Pique Newsmagazine 3111

28

Four-corner Sea to Sky

14 MOVE IT OR LOSE IT

Whistler is still not on track to meet its greenhouse gas emissions targets, according to a recent update to council.

15 STATE OF THE MUNI Mayor Jack Crompton provided a dispatch from municipal hall at a Whistler Chamber of Commerce luncheon last week.

16 STAY SAFE A 32-year-old Vancouver woman is dead after a snow-immersion event in a gladed area on Blackcomb Mountain.

22 BEAR AWARE

The Conservation Officer Service presented to elected officials in the corridor recently as concerns over grizzlies persist in Pemberton.

32 LUGE CHAMPS

Embyr-Lee Susko became a twotime Canadian Luge Champion at the Whistler Sliding Centre on March 9.

A provincial election primer for Whistler and beyond. - By Scott Tibballs

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Contributors G.D. MAXWELL, GLENDA BARTOSH, LESLIE ANTHONY, ANDREW MITCHELL, ALISON TAYLOR, VINCE SHULEY

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

Opinion & Columns

08 OPENING REMARKS Hinging all our future hopes and dreams on election campaigns—and which white man in a suit wins them—misses the plot, writes editor Braden Dupuis.

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers weigh in on tech changes at Whistler Blackcomb and daylight savings time, and wonder what the future holds for the Sea to Sky.

13 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST Reporter David Song has his sights set on joining Team Canada after four days on the hill (just kidding).

50 MAXED OUT Vilifying your opponent is a time-tested strategy when you’ve got nothing to say on your own behalf, having accomplished, well, nothing, writes G.D. Maxwell.

Environment & Adventure

25 THE OUTSIDER Vince Shuley’s journey to the Interior continues with a dispatch from Fernie Alpine Resort.

Lifestyle & Arts

34 EPICURIOUS Delving into the wonderful world of Turner’s Chocolate with Avison Turner.

40 MUSEUM MUSINGS Remembering Austrian ski phenom Toni Sailer, who ran some of Whistler’s earliest ski-racing camps.

ISSN #1206-2022

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Brace yourselves—elections are coming

YOU MIGHT not have even noticed it, depending on your level of political engagement and/or apathy, but Whistler, B.C., and Canada had a rare moment of respite in 2023.

We went a whole 12 months without satisfying our primal urge to elect somebody.

But with B.C.’s provincial election campaign starting to gain steam ahead of this fall’s vote, and federal and municipal elections

BY BRADEN DUPUIS

to follow in the years ahead, the free ride is over. We are now entering a period of back-toback-to-back election campaigns.

Brace yourselves.

But first, consider, for a moment, how many times we’ve been asked to choose our leaders in the past decade.

In 2014, B.C. held province-wide municipal elections, and in Whistler, Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden won a second term.

The following year was basically one big campaign, as Justin Trudeau’s Liberals rose from the ashes to bounce Stephen Harper and the Conservative Party from office.

In 2016 we might have enjoyed a break, if not for the fevered American election campaign to the south of us.

In 2017, we double-dipped, when MLA Jordan Sturdy won a second term in B.C.’s provincial election, and Whistler’s Cathy Jewett earned a council seat in a local byelection.

The year after that brought the return of municipal elections in full, and Mayor Jack Crompton’s victory by acclamation.

In 2019, all of Canada went back to the voting booth, re-electing Trudeau’s Liberals,

and in 2020, we plodded to the pandemic polls to choose B.C.’s next provincial government.

In 2021 we had yet another federal election, followed by another municipal election in 2022.

Which brings us, mercifully, to 2023—the only year in the last 10 in which we did not have some sort of election to get overly worked up about.

But for all the angst and attention we assign to election campaigns, it sure seems like a whole bunch of us simply do not care at all.

In the last three federal elections, voter turnout was 68 per cent (2015), 67 per cent (2019), and 63 per cent (2021).

That’s better than on the provincial level— voter turnout was 57 per cent in 2013, 61 per cent in 2017 and 54 per cent in the pandemic polling of 2020.

And when we don’t see the results we want, or that our candidates promise us, we get disillusioned. We tune out.

But one might argue we’re missing the point entirely by getting so caught up in election cycles, partisan bickering and the efficacy of candidates (who are only flawed humans like the rest of us at the end of the day).

If we could only do away with the dumbeddown, team-sports mentality of our politics, and work together day to day and week to week on the issues that matter to us, we might actually make some progress.

Instead, we vote once a year—or, in the case of many of us, we don’t—and then we bitch on Facebook about how terrible everything is, never once considering that, hey, maybe I could contribute something positive to the equation, rather than hoping

them, which creates more cynicism—which is something they actually really don’t need,” the RMOW’s general manager of community engagement and cultural services Karen Elliott said at the Feb. 20 committee of the whole meeting.

“Sometimes local governments forget that our timelines can be quite long, and youth are looking for immediate impact, so engaging them on the right projects where they can see immediate return on their investment of time and energy is more helpful.”

Elliott was referring to children, but her comments can easily be applied to us knowit-all adults, too.

Our political apathy is largely fuelled by a lack of results. We get churned around in endless election campaigns, buried in lofty promises of funding we’ll never see directly, one party switching out for the

But for all the angst and attention we assign to election campaigns, it sure seems like a whole bunch of us simply do not care at all.

It only gets worse in Whistler, where 27 per cent of people voted in 2014; 32 per cent in 2018; and 35 per cent in 2022.

When you reflect on all our various elections over the past decade, it starts to make sense why so many are so apathetic towards politics.

We are constantly hammered over the head with the importance of voting, while our candidates largely paint by numbers and follow set political formulas, and the day-today lives of real people only seem to get worse.

some politician will solve all my problems.

What a concept!

On the local level, the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is taking a closer look at its own engagement strategies this year, with an eye to getting more people involved in the local process.

One area of focus involves more proactive youth engagement.

“This is an area where I think we should be cautious, because we don’t want to create hope in young people and then disappoint

other as everything around us slowly trends downwards.

But where we miss the plot is directing all our energy—and hinging all our future hopes and dreams—on election campaigns, and which white man in a suit wins them.

What we should be focusing on is working every day to make our towns, provinces and country better in any way we can, together— not putting all our hope in some imaginary, team-sport nonsense that only serves to divide and disillusion. ■

EDITOR

Hope for the future in the Sea to Sky?

I read John McBean’s letter (Pique, March 1, “The more things change...”) that was originally submitted 23 years ago with a combination of frustration and resignation.

The lack of affordable housing in the Sea to Sky is, was, and will continue to be the biggest issue for most of us who live and work here. We are incredibly fortunate to be able to call this place home.

The optimist in me has hope for the future. There are new development projects, government initiatives and funding announcements, and promises that things will improve.

The pessimist sees unregulated “market rents” continuing their stratospheric rise, out of the reach of most.

The realist in me has grudgingly accepted that homes have become an investment vehicle, and knows the money to be made ensures the status quo will continue.

The dreamer in me looks forward to the day homes are for living in. But the more things change...

Tania Chiasson // Pemberton

Who benefits from Whistler Blackcomb tech changes?

With reference to your article (Pique, March 1,

“Tech changes at Whistler Blackcomb…”), what an excellent idea for Whistler Blackcomb (WB) to do away with physical ski passes and all that gate infrastructure, and replace with mobile phone passes and “hand-scanning.” It’s great to see such well-thought-out innovation in process designed to give guests a better experience and be more sustainable.

Of course, visitors from overseas may or may not have data enabled on their phones, most children won’t have a phone, extreme cold can kill one’s phone battery pretty fast, and it’s easy

to forget your phone, which you use outside skiing hours, as opposed to a pass you leave in your jacket—but I am sure WB has no doubt thought this all through.

As for the plan to replace the automatic gates with individual “hand-scanning,” I am sure that’s going to be a real step forward in moving people through. And to claim it’s a sustainable move— can the mountain please focus first on reducing waste by not having to resort to disposable coffee cups and water glasses by 10 a.m. on weekends on the mountain? Yes they are “compostable,” but

this still uses huge amounts of energy.

Finally—who really benefits from this change? Is this not in fact another data play where we are the product? Let’s hope they stick to it being optional—I, for one, will still be using my pass.

Elaine Grotefeld // West Vancouver

When will democracy

prevail on daylight savings?

This letter was sent to Premier David Eby, and shared with Pique

As I wake up today, feeling the effects of the recent time change, I find myself wondering once again when the democratic will of the people of British Columbia will be respected.

In 2019, an overwhelming 93 per cent of British Columbians voted to eliminate the biannual time change. Yet, here we still are, subjected to the disruptive and outdated practice.

The argument that the change cannot be implemented due to potential business disruption with Washington, Oregon, and California is, frankly, not convincing. Businesses operate across time zones all the time. If businesses can manage time differences with countries across the world, surely they can handle a single hour’s difference with a neighbouring province.

The idea that the largest majority vote in British Columbia’s history is going unfulfilled because of business concerns makes a mockery of democracy. It is time to respect the wishes of the

people and implement the elimination of daylight savings now.

Peter Skeels // Pemberton

In response to Keith Roy

In light of recent criticism levelled by the newly named Conservative candidate in our riding of my work as your member of Parliament, I’d like to correct the record and share some notable results achieved in our riding over the past 4.5 years since I’ve had the honour of serving as your representative:

1) Funding more than 1,000 new affordable housing units in every region of our riding and streamlining the housing development process by working directly with municipalities.

2) Introducing affordable childcare and creating almost 550 $10/day spaces in our communities and cutting fees in half across the board.

3) Policies that have cut the national poverty rate in half from 2015, including local projects that feed vulnerable seniors.

4) The largest recovery package in Canadian history for any species to restore wild Pacific salmon.

5) Launching the $1 billion Nature Agreement with B.C. and First Nations to protect 30 per cent of B.C.’s nature by 2030, prioritizing the preservation of our remaining old-growth forests, as per my motion M-83. And the passage of historic legislation I championed to establish the right of Canadians to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

6) Roll-out of the first serious climate plan in Canada’s history, that has reduced emissions more than any G7 country since I was first elected,

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

and driven local economic growth, particularly in the clean-tech hub of Squamish.

7) Working with our business sector to ensure they had the support to get through the pandemic, allowing our hardest-hit sectors like tourism to exceed pre-pandemic business.

In contrast, the Conservative Party deals in slogans, not real solutions. Just ask Mr. Roy, how will the Conservative Party axe the provincial B.C. carbon tax?

That’s why the Conservatives under Prime Minister Stephen Harper never built any affordable housing. Instead of supporting families, they were sending cheques to millionaires. Their environmental program was gutting environmental law and muzzling scientists. Climate action was denying its existence to maximize fossil-fuel extraction. And their record was higher taxes on small businesses, higher taxes on the middle class, and higher unemployment.

While the Conservatives and Mr. Roy are focused on empty slogans, I will continue to work on real solutions to tackle the problems our communities face. This includes building more affordable homes, tackling cost of living, improving transportation, growing our economy, and building a healthier future.

I’ve always put our communities first, even when it meant challenging my party’s policies, including on the climate, electoral reform, and foreign affairs. That’s real representation.

Our community faces an important choice in the next election, and I hope we can have an honest debate based on facts and concrete solutions, and what is at stake, rather than empty slogans.

Patrick Weiler // MP, West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country ■

Backcountry Update

AS OF WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13

A lit fuse…

It’s no secret avalanche conditions lately in the Sea to Sky have been both active and tricky. Intense storms, well-preserved weak layers, and rapid weather changes have kept the community on its toes and forecasters on the edges of our seats hoping everyone makes it through the conditions safely. A look at some of the recent avalanche reports from the region gives a good snapshot. There’s a thin and tough-to-predict line between safe and unsafe terrain, with deep crown fractures occasionally reaching into fairly low slope angles.

What’s on tap for the weekend? A major shakedown. Weather models are unanimous on this one. A large area of high pressure (clear skies) and very warm air is pushing northward along the Pacific coast and will result in treeline and alpine temperatures this weekend as high as 10 C in the shade.

There’s no need to dance around the issue. This warming event will produce all kinds of natural avalanche activity. The potential for

human-triggered avalanches will be even greater.

During times with more benign snowpack layering and more predictable avalanche problems, this kind of warming generates wet, loose avalanches on sun-exposed slopes. Cornices fail and test the slopes below, occasionally triggering wind slabs or more isolated deep snowpack weaknesses.

This time around, we expect a much more dramatic impact. We know the weak layers are there. Recent avalanche activity has confirmed their sensitivity, and there is no question of the power of double-digit temperatures to expose them. Standard warm temperature instabilities like wet, loose avalanches and cornice falls? Well, they’re likely to play an important role too—as triggers for deeper releases.

In a way, the situation is a bit easier to manage than if temperatures were closer to seasonal and persistent slab activity more sporadic. The weather heading our way is giving us a very clear message. At least until the mid-week, it’s a good time to avoid avalanche terrain entirely. ■

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.

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Confessions of a city boy (after his first time skiing)

I DID IT , y’all. I finally went skiing.

It took place not long after my birthday on Jan. 23 (though the exact date eludes memory). A friend from church—let’s call her “V”—offered to show me the ropes, so I decided to accept. At that point, I thought to actually inspect the gear I bought from the Re-Use-It Centre months ago… and that’s when I encountered a minor setback.

BY DAVID SONG

My boots didn’t fit my bindings. They were just a half size too big. What’s worse, no one told me ski shops will refuse to adjust bindings beyond a certain age threshold due to liability reasons.

A rookie mistake, I know.

Fortunately, my other friend came to my rescue at the 11th hour. Her old skis ended up being a good fit in terms of both length and binding size, and she was happy to let me use them. Thus equipped, I met V and headed up Whistler Mountain to the learning area at Olympic Mid-Station.

As we got onto the magic carpet, it dawned on me that, at 28 years of age, I was finally about to experience a sport loved by hundreds of millions around the world.

V asked me what my goal was for the day. My response: “I just hope not to get airlifted off the mountain in a neck brace.”

Two questions dominated my consciousness at that point. First: How would a natural non-athlete like myself respond to this foreign exercise? I usually struggle with picking up a sport, and I’ve often been left behind as others learned how to throw a spiral, make a jump shot or execute a clean high kick.

Second: Would skiing actually be fun

being a newbie: it doesn’t take much speed to make you feel an adrenaline rush.

Houston, we have liftoff.

By run No. 3, I was turning left and right at will. V remarked how impressed she was as I demonstrated an immediatelyfunctional command of the “pizza” stance. I was able to steer clear of other people and headed comfortably down the bunny hill, skis straight. It was awesome.

We concluded our activities with a

V asked me what my goal was for the day. My response: “I just hope not to get airlifted off the mountain in a neck brace.”

for me? I didn’t know what to expect, but managed to keep an open mind. You never know until you try—and I’m glad I did.

Approximately 20 seconds into my firstever jaunt down the bunny hill, I began enjoying myself. That’s the thing about

trip down my inaugural green run: Upper Fantastic. Again, I’m pleased to report that—while needing to break the run up into sections—I made it down without incident.

How many times did I fall on that milestone day? So glad you asked. Zero.

You might not believe me. I didn’t quite believe it either, but I’m thrilled nonetheless.

Anecdotally, I think my ability to iceskate went a long way towards helping me pick up skiing much faster than expected. The two sports are obviously quite different (and I’m hardly a strong skater), but skating has lent me a basic sense of balance and weight-shifting that appeared to transfer over to the slopes.

I’ve skied four times as of this writing, and here are some additional takeaways.

First: Icy snow sucks.

Second: Not all green runs are created equal. (I perhaps need to stick to Upper Fantastic for now).

Third: While I grew up as a riskaverse kid who rarely looked for ways to get his adrenaline pumping, I have an odd tendency to “send it” down a slope rather than maintain my pizza stance and the safety associated with it. My turning abilities definitely require improvement when traversing anything steeper than the bunny hill, but I don’t fear speed as much as I probably should.

Not going to lie: Kickboxing is still my favourite sport to train in. That said, I finally understand why hordes of people flock to the mountains each winter, and I’m stoked to have picked up an athletic pursuit somewhat quickly for the first time ever. Team Canada, here I come.

Just kidding. n

Whistler still not on track to meet climate targets

BIG FILES, BUT LITTLE INTEREST; ONLY ONE LOCAL SHOWED UP TO HEAR HOW THE COMMUNITY IS TRACKING ON CLIMATE ACTION

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

WHISTLER’S MAYOR and council got a sweeping update of the municipality’s broad “Big Moves” climate action strategy on March 5, with staff delivering updates across six priorities and climate adaptation measures— though the takeaway was that Whistler as a whole is not meeting its climate targets.

It’s also apparently not meeting the threshold of community interest, either— there was only one resident in attendance to hear the progress report on Whistler’s journey to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions to 50 per cent below 2007 levels by 2023.

Climate action coordinator Maria Thorlakson delivered an overall summary of the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) six “big moves,” but together with environmental coordinator Tina Symko, they cautioned that overall, more work is needed.

“Whistler is not on track to meet its 2030 greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets,” said Symko.

“Further work is needed to move actions that will meaningfully shift this trajectory. In the meantime, continued progress in our adaptation goals is critical to increase Whistler’s resilience to the local impacts of

climate change.”

Delving into the six big moves, Thorlakson said big moves two and four—which respectively are focused on decarbonizing transportation and building zero-emissions buildings—have seen the most progress.

“Fall of 2023 was a big time for EV chargers in Whistler,” said Thorlakson, listing the installation of 14 Level 2 chargers in day lot four as well as at the Meadow Park Sports Centre.

Big move two will see more developments in 2024, with electric fleet procurement top of the bill—three new EVs will join the fleet this year, along with more EV charging infrastructure.

Big move four saw lots of progress too, and covered the RMOW’s adoption of a zero-carbon step code for new buildings, introduced in January.

Notably, the municipality has a $200,000 grant to support an “energy advisor” position that would be focused on supporting implementation of the RMOW’s various initiatives and continuing industry engagement.

On the flipside, big moves one and three need more attention.

“We really need to double down on efforts and continue to allocate resources,” said Thorlakson.

“A lot of the actions that sit within these moves are big, complex things that require partnerships with several stakeholders, complex funding with several stakeholders as well.”

Big move one is moving commuters away from private vehicles, and big move three is visitor emissions—making them very large files.

It is not all gloom, however—Thorlakson reported staff continue to close gaps in the Valley Trail network to make it easier for people to get around Whistler by bike or on foot, while 2023 was the first full season with an electric bike-share program in the community (which saw positive numbers for the season).

A coming report on the RMOW’s Active Transportation Strategy will also shed more light on work to do, while the municipality has applied (and funded its portion) to expand public transportation by 7,650 hours for the 2024-25 season—though this requires the province to agree, and show up with the money.

Big moves five and six are related to improving the efficiency of existing buildings, and reducing waste. Both of them are seeing ongoing work.

Symko also gave an update on efforts to adapt the RMOW to the various threats posed by climate change, with works progressing in three areas: minimizing the threat of wildfires; increasing built infrastructure resilience (flood risk); and protecting local ecology.

“It’s clear that adapting to climate change is critical for the continued safety and wellbeing of our community,” said Symko.

In questions from council, Councillor Jessie Morden asked whether there was movement on adding a bike lane to the highway, and was told the Active

Transportation Strategy will include work on that file, while general manager of climate action, planning and development services Dale Mikkelsen said staff are engaging with the ministry of transportation and infrastructure, as the highway is a provincial responsibility, and more information is forthcoming.

Mayor Jack Crompton asked about the elephant in the room—why the RMOW and Whistler are missing their climate targets.

Thorlakson said a lot of it is to do with timing.

“A lot of the things we’ve accomplished probably won’t see the emissions reductions immediately,” she said.

“The zero-carbon step code is huge, but that’s for buildings being built now and in the future, so those are emissions reductions we see in the future.”

She added many of the files are still being worked on, and take a lot of collaboration to action.

Community and stakeholder engagement will also be key.

“They’re complex issues that we need all of our community partners involved and engaged in,” said general manager of community engagement and cultural services, Karen Elliott.

“This year we are taking the time to figure out what that approach should be in our conversations and our own internal planning, because we’re not going to reach these targets if everyone thinks it’s up to the RMOW,” she said. n

TOUGH CROWD Only one resident showed up to hear an update on Whistler’s greenhouse gas emissions targets on March 5.

PHOTO BY EDDIE DEARDEN

‘Preaching to the choir’: Whistler mayor talks up the town

MAYOR

JACK CROMPTON CRACKED JOKES ABOUT NOSTALGIA AND ENCOURAGED THE COMMUNITY TO EMBRACE THE FUTURE AT A WHISTLER CHAMBER EVENT

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

WHISTLER ISN’T LOSING its soul to change, but is growing as a community, says Mayor Jack Crompton.

Speaking at the second annual “State of the Municipality” event organized by the Whistler Chamber of Commerce last week at the Fairmont Chateau, Crompton took a few swings at the idea Whistler is losing its appeal to locals or longtime visitors over time.

“I get lots [of emails] like this,” he said, reading at length from one in particular from a few years back from a longtime visitor who took issue with traffic, pedestrians, and the menu options at Earl’s.

“There’s a couple as good as this, but this one I hold close because it’s so amazing,” he said to laughs.

“But, that message is one that we hear about our lost soul. We talk about it—though usually the concern is more substantive than running out of steak—but it’s a conversation all the same. You may have thought it, you may have said it.”

Crompton posited what visitors and locals think of as “soul” in a place is what made them fall in love with it to begin with, and what they invested into that community, so change that came after them is thought of as a departure— an idea he rejected.

“Dwelling in this nostalgia is not helpful, because it only looks at what Whistler is not,” he said. “There are great things happening today, there is newness, there are exciting things happening, there is soul being built right now, and you are doing it.”

He then read off a shopping list of things happening in and around Whistler, touching on construction, education, investment and events.

“It seems to me that nostalgia and complaint freeze progress for us—I don’t think that’s helpful,” he said.

Crompton talked up the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) various priorities in housing, climate action, community engagement and smart tourism, which he said are all designed to ensure the RMOW doesn’t get in the way of progress.

On housing, he talked about the RMOW building department increasing capacity by 50 per cent to meet demand, opportunities to come through the Northlands development, and Whistler’s partnering with the recentlyannounced BC Builds program from the provincial government. “That’s money coming to town,” he said.

The climate action file also saw some movement recently, with a new wildfire defence plan and efforts by the municipality to increase public transport hours by 7,500 through the province.

“If they join us on that it will be the single biggest growth of transit in Whistler’s history in over 15 years—that will be a very big deal,”

STATELY

PHOTO BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

Crompton said.

However, the mayor cited the recent report to council on the RMOW’s Big Moves policy, and said more has to be done.

“The elephant in the room is that we are missing our climate targets,” he said. “I want you to know that this community needs to do better, that the RMOW needs to do better, that we all need to up our game because we are missing our targets.”

He also spoke about increased public engagement, and the need to lean into “smart tourism”—one of the RMOW’s priorities—an acknowledgement of the need to balance the interests of the sector against those who live here and may become disillusioned (or perhaps accuse the place of losing its soul) if the balance is out.

Crompton finished his address with an appeal to the audience on what they can do to help improve Whistler as a community, listing off a few suggestions starting with encouraging everyone with a basement suite to rent it out, and suggesting locals consider different commuting options.

“Start commuting differently, start talking to your teams about commuting differently— different times, different modes, different schedules for our workforce so when they come into town they’re not adding to the problems on the highway,” he said.

He acknowledged he was “preaching to the choir” given the audience in the room, but hopes the business community will keep stepping up.

“The state of our municipality is full of soul, it’s full of change, and there is a huge amount of work to do,” Crompton said. “So let’s embrace it.” n

ADDRESS Whistler Mayor Jack Crompton speaking at the 2024 “State of the Municipality” luncheon hosted by the Whistler Chamber of Commerce on March 7.

Vancouver woman, 32, dead after incident on Blackcomb Mountain

WOMAN FOUND UNRESPONSIVE ON ‘ADVANCED GLADED TRAIL’

BY BRADEN DUPUIS

A 32-YEAR-OLD woman is dead after an incident on Blackcomb Mountain on March 9.

The woman, from Vancouver, was skiing with her partner when they became separated, after which her partner contacted Whistler Blackcomb Ski Patrol, according to a Whistler Blackcomb spokesperson.

Patrol found the woman unresponsive on Renegade—an advanced gladed trail near Catskinner Express Chairlift.

“On behalf of Whistler Blackcomb, our Ski Patrol and the entire Vail Resorts family, I would like to offer my deepest condolences,” said Belinda Trembath, Whistler Blackcomb COO, in a release.

“Tragedies like this weigh heavily on all of us, and our hearts go out to the guest’s family and friends. We are here to support during this extremely difficult time.”

As of Pique’s weekly press time, the woman had not been identified.

It’s the third confirmed death on Whistler Blackcomb’s slopes this ski season.

On Jan. 10, a 42-year-old B.C. man was found unresponsive in a gladed area near 7th

Avenue and Expressway on Blackcomb.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not been released.

The cause of death was snow immersion.

Just over a week later, on Jan. 19, 62-year-

old Vancouver resident Ron Stuber died after what was described as a “serious incident” in Sapphire Bowl, an expert-designated area in Blackcomb Glacier Provincial Park.

When tree-skiing, preparedness and

“Tragedies like this weigh heavily...”

- BELINDA TREMBATH

awareness are key, Whistler Blackcomb says.

• Always be on the lookout for tree wells — a hollow pocket that can surround trees after snowfall events.

• Always ski with a buddy (or buddies!) when entering a tree run and lookout for each other.

• Keep a whistle attached to the zipper of your jacket.

• Keep your eyes up and focused on where you’re going to avoid hitting tree trunks or branches.

Find more tips at deepsnowsafety.com. n

RCMP conduct massive raid in Whistler NO RISK TO PUBLIC SAFETY; MORE DETAILS TO COME

WHISTLER RCMP, with assistance from other law enforcement, executed a large-scale raid in the resort last week, though details remained scarce as of Pique’s weekly press time.

At about 10 a.m. on March 8, “Whistler RCMP alongside LMD ERT (Lower Mainland Emergency Response Team), LMD PDS (Police Dog Section), and the Sea to Sky RCMP General Investigations Unit executed three search warrants on residences in the

neighbourhoods of Emerald, Creekside, and Marketplace,” said Staff Sgt. Sascha Banks in an email.

“Multiple individuals were taken into custody. Four men remain in custody and others that were detained were released on scene. Police will be in the area for the remainder of the day. There is no risk to public safety.”

Chatter on social media indicated large

police presences, complete with SWAT equipment and long guns, in the Marketplace area and at one of the entrances to Emerald.

More information will be made available in the coming days, Banks said, though as of Tuesday, March 12, RCMP were not prepared to divulge more about the incident.

Check for updates this week at piquenewsmagazine.com.

- By Braden Dupuis n

Land Act amendments will return: Sea to Sky MLA

PROPOSED CHANGES ARE ‘OVER AND ABOVE’ EXISTING LEGISLATION, MLA JORDAN STURDY SAYS

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

WEST VANCOUVER- Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy says he expects the NDP government to bring its Land Act amendments back after the October election, despite putting them on ice in late February.

“If they get re-elected, then they’ll just move on. I don’t see them changing track,” said Sturdy in an interview with Pique

The Land Act amendments being considered by the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship were presented as enabling Land Act decisions to be made with Indigenous governing bodies as part of the process.

They were intended to bring the Land Act in line with the province’s Declaration Act, which works as a framework for implementing the UN’s Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and allows the province to give Indigenous bodies a formal role in decision making on Land Act matters under certain circumstances. The province is already legally required to consult with First Nations on Land Act matters.

The government minister responsible, Nathan Cullen, accused opponents of the amendments of sowing misinformation when he released a statement in February.

“Some figures have gone to extremes to knowingly mislead the public about what the proposed legislation would do. They have sought to divide communities and spread hurt and distrust. They wish to cling to an approach that leads only to the division, court battles and uncertainty that have held us back,” he said.

BC United campaigned hard against the proposed changes, calling them “secretive” and accusing the provincial government of not engaging widely on the changes.

Sturdy said a lack of information from the government on what the changes were made the entire process difficult to understand or trust.

“We don’t actually know what was in it, because they didn’t share that,” he said. “We don’t know what was in the legislation, so it’s pretty hard to make solid comment.”

The proposed changes came to public attention early in January after being posted to the government’s engagement website, with no media releases—and Sturdy said that was suspect already, as typically there are six to eight press releases per day from the government’s various ministries.

“Given the government’s love of press releases and announcements, and if this was an important thing, you’d think it would be made public,” he said. “They’re clearly trying to do something.”

Sturdy said the idea of joint decisionmaking doesn’t sit well, saying he believes responsibility—and in turn accountability— for decisions must sit with the provincial government.

“We should be managing land in British Columbia on behalf of all British Columbians, and it’s important that ultimately the government takes responsibility for those decisions… and nobody should have a veto,” he said.

“I would bet on it.”

- JORDAN STURDY

“I also believe somebody has to be held accountable, and that has to fall to the government, in my mind. Might not like the decision, but the decision lies there.”

Despite Minister Cullen and the government formally putting the amendments on ice, Sturdy said voters should expect them back after October should the NDP be re-elected.

“I would bet on it,” he said.

He added the changes to the act do not

appear needed, as the current legislation requires consultation, and without proper consultation any decisions made can be challenged in court.

“This is over and above,” Sturdy added.

He also challenged the idea the changes could open up more opportunities for Indigenous governing bodies as a one-sizefits-all approach, pointing to the record of the BC Liberals in their time in government.

“We signed some 700 agreements over 15 years with First Nations for joint economic development and social improvement for all sorts of reasons, and they’re all very specific. Where I am coming from here is, to such a large degree, these agreements are effective, but they’re also site-specific,” he said.

Despite blaming opposition to the process in halting any proposed changes, Minister Cullen also acknowledged the government needs to take time to engage further and demonstrate the benefits of shared decision-making.

“We want to get this right and move forward together … For that reason, our government has decided not to proceed with proposed amendments to the Land Act,” he said.

“We will continue to engage with people and businesses, and do the work to show how working together, First Nations and nonFirst Nations, can help bring stability and predictability, and move us all forward.” n

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District mulls incorporation for southern communities

THE COMMUNITIES OF BRITANNIA BEACH AND FURRY CREEK WILL HAVE MUCH LARGER POPULATIONS IN COMING YEARS

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

THE SQUAMISH-LILLOOET Regional District (SLRD) has taken the first steps towards what could lead to changes in municipal boundaries.

At the Feb. 29 board meeting, directors agreed to support a motion by Area D director, Tony Rainbow, for the SLRD to make contact with the provincial government on what steps it needs to take in considering the incorporation of Britannia Beach, Furry Creek, and Porteau Road—all of which are unincorporated areas within Area D set for large population increases in the coming years.

In speaking to his motion, Rainbow said he has fielded many questions from residents of those communities about incorporation in light of changes to come.

“We have the new development in Britannia, a new commercial centre which will be open soon, we’ve zoned Britannia South and Furry Creek for an incredible number of new homes … we’re basically dumping a new town in that area which is at least the size of Pemberton, maybe a little larger,” he said.

The communities of Britannia Beach and

Furry Creek recorded a population of 654 people between them as of the 2021 census, and recent development permits are slated to add thousands of units to the area in the coming years.

Rainbow said enquiries from the public led him to believe those communities and the SLRD need help in feeling out how to proceed towards incorporation—and whether it is necessary at all.

He pointed to provincial resources for unincorporated areas considering options, saying the scope of considerations is vast.

“The kinds of things they consider are population growth trends, proximity to neighbouring communities, road networks, diversity of property tax base, existing local services, community involvement, nature of the local economy and future prospects,” he said.

Rainbow stressed the preliminary nature of his ask of fellow directors, and that it is not an application to the provincial government for those communities to incorporate.

“I want to do this to try to keep things calm,” he said. “So if there’s going to be any discussion about incorporation, it’s done in a reasonable and logical way with the right kind of information.”

All directors supported his motion.

Staff noted that, given the scope of incorporation, it would be a large project for the SLRD if the subject proceeded any further, so preliminary contact with the provincial government to assess options is the best course of action as a first step.

“[W]e need to be ahead of the game.”

- TONY RAINBOW

The possibility of provincial funding to pursue a feasibility study is on the table, should initial contact affirm incorporation is a viable option for the area.

Speaking to Pique, Rainbow said at this point, there is not a large enough population to support incorporation, but with changes coming it is the sort of homework the SLRD needs to do to be ready.

“I would suggest there’s not enough at the moment to think about moving forward,

but as the numbers increase we need to have some kind of a plan in place, and that’s what I’m looking for,” he said.

As the elected representative for Area D, Rainbow represents a little over 1,000 people, according to the SLRD. With more units built on Howe Sound, that number could increase to outstrip some of the constituent municipalities within the regional district— and residents would likely expect more representation than one director.

“When I look at what is happening here, when you’ve got those 2,000 homes completed, when people have moved in, they would be looking for more representation than they could get from one Area D representative, so at some point the numbers will dictate that a change has to be made,” he said.

“We have to lead this, we don’t have to be sitting here waiting for something to catch us unawares in a couple of years’ time, we need to be ahead of the game.”

The last time a new community was incorporated within the SLRD would have been the creation of the Resort Municipality of Whistler, in 1975. The SLRD pre-dates Whistler by seven years, as it was created in 1968 and made up of Squamish, Lillooet and Pemberton and rural areas at the time. n

Kevin Falcon hits key points at Squamish town hall

THE BC UNITED LEADER WAS IN TOWN TO TALK UP POLICY AND TAKE QUESTIONS

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

B.C. OPPOSITION leader Kevin Falcon faced a (mostly) receptive audience at a town hall event in Squamish last week, touching on a wide array of BC United talking points and fielding questions from the floor.

About 50 Squamish residents turned out for the town hall on March 7, where Falcon tested their history knowledge and spoke at length about the BC United (formerly BC Liberal) record and what he described as a lack of results from the NDP government, hitting the tips of all the waves on transportation, infrastructure, investment, the budget, health-care, drugs and mental health, education, housing and childcare to intermittent applause.

Bureaucratic mire was a theme of attack that wound its way through the length of his talk, saying the NDP is slow to make decisions, quick to increase administrative costs and eager to double down on bad policy.

“If we’re spending all that money and piling on that debt, surely we can point to some really great outcomes, right? That would be a natural inclination, but I’m sorry to say that we’re not seeing that,” he said.

The number of vice presidents in the B.C. health-care system (71) was listed as an

indicator of bureaucratic bloat, with outcomes in health-care used as proof the system is not working.

“Why is it that with all those vice presidents we have some of the worst results in the country?” Falcon asked.

“We have too many people in administration and we’re not focusing on the frontline, the nurses, the doctors, the care aides, the allied health-care workers—that’s a big part of the problem.”

To that, he said if he were premier those 71 administrators “better start getting their offices cleaned up,” and that he’d focus on cutting red tape to allow more internationally-trained Canadian doctors to enter the B.C. sector.

Pivoting to mental health, he said B.C. is doing “absolutely everything wrong, and we’re getting the worst results,” admitting the previous BC Liberal government made mistakes in the sector, and a government lead by him would invest heavily so those in need can get off the street and into 24-7 care.

He reiterated plans to re-introduce letter grades in education and ban cellphones, and talked up his experience in the private sector in relation to housing before listing off four policy changes to come on that file: Removing PST for new homes; introducing 99-year leases for below-market rental housing; removing transfer tax for first-time homebuyers

MarchBreak Kids’Programs

Registration is nowopenfor MarchBreak programming at theAudainArt Museum.Lear nmorevia theQRcode!

March20| Cubism andColour-Mixing 3:00pm -5:00pm, Ages 10-16

March21| Introduction to Watercolour 1:00pm- 2:30pm, Ages 5-9

March21| AfterSchoolArt 3:00pm- 4:30pm Grade3-6

March23| StoneCarving with Fathom Stone 1:00pm -4:00pm, Ages 5+

March24| Harry PotterWorkshopwithHelen Webb 1:00pm -4:00pm, Ages 7+

on purchases less than $1 million; and the recently-announced “rent-to-own” policy.

Questions from the audience ran a similar gamut, with only one tough question on his record as health minister, to which he scoffed at numbers being cited from a CBC report in 2009 about funding cuts and challenged the premise. In a sign the audience was mostly

friendly to Falcon, they did not respond well to the challenge.

A regular issue locally is regional transit—a question from the floor came up on what a government lead by him would do, to which he returned to the theme that the NDP is paralyzed by process.

“It’s all process (right now), they love meetings and emails and sending things back and forth and doing studies and all the rest— but you have to get beyond that,” he said.

“Somebody has to make a bloody decision and say, ‘we’re going to get regional transportation in the Sea to Sky corridor, and I want it done, I want to see a plan on my desk in the next 60 days and I want to get going so we can execute it and make it happen in our lifetime… that’s how I found things have to get done.”

Asked about support for small businesses, he touched on the budget, and shared anecdotes about a “sense of impunity” among criminals due to a lack of consequences.

Overall, aside from the one question of funding cuts 15 years ago, the audience was receptive of Falcon’s message.

The party he leads, BC United, is yet to announce a new candidate for the local riding, with current MLA Jordan Sturdy having announced he will not run earlier in 2024.

The next election will take place on or before Oct. 19 of this year. n

PembertonSchool Scholarship

ThePemberton School ScholarshipProgramme is now openfor applications,thankstogenerousgrantsfromThe PembertonValley Supermarketand Martha Sturdy.Teacherscan applyfor fundingto cover100% of thetransportation and tour fees forgroupsupto30 students. Theexperience includes aPrivate Guided Tour with the Museum Educator and an art-making experience.

Teachersare encouraged to applyfor funding by emailing connect@audainartmuseum.com

James Hart, The DanceScreen (The Scream Too),2010-13

TALK OF THE TOWN BC United leader Kevin Falcon was in Squamish for a town hall on March 7.

PHOTO BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District plots out density changes

THE SLRD IS REQUIRED TO PERMIT INCREASED DENSITY ACROSS ALL AREAS BY JUNE 30

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

THE SQUAMISH-LILLOOET Regional District (SLRD) has approved a game plan to allow for provincially-legislated housing density changes.

A staff report delivered at the Feb. 28 board meeting detailed that the regional district had received $121,296 to help implement the legislative changes (Bill 44), which were introduced in October last year, and have to be implemented on a municipal level by June 30.

Under the changes, a secondary suite and an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) must be permitted in all residential zones in regional district electoral areas in the province.

One caveat is that if a lot is less than a hectare in size and not serviced by municipal sewer services, only a secondary suite is permitted.

Staff said changes should be minimal, however.

“Note here that most of our zoning already provides for secondary suites,” said SLRD senior planner, Claire Dewar.

“So there won’t be large-scale changes

required, but there are some zones that require updates, specifically to enable secondary suites.”

A detail of note is that under the bylaw

changes required, “public hearings are prohibited with respect to zoning bylaws associated with implementation of this new legislation.”

Another change is that lots within the SLRD’s master-planned communities must have density upped to allow for three to four units per lot where servicing permits. For the SLRD, that includes Britannia Beach, Furry Creek, and Porteau Cove. Provincial requirements of six units per lot do not apply due to lack of public transport.

The staff report includes details on what SLRD staff will need to change with regard to bylaws across the four areas of the regional district.

Regulations of density and housing relating to the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) were queried at the meeting, and noted to trump the provincial density changes, meaning no additional density within the ALR.

The funds from the province will be used to complete the SLRD’s housing needs report for which a consultant will be hired, and to support staff time in implementing changes.

SLRD directors unanimously approved the staff report.

Staff expect the changes to come back before the SLRD board at the April meeting for first, second and third reading. n

DENSITY DISCUSSIONS Communities across the province are set to densify under new provincial legislation.

Heartfelt thanks to all of our sponsors, teams, donors, artists, vendors, performers, attendees and the amazing volunteers that participated in our event. This year’s TELUS Winter Classic raised OVER $500,000 for our community!

Special mention goes to our extraordinary emcees Mercedes Nicoll, Mike Douglas, Joel Chevalier, Robert Crowder, Feet Banks and Jon Montgomery. This event would not happen without the dedication of some phenomenal people – Sue Bjormark, Christine Boyle, Cliff Crawford, Dan Da Silva, Justin Kapoor, Stephanie Spence, Johnny Adams, Dena Caspick, Rob Madden, Christie Barbour, Eric Brousseau, Dezz Abel, Pierre Ringuette, Cynthia Buck, Ellody Spike-Porter, The Pro Family, Dean Feser, The Whistler Fire Department, Whistler Community Services, WB Retail and the WB Events Department.

A huge thank you to all of our volunteers and our Ski Pros for giving up their time for charity! And of course to TELUS who this year donated an extra $17,500 towards the Guess Your Time Challenge, helping us raise funds for the Sea to Sky Community.

Thank you to the talented Janalee Creative, Mike Tyler, Bob Von Englesdorp & their entire crew who made the Gala look phenomenal as well as to our amazing performers who truly brought the weekend to life - Treeline Aerial, The Hairfarmers, DJ Foxy Moron, La Maison Lust, Andrea & Angela Cooney, Sharai Rewels & Magda Regdos, Paintertainment and The Famous Players Band.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS DONORS

122 West, 21 Steps, 686 Technical Apparel, Aava Hotel Whistler, Abigail Lifestyle Boutique, Adara Hotel Whistler, Adele Campbell Fine Art, Airhouse Squamish, AKG, ALGN Whistler, Alpine Stitch It, Alta Bistro, Altitude Fitness, Amos & Andes, Arbutus Routes, Arc’teryx, Armchair Books, Arts Whistler, Assist-Her, Audain Art Museum, Babysitting Whistler, Backcountry Brewing, Barb Turner and Thai Gems Inc., Basecamp Fitness, BC Place, Black Tie Whistler, Blackcomb Helicopters, Blackcomb Springs Suites, Blanka, Blazing Saddles Adventures, Bogner of America, Bogner of Canada, Breathe Squamish, Brixton, Burrowing Owl & Appellation Wine Marketing, Burton Snowboards, Canadian Outback Rafting Company, Canadian Wilderness Adventures, Chromag, Coast Mountain Veterinary Services, Coastal Culture Sports, Coastal Mountain Excavations, Commencal Canada, Connected Solutions, Copper Cayuse Outfitters, Cows Whistler, Creekside Dental, Creekside Market, Crystal Lodge Hotel, Cypress Mountain, Cutting Edge Signs, Day Time Cycling, Descente, Dollhouse Agency/DAKINE & NOW Bindings, Doria Moody, Dub Tubs, Dubh Linn Gate, Eagleview Veterinary Hospital, Escape! Whistler, Everything Wine, Extraordinary Escapes & Huvafen Fushi Resort, Fat Tony’s Pizza, Flute & Fromage, Fox, Fresh Street Market, FYidoctors Whistler, Garibaldi Supply Co., Garibaldi Volunteer Fire Department, Get The Goods, Gibbons, GoPro, Great Glass Elevator, Green Lake Station, Ground Up Climbing Gym, Hawksworth Restaurant, Helly Hansen, Hy’s Steakhouse, Icebreaker, In Sport Fashions Inc., Jenna Jones Art, Justine Brooks Jewelry Design, KABN, Keir Fine Jewellery, Kombi, Lezara Laser, Listel Hotel Whistler, Lodging Ovations, Lucia Gelato, Malvados, McCoo’s Whistler, Mike Crane Photography, Molly O’Callaghan, Mongolie Grill, Mountain Skills Academy & Adventures, Mthree, Mike McLellan Marketing, Nesters Market, Nicklaus North Golf Course, Nightingale Restaurant, Nintendo, Nita Lake Lodge, No Limits Motorsports, Nonna Pia’s, Nootka and Sea, Northland Properties, Oakley, Pasta Lupino, Peak Performace Clothing, Peak Performance Physiotherapy and Massage Therapy, Picnic Whistler, Poplar Grove Winery, Professional Ski Instructors of Canada, Race and Co., Richard & Hanneke Eyres, RideWrap, Rimrock Cafe, Rocky Mountaineer, Ruby Tuesday Accessories, Rux, Ryders Eyewear, Salomon Snowboards, Save on Foods, Sawmill Bay, Scandinave Spa, Sea to Sky Gondola, Sea to Sky Sourdough BReD, Senka Florist, Sewak’s Your Independent Grocer, Ski Butlers, Slate Spaces, Soles Nail Lounge, Spark Event Rentals, Spearhead Huts Society, Sport Obermeyer, Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre, Squamish Valley Golf Club, Summit Lodge, Sushi Village, Taracrylics, Teag + Gray, Ten4Tec, The Circle and The Circle Kids, The Home Depot Squamish, The North Face, The Salted Vine Kitchen + Bar, Tightrope Winery, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Toni Sailer, Toptable Group, Trout Country Fishing Guides, Vida Spa - The Fairmont Chateau Whistler, Westin Resort & Spa Whistler, Whistler Bike Park, Whistler Bungee, Whistler Day Spa, Whistler Film Festival Society, Whistler Half Marathon, Whistler Happy Pets, Whistler Hat Gallery, Whistler Kitchen Works, Whistler Myofascial Release, Whistler Shooting Adventures, Whistler Sport Legacies, Whistler Taekwondo, White Stripe, Whistler Village Inn & Suites, Ziptrek Ecotours Inc.

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS:

& Entertainment, Doppelmayr, Ecolab, Encore, Event Rent al Works, Gearforce, Haakon Industries,

Winton

V alley

Watermark Communications, Wh istler Conference Centre, Whistler Connections.

Photos by: Zoe Lomoro, Oisin McHugh

10eighty Productions, Advanced Parking, Bearfoot Bistro, Canucks Sports

Intercity Packers, Lavazza, Listel Hotel Whistler, Lodging Ovations, Little Wing Oysters, Mitch

Photography, Pemberton

Hardware, Purebread, Quattro, Rocky Mtn Chocolate Factory Whistler, Sidecut Steakhouse, Soo Valley Diesel, Sundial Hotel, The Wombats,

COS talks grizzlies in response to public safety concerns

OFFICERS SPOKE AT RECENT SLRD, PEMBERTON COUNCIL MEETINGS

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS

REGIONAL WILDLIFE authorities fronted up to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District’s (SLRD) latest committee of the whole meeting to talk about bears and the way the community interacts with them, in response to public safety concerns in the Sea to Sky and around Pemberton.

Conservation Officer Service (COS) Insp. Simon Gravel spoke to requests from the community the SLRD is receiving to do with grizzly bear activity, and specifically in the Pemberton Meadows area, saying growing bear populations will come with challenges.

“Culturally, we’re not used to this in recent time in SLRD—I would say the cultural tolerance for grizzly bears is fairly low,” he said at the Feb. 29 meeting, adding the community is “complacent and used to having black bears, but when a grizzly bear shows up, the perspective and the cultural tolerance is very different.

“When a grizzly bear shows up in our landscape and they interface with a residential area, the role of COS is to mitigate public safety,” he said.

Gravel said a bear by itself is not a safety concern, and the COS’ job is to simply assess why it is there, “and mitigate it to make sure we’re not dealing with an immediate threat

PHOTO BY TAYLOR GREEN / @TA_GREEN

that can cause harm to a resident.”

He said COS officers will respond when a threat is imminent and it is obvious bear behaviour is a threat to residents’ safety—but threat levels can be perceived differently.

“For us, a bear that is very habituated to people and food-conditioned will be higher on the scale of public safety. A bear that causes a lot of damage or tries to access a building that is occupied is obviously high on the spectrum of public safety,” he said.

“A bear walking by, a bear on the landscape, a bear in a field, a bear seeking

expects and what the COS is capable of doing within its mandate, Gravel added.

One effort to fill that gap is the Wildlife Safety Response Officer (WSRO) program.

Calvin Rochon, who is a WSRO in the Sea to Sky, said the program was designed to mitigate conflict through education and public outreach, and notably, contact residents who make reports that don’t trigger a COS response.

Rochon is employed by the COS, but the position is funded municipally.

Speaking to the program, Rochon said the

“[A] bear that is very habituated to people and food-conditioned will be higher on the scale of public safety.”

- SIMON GRAVEL

food—that is natural bear behaviour, and doesn’t necessarily trigger a response from the conservation officer service. Education in those cases is the first response.”

He added the COS doesn’t have the capacity to respond to all calls, especially when it is just to report a bear in the area.

“As you know, we’re extremely busy,” he said. “The increase in conflict in the area is ongoing, the increase of visitors and so on … we need to prioritize and really stay focused on our core mandate.”

There is a gap between what the public

key to reducing conflict is early reporting that could lead to education.

“Often in my experience with many years of dealing with bears, it’s 90, 95 per cent not a bear problem, it’s often a person problem,” he said, referring to access to unnatural food sources for bears and perception of danger.

Problem bears are often reported too late, he added.

“I find people … haven’t been calling until the timeline is quite late in habituation,” he said.

Calling in late could result in a COS

response, as public danger could be higher, and the killing of the animal more likely.

Squamish Mayor Armand Hurford asked when residents should be calling in bears, given the message that bears just existing in an area are not a danger, while calling in early is encouraged, and was told it is important that people call in bears so the COS can build a conflict history.

That way they can track the behaviour of a bear, even if initial calls don’t trigger a response.

Concerned Pemberton locals and experts from the Coast to Cascades Grizzly Bear Initiative are still calling for the creation of a designated Grizzly Bear Management Specialist position in the Sea to Sky corridor. The call comes as families in Pemberton Meadows say they are living in fear of a nearby grizzly and her cubs, after children in the area have reportedly come face to face with the bear while playing outside.

At Pemberton’s March 5 committee of the whole meeting, Mayor Mike Richman asked Rochon to comment on the grizzly interactions in Pemberton over the last year.

“There has been quite a big increase in grizzly bears,” said Rochon. “With the increase in population, it is going to keep increasing. There needs to be some sort of coexistence. The awareness needs to be there. People are looking for some sort of solution to it.

“I’m not saying that [the WSRO] is guaranteed going to be the one, but it will bring more education and outreach. There is a sow that’s going to keep coming around [to Pemberton Meadows].”

-with files from Roisin Cullen n

NATURAL BEHAVIOUR A grizzly spotted south of Whistler in the spring of 2022.

Afghan refugee to be reunited with the 10-year-old daughter he has never met

FAMILY SEEKING STABLE ACCOMMODATION IN PEMBERTON

BY RÓISÍN CULLEN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

TEN YEARS AGO, Asif Rahimi made the heartbreaking decision to flee Afghanistan. He left behind his pregnant wife, Arezo, in hopes of finding safety overseas. For the last decade, he has only interacted with his daughter, Laleh, via video call, watching her grow up in front of his eyes, though a world apart. The proud dad taught his daughter English nightly, in the hopes she could start school in Canada right away.

Now, the family members are being reunited, and are trying to find a place to start a new and well-deserved life in Pemberton.

Rahimi’s chance at a new life in the Sea to Sky corridor was all thanks to a group of incredible Whistler volunteers. Laurie Cooper has made it her life’s mission to bring refugees from dire situations to Canada. Many of the refugees are offered work and accommodation in the Fairmont hotel when they first arrive.

“I travelled overseas to work in a couple of refugee camps,” said Cooper. “I was having coffee in 2016 with the general manager of the Fairmont. He said that if I could bring people over, the hotel would give them jobs. I started the project that year and we brought around 18 guys over—Syrians and Afghans. I sponsor them and raise the sponsorship funds necessary. Many of them start at the hotel, work there for a year or so and then move on to other things.”

Through her volunteer work, Cooper was alerted to the plight of the Hazaras in Afghanistan, an ethnic group targeted throughout history.

“I started sponsoring Hazaras,” she said. “The Taliban has committed to exterminating them. They see them like cockroaches. They have been persecuted for a hundred years.”

In 2022, three Hazara men arrived in Whistler, Rahimi among them.

“They all had to escape,” Cooper said.

Rahimi was stuck in Indonesia when he was first introduced to the woman who would change his life. Afghanistan refugees had travelled to Indonesia in the hopes of getting to countries like Australia. However, in 2013 Australia announced it was “stopping the boats” and no longer accepting refugees who arrived by sea.

Rahimi was trapped, not being able to work or learn to live in Indonesia. He realizes he is among the lucky ones able to escape.

“There is no hope for so many people,” he said. “That’s why so many Afghans decide to commit suicide. They live in really high-stress situations. I was one of them. The day my application got approved, I just felt like there were people out there who cared.”

Rahimi and Cooper instantly had a connection that would blossom into a great friendship. “She is a really heart-warming person. She decided to sponsor me,” said

Rahimi. His wife and daughter were included in his application, even though they were still in Afghanistan. “We have been waiting for two years to get them here,” said Cooper. “We just found out that her visa was approved. They should be here in the next few weeks.”

Rahimi told Pique words do not exist to adequately describe the feelings he had when he found out he would have housing and a job in Whistler. However, learning the responsibilities Laurie had taken on to save him is a moment he will never forget.

“When I read the list of responsibilities of my sponsor, that really made me cry,” Rahimi said.

Rahimi is now assistant manager of Whistler’s Rexall, part of the melting pot of people that makes this part of the world so special.

“It’s a beautiful place. There are so many people here from every corner of the world,” he said.

The young man said he constantly lies awake wondering why fate dealt him this hand; why he was separated from his family under such horrific circumstances.

“I have never seen my daughter,” he said. “I have always tried to find an answer about why this is, but I will never have an answer. I don’t know how she is going to feel in 10 years’ time about this. I don’t know how she is going to behave, because I wasn’t there for her. It’s a tough one, and it’s scary as well.”

Rahimi said he could never see his family moving back to Afghanistan, the way things are now. He is searching desperately for a oneor two-bedroom suite in Pemberton for his family as he anxiously waits for their notice of departure.

“I have looked everywhere and have had no luck so far,” he said. “It should be exciting. I have been living in Pemberton because there was no accommodation with my job.”

Rahimi hopes his little girl will be welcomed into the arms of the mountain village.

“I see the school and the community. The people here take care of one another,” he said. “It’s a great place for kids and everyone is so supportive. I feel like if we found a place in Pemberton, my daughter won’t feel lonely. She is not going to feel bad about living in another country.”

Pemberton Meadows resident, Vincent Champoux, has kindly invited Rahimi and his family to stay in his place for a month or two free of charge. He hopes this will give the family time to find somewhere they can call their own in the village.

“I moved to Pemberton a while ago, and I know how hard it is to find a place, even more so for a family. I persevered and managed to build a beautiful place for me,” Champoux said. “I live in a five-bedroom house on a farm I built throughout the last few years. I like to share it for the ones that need. It’s not a permanent solution, but if I can help, it makes me happy.” n

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Pemberton weighing 2024 tax increases WITH GROWTH PRESSURES COMPOUNDING, COUNCIL CONSIDERS ITS OPTIONS BY BRADEN DUPUIS

VOP) all the way up to 18 per cent (which would pull in close to $450,000, nearly half of which would be directed to the VOP’s reserves).

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE UNDER A PARTNERING AGREEMENT

Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (the “SLRD”) hereby gives notice that pursuant to section 272 of the Local Government Act, the SLRD intends to provide assistance to the Pember ton Valley Dyking District (the “PVDD”) under the terms of a proposed par tner ing agreement bet ween the SLRD and the PVDD for work perfor med by the PVDD within Electoral Area C of the SLRD

The term of the par tner ing agreement is 2 years, star ting or about March 25, 2024 and ending on or about March 24, 2026 (the “Ter m”), with the SLRD having the discretion to renew for two additional renewal terms of 2 years each. The par tner ing agreement provides that if requested by the PVDD, the SLRD may:

• at the discretion of the SLRD’s Chief Administrative Officer, provide assistance to the PVDD in the following ways:

• in respect of section 39(1)(h) of the Water Sustainabilit y Regulation, submission of provincial stream channel per mit applications to the provincial government for work to be performed by the PVDD; and

• in respect of emergency response or recovery phases under the Emergency and Disaster Management Act, submission of Emergency Approval Fund (EAF) applications to the provincial government for work to be performed by the PVDD.

• at the discretion of the SLRD Board, provide assistance to the PVDD in the following way:

• in respect of grant funding oppor tunities, submission of grant funding applications to funding author ities for work to be performed by the PVDD.

The PVDD is responsible for all costs associated with performing any author ized work under the par tner ing agreement and for indemnifying the SLRD in respect of any liabilities incurred by the SLRD as a result of any author ized work perfor med by the PVDD under the par tner ing agreement The SLRD is responsible for very limited costs, specifically professional fees related to the preparation of the par tner ing agreement, publication costs of this statutor y notice and staff time to administer the par tner ing agreement (total estimated costs are $18,000 for the Term).

PEMBERTON’S MAYOR and council are weighing their financial priorities in the face of continued growth pressure, with a range of tax-increase options on the table.

At a budget session on March 5, council deliberated those potential tax increases and the implications they carry.

The pressures the municipality faces are many, explained manager of finance Thomas Sikora, in a report to council.

Those pressures include (but are not limited to): rising costs for goods and services; deteriorating roads in need of repair; increasing expenses to maintain infrastructure; and a vehicle fleet reaching the end of its life.

Meanwhile, “in 2024, another material drop in development revenue, primarily due to lower forecast building activity, is forecast,” Sikora said in his report.

That includes a decrease of $70,000 in budgeted year-over-year revenue for fees and permits in 2024.

There’s also the looming spectre of increased policing costs once Pemberton’s population hits 5,000, after which the village will be on the hook for 70 per cent of the spend. In 2023, the VOP police budget was $288,447—once the population threshold is reached, that figure could climb to more than $1 million.

Provincial COVID-19 grant funding received in 2021 “was used for a variety of eligible operating expenses that would have otherwise required tax increases, including upgrades in information technology and remote software, hardware, and labour expenses,” the report noted.

With those funds set to run out by the end of the fiscal year, “these previously supported operational expenditures will be fully funded through taxation starting 2025 and included onward in the 5-Year Plan,” it said.

Tax scenarios up for consideration range anywhere from a one-per-cent increase (which would net about an additional $25,000 for the

“Staff recommend that Council focus on contributing to largely underfunded reserves, in addition to increasing tax to address the operating pressures that support core services,” Sikora said in his report.

“The operating budget as presented is designed to maintain existing core service operating levels, including maintenance of aging infrastructure, while accounting for the increased service demands associated with the recent rapid growth experienced in development and infrastructure.”

If council opts for a tax increase that will support additional reserve contributions, the incremental cost over the baseline taxincrease options will amount to between $135.93 and $263.65 for the average singlefamily assessment, and between $95.29 and $184.82 for the average residential assessment.

As always, individual tax increases will differ based on each property’s assessed value.

The 2024 tax increases will be confirmed at a future meeting.

Pemberton’s council approved a five-percent tax increase in 2022, and an eight-per-cent increase in 2023.

“Council’s direction around tax increases will be reflected in the next budget iteration,” the report reads.

“The current budget reflects a deficit of $221,518 and is not inclusive of any tax increases. Of note, it is preliminary and subject to change resulting from impacts of year-end and audit, which [is] going on in parallel to budget development.”

Some of the projects planned for 2024 include: construction of a new amenity building at Den Duyf Park; the Lot 13 multimodal hub (which will include bays for BC Transit buses as a second phase to the project); upgrades to the water treatment plant; and airport runway crack sealing.

Find more info and read the budget documents yourself at pemberton.ca/budget.

Residents are invited to participate in the budget process by submitting feedback via email to budget@pemberton.ca. n

TAX TIME Pemberton residents will hear more details about their 2024 tax increases in the weeks and months to come.

Exploring the Interior: Part 2—Fernie

WELL , it took until the final days of February, but the season came back swinging.

One of my favourite ski-town jokes I’ve heard over the years is: “It’s always snowing next week.” Meaning, when locals are snowdeprived, there always seems to be some carrot dangling in the distance of the long-

BY VINCE SHULEY

range forecast. The 2023-24 season has been a series of over-forecasted, underperforming storms. Until now.

Skiing last weekend on my favourite mountain (Blackcomb, of course), I finally felt like it was ready. I could ski right over powderstacked rollovers and not worry (nearly as much) about what was on the other side. Chutes and little alleyways in the trees were overflowing with pow, with plenty of the soft stuff to slow you down as you exit at Machchicken speed. By the time this publishes, the alpine will have opened, with skiers and riders able to let loose and revel in the now midwinter conditions. Get after it, Whistler—you earned this.

Back in February, before these Herculean

storms arrived, I was on a road trip to B.C.’s Interior (Pique, March 1, “Exploring the Interior, Part 1—Kicking Horse”). The second half of the trip took me and our merry F-150 full of skiers to Fernie. Our crew had entered the booking lottery for Interior backcountry huts for the penultimate week in February, and the one that came up was the Thunder Meadows Hut. Having had a successful first half of the trip with a mix of resort and backcountry skiing, we applied the same formula for Fernie.

in vertical (1,082 metres) and in terrain (more than 50-per-cent advanced/expert, with four per cent labelled as “Extreme”). The resort links five main bowls: Siberia, Timber, Currie, Lizard and Cedar. Each bowl has steep tree skiing with a mix of gladed and non-gladed runs, with the best skiing being accessed via traverses along the ridges. That’s something to note when skiing in Fernie; you’ll be doing A LOT of traversing to get to your lines, and skating along flat cat tracks to get back to the lift. Snowboarders were fewer in proportion

Fernie Alpine Resort holds its own against all the aforementioned resorts, both in vertical (1,082 metres) and in terrain (more than 50-per-cent advanced/expert, with four per cent labelled as “Extreme”).

I’ve been looking to check Fernie Alpine Resort off my bucket list for years. A big part of that is the sheer distance from the coast. The drive from Whistler is just shy of 12 hours, so if you’re heading out that far, you’ll probably want to add some skiing stops along the way. Fernie is just over three hours from Calgary, and competes with Kicking Horse and the SkiBig3 Resorts in Banff within that three-hour driving radius from the closest major city.

Fernie Alpine Resort holds its own against all the aforementioned resorts, both

than I’ve seen at other resorts on the Powder Highway.

The crowning jewel of Fernie Alpine Resort is Polar Peak (2,134m elevation), a wall riddled with steep faces, chutes and headwalls, and flanked by permanently closed areas that are simply too steep and dangerous to ski. This is the terrain that has put Fernie on the map with ski-film segments and freeski competitions. The catch is, it needs ideal conditions to open. Fernie has one of the highest explosives budgets for avalanche control in B.C., and a lot of those explosives are used to control the

terrain on Polar Peak. If it’s storming, gusting, or otherwise considered not safe to ski (as it was when we skied there), you’ll have to come back to sample it another day.

After a full day of hunting windaccumulated pow in the treed ridges, we retire to The Griz Bar, Fernie’s most beloved après venue where live country music blares with a full house of celebrating skiers. The charm of Fernie’s small-town culture is everywhere around us.

To cap the trip, the next day we slog three days’ worth of gear and provisions up to the Thunder Meadows Hut, a couple of backcountry bowls northwest of the resort. An under-forecasted overnight storm drops about 20 centimetres of fresh, and we spend the next two days working the ridges and taking turns dropping into chutes and fanning out into treeline pow fields. Since Thunder Meadows is a buyout-only hut, our crew of four are the only skiers in the entire area. We don’t see a soul until the afternoon of our checkout, where an exhausted trio of snowboarders arrive with their overnight gear and many cans of beer.

The next day we pile back into the F-150 for the cross-province return journey, staying ahead of the incoming storm that blankets the Interior. Exhausted after skiing and touring eight of the last nine days on the road, we brace for Whistler’s triumphant return to real winter. I think we’re ready.

Vince Shuley vehemently believes March is for skiing. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider, email vince.shuley@gmail. com or Instagram @whis_vince. ■

LIZARD KINGS The backcountry terrain in the Lizard Range adjacent to Fernie Alpine Resort has a Rockies look with a Kootenays feel.

PHOTO BY VINCE SHULEY

By Scott Tibballs

Polling might indicate good fortunes for the NDP across the board, but the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding could be in for quite a lot in the way of kissing hands and shaking babies in the upcoming provincial election as the riding comes back into play with a repeat strong Green candidate, a retiring incumbent and a well-known challenger for the governing NDP.

Any and all politicians will respond to a query about polling numbers by telling you the only numbers they live by are the ones that come in on election day. It’s a trite response anyone asking can expect to get (sort of like a polite greeting), but polling does tell a story, and what a story it is telling in 2024.

Seven months out from the Oct. 19 election, polling suggests the incumbent, long-in-tooth NDP government led by David Eby is going to cruise to a comfortable win, riding high on (depending who you ask) voter contentedness with the current trajectory, aversion to change, or a distracted opposition grappling with a rising challenger on its right flank.

Down here in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky, voters can expect a spotlight to be trained on their riding because of how many players have skin in the game with either historical support, a real chance at winning the seat for their party for the first time, or the thrown deck that is the right in B.C. politics.

Four-corner race?

LONG HELD BY BC UNITED, the NDP has never made much in the way of inroads in the riding, but the Greens have emerged as a rising force locally, and there’s a changing dynamic on the right.

“It’s the kind of riding that could be a three-cornered contest, or even a four-cornered contest with BC United having to contend with the BC Conservatives,” said UBC political science lecturer Stewart Prest in an interview with Pique

Prest said there is a real opportunity for the NDP to make progress locally and across the province given the dynamics on the right—and that would be quite a development, because recently, the story of this riding’s election results has had more of a green tinge.

In the 2020 election, the riding turned into a battleground after decades of solid BC Liberal support, with Green Party candidate Jeremy Valeriote coming within a whisker of securing the party’s first riding on the B.C. mainland, falling just 60 votes short in a judicial recount that was a green bright spot on what was otherwise an orange landslide.

We’ll get back to them, but the Greens have come second here in four of the last five provincial elections, explaining why the party spends so many resources in the riding.

For the incumbents, the BC Liberals have held the seat at every election since 1991—but the BC Liberals aren’t around anymore, having renamed themselves BC United in mid-2023 to a tepid response from an electorate confused by the change of brand (and anecdotally suspicious of the dropping of “Liberal” from the name amid the unrelated Liberal Party of Canada’s declining popularity).

Changing dynamics on the right

A provincial election primer for Whistler and beyond

“We are in a position where we can ask those kinds of existential questions about the former BC Liberals, about the BC United Party,” said Prest. “For decades and decades in B.C. we’ve seen a kind of dynamic where on the left of centre we have a strong NDP, which at times has been out of power for considerable lengths of time, but continues to exist and to hold itself together and to compete for power, and on the right we have this succession of right-of-centre parties.”

Indeed, the NDP coming to power in 1991 precipitated the complete collapse of the Social Credit Party within that term after a four-decade run as the ruling party of the province (besides a three-year interruption in the ’70s), while the BC Liberals will not return to power—with that name, at least—after former Premier John Horgan ended its 16 years of ruling in 2017.

CURRENT MLA, JORDAN STURDY, first won the riding in 2013, and told Pique he plans to step down before the next election to focus on his family business.

The party he leaves behind, BC United, is slowly moving through candidate announcements, and is yet to get to West Vancouver-Sea to Sky. Sturdy is one of 10 (as of early March) of BC United’s 26 MLAs not running, a factor that gives up a crucial incumbency advantage through name-recognition.

Sturdy may be leaving at the right time—he could be considered somewhat of a circumstantial, perhaps even reluctant politician, who planned to leave politics in 2020 (he said as much to Pique when interviewed about his plans for the election)—and BC United is facing a challenge from the BC Conservatives on its right flank that could be curtains for the party’s chances at the election… and maybe even beyond.

“I think it’s far too early to pronounce BC United a dead party walking, but they have to be fundamentally concerned about their future,” Prest said.

“The more that we see MLAs declining to run again and bleed away that incumbent advantage, or other potential candidates opt to run for the BC Conservatives … All of these are real warning signs for a party that is going to have its hands full simply treading water in this election, and not losing that pride of second place to the Conservatives.”

That fight means that, as it stands now, provincially, the election is shaping up to be the NDPs to lose.

“The focus of the BC Conservatives and the BC United is really going to be on one another in this upcoming election, as things stand right now,” said Prest. “If one emerges as an undisputed champion of the right, then they can make their argument more strongly against the NDP and then vie for power, but as of right now it seems they’ll be competing on who can be that voice more effectively between the two of them.”

Down on the riding level, Sturdy giving up the BC United’s incumbent advantage heading into the next election is just another challenge for a party that has its hands full.

Since August 2023, cumulative polling done by various firms has shown the BC Conservatives either close to, tied with, or ahead of BC United in voter support—a development Prest said could divide the right and let the NDP hold onto power without much trouble.

It’s a commonly-held concern of those opposing the NDP on the right. Despite planning to retire, Sturdy said he believes in BC United, and called the rising Conservatives “naive … to believe that they’re going to be anything more than a spoiler.”

Kevin Falcon was in the riding earlier this month, facing about 50 Squamoleans at a town hall on March 7. A few were there hoping for a candidate to be announced, but besides an introduction from Sturdy, Falcon stood and spoke alone for well over an hour, fielding questions on a vast array of policy talking points.

Pique asked about timeline, and Falcon said he expects an announcement “within 45 days,” saying the party is still vetting prospective candidates.

Over the hour Falcon spoke, the Conservatives weren’t mentioned once, with his talk and Q&A focused on the NDP and his record as a BC Liberal minister in the late 2000s and early 2010s.

Asked after the event whether he is concerned the Conservatives really could be a spoiler in the coming election, Falcon said that concern is always there.

“[The] BC Conservative Party have been around 70 years, and they’re not connected to the federal party at all, but they do have the benefit of having the same name, which creates voter confusion,” he said.

The polling that showed BC United and the BC Conservatives vying for second place was all noise from that confusion, he said.

“Most people, when they’re asked who they’re voting for and they say conservative, they’re thinking Pierre Poilievre … they don’t even know who the leader of the BC Conservative party is,” Falcon said.

“By the time the election rolls around and people are paying more attention, they’ll know exactly who I am, and who we are, and that we are the true coalition that’s been around since the Social Credit days.”

Despite being an elephant in the room, like BC United, the BC Conservatives are yet to nominate a candidate for the riding, but the party is working its way around the province announcing

JORDAN STURDY

KEVIN FALCON

candidates for outer rural and inner-city ridings, including the neighbouring West VancouverCapilano riding, all but ensuring a BC Conservative candidate will be on local ballots come October.

The party also confirmed to Pique it plans to run candidates in every riding in the province, with an announcement pending locally.

An opportunity for the NDP

POLLS

THAT SHOW BC UNITED AND THE BC CONSERVATIVES

fighting for second place show the NDP well ahead of both.

“We see an electoral map that seems to be shaping up pretty well, all things considered, for the NDP,” said Prest. “So much can happen between now and our expected election date, but with the Conservative Party seeming to have real momentum behind it, we could expect some voters to continue to be loyal to the BC Liberal brand, there is a real potential split there. The NDP with a strong campaign can then effectively come up and win enough plurality.”

The NDP has never held West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in any capacity in its current form, or any of its predecessors as West Vancouver-Garibaldi or West Vancouver-Howe Sound.

The party is making a bet it can change that with Whistler Councillor Jen Ford.

With a long track record in municipal politics and experience working on a provincial level through the Union of BC Municipalities (UBCM), Ford has long been a rising star, and looks to be the NDP’s best bet it can snatch the riding from a BC United grappling with the right, and deny the Greens a foothold on the mainland.

It’s quite a bet: the riding has long been the domain of the BC Liberals, and before that, the Social Credit Party (and before that, the Liberals again, all the way back to 1966), putting it firmly in not quite the centre-right, but at least the anti-NDP column on the provincial level (note, the BC Liberal Party was affiliated with the centrist Liberal Party of Canada up until 1987).

Indeed, for the last five elections locally, it has been the centreright that was united, while the centre-left split itself between the NDP and the Greens… until 2020, when the left (and quite a lot of the centre) broke for the Greens across the entire riding.

Ford, who was the only candidate seeking the local NDP nomination as of this writing, said she is hearing voters are heartened by policy moves by the NDP since Eby took over, and the prospect of an MLA in government is appealing to voters.

“My bias tells me, polling is telling me, and people I am speaking to are telling me that generally people like what the NDP has done, generally the platform is supportable, and generally people are wanting someone in government rather than electing a party that may not form government,” she said.

“Does the NDP have a good chance of turning enough voters from Green or United? I think so, because people want to support a member in government and a platform that is supportable.”

Ford said she believes the desire for change permeating many aspects of Canadian politics is attainable through a re-elected NDP.

“Their platform has been aggressive, their legislation has been aggressive, but I think as we’ve seen in many different aspects of the political atmosphere in our province and in Canada, people are looking for aggressive change to change the things that haven’t been working,” she said.

Ford may be onto something there: Prest said the chance of another NDP MLA on an already large government bench in Victoria could well be appealing for voters—with the right kind of candidate.

“It would come down more in terms of personality—a particularly distinct voice within government may be appealing,” he said.

cycles—but Prest warned trends aren’t in the party’s favour on a provincial level.

“Looking at provincial tendencies, the Green Party doesn’t currently have a lot of momentum on its side,” he said. “It doesn’t seem to be resonating very well, it doesn’t seem able to take advantage of any sense of frustration with the BC NDP on issues of the environment or issues on affordability—though that may change quickly.”

For his part, Valeriote is regarded as a strong candidate—after all, he came within 60 votes of winning the riding in 2020.

Granular polling-place results show that, in that year, he almost completely overran Squamish—the NDP’s traditional heartland in the riding—so he, along with the provincial Green Party, appears to be placing a fair bet, too.

Valeriote is confident: He told Pique he feels the winds are blowing in the Green Party’s direction, but he isn’t taking anything for granted.

“We’re doing a lot of work to improve those chances, but we feel good about the landscape as it is,” he said.

Valeriote’s campaign vastly underspent Sturdy’s in advertising expenses in 2020, yet still came within a whisker of snatching the seat. Valeriote’s campaign spent $22,402.33 on advertising, while Sturdy spent $38,195.99, and the NDP candidate—Keith Murdoch— spent $7,698.29.

“If there’s a sense of a powerful candidate who has a good chance of being in cabinet, and can really make the case to voters while campaigning that this will take the riding in the direction that people want to go, then it can become more of a factor.”

That factor is front-of-mind for Ford, who, as mentioned, has a long CV as councillor, and has worked with higher levels of government through the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District as chair, and through the Union of BC Municipalities as president—all factors which could make her well-placed to secure the confidence of the riding, and a seat in cabinet.

“I don’t want to sound overconfident, but I am in it to win it, to be sure,” she said.

That could be a spanner in the works for the BC Green Party and local candidate Jeremy Valeriote—though Ford said she won’t be focusing directly on her challengers.

“Is my campaign going to focus on him? Nope. My campaign focuses on the issues of the Sea to Sky, and who can best serve the people of West Vancouver-Sea to Sky,” she said.

A Green in the wings

VALERIOTE’S NAME SHOULD BE FAMILIAR —he was the Green candidate in 2020, and was declared as the Green Party candidate for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky all the way back in April 2023, giving him the first-mover advantage of almost an entire year.

The riding is fertile soil for the Green Party—it has done well here for the last five election

Despite the orange-tinted polling dominating provincial political discourse for months, Valeriote said he believes the NDP has “slim chances” in the riding considering its candidates finished last of the three major parties in the previous two elections.

“What we’re offering as BC Greens is an independent and evidence-based third party that can bring new ideas to the table and hold the government accountable,” said Valeriote about the upcoming campaign.

“Every government gets long in the tooth and develops blind spots or complacency, [and] the value proposition of a BC Green MLA is to be a watchdog for that, keep an eye on things, keep presenting new, innovative ideas and influence policy in the legislature in a way that’s constructive.”

Valeriote actually won the initial count on election night in 2020, and only fell behind after mail-in ballots were counted. A judicial recount found he fell short by only 60 votes in what was the closest race of the election—which could make voters more likely to back him this time around, he said.

“Voters are very observant, they remember what happened last time, and they understand what it’s like to lose something by a thin margin,” Valeriote said.

“There’s a lot of support that comes from finishing very close, [and] some people maybe wish they’d voted differently if they knew it was going to be that close.”

With a 10-month head start on the other candidates, he’s had plenty of opportunity to get himself out there and make his case.

Valeriote is a former Town of Gibsons councillor, so knows Ford through UBCM, and is the husband of the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s top bureaucrat, Ginny Cullen, adding another dash of personal intrigue to what is already a complex political race.

Moving boundaries

IT’S NOT JUST THE MOVING PIECES OF POLITICS

and parties playing a role here: The BC Electoral Boundaries Commission has been hard at work, moving a large chunk of West Vancouver into the neighbouring riding.

According to 2020 data, the area that is now part of West Vancouver-Capilano supported the BC Liberals by a large margin, putting this riding well within the Greens column if the result were repeated over again.

Don’t believe it? The neighbourhood excised from West Vancouver-Sea to Sky in the redistribution was West Bay, which has four polling places that counted 363 votes, of which 232 went to Sturdy and 85 went to Valeriote. Without them, Valeriote would have won the riding by almost 90 votes, and that isn’t even counting the advance voting polling station in that neighbourhood, which Sturdy won by even more, making the neighbourhood a keen loss for BC United. 2020 was also the year voters were instructed on where they could vote, tying neighbourhoods to locations, and cementing the reliability of the data.

All this to say, West Vancouver-Sea to Sky is in for quite the race, but given 2020 was also quite the nail-biter, this might be the “new normal” for the riding.

With a potentially divided right made up of two parties after the same voters, an NDP with a well-heeled candidate and a strong Green candidate who already has a campaign’s worth of pounding the pavement, West Vancouver-Sea to Sky will be a race to watch—because after so many years of BC Liberal strength, the riding is very much in play.

“The Green Party may choose, for strategic reasons, to really pour resources into the riding, so if you’re looking for wild cards in the race, that really is one. If people are frustrated with the NDP but unwilling to vote for a right-of-centre party, that Green candidate may yet burst forward,” said Prest.

“It’s going to be a fascinating seat to watch.” ■

JEN FORD

JEREMY VALIERIOTE

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Embyr-Lee Susko retains senior and junior titles at Canadian Luge Championships

ALLIE SPENCE WINS THREE MEDALS, MIDORI HOLLAND COLLECTS TWO

BY DAVID SONG

EMBYR-LEE SUSKO defended her Canadian Luge Championship titles at the Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC) on March 9 to cap off a breakthrough season.

The Whistlerite cemented her spot as the top feet-first slider in the nation with a time of 1:19.240 amidst wet and warm conditions. Kailey Allan, who has been juggling luge and university studies as of late, took silver (1:19.460). Midori Holland wrapped up her last junior campaign with bronze (1:19.468), joining fellow local Susko on the podium.

“It was really fun to keep the streak alive,” Susko said. “It means a lot to do it on home soil with my parents here to support me, and it’s just been a super fun and incredible season.”

Susko made her name in the international luge community earlier this year by winning three straight Junior World Cup races. She carried that momentum into her World Cup debut in Whistler by finishing ninth.

The 18-year-old went on to produce steady results on the elite circuit and a silver medal at the Junior World Championships. She found herself second in overall junior women’s singles rankings, third overall in junior doubles with Beattie Podulsky, and was

part of Team Canada’s third-place result in team relay standings.

Susko and Podulsky are not a doubles pair at the moment, but their time together was a key learning experience for both.

“It was such an incredible opportunity to get to work with Beattie and learn a different style of sliding,” remarked Susko. “And it’s so incredible that they’re making more space for women in the sport of luge, [as this was the first season ladies’ doubles became an official discipline.]”

On March 8, Susko also repeated as junior

some muscle on and coming back stronger next year.”

Meanwhile, Maya Yuen and Bastian van Wouw won gold medals in the final Youth A Continental Cup races of the year.

Sixteen-year-old Yuen rocketed to top times in both blasts down the 11-corner track (1:25.060). Silver went to Kaia Hatton, who trains in Whistler but repped Great Britain at the 2024 Gangwon Youth Olympics in January (1:25.568). Allie Spence brought a bronze medal home to Squamish (1:26.693).

Yuen also linked up with Podulsky to win

“It means a lot to do it on home soil with my parents here to support me...”

- EMBYR-LEE SUSKO

national champion (1:18.457) ahead of runnerup Holland (1:18.890) and Allan in third (1:18.976).

RESULTS ROUNDUP

Dylan Morse was crowned Canadian champ in both men’s events. The 19-year-old registered a time of 1:44.351 in the senior race and completed his two junior attempts in 1:43.493.

“I put down two consistent runs. The big focus for me was to have consistent runs as much as I can, so this was a symbolic end to the season,” said Morse in a press release. “I’m looking forward to building my start, getting

the open doubles race (1:52.029).

“I had two really good runs after a rough week. I proved to myself that I could do this today, so I was really proud of myself. It was a great opportunity to be sliding,” said Yuen in a release. The Calgarian was 11th in Gangwon.

For his part, 17-year-old van Wouw followed up his eighth-place Youth Olympic effort with a home-ice victory (1:22.214).

THE SLIDER FROM SQUAMISH

While she’s a ways out from pushing Susko at the highest levels of Canadian luge, Spence has enjoyed a milestone campaign of her

own. Her hard work paid off in the form of some new hardware: silver medals at both youth nationals and the BC Championships in addition to her Continental Cup bronze.

“I am beyond happy to have gotten third in the Whistler Youth A Continental Cup this season,” said Spence. “This was my first ever Continental Cup race, so I am so stoked that I was able to put together two decent runs to get me onto the podium. It was also just so wonderful, getting to see my family and hearing just how loud they were.

“Hopping off my sled after going 120 kilometres/hour and seeing all of my teammates, my teammates’ families and my own family all cheering for me at the finish was a very validating experience, especially knowing that the people who I have been sliding with for four-plus years believe in my sliding potential.”

Earlier this season, the 15-year-old added key overseas experience to her resume in Winterberg, Germany and Park City, Utah. She names the Park City trip as a high point, enabling her to bond with teammates and her mom Stacey without the added pressure of competition. In the process, she became acquainted with a track she will very likely race on later in her career.

That said, there’s no ice like home ice.

“I loved having the results that I had in Whistler,” Spence said. “Having the advantage of being able to train almost every day this winter definitely helped me with my confidence heading into the competition. A highlight was celebrating with my friends and family in person, in my hometown and not over another track’s livestream.”  n

TWICE AS NICE Embyr-Lee Susko became a twotime Canadian Luge Champion after winning her races in Whistler on March 8 and 9.

PHOTO BY DAVE HOLLAND/LUGE CANADA

Swimrun to make its Whistler debut July 7

HELMED LOCALLY BY

DALE TIESSEN,

THE RACE INVOLVES MULTIPLE LEGS OF SWIMMING AND RUNNING

BY DAVID SONG

THE SEA TO SKY already boasts an embarrassment of riches when it comes to prolific sporting events: Crankworx, the XTerra triathlon, the upcoming and highly controversial Ultra Trail Whistler, and many more. Get ready to add a fresh new option to the mix, for ÖTILLÖ Swimrun is coming to Whistler.

Swimrun, much like its name would entail, involves running to a given body of water, swimming through it, getting out to run… and repeating the process. Unlike with triathlon, contestants must swim with their running shoes on, and run in their wetsuits or water-resistant clothing. It’s a distinct challenge, and one that originated more than two decades ago from—of all things—a drunken bet.

In 2002, four Swedes decided to tackle an out-of-the-box proposition. They were to race from one end of the Stockholm archipelago to another—a 70-kilometre distance—without vehicles or aids. The losing team had to pay for food, drink and accommodation upon reaching the endpoint of Sandhamn.

Four years later, Swedish adventure racers Mats Skott and Michael Lemmel turned the challenge into a commercial event.

ISLAND TO ISLAND

ÖTILLÖ (which means “island to island” in Swedish) had fairly humble beginnings. At first, only two teams out of an 11-squad field managed to finish within prescribed time limits. Today, swimrun is recognized as one of the most difficult one-day races on Earth— yet it is also surging in terms of popularity.

“This is the fastest growing multi-sport discipline in the world right now,” said race director Dale Tiessen.

Swimrun’s first stop in Whistler will have three formats to choose from. Each is open to teams and individuals alike.

Tiessen figures the relatively beginnerfriendly experience discipline will take less than two hours for most, and appeals to a broad group of active locals who want to try something new and fresh.

The sprint event is a step up: covering about 20 kilometres, it’s a rugged challenge that may take prepared contenders three or four hours to knock down.

Athletes who commit to the World Series standard sign up for roughly the distance of a marathon—40 kilometres—with seven of those kilometres traversed through water. That’s easily a five or six-hour day, even for well-conditioned participants.

“In doing so, though, you get a full breadth of what Whistler has to offer,” Tiessen said. “You get to swim in all of the lakes, you get to see the town basically from

the south all the way to the north. One of the runs is currently planned to go right through Parkhurst Ghost Town [on the northeast side of Green Lake].”

While swimrun is a relative novelty, Tiessen is well-known among Sea to Sky circles for his extensive work with the Whistler Triathlon Club (WTC). The lifelong athlete has also co-owned the Comfy Numb trail race and founded XTerra before handing the keys to that race over to Kristian Manietta. Tiessen contacted ÖTILLÖ a few months ago to bring their flagship event to Whistler.

REVAMPING THE MULTISPORT SCENE

It is said every Whistlerite is a current, former or future Olympian. That piece of hyperbole encapsulates the active subculture found in these parts, with many engaging in sport for a variety of personal and professional reasons. Swimrun can appeal to both.

“It can be more of a personal challenge, and I think that resonates with the local community here that likes to challenge themselves by doing these types of events,” said Tiessen. “[For them], it’s less about competition and more about the act of participating and the community that brings.

“On the other hand, the growth in the sport is happening because a lot of traditional triathletes are looking for something more adventurous. The idea of a swimrun brings something new to multisport disciplines, so that’s why the person who’s been competing in triathlon for 20 years and has done events like Ironman can [get excited].”

Tiessen is anticipating roughly 200 registrants for the debut Whistler event, including a healthy number of internationals who recognize the Sea to Sky as a top-flight sporting destination.

Remarks Swimrun chairman Christian Pirzer in a press release: “ÖTILLÖ Swimrun Whistler is the first new event developed by our partners in the U.S., [Lars Finanger and Aaron Palain], together with Dale Tiessen from Whistler. It is exciting to see how fast our new team created an additional event to the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series on the North American continent. This will be a fantastic opportunity for the growing Swimrun community in Canada and the U.S .to experience the magic of an ÖTILLÖ race in the beautiful nature of Whistler.

“We are also convinced that this event will be attractive for many European athletes to collect points for the ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Series ranking and qualify for the Swimrun World Championship 2025.”

Those interested in registering for Swimrun come July 7, whether as a competitor or as a much-needed volunteer, can find more information at otillowhistler. com. Locals can use the discount code FRIENDSOFWHISTLER15.  n

CALL FOR FUNDING APPLICATIONS

Applications are now being accepted for our April 1st, 2024 Spring Funding Deadline.

The Whistler Blackcomb Foundation is dedicated to providing financial support to community groups and charities whose activities provide benefit to residents of the Sea to Sky Corridor in the areas of health, human services, education, recreation, arts & culture and the environment. Special emphasis is placed on children, youth and family programs. For more information, eligibility requirements and to complete an application, please visit our website at whistlerblackcombfoundation.com or contact Executive Director Mei Madden at mmadden@whistlerblackcombfoundation.com.

The wonderful world of Turner’s Chocolate

WHISTLER CHOCOLATE MANUFACTURER TAKES THE NEXT STEP WITH FUNCTION JUNCTION STOREFRONT

BY BRADEN DUPUIS

SPEND A FEW MINUTES in Turner’s Chocolate down in Function Junction, and one thing becomes immediately clear.

“I love to talk about chocolate,” says owner Avison Turner, as he hands out another sample—this time from his Ouro line.

“It’s a 75-per-cent cocoa, so it’s kind of on the stronger side,” he says, before passing yet another sample, this time of Ouro dark.

“Because of all the coffee farms and citrus farms [near where the cocoa is grown], it does make a really earthy and a stronger dark chocolate, so that one is a little much for me,” he says. “But it is actually a little more popular than the softer one.”

Of the four or five samples he shares, it’s tough to choose a favourite—and Turner’s love of his craft is just as sweet.

The storefront in Function Junction has been open about three months, but Turner and his chocolate have been a fixture on the farmers’ market circuit for the past four years or so.

“In the first year [2020], I was doing I think maybe one a week, and then the next

PHOTO

BRADEN DUPUIS

year two a week, and then the third year I was doing like four or five,” he says.

Last year, as he prepped his new brickand-mortar space, he had to scale back on the farmers’ markets, “but now I have kind of a home base, I’m looking forward to the opportunities that will provide,” he says. “And be able to hire some staff, because it is just me.”

One man show or not, Turner is making

making and the chocolatiering,” he says.

“So when I was looking for a really highquality milk chocolate, the more I looked around, the more I found everything was just really loaded with sugar, and it was all just the big factory chocolates.”

Turner began reading about how great small-batch chocolate can be using cocoa from different places, and thought, how hard can it be?

“I want everything to be the best that it can be.”

- AVISON TURNER

an impression in the wonderful world of chocolate.

A dual citizen of Canada and the U.K., Turner grew up in the Tri-Cities area. He says he was inspired to take up the craft when he was looking for some premium chocolate on Robson Street in Vancouver.

“It occurred to me I had never actually seen any of the cocoa beans, or any of the actual chocolate-making machines, and then I read online that most chocolatiers will buy in the slabs of chocolate, and then melt them down and rework them and add different things to them—so there’s the chocolate-

“So I bought some small-batch equipment and kind of went from there,” he says.

The learning curve was relatively painless, he says, noting when he started out, nine out of 10 batches or so would be fine.

“But then something would happen, and I wouldn’t know why it would go wrong,” he says.

“It took me like a full year to really understand everything about the chocolate.”

Now, Turner is a veritable fount of chocolatey knowledge, his enthusiasm for sharing it apparent the minute you walk through his doors.

And that’s actually part of the business concept—Turner envisions the shop more as a manufacturing and learning space with samples than a traditional sweets shop.

Aside from supplying restaurants, he also wants to train the next generation of chocolatiers.

“Even the owners of the restaurants are always asking for a place to send their pastry chefs to come and train, and learn about the chocolates, so that way I can teach them new recipes and how to work with the chocolate,” he says, adding the space could also be used for school groups to learn.

That’s not to say there won’t be a retail aspect, both in house and in other stores. Turner envisions custom displays to go along with his artisanal treats.

“I want everything to be the best that it can be, and even when it comes to the retailers and the displays and everything … if they have something to display the chocolate bars in, great, but I would also like to have some nice wood boxes I can give to them and say, ‘Put the chocolate in there, put the price next to it, and good to go,’ kind of thing,” he says.

“Chocolate is really simple—like, it’s chocolate. It’s an impulse purchase, so even with a lot of the wholesalers and everything, I want to make it as simple as possible.

“Even though it’s a premium product, it’s still chocolate at the end of the day.”

Turner’s Chocolate is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Millar Creek Road in Function Junction. Read more at turnerschocolate.ca. n

SWEET TOOTH Avison Turner of Turner’s Chocolate has big plans for his new space in Function Junction.

BY

Local singer-songwriter ZADA finds Water in the Desert

THE ETHIOPIAN-BORN WHISTLERITE IS LAUNCHING HER FIRST ALBUM MARCH 16 AT THE GARIBALDI LIFT CO.

BY DAVID SONG

SEA TO SKY CORRIDOR , get ready to meet a rising phenom.

ZADA is bursting onto the local music scene with the release of her debut album, Water in the Desert. The eight-song collection was co-produced by Brian West and Chin Injeti with input from Elliott Beenk and Tim Olivershe as well, and it’s a microcosm of the artist’s unique flavour.

At just 20 years old, ZADA has already begun to discover her creative identity. Her stuff is laced with guitars and synths, which provide a complementary contrast to her silky-smooth vocals. She’s also a multifaceted talent who uses her experience producing, designing sets and storyboarding music videos to take ownership of her career in more ways than one.

“I don’t really see myself as just one type of artist, and if I stick to one thing for too long, I kind of get stale,” explains ZADA. “So, I like

to switch over and view things differently. For a while I was used to creating alone, but since the start of releasing music, a whole new world opened up—one that brings me so much joy—and a newfound passion for collaborative expression.”

‘GLAMOROUS FASHION, RUGGED NATURE’

Water in the Desert’s music videos would not have been possible without accomplished cameramen Blake Jorgenson and Leo Hoorn. ZADA praises them for their approach to the project and to her as a member of the team.

“They really provided all the tools and collaboration to dig into the edgier side of visual production,” she says. “I’ve loved working with other companies, but they just got my idea. They also were very passionate about it, and that was the most important thing to me. From a visual aspect, we’re always trying to bring in the outdoors.

“It really mattered to me that the project was less in the studio and more outside, and had that crossover between glamorous fashion and rugged nature.”

ZADA’s own eclectic background is something of a crossover. She and her siblings hail from Ethiopia, but she’s lived in Whistler for more than a decade and a half. Growing up,

her parents always provided her with a canvas to express herself, whether it was through sport, music or other forms of art.

At first, ZADA gravitated towards poetry, writing down her quiet and unfiltered thoughts as one tends to do when quite young. She bounced around multiple musical instruments and found some affinity with the trumpet, but was forced to set that aside when she got braces at an inopportune time. Eventually, ZADA grew to love playing piano, and has re-introduced the guitar into her life as a songwriting tool.

Two summers ago on her 19th birthday, the African-born Whistlerite took the stage at Olympic Plaza alongside her producer and mentor Injeti. She was blown away when a crowd of nearly 2,000 people showed up to cheer her on, marking her unofficial introduction to the Sea to Sky scene.

“I had a lovely welcome from Whistler, and they were super supportive,” she remembers fondly. “It was quite a fun time.”

A REASON TO GET EXCITED

Composing and launching an album has been an eye-opening experience for ZADA.

The breakout star is familiar with the rhythm of pumping out single after single, but Water in the Desert threw her a bit of a

curveball. It was recorded in Vancouver, Los Angeles and the United Kingdom, and draws upon the influence of genres like R&B, jazz and Afrobeats.

“When we went to London, there was a street dancer whose movement was so fluid against the starkness of the architecture,” the artist recalls in a press release, saying the memory contributed further to the album’s thematic juxtapositions between elegance and grit.

“This is completely new territory,” she adds. “[I remember asking myself:] how are we going to do this? How are we going to promote it?”

Things worked out rather serendipitously on that front. Water in the Desert’s March 1 release coincided with ZADA’s presence in Washington D.C. for the Black Girls Rock Fest, granting her a perfect platform to show off her content. She’s since dropped by the South by Southwest (SXSW) Festival in Austin, Texas, and looks forward to a homecoming at the Garibaldi Lift Company (GLC).

“I’ve never performed there before, so that’s definitely a reason to get excited,” ZADA says. “March 16 is going to be awesome.”

DJ Foxy Moron will open the show this Saturday at 9 p.m. before ZADA steps into the spotlight at 9:45 p.m. More information can be found at zadamusic.com.  n

MEET THE MIRAGE Whistler musician ZADA is releasing her debut album, Water in the Desert, at the Garibaldi Lift Co. on March 16.

PHOTO BY BLAKE JORGENSON

‘Almost magical’

IMPROV CENTRE COMEDIANS JALEN SAIP, RILEY HARDWICK AND HELEN CAMISA PERFORM MARCH 20 IN WHISTLER

BY DAVID SONG

CALLING ALL STAND-UP comedy fans: the Improv Centre is coming to town.

Talented Vancouver-area performers Jalen Saip, Riley Hardwick and Helen Camisa are bringing their group’s signature brand of fast-paced storytelling and larger-than-life character work to Whistler. They’ll construct a show on the spot, based on whatever wacky pointers audience members give them.

“There’s something both risky and really rewarding about that element of improv—the idea of giving up control,” says Saip. “We have to accept the fact that it’s not going to be our idea. It’s not going to be exactly what we thought or hoped the scene might be. It’s going to be probably better than what we hoped it would be.

“Improv is a collaboration, and two, three or four minds are better than one. Sometimes you think: ‘I know where this should go, I know how this should be,’ and then a team partner or audience suggestion veers way off course. If you understand what your main goal is, and if you accept that whatever happens can be joyful, then you can find your path back in a way that’s really almost magical.”

WHOSE LINE

The Improv Centre was founded in 1981. Each year, more than 60,000 artists, students and members of the public visit the company’s 186seat theatre on Granville Island to experience “theatresports”: a unique type of live comedy that pits two teams of actors against each other in a contest to earn audience approval.

Originally, the idea of theatresports came from late British-Canadian educator and theatre director Keith Johnstone. Saip explains the competitive aspect of the program is entirely for show, as there are no real stakes for losing teams. Instead, it’s viewers who truly win: those in attendance become judges, scoring each scene and letting performers know what they liked most.

The upcoming Whistler show won’t be a full theatresports presentation, but it will give locals a taste of what the format entails.

“We’ve been playing this type of improv for over 40 years, and we have taken it and morphed it into what suited our audiences best,” says Saip. “As much as it’s a

competition—and I would put that word in air quotes—it’s also just a lot of fun.”

Saip first discovered this particular type of fun eight or nine years ago. She was once a conventional stage actor who, like many of her peers, faced difficulty in establishing herself on the local dramatic scene full-time. The Vancouverite grew up watching Whose Line Is It Anyway? with her dad, but never envisioned herself as an improv artist.

Why would she? The format was never offered to her: not in high school, not even in any of her university theatre classes.

‘JOYFUL AND COLLABORATIVE’

Nonetheless, Saip caught wind of the Improv Centre and decided to sign up for a class, flexing her acting muscles in a new way.

“It snowballed pretty quickly into just loving this art form,” she recalls. “I definitely grew up in a household that was very witty and quick. We poked a lot of fun at each other and ourselves, so I did love comedy in a certain sense—but I was never a comedian.”

That’s also part of the beauty of improv: one need not be a traditional stand-up talent or performer to get involved. Saip has brushed shoulders with all kinds of people, including teachers and software developers, who have excelled as improvisers in their own right. She looks forward to meeting a bevy of fresh faces in Whistler.

“It’s a very diverse place in terms of where people are from, because it’s such a destination,” Saip remarks. “You don’t know what you’re going to get when you’re performing for a Whistler crowd. There’s the people who are hardcore Whistlerites for life, and then there’s also people who are just there seasonally.”

The actor-turned-improv whiz thinks what she and her peers bring to the table will appeal to a plethora of personalities.

“Improv is a joyful and collaborative way to present comedy,” she adds. “It’s not an individualistic presentation of your own funny ideas. It is a group effort, a team effort where we’re all accepting each other’s ideas and building off of them.”

Saip, Hardwick and Camisa will grace the Maury Young Arts Centre on March 20 at 8 p.m. Tickets and more details are available at artswhistler.com/calendar-upcoming/artswhistler-live-presents-the-improv-centre. ■

MAGIC MAKERS Improv Centre performers Jalen Saip (left), Helen Camisa (middle) and Riley Hardwick know how to show audiences a good time.

PHOTO BY CHELSEY STUYT

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

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

1. LAUGH OUT LIVE! PRESENTS: ST. PATRICK’S SECRET POWDER STASH

Get ready to sham-rock and roll as Laugh Out LIVE! takes the stage for two nights of high-energy improv, side-splitting sketch, and uproarious stand-up comedy with an Irish flair! Never been to a show? Picture Saturday Night Live doing a jig with Whose Line Is It Anyway? then getting drunk on pints of Guinness with The Price is Right in Whistler!

> March 15 & 16, 8 p.m.

> Maury Young Arts Centre

> $35

2. PEMBERTON SEEDY SUNDAY

Stewardship Pemberton is excited to host this year’s Seedy Sunday on March 17 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.!

Join us at the Community Barn to learn about our seed library and community food and gardening programs. Swap seeds and stories with local growers, meet local and regional organizations, and “ask an expert” about gardening best practices. There will be activities for all ages, snacks, warm drinks (please bring a mug), live music, and more! Join us to learn, connect, and celebrate the beginning of the growing season! To get involved, email pembyfeastingforchange@gmail. com. To learn more, visit stewardshippembertonsociety. com.

> March 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

> Downtown Community Barn, Pemberton > Free

3. GAMES NIGHT

Join the Friends of the Library for fun and games. Bring a friend, play an old favourite or learn a new game, and win prizes! Games available to play include Scrabble, Risk, Sorry, Ticket to Ride, Settlers of Catan, Bananagrams, Pictionary, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly, Clue, Backgammon, Boggle, the Game of Things and more! Feel free to bring your own game to play. No registration required, drop-ins welcome!

> March 18, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.

> Whistler Public Library

> Free

4. WHISTLER CHILDREN’S CHORUS WINTER 2024 SEASON

Whistler Children’s Chorus is a non-audition, community choir for children in grades one through seven. No musical experience is necessary, but registration is required. If you are interested in signing up or if you have any questions about this program, please email Choir Director, Jeanette Bruce, at jbruce@ whistlerlibrary.ca.

> March 19, 4 to 5 p.m.

> Whistler Public Library

> Free

2024-2028 FIVE-YEAR FINANCIAL PLAN INVITATION FOR PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Regional Districts are required to adopt a five-year financial plan, setting out the proposed expenditures and funding sources for each service. The financial plan is to be made available for public consultation. Accordingly, members of the public are encouraged to provide written submissions and comments on the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District’s Draft 2024-2028 Financial Plan. Submissions and comments should be forwarded to the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District by one of the following means:

Mail: Box 219, Pemberton, BC V0N 2L0

Email: info@slrd.bc.ca

The 2024-2028 Draft Financial Plan is available for review on the SLRD website at: www.slrd.bc.ca

The SLRD Board will consider a bylaw to adopt the 2024-2028 Financial Plan at the March 27, 2024 Board meeting.

HAPPY ST

PADDY’S DAY!

Join us for Live Music with ‘Those Guys’ on Sunday Party starts at 8:30pm, music starts at 9pm Come party like you’re Irish!

Guinness and Jameson’s Irish Whiskey on special Donations to W.A.G. at the door.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOT HELD ELECTORAL AREA C

Pursuant to Section 464 (3) of the Local Government Act this is to provide notice of intent of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District to amend the Electoral Area C Zoning Bylaw No. 765, 2002, in a manner consistent with the Electoral Area C Official Community Plan Bylaw No. 689, 1999 and for the purpose of residential development. Public notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 467 of the Local Government Act regarding the following bylaw:

• Squamish-Lillooet Regional District Electoral Area C Zoning Bylaw No. 765, 2002, Amendment Bylaw No. 1850-2024

PURPOSE OF BYLAW No. 1850-2024

The bylaw is associated with an application to amend the zoning at 15002 Upper Lillooet River Forest Service Road to provide for an operator residence facility for employees of the Boulder Creek and Upper Lillooet River Hydroelectric Facilities. The current operator residence facilities have been operating on a temporary basis, and the location has presented challenges for access and safety reasons. The land at the proposed new site is not currently in use, but the area was previously used for a temporary construction camp during the construction of the Upper Lillooet River and Boulder Creek Hydroelectric Facilities. The area was reclaimed following decommissioning of the temporary camp. The bylaw proposes to rezone the subject parcel from Rural Residential 1 Zone (Resource Management Subzone) (RR1(RM)) to RR8 – Boulder Creek Operator Residence – a site specific new zone providing for employee housing for up to 20 persons on a 6.78-hectare parcel of land. Site servicing, including electricity, water and septic, is already in place.

The proponent has submitted an application to the Ministry of Forests for a Crown Land Tenure on the subject parcel to provide for the employee housing/operator residence for the operational life of the hydroelectric facilities (more than 30 years). The SLRD Zoning Amendment application and Ministry of Forests Crown Land Tenure application are being processed concurrently, with adoption of Amendment Bylaw 1850-2024 being contingent on the Crown Land Tenure. As the proposed zoning amendment is consistent with the official community pan and the purpose is to permit a residential development, the SLRD must not hold a public hearing on the proposed bylaw. The area covered by Bylaw 1850-2024 is THAT PARCEL OR TRACT OF UNSURVEYED CROWN LAND IN THE VICINITY OF BOULDER CREEK TOGETHER WITH UNSURVEYED CROWN FORESHORE OR LAND COVERED BY WATER BEING PART OF THE BED OF BOULDER CREEK ALL WITHIN LILLOOET DISTRICT, CONTAINING 6.78 HECTARES, MORE OR LESS as outlined on the map included in this notice:

INFORMATION & SUBMISSIONS

A copy of the proposed bylaw and relevant background documents may be inspected at the Regional District office, 1350 Aster Street, Pemberton, BC, during office hours 8:00 am to 4:00 pm from March 13 to March 26, 2024 not including weekends and statutory holidays or on the SLRD website at https://www.slrd.bc.ca/inside-slrd/ notices/public-hearing-or-meetings/notice-publichearing-not-held-electoral-area-c

Written submissions (mail or email) must be received at the SLRD office no later than 4:00 pm Tuesday March 26, 2024.

The SLRD Board will be considering first reading of Amendment Bylaw 1850-2024 at the March 27, 2024 SLRD Board meeting. All persons who believe that their interest in the property is affected by the proposed bylaw shall be afforded a reasonable opportunity to present written submissions respecting matters contained in the bylaw. Written submissions must be addressed to “SLRD Board of Directors,” and include your name and community of residence. Until 4:00 pm on March 26, 2024, written submissions 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

warranty

MUSEUM MUSINGS

When Whistler skied with Toni

Sailer

BY ALLYN PRINGLE

BOOK LEARNING may not be the first method that comes to mind when teaching someone to ski, but looking through the museum’s reference shelf you’ll find multiple examples of publications aiming to improve skiers’ technique and ability, often attached to at least one notable name. One such book is Ski with Toni Sailer in Flip Vision Photographs from 1964, though the copy at the museum is a reprint from 1967.

Toni Sailer, born in Austria in 1935, became the first ski racer to sweep all three disciplines at the Olympic Winter Games in 1956 when he won the downhill, slalom, and giant slalom in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, at the age of 19. Sailer acted (and skied) in films, recorded albums, developed business interests in ski equipment and clothing, worked for the Austrian Skiing Association, was named “Austrian Sportspersonality of the Year” from 1956 to 1958, and later “Austrian Sportspersonality of the Century.” He also won four gold medals in world competitions before retiring from ski racing in 1959, and was awarded the Olympic Order in 1985. Around Whistler, however, he might be best known for his work with the summer ski camps on Whistler Mountain beginning in 1967.

Whistler Mountain hosted its first summer ski camp in 1966, the summer after the mountain opened to skiers. The camp offered coaching to intermediate and advanced skiers, as well as junior racers. From 1967, the Racing Camp was run under the personal direction of Toni Sailer, described

to visit a “reputable certified ski school.”

Ski with Toni Sailer opens with the statement, “Skiing is the superlative of all sports,” and goes on to say that “skiing is more than just a sport. It is a way of life, an addiction that becomes a part of you.” After making it clear there is no minimum or maximum age required to ski (Sailer describes his father introducing him to the sport at the age of two), the book moves to practical matters such as picking the right equipment and clothing. Though much of this advice has changed over the past 60 years as skis have gotten shorter and clothing designs have evolved, some, like tips on how to grip your ski poles, appear to be timeless.

“Skiing is more than just a sport. It is a way of life, an addiction that becomes a part of you.”

- TONI SAILER

by Garibaldi’s Whistler News as “one of the greatest Alpine racers of all time.” Skiers aged nine to 20 came to Whistler Mountain to train with Sailer, and the camp became known as the Toni Sailer Summer Ski Camp (the camp’s wooden sign is currently on display at the Whistler Museum). Over the years, other notable names came to coach on Whistler Mountain as well, including Nancy Greene, Wayne Wong, and Crazy Canuck Dave Murray, who took over direction of the camp in 1984.

While not as hands-on as coaching at the summer ski camps, Ski with Toni Sailer is an interesting (and often entertaining) look at Sailer’s approach to skiing. Costing only $1 in 1967 (adjusted for today, that would be just under $9), the book is meant to supplement rather than replace formal instruction, and readers are encouraged also

After stretches and strengthening exercises, the skier is led onto the hill and instructed on how to walk and turn on their skis. This is followed by chapters dedicated to specific techniques such as snow-plow turns, sideslipping, and slalom. Perhaps the best part of the book are the Flip Vision photographs that accompany these chapters. Skiers can watch Toni Sailer demonstrate 12 different techniques “as you would view a motion picture” simply by flipping the pages before trying them out themselves.

While this is not the only flip book produced to teach skiing, today the ease of making, viewing, and sharing videos means books are an uncommon method of teaching the sport. If, however, you’re interested in perfecting your technique by seeing how Toni Sailer did it, come by and check out the museum’s reference section. n

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER MUSEUM,

1

TRAILS

snowfall in the Sea to Sky made for

up to

Lakes last week.

BY SCOTT TIBBALLS 2

Jaki Slater 1965-2024

Saturday, March 23rd, 2024 from 2-5pm at the Pemberton Legion

ASTROLOGY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): I will never advise you to dim the flame of your ambition or be shy about radiating your enthusiasm. For the next few weeks, though, I urge you to find ways to add sap, juice, and nectar to your fiery energy. See if you can be less like a furnace and more like a sauna; less like a rumbling volcano and more like a tropical river. Practically speaking, this might mean being blithely tender and unpredictably heartful as you emanate your dazzling glow.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Some spiritual traditions tell us that the path to enlightenment and awakening is excruciatingly difficult. One teaching compares it to crossing a bridge that’s sharper than a sword, thinner than a hair, and hotter than fire. Ideas like these have no place in my personal philosophy. I believe enlightenment and awakening are available to anyone who conscientiously practices kindness and compassion. A seeker who consistently asks, “What is the most loving thing I can do?” will be rewarded with life-enhancing transformations. Now I invite you to do what I just did, Taurus. That is, re-evaluate a task or process that everyone (maybe even you) assumes is hard and complicated. Perform whatever tweaks are necessary to understand it as fun, natural, and engaging.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): Do you have a relative your parents never told you about? If so, you may find out about them soon. Do you have a secret you want to keep secret? If so, take extra caution to ensure it stays hidden. Is there a person you have had a covert crush on for a while? If so, they may discover your true feelings any minute now. Have you ever wondered if any secrets are being concealed from you? If so, probe gently for their revelation, and they just may leak out. Is there a lost treasure you have almost given up on finding? If so, revive your hopes.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Cancerian poet Pablo Neruda wrote this to a lover: “I want to do with you what spring does with the cherry trees.” That sounds very romantic. What does it mean? Well, the arrival of spring brings warmer soil and air, longer hours of sunlight, and nurturing precipitation. The flowers of some cherry trees respond by blooming with explosive vigour. Some trees sprout upwards of 4,000 blossoms. Maybe Neruda was exaggerating for poetic effect, but if he truly wanted to rouse his lover to be like a burgeoning cherry tree, he’d have to deal with an overwhelming outpouring of lush beauty and rampant fertility. Could he have handled it? If I’m reading the upcoming astrological omens correctly, you Cancerians now have the power to inspire and welcome such lavishness. And yes, you can definitely handle it.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Speaking on behalf of all nonLeos, I want to express our gratitude for the experiments you have been conducting. Your willingness to dig further than ever before into the mysterious depths is exciting. Please don’t be glum just because the results are still inconclusive and you feel a bit vulnerable. I’m confident you will ultimately generate fascinating outcomes that are valuable to us as well as you. Here’s a helpful tip: Give yourself permission to be even more daring and curious. Dig even deeper.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Unexpected mixtures are desirable, though they may initially feel odd. Unplanned and unheralded alliances will be lucky wild cards if you are willing to set aside your expectations. Best of all, I believe you will be extra adept at creating new forms of synergy and symbiosis, even as you enhance existing forms. Please capitalize on these marvellous openings, dear Virgo. Are there parts of your life that have been divided, and you would like to harmonize them? Now is a good time to try. Bridge-building will be your specialty for the foreseeable future.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Many of you Libras have a special talent for tuning into the needs and moods of other people. This potentially gives you the power to massage

situations to serve the good of all. Are you using that power to its fullest? Could you do anything more to harness it? Here’s a related issue: Your talent for tuning into the needs and moods of others can give you the capacity to massage situations in service to your personal aims. Are you using that capacity to its fullest? Could you do anything more to harness it? Here’s one more variation on the theme: How adept are you at coordinating your service to the general good and your service to your personal aims? Can you do anything to enhance this skill? Now is an excellent time to try.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Psychologist Carl Jung said, “One of the most difficult tasks people can perform is the invention of good games. And this cannot be done by people out of touch with their instinctive selves.” According to my astrological assessment, you will thrive in the coming weeks when you are playing good, interesting games. If you dream them up and instigate them yourself, so much the better. And what exactly do I mean by “games”? I’m referring to any organized form of play that rouses fun, entertainment, and education. Playing should be one of your prime modes, Scorpio! As Jung notes, that will happen best if you are in close touch with your instinctual self—also known as your animal intelligence.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): Can Sagittarians ever really find a home they are utterly satisfied with? Are they ever at peace with exactly who they are and content to be exactly where they are? Some astrologers suggest these are difficult luxuries for you Centaurs to accomplish. But I think differently. In my view, it’s your birthright to create sanctuaries for yourself that incorporate so much variety and expansiveness that you can feel like an adventurous explorer without necessarily having to wander all over the earth. Now is an excellent time to work on this noble project.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): You picked Door No. 2 a while back. Was that the best choice? I’m not sure. Evidence is still ambiguous. As we await more conclusive information, I want you to know that Door No. 1 and Door No. 3 will soon be available for your consideration again. The fun fact is that you can try either of those doors without abandoning your activities in the area where Door No. 2 has led you. But it’s important to note that you can’t try both Door No. 1 and Door No. 3. You must choose one or the other. Proceed with care and nuance, Capricorn, but not with excessive caution. Your passwords are daring sensitivity and “discerning audacity.”

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): My second cousin has the same name as me and lives in Kosice, Slovakia. He’s a Slovakian-speaking chemical engineer who attended the Slovak University of Technology. Do we have anything in common besides our DNA and names? Well, we both love to tell stories. He and I are both big fans of the band Rising Appalachia. We have the same mischievous brand of humor. He has designed equipment and processes to manufacture products that use chemicals in creative ways, and I design oracles to arouse inspirations that change people’s brain chemistry. Now I invite you, Aquarius, to celebrate allies with whom you share key qualities despite being quite different. It’s a fine time to get maximum enjoyment and value from your connections with such people.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): My Piscean friend Jeff Greenwald wrote the humorous but serious book Shopping for Buddhas. It’s the story of his adventures in Nepal as he travelled in quest of a statue to serve as a potent symbol for his spiritual yearning. I’m reminded of his search as I ruminate on your near future. I suspect you would benefit from an intense search for divine inspiration—either in the form of an iconic object, a pilgrimage to a holy sanctuary, or an inner journey to the source of your truth and love.

Homework: See a compendium of my Big-Picture Forecasts for you in 2024, tinyurl.com/BigPicture2024.

Lil’wat Nation Employment Opportunities

Ullus Community Centre

• Receptionist ($17.10 - $20.90 per hour)

• Social worker ( $80,371.20 - $91,673.40 per year)

• Band Social Development worker ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)

• Housing Administrator ( $46,683.00 to $63,973.00 per year)

• Early Childhood Educator ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)

• Transition House Support Worker ($20.90 - $29.45 per hour)

Xet’òlacw Community School

• Spring break counsellor ($20.90 - $29.45 per hour)

• Social Worker/ Counsellor ($80,371.20 - $91,673.40 per year)

Lil’wat Health & Healing

• Nurse Manager ($59,787 - $99,717.80 per year)

Lil’wat Business Group

• Transfer station manager ($30 to $34 per hour)

• Accountant ($50,000 to $70,000 per year)

Benefits

Pension Plan • Employee Assistance Program

• Gym facility • Extended Health Benefits

• Professional Development

Please visit our career page for more information:

https://lilwat.ca/careers/

Vacasa’s forward-thinking approach and industry-leading technology help set us apart as the largest full-service vacation rental company in North America.

We are seeking individuals with a passion for providing exceptional vacation experiences for our Owners and Guests.

We offer competitive wages and benefits: Travel allowance for Squamish/Pemberton-based employees OR Ski Pass/Activity allowance, Extended Medical, RRSP match, Fun & Safe Work Environment-Great Team, opportunities to grow and more.

Night Duty Manager $26.50 per hour

Maintenance Technician $26.25 per hour

(**THE ABOVE POSITIONS PLUS SIGNING BONUS** $1000 FT)

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.

is looking for a

SURVEY FIELD TECHNICIAN:

DOUG BUSH SURVEY SERVICES

Preferably with a technical school program in geomatics Experience and Proficient in the use of robotic survey instruments and GPS equipment is an asset.

is looking for a SURVEY

We are currently seeking a detail-oriented and driven individual to join our team as a FIELD

FIELD TECHNICIAN:

SURVEYOR.

LTD.

Work in engineering and building construction layout, topographic site surveys, site improvement surveys and precise monitoring.

Preferably with a technical school program in geomatics

Experience with AutoCAD Civil 3D also an asset to assist in office with computations and drawing preparation.

In this role, you will be responsible for collecting data and conducting surveys in various locations. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, has a strong attention to detail, and possesses excellent problem-solving skills.

Please call Ian @ 604-932-3314 or email @ ian@dbss.ca

Experience and Proficient in the use of robotic survey instruments and GPS equipment is an asset. Work in engineering and building construction layout, topographic site surveys, site improvement surveys and precise monitoring.

Send Resumes to Ian@dbss.ca

Please call Ian @ 604-932-3314 or email @ ian@dbss.ca

The Museum is currently seeking: Monitor artwork in galleries, enforce and implement security protocols, and communicate rules and guidelines to visitors.

• Part-Time

• Starting at $23 per hour

• No Experience Necessary

• Benefits Packages Available

Apply and learn more via the QR code, or email applications to bbeacom@audainartmuseum.com

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND SNOW SERVICES

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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

PROFESSIONALISM RELIABLE AND HONEST PROBLEM SOLVERS ATTENTION TO DETAIL STRONG WORK ETHIC

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

HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC, Whistler – Red Seal Certified, Commercial Truck & Transport, Transport Trailer required. CVSE Inspector’s ticket, Air Conditioning ticket, Class 1 or 3 with air brakes 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.

instagram.com/coastalmountainexcavations

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

Plumber

We are hiring qualified plumbers and/or gas fitters. Ideal candidates would have Red Seal plumbing and a BC gas ticket.

Our work is varied and covers custom new build homes, residential plumbing, commercial plumbing, service plumbing, renovations and more.

Our ideal hire would be a well rounded plumber with good experience in all fields.

We offer ski pass, full medical and dental benefits, Commission, bonus and tips. Great staff parties!

$35 to $65 per hour dependent on experience and qualifications.

To apply contact: info@lcplumbing.ca

www.lcplumbing.ca • 604 698 8665

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.

•

• 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.

PUZZLES

ACROSS

1 Cry of dismay

6 Cornbread

10 Disconcert

15 Barely visible

20 Jewel

21 Speak highly of

22 “Walk Away --”

23 Bob Marley’s genre

24 Frighten

25 -- Spumante

26 Speechify

27 Aviator -- Earhart

28 Norse god of war

29 Stop

31 Stardom

33 Charitable donations

35 Drab

36 Essential thing

37 Marauder at sea

39 Special --

41 Highway divider

44 Shortage

45 Actor -- Guinness

48 Fiery crime

53 No longer a minor

54 Brownish purple

55 Bad brakes sound

57 San --

58 Threshold

59 Carnival booth challenge

60 PC part

61 Developed

63 Root veggie

64 Place for farm animals

65 “-- and Circumstance”

66 Adhered

68 Make ready

70 -- culpa

71 “Little -- of Horrors”

72 Tropical fruit

74 Cry

76 Manila hemp

79 Harsh tasting

81 Bumpy amphibian

83 Puckers

87 English cattle breed

88 Eastern garment

89 Dribble

91 Sibling’s kid

92 Private eye

94 Pinball foul

96 Usual weather of a region

97 Breakfast item (var.)

98 Place for solar panels

100 Shines intermittently

102 Sly look

104 Simian

107 “The Simpsons” Kwik-E- --

109 Audibly

110 Smudge

111 Nursery item

114 American Beauty

116 -- avis

118 Take it on the --

119 Bridge support

120 -- de

121 Bar by legal means

123 Gentle breeze

125 Harangue

126 Pickup

127 Shorthand pro

128 Nil

129 Pleat

130 Twist in pain

131 “-- Joey”

133 Oil-change venue

136 Impostor

137 Gin avoring

141 -- tide

144 Spiritual teacher

145 Go with the --

146 Calendar abbr.

149 Designer Ralph --

151 Countri ed

153 “La -- Bonita”

155 Rope

157 Dry creek in Texas

158 Want

159 Urban dirt

160 Lab compound

161 Out of fashion

162 Really disliked

163 Ginormous

164 -- Island

DOWN

1 “Like -- out of ...”

2 Showy ower

3 Not quite closed

4 -- anglais

5 Orangelike fruit

6 Braid

7 Tobacco kiln

8 Rabid fan

9 Massive structure

10 Bouquet

11 Cap for Pierre

12 Santa --

13 “-- -- good example”

14 Command for a pooch

15 Neither masc. nor neut.

16 Elderly

17 Snow house (var.)

18 Get right

19 Dabbling duck

23 Coarse le

30 Serv. branch

32 -- of the Covenant

34 Ridicule

36 Grinding machine

37 Tempo

38 -- de parfum

40 Sorry

41 Sunday service

42 Use a blue pencil

43 At proper time

44 Dollop

46 Tripod part

47 Lawman Wyatt --

49 Kid

50 Appear to be

51 Gothic arch

52 “-- -- chance!”

54 Plains of South America

55 Goad

56 Epic journey

59 Something sticky

60 “Buena Vista Social --”

62 Sob

65 Specter

66 Mob enforcer

67 Drew a certain way

69 Pillage

71 Scrub

72 Stroke of a letter

73 French city

75 Earlier

76 Classi ed items

77 -- canto

78 Rd.

80 Fur baby

82 Not very bright

84 Upperclassman, for short

85 Old French coin

86 Collection

90 Small stone

93 White with age

95 Add up

96 Buddy

99 Worn to a --

101 Rise high

103 Ger., Fr., etc.

104 Olympian god

105 Pillar

106 Punta del --

108 Shoe insert

110 Tie together

111 Ring event

112 Go slowly and carefully

113 Sale type

115 Quite a long time

117 Loan charge amount (Abbr.)

119 Wan

120 Cup’s lip

122 Candy on a stick

124 Take more than one’s share

125 Dishonorable

126 Fishing boat

129 -- and away

130 “-- Framed Roger Rabbit”

132 -- Domini

134 Century plant

135 Held sway

136 Blackboard

137 Insult

138 Pasternak character

139 A pronoun

140 Statue in Piccadilly Circus

142 St. Louis landmark

143 Aqua --

145 Beat with a whip

146 About (2 wds.)

147 Not new

148 Pierce with horns

150 Storm center

152 Disloyal one

154 Little bit of money

156 Bon re remnant

• Each 3x3 box contains each digit exactly once

Let the games begin

“Sergeant, you got a lot a damn gall to ask me if I’ve rehabilitated myself... ‘cause you want to know if I’m moral enough join the army, burn women, kids, houses and villages after bein’ a litterbug.”

Arlo Guthrie, “Alice’s Restaurant”

I MAY BE showing my age, daring to cite a line out of “Alice’s Restaurant,” circa 1967, but it was the first thing that popped into my head when I was reading the article about our riding’s new hopeful, federal candidate for the Conservative Party. “A lot of damn gall,” I thought to myself, or maybe even said out loud.

BY G.D. MAXWELL

The first sentence began, “There is a lot to do in order to fix Canada.” The follow-up read, “People are struggling in every single part of this riding in different ways, but it doesn’t have to be that way,” said Keith Roy, the Conservative hopeful.

Those were the only sentences I could agree with. It went downhill pretty quickly after that. It was downhill because Mr. Roy clearly has no idea how to fix things, and like the leader of his party, a slim grasp on reality, a grasp that nonetheless manages to claim miracles are forthcoming.

Mr. Roy’s first grasp at thin air is apparent when he says things are bad in Canada and Pierre Poilievre has a plan to make that better. Anyone who follows any news source not strictly limited to Mr. Poilievre’s social media postings knows the leader of the Conservatives has no plan—at least not one he’s announced—to fix anything.

What Mr. Poilievre has, or claims to have, is a corner on “common sense.” What he actually has is a very unpopular opponent in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, a population reeling from the escalating cost of everything, and the comfort of being able to say absolutely none of what they’re suffering from is his fault while all of it is Mr. Trudeau’s fault... not just in Canada, but around the world where most of those ills exist as well.

Clearly in his version of common sense, Trudeau is responsible for inflation; the high cost of housing, of which there is not enough and which is also his fault; food prices; gas prices; rampant transgenderism; elite wokeful thinking; and, if it gets worse, probably the measles outbreak as well.

What do both Messrs. Poilievre and Roy mean by common sense? A trait of righteousness, possibly a super power—like the red sun of Krypton—enabling them to right all wrongs through the application thereof. They both have it, as well as everyone in the country who will vote for them, and most assuredly the prime minister and everyone who supports him or the NDP definitely hasn’t even heard of it.

Their rather Hegelian version of common sense reminds me of the great Canadian debate about what it means to be Canadian.

We’re not American!

Common sense shall be the salvation of both the country and the leader of the Conservative Party. When Pierre discovered common sense, he no longer needed his glasses. He no longer needed to rail against wokeism or the elites running the country and their lackeys, the liberal media. He no longer needed to shill for cryptocurrency as the cure for the moribund Canadian dollar and the country’s economy. He no longer had to promise to discharge the head of the Bank of Canada. Common sense answered all questions, and only he and his candidates had it. Eureka! The Holy Grail at last.

Common sense is one powerful mofo, folks. And who could claim otherwise. Don’t think so? Prove it.

to the number of houses they allow to be completed.”

Who knew salvation would be so easy?

And so, Mr. Roy pins his hopes on the five C’s: Common sense, climate, crime, the carbon tax and congestion.

Okay, we know how powerful common sense can be. But what exactly is the Conservative plan to address climate other than eliminating the carbon tax, the one thing those rascally elite scientists believe is the most expeditious way to begin to cut fossilfuel consumption? Thus far, the Conservative plan is rooted in the whistling-past-thegraveyard strategy of hoping it goes away. Problem solved.

Anyone who follows any news source not strictly limited to Mr. Poilievre’s social media postings knows the leader of the Conservatives has no plan.

That Pierre’s common sense lacks, shall we say, specificity, is irrelevant. Specificity? What kind of elite woke word is that? We’re talking about a force of nature that will, in Pierre’s words, “cut waste and cap spending to bring down inflationary deficits and interest rates.” Common sense will provide, “a new funding formula that links the number of federal dollars cities get for infrastructure

In Mr. Roy’s view, the single most pressing issue in this riding is congestion. In the view of most people who live in this part of the riding, congestion—while an issue—barely makes it into the top five. But it’s an easy swipe at Steven Guilbeault’s faux pas about the feds not investing in new road infrastructure, an ill-conceived comment for which he has been pilloried by, well, everyone in the country, including his fellow Liberals.

In fact, it sounds as wonky as, what was it,

“linking the number of federal dollars cities get for infrastructure to the number of houses they allow to be completed.” Yeah, that was it.

But Mr. Roy’s comment that brought to mind the notion he had a lot of damn gall was his gratuitous swipe at our current MP, Patrick Weiler. In Mr. Roy’s common-sense world, he believes Mr. Weiler has achieved “no results” as our MP.

Opposed to that point of view is almost everyone else. The fact is, Patrick Weiler has been the best, most hard working, most accessible MP this riding has had for as long as I’ve lived here, a hell of a lot longer than Mr. Roy.

I know it stretches our ability to remember the distant past, but it was, oh, a whole week ago Mr. Weiler announced $2.7 million in funding for local housing in far distant Pemberton. Not the first local announcement he’s made involving the Housing Accelerator Fund and local housing. And far from being a bootlick Liberal lackey, Mr. Weiler has not infrequently taken positions well outside the party line, most recently concerning the “common sense” proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

But then, vilifying your opponent is a time-tested strategy when you’ve got nothing to say on your own behalf, having accomplished, well, nothing.

But what does Mr. Roy say on his own behalf? That his background as a realtor has given him a lot of experience with what Canadians are dealing with at home. Say what? Selling real estate in a place where no one who actually lives and works can afford it is, shall we say, shaky ground upon which to build a CV.

Let the games begin. ■

CASTLE CITY CREATIVE / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS