Since the closing of the Village 8 Cinemas, Whistler has become a commercial moviegoers’ desert. - By Will Johnson
06 OPENING REMARKS As wave after wave of special-interest rabble-rousers descends on council, editor Braden Dupuis shares a note of appreciation for Whistler’s elected officials.
08 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers share thanks for the Waldorf reversal, highlight the need for passenger rail, and plead for people to walk their bikes.
11 PIQUE’N YER INTEREST When it comes to competition, “victory at any cost” is no adage to live by, writes David Song.
50 MAXED OUT Max rides out the dog days of summer with another instalment of tales from the inbox.
12 BIZ BEAT Treasury Board president Anita Anand discussed concerns with Whistler businesses while in town for the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region summit this week.
13 IN THE RUNNING The BC Conservatives have nominated businessman Yuri Fulmer as their candidate in the Sea to Sky ahead of the Oct. 19 provincial election.
30 DOUBLE TIME Jakob Jewett locked down his second straight Canadian Open DH victory at Crankworx Whistler on July 21.
36 DREAMS DASHED
A Lillooet woman shares her real-life harrowing experience on a Caribbean Island in a new work of fiction.
COVER As a kid I loved spending rainy days at the cinema (in Ireland we have a lot of them!) and it makes me a little sad that, as a Whistler kid, my daughter won’t get that chance. RIP little mountain town cinema, we miss you! - By Lou O’Brien Creative // lobriencreative.com
Publisher SARAH STROTHER - sstrother@piquenewsmagazine.com
PICTURE THIS: You’ve been elected to council, with all the best interests of your entire community in mind.
Most nights, you sit out facing an empty gallery, a sign of a disinterested and mostly
BY BRADEN DUPUIS
Until one day, you make a decision that
Your next meeting is inundated. The gallery is full of pissed-off rabble-rousers, and they even brought kids. Some of the kids speak at the podium, likely urged by their parents, and while at the microphone they do their best to cry (again, likely urged by their parents).
A shameless appeal to emotion.
No, this is not referring to the Waldorf wave that crashed down on council July 9 (as far as I saw, it was just the adults crying at the podium for that one). This was the exact scene on June 7, 2022, at the first meeting after the Whistler Racket Club learned its footprint wasn’t in the plans for the proposed Northlands rezoning.
A wave of angry citizens descending on our decision-makers, determined to sway them by sheer force of numbers.
Won’t somebody think of the children?
But those pesky pickleballers aren’t the only ones who have needs in town.
Take the Feb. 6 council meeting of this year, where more than 50 local seniors turned up to state their case for a dedicated
seniors centre in Whistler.
I didn’t see any tears at the podium in that instance, but that doesn’t mean their concerns are any less valid.
It’s funny, but when I heard of council’s decision re: the Waldorf school, my first thought was it was somehow connected to the Northlands rezoning, and the relocation of the Racket Club—which would be ironic, given the other special-interest group recently banging down council’s door.
So now we’ve got three niche, somewhat opposing clans trotting out to select council meetings in an attempt to show how important they are to the community—all claiming they are vitally important—while really only representing a small fraction of Whistler’s population.
and I don’t play tennis. I own nothing, have no real interests, and no illusions of making Whistler my permanent home (my retirement plan is to die in the climate wars).
Where these decisions ultimately land bears no effect on me.
But I don’t believe land-use decisions should be based on which side has the best, most smothering PR push, or can tug on the heartstrings the hardest.
And so I empathize with our elected officials in times like these.
Because that is where our municipal council seemingly finds itself: just trying to make the right decision that benefits the most members of our community, while being shamed, shouted at, and manipulated by people on all sides. People who, for the
Go read all the letters, and tell me the rhetoric of some isn’t at least a touch out of line.
It’s good to stand up for what we care about, and make our concerns heard. But it is imperative we do so with respect and basic decency for our elected officials and the hard work they do for our community.
It’s a thankless job, and the discourse around our politics is only getting more toxic by the day. If we want good people to keep going into politics, we need to learn to check the emotions at the door.
So here’s to our councillors, who have to wade through endless letters laying down all kinds of appeals to emotion, while all effectively saying the same thing; who sit through meeting after meeting, presentation
is only getting more toxic by the day. If we want good people to keep going into politics, we need to learn to check the emotions at the door.
Meanwhile, our municipal council is still tasked with making the best decision for all of us
The only thing that’s certain is no matter what council decides, somebody is going to cry about it.
Before we go any further, it is worth noting this is not a comment on decisions made, one way or the other.
In the interest of full disclosure, I don’t have a dog in this fight. I don’t have kids,
most part, can’t be bothered to show up to a single council meeting before their pet issue lands on the agenda.
This is not something I thought I would write this week, or ever. But watching recent council proceedings leaves me in a rare state of empathy for the powers that be.
Go watch the July 9 council Q&A, during which the Waldorf crowd hooted and hollered, and more than once ignored appeals to quiet down and respect the process of council.
after presentation, tasked with soaking in and understanding a lot of information in a very short time frame; who get dragged endlessly by anonymous armchair experts on Facebook who often have no Earthly idea what they’re talking about, only that they’re mad; who still have to make decisions on behalf of all of us at the end of the day.
It’s a big, dirty job, and somebody’s gotta do it.
Better them than me. n
Waldorf School says thanks
The Whistler Waldorf School (WWS) Board of Trustees extends its heartfelt gratitude to the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) council for its recent decision to extend the WWS lease at Spruce Grove Park. This decision helps ensure the continuation of the essential daycare and education services our school provides.
We thank everyone in Whistler and beyond who contributed to the dialogue and commend council for their efforts in engaging with diverse perspectives across the community. We recognize the complexity of this situation and deeply appreciate the dedication of all parties involved in seeking sustainable solutions that address the varied needs of our entire community.
For more than two decades, the Whistler Waldorf School has been an important part of Whistler’s education and childcare landscape, supported by a strong partnership with the RMOW. We are committed to continuing our collaboration with local groups to enhance our collective well-being and to carrying on this essential work with dedication to our community.
Jen Dodds // on behalf of the WWS Board of Trustees
Highway 99 accidents highlight need for passenger rail
I came down the S bends south of Britannia carefully, given my years of caution there on ice. Although this was high summer and dry, it was nearly dark. The Tantalus Range rose above the black waters of the Sound, the sun setting far behind the mountains creating a silhouette of their peaks. On the last turn before the sea, the road lane flowing past me (going south) was lit up like a brilliant cloud. Headlights of the first 50 stuck cars
illuminated the road and the stuff strewn across it, many motorbikes leaning against the concrete barriers, the trees lit up from underneath, and a glow in the low sky.
With no one behind me I could slow down to 40, and then see the people crouched over the covered bodies and metal and plastic debris, people kneeling, people running, finally vehicles with lights flashing driving forward along the shoulder.
There had been no oncoming traffic for four minutes or so. I had not noticed that
emptiness, because my mind was dwelling on the two racing motorbikes speeding at 130 km/h on the corners just south of Furry Creek. At that speed, going over two kms a minute, they could reach a long way south. And no one to follow them.
Hundreds of cars were arriving, on this Friday night, to this accident spot at 9:30 p.m.—just to be stuck there. Soon there was a river of trapped vehicles on the highway. Only now I realized why the road had been so empty down south. As we reached the Britannia stop light, the ambulances started to arrive with lights flashing and sirens blaring, unable to get through. The response seemed to be working OK. Others can judge that. The railway tracks gleamed promisingly in the bright lights, yet still not used “by design.” How many of these people could have made their journey by train? Are we getting so used to this foolishness that it is part of our normal routine?
Bob Anderson // Whistler
The Village Stroll is not for bikes
Whistler has world-class biking facilities: the Bike Park, Fitzsimmons skills park, the Valley Trail, countless mountain bike trails, etc. These facilities cater to all types and levels of biking, from beginners to experts, from road bikes to e-bikes. So why is it that bikers insist on using the pedestrian-only Village Stroll, with seeming impunity?
This is in blatant disregard to all the signage, both written and symbolic. I assume most of them can read, and the signs are easy to understand. Yet day after day, walkers have to avoid these bikers, including those with limited mobility, kids and toddlers darting about, and those with on-leash dogs. It is not limited to one type of cyclist: there are e-bikers, families, some with kids in carriers and trailers, as well as the perhaps more expected downhill biker.
Asking bikers to get off their bikes is not possible; they have passed by before you have a chance to say anything. Shouting at them has some effect, varying from abuse directed back at you, to total indifference, and occasionally the perpetrators dismounting.
So my advice to walkers encountering bikers on the Stroll is to take no notice of them. Don’t give way or stop for them. If they have to come to a halt, fall over or crash, that is their problem. Feel free to shout at them, but don’t swear or get angry; maintain the moral high ground. But be warned, from personal experience, this does nothing for your state of mind.
In the meantime, although I tell myself to ignore them, I know that I can’t, they annoy me too much. So bikers, if you see or hear a white-haired elderly man yelling at you, it could well be me, rather than some old fool, who has completely lost his mind.
Simon Goodman // Pemberton
Thank you, Whistler medical professionals
My recent medical emergency experience in Whistler deserves a huge thank you to ambulance paramedics, Shondra and Felix, as well as on-call Dr. Benson and the radiologist that came in at 5 a.m. for my x-rays. I was very impressed with the medical facility, which has come a long way since I lived in Whistler, from 1988 to 2013. Both the medical facility and the medical team deserve big praise. Thank you, from a recovered patient, Shelley (and Didier) Toutain.
Shelley Toutain // Kamloops
Whistler Waldorf School’s impact stretches beyond local borders
As a former student of the Whistler Waldorf School (WWS) with an international—South Korea and the U.S.—background, I wanted to draw council’s attention to a “global perspective” on WWS. I am writing this letter on behalf of all international students, who have attended or are attending WWS, in order to express our concerns about council’s recent decision to execute a final extension to the school’s current lease. Though council has since reversed course, through this letter, we hope to emphasize how much the school is valued not only by the local but also the international community; hence, the impacts of the eviction would be far reaching and “global.”
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
WWS, practicing the Waldorf education philosophy and providing bonding opportunities with nature, attracts many international families to Whistler. Many international families choose to come to Whistler because the Waldorfian education system of WWS is recognized globally and fosters unique traits. Notable qualities that students of WWS possess are their confidence, understanding of their own identities, independence, and self-expression; traits not fostered easily. Additionally, the programs WWS provides promote a connection with nature, allowing the students to become familiar with the vast environment around them. Families worldwide who often come from big cities see this connection as a very valuable aspect of the Whistler community. The Waldorfian curriculum and its connection with nature make the school an extremely appealing factor that strengthens the values of the community, attracting many international families to move to Whistler.
Taking away WWS from Whistler would be heartbreaking. How disappointing would it be if international families started to look elsewhere to move to because WWS is no longer there? If international families no longer relocated to Whistler, the negative economic impact would be substantial. International families often bring hundreds of thousands of dollars of capital injection into the municipality per their year of stay. At the same time, they are often not looking to join the workforce. The net job creation would be many dozens, if not hundreds, if you assume 20 to 30 international families who are linked to WWS. Additionally, through a medium like WWS, international students and families often participate in local community services and volunteer work.
As international students who have or are currently attending WWS, we strongly suggest the council reconsider its recent lease decision with regard to WWS. We hope to show that WWS is extremely valued and supported by the international community, and that it would be a pity to have such a place taken away. It is important to acknowledge that not only the local but also international communities care about the Resort Municipality of Whistler and its council’s decision regarding the fate and future of WWS. This matter, therefore, also needs to be considered from the “global perspective.”
Mina Kang // South Korea n
FOR THE RECORD
Due to an editing mistake, a letter in the July 19 Pique (“Whistler Valley Housing Society says thanks”) incorrectly stated, “GST alone adds almost $4 million to the cost…”
The letter should have read, “GST alone adds ¾ million to the cost…” Pique regrets the error. n
Write to us! Letters to the editor must contain the writer’s name, address and a daytime telephone number. Maximum length is 450 words. Pique Newsmagazine reserves the right to edit, condense or refrain from publishing any contribution. Letters reflect the opinion of the writer and not that of Pique Newsmagazine. Send them to edit@ piquenewsmagazine.com before 11 a.m. on Tuesday for consideration in that week’s paper.
Competition is a double-edged sword
IS COMPETITION a good thing?
As a foundational principle of capitalism (at least in theory), competition ought to improve our lives by incentivizing businesses to offer quality products and services at relatively low
BY DAVID SONG
dsong@piquenewsmagazine.com
prices. Overcharge or deliver substandard fare, and consumers will look elsewhere.
Sportspeople and their fans grasp this idea in an adjacent sense. There are trophies to be won, goals to be achieved and multimilliondollar contracts to be signed. Competitive instincts drive the physically talented among us to run faster, jump higher and become stronger, both for their own gratification and for our entertainment.
Competition can and does bear good fruit, but we should also acknowledge its dark side: the fraudulent and soul-rotting byproducts that can befall those who fight for greatness.
One problem with competition is its benefits don’t always materialize in practice.
Take the telecommunications industry in Canada. Federal Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry François-Philippe Champagne echoed the sentiments of many in a January
interview with CBC: “while some progress has been made to lower prices, Canadians still pay too much and see too little competition.”
The Finnish research firm Rewheel published a May 2022 study that ranked our nation among the most pricey in terms of wireless rates. These findings showed Canada’s cost-per-gigabyte of use is seven times more expensive than Australia, 25 times more than Ireland and France and 1,000 times more than Finland.
Canadian telecom spokespeople may dispute those numbers, but it’s in their best interest to do so.
In 2013, U.S. wireless company Verizon decided against expanding operations into Canada after Bell, Rogers and Telus launched a public relations mission accusing the federal government of showing favouritism to international service providers. Our Telecommunications Act bolsters this status quo by mandating that any Canadian telecom representing more than 10 per cent of the sector must be Canadian-owned.
I’m no expert, but shouldn’t all reputable businesses be allowed into our free market to thrive or fail based on their own merits?
At worst, the shady side of competition can take lives. Boeing recently pled guilty to criminal fraud and was fined US$243 million after two 737 MAX plane accidents in 2018 and 2019 that caused 346 deaths. These crashes occurred due to faulty flight control software
that pitched each jet’s nose downward after erroneous input from a sensor.
Pilots and airlines were not initially educated about this functionality. Boeing is also accused of deceiving regulators who greenlighted the common 737 MAX and retaliating against whistleblowers.
There could be many reasons why this aerospace titan’s leaders encouraged or condoned shoddy workmanship, but I can’t help thinking: would Boeing have felt a need to do so without pressure from its longtime rival, Airbus? Both entities are huge fish in the pond, and the only predator they need fear is each other.
This brings me to my second point: competition can trigger humanity’s basest instincts.
Losing feels horrible and is often costly. That’s why corporations may want to break rules and ignore ethics for the sake of maximized profit. Others, too, can stoop to regrettable lows for a shot at glory.
Lance Armstrong is one of many who used performance-enhancing drugs. Pete Rose gambled on baseball while playing for and managing the Cincinnati Reds. Kamila Valieva and several of her fellow Russian teens have dealt with figure skating coach Eteri Tutberidze, who puts her athletes on puberty blockers and forbids them from drinking water in contests as the sport’s governing bodies look away.
Then there’s Luis Resto, who tampered with his boxing gloves and soaked his hand
wraps in plaster before a 1983 match with at-the-time undefeated Billy Collins Jr. The ensuing debacle was analogous to one man beating down another with brass knuckles.
Resto and his trainer, Carlos “Panama” Lewis, were imprisoned for their misdeeds. Yet no conviction could restore the permanently-blurred eyesight of Collins Jr., who was unable to fight again and died in a car crash that some suspect to be a suicide.
The jaw-dropping physical feats and once-inspirational lives of athletes who fall from grace are quickly replaced with disappointment in the public eye. We ask: how could they have done such a thing?
Well, everybody wants to win, and the pressure-cooker of sport can give its occupants reason to grow selfish or outright cutthroat.
Of course, the extreme of human competitiveness is war: where political or ideological rivalries boil over into bloodshed. We all know what happens there.
Competition is truly a double-edged blade. It can push people to new heights in respectable ways, but it can also shove them beyond morality and basic care for their fellow humans.
Let’s keep that in mind as we watch our favourite athletes at Crankworx and the Paris Olympics. Let’s not get carried away as we put our kids into sports or schools. Let’s support ethical companies and serve people well as business owners.
“Victory at any cost” is no adage to live by. n
GUIDED
Treasury Board president Anita Anand meets with Whistler businesses
MAYOR JACK CROMPTON ENCOURAGES DIALOGUE BETWEEN COMMERCIAL LANDLORDS AND TENANTS IN LIGHT OF RECENT LOCAL BUSINESS CLOSURES
BY LIZ MCDONALD
TREASURY BOARD PRESIDENT Anita
Anand and West Vancouver-Sunshine CoastSea to Sky Country MP Patrick Weiler met with Whistlerites July 22, talking shop and discussing policies the federal government is bringing to the table.
They started the morning meeting at Alpha Café, where community members brought up the need for tourism supports, including driving international markets to Whistler and the Underused Housing Tax Act’s impact.
Weiler and Anand also went to Picnic Whistler, and met with owner Amy Mac, where they were gifted charcuterie before heading to the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre.
Anand was in town for the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region (PNWER) summit and said she was speaking about the importance of “multilateralism at a time when our world is facing existential threats.”
WHISTLER’S BUSINESS NEEDS
Barrett Fisher, president of Tourism Whistler, noted the market from the U.S. and Mexico was strong, but folks further afield weren’t bouncing back to the resort in the same numbers present prior to COVID-19. She highlighted how inflation impacted
BY LIZ MCDONALD
restaurant bills and expanding construction costs, making margins narrower for establishments, and noted visitors can’t absorb all the increases.
Anand said she heard from locals that the federal government needs to be flexible when responding to local needs.
“The main driver of economic growth is tourism. And what is important for small businesses here is to ensure that the environment remains flexible and welcoming to tourists so that economic growth can continue,” Anand said. “And so,
Anand gave a nod to Weiler, who has been advocating for Whistler, but said he needed more support on the issue during the meet and greet.
“He has been absolutely stellar in the House of Commons and in our caucus and broader government to represent the voices of this community—especially with regards to that issue, but on a number of other issues,” she said. “In terms of the specific path forward, I will take the feedback that we heard from the business community today and speak with my colleagues across government.”
“The main driver of economic growth is tourism.”
- ANITA ANAND
the federal government will continue to step up with supports for small businesses for increasing productivity and for the tourism sector.”
Dave Burch, local realtor, spoke about the impact of the Underused Housing Tax (UHT) legislation as it’s written, which has caught up hotels. He and others present didn’t take issue with the goal of providing local housing, but the harm the legislation could do to the local economy.
As previously reported by Pique , the UHT is a levy on foreign-owned properties unoccupied for less than 28 days a year. It is speculated that some owners may decide to sell to Canadians versus paying the tax, which would remove them from tourist accommodation pools and create second homes for the new owners.
Weiler said while it was clear from talks there’s a need for increased tourism support post-COVID-19, persistent challenges in his riding include regional transportation to tackle congestion and the need for employee housing.
That morning, Premier David Eby held a press conference announcing $12.7 million for employee housing in Whistler (see related story on page 16).
Then, there’s the issue of increasing costs for doing businesses in Whistler.
“One of the big challenges we’re hearing from a lot of businesses here is just the increase in cost of leases putting a huge stretch and the cost of everything from supplies to the impact of interest rates,” Weiler said. “So, the No. 1 focus for us is ensuring that we created an environment where interest rates will start coming down.”
Anand pointed towards policies for decreasing interest rates, noting they’ve gone from a high of eight per cent in June 2022 down to under five per cent today, under the Bank of Canada’s target range.
ENCOURAGING DIALOGUE
Two long-standing Whistler businesses shuttered this year, Escape Route and Whistler Bike Co., reportedly due to rising commercial rents.
When asked what’s being done on a local level to ease strains on businesses, Mayor Jack Crompton pointed to the recently announced provincial housing funding to house employees and said he encourages dialogue between renters and landlords.
“We can’t dictate who landlords rent to and for how much. That said, I do think it’s vital to ensure commercial landlords are aware of the reality Whistler businesses face, which is something I spend time doing. Though we don’t have regulatory control, we certainly have a mandate to encourage a business climate that is strong,” he said.
“It is very hard to see cornerstone businesses like Escape Route and Bike Co. leave the community. They’ve long been community supporters and very much culture makers for Whistler.”
One initiative Crompton is spearheading is exploring how to revitalize the site of Whistler’s former movie theatre, at 4295 Blackcomb Way, and the sleepy corner of Whistler Village that surrounds it. He described a need for “weatherproof” businesses in the resort.
“It’s a huge space, and really will require a forward-looking, creative entrepreneur or group of entrepreneurs to take on something of that scope and scale,” he said. n
BIZ BEAT Amy Mac of Picnic Whistler (left) met with Minister Anita Anand and MP Patrick Weiler to talk local business concerns on July 22.
PHOTO
NEWS WHISTLER
Yuri Fulmer nominated for BC Conservatives in West Van-Sea to Sky
THE
WEST VANCOUVER-SEA TO SKY RIDING IS CONSIDERED ONE TO WATCH BY POLITICAL
COMMENTATORS
BY JA NE SEYD North Shore News
NORTH SHORE BUSINESS leader and philanthropist Yuri Fulmer has joined the provincial election race in West Vancouver-Sea to Sky as the BC Conservative candidate.
Fulmer, 50, a prominent businessman and founder of Fulmer & Co., is also chancellor of Capilano University and is known for his community and philanthropic work including his role as chairman of the worldwide United Way charity and co-chair of Vancouver’s Honda Celebration of Light.
Fulmer is also the recipient of the Order of British Columbia and the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, among others.
He announced his nomination as the Conservative candidate for the riding Monday.
Fulmer said up to now, politics hasn’t been on his agenda, but “to be honest I felt a need to do it,” he said. “I just feel our province is at a point where we need to correct the path we’re on.”
“We’re running a huge deficit. We’ve got a health-care system in crisis. We’ve got an education system that’s no longer the example for the rest of the world that it once was,” he said.
Fulmer has previously been a member of the Conservative Party of Canada and the BC Liberal Party. He said he was only a member of the BC Conservatives for about 48 hours before being nominated.
“I’m a big believer in [Conservative leader] John Rustad. I think he’s a pragmatic guy. I think he’s a straight shooter,” he said. “I have a lot of confidence in his leadership.”
Fulmer lives with his family in West Vancouver, just outside the boundary of the riding (which was moved further west following the last provincial election).
“It’s a fascinating riding,” he said, noting the concerns he’s heard are different depending on the community. People in Whistler/Pemberton are worried about
wildfires, he said, while availability of housing tops the list in Squamish, and West Vancouver residents are concerned about issues like their taxes rising to pay for Metro Vancouver’s North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
“It’s a big riding with very different communities,” he said.
RIDING ONE TO WATCH
Fulmer’s candidacy adds a new twist to a riding already considered one of the more interesting ones to watch.
BC United MLA Jordan Sturdy has announced he will not seek re-election after narrowly hanging on to his seat last time, squeaking out a win over second-place finisher Jeremy Valeriote of the Green Party. Valeriote is running again for the Greens, while Whistler Councillor Jen Ford has been nominated for the NDP. BC United has not yet named a candidate.
On Monday, July 23, Valeriote put out a statement welcoming Fulmer to the race but questioning why “he’s chosen to run for a party of climate-change deniers who are deploying U.S.-style culture-war politics, including transphobic and homophobic rhetoric.”
Gerald Baier, a UBC political scientist, said the West Vancouver-Sea to Sky riding will be one to watch, with potential votesplitting between both the NDP and Greens, and the BC Conservatives and BC United, if that party nominates a candidate to replace Sturdy. Some of that could also depend on name recognition of various candidates in different parts of the riding, he added.
Another change potentially impacting results in a close race are the redrawn riding boundaries which moved a chunk of West Vancouver east of 28th Street—including Altamont, West Bay and Westmount—to the West Vancouver-Capilano riding.
The change moved about 3,650 West Vancouver residents into the adjacent riding.
The election is slated for Oct. 19. n
$2,360,000
IN THE RUNNING Yuri Fulmer.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE BC CONSERVATIVES
Angell Hasman &Associates RealtyLtd
Whistler council walks back Waldorf decision
WWS BOARD OF TRUSTEES SAYS LEASE EXTENDED TO 2026
BY BRADEN DUPUIS
WHISTLER’S MAYOR and council has reversed course on a controversial decision to end the Whistler Waldorf School’s (WWS) lease in Spruce Grove next year.
In an email to the WWS community on July 19, the school’s trustees said the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) informed them of the change of heart on July 18.
“On Thursday, July 18, the RMOW confirmed that they will extend a new lease to the school for two years, ending June 2026. This new lease mirrors the terms of pervious agreements held by the Whistler Waldorf School, with staff instructed to remove language regarding a final lease extension,” reads the email signed by board chair Erik Wallsten.
“Additionally, the RMOW has confirmed that staff will be directed to work with the province to determine if the Crown lease allows for a permanent school in Spruce Grove Park. We believe this decision is a commitment by all parties to work together to find a long-term solution so that the essential daycare and education services the school provides can continue.”
Council’s initial decision, made in a closed meeting on June 25, was to give a one-year
extension to the school to operate at Spruce Grove, where it has operated since 2000—and one year only to June 30, 2025.
The news prompted a mass outcry from the school community and beyond, with more than 200 people showing up to the July 9
council meeting to make their voices heard.
The decision to reverse course was also made in a closed meeting, meaning details are scarce. The RMOW declined to offer specifics when Pique inquired about the nature of the closed meeting on July 18.
“The RMOW has been in touch directly with the Waldorf School Board,” a communications official said on July 19. “We don’t have anything further to add to what the Whistler Waldorf School has shared today.”
At its July 23 meeting, council received more than two dozen pieces of correspondence on the initial decision, the majority opposed, along with a petition signed by 1,361 asking officials to reconsider.
With the matter again decided in a closed meeting, no new details were shared with the public on July 23.
Wallsten attended the public question and comment portion of the meeting to share thanks on behalf of the school community.
“It’s very simple, on behalf of the students, the teachers, the staff, and the board of the school we want to just thank you,” he said. “We want to thank you for listening, we want to thank you for being supportive, and we want to thank you for giving us an opportunity to become part of the solution to some of the issues that Whistler faces.
“We know that your job is very difficult, you have multiple stakeholders with multiple interests, and limited resources, and so we come here to offer to continue being a solution. We think that it’s a big tent, we can fit a number of groups, a number of interests in whatever we want to do, and we believe that working together we can find a solution.” n
WALDORF WAFFLE Whistler’s mayor and council reversed course on a decision to end the Whistler Waldorf School’s lease at Spruce Grove Park on July 18. Pictured is the turnout at the July 9 council meeting.
FILE PHOTO BY SCOTT TIBBALLS
NEWS WHISTLER
Man pleads guilty to manslaughter in 2021 Whistler stabbing
DEDAAR JHOOTY ISSUED THE GUILTY PLEA IN NORTH VANCOUVER PROVINCIAL COURT ON JULY 16
BY BRADEN DUPUIS
A MAN HAS PLEADED guilty to manslaughter in the case of a stabbing in Whistler Village in 2021.
Dedaar Jhooty, 24, issued the guilty plea in North Vancouver Provincial Court on July 16. A sentencing hearing will be scheduled in the near future.
On Aug. 14, 2021, Sea to Sky RCMP were called to investigate an altercation outside the Listel Hotel near Whistler Village.
“The victim was waiting for a taxicab with a friend. A verbal altercation ensued between the victim, the friend, and another group of males. The altercation escalated and the victim was stabbed. The victim was transported to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries. The Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) took conduct of the investigation,” a release from IHIT said.
Jhooty was identified following an investigation, and on June 23, 2022, was arrested and charged with manslaughter.
In a release after Jhooty’s arrest, police said at about 2:09 a.m. on Aug. 14, 2021, RCMP responded after the victim, Henry Garcia Molina, was brought in to the local health clinic with stab wounds. Molina was reportedly stabbed multiple times in front of the Bearfoot Bistro entrance in the Listel Hotel.
“Henry’s life was taken senselessly in an act of violence while in Whistler Village simply trying to grab a taxi back to his hotel. Henry’s life did not deserve to be taken away so brutally,” read a statement provided by Molina’s family to IHIT last year.
After the attack, investigators canvassed the area and identified “many witnesses,” IHIT said in its release. Homicide detectives continued to investigate, with support from the Integrated
Forensic Identification Section and the RCMP Forensic Lab.
The arrest was made with the assistance of Richmond RCMP and the E Division Major Crime’s integrated surveillance team, IHIT said.
A charge of manslaughter was laid by prosecutors on June 23, 2022, against Jhooty for his involvement in the stabbing.
“Henry Garcia Molina’s death was a shock to his family and the Whistler community,” said Sgt. David Lee of IHIT in the release. “We hope that this arrest provides some closure and solace to his family.”
“We hope that this arrest provides some closure and solace to his family.”
- DAVID LEE
Meanwhile, a fundraiser launched for the family raised more than $33,000.
“Henry’s loss has been the most painful thing that any parent has had to go through,” his family said in a statement. “Henry left a positive impact on everyone he has ever met, including all his family members, his friends from school and various sports teams he was a part of. Henry was very involved with the community and admired by many. He was a kind hearted young man who was always willing to help others.”
A publication ban was initially erroneously applied to the victim. Pique has since clarified the ban only applies to witnesses.
Additional information will be made available after sentencing, according to IHIT. n
GUILTY PLEA Investigators on the scene of a homicide at the Listel Hotel in Whistler Village last August.
FILE PHOTO BY BRETT GOSSMAN
Province announces $12.7M for Whistler housing project
CONSTRUCTION EXPECTED TO BE COMPLETE IN 2026
BY BRADEN DUPUIS
IN SPEAKING ABOUT the inspiration behind the provincial government’s BC Builds housing program, Premier David Eby often references both Singapore and Vienna.
“These are expensive places in the world where government takes an active role using public plans to build actually affordable housing,” Eby said at a press conference in Whistler on July 22.
“But the third that I usually mention is Whistler. The leadership that’s been shown by mayor and council in using land that the city owns, publicly owned land, to build actually affordable housing, is a model for what we’re doing across the rest of the province.”
The government is investing $12.7 million in the Resort Municipality of Whistler’s (RMOW) housing projects at 1475 Mount Fee Rd. in Cheakamus through the BC Builds program. When completed in 2026, the two, four-storey builds will amount to 104 new rental units for Whistlerites.
The province is also making more than $27 million in low-interest financing available for the project, which has a total budget of about $47 million.
“As certain as snow comes to Whistler is
challenges around housing. There is huge demand here in Whistler for the people who make this place amazing, the people who actually run the city of Whistler—the people who work in the restaurants, the people who work in the tourism industry, they need housing and it has been a challenge for a long time,” Eby said.
“You know it might be fun when you’re young to pile into a place with a bunch of roommates, but the charm wears out really quickly, and if you want to build a career and have a good middle-class life in a community like Whistler that is so tourism-dependant, where housing can be so expensive, we need better solutions.
“Whistler has come up with those solutions and the Province of BC is so proud to support the innovative work that’s been happening here in Whistler.”
Launched in February, BC Builds aims to fast-track delivery of homes for people with middle incomes by leveraging government-, community- and non-profit-owned and underused land through government funding and financing.
Whistler proved a prime candidate of choice due to its much-lauded work building employeerestricted housing through the Whistler Housing Authority (WHA).
The Whistler 2020 Development Corporation is the general contractor for the project at 1475 Mount Fee Rd., while the WHA will own and
operate the rental homes. Construction is expected to be complete in 2026.
“It is exciting to be one of the very first BC Builds communities,” said Mayor Jack Crompton, in a release. “This innovative program has allowed us to go from concept to construction on 104 stable, employeerestricted rental units at 1475 Mount Fee Rd. The collaboration is helping us house our community within the community. I want to thank the Province of BC for its support of Whistler and our growing housing needs.”
Construction has already commenced on the project, “which is directly across the street from the WHA’s Hemlocks building that will be opening its doors to 48 new units in the next few months,” said the WHA’s general manager Marla Zucht, in an email to Pique
“These two projects will provide 360 new beds for Whistler employees and will increase our community’s inventory of employee housing to over 7,700 beds of secure housing restricted to local workers.” n
BUILD IT Premier David Eby and Mayor Jack Crompton at a press conference in Whistler July 22.
Anti-fracking protesters state their case at PNWER summit
FRACK FREE BC COALITION SET UP OUTSIDE THE FAIRMONT, TAKING AIM AT THE EVENT’S SPONSORSHIP BY OIL AND GAS COMPANIES
BY LIZ MCDONALD
CLIMATE DEMONSTRATORS were outside the Fairmont Chateau Whistler July 22 to take a stance against fracking to develop hydrogen energy.
The demonstration was held by Frack Free BC coalition and spurred by the Pacific NorthWest Economic Region summit (PNWER), which is taking place from July 21 to 25 in Whistler.
The summit brings together politicos from across the Pacific Northwest and is billed as a venue to discuss transitioning to clean energy. However, Frack Free BC took issue with oil and gas industry sponsorship and input.
Dave Heighway with Frack Free said the group was concerned discussions would centre
fugitive methane emissions for blue hydrogen are higher than for grey hydrogen because of an increased use of natural gas to power the carbon capture. Perhaps surprisingly, the greenhouse gas footprint of blue hydrogen is more than 20-per-cent greater than burning natural gas or coal for heat and some 60-per-cent greater than burning diesel oil for heat.”
The authors went on to say carbon capture is “an optimistic and unproven assumption.”
One of the pieces up for discussion at PNWER is transitioning freight trucks to hydrogen, and Weiler highlighted Squamishbased Quantum Technology as a piece of the low-carbon puzzle.
“They actually have an MOU (memorandum of understanding) to set up on Vancouver Island, where they’re going to be able to do a production facility that will allow all of the freight on the Island to transition to using green
“It looks as though our premier is putting all of B.C.’s eggs into this basket of producing hydrogen from fossil fuels, continuing fracking, which is destroying the environment.”
- DAVE HEIGHWAY
around blue hydrogen, an energy made from natural gas, as major sponsors from the event include the Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers Company, Enbridge and Fortis BC.
“It looks as though our premier [David Eby] is putting all of B.C.’s eggs into this basket of producing hydrogen from fossil fuels, continuing fracking, which is destroying the environment,” Heighway said.
Hydrogen energy can come as green, blue or grey, and green hydrogen is considered the best type of hydrogen power because it’s made from renewable energy electricity by splitting hydrogen and oxygen from water.
Blue and grey hydrogen comes from natural gas or coal production, and grey hydrogen turns blue if the carbon emitted is sequestered. Carbon sequestering is touted by oil and gas companies as a method for reducing emissions, and is an approved method in climate agreements to reach net-zero goals.
West Vancouver-Sunshine Coast-Sea to Sky Country MP, Patrick Weiler, highlighted the clean hydrogen investment tax credit which is part of the federal government’s efforts to transition to a lower-carbon future.
“The way that we passed the tax credit, it can be for green hydrogen, as well as blue hydrogen. But when we’re talking about hydrogen made from natural gas, it’s a much smaller tax credit. But at the end of the day, it will produce a much lower-carbon form of energy than things like oil or natural gas, so there’s an opportunity there,” he said.
A 2021 study by Cornell University titled “How green is blue hydrogen?” found that “[w]hile carbon dioxide emissions are lower,
hydrogen,” he said. “So, that’s some of the applications that hydrogen is going to be really well suited for.”
The green hydrogen plant will be based out of Campbell River, according to a release from Quantum Technology, and the fuel would be used for powering “ferries, buses, trucks, trains, and cars to operate with zero CO2 emissions.”
Matt Morrison, CEO of PNWER, said in a previous interview about the conference discussions will centre on varying types of hydrogen production and issues around transportation.
“The Federal Government of Canada is focusing on the carbon intensity, meaning not the colour, but if there’s no carbon, or carbon is sequestered,” he said.
“‘It’s complicated with hydrogen; how do you get the hydrogen to where you need it? And it’s almost impossible to transport hydrogen. You can’t put it in a pipeline, because the molecule is too small, and it goes through steel and makes it brittle, or in a sense it cracks the steel. So how you address storage and transportation of hydrogen is one of the key issues.”
West Vancouver-Sea to Sky BC Green Party candidate Jeremy Valeriote attended the Frack Free demonstration, and he highlighted his party’s stance on hydrogen energy discussions.
“It’s important for me and for the BC Greens to point out the hypocrisy of a talk focused on clean energy innovation sponsored by Fortis BC, which is really a sunset industry that is trying to eke out the last little bit of profit from an energy source that will really not be acceptable given the climate emergency,” he said. n
The 18th-annual BioBlitz is just around the corner
THIS YEAR’S BLITZ INCLUDES A TALK FROM RENOWNED BEAR RESEARCHER MICHAEL ALLEN ON JULY 30
BY LIZ MCDONALD
THE WHISTLER NATURALISTS are set to celebrate their 18th-annual BioBlitz, and this year includes a public talk from renowned bear researcher Michael Allen on July 30.
BioBlitz is a search for creatures high and low throughout the alpine and valley ecosystem in Whistler. Each year, 50 to 100 new species are discovered by experts in our own backyard. This year also marks 25 years of the Whistler Naturalists, whose goal is to spur appreciation and knowledge of the local landscape.
Allen’s talk at Myrtle Philip Community School starts at 7 p.m. It costs $10 for adults and is free for those under 18.
His talk centres around “trends and changes” from 30 years of black bear data collection in Whistler. Guests will learn about bears’ salmon use, and hear about grizzlies and mountain lions in the Squamish River watershed in the last decade.
Board director and Whistler Naturalists founder Bob Brett said Allen is “the James Brown of bear research,” and his talks often sell out.
The goal of a BioBlitz is two-fold: reaching the public through education and bringing in experts to find and catalogue species.
“We’ve managed to present to virtually all
school kids in Whistler [in June]… the other part of it is actual surveys that increase our understanding of how many species are here,” Brett said.
June’s BioBlitz focused on slime moulds, and July’s focus is on insects. Alpine wildflower season is in full swing, which attracts insects and humans alike.
July’s experts include beetle specialists; a bird, dragonfly and butterfly expert; a slime mould expert; and plant experts.
The scientists will blitz Jane Lakes, the Callaghan Valley, and Blackcomb Mountain.
Documenting species includes photography, specimens and written records.
“There’s a lot of cross-pollination; one person finds something that may be of interest to another person … it’s part of the fun at BioBlitz, an insect person might learn from a bird person who learns from a slime mould person, and there’s all sorts of interaction that way,” Brett said.
Becoming a bioblitzer generally requires an open mind, according to Brett.
“I think the ethos of the typical BioBlitz scientist is that they are fascinated by what they don’t know,” he said. “So, if you can compare
it to our current political system, where people are running over each other to convince everyone else that they know everything, the typical BioBlitz scientist is happy to explore their ignorance. And that is to say that even though they know a lot, they realize that there’s also a lot more to learn.”
While the blitzes always bring about new knowledge, species discovery shouldn’t be confused with a lack of anthropological impact.
“Every place on the planet, save maybe the highest peak on Antarctica, would have been chock-a-block with biodiversity. Humans are the main change agent,” Brett said. “We are pretty good at retaining a lot of biodiversity, but I don’t think it’s any indication that we are doing anything particularly good. We just haven’t been here [in Whistler] that long.”
Click beetle expert Scott Gilmore is attending the blitz this year, and said anyone interested in pursuing citizen science can start by getting outside as much as possible.
“Look for things that you’re interested in, and otherwise trying to attend events that actually have sort of local experts, where there’s a chance to engage with other people,” he said. “On top of that, I would [recommend] starting to use platforms like iNaturalist, where you can take photographs of what you find and where you can also help other people identify stuff from their photographs.”
Read more at whistlernaturalists.ca. n
JUST BEAT IT Scott Gilmore and Trevor Van Loon beating branches to collect insects during a BioBlitz on Blackcomb Mountain.
PHOTO BY JOERN ROHDE / COURTESY OF THE WHISTLER NATURALISTS
Three injured in Highway 99 crash north of Whistler
NEWS BRIEFS: CLOSE CALLS IN WHISTLER AS FIRE DANGER RATING HITS EXTREME
BY BRADEN DUPUIS
MOTORISTS WERE STRANDED for hours north of Whistler on Friday, July 19, after a serious crash closed the highway in both directions near WedgeWoods.
Sea to Sky Whistler RCMP were called to the scene by the Whistler Fire Rescue Service at about 10:45 p.m. on Friday night, police said.
The collision involved two vehicles, one of which caught fire, they said.
“Three individuals sustained various injuries in the collision,” Cst. Katrina Boehmer with the Whistler RCMP told Pique. “The cause of the collision is still under investigation but at this time, alcohol is not deemed to have been a factor.”
Meanwhile, a second serious incident south of Whistler involving a motorcycle closed the highway near Lions Bay that same night.
In that case, the RCMP’s Lower Mainland Integrated Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Service (LMD-ICARS) was deployed to the crash near Ocean Point Dr., according to a post from Cpl. Dave Noon, of ICARS.
The specially trained officers are called out to do forensic reconstruction of crashes
that result in serious injury or death.
Then, shortly before 4 p.m. on July 23, emergency personnel attended the scene of a collision involving two vehicles at London Lane and Highway 99, again closing the highway in both directions.
“One person sustained injuries in the collision and the investigation is still ongoing,” Boehmer said.
Earlier that day, the highway was reduced to single-lane alternating traffic at Nordic, as crews worked to remove a fallen tree which the day before caused a power outage for more than 3,000 Whistler residents.
CREWS MAKE QUICK WORK OF FIRES
That wasn’t the only drama on Whistler’s roads this week.
A car fire on Highway 99 and Bayshore Drive in Whistler was quickly extinguished on July 19, as high temperatures persist in the resort and the fire danger rating sits at extreme.
According to the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), crews responded to the fire at 10:53 a.m., and found the vehicle fully engulfed in flames when they arrived.
“Quick response by firefighters from Fire Hall No. 3 was instrumental in containing the fire and keeping it from spreading to the forest,”
a municipal communications official said.
“No injuries were reported. Initial reports were the vehicle overheated and pulled over to the side of the road and burst into flames.”
And two days later, a Sunday evening fire in Whistler’s forests could have been much worse if not for the “alertness” of local residents.
The RMOW said fire crews responded to a report of a wildfire on Spring Creek Drive near Cedar Glen Place at about 8:22 p.m.
“Crews arrived on scene and confirmed a small ground fire approximately 10 feet by 20 feet in the forest between Spring Creek School and the Zero Ceiling facility,” an official said. “Crews were able to get water on the fire quickly and contain the fire. WFRS would like to thank the quick alertness of Spring Creek residents who discovered the fire and called 911 immediately.”
The fire appears to be human-caused, the official said.
The WFRS reminds the public Whistler is currently under an extreme fire danger rating, and we all have a shared role in fire prevention.
“This means adhering to the campfire ban, fully extinguishing cigarettes in ashtrays or water, consulting with WFRS on high-risk construction activity within 10 metres of the forest/vegetation and reporting illegal burning or fires to 911,” the official said.
See smoke? In Whistler, report it by calling 911. Outside of Whistler, call *5555 on a cell phone or 1-800-663-5555. n
HIGHWAY CLOSURE Three people sustained “various injuries” in a crash north of Whistler on July 19, according to police.
PHOTO BY ROISIN CULLEN
‘We won’t stop’
SEARCH FOR MOUNT CURRIE MAN STANLEY MORRIS PETERS JR. REIGNITED AFTER 37 YEARS
BY RÓISÍN CULLEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
IN THE EARLY HOURS of Nov. 8, 1987, Stanley Morris Peters Jr. went missing.
Then 34 years old, Peters was believed to be hitchhiking back to D’Arcy at the time near the railroad tracks.
It wasn’t until 1992 that Peters’ loved ones found out what happened to him, when Pemberton RCMP launched a full-scale investigation into the case after receiving a tip. His parents were told by RCMP officers he was hit by a car in Mount Currie, hurled 15 metres through the air, and buried in a shallow grave.
Where, they couldn’t say.
His three daughters have spent their entire adult lives looking for their late father’s remains.
In May of this year, the sisters received an anonymous tip related to their dad’s case.
They reported it, and on July 17, the Sea to Sky RCMP’s General Investigation Section executed a search warrant at a property in Mount Currie with the Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service, and with the assistance of the RCMP Integrated Forensic Investigation Services and RCMP Tac Troop.
According to a release, Pemberton RCMP received information related to the cold case on May 17. Since that time, the investigation has remained open and active, “with the goal of bringing Mr. Peters Jr. home to his family,” the release said.
Police would not say what the warrant covered, or if anything was recovered during the search on July 17 and 18.
Each time there is a spark of interest in the case, Peters’ daughters try to manage their expectations.
A LONG-BURIED SECRET
Robert Dennis Williams was charged with hit and run in the case of Peters’ death. Lawrence Alvin Pascal was charged with obstruction of justice. In November 1994, Williams was sentenced to 18 months in jail, while Pascal was found not guilty. However, five other people were reported to be in the vehicle that struck the young man dead.
The Peters sisters live in a web of secrets, constantly meeting people they believe know
“Daily, I think about what life would be like if dad was here.”
- SALLY PETERS
“There is always that hope. We have been doing it for so long,” said Bernadette Dennis. “We knew that it could have been dad there, or it might not been. We get our hopes up. We wish and pray that this would be the one tip that helps. We started to think about the next steps.”
The wait continues.
The resilient sisters are reminding people it is never too late to come forward with new information, and that tips will be handled with complete discretion.
“We are letting people know that it’s OK to talk,” said Bernadette.
their father’s final resting place.
Bernadette explained they have no way of knowing how many people are connected in the coverup.
“It’s not only the ones who were in the car, it’s their families,” she said. “If you think about all the people who were in the full truck, then the bystanders, all of those people told at least one person. People talk. It ends up being at least a quarter of the members in Mount Currie that know or have heard something. They are just not talking.”
The sisters, Bernadette, Lisa Peters and Sally Peters, say threats from those involved stop others from coming forward.
“The people that make threats are making empty threats,” said Bernadette. “Over the years, they have proven empty. They haven’t done anything. We know who are making the threats. The threats aren’t to us, they are to the people who are involved, the ones with information. The higher one that has taken charge is threatening the ones that hit dad. That’s why they are not speaking up.”
Lisa echoed her sister’s statement. “Over the years, we protect anyone who brings forward tips and information,” she said.
DECADES OF WILD GOOSE CHASES
Bernadette tries to remember her dad as he was.
“He was named after his dad,” she said. “He was a logger. He was a kind and easy-toget-along-with person.”
Their grandparents were constantly sent on wild goose chases in the years following Peters’ disappearance, the sisters say.
“We didn’t know what happened. Our grandparents didn’t find out until 1992,” said Bernadette. “There were rumours going around about what happened. People would say that they saw him here or they saw him there. They were sending our grandparents on a wild goose chase because they wanted to steer the search from Mount Currie or N’Quatqua. They wanted to divert the search to the states, Quesnel and the Downtown Eastside in Vancouver. They led our grandparents anywhere away from home,
STILL SEARCHING From left: Lisa Peters, Bernadette Dennis and Sally Peters say they won’t stop until they bring their father home.
PHOTO BY ROISIN CULLEN
which was where it happened.”
The loving parents would drop what they were doing and jump in the car every time they received a tip their son could be alive. His mom, Rose, spent most of her life searching for her baby. Until the day Rose died, she hoped she could bring him back home.
“Sometimes, it was just my grandmother going to Kelowna by herself and meeting someone to go look. She also searched around the Downtown Eastside by herself,” said Bernadette. “She put notices in the newspaper asking for him to call home. He had never gone a day without calling his parents to tell them where he was or when he was going to be home.”
LOOKING TO THE STARS
Sally now has a family of her own. She attends soccer games, graduation, and tries to give her children the best future she can provide. However, at heart she is still the 10-year-old little girl sitting on her dad’s shoulders. She was completely in awe of her father.
“We used to go to Lillooet every summer.” remembered Sally. “We would spend weeks or months there with our family. He would net the fish and pull it out. I would club them. We caught 115 fish one day. I don’t know why I remember the exact number of the fish we caught.”
Sometimes it’s the little things that stick with you.
Whenever Sally was scared, her dad would scoop her into his arms.
“I went mushroom picking with him. I remember there were thousands of little frogs on the road,” she said. “I just stood there crying. He came back and put me on his back.”
There was no caring dad to scoop the girls up when childhood became adulthood, and when scary frogs became far more pressing concerns.
“I was 14 when dad went missing,” said Sally. “We missed out on lots, just like comforting. Daily, I think about what life would be like if dad was here. I wonder if he would like our partners and his grandkids.”
Reports at the time of Peters were dismissive and jarring. News outlets left out the fact that behind the headlines was a missing dad and a son who never came home. Peters taught his daughters about the stars and the everyday wonders in the world around them.
“I remember just lying on the beach and looking up at the Milky Way,” said Sally. “He was teaching me about it all. He was always talking about the stars.”
Sally still remembers the day their dad was ripped from their lives forever.
“I remember that we got word that he was gone,” she said. “I remember coming home to mom and Bernadette. That’s when they told me. I remember sitting in the bathroom and crying.”
Like most people, Lisa Peters remembers getting into so much trouble as a kid she thought running away to start a new life was the only viable solution. She recalls trying to help her grandmother bake.
“I spun the bowl and it went everywhere,” said Lisa. “I knew I was going to get in trouble, so I climbed out of the bathroom window. Dad was coming home from work. He just saw two legs dangling from the window. He told me to let go because he was there to catch me.
I was crying and telling him I was going to run away. Him and grandma were laughing so hard.”
Decades later, Lisa misses having that safety net—someone you can fall back on no matter how messy the situation is.
A WINTER’S NIGHT THAT CHANGED EVERYTHING
Bernadette clearly remembers the last time they saw their dad.
“I remember the whole night. We were at our aunty and uncle’s down the road from our place,” she said. “We were just about ready to go home. It was getting dark. Dad told us to go home and that he would be home soon.”
Back at home, the girls’ friends showed up and invited them to come back out.
“We didn’t want to stay home,” said Bernadette. “We went next door to a vacant house and hung out there. Dad knocked on the door of our house calling for us, and we weren’t there. We were teenagers so we didn’t want to shout at him that we were next door. We didn’t want to get into trouble, so we hid. I remember a car pulling up to our house and dad getting into the vehicle. I remember hiding and watching the car driving by.”
To this day, Bernadette feels guilty for sneaking out.
“If we were home to open that door, would he have stayed home that night?” she said.
The girls took the reins from their grandparents when they were old enough, and the cycle of searching reached its second generation. They take photos and make maps of every area they search. The sisters do not want anyone else to feel the pain they do, and see it as their cross to carry through this life.
“We used to bring our family members, but then we just started doing it on our own,” said Bernadette. “We feel like it’s ours to carry now and not anybody else’s.”
They say the Lil’wat Nation and N’Quatqua did not support the Peters family when one of their own went missing.
“I recall us wanting a justice healing circle from Chief and Council. My grandmother kept telling us to forgive,” said Bernadette. “We wanted to heal as two communities. We were shut down. We asked for a reward fund, and that didn’t happen either.” Chief and councils from both First Nations were contacted for comment by Pique. Neither replied.
ENDING THE CYCLE
The sisters now want everyone in the communities to heal from the divisive crime.
SEE PAGE 22 >>
Is ab elle
(Belle) Ferguson(Frytek)
passedawaypeacefully on July 5th,2024 at theage of 95.
She will be deeplymissed by herchildren Geordie,Doug,Janice,and Katherine,aswell as her grandchildren,Sloan, Benjamin, Kathryn, Matthew, Mitchel and Trevor,her greatgrandchild Nash andher manynieces and nephews.Isabelle waspredeceased by herfirst husband,Slim Barr,her husband (Gordon), Dad (John), Mother(Catherine),her 10 brothers and sistersand her grandson Cole
Belle’sstory began in Merritt, BC,the daughter of acoal miner and a homemaker.She livedinseveralplacesin BC before she eventuallyfound her home in Pemberton, BC with herhusband Gordon. Belle worked tirelesslyat various jobs while raisingher young children,especiallyenjoying her time as anannyfor severalfamilies in thevalley
In the 1990s Belle movedtoVancouverto live with her daughter Janice, helpingtocarefor her three young children. She also spent afew years in 100 Mile near her daughter Katherine beforereturning to Vancouver.Nomatter whereBelle lived, she always managed to makedeep andlasting friendships and find community.Toher grandchildren, she wasajoyful,fun-loving gramma wholoved to read them stories,playgames,takethemout fortreats, bakethem cookies and cook theirfavourite meals
Belle’s life wasatestamenttoresilience andjoy.She enjoyed prayingthe rosary each morning and attending mass.Eveninthe face of adversity,she neverlost her ability to smile and laugh. Hergrace,strength,wonderful sense of humour andwit, areaninspiration to herfamilyand everyone whohad theprivilege of knowing her.Her abilitytofind light in darktimes and still smile her beautiful smile will always be remembered andcherished.
MISSING Stanley Peters Jr. was last seen in 1987.
They have learned to forgive in order to move forward and not pollute the next generation with hate.
“I want healing for everybody. If I hold hate and anger towards them, it’s just going to make me sick,” said Bernadette. “It will make me a person that I don’t want to be. There are also days where you don’t want to forgive. I’ve been through all the anger. I still want a healing ceremony, but I doubt it is ever going to happen.”
She believes everyone lost something that winter’s night.
“We know more than people think we know. The only thing we don’t know is our dad’s final resting place,” said Bernadette. “Everyone involved lost something. We never got closure. Our grandparents were not supported by both bands at the beginning. Mount Currie was never 100-per-cent behind us. That support wasn’t there. We had to pull tooth and nail to get any little bit of support. We want to respect and honour our dad.”
The sisters have seen the detrimental effect a lifetime of fruitless searching can have on a person.
“It took a big toll on my grandmother,” said Bernadette. “She went through sleepless nights. She couldn’t sleep. She would say her rosaries over and over again. She took pills to try to sleep.”
They want to be the last generation to search for Stanley Morris Peters Jr., and to break the cycle of hurt.
“We hope that we find him before our
kids carry on,” said Bernadette. “Every time we put something out there. We learn more and more.”
Bernadette explained how devastating it is to not be able to grieve in the traditional way.
“There is still that empty, that cry. There is that lifelong grief that we carry and hang on,” she said. “We are not able to let it go with the proper steps of ceremony because there are no remains. There is still the hate, hurt and anger. When our mom passed away it hurt. It still hurts. The difference is that we were able to grieve for our mom and start healing. We knew she was sick. We were able to bury her and have the four days for ceremony. We were able to put her to rest. We are not able to do that with our dad.”
CULTURE OF SILENCE
Bernadette admitted the family now feels like they are back to square one following the July 17 search—but they hope it assures locals they mean business.
“We are still looking. We won’t stop,” said Bernadette. “We will take any tip seriously. We always get our hopes up. Showing that we were digging and still searching put the word out there that we will not stop.”
The response from the community was largely positive, with a few exceptions.
“There is a still a group that were negative. They are still angry,” said Bernadette. “I don’t let it get to me. I mentally take note of the people who act that way and wonder how deeply they might be involved.”
The sisters explained they will never stop looking for their dad, no matter how hopeless things feel. “People wonder why we can’t just let it go, even some of our own family members,” said Bernadette. “They say that we will never find him. If we let it go, we let them win. We are not going to let it go. We are going to keep looking.”
The girls’ paternal grandfather (Stanley Peters Sr.) is now in his 90s. They try to keep him informed on the case, without upsetting him.
“We explained to him at a recent visit that him and grandma had searched for all those years and now it’s up to us to continue,” said Bernadette. “It’s our job to do it now. Anything that happens, we make sure that he knows
about it. We tell him the really big things.”
The ladies are grateful to the person who made the anonymous tip, and hope more will follow their lead.
“I am grateful that people are able to come forward,” said Bernadette. “We tell everyone that comes forward that we probably already know what they have to say. We explain that it’s more for them to be able to talk about it, release it and let it go. They don’t have to bury it anymore.”
The sisters try in their own way to grieve for their dad. They wear his print. They listen to his favourite records, including Tina Turner. The family had a ceremony to walk Peters’ spirit home to N’Quatqua in November 2023. They did the entire journey by foot. Sally purchased three urn necklaces for the trio ahead of the ceremony. They put smudge inside of them as they do not have their father’s ashes. They pray for closure every day.
“I wear mine every day since the walk,” said Lisa.
The sisters’ close bond has stood the test of nearly four trying decades.
“I think that is what makes us stronger,” said Sally.
They hope they will be the last generation that will have to learn to be strong.
“We want to bring our dad’s remains home,” said Bernadette. “Thirty-seven years is long enough.”
Anyone with any information regarding this investigation is asked to contact the Sea to Sky RCMP General Investigation Section at 604-932-3044, or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or go to the website www. solvecrime.ca. n
FAMILY LIFE Stanley Peters Jr. and his young family. PHOTO COURTESY OF SALLY PETERS
Pemberton dentist no longer able to see children due to ‘short staffing’
PEMBY BRIEFS: CANADIAN ARMY DISPOSES OF SMOKE GRENADE; VOP TO REPLACE ONE MILE BRIDGE
BY RÓISÍN CULLEN Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A PEMBERTON DENTAL clinic is reportedly no longer able to care for its youngest patients. Families who had appointments coming up received notification that Big Sky Dental would no longer be able to care for children. The text explained the change was “indefinite” and due to a staff shortage.
Pemberton resident, Haley Stewart Leigh, received a text from Big Sky Dental cancelling the family’s appointments on Oct. 9 and 20. “Due to short staffing we need to cancel appointment on Oct. 9 and we are unable to see kids indefinitely,” it read. “Sorry about the inconvenience. I will keep you posted if the situation changes.”
She told Pique her child had built a rapport with their dentist and will struggle with the change.
“For us, it’s tough as our child is neurodivergent, so trust for them in a place is hard to find,” said Leigh.
She is now worried they won’t be able to find a new dentist as new patients can struggle to get on the books at a clinic.
“Big Sky hasn’t taken on new clients in a couple of years,” said Leigh.
Lisa Corcoran’s children were also affected by the sudden change in policy. She booked an appointment for her eldest son in January for July 15. After breaking a tooth, the young boy needed to be seen sooner rather than later.
“He is missing half a tooth,” said Corcoran. “We had an orthodontist appointment right after and they sent a referral to our dentist to get him in more urgently. That was months ago, and I didn’t hear back. Our appointment was coming up so I emailed them about the broken tooth. He asked what it was and I replied.”
Then, seemingly out of the blue, the concerned mom received a text saying the dentist would no longer be able to see kids due to a staffing issue.
“I am so disappointed,” said Corcoran. “I feel like they don’t care. If they cared at all they would at least see my son and check out his tooth.”
Corcoran also had questions about the new rules.
“Why is it kids specifically they won’t see?” she asked. “I think kids’ teeth are more important because they have their whole life to live with them.”
Pique reached out to Big Sky Dental multiple times, but did not receive a response in time for publication.
CANADIAN ARMY DISPOSES OF GRENADE
The Canadian army rushed to Mount Currie earlier this month to deal with a suspicious device handed into Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police’s
station. Pemberton Fire Rescue and RCMP also attended the scene.
Public Affairs Officer for 19 Wing Comox, Lieutenant Keil Kodama, confirmed to Pique the device was identified as a smoke grenade.
“The Explosives Ordinance Disposal (EOD) team from 19 Wing Comox responded to the Unexploded Explosive Ordinance (UXO) Monday, July 14,” he said in an email. “After retrieval, the EOD team confirmed the UXO was to be a smoke grenade, and it was safely disposed.”
Kodama reminded members of the public not to touch anything believed to be an explosive or military pyrotechnic.
“Notify your local police or 19 WingComox and arrangements will be made to dispose of it in a safe manner,” said Kodama. “Do not attempt to relocate the object. To report findings to 19 Wing, please call 1-866488-0889.”
It is unclear where the smoke grenade originated from, who found it, or where.
The Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police did not respond to requests for comment.
ONE MILE BRIDGE SET FOR REPLACEMENT
Crews from the Village of Pemberton (VOP) will replace One Mile Bridge next week. Work will start on the bridge near Dog Beach at One Mile Lake on July 29. The VOP said in a Facebook post the replacement is needed to ensure the bridge remains “safe and accessible for all park users.”
There will be trail and bridge closures from next week onwards. The partial closure of the bridge approach and Dog Beach is also expected. There will be on-site signage and fencing to inform locals. Construction on this vital project is expected to be completed by September.
“We kindly ask community members to respect all signage and barriers in the area while our crews work to complete this project,” the VOP said. “We look forward to reopening access and unveiling the new bridge soon!” n
HAPPY
SMOKE SHOW The smoke grenade found in Mount Currie, B.C.
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CANADIAN ARMED FORCES
Mission: Data Emissions
I’VE SAID IT MYSELF a hundred times: “Save the paper—just email me the receipt.”
This past week, however, some shocking numbers came to light concerning the digital carbon footprint associated with our emailhappy world, giving me pause to reconsider.
For those who haven’t been keeping up, a digital carbon footprint refers to the environmental impact of digital technologies and online activities, including greenhouse
BY LESLIE ANTHONY
gas (GHG) emissions and the consumption of energy associated with use and operation of digital devices, networks and services.
As an example, storing 1GB of data consumes an average of 0.015 kW of electricity, resulting in 0.28 kg of CO2 equivalent (CO2e) in emissions—meaning the photos on my phone alone account for a kilo of carbon. When it comes to email, CO2e is universally pegged at about 0.3 gm/email—about a third of a gram. This formed the basis for a recent study by Zero Bounce—a commercial email validation service—of global email use (data from the top 27 email countries listed here: rb.gy/mexqqg).
Among the findings, the sending and receipt of emails emits about 1.3 Mt of CO2e globally… every single day. As far as countries go, the 9.7 billion daily emails circulating among the ~306,000,000 users in the U.S. top the global list by emitting 3,207 tons of CO2e daily, while Irish email users emit the most per capita globally at 532.41 g daily (U.S. users
average a much lower 9.2 g daily), and Indian email users the least, at only 2.07 g daily. A few weird numbers in the data suggest some serious spamming driving up per-capita numbers in places like Ireland and Austria, but you get the general drift.
Commenting on their study, a spokesperson for Zero Bounce noted the substantial carbon emissions of email demonstrate the need for greater awareness and strategies to reduce our personal digital carbon footprints.
“Understanding the environmental impact of our digital communication practices is crucial for developing sustainable solutions and
data and consume huge amounts of electricity— more than 73 per cent of all emissions associated with the global digital carbon footprint, in fact, which is itself significant.
According to a 2020 Borderstep Institute publication, emissions from the production, use and disposal of digital technologies could be 1.8 to 3.2 per cent of global emissions from all sectors. And I haven’t even touched on the environmental impacts of social media. Topping the charts is TikTok (no surprise), which emits as much as 2.63g of CO2e per minute for each user; five minutes a day on this app contributes about 4,800g of CO2e per
And so, the digital world we have woven is indeed a tangled web when it comes to emissions and climate.
mitigating climate change,” they said.
Yet, it’s something few people think about when there’s actually—and obviously— plenty of evidence staring us in the face. Take hardware, the most tangible part of the equation. To produce smartphones, computers, monitors, printers, modems, routers and even cables requires massive inputs of electricity, raw materials that often include rare-earth metals, and all the extraction, manufacturing, transportation and distribution involved.
Environmental costs are further elevated due to how quickly electronic equipment wears out, finding itself languishing in landfill while we’re out buying the latest upgrades. Then there’s using the equipment—electricity needed to charge phones or laptops, to power routers and modems. Finally, there’s data transfer via LTE and 5G network transmitters or cable, and data centres whose servers process terabytes of
year per person, with the number of registered accounts now north of a billion; Instagram is in fourth place with 1.05g of CO2e per minute, and farther down the chart sits LinkedIn at 0.71g CO2e/min, X (formerly Twitter) at 0.60g CO2e/ min and YouTube at 0.46g CO2e/min. This information has already had an impact on my scrolling behaviour and convinced me to delete some apps.
None of this should come as any surprise given the high profile of the emissions bomb associated with the data mining behind cryptocurrency. While this burgeoning financial sector provides opportunities and benefits, it also has major overlooked environmental impacts (doi. org/10.1029/2023EF003871). Bitcoin, the most popular cryptocurrency, was shown to be particularly concerning; a 400-per-cent increase in price from 2021 to 2022 triggered a
140-per-cent increase in energy consumption of the global Bitcoin mining network. China was the world’s top Bitcoin miner that year, followed by the U.S., Kazakhstan, Russia, Malaysia, Canada, Germany, Iran, Ireland and Singapore—collectively responsible for 92 to 94 per cent of the currency’s global carbon, water and land footprint.
Bitcoin mining emitted more than 85.89 Mt of CO2e during this period, with a shocking 67 per cent of the electricity required produced from a mix of fossil energy sources, dominated by coal at 45 per cent; the remaining sources were hydro at 16 per cent, nuclear at nine per cent, wind at five per cent, and solar at two per cent. Bitcoin’s annual emissions alone are sufficient to push global warming beyond the 2 C threshold, and would require planting 3.9 billion trees to offset—an area equivalent to the size of Switzerland or seven per cent of the Amazon rainforest.
In 2021–22, the global water footprint of Bitcoin mining was 1.65 km3, exceeding the domestic water use of more than 300 million people in rural sub-Saharan Africa. The land footprint of the global Bitcoin mining network was more than 1,870 square kilometers—1.4 times the area of Los Angeles. Countries like Kazakhstan, where electricity is heavily reliant on non-renewable energy but three times cheaper than in the U.S., provide major financial incentives for Bitcoin mining. Clearly and urgently, regulatory intervention and technological breakthroughs are needed to mitigate these environmental impacts.
And so, the digital world we have woven is indeed a tangled web when it comes to emissions and climate. But what of my email versus paper receipt quandary? Not to worry, it seems—the emissions from an email receipt are still more than 60-per-cent lower than those of the paper version. Whew!
Leslie Anthony is a biologist, writer and author of several popular books on environmental science. n
Land Act: Notice of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land
Take notice that I, Rogers Co mmunications Canada Inc. (Formerly Shaw Communicat ions), from Brampton, Ont. have applied to the British Columb ia Ministry of Forests (FOR), South Coast Region for a Statutor y Right of Way situated on Provincial Crown land located at PID 015-880-648 DL 3364 GROUP 1 NEW WESTMINSTER DIST RICT EXCEPT PARCEL A (REFERENCE PLAN 1067) BLOCK A and BLOCK B PLAN 18705 (CN MP 85. 12).
FOR invites comments on th is application. The Lands File is 2412290. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Senior Land Officer, South Coast Region, FOR, at 200-10428 153rd Street Surrey, BC V3R 1E1. Comments will be received by FOR up to August 23, 2024. FO R may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision Database website at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.
Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://w ww.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submission s.
The last little mountain town
By Will Johnson
ovie theatre
Since the closing of the Village 8 Cinemas, Whistler has become a commercial moviegoers desert
GOING TO THE MOVIES JUST ISN’T THE SAME AS IT USED TO BE.
During the zenith of Hollywood culture at the end of the 20th century, before the film industry was rocked by the one-two punch of streaming services and ubiquitous small screens, names like Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts and Meryl Streep graced the marquee like those of demigods. The movie theatre was a place to worship, complete with its own rituals— consuming over-buttered popcorn, getting in cheap on Tuesdays, and sneaking past the distracted usher into a double feature.
Somewhere around the turn of the century, things began to shift. Movies were getting bigger, and so were multiplexes. Juggernauts like Titanic, The Sixth Sense and The Matrix were rewriting the rules of cinema, seemingly ushering in an era of creative innovation, while getting executives punch-drunk on profits. Instead of waiting for months to earn back their investment, now they could make back their money over a weekend.
By the time the first Spider-Man released in 2002, the industry was well on its way to kicking off nearly two decades of relentless Marvel movies. It was the age of remakes and reboots and sequels. Studios weren’t
interested in risks like Glengarry Glen Ross, Rain Man or Fried Green Tomatoes instead they were making Iron Man, Michael Bay blockbusters and an interminable number of John Wick flicks.
During this time, community movie theatres began to shutter across B.C., faced with tricky economic realities and dwindling audiences. Earlier this year, the Network of Independent Canadian Exhibitors announced theatres are in crisis, with a majority of its independent theatres operating at a loss. In Whistler, the village’s only theatre closed at the beginning of 2023, leaving locals without an option for Hollywood new releases.
This is all part of a global trend, but it demands a local solution. It was undoubtedly tragic to lose the Village 8 Cinemas, which was beloved and operated for decades, but now local moviegoers and filmmakers are envisioning innovative new ways to keep movie culture alive and thriving. The question is: what will the future of movies look like in Whistler, now that it’s gone?
P P P
If you were wondering when the first movie was screened in Whistler, it would depend on who you ask. Many would answer it was when the Rainbow Theatre opened in 1986, but in actual fact it was more than three decades earlier.
That was when the Alta Lake Community Club raised money to buy a projector, using a gaspowered generator and a sheet to display films for those gathered way back in 1954. According to the Whistler Museum, movie nights became the social event of the week for residents, with each screening followed by a dance. In many ways, it was a prototype for the contemporary moviegoing experience: there were soft drinks, everyone was scarfing popcorn, and dogs were even allowed as long as they behaved—though they did have a tendency to howl at the screen.
The town’s children were known to shun the seats altogether, cuddling in a heap at the foot of the front row.
These community screenings continued until the Village was constructed in the 1980s, bringing with it the single-screen Rainbow Theatre. After a few hiccups and false starts—including an attempt to create a non-profit that would bring movies to the theatre—it held its grand opening in November of 1986 with its first movie: Crocodile Dundee
For filmmaker and critic Feet Banks, who first moved to Whistler at 12 years old from northern
B.C. in 1988, it was an oasis of inspiration that impacted his trajectory into the world of movies.
“I remember seeing A Fish Called Wanda with my dad. He loved those screwball comedies. The Rainbow Theatre was a great thing to do when you were a teenager, with the video game arcade right there, so whenever a movie came to town, you would go,” he tells Pique.
“There were no video rentals, no phones or anything like that, so every weekend that’s where we were.”
The tricky economics of screening blockbusters in a small town was apparent to Banks, even as a teenager. When Jurassic Park came to town, it ran for weeks without any other options because of the agreements made with the distributor.
“I remember thinking, ‘when is Hook going to leave? I’ve seen it twice now and I want something new.’”
The Rainbow Theatre would eventually make way for the Village 8 across town, which opened in an underground venue at the end of 2002. From that point on the Rainbow went through a series of renovations and improvements, but would no longer show commercial movies after 2006. Instead, it was repurposed for conferences and film festivals.
“I think it’s worth asking someone at the conference centre why the Rainbow lays fallow, but I suspect it is that they want to minimize wear and tear so they can sell it as a cutting-edge screening room to conferences and events,” says Banks.
“Showing movies to locals doesn’t drive room nights, so I suspect it’s not a huge priority.”
P P P
It was a magical time for movies, but not for movie theatres.
When the Village 8 Cinemas opened in 2002, it boasted a lineup of crowd-pleasers such as Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers, Catch Me If You Can and Two Weeks Notice Whistler residents were overjoyed to have a multi-screen complex in town, and they initially showed up in droves. It was around this time Banks began a local movie column in Pique that would run from 2003 to 2020, catching many of the flicks he was writing about at Village 8.
“That was a great run. The theatre opened around the same time as Netflix started, though. It was a mail-in thing with DVDs at that point and nobody realized what a big deal it was. But then it really started to affect things,” he says.
“People could ask, ‘why go to the theatre when you can sit at home, eat your own popcorn, smoke your own weed?’”
According to Banks, the screening problem
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$10 Adult Tickets (18+) FREE for Kids (under 18)
TOP - Whistler’s Village 8 Cinemas closed for good in January 2023. File photo by Braden Dupuis
from the Rainbow persisted at the new venue. Even though they had eight screens, there were only three quality options at any time due to distributor agreements that forced theatres to take on undesirable shows in order to win the right to carry big titles.
Then, of course, there was the fact that locals would rather hit the slopes than the screens.
“Whistler is an outdoor town, so if it’s a pow day then you’re not going to the movies. During the summer people stay in the park until 10 p.m. I think there’s a broader mix of industry trends and Whistler reality at work here, since this is one of the most expensive places to live,” he says.
“As a father I loved going up to Whistler and watching a movie with my son. I remember going to the Rainbow with my parents and then taking my son to Village 8 and there’s a full-circle happiness that comes from that. So that’s the biggest loss.”
He believes theatres help teenagers stay out of trouble, too.
“Young kids and teenagers, you’re not out getting into trouble stealing golf carts or setting shit on fire—you’re at the movies! Obviously the world’s going down the shitter because of social media in a number of directions, and when I’m at home I’ll be messing on my phone while the TV is on, but in a theatre people aren’t doing that. They’re locked into that shared experience.”
Without a community effort and change in priorities, it may be a long time before there’s a functioning movie theatre in Whistler again. But Banks has heard rumblings from behind the scenes as community members strategize how to bring movies back up the Sea to Sky.
“When I was a kid, somebody made it work. Now the community is not focused so much on providing for the community as bringing people in from outside,” he says. “I think that’s tragic.”
P P P
If there’s anyone with their finger on the pulse of movie industry trends, it’s the Whistler Film Festival’s (WFF) executive director Angela Heck. Having been involved in every festival for nearly 25 years, and having witnessed the closure of both the Rainbow and Village 8 theatres, she knows the pressures currently plaguing the industry.
But she still feels there’s reason for hope.
“The situation is definitely an evolving one,” she says. “We love movies for that communal experience, to be able to share laughter or tears or stale popcorn, but the landscape and the economics are changing and the way people are accessing content is changing. There’s no right way or wrong way to access content, but it’s certainly having an impact.”
The WFF struggled through the pandemic, but ultimately bounced back with one of its most successful offerings in 2023. The films played were ultimately nominated for 38 Academy Awards. And though this is only a once-a-year event, Heck says the community is still finding ways to share great movies, including outdoor screenings in the summer.
“It’s sad at this point that there isn’t a weekly option, and we’re looking at ways we might be able to do that in the future,” she says.
Heck says there is a passionate film-lover community in Whistler, one that appreciates getting dressed up in costumes and turning the screening into an event. This was first demonstrated for her when she attended the premiere of Ski Bums in 2002, a documentary
about mountain culture directed by John Zaritzky.
“I was awestruck by the amount of community spirit,” she says. “There must have been 1,000 people there—maybe that’s a bit of an exaggeration—but it was one of the rowdiest, most exuberant and fun experiences to see the community reaction to that film. I’ve gone to a lot of festivals in my life and that was one of the most memorable moments.”
Heck adds there’s a local trend towards “eventifizing” movie screenings, either turning them into a party or maybe an evening out with dinner where participants discuss the film afterwards. As for the WFF, it’s finding ways to innovate.
The festival announced Robin Smith as its new director of film programming on June 10, and in the coming months the team will watch more than 2,000 films including shorts and features. That will be whittled down to approximately 50—a wealth of entertainment.
“There’s so many different layers to the industry. People will always have an urge to tell stories, to go out there and make a great feature film on a shoestring budget,” Heck says. “Yes, there’s a marketplace that’s driving the Hollywood experience, but that’s only one part of the industry.”
P P P
When Mo Douglas was first working in the Whistler tourism industry during the 1990s, she said there was a visceral excitement in the community every time a new flick came to the Rainbow—she considered it a focal point of the community.
“As I was raising my kids, we spent a lot of time going to the movies, but it wasn’t too long before it had trouble,” she says. “The seats weren’t always in good repair, there was no projectionist, the sound wasn’t awesome. The blend of what technology could do and the labour challenges meant it was not always the best experience.”
And though the community lamented the loss of first the Rainbow, and then Village 8, she believes they did little to help either flourish.
“People would say, ‘it’s awful the movie theatre is gone,’ and I’d ask, ‘when was the last time you went and saw a movie there?’ They’d say, ‘four, five years ago,’” Douglas says. “And you wonder why the theatre failed!”
That’s why, now that she’s executive director of Arts Whistler, she’s hosting a monthly movie night called The People’s Film that showcases cult classics. It has helped fill the local movie theatre void, and ignited the party spirit of attendees. The venue, the Maury Young Arts Centre, was at one point used as a chapel, and it’s no coincidence the gatherings held there are pseudo-religious in nature, with people coming together like a congregation to share emotionally impactful experiences.
“The community gets to choose, and we know we need to make this an event,” Douglas says. “We are competing with every streaming service, competing with your sofa at the end of the day. Screens are getting cheaper and people have home theatres and we’re very aware of that.”
Douglas does consulting work with creative organizations across the province, and has witnessed first-hand the struggle of small-town theatres. The ones that are successful, in towns like Nelson and Campbell River, are the ones with enthusiastic community support. Elsewhere, like in Duncan, they’re closing down permanently.
Douglas feels it helps to think outside the box, making the theatre a hub for flamboyantly fun events such as parades or the annual Zombie Walk. For the Arts Whistler screening, organizers select four films, then ask people to vote on which one they’d like to screen. During the event they hold costume contests, insert intermissions for people to refill their drink, and stock their bar with custom-designed concoctions related to what’s on screen.
“When it’s The Big Lebowski, it would be White Russians. I’ve never seen so many people show up in housecoats. We had a couple show up to Alien with one of them having a chest burster and beside him Ripley with a fake gun. The effort was fantastic,” she says.
“We’re not going to be doing super freshrun films, because that’s too expensive and we have limited access. But we definitely try to do themes, and we’ve developed a bit of a cult following that has really resonated in Whistler. It’s locally focused but if you’re a visitor you’re always welcome here.”
Attendance hovers around 50 audience members. It’s a model that has worked out financially for them.
“We cover our costs, so it’s been really fun. Recently we had a dance contest for Pulp Fiction and one couple showed up as Uma Thurman and John Travolta. They did the whole diner dance with fake cigarettes,” she says.
“It’s not just about the movie, it’s about everything that comes with it.”
The future of movies in Whistler remains in flux. By some estimates, it takes a population of approximately 40,000 to sustain a commercial theatre—which is more than double the population of this little mountain town. The fact the Rainbow and Village 8 theatres lasted as long as they did could be viewed as a minor miracle of sorts, one that currently seems unlikely to be repeated.
There are rumblings in the community of resurrecting the Village 8, or starting a new theatre altogether. Last year Tourism Whistler CEO Barrett Fisher acknowledged the Rainbow was a community asset, but wasn’t set up for “popcorn and cokes spilling on the floor.” That being said, the local tourism industry is exploring how to support “weather-independent activities.”
Banks isn’t holding his breath.
“There’s a German philosopher who once said that when we go to a movie, we get to see that other people think what we think is funny, is funny. They jump at the jump scare like we do. It reminds us we’re not alone. It’s not solipsistic, it’s a shared experience that is comforting,” he says.
“I hear people lamenting that loss in Whistler. They’re talking about opening a theatre bar like they have in the states. There’s a few challenges because space is expensive and distribution is tricky. So I’ve heard the rumours, but I don’t think we’ll be seeing another theatre in Whistler any time soon,” he adds. “I wish that wasn’t true.” n
TOP - A Whistler Film Festival screening at the Rainbow Theatre. Photo by Mike Crane/Tourism Whistler
LEFT - Film buff, filmmaker, and one-time Pique movie columnist Feet Banks. Photo courtesy of Feet Banks
RIGHT - Patrons at Arts Whistler’s The People’s Film events are encouraged to dress up—like this creative Alieninspired tandem costume. Photo courtesy of Arts Whistler
Land Act: Notice
of Application for a Disposition of Crown Land
Take notice that I, Rogers Co mmunications Canada Inc. (Formerly Shaw Communicat ions), from Brampton, Ont. have applied to the British Columb ia Ministry of Forests (FOR), South Coast Region for a Statutor y Right of Way situated on Provincial Crown land located at PID-030-475-112 DL 1559, PLAN A-19, LI LLOOET DIST RICT (CN MP 92.44)
FOR invites comments on th is application. The Lands File is 2412291. Written comments concerning this application should be directed to the Senior Land Officer, South Coast Region, FOR, at 200-10428 153rd Street Surrey, BC V3R 1E1. Comments will be received by FOR up to August 23, 2024. FO R may not be able to consider comments received after this date. Please visit the Applications, Comments and Reasons for Decision Database website at http://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information.
Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record Access to these records requires the submission of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request. Visit http://w ww.gov.bc.ca/freedomofinformation to learn more about FOI submission s.
‘Did I actually just do it again?’
JAKOB JEWETT LOCKS DOWN SECOND STRAIGHT CANADIAN OPEN DH VICTORY
BY DAVID SONG
WHAT’S BETTER THAN one Canadian Open DH victory on home soil? Why, two, of course.
Jakob Jewett came, saw and conquered the iconic 1199 venue yet again at Crankworx Whistler on July 21. His scintillating time of 3:23.721 was roughly six seconds faster than what he did last year, and more importantly it was just enough to hold runner-up Dakotah Norton (3:24.438) at bay. Luca Shaw ultimately bumped down to third after a marvellous effort of his own (3:27.354).
Sunday’s race left little margin for error, with less than seven seconds separating the top 10 athletes, but Squamish fans had the last laugh as their hometown hero rose to the occasion once more.
“Honestly, it hasn’t really sunk in,” Jakob admitted shortly after receiving his gold medal. “I went across the line and was like, ‘did I actually just do it again?’ I’m so stoked. It was such a long day and the track was just getting gnarlier and gnarlier.”
In 2023, Dane Jewett shared a storybook ending with his older brother: winning the U19 event and managing the day’s fastest time. A double championship was not in the cards this time, with Dane settling for 12th overall and
third among juniors (3:31.453).
While frustrated with errors in his own lap, Dane’s heart leaped at Jakob’s memorable triumph.
“It definitely made me happy to see that after my result,” he said. “I’m so happy for Jakob and I can’t believe he did it twice in a row.”
Ariki Pene. He and everyone else were forced to wait anxiously before Norton poured it on, finally taking over top spot.
Paying the drama no heed was Jakob. He likes to stay locked in his own zone at each competition so he can ride fast and uninhibited, and the 21-year-old ended up firing on all cylinders.
“I’m so stoked. It was such a long day and the track was just getting gnarlier and gnarlier.”
- JAKOB JEWETT
RIDER DISCRETION IS ADVISED
Jakob didn’t allow fanciful dreams of a repeat title to interfere with his approach. His game plan was simply to get down the hill in one piece, to achieve a solid run, and most of all, to avoid injury. Such caution was evidently warranted.
Ronan Dunne wiped out early in what was a promising jaunt, and a fatiguing Ryan Griffith went over his handlebars after veering offline. Both were able to complete their runs, fortunately, but an even heavier impact by Kye A’Hern just moments after leaving the start gate put the race on hold.
Shaw had been in the hot seat for a while at that point, fending off efforts by Danny Hart, Jackson Frew, eventual U19 champ Bode Burke and incumbent King of Crankworx Tuhoto-
Jakob found himself in the red at the sharkfin turn last year and could only prevail after unlocking a turbo boost over the course’s final 100 metres or so. This year was different: the young Squamolian remained green and bested Norton’s outing from pillar to post.
Thousands of assembled viewers erupted at the finish line, their jubilant voices propelling Jakob atop Cloud Nine once more.
“I don’t know why [I was able to be so precise],” Jakob admitted. “I tend to like the real technical tracks, and 1199 is one of the more technical tracks out there. I think it just suits my style.”
While pleased with a medal and to stand on a podium with his compatriot Norton, Shaw gave due respect to his opponents.
“I don’t think [I’ve done enough to win],” said the American in a mid-race interview with
Red Bull. “I made too many mistakes. I think there’s for sure some time up there.”
THE KING AND HIS COURT
Pene settled for fourth after missing Shaw’s benchmark by roughly a second, but closed the gap between him and King of Crankworx frontrunner Ryan Gilchrist. Sea to Sky mountain bike fans watched this movie unfold in 2023, as the Kiwi ignited in Whistler to usurp Bas van Steenbergen’s crown.
As usual, Pene exhibited no sign of anxiety after his performance.
“Pretty happy,” he quipped with a laugh during Red Bull’s broadcast. “It’s crazy. You come down, your hands are sore, legs are sore, everything. Could hardly breathe, but it’s all good. I like those kinds of tracks. It’s going to be a big week, but I’m ready.”
Gilchrist is not an elite downhiller by trade, but knows he can’t be turning down races with the likes of Pene and Frew in his rearview mirror. The Australian bettered his qualifying time by more than 10 seconds—an effort he is proud of—but 31st place added only eight points to his haul.
“It’s probably one of the most challenging overalls that I’ve been in contention for,” remarked Gilchrist. “Being at the top is really making me proud of my riding. The reason why I’ve been so consistent this year is having consistently reliable, valuable support from [my sponsors] Shimano and EP Racing, and also at home: my family, my girlfriend and everybody.
“But Tuhoto’s a mad dog, an incredible competitor and a good mate of mine. I know
MAKE IT A DOUBLE Left to right: Jenna Hastings, Ryan Griffith, Bernard Kerr and Dane Jewett rush to embrace Jakob Jewett (far right), who won the 2024 Canadian Open DH.
PHOTO BY CLINT TRAHAN
Jenna Hastings returns to form with Canadian Open DH victory
EMMY LAN AND MATILDA MELTON PLACE SECOND AND THIRD, RESPECTIVELY
BY DAVID SONG
JENNA HASTINGS didn’t exactly have momentum going into the 2024 Canadian Open DH. She has absorbed a slew of injuries, including most recently a broken leg that took up most of her offseason energy. Untimely ailments and crashes held her back from a semifinal berth at each of the last three World Cups in Leogang, Val di Sole and Les Gets.
But when Hastings is on top of her game, she’s as fast as any lady out there.
The New Zealander rebounded with a golden effort at Crankworx Whistler on July 21 (4:13.219), turning back challenges from silver medallist Emmy Lan (4:16.488) and Matilda Melton, who wrapped up bronze (4:19.563).
It’s an entirely different podium from last July, with former champ Valentina Höll and Louise Ferguson both absent.
“Feels pretty damn good,” quipped Hastings about her title. “Over the last three days of practice, I didn’t really feel like myself on my bike. I was kind of going through the motions, feeling doubt about missing some of the features, but today I found a new gear.”
Added Lan, the ascending Comox product: “It’s pretty sick. Super awesome to be out here with everyone. The 1199 is Stevie Smith’s thing, and I’m from [Vancouver Island] myself so it’s really nice to be riding this course.”
Yet in some ways, it was Melton who truly stole the show. The 16-year-old wunderkind
JEWETT FROM PAGE 30
that he can put together an insane week any time, and I’m going to have to put my A-game forward to beat him, Jackson and all the others.”
Perhaps Burke, who represented the stars and stripes well in sixth overall (3:29.147) could one day assume the throne. At 17 years old, he bested top-flight veterans like Frew (seventh), Bernard Kerr (eighth), Kirk McDowall (11th) and the previous year’s silver
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was one of only three riders to break the four-minute, 20 second barrier and imposed a 13-second lead on Elleni Turkovic, the next fastest U19 woman (4:32.660). Pella Ward was a distant third among juniors (4:44.727).
“It’s really cool to be here in Whistler,” Melton said. “I’m so happy to have been able to pull off a run today on this very technical track. I had a couple of scary moments in there, but I was able to get to the bottom and I’m really happy to take advice from some girls who I look up to a lot.”
AFTER-ACTION REPORT
Not everyone made it down 1199 unscathed, which is par for this particular course. Seven contestants landed on the wrong side of the five-minute mark.
That victim list included Sophi Lawrence, who was excruciatingly close to taking the hot seat from Shania Rawson before her front tire gave way on the shark-fin jump just dozens of metres from paydirt. That forced Lawrence into an underwhelming 16th.
Bailey Goldstone, too, was visibly dejected after a spill further up the track knocked her down into 18th.
Two other locals fared somewhat better. Miranda Miller couldn’t defend last year’s silver medal after pulling out of a drop but managed seventh, and Whistler Secondary School alum Mhairi Smart could do no better than 12th.
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medallist, Mark Wallace (14th).
It was a showing that left much of the Whistler crowd in awe.
“A little loose, but I pushed through the mistakes and it was good,” Burke said in the finish corral. “I’m more nervous [watching other people come down] than racing, actually.”
Joining Burke on the U19 podium were second-placer Jon Mozell (3:30.441) and Dane. n
DIRT DEVILS Canadian Open DH medallists, left to right: Emmy Lan, Dakotah Norton, Jenna Hastings, Jakob Jewett, Matilda Melton and Luca Shaw.
PHOTO BY CLINT TRAHAN
KARIN EMOND
Georgia Astle extends Garbanzo DH win streak to three
RICHIE RUDE KNOCKS DOWN GOLD IN THE MEN’S RACE
BY DAVID SONG
TRUTH BE TOLD, Georgia Astle was not particularly confident in her ability to defend the women’s Garbanzo DH gold medal.
She owned two such championships going into Tuesday, July 23’s spectacle, but those took place back in 2018 and 2019. The event was on hiatus for five years, during which time Astle reinvented herself as a freerider. Her training had changed, her fitness levels had been calibrated for a different purpose, and her rivals brimmed with both talent and veteran savvy.
If fantasy mountain biking were a thing (à la fantasy hockey or football), perhaps some would have been leery of betting on Astle. Her sport’s landscape in 2024 had evolved since its pre-COVID days, and she was hardly a lock for the podium. She might have admitted that, were you to ask.
But what did Astle do in response to her own doubts?
She obliterated the field, rocketing down one of Earth’s most punishing tracks in 14 minutes and 34.668 seconds. That’s almost 24 seconds faster than Emmy Lan in the runner-up hole, and half a minute better than third-place Martha Gill: the Queen of Crankworx overall leader.
“It’s pretty crazy,” Astle said. “I watched all the girls sprint their little hearts out over the start line, and I’m like, ‘Oh my God, I’m doomed. I’m doomed!’ I don’t have the racer’s fitness anymore, but I think the local knowledge and past confidence of wins carried me through. I just played to my strengths and rode smooth.”
While Astle is a local heroine, Richie Rude is an internationally recognized mountain bike warrior with two Enduro World Series
HASTINGS
FROM PAGE 31
Fourth-place rider Erice van Leuven looked to have the winning formula at one point by establishing her advantage in the second of four sectors on course. That was before Melton took everyone by storm.
“She is honestly one of the sickest riders I know,” Lan said. “I’ve known [Matilda] for a few years now. She’s just so fast, so awesome and one of the most stylish women on the scene. In my mind, she’s still 12, so I’m like, ‘oh my God, I’m about to get beat by a 12-yearold.’ She’s definitely an up-and-comer to watch.”
Melton has honed her talent under the wing of fellow Bellingham, Wash. native Jill Kintner: a three-time Queen of Crankworx, four-time UCI Mountain Bike World Champ
(EWS) titles and plenty of frontline experience in the downhill realm, too. He was golden in the men’s elite race as Ryan Gilchrist netted valuable King of Crankworx points with his silver medal.
Matt Walker battled to bronze in spite of his bike chain dislodging partway through the ordeal.
“My goal with Crankworx was to podium at one of the events,” explained Rude. “I’ve only ever won the enduro here, so to do it in
and Olympic BMX bronze medallist. The young American’s confidence grows with every fruitful outing on tour.
“It’s not even about the results, but just the amount of practice that I’ve gotten riding this track,” said Melton. “I’ve been through Europe this year and I’ve been to a lot of bike parks over there, and truly nothing compares to Whistler.”
IN SEARCH OF THE QUEENDOM
Queen of Crankworx leader Martha Gill scratched and clawed her way down the punishing 1199 venue, though not with the aplomb of her aforementioned opponents. Gill finished 13th, but did establish a valuable
another event is pretty cool.”
Junior winners from the Garbanzo DH’s celebrated return include Dane Jewett (U19 men), Geza Rodgers (U19 ladies), Mateo Quist (U17 boys), Aletha Ostgaard (U17 girls), Mack Manietta (U15 boys) and Ruby Wells (U15 girls). Adult podiums were topped by the likes of Tereza Natrova (senior women), Kalden Charrette (senior men), Adrian Martinez (masters men), Pip Parr (veteran ladies) and Shane Gayton (veteran men). n
40-point cushion over Jordy Scott (who did not race on July 21).
As of Pique’s weekly deadline, Rawson continued to lurk at third in the Queen rankings. Her eighth-place lap was respectable in its own right, and got her to within 100 points of Scott.
The Kiwi preaches and aims for consistency, and that’s not about to change anytime soon.
“I kept it quite conservative,” Rawson said. “I wish I went a bit faster, but honestly I’m just happy to get down in one piece. 1199 has to be one of my favourite downhill tracks. I really do want to win… but I know it’s going to come one day. At the moment, I’m just going to stay consistent.” n
Meet Quattro’s newest chef de cuisine
THIERRY
BASTIAN WANTS TO IMPRESS DINERS WITH PRESENTATION AND LÉVEIL DES SENS—TO AWAKEN THE SENSES—FROM HIS OFFERINGS
BY LIZ MCDONALD
QUATTRO’S LOYAL following has a new menu to delight their tastebuds, along with a new chef de cuisine.
Thierry Bastian has taken over for the departing chef de cuisine, Nick Surowy. Bastian started with Quattro four years ago, and originally hails from France. His influences include French and Mediterranean menus and touches from Canada. His goal is to ensure customers come away impressed with the presentation and to léveil des sens awaken the senses—from his offerings.
“Chef Nick mentioned to me that he was leaving, he wanted me to take back the responsibilities he had,” Bastian said. “It was a pleasure but a disappointment to see a good dog leave. “It is a very nice opportunity to evolve in an environment different from what I knew in the past—all the English language and the English clientele,” added the Francophone.
Benjamin Hill, general manager
for Quattro, explained advancing Bastian was about more than investing in a proven asset, it was about the energy he brings to the kitchen.
“His passion and enthusiasm for cuisine and delivering a ‘wow’ is contagious, and inspirational. As a restaurant that prides itself
over the role, as he’s been an integral part of the operations since he started during COVID-19.
“What is different for us in 2024 is staying consistent and maintaining our place as one of Whistler’s must-visit restaurants again,” he said. “The storied history of Quattro is still
“It is a very nice opportunity to evolve in an environment different from what I knew in the past...”
- THIERRY BASTIAN
on passion, having an incredibly talented chef who can bring that ‘juice’ every day is so critical to our success,” Hill said. “Thierry has copious amounts of experience in top restaurants around the world, developing a global palate that speaks well for what Quattro is looking for.”
Located in the Pinnacle Hotel, Quattro has been a staple of fine dining in the village for 28 years—a difficult feat in any market, let alone one that caters to international visitors the world over.
Hill said nothing about Quattro’s philosophy will change with Bastian taking
unfolding after 28 years, and we’re grateful to be bearers of that legacy.”
Quattro was started by the late Antonio Corsi, a close friend of current owners, Jay and James Paré.
One of the highlights for Bastian is working with the Parés, the uncle and nephew who co-own Quattro and Caramba. He said the owners always come with smiles and laughter, which matches their mission to make Quattro’s service feel like coming home for a meal.
“I love working with James and Jay because they are people who have a passion
for food and alcohol,” he said “[Working the] kitchen side allows me to have creativity and above all gives me a lot of opportunities to grow.”
Whistler’s incredible food scene means competition is high, and Quattro sets itself apart by offering traditional Italian and Roman cuisine in a high-energy environment.
“We’re fine-dining with a lot of heart, and the love that’s poured into our cuisine by our chefs is spurred forward by our incredible service team,” Hill said.
Bastian’s goal in his new role is to merge beauty and taste into a cohesive offering that impresses guests.
“The visual is important, but the most important is léveil des sens and I love someone who comes who eats and who greatly appreciates the taste,” he said.
The food scene in Whistler is diverse, with many options to please extensive palates. Bastian takes this in stride and believes the authentic Italian service and menu offered at Quattro sets it apart from the rest of Whistler.
“Because their choice is very wide— they can eat in different restaurants and find themselves in different countries— what is important is to bring them a unique experience,” he said. “[They] can arrive here and be received as we do in Italy and eat as in Italy.”
FEAST FOR THE SENSES Thierry Bastian takes the helm at Quattro. PHOTO
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‘What
you don’t know can hurt you’
LILLOOET WOMAN PENS NOVEL ABOUT REAL-LIFE HARROWING EXPERIENCE ON CARIBBEAN ISLAND
BY RÓISÍN CULLEN
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A LILLOOET WOMAN has penned a novel about her harrowing experience on a Caribbean Island after Hurricane Hugo in 1989. Joan Giannone dreamed of hot evenings by the pool after years of “grey, cold and slush” in Toronto. Instead, she battled serious corruption and crime, and became utterly trapped inside a dream turned nightmare.
Giannone’s protagonist Jackie faces her own real-life challenges on a fictional island called San Glorio in Money Moth Death Moth. Her tale is one of hope in the face of adversity.
“I had been in a series of executive positions which were really high-stress in Toronto,” says Giannone. “In the winter, it’s horrendous. It’s just full of grey, cold and slush.”
The businesswoman got caught up in the craze of manifesting the life you want.
“I really took it hook, line and sinker. I thought I could be, do and have anything I wanted,” says Giannone. “In the middle of winter, the dream was always the Caribbean. I had run my own company for a while, so I felt I could do this.”
She agreed with her partner to take a threemonth sabbatical from their busy lives in 1989.
“We investigated five different islands in the Caribbean,” says Giannone. “There was no internet, so there was no way to do research.”
They settled on an island in the East Caribbean the author is still terrified to name for fear of repercussion, fictionalized in her book as San Gloria, and started a company that specialized in making tiling for pool decks and patios.
Shortly after, a Category 5 hurricane decimated their dream lives.
“It was only two weeks after we moved there that Hurricane Hugo hit,” says Giannone. “It destroyed the house completely. Ten thousand houses on the island were flattened. We had boarded up our windows.
took] us to a far inferior warehouse that day when we visited him.”
The government official asked the pair “in no uncertain terms” for a substantial bribe. They quickly realized how high the stakes on this island were.
“He let us know that the Prime Minister of that country agreed that we should pay that huge bribe,” says Giannone. “In one drawer he had our papers. He opened that one to let us see. Then he opened the drawer on the right that had a gun in it. He looked at us and asked what it was going to be. My partner
“It was only two weeks after we moved there that Hurricane Hugo hit.”
- JOAN GIANNONE
We did everything we could to prepare. We ended up in this tiny little closet hiding. During most of the night, we just thought we were going to die.”
The hurricane completely destroyed their new home. Thankfully, the pair survived the catastrophic event and started to face the harsh financial implications.
The Canadian couple had already noticed a great deal of corruption before Hurricane Hugo.
“We went to meet this Minister of Trade. When we went to see them a second time, he had a sign above his door saying he was Acting Minister for Trade and Immigration,” says Giannone. “You could not run a business or come or go off the island without his say so. Not only that, [he
spoke up and said that this was not how we do business in Canada. The minister replied that we weren’t in Canada anymore.”
Giannone’s purse was also stolen from their condo. The police warned them not to pursue criminal justice.
“We were robbed and the police force knew who had stolen my purse,” she says. “They said they could pursue it and put the guy in jail. However, they stressed that a circuit court judge would quickly release him. They said it was our word against his, and if we pushed this, we would make a lot of enemies. We were absolutely trapped. You’re trapped by the money. We were young and thought we were just going to fight through. The trap just got worse.”
Giannone’s younger partner found a way to flee the island, leaving her to fend for herself. “My partner abandoned me on the island. He went back to Toronto,” she says. “He got away by saying he was on a buying trip and would return. They knew if I left, that was it.”
Getting out of the sticky situation was easier said than done. The young woman’s dream slipped into a nightmare from which she couldn’t wake.
“There was no Canadian Embassy,” she says. “It became overwhelming. You’re on your own. You were just one more voice asking for help. I was traumatized by what we had been through.”
In the novel, Giannone’s character’s escape is dramatized. In real life, it took several years to escape from the island.
“I was broke,” she says. “People kept phoning me demanding money, including this minister who wanted his bribe. I was baking bread and selling it to my friend’s restaurants to make sandwiches. That paid enough for rice and beans. A friend of mine in Toronto used her credit card and name to get me an airline ticket from the next island back to Toronto.”
A trade fair on the next island gave Giannone a believable reason for leaving.
“I told them I was going to that with brochures,” she says. “They bought that, and I got away.”
The well-travelled lady still has nightmares about returning to the island and being spotted by the wrong person. She hopes to warn people the grass is not always greener on the other side.
“What you don’t know can hurt you,” she says.
Money Moth Death Moth is available for purchase on Amazon. n
DREAM LIFE Joan Giannone’s dream life by the sea became a nightmare.
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
RED BULL JOY RIDE
RED BULL JOY RIDE LIVESTREAM
Can’t find a good spot amongst the crowds for Crankworx’s main event?
The Resort Municipality of Whistler is streaming Red Bull Joy Ride live on the big screen in Whistler Olympic Plaza.
The free Bike Valet will be open from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
> July 27, 4 to 6:30 p.m.
> Whistler Olympic Plaza
> Free
WHISTLER FARMERS’ MARKET
A feast for your senses, the Whistler Farmers’ Market features local produce, tasty food, local artisans, live entertainment and family activities. Markets happen every Sunday until Thanksgiving on Oct. 13, with the addition of Saturday markets on Aug. 3, Aug. 31 and Oct. 12.
> July 28, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
> Upper Village Stroll
> Free
SUMMER KARMA YOGA SERIES WITH PEARLSPACE
Enjoy a free yoga class at the library on Wednesdays in July and August. Discover using the power of breath to find balance and strength through movement. No experience necessary, all genders welcome. Sessions are led by local instructors.
> July 31, 10 to 11 a.m.
> Whistler Public Library > Free
CRAFTS IN THE PARK
Join for a different Whistler-themed craft each week. You’ll learn a bit about Whistler history while you craft! All supplies will be provided. This program is for kids aged six and under with an adult. No registration required, drop-ins welcome!
> July 31, 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
> Florence Petersen Park > Free
Roland's Pub is open for lunch Wednesdays & Thursdays from 11:30am! Join our lunch club! Get
PHOTO BY BRADEN DUPUIS
Whistler’s earliest connections
BY ALLYN PRINGLE
PLACING A phone call in Whistler hasn’t always been as simple as picking up the nearest phone and punching in a number or selecting a contact. For those living at Alta Lake before 1957, placing a call could mean heading over to the Pacific Great Eastern Railway (PGE) station or one of the lodges that were connected by BC Tel. The first telephone line in the Whistler Valley was maintained by linemen of the PGE and BC Tel, and reportedly had better reception at night. Quite a few different people served as linemen over the years, including Bob Williamson, who moved to the area for the job in 1930, Howard Gebhart, Loyd and Doug Mansell, and Glen Creelman.
In 1957, a double copper line was installed and an open circuit line around Alta Lake was established. This linked most of the lodges and cottages around the lake using wall-crank telephones (you can find one of these telephones on display in the museum’s exhibits). Each residence had its own identifying “jingle,” a combination of long and short rings representing a letter in Morse code, to let those connected to the line know who was the intended recipient of a call. Such lines were not uncommon in rural areas and could present unique challenges; party lines could be monopolized by one party using the line and offered little privacy, as others could pick up the phone and listen in. They could be effective, however, when trying to alert neighbours of emergencies.
According to the Alta Lake Echo, the newsletter of the Alta Lake Community Club, a microwave system was installed in the early months of 1960 and telephones in the area were put on new circuits for Alta Lake and Garibaldi. BC Tel’s “932” circuit followed, a number still found in many Whistler telephone numbers today.
In 1980, BC Tel built a new office in Whistler to house a new “ultra-modern”
telephone system. The new office, located on Lorimer Road, included space for three service trucks, a level for service equipment, and a diesel generator that would cut in automatically when the power went out to keep the phones going. The office was also going to be run electronically, programmed by a tape-fed computer, without any need for mechanical switching and therefore requiring no staff on site. Instead, it would be connected to Vancouver and Squamish with an alert system in case of any malfunction.
The new system promised more efficient service, with automatic direct dial and collect-call dial, an option for a touch phone rather than a rotary dial, and direct calling to 38 countries. This also meant you no longer had to give your number when dialling longdistance, though you did now have to dial the whole number when calling another Whistler line. The lines around Whistler were upgraded during the summer and fall of 1980 in order to be ready for the new system in November.
The switchover to the new system occurred on schedule over the night of Sunday, Nov. 16 in order to be operational for Monday, Nov. 17. Although BC Tel crews worked through the night, it did not go entirely smoothly, and by Monday morning more than 100 phone lines in Whistler (including one belonging to the Whistler Question) were “completely dead.” According to Phil McLaren, the Network Operations Supervisor for BC Tel, this was caused by a series of cables that were connected “differently than expected,” and it was still being repaired on the Tuesday.
At the time, the new office served about 1,400 customers in the Whistler area and had the capacity for about 3,000, with room in the office to expand up to 20,000. Today, the number of phone lines in Whistler has grown far past the open circuit line of Alta Lake, and the phones used to make calls look very different than the wall-crank telephones of the 1950s or even the touch phones of the 1980s. n
ON THE LINE Technicians at work inside the new BC Telephone Whistler office in April 1980.
WHISTLER QUESTION COLLECTION
Public Notice
NOTICE OF THEDISPOSITION OF LANDS
NOTICE is hereby givenunder Section26(3) of the Community Charter,thatthe Village of Pemberton proposestodisposeofcertain land or improvements:
DescriptionofLands or Improvements: Portions of:
theRemainderofLot 1, DL 4769,Lillooet District,PlanKAP92761;and District Lot 4769, Lillooet District except PlansKAP44479, KAP87467 andKAP 92761; and District Lot 766, LillooetDistrict, comprising 36,018.63 square meters,more or less, shownonplanEPP115201,provided in thesketch.
Persons to Acquirethe Property:Blackcomb Helicopters Ltd.
Nature andTermofthe Proposed Disposition: TenyearLease with options to renewfor twoadditionalterms of tenyears each fora maximumtermofthirtyyears.The leaseis intended to facilitatehelicopteroperations,related services,and maintenance. TheLease also includeslicencestopermitBlackcomb Helicopters to sell aviation fuel andmaintain otherparts of theairport.
ConsiderationtobeReceived: In thefirst year,Minimum Rent of $1.37 persquare meter (estimated as $49,392.48 annually,not includingGST). This rate is adjusted annually based on thepreviousyear’sMinimum Rent plus CPI. Thetenantisalsoliablefor AdditionalRent, whichincludesAdditionalSnow RemovalService Costsand AirportFees,asmay be required.
For more information, please contact: GwendolynKennedy,Manager of Corporate& LegislativeServices, at theVillage Office at 604-894-6135 or by emailat corporate@pemberton.ca on or before July 31, 2024.
Council of theVillageofPemberton gives noticethat, under section21of theCommunity Charter, theVillage of Pembertonintends to provide assistance undera partnering agreementtoR &G Holdings Ltd.
Under thepartneringagreement, R& GHoldingsLtd.will have anonexclusivelicence fora period of 5 years, with an option to renewfor an additional term of 5years,touse part of AsterStreetonPlan7706
Adjacent to Lot3,DistrictLot 203 Plan 9887 andLot BDistrictLots 7926and 203 Plan EPP66105, shown outlined in boldonthe accompanying aerial view
In return fora licence of occupation, R& GHoldings will providethe Villagewiththe following services with respecttothe licence area: generalmaintenance andrepairofthe surface, not includingasphalt repair or linepainting; and snow clearing.
Formoreinformation,pleasevisit www.pemberton.ca or email admin@pemberton.ca.
GwendolynKennedy CorporateOfficer
ASTROLOGY
Free Will Astrology
WEEK OF JULY 26 BY
ARIES (March 21-April 19): Aries singer-songwriter Lady Gaga has written many songs, both for herself and other artists. She has famously declared that some of her most successful songs took her just 10 minutes to compose. They include “Just Dance,” “Poker Face,” and “Born This Way.” According to my interpretation of the astrological omens, you could be rising to Lady Gaga levels of creativity in your own sphere during the coming weeks. And I won’t be surprised if your imaginative innovations flow with expeditious clarity, like Gaga at her most efficient.
TAURUS (April 20-May 20): During the winter, some animals hibernate. They enter a state of dormancy, slowing their metabolism, breathing, and heart rate. Other animals enter a similar state during the summer, conserving energy when the weather is hot and dry. It’s called estivation. According to my analysis of the astrological omens, many of you Tauruses would benefit from a modified version of estivation in the next couple of weeks. You’re in prime time to recharge your energy through deep relaxation and rest.
GEMINI (May 21-June 20): The English word “amphibian” is derived from the Greek term amphibios, which means “living a double life.” The original meaning of the English word was “combining two qualities; having two modes of life,” though eventually it came to be used primarily to describe animals that function well on both land and in water. You Geminis are of course the most amphibious of all the astrological tribes. You can feel at home in a variety of situations. This may sometimes stir up confusion, but I see it as one of your greatest potential strengths. In the coming weeks, I hope you enjoy it to the maximum. It should serve you well. Wield it to take advantage of the sweet perks of versatility.
CANCER (June 21-July 22): I dreamed that a young elephant appeared on the back deck of my house and stuck its trunk through the open sliding glass door. I got up from my chair and gently pushed the animal away, then closed the door. But after I woke up, I was sorry I had done that in my dream. What was I afraid of? The elephant posed no danger—and may have been a good omen. In some cultures, elephants in dreams and visions are symbols of good luck, vitality, long life, and the removal of obstacles. So here’s what I did. I dropped into a deep meditative state and reimagined the dream. This time, I welcomed the creature into my home. I gave her the name Beatrice. We wrestled playfully and had fun playing with a red rubber ball. Amazingly, later that day, a certain obstacle in my actual waking life magically disappeared. The moral of the story, my fellow Cancerian: Welcome the elephant.
LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Some bamboo species grow very quickly—as much as 36 inches per day. I suspect your capacity to burgeon and blossom will display a similar vigour in the coming weeks. You may be surprised at how dramatic your development is. I’m hoping, of course, that you will be acutely focused on channeling your fertility in positive ways. Don’t feed an urge to recklessly gamble, for instance. Don’t pursue connections with influences that are no damn good for you. Instead, decide right now what areas of your life you want to be the beneficiaries of your growth spurt. Choose the beauty and power you will encourage to ripen.
VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): For months, we heard and saw crows pecking on the roof of our rental house. Why? Were they grubbing for food? It was mildly annoying, but seemingly no big deal. Then one night, their small, regular acts of mayhem climaxed in an unexpected event. Rain began to fall around 8 p.m. It was constant, though not heavy. At 9, the ceilings in five rooms began to leak. By 10:30, our house was flooded. We managed to rescue most of our precious items, but the house was damaged. We had to find a new place to live. I don’t expect anything nearly this drastic to befall you, dear Virgo. But I do encourage you to check to see if any small problem is gradually growing
ROB BREZSNY
bigger. Now is a favourable time to intervene and forestall an unfavourable development.
LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Two Scottish veterinarians researched the health of rhesus monkeys that are compelled by human handlers to dance on the streets of Islamabad, Pakistan. When I first learned about this, my response was, “Wow! Don’t those doctors have anything better to do? That is the most obscure research I have ever heard of.” But later, I decided I admired the doctors because they were motivated primarily by compassion. They found the monkeys were under severe stress, and they publicized the fact as a public service. Their work will ultimately lead to better treatment of the monkeys. In accordance with astrological omens, Libra, I advise you to seek out comparable ways to express altruism in the coming weeks. By engaging in noble and idealistic acts, you will attract good fortune into your sphere both for yourself and others.
SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Do you place any limits on how deep and expansive you allow your yearnings to be? Are you ever worried that maybe you desire too much and are at risk of asking for too much? If you answered yes to those questions, Scorpio, I will give you a temporary license to rebel against your wariness. In accordance with astrological rhythms, I authorize you to experiment with feeling the biggest, strongest, wildest longings you have ever felt. Please note that I am not advising you to immediately go out and actually express those longings to the hilt. For now, I’d like you to simply have the experience of entertaining their full intensity. This will be a healing experience.
SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You will never guess the identity of the strongest animal on the planet. It’s not the gorilla, tiger, or elephant. It’s the dung beetle, which can lug loads that weigh 1,141 times as much as it does. The equivalent for you would be to pull six double-decker buses crammed with people. I’m happy to inform you that although you won’t be able to accomplish that feat in the coming weeks, your emotional and spiritual strength will be formidable. You may be surprised at how robust and mighty you are. What do you plan to do with all that power?
CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): By age 35, you have already shed more than 50 pounds of skin. The flesh that covers you is in a constant state of renewal. In the coming weeks, I expect your rate of regeneration to be even higher than usual—not only in regard to your skin, but everything else in your life, as well. Here’s a proviso: Renewal and regeneration are always preceded by withering or dwindling. To enjoy the thrill of revitalization, you must allow the loss of what was once vital but is no longer.
AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Among people who go hiking a lot, “death march” is a term that refers to a long trudge through boring scenery in bad weather. Let’s use this as a metaphor for your life. I believe you have recently finished your own metaphorical version of a “death march.” Any minute now, you will begin a far more enjoyable series of experiences. Get ready for an entertaining meander through interesting terrains in fine weather. Be alert for unpredictable encounters with inspiration and education.
PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Alex Larenty gives massages to lions at the Lion Park near Johannesburg, South Africa. They especially love foot rubs. Even Jamu, king of the local beasts, rolls onto his back so Larenty can get a good angle while caressing and kneading his paws. I bring this to your attention, Pisces, because it’s a good metaphor for the unique power you will have in the coming days: a knack for dealing successfully with wild influences and elemental powers through the magic of kindness, affection, and service.
Homework: What goal would you and your best ally love to pursue together? Newsletter.FreeWillAstrology.com
In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates
In-depth weekly forecasts designed to inspire and uplift you. To buy access, phone 1-888-499-4425. Once you’ve chosen the Block of Time you like, call 1-888-682-8777 to hear Rob’s forecasts. www.freewillastrology.com
COMMUNITY CHARTER NOTICE ON PROCEDURE BYLAW
In accordance with sections 94 and 124(3) of the Community Charter, the following serves as Public Notice that the Resort Municipality of Whistler is proposing to amend “Council Procedure Bylaw No 2207, 2018” with the “Council Procedure Amendment Bylaw (Presentations, Delegations, COTW and Code of Conduct) No. 2418, 2024” (Proposed Bylaw)
Council considered the first, second and third readings of the Proposed Bylaw at the Regular Council meeting of July 9, 2024. The Proposed Bylaw was par t of the June 25, 2024 Regular Council package A copy of the Proposed Bylaw can be found at www.whistler.ca.
The proposed amendments include:
• Redefining “Council Chambers”;
• Adding Section 2.9: Public Hearings, which establishes new rules about the date, time and format of public hearings;
• Renaming the “Public Question and Answer Period” to “Public Question and Comment Period”;
• Adding rules that clarify the content of minutes;
• Changing the requirements for correspondence to Mayor and Council;
• Adding the option to hold Committee of the Whole (COT W) meetings electronically;
• Removing the limitation on who may present at COTW meetings; and
• Adding a rule regarding “Code of Conduct Bylaw No 2397, 2023” to section 4.17
Pauline
Lysaght
Corporate Officer
Resort Municipality of Whistler whistler.ca
NOTICE OF HAZARD
This Notice of Hazard is published in accordance with section 25 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Pr ivacy Act and pursuant to Squamish-Lillooet Regional District (SLRD) Policy 7.3: Mount Meager Landslide Hazard Notification.
The SLRD is in receipt of a jour nal ar ticle entitled: “Hazard and risk from large landslides from Mount Meag er volcano, British Columbia, Canada”. The ar ticle was published on March 1, 2008 in Georisk: Assessment and Management of Risk for Engineered Systems and Geohazards.
The ar ticle identifies a safety risk to persons and proper ty from debr is flows in the Mount Meager and Lillooet River valley areas as far south as the head of Lillooet Lake.
A copy of the ar ticle is available as follows:
• at the Pember ton & District Public Librar y; and
• on the SLRD’s website at: https://www.slrd.bc.ca/emergencyprogram/hazard-repor ts-infor mation/local-hazard-repor ts/ mount-meager-landslide-hazard
Dated this 23rd day of July, 2024.
Heather Paul Chief Administrative Officer
WHISTLER FOREST PRODUCTS CORP
Telephone: Office (604) 932-8488 • Mobile (604) 902-8488 Email: whistlerfp@shaw.ca Website: www.whistlerforestproducts.com Wholesale or Larger Retail Orders
•General Manager of Community Services ($120,000 to $135,000 per year)
•Skel7awlh Steward ($17.40 to $20.90 per hour)
•Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Coordinator ($46,683 to $63,973 per year)
•Land Use Plan Coordinator ($46,683 to $63,973)
•Cook – Daycare ($17.40 to $20.90 per hour)
•Financial Reporting Manager ($59,878 - $74,564 per year)
•Human Resources Generalist ( $57,330 to $64,610 per year)
•Receptionist ($17.40 to $20.90 per hour)
•Custodian ($17.40 to $20.90 per hour)
•Housing Administrator ( $46,683 to $63,973 per year)
•Transition House Support Worker ($20.90 -$29.45 per hour)
• Temporary Assisted Living Supervisor ($25.65 - $35.15 per hour)
• Youth Centre Coordinator ($20.90 to $29.45 per hour)
•Family Mentor ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)
Xet’òlacw Community School
• High School Teacher (upper Math) ($60,015 to $109,520 per year)
• Social Worker/ Counsellor( $80,371 - $91,673 per year)
• Elementary School Teacher: Grade 3 ($60,015 to $109,520 per year)
• High School English and Humanities Teacher ($60,015 to $109,520 per year)
Ts’zil Learning Centre
• Indigenous Support Worker – Academic ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)
• Outreach Worker ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)
• Pension Plan • Employee Assistance Program
•Gym facility • Extended Health Benefits •Professional Development
Please visit our career page for more information: https://lilwat.ca/careers/ Benefits
We are seeking enthusiastic professionals who are:
• self starters
• have experience in a fast paced fine dining environment
• are willing to learn and be creative
• positive attitude and able to work well within a team
We offer $24/hr starting wage based on experience
• extended medical benefits
• a fun and collaborative atmosphere
• opportunity for growth Please submit your resume to:
Work with us
Join our rapidly growing company and build yourself a sucessful career in construction.
NOW HIRING EXPERIENCED (3+ years):
$37.50 - $43.00/hr Carpenters Carpenter Helpers
$30.00 - $37.50/hr
The starting wage is dependent on experience and qualifications.
We offer opportunities for growth, competitive pay, a comprehensive benefits package, company cell phone plan, and plenty of fun social events. gavanconstruction.ca /careers
Come build with the best team.
Our team of people is what sets us apart from other builders. As we continue to grow as the leader in luxury projects in Whistler, our team needs to expand with us.
We are currently hiring:
Labourers ($20 - $30 hourly)
Carpenters Helpers /Apprentices 1st to 4th year ($25 - $35 hourly)
Experienced Carpenters ($30 - $45 hourly)
Carpenter Foremen ($40 - $50 hourly)
Rates vary based on experience and qualifications. Red seal a bonus but not mandatory.
EVR is committed to the long-term retention and skills development of our team. We are passionate about investing in our team’s future.
We offer:
• Top Wages
• Training & Tuition Reimbursement (Need help getting your Red Seal?)
• $500 Annual Tool Allowance
• Extended Health and Dental Benefits for you and your family
• Flexible Schedule - Work Life Balance. (We get it. We love to ski and bike too.)
• Assistance with Work Visa and Permanent Residency (We can help!)
• Positive Work Environment
We promote from within and are looking to strengthen our amazing team. Opportunities for advancement into management positions always exist for the right candidates. Don’t miss out on being able to build with the team that builds the most significant projects in Whistler.
Send your resume to info@evrfinehomes.com We look forward to hearing from you!
Proposals for Property Management Services
Whistler Housing Authority (WHA) is inviting proposals for Property Management Services for a 3-year term to manage 375 long term
Xet’olacw Community School Job Postings:
High School Teacher (upper level Math)
Mount Currie, BC Full-time
Title: High School Teacher
$60015.00-$109520.00/year
Department: Community School
Status: Full Time Regular
Pay Grid: Teachers = $60,015-$109,520
Reporting to: School Admin Team
Summary of Duties:
• The High School teacher will teach courses, which involves instruction in differentiated classes under the supervision of the School Admin Team.
Key Deliverables and Expectations:
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Ability to accommodate the needs of students with a range of learning styles and abilities.
• Ability to use strength-based, student centered approaches to plan engaging and educational lessons and courses.
• Ability to motivate students and to adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills including the ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Strong assessment practices.
• Ability to use technology to enhance student learning.
• Ability to embed local First Nations culture into teaching practice.
• Experienced and/or interested in integrating place-based, outdoor learning practices in educational delivery.
• Knowledge of the B.C. curriculum.
• Perform other related duties as requested.
Experience and Attributes:
• Possession of / or ability to apply for a B.C. Teaching Certificate
• Must complete a Criminal Record Check
• TQS Category
View jobs at Lil’wat Nation https://lilwatnation.easyapply.co/
Xet’olacw Community School Job Postings:
Elementary School Teacher - Grade 3
Mount Currie, BC Full-time
$60,015.00-$109,520.00/year
Title: Elementary School Teacher
Department: Community School
Status: Full Time Regular
Pay Grid: Teachers
Reporting to: School Admin Team
Summary of Duties:
• The Elementary School teacher will teach courses, which involves instruction in differentiated classes under the supervision of the School Admin Team.
Key Deliverables and Expectations:
• Teach all subjects in the selected i.e. Grade 2 Class with Physical Education, Ucwalmícwts (traditional language), and a library time supervised by other teachers or staff.
• Committed to excellent instructional preparation and consistent record keeping. Timely reporting to administration, when necessary, e.g., report cards, attendance records and data request
• Use data to drive classroom/school–wide improvement initiatives
• Maintain open and consistent communication with students and their families about their academic progress
• Teach numeracy and literacy in collaboration with others according to the school’s strategies for improving academic outcomes
• Be a positive team player committed to the belief that all children can learn at high levels
• Commit to ongoing professional development including willingness to be coached by the Elementary Supervisor and Regional Principal via school visits, video teleconference calls etc. and joining Provincial Professional Learning Community model (in Vancouver) and a School-Wide PLC model on site.
• Working in the ReadWell Program (platooned) as well as Literature program and centers.
• Work with Saxon Math in collaboration with other Primary teaching staff
• Enjoy participating in school event days such as Sports Day, Eagle Run, and Flake Rodeo etc.
• Perform other related duties as requested.
Experience and Attributes:
• Possession of / or ability to apply for a B.C. Teaching Certificate
• Experience and/or education in special needs an asset
• Strong interpersonal, communication and collaborative skills including the ability to communicate effectively with students, staff, and parents.
• Strong assessment practices.
• Strong classroom management skills.
• Ability to accommodate the needs of students with a range of learning styles and abilities.
• Ability to use strength-based, student centered approaches to plan engaging and educational lessons and courses.
• Ability to motivate students and to adjust instructional strategies accordingly.
• Ability to use technology to enhance student learning.
• Ability to embed local First Nations culture into teaching practice.
• Experienced and/or interested in integrating place-based, outdoor learning practices in educational delivery.
• Knowledge of the B.C. curriculum.
• Must complete a Criminal Record Check
• TQS Category
Please visit our career page for more information: https://lilwat.ca/careers/
ARE YOU A SELF-MOTIVATED INDIVIDUAL LOOKING TO GROW YOUR CAREER IN SQUAMISH?
Come be a part of our awesome team as The Squamish Chief’s new Media Account Manager.
ARE YOU A SELF-MOTIVATED INDIVIDUAL LOOKING TO GROW YOUR CAREER IN WHISTLER?
If you don’t already live in Squamish, you should know it’s one of the most innovative and attractive communities on the West Coast just a short commute from the North Shore of Vancouver. It has a growing worldwide reputation for outdoor recreation with world-class mountain biking, rock climbing, water sports and skiing, boarding and the backcountry in the winter. We’re youthful, engaged and passionate about where we live!
Come be a part of our awesome team as Pique Newsmagazine’s new Media Account Manager.
And if you’re a local – well, you know you’re in the right place to forge a career and lucky to call Squamish home.
If you don’t already live in Whistler, you should know it’s one of the most innovative and attractive communities on the West Coast. We are youthful, engaged and passionate about where we live!
And if you’re a local – well, you know you’re in the right place to forge a career and lucky to call Whistler home.
We’ve got an opportunity to work and truly be a part of this inspired community at its media hub, The Squamish Chief. We’re part of Glacier Media Group and Local News Network, the largest local digital network in Canada. We work with our clients to offer cutting edge solutions like programmatic, Social, SEO, sponsored content and community display advertising on our website – and yes, we reach customers through our trusted newspaper as well. We’ve got media opportunities covered.
We’ve got an opportunity to work and truly be a part of this inspired community at its media hub, Pique Newsmagazine. We’re part of Glacier Media Group and Local News Network, the largest local digital network in Canada. We work with our clients to offer cutting edge solutions like programmatic, Social, SEO, sponsored content and community display advertising on our website – and yes, we reach customers through our trusted newspaper as well. We’ve got media opportunities covered.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
• You have sales experience and are comfortable making cold calls and setting up/ leading meetings with new and existing clients.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
• You have sales experience and are comfortable making cold calls and setting up/ leading meetings with new and existing clients.
• A self-starter with a consultative selling approach working with clients planning both digital and print advertising campaigns.
• Building and maintaining client relationships with your exceptional communication skills comes easy to you.
• A self-starter with a consultative selling approach working with clients planning both digital and print advertising campaigns.
• You are a goal orientated individual with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
• Building and maintaining client relationships with your exceptional communication skills comes easy to you.
• You possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to multitask in a fast paced environment.
• You are a goal orientated individual with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn.
Here’s the essentials of what we offer:
• You possess strong organizational skills and have the ability to multitask in a fast paced environment.
• Comprehensive health and dental coverage and extended benefits.
• Compensation package $50k plus including a competitive salary + uncapped commission.
• Extensive onboarding training and ongoing support.
• Comprehensive health and dental coverage and extended benefits.
• Extensive onboarding training and ongoing support.
Come join us!
Come join us!
Please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence to: Susan Hutchinson shutchinson@wplpmedia.com
Please submit your cover letter and resume in confidence to: Cathie Greenlees cgreenlees@squamishchief.com
Closing date is August 8th, 2024
Closing date is February 2, 2022
JOB POSTINGS
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATOR
Full Time Permanent Position
Bridge River Head Start / Daycare Program is seeking an individual to commit to providing high quality care to children aged 0-6 years with interest in working in a unique program and ensuring that there is use of best practice provided during the program delivery.
HEADSTART/DAYCARE MANAGER
Reporting to the Health Manager, the Administrator will be responsible primarily for the overall Supervision of the Headstart/Daycare program. This includes and understanding to staff supervision and scheduling, ensuring all licensing, and reporting requirements are being met, and ensuring a quality land-based program is being offered to children and families.
HOME COMMUNITY CARE WORKER - HCCP
Full-Time (35 Hrs. per week – Flexible Hours)
Working as a member of the Ama7 Swa7 Home & Community Care Program, Under the direction of Home and Community Care Nurse, the successful candidate will provide delegation of tasks set out by HCCN around personal care to clients living at home on reserve. In this role, you will travel to homes where clients require personal care. Daily/Weekly Journaling Logs are to be submitted to HCCN as per client list.
Please submit your Cover Letter and Resume to:
Gary Forsyth, Administrator
Bridge River Indian Band, P.O. Box 190, Lillooet BC, V0K 1V0 Fax: 250-256-7999
While we welcome all candidates, only those selected for an interview will be contacted
Do not move the position or change the typesetting of the headline. The bottom angled keyline should always align with the angled gradient jolt.
Headlines & images can be mixed and matched as needed.
Headlines & images can be mixed and matched as needed.
NOTE: “Carv e out a new career path” should always be paired with a winter image
NOTE: “Carve out a new career path” should always be paired with a winter image
If body copy is shorter, copy block can be nudged down to balance out visually in column
If body copy is shorter, copy block can be nudged down to balance out visually in column
FACILITIES ENGINEER
SPECIALIST, RESEARCH Full Time, Contract (14 Months)
Full
Full Time, Year Round
Love a good challenge? Passionate about the place you call home? Tourism Whistler is looking for community-loving, mountain appreciating, environmentrespecting people to join our team.
The Facilities Engineer is responsible for the oversight, maintenance, repairs and efficient operations of all main mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, and the overall common areas at the Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler Golf Course and Driving Range.
The Research Specialist gathers, analyzes, and shares research information that supports Tourism Whistler members and internal departments with developing effective business, sales, and marketing strategies. This role requires an experienced market researcher who enjoys working with data and staying up to date on current market and research trends.
What we offer: a nine-day fortnight schedule, an excellent benefits package, a commitment to
and a
and
and
team environment.
The
This position requires an individual who possesses a 4th Class Power Engineering Certificate (or is currently enrolled), complimented with five years of related experience gained in a commercial building or hotel. Experience and knowledge of direct digital controls, energy management systems and green initiatives is also important. Previous leadership experience, with knowledge of applicable buildings codes and health and safety practices is an asset.
TO VIEW OUR CAREER OPPORTUNITIES, AND TO APPLY, VISIT US ONLINE AT WHISTLER.COM/CAREERS.
Client: Tourism Whistler
P: Justa Jeskova
We’re Hiring! Experienced Carpenters!
Come and join our team and see why we are consistently voted Whistler’s # 1 Construction Company.
$30-$50 an hour, Wage based on Experience
TM Builders is a leader in the Sea to Sky construction industry.
We specialize in high-end architecturally designed homes and commercial construction projects. Our wide variety of work offers opportunities to advance your career and grow your knowledge. Experience a culture of transparency, high-quality craftsmanship, and solution-oriented attitudes.
Extended Health and Dental Benefits for Employees and their Families
Continued Education and Professional Development Opportunities
We promote from within and are committed to the long-term development of your career
We support apprenticeships and will help you get your Red Seal
• Great Team Culture Positive Work Environment
Apply to connect@tmbuilders.ca tmbuilders.ca/careers/
We are looking to hire another member to our team at Straightline. Experience in Plumbing is required. Gas Fitting and HVAC would be preferred but not essential.
Wages are based on experience. Part-time or Full-time positions available.
Reporter
The Squamish Chief
The Squamish Chief has a rare opportunity for an experienced and committed journalist to cover local Indigenous news and politics as a Local Journalism Initiative reporter, while working with a small team based in the bustling District of Squamish.
The successful candidate will be tasked with covering Squamish Nation-related decisions and issues of importance at Nation council, District municipal hall and in the community, including in the Squamish Valley and Paradise Valley.
The candidate will produce eight to10 relevant news stories per week, as well as at least four features annually. The role includes some evening and weekend coverage.
You have a degree in journalism, are passionate about news and politics, and have a sense of what makes a compelling local news story. You seek to engage and inform your community in print and online platforms and use social media effectively. You are self-motivated, efficient and deadline driven, with a curious, critical mind and an acute attention to detail. You work well both on your own and with a team.
The ideal candidate will be comfortable in a pair of hiking boots chasing down a story, aboard a boat to capture images, or in a board room covering policy. Ideally, you have experience in covering First Nations, court decisions, municipal council, elections, and governments at all levels. Other relevant skills include copy editing long-form feature writing, video editing, and Instagram posting and story creation.
The stories you produce will be shared on The Squamish Chief’s website and social channels, as well as those of our sister publications and through other news outlets as part of the federal government’s Local Journalism Initiative.
This is a 12-month position funded through the federal government’s Local Journalism Initiative, with opportunities expected beyond the one-year.
The annual wage range is from $40,000 to $45,000.
MOBILE MECHANICAL LIGHTNING
Please call 604-935-8771 or email straightlineplumbingandheating@gmail.com for more information. Owner/Operated Servicing the Sea to Sky Community for 24 years
Looking for a motivated and meticulous FULL time Heavy Duty Mechanic to join our team. Competitive wages based on education and experience. Scheduling is flexible. Contact Bazz Smith at 604 932-7682 or bazzlesmith@icloud.com
The Squamish Chief is the paper of record in Squamish and a perennial winner at the BC & Yukon Community News Media Awards (BCYCNA) and Canadian Community News Media Awards (CCNA).
To apply, send your resume, two clippings, and any other relevant materials, as well as a cover letter making the case for why we should hire you, by 4 p.m. on July 31, to: Jennifer Thuncher at jthuncher@squamishchief.com
Tales from the inbox: hot-and-bothered edition
MIRED AS WE ARE in the dog days of summer—no slight towards our four-legged friends—it seems like a good time to clean out my virtual in-basket and answer some of the more interesting inquiries. Having already answered the abundant and helpful emails regarding the difference between private and independent schools, I won’t bore you beating that dead horse.
BY G.D. MAXWELL
Remember, I’m only supplying the answers. The questions fly through the internet and land in my email. Not my fault but I’ve changed the names of the senders unless they’ve already used nom de plumes No need to drag them into the mire just for asking a question other people undoubtedly have.
Hey Max. What are the dog days of summer? I recall you wrote something about this before. My own dogs don’t seem to like the heat we’ve been having. So why dog days?
-Hot and Bothered
As you can see, H&B, I was inspired to borrow your question to start this piffle. But you’re right; I have written about the dog days because they’re so mythological and astronomical, great combination.
Sirius—not the satellite radio—is the brightest star in the night sky... at least in this hemisphere; I can’t speak for the southern half of the world. Mythologically speaking, it’s part of Canis Major Canis Major is, in turn, one of Orion’s hunting dogs. Orion, recalling our high-school mythology class, was a Greek hunter. His dad was Poseidon—god of the sea—and his mom was a human gorgon with snakes for hair.
Anyway, when Sirius rises high enough for us to see in the pre-dawn, eastern sky, that marks the beginning of the dog days. This year that happened on July 3. I wasn’t awake to see it. I just report it. The dog days end Aug. 11. I don’t know why. I only studied mythology, not astronomy. But clearly, those are, or used to be, the hottest days of summer. Hard to tell now, they all seem hot.
I’ll spare you the story of why Orion and his dogs were cast into the heavens or what they do up there, partly because you can look it up yourself and partly because it might be too salacious for a family newsmagazine.
Hi G.D. With a public service ad in the Pique about not running the tap while brushing your teeth to save water, new water restrictions in Pemberton, and the hot and dry cycle we are spinning in right now, I thought it might be a good time to revisit your article on how the hotel industry in Whistler wastes water in its cooling systems. People should know about it or be reminded about it when the issue affects them
more directly at this time of year. Anyway, just a polite lucky-to-have-the-water-we-have Canadian suggestion.
-Thirsty for Truth
You forgot to mention Whistler’s move to Level 3 watering restrictions, TforT. But thanks for asking.
Back in the day, when we seemed to have an endless supply of water from rain and melting snow and glaciers, it seemed to make sense, in a short-sighted kind of way, to run
not just hotels but restaurants and other commercial establishments were using and then running down the drain once it had absorbed as much heat as it was going to during its voyage from snow/ice to water to treated water to coolant.
So the RMOW snapped into gear and—I had to look this up—passed a bylaw in October, 2018, outlawing this wasteful practice. Kind of. The easiest fix was to slap a one-year limit on reservoir-style urinals that ran fresh water 24/7. They represented the low-hanging fruit,
Hard to make good decisions when you’re hot and bothered. Sometimes you just lash out and regret it later.
municipally-treated drinking water through things like commercial and industrial air conditioners, refrigerators, freezers, coolers, ice machines and other things that use heat to create cold, which is the magic of refrigeration. Got to get rid of the heat some way, so why not run cold water around the compressors or whatever is creating the heat? And we know how cold the water is here.
What could go wrong? To imagine we’d run short of treated water was as absurd as thinking we’d run out of old-growth forest to cut down.
But we did. And when Whistler started down the road to water-use restrictions, someone inquired about all this wasted water
since there was a relatively cheap alternative. I haven’t seen one lately so I guess they’re gone.
But the business sector whose ox was about to be gored by this bylaw pleaded imminent ruin if they had to find a less wasteful, more expensive way to cool down things that got hot to make other things cool. So council of the day gave them a 10-year runway to phase out once-through cooling systems.
So mark it in your calendar to ask this question again in the fall of 2028, TforT. You probably won’t need the reminder because I’m sure there will be a concerted effort by the businesses who use this system to somehow keep it in place before they have to spend the
money to replace it... which will surely lead to bankruptcy and/or ruin.
Max: You lose! The RMOW just did a switcheroo and gave Waldorf another year before they evict them from Spruce Grove. Why the change of heart?
-Couldn’t Care Less
There are undoubtedly sound governmental reasons for council to inexplicably change its previous inexplicable decision. I can think of several. And think is as far as we’re going to get to ever having an explanation for this mysterious change of mind since it was done under the cone of silence.
Maybe it was the dog days of summer. Hard to make good decisions when you’re hot and bothered. Sometimes you just lash out and regret it later. Maybe they thought they were too hasty with their first secret decision so made a second one. Important to note they not only granted a second year for the school to find a new home, but they told staff to see whether the province would be okay with leaving the school within the Spruce Grove grant.
Maybe they thought there wasn’t enough interesting stuff going on in the world of politics so they needed to inject a bit of comic relief. After all, the brush with death of one old boy running for president south of the border certainly wasn’t enough to hold our attention very long. And they made this decision before the other old guy decided to drop out. Would they have thrown us this bone had they known that? Hard to say.
But if you bump into any of them, ask them. It’s fun to watch their reaction while they tell you they can’t discuss it. n
