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NEWS WHISTLER
Regional district seeks Sea to Sky Trail funding SLRD BRIEFS: TRASH TALK AND FUNDING ALLOCATIONS Residents also wanted the site to have additional hours, and both drywall and mattress recycling came up as issues. The full report can be read on the SLRD website.
BY SCOTT TIBBALLS THE SQUAMISH-LILLOOET Regional District (SLRD) is looking for a cash infusion to help complete a section of the Sea to Sky Trail. On Oct. 25, the SLRD’s board of directors voted to support the submission of a grant application for $1 million from the province’s Rural Economic Diversification and Infrastructure Program to go towards the project, which has been on the go since 2007. According to a staff report, the funds are needed to close a 4.5-kilometre gap through the Cheakamus Canyon section of the trail, with staff explaining this segment is “more of a road project than a trail project” due to the amount of engineering solutions needed. “It’s a lot of money, a lot more than we’ve spent on a trail section in the past,” the report said. Work required on the segment of trail will actually cost just shy of $4 million in total, with funding also coming from the Wilson 5 Foundation (the foundation launched by Lululemon billionaire Chip Wilson, which supports land conservancy and park creation projects in B.C.) and staff endeavouring to seek other funding streams to bridge the remaining $1.9-million shortfall.
COMMUNITY BUILDING
AGENDA APPROVED The Squamish-Lillooet Regional District’s board of directors discussed everything from trailbuilding to waste disposal and infrastructure spending at its October meeting. FILE PHOTO
The SLRD will find out whether it is successful in securing the provincial money by spring 2024. Beginning at the Squamish waterfront and running north for 180 kilometres through the Sea to Sky corridor to D’Arcy, the Sea to Sky Trail runs 126 kilometres and links the Pacific Ocean in the south to the Coast Mountains to the north. Read more at slrd.bc.ca/seatoskytrail.
LILLOOET LANDFILL SURVEY
Residents around Lillooet had two months to share their thoughts on garbage earlier this year, with the results shared with the SLRD board on Oct. 25. Besides providing a scorecard from residents within the Lillooet Landfill and Recycling Centre Service Area, the survey found the desire for a reuse shed was high on the wishlist.
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The SLRD is splitting some of its allocation from the federal government’s Canada CommunityBuilding Fund between five projects across Areas C, B and A. The board allocated up to $287,100 for community infrastructure projects, with the majority—$220,000—earmarked for upgrading water mains along Collins Road north of Pemberton. Another $22,100 is allocated to install a new well pump and motor for the Devine water service in order to provide the community with redundancy for its water system. Devine gets another $10,000 to go towards the cost of a long-term planning assessment for the Devine Transfer Station, while another $10,000 will do the same for the Lillooet Landfill (in Area B). The only communications project on the docket goes to Area A, with up to $30,000 going to the Minto Communications Society in Gold Bridge to provide a temporary replacement for a tower site burned by wildfires earlier this year. n
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VGH UBC Hospital Foundation
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VGH saves local Pemberton man from deadly disease Your donations this holiday season can help save a life
L
orne has always been a healthy guy. Even entering his 50s, Lorne has long kept physically fit, and works a job with Whistler Parks that keeps him out and active most of the time. In mid-March 2023, Lorne started to feel sick—body aches, low energy, and headaches—but he thought nothing much of it, other than perhaps it was COVID-19. He tested for that a couple times, but it was negative. And after a few days he moved on and went on vacation with his family to Mexico. “It just, it felt normal, really,” says Lorne. “Then we got home, and we got back to normal, everyday life. And then the body aches and pains came back.” Lorne can recall waking up barely able to move and breathe, and completely drenched in sweat. He had his wife, Anna, immediately drive to their local clinic in Pemberton, BC. Lorne had entered the clinic already in septic shock. His organs were starting to fail. His oxygen levels were life-threateningly low. And no one could exactly explain why.
Lorne’s life was saved at Vancouver General Hospital. PHOTO PROVIDED BY VGH & UBC HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
He was immediately flown to another hospital for treatment not available at the local clinic. There, Lorne went into cardiac arrest for 11 minutes, and after he was resuscitated his oxygen levels just would not rise. It was then decided Lorne needed more help for his complex condition, specifically the donor-funded ECMO—a vital heart and lung machine—and skills only available at VGH.
The team called ahead and got in touch with Dr. David Sweet. A virus found in droppings of infected rodents “There were some interesting things, looking at his lab work and his story” says Dr. Sweet. Looking at Lorne’s bloodwork, realization dawned on him, “I think this might be a Hantavirus case.” Hantavirus is a virus found in
the urine, saliva, or droppings of infected deer mice and some other wild rodents. If contracted, the mortality rate is approximately 40 per cent. Higher if the patient ends up on ECMO. With a diagnosis in hand, treatment started right away at VGH. Lorne was placed on ECMO for five days to allow his heart and lungs to rest, spent another five days in the ICU while his body recovered, and five more in the hospital until he was discharged. When Lorne awoke and was told what the diagnosis was, it suddenly made sense. He recalled cleaning up his attic at home. There were mice droppings around, and it’s very possible he was exposed to the virus there. Lorne has survived one of the rarest and most deadly diseases. Yet recovery is still ongoing. “I figure between 40 to 50 people had their hands on helping me to be where I am today. Doctors, nurses, specialists, people doing x-rays, ultrasounds, all that, 40 to 50 people just to keep me alive,” says Lorne. “My wife has her
Dr. Sweet PHOTO PROVIDED BY VGH & UBC HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
husband, and my children have their father because of them. I really am forever grateful.” Your Support Donations to VGH & UBC Hospital Foundation help purchase critical equipment, fund high-impact research projects, and advance patient care to deliver B.C.’s best, most specialized adult health care. Make a donation at vghfoundation.ca/lorne
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WHISTLER’S INSIDE SCOOP
Provincial changes to schooling coming down the pipeline
FREE ENTRY. FREE APPIES. FREE DRINK. PRIZE DRAW. A not-to-be-missed event for tourism & hospitality staff. Get the scoop on Whistler’s activities, lodging, and food and beverage scene.
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UNDER PROPOSED legislation revealed Oct. 25, First Nations will have more power and influence over the education of Indigenous students, with B.C.’s Minister of Education and Child Care, Rachna Singh, describing the changes as a crucial part of reconciliation in the government’s press release. The legislation was developed in collaboration with the First Nations Education Steering Committee (FNESC). “These changes to the School Act are aimed at improving First Nation student learning outcomes through effective relationships and processes that respect the inherent authority and role of First Nation governments, parents and communities in the education of their children and youth,” said FNESC President Tyrone McNeil “Indigenous students, particularly First Nation students living on reserve, face systemic barriers that result in inequitable outcomes in the K-12 system, and so the changes in this suite of amendments represent systemic, transformative and welcome changes,” he said in the release. The changes apply across all 60 school districts in B.C., with three points of focus. In the first, the establishment of Local Education Agreements (LEA), which had previously been an option for school boards to offer to First Nations, will now be a matter for the First Nations to decide on. The legislation, though new, is well on the radar of the local school district, with School District 48 (SD48) discussing the changes at its most recent board meeting on Nov. 8. SD48 Superintendent, Chris Nicholson, described the legislation as intended to ensure there were better supports and space for Indigenous voice in education, “so we have better direction and guidance in serving First Nations communities.” Nicholson said SD48 is ahead of the curve on offering LEAs, noting the district already has an LEA in place with the Lil’wat Nation. “[The SD48] also engages with the Sk_wx_wú7mesh, N’Quatqua and Samhquam around whether they would like us to engage in an LEA with them, or continue to engage through the education agreement we currently have.” Nicholson also said SD48 already has the second change proposed by the provincial legislation organized, in that all districts are required to establish an Indigenous Education Council (IEC)—something SD48 already has. The legislation will force some changes for SD48, however, with IECs allowing school district board members as trustees to be on the IEC council, but not vote. SD48 board chair Rebecca Barley is also on SD48’s IEC, and is Indigenous herself, but in comments on Nov. 8 said she didn’t believe she needed to have a vote. “My view is I’m in this position representing the constituents of Area C, and
not the Indigenous communities,” she said, noting the other SD48 board member on the IEC was not Indigenous, and neither was the alternate, and making an exception for her would cause the board to have to change its bylaws and processes again down the road if she was not on the board. The third item in the legislation is for First Nations to have the power to decide which school Indigenous students who live on reserve, self-governing or Treaty Lands will attend. Again, Nicholson said SD48 is ahead on that file. “So, again, it’s to ensure their voice, and I believe it’s something we already honour,” he said. The changes for Indigenous schooling are expected to be in place for the 2024-25 school year.
HOLOCAUST EDUCATION MANDATORY
In other legislation also announced at the end of October, Holocaust education will be a mandatory inclusion in the Grade 10 social studies curriculum from the 2025-26 school year onwards. In the release on the changes, B.C. Premier David Eby talked of the challenges faced by the Jewish community and the need for mandatory education. “For our friends and neighbours in the Jewish community, this has been an incredibly frightening time. We have seen a rise in antisemitism in B.C. following the terrorist attacks in Israel, which evokes the history of persecution of Jews,” he said in the release. “Combatting this kind of hate begins with learning from the darkest parts of our history, so the same horrors are never repeated. That’s why we are working with the Jewish community to make sure learning about the Holocaust becomes a requirement for all high school students.” At the SD48 board meeting, Nicholson described the legislation as intended to broaden the scope of social studies. “[The changes] are to ensure that when learning about discriminatory policies and injustices in Canada and around the world, that all students in B.C. must learn some key areas,” he said. “Right now there are options—teaching the Holocaust will no longer be an option, neither will Japanese internment, the destruction of Hogan’s Alley etc.” Nicholson noted this legislation and associated changes will take time to implement. “There’s going to be a whole year after this year of consultation with those groups affected, to ensure their voice is heard, and the proposed change will be for the 2025-26 school year,” he said. Nicholson, who attended a call with B.C.’s education minister along with other school district superintendents to learn about the changes, said teachers will be provided with resources to learn and apply the new curriculum prior to its rollout. n
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NEWS PEMBERTON
Coast to Cascades working towards coexistence between Pemberton Meadows residents and grizzly bears THE TEAM IS CURRENTLY HELPING FARMERS AND LANDOWNERS PUT UP ELECTRIC FENCES IN ORDER TO SECURE BEAR ATTRACTANTS
BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter HAVING GROWN up in the Pemberton Meadows area, the Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative’s Erica Van Loon lends a unique insight into the current situation on the ground. Families in Pemberton Meadows say they are living in fear of a nearby grizzly and her cubs, after children in the area have reportedly come face to face with the bear while playing outside. Residents say they are worried it is only a matter of time before someone is seriously hurt or killed. “For people who have kids or grandkids around, it certainly is a concern,” Van Loon said. “I’ve grown up in the Meadows, so I’ve seen the shift as well over the last few years. Grizzly bears have started to move down to the valley floor more, and have a constant presence here throughout the season. Whereas typically, they would use it as an activity corridor and pop through before returning to their habitat further up in the Alpine, or where we don’t typically see them.” But there likely isn’t one sole reason grizzlies are staying in the valley longer. “It’s hard to equate it to just one thing,” Van Loon said. “Some of it is because the population is increasing. It’s doing a lot better. When people originally settled in the valley, there was tons of fear around bears. They got shot most often. We are starting to see them come back. There’s also the role of food sources on the valley floor.” While human food sources are of course a concern, bears are constantly attracted to crops in the Pemberton Meadows area, Van Loon added—everything from blueberry bushes to carrots. “Where there is good food, bears will tend to stay longer as well,” she said. Not many grizzlies are currently collared in the region, which is the main way of tracking the population. There are about nine different grizzlies that aren’t always present in the valley—and the aforementioned resident
HEY BEAR A mama grizzly with her cubs in the Pemberton Meadows region. PHOTO BY BRUCE RONAYNE
mom and cubs, which tend to stick around throughout the season. Unfortunately, the female grizzly has become attached to food sources in the valley. “She has gotten used to the food sources
we have here,” said Van Loon. “We grow carrots on our farm. When she first came into the valley about three or four years ago, she got a taste for those crops and got attached. That’s why she has continuously stuck
around. It could also be other things like male dominance issues as well.” Learning to coexist with bears can be a long process that requires compromise. Coast to Cascades is working with Pemberton Meadows farmers and landowners to put up electric fences to keep bears out of their crops. Living with the female grizzly has been a challenge for many in the area. “It’s been a learning curve for all residents over the past few years to learn how to live with her,” Van Loon said. “There are different fear levels and tolerance levels for different people. It varies somewhat. It’s a tricky one. Once they get into human food, there’s a risk of bears becoming food-conditioned where they equate humans with high-quality food sources. It’s a huge concern. As bears go down that route, there are higher issues of conflict.” Van Loon’s grandparents came from the Netherlands and settled in the valley. Back then, grizzly bears were much more at large. “Even just from stories, there were more grizzly bears present back then,” she said. “Most of this valley has now been cleared for agriculture use. Speaking to local First Nations communities, we know that the grizzlies have always been here and they’ve always interacted with them. It’s an incredibly high-value species within Lil’wat Nation culture, both culturally and spiritually. “Lil’wat Nation have true stories of co-existence that go back thousands of years. It’s a really beautiful relationship that a lot of people can learn from.” Grizzly bears were hunted in countries all over the world, changing the landscape forever. Van Loon noted grizzly populations used to stretch all the way down to Mexico. “The entirety of the United States population has been depleted,” she said. “It’s hard for some people to face the reality of it as the population slowly rises again. Bears are coming back. People will inevitably need to learn how to live with them, and about the species in general. As humans, we have a responsibility to do this because we live in this amazing place. Bears should be a part of that landscape. It takes a lot of time and educational initiatives.” n
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NEWS PEMBERTON
Engagement session with St. Joseph’s Mission Residential School investigation team held in Mount Currie THE SESSION WAS OPEN TO SURVIVORS FROM LIL’WAT NATION AND THEIR FAMILY MEMBERS
BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter FROM 1886 TO 1981, thousands of Indigenous children were forced to attend the St. Joseph’s Mission (SJM) Residential School near the Williams Lake First Nation. Many did not return to their homes. Now, the Williams Lake First Nation (WLFN) is conducting an investigation to find out what happened to them. On Nov. 14, the St Joseph’s Mission Residential School investigation team held an engagement session in Mount Currie’s Úll’us Community Complex, with Lil’wat Nation survivors and their families invited to attend. At the session, the team shared more about the ongoing investigation of the site with attendees. The investigation began in July 2021, and consists of four key components: Geophysical investigation; archival and photographic research; survivor interviews; and engagement (community, family, frontline, and political). The geophysical investigation began in August 2021, during which groundpenetrating radar was used to survey the area. Through that process, the team found 93
“reflections” on the former school site, each of which shows “characteristics indicative of human burials,” the team said. An additional 18 hectares were later surveyed, and 66 more reflections, also displaying characteristics indicative of potential human remains, were identified.
into the school site after the discovery in May 2021 of potential human remains buried at the former Kamloops Indian Residential School. The Lil’wat Nation will hold more engagement sessions for members to participate. Anyone who attended a residential
“They are looking for stories from people who were there ... People were seen last at these places and then never seen again.” - DEAN NELSON
“WLFN emphasizes that no geophysical investigation can provide absolute certainty as to the presence of human remains, and that excavation of these reflection areas would be required to make a definitive determination,” the team notes on its website. The First Nation began its investigation
school is welcome to come forward. Family members are also welcome to learn more about the investigation. Lil’wat Nation Chief Dean Nelson said this is just one of the ongoing investigations into various residential schools. “There are a lot in the province that Lil’wat
members attended. It’s just the beginning of the research and affidavits,” he said. “The working group that was here will be back. We have contact numbers. They left information with us. If you feel that you’re up to having some information on a residential school, then hopefully people can call and set up a private meeting.” Nelson explained the investigation team wants to hear first-hand stories from people. “All the residential school investigation teams are on various levels of research,” he said. “They are looking for stories from people who were there. What did they see when they were let off the train to walk to these various places? People were seen last at these places and then never seen again. “People are coming forward to say that their relatives went there and never came home. That’s what needs to be researched. We need to find out what happened to them. We have lost a few survivors over the past few years.” The SJM investigation team is able to offer support and counselling to survivors and their families. For more information, contact margaret. shanoss@lilwat.ca or dominique.melanson@ wifn.ca, or head to wlfn.ca/about-wlfn/sjminvestigation. n
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NEWS PEMBERTON
WildSafeBC notes increase in grizzly interactions in Pemberton area SLRD HEARS UPDATE ON REGIONAL ACTIVITIES AND INTERACTIONS
BY SCOTT TIBBALLS PEMBERTON MEADOWS and Britannia Beach are two Sea to Sky hotspots for wildlife interaction, according to Sea to Sky WildSafeBC coordinator Elise Pullar. In a presentation to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) at its Oct. 25 board meeting, Pullar shared details and information gathered from previous years of WildSafeBC operations, and a year of on-the-ground work. “Within the Pemberton Meadows there has been increased interactions between grizzly bears and local farm families, especially to do with crops such as blueberries, carrots and lettuce,” she said about the region just north of Pemberton, where there is increasing concern for the habituation of grizzlies. In an interview afterwards, Pullar added the increase in interaction is due to a recovering grizzly population and more human activity in the area. Encounters and reports of grizzly interactions have risen in recent years locally, according to data from the Conservation Officer Service. On the other end of WildSafeBC’s local area
of responsibility, Pullar said Britannia Beach is also a hotspot for black bears “in general,” and that trend has continued in 2023. “[It’s] not necessarily a larger population of black bears, but black bears in that area have been known to become habituated because of attractants,” she said.
In her report to the SLRD, Pullar said there is still a lot of work to do. Some data she could use for 2023 was on “bin-tagging,” where WildSafeBC would visit a neighbourhood and take note of rubbish bins put out too early for collection, giving wildlife easy access to a food source.
“[T]hey can’t get in contact with the Conservation Officer Service fast enough to prevent bears from getting habituated.” - ELISE PULLAR
Pullar, who has been the WildSafeBC coordinator for the past season, noted her report was not backed by up-to-date data from 2023, as it was not yet available, but from her day-to-day work and reports from the community. “The most calls and emails and direct contacts that I received from the public was from those two areas, and the most door-todoor work I did,” she said.
Pullar said data from 2023 and back to 2020 shows there was a reduction in the number of bins being put out due to educational outreach and fines. In 2023, WildSafeBC focused on Britannia Beach, and Pullar’s data showed there was a significant reduction in bins put out too early in 2023 compared to 2020 (from 35 down to just eight).
But “there is work to be done. There are still bins out, so there are still people that need to be educated,” she said. Going forward, Pullar told the SLRD board she has heard the community wants a past electric fence cost-sharing program to make a return. She noted it has not gotten off the ground in 2023. She’s also heard a desire from the community for a bear/wildlife expert focused on the Pemberton and Lillooet area. The local WildSafeBC program encompasses Britannia Beach through to Lillooet. Speaking to Pique, Pullar said the Sea to Sky is a lot of ground for one coordinator to cover, and suggested two coordinators be assigned to the region in the future. She also suggested an expert on human/bear interaction be based in the Pemberton area due to the combination of factors already mentioned, and to help fill gaps in support for locals. “[The Pemberton community] expressed they can’t get in contact with the Conservation Officer Service fast enough to prevent bears from getting habituated,” she said. The local WildSafeBC program will wrap up at the end of November, as it is a seasonal position. n
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NEWS PEMBERTON
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NO ACCESS The Keyhole Hot Springs north of Pemberton. FILE PHOTO BY MEGAN LALONDE
Across from the Olympic Plaza, Whistler
Keyhole Hot Springs trail closed due to ‘extreme risk’ of rockfall and landslides after wildfires RECREATION SITES AND TRAILS BC STRESSED THE SITE IS UNLIKELY TO REOPEN IN THE NEAR FUTURE
BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter THE LILWATATKWA7 TRAIL to Keyhole
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Hot Springs is closed due to the extreme risk of rockfall, treefall, debris flows and landslides on steep slopes. The Lil’wat Nation warned in a Nov. 14 Facebook post there are a number of hazards to hikers in the area after this summer’s wildfires. The trail is located just northwest of Pemberton, and has proven popular due to its natural hot tub. The closure came into effect Wednesday, Nov. 8. Recreation Sites and Trails BC (RSTBC) said the site poses an extreme risk to public safety. The Lilwatitkwa7 Trail and hot springs are typically already closed from April 1 to Nov. 15 each year. The most recent closure is due to increased wildlife conflicts caused by recreational users, and will remain in place indefinitely. It also supports the protection of important cultural values, biological diversity, wildlife habitat, sensitive/rare/and at-risk species, and Lil’wat citizens’ ability to carry out traditional use practices. In 2016 and 2017, irresponsible camping practices resulted in the food habituation of local black bears, leading to closures at the site. In 2018, the annual seasonal closure came into play, which also supports the recovery of the grizzly population. RSTBC stressed the site is unlikely to reopen any time soon. David Karn, of B.C.’s Ministry of Environment & Climate Change Strategy, said the trail is now indicated as closed on the RSTBC website. “RSTBC staff have closed the trail due
to significant safety concerns post-wildfire,” he said. “Recent wildfire activity has destabilized the cliffs above the trail and hot springs. In addition, the fire has created a very large number of hazardous trees in the area. The trail will remain closed until these hazards can be assessed and if possible mitigated. It’s a complex site to assess and it’s been heavily impacted, so it will not be reopening in the near term.” Keyhole Hot Springs gained popularity on Instagram much like the neighbouring Joffre Lakes. The Nqw’elqw’elusten (Meager Creek) and Múmleqs (Keyhole) hot springs are in Lil’wat Nation territory, and are places of cultural and spiritual significance to the Nation, according to a provincial document released in April 2021. A visitor-use management strategy for the Meager Creek and Keyhole hot springs was implemented in November 2021, with key issues identified and management strategies in place for the future. Lil’wat Chief Dean Nelson previously told Pique he feared the cultural site would soon become like Joffre Lakes. “That was where [the hot springs were] going,” Nelson said, adding that, when natural spaces become commodities, “I think that’s when the abuse comes in, and it wrecks it for everyone.” The Mount Meager Volcanic Complex is also considered one of the most geologically active areas in North America. In 2010, warm weather triggered the collapse of about 53 million cubic metres of rock and debris from the south flank of Mount Meager—and the area continues to be prone to large landslides, avalanches and flooding. n
THE 2023-2024 PEMBERTON GUIDE on stands now!
AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
CONGRATULATIONS to Squamish's own Micheal Turner, son of lifetime residents and local business leaders, Paul and April Turner. Micheal was born and raised in Squamish, graduating from Howe Sound Secondary. Upon completion of a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration at Capilano University, Micheal spent several years in the banking industry before pursuing his love of flying in Victoria, BC. He went on to became a flight instructor for the Victoria Flying Club, mentoring aspiring new pilots about aviation and life. Micheal's love of flying and pursuit of aviation academics, drove him towards completing his Airline Transportation License. In the spring of 2023, he successfully joined the exciting group, and aviation dream, of working as a Pilot with WestJet. Currently based out of Vancouver, Micheal operates one of aviations most recognized and well-known jets, the Boeing 737. Micheal is especially grateful for his beautiful wife America, and young daughter Victoria, as well as his parents, siblings, and many friends locally and abroad.
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
43
THE OUTSIDER
Spearhead Huts: One down, two to go BY THE time you read this column, Whistler Blackcomb is officially open to skiers and riders for the 2023-24 season. I sincerely hope you made it up, made some turns, avoided some rocks, and most importantly, didn’t go exploring too far and end up at the Whistler Medical Clinic. It’s a long season everyone. Stoke is good. Overstoke can get you hurt.
BY VINCE SHULEY As much as I wanted to join the opening day masses, my orthopaedic surgeon ordered I stay out of the fray for a few more weeks. Skis are waxed. Sled tank is full. Not long now. When you’ve been around town for a winter or 10, one learns to play the long game. Like letting the snow base build up a nominal amount before taking your brand new skis out. Or giving the Duffey a good month to fill in (lest you spend your day of ski touring bashing through alders on the way up and dodging tree stumps on the way down). Good winters come to those with patience. Speaking of the long game; Spearhead Huts. The Kees & Claire Memorial Hut is now in the operational groove after a few years of disruptive construction schedules and inconvenient pandemic restrictions. A
TIP OF THE SPEAR Mount Macbeth is the site of the second of three planned Spearhead Huts in the Whistler backcountry. PHOTO BY LIZ SCREMIN
44 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
reliable water source remains as the final piece of the puzzle. The winter water supply is still sourced from snowmelt, which uses a significant amount of propane, and those enormous propane cylinders need to be flown in by helicopter. Summer water is sourced by schlepping containers of water up from Russet Lake then boiling it, which also uses a considerable amount of propane. Plans for a groundwater well are locked and loaded, but are still awaiting approval from BC Parks.
that’s been hard won by volunteers.” Besides said freeloading bad apples, the Spearhead Huts project is chugging along. With 2023 being largely an uninterrupted year of visits, the management committee for Kees & Claire knows a lot more about its operational needs, be it staffing for custodians, managing propane supply, or other general maintenance. Focus is now shifting to the Macbeth Hut, which will be built on the slopes of Mount Macbeth at
Focus is now shifting to the Macbeth Hut, which will be built on the slopes of Mount Macbeth at the approximate midpoint of the Spearhead Traverse. And as we all know, nothing happens fast with the government. But when I caught up with Spearhead Huts Society chair Jayson Faulkner last week, his beef wasn’t with red tape, but with a small segment of hut users. Namely, the poachers. “There’s people who will tour up to the area [around the Kees & Claire Hut] who are not paying to stay at the hut, but they’ll come in and use the facilities, burn the propane for their meals, and in some cases, even take the beds away from people who’ve booked to stay there,” says Faulkner. “I always hoped that people who spend time in the mountains had a greater respect for the other people who share that space, including the environment they move around in and the infrastructure
the approximate midpoint of the Spearhead Traverse. The encouraging news is that it has the funding to start construction, courtesy of a $1.5-million donation from Vancouver philanthropists Brian Hill (founder of clothing giant Aritzia) and Andrea Thomas Hill (chair of Vancouver’s Cause We Care Foundation). “Our agreement with Brian and Andrea is that $1.5 million is the budget we’re shooting for,” says Faulkner. “It sounds like a lot of money, but if anyone takes a look at what it currently costs to build a house in the Whistler Valley, imagine building at alpine elevation strictly with helicopter access. It’s more remote and it’s harder to get to, which makes it more expensive, even for a relatively small structure.”
One of the advantages of this funding is the Spearhead Huts will be able to hire more professionals for the actual construction. Kees & Claire was built by a lot of generous volunteers with direction from a handful of construction professionals on site. But the volunteers weren’t always skilled at carpentry or trades, leading to inefficiencies. With the even more remote location of Macbeth, efficiency of the work will be critical to take advantage of weather windows and the ever-expensive heli time. Of the three Spearhead huts, Macbeth is definitely the one I’m most excited about. I’ve skied plenty of day trips around Cowboy Ridge (Kees & Claire) and Mount Pattison (proposed site of the third and final hut), but Macbeth really dives into the belly of the beast that is the Spearhead Range. Faulkner says it will be a true mountaineer’s hut with the surrounding terrain requiring advanced to expert backcountry skills, solid experience and seasoned fitness in the winter. Basically, if you want to ski in the terrain around Macbeth, you want to be confident enough to navigate, travel and ski the Spearhead Traverse without huts. If you’re interested in seeing the latest plans for the Macbeth Hut, the Spearhead Huts Society is holding a fundraiser at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre this Saturday evening, Nov. 25. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com Vince Shuley is overdue for another loop around the Spearhead Traverse. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider, email vince.shuley@gmail.com or Instagram @whis_vince. ■
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The Westin Resort & Spa, Whistler is looking for housing for our Staff Associates We take pride in the homes we lease and you can rest easy knowing your home is looked after with The Westin. We have: • A designated Housing Manager • Monthly rent paid by the hotel directly • Maintenance issues overseen by our Engineering team • Scheduled Monthly Inspections • No Visitors, smoking or pets allowed at any time PLEASE CONTACT Megan O'Donnell on 604.2037854 or people@westinwhistler.com
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FEATURE STORY
BY DAVID SONG
T
ami Bradley recalls competing at a particular FIS World Cup event in Mont-Tremblant, Que. early in her career. She figures it was 1996, and she won a bronze medal—her second piece of World Cup hardware—two years before her inaugural Olympic Games in Nagano. She also remembers the fact that, out of 12 women in that specific moguls final, she was the only one doing a 360. Let’s be clear: a 360-degree rotation off of a jump is more than the majority of people on any given ski hill are capable of. Yet it’s rather tame as far as world-class freestyle skiers are concerned, especially compared to how far the sport—and women within it—have progressed. By 2010, the landscape of ladies’ moguls had already transformed as Jennifer Heil punctuated her silver medal run in Vancouver with a backflip iron cross. Backflips were illegal in moguls competition throughout Bradley’s career, and they did not feature in the Olympics until Torino 2006. Everyone began doing them: Justine Dufour-Lapointe won gold at Sochi 2014 with a big back layout in her run, while Justine’s older sister Chloe took silver with her own backflip. Fast-forward to last year’s Winter Games in Beijing and you’ll find tricks that were out of the question in Bradley’s era. Reigning Australian Olympic champion Jakara Anthony claimed her prize by throwing down an off-axis 720 followed by an iron cross backflip featuring a mute grab. The evolution of women’s moguls mirrors the advancement found in other freestyle skiing disciplines. Estonian phenom Kelly Sildaru became the first female slopestyle athlete to land a switch 1260 with a mute grab back in 2017. Three years later, Mathilde Gremaud of Switzerland upped the ante with a switch double cork 1440. Chinese triple threat Eileen Gu raised the stakes even further, riding an atmospheric 1620 to Olympic big air gold days before she conquered the Beijing halfpipe with 900s and alley-oop 540s on both sides of the pipe. Fans could have scarcely imagined women pulling off such insanity two decades ago, but that day has passed, and this day ushers in a bright future for the sport. “Now these girls are doing misty flips, they’re doing cork sevens, they’re doing everything,” Bradley says. “It’s crazy. It’s amazing. Lots of times, I’ll see girls now when I’m watching [moguls] World Cup and … a few of the top ones? They’re as good as the guys. Their technique is impeccable.” Whistler, of course, has contributed its fair share to the youth movement. Four childhood friends now find themselves on the cusp of the highest level: moguls athletes Maia Schwinghammer, Jessie Linton and Maya Mikkelsen, plus slopestyler Skye Clarke.
FLYING HIGH
WITH WHISTLER’S WOMEN FREESTYLERS
MayA Mikkelsen
HEAD OF THE PACK MAYA MIKKELSEN PHOTO BY CHAD HURRY
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FEATURE STORY
OVER THE MOON MAIA SCHWINGHAMMER PHOTO BY ANTHONY MAZUR
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‘SUCH A SICK CREW’
Historically speaking, young girls haven’t exactly begged their parents to sign them up for freestyle skiing. Roughly a decade ago, only 25 per cent of Canadian Freestyle Ski Association (CFSA) members were female, and they tended to drop out at a significant rate. The University of Alberta conducted a 2011 study to find three main reasons behind such turnover: a lack of role models, a lack of friends and insufficient confidence in their own skills. The Olympians have done their part to remedy Problem No. 1. “When Jennifer Heil finished second at the Games, that was my big ‘aha!’ moment,” recalls Schwinghammer. “I actually drew her a card that said: ‘You won gold in my heart,’ and I mailed it to her. She was my biggest inspiration.” Schwinghammer also shouts out recently retired Sea to Sky athletes Brenden Kelly and Sofiane Gagnon as role models. She fondly remembers watching them compete in youth events as a preteen and appreciates having been on the national team with them later in life. Bradley has made a tremendous impact in her own right through many years of coaching. She initially joined up with Whistler Blackcomb at the insistence of local veteran coach Ken Rhodes, who says she was “a kid’s dream” as an instructor. Then, they got to work. It was a male-dominated landscape at first, but the girls stuck with it. “There weren’t that many of us … and so we were all really close and skied together, and pushed each other,” Clarke says. “We had such a sick crew, and that’s where I met a lot of my friends that are still my friends to this day.” As the first female coach that many of her students had had, Bradley made sure they felt included. No doubt she pushed them—she thinks, as many good coaches do, that hard work beats talent that doesn’t work hard. At the same time, she took a group-oriented approach in prioritizing team cohesion and positivity. “[Tami] was literally there to make everyone excited for skiing,” remembers Mikkelsen. “It would be the gloomiest morning, and she’d be like: ‘Yeah, this is so fun!’ She was the one that got me doing my first flips. “It was great to have a female coach. Honestly, I think she’s one of the only female coaches I’ve ever had.” Bradley aims to be a role model for as many girls as possible, and that went beyond her own pupils. “She always helped me get involved with her posse,” says Linton, who grew up skiing with Freestyle Vancouver. “At competitions, usually I was one girl from this other club where there’s this pack of really strong Whistler girls, but [thanks to Tami], I always felt so welcomed.” Problem No. 2—a lack of friends—dealt with. As the young ladies aged out of Bradley’s Freestylerz program, they encountered Jeff
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FEATURE STORY “Skye is going to be a star,” Bradley insisted back then. She was right. As for Mikkelsen, her NextGen berth means one more item crossed off the bucket list. “It’s basically been my life goal,” she admits. “Well, maybe not my ultimate life goal, because it would be nice to go to the Olympics and World Cup and everything like that, but the second I got onto the provincial team, I was like: ‘OK, now I want to make the national team.’ I’m just extremely honoured and so happy that I made it.”
INSPIRATION AND GUIDANCE
FLIPPING OUT JESSIE LINTON PHOTO BY CHAD HURRY
Fairbairn. Nowadays at the helm of Great Britain’s national moguls team, Fairbairn is a seasoned coach whose three-decade career has taken him as far away as China and as close to home as Whistler. He treats his athletes equitably, age and gender notwithstanding. “I spoke to [the girls] like I speak to adults,” Fairbairn says. “I always treated them no differently than anybody else, and I think they respected that, for sure. Obviously, there’s times when I could push and get a little aggressive, and there’s a lot of times when I knew to back off. If you know how to handle those situations with different personalities, you’re going to get a lot out of the athletes.” He certainly did. When asked which coach has had a particularly salient impact on their careers, Schwinghammer, Linton and Mikkelsen all named Fairbairn right away.
WE RIDE TOGETHER
In 2018, Schwinghammer became the first of her group to crack Team Canada and swiftly earned silver at the FIS Junior World Championships. Five years later, the Saskatoon native became the reigning national dual moguls queen and placed fifth at the 2023 World Championships. Linton was named to the Canadian NextGen squad in 2022 and nipped at Schwinghammer’s heels for second this March at nationals. The two have been dear friends for some time, and their shared podium is a treasured memory. “It was so, so much fun to be in the gate with such a close friend,” remarks Schwinghammer. “We gave each other a fist pump before we went and said: ‘Yeah, good luck, let’s go hard,’ and we had a great duel. Sure, you want to win and you’re competitive, but … at the end, you hug and if the other person wins, you’re just so happy for them.” Linton feels the same way. “Maia is an amazing skier and we’ve grown up together,” she says. “She was on the World Cup circuit for the previous part of the year and I was on Nor-Am, so it was nice to finally come together. Maia had been doing so well at the World Cup, and I got to literally put my skiing beside hers and see where it stands with her level. “It’s just so cool that we could have that fire on the run, but then when we got to the bottom, it›s all fun and games.” Mikkelsen and Clarke have just made the NextGen roster for this present season, and both are raring to strut their stuff. As a slopestyle and big-air specialist, Clarke credits Freestyle Whistler program director Chris Muir for helping her fall in love with park skiing. Even so, time spent with her moguls peers have formed her into the athlete she is today. “They obviously went the moguls path, [Maia, Jessie and Maya], and I went slope, but they made me want to continue to ski moguls until I was 15, which is longer than I probably would have on my own,” Clarke says. “I just enjoyed skiing with them and hanging out, learning from each other.” Bradley remembers a nine-year-old Clarke placing last at a local competition. Her parents, Simon and Louise, were a tad skeptical about their daughter’s freestyle future, but Bradley convinced them otherwise. Sometimes, judges—especially amateur judges—get it wrong, and the two-time Olympian saw loads of potential in her student.
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Canadian women have made quite a mark on the freestyle scene. Heil led the way with two Olympic moguls medals: gold in Turin and silver in Vancouver. Justine Dufour-Lapointe repeated that pattern by winning in Sochi and placing second in Pyeongchang. Canada has produced greats in other disciplines as well, like seven-time X Games medallist Roz Groenewoud, Olympic gold medallist and two-time Crystal Globe winner Cassie Sharpe, 2014 Olympic slopestyle champ Dara Howell, and the late, great Sarah Burke. Fairbairn believes that the presence of a healthy community has always been vital in developing tomorrow’s talent. “Let’s say there’s a freestyle program that’s got 30 girls and they all come up together. Out of that 30, I bet you there will be five Olympians, something like that, if they all stay the path together,” he opines. “If you have a good culture where they’re out having fun everyday, while they’re learning something, they’re going to keep going.” Recently, there’s been a changing of the guard on the moguls scene. With Gagnon retired and Justine tearing up the Freeride World Tour (FWT), Schwinghammer is now her country’s senior female moguls athlete. In fact, she’s the only female World Cup-level skier currently listed on Freestyle Canada’s website. “What does it mean to fill the boots of these strong women leaders that have come before you?” Schwinghammer wonders aloud. “I don’t think of it as having to do as good as they did. I’m taking inspiration and guidance from these amazing, strong women who have led before me and trying to lead as best I can. I’m going to be the best skier I can be, the best person I can be, and inspire people everywhere to go for their goals.” “I learned this past year that—not to be selfish or anything—but if I do really focus on my own technical and personal goals, then I end up doing a lot better,” adds Linton. Similarly, Clarke and Mikkelsen manage not to compare themselves to past standouts. Instead they’re trying to build their own legacies, using those currently around them as measuring sticks. After years skiing on various regional circuits, all four athletes look forward to uniting in the national development pipeline and going for gold together. If you’ll recall, Problem No. 3 that the CFSA has dealt with in retaining female freestylers in the past was a dearth of confidence among said girls. Fortunately, Whistler’s highflyers have given their peers a reason to believe. Time will tell if Schwinghammer and company will ever stand on world and Olympic podiums themselves, but what they’ve already done is help lay groundwork for future generations. ■
RISE AND GRIND SKY CLARKE PHOTO BY LAURA OBERMEYER
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1 Review your portfolio “Now is a great time to review your 2023 finances to see how you are tracking with your goals and confirm your contributions to your registered plans, such as RESPs and RRSPs,” advises Lamoureux. “Some contributions are time sensitive and you don’t want to miss out.” Advisors can offer clarity and advice on how current events can impact a client’s cash flow, investment portfolio and their financial plan. 2 Define your goals 2024 could be the year you buy a home or start an investment portfolio. A Financial Advisor can help you map out what objectives are most important to you, and provide recommendations to reach them. For instance, if purchasing your own first home or helping your children enter the real estate market is one of your goals, setting up the newly launched First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a great first step. In addition, “Investment Advisors will work with you to help make investment strategy decisions to grow your wealth over time based on your objectives and risk tolerance,” says Fichtner.
3 Be flexible No one can know when a sudden life change might occur. But if you have your finances planned out in advance, you will be better equipped to adapt to new circumstances. “The markets are ever-changing and working with an advisor can help investors navigate various market cycles and events,” says Fichtner. An Investment Advisor ensures that clients’ portfolios are constructed to achieve short-term needs and long-term goals in a tax efficient manner.
4 Speak to local experts
You don’t have to take on your finances all on your own. BlueShore Financial’s Whistler team empower their clients with knowledge to make the most informed decisions possible for their money going forward. “There’s no one-size-fits-all solution,” says Lamoureux. “The personalized advice and solutions we offer at BlueShore Financial align to the unique needs of each client, and the life stage they are at.” With local advisors that live and work in the community, they understand the pulse of Whistler, the ebbs and flows of the seasons, and can assist clients with expert advice that is relevant and personalized.
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SPORTS THE SCORE
With history behind her, Jasmine Baird looks toward an exciting future THE WHISTLER-BASED SNOWBOARDER IS THE FIRST WOMAN TO WIN A WORLD CUP BIG AIR EVENT IN A STADIUM
BY DAVID SONG HER STORY is just beginning, yet Jasmine Baird already has a place in the record books. On Dec. 10, 2022, Baird soared to her first career World Cup gold medal in Edmonton’s Commonwealth Stadium, much to the delight of her father Andy and 15,000 other fans. It was the very first FIS big air contest ever held in a stadium of any kind. “Edmonton was honestly a dream come true for me,” Baird said. “It’s always been a goal of mine to win a World Cup, and to be able to do it basically at home in Canada was just huge. To have that crowd there, it made the whole experience that much more insane. “That was actually the first contest that my dad’s been able to see me competing in, so it was really special to have him out there and he was beyond stoked for me. Both my parents have always been so supportive of my career.”
TRUST THE PROCESS
Baird hails from Georgetown, Ont. and had the privilege of discovering snow sports at two years of age via her family’s chalet at Beaver Valley Ski Club. One of her earliest memories is hiking uphill after the chairlifts had closed for the day to sneak in one—or several—more runs. She can’t tell you exactly why she chose snowboarding over skiing, but committed to the former as an eight-year-old. Her first foray into competition came soon afterward. Baird dabbled in boardercross for a while, but realized hitting tricks in the park was her true passion. Her mom Linda drove her to all sorts of events around Ontario, and as her skills progressed, so too did her love of
JAZZED UP Jasmine Baird grinds her way down a rail in training. PHOTO BY CHRIS WITWICKI
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being airborne. Around the age of 16, Baird joined a training camp in Whistler by way of an invite from Adam Higgins, who at the time was a Canada Snowboard coach and manager. She owned a handful of national-level medals already, and having those results validated by the top brass only fuelled her fire. Upon graduating from high school, Baird moved to Calgary—and eventually to Whistler—in search of higher-quality training venues. Her first Junior World Championship and senior World Cup event both came in 2017, and she proved her mettle with a bevy of top-10 results early in her international career. Her first World Cup medal, a bronze, came January 2019 in Seiser Alm, Italy. It hasn’t all been fun and games for Baird, who tore her left ACL roughly seven months after that inaugural medal. She absorbed a 14-month layoff from snowboarding—the longest of her life—but managed to return to form ahead of her Olympic debut.
“I always get people asking me, ‘How are you so fearless? How do you hit these huge jumps and stuff?’ I’m definitely not fearless. I almost scare myself every day when I’m training because things can go wrong very easily, very quickly.” Case in point: Laax, Switzerland earlier this year. Baird was in the midst of a cab double 900, a trick she knows like the back
“It’s always been a goal of mine to win a World Cup...” - JASMINE BAIRD
The Ontario native paced all Canadian women with a seventh-place big air finish in Beijing last year, also managing a 15th in slopestyle. Along the way, she’s levelled up the all-important mental side of her game. “Getting to compete at the 2022 Olympic Games was a dream come true,” Baird said. “Being the biggest event I had ever competed in, the pressure and stress were definitely on. I found that I was able to really focus on my snowboarding and treat it like any other contest, which helped calm my nerves.
of her hand. She’s landed it on hundreds of occasions, but not this particular time where she hit her head forcefully on the ground. The 24-year-old escaped serious injury, but it was a stark reminder of just how difficult freestyle snowboarding is.
‘HAPPY TO BE DOING THIS SPORT’
Good things don’t come easy, and Baird is part of a new wave of female snowboarders on
the sport’s cutting edge. Her teammate Laurie Blouin is the big air world champ from 2021 and the Olympic slopestyle silver medallist from Pyeongchang. Kokomo Murase, of Japan, whom she regularly competes against, became the first to stomp a backside 1440 in women’s competition this September. They’re all chasing Zoi SadowskiSynnott, the reigning Olympic slopestyle queen from New Zealand who has won worlds twice and the X Games five times in addition to her big-mountain exploits with the Natural Selection Tour. “I am so happy to be doing this sport at this exact time,” Baird said. “Women’s progression is exponentially growing, and it’s so fast. [My team and I] were in New Zealand earlier this year, and it seemed like almost every other day, a girl’s putting down a new trick that no girl has ever done before.” The next Winter Olympics take place in 2026, but it’s already time to start preparing if you’re a national team athlete like Baird. She is capable of challenging for World Cup medals on a regular basis and hopes also to get an invite to the vaunted X Games. Yet nothing is certain in freestyle, where adverse weather and venue conditions can wipe out a game plan on any given day. That’s why the Whistlerite focuses on clean execution, believing results will come if she simply rides to her potential. n
SPORTS THE SCORE
There’s ‘always more in it’ for Squamish BMXer Teigen Pascual THE 20-YEAR-OLD REBOUNDED FROM THREE BROKEN COLLARBONES TO PLACE NINTH AT THE 2023 PAN AM GAMES
BY DAVID SONG THREE COLLARBONE breaks in 18 months is nobody’s definition of fun. Unfortunately, that’s what Teigen Pascual has dealt with as of late. BMX is a roughand-tumble sport that can take a toll on the body, especially when you pursue it at the highest levels. Some are fortunate enough to avoid serious or repetitive injury early in their careers, but she hasn’t been one of them. Nobody would have blamed Pascual had she walked away from competitive riding in light of her history of ailments. Yet the Squamish native is far from done, and her perseverance has thus far been rewarded with a ninth-place result at the Santiago 2023 Pan Am Games. So what’s driving Pascual forward, in spite of what could have held her back? “Just the fact that you can’t ever really reach a limit with the sport,” she said. “I think you’re always trying to learn something new, always trying to gain something. After the amount of times I’ve been broken, [someone else] might have given up or thought BMX wasn’t for them, but there’s just always more in it for me—another level I can reach, another skill I can learn, another comeback. “I’m not where I want to be, so I need to keep going and see if I can reach that point,” she said. Pascual does have Olympic dreams, though she acknowledges Paris 2024 may be out of reach due to her recent injury-related layoffs. Instead, she sets her sights on the 2028 Summer Games in Los Angeles, hoping along the way to reach a new level of confidence on her bike.
UPWARD MOMENTUM
The Pan Am Games represented a step in the right direction. It was Pascual’s first major international sporting event, and she appreciated taking in the atmosphere as nearly 470 other Canadians showcased their skills in various disciplines. She celebrated BMX teammate Molly Simpson’s silver medal and roomed with Vancouver Island mountain biker Jenn Jackson, who won the ladies’ crosscountry race. Pascual feels ninth place isn’t reflective of her full potential, but is grateful for her time in Chile nonetheless. “I went into it just as a learning experience, so I didn’t really have many expectations for myself,” she explained. “Overall, I think it was good … learning new things and new situations, and it was very fun.” The Squamolean discovered the joy of biking at six years old when she followed some childhood friends onto the track—a fairly ubiquitous turn of events for a youngster in the Sea to Sky area. She entered her first race shortly afterwards, crashed twice in one lap, and promptly signed up for another.
AIR TIME Teigen Pascual gets some air during a 2023 UCI race in Santiago del Estero. PHOTO BY NAVADA PHOTOGRAPHY
Growing up, Pascual rubbed shoulders with many of today’s local mountain bike stars, including Jackson Goldstone, Finn Iles and the Jewett brothers: Jakob and Dane. There was considerable crosspollination between BMXers and downhill riders back then, with many kids doing both to develop a balanced skill set. As time passed, they went their separate ways to focus on different things. Rare is a world-class contest that puts all the bike-related disciplines in one place, but that’s what happened in Glasgow this August at the 2023 UCI Cycling World Championships. Pascual wasn’t able to compete there, but hopes to see more such events in the near future.
FROM SQUAMISH TO SWITZERLAND
In order to reach her lofty aspirations, Pascual knew she needed to make a change. That’s why she’s been living in Aigle, Switzerland for the last seven months, in the vicinity of the UCI World Cycling Centre. It was an idea originally broached by Pascual’s mom, Amber, and it’s paid dividends so far. “BMX is so big in Europe,” she said. “They have a super good track here, and they brought in a new coach. His name’s Twan van Gendt. It’s made a world of difference: we’ve been focusing more on skills and perfecting the basics a little bit more so we can work from there. I’ve seen a huge difference in my riding and overall confidence on track.” That makes sense, given how van Gendt is not just any coach. The 31-year-old Dutchman is a three-time Olympian and the 2019 BMX world champ. Pascual wrapped up her season with second place at a small indoor event in France, and she’s taking a breath before a front-loaded follow-up tour. Nearly all of next year’s World Cup races (including the World Championship) will take place from January to June, ahead of the Paris Olympics—an itinerary that could take Pascual to Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and the Netherlands in six months. It’s safe to say the resilient Squamolean is up to the challenge. n
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EPICURIOUS
Whistler’s BReD demystifies the art of plant-based baking in stunning new cookbook ED AND NATASHA TATTON AND THEIR BELOVED CREEKSIDE BAKERY WERE COURTED BY PENGUIN RANDOM HOUSE FOR BRED: THE COOKBOOK
BY BRANDON BARRETT NATASHA TATTON waited until just the right moment to break it to her husband, Ed, namesake of Whistler’s award-winning vegan bakery, BReD, that one of the world’s biggest publishing houses wanted them for a new cookbook. It’s not that the artisan breadmaker was against the opportunity offered by Penguin Random House to share his recipes with the world—he simply didn’t know when he’d find the time to do it. “Natasha actually received the email when we were heavily understaffed and I was working double shifts, from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m., so huge days, and she didn’t tell me immediately,” Ed recalls. “She had to pick her moment carefully—and she did. It was one of those things where we couldn’t say no. I’ve wanted to work in a bakery and write a cookbook since I was five, so you just have to say yes and somehow make time.” And make time they did. The culmination of a year’s work, BReD: The Cookbook features 100 plant-based recipes, from Ed’s famous naturally leavened sourdough loaves and small breads, to a wide array of baked goods, and dips and spreads to compliment the breads. True to the Tattons’ long-held commitment to sustainability, the book also offers discard starter recipes to further zerowaste efforts, and step-by-step instructions on making and maintaining a sourdough starter. Loyal customers of the Creekside bakery will recognize the familiar staples along with some new recipes the Tattons perfected just for the cookbook. “All our classics we have at the bakery are in there: cinnamon buns, cookies, country sourdough, our bestselling loaf,” Ed says. “it’s about 50-per-cent bread-based, but there are also things in there we don’t sell, like this really nice pita bread, donuts, some cakes, and then things to go on bread: dips and spreads. It really enabled us to look outside
BRED WINNER BReD: The Cookbook was released this month through Penguin Random House. PHOTO COURTESY OF BRED
and be creative with not just what we wanted to sell, but the things we wanted to make at home as well.” It’s been a banner few years for the plantbased bakery, all while its owners have had
to contend with the inherent challenges that come with operating a food-service business in Whistler. In 2021, the Tattons won Best Young Entrepreneur at the Small Business BC Awards, and the following year, they achieved
official B Corp status, a global certification that means a business has shown high social and environmental performance, among other standards. They were also featured in Forbes at the height of the pandemic (and society’s collective lockdown sourdough obsession), which is how they first landed on Penguin Random House’s radar. For several months, the publishing firm kept a close eye on the bakery and its growing social media following before eventually deciding to approach them about filling an underserved niche in the cookbook market. “There is a lot of vegan cookbooks out there, but not a lot of cookbooks in plantbased baking,” Ed explains. “It helped that sourdough had a massive boost in popularity during the pandemic.” The cookbook has some big names co-signing it, too. Endorsements came from James Beard-winner Chad Robertson, of Tartine fame, whose cookbooks can be found in any self-respecting baker’s library; sourdough wizard Maurizio Leo, author of the New York Times bestseller The Perfect Loaf; and Angela Liddon, bestselling author of the wildly popular Oh She Glows vegan cookbooks, among others. “All these people, they’re heavy hitters in the baking world,” Ed says, adding it was “humbling and surreal” to get the sign-off from so many big names. Needless to say, the Tattons have come a long way from what started as a word-ofmouth weekly bread club out the back of Alta Bistro, where Ed previously worked and honed his ambitious sourdough recipes, before the couple opened their brick-and-mortar space in 2019. “I think it’s really important to remember where you’ve come from to know where you’re going,” Ed says. “It’s all grown very organically. We opened the bakery and went all in with that and with the cookbook, but it’s not luck. This has all come from me and Natasha working hard and devoting our lives to it.” Learn more at edsbred.com/product/thebred-book. n
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FRIDAY NOV 10+24 | 6:45-8:30PM @ THE YC | AGES 13-18 (GRADE 8+) Fun evening chats with our special guest Counsellor, Kayla Benbow, and The YC Crew, all about Healthy Relationships. Whether it’s your friendships or someone you’re dating... get the tea on creating great connections! Breakups/Makeups and more, we’ll cover lots over two different sessions. FCFS, space is limited. FREE PIZZA for participants! Call for info.
Please see whistler.ca/recreation for the daily arena hours or call 604-935- PLAY (7529).
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604.935.8187 • youthcentre@whistler.ca The Whistler Youth Centre WhistlerYouthCentre (The YC)
ARTS SCENE
Sea to Sky ballet community to present The Nutcracker THE SHOW TAKES PLACE DEC. 9 AND 10 AS A JOINT PRODUCTION BY PEMBERTON DANCE STUDIO, MOUNTAIN MOVEMENT DANCE COLLECTIVE AND WHISTLER’S DANCE WITH JANE
BY DAVID SONG A FRESH TAKE on a holiday classic is coming soon to Whistler. Sea to Sky ballet dancers will drop by the Maury Young Arts Centre on Dec. 9 and 10 to present The Story of the Nutcracker. The show is a collaborative effort, with involvement from Pemberton Dance Studio, Mountain Movement Dance Collective and Whistler’s Dance with Jane. Rounding out the night are professionals from Coastal City Ballet in Vancouver, who portray the memorable Sugarplum Fairy and her Cavalier. Funds raised by the event will go towards the Pemberton and District Health Care Foundation.
A MODERN TWIST
The Nutcracker is one of Pyotr Tchaikovsky’s greatest works and known by many outside the dance world. It tells a fantastical story of celebration, and one that tends to remain constant whether it’s performed in Canada, Russia or Australia. Yet Pemberton Dance Studio owner Anna Kroupina and her team have a diverse cast, and one that does not does not perfectly fit the ballet’s traditional roles.
CHRISTMAS CLASSIC The cast of 2023’s rendition of The Nutcracker, showing Dec. 9 and 10 at the Maury Young Arts Centre. PHOTO BY RYO KAWASHIMA
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Kroupina decided to think outside the box, consulting with Trish Belsham of Gruff Goat Dance to adapt Tchaikovsky’s plot into a more suitable form. “Hence the show is called The Story of the Nutcracker—we hope it can be a story we can relate to, stop and think and make a change,” Kroupina explains. “I’ve been working with [Trish] on developing the plot since February. She helped me quite a bit with twisting the plot and finding moments
Championship. Young or not, these kids have been practicing anywhere from five to eight hours per week since September, and their instructors believe they are ready. “The Story of the Nutcracker is actually an educational project,” Kroupina says. “Our auditions were open to everybody, and the dancers have grown tremendously. We have dancers as young as seven performing in about five scenes, because they are capable
“It’s fascinating how fast the kids can remember and connect to the pieces, and how they all feel fully engaged.” - ANNA KROUPINA
of interest that could be different from the original Nutcracker. “[The narrative] could be a little bit more aligned towards our needs, perhaps speak to the problems of today and address society a little bit more. So while our show is the original, it has a bit of a modern twist.” The main cast is composed of a dozen dancers who star in at least five scenes, supported by 13 more who feature in one or two sequences. The average age of the group is 10, but experience levels run the gamut from seven-year-olds to teens like Ashanti Faith Salio-An, who represented Canada at July’s IDO World Acrobatic Dance
and because they are keen. It’s fascinating how fast the kids can remember and connect to the pieces, and how they all feel fully engaged. “Their hard work and dedication truly show that the magic can be done.” It’s not just their technique that’s been developing, adds Pemberton Dance Studio teacher Danielle Poupart. “Relationships and friendships are really forming,” she says. “I saw a couple of them the other day doing this secret handshake, and it was just so heartwarming. They’re spending time with each other and creating these bonds that will last for so long.”
NO SHORTCUTS
Poupart and fellow instructor Angela Waldie will take the stage alongside their pupils as a variety of characters: from rats to snowflakes to the protagonist’s mom. As lifelong ballerinas themselves, both are extremely familiar with The Nutcracker and welcome an opportunity to revisit the program in a new light. “I’ve done The Nutcracker so many times, and there’s definitely a period where I needed to not listen to it,” says Waldie. “Now I’m ready to look at it again with fresh eyes, because the roles have changed as I’ve aged and I’m taking on different parts. It’s been really great, having all those memories come back and watching the kids do very, very similar steps and roles that we used to do.” The Nutcracker is the only major Christmas ballet out there, and as such occupies a unique place among others in the genre. Unlike other time-honoured productions like La Sylphide and Swan Lake, it balances dance choreography with colourful characters in a way that can appeal to both ballet enthusiasts and everyday audience members. The story contains archetypal themes of family, fellowship and escapism that have stood the test of time. “What you are about to see is the fulllength ballet set to Tchaikovsky—we haven’t taken any shortcuts,” Kroupina says. Showtimes are 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Dec. 9, followed by another 2 p.m. matinee the following day. Find tickets online pembertondance.ca. n
Born-and-raised Whistlerite taps into her Iranian roots in new WFF film
P: JULIE ZONEY
ARTS SCENE
ROSHAN BEAVEN’S SHORT SPARE SOME CHANGE CENTRES AROUND THE CINEMA REX TERROR ATTACK THAT TRIGGERED THE 1979 IRANIAN REVOLUTION
BY BRANDON BARRETT LIKE SO MANY SECOND - and thirdgeneration children of immigrants, Roshan Beaven has always felt a certain disconnection from her heritage. Growing up in Whistler, the 22-year-old was close to her Iranian-born grandparents, but with so few other Persians around, her exposure to the culture of her homeland was limited. Then, she left the bubble to pursue filmmaking at Capilano University in North Vancouver, which has long been home to a vibrant Iranian community, and moved in with her grandma, who lives close to campus. “Living with her the past four years has really been a huge help in connecting me to my culture,” she says. “Coming here, it was just amazing to realize, ‘Wow, there are so many people that have the situation that I do and understand what it’s like to feel disconnected.’ That helped me with this project as well.” That project, a 10-minute short film called Spare Some Change that is screening at the Whistler Film Festival (WFF) next week, follows Ali, fresh off his arrival in Vancouver amidst the rising political turmoil in 1978 Iran. Ali must quickly get over his distrust of a young female journalist he meets after learning his wife may have been killed in the Cinema Rex fire, a real-life terror attack that claimed the lives of roughly 400 people and ultimately triggered 1979’s Iranian Revolution. The original script Beaven was working on was an entirely different story set in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside. It wasn’t until she started hearing her grandparents’ stories from pre-Revolution Iran, along with the passing of her beloved grandfather, that she was convinced the film should pay homage to her Iranian roots in some way. “I wanted to write something that honoured my grandparents and their history. My grandfather had passed away that year I started writing it, and I remember so many stories they were telling me,” she recalls. “They moved out here before the revolution and I remember thinking how horrifying it must have been to see your country go in a direction you’re not happy with, and to make that decision to leave before it really got bad. I wanted my main character to have that same foresight.” Filming the short entirely in Farsi offered its own form of education for Beaven, who can mostly understand the language conversationally, but is far from fluent. She wrote the first draft in English, getting family members to translate, but she still had no way of knowing if what they came back with was true to the letter of her original script. Eventually, she tapped an Iranian classmate who, along with editing the film, completed the script’s translation, even accommodating for regional accents and vernacular.
AT FA I R M O N T C H AT E A U W H I S T L E R
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SCAN TO RESERVE A WHISTLER HOMECOMING Born-and-raised Whistlerite Roshan Beaven will see her film, Spare Some Change, on the big screen on Nov. 30 as part of the Whistler Film Festival’s BC Student Shorts program.
À la carte menu available upon request
PHOTO COURTESY OF ROSHAN BEAVEN
“His family was actually from the town, Abadan, where the Cinema Rex was, so he had a really personal connection to the script as well,” Beaven says. There were other cultural elements Beaven had to iron out to ensure she was accurately capturing late-’70s Iran, when Iranians enjoyed relative cultural freedom under the Shah, if not political freedom. “I had originally written that all the women in the script, except the journalist, were wearing headscarves or chador. Then after speaking with the actors, they told me, in the ’70s, no one wore chadors,” explains Beaven. “I learned a lot about what it was like back then and it was nice to have their input. I didn’t want to reinforce any stereotypes of Iran being so oppressive, because it was a really different place before [the revolution].” Although she wrote it the year before, Beaven’s film is timely given the mass protests against the Iranian state—the largest since the 1979 revolution—following the September 2022 death of Mahsa Amini, who was arrested for allegedly violating the country’s mandatory hijab law by wearing it “improperly” while visiting Tehran. She was severely beaten and died in police custody. “It added a lot more to it, to have the added modern context of what was going on. I think a lot more people could relate to it and understand what the struggle was back then because they see what the struggle is now— and it’s a lot of the same issues,” Beaven says. Spare Some Change screens at the Maury Young Arts Centre on Nov. 30 at 2:30 p.m., as part of the WFF’s BC Student Shorts program. Learn more at whistlerfilmfestival.com. n
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ARTS SCENE
Adele Campbell Fine Art commemorates 30th anniversary THE LOCAL GALLERY WILL PUT ON A FREE EXHIBITION BEGINNING NOV. 24
BY DAVID SONG ADELE CAMPBELL Fine Art is celebrating three decades of business in Whistler. Since its beginnings in 1993, the gallery and its team have been dedicated to showcasing top-flight material from all corners of the Canadian contemporary art realm. This month, Adele Campbell will mark its anniversary by hosting its 30th annual Art of Winter Group Exhibition, featuring pieces by more than 40 painters and sculptors. The display, which is free to the public, opens Nov. 24 and runs throughout December. “This snow-inspired exhibition is a great way to usher in the winter season in Whistler and celebrate the return of the community energy we all love,” says Adele Campbell owner Elizabeth Harris. “It’s a way to celebrate the extraordinary talents of our established and emerging artists while also saying thank you to the community that has supported us along the way.” Adele Campbell Fine Art has been a key part of the Sea to Sky arts scene for 30 years, engaging with guests of all ages and backgrounds via special events, artist demonstrations and various monthly spotlights of certain individuals and their work. The gallery has perennially helped raise
funds for other community organizations like Whistler Search and Rescue, the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation, the Audain Art Museum and the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation.
VIBE AND CREATIVITY
Whistler is a destination of choice for art enthusiasts, and a relative dearth of commercial galleries in Vancouver in the past has made a way for local exhibitions to establish themselves. Adele Campbell in particular has successfully catered to Whistler’s unique demographics, including both loyal buyers and a revolving door of visiting prospective clients who may or may not be familiar with Canadian art. “Whistler doesn’t necessarily attract that nine-to-five corporate culture type,” Harris opines. “It does attract people who really want to make the most of their lives … and I think that just nurtures a bit more of an artistic type. There’s this sort of vibe and creativity in the town that isn’t just cookie-cutter ski resort [fare].” Many creators in Adele Campbell’s diverse roster are based in the Sea to Sky corridor or elsewhere in British Columbia, but there are others who represent every other province all the way east to Prince Edward Island. These artists tackle a range of subjects and mediums, giving Harris and her associates
plenty to consider in their curating process. Adele Campbell doesn’t just focus on veteran painters and sculptors either, frequently giving up-and-comers a chance for exposure. “We’re always striving to promote a connection of some kind, whether it be to an experience, a landscape, or a cherished memory. Paintings evoke a feeling, a memory or may take you back to a place in time,” says Harris. “You don’t have to look far to feel a connection to this remarkable land we live in, and while many artists gain inspiration from their local surroundings, the paintings still need to resonate with people who hail from all over the globe. “This talent of using the majestic mountains, lapping waves, or soulful wildlife [and] the ability to capture the pure power and intimate understanding of the wilderness … is ever-present in the artists’ creations.”
A WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT
Adele Campbell has changed hands a number of times in its history. It was founded by the women whose names it now bears: Adele Engel and Paula Campbell, with Harris crediting the latter as a driving force in the early days. Michelle Kirkegaard and Tim Wake bought the gallery from Campbell in the late 1990s, though Wake as a silent partner did not actively participate in management decisions. Harris entered the picture around 2002,
the same year Wake sold his interests to Mary Forseth—Campbell’s first employee who started with the team in 1995. Despite having an art history background from Queen’s University, Harris did not originally envision a career for herself in the world of fine arts. The Sea to Sky changed her mind, as it has done for many. “As I got to know the mountain culture more and more, I realized there was this amazing art community within Whistler and I wanted to be a part of it,” Harris remembers. Initially splitting her time between the Black Tusk Gallery, Whistler Museum and Adele Campbell, Harris carried on for roughly a decade. In 2012, she became Kirkegaard’s partner after Forseth retired, and purchased the gallery outright three years later. Now, the married mother of three is the latest figure in Adele Campbell’s line of primarily female leadership. It’s a far cry from where Harris and her family came from: the traditionally maledominated automotive industry. “We’ve worked really hard to nurture this welcoming environment at Adele Campbell,” she says. “I personally am really proud, and I think all the women before me should also be really proud. Any entrepreneurship is remarkable when you’ve made it succeed, and without those women mentoring me before, I don’t know if I would actually be in this place.” Learn more at adelecampbell.com. n
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.
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RE UN O IN TU M TA UL C
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ARTS SCENE PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond.
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FIND MORE LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS (and submit your own for free!) at piquenewsmagazine.com/local-events
HOLIDAY MARKET FILE PHOTO
ARTS WHISTLER HOLIDAY MARKET
BARBED CHOIR
With more than 60 curated vendors from the Sea to Sky region and across B.C., and the young entrepreneurs of Bratz Biz, Whistler’s largest artisan market draws visitors from far and wide. Discover artisanal food and drink, fine art, handcrafted jewelry, ceramics, apparel accessories and more! Whether you’re searching for that perfect holiday gift, a delightful treat for yourself, or simply looking to soak in the festive atmosphere, the Arts Whistler Holiday Market has it all! > Nov. 25 and 26, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. > Westin Resort & Spa Whistler > By donation ($5 minimum)
Do you love to sing? Do you love meeting new people? Do you like all types of rock music, new and old? Come out and sing with Barbed Choir! We’re Whistler’s rock choir. Meetings are drop-in, no registration or experience necessary. On Nov. 26, the group will sing “Manic Monday” by The Bangles. > Nov. 26, 7 to 8:30 p.m. > Whistler Public Library > Free
MOUNTAIN FM & WESTIN CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST
WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL 2023 The 23rd edition of the Whistler Film Festival and Content Summit is back, offering in-person and online experiences for audiences, filmmakers, and industry guests. Enjoy a diverse lineup of films, conversations with top talent, après events, and more in the stunning setting of Whistler’s world-class ski resort. It’s the perfect blend of cinema and leisure. Find more info and tickets at whistlerfilmfestival.com. > Nov. 29 to Dec 3 > Multiple venues > $25 to $160
Back for its 17th year, this fan-favourite local event is sure to satisfy your hunger. Simply tap your credit or debit card to make a donation, or bring a new toy or non-perishable food items for the Whistler, Pemberton and Lil’wat food banks to the Westin Resort and Spa, Whistler. In return, you’ll receive a delicious breakfast for doing your part to support the less fortunate in our community this holiday season! > Nov. 30, 6 to 9 a.m. > Westin Resort and Spa > By donation
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
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
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MUSEUM MUSINGS
November is Accessible Parking Awareness Month. Creating an accessible community is a shared responsibility. Here are some essential tips for residents and guests in our community: • Accessible parking spaces are exclusively for accessible parking permit-holders • When clearing snow for accessible parking spaces, please ensure there is enough space for individuals with disabilities to enter and exit their vehicle • Disabilities are not always visible; be mindful that appearances can be deceiving
WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION, MARCH 1980
Scan the QR code to learn more.
Thank you for helping provide accessible parking and a more accessible community for all.
Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/services/accessibility
Resort Municipality of Whistler
ADVISORY DESIGN PANEL SEEKS QUALIFIED VOLUNTEER
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) invites applications for a regular member position on the Advisory Design Panel. This voluntary role requires professional expertise in the development industry and entails a two-year commitment from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2025. As a Council-appointed committee, the Advisory Design Panel convenes monthly to provide counsel on matters related to the design of the built environment in Whistler. To be eligible, applicants must be residents of Whistler or property owners in Whistler. Applicants should not be employees or elected representatives of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Howe Sound School District No. 48, or the Squamish Lillooet Regional District. The Committee’s Terms of Reference are available at whistler.ca/ADP. Interested individuals are invited to apply by submitting a resume along with a brief statement outlining their interest and eligibility for committee participation. By mail:
Planning Department Resort Municipality of Whistler 4325 Blackcomb Way Whistler, BC V8E 0X5
By email: planning@whistler.ca Phone: 604-935-8170 Submission deadline: December 12, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.
For more information visit: whistler.ca/ADP
Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/ADP 62 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
ON THE RADAR Bruce Watt and his dog Radar at the top of Whistler Mountain.
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Whistler’s avalanche rescue dogs BY ALLYN PRINGLE WHILE ON the mountain this season, you might come across a dog or two out with ski patrol, possibly even riding a chair in front of you. These dogs are not, as some might think, part of a “bring your pet to work day,” but are avalanche rescue dogs who are at work themselves. Such dogs have been working on Whistler Mountain for more than 40 years. After being buried in an avalanche in March 1978, patroller Bruce Watt began looking into avalanche rescue dogs, encouraged by Chris Stethem, who was then Whistler Mountain’s safety supervisor. (You can hear more about the avalanche and the rescue from Bruce and fellow patroller John Hetherington on the Whistler Museum YouTube channel.) Watt wrote a report, took it to Franz Wilhelmsen, and received permission and support from
had also begun training with a dog, and the two communicated about the challenges they encountered and found others who were also interested in the patrollers having avalanche dogs. According to Watt, training with Radar included training with helicopters, snowmobiles, snowcats, and toboggans, as well as a lot of obedience and rescue training. While Radar was one of the first “civilian dogs” to be validated as an avalanche rescue dog in Canada, the process was complicated, and Watt and Pendelbury were encouraged to spearhead a separate organization to train avalanche rescue dogs outside of the RCMP. This eventually led to the formation of the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association in 1982. Prior to Radar, dogs were not a common sight on Whistler Mountain, though there had been a couple who were associated with the ski hill in the 1960s and earlier in the 1970s. Watt remembered the reaction from a
According to Watt, training with Radar included training with helicopters, snowmobiles, snowcats, and toboggans, as well as a lot of obedience and rescue training. the lift company to go ahead with finding a dog and training. Bruce wanted to get a black lab, but, having limited experience with working dogs, he listened to the advice of the RCMP, who suggested he get a German shepherd. He found a black German shepherd at a kennel in Surrey and, according to Watt, “he was a good-looking dog, so I chose him.” He named the dog Radar and the two started training together. At the time, Watt received generous support from the lift company. In an interview in 2022, he remembered he was paid over the summer for training and food, vet bills, and pretty much anything needed for Radar could be expensed. At the time, there was no civilian training for avalanche rescue dogs, so a lot of the training and all of the validation was done through the RCMP. Watt was not the only patroller from a ski area training a dog. Rod Pendelbury, a patroller in Fernie,
lot of people was, “Hey, what are you doing with your dog up here? How come I can’t bring my dog up here?” He also suspected that, even though the RCMP had told him he shouldn’t let people pet or play with his dog, other patrollers may have been petting Radar behind his back. Years later, after leaving full-time patrolling and going into real estate, Bruce began working on the Blackcomb Mountain volunteer patrol where he got to be “the dog guy” with his dog Max. By that time, Whistler Mountain had an established avalanche rescue dog program while Blackcomb Mountain was just starting its own. Although Radar has retired, his legacy as the first avalanche rescue dog in the area is well remembered—there is even a picture book about him, Radar the Rescue Dog, written by Janet Love Morrison that can be found at the Whistler Museum, Armchair Books, and the Audain Art Museum. n
PARTIAL RECALL
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1 INVICTUS APPROACHING Prince Harry, The Duke of Sussex and founder and patron of the Invictus Games Foundation, was in Whistler this week as part of an Invictus Games Foundation delegation. The Invictus Games take place Feb. 8 to 16, 2025, in Vancouver and Whistler. PHOTO BY JEREMY ALLEN 2 THREE’S COMPANY The Victoria Guitar Trio dazzles the crowd at the Maury Young Arts Centre during a Nov. 19 performance presented by the Whistler Chamber Music Society. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAURIE VAN LEEUWEN 3 GIVING BACK The Whistler Health Care Foundation donated $15,000 towards outreach services and mental health support programs at the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), in answer to the WCSS TOGETHER Outreach campaign that ran Oct. 1 to Nov 10. In total, $75,000 was raised. PHOTO COURTESY OF WCSS 4 GREEN GOODBYE Members of the Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment, along with friends and well-wishers, gathered Nov. 7 at The Raven Room to say goodbye to outgoing executive director Claire Ruddy. PHOTO BY BRAD KASSELMAN / KASSELMAN CREATIVE 5 SHUCK OFF Some expert shuckers showed off their skills at the Bearfoot Bistro World Oyster Invitational and Bloody Caesar Battle on Nov. 19. The event featured 20 of the world’s top shuckers, who came from as far away as Ireland and Japan to compete. This year’s Invitational raised $43,125 for Myeloma Canada. PHOTO BY JOERN ROHDE PHOTOGRAPHY / COURTESY OF BEARFOOT BISTRO
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ASTROLOGY
Free Will Astrology WEEK OF NOVEMBER 24 BY ROB BREZSNY
FOOTBALL IS BACK! Catch all the games on Thursdays, Sundays & Mondays (with volume) Join us for Monday Night Football when our dinner special is MNF Flatbread!
$19.50 plus tax with a choice of 3 toppings. Buckets of 4 Budweiser, Bud Light, or Moosehead for $32 including taxes on Sundays & Mondays
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ARIES (March 21-April 19): When we experience authentic awe, our humility deepens. This in turn tends to make us kinder, smarter, and more positive. So how can we stimulate awe? Among the many possible ways are gazing at magnificent art, hiking in a natural wonderland, or being in the presence of a beautiful human soul. In accordance with astrological omens, I recommend that you go in quest of awe and related feelings like reverence, amazement, adoration, and veneration. Your mental, physical, and spiritual health will flourish in response. TAURUS (April 20-May 20): It’s the Season for Cherishing and Smoking Out Secrets. So let’s talk about the subject. 1. Some secrets are sad, haunting, even risky—and worth keeping secret. 2. Other secrets can be beautiful, healing, and potentially life-changing if they are revealed gracefully. 3. Some secrets are buried so deeply that only very persistent seekers dig them up. 4. Some secrets are “hidden” in plain view, and only visible to people who are clear and brave enough to identify them. I suspect you Tauruses will have a special knack for managing all types of secrets in the coming weeks, including those I mentioned. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): I hope you won’t fill yourself up with appetizers and hors d’oeuvres in the coming weeks, Gemini. My soul will be at peace if I see you save your hunger for the main courses. Your motto should be “Feasts, not snacks!” or “The Real Deal, not the pretenders!” or “The jubilee, not the distractions!” If you ever find yourself feeling halfhearted or inattentive, you’re probably not in the right situation. Here’s an affirmation to go with your mottoes: “I am liberating my divine appetite!” CANCER (June 21-July 22): Playwright Anton Chekhov (1860–1904) is regarded as one of history’s great writers. That does not mean everything he said was wise, useful, or worthy of our attention. For example, he was once asked to give his opinion about ballet. “During the intermissions, the ballerinas stink like horses,” he replied. I hesitate to bring up such a vulgar reference, but I wanted to make a vivid point. In the coming weeks, I hope you will ignore the advice of people who don’t know what they are talking about, no matter how smart or charismatic they may be. I hope you will not attribute expertise to those who have no such expertise. I hope that as much as possible, you will rely on first-hand information, rigorous research, and reliable influences. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Researchers have determined that there are two basic dispositions among tigers. One is what they call “majesty.” Creatures with this orientation tend to be dignified, imposing, and agile. The other type of tiger personality revolves around “steadiness.” This is the opposite of neuroticism, and includes the qualities of being affable, easy to get along with, and well-adjusted. I know many astrologers associate lions with you Leos, but I prefer to link you with tigers. If you agree with me, here’s my prediction: You are beginning a phase when you will be more majestic than steady—but with plenty of steadiness also available if you want it. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): “It is better to entertain an idea than to take it home to live with you for the rest of your life,” wrote author Randall Jarrell. That’s decent advice, though I will add a caveat. If you entertain an idea for a while and it turns out that you love it, and you also love the beneficent effect it has on you, you may be smart to take it home to live with you. I’m guessing you Virgos are at a pivotal point in this regard. Not yet, but soon, you will know whether it will be wise to get more cosy with certain influences you have been flirting with—or else decide they are not ones you want to keep. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): If I could give an award for Most Curious Genius in the World, it would be to Libran author and naturalist Diane Ackerman. She would also get my prize for Most Voracious Learner and Best Questioner and Most Exuberant Seeker and Searcher. “To hear the
melody,” she writes, “we must hear all the notes.” In response to the question, “What is life?” she offers this answer: “corsages and dust mites and alligator skin and tree-frog serenades and foreskins and blue hydrangeas and banana slugs and war dances and cedar chips and bombardier beetles.” In accordance with current astrological omens, I encourage you to be like Diane Ackerman in the coming weeks. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Have you located any of your soul twins? If not, is that an interesting prospect for you? Please note that soul twins are not necessarily the same as dream lovers. They may simply be people with whom you share deep values and perspectives. They might aspire to influence the world in ways similar to you. With a soul twin, you feel at home in the world and extra happy to be yourself. I bring these meditations to your attention, Scorpio, because the coming months will be an especially likely time for you to encounter and engage with soul twins. Be on the alert! SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Composer Ludwig van Beethoven (1770–1827) was charismatic and forceful, but also hot-tempered and prone to rude behaviour. The writer Goethe, his contemporary, said “his talent amazed me,” and described him as an “utterly untamed personality.” Beethoven seldom lived in one home for very long and loved to sing at the top of his lungs as he washed himself. Although he played piano with exquisite skill, he was quite clumsy as he moved through the world. Can you guess what astrological sign he was? Same as you! Sagittarius! I’m not saying you are exactly like this wild, unruly genius, but you do have tendencies in that direction. And in the coming weeks, I expect you’ll be inclined to be more Beethoven-esque than usual. Please work on emphasizing the winsome aspects. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): I hope you have developed good boundaries, Capricorn. I hope you are so skilled at taking care of yourself that you steadfastly refuse to let people manipulate you or hurt you. Just to make sure your discernment is working at peak levels, though, I will offer you a tip. In the English language, we have the idiom “to rub salt in a wound,” which refers to the fact that daubing salt in an open gash in the skin makes the pain even worse. But did you know that smearing sugar in a wound is equally distressing? The metaphorical lesson is that you should be vigilant for seemingly nice, sweet people who might also violate your boundaries to hurt or manipulate you. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I estimate this horoscope is worth $22,225. It has been made possible by my many years of disciplined meditations, extensive reading of holy texts, and an ever-growing devotion to astrology and my readers. But here’s the fun part: You can read these words for free! No cost at all! I will, however, ask you to do something for me in return. First, give your gifts joyously and generously in the coming weeks, holding nothing back. Second, don’t be in the least concerned about whether you will receive benefits in return for your gifts. Find the sweet spot where you love bestowing blessings for no other reason except this one: You are expressing your gratitude for the miraculous life you have been given. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Do you possess gambits, tactics, and knacks that we might refer to as your “bag of tricks”? I hope so, because such an asset will be extra valuable during the coming weeks. You will be wise to employ every cagey move you can imagine and call on every favour that’s owed to you and cash in on every advantage you have accrued. I don’t want you to engage in outright cheating, but I encourage you to use ploys and stratagems that have full integrity. Be on the lookout for secret shortcuts, magic cookies, and wild cards. What’s the best thing you could do to heal yourself right now? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com.
In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates
EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES In-depth weekly forecasts designed to inspire and uplift you. To buy access, phone 1-888-499-4425. Once you’ve chosen the Block of Time you like, call 1-888-682-8777 to hear Rob’s forecasts. www.freewillastrology.com
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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
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2023
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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.
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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.
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
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Our team is expanding and so we are looking for a Certified Dental Assistant (Full or Part Time). NEW GRADS WELCOME! COMPETITIVE WAGES BASED ON EXPERIENCE.
NO EVENINGS OR WEEKENDS! Great extended benefit package and uniform allowance (after 3 months of employment) & free parking!
We pride on being a supportive and positive work family while always providing honest, quality dental care for all our patients. We are locally owned and operated. Our staff are long term residents of Whistler, Pemberton & Squamish. Is this you too? If so, we want to hear from you! Please send your resume and a little about yourself to: managercreeksidedentalwhistler@gmail.com.
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Maintenance Technician (Regular, Full-Time)
Lil’wat Nation
Child and Youth Therapist- Maternity Leave Department: Special Needs Status: Contract Full-time Start Date: November 2023
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 collaborative individual to fill the fulltime position of Maintenance Technician. The Maintenance Technician is responsible for the general maintenance, repair and upkeep of all SLRD facilities and infrastructure. Qualified candidates possess a minimum of 3 years of related experience in addition to a high school diploma with post-secondary or industry training/certification in a related field. The ideal candidate is an effective communicator who is knowledgeable in operational, maintenance and repair requirements in a building or facility, and who is able to build and maintain effective working relationships with a variety of groups including SLRD staff, contractors, the public, elected officials and other external partners. For further information, please refer to the full job description at www.slrd.bc.ca/employment. The salary range for this position is $71,822 - $80,836 annually. Also available is a comprehensive benefits package, participation in the Municipal Pension Plan, a compressed work week (9-day fortnight), learning and career development opportunities. 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 November 27, 2023. We sincerely thank all applicants for their interest, however, only candidates under consideration will be contacted.
requires:
Front Desk Staff
THE 2023-2024 PEMBERTON GUIDE on stands now!
$22/hour
F/T & P/T hours available Duties include pre arrival & post departure check of vacation rental units
info@acervacations.com 68 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
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/
Resort Municipality of Whistler
Employment Opportunities • Supervisor, Roads, Drainage & Flood Protection the starting wage for this position is $43.80 per hour
Resort Municipality of Whistler
• Supervisor, Utilities - Wastewater
Employment the starting wage for thisOpportunities position is $43.80 per hour
· Legislative and Privacy Coordinator
Lifeguard/Swim Instructor •··· Program BuildingLeader Official – Plan Examiner II or III Skate Host
the staring wage Instructor for this position is $40.30 per hour ·· Lifeguard/Swim Wastewater Treatment Plant Process Supervisor Waste •·· Solid Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Labourer I – Technician Village Maintenance ·· Accountant the starting wage for this position is $24.86 per hour Youth and Public Services Specialist
Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers
Coordinator, Accounts Manager, Safety and Receivable – Maternity Leave Compliance
Our ideal candidate: Our ideal candidate has experience in: (CRSP) certification • Canadian Registered Safety Professional III, (orgeneral equivalent) CPR / First Aid Certification • OFA 3+ years accounting or accounts receivable • Knowledge of BC regulatory framework of health, • Accounts Receivable invoicing and collections safety and environment • Month end reconciliations including all bank and balance • Leadership: creative, innovative, demonstrates initiative and sheet accounts leads change •• Organizational Financial analysis and POS system reporting management, partnership and community development skills What we offer:
Some duties include: providing resort information & directions, providing information about the lodge, changing light bulbs, troubleshooting WIFI and Cable, unloading the occasional dishwasher.
Please send resumes to:
Pay Grid: $57,330 to $80,080 per year.
Thisposition positionwill provides accounts receivable invoicinginand This provide leadership and compliance the collections,ofmonthly sheet and bank reconciliations, prevention incidentbalance injury and illnesses across all operations overseeing dailyfor revenue audit and analytical reporting and Venues the Whistler Olympic Legacy venues for Whistler Sport Legacies in the Finance Department
Must be available Friday, Saturday & Sundays
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.
End Date: June 20, 2024
AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF
What we offer:
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Brand new affordable staff accommodation Brand new affordable staff accommodation Competitive $56,000/year start wage plus benefits Competitive $70,000/year start wage plus benefits
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Lotus Spa & Lounge Manager, Safety and Compliance
We are looking for friendly & professional candidates to join us!
This position will provide leadership and compliance in the prevention of incident injury and illnesses across all operations and Venues for the Whistler Olympic Legacy venues
Front Desk Agent
Our ideal candidate: •
Canadian Registered Safety Professional (CRSP) certification
•
OFA III, (or equivalent) CPR / First Aid Certification
•
Knowledge of BC regulatory framework of health, safety and environment
•
Leadership: creative, innovative, demonstrates initiative and leads change
•
Organizational management, partnership and community development skills
What we offer: •
Brand new affordable staff accommodation
•
Competitive $70,000/year start wage plus benefits
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whistlersportlegacies.com/careers
Full Time or Part Time
Masseuse
Full Time or Part Time Training provided Extended health benefits, flexible schedule and a ski pass provided for full time employees. Located in the Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel 4359 Main St, Whistler, BC V8E 1B5 Contact us on the info below or apply in person info@lotuswhistler.ca • lotuswhistler.ca • 604-938-8882
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
Whistler’s premier visitor magazine is on stands now!
Look for our SUMMER 2023 Issue! Find it on select stands and in Whistler hotel rooms.
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
69
NOW HIRING!
IS SEEKING AN
Executive Director
Full Time Meat Manager
($64,480 – $76,960 (+ benefits) depending on experience)
Based in beautiful Whistler, BC, the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (SLCC) is seeking an Executive Director to lead a high performing, passionate team.
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.
We've Got You Covered VISITORS’ GUIDE 2017-2018 FREE
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.
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70 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
Please visit SLCC.ca/careers/ for complete job description and application process. Posting closes on Friday, November 30th.
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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)
• Accounts Receivable coordinator ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)
Xet’òlacw Community School • Child and Youth Therapist ($57,330 - $80,080 per year)
2 6 2 4 1 8 5 8 1 7 9 6 5 4 5 9 3 2 8 3 7 6 3 PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS, 7 1 AND RESULTS 8 BUILDING AN EXCELLENT COMPANY, 6 7 5 4 9 2 5 3
Lil’wat Business Group • Food and beverage Supervisor( $36,400- $47,320 per year
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/
Vacasa’s forward-thinking approach and industry-leading technology help set us apart as the largest full-service vacation rental company in North America. We are seeking individuals with a passion for providing exceptional vacation experiences for our Owners and Guests. We offer competitive wages and benefits: Travel allowance for Squamish/Pemberton-based employees OR Ski Pass/Activity allowance, Extended Medical, RRSP match, Fun & Safe Work Environment-Great Team, opportunities to grow and more.
**SIGNING BONUS** $1000 (FT)
Housekeeping Supervisor
(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.
8 4
CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND SNOW SERVICES
Lil’wat Health & Healing • Nurse Manager ( $59,878 - $99,717.80 per year) • Assistant Health Director ($93,475.20 - $101,556 per year) • Homemaker( $38,038 - $53,599 per year)
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V. EASY
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PROBLEM SOLVERS
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
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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.
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HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, Squamish - Minimum 5 years or 5,000 hours operating experience on excavator. Full-time, Monday – Friday. $33-$42 per hour.
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• Wage range $35 - 50 per hour. • Providing fully stocked truck, tools, and phone. • Extended health plan available. • We can hire skilled foreign workers and support # 30 # 29 1 4 8 3 6 7 2 5 9 permanent residency applications. 7 3 6 5 9 2 4 1 8 2 5 9 8 1 4 3 6 7
• Short-term accommodation 9 2 7 available 1 8 6 5 4-3 5 6 housing 1 9 4 3 8 7 2 free of charge. Long term options 4 8 3 7 2 5 1 9 6 available as well. 3 9 4 2 7 1 6 8 5 6 7 5 4 3 8 9 2 1
Send your resume to: Dough@spearheadsph.com 8 1 2 6 5 9 7 3 4 www.sudoku.com
6 8 4 2 1 5 7 3 9
Answers 5 2 9 4 3 7 1 8 6
3 7 1 6 9 8 5 2 4
4 6 2 3 5 9 8 7 1
9 5 7 1 8 2 6 4 3
1 3 8 7 6 4 9 5 2
7 4 5 9 2 6 3 1 8
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2 9 3 8 7 1 4 6 5
# 31
NOVEMBER 24, 2023 Page 71 8 of 25
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PUZZLES ACROSS 1 6 11 16 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 33 35 36 38 39 40 41 42 44 48 51 54 55 57 61 62 63 65 66 67 70 72 73 74
Hidden store Seizes Backyard ballgame Characteristic Attorney -- -Fashionably out of style Like a lot Carousel animal Not fresh Standoffish Of punishment Farm measure Shooting marble Genesis name Pub order Ant Museum contents Irish Gaelic Villain -- Luthor Recede Vitality “You can be sure!” Campus area Grapple Petty argument Scrubs Encourage Religious offshoot Hauled Fable’s lesson Hotel worker One of the musketeers Carried Malevolent Showing nerves Glacial ridge St. crosser Tripod part Poker stake
75 77 79 80 82 83 85 87 89 90 91 92 94 96 97 100 101 104 105 106 107 108 110 112 113 116 118 119 120 122 123 124 125 127 129 130 133 135 136 137 141
Clumsy person River of forgetfulness Monk’s title Slender Chap Salad ingredient Narrow passages Connected series “Cheers” character Junior, to Senior Snoops Where Roma is Magician’s cry Mist Letter start Costa del -Feeling angry Regret bitterly Old king of rhyme Dernier -“Exodus” hero Inventory Tolerated Brought up Ad -- per aspera Storage room Curved lines Mediterranean island Cousin to a wolf -- -- precedent Like some broadcasts Catering employee Spill the beans Liberate Young deer Rocky hill Food fish Desertlike Neither’s partner Reverberate Honest --
142 144 145 146 147 149 151 153 155 156 157 158 159 160 161 162
Fiendish one Ad -Standard Kindled Persian wheel Corn Make joyous -- -garde Bungling person Computer key Dressed to the -Gamut Become aware of Doings Baker’s need Kind of management
DOWN 1 2 3 4
5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
Social class Fragrance Talons “Space Odyssey” computer Ovine animal Sorted by quality Unwind Unseen particle Name for a bud Convertible couch (2 wds.) Superhero accessory Ending for “lemon” or “lime” Timbre Writer’s complaint Protective headgear “The Mouse -- Roared” Legendary bird Variety French river Tries
30 32 34 37 39 43 44 45 46 47 49 50 51 52 53 54 56 58 59 60 62 64 67 68 69 71 76 78 81 83 84 86 88 89 91 92 93 95 96 98
“Woe is me!” Wgt. units Grand in scale Peer Destroy by degrees Web address Correspond Airport safety org. Allows Rank within a formation “Swell!” Move to and -Silvery fish Blanket Uniqueness Peppermint candy Ripped Advantage in business (2 wds.) Diplomat Considers Without Took a load off Big cats Tenant Root veggie Accused Tie Manning of football Brooks or Blanc Sailor Overly Spearheaded Noon on a clock Ghostly figure Fishing rods Writer -- Asimov Trunk Take to court Compulsion Ridge among mountains
99 102 103 105 109 111 112 114 115 117 119 121 123 124 126 128 129 130
Contract amendment -- -- standstill Preschoolers Line on a graph Toy on a string Common flower Pickling solution Rip off Part of NATO (abbr.) Ripken of baseball Corvine cry For one Theft Affectionate Sounded loudly Tokyo, formerly Black or Sherwood Storage vessels
131 132 134 136 138 139 140 142 143 144 145 148 150 152 153 154
Old French coin Show again Eddy or Allman Observes Ringing sound Depend Aquatic mammal Stare Less fat, fewer calories His and -“Peter Pan” pooch Part of TGIF Last letter, in London Rest Macaw genus Panel truck
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: EASY
6 7
3 5 6 2 3 5 8 8 4 1 2 7 8
8 5
4 6 1 5 8 2 4 5 9 7 3 5 9
3 1
EASY # 30 Solution, tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com
ANSWERS ON PAGE 71
NOVEMBER 24, 2023
73
MAXED OUT
Every dog has its day I’M CONFLICTED . It seems unless you don’t go near a newspaper or any other source of news you can’t escape what’s happening in Israel. Something, I think it might be the devil on my shoulder, says, “Hey, you ought to write about that.” But I can’t think of a thing to say about the inhumanity that’s happened and is happening there that hasn’t already been said and there’s nothing I could add that wouldn’t piss off, well, almost everyone. So instead, it’s time for a cute dog story. And don’t we all need one about now? I was reminded of it the other day hiking with a friend. This is a true story. You may not think so when you’ve read it, but it is. I think it was Christmas break, 1975, and after final exams, eggnog and too many spirits,
BY G.D. MAXWELL I needed something physical that involved wilderness. It might have been the year before or the year after. The river of time gets braided when you get old. Four of us decided it would be a good adventure to head north from Albuquerque and climb to the top of Wheeler Peak, the highest mountain in New Mexico. Tucked into the Sangre de Cristo range, southeast of Taos ski resort, Wheeler tops out at 4,013 metres, 13,166 feet. Sounds big, but one might remember the base lodge at Taos sits at over 2,800 metres. My climbing partner and I had been to Wheeler in the summer, but never in the winter; the other two, never. So, gathering warm clothes, crampons, ice axes, and renting snow shoes, we set off. The nearest affordable place to spend the night was a funky, dorm-style hostel about a 25-minute drive to the ski area. It reminded me of pictures of dorms in military basic training camps, but it was less than $10 for a warm place to sleep, well within a student’s budget... and we weren’t going to do much sleeping anyway. Up at 4 a.m., in the ski area parking lot by 4:30, everything was dark and quiet. So we set out on the easternmost ski run, a green run called Rubezahl. Along the east side of the run were a number of homes, and out of one of those a big, red, apple-headed Irish Setter came gambolling out to greet us. After a few pats on the head and some “good boys,” we continued on our way. Being a non-skier, I couldn’t believe how steep and icy this green run seemed to be. I was tempted to strap on my crampons! I also couldn’t believe the dog was following us. I had a friend with an Irish Setter, and a more neurotic dog I’d never known. Then again, he wasn’t the most stable person I knew. It was a time when the breed had enjoyed more than a decade of increasing popularity, and many breeders looking for a quick profit had mined an already shallow gene pool and were producing dogs with “issues.”
74 NOVEMBER 24, 2023
PHOTO BY VICHOT / GETTY IMAGES
Besides, Richard Nixon had one. Need I say more? But the dog followed. Half an hour later, we reached the end of the run and continued a bit further, this time with crampons, along a black run, the name of which escapes me. People ski down this? Insane, I thought. Both the run and the fact the dog was still there. A short time later, within sight of the foot
snowshoes for crampons since the going was getting steep and in some windswept areas, icy. The dog seemed to instinctively know we were easy touches and were going to share our food with him. Or he was just being a dog, which is to say a mooch. He also guilted us into melting some snow for him to drink, and thanked us by slopping it all over us. Nonetheless, we were in awe he’d come this
People ski down this? Insane, I thought. Both the run and the fact the dog was still there.
of Wheeler, we left the ski-area boundary, swapped crampons for snowshoes and broke trail across a wide open valley. Wheeler peak was about 22.5 kms southeast of where we were, mostly uphill, and it was getting light out. When I say we broke trail, I mean there were times when the dog—still with us— broke trail. Other times he lagged behind, running back and forth, back and forth. In the absence of formal introductions, we hung him with the name Switchback. There was a bit more than 900 metres to gain the summit, and sometime around 11 a.m. we stopped for lunch and to swap
far, still had abundant energy, still wanted to play, catching snowballs whenever we lofted one his direction. It was a steep slog in thinning air, strong wind, and temps well below freezing to get to the summit. But once there, we dug the register out of the stone cairn it lived in, added our names and Switchback to the list—the most recent name having been entered in mid-September... and noting fresh snow—took the required photos of each other, the group and the dog, shared a joint, not with the dog, and headed down. The descent to where we’d cached our
snowshoes was a hoot, definitely worth the effort to make it to the top. Strapping our crampons onto our packs, we managed to glissade most of the way, sometimes on our feet, more often on our butts, using ice axes as rudders, if needed, to slow us down. The dog barked at us and launched itself downhill trying to keep up now that we were travelling faster than him. We tumbled into our lunch spot looking like four snowmen and a snowball-covered dog. Had a quick snack, some water, pulled some snowballs out of the dog’s long hair and paws, and headed down on snowshoes in fading daylight. Switchback was noticeably slower on the return trip, opting to follow rather than posthole his way through the snow ahead of us. We arrived at the ski area as it got dark. There was no sign of groomers in the area, so we quickly retreated back down the run we’d walked up 12 hours earlier. At the same spot where the dog joined us, he left us, no long goodbyes, and headed to where we figured he lived. I can only imagine the scene that evening. Arriving wet and snowy was probably nothing new. Ditto coming home hungry. Whether his people wondered where he’d disappeared to all day or not we could only guess. But I imagined him sprawled out, sound asleep in front of the fireplace, and his people looking at him and saying, “Lazy dog.” If they only knew. ■
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