Pique Newsmagazine 3102 by Pacific Coastal Publications LP

JANUARY 12, 2024 ISSUE 30.02

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HEALTHY HABITS Whistler’s Creekside Health making strides for local health-care

STILL SEARCHING B.C. SAR leaders allege misuse of authority, bullying, and disrespect

GET THE LED OUT A Whole Lotta Led rocks Dusty’s on Jan. 13

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Frozen fortunes Is the slow start to B.C.’s 2023-24 ski season a sign of bleaker winters to come? - By Stefan Labbé

14 HEALTHY HABITS

Whistler’s Creekside Health

is making strides for local health-care, with four new doctors on staff and

22 BEAR FACTS

Experts say they are unsure if grizzlies

near Pemberton will hibernate this winter.

two more to come in 2024.

15 STILL SEARCHING

B.C. search-and-rescue

28 RED AND WHITE

Whistler’s Anne-Marie Joncas

leaders are accusing the provincial government of misuse of authority,

aims to make Canada proud at the upcoming Youth Winter Olympics in

bullying, and disrespect.

South Korea.

18 STAY SAFE

A Whistler snowboarder recounts the mo-

ment an in-bounds avalanche nearly swept him off his feet.

32 GET THE LED OUT

pelin tribute band A Whole Lotta Led rocks Dusty’s on Jan. 13.

COVER When are they gonna figure out how to put a reflective coating on a yellow goggle lens? - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art 4 JANUARY 12, 2024

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Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@piquenewsmagazine.com Editor BRADEN DUPUIS - bdupuis@piquenewsmagazine.com Sales Manager SUSAN HUTCHINSON - shutchinson@piquenewsmagazine.com Production Manager AMIR SHAHRESTANI - ashahrestani@piquenewsmagazine.com Art Director JON PARRIS - jparris@piquenewsmagazine.com Advertising Representatives TESSA SWEENEY - tsweeney@wplpmedia.com GEORGIA BUTLER - gbutler@wplpmedia.com Digital/Sales Coordinator KATIE DOUGLAS - kbechtel@wplpmedia.com Production - production@piquenewsmagazine.com Arts Editor ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com Reporters SCOTT TIBBALLS - stibballs@piquenewsmagazine.com RÓISÍN CULLEN - rcullen@piquenewsmagazine.com DAVID SONG - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com Classifieds and Reception - mail@piquenewsmagazine.com Office and Accounts Manager HEIDI RODE - hrode@wplpmedia.com Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL,

NEW

THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Weekend Forecast Inside

Weekend Forec Ins

SEE PAGE 34 >>

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS

The weather wasn’t exactly kind to B.C.’s tourism operators in 2023, but

business still trended upwards—and optimism is holding in early 2024.

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers celebrate the arrival of winter (while wondering about its future in the resort), and advocate for protecting Whistler’s pups from THC products.

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST As the new year gets underway, reporter Scott Tibballs contemplates giving up his smartphone for a blast from the past.

46 MAXED OUT Max offers more tales from the inbox—and resolves to make no New Year’s resolutions again in 2024.

Environment & Adventure

24 RANGE ROVER Columnist Leslie Anthony poses a question for his fellow biophiliacs: what’s up with silverfish?

Lifestyle & Arts

30 FORK IN THE ROAD As the holidays slip by on a sugary slope, Glenda Bartosh revisits the best breakfast of champions money can buy.

36 MUSEUM MUSINGS The Whistler Museum and Archives had its busiest year ever in 2023, and has big plans for the year ahead.

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 2024 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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36 We’ve got you covered.

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OPENING REMARKS

Ski season’s wet start won’t dampen tourism optimism in 2024 AS FAR AS Christmases go, Whistler’s was more wet than white in 2023. But ski areas across B.C. are breathing a major sigh of relief this week after some long-overdue winter storms finally delivered

BY BRADEN DUPUIS the goods, and tourism’s outlook for 2024 is just a little brighter than it otherwise might have been. B.C.’s tourism operators are a bullish bunch—they know their industry is at the mercy of Mother Nature, and in 2023 the weather played a larger role than ever in the province’s tourism outcomes. Whether it was wildfires blanketing the province, landslides closing major highways, or El Niño conditions softening the start of ski season, tourism had its work cut out for it last year. “By and large, though, 2023 was a good year for many tourism businesses, but still not perhaps in the state we were prior to the pandemic,” said Walt Judas, CEO of the Tourism Industry Association of BC. “So there’s optimism in 2024, to be sure … we will not be at 2019 levels, but slowly inching our way there.” Dealing with unpredictable weather is one thing, but B.C.’s tourism operators also have to contend with public perception, Judas noted—often an uphill battle in the age of social media and instant word-of-mouth. So while the snow has now arrived, weeks of unfavourable headlines about bare ski

runs and climate change did operators no favours. “There’s always concern when you see that kind of press, because it’s oftentimes misguided, or it’s overstated,” Judas said. “Now, when you see bare patches at the bottom of lifts and so on, there’s no denying that, but it takes away from where there is good skiing in a place like Whistler, for example, in the higher alpine, or in many resorts around British Columbia.” Anecdotally, at least, Whistler’s poor Christmas weather didn’t dampen busyness in the resort. Restaurants were booked, shops were browsed, and spirits remained high given

isn’t what it once was or needs to be, or what people might expect or what would be considered optimal,” Judas said. “So I think, yes, there are consistent and long-term impacts of climate change, but we also have to recognize we’re going to have years of El Niño and other years where you’ll have a larger-than-normal snowpack.” The long-term weather and snowcondition outlook is just one piece of the equation. B.C.’s tourism industry also has to contend with the same cost-of-living, housing, and labour concerns plaguing other sectors of the economy. Not to mention issues with insurance coverage, land-use and tenures, and the

are barely breaking even,” Judas said. “So those are COVID hangovers, to be sure, and it will be some years for those businesses that hang on before they return to normal, and a healthy profit margin, and are able to reinvest in their business, or generate a profit that they can save for the future.” So the challenges are many, and 2024 will no doubt have its own curveballs to toss in the mix—but the message is one of optimism as a new year gets underway. “When I speak with different business owners, I usually hear about the challenges first, but I also hear optimism, because we’ve gotten through very difficult times before— as I say, this is a very resilient industry,

“Any time there’s the turn of a new year, people are pretty optimistic that it will be better than last year.” - WALT JUDAS

the circumstances (again, anecdotally—your mileage may vary). And with the snow now arriving in earnest, long lift lineups are once again a common sight in the resort—for better or for worse, depending on your outlook (but why not both?). Adverse weather seen in recent years like wildfires, flooding, and a lack of snow are of course cause for concern, but “at the same time, if you look back over the last 10 to 20 years, you will see a consistent pattern of there is the odd year where the snowpack

lingering impacts and debt of the COVID-19 pandemic. On that last point, pandemic grants issued through the Canada Emergency Business Account are now coming due, throwing yet another wrench in the gears for many operators. “Some of them will look at the prospects this year and say it’s not worth it for me to keep this going. If you look at the restaurant sector, by way of example, which is a significant part of tourism, about one third of restaurants aren’t making money, and half

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and COVID was the lowest point for most business operators for decades, but we have seen notable improvement since 2022,” Judas said. “Any time there’s the turn of a new year, people are pretty optimistic that it will be better than last year. It may not be spectacular or superb, but it will be very good, and so that’s, I think, the nature of our industry, is we’re very optimistic as a sector, and continue to be, and we’ll deal with the challenges or try to become more resilient as we go.” ■

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR again next ski season, or if you can’t, spend some time viewing those great Warren Miller films of the past at home, during the years of Whistler’s skiing glory. Happy New Year! Brian Wolfgang Becker // North Vancouver

Winter has finally arrived in Whistler Well, it seems it finally arrived, but only as those who vacationed in Whistler for top dollar over the Christmas holidays had mostly left. Maybe one last day or two of great skiing for those who arrived in Whistler late into the holidays. Enjoy this weekend, friends! Such are the times we live in now. It was a first in all of the years I have known Whistler, and I have known it for a long time. Over the holidays, the valley floor was actually green as it is on an early summer’s day, and the village walkways were soaked in rain puddles. How unfortunate, but when people live as heavy upon the Earth as we many do or have done, that is the outcome. Welcome to the future! Let’s hope our coming summer is not with the opposite and the potential for extreme weather-related outcomes. For all those who did arrive in Whistler over the recent holidays, we apologize for the lack of cooperation provided by Gaia. There was a time back in the 1970’s when many of us would venture up to Whistler every weekend from opening day to closing day. We skied with many other locals from Vancouver, and far fewer from away. Blessed we were back then when a Seasons Youth Pass cost about $250, not $300 per day, and the valley was often covered with an average of at least two feet of snow from

Protect Whistler’s pups from THC products

December through March. You can’t imagine just how fortunate we all were to ski Whistler during that great ski decade! Powder skiing was abundant and the smiles were face-to-face across the valley. Good cheer was everywhere, and times were indeed magical! Some of my fondest

Dogs eating THC products can have a host of adverse reactions, as I found out multiple times since adopting my dog, Paco. I want to share my story, as it had a big impact on my life. I grew up loving animals so much, and tried to rescue as many as I could. Ever since settling down in Whistler and adopting my best friend, Paco, I have learned many things about the care of animals. My dog Paco means so much that I can’t even describe it. Whistler, being a dog-friendly town, has helped to foster a supportive community around its dog owners. Yet, as the use of marijuana increases since legalization, many dogs have accidentally consumed dropped THC edibles or buds, as Paco did this winter. In the past three months, he suffered two seizures caused by THC. During his second episode, I was alone when I woke to the sounds of Paco vomiting and running. I started panicking and trying to stop him from running into the walls. His little body was trying to push the THC out of him through every hole. All

life memories are in Whistler, and it indeed concerns me as it should everyone that we are losing what we have all loved for so long. Hopefully it’s just El Niño, and not the new Whistler reality. For those who did visit and were not rewarded with winter wonderland in the valley on Christmas 2023, give us a try

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

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR I could do was hold him as he struggled and was in pain. For a lot of people like me, our pets are a part of the family, like children. To see Paco go through the situation twice was an intense situation for me and my husband. The vet believes he ate something containing THC on his walks. I never knew how big of a deal this problem is in the Sea to Sky corridor until it happened

e us m Ho2-5p n e • Opn 13 Ja

affordable housing, because we are concerned about our infrastructure capacity.” What makes “infrastructure” such a great boogeyman is its opacity—the quality of being difficult to understand or know about, especially because things have been intentionally kept secret or made complicated—and it can pony on the back of climate change, too, for virtue-signalling bonus points. i.e.: “We are

“What makes ‘infrastructure’ such a great boogeyman is its opacity...”

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to us. I just want people to be more aware, and help to stop this incident reoccurring to help our animals. I don’t think anyone needs to change their habits! I just want our community to be more careful when using THC to protect our best friends. Madalina Motoc // Whistler

The new NIMBY playbook There is a new playbook for opposing progress and development in our communities. In the past you could rely on car traffic to be the go-to: how many traffic studies does it take to build affordable housing in Whistler? But it’s 2024, and there are new boogeymen in town: 1—Infrastructure: “We cannot build

building more infrastructure to accommodate larger climate events, are we sure it can accommodate this affordable housing?” 2—Accessibility: “We cannot toll our roads, because people with disabilities need to get to medical appointments.” Or, “there are too many staircases in this proposal, it would be ableist to proceed.” 3—Emergency Services: “We cannot build bike lanes, because it will slow down ambulances.” These concerns barely existed in the NIMBY lexicon five years ago. If you want to oppose progress in our community, move past traffic and try out one of these new greatest hits. I guarantee you’ll be a big star at the next Public Hearing. Brendan Ladner // Whistler n

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Backcountry Update AS OF WEDNESDAY, JAN. 10

While stormy conditions earlier this week brought much-needed snow to the coast, the weekend outlook is dry and cool. Arctic air envelopes the coast this weekend; frigid temperatures and sunny skies will persist with it. These cold temperatures should keep natural avalanche activity relatively quiet this weekend. However, with cold temperatures even minor incidents could have extreme consequences. Those who do head into the backcountry this weekend are sure to find dry powder and good riding. To ensure a fun and safe backcountry trip it will be important to adjust your mindset and be prepared for the unusually cold temperatures. Plan objectives that are less remote and keep you closer to the trailhead or staging area. Plan for shorter objectives and minimize your exposure time. Stick to simple terrain or even nonavalanche terrain. Ride in larger groups so there are more

people to help out if someone gets into trouble or suffers a cold injury. (Remember group size has its own risks and rewards, though.) Slow down and build in an extra margin of safety for every decision, even those that seem minor. Ensure you have rescue equipment and are prepared to spend the night outside if necessary. Another important difference to note is snowpack depths below treeline. The start of this generally mild winter was rough on the lower elevation snowpack, but snow has finally begun to accumulate. Snowfall through the last week has improved travel below treeline and many lower elevation areas are now at the threshold for avalanches. Be aware of the potential for avalanches where ground roughness is covered, and practice good travel habits to not get caught off guard. Stay warm out there! As always, be sure to track the forecasts and advice at avalanche.ca to get the most up-to-date information before heading out for the weekend. n

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PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST

Pondering betterment in the new year AS WE MEANDER through the first days of broken new year’s resolutions (mine was to stop spending three hours a night on social media AFTER bedtime), I found myself looking up whether I could purchase and use a flip phone in 2024. Why? Well, because it’s harder to scroll through reels on a screen that’s two inches across. Simply put, if it’s not as easy to be

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS stibballs@piquenewsmagazine.com drawn into distractions, maybe I’d be less inclined to do it. Turns out the answer is, yes, you can buy a flip phone in 2024. After I inevitably break my current phone mountain biking, I will probably fork out some dollars to find out if the damned things still work given how far mobile network technology has come since I last owned one (probably 2011). The possibility of replacing the sleek, easy smartphone that has become a part of my life in the same way it has everyone else’s got me thinking about what a new year’s resolution of the sort I’d committed myself to actually was—and frankly, I think they’re weird as hell. It sounds masochistic saying it out loud,

but really, a new year’s resolution is just a decision to make everything harder for the sake of it, in a quest to hold ourselves to higher standards (in newspeak, “to be better versions of ourselves”). Really, they’re just a commitment to stop making everything so damn easy,

I was a slow adopter of smartphones when they first appeared on the scene. The first-generation iPhone came out in Australia in mid-2008, when I was in my final year of high school. At the time, I had a Sony Ericsson of some sort, which I thought was really cool because when

It sounds masochistic saying it out loud, but really, a new year’s resolution is just a decision to make everything harder for the sake of it, in a quest to hold ourselves to higher standards...

because maybe if it wasn’t so convenient to be lazy or tempt ourselves with treats and distractions, we might somehow become better people. On my resolution, I wonder if smartphones really are the great evil they are made out to be.

people rang me it played the opening bars of “In the Mood” by Glenn Miller. Maybe because I was an 18-year-old dork (though 1940’s big band music still slaps). I spent the train rides home through the suburbs of Melbourne reading a book or one of the various free newspapers that still

existed, or staring out the window watching the world go by. My point is the phone stayed in my pocket, because it was a tool people could use to contact me if they needed me. It wasn’t a toy I could use to drain my own bandwidth. It did its job perfectly well, and the scenery going by the window did its job, too, filling my head with nothing but precious downtime. And what was everyone else on the train doing? They were flipping through newspapers or leaning against windows sleeping. They weren’t all conversing and making friends with each other, but decompressing from a day at work by doing the same thing I was doing (staring out the window dreaming of being at home) or accumulating vignettes of knowledge from around the world by reading that day’s newspaper. Pretty much the same thing we all do today, in other words, except instead of doing that in analogue now we can do it on a smartphone, which just made things a little easier to get a hold of. But I’m planning to get rid of mine anyway, because I think I’d prefer to stare out the window and have thoughts that don’t go anywhere—because they don’t need to. Chances are, if I do get rid of the smartphone, I’ll end up reading a book for three hours after bedtime anyway. ■

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Creekside Health scores another win for Whistler health-care, hiring more family physicians WITH FOUR NEW DOCTORS ON STAFF AND TWO MORE ON THE WAY, NEW PATIENTS ARE NOW BEING ACCEPTED

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS WHISTLER’S CREEKSIDE Health is making large strides in efforts to entice family physicians to the community, with four new medical doctors recruited in a little under a year, and another two to come on board later in 2024. “It really was a combination of a lot of hard work, a lot of emails and phone calls and negotiations,” said Dr. Danielle Lewis, who is Creekside Health’s medical director and co-owner. Creekside Health is billed as a multidisciplinary clinic, with a raft of health practitioners working together under one roof, including a dietician and a clinical counsellor. Lewis said that was a big draw for family physicians they were looking to bring on board. “A big thing was having physicians come up and see the clinic, and a lot of our physicians are really wanting to be part of something like our clinic because it is quite unique in the way we have so many integrative health and allied health practitioners working together under one

HEALTH-CARE WIN Dr. Stephanie Warwick, who will join Creekside Health in July, is one of several new doctors the Whistler clinic has added in recent months. PHOTO BY ANDREA HELLEMAN

14 JANUARY 12, 2024

roof … so many family doctors feel quite isolated when they’re working in a family physician’s office,” Lewis said. “Having a dietician you can refer to, having a psychiatrist that sees some of our mental health or challenging patients … that is such a wonderful environment to be working under, and I think as a family doctor, a lot of the doctors who came and saw what we were doing really wanted to be a part of it because it

Whistler—housing—but through connections and building relationships, managed to secure some accommodation. “One of our biggest challenges was accommodation. We were very fortunate to work with Whistler Sport Legacies and get our name on the list for subsidized accommodation, and we’ve been on the waitlist there for about two years,” she said. “We got a two-bedroom, one-bathroom

“Having a dietician you can refer to, having a psychiatrist that sees some of our mental health or challenging patients … that is such a wonderful environment to be working under...” - DANIELLE LEWIS is quite innovative, and it helps the patients.” The clinic, which opened in 2021, saw a lot of growth in 2023. In March, it was joined by Dr. Paulina Gasiorowska, followed by Dr. Sarah Pankratz in May 2023 and Dr. Melanie Levesque in December. Dr. Stephanie Warwick will join the clinic in February 2024, while Lewis said two more doctors will join later in the year. “This seems incredible considering Whistler had a shortage of family doctors not that long ago,” said Lewis. She added the clinic has struggled against the same main issue so many others have in

condo in Cheakamus… that really opened up some doors for us because we were able to advertise that we had some accommodation, and that just really started things off for us.” Getting the housing win was very welcome, considering the clinic hired and lost a physician earlier in the year when housing did not work out—a common story with Whistler-based businesses seeking to hire professional workers. “We had recruited a wonderful physician from Australia who unfortunately just couldn’t make accommodation work,” said Lewis. For those doctors Creekside Health

managed to lock in along with adequate housing, four are from Canada, with the other two coming from Australia and the U.K. Dr. Gasiorowska commutes to Whistler from Britannia Beach, swapping a career as an emergency-room physician in the Lower Mainland for family practice. Dr. Pankratz commutes to Whistler from Pemberton, again swapping the Lower Mainland for Creekside Health, while Dr. Leveseque moved to Whistler from North Vancouver. The fourth Canadian-trained doctor will come on board in September, as she is currently completing her training at the University of British Columbia, and will spend two years working in Whistler as a “return of service” practitioner. Return of service is a program offered by the Ministry of Health, wherein young doctors have a portion of their training funded by the province, and in return are locked in to practice in a B.C. community. Creekside Health’s success story comes on the heels of another banner year for the Whistler 360 Health Collaborative, which in 2023 opened new exam spaces for patients and connected hundreds of Whistlerites to a new family doctor under its innovative, collaborative model of health-care delivery. With the new medical doctors on board, Lewis said Creekside Health is excited to let the community know they are also accepting new patients. Dr. Levesque has spaces open, while Dr. Warwick will be accepting patients next month. Find more information at creeksidehealth. ca. n

NEWS WHISTLER

Search-and-rescue leaders accuse provincial government of misuse of authority, bullying and disrespect LONG-SIMMERING RESENTMENT COMES TO A HEAD FOR THE PROVINCE’S SEARCH-AND-RESCUE COMMUNITY

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS SIX SEARCH-AND-RESCUE leaders—both current and former—have penned a lengthy, six-page letter accusing staff and leadership at Emergency Management and Climate Readiness (EMCR) of poor conduct and bad behaviour towards B.C.’s volunteer searchand-rescue community. The letter, which was addressed to Premier David Eby but shared with the Official Opposition, MLAs and the media, was penned by former, recently-fired chief executive of the BC Search and Rescue Association (BCSARA), Dwight Yochim, and signed by another five current and former SAR leaders, including from Whistler and Squamish. Yochim, who was removed by the BCSARA board on Friday, Jan. 5, accused the EMCR of showing a “systemic attitude of disrespect and institutionalized bullying of search-andrescue volunteers,” as well as a lack of good faith, communication or collaboration. “It is critical that the government act quickly to correct its relationship with the search-and-rescue community and respect this free, life-saving service by engaging it in a professional and collegial manner that upholds the values of British Columbians and does not include bullying, intimidation, and threats,” wrote Yochim in the letter. President of Whistler Search and Rescue, Brad Sills, was one of the signatories of the letter. He said the accusations are based very much in reality, and that much of it comes down to EMCR being a new ministry. “This is a newly formed ministry … It’s staffed with all-new people,” said Sills in an interview with Pique. “There is a tremendous amount of inexperience—so that’s a gateway for mismanagement—and unfortunately new people to government, not accustomed to working with the public, particularly volunteers, who are quite unlike employees.” Sills’ comments echoed those of Yochim in the letter, which regularly cited the number of SAR groups across the province (78), the number of volunteers working within those groups (more than 3,400), and the nature of the organization in that they are volunteers giving up time. “The SAR community feels tremendously disrespected,” said Sills. He said it appears the provincial government has long planned to marginalize BCSARA, citing the passage of the Emergency Management and Disaster Act, which passed third reading in the provincial legislature in November 2023, and came into effect shortly afterwards. Sills referred to the act as a “lightning rod” for the current issues. “The SAR community had no

consultation in its formulation. It’s a very broad-based act and what it does is it marginalizes what had previously been a collaborative effort,” he said. “Obviously the ministry knew this was coming over the last couple of years, and we only now have realized what they were doing was getting us ready for what was coming. For the past three years, we’ve felt this very ambivalent attitude towards us, and underappreciation for everything that we do.”

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POLITICAL DEALINGS

Asked whether the tensions are degrading local search-and-rescue groups’ ability to serve communities, Sills said local groups have always taken care of their own training and safety standards, but there are problems developing due to the changing relationship between the province and BCSARA, particularly since the province started to fund SAR groups in 2019. “What they started doing was degrading everything. They started offering fewer training courses, because now they had to pay for them, and then they started not really paying attention to safety standards, and there’s a number of documented cases where they have knowingly not told the SAR community of instances where volunteers could be at risk,” he said. Sills said a major issue is the province changing requirements so search-and-rescue groups have to apply to register as public safety service providers for a three-year period, renewable—something he suggested is beyond the pale, considering how long some search-and-rescue groups have operated without such a requirement. Sills said Whistler SAR was one of 12 groups on the South Coast of B.C. to balk at the requirement. “The agreement has always been that we have been treated with respect as an equal partner in this. And they said, ‘well, if you don’t, then we’re going to declare you nontaskable, and we’re not going to fund you anymore,’” he said. That response just proved how political the government was being in its dealings with search and rescue, said Sills. “The province was perfectly prepared to leave the entire South Coast region without any kind of search-and-rescue service, that’s just how political they are now,” he said. For Whistler SAR, Sills said the threat fell flat. “My response to that was, well, with or without your permission, we at Whistler Search and Rescue will continue to provide these services,” he said. “We’ll have to fund it entirely ourselves, and we’ll do it without the benefit of workers compensation and third-party liability, but we will continue providing the service, because that’s what we do.”

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Besides Whistler, representatives from Squamish, Houston, Fort St. James and Prince Rupert joined Yochim in supporting the letter. Sills explained the letter was expediated by the ousting of Yochim last Friday, and there is still more support for their concerns being gathered. “The province put so much pressure on our association to get rid of [Yochim] because he was advocating on our behalf, which was his job, that they fired him,” he said. “We will now be going to the minister with what we believe will be the majority of SAR teams in the province stating that we want, first, an audit of the way the ministry has been conducting themselves, and accountability for the actions, including putting a gun to our head and saying we have to do things that are patently offensive; and two, a guarantee that in the future we will have parity in all regulation forming.” So far, Sills said the group has received nothing but “crickets” from the government in reaction to the letter, “except the statement that the acting minister made ... that he was going to go back to BCSARA with some corrective actions. That’s kinda like the fox in the henhouse.” The Acting Minister for Emergency Management and Climate Readiness, George Heyman, acknowledged the importance of search-and-rescue volunteers in a written statement released to Pique, and said he hopes the government and BCSARA can reestablish

the trust and relationships needed. “The concerns raised in this letter are very troubling, and I intend to meet with the BC Search and Rescue Association this month to discuss and address these concerns,” he said. “Additionally, we are actively working to strengthen our collaboration with the BC Ground Search and Rescue Groups to ensure they have all the support they need in their life-saving efforts.”

stuff. If that’s what the province wants to do, then the societies can fold, and they can take it on as a paid service because they want employees. It’s just contrary to why people volunteer for things.” In the letter, Yochim and his co-signers listed some solutions to repair the relationship and ease current tensions. “An audit of EMCR’s conduct and practices is required to provide corrective

“We don’t need to get tangled up in a whole bunch of bureaucracy and political stuff. If that’s what the province wants to do, then the societies can fold, and they can take it on as a paid service...” - BRAD SILLS

A SIMPLE FIX

In Sills’ view, it is a pretty simple fix. “If the province wants to enjoy the support of the 3,400 search-and-rescue volunteers, they’re going to have to listen to us, and they’re going to have to respect what it is that motivates us to provide this service,” he said. “We don’t need to get tangled up in a whole bunch of bureaucracy and political

action to a ministry that is known to abuse and degrade public partnerships and searchand-rescue relationships. This audit should include external experts and members of the SAR community,” he wrote. Yochim and his co-signers pointed to the model used in New Zealand, which they said gives their volunteers authority over setting standards for search and rescue, and doesn’t leave it in the hands of bureaucrats,

a model he described as “far safer and more efficient and responsive.” “Until this situation is corrected, both rescue subjects and SAR members are at risk, as EMCR’s practices directly and indirectly impact public and volunteer safety as well as the ability to respond to all types of calls for help,” he wrote. “Advances in search-andrescue techniques will also continue to be unnecessarily stalled for long time periods, if not years.” Notably, the president of BCSARA released a statement on Tuesday, Jan. 9, distancing the association from Yochim and the letter. “Mr. Yochim is a former employee and did not represent BCSARA when the letter was sent,” said Chris Mushumanski in the statement. “I’ve been at the table with EMCR over the past year and beyond for hundreds of hours resolving some challenging topics. Certainly from time to time there is a difference of opinion, however we have a resilient working relationship. The team at BCSARA commits to examining any concerns and working collaboratively with EMCR.” Sills dismissed Mushumanski’s statement. “We certainly take exception to our president’s comments,” he said. “We feel that his decision-making is unilateral and it exposes the problem that we’re faced with, with a far-too-comfortable relationship between the money that the government provides to us, and the ability to actually provide the service.” n

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NEWS WHISTLER

‘Swept me off my feet’: Man narrowly escapes avalanche in Whistler THE MAN SAYS HE WAS SNOWBOARDING INBOUNDS WHEN HE WAS SWEPT AWAY IN THE AVALANCHE

BY ALANNA KELLY WHISTLER RESIDENT

Bryce Bugera headed out to go snowboarding with a group of friends on Saturday, Jan. 6 like he’s done many times before. They went up Glacier Express Chair on Blackcomb Mountain with their sights set on a double black diamond run. Once they got up to the top they saw a lineup and decided to traverse along the ridgeline instead, staying inbounds on the mountain. “There were probably about 20 or so people that were ahead of me that had gone in that zone already,” Bugera said. “I kept catching up to them on the traverse.” Giving the group of five some room, Bugera stopped just above Brownlie Basin and waited until the area was clear. Little did he know he was standing right in harm’s way. “On my part, it was a very bad place to stop,” he said. Moments later, at 11:30 a.m., Bugera got swept into an avalanche. “It just went right underneath me,” he said. “It took and swept me off my feet and I started sliding down the hill.”

Bugera was caught in the avalanche for about 20 feet before he was able to get on his feet. “I couldn’t see how big it was because I was pretty far in the front of it,” he recalled. “I didn’t have time to look back.” At first, he thought some of the traverse gave way, but he quickly realized he was being pushed rapidly toward a rocky area. “That’s when I started to freak out a little bit and was scrambling to my feet to try and

communications at Whistler Blackcomb, said the incident is under investigation. “Whistler Blackcomb places the highest value on the safety of our guests and employees,” said Gergovich. He noted ski patrol regularly performs avalanche mitigation work, monitors snow conditions and weather forecasts, and evaluates terrain to the extent possible as conditions change. “The safety of guests and staff is our top

“It just went right underneath me.” - BRYCE BUGERA

get out of that area,” said Bugera. He managed to get out of the way and safely off to the side. “I didn’t realize how big it was,” he said. “It felt like a conveyor belt, but it’s really hard to get to your feet because it’s constantly trying to knock you off balance.” Dane Gergovich, senior manager of

priority. As the snow continues to fall and terrain expands, please obey all signage, respect others, and ski and ride with care,” said Gergovich. Since the avalanche, Bugera is thankful the group in front of him was not injured or caught in the slide. He plans to get a beacon, and eventually, complete an avalanche skills

training course. “It’s easy to get complacent and not think about it when you’re inbounds, but you’re still dealing with those risks,” he said. “[You] forget how dangerous this sport can actually be sometimes.” He believes the risk is part of the sport, and credits the work Whistler Blackcomb staff do to get the runs open. “It felt like a bit of a freak accident, being inbounds,” he said. “I know that the avalanche crews are up there, they’re doing really good work to get everything open.” Gergovich reminded people that if they’re caught in an incident or collision, to notify a ski area employee through the My Epic app or at 604-935-5555. With the recent snowfall comes a heightened avalanche risk. Over the weekend, Avalanche Canada observed avalanches in the Whistler backcountry area and to the north of it. Large natural avalanches were also seen in Pemberton, which was anticipated by forecasters. Anyone looking to head out into the backcountry should check Avalanche Canada’s bulletin and make sure they have the proper gear and education. Read more at avalanche.ca. n

It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of

Antonio Corsi April 4th, 1950 - November 6th, 2023

Born in Maenza, Italy, Antonio’s career took him to a few of the most prestigious restaurants & resorts throughout Europe and eventually Park Hotel Adler in Hinterzarten where he would meet his soon-to-be wife, Edith. Opportunity brought them to Canada in the seventies where Antonio would become a legendary pillar of the Vancouver restaurant scene. Antonio’s creative & passionate culinary adventures included The Park Royal Hotel, Corsi Trattoria, Charlie Potatoes Oyster Bar & Grill, Cafe Roma, Il Portico (in Edmonton), Quattro on Fourth, Quattro in Whistler, Gusto Di Quattro, Casa Corsi and most recently Sempre Uno.

Antonio lived life to the fullest and was always ready to share a good story and a glass of wine with friends and family. That was always his greatest strength, once you knew him, you were family. His favorite saying was always, “Life is Beautiful”.

But it wasn’t only the brick & mortar establishments. Antonio mentored, trained and supported countless others to realize their dreams and help them to start their own culinary adventures. His expertise and willingness to share his vast knowledge will always be remembered. He set the standard for Italian Food and Wine in Vancouver and Whistler!

Heartfelt sincere condolences to his family and friends. Antonio leaves behind his loving wife Edith, his children Ida, Patrick and son in law Albert and his amazing granddaughters Sofia, Amaya & Lola. Antonio’s legacy will be held close and forever remembered!

Join us to Celebrate a great man ! A Celebration of Life for Antonio will be held January 15th 1-5pm at the Pinnacle Hotel in North Vancouver 18 JANUARY 12, 2024

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NEWS WHISTLER

Weather be damned, business optimism improved in Whistler in 2023 THE WHISTLER CHAMBER REPORTS BUSINESS IN WHISTLER CONTINUES TO LOOK UP AS SNOW CONDITIONS IMPROVE

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS THE LAST YEAR SAW rising fortunes for Whistler’s business community, with increases in business sentiment and improvements in staffing—but challenges lie ahead. Executive director of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce, Louise Walker, said with borders being open, the revival of events, and a return of foreign workers, 2023 “saw some improvements on key challenges of 2022.” The workforce is a perennial issue, with many businesses forced to cut back on hours due to a lack of staff. “We saw the percentages of businesses reporting to be fully staffed improved from winter 22-23 to summer, and it improved again this winter,” said Walker, who gave some credit to the return of temporary foreign workers for the positive change. “In our recent member survey … the majority of businesses are reporting that they’re fully staffed for winter. This is a really significant improvement on the previous year,” she said. The Whistler Chamber and Tourism Whistler partnered this season to launch an international recruitment campaign, Live, Work and Play in Whistler, which showcased

Whistler as an appealing and accessible place to live, work and play to encourage applications to job postings across the community. Running in two waves in 2023, the campaign targeted 18- to 35-year-olds based in Canada, New Zealand, Australia and the U.K. through marketing on social media, and directed them to the Whistler Chamber website, which has a job board and tools to

She added the Chamber is attempting to help through the Whistler Experience Program, which was designed to help improve the visitor experience through education of new workers, and offers incentives and local deals to those who complete the program, thus helping with affordability. Some businesses are still seeking to get in on housing themselves. “A lot of businesses are working really

“We still need affordable housing...” - LOUISE WALKER

help temporary workers get settled in the community. Walker said while more than 70 per cent of businesses are reporting they are fully staffed, the business community still has plenty of opportunities available. Front-of-mind, however, remains access to affordable housing, which Walker described as the “No. 1 issue facing businesses.” “We still need affordable housing, and that is a long-term issue that isn’t going to fix itself in the course of one or two seasons,” she said.

hard to help out with the cost of living, so some businesses, when possible, are subsidizing housing options,” Walker said. Looking ahead to 2024, Walker said there is optimism for the year going by the chamber’s recent member survey. “We saw a significant improvement in business sentiment. The proportion of businesses stating they were in good shape or very good shape has doubled since 2021, although we do recognize that 2021 was two years ago when we were in the middle of a pandemic … so it’s difficult to compare, but

we definitely are seeing optimism,” Walker said. The pressures facing Canadians also apply to businesses, however. “One of the biggest challenges that businesses are facing right now is the cost of doing business. Businesses are getting squeezed by rising costs on all fronts,” she said, noting with the labour market improving, businesses are on the hook for additional stat days, employee health taxes and higher wages, among other expenses related to keeping a fully-staffed workforce. “No one denies that these are important aspects for employees and quality of life, but the reality is that businesses face these increased costs, and so when you add in rent, property tax, interest rates, housing subsidies for some, you can see the accumulation of all these additional costs is really quite significant,” Walker said. Priorities for the business sector in 2024 include finding ways to deal with the increasing cost of doing business, and pushing for more affordable housing in the community. “We cannot take our foot off the gas—we have to work together as a community with all the different stakeholders involved to find a long-term solution,” Walker said. “There’s been great work done there, and there’s lots of exciting new builds coming on, but we need to keep pushing forward.” n

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NEWS WHISTLER

BANNER YEAR The Indigenous Ambassador team at the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre was named Citizen of the Year at the 2023 Whistler Excellence Awards. PHOTO BY JOERN ROHDE / COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre looks back on 2023 ‘OUR YEAR WAS MARKED BY CULTURAL RESONANCE, THE SIGNIFICANCE OF ARTISTIC ACHIEVEMENTS, AND THE PROFOUND IMPACT OF COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT’

BY BRADEN DUPUIS THE

SQUAMISH LIL’WAT Cultural Centre’s (SLCC) ambassadors winning Citizen of the Year at the Excellence Awards was just one of many highlights the revered institution enjoyed in 2023. “As we look back on a busy year, we raise our hands to our Ambassadors for their passion and commitment to sharing the living culture of the Sk_wx _wú7mesh and Lí’wat7úl with the greater community and guests from around the world,” the SLCC said in a release. It was a year of cultural awareness workshops—offered in partnership with the Whistler Community Services Society and Heritage Canada and facilitated by Ta7talíya Michelle Nahanee and Xalek Chief Ian Campbell of the Squamish Nation and Tanina Williams of the Lil’wat Nation—as well as fun family and community events like Family Day weekend in February and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21. “The Unceded Exhibition continued to captivate hearts and minds, drawing visitors into a profound exploration of sovereignty, resilience, and identity. The impact of the powerful photography and storytelling left an indelible mark on our Ambassadors, Nation members, Sea to Sky residents, and visitors from around the world,” the SLCC said in the release. “Honouring heartwarming stories, the exhibition provided a profound and thoughtprovoking experience for all who attended, offering a unique perspective not seen in contemporary stories in the Sea to Sky corridor, and created a dynamic platform for dialogue. It served as a bridge between historical narratives and contemporary presence, leaving a marked impression on all who experienced its inspiring visual storytelling.” Unceded was curated by Mixalhíts’a7 Alison Pascal (Lil’wat) and Tsawaysia Dominique Nahanee (Squamish), and supported by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and photographed by Logan Swayze.

Mixalhíts’a7 also curated The Art and Storytelling of the Skwxwú7mesh and Líl’wat7úl for a captivating new walking tour on Tourism Whistler’s Go Whistler App, “inviting visitors to explore the cultural richness of our stories and authentic art of the shared territories throughout Whistler, starting and returning to the SLCC,” the release said. Meanwhile, the Summer Salish Carving Series and the awakening of the house post carving in the fall celebrated Master Carver Xwalacktun (Rick Harry–Sk_wx_wú7mesh/ Kwakwak’wakw/Namgis) mentoring SLCC Apprentice Brandon Hall–Sk_wx_wú7mesh, who together brought the design to life. “This monumental piece not only represents artistic brilliance, but serves as a living connection to ancestral traditions, celebrating the amalgamation of Hereditary Chiefs, and ensuring the continuity of Squamish culture for generations to come,” the SLCC said. “Crafted with the precision and reverence of a Master Carver, this magnificent art now stands at the SLCC entrance on Lorimer Road, further solidifying our dedication to celebrating traditional artistic practices while honouring authentic representation in Whistler. Part of a two-year immersive experience creating a pair of carvings, a Master Carver from the Lil’wat Nation will mentor a Lil’wat Apprentice and carve on-site at the SLCC in the summer of 2024.” Those are just a few of the highlights in what was another busy and successful year for the local institution. “Our year was marked by cultural resonance, the significance of artistic achievements, and the profound impact of community engagement,” the SLCC said. “From the intricate House Post carving to the thought-provoking Unceded Exhibition, and the meaningful celebrations of National Indigenous Peoples Day and commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the SLCC continued to be a beacon of authentic cultural richness, education, and community connection.” Read more at slcc.ca. n

WE VALUE BC If you’re among BC’s approximately 2 million property owners, you should receive your 2024 property assessment in the mail early in January. If you haven’t, call us toll-free at 1-866-valueBC. Access and compare property assessment information using our free assessment search service at bcassessment.ca. The 2024 assessments are based on market value as of July 1, 2023. If you have questions or want more information, contact us at 1-866-valueBC or online at bcassessment.ca.

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JANUARY 12, 2024

NEWS PEMBERTON

Experts unsure if Pemberton grizzlies will hibernate this winter THE AVAILABILITY OF HIGH-QUALITY FOOD SOURCES COULD THROW THE BEARS’ NATURAL CYCLES OUT OF WHACK

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter GRIZZLY BEARS in Pemberton are still being spotted by locals in the area. Paw prints and videos have circulated the community’s Facebook forum in recent weeks, with some now wondering when the bears will hibernate. The Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative hosted a Green Drinks conversation with livestock conflict prevention program coordinator, Allen McEwan, at Town Square on Monday, Dec. 11. The group explained the bears may not hibernate if there are still high-quality food sources available. “The million-dollar question is when are they going to hibernate?” said McEwan. “If we get winter, there’s a fairly good chance they will. Coastal bears don’t necessarily hibernate.” Colleague Erica Van Loon echoed his statement, and stressed securing attractants throughout the year is highly important. “If the bears have high-quality food sources available, then they are not biologically pushed to hibernate,” she said. “Winter is usually a natural sign of resources dying down. Bears don’t have the energy to keep them going during these cold months. But if there are food sources available, they may not hibernate. That’s why securing attractants is so important throughout the year. It’s their natural cycles that can really be thrown off.” At the casual meet up, locals had a chance to raise concerns and learn more about their furry neighbours. The bar was full of Pemberton Meadows residents eager

COEXISTENCE A grizzly and her cubs pictured in front of a Pemberton farmer’s tractor in November. PHOTO BY BRUCE RONAYNE

22 JANUARY 12, 2024

for answers to their concerns. Families in Pemberton Meadows previously said 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. McEwan said a large blueberry field was left unfenced in the Pemberton Meadows area during the critical months. This was a “critical error,” and the area is now fenced. He reminded farmers of the electric fencing program provided by Coast to Cascades. “We are still offering a 50-per-cent costsharing program for farmers who want to electric-fence in their crops,” he said. “I believe the success rate is 100 per cent. If the fence is energized and properly built, then that’s the end of your problem.”

A RISKY PROPOSITION

McEwan was asked why bears hanging around people’s backyards cannot be moved to a more suitable area. The fourth-generation Pemberton resident said this might do more harm than good. “Augmenting a population is certainly on the table and has been done before,” he said. “It’s a really risky proposition. You’re going to have as much failure as success. They’ve done it in the U.S. and places where the bears were completely wiped out. The most successful is to find a sub-adult female who has just been impregnated and move her late in the fall so she can find a den for the winter. She wakes up in the spring and has to stay home with cubs.” McEwan said an adult male would find his way home in a matter of days, rendering the relocation process useless. “They have an ability to go home that is really amazing,” he said. “When we talk about moving grizzly bears, it’s a very sensitive

topic. First Nations people consider it a very serious emotional trauma to put a bear through. If it was going to be done, it would have to be done properly. The policy right now is that the province will not move a bear out of its home range. Female grizzlies have a very small home range. It’s a really serious thing to do.” Coast to Cascades is currently calling for the creation of a designated grizzly bear management specialist position in the Sea to Sky corridor. “We are currently campaigning and lobbying the government to hire a specialist who would have the knowledge and the expertise to do that sort of thing,” said McEwan. “It’s the only way we are going to get any action. This is purely political.” People in attendance were asked to sign a pre-written letter to provincial environment minister George Heyman. “While Sea to Sky residents are generally (but not unanimously) in favour of grizzly bear recovery, we must point out that coexistence is costly, nervewracking and potentially dangerous,” the letter reads. “We should not be expected to shoulder the full burdens of coexistence, which include crop losses, livestock degradations and the potential threat to our family’s safety.”

‘BREAKING ALL THE RULES’

McEwan stressed the behaviour of grizzlies in the Pemberton Meadows area threw a spanner in the works. “We never expected this to happen,” he said. “All the data that has been collected over the last 20 years indicated that a sow with cubs would never set foot in the agricultural zone. The behaviour of this female who came in 2020 has caught us completely by surprise. It’s totally unexpected.”

Landowners are still being urged to haze the bears as much as possible until more sustainable solutions arrive at the table. Dr. Bruce McLellan is providing some leadership at the moment. McLellan spent more than 40 years researching grizzlies, and even raised his family on the banks of the Flathead River. “Right now, Dr. Bruce McLellan said that if he was in charge he would be taking direct action to collar the bears that show up on the floodplain, haze them and try and make them feel uncomfortable,” said McEwan. “He recommended that landowners who are in this predicament now try to set boundaries and make the bears know where they are not welcome. This bear that we are dealing with is breaking all the rules, too.” McEwan said many aspects of the sow’s behaviour break traditional norms. “She has raised two sets of cubs in three years, which is highly unusual. Now, we have a family of five that have all got the same kind of behaviour traits,” he said. “It’s a real sort of management dilemma. I really hope that they bring in an expert in the spring to start dealing with this. It’s not appropriate. It’s not what we suspected, and it’s not sustainable.” Coast to Cascades hopes it will be asked to work alongside government bodies, as it has the local expertise. “We are in the background trying to help,” said McEwan. “We hope that we might be asked to work in collaboration with the conservation officers next year. We have the local contacts and the daily reports. They need to be treated with due respect at all times. “The bears have not shown even the slightest bit of aggression, except towards dogs. She is providing a walking coexistence lesson which will set us up for the next round. There will be more.” n

NEWS PEMBERTON

BLAZE BATTLERS A massive blaze at Gun Lake north of Pemberton was one of the more significant fires in the region in 2023. FILE PHOTO BY NOAH REID

Lil’wat Nation fire department to receive two new fire trucks NEWS BRIEFS: FOUR PEMBERTON TRAILS TO CLOSE FOR FUELTHINNING AROUND ONE MILE LAKE

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter LIL’WAT

NATION’S volunteer fire department will receive two new fire trucks this summer. The fire trucks will “enhance the firefighting capabilities and help the team serve the community better,” the Lil’wat Nation said in a statement on Facebook. The fire department is made up entirely of volunteers from Lil’wat Nation. One big hurdle is the fact many firefighters have to hold down full-time jobs in other sectors. Community members were delighted to hear the good news. The need for the new trucks is evident after B.C. suffered the worst wildfire season on record in 2023. Challenges local fire crews face were highlighted in Pemberton Fire Rescue’s 2023 Third Quarter Report. The Village of Pemberton had the highest number of incidents in the crew’s jurisdiction, accounting for 38 per cent of all incidents. Lil’wat Nation came closely second at 34 per cent. The regional district accounted for 17 per cent, and the broader fire district came in at 11 per cent. In both the VOP and Lil’wat Nation, the highest number of incidents were related to medical aid. The callouts for medical aid accounted for 37 per cent of the total number of incidents.

TRAILS CLOSED

Four popular Pemberton trails will close this month to allow for fuel-thinning around One Mile Lake. Spel’kúmtn Community Forest and Líl’wat Forestry Ventures started the work on Monday, Jan. 8. They received funding for the project from the Forest Enhancement Society of BC. Incorporated in 2019 as a limited partnership between the Lil’wat Nation and

Village of Pemberton (VOP), the Spel’kúmtn Community Forest is a community-led forest located on 17,727 hectares of unceded, traditional Lil’wat land designed to promote reconciliation and increase benefits to the respective communities. The trails closed include: Sea to Sky Trail; Piece of Cake; Overhill; and Nairn-One Mile. The Sea to Sky Trail will be closed from south of the bridge at One Mile Lake to north of the distinct switchbacks (two km from Nairn entrance). The entirety of Piece of Cake and the majority of Overhill will be closed. The very northern end of Nairn-One Mile will be closed at the part where it joins Overhill. The project is part of ongoing work to reduce forest fire risk to Pemberton and its residents. It encompasses high-hazard forest land. The group aims to reduce the rate of spread and intensity of possible fires in the area, while maintaining ecological and cultural values. They also want to enhance public safety and firefighters’ ability to control possible fires. Lil’wat Forestry Crews will complete manual understory thinning of trees up to 12.5 centimetres. All trees not classified as “danger trees” will be kept. An archaeological assessment of the area was completed before the start of the project. No known archaeological sites were removed from the area. In a statement on its website, Spel’kúmtn Community Forest acknowledged the inconvenience to locals. “We recognize this is a high-use trail area and Líl’wat Spirited Ground. Extensive engagement has been done with Líl’wat Nation and trails organizations,” officials said. “Key planning parameters were to reduce impacts to trails and sensitive ecosystems while still achieving risk reduction objectives. Líl’wat Forestry Crews will be conducting the work—manual pruning, piling and burning.” n

When it’s hard to talk about what’s on your mind. It’s okay to ask for help. Visit vch.ca/onyourmind

Electoral Area C Agricultural Advisory Committee - Call for Volunteers

WHAT? The SLRD is looking for interested residents of Pemberton and Electoral Area C to serve on the SLRD Electoral Area C Agricultural Advisory Committee (AAC). WHO? Anyone with an interest or expertise in agriculture and related matters is welcome to apply. Applicants should: • • • • •

Be a land owner and/or permanent resident of Electoral Area C or Pemberton Have an interest in preserving the viability of farming in the Pemberton Valley and surrounding area Be from the farming and ranching community (optional) Posess a clear understanding and knowledge of topics affecting agricultural land Be available to commit to roughly 4-6 meetings per year, for a one year or two year term

HOW? Application forms can be obtained on the SLRD website, or by �� than 5pm on �� . For additional information please contact: �� , Planne� Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Tel: 604-894-6371, ext. 2�� E-mail: ��slrd.bc.ca

JANUARY 12, 2024

RANGE ROVER

What the…? MANY THINGS in this world can make you go “What the…” Some fall into the category of inexplicable human actions (i.e., littering, murder, conservatism, intentionally increasing carbon emissions in the face of certain climate disaster) that challenge understanding of our species. The lion’s share of things termed wonder-inducing by humans, however, stem from the realms of physics, chemistry and, most often, the organic world of plants and

BY LESLIE ANTHONY animals. Reasons for the latter are manifold, but best summed by our affinity to—and place in—the natural order. There’s a word—biophilia—that describes this instinctive bond between humanity and other living thingies. Famously coined and elaborated by the evolutionary ecologist E.O. Wilson in an eponymous book, this relationship—comprising a spectrum from our anthropomorphic connection with baby animals to the calming effects of a forest—is at least a charming idea. Familiar with many of Mother Nature’s more byzantine creations as a biologist and science journalist, I find myself less surprised by newer wonders gurgling up from nature’s depths than the litany I’ve already absorbed. For example, I know an Australian frog (now sadly extinct) that could turn off its digestive

DENIZENS OF DARKNESS Exclusively revealed when you flick on a light, silverfish are always a surprise. But where do they come from? PHOTO BY LEONID EREMEYCHUK / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

24 JANUARY 12, 2024

juices, swallow its tadpoles, and raise the kids in its stomach; I understand that flamingos are pink because of pigments sequestered from the shrimp they eat; and, by passing a particularly tough genetics exam, I have permanently uploaded the arcane knowledge that, although some of the DNA in boozeproducing Saccharomyces yeasts is gene poor, repetitive, and transiently silenced, it nonetheless evolves rapidly due to transposon activity, increased recombination and a surprising level of nucleotide divergence (hence the many kinds of wine and beer in B.C.’s craft-brewing scene). All this is cool info, of course, but the demonstrable relationship by descent of humans to flamingos and

Do they bite? Do I have an infestation? But here’s the real question: what’s the deal with a critter that, according to Carboniferous fossils, has lurked on Earth in identical form for some 300,000,000 years but whose natural habitat seems to be my sink? The animal hasn’t changed, but something’s fishy. What the…? Predictably, the explanation is a good news/bad news scenario for biophiliacs. Good: Although sink-sightings of silverfish are a worldwide phenomenon, most involve a single ubiquitous species—Lepisma saccharina, a small, wingless insect of the order Thysanura. Lepisma have primitive mouthparts, don’t bite, and don’t spread disease. Best of all, in light they’re defenseless

Predictably, the explanation is a good news/bad news scenario for biophiliacs. gastric-brooding frogs—even yeast—is positively pride-inducing. Not all organisms, however, spark such instant affection. And so, it being winter and my annual stint of fearing the bathroom at night, let’s talk. Hands up those of you who have even a scintilla of fondness for those miserable little metallic commas found surreptitiously circling faucets and scuttling over countertops and floors? No one, I see, yet they’re as seemingly ubiquitous in our lives as junk email. So I put it to you with appropriate antibiophilia: what’s up with silverfish? These denizens of darkness, exclusively revealed when you flick on a light, are always a surprise. Not the horrifying revelation of a rat, or the nasty of a cockroach, but begging similar questions. Where did they come from?

and, as you’ve likely discovered, easy to squish, leaving a smear not unlike that found under your fingernails after playing Scratch ’n Win. Bad: Also called fishmoth, carpet shark, or paramite depending where you live, “silverfish” (in use since 1855) combines colour with the piscine movements of the animal’s well-jointed body, while the scientific moniker refers to its diet of simple polysaccharides—sugars and starches found not just in the food it happily infests, but in glue and adhesives, book bindings and paper; in carpet, clothing, cotton, silk, leather and synthetics; even in body exuvia like hair and dandruff. In short, 21st century humanity offers silverfish an unparalleled smorgasbord: they’ll eat your pancake

mix, leave holes in your clothes, destroy your books, and even set off fire alarms (a percentage of fire department false alarms in cities can be traced to the short-circuiting of alarms by peckish silverfish). Good: It’s not just your house. Like fleas, silverfish have accompanied human habitation since it began—wild Lepisma favour caves and other dank areas with high humidity (I’ve found them in the wild in Pemberton, but also in a rockpile in Jordan). You find them in sinks and bathtubs not because they live there, but because their Carboniferous-crafted appendages do poorly on the modern world’s smooth surfaces; they’ve simply become trapped, attracted by the moisture and food prospects rising from your drains (de facto encouragement to keep these clean). Bad: Unlike more ephemeral insect pests, an unsquished silverfish can live out of sight in your home for up to eight years and go a full year without food (I’m starting to be impressed…) Good: Reproductive rate is low; a single female lays fewer than 100 eggs in her lifetime. These can take months to hatch; if they dry out they’re toast. Bad: Predators of silverfish are fellow cave-happy things you likely also aren’t psyched about seeing around the house: spiders, earwigs and those über-creepy, longlegged house centipedes known as scutigers. Scutigers are also frequently found “stuck” in sinks and bathtubs because… they were hunting silverfish! That’s cool, and knowing it will make me think twice before I squish them. Sometimes a little knowledge is a terrible thing. Leslie Anthony is a biologist, writer and author of several popular books on environmental science. ■

FEATURE STORY

By Stefan Labbé

eymour Mountain shut due to “inclement weather.” Cypress Mountain open, but only operating its bunny hill. Dirt staining the thin snow surrounding a monument to the 2010 Olympics. The snow has mercifully arrived in Whistler and beyond to start 2024, but there’s no way around it—British Columbia’s ski season got off to a rocky start. And according to experts, it could be a sign of things to come. This year, the arrival of the El Niño cycle is set to bring a warm, dry winter to this part of the world. But it also comes on the back of one of the hottest 12 months ever recorded on the planet, and likely the hottest in the past 120,000 years. “If you have less precipitation and warm temperatures, the snow doesn’t accumulate,” said Michael Pidwirny, an associate professor in environmental science at the University of British Columbia Okanagan. “All the effects put together mean the worst sort of ski season.” Pidwirny recently pulled together a number of indicators to forecast ski conditions across B.C. between December 2023 and March 2024. This year, the impacts of human-caused climate change are expected to collide with an El Niño event so strong it has more than a 54-per-cent chance of placing among the top five events since 1950, said the researcher, referring to recent advisories from the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center has forecast temperatures in B.C., Alberta and several western U.S. states will be one to two degrees C above normal in February and March 2024. Precipitation across January, February and March, meanwhile, will be below normal across all of B.C.’s coast, the centre forecasts. In B.C., the dry weather is expected in regions that have already faced extended periods of drought.

Next season could be worse While this season’s conditions “sound grim,” next winter may be worse, said Pidwirny. That’s because beyond human-caused climate change and the El Niño phenomenon, there’s another natural climate cycle that could send winter weather into a warm extreme. Known by scientists as the Pacific Decadal Oscillation (PDO), the sometimes decadeslong phenomenon leads to swings in sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean between the northern latitudes of 20 and 60 degrees. The cool or negative PDO phase B.C. is now in may be tempering warmer temperatures, while keeping precipitation offshore in the Pacific, said Pidwirny. But the researcher says there is “a good probability” the PDO will switch to the warm or positive phase before the 2024-25 ski season. That switch tends to lead to a zone of warm seawater hugging the coast from Alaska to Baja California—the same phenomenon that helped produce “The Blob,” an extremely warm patch of water off the Alaska and B.C. coast. The last time that happened was in the 2014-2015 ski season, when Cypress Mountain cobbled together a single run—a slip-n-slide path of man-made snow— before closing altogether in February. Should that happen again in the 2024-25 ski season, warming temperatures and reduced snowfall could impact ski resorts from B.C.’s coast to the B.C.-Alberta border, said Pidwirny.

A taste of the future Pidwirny said the trials of this year’s ski season are a sign of things to come. Even without the swings in natural climatic cycles, global warming has already led to an “obvious warming trend” of 1.5 C in B.C.’s coastal mountain resorts—25 per cent more warming than the global average. A few years ago, Pidwirny and his colleagues modelled future climate in a dozen B.C. resorts, from Vancouver Island to the Rocky Mountains. They found precipitous drops in snowfall over the coming decades at many of these mountains, with the heaviest future snowfall declines near the coast, where maritime influences are expected to turn snow to rain at resorts like Cypress, Seymour, Grouse, and Mount Washington. By 2050, the worst-case scenario season—like that seen at Cypress in 2015 and that could come again over the next 12 months—is expected to become the average, meaning one out of every two ski seasons would be even warmer.

26 JANUARY 12, 2024

FEATURE STORY

According to studies from University of Waterloo researcher Daniel Scott, a high-carbon future would largely wipe out all 99 ski areas in the American Midwest by late century; across Quebec, Ontario and the northeastern corner of the U.S., only 29 out of 171 ski resorts are projected to survive. Out west, places like California, where water sources to make snow are limited, will get “clobbered” in the same way the European Alps will lose out. A disappearing snowpack could be devastating for a number of species, including salmon, which rely on melting snow in the spring to cool the rivers they use to migrate and spawn. But it could also be bad for the multibillion-dollar ski industry, and not just in coastal B .C. According to studies from University of Waterloo researcher Daniel Scott, a high-carbon future would largely wipe out all 99 ski areas in the American Midwest by late century; across Quebec, Ontario and the northeastern corner of the U.S., only 29 out of 171 ski resorts are projected to survive. Out west, places like California, where water sources to make snow are limited, will get “clobbered” in the same way the European Alps will lose out. That’s expected to vastly alter the world of professional mountain winter sports. Under the low-emission climate change scenario, the number of reliable Olympic hosts is expected to remain almost unchanged throughout the 21st century—nine out of 21 previous hosts could remain reliable in the 2050s, and eight could still offer safe and fair games into the 2080s, according to another 2021 study led by Scott. Under the high-emissions scenario, the city of Sapporo, Japan, will be the only city capable of hosting reliable, safe, and fair games by the end of the century, the study found. Pidwirny says the influence of Siberian and North American arctic air will likely make places like Japan and B.C. into islands of good snow in a warming world. “The Interior resorts are gonna get better conditions, and they’ll be winners in this,” said Pidwirny.

Snowmaking: the wild card In the course of a 2021 Glacier Media investigation, many resorts said they have turned to grooming the base of runs in the off-season so snow can accumulate easier. Almost all of them said they’ve invested in new snowmaking machines in a tactic that is expected to grow exponentially in the coming years. In 2022, Scott published a study that found Canadian resorts currently use about 478,000 megawatt hours of electricity and more than 43 billion litres of water to make snow. That’s enough energy to power the equivalent of about 450,000 B.C. homes for more than a month, and enough water to feed Metro Vancouver’s population for more than 42 days. But it’s only a fraction of what could be on the way. By 2050, Scott projected changes to Canada’s climate would lead to an increase in snowmaking between 55 per cent and 97 per cent. But while you don’t need precipitation to make snow, you do need cold temperatures, and Pidwirny is skeptical the ongoing investment in such technology will save resorts closest to the coast. In 2021, when Glacier Media asked what warming threshold would make Mount Seymour’s winter ski business unviable, a spokesperson there said “there are too many variables” and it’s “impossible to say.” Two years later, the mountain is among several that show no signs of fully opening. That’s the first step, said Pidwirny. “The resorts on the coast are gonna die out,” he said. “There’ll be more and more bad seasons until they just can’t operate anymore.” ■

JANUARY 12, 2024

SPORTS THE SCORE

Anne-Marie Joncas qualifies for 2024 Winter Youth Olympics JONCAS IS THE LONE WHISTLERITE ON CANADA’S SKI-CROSS ROSTER

BY DAVID SONG IT HASN’T QUITE been smooth sailing lately for Anne-Marie Joncas, but she came through when it mattered. The 17-year-old rose to the occasion on Dec. 9 and 10 at a FIS ski-cross contest in Nakiska, Alta., winning bronze and silver in each of her two races. Joncas prevailed in both qualifying events as well, demonstrating her combination of consistency and high-end speed. Decision-makers with Alpine Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) were evidently impressed. That’s why Joncas is the only Whistlerite on the Canadian skicross team for the upcoming Winter Youth Olympics in Gangwon, South Korea. Kael Oberlander from Big White rounds out the group alongside Calgarians Cole Merrett and William Johnston. “I’m just really happy and proud to be able to go to Korea and represent Canada,” Joncas said. “I got injured last year in February, and I wasn’t sure I was going to

CROSS CANADA Whistler’s Anne-Marie Joncas is the lone local on the Canadian ski-cross team for the upcoming Winter Youth Olympics. PHOTO COURTESY OF ANNE-MARIE JONCAS

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be able to do this race. I’m just so happy that I’m even able to ski, and that I have this awesome opportunity.” Though born in Mont-Tremblant, Que., Joncas moved to Whistler in 2016. Her parents Laura and Louis Joncas are both avid skiers and instructors, so it’s no surprise she got onto powder at two years of age. The young girl was hesitant about actually racing at first, but decided to follow her friends into the sport. Ten-year-old Joncas signed on with the Whistler Mountain Ski Club as an alpine

and Nick Katrusiak. Both reached the podium in Nakiska the same week Joncas did.

‘I WANT TO DO CANADA PROUD’

Joncas’ dedication to her new discipline has taken her as far from home as New York. Her support network includes not just Hetherington, Leduc and her family, but 2018 Olympic silver medallist Brittany Phelan, who gifted her with a pair of skis. “It’s kind of cliché, but my parents,

“I’m just really happy and proud to be able to go to Korea and represent Canada.” - ANNE-MARIE JONCAS

athlete, but she only branched out into ski cross last year based on the advice of her coach Drew Hetherington. Since then, Joncas has linked up with the Albertabased Evolve Ski Cross Club, where she is mentored by Mat Leduc. “He is truly a good human and a good coach,” Laura said of Leduc, who also deals with local NextGen athletes Emeline Bennett

honestly, have really supported me financially in whatever I wanted to do when it came to ski cross,” Joncas said. “It’s not exactly easy to get into that training, because [it’s only really] in Nakiska. They just want me to be happy and have fun and all that stuff. “Also, the Evolve team—they’re super happy to have newer people coming into ski cross. Their team is a little bit older

and everyone has been super supportive. Everyone helps each other and the whole skicross community. It’s been awesome.” For the time being, Joncas still crosstrains in alpine skiing, which helps her round out her developing skill set. “There’s a lot of things that transfer from alpine to ski cross for sure, like visualization and knowing how to take different styles of turns in different environments,” she explained. “But ski cross is obviously on a whole other level, and what I find kind of cool is that it’s really different. It can be a bit scary, and people are often intimidated by it … but every [ski cross racer] has been there at one point, so they’re very [welcoming].” This season, Joncas has managed to strike a healthier balance between sport, school and her mental health, which has clearly paid dividends. She’s thrilled to join the ranks of Whistlerites who get to represent Canada at an international event, and while she doesn’t know how far ski cross will take her, she intends to seize the moment. “I want to do Canada proud,” said Joncas. “I want to be able to take these next couple of weeks and get as ready as I can—mentally and physically—for the race. I’m trying to be a good person and have a good reputation for Canada too.” The Gangwon 2024 Winter Youth Olympics take place from Jan. 19 to Feb. 1. Learn more at olympics.com/en/gangwon-2024. n

School Registration for the 2024/2025 School Year Opens January 23rd-26th, 2024 Kindergarten, French Immersion Programs, and All New Students to the District School District No.48 (SD48) is welcoming registrations for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year starting January 23rd, 2024, at 8:00 am and ending January 26th, 2024, at 4:00 pm.

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There will be two key steps: Step One: Parents and Guardians will be asked to fill out an online webform through the school district website. This includes basic contact information such as name, email address, physical address and student name and grade. Parents will register as a new student to the district or a current student registering for French Immersion. Step Two: Make an appointment to complete your registration at your English catchment school by booking online through the district website or by contacting the school directly. Note - French Immersion registrations must be completed through your English catchment school, not the French catchment school. For Cultural Journeys and Learning Expeditions, complete your registration directly at St'a7mes School. Please note the following important information and new changes for this year: A lottery system will be used to determine priority placement order for all pre-registrations on the webform. This will provide a more equitable process where space may be limited. Parents and guardians will have 10 days to complete the registration process at their catchment school. After 10 days, the priority placement order obtained from the lottery will be forfeited. Parents and guardians who miss the availability of the webform can register by contacting their English catchment school to book an appointment. In this case, a time and date stamp on the registration form will determine priority placement order. For more detailed information visit: www.sd48seatosky.org or contact your English catchment school principal. We encourage parents and guardians to register as soon as possible to help schools plan for September 2024.

WWW.WHISTLERLAWYER.CA adam@whistlerlawyer.ca | 604.905.5180

CALL FOR ARTISTS

Whistler creatives, do you want to see your work here? Photo credit: Oisin McHugh

The RMOW is seeking summer-themed submissions for the Lamppost Banner Program. The awarded artist will be featured on lampposts throughout Whistler for the 2024/2025 summer seasons.

Full details, including the Request for Proposal: whistler.ca/banners

Submissions are open now, and welcome through February 1, 2024. Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/banners

JANUARY 12, 2024

FORK IN THE ROAD

Best breakfast of champions that money can buy AS THE HOLIDAYS SLIP BY ON A SUGARY SLOPE, OATMEAL IS WHAT THE DOCS—AND SKI CHAMPS—ORDER I DON’T KNOW HOW YOU’RE feeling these days, but after a prolonged holiday season and all the treats and goodies we have to indulge in during the darkest days of the year, I think I’d be just fine, thank you very much, if I never look a chocolate or slice of over-amped cake in the eye again. Well, at least until Easter. Never mind Christmas and New Year’s, and all the other holidays we humans celebrate

BY GLENDA BARTOSH around winter solstice, those of us lucky enough to live in a post-industrial society like this one eat far too many processed, even ultra-processed, foods full of sugary, empty calories, and the incumbent bad fats and salt all year long. So never mind the New Year’s resolutions, broken or not, I’m simply up for a great start to the day that will fuel me—totally—for a good long spate without needing a sugar fix. I can’t think of a better power source than oatmeal, and I can’t think of a better tip on how to chow it down for brekkie, than the downhome recipe, below, from one of Canada’s top downhill champs, one known equally for his smarts, kindness and grace—the late, great Dave Murray. Just a friendly note before you get started. My grandad, who swore by oatmeal for breakfast and lived to be 91, would gladly tell you there’s a big difference in substance and texture between slow-cook rolled oats (especially the steel cut variety), and the

SUPER DAVE Legendary Whistler alpine ski racer Dave Murray knew the value of the most important meal of the day. FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER MOUNTAIN SKI CLUB

30 JANUARY 12, 2024

instant or quick-cook varieties. You’re better off using the slow-cook ones whenever possible, including in muesli or homemade granola. Your taste buds, gut microbiome and brain will all thank you. As will your wallet. Rolled oats, whichever variety you use, are so cheap they’ll set you back a mere fraction of the cost of those over-processed, over-sugared commercial cereals. Welcome news these days. As for the difference in nutritional value between slow-cook oats and the quickie types, according to the USDA and other experts, there isn’t much. But, and this is a big but, slow-cook rolled oats have a lower glycemic index, which is the measurement of how quickly a food increases your blood sugar over two hours—something you definitely want

DAVE MURRAY’S BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS 3 c. water 1 c. slow-cooking oatmeal Pinch of sea salt 1 tbsp. sliced almonds 1 tbsp. pecans 2 tbsp. raisins 1/2 apple, diced Brown sugar or maple syrup Milk Boil the water, salt added, in a mediumsized pot with lid. Stir in oatmeal, nuts, raisins and apple. Simmer with lid on, stirring occasionally until thick. Pour into bowls and add a small amount of brown sugar or maple syrup, and milk. Serves two hungry people. Porridge for breakfast may make you late for work, but it is worth it! - Dave Murray n

after all those sweet holiday treats. Dave’s super oatmeal recipe, below, can be found in Diane Nicholson’s The Whistler Weekend Cookbook (1987) in the Whistler Museum’s reference collection, along with Whistler Recipes (1997) and Festive Favourites (2001), two cookbooks published by the museum itself. The reference collection includes a wide range of books, on skiing (like the illustrated Skiing with Al Raine from 1971), on regional mountains, fishing and much more. You can browse through them in person whenever the museum is open. Check out the museum gift store, too, which offers some of the most authentic, trueblue Whistler gifts and souvenirs in town. You’ll find books by local authors, as well as archival photographs and lots of those in-demand, iconic old “W” logo products. Whistler Museum is located in the heart of the village at 4333 Main Street. Admission is by donation.

SOMETIMES THE SIMPLE THINGS IN LIFE ARE THE BEST

Dave Murray’s recipe is just one of many rounded up by Diane Nicholson for her 1987 project, The Whistler Weekend Cookbook. She donated all the proceeds to Whistler’s thennascent library. The book is a fun collection of recipes for and by all kinds of community members of the day, including locals, weekenders (of course, given the title), chefs, B&B owners, and even ski champions and all-round Canadian heroes like Dave and Rob Boyd. (The cookbook has a great oatmeal recipe from Rob, too, for World Cup Granola Bars, and I promise to run it in this column space

as soon as we need another reminder to eat our oats!) All the recipes are charmingly handwritten in calligraphy, and retain every detail and personal note that people like Dave submitted. In my books, that pretty much makes them a unique archival record of Whistler’s funky, fearless past. For those of you who don’t know, Dave Murray was an alpine ski racer who, along with Steve Podborski, Ken Read and Dave Irwin, was a member of the legendary Crazy Canucks, the downhill team famous during the late ’70s and early ’80s for their fearless style. They were variously called reckless, ballsy, kamikaze—and those are direct quotes you can find online—but whatever word you use, their M.O. wowed fans and sports buffs around the globe as they kicked ass and challenged the then-traditional world favourites from Austria and Switzerland who dominated downhill racing. Dave was born in Vancouver and called Whistler home for years, founding the renowned Dave Murray Ski School and working as Whistler Blackcomb’s director of skiing. The Dave Murray Downhill course, named in his honour, is considered among the best in the world. Sadly, he died far too young from skin cancer, but his daughter, Julia Murray, who was only 22 months old at the time of his death, was proud and pumped to be part of Canada’s ski-cross team at the 2010 Winter Olympics at Whistler. Basically, you couldn’t ask for a better breakfast to start your day than this recipe from a genuine local champ. It’s delicious, and nutritious. And, of course, you can make any variations or twists and turns that you like. Dave would get a kick out of that. n

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

FITNESS CLASS SCHEDULE JANUARY 12

JANUARY 13

JANUARY 14

JANUARY 15

JANUARY 16

JANUARY 17

JANUARY 18

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

WEDNESDAY

THURSDAY

I Mountain

I Strength

I Spin Mixer

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

R Youth

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

I Strong

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

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

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

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

F Swim Fit Endurance 7:30-8:30 a.m. Marie-Anne I Aqua Fit Deep 8:45-9:45 a.m. Marie-Anne I Full Body HIIT 9-10 a.m. Andy

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

R Mom and Baby 2.0 10-11:30a.m. Lou *Try it for $5

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

F Vinyasa Flow 9-10 a.m. Nicki

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

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

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

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

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

F Swim Fit Endurance 10-11 a.m. Marie Anne

R Be The Change 10:30-11:30 a.m. Katrina

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

I Gentle Fit 1-2 p.m. Diana

I Gentle Fit 1-2 p.m. Diana R Lift Club 3:45-4:45 p.m. Steve F Yoga & Pilates Blend 5:30-6:30 p.m. Liv *Try it for $5

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

I Mountain Ready I HIIT Express Conditioning 5:15-6 p.m. 5:30-6:30 p.m. Alex Carly

F Spin 5:15-6:15 Courtney

F Spin 5:45-6:45 p.m. Marie-Anne

R Prenatal Fitness 5:30-6:30 p.m. Katrina F Spin 6:15-7:15 p.m. Alex

R Pilates Mat Class I Dance Fitness 6:15-7:15 p.m. Liv 6:45-7:45 p.m. Mel

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

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

F Bike Fit 6:45-7:45 p.m. Katrina I Yoga Roll & Release 8-9 p.m. Laura

POOL HOURS JAN 12 FRIDAY

LAP POOL

JAN 13 SATURDAY

JAN 14 SUNDAY

JAN 16 TUESDAY

JAN 17 WEDNESDAY

JAN 18 THURSDAY

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

6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

LEISURE 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. 9 a.m.- 8 p.m. & 4-8 p.m. POOL HOT SPOTS

JAN 15 MONDAY

9 a.m.- 12 p.m. & 3:45-8p.m.

9 a.m. to 12 p.m. & 3:45-8 p.m.

6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. 6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

6 a.m.-8 p.m.

6 a.m. to 8 p.m.

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

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

@rmwhistler |

@rmowhistler

• • • • • •

ARTS SCENE

Dusty’s Whistler to host A Whole Lotta Led THE POPULAR LED ZEPPELIN COVER BAND WILL NEXT PLAY JAN. 13

BY DAVID SONG AS ONE OF THE MOST iconic and innovative rock bands of all time, Led Zeppelin’s legacy has reached many corners of the world, including the Sea to Sky. Diehard fans of Robert Plant, Jimmy Page, John Bonham and John Paul Jones will next get to revisit the magic on Jan. 13 at 9 p.m., when A Whole Lotta Led swings by Dusty’s Bar & BBQ in Whistler. Lead vocalist Greg Reamsbottom, who is also known for fronting the ever-popular Hairfarmers, knows the appeal of Led Zeppelin cuts across generations. “Led Zeppelin’s one of those bands where the music is just timeless,” he says. “We’ve got people in the audience that have seen Led Zeppelin in the ’60s and ’70s, to 19-year-old kids who are barely allowed to come into the bar. “It’s an honest, old-fashioned rock ‘n’ roll show, and there seems to be less and less of that in the mainstream these days with so

TIMELESS TRIBUTE Band members of A Whole Lotta Led, left to right: Greg Reamsbottom, Kevin Torvick, Phil Richard and Wes Lawrie. PHOTO COURTESY OF GREG REAMSBOTTOM

32 JANUARY 12, 2024

much focus on pop music and hip hop and stuff like that. I think people really like a good old-fashioned dose of rock ‘n’ roll.” Reamsbottom and fellow Zeppelin tribute specialists Phil Richard, Wes Lawrie and Kevin Torvick are used to playing in front of a kaleidoscopic audience. Whistler’s constant inflow and outflow of tourists—folks who at least in theory are here for a good time—

the musicians in the band, it’s important to play the way the audience expects to hear it,” Reamsbottom says. “There’s some people out there that know when you miss a note, because they know every single one. “You have to really do your homework, and you really have to listen to each other, because there’s a lot of cues and a lot of moments where the music swings. Sometimes

“There’s some people out there that know when you miss a note, because they know every single note.” - GREG REAMSBOTTOM

change the demographic on a regular basis as they mix with a stalwart bunch of locals. One can’t leave out the seasonal workers either, some of whom grew up appreciating Led Zeppelin in their native United Kingdom. They all tend to have one thing in common: high standards for any group that tries to emulate one of the GOATs of rock. “In some ways, my job’s pretty easy— either you can sing this or you can’t—but for

it pushes the beat, sometimes it pulls back on the beat, but it’s really intricate. The road map’s there, and it’s always our goal to get as close to that as we can.”

HAVING A GOOD TIME

A Whole Lotta Led first materialized in 2001, shortly after Reamsbottom met Richard in the now-defunct Boot Pub: a venue once graced

by beloved musicians like The Tragically Hip. Richard was looking for someone with the vocal range to do Plant’s performances justice, and Reamsbottom was that man. The group had its first Boot Pub show in February 2002, and the current lineup with Lawrie and Torvick has been together for four years. “[Unlike with the Hairfarmers], I don’t have to play drums so I’m strictly vocals,” he says. “The Hairfarmers also play some Led Zeppelin songs, but the difference [with A Whole Lotta Led] is the full-band dynamic with the big drum kit, amazing bass player and super loud electric guitars. It’s definitely a twist in the narrative, for sure.” Nowadays, the band doesn’t tend to play too often—at least not in one spot. Reamsbottom has found two or three shows per year in the corridor is a sweet spot, balancing fan experience with not oversaturating the market. The Zeppelin cover group also takes its show on the road, performing at times on Vancouver Island. “It’s been just really good camaraderie,” remarks Reamsbottom. “Everybody does their homework, everybody shows up ready to go, and we have fun. We have a good time playing this music, and that’s really what it’s all about.” More information on the show can be found at awholelottaled.net/upcoming-shows. n

ARTS SCENE MARCH 1 & 2, 2024

WHISTLER’S LEGENDARY FUNDRAISING EVENT! Come celebrate 31 years of making a difference.

Register a team to take part in the entire action packed weekend, or simply purchase evening event tickets! FRIDAY, MARCH 1 & SATURDAY, MARCH 2

TWO-DAY QUARTET - $2,800 (4 skiers/snowboarders per team).

PET PROJECT Works like “Brandywine Rising” will be on display at Dave Petko’s Jan. 13 multimedia showcase.

Team package includes: Buﬀet Breakfasts, 2-Day Lift Tickets, Priority Lift Line Privileges, Ski With a Pro Adventure Day, Après-Ski, the Race Classic, plus tickets to the Whistler Winetastic and Mountain Top Gala.

PHOTO BY DAVE PETKO

Dave Petko plots retro art exhibit in Pemberton THE MULTIMEDIA SHOWCASE WILL BE HELD JAN. 13

BY DAVID SONG DAVE PETKO has made art for more than a quarter-century, and now he’s inviting Sea to Sky folk to join him in appreciating a blast from the past. On Jan. 13, the veteran artist is hosting what he calls “Retro Petko” in the Pemberton Industrial Park: a collection of pieces made from 1995 to 2023 that includes paintings, sculptures and screenprints. One of the more prominent sculptural items in the display is something Petko made alongside his partner Tanya Kong, and he specifically mentions it as one of his prouder works. It represents a reflection on living the best life one can, and leaving a meaningful legacy. “I think my earlier work represented a lot of experimentation with styles and subject matter, as well,” says Petko. “A lot of it was based off of abstract sketches from my sketchbooks, and the later pieces represent my love of the outdoors, nature and mountains.” Petko has called Whistler home since 1995, and the area has given him plenty of artistic inspiration. He’s witnessed top-tier Olympic athletes strut their stuff. He’s met eclectic groups of visitors and locals with unique stories to tell. Of course, he’s spent time marvelling at the Sea to Sky’s natural beauty, and there’s rarely a dull moment in his studio as he tries to translate it all to canvas. Not that canvas is all Petko’s familiar with. He’s truly well-rounded, with skill as a tattoo artist in addition to experience in the mediums mentioned above. “[My career has taught me] to be openminded and to try different things,” he says. “A painter might just be using acrylic paint for the duration of their career, but for me it’s everything: pencils, pencil crayons,

screenprinting, acrylic and spray paint. Then with the three-dimensional stuff, it’s using silicone molds with concrete or silk flowers or glitter, or oven-baked hardening clay.” For eight years, Petko ran a production company with some friends called Blind Mute Productions, through which they showcased artwork from established and up-and-coming creators in the Sea to Sky. They mated the art with electronic music, resulting in many exhibits that turned into late-night dance parties featuring local DJs. Though it wasn’t a financially lucrative endeavour, it did allow Petko and his buddies to brush shoulders with all kinds of people.

FRIDAY, MARCH 1

WHISTLER WINETASTIC PRESENTED BY REMAX SEA TO SKY REAL ESTATE

Frontenac Ballroom, Fairmont Chateau Whistler

6:45pm to 7:30pm | VIP First Sip - $30*

(incl. tax) *Main event ticket required as well. Exclusive special pours only available at VIP First Sip.

7:30pm | Main Event - $95 (incl. tax) A unique wine tasting event with live entertainment and an extensive collection of wine, beer, spirits and delectable appetizers from local restaurants including Portobello, Bearfoot Bistro, Caramba, Quattro, Purebread and more. SATURDAY, MARCH 2

ASCEND GALA PRESENTED BY SAMSUNG Roundhouse Lodge, Whistler Mountain

“[M]y earlier work represented a lot of experimentation with styles and subject matter...” - DAVE PETKO “We got to meet a lot of artists, and a lot of them had sports backgrounds,” Petko recalls. “They were sponsored snowboarders, mountain bikers and all that, but as a pastime they made art. A lot of them were inspirational to each other’s work … the technical things that they were doing with the mediums that they were using crossed over from artist to artist. It was pretty cool to see.” Petko hopes he can continue contributing to the cross-pollination among local creators with his upcoming exhibit, which runs on Saturday from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at #5-7342 Industrial Way, directly behind the Pemberton Distillery. n

6:45pm-midnight | $275 (incl. tax) Ignite your imagination and join us back at the top of Whistler Mountain as we explore a world above the clouds. The event has it all – dinner, cocktails, dancing, live entertainment, and an auction hosted by celebrity auctioneer Jon Montgomery. You truly don’t want to miss this magically unique experience. Come dream with us!

To purchase tickets or sign up a team, please visit: WHISTLERBLACKCOMBFOUNDATION.COM

JANUARY 12, 2024

ARTS SCENE PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond. FIND MORE LOCAL EVENT LISTINGS (and submit your own for free!) at piquenewsmagazine.com/local-events

Roland's Pub is open for lunch Wednesdays & Thursdays from 11:30am! Join our lunch club! Get 10 stamps on your lunch card and your 11th lunch is free* (Restrictions apply) Children are welcome everyday until 10pm, so bring the kids in for brunch on the weekends from 11am - 2pm.

HOPPY HOUR All craft ft beers b PITCHERS $

16.50+ tax

Everyday 3-8pm

Hours: Mon – Thurs 12-8pm & Fri-Sun 12pm-9pm

FIRE & ICE SHOW FILE PHOTO COURTESY OF WHISTLER BLACKCOMB

FIRE & ICE SHOW 1045 Millar Creek Rd in Function Junction

whistlerbeer.com

A free, all-ages night of entertainment. Whistler’s top skiers and riders flip and twist through a burning hoop. Learn about the legend of Spo7ez, a village shared by the Squamish Nation and the Lil’wat Nation and see a performance by world champion hoop dancer, Alex Wells. Dress warmly, grab a hot chocolate and prepare to be amazed! > Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m. > Skier’s Plaza in Whistler Village > Free

SWEDISH AFTERSKI Tuesdays are for the Swedish! Don’t miss out on the ultimate après-ski celebration! A local tradition for nine years, come and party like the Europeans do. Celebrate a day on the slopes with dancing and singalongs. > Jan. 16, 2:30 to 7 p.m. > Longhorn Saloon & Grill

LETHAL COMEDY 2 TOUR Everyone deserves top-quality, after-slope entertainment, so don’t miss this comedy show! Abbas Wahab is a Canadian comedian and actor who’s been featured on Just For Laughs, Winnipeg Comedy and Edinburgh Fringe festivals, and Jordan Policicchio is

THE 2023-2024 PEMBERTON GUIDE on stands now! 34 JANUARY 12, 2024

one of Canada’s fastest-rising talents who’s opened at New York Comedy Club and been part of the Just For Laughs 42 festival. > Jan. 17, 8 p.m. > Whistler Brewing Co. > $27.96

MAKING CONNECTIONS DEMENTIA FRIENDLY SOCIAL CLUB MAC’s Making Connections is a weekly program for people with dementia and their caregivers on Wednesday mornings. More like a social club, this program starts with 45 minutes of gentle fitness, followed by games and brain-stimulating activities, and socializing over a light lunch. The goal is to slow cognitive decline in the afflicted and allow caregivers to bond, share experiences and develop their own support network. Register at whistlermac.org under the events tab, Making Connections Program. Prepay by e-transfer to treasurer-mcp@whistlermac.org. > Jan. 17, 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. > Catholic Church of Whistler > $5

EVENTS | THINGS TO DO | MAPS BUSINESS DIRECTORY AN OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF

PARTIAL RECALL

1 WINTER WONDERLAND It was a month or two later than expected, but winter arrived in Whistler in fine fashion on Jan. 5. PHOTO BY SUSAN HUTCHINSON 2 WELCOME ABOARD Ken Martin, left, and Grant Loyer, right, welcome new members Ellody Spike-Porter and Belinda Trembath to the Rotary Club of Whistler, on Jan. 9. Trembath, COO of Whistler Blackcomb, and Spike-Porter, manager of special projects, joined the Rotary to widen their contact with Whistler’s community activities. PHOTO COURTESY OF KEN MARTIN 3 MISTY MOUNTAINS Cibulka shakes off the freshly-arrived snow during a walk on the Whistler Golf Club course on Jan. 7. PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS 4 NIGHT SIGHTS This owl gathered quite a crowd near Whistler Village on Jan. 2, with a dozen or so people respectfully enjoying its stoic presence. PHOTO BY CLARE OGILVIE 5 ONE FOR THE BOOKS One Mile Lake in Pemberton was a sight to behold on Saturday, Jan. 6. PHOTO BY SUSAN HUTCHINSON

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

Recycle? Yes or no? Get the BC RECYCLEPEDIA App

Stay Stinky!!

21-4314 Main Street

www.rcbc.ca RECYCLING COUNCIL OF B.C. MEMBER JANUARY 12, 2024

MUSEUM MUSINGS

HISTORY REPEATING Opening the first Whistler Museum location near Function Junction off Highway 99 in 1988. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES

Whistler Museum had its busiest year ever in 2023 BY BRAD NICHOLS

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• Programmatic • SEO/SEM • Sponsored content

Glacier Media Digital experts help businesses succeed online. Contact your Sales representative at Pique Newsmagazine today for a free digital audit

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36 JANUARY 12, 2024

THE WHISTLER Museum and Archives Society experienced a resurgence in the past year, marked by significant milestones. In 2023, the museum achieved its busiest year to date, welcoming more than 16,290 visitors to its exhibits—an increase of 43 per cent over 2022 and 13 per cent over the pre-COVID year of 2019. The museum also engaged an additional 10,400 individuals in a variety of events and programs. Among these initiatives was the Valley of Dreams Walking Tour, a cornerstone program that imparts knowledge to both residents and visitors alike about the region’s mountain history, evolution of tourism in the valley, development of Whistler Village, and the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Now in its 26th year, the tour operates daily throughout June, July, August, and September. One highlight from the previous year was the museum’s Discover Nature program, held five days a week, Monday to Friday, during July and August. This program features an interpretation station at Lost Lake. Approachable interpreters interacted with participants through touch table items, fostering inquiries about natural history of the area. Attendees had the opportunity to explore exhibited items more extensively, revealing fascinating facts about local organisms in Whistler. Each day of the week featured a different theme. The program was expanded this year to include a geology day, with elements of the content developed in partnership with the Fire & Ice GeoRegion. We would like to thank the Resort Municipality of Whistler and the Whistler Community Foundation for their continued support of this great program, now in its ninth year. The museum developed two well-received temporary exhibits in 2023. In February we launched the “Peak Bros: A Whistler Comic Strip 1979–1992” that delved into the creation of the Peak Bros comic strip by the talented Gord “Rox” Harder. The Peak Bros. comics were originally featured in The Whistler Answer and The Whistler Review. These comics celebrated an outlaw skiing lifestyle, capturing the escapades of a close-knit group of friends as they embarked on

adventures around Whistler. Accompanying the exhibit was the publication of the complete compilation of the comic strips in a book specifically created for the exhibit. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Gord’s friends and family whose contributions made this project a reality and brought the exhibit to life. To commemorate the centennial anniversary of the first documented mountaineering expedition in Whistler, we opened the exhibit “Mapping the Mountains: The 1923 Carter/Townsend Mountaineering Expedition.” On Sept. 9, 1923, Neal Carter and Charles Townsend embarked on a twoweek odyssey through Wedge Mountain and Avalanche Pass. Throughout their expedition, these dedicated mountaineers meticulously documented their journey, captured breathtaking photographs, mapped the area, and assigned names to various features, many of which are still in use today by mountaineers exploring the region. This spring also marked 50 years since the creation of the Toad Hall Poster. We were very excited to be joined at our May speaker series by former Toad Hall residents John Hetherington, Terry Spence, and Paul Mathews to learn more about both Toad Halls (Nita Lake and Soo Valley), what it was like to live there, and how Whistler’s most infamous photo—immortalized on the Toad Hall Poster—came to be. One of the biggest developments over the past year has been the signing of a land lease with the Resort Municipality of Whistler for the development of a new museum facility. We have started to embark on the task of raising money for this endeavour. We are looking to raise $10 million to build a new, state-of-the-art Whistler Museum with mid2028 as the target date for opening! If you are interested in donating to this initiative, more information can be found on our website at whistlermuseum.org/newmuseum. Given our lack of physical space in our current location, our Museum Musings column has provided a valuable channel for the museum to share an additional 52 unique Whistler stories in 2023, and we are grateful for the support of Pique. Thanks to everyone who reads our column, attends our events, and visits our exhibits. Your ongoing support is appreciated, and we look forward to seeing you in the new year! n

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF JANUARY 12 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Why do birds sing? They

must be expressing their joy at being alive, right? And in some cases, they are trying to impress and attract potential mates. Ornithologists tell us birds are also staking out their turf by chirping their melodies. Flaunting their vigour is a sign to other birds of how strong and commanding they are. In accordance with astrological omens, I invite you Aries humans to sing more than ever before in 2024. Like birds, you have a mandate to boost your joie de vivre and wield more authority. Here are 10 reasons why singing is good for your health: tinyurl.com/ HealthySinging TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Which zodiac sign is most likely to have a green thumb? Who would most astrologers regard as the best gardener? Who would I call on if I wanted advice on when to harvest peaches, how to love and care for roses as they grow, or how to discern which weeds might be helpful and useful? The answer, according to my survey, is Taurus. And I believe you Bulls will be even more fecund than usual around plants in 2024. Even further, I expect you to be extra fertile and creative in every area of your life. I hereby dub you Maestro of the Magic of Germination and Growth. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Research I’ve found suggests that 70 per cent of us have experienced at least one traumatic event in our lives. But I suspect the percentage is higher. For starters, everyone has experienced the dicey expulsion from the warm, nurturing womb. That’s usually not a low-stress event. The good news, Gemini, is that now and then there come phases when we have more power than usual to heal from our traumas. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, the coming months will be one of those curative times for you. CANCER (June 21-July 22): At their best, Libras foster vibrant harmony that energizes social situations. At their best, Scorpios stimulate the talents and beauty of those they engage with. Generous Leos and Sagittarians inspire enthusiasm in others by expressing their innate radiance. Many of us may get contact highs from visionary, deepfeeling Pisceans. In 2024, Cancerian, I believe you can call on all these modes as you brighten and nurture the people in your sphere—even if you have no Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Leo, or Pisces influences in your astrological chart. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Here are my wishes for you in 2024. 1. I hope you will rigorously study historical patterns in your life story. I hope you will gather robust insights into the rhythms and themes of your amazing journey. 2. You will see clearly what parts of your past are worth keeping and which are better outgrown and left behind. 3. You will come to a new appreciation of the heroic quest you have been on. You will feel excited about how much further your quest can go. 4. You will feel gratitude for the deep inner sources that have been guiding you all these years. 5. You will be pleased to realize how much you have grown and ripened. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Virgo author Eduardo Galeano mourned how our institutions condition us to divorce our minds from our hearts and our bodies from our souls. Even sadder, many of us deal with these daunting schisms by becoming numb to them. The good news, Virgo, is that I expect 2024 to be one of the best times ever for you to foster reconciliation between the split-off parts of yourself. Let’s call this the Year of Unification. May you be inspired to create both subtle and spectacular fusions of your fragmented parts. Visualize your thoughts and feelings weaving together in elegant harmony. Imagine your material and spiritual needs finding common sources of nourishment. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): According to ancient Greek myth, the half-divine hero Heracles consulted the Oracle of Delphi for guidance. He was assigned to perform 12 daunting feats, most of which modern people would regard

as unethical, like killing and stealing. There was one labour that encouraged integrity, though. Heracles had to clean the stables where more than a thousand divine cattle lived. The place hadn’t been scrubbed in 30 years! As I meditated on your hero’s journey in the coming months, Libra, I concluded that you’d be wise to begin with a less grandiose version of Heracles’ work in the stables. Have fun as you cheerfully tidy up everything in your life! By doing so, you will earn the power to experience many deep and colourful adventures in the coming months. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): I will name two taboos I think you should break in 2024. The first is the theory that you must hurt or suppress yourself to help others. The second is that you must hurt or suppress others to benefit yourself. Please scour away any delusion you might have that those two strategies could genuinely serve you. In their place, substitute these hypotheses: 1. Being good to yourself is the best way to prepare for helping others. 2. Being good to others is the best way to benefit yourself. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “Doubt has killed more dreams than failure ever will,” says Sagittarian author Suzy Kassem. Many of us have had the experience of avoiding a quest for success because we are too afraid of being defeated or demoralized. “Loss aversion” is a wellknown psychological concept that applies when we are so anxious about potential loss that we don’t pursue the possible gain. In my astrological estimation, you Centaurs should be especially on guard against this inhibiting factor in 2024. I am confident you can rise above it, but to do so, you must be alert for its temptation—and eager to summon new reserves of courage. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 2024, I predict you will be blessed with elegant and educational expansion— but also challenged by the possibility of excessive, messy expansion. Soulful magnificence could vie for your attention with exorbitant extravagance. Even as you are offered valuable novelties that enhance your sacred and practical quests, you may be tempted with lesser inducements you don’t really need. For optimal results, Capricorn, I urge you to avoid getting distracted by irrelevant goodies. Usher your fate away from pretty baubles and towards felicitous beauty. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Some people feel that “wealth” refers primarily to financial resources. If you’re wealthy, it means you have a lot of money, luxurious possessions, and lavish opportunities to travel. But wealth can also be measured in other ways. Do you have an abundance of love in your life? Have you enjoyed many soulful adventures? Does your emotional intelligence provide rich support for your heady intelligence? I bring this up, Aquarius, because I believe 2024 will be a time when your wealth will increase. The question for you to ruminate on: How do you define wealth? PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): “No one can build you the bridge on which you, and only you, must cross the river of life,” said philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche. Here’s my response to that bold declaration: It’s utterly WRONG! No one in the history of the world has ever built anything solely by their own efforts, let alone a bridge to cross the river of life. Even if you are holed up in your studio working on a novel, painting, or invention, you are absolutely dependent on the efforts of many people to provide you with food, water, electricity, clothes, furniture, and all the other goodies that keep you functioning. It’s also unlikely that anyone could create anything of value without having received a whole lot of love and support from other humans. Sorry for the rant, Pisces. It’s a preface for my very positive prediction: In 2024, you will have substantial help in building your bridge across the river of life. Homework: I invite you to redefine what it would look and feel like to be your best self. 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

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Whistler Accessibility and Inclusion Committee Membership The Resort Municipality of Whistler is seeking qualiﬁed applicants to serve in a voluntary capacity on the Accessibility and Inclusion Committee for a two-year commitment from February 15, 2024, to February 14, 2026. Applications are being sought for two community members. The Accessibility and Inclusion Committee is a volunteer committee appointed by Council to advise on matters concerning accessibility and inclusion in Whistler. The Committee’s Terms of Reference can be viewed at: whistler.ca/AIC Nominees may include: • Persons with disabilities; • Caregivers; and • Professionals in the accommodation or tourism sectors whose roles include inclusion and accessibility. Apply by submitting a brief statement that reﬂects your interest in participating on this Committee to the Planning Department: 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: Thursday, January 18, 2024, at 4:30 p.m.

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/AIC

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

/whistlermagazine

JANUARY 12, 2024

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Services

HEALTH & WELLBEING SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Group Fitness Classes Fridays –Gentle Fit 1:00-2:00 pm w Diana Saturdays – Low Impact Strength 9:00-10:00 am w Lauren Mondays- TRX Mixer w Andy 5:15-6:00 pm w Andy Tuesdays – Mountain Ready 5:30-6:30 pm w Carly Wednesdays – Zumba 6:30-7:30 pm w Carmen Thursdays – Aqua Fit-Shallow 8:45-9:45 am M-A

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

EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES Whistler Personnel Solutions Full-time, part-time & temp jobs. No cost, no strings. 604-905-4194 www.whistler-jobs.com

Fairmont Chateau Whistler Resort is growing its Housing portfolio and sourcing additional Chalet and Condo Rental contracts for our Hotel Team Members. Our leaders are mature, career driven drivers that know the word respect. Contract terms for property Owners are stress free with no commissions and includes representation from our 4 person fulltime Housing Department working with you 24/7; maintaining all aspects of the tenancy including quarterly inspections. A great next move for Whistler property Owners that have tired with the Airbnb game or Property Fees. Let’s see if we can make a match and develop a long-term relationship here. General inquiries please email mark.munn@fairmont.com

Short walk to Creekside Gondola and village amenities including ski/ board rentals, lessons, groceries etc. and Dusty’s. Minutes to Alpha and Nita Lakes and Valley Trail.The Gondola Village complex is Phase 1 zoning allowing for unlimited owner usage and long or short term rentals. This unit has demonstrated good success as an Airbnb rental (high rating and great income earner). The unit is a one bedroom plus loft. Comfortably sleeps 4. In-suite washer/dryer. New deck completed in 2022 with unobstructed views up Whistler Mountain. Personal ski locker outside door and 2 parking passes included. ashleyan@hotmail.com

MARKETPLACE PETS

Wag Adoptable

JERRY

Jerry is our latest arrival at WAG; a resilient and lovable boy who has endured some tough times and is now looking for a forever home to call his own! While we are still getting to know him, here’s a bit about 9 year old Jerry: • LOVES playing fetch and playing/rolling/ sleeping in the snow. Loves Snow! • Prefers to be the only dog in the home (no cats, please!) • Runs (prances) like a Pony and it is adorable • Recovering from a very painful ear hematoma Find out more about Jerry at https://whistlerwag.com/jerry/ Adopt, Share, Foster, Thank You!

HOME SERVICES BUILDING AND RENOVATIONS

Wiebe Construction Services Serving Whistler for over 25 years

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

Why Work at Whistler Waldorf School? • Competitive Wages & Full Benefits • Supportive & Collaborative Team • Tuition remission for children • School working schedule with summers off

Currently looking for a: • Middle School Teacher (Grade 5-9) • High School Math & Science View whistlerwaldorf.com/employment Email principal@whistlerwaldorf.com

Coordinator, Accounts Manager, Safety and Receivable – Maternity Leave Compliance 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

Our ideal candidate: Our ideal candidate has experience in: (CRSP) certification • Canadian Registered Safety Professional • OFA III, (or equivalent) CPR / First Aid Certification 3+ years general accounting or accounts receivable • Knowledge of BC regulatory framework of health, safety and • Accounts Receivable invoicing and collections 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:

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

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big or small we do it all! Call 604-902-MOVE www.alltimemoving.ca

PLAY HERE Sushi Village is hiring experienced Japanese Chefs in Whistler. • Preparing Sushi and cooking other Japanese traditional food. • Plan menu and ensure food meets quality standards. • Estimate food requirements and estimate food and labour costs. • Instruct Kitchen Helpers and Cooks in preparation, cooking, and presentation of food. • Supervise Cooks and Kitchen helpers. • Assist Head Chef with recruiting and hiring kitchen staff • Inspecting ingredients for quality and freshness and supervising all food preparation. • Create new menus and specials. • Ensure excellent customer services at the Sushi bar. • Work as a team and ensure orders are completed in timely manner.

www.whistlerwag.com

SERVICES COMPUTER/INTERNET Explore your Digital Potential Explore the potential of a Mobile App, enhance further your online presence, or delve into the potential opportunities that Crypto/Bitcoin could have on your business.

Qualifications: • Completion of secondary school and minimum of 3 years of experience as a cook/chef Full-time, Permanent, All season Language: English 40 hours per week • $27.50 per hour

I provide expert, unbiased advice to optimise your digital strategy. Benefit from my 25+ years of experience crafting award-winning digital products across a broad range of industries. Ready to discuss your digital future? Contact me for a no-obligation chat. Transform your business today! Contact: egarson@gmail.com

Benefits: 4% vacation pay, Extended benefits paid by the employer. (Dental, disability, health care, paramedical and Vision care) Bonus, Gratuities, Pension Plan, Free Parking, Staff housing. Start date: As soon as possible.

» piquenewsmagazine.com/jobs

Address: 10, 11 – 4340 Sundial Place, Whistler, BC, V8E 1G5 Apply by email at info@sushivillage.com

JANUARY 12, 2024

We’re Hiring!

Structural Steel Project Manager Squamish Based Ironworker

Resort Municipality of Whistler

Employment Opportunities • RCMP Client Services Coordinator starting wage of $31.98 per hour

• Program Leader – Myrtle Philip Community Centre starting wage of $27.57 per hour

• Administrative Assistant – Fleet starting wage of $31.98 per hour These are rewarding career opportunities in the structural steel industry. Both positions are integral members of the project team. PM is responsible for all stages of structural projects of varying size and complexity. Ironworker will assist senior installer and crews on various Squamish sites. Full-time permanent positions, competitive wage & benefits package. Send Application to - info@wwswelding.ca

We’re Hiring! Experienced Carpenters

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/careers

We are looking to hire another member to our team at Straightline. Experience in Plumbing is required. Gas Fitting and HVAC would be preferred but not essential. Wages are based on experience. Part-time or Full-time positions available.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR A NEW CAREER IN CONSTRUCTION? WANT TO COME AND WORK FOR A GREAT TEAM WITH LOTS OF ROOM FOR CAREER GROWTH? APPLY TO CONNECT@TMBUILDERS.CA BENEFITS, FULL TIME WORK, WAGES $30-$45 BASED ON EXPERIENCE

Come build with the best team. Our team of people is what sets us apart from other builders. As we continue to grow as the leader in luxury projects in Whistler, our team needs to expand with us. We are currently hiring: Experienced Carpenters $30 - $45.50/hourly. Wage based on experience. Red Seal is a bonus, but not mandatory. EVR is committed to the long-term retention and skills development of our team. We are passionate about investing in our team’s future.

We offer: • Top Wages • Training & Tuition Reimbursement (Need help getting your Red Seal?) • $500 Annual Tool Allowance • Extended Health and Dental Benefits (Also includes Family Benefits.) • Flexible Schedule - Work Life Balance. (We get it. We love to ski and bike too.) • Assistance with Work Visa and Permanent Residency (We can help.) • Positive Work Environment We promote from within and are looking to strengthen our amazing team. Opportunities for advancement into management positions always exist for the right candidates. Don’t miss out on being able to build with the team that builds the most significant projects in Whistler. Send your resume to info@evrfinehomes.com We look forward to hearing from you!

www.evrfinehomes.com

40 JANUARY 12, 2024

Please call 604-935-8771 or email straightlineplumbingandheating@gmail.com for more information.

COORDINATOR, DESTINATION EXPERIENCE Full Time, Year Round

Love a good challenge? Passionate about the place you call home? Tourism Whistler is looking for community-loving, mountain-appreciating, environment-respecting people to join our team. Tourism Whistler’s Destination Experience department takes a leadership role in improving the Whistler experience and the long-term success and sustainability of Whistler’s tourism economy. The team facilitates the creation of new experiences, attracts and retains events, and promotes meaningful and memorable visitor interactions aligned with the Whistler brand. The Coordinator, Destination Experience supports the fulfillment of Tourism Whistler’s goals and objectives through maintaining the administration needs of the department, with a focus on building strong relationships with our partners and members. What we offer: nine-day fortnight schedule, a hybrid approach that balances in-office and remote work, an excellent benefits package, a commitment to health and wellness, and a fun and supportive team environment. The starting salary range for this role is $48,000 - $52,000 annually.

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

Lil’wat Nation

Employment Opportunities Ullus Community Centre • • • • • •

Advanced Education Registrar ($38,038 - $53,599 per year) Financial Reporting Manager ($93,475.20 - $101,556 per year) Family Enhancement Worker ($38,038 - $53,599 per year) Accounts Receivable Coordinator ($38,038 - $53,599 per year) Transition House Support Worker ($20.90 to $29.45 per hour) Administrative Assistant, Lands and Resources ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)

Xet’òlacw Community School

• Education Assistant ($38,038 - $53,599 per year) • Social Worker/ Counsellor ($80,371.20 to @91,673.40 per year)

Lil’wat Health & Healing

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

Lil’wat Business Group

• Geographic Information System Technician ($52,000.00 to $99,840.00 per year) • Transfer Station Operator ($34,580.00 to $41,860.00 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/

MARKETING ADMINISTRATOR Part Time, Year Round

Love a good challenge? Passionate about the place you call home? Tourism Whistler is looking for community-loving, mountain-appreciating, environmentrespecting people to join our team. The Marketing Administrator is responsible for supporting the Data Marketing & Creative Services department by handling various administrative tasks to ensure the smooth operation of marketing programs. The ideal candidate will have experience in an administrative role, an interest in marketing, strong communication and written skills, and be organized and able to manage a diverse range of tasks. What we offer: part time flexible schedule (20 hours per week) with a hybrid approach that balances in-office and remote work, access to a wellness fund to support health and well-being, and a fun and supportive team environment. The starting wage range for this role is $25 - $26.60 per hour.

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

WE ARE HIRING! CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANT ($30-35) RECEPTIONIST ($22-27) • Full time or Part time • Employee Benefits • No weekends or evenings • Locally owned and operated family practice • "Best Dental Office 2023 as voted by readers of Pique Newsmagazine" Please send your resume and a little about yourself to: managercreeksidedentalwhistler@gmail.com. JANUARY 12, 2024

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Glacier Media Group is growing. Check our job board regularly for the latest openings: www.glaciermedia.ca/careers

Free Housing Join our team of Plumbers and Gas Fitters Hiring 3rd and 4th year apprentice or journeyman candidates with experience in service/repair work. • 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 permanent residency applications. • Short-term accommodation available free of charge. Long term housing options available as well. Send your resume to: Dough@spearheadsph.com

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

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.

Housekeeping Supervisor (**SIGNING BONUS** $1000 FT) $24.50 per hour Full Time all year round 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

PROFESSIONALISM

RELIABLE AND HONEST

POULTON POWER Electrical Services Residential/Commercial (Operating in the Sea to Sky Corridor for 12 years)

Looking for Apprentices (All Levels) & Electricians Work Sites located primarily in Squamish & Whistler. Also cover West Vancouver & Pemberton

BENEFITS

Full time work • On Job training • Company Vehicles Please send resumes to

poultonpower@gmail.com Questions, call: 604-698-8488

ATTENTION TO DETAIL

STRONG WORK ETHIC

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES HYDROVAC OPERATOR, Squamish - Valid Class 1 or Class 3 with air brakes required. Manual transmission. 2 years experience preferred. $32-$37 per hour. SNOWPLOW OPERATOR, Whistler - Valid Class 5 BC Driver’s Licence required. Must be available from November 15 through March 31. Prior work experience an asset but all those with a willingness to work hard and learn are welcome to apply; on-the-job training is provided. $28-$33 per hour. HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR, Squamish - Minimum 5 years or 5,000 hours operating experience on excavator. Full-time, Monday – Friday. $33-$42 per hour. HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC, Whistler – Red Seal Certified, Commercial Truck & Transport, Transport Trailer required. CVSE Inspector’s ticket, Air Conditioning ticket, Class 1 or 3 with air brakes, and several years’ experience preferred. $37.70-$39.80 per hour. NATIONAL CONSTRUCTION SAFETY OFFICER – NCSO® Designation and commitment to building on existing OHS program with team required. We are COR® Certified. $32-$35 per hour.

Y APPL

coastalmountain.ca/careers instagram.com/coastalmountainexcavations

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

HIRING NEW EMPLOYEES

PROBLEM SOLVERS

WE ARE

HIRING! CERTIFIED DENTAL ASSISTANTS $30-35/Hour Full or Part Time Available Relocation Bonus Available Send Your Resume To Us liz@whistlerdental.com APPLY NOW

MORE INFORMATION whistlerdental.com/careers

JANUARY 12, 2024

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

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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

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V. EASY

# 29

Deck item Room Of hearing Singer -- Garfunkel Smithy In low spirits First (abbr.) Draw Web address Actress -- Farrow Animal fluid Developed Sensible “-- and Bess” Surmounting Basic Follow behind Wise ones To-do “-- Town” Pastoral Loved a lot Singer -- Stewart Walked carefully Movie house Sheltered side Garage service Last letter Succor Bar bill Wyo. neighbor Poked Painful places -- of the crop Beatle -- Starr Cup edge Chicanery Measure of incline Filled -- de guerre

103 105 109 111 112 114 115 117 119 121 123 124 126 128 129 130 131

Seize Be frugal Auction “I Love a -- Night” Arm support Actor -- Beatty Endeavor Alps (abbr.) Feather scarf Guitar part Piece Phi -- Kappa Twofold AFL- -Paramours Facilitated Series of notes

132 134 136 138 139 140 142 143 144 145 148 150 152 153 154

Hazard Shine Student at Annapolis Express a thought Generous Liberated Storage structure Crippled Hang around Back muscles, for short Snacked Knight’s title “The Murders in the -Morgue” Curved path Distant

LAST WEEKS’ ANSWERS

8 4

5 3

7 8

6 9 1 2 7 5 3 1 9 5 9 5 6 2 7 8 2 7 5 6 9 3 4 3 5 6 6 4 8 7 V. EASY

# 30

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

LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY: VERY EASY

3 1 9 8 4 6

3 7

3 1 5

5 2

2 7 9 5

8 3 1 2 4 9 8 1 5 6 6 7 4 8 V. EASY

4 8

# 31

4 3 7

6 1 8 4 2 3 1 7 2 1 8 3 2 6 1 3 6 7 8 9 5 2 2 4 8 9 5 6 7 9 4 V. Solution, EASY # 32 tips and computer program at www.sudoku.com

ANSWERS ON PAGE 42

44 JANUARY 12, 2024

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JANUARY 12, 2024

MAXED OUT

Tales from the inbox: I resolve nothing I’VE NEVER understood the concept of tying something like cleaning to a season, like spring cleaning. Then again, there was a time in my life when I tied cleaning to moving. It always seemed easier to move than clean my oven, for example. But the end of year is a different beast, at least if you’re self-employed and your

BY G.D. MAXWELL year-end is the calendar’s year-end. It necessitates closing out various accounting and bookkeeping nonsense... or having a very understanding and expensive tax preparer do it for you. So, having taken advantage of holiday crowds and absent snow to tackle that ugly task, I find myself wanting to catch up on a few other things. Like my inbox. The only way to do that is to amuse you with another instalment of Tales From the Inbox. Hey Max. I thought it was a rule that column writers had to do a trite piece on New Year’s resolutions. What gives? You babble on about the muni’s Big Moves instead? No resolutions? -Dissapointed While I really should deal with this email the next time I clean out my inbox, since it’s just in, I can only guess you’re a recent local, Disappointed, which, by the way, is the proper spelling of your nom de plume. As stated a number of times in early Januarys past, I don’t make resolutions. And even if I did, I probably wouldn’t this year with the apocalyptic potential for, as one writer put it, the “shocking number of Americans who hope to see an aspiring dictator reinstalled in the White House.” But if it’s any consolation, I resolve, once again, to not make New Year’s resolutions. Happy? Mr. Maxwell: Your insensitivity and hatred toward religious people is wearing thin. I’m at a loss to understand it. I’ll pray for you. -A True Believer Thanks, TB, every prayer helps. Just kidding. But I believe you conflate intolerance for insensitivity. I don’t think I’m insensitive to people who choose to believe in one god or another, although you may prefer I don’t refer to your deity as that Invisible Guy-in-the-Sky. If your religious beliefs provide you with comfort and succour I’m happy for you; certainly my secular beliefs do the same for me. But if your interpretation of your religion moves you to infringe on, discriminate against and persecute others who don’t share your beliefs, then I’ll call you out. We have too much proof, both in history and in the current battles raging in the world, that

46 JANUARY 12, 2024

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religious intolerance—and the belief among combatants that god is on their side—means religion is not a force for good once it ceases to be a personal belief and becomes a political platform for oppression and violence. So I’ll continue to see that kind of intolerance and double down on my own to work against it. GD, what do you think is going to happen in the U.S. presidential election this year? -Holding My Breath Breathe, Holding. I think some old, white man is going to be elected. And I think approximately half the country is going to be happy with the outcome, the other half unhappy, fearful and outraged. If the oldest white guy gets elected I

hadn’t asked that question. Max, you don’t seem to be a big supporter of the RMOW’s Climate Action Big Moves. Why not? -Colour Me Green In a word, Green, it’s because they seem kinda small. But since you asked, there are a lot of things I’d like to see the muni put the boots to. High on my list is the neighbour who heats their driveway with propane. While they bask in the California sunshine, their driveway basks in propane heat, even though no one uses it most of the time. In fact, the guy who drives the propane truck to fill up the tank probably uses it most.

[I]f it’s any consolation, I resolve, once again, to not make New Year’s resolutions. Happy?

a subsidized boondoggle property owners like myself will end up paying for. But I guess since you live in subsidized housing you’re alright with it. -Homeowner Actually, Homeowner, I believe you have it backwards. It’s you who live in subsidized housing. I live in WHA housing. It wasn’t subsidized by you or other Whistler taxpayers. As employee housing, it is, in a sense, subsidized by me, since its increase in value is capped so the next person who owns it will be able to afford it. That person/family will be Whistler employees. The people who make this resort town work. It is because this place works and visitors have a great time here that your home has shot up in value like it had rockets attached. No employees = no service = dissatisfied visitors = failure. What do you think the value of your home would be if this was a failed resort? Don’t get me wrong, I don’t have a problem subsidizing the increasing value of your home. Happy to do it. I thought you were going to retire, dude. -Disappointed

think the other old white guy will cry foul, claim the election was stolen, pout and rile up his believers enough we may witness an insurrection that’ll make Jan. 6, 2021 look like a picnic. If the other old, white guy gets elected I think we’ll see long lineups on the south side of our border, not that I believe Canada will be a safe place to hide from the global Armageddon unleashed by the Orange Monster. I think the best we can hope for is both of them suffer fatal... I probably shouldn’t finish that sentence. In fact, I wish you

Propane patio heaters, open doors in freezing temperatures, 20,000-sq.-ft. houses, municipal workers wielding gasengine landscape tools, and a host of other things consultants would call low-hanging fruit always seem too big for the people in power to deal with. Seems odd, considering they could realize far quicker success with a host of those actions than they’re likely to with their aspirational war on cars. Sir, I don’t understand the enthusiasm for the municipality’s Housing Action program. I don’t see how it can be anything more than

Well, at least your spell-checker works, Disappointed II. Sometimes you plan for one thing and something else happens. If you don’t believe me you should have been on a chairlift in early December talking to people who’d booked a ski holiday thinking they’d be shredding deep powder. All I can say is there seem to be a lot more moving parts to this retirement thing than I imagined. But stay tuned and don’t give up hope. I’m sure it’ll happen sooner or later. Possibly before the next time I have to clean out my inbox. ■

LD SO

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