Pique Newsmagazine 3106 by Pacific Coastal Publications LP

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 ISSUE 31.06

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FREE CLOUDS OF SAWDUST

GETTING REAL Whistler real estate trending towards conservative 2024

GROWTH SPURTS Long-term trends point to continued growth in Whistler and beyond

BEST IN FEST Whistler Film Festival saw 14-per-cent increase in attendance last year

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

A cut above B.C. is overcounting old-growth forests in breach of federal guidelines, a new report claims. - By Stefan Labbé

14 GETTING REAL

After a relatively slow year in

2023, Whistler’s real-estate market is trending towards a conservative

26 OWL BUS

An independent bus service between Whistler

and Kamloops is no more, much to the dismay of many Sea to Sky locals.

2024.

15 GROWTH TRENDS

B.C. added more than

34 TAKING FLIGHT

The Whistler Winterhawks U15

62,000 new residents in the third quarter of 2023, while long-term trends

girls’ hockey team posted a strong back half of the season en route to a

point to continued growth in Whistler and beyond.

league title.

16 KEEP ON TRUCKIN’

40 BEST IN FEST

The Resort Municipal-

The Whistler Film Festival enjoyed

ity of Whistler will spend up to $2.64 million on two new rescue pumper

a 14-per-cent increase in attendance in 2023, riding high on the backs of

trucks for the Whistler Fire Rescue Service over the next few years.

eight Oscar contenders.

COVER I’m already having a hard enough time managing my old-growth and I’m not even that old. - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art 4 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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THIS WEEK IN PIQUE

Opinion & Columns 08 OPENING REMARKS

With the release of the futuristic Apple Vision Pro, you can expect to see a

#202 -1390 ALPHA LAKE RD., FUNCTION JUNCTION, WHISTLER, B.C. V8E 0H9. PH: (604) 938-0202 FAX: (604) 938-0201 www.piquenewsmagazine.com

lot more dorks in ski goggles in public in the years to come—whether or not you’re at a ski resort.

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR In this week’s letters, writers offer thanks to the Whistler Fire

Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@piquenewsmagazine.com

Rescue Service and draw attention to grant funding through the Whistler Health Care Foundation.

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

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Canadians miss a huge opportunity to talk about immigration in a productive way if they succumb to dog-whistle politics, writes columnist Scott Tibballs.

54 MAXED OUT Rather than poison the well of Pique’s annual Valentine’s Day contest, Max opts to revisit

Advertising Representatives TESSA SWEENEY - tsweeney@wplpmedia.com

the trauma of his five worst first dates.

GEORGIA BUTLER - gbutler@wplpmedia.com Digital/Sales Coordinator KATIE DOUGLAS - kbechtel@wplpmedia.com Production - production@piquenewsmagazine.com

Environment & Adventure

30 RANGE ROVER B.C.’s new Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework is a step in the right

Arts Editor ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

direction for species-at-risk, writes Leslie Anthony—but is it enough?

Reporters

Lifestyle & Arts

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

38 FORK IN THE ROAD Columnist Glenda Bartosh is moving past the grey days and seeing red in

DAVID SONG - sports@piquenewsmagazine.com ALYSSA NOEL - arts@piquenewsmagazine.com

all the best ways for Valentine’s Day.

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,

44 MUSEUM MUSINGS Looking back at the Olympic Parking Lot—and the traffic and parking logistics of skiing Whistler in its infancy.

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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OPENING REMARKS

Are you afraid of the dork? HERE IN WHISTLER, you wouldn’t think twice about someone walking around in public with ski goggles on their face. You might wonder why the goggles weren’t resting on their head, but they wouldn’t be categorically out of place. If said person was waving their arms in front of their face, poking and prodding the air, you might give them a funny look— but then, recreational psychedelics are not

BY BRADEN DUPUIS uncommon in Whistler, either, so you might shrug off the waving arms, too. But, whether you’re at a ski resort or not, you can expect to start seeing ski goggles and waving arms in public a lot more moving forward. That’s because on Friday, Feb. 2, Apple officially released its Apple Vision Pro headset—a high-tech set of ski goggles enabling augmented reality and what Apple is calling “spatial computing.” Videos are already making the rounds of dorky-looking goofs wearing the tech in public, poking at the empty space in front of them and appearing in a reality all their own— because they kinda are. The headsets start at US$3,499, so, like many Apple products, they will begin life as a status symbol for the wealthy. But virtual and augmented reality tech is far from a fad—even if adoption rates aren’t shooting through the stratosphere (yet). According to statista.com, about 98 million people will use VR tech this year—a little over one per cent of the global population—while 23 million will dabble with more advanced AR technology, like the Apple Vision Pro. By 2027, statista estimates more than 100 million people will be using VR and AR tech; an impressive number, but still a far cry from the billions of people who use a

smartphone every day. The VR and AR market is expected to generate about US$38.6 billion in revenue in 2024, and statista estimates the market will grow at an annual rate of about 10 per cent for the next five years. It’s OK to be skeptical, especially at this early stage when the tech is still developing. But as a recent adopter of a high-end VR headset myself, I suspect those numbers may be conservative in the long-run—because VR has the potential to change everything. What do you get for looking like a rejected extra from Ready Player One? To this point, much of the appeal has centred around entertainment—playing video games in virtual reality worlds, or joining chat rooms or poker games with other online avatars in a digital world adjacent our own. But after spending some time with the tech, you start to appreciate some of the practical possibilities.

your headset, and watch the digital office materialize around you for your morning meeting. What about on the mountain? The Vision Pro isn’t a suitable substitute for actual ski goggles (yet), but with a little imagination, you can see the potential: a heads-up display showing things like heart-rate, lift-line status, and ops updates, perhaps? Terrain mapping and risk identification? You could even gamify it, adding virtual racing gates, time trials from other skiers, and leaderboards. The possibilities are endless, here: healthcare workers could use spatial computing to check vital signs and patient info; searchand-rescue could use it to keep track of and communicate with each other during risky rescues, or even pick out hard-to-locate subjects; gyms could incorporate it into immersive workouts in wild locales. But we’re getting ahead of ourselves, of course.

“Our framework suggests that the best use cases will be in contexts where it is normally expensive or dangerous to get information, highlighting the value of VR, or where the environment is so complex that the value of digital overlays to clarify it via AR is high— or both. Think applications like prototyping the design of a new aircraft or building, or assisting in remote medical procedures.” But that is the tech as it exists now. As Gans points out, Apple’s innovations have a track record of evolving from how they were originally perceived. “The iPod was a digital walkman. The iPhone was a connected iPod. The iPad was a bigger iPhone. The Apple Watch was a better smartwatch. And the Vision Pro is an unconstrained 3D screen,” he wrote. “In the previous cases, the device is outgrown and becomes more than that initial use by enabling developer innovation. The Vision Pro is a welcome new experiment along

The Apple Vision Pro alone has the potential to revolutionize workflows, even if the tech still needs time to develop. Take the work-from-home debate sparked by the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced companies the world over to re-examine the need for physical office spaces. Tools like Zoom and Slack helped us connect with our colleagues from home—VR will bring the office itself to our homes. Soon, all you’ll have to do is strap on

The Harvard Business Review is less optimistic about the transformative power of the Vision Pro—at least for now. “VR meetings with avatars in pretty rooms do not provide information that is obviously more useful to those in the meetings that might arise from a Zoom call. AR glasses that provide text notifications as you walk around are increasing your cognitive load rather than decreasing it,” wrote economist Joshua Gans, in the Review.

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a well-trodden path in computing.” This isn’t some far-flung future we’re talking about here—the technology exists now, and while it’s still too pricy to truly crack the mainstream, that is changing fast, and options like the Meta Quest (now in three models) are not out of reach for most consumers. The future—wonderfully weird and wildly exciting—is here. You just have to be fine with looking like a dork to get full access. ■

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8 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks for the lifeline, Whistler Fire Rescue Service I wanted to give a big shout out to the Whistler Fire Rescue Service (WFRS) night shift who helped our family out during the early morning hours of Jan. 29 with the big power outage. Their efforts helped mitigate what could very well have been a very costly home flood for us. We live in an area where the water table is quite high, our two sump pumps keep things at bay for our home’s basement during the winter and spring periods. Unfortunately, things took a left turn when the power went out on the 29th, along with our ability to hold back the rising levels of the water table. Knowing flood damage would occur within the next half hour (we could see the water rising quickly in the sump pits), we pre-emptively called Walsh Restorations and Canstar Restorations hoping to head it off at the pass. Ironically, they said they could only help us IF the damage was occurring or had occurred, not before. Grasping at straws, we contacted the WFRS. When they arrived, the water in our sump pits had just crested the top, and water was now starting to flow

“As difficult and strenuous as it was, our family of four made a great working team that night.” - JOHN MURPHY

out onto the floor. WFRS kindly supplied us shore power for 10 minutes in order to power our pumps just enough to drain the two sump pits, even though it was against their standard call-out procedures. WFRS left after 10 minutes. The pits were now half-empty, but they had thrown us enough of a lifeline so we could now get a game plan in place and manually start bailing the pits to stay on top of it. It was an uphill battle as our family bailed water non-stop for the next five and a half hours. It felt like a futile effort as the water levels in the pit still rose, albeit much, much slower. Exhausted and ready to tap out, relief came at 6 a.m. when the power came back on and the sweet sound of the pumps fired up. As difficult and strenuous as it was, our family of four made a great working team that night. Together we saved our home and prevented thousands of dollars in flood damage. Thank you again Whistler Fire Rescue Service for the lifeline! John Murphy // Whistler

Third-annual January for Jesse a rousing success Last week The Beacon Pub & Eatery presented Whistler Search and Rescue with $9,200 in honour of Jesse Van Roon. Our third-annual January for Jesse event was a great success! A massive thank you to all of the businesses who donated to make this fundraiser possible,

MARSHALL VINER PERSONAL

REAL ESTATE CORPORATION

Viner & Associatese: t: 604-935-6287 e: marshall@marshallviner.com t: 604.935.2287 marshall@marshallviner.com marshallviner.com

8065 Nicklaus N. Blvd 3 Bedrooms + Family Room + Office + Den 4.5 Bathrooms Spectacular lakefront views across Green Lake and up to the Armchair Glacier Open-concept kitchen adjacent to the living room and dining room. Primary bedroom on the top-level w sweeping views of Green Lake and the mtns. Main level features two bedrooms, each w ensuite bathroom. Decks for morning sun facing Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains or afternoon sun on the West deck overlooking Green Lake.

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10 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR and to our amazing community for coming out to support the cause. Jesse would be proud. Frances de Montigny // Assistant Restaurant Manager Beacon Pub & Eatery

Spread the word about WHCF grant funding The Whistler Health Care Foundation (WHCF) is launching its annual Grant Funding Program, and your help is needed to spread the word to any non-profit in the Sea to Sky region that has a health-care-related project in need of funding to ensure success. This is the third year of the Grant Funding Program thanks to the generosity of the Goudge Family Foundation, which has been supportive since inception, and the Touchet Family Foundation, which has graciously joined this year allowing us to dramatically increase funds available. The support of these two

family foundations is critical to the program’s success. The Grant Funding Program is designed to expand the reach of the WHCF into the community and help support health-related initiatives that otherwise may struggle to find funding. All successful applicants will have a health-care-related project that may include the purchase of equipment, healthcare education, or a special event/conference that will contribute to the improvement of our communities’ physical or mental health. The deadline is Feb. 20. For more information about the program and an application, please go to our website at whistlerhealthcarefoundation.org/grantfunding-program. Please help us get the word out and be part of making health-care more accessible in our communities. Dale Thiessen and Carol Leacy // WHCF Grant Funding Committee n

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Backcountry Update AS OF WEDNESDAY, FEB. 7

Dear winter, please come again soon... Even though it’s February, the snowpack is still quite thin in the mountains. The atmospheric river that ripped through the coast at the end of January left a robust crust that extends to mountaintops. Fortunately, the freezing levels dropped enough for the following storm to deliver 20 to 40 centimetres of snow above approximately 1,900 metres. Now we are in a bit of a holding pattern waiting for a return to winter. With no significant snow in the forecast for the next week, we may have to sit tight for a while longer. The best riding this weekend will be on wind-sheltered, lower-angle slopes, at higher

elevations. Lower-angle terrain rides better when there is a bit of snow sitting on top of a hard crust, as you’ll feel the crust less compared to steeper slopes. Other mountain hazards such as crevasses, falling on steep, icy slopes, and difficult travel at lower elevations will likely outweigh the avalanche concerns this weekend. Avalanche problems will likely be limited to managing cornices and lingering wind slabs in isolated areas below alpine ridgetops. If you plan to head out, remember to check the daily forecast at avalanche.ca, make your own assessments as you travel, and use caution due to the many hazards that exist out there. n

Fantastic building conditions: easy access, flat lots Sunny, southwestern exposures and amazing mountain views. Lot backs onto a treed area to the east oriented to take advantage of partial golf course views between lots 14 and 15 across Cypress Place

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

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

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PIQUE N’ YER INTEREST

Canada needs to reduce its immigration intake WHETHER the parties in Ottawa have policy to back up their words or not, the number of immigrants to Canada has become more and more of a talking point in recent months, as cost-of-living pressures bite,

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS stibballs@piquenewsmagazine.com housing availability gets worse and worse, and the economy struggles. There’s a cynical equation informing government decisions on migration numbers that seems fairly widely understood, in that population growth equals economic growth— so when the economy isn’t doing all that great on a per-capita level, the numbers can be fudged with a greater immigrant intake so the gross domestic product number (the shiny one governments love to talk about) gets bigger. Meanwhile, on-the-ground Canadians feel like they’re getting poorer. Economic datapoints and the word on the street suggest that’s what’s happening in Canada today. Inevitably, immigration has become a subject to discuss, and I’m glad we’ve finally come to it. Rehashing failures in housing policy—

which have created a sector that feeds off itself through speculators—is old-hat, and something we all seem well-versed on. So, immigration. A touchy subject on any given day, I myself am an immigrant, so I have to be very careful about what I say, lest somebody tell me I don’t need to worry about the discussion because I’m the “right kind of immigrant” in that distasteful, off-colour way that makes me cringe. I know exactly what they mean when people say that to me (and many have in the six years I have called Canada home), but its inclusion in a conversation invalidates essentially everything on either side of its utterance—and that’s a damn shame, because their words are correct, but the meaning behind them is not (to spell it out, it’s to do with the colour of my skin and my country of origin). Controversially, I agree with the statement, in that I am the right kind of immigrant: I met all the criteria the Government of Canada laid out before me before I came to Canada, before I extended my stay as a permanent resident, and before I became a citizen. I am the right kind of immigrant because I did what I was asked to do to pass muster. I didn’t seek loopholes or shortcuts, I didn’t cheat the system or insist it owed me something, I didn’t ask Canada to do anything that made it more comfortable for

me or my sensibilities—rather, I adapted to it. In short, I came pre-packaged as “the right kind of immigrant” that the Canadian government was asking for at the time, and then I brought my money with me and made more while I was here. I also made the quota’s cut-off point in the years my various applications were being considered. Canadians miss a huge opportunity to talk about immigration in a productive way if they succumb to dog-whistle politics and target specific groups of people for interrogation—on one side because of the racist undertones, and on the other because those undertones drown out legitimate discussion and unjustly empower those who would later shut down any and all discussion on the topic. Stricter standards is a slippery slope, because the standards are already pretty clear. Very simplistically: grasp of one of the national languages, have enough funds to support oneself for a set amount of time, and a lack of a criminal history. These are acceptable parameters. Yet, Canadians appear to be losing faith in the process of selecting who comes to Canada and under what circumstances, because the government is not doing a good enough job of convincing them the high immigration numbers are worthwhile. Canada simply needs to cut the number it permits on an annual basis. “The right

kind of immigrant” can always wait until the following year. Canada will always be an appealing country, in which people from all over the world are going to want to live; more than Canada could ever effectively allow to move here and maintain its baseline quality of life for citizens. But just because someone wants something, doesn’t mean Canada has to give it to them. Canada does not have to, and should never shut itself off from the world, but the social acceptability of 485,000 new permanent residents in 2024 is clearly questionable in today’s economic climate, let alone the number of temporary workers and students—especially when the government is explicit in saying immigration is important for the economic growth of Canada. That angle doesn’t cut it when Canadians feel like they’re getting poorer. On top of that is the government’s laissez-faire approach to the problems it creates for everyone, welcoming hundreds of thousands of people eager to come to Canada, only to leave them to bear the brunt of the social unacceptability of the entire situation while shrugging and denying there is a problem. Canada needs to reduce its immigration intake, it needs to do it now, and it needs to be able to do it in a rhetorically literate way that doesn’t pander to populist scapegoating. ■

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NEWS WHISTLER

Whistler real estate trending towards a conservative 2024 THE MARKET WAS VERY SLOW IN 2023, BUT SHOULD LOOSEN UP THROUGH 2024 AS INTEREST RATES DROP, SAY REALTORS

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS WHISTLER’S REAL-ESTATE sector is expected to stay steady over the next year, with interest rates still high and buyers and sellers not quite meeting in the middle after the slow year that was 2023. “In 2023 we had approximately half the number of sales in the overall market as we had in 2021, which was a very fast-paced market,” said Stefanie Hostetter, chief executive officer of RE/MAX Sea to Sky in Whistler. Hostetter explained 2023 was a low year for the local market, after a rise in interest rates in 2022 put the brakes on sales. “The pace of the market has certainly been slower, but does that mean the price has come down? The answer to that is, it depends,” she said. What it depends on is property type—the value of a single-family residential home in Whistler was $2,842,000 of July 1, according to BC Assessment, while strata properties (condos and townhomes) sat at about $1,349,000—decreases of two and one per cent, respectively. One interesting point about Whistler’s

REAL TALK Whistler realtors are expressing cautious optimism—but all eyes are still on interest rates. EDB3_16 / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

14 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

current real-estate market is the number of available properties has not increased, Hostetter said. “Back when we had our last recession and our slow market after the 2008-09 crash in the U.S. … in [the] years following that, we had a ton of properties on the market that people wanted to get rid of—we’re not seeing that right now. We still have about 250 properties on the market of all property types in Whistler, and that’s a really low number,” she said. “We’ve got sellers who don’t really have to sell if they don’t want to if they’re not going to get their price, and we’ve got buyers who can’t really afford that price until the interest rates come down, so that’s what’s really slowing that pace of the market. We’ve got a bit of a standoff.” David Higgins, managing broker of the Whistler Real Estate Company (WREC), said while 2023 was a low point, there were highlights, too. “It was definitely below the average line over the last 15 years, but when you [look at] the whole market, yeah it’s slower, but there’s definitely some bright spots,” he said. “We had the highest sale in Canada here last year at $32 million—our high-end properties still move.” The forces slowing buyer confidence were intentional from the Bank of Canada, with high interest rates implemented in order to slow inflation—but there were other forces telling the Bank of Canada to bring those rates

down going forward. Hostetter said indications from major banks are that interest rates are likely going to start coming down at the end of the second quarter. “So as soon as those rates start to go down, it loosens up that market a little bit where buyers have a little bit more buying power, a little bit more confidence—we’ve already seen in January they have more confidence with the banks holding rates,” she said. “[But] I’m thinking the Bank of Canada is still going to be very conservative with how they bring down the interest rates.” The expectation is the prime lending rate—seven per cent as of Feb. 6—will steadily drop moving forward, with any luck landing somewhere around 3.5 per cent by the end of 2025. “That’s going to really determine the buying power of people in the market, and buying power determines the price things can sell for—I don’t expect the market to all of a sudden go into a frenzy,” Hostetter said. “I don’t think we’ll have a bumper year. I think we’ll be very conservatively putting deals together, helping people get what they need, what they want, whether they’re leaving the Whistler market or coming into it—I don’t think we will take off again as we did with those two-per-cent interest rates as we did in the pandemic.” Higgins shared similar sentiments, saying Whistler is being driven by interest, and

interest rates—though that is the same for everyone. “Right now the general consensus is that rates are going to be stable or go down in the summer or fall, and that means we’ll pick up,” he said. “You could take that statement and do an interview in Vancouver, or Kelowna, Moose Jaw, Toronto—that’s the same answer you’d get from any real-estate company or economist.” Higgins agreed 2023 was a low point, “but not catastrophically low,” and optimism remains cautious. “There’s optimism out there with the rates, but it really is tempered by what inflation does, and how that affects rates,” he said. “If you asked any economist last year, they were predicting that rates were going to start coming down in the fall—and that’s economists everywhere—and they were all wrong.” Higgins added he and his team are keeping a keen eye on policy changes coming down the pipeline that could ultimately affect the Whistler market, such as the provinciallevel shakeup of housing density and zoning, and the federal-level ban on foreign buyers and the empty homes tax. “Housing is a big issue both federally and provincially, and they are throwing all sorts of rule changes at the housing market,” he said. “And some of them are going to affect the Whistler market in ways that we don’t really understand.” n

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logistics around things like traffic congestion will require a closer look from officials at all levels. FILE PHOTO BY BRANDON BARRETT

Population stats point to steady growth for Whistler over next two decades B.C. ADDED 62,114 NEW RESIDENTS IN THE THIRD QUARTER OF 2023

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS THE LATEST QUARTERLY population estimates dropped at the end of January, with the population of British Columbia estimated at about 5,581,127 as of Oct. 1, 2023—an increase of 62,114 people over the previous quarter. That growth came almost entirely from international sources—the net change in B.C.’s population was thanks to an additional 66,190 international arrivals, offset by a net loss of 4,634 people to other Canadian provinces. The remainder—558—came naturally (10,897 babies were born in B.C. between July and October, while 10,339 people died). For the communities of the Sea to Sky corridor, population estimates and forecasts point to sustained growth heading into the next few decades. Whistler’s population projections out to 2046 show the community growing to more than 20,000, or roughly the population of Squamish in 2016. Mayor Jack Crompton said the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is working to prepare for the steady growth on the horizon. “We’ve taken on a number of planning processes that are inputs to that work—the Whistler Sessions [and] the Balance Model are providing us insight into exactly what our future could look like and how we should respond,” he said. “Our goal is to be as agile as we possibly can as we respond to our community’s changing face.” But what does that look like? Well, similar to what’s already happening: Continued investments in resident worker housing through the Whistler Housing Authority, advocacy on developing local and regional transit, and a climate focus.

As of 2023, Whistler had an estimated population of 13,945. Its projected population of 20,380 by 2046 is an increase of more than 46 per cent. That puts it slightly ahead of B.C.’s projected growth rate of almost 42 per cent, to 7.9 million by 2046. Crompton said growth is top of mind for everyone. “We need to prepare for it whether or not we are ready for it. Whistler is a diverse community, so some of us resist that growth and I think some of us are eager for it,” he said. “I moved here because I love so much about Whistler being a small town in the mountains—my hope is that we hang on to some of what has made Whistler so great as the province continues to grow.” Whistler has the unique distinction of hosting a population significantly larger than its resident base on any given day due to its nature as a resort community, with that population estimated to average out at 42,000 through the year. Crompton said he expects that number to go up with the resident population. “The infrastructure that exists has been built to serve residents and tourists, and as our resident population grows we’d expect there to be some growth in tourism. We’ll need to continue to plan to deliver infrastructure and services that address the needs of both groups … The relationship between visitors and residents and community comfort with visitation is critically important to getting this right.” Further afield in the corridor, Squamish will remain the largest community of the Sea to Sky for the foreseeable future. In 2023, the community had an estimated population of 24,507 people, and by 2046 is forecast to have a population of 37,595—an increase of 53 per cent. Meanwhile, Pemberton is expected to see the most significant growth, percentage-wise, going from 3,661 in 2023 to 6,250 in 2046—an increase of almost 71 per cent over 23 years. n

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RMOW to spend up to $2.64M on new fire trucks WHISTLER FIRE RESCUE SERVICE WILL OPERATE THREE TRUCKS FROM THE SAME COMPANY BY THE END OF 2027

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS THE RESORT MUNICIPALITY of Whistler (RMOW) will spend up to $2.64 million on acquiring another two new rescue pumper trucks for the Whistler Fire Rescue Service (WFRS) over the next few years. Council signed off on the expenditures at the Feb. 6 council meeting, with a staff report noting two rescue pumper trucks in the fleet are 24 and 27 years old, no longer meet industry standards, and are recommended for retirement—hence the need for shiny new replacements. Falling shy of industry standards as set out by the Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS) association means the two vehicles in the fleet have a reduced rating, “and this can affect the insurance premiums paid by the community to insure their buildings,” according to the report. Those premiums won’t move for a while, however; the two trucks, which will be built by Winnipeg-based Fort Garry Fire Trucks, are not expected to be delivered to the WFRS until the end of 2027. The order for two trucks comes quick on the heels of a previous order in 2023 for one rescue pumper truck, which was tagged at $1.17 million, also made by Fort Garry Fire Trucks.

ON CALL The Whistler Fire Rescue Service will benefit from new rescue pumper trucks in the years ahead. PHOTO BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

“By ordering three similar fire apparatus in a short period of time, the RMOW expects that significant advantages to the WFRS team will result,” reads the report. “All RMOW rescue pumper trucks will have the same layout and design, thereby promoting both maintenance and operating

efficiencies. Moving forward with an extension of the existing contract at this time ensures that we will have three similar trucks in our fleet, and with the long lead time required for production of these trucks, early ordering is important to ensure that trucks will be available by the end of 2027.”

According to a communications official with the RMOW, the previous order from June 2023 is yet to arrive, with an estimated delivery date of late 2024. The $2.64-million price tag on the two additional new trucks does not blow out the RMOW’s vehicle replacement budget for 2024, which was listed at $2.143 million in the budget just recently passed, according to the official. “The vehicle replacement budget for 2024 is still $2.143 million. 2024 includes the balance of purchase for the existing unit in production (from 2023) and partial payment for the unit scheduled for completion in 2025,” they said in an email to Pique. There will be some tinkering with the fiveyear financial plan, however—but in pushing some expenses further down the line, rather than bringing them forward. At the Feb. 6 council meeting, councillors queried the improvements to fire trucks in the 20-plus years since the current trucks were purchased, and were told while pumping capacity is similar, the new trucks come with much improved safety for fire crews (compared to the current trucks with zero airbags), and better technology that makes fire and rescue services easier to carry out. Mayor and council voted unanimously to support the order of two additional pumper trucks from Fort Garry Fire Trucks. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

Here’s how Whistler will spend its tourism dollars in 2024 TRACKING RMI AND MRDT IN THE 2024 BUDGET—FROM DISC GOLF TO PARK IMPROVEMENTS

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS THE RESORT MUNICIPALITY of Whistler (RMOW) will benefit from almost $14 million in funds generated from tourism and hotel stays during the 2024 budget year, according to the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) 2024 budget documents. The money flows from the Municipal and Regional District Tax (MRDT), also known as the “hotel tax,” which returns to local governments a portion of funds generated from overnight stays, and the Resort Municipality Initiative (RMI), a provincial revenue stream also pulled from hotel stays, and vended out to the province’s 14 resort municipalities. Most of the funding raised through the MRDT in Whistler is kept in provincial coffers, and does not come back to the area, while the RMI allocation is determined by a community’s needs and average MRDT revenues year-on-year. The RMOW is estimating it will receive $7.8 million in MRDT funds and $6.01 million in RMI funds in 2024. So where will it be spent? As stipulated by the province, with few exceptions, the funds from both streams have to go to services or infrastructure that will “directly

enhance tourism and the tourism experience,” so for Whistler, there’s a lot of options. Under the RMOW’s 2024 proposed project list, the MRDT funding stream has nine projects on the docket totalling $924,500— significantly below the projected $7.8 million coming in, but we’ll get back to that. In the grand scheme of the RMOW’s entire 121-long project list, the MRDT projects are all relatively small, ranging from $22,000 for a project called “Cultural Initiatives,” which will sow the seeds for an eventual Heritage Society, to $200,000 for general improvements across the RMOW’s parks and open spaces. Like said park operation expenses, much of the projects the RMOW spends the MRDT funds on are community-facing. One such item is the development of a Parks and Valley Trail Strategy, a Big Movesrelated project to review Whistler’s existing parks and Valley Trail network “in the context of aging park infrastructure, existing park capacity, smart tourism, climate change, active transportation, utilization levels and trends in park use.” The project, which boasts a rather large scope, has a relatively pithy $35,000 allocated. Meanwhile, there’s also a Disc Golf Feasibility Study ($153,000), to develop a master plan for the rejuvenation and possible expansion of the Lost Lake Disc Golf Course,

“as well as identify and provide a schematic master plan for a possible future second course in Whistler.” According to the RMOW, this funding is in response to “safety, overuse, trespass, rogue activities and environmental concerns” at the existing course. As mentioned, the entire MRDT-sourced project list adds up to only $924,500 being drawn from the MRDT reserves for 2024 for those projects, but most expenses are operational and not project-based—according to a communications official from the RMOW, there’s another $4.85 million being spent on tourism-facing operational expenses. Meanwhile, more than $2 million raised through MRDT is going towards the municipality’s affordable housing focus, with the Whistler 2020 Development Corp getting $550,000, and $1.5 million going to the Employee Housing Reserve. Over in the RMI allocation, the RMOW anticipates it will get $6.01 million, and its list of 11 RMI projects adds up to $5.27 million. The difference (though the $6.01 million is an estimate and not a definitive number) is also made up of operational expenses and contributions to projects through the year. Looking at the 11 projects listed, the stand-out, hefty expense is the Meadow Park rejuvenation project, which comes in at $3.25 million—or more than 61 per cent of the total allocated at this time.

“This RMI-funded project will replace the existing water spray park and playground at Meadow Park, both of which have reached the end of their useful lifespan,” reads the project description. “Construction of these elements is anticipated to commence in 2024 and be complete for the summer of 2025.” The project also includes the replacement of Meadow Park’s irrigation system and the transformation of a ball diamond into a “shared ball and dog off-leash area.” Among the other projects, much of it is signage and wayfinding, with $62,284 allocated to the refurbishment of the wildly varying 134 interpretive panels on RMOW property in a cohesive and consistent manner, while another $27,191 is allocated to updating existing recreational trail maps as they exist in hard copy, online, and GPS-enabled apps. The smallest allocation under RMI funding is $4,000 for parks accessibility, described as an ongoing expense to enact “minor accessibility upgrades” across the RMOW’s parks, with the scope of work to be coordinated by the Whistler Accessibility and Inclusion Committee. A bigger-ticket item—the ongoing Rainbow Park rejuvenation project—is set to be completed in 2024, with a final infusion of $866,061. The funds also cover safety improvements at the nearby railway crossing. n

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Blake Newton Wright MD, Bsc, F.C.F.P. July 3, 1937 – January 19, 2024

The family of Blake Wright is saddened to announce his passing at Vancouver General Hospital after a brief illness. Blake is survived by his loving wife of over 50 years, Mary Alice Sutter. His children Meghan Lorena Wright (Steve) and Seth David Wright (Nicole), and his grandchildren Desire, Carmen, Olivia, and Linden. Blake was born in Fairview Alberta to Alfred Wright, MD and Isabelle Smith. The young family moved to Vernon, BC around 1942. Where Alfred started a Family Medical practice, to serve the growing community. Blake followed in his father’s footsteps, graduating from UBC in 1965 and practicing Family Medicine in Vancouver for over 40 years. Caring for countless grateful patients. A love of adventure led Blake to purchase property in Whistler, BC in its early days. He proposed to Mary Alice on the edge of Alta Lake before buildings were even in place. This is where Blake made many happy memories for himself and Mary Alice, playing on the lake and in the mountains he loved with his children and grandchildren. He will be missed, but those memories will sustain all who loved him. A Memorial Service will be held at St. Faith’s Anglican Church on FFebb 17 att 2pm. Livestream will be available. Please contact thhe Church Ch h for link details. In lieu of flowers, those who wish w to are (604 266 8011) 8 make a donation to the charity of their choice. asked to m

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Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/ParkEats FEBRUARY 9, 2024

NEWS WHISTLER

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District plays catchup on fees MANY FEES CHARGED BY THE DISTRICT HAVE NOT CHANGED SINCE 2014—NOW THEY’RE JUMPING TO CATCH UP WITH INFLATION

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS A WHOLE RAFT OF FEES charged by the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) are going up, after the regional district board voted to approve a staff recommendation that plays catch-up after 10 years of no increases. The board voted unanimously at its Jan. 24 meeting to approve an update to the Development Approval Information, Fees and Notification Procedures Bylaw with increased fees that are mostly going up by 25 per cent— and in some cases, by much more. The fee increases cover a wide range of applications: public hearings, zoning amendments, temporary use permits, some development permits (but not all of them), variances and more. In a presentation to the board, the SLRD’s director of planning and development services, Kim Needham, explained the fees were a decade behind rising costs and inflation. “We set the fees 10 years ago, and we have now looked to increase the fees with the rate of inflation,” she said. To do that, staff took into account processing times, advertising costs, inflation pressures, and comparisons with other regional districts (specifically the Thompson-

Nicola Regional District). “We came up with a 25-per-cent increase in fees to represent inflation for most fees,” Needham said, adding fees that were updated more recently than 2014 will go up by 12.5 per cent, and fees for campgrounds by five per cent. Following the increase as approved on Jan. 24, Needham said the new bylaw will automatically increase all fees by 2.6 per cent

The proposed 25-per-cent increase is in line with the overall inflation rate between 2014 through to the end of 2023, according to the staff report, which said the rate was actually 25.99 per cent, according to the Bank of Canada. Processing and staff time was another factor behind the increase, with the staff report noting when the fees were last

“We came up with a 25-per-cent increase in fees to represent inflation for most fees.” - KIM NEEDHAM

on an annual basis going forward, “so that we don’t fall behind again.” Area D Director Tony Rainbow asked why the SLRD chose 2.6 per cent, with Needham responding the number reflects the average inflation rate of the last 10 years, and can be changed in the future if 2.6 per cent ends up being off the mark.

calculated in 2014, the rate for staff time was $75 per hour, while in 2024 and beyond, it was recommended to be set at $125 per hour “to accurately reflect the cost of staff time.” Area B Director Vivian Birch-Jones queried whether there were savings over the last few years due to more people working from home, and was told while that was true,

those savings in mileage and room rental were calculated as “in-kind costs,” and the 25-per-cent blanket increase was the average between savings and rising costs. A full comparison of the fee changes is available on the SLRD website, covering all the associated increases. The majority of development permit applications will not increase right now, “in order to keep these permits accessible to the general public, encouraging compliance and adherence to guidelines.” In some cases, the 25 per cent didn’t cut it. A handful of fees which are additional costs to zoning amendment-related applications saw some of the highest increases well above 25 per cent, with the public hearing fee going from $1,000 to $3,290, a waiver for a public hearing fee going from $600 to $2,990, and a rezoning requiring an amendment to the Official Community Plan (OCP) going from $500 to $1,750. A communications official from the SLRD told Pique the fees associated with public hearings are to cover large advertising costs, $300 room rental costs, and 14 hours (on average) of staff time, while the rezoning increase is required to cover staff time. “If we applied the 25-per-cent increase, it would have covered only a very small portion of the staff time required,” they said. As the changes were adopted at the Jan. 24 meeting, they are now in effect. n

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NEWS WHISTLER

SLRD softens the blow for property damaged during emergency events SLRD BRIEFS: MONEY ALLOCATED FOR GRAVEL; BUDGET PLANNING UNDERWAY

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS THE SQUAMISH-LILLOOET

Regional District (SLRD) recently adopted minor changes to its building bylaws, and included a clause reducing the cost of building permits for reconstruction of property damaged in an event declared a provincial or local emergency by 30 per cent. The amendment to the building bylaw cleaned up some language to make the SLRD bylaws on farm buildings align with the BC Building Code, and added policy to soften the pressure on parts of the community affected by the 2023 wildfire season. The new policy will reduce the cost of applying for a building permit to rebuild in affected areas (and only for assessed damage linked to the emergency) by 30 per cent within a three-year window of the emergency being declared, whether on a provincial or local level. While the change is in response to the 2023 wildfires, it will apply to all emergencies in the SLRD going forward. “We modelled this after similar regional districts around the province who have suffered similar levels of structure loss,” said the SLRD’s chief building officer, Jay McEwen, at the Jan. 24 board meeting. “Building permit fees are a driver of revenue

22 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

for the regional district … we thought 30 per cent was a fair number and an incentive for people to actively pull building permits in an area where people weren’t otherwise incentivized to build inside the building bylaw.” The reduction in fees is limited to documented damaged as assessed; to restoration of a structure and plumbing to its state prior to the event; must be applied for within three years of the emergency; and can only be applied for by the owners of the property. The SLRD board voted unanimously to approve the amendments, which were adopted.

MONEY FOR GRAVEL

A total of $10,000 will be spent repairing Misty’s Lane, a 100-metre stretch of road used to access a handful properties on both sides of the Cheakamus River up Paradise Valley. The request brought forward by Area D Director Tony Rainbow noted the residents along the lane pay taxes to clear snow from and maintain a BC Hydro right-of-way road, but those services don’t extend to Misty’s Lane, which has deteriorated significantly over the years. “The condition of this small road has deteriorated considerably and there are now holes that are too large to be called potholes,”

REGIONAL WRAP-UP It’s budget season at the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. FILE PHOTO

read’s Rainbow’s request for funding. “I would like to provide some funds to significantly improve Misty’s Lane which would be immediate relief, and then ask staff what we need to do to get Misty’s Lane included in any work that we do on the right-of-way.” At the Jan. 24 board meeting, Rainbow said the SLRD should consider maintaining the road because of the taxes residents pay. Discussion surrounded the question of whether the one-time allocation of funds would constitute the SLRD taking on maintenance of the road and adding to its budget commitments, but the decision was made to allocate the funds from the Area D Amenities Fund anyway, with the issue to be looked at further in the future. The $10,000-quote came from the same contractor that maintains the BC Hydro rightof-way, with the funds to go into grading and

building up Misty’s Lane to make it level, and easier to maintain. Rainbow said it is a long-term goal to have the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure take over maintenance of the road. The funds were allocated from the Area D Amenities Fund, which is fed by contributions from developers’ projects in Area D. As of Jan. 24, the work was already done.

BUDGET PLANNING

It’s budget season (again) for the SLRD, with the Committee of the Whole receiving its first draft report and budget numbers at its Jan. 25 meeting in Pemberton. The draft report covered some highlights, with director of finance Suzanne Lafrance giving a presentation on changes to BC Assessment values across the SLRD, increases in budget pressures, and highlevel updates on opportunities for savings and some of the projects coming down the pipeline in 2024. Overall, assessed values across the four municipalities and four electoral areas increased by 1.68 per cent year over year, to $47,086,551,466. Further reports for the 2024 budget and five-year financial plan will be presented to the SLRD Committee of the Whole and board in February. n

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024

NEWS WHISTLER

Affordability still top of mind for Whistler and Sea to Sky residents: MP Weiler LIBERAL LEADERSHIP NOT IN DISCUSSION; CANADIANS WANT GOV FOCUSED ON COST OF LIVING, MP SAYS

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS WEST VANCOUVER-SUNSHINE Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler is dismissing last month’s noise about a leadership review as “salacious” material for media to talk about, saying Canadians want the government focused on governing. “There’s no leadership review, or any organizing, dissent or any of that happening right now,” he said in an interview with Pique when asked about comments from Newfoundland and Labrador MP Ken McDonald on Jan. 24, when he told a CBC journalist he believes the Liberal Party needs to have a leadership review of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Weiler said he was surprised McDonald made the comments, but noted he was known to be an outspoken MP in the past. “I know he’s retracted what he’s said, and I really want to see the prime minister focused on doing his job, focusing on the issues that really matter to people in our riding and across the country.” Weiler, who is in Ottawa, said he doesn’t believe a leadership review is part of any discussion within the Liberal Party, but just “a salacious story for the media to pursue. I think that’s probably out of the (media) cycle, but I

guess we’ll have to see on that.” As for the issues on the ground, Weiler said he is hearing a similar song from all his constituents, from one end of the riding to the other: Cost of living. “There’s a lot of work to do right now, and that’s why I’m really excited to be back

much of the frustration is global—similar to comments he made to Pique the last time he was asked. “When you have the type of economic pressures you’re having from inflation the entire world is seeing, and high interest rates to combat that… it’s weighing on people

“[W]hen people are going through difficult times ... they’re often looking for someone to blame, and that person is usually the person at the head of government.” - PATRICK WEILER

in Ottawa and to be focused on dealing with a lot of those issues that I’ve been hearing from folks when I’ve been going door to door over the last little while, and particularly tackling some of the cost-of-living issues that folks are having,” he said. Asked about successive opinion polling showing the government well behind the opposition in voter support, Weiler said

around the world and that’s absolutely no different in Canada,” he said. Whether the Liberal Government’s efforts to combat the rising cost of living and housing unaffordability are cutting through to voters, he said it is hard to say. “I think you can see that when people are asked about their support for one party or another, when people are going through

difficult times like that, they’re often looking for someone to blame, and that person is usually the person at the head of government,” he said. “That’s why it’s really important that we do what we can to act on this, but of course we can’t just flick a switch for housing to be cheap and plentiful. It’s a result of a lack of federal government investment for 30 years until 2017.” On that, Weiler was in Squamish in midJanuary to announce additional federal funding for housing. As for cost of living, Weiler said the government is working on cracking down on anti-competitive behaviour to soften cost-ofliving pressures through additional changes to the Competition Act atop changes made in December 2023. “[Housing and cost of living] are the two largest challenges that folks are facing, and the frustrating part is there is no quick solution, but it’s incumbent upon all orders of government to do what they can to help alleviate that, and it’s going to be a really big focus over the coming months,” he said. Of course, the federal budget is just around the corner—and acts as the primary platform for the federal government to enact change in policy. Weiler said he can’t preempt what measures will be in the budget, but noted it will be closely watched. n

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In loving memory of Allan Peter Fisher Allan Fisher passed away in his sleep, January 20, 2024. Allan was born June 29, 1930, in Rossland BC. He is preceded by his parents Thomas and Helen Fisher and brother Glenn Fisher.

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After graduating from Rossland High School, he went on to Washington State University by gaining athletic scholarship where he excelled; winning Regional and National titles, in skiing (alpine, jumping, and Nordic events) and running (track, and cross country). After graduating, with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, his first job with the RCA Victor company in the United States kickstarted his career that led him to work at H.A. Simons in Vancouver Canada. There he spent the rest of his working career designing, engineering and building manufacturing and infrastructure projects around the world. Working his way up to the position of Executive Vice President, through Tom Simons and Allan’s leadership, H.A. Simons became a world leading firm in designing Pulp and Paper mills and project management. Allan is survived by his long-time partner Ruth Grubisic, first wife Elaine Fisher, his four children: Christine Fisher (Gerry), Leon (Michele), Marvin (Judy), and Daniel (Sonia), seven grandchildren: Jennifer Delgaty, Meghan Fisher, Marie and Derek Penner, Hailey, Grant, and Mark Fisher, and great grandchild Gabriel Velasco, first cousins Kay Rochon, and Joan Kelm, Nellie Fisher wife of brother Glenn and five children Gordon, Janet, Karen, Linda, and Sandra. Allan loved to spend time with his grandchildren and supported them in all their endeavours, especially enjoying the mountains of Whistler, Rossland and beyond. It was on these adventures that he showed the kids the importance of hard work and determination in anything you do in life, and how to always do your best.

Among his many achievements and awards, he was inducted into the UBC Sports Hall of Fame, earned the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee medal, distinction of President for Life of the Alta Lake Sports Club in Whistler BC, and International Triathlon Union Michel Gignoux award for outstanding contribution. Allan will be remembered as a man who gave freely to his family, friends, and every community which he lived. He will be remembered for his devotion in mentoring and helping people, in business and sport, his positive influence on all those he met and his inspiration by his actions, adventures and achievements. A Celebration of Life will be held; date and location to be determined. You are invited to leave a personal message by visiting the family’s online register at www.clarksfuneral.ca In lieu of flowers, we’d welcome contributions in his honour to the Al Fisher Skiing Award at UBC. You can give online at give.ubc.ca and direct your gift to Al Fisher Skiing Award-E785, or call 604-827-4111/1-877-717-4483, or a charity of your choice.

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024

NEWS PEMBERTON

‘This was the little bus that could’ OWL BUS—THE ONLY INTERCITY SERVICE PAST WHISTLER—CALLS IT A DAY

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter AN INDEPENDENT transportation service between Whistler and Kamloops is no more, much to the dismay of many Sea to Sky locals. Owl Bus, based in Lillooet, stopped operations on Feb. 1. The twice-weekly intercity route ran between Kamloops and Whistler for nearly five years, but owner and operator Jill Stainsby is parking her vehicle for good. Stainsby’s reliable, white Dodge Journey was the only vehicle to provide intercity service past Whistler. On Dec. 31, Stainsby announced her “wild ride” was coming to an end. She cited her advancing age as her reason for stepping down, but stressed there is a need for another company to take her place. “Owl Bus ridership has increased over the years and might be viable for another operating company,” she wrote. “Larger bus lines have shown interest in using this route to Vancouver and perhaps one will step up to do so. There is a need here for affordable medical and other travel. It has been a tremendous privilege to offer affordable intercity bus services here in Lillooet and I have been proud to do so.” Vivian Birch-Jones, Area B director for the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, thanked

PROCEED WITH CAUTION Owl Bus operator Jill Stainsby said the Duffey Lake Road was often treacherous on her trips. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER RCMP

26 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Owl Bus for its service in a letter to the board. “The Owl Bus has provided service to some of our most vulnerable people, as well as booking trips for the general public on demand,” she wrote. “Area B has been pleased to provide some financial support to this service over the past few years. It is sad to see the service ending.” Jones told the SLRD board at its meeting on Jan. 24 she hoped a solution could be

“Every time I got a new customer, they said that they had never heard about me before,” she said. “It was a few customers every day. It was a long way to drive for that amount of people. All the customers I’ve had will now be stuck. There is no intercity bus that goes on [Highway] 99 beyond Whistler. I just can’t do it anymore.” Stainsby said many people use the service to get to the city for a weekend. “It was

“I still hold the route in the hopes that somebody will come along and want it.” - JILL STAINSBY

found at the last minute. “This is a sad little note,” she said. “This was the little bus that could. It has provided invaluable service for many years.” Stainsby told Pique she hopes a new bus will be making regular trips up and down the Duffey soon. “I had my own license and my own route. I was running it for four years and nine months,” she said. “I still hold the route in the hopes that somebody will come along and want it.” She said people had often not heard of her service.

running twice weekly, Friday and Monday,” she said. “That meant that a lot of people who wanted to go to Vancouver for the weekend or to Kamloops could use it. They could also use it to get to work and back.” Driving the Duffey was not an easy task, and Stainsby had her fair share of near misses over the years. “When five people were killed in the landslide [in November 2021], I was stuck on the other side of the landslide. There was another time where I was stuck for eight or nine hours,” she said. “Parts of the Duffey are really getting chewed up. The road really is awful. It needs to

be rebuilt. I was very scared of the Duffey when I first moved here. I’m not scared of it anymore.” She hopes the road will be improved in years to come. Asked if it would consider expanding its services past Pemberton, BC Transit’s senior media relations and public affairs advisor, Jamie Weiss, said BC Transit has not yet been approached by any local governments about a potential future service connecting these B.C. communities. “The development of intercommunity and interregional BC Transit service relies on strong support from multiple local government partners, funding from the Province and considerable planning,” he said. The following intercommunity and interregional transit services have been introduced in the last few years: Cowichan Valley Commuter to and from Victoria; Nanaimo Cowichan Express; Fraser Valley Express (which now connects to Lougheed station and TransLink services); service between Pemberton and Whistler; West Kootenays (Nelson-Castlegar and Trail-Castlegar); service between Penticton and Kelowna; and service between Vernon and Kelowna. Weiss said conversations about improving transportation across B.C. are always open. “Our organization has played an important role in the implementation of the Highway 16 Transportation Action Plan and BC Bus North to support safe and affordable travel in northern and Indigenous communities,” he said. “While there are currently no other intercommunity or interregional BC Transit routes nearing implementation, conversations are ongoing with our local government partners in various communities.” ■

NEWS PEMBERTON

2024

Annual General Meeting

BALANCE BEAM Housing will remain a top priority for Pemberton’s mayor and council in the years to come—but where does recreation fit into the village’s plans? FILE PHOTO

Council talks priorities in Pemberton HOUSING MUST TAKE PRECEDENCE TO KEEP SCHOOL AND LIBRARY OPEN

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter ELECTED

OFFICIALS in Pemberton are debating priorities as growth pressures continue in the village—namely, the balance between housing and recreation. While many community members would like to see more in the way of recreation, the Village of Pemberton’s (VOP) immediate top priority must be housing locals, according to Councillor Katrina Nightingale. Her comments came during a discussion about VOP priorities at the Jan. 23 council meeting. But a recreation master plan could help the VOP plan for a decade or more into the future, noted Coun. Laura Ramsden, who stressed there is a shortage of amenities in the village during the winter. “[A recreation master plan] gives us an idea of what 10, 15 years down the line looks like,” she said. “If we have to choose between what amenities we are going to develop next, our priority would be something like a skating rink. We are lacking that option in the winter. There are other options in the summer.” Ramsden said now is the time to start planning for the future, as Pemberton is currently undergoing a period of great change. “I think from a planning and prioritizing perspective, it would provide staff with

more opportunities when grants come up,” she said. “We have a couple of really big developments coming in, maybe some of the most significant developments that this area is going to see. This would be the time for us to think about it. Is there any way in 2024 we can move forward with actioning with this, whether it means getting a grant or master planning it?” But in Nightingale’s view, all the amenities in the world won’t solve Pemberton’s housing crisis. “I find it hard to have these conversations, because the No. 1 priority we have in this community is housing for our essential workers,” she said. ”It has to go on the top. The school is suffering. The library is suffering. It’s real time now in a way that it almost hasn’t been. “We can have as many services and amenities as we want, but if we don’t have the workers to keep our schools and libraries running, then it doesn’t matter.” However, Nightingale agreed more rec options are needed. “On the lines of a recreation plan, I hear more and more from people who have moved to this community that their kid doesn’t like basketball or skiing,” she said. “There is absolutely nothing for them to do at this time of year. For me, an art and culture piece which could be really important in authentic reconciliation should have a high priority.” n

Pemberton man sentenced to a year for sexual assault of a minor THE 39-YEAR-OLD WAS PLACED ON THE SEX OFFENDERS’ REGISTRY A PEMBERTON MAN is facing a year in prison after pleading guilty to the sexual assault of a minor. Filipe Jose Antunes Guapo, 39, was sentenced to 12 months in prison on Tuesday, Oct. 31 in North Vancouver Provincial Court. The assault occurred Nov. 15, 2018, in

Wednesday, February 21st at 7:00 PM at the Pemberton Brewing Company, 1936 Stonecutter Place Come hear about the amazing projects from 2023, have your say in the next round of federal grants for our region, and opportunity to join our board!

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Pemberton, and involved a person under the age of 16 (their identity is protected by a publication ban). Guapo will be placed on the National Sex Offender Registry for the rest of his life, and will never be allowed to possess a firearm. - By Róisín Cullen n

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

ANNUAL VALENTINE'S DAY WRITING CONTEST

Tell us your

BESTFIRSTDATE Valentine’s day is around the corner – to celebrate, tell us about the best, most memorable first date you’ve ever been on as part of Pique’s annual Valentine’s contest, and win some fabulous prizes. In 300 words or less, tell us what made it memorable – the company, the conversation, the outcome – all the juicy details that warm the heart or make you laugh. Maybe you might inspire the rest of us to pick up our game.

SUBMIT YOUR STORY IN UNDER 300 WORDS FOR A CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF TWO PACKAGES TO SHARE WITH YOUR VALENTINE

Email submissions to: kbechtel@wplpmedia.com CONTEST DEADLINE MIDNIGHT, FEB. 11, 2024 WINNERS AND SELECT SUBMISSIONS WILL BE PRINTED IN THE FEB. 16TH EDITION OF PIQUE. BY ENTERING THIS CONTEST YOU AGREE TO HAVE YOUR WORK PUBLISHED IN PIQUE NEWSMAGAZINE AND ONLINE AT PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM. WE RESERVE THE RIGHT TO EDIT, CONDENSE OR REJECT ANY CONTRIBUTION. PRIZES TO BE ACCEPTED UNDER MERCHANT CONDITIONS, NO CASH VALUE. WINNERS MUST BE 19 YEARS OR OLDER.

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RANGE ROVER

Are B.C.’s species-at-risk finally set to gain protection? BRITISH COLUMBIA is Canada’s most biodiverse province. Unsurprisingly, it’s also home to the country’s highest number of species-at-risk—a shocking 1,807 as of 2019. Clearly, the province—and those of us who live here—need some kind of protection in place for these plants and animals. Sadly, other than a few unenforceable token provisions

BY LESLIE ANTHONY of the Wildlife Act that apply only to nesting animals, there are not now, nor have there ever been, such protections. It’s a strange and embarrassing state of affairs for a province fond of flaunting its “green” credentials. So, to preliminarily answer the question posed by the title of this column: maybe. As in, only if the province’s rapacious and overentitled mining and forestry sectors can be reined in. And since the long-odds on that are as low as anything can be in B.C., it doesn’t look good. That being said, however, hope springs eternal, and the Jan. 31 closing of public comment on a draft of the B.C. NDP’s much ballyhooed Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework is at least a step in the right direction. But before we decide to either applaud or walk away in disgust, let’s take a look at what the

SWIMMING UPSTREAM B.C.’s salmon populations are among the almost 2,000 species at risk in the province. PHOTO BY CHRISTINAPRINN / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS

30 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

government has tried to achieve in the past and what it’s looking to do here. Although the 2017 election now seems like ancient history, this was when the NDP finally beat out the loathsome BC Liberals (i.e., the candy-coated band of archconservatives under Christy Clark, now known as BC United) to come to power as a minority government supported by the Green Party. One of its key campaign promises at the time was to finally enact species-at-risk legislation, something almost every other province and territory in Canada already had. John Horgan’s government dutifully engaged stakeholders across all sectors in a

growth loss, but also gather in endangered species, invasive species, wetland loss and a dozen other interrelated problems. This is the aforementioned Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework, a result of the Old Growth Strategic Review, which included prioritizing ecosystem health and biodiversity as a second recommendation in its groundbreaking 2020 report (“Declare the conservation and management of ecosystem health and biodiversity of British Columbia’s forests as an overarching priority and enact legislation that legally establishes this priority for all sectors”). And if you’re one of the thousands who went online to comment on the draft,

The real answer is that we’ll believe it when we see it.

consultation process. People I knew working in the Ministry of the Environment told me they were set about in the process and “big changes” were finally coming. But in the end, the rancour, lobbying and fractious nature of government-capturing industries like oil and gas, forestry, and mining caused the province to basically throw up its hands and scrap the whole thing. After a huge expenditure of time, money and manpower, precisely zero was accomplished other than some messy department reorganizations. Once the government came to power as a majority outfit in 2020 besieged by logging and pipeline protests, a new direction was charted, with the idea of a more overarching approach that would not only address old-

you’ll be familiar with some of its tenets. The Framework’s purpose is to provide (pay close attention to the government-speak gobbledy-gook) “a vision and actions to align ongoing initiatives to enable the conditions for a stepwise change in how B.C. manages land and water, to support ecosystem, community and economic resiliency.” Intended to advance transformative change across all sectors to support all ecosystems, what is being proposed, essentially, is a shift away from a focus on individual resource use as a priority subject to constraints, to a focus on holistic ecosystem health as the priority. This is as it should be and most laudable, however, it seems unrealistic given B.C.’s history of kowtowing

to industry. “We’ve been on this ride with this government before, and we know logging and mining companies will again be lobbying hard to protect the status quo,” said Charlotte Dawe, conservation and policy campaigner for the powerful NGO Wilderness Committee. “The BC NDP is promising to do better, promising this time will be different, but they need to put this framework into action and truly put biodiversity ahead of corporate interests.” Indeed, the Old Growth Strategic Review had a three-year timeline that came and went, along with species like the spotted owl and southern mountain caribou which, if they aren’t already extinct, are dead species walking. The Wilderness Committee and other groups have been advocating for a speciesat-risk law in this province for more than two decades, and tens of thousands of our fellow citizens have followed suit via petitions. And yet some fear we are now no closer given the draft Biodiversity and Ecosystem Health Framework, according to all reviews, currently misses the mark by playing to vagaries, lacking any indication of a strong law that would be enforceable, free of loopholes, and account for cumulative effects on at-risk species while also respecting the sovereignty of Indigenous titleholders. The finalized framework—a whole of government, whole of society, open and transparent process—along with an implementation plan is due this spring. Will it actually and finally protect B.C.’s almost 2,000 endangered species? The real answer is that we’ll believe it when we see it. Leslie Anthony is a biologist, writer and author of several popular books on environmental science. ■

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024

FEATURE STORY

YOUNG FORESTS 58%

NOT FORESTED 29%

What is growing in B.C.’s Old Growth Management Areas

POOR DATA 1%

Less than a third of the area in OGMAs are actually covered in old-growth forest DATA SOURCE: CPAWS BC

32 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

FEATURE STORY The B.C. government considers most coastal forests as old growth when trees reach 250 years old; in the drier Interior, the old-growth threshold is often set at 140 years old. Less than half of old-growth forests that existed in B.C. before the Industrial Revolution still stand today, according to B.C.’s Old Growth Technical Advisory Panel. Rachel Holt, an independent forest ecologist who served on the panel, said the low share of old-growth trees in OGMAs is emblematic of a forestry paradigm that has been haphazardly applied since the mid-1990s. At the time, the management areas were envisioned as a key strategy to ensure enough old-growth stands from across B.C. were protected to serve the province’s forest ecosystems, she said. But in the nearly three decades since, “we flipped it around and put timber first,” Holt said. “We have said for a long time that that is an illegal situation.”

Logging incursions shrink areas meant for old growth

BY STEFAN LABBÉ

OLDGROWTH FOREST 29%

rotected forests hailed in B.C. as a haven for biodiversity have been logged to the point where less than a third of the total area contains old-growth trees, a new report has found. The study, from the B.C. chapter of the Canadian Parks and Wilderness Society (CPAWS), found 29 per cent of the area contained in legally protected Old Growth Management Areas (OGMA) actually have oldgrowth forests on them. Active cutblocks, meanwhile, were found to overlap on more than 27,000 hectares of land designated as an OGMA, an area more than double that of the City of Vancouver. Designated by ministerial order, the class of protected forest accounts for six per cent of the 11.4 million hectares of old-growth forests still left in the province. As the B.C. government moves to protect 30 per cent of its land base by 2030, the latest findings suggest it is overestimating how much is really protected, according CPAWS’ conservation research and policy coordinator Meg Bjordal. “They’re intended to protect rare, at-risk biodiverse old-growth forests. As well, they’re being used to count towards B.C. and Canada’s biodiversity targets,” said Bjordal, who authored the report. “It’s inflated accounting.”

When a ministerial order legally designates a piece of land as an OGMA, the area is required to be put into forest landscape or stewardship plans. But the report found those original plans are often flawed from the start. In one example, the report points to the Campbell River Natural Resource District on Vancouver Island—a highly productive forest ecosystem where the share of old-growth forests is double the provincial average. Bjordal said she found that, over the last 40 years, harvested cutblocks have overlapped with about 3,000 hectares of the Old Growth Management Areas—an area equivalent to more than 2,100 soccer pitches. Across the province, another 12 per cent of land designated as OGMA are some combination of lakes, rocks or alpine areas with no trees and little biodiversity. That means Old Growth Management Areas are essentially counting thousands of hectares of land as areas of rich biodiversity when on the ground they are often immature forests or completely devoid of trees. “You probably wouldn’t expect 100-per-cent old-growth forests, because you’re going to have some natural areas of maybe rocks or ponds, or things that you would expect in a natural landscape,” Bjordal said. “But the issue is when you have a really small proportion of intact forest as well as patchy areas that just don’t serve biodiversity.” To make matters worse, Bjordal said logging companies can apply to amend the borders of OGMAs so they can access timber. That has left many of the ostensibly protected areas as “misshapen and narrowed” versions of what they used to be. In the Campbell River region, active logging areas cut into 284 hectares—more than 200 soccer pitches—of forest legally designated as Old Growth Management Areas. One section of forest near Stewart Lake on Vancouver Island used to sit within the boundaries of an OGMA. But in 2012 and 2018, regulators approved its removal, and by 2022, it was logged. In B.C.’s Selkirk region, Holt said she has been raising the undercounting of old-growth forests for a decade. Her research prompted a provincial analysis, which in turn found roughly 20 per cent of OGMAs in the region were old growth, far below the provincial average, Holt said. “I’m not surprised where we’re at, because we’ve done this very purposefully,” she said. “Now, we’re noticing because of the biodiversity and climate crises.”

B.C. ‘violated’ federal and international protection standards Bjordal said her team was not prepared for the gap between what the province was reporting to the federal government and what was actually happening on the ground. “It was definitely unexpected,” she said. She said that for B.C.’s protected areas to be counted towards federal and international biodiversity targets, certain criteria must be met. That includes long-term protection, a prohibition of activities that threaten biodiversity, and that the areas facilitate biodiversity. “All of our findings indicate that most of the standards for being reported as counted are actually violated,” Bjordal said. Bjordal said the B.C. Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship agreed to meet with CPAWS after it shared a copy of the report. In an email to Glacier Media, a spokesperson for the ministry acknowledged many OGMAs contain a minority share of old-growth forests. The province has “paused further reporting” on Old Growth Management Areas as it works on a “new assessment approach,” said the spokesperson. “The province is reviewing and strengthening OGMA management as part of its improvement of forest management across B.C.,” read an emailed statement from the ministry. “Factors including a changing climate, insect outbreaks and B.C.’s catastrophic wildfires are all important reasons for reviewing the policies that help us manage our old forests.” The ministry pointed to a number of recent funding announcements as evidence it is working with First Nations to develop “long-term strategies for old-growth management.” According to the CPAWS report, any revised guidelines for Old Growth Management Areas should be amended to ensure they “predominantly” contain old-growth forests. Such amendments should also guard the areas against incursions and fragmentation from clear-cuts and road building, the report notes. If B.C. can’t make those changes, the OGMA should be removed from Canada’s ledger of protected areas and be replaced with something that protects what old growth is actually there, Bjordal added. “I think it’s important for people to know that areas that B.C. is currently claiming is protected aren’t actually protected,” she said. “We need to hold the government accountable.” ■

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

SPORTS THE SCORE

Whistler Winterhawks ascend to 2023-24 Pacific Coast league banner THE LOCAL U15 GIRLS’ HOCKEY TEAM POSTED A STRONG BACK HALF OF THE SEASON AND EDGED OUT LANGLEY FOR THE TITLE

BY DAVID SONG FLY WINTERHAWKS, FLY. Whistler’s U15 girls hockey team has clinched the 2023-24 banner in their division of the Pacific Coast Amateur Hockey Association (PCAHA). The Winterhawks played in Blue Flight, arguably the most competitive of the PCAHA female C League’s three divisions, with four teams within two points of the regular-season title. In fact, Whistler’s 12-5-3 record had them tied with the Langley Lightning (11-7-2) at 43 points apiece. The Winterhawks earned their crown by way of notching one more regulation victory than their closest rival. “I’ve only been playing hockey for three years, and I’ve never won a banner so it’s really special,” said Bella Fruehwirth, who co-captains her squad alongside Tilia Neilson. “I think our team has worked really hard to get it.” Several of Fruehwirth’s teammates also own a playoff title from their U11 campaign: a game assistant coach Jeremy Robb still hears about from members of the community. “The girls, they work hard all year and they put a lot into hockey,” said Robb. “They

FULL FLIGHT The 2023-24 Whistler Winterhawks U15 C1 girls’ hockey team. PHOTO BY ALYSSA RAE PHOTOGRAPHY

34 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

make every practice, they make every game. It’s quite a big achievement for them, and they take it very seriously. The goal they set at the start of the year was to win banners. “And for the program, it’s huge. We’re trying to really establish that female hockey players are hockey players, just the same as the boys. We always have our backs against the wall. These wins are important because it shows everybody that these girls are athletes and they’re here to play hockey.”

notepad to school and convinced many of her friends to sign “contracts.” Roughly 15 girls showed up for that inaugural season, which was already a big leap forward for an area that once had only five or six registered female athletes. Today, Robb figures well over 50 girls comprise one-third of the Whistler Minor Hockey Association (WMHA). Olivia sports an “A” on her jersey alongside fellow alternate captain Thalia Tavuchis, and they’ve helped

“There’s so much energy in the dressing room ... sometimes, a little too much.” - JENNIFER KNOWLTON

A NEW SQUAD

About five years ago, Robb noticed the young ladies on his son Charlie’s minor hockey teams were frequently dropping out, and those who remained were often sequestered from their male peers at practice. That didn’t sit well with him. Thus, Robb and his daughter Olivia decided to try building an all-girls roster. Olivia, then 11 years of age, took her

Fruehwirth and Neilson lead the Winterhawks through a challenging season. “The team’s at an age where influence from their peers is huge,” said Jennifer Knowlton, who shared head-coaching duties with Kayla Dodson. “Our captains are very subtle, strong individuals. I commend their natural ability to calm the girls down when needed—and they’re also going to go out there and score a goal when we need them to.

There’s so much energy in the dressing room … sometimes, a little too much.” Explains Fruehwirth: “I think the main way I try to lead is to make sure everybody’s feeling comfortable and included, whether that’s during practice or before a game.” Robb is willing to admit some of the players under his wing have already outgrown what he can teach them, at least from a technical standpoint. That’s why he brought in Knowlton and Dodson, former collegiate players from Ontario equipped to help the Winterhawks upgrade their game. “The girls’ skills are far beyond me,” Robb said. “It’s kind of a good laugh for them every now and then. They give me a pretty hard time about my skating and stuff like that. I love it. It’s awesome.” Knowlton, meanwhile, praises Robb’s continuing contributions to the team. “Having Jeremy was huge,” said the University of Waterloo alum and first-year coach. “He’s known these girls and he’s run practices for years with them, so I can’t say enough about having him beside me. I definitely relied on my fellow coaches when I first stepped in.”

SYSTEM-LED HOCKEY

As a “house” level team, the Winterhawks include 17 players who live as far north as Pemberton and as far south as Britannia

SEE PAGE 36 >>

SPORTS THE SCORE

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BACK ON TOP Marielle Thompson (left, elevated) and Reece Howden won their respective World Cup ski-cross

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Marielle Thompson, Reece Howden break through in Alleghe

THOMPSON NOW HAS 27 CAREER WORLD CUP VICTORIES; HOWDEN OWNS 11

BY DAVID SONG

time around. Abby McEwen (Edmonton, Alta.) did not make it through her run.

CANADIAN SKI-CROSS athletes doubledipped for gold this month in Alleghe, Italy. On Feb. 3, Marielle Thompson and Reece Howden both raced to their second win of the 2023-24 FIS campaign. It’s the third time this season Canada has prevailed in both the men’s and women’s races on the same day. Thompson locked up the 27th World Cup victory of her career (in 130 starts) and stood on the podium next to compatriot Brittany Phelan, who took silver for her 15th podium. French contender Marielle Berger Sabbatel checked in for bronze. Hannah Schmidt wound up fourth, which is her seventh top-five in what has already been a career year. The Ottawa native maintains a narrow three-point lead over Thompson for the overall season lead. “It’s a great day when two Canadians are on top of the box, and happy to be there with Reece,” said a smiling Thompson in a press release. “I wanted to ski smooth today and to improve the starts. I learned some things from India’s strong starts [on Friday] and it was enough to pull it off today when there was some fast skiing from my teammates and the rest of the field. The team is firing right now and we’re ready to keep it going.” India Sherret (Cranbrook, B.C.), who earned her first World Cup gold on Friday, was fifth this

MEN’S RESULTS

Howden, the incumbent Crystal Globe winner, now owns 11 triumphs in his 52 career World Cup appearances. The Chilliwack-based racer has launched himself ahead of fellow Canadian Jared Schmidt for the lead in FIS season rankings. Florian Wilmsmann pulled up second for Germany, while Austria’s Johannes Aujesky had enough speed for third. “It was a battle out there today,” Howden told reporters after the event. “I tried to focus on my skiing and having a strong start. The start here is a long one and it’s important to get it right. The team is battling hard right now, people are stepping up and everyone is on a high. They put on an amazing event here and now we’re excited to get to the next race and to keep it going.” Schmidt (Ottawa) found himself in 12th, ahead of Kevin Drury (Toronto) in 15th and Carson Cook (Edmonton) who was 18th. In other news, Whistlerite Sasha Gilbert failed to complete his giant slalom run last weekend at the FIS Junior World Ski Championships in Les Portes de Soleil, France. Canada was led by Pierick Charest (Blainville, Que.) in 13th at that particular event. Catch the Canadian ski-cross squad in action again Feb. 10 and 11. ■

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024

SPORTS THE SCORE << FROM PAGE 34 Beach. Some have been handling pucks since they could walk, while others only began their hockey journeys a year ago. Knowlton, Robb and Dodson faced the task last winter of molding this diverse group into a cohesive unit. Some squads tend to rely on their best athletes to drive their offence, whether that’s quarterbacking a power play or dangling through the opposition from end to end. That’s not the case in Whistler. “We’ve asked a lot of these girls to step up in learning how to play a really tactical, system-led hockey game,” Knowlton explained. “Pretty much all of them can shoot the puck in the top corner whenever they want, but we’ve been working on trying to slow it down, get our positions right, and be a tough team to beat. I think the girls have really bought into that idea … and the whole time that we’re teaching these things, they’re having a blast out there. “It really does take a lot of patience as a 14or 15-year-old kid to not just chase the puck when it’s near you.” Switching positions can also take patience, and that was true for several Winterhawks who wished to play forward at first. Knowlton was perplexed by this, as was University of Windsor graduate Dodson. Yet the two former varsity blueliners managed to develop a crop of all-around defencemen— like Fruehwirth—who factored greatly into Whistler’s stretch run. Despite a 2-2 start, the Winterhawks went

JOIN THE SQUAD A past Whistler Winterhawks team at a fundraiser for the Whistler Food Bank. Girls’ hockey has seen a huge bump in popularity in the resort in recent years. FILE PHOTO

unbeaten in nine of their final 11 games to win the C League title. Back-to-back defeats of Langley at January’s end proved vital in their quest to the top.

U18 ASPIRATIONS

No doubt Olivia Robb and her teammates are raring to make some noise in the playoffs. Her father wants that too, but he’s also thinking a bit further down the road. The next goal for him and his peers is to establish a competitive girls’ U18 “rep”

program in the Sea to Sky. Right now, the corridor’s minor hockey pathway funnels teenage players into a relatively high-level integrated team called the Sea to Sky Bears, which represents both Whistler and Squamish. The Bears’ roster is tough to crack even for talented boys, and there are only two total girls in separate age groups: Ella Rempel and Madison Seitz. Yet there’s reason to believe a female-only U18 operation could stand. “It is incredible that girls are joining hockey at 14 or 15 years old. This has never

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happened before,” said Robb. “Typically in the past, what we saw was girls leaving hockey around age 13, so we’ve done an incredible job of keeping them in sport.” Female players who age out of peewee and are disinterested in remaining at the house level must currently seek stiffer competition in Vancouver. Robb has watched his son Charlie strive to make the Bears since he was 11 years old (a goal he has now accomplished), and knows Olivia would likewise benefit from having that type of goal to aim for. Knowlton shares that sentiment. “When I look at it on paper, we’ve got the numbers [and the talent] for a rep team, as well as keeping this house league team going,” she said. “There’s incredible value for girls in particularly the high school age range to have a team-based setting where they’re so fully involved. You don’t always get that on integrated teams, when there are so many changes happening in people’s lives.” Having separate competitive and house squads for Sea to Sky-based girls would give all of them a chance to play with others of a similar skill level. It would enable them to master the fundamentals of the women’s game, which encourages a different play style from men’s hockey with its abundance of body checking. Just as importantly, it would allow girls to continue through the sport together. “I would be so happy [to have a U18 team] because playing with girls is one of my favourite parts of hockey,” Fruehwirth said. “I’d be playing against better people. That would make me get better and build my own confidence.” ■

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FORK IN THE ROAD

Spread the love SEEING RED IN ALL THE BEST WAYS FOR VALENTINE’S DAY HAD ENOUGH GRAINY, growy days (as in grey and rainy, or grey and snowy—take your pick)? Enough to make you scream? Too much rain. Too much grey. Too much water. Too much grey. Too much gloom even without the doom, with folks still mopping up from Pemberton to Paradise Valley— heck, all across B.C. And now Californians are suffering same, while record heat and drought in South America are supercharging wildfires, and Western Oz is cooking like a bar-b grill. Whew. Who knows if Ullr, legendary God of Snow

BY GLENDA BARTOSH and patron saint of all things skiing, will grace our Wet Coast mountains with more of the white stuff before the real, more natural spring we’re accustomed to hits. He seems pretty busy back east right now, unleashing his payload such that people are literally climbing out windows in Nova Scotia just to get out and shovel. (150 centimetres, anyone?) But, hey, cheer up. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and isn’t that what it’s all about? In the best of winters, in the worst of winters, Valentine’s Day reminds us all about what we need more than ever. Love, love, love—with a good dollop of chocolate on top. So if you’re starting to see red lately after

SPREAD THE LOVE Valentine’s Day reminds us all about what we need more than ever: love, love, love (and also chocolate). PHOTO BY OXYGEN / MOMENT / GETTY IMAGES

38 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

all these grey days, here’s hoping it’s in the context of all things Valentine: Red hearts and velvet boxes; red sweaters new and retro; red placemats on white linen tablecloths; maybe even the traditional dozen red roses. Deep, luscious red—the traditional signifier of love, passion, devotion, everything to do with the heart. So jump on the old red bandwagon, but you don’t need to leap wildly into bankruptcy to do so. A nice berry-red smoothie whipped up with a base of cranberry juice and pitted cherries or strawberries (look in the frozen food section if the fresh ones are priced out of this world) then served up as a surprise for breakfast, or in a packed lunch, will brighten anyone’s day. Red-iced muffins. Cookies with a red cinnamon heart on top. Or, what the hell—just give the whole bag of cinnamon hearts before you eat them all yourself! If you feel a little more ambitious and want to delight a friend or three, try the time-

RED VELVET CAKE 1/2 cup shortening 1 1/2 cups sugar 2 eggs 2 tbsp. cocoa 1 1/2 oz red food coloring

honoured tradition of a red velvet cake. When I was a kid, the red velvet cake craze hit Edmonton like an atmospheric river. It was the talk of the town. People said the recipe was from “the States,” which it is, and which added a touch of glamour. They also said the recipe was illicit, which it wasn’t, but that part of the tale added even more titillation. Something about a woman taking her revenge after asking the chef in some high-falutin’ place, as prairie people called it, and the chef passing on said recipe, along with a bill for some outrageous sum—like a hundred bucks. Much like the infamous Neiman Marcus recipe fable about chocolate chip cookies, which was also a load of malarkey. Nevertheless, the women in my mother’s bridge club passed the recipe along surreptitiously, like it was a baggie of dope. While “velvet” cakes date back to the 19th century, red velvet cake started getting popular in North America at the start of the 20th.

1 tsp. salt 2 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. soda 1 tbsp. vinegar

Cream the shortening and gradually beat in the sugar. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Make a paste of the cocoa and food colouring. Add to creamed mixture. Add salt, flour and vanilla alternately with buttermilk, beating well after each addition. Mix the soda and vinegar in a separate container and pour over the batter, stirring until it’s well mixed. Bake in three eight-inch pans or two nine-inch pans for 30 minutes at 350°. Ice it with white icing once it’s cooled—seven-minute frosting was the Edmonton classic, but I hear they like it with cream cheese frosting down south as well. n

The acid of buttermilk and vinegar pulls out the red anthocyanin in cocoa. Anthocyanins are the chemical compounds that give flowers, blueberries, black rice and the like their red, blue, purple or black hues. Interesting—they also protect plants against extreme temperatures. A tidbit to keep in mind in the middle of Black History Month, as we are: Some attribute red velvet cake’s roots to West African cultures where red symbolizes divine spiritual powers. Indeed, early red velvet cakes were considered a Southern U.S. tradition. Some even link the cake to Juneteenth, the day commemorating the end of slavery in America. However, early red velvet cakes didn’t use red food colouring. That little addition is thanks to a Depression-era company that sold same, wouldn’t you know it. The other day I saw a wee cake mix for red velvet cake for sale. Twelve bucks! (Well, it was organic.) But you can do better. Here’s a tried-and-true recipe with notes from my mom, master of the red velvet cake. Happy Valentine’s Day! PS: You can tackle two Valentines with one bone! Pemberton’s Sew it Seams is still making dog beds using recycled fabric. All proceeds go to the Pemberton Animal Wellbeing Society (PAWS) shelter, which was pretty much flooded out. Purr-fect gift for loved ones, including four-legged friends. PPS: Looking for a cool off-the-wall Valentine date place that’s pure “Whistler” without the big price tags? Head to Martini Bart’s and Kevin Wood’s newly renoed Alpine Café in Alpine Meadows. Great food, authentic vibe—how romantic is that? Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning journalist who always loved red velvet cake but hated little girls’ red velvet dresses. n

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Whistler Film Festival saw 14% increase in attendance in 2023 LAST YEAR’S LINEUP INCLUDED EIGHT OSCAR-CONTENDING MOVIES

BY DAVID SONG IF NUMBERS are any indication, the Whistler Film Festival (WFF) is in good shape. The most recent edition of the festival offered a total of 98 films, including eight in contention for Academy Awards come March: Barbie, Oppenheimer, Maestro, American Fiction, Origin, Perfect Days, May December, and Rojek. Seventy-one Canadian productions premiered as well, including 23 feature-length movies and 48 shorts. It all added up to 13,013 total attendees: a 14-per-cent increase from 2022, and a bump of five per cent compared to 2019. Just over 8,000 guests participated in both the WFF’s in-person and online offerings, while nearly 1,850 showed up to special events like the opening night reception, awards celebration, festival party and two luncheons. It all adds up to one of the festival’s best years ever, says WFF executive director Angela Heck. “Overwhelmingly positive. We saw the audiences really coming back in a very strong way. There were a lot more first-time festivalgoers coming from outside of Whistler, so people were making the trip, and that’s

TAKE YOUR SEAT The Whistler Film Festival’s talent luncheon on Nov. 30, 2023. PHOTO BY CHRIS MALMO/COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER FILM FESTIVAL

40 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

really encouraging for us for positive growth for the future,” she says. “While total summit attendance is not quite back to pre-pandemic levels, this is an incredible accomplishment, especially due in part to the difficulties brought on by actor/ writer strikes earlier this year.” B.C. viewers comprised 60 per cent of attendees, including 23.3 per cent from the Sea to Sky corridor and 31.1 per cent from the

and caused considerable damage, spraypainting and deploying fire extinguishers in the venue. Fortunately, WFF staff and volunteers laboured to ensure the crime did not unduly impact festival programming. “What could have been a major crisis with the vandalism of Village 8 days before opening night turned into a success story as we received support from the property managers and our volunteers to ensure

“[T]his is an incredible accomplishment, especially due in part to the difficulties brought on by actor/ writer strikes earlier this year.” - ANGELA HECK

Lower Mainland. A total of 25.5 per cent of attendees joined from Manitoba, with 5.3 per cent of attendees from Alberta and 6.7 per cent from other provinces. The WFF also attracted some international audiences (about 2.5 per cent of total attendance), primarily from the United States. Professional attendance also remained solid, with 2,211 industry representatives in the mix (a two-per-cent increase from 2022), including 775 accredited industry delegates. Days before the event was scheduled to kick off, vandals broke into the Village 8 theatre

a seamless guest experience,” Heck says. “Whistler’s achievement has been truly remarkable, and the team deserves accolades. Even the weather worked out.”

AWARDS ROUNDUP

Chloé Leriche’s Atikamekw Suns received the Borsos Award for Best Canadian Feature, while 500 Days in the Wild by Dianne Whelan claimed the Audience Award. Meanwhile, Altona, the World Documentary Award winner, set a WFF record for single film online sales,

driven primarily by Manitoba-based viewers. The Affolter brothers-helmed movie explores the impact of grief in a rural town after a violent murder, and has sparked notable discourse since its release. “It feels like all of Manitoba watched [Altona],” remarks Heck. “It was a surprise just how well it’s done.” A team of 51 staff, including five employees and 46 contractors, helped make the 2023 WFF possible alongside 96 volunteers who contributed more than 944 hours over the course of the event. “We had a 75-per-cent increase in our volunteers,” Heck points out. “The support of the community was really important from our accommodation partners, our hospitality partners and the volunteers.” WFF-sponsored talent programs also made a splash, providing a careerbuilding experience for 82 Canadian artists throughout the year in addition to networking opportunities at the in-person festival. Three provincial training initiatives were developed for Saskatchewan, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland & Labrador. Overall, networking opportunities saw a 52-per-cent increase in participant attendees, alongside 31 faculty and 41 industry guests. Oscar Wolfgang won the Power Pitch contest with Ginger, while the MPPIA Short Film Pitch crowned Sasha Duncan and easybake. In other news, applications for this year’s WFF Screenwriters Lab program are open until Feb. 15. Find more info at whistlerfilmfestival.com. n

ARTS SCENE

Jane and Jonah Waterous back in Whistler from Feb. 14 to 20 THE HILTON RESORT WILL HOST A MEET-AND-GREET WITH BOTH ARTISTS ON FEB. 18

ALTHOUGH CRITICALLY acclaimed artist

LIKE MOTHER, LIKE SON

If there’s one thing Jane and Jonah both enjoy as much as skiing, it’s sharing their material with all kinds of people. Sometimes, they run into the same folks at exhibitions in London, Paris, Toronto, the Bahamas, and Whistler, and they know anything they sell is likely headed overseas, too. It’s a fitting dynamic for two creators who try to make art that relates to people of all backgrounds. Jane’s been an artist since she was old enough to hold a pencil. A multidisciplinary talent, she is known particularly for her “Gatherings” collection: an award-winning series of sculpture-like, three-dimensional figures meant to embody a spirit of community. Despite that, Jane admits Jonah is years ahead of her when it comes to sculpting. Jonah, in turn, praises his mom as “the best teacher in the world.” He has a sociology degree from Queen’s University, but cut his artistic teeth under Jane until he began to generate his own style. That style is called “dotilism”: a thorough painting of thousands of dots which bring a sense of texture and the illusion of movement to Jonah’s pieces. Jane’s approach is fairly different. She describes it as “whimsical,” based on love, joy and a sense of well-being. Yet there are common threads between her content and Jonah’s—threads they derive mutual inspiration from.

A FAMILY BUSINESS

It’s not every day you see a parent and child share the same passions to the same extent, but that’s what the Waterous family is blessed with. “The wonderful thing about our art is that we play off each other and we have fun

Please join us for

trade tasting An Exclusive

BY DAVID SONG

Jane Waterous and her tribe have lived in the Bahamas for more than a quarter-century, they intentionally maintain a professional relationship with Canada—and specifically the Sea to Sky. That’s why Jane and her son Jonah are again partnering with the Whistler Contemporary Gallery (WCG) for an exhibition. Local fans of fine art are no doubt wellacquainted with the surname “Waterous.” Jane has done solo shows in Whistler for years, and this month will mark the second time she and Jonah team up to present the fruits of their respective labour. “Certainly, Whistler has been part of our history,” Jane says. “The gallery itself is perfectly suited to us, the staff are wonderful— always accommodating and always excited to produce a great show—and it’s just a nice spot to come for a week. The demographics of Whistler’s clientele are exactly aligned with our work: internationally based, welltravelled, with art already in their lives.”

ATTENTION FOOD & BEVERAGE INDUSTRY!

FAMILY TIES Jonah Waterous in front of a selection of his art. PHOTO COURTESY OF JONAH WATEROUS

doing it,” says Jonah. “[Jane and I] are both so fortunate to have such a great relationship, and art has done nothing but bring us even closer together. My father Len and my brother Noah are also a part of what we do. They’re part of the business, we have fun as a family, and our family values are shown in the art.” But the family members motivate each other, too, says Jane. “We push each other, we test each other and we inspire each other, especially Jonah and I,” she says. “I’m always looking to him to get his opinion on what I do, and vice versa. What he’s doing excites me, and also activates a little bit of a competitive spirit. “I have to say it’s been an extraordinary gift to a parent to watch their son not just follow their passion, but excel at it. It’s really exciting for me to have witnessed that whole progression of his work: from when I put him into art classes at four years old to really finding a love for it.” The Bahamas also deeply shaped the Waterous family’s art journey. In fact, it prompted a career change for Jane: a former animator and graphic designer who found a dearth of infrastructure to support filmmaking in the Caribbean. That prompted her to give herself fully to painting. Meanwhile, Jonah’s experiences as a freediver and scuba diver fostered within him a passionate appreciation for nature, which in turn influenced his creative process. “My real goal is to expand my reach to a more worldwide audience,” he explains. “I’m still quite young in my career, and slowly but surely, I want to get my art shown in more places around the world. Whistler is a great place to do that with all these cultures coming to go skiing—and more than just skiing. “I just speak from my heart when I say that we try to create art that speaks all languages to all people.” From Feb. 14 to 20, the Four Seasons Resort will display an exhibition of Jane and Jonah’s work. On Feb. 18 at 4 p.m., both artists will appear at a meet-and-greet at the Hilton. Find more details at whistlerart.com/show/ whistler-contemporary-gallery-jane-andjonah-waterous-in-whistler. n

FRIDAY, MARCH 1, 2024 | 2:00 - 4:00 PM Fairmont Chateau Whistler

ENTRY: $10 DONATION | CASH ONLY PLEASE ALL PROCEEDS FROM THE TRADE TASTING GO TO SUPPORT LOCAL SEA TO SKY CHARITIES * Not open to the public. Proof of industry aﬃliation (pay stub or business card) is required for entry.

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

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

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2024 REGISTRATION NOW OPEN!

SONGWRITING WITH C.R. AVERY

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MARCH 1st

Space is Limited Register Today!

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Resort Municipality of Whistler

Board of Variance seeks volunteer The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) invites applications for a member position on the Board of Variance. This voluntary role requires a three-year commitment from April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2027. Operating under the authority of the Local Government Act, the Board rules on minor variance applications where compliance would cause a person undue hardship primarily relating to matters such as siting, dimensions and size of buildings. Board Guidelines: • The Board consists of three (3) members appointed by Council. • Regular meetings of the Board are held on the last Monday of every month, except for December, at 5:30p.m. • Members of the Board serve without remuneration for a three (3) year term. • Members, ofﬁcers and employees of the Resort Municipality of Whistler and members of the advisory planning commission, are not eligible to be appointed to the Board of Variance. Preferred Experience and Skills: • Experience in construction, development, design, planning or architecture. • Ability to assess case-speciﬁc information and to visit sites under consideration. • Ability to read architectural plans. • Must be objective and exercise sound judgment. Scan the QR code or visit whistler.ca/bov for more information about the Board of Variance and information on how to apply. Submission deadline: February 23, 2024 at 5:00p.m.

FILE PHOTO

ROSSIGNOL WE RISE WOMEN’S LAUGH OUT LIVE! PRESENTS: BACKCOUNTRY DAY FACE SHOTS & SNOW JOBS Join Rossignol and follow Extremely Canadian’s topcertified ACMG guides into the beautiful backcountry. If you are looking to grow your backcountry knowledge, improve your powder skiing/riding, and take in the surreal mountain views—this is for you! Extremely Canadian strives to inspire skiers/riders out of their comfort zones to redefine their boundaries. Find more info at extremelycanadian.com/we-rise. > Feb. 10 > Whistler Blackcomb > $219

SONGWRITING WITH ARTISTIN-RESIDENCE C.R. AVERY You’ll start with the craft of unsung lyrics to see how they differ from the written word that sleeps on the page. Then you’ll dive into the gentle dance of taking these skeleton ideas of words and finding their highwire melodies and crossroad chords that have been patiently waiting for an eternity at the train station of song. Read more at thepointartists.com. > Feb. 11, 2 p.m. > The Point Artist-Run Centre > $15

Laugh Out LIVE! is back for two nights of comedy with a Whistler twist! Never been to a show? Think Saturday Night Live meets Whose Line Is It Anyway? meets The Price is Right meets Whistler! Use the LOCAL25 code at checkout to get the locals’ discount! > Feb. 16, 8 to 10 p.m. > Maury Young Arts Centre > $35

9TH ANNUAL WINTER CARNIVAL AT THE POINT ARTIST-RUN CENTRE Please join us for the return of Winter Carnival at The Point, a community celebration featuring live music, dinner and dancing, and a host of free afternoon activities celebrating winter through the lens of the arts. This year’s Winter Carnival has expanded to two days on Sunday, Feb. 18 and Monday Feb. 19 of the B.C. Family Day long weekend. Find more info at thepointartists.com. > Feb. 18 and 19 > The Point Artist-Run Centre > Varies

Come watch SuperBowl LVIII

Sunday Feb. 11th

Kansas City vs San Francisco in Las Vegas Food&drinkspecialsalldaylong!

Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca/bov

42 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Game starts at 3:30pm, be early to secure a seat

PARTIAL RECALL

1 AND THE CROWD GOES WILD Wild Blue Restaurant + Bar chef de cuisine Jasper Cruickshank took home the 2024 Canadian Culinary Championship in Ottawa on Feb. 3. Check back with Pique next week for an interview with Cruickshank. 2 NEW VIEWS Arts Whistler held an Art Party last Friday, Feb. 2 to kick off its latest gallery exhibit, Point of View: Altered Photographic Perspectives. Eighteen Sea to Sky artists have skilfully altered original photographs using an array of mediums, including digital manipulation, fine art techniques, and collage to create new works in this exhibit. Check it out at the Maury Young Arts Centre until March 16. PHOTO BY FREDY VALENCIA / COURTESY OF ARTS WHISTLER 3 ARTFUL STROKES A gorgeous sunset painted the sky over Function Junction all kinds of pleasant colours last week. PHOTO BY SUSAN HUTCHINSON 4 PASSION PLAYERS Kai Gleusteen, violin, and Catherine Ordronneau, piano, earned three standing ovations after a very passionate performance hosted by the Whistler Chamber Music Society at the Maury Young Arts Centre on Feb. 4. The Society’s next concert is ensemble La Modestine on Sunday, March 10. PHOTO BY LEN VAN LEEUWEN / COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER CHAMBER MUSIC SOCIETY 5 CHIPPING IN Janet Pashleigh and a young artist (below) had fun adding to the collage (and the stand, too) at Arts Whistler’s Art Party on Feb. 2. PHOTO BY CATHERINE POWER-CHARTRAND PHOTO COURTESY OF WILD BLUE RESTAURANT + BAR

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

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21-4314 Main Street FEBRUARY 9, 2024

MUSEUM MUSINGS

Thank you to everyone who participated and supported the Get Moving Challenge!!

Special thank you to Ainslie Conway of Back in Action Physiotherapy & Massage who came up with the idea for this fundraiser and was instrumental in making it happen!! In total we had 134 participants, 5 local movers with 13 sponsorships and the event raised $9175 to support WCSS Rehabilitation programs!! (The event page will stay open to February 20th in case anyone would still like to donate – we would love to reach our goal of $10,000…) We couldn’t have done it without the amazing support of our Sponsor Bob Cameron of RE/MAX Sea to Sky Real Estate

Thank you also to our prize and special event sponsors: • Alpha Café • Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre • Escape Route • Lululemon • Coastal Culture Sports • Nicklaus North Golf Course • Slopeside Supply • Audain Art Museum • Armchair Books • Kathleen Tennock Pottery • Splitz Grill • Soles Nails Lounge

• Back in Action Physiotherapy & Massage • Whistler Kitchen Works • TAG Cycling • Yes Improvement Ski Programs • Whistler Half Marathon • Mount Currie Coffee • Whiskers Pet Shop • Coast Mountain Veterinary Services • Whistler Racket Club • We Run Whistler

We hope to see you at next year’s event! 44 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

THE GIFT OF LIFT Concrete forms piled up on the Olympic Parking Lot. WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION, 1979

Whistler’s original park-and-ride BY ALLYN PRINGLE WHEN SPEAKING with skiers who skied Whistler Mountain in the 1960s and ’70s, we often hear stories about skiing down to the dump where Whistler Village sits today. When Whistler Mountain opened in January 1966, the only lifts up the mountain began at the gondola base in today’s Creekside, and there were no runs heading down the north side. With the addition of lifts such as the Blue Chair (1966) and Green Chair (1968), new runs were cut leading to the dump area, but no new lifts were installed north of the gondola area; instead, Garibaldi Lifts Ltd. built the Olympic Parking Lot. The Olympic Parking Lot got its name from the Olympic Run, the “easy way” skiers

the ski-out took longer than expected. Garibaldi Lifts also encouraged skiers, particularly those staying or living north of the gondola area, to leave their cars at the Olympic Parking Lot and catch the morning bus to the lifts, thereby avoiding the lineups for the afternoon buses. In the spring of 1974, the lift company again promoted its free Olympic Parking Lot in a letter to customers published in Garibaldi’s Whistler News. “At the Olympic Parking Lot, your car will be safe, off the highway and you will avoid problems with the highway authorities,” it stated. “Also, you will not be held responsible for causing traffic jams on the highway, or an accident in the case of illegally parked cars.” From the letter, it would appear parking around the gondola area was a problem, and the lift company had most likely been

For skiers, however, skiing down the Olympic Run and using the parking lot required a bit more forethought. could take down to the valley (the Olympic Run still forms part of the ski-out today). The Garibaldi Olympic Development Association, which had close ties to the lift company, worked on bids for multiple Olympic Winter Games, and the Olympic Run ended at the proposed site for the 1972 and 1976 Olympic Villages. By the 1970s, Garibaldi Lifts was actively promoting the parking lot located there, in part to ease traffic and parking further south down the highway. For skiers, however, skiing down the Olympic Run and using the parking lot required a bit more forethought. In 1972, the lift company urged skiers to check the Information Booth for the schedule of the free bus running between the bottom of Olympic Run and the gondola base, and to “be sure to allow in sufficient time to catch the last Olympic bus” so they were not stranded at the end of the day if

contacted by the highway authorities. While the Olympic Parking Lot was convenient for those skiing on weekends, weekday skiers still had to get themselves to the gondola area as the lift company’s bus only ran on weekends. Janet Love Morrison first visited Whistler Mountain on a class trip in the early 1970s, and recalled Lower Olympic Run was only open on the weekend because of this. She and some classmates decided to rebel by skiing down the run anyway, and had to rely on a passing tow-truck driver to get them back to their bus by the gondola before it left for Port Coquitlam. By the end of the 1970s, the Olympic Parking Lot and the dump was replaced by the early construction of Whistler Village. In 1980, Whistler Mountain opened its first lifts from the Village, including the Olympic Chair connecting the Village Chair and the Black Chair. n

ASTROLOGY

Free Will Astrology WEEK OF FEBRUARY 9 BY ROB BREZSNY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): In honour of the Valentine season, and in accordance with astrological omens, I offer you a love letter from an unpublished novel by an Aries friend. Consider saying something similar to a person who would be thrilled to hear it. Here it is. “We will seize the sexiest joy we can conjure. We will turn each other into boisterous deities in quest of liberation from all unnecessary limitations. We will tenderly shock each other with mysterious epiphanies and rivers of bliss. ‘Wild’ will be too mild a word for the awakenings we provoke in each other’s futures.” TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “The greater the fool, the better the dancer.” Composer Theodore Hook said that. Poet Edwin Denby agreed. He said, “There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good.” Choreographer Martha Graham added, “Dance is the hidden language of the soul of the body.” I bring these thoughts to your attention because the coming weeks will be an excellent time for you to get freer, more sensuous, and more unconstrained. Dancing your inhibitions into oblivion will be an excellent way to pursue these goals. So will doing everything with a dancer’s abandon, including love-making. GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Years ago, Salon.com asked various critics to name the most preposterous sex scene to appear in a recently published novel. I was honoured that one of the vignettes selected was from my book The Televisionary Oracle. As I read the critic’s review of my wild, funny, and crazy erotic story, I realized he was a pedantic macho prude who thought sex isn’t sex unless it’s dead serious and joylessly intense. The characters of mine he regarded as preposterous were in fact playing, laughing, and having goofy fun. In the spirit of my novel’s kooky lovers and in accordance with astrological omens, I invite you to pursue uproarious amusement while enjoying the arts of intimacy—both in and out of bed. (PS: Playwright Rose Franken said, “Anyone can be passionate, but it takes real lovers to be silly.”) CANCER (June 21-July 22): A psychic told me that in one of my past lives, I was Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome. It’s an intriguing theory that could help explain why my horoscopes are popular in Italy. What about you, my fellow Cancerian? Is there an aspect of your reincarnational history that aids your current destiny? Or are there past events in your current life that are becoming more influential? The coming weeks will be a good time to meditate on these possibilities. While you ruminate on your history, check in with the spirits of your ancestors and departed allies to see if they have any inspirational messages for you. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Kevin Kelly wrote the book Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I’d Known Earlier. There he observes, “Listening well is a superpower. While listening to someone you love, keep asking them ‘Is there more?’ until there is no more.” Dear Leo, this is excellent advice for you in the coming weeks. I urge you to specialize in gathering the deep revelations of those you care for. Opening yourself to them in unprecedented ways will boost your soul power and enrich your wisdom. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Imagine you are walking on a hill at night. You are headed to meet a person you adore, who awaits you with champagne and chocolate. The weather is balmy. The moon is full. You are singing songs you both love, announcing your arrival. The songs tell stories about how much you two love to yearn for each other and how much you love quenching your yearning. When you arrive, dear Virgo, what will you tell your beloved to make them feel supremely understood and appreciated? LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Has your approach to togetherness become infused with habit or numbness? When was the last time you got extravagant for the sake of love? Has it been a while since you tried a daring romantic move or two? I bring these questions to your attention,

Libra, because now is an excellent time to rev up your imagination as you upgrade intimacy, companionship, and collaboration. I hope you will authorize your fantasy life to be lush, unruly, and experimental. Spur yourself to dream up departures from routine that intrigue your close allies. SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Author W. Somerset Maugham (1874–1965) testified, “My own belief is that there is hardly anyone whose sexual life, if it were broadcast, would not fill the world with surprise and horror.” Is that true about you, Scorpio? Even if it is, I’m guessing the horrifying aspects will be nonexistent in the coming weeks. There may be surprises, yes. There may be entertaining interludes. But from what I can tell, everything will at least be educational and colourful. What are your most exotic erotic fantasies? Now is a good time to ask a willing partner to explore them with grace and good humour. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): The Valentine season is looming, and many of us are receptive to advice about togetherness. I’ll offer some principles that I believe are essential to you Sagittarians as you nourish ALL your close relationships, including your romantic bonds. They are from novelist Graham Joyce. He wrote, “Two people in love don’t make a hive mind. Neither should they want to be a hive mind, to think the same, to know the same. It’s about being separate and still loving each other, being distinct from each other. One is the violin string, one is the bow.” CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Lately, I have been intoxicated a lot. Not because I’ve ingested drugs and alcohol. Not because I have been doing three-hour meditations or studying sacred texts. I’ve felt so wildly free and euphoric because life has been dismantling some of my fears. Once it happened when my psychotherapist spoke just the right curative words at a pivotal moment in our session. Another time, I came upon a very large hare while strolling in the woods and had an epiphany about how to heal a painful trauma in my past. On another occasion, I dreamed of a priestess doing a banishing ritual to exorcize my abandonment fears. There were three other similar events, as well. I bring this to your attention because I suspect you may soon also get intoxicated through the loss of fears. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Reading through the annals of famous authors’ quotes about love, I’m horrified by the relentlessness of their sour assessments. “Love is merely a madness,” wrote Shakespeare. “Whoever is not jealous is not in love,” said St. Augustine. “General incivility is the very essence of love,” declared Jane Austen. “It is impossible to love and be wise,” moaned Francis Bacon. “Real love always has something hidden—some loss or boredom or tiny hate,” says Andrew Sean Greer. I am allergic to all that dour noise! Personally, I have been entangled in a lot of romantic love during my time on Earth, and most of it has been interesting, educational, and therapeutic. I am deeply grateful for ALL of it, even the heartbreaks. Any wisdom I have developed owes a great debt to my lovers. What about you, Aquarius? Where do you stand on these issues? I suspect the coming months will provide you with ample reasons to embrace my attitudes. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Have you discovered all there is to know about your sexual feelings and proclivities? Have you come to a complete understanding of what turns you on and how you might express it? I hope your answer to those questions is “no,” Pisces. In my view, all of us should keep evolving our relationship with eros. There is always more to discover and explore about the mysteries of our desires. Always more to learn about what excites and inspires us. The coming days will be an excellent time for you to enjoy this research. Homework: Make a vow to express more love in a way that’s fun for you. 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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ELECTORAL AREA C

Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 7PM via Zoom

Public Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 466 of the Local Government Act that a public hearing will be held electronically regarding the following bylaws: 1. Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Electoral Area C Oﬃcial Community Plan Bylaw No. 689, 1999, Amendment Bylaw No. 1825-2023; and 2. Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Electoral Area C Zoning Bylaw No. 765, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1826-2023. PURPOSE OF BYLAW 1825-2023 & BYLAW 1826-2023 The bylaws are associated with an application to amend the zoning and designation at 2559 Blackwater Road, a 4-ha parcel, to reduce minimum parcel size in order for future subdivision to be possible. The SLRD is proposing to rezone from Rural 1 (Resource Management) where the minimum parcel size is 40 ha, to Rural 3, where the minimum parcel size is 1.5 ha, as well as to re-designated from Resource Management to Rural Residential. These changes will enable a future subdivision into up to two lots. The area covered by Bylaw 1825-2023 and Bylaw 1826-2023 is 2559 Blackwater Rd - DISTRICT LOT 2160 LILLOOET DISTRICT as show on the map below:

PUBLIC PARTICIPATION A copy of the proposed bylaw and relevant background documents may be inspected at the Regional District office, 1350 Aster Street, Pemberton, BC, during office hours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm not including weekends and statutory holidays, or by requesting an electronic copy from planning@slrd.bc.ca. All persons who believe that their interest in the property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the bylaw. 1. Submit Written Comments to the Board: Written submissions must be addressed to “SLRD Board of Directors,” and include your name and community of residence. Until 4:00 pm on February 22, 2024, written submissions (mail or email) will be received at the following: Email:

planning@slrd.bc.ca

Hard Copy:

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Planning Department PO Box 219, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0

2. Participate via Zoom: The public hearing will take place electronically on February 22, 2024, at 7PM via Zoom. Log-in details will be posted to the SLRD notice page: www.slrd.bc.ca/insideslrd/notices three days prior to the Public Hearing. You may also email the Planning Department three days prior to the Public Hearing at planning@slrd.bc.ca to request the Zoom hearing access information.

FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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SEEKING ACCOMMODATION WANTED 35yo woman looking for housing (local of 16 years) Mature German female seeking private, safe home. I’m very quiet, study and hike during the day. I keep my space spotless. (had a cleaning business) I have good references (been in my current Whistler address 10years) I own a car and a calm 7yr old dog (he only sleeps when indoors). I don’t smoke, vape, party or create noise. Never in my life missed a bill or caused harm to anyone and their belongings. Please text (I don’t use my phone at work) if you have something affordable and want a trustworthy long term tenant. 60four 388 four88four

BUILDING AND RENOVATIONS

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FAMILIAR FACES Whistler’s new and council to be sworn in

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SPOOKTACULAR Tapley’s Farm Halloween seeking donations

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ALPINE EXIT? WB open to ‘compromise’ with Whistler Alpine Meadows

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NOVEMBER 3, 2022 ISSUE 29.44 Whistler’s CLOSURE

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Front Desk Staff $22/hour P/T hours available Must be available Monday & Tuesday 9-5pm Duties include pre arrival & post departure check of vacation rental units Some duties include: providing resort information & directions, providing information about the lodge, changing light bulbs, troubleshooting WIFI and Cable, unloading the occasional dishwasher. We are looking for someone who has attention to detail, is able to work independently, can communicate clearly, is a problem-solver, is willing to use a computer and can self lead completing daily tasks. Please send resumes to:

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HEALTH & WELLBEING SPORTS & ACTIVITIES

Into the light As a tourism hotspot, Whistler increasingly relies on an ‘invisible’ immigrant population to function; meet the people working to change that locally

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NOVEMBER 10, 2022 ISSUE 29.45

38WWW.PIQUENEWSMAGAZINE.COM

YOUR WORSHIP Whistler’s new mayor

WARNING SIGNS Latest Vital Signs report highlights challenges with affordability

SOCIAL TIES The RMOW wants to strengthen Whistler’s social fabric

LITERARY LIFELINE Search-and-rescue

and council officially sworn in

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HIDDEN GEMS Mathieu-Chua Duo champion unsung composers in Whistler show

www.whistlerwag.com

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MARCH 10, 2023 ISSUE 30.10

COLLABORATION

Lost and Found?

Group Fitness Classes Fridays – Gentle Fit 1:00-2:00 pm w Diana Saturdays – Yoga & Pilates Blend 5:30-6:30 pm w Liv Mondays - TRX Mixer 5:15-6pm w Andy Tuesdays – Swim Fit Endurance 10:00-11:00 am w M-A Wednesdays – Zumba 6:30-7:30 pm w Carmen Thursdays – Spin 5:15-6:15 pm w Courtney

If you spot a stray animal or have lost an animal, call WAG at 604-935-8364. WAG operates a lost and found service to help reunite lost pets with their families. FIRST NATIONS ARE USING

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NOVEMB ER HOUSING 24, 2022Clothing WHISTLER ISSUE 29.47 mandatory

Full Time Yalakom Valley Ranch is expanding operations and is looking for a self motivated, positive, energetic couple to help manage an off grid cattle ranch in the Lillooet area. Training will be provided, however it will be helpful if the applicants have some gardening, mechanical and/or carpentry skills. Accommodations, hydro, wifi will be provided. April 1st start date.Submit resume to YVRcowboy@gmail.com by March 15. 604-932-0809 yvrcowboy@gmail.com

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LOCAL HEROES Lil’wat brothers recount courageous mountainside

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024

We’re Hiring!

Structural Steel Project Manager Squamish Based Ironworker

WE ARE HIRING! 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

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

48 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

DHD CONSTRUCTION LTD., a Squamish-based, full-service construction and development company is HIRING THE FOLLOWING POSITIONS: 2 ASSISTANT SITE SUPERVISORS CONSTRUCTION SAFETY OFFICER PROJECT COORDINATOR SITE FOREPERSON CARPENTER APPRENTICES LABOURERS COMPETITIVE SALARIES EXTENDED HEALTH & DENTAL BENEFITS PERSONAL TOOL PROGRAM Be a part of the DHD team and our exciting project – Finch Drive. A 20 acre, master-planned community using modern building technologies to achieve some of Squamish’s most energy efficient, multi-family homes.

For more information about DHD, full job descriptions and how to apply, visit www.dhdev.ca.

Coordinator, Accounts Senior Accountant – Manager, Safety and Receivable – Maternity Compliance Maternity LeaveLeave This position provides accounts receivable invoicing This position provide leadership andreceivable compliance inand the This position iswill responsible for accounts invoicing collections, balance sheet and bank reconciliations, prevention ofmonthly incident injury and illnesses across all operations and collections, monthly balance sheet and bank reconciliations, 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 Our idealcandidate: candidate has experience in: (CRSP) certification • Canadian Registered Safety Professional •• 3+ practical general OFA III, (or equivalent) CPRaccounting / First Aid Certification 3+years years general accounting or accounts receivable Knowledge of BC regulatory framework of health, ••• Accounts receivable invoicing and collections Accounts Receivable invoicing and collections safety and environment •• Month Monthend endreconciliations reconciliationsincluding includingallallbank bankand andbalance balance • sheet Leadership: creative, innovative, demonstrates initiative and sheetaccounts accounts leads change •• Financial and reporting Financialanalysis analysis andPOS POSsystem system reporting • Organizational management, partnership and community development skills What we offer: What we offer: offer: •What Brandwe new affordable staff accommodation • Brand new affordable staff accommodation Brand$56,000-$65,000/year new affordable staff accommodation •• Salary: depending on experience • and Competitive $56,000/year start wage plus benefits education $70,000/year • Competitive start wage plus benefits

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whistlersportlegacies.com/careers

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$25-$38 per hour – negotiable upon experience contactus@wideopenwelding.com

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

PROFESSIONALISM

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CAREER OPPORTUNITIES HYDROVAC OPERATOR - Valid Class 1 or Class 3 with air brakes required. Manual transmission. 2 years experience preferred. $32-$37 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.

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.

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

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 preferred. Toolbox available for rent. $37.70-$39.80 per hour. ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST – Keen eye for detail and proficiency in data entry and management required. Completion of accounting courses preferred. $24-$28 per hour. ACCOUNTANT – Prepare financial information, statements, reports and develop internal control procedures. CPA or working towards designation preferred. $26-$32 per hour.

Y APPL

coastalmountain.ca/careers instagram.com/coastalmountainexcavations

NOW HIRING! ASSISTANT MANAGER & SALES ASSOCIATE POSITIONS We are seeking reliable, self-motivated individuals who love to work with people. Good communication, memory recall, math and multitasking skills, are required. Must be able to lift 20lbs. What we offer: Fun work environment, competitive wage, monthly bonuses, Extended Health Benefits, staff discounts, flexible schedule and the opportunity to work where you live. Save time and money ($3+ p/h) on your commute! An opportunity to grow with the business for the right applicant. $16.75 to $24.50 p/h depending on experience

RED DOOR BISTRO IS SEEKING A FULL TIME LINE/GRILL COOK.

Shifts vary, Sales Associates: 2-3 days/wk; Assistant Manager: 4-5 days/wk. Previous retail and merchandising experience is preferred.

•

Managerial, social media and website management skills would also be an asset. Will train the right applicant.

piquenewsmagazine.com/ local-events/

1-2 years experience working in a similar station an asset. Duties include prepping/portioning/cooking steaks, seafood and pan cooking.

•

Imagine working in a well respected fine dinning bistro which is well run, fun, and does 60-70 covers a night.

•

Wage is $25-$28/hour based on experience, plus tips. Medical & Dental benefits and staff discounts in Roland’s Pub. Email resume to

info@reddoorbistro.ca FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Lil’wat Nation

Employment Opportunities Ullus Community Centre

NOW HIRING! Full Time Meat Manager

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

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

Our Team enjoys: ü

Flexible schedules

Training and experience

Substantial Employee Discount Card & Benefits

Prime location in Pemberton

Short commute = less time, more $$$

• Administrative Assistant, Community services ($38,038 - $53,599 per year) • Food Centre assistant ($20.90 - $29.45 per hour) • Youth Centre worker ($17.10 - $20.90 per hour) • Administrative Assistant, Language and Culture ($38,038 - $53,599 per year) • Financial Reporting Manager ($93,475.20 - $101,556 per year) • Transition House Support Worker ($20.90 - $29.45 per hour) • Administrative Assistant, Lands and Resources ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)

Xet’òlacw Community School • Substitute Teacher( $32.02 - $58.36 per hour) • Social Worker/ Counsellor ($80,371.20 - $91,673.40 per year)

Lil’wat Health & Healing • Assistant Health Director ($93,475.20 - $101,556 per year) • Homemaker ($20.90 - $29.45 per hour)

Lil’wat Business Group • Summer student- Forestry ($22.00 - $25.00 per hour) • Geographic Information Systems Technician ($52,000.00 - $99,840.00 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/

Download or fill out our online application at https://www.pembertonsupermarket.com/ about/employment/ or stop by the store and we will give you an application to fill out. You can also email us at jobs@pembertonsupermarket.com or call us at 604-894-3663. 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.

Owner Relations Manager $55,000 per year

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

50 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

Feeding the Spirit of Whistler Since 1988

UNLESS YOU would enjoy a POSITIVE & FUN work environment UNLESS YOU want to be part of a TEAM THAT CARES about each other

WAGES :

UNLESS YOU want an ABOVE INDUSTRY STANDARD WAGE*

Starting Wage $18-20 With Experience $20-25 Full-Time Roles $22-27

UNLESS YOU like big STAFF DISCOUNTS on groceries UNLESS YOU enjoy golfing & want to do it for FREE AT BIG SKY! UNLESS YOU want benefits: SKI PASS (PT or FT), extended health & benefits plan (FT), RRSP matching 1 Room in Bayshores available immediately

WANT MORE? We offer STAFF ACCOMMODATION and opportunities for career advancement

SOUND LIKE YOU? EMAIL KENT AT KDAWSON@CREEKSIDEMARKET.COM

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5 4 6

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Employment Opportunities • Skate Host

6 2 8

starting wage of $22.45 per hour

• Youth Leader starting wage of $22.45 per hour

• Program Leader – Myrtle Philip Community Centre

3 5 5

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

Whistler’s premier 5 2 visitor 1 7 magazine is on stands now!

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Alpenglow Dental is hiring!

Look for our Winter 2024 Issue!

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Certified Dental Assistant This position is a permanent part-time or full-time position to start ASAP. Wage is competitive, according to work experience and certification with the option of extended health benefits. Please email your cover letter and resume to manager@alpenglowdental.ca

# 33

Think you might be a good fit? WAG is always looking for committed foster homes. Check out our website to learn more!

www.whistlerwag.com

4 9 7 8 2 1 5 6 3

Answers 3 2 6 4 9 5 1 7 8

8 5 1 7 3 6 9 4 2

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2 3 8 6 5 4 7 9 1

# 34

7 1 4 9 8 2 6 3 5

FEBRUARY 9, 2024 www.sudoku.com

6 1 4 7 9 2 3 8 5

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PUZZLES ACROSS 1 6 11 16 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 29 30 31 32 34 35 37 38 40 41 42 44 46 49 52 53 55 59 60 61 64 65 66 67 68 70 71 72

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33 36 38 39 43 44 45 47 48 49 50 51 52 54 56 57 58 60 61 62 63 66 67 69 72 73 74 75 78 79 81 83 85 88 89 92 93 94 97 99

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ANSWERS ON PAGE 51

52 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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FEBRUARY 9, 2024

MAXED OUT

What’s love got to do with it? GENERALLY, this time of year, Pique runs a Valentine’s Day contest inviting readers to share their most touching love stories. This year is no exception. The subject is your most memorable first dates. Young love, nascent love, love that grows into long-term relationships, marriage, kids, mortgages, love that shoots like a firework and explodes, raining down flaming debris. Ah, love. I used to enter those contests using one or another nom de plume. I never won. I sometimes got admonished since, I’m told,

BY G.D. MAXWELL I tend to write in a distinctive style editors easily see through. Oh well. I wasn’t tempted this year. While I can think of memorable first dates, they all seem memorable in the way showing up at your date’s door and having her father greet you wearing his police uniform and cleaning his sidearm would be. Scary, off-putting, life threatening. And since Valentine’s Day rolls around on Wednesday, I’ll share the five worst first dates I ever went on. The fifth-worst first date I ever had taught me a valuable lesson: Get to know something about your date before you go out together. I knew next to nothing about No. 5 except I was attracted to her, a fairly populous universe at the time. We shared a class together, and I was surprised when she agreed to have dinner and catch a movie with me. Feeling flush, compliments of the semester’s student loan, I made a reservation at a middle-of-the-road steakhouse, thinking it’d be a treat for otherwise semi-impoverished students. I picked her up in my decrepit Volkswagen, apologized for the clutter, it looking more like an unkempt home than a car, and made small talk on the drive to the restaurant. My spider sense started to tingle when we pulled into the parking lot and I felt the temperature drop noticeably. It wasn’t until we were seated she said, “I probably should have told you I’m vegetarian.” “Me too,” I replied without actually thinking. “So why are we here?” “They have a great Pomodoro pizza... no meat.” “Really?” “I have no idea. Let’s go somewhere else.” Needless to say, there was no second date. The fourth-worst, ironically, took place at a pizzeria. We were enjoying each other’s company and lies, drinking good draft beer and looking forward to dinner when our pizza arrived. Looked good. Smelled good. Tasted like burnt tires. “Yuck,” we said more or less simultaneously. Checking the bottom of the pie, it was charred and blistered black. The waitress was apologetic, agreed it was too burnt to eat and took it back into the kitchen. That’s when the fire alarm went off. Panic

54 FEBRUARY 9, 2024

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is an ugly thing to see, and panic ensued, notwithstanding there was no immediate threat of spontaneous human combustion. The upside was free beer. Never a bad thing. I don’t remember where we went after that for dinner, but at least there was a second date. The third-worst first date was more of an embarrassment than disaster. I had a summer job in a law office. I was 24. There was a very attractive receptionist working for another firm a few doors down the hall. I passed by frequently since the route to the small kitchen took me past her location.

Dinner, sans wine, was nice. My brain finally started working again. The math bothered me. Maybe it shouldn’t have. But it did. Oh well. The second-worst didn’t involve a restaurant. It happened on a tennis court. She was my lab partner in organic chemistry. She had the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. I found out later they were contacts. She was gorgeous. I was grasping beyond my reach. She finally relented and said, “Do you play tennis?” “Of course I do.” The closest analogy I can come up with

Just because you know how the pieces move doesn’t mean you know how to play the game.

Chit-chat ensued, attraction grew, and after several weeks I broached the subject of maybe having dinner together. Much to my surprise, she agreed. She had a winning personality, warm, gracious, engaged, attractive. Carnivorous. Italian? Love it. Since we tended to work late, we left from the office for an Italian place I loved. Seated in a cosy, out of the way booth, I perused the wine list and asked if she had a preference. “I’m only 18,” she said. My heart stopped. My brain fogged. Drinking age was 21. Did she just say she was only 18?

to my skill at tennis is one I’ve heard used to describe chess. Just because you know how the pieces move doesn’t mean you know how to play the game. I’d hit tennis balls around. Played games with other miserably skilled friends. Found the game almost as frustrating as golf. But of course I play tennis. We met the next Saturday morning on a campus court. She looked radiant in her whites. We soft volleyed the ball back and forth a few times to warm up. “You want to serve?” she asked. “Naw, you go ahead.” The ball was past me before my eyes

registered it was coming. Fifteen-love. Thirty. Forty-five. Game. Love? What’s love got to do with it? She, it turned out, had formerly been women’s state tennis champ. We remained lab partners for the rest of the semester... but that was all. The worst? We were friends. With benefits. We were both law students. We didn’t have time for a social life. But one of us was getting squirrelly. Not me. So I agreed we’d maybe go out on something like a date on Friday night. But Friday afternoon, when neither of us had classes, my climbing partner said, “I can’t study any more. You want to go to the practice area?” Oh yeah. The practice area was a stream cut in the foothills of Sandia Mountain. Maybe 80 feet of vertical and over-vertical rock. We’d been working on a route for a long time. Couldn’t make it go. That day it worked. We celebrated into the night. I forgot about my go-on-somethinglike-a-date promise. Oops. “I’ll make it up to you,” I said, annoyed I’d have to make anything up after such a victory. The next day I took her hiking up another cut in the mountain. Nothing too hard. A little hard. A little too exposed. But we made it to the top of an outcrop. I pulled a split of cheap, Spanish Cava out of my pack. A container of strawberries. Choosing the least squished one, I cut the top off, filled it with bubbly, handed it too her and smiled. “I suppose you think this is romantic?” she said, through thinly-veiled disdain. To my credit, I did help her back down. Lost my benefits. Oh well. ■

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