Pique Newsmagazine 3117

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A place to give Celebrating 25 years of the Whistler Community Foundation. - By Braden Dupuis

14 DENSITY STUDY

A new study of the Lake Placid Road neighbourhood envisions how new provincial housing legislation might impact density in Whistler.

15 PLAN THE PARADE? Mayor and council heard proposed concepts for Canada Day 2024 this week—but hosting a traditional parade is still up in the air.

16 SAFETY DANCE

Some guests at Whistler Blackcomb are fed up with reckless skiers and riders, though the mountain operator says collisions are not on the rise.

28 DINING FOR DUCHENNE’S Heading

into its seventh instalment, Alexander McCormack’s “Dining for Duchenne’s” is a fundraising force to be reckoned with in Pemberton.

36 ON TOUR Whistlerite Marcus Goguen is at the forefront of a changing of the guard on the Freeride World Tour.

38 BLAST FROM THE PAST The Whistler

Secondary School’s production of Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition isn’t afraid to tackle mature themes.

COVER Come to Whistler for the adrenaline and euphoria, stay for the supportive community. - By Jon Parris // @jon.parris.art

Sales Manager SUSAN HUTCHINSON - shutchinson@piquenewsmagazine.com

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Production - production@piquenewsmagazine.com

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Reporters

SCOTT TIBBALLS - stibballs@piquenewsmagazine.com

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

Founding Publishers KATHY & BOB BARNETT

08 OPENING REMARKS Nothing sets off editor Braden Dupuis’ burgeoning old-man rage faster than motorcycles speeding on the Sea to Sky highway.

10 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR This week’s letter writers

are still overflowing with stories worth telling, writes Scott Tibballs.

54 MAXED OUT After taking stock of the current state of the world, Max looks for ways to deal

34 FORK IN THE ROAD Food creators, artists, democratic traditions—we Canucks have plenty to nurture and protect, writes Glenda Bartosh.

Middle-aged man yells at clouds

ALMOST EXACTLY 10 years back, writing in the pages of Pique, I expressed a certain anxiety about our rapidly changing world.

“Not too long ago—I don’t remember why—I was struck with a horrible, terrifying thought: at just 26 years old, technology is already starting to pass me by,” I wrote.

“Unless I make a conscious effort to stay up-to-date and educate myself on the everchanging products on the market, I may soon be relying on my nieces to help me send my emails.”

Ten years later, I am proud to say I am still the master of my own (email) domain.

But I am also happy to report I have long since given up the ghost of being “with it,” choosing instead to happily amble down the winding dirt path to out-of-touch curmudgeon—and boy is it liberating.

I am in bed with my book by 9 p.m. most nights. I don’t worry a sniff about getting invites or tickets to exclusive parties—in fact, I dread them—and I no longer have to plan my life around my hangovers.

I eat raw vegetables for lunch every day, and am thoroughly unenticed by social media.

I enjoy jigsaw puzzles, ambient music and sitting quietly, not speaking.

I am an old, weathered rock amidst the eternal current of popular culture; my personal journey of relevance complete, I have

found my space in the riverbed muck, where I will lay now forever, unbothered.

And yet, no man is an island, and even the most self-actualized of Zen practitioners can have a bad day.

Sometimes it only takes something small to remind you of your fast-approaching senior-citizen status.

Like walking through a Whistler grocery store, getting bombarded by PRIME advertisements—the overhyped, massmarketed caffeine water the kids can’t seem to get enough of because… some weiner on YouTube hocks it? (And, in Googling it for this editorial, all the latest news stories appear to

how to use the newest apps or devices—but there is a special sense of detachment that comes with the realization you don’t even recognize the names and faces of the people they’re using to sell you the garbage anymore.

I believe my own point-of-no-return—the day I handed in my Cool Card and my keys to the Fountain of Youth for good—occurred last summer on the Sea to Sky highway.

Heading to Squamish on a perfect, sunny day, I encountered no fewer than a dozen speeding motorcycles at different intervals, each seemingly faster than the last.

With each passing blur, a shiver up my spine, and a correlating curse for “those damn

die on B.C. highways every year. The ICBC five-year average is slightly higher, at 43.

More than half of the incidents happen in the summer, and the majority who die are men (and about 58 per cent between the ages of 30 to 59).

According to ICBC, the province averages about 2,100 motorcycle incidents every year, but that number doesn’t appear to be trending one way or another; in fact, the highest number of incidents in the past five years occurred in 2018 (2,288).

So it’s possible the newfound consternation is completely my own.

I was reminded once again how lame

I am an old, weathered rock amidst the eternal current of popular culture; my personal journey of relevance complete, I have found my space in the riverbed muck, where I will lay now forever, unbothered.

be about how it contains something called “forever chemicals”—so at least you’re getting great bang for your buck!)

Roll your eyes, shake your head, move on. Make it as far as the store’s exit before coming across some other half-baked product being shilled by some other dumbass YouTube personality called Mr. Beast.

There are surely a series of losing-touch milestones we all must meet along the way to personal obsoletion—things like not being up on the latest music or movies, or not knowing

kids going way too damn fast.”

The revelation came to me in real-time. As I muttered about the speed demons on the highway, I knew right then and there I was officially a big, old, lame.

But I’m OK with that.

Uncool as it may be, the concern is not unjustified: The Sea to Sky highway was closed numerous times last summer due to incidents involving motorcycles.

According to a 10-year study by the BC Coroners Service, about 37 motorcycle riders

and old I am getting this weekend, driving down the sun-drenched Sea to Sky to the city, as motorcycle after motorcycle went speeding north, weaving in and out of traffic, racing each other under each digital highway message board practically begging them to slow down.

They ain’t gonna listen. Not to the digital message board, and not to this navel-gazing, old-man-lite editorial commentary.

But I sure do wish those damn kids would slow the hell down on their damn bikes. ■

What are we doing about racism in Whistler and the Sea to Sky?

I attended the event, “Building Inclusive Communities—Elimination of Racial Discrimination,” put on by the Whistler Multicultural Society on Thursday, March 21. The event was incredible, eye-opening and important.

On the drive home, I shared with my two kids (who are two and four years old) heartbreaking stories from children in our community who were told to “go home, back where they came from.” As I shared this story with my children, I said, “It’s our responsibility with our white privilege to speak up and do something. In the words of the keynote speaker, ‘Privilege is like a baton in a relay race, it’s meant to be used… to be given away.’”

As I was sharing, I took a deep breath and realized; If I am expecting my young children to say something, then I need to do the same.

So here goes… it has come to my clear and astute attention that overt acts of racism exist in our communities, as well as the systemic racism embedded within. I heard

stories from schoolchildren, entrepreneurs, teachers, educators, and community-service workers, and the message was very clear: Racism exists in our community, and what are we doing about it?

I want to make a direct call out to our mayor of Whistler, Jack Crompton, mayor of Pemberton, Mike Richman, and the councils to ask: what are we doing about the racism in our communities? What are we doing to keep people of colour and First Nations peoples feeling safe, welcome and included?

What systems are we changing? Because this isn’t it.

As a start, I would directly like to ask the mayor(s) and the council to recognize that racism does exist in our communities and consider it a pressing and urgent issue. Next, create a space to make active change.

This problem concerns all of us. So what are we doing?

Check out the Whistler Multicultural Society to get involved: wms.wmsociety.ca.

Courtney Marchment // Whistler

Water-use bylaw should be revisited

This letter was sent to Whistler’s mayor and council, and shared with Pique

I would encourage you to re-visit the recently passed water-use bylaw. It is my understanding that this decision was made void of any consultation with either the Whistler landscape industry or local irrigation companies. If true, why not?

We installed a controlled drip irrigation system many years ago as a cost-effective and sustainable solution for efficient water management in addition to the time saving it affords. The new bylaw handcuffs the use of the system and invites us to resort to hand-watering or sprinklers, which I am sure you agree can only result in the use of significantly more water. The letter in Pique ’s March 29 issue from Heike Stippler (“Whistler ‘needs to do better’ on water-use bylaw) is accurate and I couldn’t agree more.

The goal of water conservation could be far better served by addressing the aging infrastructure that is the biggest source of water leaks for many municipalities. Depending on the municipality and the condition of its infrastructure, the percentage of water loss can range from 15 per cent to as high as 60 per cent. The Resort Municipality of Whistler Utilities Department could easily provide the percentage in addition to the number of gallons lost.

Ducking out

Setting up the lift in the morning at Whistler Mountain, you can observe auditions for the job of a quack. Not the kind who would permit some strange medicine into a fitting pouch for every available belief, but instead someone with a bit of a lift of their own. An amiable sort, willing to dance with the ducks of lore.

Nesting nearby, always accompanied with the snow-white complexion of hopeful alpinists, at least reflected in their envy of anyone who has already gone up, the ducky portraits line up in fascination to the attention of their keeper, who must also dance with a little envy, in thinking there might be someone in line expecting them to do a little dance.

It’s a sense upstaged by the skirmish that can go on backstage, though. Someone leaping near the icefall, or sending it huge off

Air Jordan. Clapping poles carouse with the dalliance only inspired of this golden lemon pond of affection, for a few cartoonish birds.

Still, they get some metamorphosis in the appreciation of the disco phenoms of old. A banner venue only tied to the fault of a generation separated as it were from rock and roll. A stone stopped from rolling in its tracks. A secret taken to the beginnings of the modern DJ. As if they could happen in the same line with what brings us all some envy of snow.

It dusts off a few memories, for some. Which is why the job of lifty excites. Every one, in person, must pass their gaze. A lighthearted step is hardly likely on the penguin foot of a snowboard, or feet of a skier. Looking uphill is just a reminder of what they do, every chance they get. Maybe, when we’re not looking, they dance!

Backcountry Update

AS OF WEDNESDAY, APRIL 24

If you haven’t yet traded skis and boards for bikes and hiking boots, you’ve made a good choice. This weekend, we’re anticipating light snowfall and cool temperatures up high, while the valley bottoms will remain snow-free. Good riding conditions are likely to still be found in the alpine.

As we move through terrain we should always be assessing and reassessing conditions, but in the spring it’s even more critical. At low elevations, the avalanche problem may be wet-loose, but above treeline the problem could be storm or wind slabs. Overhead hazards can also become a primary concern in the spring. We need to keep our heads up and think about cornices and rockfall.

In addition to the challenging and variable

conditions associated with spring adventures, there is another consideration—public avalanche forecasts are scheduled to end this weekend. Without a public avalanche forecast to help you plan, it’s essential that you are able to identify and predict potential avalanche concerns. If you plan to keep exploring, this is a good time to familiarize yourself with the Dangerator tool on avalanche.ca. Where winter conditions are still present, this tool will help you in your trip planning once the public forecast is no longer available. It has some limitations and isn’t wellsuited to providing accurate predictions during a spring diurnal pattern, when the danger may vary rapidly over the course of a day.

Many of us at Avalanche Canada are looking forward to a long, cool spring and good riding up high. We will see you out there! ■

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

Dave@DaveBeattie.com

Stories worth telling

A FEW months ago I read a company I used to work for was going through some rough times—it was a familiar thing to read, because I’ve read it before.

I wasn’t so much alarmed as I was reminded of the resignation I’ve previously accepted: That the future of local news is dark, and sometimes it feels like I’m working in a graveyard.

There are many examples I could draw on, but I believe it comes down to this: There is a lot of information out there, and a journalist’s job is to make order out of chaos; to pull relevant information out of a mass of facts, figures, opinions, reports, presentations, observations, comments, backstory, history, conjecture, and more, and contextualize it in a way that makes sense and informs the reader.

got an agenda and you’re the enemy; advertisers think they have power over what journalists think and write; social media is full of armchair experts who think every journalist in the world knows everything and nothing.

Then there are those with grievances, whether it’s a politician or a business or someone on the street.

because of that ugliness. Why put up with it?

I’ve long held the belief that despite the industry shifting and shuffling itself over the past few decades, the traits the community values most in news—keeping an eye on things—would keep everything around.

I’m not so sure about that anymore. I’m not pessimistic, but I’m not optimistic, either.

What I am is afraid for the communities I’ve lived in and reported on.

But I’m still here. I’m one of the (apparently) few who can happily toddle along to a council meeting and find just about every item on the agenda interesting.

It’s this trait that has generated the most contact with the communities I have worked in over the years—despite the drama, the joy, the excitement and the tragedy that comes with news in a small town—it’s what’s going on at city hall that brings back the regular readers.

Two of the small towns I’ve worked in no longer have a print newspaper that can spare resources to send a reporter to municipal meetings, let alone cover a bake sale.

But why is an independent media special? Why is it somehow exceptional enough to merit keeping around?

The information is there and you can access it, but do you have the time? Do you know where to look, what to look for, who to ask, what the context is? Do you know what you can ask about or whether you should? If you get all the information, what do you make of it? How do you write a story that people can understand, or even want to read?

Or, you can support your local newspaper keeping tabs on things.

Without that support, having fewer reporters will bite harder and harder with every passing year as more knowledge is lost, replaced by people who think they can write but cannot; who think they are trustworthy, but give no reason to be trusted.

There are fewer and fewer reporters because this industry is seen as operating in a hostile and unfriendly environment.

Because, really, why on Earth would anyone want to go into media?

The government wants to control the message; politicians want to either be your best friend or outright kill you off; everybody’s

Despite the number of times people in positions of influence, and in positions of desperation have tried to wield power over me with threats or intimidation, I

still love working in local news because I believe it’s important. Every ugly story is counterbalanced by a dozen positive ones.

Every journalist I have ever met has been passionate about news, believing an informed community is an important part of ensuring society runs smoothly, and on a personal level, a fulfilling way to contribute to said society. Yet, the number of journalists wanting to participate dwindles over time

Despite most of them being small towns that often feel they’re forgotten, or quiet, or unassuming, there are so many stories happening in every single one of them. Every local government is full of information people need to know; every sporting weekend is full of achievement and heartbreak; every community group is calling out for volunteers or overwhelmed with support. These are stories worth telling, information you need to know, knowledge you should have.

All of that would be wasted without a local, genuine news source, like water down a drain.

News deserts are depressing places— not because of an industry full of its own ego desperate to be relevant, but because communities lose the ability to see themselves in a mirror and reflect on… anything.

I love local news. I think it’s fulfilling, I think it’s important, and I think society will be meaner and dumber without it, but maybe that’s where we’re going.

For those who remain in the industry, at least there will be plenty to write about. ■

Envisioning the impacts of new housing laws in Whistler

LAKE PLACID ROAD NEIGHBOURHOOD STUDY HYPOTHESIZES DENSITY BUMP IN CREEKSIDE

WHISTLER’S MAYOR and council got a look at how new provincial housing legislation—namely, Bill 44—may impact local neighbourhoods this week.

The Lake Placid Road Neighbourhood Study is not a set of development proposals, or even a plan, explained general manager of climate action, planning and development services Dale Mikkelsen at the April 23 committee of the whole.

Like the name says, it is simply a study.

“We’re looking forward to a conversation around this study and the ideas that it brings up ... and to seek that input and discuss what the next steps might be coming out of this study,” Mikkelsen said.

Bill 44 is part of a suite of new provincial housing laws designed to increase affordable housing stock in the province. It aims to make it easier for developers to create smallscale, multi-unit homes fitting in existing neighbourhoods.

At the Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW), staff want to ensure they’re not missing opportunities in neighbourhoods with significant single-family zoning under the Official Community Plan (OCP), Mikkelsen said.

“Lake Placid Road is an area in Creekside

that the OCP has spoken to as an area for enrichment, densification and increasing vitality,” he said.

“This study is looking at how we may do that, and to create that framework for discussion and possibly potential for instruction for carrying on to part of the design detail and/or rezoning or site-area rezoning for this neighbourhood.”

Mock-ups shared with council envision a wildly reimagined space along the Creekside road, transforming unkempt dirt lot frontages into welcoming, pedestrian thoroughfares; building higher-density apartment buildings;

and sidewalks only on one side,” he said. “Additionally, there appears to be a potential desire among homeowners to increase the density of their property, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on this opportunity effectively now.”

Intentional upzoning for increased density is often regarded as a best practise, Renaud-Tremblay said.

“It focuses densification in a place where it can handle it, and the strategy could lead to a more cohesive urban and built environment by incentivizing redevelopment and additional land consolidation in the area,” he said.

“I think this would be one of the best places to live in Whistler.”

- JACK CROMPTON

and reconfiguring the busy Highway 99 pedestrian crossing.

The new study builds off a comprehensive area study completed all the way back in 1991.

“This area is already designated as Core Commercial in our OCP, and offers also an excellent opportunity for revitalization, given its existing built environment and its proximity to various landmarks and roads such as Creekside Village, the railway station, and the Valley Trail,” said planner Louis-Felix Renaud-Tremblay, in explaining why Lake Placid Road was chosen for the study.

“This initiative could help revitalize vacant sites and improve [or] upgrade areas, transforming them into vibrant community hubs and leveraging opportunities for additional density that could provide more employee housing for our community.”

Further, since Creekside also serves as Whistler’s southern entrance, “developing a neighbourhood plan could also help define a neighbourhood character for the area and welcome visitors to our town,” he added.

two lanes of traffic in addition to sidewalks.

“Everything that you’re looking at here was done within existing property lines and within existing road right of ways, so we’ve amended none of the legal boundaries that you’re looking at today,” Mikkelsen said. “[We wanted] to show that within existing legal boundaries this plan could be implemented.”

Council voiced general enthusiasm for the study and its concepts, though Jewett said she hopes Creekside’s original Whistler charm isn’t discounted through the process.

“When I first got here, back in the olden days, when there was no village, this was the village,” she said. “I hope that there will be some reference to that in the design thought, because looking at this I see it kind of losing a bit of that.”

Mayor Jack Crompton appreciated that sentiment, but also said he wants to drive density in the area.

“I hear the idea about the concern about streetscape and holding tight to what Creekside has been, [but] I think a little bit about Banff and how they do have multistorey buildings with rooftop gardens and patios, and it feels very culturally Banff, but they are big, big buildings,” he said.

“And so I’m excited about the idea of this maintaining its Creekside vibe, but really providing opportunities for people to live near the base of the hill, and I love the idea about density bonusing for resident employees.

“I think this would be one of the best places to live in Whistler.”

Council will hear more about the study and any potential redevelopment plans at an upcoming meeting. Watch the April 23 committee of the whole presentation in full at whistler.ca. ■ DRIVING

“The street currently lacks pedestrian infrastructure with ample street parking

During discussion, Councillor Cathy Jewett noted the reduced street frontages in the designs, wondering if there is enough right-of-way for the municipality to maintain

‘Neither one is going to suck’

TO PARADE OR NOT TO PARADE IN WHISTLER VILLAGE ON CANADA DAY?

THOSE HOPING for the return of Whistler’s fan-favourite, traditional Canada Day parade in 2024 could be disappointed.

At the April 23 committee of the whole meeting, Whistler’s elected officials heard a presentation on planned Canada Day concepts for 2024—which bear a striking similarity to last year’s Canada Day.

In that iteration, the traditional, float-heavy parade down the pedestrian Village Stroll was substituted for an all-day, go-at-your-own-pace “People’s Parade,” featuring interactive stations and animation throughout the village. Whistler hasn’t had a traditional parade since 2019.

According to village animation and events manager Bob Andrea, staff’s proposal is both a matter of spreading out animation throughout the day and avoiding the tricky logistics that come with hosting an actual parade.

Doing so requires multiple staging areas, more staffing, enhanced security, and multiple levels of coordination, he said.

“We just think [this concept] maximizes the available resources, it lengthens the duration of entertainment,” Andrea said, noting they would essentially be replacing the one-off parade with “five hours of activity and fun and entertainment throughout the entire Village.

“Rather than having people coming into the village for one show, so to speak, and then potentially leaving, they’re encouraged—families, local community members, come on out, bring your family, bring your grandparents, explore the whole village, shop … so we’re still trying to support the businesses as well. That’s where we’re coming from.”

Staff are currently conducting outreach with a wide range of community organizations about how they can take part, Andrea added.

But council voiced concern over the lack of a traditional parade, with some at the table wondering how to better incorporate locals into the celebrations.

Councillor Ralph Forsyth noted Whistler only had a Canada Day parade in the first place because the local Chamber of Commerce, envious of a parade up the road in Pemberton,

took the initiative to launch it.

When the Chamber no longer wanted to do it, “it made sense for the municipality, especially since we have millions of dollars in RMI funding, to be able to produce an event like this,” he said.

“I know you won’t want to hear this, but the feedback I get from the community is there used to be a community group that ran it and it was awesome, and now the muni runs it and it’s not.

“No offence—I get that it’s great, and the yoga and the stuff, it’s festive, it’s Canada Day, but that’s the consensus in the community. I don’t think I’m alone in that.”

Andrea said the biggest difference from staff’s perspective was being able to spread the animation throughout the entire day, leading from the pancake breakfast right through to the Summer Concert Series kickoff in Olympic Plaza.

“Both options are… neither one is going to suck, that’s for sure,” he said.

“We would never do that. We always want to make Whistler proud, we just feel like we achieve more of our goals with the option we’ve presented.

“No one has cancelled Canada Day,” he added. “It’s still on, and tons of people came out last year and the year before … I understand the traditionalist view and pining for the past, and remembering what it was like—but we’re also looking to the future and new generations.”

Coun. Cathy Jewett said she, too, loved the parade, and participated in many forms herself, but she also appreciated the change in how we think about Canada Day following the discovery of human remains at the Kamloops Indian Residential School.

Chief administrative officer Ginny Cullen said there are some “important discussions” to have with the leadership of the Squamish and Lil’wat Nations if Whistler is to plan a Canada Day parade.

“[I]f we are going to move in that direction, I would say that that would be a really important conversation to have at the political level,” she said.

Following the discussion, council moved to have the Canada Day programming options brought to an upcoming regular council meeting for further consideration. ■

Skiers fed up with reckless on-mountain behaviour at Whistler Blackcomb

GUESTS CAUSING ‘SEVERE VIOLATIONS’ OF SAFETY POLICY RISK LIFETIME BAN FROM VAIL RESORTS PROPERTIES

LESLEY BROADHURST was skiing at Whistler Blackcomb on March 7 when a reckless skier, she estimates to be doing up to 65 km/h, collided with her from behind.

The man only stopped momentarily, and left before identifying himself.

Broadhurst’s injuries were significant: a broken tibial plateau requiring 2.5 hours of surgery at Lions Gate Hospital, and a fractured right clavicle. Her recovery includes 10 to 12 weeks in a rehab centre, and a seven-month timeframe in total.

Following her incident, she posted to the Whistler Blackcomb Skiers & Snowboarders Facebook group, and was blown away by the response—more than 175 comments and 29 shares.

“Countless stories of skiers being hit, children being hit, skiers who have skied the slopes for 30 to 40 years not feeling safe anymore and an overall lack of response/ priority by Vail [Resorts] to deal with these offences—it completely backs up [recent letters and columns in Pique],” Broadhurst said. She added she has received Whistler Blackcomb’s final report on the collision, which was “good, very detailed, clearly stating this was a high-speed collision from behind,”

and has also filed a police report—but she hopes to see changes at Whistler Blackcomb.

“I do believe increased pressure needs to happen,” she said.

According to Whistler Blackcomb, the mountains did not see a significant increase in incidents this season, though patrol was busier due to a variety of factors—challenging terrain caused by low snowpack among them.

personnel, educational programming and infrastructure. Everything we do is anchored to a continued emphasis on safety and educating our guests about the Alpine Responsibility Code and safe skiing and riding practices.”

Patrol is equipped to deal with anyone violating the Code, including providing education, but guests skiing or riding recklessly are at risk of having their pass

“In the last two years, my wife has been in three collisions, two rather dramatic ... to the point she fears skiing here.”

- KEN SNOWBALL

“Safety is our top priority at Whistler Blackcomb, and speeding and unsafe skiing and riding are not tolerated,” said WB’s COO Belinda Trembath, in a statement.

“We are proud of our dedicated team members who work hard each and every day to educate and enforce the highest standards of safety, as well as our investments in safety

suspended or revoked. Severe violations of safety policies can get you banned from all Vail Resorts properties, everywhere, forever.

“We remain committed to educating our guests about the Alpine Responsibility Code and safe skiing and riding practices, whether it’s through our safety videos on our social channels; increasing the number

Three ways to manage risk

Elevate your finances: Staffing

Tailored solutions for Whistler's small business community

Lauren Robinson, business advisor at BlueShore Financial, shares how small businesses in Whistler can manage their risk in 2024

Business owners in the Sea to Sky region face unique obstacles The ascent to peak profit isn’t always smooth, and difficulties could disrupt your goals. Though whether you’re self-employed or own a business with employees, you don't have to forge your financial future alone Business advisors like Lauren Robinson from BlueShore Financial can provide tailored advice to help prevent you from fa lling between a rock and a hard place

Fostering connections

As an experienced advisor, Robinson is adept at working with the diverse businesses in the Whistler, Pemberton and Squamish areas and understands the commitment and tight-knit community shared across the local business and commercial environment

"We apply a holistic approach and work together with a team of experts, including an investment advisor and financial advisor to put a full plan together to support your needs," she explains BlueShore business advisors are also well-connected to the local community and have knowledge about support programs, grants, professionals to partner with and other tools for small businesses.

of rest zone or safe-stop banners; directing beginners to our dedicated learning areas; or ensuring our dedicated team of Patrollers and yellow-jacketed mountain safety team members are equipped with the resources they need to provide a safe and enjoyable guest experience. We are constantly focused on safety,” a WB spokesperson said.

“We also need our guests’ help—skiers and riders are expected to respect designated slow zones and stop areas, and adjust their speeds accordingly.”

As stated in the Alpine Responsibility Code, if anyone is involved in a collision or incident, they should share their contact information with each other and a ski-area employee, the spokesperson added.

They should, but will they? Some Whistlerites, like Ken Snowball, aren’t waiting around to find out.

“In the last two years, my wife has been in three collisions, two rather dramatic (one on a back board out to the clinic) to the point she fears skiing here,” Snowball said. “She is not alone in this fear.”

Snowball said he skied here in Whistler’s first season, was a volunteer First-Aid Ski Patroller for three years, and has owned in the community since 2003—full-time since 2014, “yet, like so many others, my exodus is at hand.”

The reason? Safety on the mountain. n

Offering a strong benefits plan is attractive to employees, both for hiring and employee retention. "Because we live in an active and very sports-minded area, offering a strong benefits plan that includes physio, registered massage therapy and preventative maintenance is key,” she says

“People move to this area for the mountains and outdoor lifestyle Culture is important, so make your business stand out to employees: organize inventive social events, offer a rewards program and show employees value."

Housing

She also suggests business owners be creative and look at purchasing rental property under a holding company if possible, as subsidizing rentals for core staff can minimize turnover

"In doing so, you gain an investment asset for the business, which is extremely valuable, and can open up opportunities later down the road," Robinson explains "We can meet with business owners and support them to explore this process; it's something we look at on a regular basis."

Succession planning

Finally, Robinson recommends business owners are prepared with a strategic plan five years in advance to address both unexpected health issues and future retirement, to ensure they have a say in how the business moves forward. "We offer insurance to protect the business and yourself If possible, identify and develop internal staff to purchase the business and prepare for a smooth change of ownership. What we offer at BlueShore is proactive advice, and can provide peace of mind."

Visitation at Whistler Blackcomb ‘below expectations’ in 23-24

VAIL RESORTS REPORTS 7.8% DROP IN SKIER VISITS

VISITATION AT WHISTLER Blackcomb was lower than expected this year, but liftticket revenues for parent company Vail Resorts still saw a slight bump.

In a release on April 19, the ski-company behemoth gave some insight into the season to date.

According to the release, Vail Resorts saw 7.8-per-cent fewer skier visits from April 16, 2023 to April 14 of this year. Season-to-date total lift ticket revenue, however, was up 3.2 per cent; ski school revenue up 7 per cent; and dining revenue up 2.4 per cent.

Retail/rental revenue for North American resort and ski area store locations was down 7.1 per cent, the release said.

“Given the unfavourable conditions across our North American resorts for a large portion of the season, we are pleased with our overall results as the 2023-24 North American ski season nears completion, highlighting the stability provided by our season pass program and the investments we have made in our resorts and employees,” said Kirsten Lynch, Vail Resorts’ chief executive officer, in the release.

“While visitation declined, our lift revenue increased driven by the growth in

pass sales committed ahead of the season, and our ancillary businesses performed well, with particularly strong growth in spending per visit in our ski and ride school, dining, and rental businesses compared to the same period in the prior year. The results throughout the 2023-24 North American ski season demonstrate the resiliency of our strategic business model and our network of resorts and loyal guests.”

conditions at Whistler Blackcomb and our Tahoe resorts persisted through early March. When conditions improved, visitation at our Tahoe resorts responded as expected, however visitation at Whistler Blackcomb remained below expectations.”

While late-season results improved, Vail Resorts was projecting to finish the year at the low end of its earlier spring projections, “primarily driven by Whistler Blackcomb

“U.S. visitation continued to make strong gains nearing pre-pandemic volumes...”

- BARRETT FISHER

The numbers all around were bolstered by vastly improved conditions in March and April, and visitation largely returned as expected to normal historical guest behaviour for the spring.

“However, lift-ticket visitation did not return to normal historical guest behaviour, primarily at Whistler Blackcomb, which was down significantly relative to the prior year period,” Lynch said. “As noted in the March earnings release, the challenging early season

performance in the March and April period,” Lynch said. “Our strong season pass sales results, prior to the start of this season, greatly mitigated the impact of the unfavourable conditions that existed across our North American resorts for a large portion of the season, highlighting the stability created by our advance commitment strategy.”

According to Tourism Whistler president and CEO Barrett Fisher, season-end room nights finished “a few percentage points”

behind the 2022-23 season, but early bookings combined with Whistler’s consistent highalpine terrain “helped insulate Whistler from the full impact of the challenging snow year.”

When the snow did arrive late-season, Tourism Whistler rolled out related marketing to help stimulate additional demand, she added.

“U.S. visitation continued to make strong gains nearing pre-pandemic volumes, and Mexico out-performed historical visitation levels—noting that Tourism Whistler made greater investments into the U.S. and Mexico markets this past year based on strong economic indicators and positive exchange rates,” Fisher said in an email.

“As expected, other international markets such as the U.K. and Australia were slower to recover, finishing behind historical visitation numbers. However, growth out of the U.S. and Mexico helped mitigate room-night losses from these international markets.”

Vail Resorts and Whistler Blackcomb are now turning their attention to spring operations and future pass sales, while Tourism Whistler, for its part, is forecasting summer volumes similar to last year—which was “a top-three performance in terms of historical room-night volumes,” Fisher said.

The final day for skiing and riding Whistler this season is May 20 (conditions permitting). n

The Whistler Farmers’ Market is pleased to announce a Call for Nominations to join the Board of Directors.

The Whistler Farmers’ Market (WFM) Board values engaged, passionate and skilled leaders and innovators, who will have an active role in representing the organisation’s membership and shaping the future of the Markets. The WFM Board of Directors is committed to energizing and supporting the vision, mission and development of the organisation within our community and beyond. The following experience and expertise would benefit the organisation:

• Secretarial and administration

• Fundraising and financial development

• Board governance

• Committee experience and working with craft juries

• Strategic thinking and/or policy

• Marketing and social media

Visit whistlerfarmersmarket.org/call-for-nominations for details. Nominations are now open and close 5 PM on Tuesday, May 7, 2024.

The Whistler Farmers’ Market Annual General Meeting will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024 at 7 PM

Naturespeak: Basalt is lit!

FROM WILD LAVA LANDSCAPES TO EXOTIC TEXTURES, HIGH-TECH CLOTHES TO SKIS, BASALT IS AN UNDERSTATED ROCK STAR THAT CAN EVEN HELP FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

BASALT CAN BE SEEN all around Whistler, erupted from local volcanoes like Mount Cayley and Garibaldi. It is also used in landscaping as well as being a favoured medium for sculptors, including, locally, the world’s biggest pinecone on the Valley Trail and the giant Innunguaq welcoming visitors to Whistler. There even used to be a great little restaurant, Basalt, on the Village Stroll. That said, I’m pretty sure many of you hardly give basalt much thought. But maybe you should, because this grey, beautifully understated, dense, lava rock is, in fact, a rock star.

To start off, it is the world’s most common volcanic rock, covering nearly 60 per cent of the Earth’s surface. It underlies all the world’s oceans. Basalt plateaus can be found on every continent and at the world’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa in Hawaii. It is even found on the moon, Mercury, Venus and Mars.

Much of Earth’s basalt is formed at plate boundaries, where two plates move apart and new lava wells up and fills the space. When these iron-rich rocks cool, they capture the Earth’s magnetism, and when geophysicists carried out the first ocean-floor magnetism surveys off the coast of Vancouver Island,

they were amazed to discover the Earth’s magnetic poles had flipped periodically throughout geological time. These “magnetic reversals” often present as black and white “zebra stripes” around all the world’s oceans.

Basalt often forms vertical hexagonal columns as it cools and shrinks, producing dramatic landscapes like The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland. Here in southern B.C., our columns are quite unusual; they are not always vertical because some of our volcanoes erupted into a “fire and ice”

environment, where hot molten lava came into contact with Ice Age glaciers, producing wild and wonderful lava columns in all sorts of wacky configurations.

Depending on how it forms, basalt can look quite exotic. Sometimes, gas bubbles, called vesicles, are preserved in the rock, producing an aerated bubbly texture similar to honeycomb. Often these bubbles are filled with white minerals called amygdales, named after the Latin word for almonds. If there are lots of bubbles, basalt can look like a red-brown cinder

called scoria, used as fire-pit rocks. Researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, who studied the distribution of bubbles in basalt, found Guinness stout is a good analogue for gas released in lava flows. I have studied this phenomenon many times at the Dubh Linn Gate pub. Sometimes basalt can have larger white crystals forming beautiful radiating clusters called flower stone, or randomly oriented clusters known as Chinese writing stone.

Basalt fibres have some incredible properties and are three times stronger than steel. They have been used as eco-friendly building material to make things like rebar and insulation, and in recent years to make hi-tech fabric for outdoor clothing, and even skis and boards.

One last thing basalt is good for: Recent research out of the University of Victoria and the University of Calgary suggests that because of its worldwide distribution and mineral composition, gigatons of carbon dioxide could be stored in basalt, maybe even enough to bring down global atmospheric concentrations. One of these days basalt might even end up helping to save our planet.

As I said, basalt is lit!

Naturespeak is prepared by the Whistler Naturalists. To learn more about Whistler’s natural world, go to whistlernaturalists.ca n

Judging itself: RMOW makes final touches to new code of conduct

WHISTLER COUNCIL IS COMING TO THE END OF A LONG PROCESS IN GENERATING A NEW CODE OF CONDUCT TO GOVERN ELECTED OFFICIAL BEHAVIOUR

WHISTLER’S MAYOR and council has signed off on a new code of conduct.

After a lengthy discussion at the April 9 regular council meeting, Whistler councillors voted on the particulars of the new code of conduct with a suite of amendments that were the result of council feedback at the Feb. 6 committee of the whole meeting.

At the previous meeting, coordinator of special legal projects, Brooke Vagelatos, explained the goal of the new bylaw is to set out behavioural expectations for elected officials.

“It would establish both informal and formal resolution procedures, [and] it would rely on an independent third-party investigator to investigate any complaints, and to provide a report regarding the alleged breach as well as recommending proportional remedies where those expectations are not met,” she said at the Feb. 6 meeting.

Speaking again at the April 9 meeting, Vagelatos presented the previously-discussed code of conduct with a raft of 11 optional amendments addressing council feedback ranging from defining what counts as a breach of the code across personal and

professional life; social media; informal resolutions; investigator reports and more— from which council pulled six optional amendments and voted to include them in the code, with a vote on one amendment failing in a 3-3 vote.

Municipalities in B.C. are required to update their codes of conduct as per provincial legislation that requires either updates to existing codes, the adoption of new codes, or in the case of not adopting a code—justification for why not. The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) went down the path of updating its existing code, which was from 2005, and needed work to be in line with provincial expectations.

During discussion about the options to change the code as presented (and recommended) by staff, Councillor Jessie Morden moved to incorporate a mechanism on the investigator report on alleged misconduct—which was a major point of discussion at the previous meeting where she, along with Coun. Jen Ford, spoke about the need to stop the automatic release of documentation of an investigation when no breach of the code was found.

“We all know that social media can be the judge and jury regardless of what a report would say,” she said.

Under the amendment, if a formal investigation into an alleged breach of the code is carried out, and the independent investigator finds there was no breach, a report on the investigation will not be released to the public unless it receives approval from the councillor exonerated by the report.

At the Feb. 6 meeting, Morden expressed fear that automatically releasing a report to the public on a false accusation would be damaging to the accused.

Coun. Ralph Forsyth delved into issues of money as discussed in the code, moving to include two changes relating to dollars.

The successful change he pushed for was to remove the reimbursement claim limit for councillors that sought legal advice during a formal complaint process. The change deletes a $10,000 cap, but leaves in guidelines that reimbursement can only be sought if a councillor didn’t breach the bylaw, wasn’t previously reimbursed, and didn’t engage in dishonest conduct. The amount reimbursed is subject to council approval.

The unsuccessful motion resulted in a split council, and related to remuneration penalties in the event of a breach of the code.

“I don’t think we should be in the business of deciding how people get paid,” Forsyth said in explaining his desire to remove

remuneration penalties entirely.

Under the code as written and presented by staff, if a council member is found to have breached the bylaw, their pay is automatically reduced before any further remediation actions can be taken by council. Remuneration as a penalty is automatic, without council input.

Forsyth said he believes such a rule has the potential to become vindictive. “I don’t see how anything good can come from this,” he said.

Coun. Jen Ford spoke against Forsyth, saying while she generally agreed with his concerns, remuneration was one of the few areas where a code of conduct could have teeth.

“There’s all kinds of punitive parts to this that certainly affect how we work together,” said Ford. “This is one that has teeth, and has been seen as effective in other communities that implemented it a while ago.”

Ford added the remuneration penalty could also be applied to those who make vexatious or frivolous complaints against fellow councillors, and that it worked to discourage both bad behaviour and bad-faith complaints.

Forsyth, who acknowledged it was a firm stick, responded that he didn’t see how a councillor could move forward in their work SEE

Pitchforks down: Seppo’s isn’t changing its name, Whistler Blackcomb says

‘SEPPO’S WILL KEEP ITS NAME, BUT WILL UNDERGO A REMODEL AND WILL TEMPORARILY CLOSE...’

SOCIAL MEDIA WAS ABUZZ last week with rumours of an impending renovation on Whistler Mountain, in which a downright blasphemous act was hypothesized to be occurring.

A petition titled “Save Seppos! Stop the name change planned by Vail” is making the rounds on social media and racking up the signatures.

“For decades Seppo’s bar in the Roundhouse has been a home where locals, weekend warriors, and tourists just the same could strip off their gear, loosen their boots and relax with new and old friends alike over some cold bevies and great laughs (and maybe even some overpriced food),” it reads.

“The mountain [camaraderie] shared in this revered site, whether over celebrating a massive day, or waiting for peak chair to crack, or even just plan out your ‘one and done’ descent down to aprés (otherwise known as ‘The Seppo’s Traverse’), has always been legendary in all of ski culture ...

“While it is understandable that the bar needs a face-lift and renovation, what emerges should still carry Seppo’s name. Without such tradition we, and our town, can lose sight of our roots and values just a little bit more and more until it’s all gone.”

Luckily, a Whistler Blackcomb

after their pay had been deducted, and was not swayed.

Crompton expressed support for Ford’s position, commenting that the bylaw if carried through a formal investigation would already be dealing with a toxic situation.

In the final vote on the change, Forsyth, Morden, and Coun. Arthur De Jong voted to remove remuneration as a penalty for breaches of the code of conduct, while Crompton, Ford and Murl voted to keep it in. As it was a tie (Coun. Cathy Jewett was not present), the motion failed, and a reduction in remuneration will remain as an automatic penalty for breaches of the code of conduct that go through the formal resolution process.

Forsyth commented later that as remuneration was the change he felt strongest about, he would likely vote against the new code of conduct when it comes before council at a later date.

In other changes, Murl moved to simplify definitions within the code that govern how councillors interact with RMOW staff, removing text that explicitly required all formal queries and communication go through the chief administrative officer “unless the communication is minor and for the purpose of seeking administrative clarity,” and opted to replace it with text that

spokesperson confirmed to Pique the main crux of the petition—that corporate sponsorships would soon dictate a new name for the legendary on-mountain watering hole—is patently false.

“Seppo’s will keep its name, but will undergo a remodel and will temporarily close beginning April 22 and will reopen for the next ski and ride season,” they said. “The Whistler Blackcomb Food & Beverage team has worked closely with the design team supporting this work to ensure that key aspects of Seppo’s remain in place in honour of its history.”

The mountain operator offered a bit of a local history lesson in a follow-up post on Facebook on April 19.

“Did you know, Seppo’s Bar in Roundhouse Lodge commemorates one of Whistler’s legendary ski pioneers? Seppo Jalamari Makinen was a visionary logger who was instrumental in the clearing of virtually all of Whistler Mountain’s runs, cutting his last in 1980,” the post read.

“We’re excited to share that we will be redesigning and enhancing Seppo’s for Winter 2025! Don’t worry—we’re keeping the Seppo’s bar name and vibe alive but are adding a few updates to the space.”

The last day for operations at Seppo’s was April 21, with the renovation expected to be ready in time for next season.

There you have it. Pitchforks down, everyone. As you were. n

simply encouraged councillors to respect the role and responsibilities of each staff member.

In total, of the 11 potential changes offered by staff as a result of council feedback, six were adopted, and one failed. The remaining four items were not picked up. All 11 can be read on the RMOW website.

Speaking to the final product, which council voted to send back to staff, Crompton said it is a robust document and much needed, adding he doesn’t believe it is a responsibility municipalities should have in-house.

“I will say, local governments didn’t ask to have the responsibility to judge ourselves,” he said.

“I personally have spent a tremendous amount of time over the past 12 years advocating for the Province of British Columbia to establish a British Columbia municipal ethics commissioner.”

Other provinces have moved in that direction, he noted.

“I think an independent group in the form of a B.C. municipal ethics commissioner is the right way to go, and I hope they do it, and do it soon, so that this is not something that councils need to manage themselves,” he said.

The amended code of conduct will come back to council with the changes for first, second and third reading at a future meeting.

have prepared the new definitions and amended regulations as part of this bylaw amendment.

Subject Lands: The proposed amendments to comply with Bill 44 will allow secondary suites to be permitted in the CD-5 Comprehensive Development Zone that regulates land use in the Tiyata subdivision, shown in the map below Amendments to the short-term vacation rental (STVR) definition and other regulations will apply to all zones where

Bylaw Readings: Consideration of first, second, and third readings of the proposed bylaw is scheduled at the Regular Council Meeting on Tuesday, May 7, 2024 Final adoption will follow after the proposed bylaw has received approval from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure

How do I get more information?

A copy of the proposed bylaw and relevant information may be inspected at the Village of Pemberton Office, 7400 Prospect Street from Tuesday, April 23, 2024, until the bylaws are adopted, during office hours 9:00am to 4:00pm (closed 12:00pm1:00pm), Monday to Friday (closed on statutory holidays), and online at: https://www.pemberton.ca/departments/ development-services/regulatory-bylaws

Questions? We’re Listening. 604.894.6135

admin@pember ton.ca pember ton.ca

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Creative Art Camps with Aude Ray July 28th-August 2nd

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Annual ‘Dining for Duchenne’s’ event a fundraising force in Pemberton

PEMBERTON MAN ALEXANDER MCCORMACK AND HIS FAMILY ARE DETERMINED TO HELP FIND A CURE FOR DUCHENNE’S MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY

HEADING INTO its seventh instalment, Alexander McCormack’s “Dining for Duchenne’s” is a fundraising force to be reckoned with. The April 27 event at Riverlands Red Barn—featuring an elegant dinner, silent auction and dance—sold out in less than a month.

McCormack is the captain of a fundraising team for Muscular Dystrophy Canada called ‘Thee Golden Spirits.’  The dinner serves as their main fundraising event leading up to the Burnaby Walk and Roll for Muscular Dystrophy.

“I want to help fund research,” he said. “You can get the muscles to regenerate.”

Born and raised in Pemberton, McCormack himself has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), considered one of the most severe forms of muscular dystrophies. Parents of kids with DMD usually start to spot muscle weakness in early childhood, and the condition becomes worse over time.

McCormack is on a respirator now and can only move his tongue. However, advancements in technology and the loving support of his family mean the Canucks fan’s

unwavering optimism and kind nature take centre stage.

McCormack’s older brother Andrew also had DMD. He died in 2004 at the age of 25. The McCormacks spoke at home to Pique about their day-to-day life and their determination to help find a cure for DMD.

“When you are a toddler, everything is normal and you are walking,” said Susan, Alexander’s mom. “A lot of the boys who have

his lungs. He is on a respirator. He is a very strong-spirited person who wants to make a difference in this world.”

McCormack is an avid traveller and sports fanatic. He explained losing hope is never an option. The young man wants to participate in clinical trials when they become available to him.

Research into the condition has been slow but successful over the last decade.

“I want to make sure this is not something anyone else has to go through.”

- ALEXANDER MCCORMACK

had DMD are likely to have fallen arches. They start falling more and their balance is off. Eventually, you end up in a wheelchair. DMD is one of the harshest ones. It affects your muscles and almost everything is a muscle in your body.”

The disorder can also affect the heart and lungs.

“Andrew passed away because he had congestive heart failure. It was his heart that ended up being affected,” said Susan. “He lost his battle. Alexander is weaker in

“All of the trial studies that they do are on children,” said Susan. “They have gotten to a point now where they have proven that some of these treatments work. They are stretching it out to see how the older people with Duchenne’s react to it. Alexander’s mission is that we raise funds to help other muscular dystrophy patients. Equipment and research are his two main choices so they honour that.”

The family are well-known and well-loved around Pemberton, and it is no wonder the

fundraising event is a roaring success year on year.

“Watching this happen to your child is something that you wouldn’t wish on anyone,” Susan said. “The support from our family and friends has just been incredible all through the years. Both my boys have had such a strong spirit.  We are hoping that one day, they are just going to say, ‘Come on down.’ We will go wherever.”

The McCormack home is adapted to suit Alexander’s needs. His sister, Hilary, uses her engineering skills to work on technology for him. “She makes adaptive things for me,” he said.

The family hopes the event will help build awareness around DMD, but also for accessibility issues in general, pointing out some places in Whistler are not accessible. Those living with disabilities often feel forgotten about.

“Even in the drug store, the aisles are too narrow so he can’t go down them. You don’t even think of things like that,” said Susan,

Dining for Duchenne’s also creates awareness that McCormack and his family will not rest until DMD is a thing of the past. Until then, McCormack’s stellar fundraising efforts and vivacious energy will inspire everyone he meets.

“I want to make sure this is not something anyone else has to go through,” he said.

Find more info on Facebook: Dining for Duchenne’s 7th Annual Dinner, Auction, & Dance. n

Debate over green spaces rages on in Pemberton

PEMBERTON COUNCILLORS DISCUSS RELOCATION OF NATURE PLAY PARK AS CHILDREN’S CENTRE EXPANSION CONTINUES

THE DEBATE OVER outdoor green space in Pemberton rages on as construction continues on the Pemberton Children’s Centre expansion project.

Site prep work for the expansion began in late 2022, necessitating the relocation of the nearby Nature Play Park and PlayScape structure.

The Village of Pemberton (VOP) received $2,771,000 through the ChildCare BC New Spaces Fund for the expansion in April 2022.

At a committee of the whole meeting on Tuesday, April 9, officials discussed the possible relocation of the play area, while councillors also raised concerns over the ever-disappearing green space in Pemberton’s downtown core.

Pemberton Valley Utilities & Services (PVUS) committee director Russell Mack and alternate Jan Kennet were also present at the meeting.

Location options on the table April 9 included the community centre, Den Duyf Park or any other site.

Many parents previously advocated for the return of the Nature Play Park  to the community centre area as it is has easy access to water, washrooms and shade.

Mayor Mike Richman hoped the discussion would shine some light on the topic.

“This has been a unique experience for me on council,” he said. “Generally, we have been able to come to some sort of decision. On this one, we have reached a stalemate.”

Richman asked staff a few questions to kick the conversation off and get people up to speed, and asked for clarity about how the reinstallation of the playscape will be funded.

“If we build it on the Pemberton Valley Community Centre grounds then would the building costs potentially be absorbed through the daycare grant?” he asked. “If we were to reinstall it somewhere else there would be extra costs involved?”

Recreation manager Christine Burns said it was unlikely funds would be left over from the new daycare.

“Had this happened earlier on, of course that would have been absorbed. At this juncture, it looks like all of those funds are going to be spent,” she said.

Richman asked if components of the playground could be shrunk or moved so it wouldn’t take up as much space.

“We can definitely work with the playground installers,” Burns said. “All we need to take into consideration would be making sure that the playground installation meets safety standards.”

Burns said money will be needed regardless of where the playground is located.

“The biggest obstacle is going to be budget,” she said. “There is nothing in the fiveyear-plan that accounts for the reinstallation of the playground.”

Councillor Ted Craddock asked if the cost was still expected at about $50,000, to

which Burns replied staff expect a 10-per-cent increase on the quote they originally received in 2022. Craddock noted council is nearing the deadline for its budget this year.

Mack voiced concern funds were not already allocated for the reinstallation of the playscape.

“I’m kind of disappointed that we don’t have a budget for this,” he said. “No matter where it goes. How did that happen?”

The Village of Pemberton’s chief administrative officer, Elizabeth Tracy, noted that, through an agreement with the developer, “there is potential that proceeds could be used for the reinstallation,” she said.

Coun. Jennie Helmer said the whole debate goes back to council’s need to protect green space in the downtown area.

“I want to speak to this green space issue because I think this is what is at the heart of why we are at this point of friction,” she said. “We are trying to maximize the little green space that we have downtown. It’s about how we can have enough green space to service the population levels that we are seeing.”

Coun. Katrina Nightingale echoed Helmer’s comments, saying green spaces are for all ages.

“We are going to densify and we are going to grow at an extraordinary rate, in a way that I’m not sure we are all quite ready for,” she said. “Our consideration right now needs to be what value are we, as a community, placing on green space? I know we are surrounded by forests and mountains, but within the context of our footprint as a village, it’s a very small green space.”

Nightingale also noted many of the homes being built at the moment do not have large gardens. “We are building apartments and town homes with limited green space,” she said.

Coun. Laura Ramsden said she has lived in multiple apartments, and empathized with others who lack green space in their homes, noting it is much easier for those who own land.

“Downtown is only going to become more dense,” she said. “Once we take away from that space, it’s going to be very hard to give back.”

Richman emphasized any decision made will have to reflect what the community itself wants.

“One of the things that hasn’t been mentioned here that has really impacted me is the fact that we always talk about listening to the public,” he said. “We are not replacing the green space with a parking lot or a shopping mall. There is still space for all of our demographics to interact in that space.”

He added the majority of letters council has received asked for the PlayScape to be put back in its original location.

Council agreed to see if it was possible to shrink the PlayScape and place it in the north end of the great lawn, as close to the daycare as possible. Council also directed staff to hire a landscape architect for up to $10,000, reconfiguring the playscape for the north end of the great lawn next to the daycare, and asked staff to find funds for council’s share of the project. n

It is with greatsadnessthatweannouncethe passing of Patrick BruceKelly.Pat wasdiagnosed with lung cancer on March12, he died onemonth laterat VancouverGeneral Hospital,onApril 13 at 66 yearsold.

Patwas born andraisedinWestVancouver,wherehe attended Sentinel High School,and UBC. He movedto Whistler in 1980 whereheworkedatthe Whistler Real Estate Company, andeventuallybecamethe full owner forover20years.Hewas abusinessman,supportingand starting many businessesthroughoutthe years. He loved to lear n, wasalwaystaking courses, readingnonfiction, andwent back to school to geta MastersinApplied Scienceand become aNotaryPublic. He careddeeply about hiscommunity,and believed that beinginvolved andbettering thecollectiveexperiencewas an important part of finding purposeand happiness. He sat on many committees andboards, coached elementary school basketball,and supportedthe arts.A leader and mentor to many,hewas well liked, well respected, andverysoughtafter forhelpand advice. AfoundingmemberatBig Sky, he lovedtogolf, he lovedmusic,heloved to read,and he lovedhis girls.

Whistler,Pemberton,and theSea to SkyCorridor have benefited immenselyfromhis contributionsoverthe decades, buthis family benefited most of all. He will be missed so much.

He is survived by hiswifeJulie Kelly(nee Mantoani), daughtersShannonand Heather Kelly, father EmersonBoydKelly, brotherMichael Kelly, andsisterBarbara Kelly.

Acelebration of life will be heldthissummer.

In lieu of flowersand cardsa donation avenue will be identifiedata laterdate.

pvmss.v2@gmail.com

Affordability continues to complicate B.C. climate change politics

he barely believes in climate change.

Sat. 4th May 2024, 11:00am to 3:00pm

Please visit and enjoy this mostly casual event:

• Formal opening-board cutting-11:30am

• Short opening ceremony with our Federal MP (Patrick Weiler) and President of Men’s Sheds Canada (Robert Goluch)

• Followed by Complimentary Burgers & Hotdogs till 2:45pm (Served by the Lions Club of Pemberton)

• Demonstrations of equipment.

• Showing our past and present projects.

ONCE A SLEEPER ISSUE confined to the bottom of the ballot in B.C. politics, climate change has roared back onto the political agenda in response to record wildfires, droughts and flooding. Yet discussion of how provincial parties would tackle the climate crisis during an election year has been complicated by a crisis of another kind: Affordability.

High interest rates, inflation, housing and grocery costs have politicians of all stripes tempering their pollution-reduction promises with cost-of-living realities.

“There’s no way that this plan of CleanBC is going to have the effect we desire, and in the meantime we will be spending ourselves into oblivion,” said BC United environment critic Renee Merrifield.

While much of the debate has centred around the carbon tax—BC United proposes to pause it, the Conservatives to end it, the NDP to continue scheduled increases and the Greens to dramatically increase the rate— it is but only one component of the NDP government’s CleanBC plan.

Pollution output caps based on industry type, new BC Hydro clean energy construction, an aggressive push for heat pumps, buildingcode changes and a phase-out of gas-powered vehicles by 2035 are also marquee parts of the plan.

“It’s an approach that sounds good on paper but as a province if we were to stop everything we do, we’re 0.14 per cent of world emissions,” said Rustad.

“If we were just to stop all vehicles, it’s 0.04 per cent of world emissions. It’s not going to do anything in terms of world emissions, but it will destroy B.C.’s quality of life and destroy our economic opportunities.”

Any gains to be found in CleanBC are dwarfed by the NDP’s continued approval of massive pollution projects like liquefied natural gas plants, said BC Green leader Sonia Furstenau.

“That’s not a climate plan for me, it’s a way to keep doing the same thing we’re doing and have a communications strategy that puts up a shield, which is how it’s been used for the last four years,” she said.

CleanBC’s heavy focus on the “complicated mathematics” of greenhouse gas emissions and carbon offsets misses the point of trying to make nature and the environment cleaner, said Furstenau.

“It’s this technocratic emissions-oriented plan that is really absent two critical things: nature and humans,” she said, calling it short-sighted in the areas of public transit investment, for example.

B.C.’s latest forecast says it could meet 96 per cent of its 2030 targets.

Yet they all walk a delicate balance of cost, with the NDP attempting to backstop them all using aggressive rebate programs.

“Underpinning all of that is our

“I think that’s still pretty good,” said Heyman. “We’ve reduced emissions five per cent since 2018, despite significant population growth and economic growth.”

Still, he admits he’s worried for the future of the plan in an election year in which

“There’s no way that this plan of CleanBC is going to have the effect we desire...”

- RENEE MERRIFIELD

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Participate in Community Projects and above all:

Have fun together

“Shoulder to Shoulder”!

Many thanks to our Member Volunteers who have put this together, and the contributing Partners who have made this feasible:

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commitment to doing our best to keep life affordable for British Columbians and ensure our economy is healthy,” said Environment Minister George Heyman.

BC United has yet to say if it would scrap B.C.’s legislated promise to follow the international Paris treaty on climate change for a 40-per-cent reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from 2007 levels by 2030, rising to 80 per cent by 2050.

It has, however, pointed to the NDP’s own internal economic modelling that says achieving the CleanBC targets could shave $28.1 billion off the provincial economy by 2030, a drop the business community says is too steep, too fast.

BC Conservative leader John Rustad said the harms caused by the CleanBC plan are too great compared to the impact. His critics say

opponents say modest gains in pollution reduction aren’t worth the cost.

Rustad said Conservatives would develop a more “realistic” plan.

Merrifield said United would end the “virtue signalling” of CleanBC.

“This government has two simple answers, either we’re not going to meet our targets, or do so by shutting down our economy,” she said.

“What we need to do is shift on spending money on what really makes a difference, and CleanBC is not the plan to do that.”

Rob Shaw has spent more than 16 years covering B.C. politics, now reporting for CHEK News and writing for Glacier Media. He is the co-author of the national bestselling book A Matter of Confidence, host of the weekly podcast Political Capital, and a regular guest on CBC Radio. rob@robshawnews.com n

Time to scoop our poop in the Spearhead?

ON THE FINAL weekend of operation of Blackcomb Mountain, I joined four friends for a lap around the Spearhead Traverse. No cushy Kees and Claire Hut, no massive packs ladened with multi-day camping equipment and supplies. Just our day-trip gear with enough

food and water to last the 35-kilometre slog around the glaciers.

We all knew it would be a busy day in the Spearhead. It was a Saturday and we were in the midst of sunny April weather. Blackcomb—and arguably more importantly, its lift access to the Spearhead—was in its final days.

Even with all these contributing factors, I never expected to find this many people, this deep, in the Spearhead Range. Normally, once you get past the Pattison-Trorey col, the ski-touring traffic drops off dramatically. Not this day. There seemed to be more people attempting the Spearhead Traverse than day trippers in the Blackcomb backcountry. One couple we met along the way had camped overnight on the edge of Ripsaw Glacier and had seen 13 groups come by just that morning.

The popularity isn’t all a bad thing. It’s

great to see backcountry skiers responsibly venturing this deep. Pretty much every group we encountered seemed to have their wits about them and were equipped with the right gear to be travelling on such remote glaciers (namely travelling with harnesses on with crevasse rescue gear at the ready). The downside was skiing slopes along the traverse that looked like resort slackcountry lines, but if you’re touring the Spearhead in a day, you’re not really out here just for the skiing. It’s more about getting into the mountains you don’t get to see every day from the resort lifts.

But there’s another downside to so many people travelling the Spearhead Traverse: poop.

number of skiers, but judging by the size of the camps, I’d estimate between 16 and 20 people spent multiple nights there. The shit is starting to add up.

I took a look at how other popular North American glacier parks handle human waste. Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska— the access to the continent’s highest peak, Denali—is a mountaineering destination for climbers from all over the world. Expeditions can take as long as three weeks, with dozens of climbers winter camping at the various camps. Between 1951 and 2012, climbers have deposited at least 70 metric tonnes of human waste in the Kahiltna Glacier.

The “pack-in-pack-out” policy for trash began in the late 1970s in Denali, but in the

If you own a dog or have raised a child, you’ve come to terms with handling poo as part of your day.

Ten to 15 years ago when backcountry skiing was starting to get more popular, the stewards of the Whistler backcountry knew there was going to come a time when the amount of excrement dropped on those glaciers was going to cause issues. Managing human waste was actually a big part of the impetus for the Spearhead Huts project, though not one that’s nearly as compelling to advertise as comfortable backcountry lodging.

When our group circled around Iago Peak, we saw at least four campsites on Diavolo Glacier. I couldn’t count the

’80s many climbers were getting sick due to contamination of the snow around the camps. It’s now mandated for all climbers to take care of their own poop with designated Clean Mountain Cans (CMC), which are light and sealable receptacles issued to climbing teams by the park rangers. Climbers are allowed to chuck their biodegradable-bagged loads into one designated (read: quite deep) crevasse near camp at 4,267 metres, but otherwise they have to port their poo around the mountain. The CMC program has been very successful in reducing the human-

waste pollution in Denali, especially around the high-altitude camps.

The Spearhead Traverse is one of the most popular multi-day ski-touring routes in North America, and it’s only getting busier. The vermiculture (worm) compost toilets at Kees and Claire Hut are doing a great job at managing the poop from the Fitzsimmon Range (Whistler) side of the traverse, and the next hut planned by Mount Macbeth will likely alleviate some of the mid-route calls of nature. But the remaining Spearhead Huts are still a few years from completion, leaving skiers with little choice when they need to take a dump. And winter camping is always going to be a thing along the Spearhead, as the Diavolo Glacier tent city demonstrated. This spot is at least two hours of travel from the nearest outhouse, even when all three Spearhead Huts are complete.

If you own a dog or have raised a child, you’ve come to terms with handling poo as part of your day. You bag it, carry it to the nearest receptacle and get on with life. Special-gasimpervious, double-walled waste bags specific for wilderness situations are available for a few bucks at backcountry stores.

Hopefully, the experienced Spearhead travellers (such as guides) are setting the example. If you do need to go and aren’t equipped with backcountry poo bags, make sure to walk far from regular camps or lunch spots and make sure to burn your toilet paper.

Shit’s getting real on the Spearhead. Let’s normalize carrying it around.

Vince Shuley tries his best to go before he leaves the house. For questions, comments or suggestions for The Outsider, email vince. shuley@gmail.com or Instagram @whis_vince. ■

Celebrating a quarter century of the Whistler Community Foundation

Inthe late fall of 2015, Whistler’s housing crunch was reaching a compact crescendo.

Excess housing stock lingering from the Olympic boom evaporated that year, leaving renters scrapping tooth and nail for space in the mountain resort.

Ashley Langlois and her boyfriend reportedly hit send on 67 emails, and were weighing the very real possibility of living in their car, before they finally landed a two-bedroom unit in the Alpine House building at the corner of Highway 99 and Alpine Way.

They were still very recent tenants when their new home erupted into flames on Nov. 10, 2015.

“We just moved in,” Langlois told Pique at the scene, despair flitting across her face as she stood on the road watching fire crews battle smoke and flames engulfing the old Whistler condo complex. “We just found this place, finally. It took us forever to find this place.

“There’s nowhere right now. We were so happy about it.”

Luckily, no one was injured in the blaze, though all 21 units were evacuated, and up to 80 Whistler residents displaced.

Jackie Dickinson, executive director of the Whistler Community Services Society (WCSS), remembers it well.

“The community really rallied together, because the majority of that complex was full-time employees living there that had lost their housing,” she says, recalling how Sue Eckersley, then on the verge of running another Cornucopia festival, helped utilize the conference centre for the displaced, and community members rallied with all sorts of donations.

“But our actual ability to transition them into other housing options, and help offset the cost of their rent, came in partnership with the Whistler Community Foundation (WCF),” Dickinson says.

“We worked with them in partnership with their emergency fund to help facilitate this amazing transition.”

Some of the residents didn’t qualify for insurance support, which they needed to access new housing options, “and WCSS, and the WCF, or the Community Foundation of Whistler back then, worked together to help them,” Dickinson says.

“And I still see some of those residents on a local level, living in Whistler, and it’s like… it’s beautiful.”

TANGIBLE IMPACTS

That is, perhaps, one of the more intangible impacts of the Whistler Community Foundation, which is celebrating 25 years in 2024— giving Whistler residents a fighting chance when it seems the whole world is against them.

The hard numbers tell a more straightforward story.

Since 1999, the WCF has granted more than $4.33 million to local community organizations and non-profits, a product of more than $7.64 million in investments.

It manages 48 endowed funds, and coordinated 83 grants and scholarships in 2023—a year in which it also granted a total of $358,434.

An endowment fund is a permanent, self-sustaining source of funding, set aside for the long-term support of a charity or cause. Essentially, your donation becomes an investment fund, in which the principle remains invested, and the income, or a portion of it, is granted to charity.

In that way, those who care about Whistler are able to give back to it forever.

“When you see that $4.3 million [in grants], that is all a result of past donations. That is growing year after year, and only has more room to grow as we build out those endowment funds,” says Claire Mozes, CEO of the Whistler Community Foundation.

“So that’s permanent money flowing through our community. It isn’t annual fundraising, it isn’t going to go anywhere, and there is a lot of power in that.”

According to former Mayor Nancy Wilhelm-Morden, then a sitting councillor, the council of the day wanted to create an environmental legacy fund built from the transfer fees Whistler was collecting for garbage management in the corridor.

“But we knew that we couldn’t bind future councils, and any fund we might establish could be spent by a future council literally with the stroke of a pen,” Wilhelm-Morden said at the WCF’s 20-year celebration.

“So we thought we could create a permanent fund by making an endowment to a foundation. Problem was, there was no public foundation.”

There was the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, but mandated as it was as a private foundation to spend 80 per cent of the funds it raised annually, the group decided it wouldn’t work.

A steering committee formed following that first workshop, which used a $20,000 grant from council to organize the foundation.

The first meeting of the Community Foundation of Whistler was held June 25, 1999, with Wilhelm-Morden serving as president.

“We spent the first year developing policies, such as the investment policy, the fund development policy, a granting policy and so on,” she said. “We interviewed and retained the fund investment manager. We

applied for grants from the CFC and Vancouver Foundation. We developed a budget. Our goal was to have a solid administration and organization so that when we approached people for endowments we would have built-in credibility.”

The focus in those early years was on identifying and consolidating already existing funds under the banner of the CFOW, Wilhelm-Morden added.

“By the end of 2003 we had 25 founders who had provided $5,000 each in cash or services. Those founders continue to be recognized,” she said.

After starting with $20,000 in garbage revenues, 25 years later, the CFOW administers nearly $8 million in endowments.

“To say it is a success is an understatement,” WilhelmMorden said. “I’m very proud to have been part of it, but it couldn’t have happened without the dedicated volunteerism of many people over the years.”

VITAL CONNECTIONS

In recent years, the scale and scope of the WCF’s work has only broadened, powered by a small-but-mighty staff of three and a small army of 65 volunteers.

“I don’t know how we do it sometimes, actually,” Mozes says with a laugh. “I think it’s having systems, and then it’s also having others to lean on outside of just our community foundation—there is a network of community foundations across Canada sort of pulled together by Community Foundations of Canada, and there are very good resources.”

That’s to say nothing of the wealth of knowledge and cooperation right here at home.

Outside of its economic mandate, the WCF also takes the lead on the Non-Profit Network, bringing together more than 100 individuals working in Whistler’s charity sector.

“We offer the opportunity to convene leaders and staff members, get together, talk out issues, think about solutions, just check in with each other,” Mozes says. “Sometimes everybody feels like they’re kind of working in silos, so it’s an opportunity for everyone to get together and connect.”

The group recently reconnected in-person after an extended hiatus, Dickinson says.

“It was so interesting, because I think we all felt that maybe the things we were experiencing in leadership in non-profits were our own, only to sit at that table and discover we’re not alone,” she says.

“For three years, we lost that human contact and that power of connection, and it hasn’t served us in non-profit work, in business work, and just in general in human connection, and so I’m excited.

“I truly love Claire Mozes and I am always inspired by her … the WCF is in a really great place under her leadership.”

Lizi McLoughlin, Zero Ceiling co-executive director and WCF board member since 2022, shared a similar sentiment.

“Just sitting in a room with other people who share your experiences and who just relate to the things that are happening for you, kind of makes you feel like, ‘Oh it’s not just me,’ right? But also that we have a real collective capacity to create change in this community,” she said.

“And while individually it might feel impossible, when you put this many likeminded, really driven people in a room together, you’re like, ‘OK, yeah, we can make this a place where people can thrive, and that there’s a sustainable community long into the future.

“So yeah—it’s so important in that way.”

Much of the WCF’s recent work is driven by its other big project of recent years: Vital Signs, the “community check-up” initiative that gathers and collates crucial local data, and facilitates important discussions on the most pressing topics of the day.

It is perhaps the most front-facing tool in the WCF toolkit, and the one community partners—Pique included—get the most mileage out of.

“We use Vital Signs all the time. I mean, that document exists in our waiting room,” Dickinson says.

“What I like about Vital Signs is, well, it’s vital. Like, people see themselves in that document, right? The things they’re experiencing around housing insecurity, childcare … when people are coming into our building, that document really recognizes that people see them, people hear them, and that they’re beyond a statistic.

“Data and storytelling together has the most impact, and that’s what Vital Signs does.”

FLEXIBLE FUNDING

That less formal, more human approach goes beyond Vital Signs.

“Even before I was involved with the foundation from a board perspective, Claire was always one of those funders that you could really reach out to and have an honest conversation with, and you could ask for support or you could

ask for flexibility, and I think that’s really important, too,” McLoughlin says.

The WCF played a crucial role through the turbulent days of COVID-19, using its connections and relationships to channel government funding to non-profits in the sector.

“And they were also really flexible in how we used it as the needs evolved and things changed and everything,” McLoughlin says. “You know what it was like—it was crazy.”

In that regard, it could be said the WCF is at the forefront of a growing movement in the non-profit world.

“Things change, and the world moves really fast, and when you have a good relationship between a funder and a non-profit then you’re likely to get more done—if you trust it to people to get on and figure out solutions, but also to communicate,” McLoughlin says.

“And that’s kind of the direction that the foundation has been moving in, which I’ve really appreciated being a part of and seeing that start to happen.”

The added flexibility may be a newish development, but the humanity and connectivity at the heart of it all has stayed consistent from Day 1, Dickinson says.

“I think for me, what I’ve seen over the years that I’ve been a part of this, is that this foundation, even despite a name change or maybe changing the leadership or the people at the table, they’ve never lost sight of the human impact, and they’ve always stayed really connected,” she says.

She’s also seen the WCF’s immense direct impact, over and again.

“I know personally, first-hand, I’ve witnessed it. I’ve watched that person get, you know, from that emergency fund, a rent cheque that completely changed their lives, and supported them at a time where it felt like nobody else was,” Dickinson says.

“It starts at the beginning with some group of people believing in other people, and in my experience the WCF has always done that.”

One of the ways it does so directly is through its many scholarship and leadership funds—including one named in honour of Pique’s own founding publisher, the Kathy Barnett Memorial Leadership Fund.

“It made me feel quite seen—it made me feel like, ‘Oh, I am part of this community, and I can contribute to this community, and this community wants me here, and wants those contributions,” says McLoughlin, herself a past recipient of the fund.

“It helped consolidate, I guess, my role here, and my career in the non-profit sector here … it’s not always easy in the Sea to Sky to really build a career—it really made me feel like I could be part of that.”

A PLACE TO GIVE

For Mozes, being able to see the direct impact of the WCF’s work is a major motivation.

“Maybe I’m lucky that I get to sort of see hands-on when we do these grants, and the grant recipients send in their reports and then you can actually see those programs in action—you know it’s helping build a better place for all of us here, whether it’s for the people or whether it’s for the environment.”

The WCF also sees its 25th anniversary as an opportunity to shine a brighter light on all the opportunities it offers—of which there are many.

Whistler residents can make a charitable bequest in their will as a simple way to create their own lasting legacy in the resort. When they do, the WCF creates a special fund that benefits the community forever, becoming your personal legacy of giving.

(Talk to your lawyer or email info@whistlerfoundation.com for more info.)

“I do think there is people out there that want a place to give, and if they knew about this opportunity, would be potentially new fund holders, and would want to get involved or volunteer on our board of directors, or on one of our grants committees,” Mozes says.

“It feels like sometimes we quietly work behind the scenes. I think we just need to be a little more vocal about [how] this is a really special opportunity for the community, and just wanting to make sure people know they can realize their philanthropic goals if they want to, and that we’re here.”

What do we treasure that’s Canadian, eh?

FOOD CREATORS, ARTISTS, DEMOCRATIC TRADITIONS—WE CANUCKS HAVE PLENTY TO NURTURE AND PROTECT

THERE WAS SOMETHING excellent— as weirdly Canadian and ironic as it was iconic—about watching an old Dragon’s Den re-run in our hotel room in Ottawa just as the federal budget was being released, and seeing two hopeful young Canadians, high

school sweethearts Eloise and Jamari, pitch their sugar-free oat milk, Oat Canada. (Get it? O Canada?)

Not that hubby and I often watch the Den. Or visit Ottawa. But it is, after all, our nation’s capital—an intriguing, overlooked gem deserving of at least one good visit in any wellmeaning Canadian’s lifetime. Nowhere else can you soak up so much of what makes Canada Canada and spend days, literally, in any of the many national museums showcasing Canada’s role in space and aviation; food; science; art; war and the many ways Canadians have fought against tyranny.

Better yet, you can get off your cynical social media butt and sit in on question period in the Senate and House of Commons. Real democracy in action is electric. Sure, it’s complicated (CPAC helps!), and sometimes boring, but it’s also critical to engage with it in a meaningful way. (See The Tyee’s interview with another great Canadian icon from

OH CANADA! It doesn’t get much more far out or Canadian than this—Canada geese soaring through a solar eclipse in the nation’s capital.

Montreal, New Yorker writer, Adam Gopnik, on democracy.)

Our first and only previous trip to Ottawa was in 2000. For Canada Day. We figured it would be a grand party in the nation’s capital to launch a new millennium, and it was, including a giant Saint-Jean-Baptiste fete complete with light show and troubadours spilling over from Quebec, just across the Ottawa River. Magnifique

This latest adventure was spurred on by something else from Quebec, and even more magnifique. And if Michael Audain and his wife, Yoshiko Karasawa—who chose Whistler for their wonderful Audain Art Museum to house their own collection and enrich Canadian art appreciation—are reading, they’ll understand.

It wasn’t the solar eclipse, which was 98.9 per cent total in Ottawa (good enough), but the huge Jean-Paul Riopelle retrospective at the National Gallery that drove us to hop on a plane to our nation’s capital, something we seldom do despite buying offsets, given our climate crisis. The exhibition marks the 100th anniversary of Riopelle—and stand by. It’s coming to Vancouver next year!

Since my high school days in a commercial art program that trained aspiring young art-sters like me for careers in art, I’ve been fascinated by Riopelle’s powerful, complex work. Paintings (6,000 of them!), sculptures, lithographs, more— all beyond words, all tackling ideas around nature; mystery; complications; human imagination. A refusal to take things at face value, or be boxed in. Like in his “Hommage à Maurice Richard”—a tribute to the brilliant Montreal Canadiens hockey player—he traced Richard’s goal-scoring hands with red-hot spray paint.

Yet ask most Canadians, even art lovers,

and they don’t know who Riopelle is. My oneliner is, if Riopelle was from New York, not Montreal, he’d be more famous than Jackson Pollock and Mark Rothko combined.

An overlooked Canadian gem of an artist with a backstory that delights and surprises— much like Michael Audain is an overlooked gem of a socialist-billionaire-philanthropistart buff with an equally great backstory. For starters, he and Yoshi gifted a cool $100 million to the Vancouver Art Gallery in 2021, making Canadian history. Incidentally, that was 60 years after Audain was jailed in Mississippi as one of the white Freedom Riders supporting the Black Civil Rights movement. It earned him a citation from President Barack Obama, and it’s just one adventure.

Before his involvement with Polygon Homes and becoming one of Canada’s richest men, Audain formed the Nuclear Disarmament Club at UBC, hopped a freighter bound for Cuba to meet Fidel Castro, and worked for Mother Teresa. He’s dined with Charlie Chaplin and Ian Fleming and, by his own account, as housing policy advisor to former B.C. premier Dave Barrett, “tricked” him into 18 times more funding for public housing over the previous budget.

Read all about it, and more, in Alan Twigg’s excellent review of Audain’s memoir, One Man in His Time, available at your favourite public library, including Whistler’s.

Another overlooked Canadian gem in his own right who, amongst 101 other achievements, founded BC BookWorld and then gave—yes, gave—his publication away for free when it was time to move on, Twigg notes how Michael surprisingly dedicated the longest and final chapter of his memoir to his efforts to elevate Riopelle’s reputation. Something he’s done in spades. (At Whistler, you can often see the outstanding Riopelles

in the Audain collection, plus the art museum previously hosted a different Riopelle show.)

In some perfect Ottawa decompression mode, when we got home we were lucky enough to experience the extraordinary Riopelle Symphonique, co-created by Blair Thomson and former Quebec prog rocker, Serge Firoi, with the VSO and Vancouver Bach Choir. Throughout, images of Riopelle’s art flash above the stage and, yes, it was presented by the Audain Foundation. Ditto the accompanying exhibition of Riopelleinspired paintings by young Arts Umbrella students. Plus students and homeless youth connected to Covenant House presented their Riopelle-inspired musical compositions. Jean Paul, who struggled to buy paint in his early career, would have loved it.

Thinking about our nation’s capital and all its symbolism, and all these young people— or older people in the younger eras of their lives—and all our upcoming, new Canadians, like those running the great shawarma and Latino eateries in Ottawa, where we had our best meals; and thinking about our typically overlooked Canadian gems, like Riopelle and Audain, or even Twigg, who have given of themselves so generously and Canadianly, I can’t help but conclude that we need many more like them.

At the very least, all of us need to act as consciously and conscientiously as we can, as generously as we can, get involved as much as we can, to safeguard the very Canadian things that we treasure and ensure they’re healthy and intact for generations to come.

Glenda Bartosh is an award-winning journalist who can tell you that Eloise and Jamari succeeded with Oat Canada, and a solar eclipse is definitely eerie, especially when it gets cold. n

F FLEXIBLE REGISTRATION

Flex-reg’ classes have a  separate fee and allow you to register for classes on the days that fit your schedule.

R REGISTERED FITNESS Registered fitness classes have a separate fee and a defined start and end date.  Pre-registration is required for the entire set of classes.

I INCLUDED FITNESS These classes are included  with your price of admission for no extra charge.

‘A dream come true’

MARCUS GOGUEN PREVAILS IN VERBIER AT THE ZENITH OF HIS FIRST FULL FREERIDE WORLD TOUR CAMPAIGN

A CHANGING OF THE guard is afoot on the Freeride World Tour (FWT) and Marcus Goguen finds himself squarely in the mix. The Whistlerite reached deep into his bag of tricks in Verbier, Switzerland for his second career FWT triumph at March’s season finale.

“That’s one of the biggest achievements you can get in freeriding,” Goguen said. “The competition has been running for so long, before we had the Freeride World Tour, and that’s where the legends came from. Being able to win in Verbier is a dream come true, and I definitely didn’t think I was going to achieve that goal this year but I’m super happy.”

Adverse weather held the skiers atop the Bec des Rosses face for over an hour, nervously waiting for conditions to improve. It wasn’t easy, but Goguen—who has been competing since he was eight years old— knows how to play the mental game. A 10-minute power nap helped him relax, as did his familiar mantras and routines. Then it was his turn to drop in.

What followed was a run freeride enthusiasts won’t soon forget. Goguen blazed a new trail down the storied venue, which he calls “one of gnarliest faces” he’s ever tackled. His first 360 came together with relative ease,

FREERIDE FINALE Marcus Goguen hits a massive drop during the Freeride World Tour finale in Verbier, Switzerland on March 22.

and he forged on to something more daring: one of the most monumental double airs in FWT history.

“My game plan was to do just what I did in my run,” explained the Whistler Freeride Club (WFC) product. “It was definitely the biggest double I’ve ever done. I might’ve even yelled a little bit in the air because I was scared I was going to be tumbling off the second one, but I managed to just bounce off that pad, stay balanced in the air … and somehow landed it.”

Goguen notched 96.00 points and a gold medal for his daredevilry, which was also enough to secure him second overall in the 2024 FWT overall ranking. Only Max Hitzig of Germany placed above him in that regard.

“Second overall is huge and just shows all the accomplishments and progression that I’ve made throughout the season,” Goguen remarked. “I wouldn’t say it’s the most important—the Bec des Rosses win and the Georgia win are what meant the most to me. I’ve just got to keep pushing and working for those single results, and then the overall comes.”

ONWARD AND UPWARD

Not one to wilt under pressure, Goguen ascended to his first career FWT victory in the shadow of Georgia’s Khakhiani face. He attacked the venue with three highamplitude tricks in rapid succession: first a massive 360, then an equally huge backflip, and last but not least a corked 720. His numbers added up on the judges’ scorecards too: 98.00 points for gold.

The 19-year-old needed eighth place or higher to punch his ticket to Verbier, and he

cleared the bar with lots of room to spare.

“I mean, I couldn’t be more happy with that run,” said Goguen. “Everything went right as I planned it, and every time I landed a jump I was surprised. As I continued to land, I was like: ‘alright, let’s keep it going.’ I made it all the way to the bottom and was in disbelief, that’s for sure.”

Young Swiss talent Martin Bender earned silver in Georgia, while Hitzig clinched bronze to go with two wins and the silver from Verbier. All three podium finishers scored in the 90s, as did four others.

The campaign’s penultimate stop in Fieberbrunn, Austria presented a tougher hurdle. Weather and snow conditions were far from ideal, leaving the two-run event in doubt until roughly 30 minutes before go time. Goguen failed to complete his second trip down the mountain, but the first proved enough to net him bronze (94.67).

He didn’t rest on his laurels about it.

“Definitely one of the harder competitions mentally this season,” Goguen admitted. “I wouldn’t say that Fieberbrunn was my best skiing and I would have loved to have shown a bit more, but I was happy to get that result and it gave me a bit more confidence going into the Bec des Rosses.”

‘I’D LOVE TO KEEP THE DREAM GOING’

Goguen’s meteoric rise gained notoriety at the 2023 Freeride Junior World Championships, which he won using the same gusto and skill that buoyed him to glory in Verbier. Outside of contests, he’s starred in at least two major films: Daymaker by Warren Miller Entertainment

and Teton Gravity’s Legend Has It.

Before long, Goguen will be back on camera working with Matchstick Productions.

“I love filming, having the opportunity to shoot these movies and progress my skiing in different ways,” he said. “I think it’s a good way to show a different side of our skiing, and we have a chance to send it a bit more. There’s not necessarily as much pressure when we’re out filming, as opposed to competitions.”

The WFC alum is also a known two-sport athlete. He’s historically been a full-time mountain biker (finishing a respectable fourth at last year’s Canadian Open Enduro) and credits the discipline with shoring up his physical and mental resilience. That said, it may be time for a change of pace.

Goguen still plans to enter his share of local bike races this summer, but may forgo overseas travel to give himself some semblance of an actual offseason.

In any case, Goguen’s fortunate to have a solid network of peers and supporters. WFC founder Derek Foose, who commentates on FWT events, is usually around to help him pick his line. Fellow Sea to Sky athletes Wei Tien Ho and Jackson Bathgate have pushed him in the best of ways, though they did not qualify for finals this time around.

“I’m super proud of them,” said Goguen. “It was the dream to be on the tour with my buddy Wei Tien for so long, and for that to happen is quite the adventure. We had a blast shredding together and having Jackson on the tour too has been pretty sweet. I hope they can crush it in the [FWT Challenger Series] and get back on here next season, because I’d love to keep the dream going.”  n

Caileigh Koppang secures sponsorship from We Are One, Ride NF

THE 15-YEAR-OLD WON TWO SILVER MEDALS AT CRANKWORX ROTORUA 2024

LESS THAN TWO SEASONS into her mountain biking career, Caileigh Koppang has reeled in some notable sponsors.

Koppang is one of a select few racing prototype downhill bikes for Kamloops-based company We Are One (WR1). Meanwhile, Ride NF out of Vancouver is designing her custom race kits and has even produced DP4 biking pants named “CK” in her honour.

Not too shabby for a 15-year-old girl who entered the sport relatively late.

“Racing a prototype downhill bike with We Are One has been an incredible opportunity,” said Koppang. “The partnership came through a shared vision for pushing the boundaries of performance in mountain biking. Working closely with the team at WR1, I’ve had the opportunity to help provide feedback and contribute to the development of cutting-edge bike technology. I feel this opportunity will help springboard my career in the race scene.”

She continues: “Having NF make my race kits and release special-edition riding pants named after me is awesome too. It shows their support for me as a rider and their belief in my potential, which really helps build confidence in myself. They ensure I have high-quality gear that is designed locally and specifically for the demands of downhill racing.”

OPPORTUNITY FOR GROWTH

Koppang faced some adversity last month at Crankworx Rotorua.

An early downhill crash banged up her bike’s headset and brake levers, which led to several subsequent wipeouts. Nonetheless, the teenager laboured to a last-place finish as the only Canadian in the U17 girls’ field.

Worry not, as Koppang rebounded with a pair of silver medals. She was less than two seconds away from air DH victory and gave dual slalom winner Ursula Summers a run for her money.

“Competing at Crankworx as someone

new to biking is incredible,” the part-time Whistlerite said. “Crankworx attracts top riders from around the world and racing on such a stage exposes one to so much which helps you gain valuable experiences. Being a part of Crankworx has offered so many opportunities for learning and growth, and has also given me the opportunity to build so many great new relationships.”

Furthermore, Koppang became acquainted with Rotorua terrain the hard way. Though she’s no stranger to moist and messy conditions in British Columbia, she found herself fighting to stay on course in New Zealand.

“I thought I was prepared—all I do is ride in the rain in Vancouver—but this was next level,” admitted Koppang. “Very slippery and hard to keep tires down. The mud just cakes itself onto everything. There is always room for improvement, but I am happy with what I achieved.

“I managed to bounce back from the initial crashes on the downhill course. For the other races, I focused on staying positive and learning from that experience. Setbacks are part of racing and I used that as motivation to push ever harder.”

A mild winter has worked to Koppang’s advantage, enabling her to ride nearly around the clock. Whistler-based pro and former French national downhill champ Yoann Barelli mentors her on a regular basis.

Crankworx Cairns is scheduled for May 22 to 26 and Koppang has already thrown her name into the hat. Beyond that, she plans on returning to New Zealand for a month of training before shifting her focus to the BC Cup/Dunbar series closer to home. Fans will likely also see her participate in Crankworx Whistler this July.

“Caileigh has made huge improvements from last season and continues to get faster daily,” remarked Koppang’s mom, Ashleigh. “She is going into her second year of racing when many others her age have been racing for many years. We are so proud of how far Caileigh has come so quickly and are excited to see what she achieves in the 2024 race season.”  n

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Whistler Secondary School presents Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition

SHOWS RUN FROM MAY 8 TO 11 AT THE MAURY YOUNG ARTS CENTRE

THOSE WHO GREW UP in the ’80s and ’90s might know Heathers as an R-rated comedy film starring Winona Ryder and Christian Slater. It unapologetically digs into mature themes like violence, sex and suicide—even making light of them with satire and black humour. It’s also a cult classic, having been adapted into a musical and a Grace Victoria Cox-led TV reboot on Paramount Network.

Whistler Secondary School (WSS) musical theatre teacher Conor Niwinski and his pupils are bringing the teen edition of Heathers to life this May. Their script tones down the most provocative parts of the original, but they believe the story’s harder-hitting content is worth appreciating.

“I think the story resonates really well with high school students, and for anyone that goes into it with an open mind, there’s a lot of good messages in the show,” Niwinski opines. “The music is some of the catchiest that you’ll have in any high school musical.”

Cast members Kiara Felice, Solomon Denessen and Fiona Campbell agree.

“Not everyone sees it, but Heathers does have a good message about raising suicide awareness, talking about keeping

GULPS,

your friends close and stuff like that,” says Campbell, who portrays the socially ostracized Martha Dunnstock.

‘WHAT HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS ARE FEELING’

Niwinski is in just his second year helming the WSS musical theatre program. His students performed Fame in 2023, which he felt was a better way to ease them into the world of

a lot of what high school students are feeling.”

Generally speaking, the cast has bonded well since rehearsals began last November. Actors represent Grades 8 through 12, including tenth-graders like Campbell and Denessen as well as Felice, the lone Grade 11 student who co-stars as bookworm Heather Duke.

“There’s quite a lot of casting involved in Heathers so you get to meet more people and work with different students,” says Felice. “I definitely feel like I’ve made friendships that

“[F]or anyone that goes into it with an open mind, there’s a lot of good messages in the show.”

- CONOR NIWINSKI

acting, singing and dancing. The teacher recognizes some teens may not properly grasp the satirical nature of Heathers, but interest in the play remained high so he committed.

As did Denessen, who willingly gave up a full season of rugby to join the show as jock Ram Sweeney.

“I’m not as big of a theatre person as I was in Grade 6 and 7, but one musical that I’ve been consistently obsessed with is Heathers,” Denessen says. “At the start of the year, I had no plan to do any sort of theatre, but when I heard what the play was, [I changed my mind]. There’s a lot of really heavy topics … but they encapsulate

I can keep even after graduation, and there’s a lot more of a confidence boost being on stage with a huge chosen family.”

A CAPABLE CAST

Another key source of confidence for the WSS gang is their showrunner and leader.  Niwinski didn’t have an excess of support when tackling  Fame, but his passion and dedication convinced a bevy of youth to jump on last year’s bandwagon. The train has gained steam over the last semester or two, with parents volunteering to help make Heathers

a reality. The cast has nearly doubled in size.

“This is probably the largest show we’re going to do for a long time,” Niwinski expects. “I think it’s one of the most talented casts I’ve ever gotten to work with. Vocally, it’s the strongest class we’ll have for a while. It will be a show definitely worth seeing.”

According to his students, Niwinski isn’t typically one to dole out public praise—so his belief in them is received with immense gratitude.

“That means a lot,” says Campbell in response to her teacher’s words. “It really helps with the confidence side of things, for me at least because I know I get very nervous. Knowing that he’s there and he thinks we can pull this off really helps me get out on stage.”

Adds Denessen: “The quality of the theatre program, as I’ve noticed, has gone up tremendously. Mr. Niwinski has very high expectations for the musical and I think he is willing to put in more work to reach those expectations. That makes us strive to be as good as we can.”

Finally, Felice hopes she and her group can hit all the right notes on opening night.

“It’s honestly heartwarming to hear that Mr. Niwinski believes in us, and I’m proud of how far we’ve come to make him that proud,” she says. “And I also really hope that the audience receives our play well, [seeing that] we students are mature enough to take the subject, put it into a piece of art and perform it.”

Catch Heathers the Musical: Teen Edition in the Maury Young Arts Centre at 7 p.m. each night from May 8 to 10, and at 2 p.m. on May 11. n

Whistler photographer helps Red Bull take once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse photos

MASON MASHON JOINED TWO OTHER SHOOTERS AND TWO AEROBATICS PILOTS TO CAPTURE THE RARE IMAGES IN TEXAS

ON APRIL 8, a total solar eclipse left millions across parts of Canada, Mexico and the United States in awe. Many flocked outside to witness the breathtaking occurrence, donning appropriate forms of protective eyewear, while some had the equipment and know-how to capture their own striking pictures.

Mason Mashon, Dustin Snipes and Peter McKinnon one-upped them all. The three seasoned photographers teamed up with Red Bull aerobatic pilots Pete McLeod and Kevin Coleman to choreograph a set of truly unrivaled images each worth far, far more than a thousand words.

For Mashon, a 2023 Red Bull Illume finalist who witnessed his first total eclipse in Oregon six years ago, the project was a highlight of his career.

“This is one of the hardest photos that I’ve ever tried to capture,” he comments in a press release. “There are known settings to capture an eclipse, but when you need to figure out the height of the planes above ground level to frame and scale them perfectly with the eclipse—during totality—it’s a totally different game.”

PAINSTAKING PREPARATION

Dateline: Sulphur Springs. The town of just over 16,000 people in Northeast Texas fell under the eclipse’s shadow at 1:40 p.m. local time, with totality (the period of time when the moon fully obscures the sun’s disk) lasting about four minutes.

A small window of opportunity, and one that can’t be replicated.

Mashon and his peers spent weeks upon weeks drawing up their game plan. Numerous rehearsals were conducted with the attention to detail of a Broadway show, while calculations dictating aircraft velocities and locations were made with military-esque precision.

Red Bull Air Force member Luke Aikins took instructions from the photographers and radioed them up to McLeod and Coleman like an air traffic controller. The pilots flew only four feet apart at an altitude of 1,500 feet and an average speed of just under 290 kilometres/hour.

Moving as fast as possible without compromising a tight formation, they expected to make only three quick passes during totality. For a former race pilot like McLeod, this unique task brought with it a unique sense of adrenaline.

“When you get into a race track or a freestyle routine, a lot of it is very wellpracticed and there’s not usually a ton of surprises,” explains the Ontario native. “But throughout the process of making [these images] happen, it was just a new challenge every day. As soon as you overcome one,

you’re on to another.

“It wasn’t so much about nerves of competition—like how are you going to do relative to others—but rather, ‘what have you not considered?’”

Each day, McLeod and Coleman climbed into the cockpits of their Extra 300 series planes: highly manoeuvreable, piston-driven machines ideal for aerobatics. Both aircraft had reflective wrappings installed on their wings to make them more visible, especially when the skies got dark.

And they most certainly did.

FROM DAY TO DUSK

McLeod anticipated the eclipse to resemble twilight, with the sun’s lingering afterglow providing a measure of vestigial illumination. He and Coleman had trained extensively in such conditions.

Instead, they experienced something akin to an accelerated nightfall. City lights throughout Sulphur Springs turned on all at once, and the Red Bull team was transported from early afternoon to well beyond dusk in under a minute.

“It was surreal,” McLeod remembers. “I’d not witnessed or participated in totality before and I mentioned in flight that I was getting chills. Most of us, if not everyone, was genuinely surprised and shocked how dark it got. We underestimated that.”

The next total solar eclipse to be visible from any region of Canada or the contiguous United States is predicted to take place Aug. 23, 2044. Until then, the venture undertaken by Mashon, McLeod and company in Texas may stand alone as an example of what can happen when celestial bodies align with the right people.

“What we did in this project speaks to innovation, a spirit of adventure and thinking outside the box—doing something that integrates with the natural world around us, yet using all the fascinating tools and technology that humankind has come up with,” McLeod remarks. “It’s not just an aviation photo. It’s not just a photography photo. I think there’s a lot of common ground there.”

Read the full story at piquenewsmagazine. com. n

Land Act: Notice of intention to Apply for a Disposition of Crown Land

Take notice that TTQ Economic Development Corp (owned by Xa'xtsaDouglas First Nation) from Tipella, BC, has applied to the Ministry of Forests (FOR), Surrey for a replacement license of occupation from Industrial camp to include Ecotourism basecamp recreational site situated on Provincial Crown land located at the vicinity of Sloquet Creek and 75 km Inshuckch FSR, Group 1, New Westminster District containing 8.8 Hectares, more or less. The Lands File Number for this application is 242504. Comments concerning this application should be directed to the Project Manager at 200-10428 153rd Street, Surrey, BC V3R 1E1.

Comments will be received by the Ministry of Forests until April 25, 2024

Ministry of Forests may not consider comments received after this date

Please visit the Applications, Comments & Reasons for Decision website at https://comment.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ for more information. Be advised that any response to this advertisement will be considered part of the public record For information, contact Information Access Operations at the Ministry of Technology, Innovation and Citizens’ Services in Victoria at: www.gov.bc.ca/citz/iao/

Award winning Design andMaintenance

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PIQUE’S GUIDE TO LOCAL EVENTS & NIGHTLIFE

Here’s a quick look at some events happening in Whistler this week and beyond. FIND

Checkout www.cnla.ca:

Healthyplants =healthypeople and communities.

ww w. heik edesigns .c om 604-698-5

MEET THE TREES

KIDS’ KITCHEN

Kids will cook their own meals that they’ll eat on the job, so no need to pack any food, just their water bottles. The primary focus is on skills such as cutting (using children’s knives), mixing, assembling, working with dough and preparing ingredients. They will also learn about safety and sanitary measures. Email kidskitchen.whistler@gmail.com for pricing and more info.

> April 28, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

> Chirp Co-Kitchen

MEET THE TREES

Join Julie to meet the trees (and shrubs, and flowers) found in Whistler. Whistler Public Library’s resident naturalist shares tips on how to identify some local plants based on their bark, leaves, cones, and flowers. This session is designed for beginners, but anyone who is curious about nature and practicing plant IDing skills is welcome to join!

Registration is required! Email publicservices@ whistlerlibrary.ca to sign up.

> April 28, 3:30 to 5 p.m.

> Florence Petersen Park

> Free, but registration required

BARBED CHOIR

Do you love to sing? Do you love meeting new people? Do you like all types of rock music, new and old? Come out and sing with Barbed Choir, Whistler’s rock choir. Meetings are drop-in, no registration or experience necessary. In May, we’re singing “Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears.

Read more at whistlerlibrary.ca/event/barbed-choir.

> May 1, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

> Whistler Public library

> Free

SLRD FARM AND RANCH WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS WORKSHOP

Join us at the Pemberton & District Community Centre for an interactive workshop on wildfire preparedness specifically tailored for farms and ranches in Electoral Areas C & D. Learn from experts on how to protect your property, livestock, and crops in case of a wildfire emergency. This in-person event will provide valuable information and resources to help you safeguard your livelihood. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your wildfire readiness! Refreshments will be provided.

> May 2, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

> Pemberton & District Community Centre

> Free

Farm& Ranch Wildfire Preparedness Workshops

Join us forworkshops highlightingwildfire riskstoagricultural operations in theSLRD. Learnmeasuresproducers cantaketo preparefor andmitigatethose risks.

ElectoralAreas C& D

Jill Rosemary Hansen

, born in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, on August 9th, 1981, left us on March 30, 2024.

With an insatiable curiosity for life and the world, Jill embodied the essence of adventure and intelligence. Her radiant smile and infectious energy illuminated every room she entered, leaving an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to have known her. As a generous and thoughtful soul, she excelled as a group planner for gift-giving, always finding joy in bringing happiness to others.

Jill danced to the beat of her own drum, embracing her creativity and unique sense of style. Her talents extended to the world of floral design, culinary excellence and wine appreciation as a trained sommelier. An athlete at heart, Jill thrived on the slopes as a great skier and on the greens as an avid golfer, embodying fearlessness and tenacity in every endeavor.

Thurs, May2,2024- 6:00 PM-8:30PM

Thurs, May2,2024- 6:00 PM-8:30PM

PembertonCommunity Centre

PembertonCommunity Centre

ElectoralAreas A& B

Register forin-person workshops before April25. Virtualmeetinglinks will be shared 48 hoursbeforethe event.

SLRD.bc.ca/FSagriculture

She leaves behind a legacy of love and light. Survived by her beloved husband, Theo Loveday, her parents Donalda and Wayne Hansen, her sister Heather (Jordan), sister-in-law Therese (Frank) brother-inlaw Jules (Karen); numerous aunts and uncles Dolores (Dean), Valerie (Michael), Eileen (Mark), Colleen (Bill), Heather, Lyle (Wendy), Debbie (Bob), Joanne, James (Stephanie), Lori; special Godparents Judy and Garnet Churchwell and a host of cousins and special friends.

Fri, May3,2024 -1:00PM-3:30 PM

May3,2024- 1:00 PM-3:30PM

LillooetRecreationCentre

LillooetRecreationCentre

FireSmart@slrd.bc.ca

Though her physical presence may be gone, her spirit lives on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A private service will be held at a later date to honor and celebrate the extraordinar y life of Jill Rosemary Hansen.

Ski Free or die

IN A RECENT look through the Whistler Museum’s reference section, we came across another book aiming to teach skiing through a combination of the written word and photographs. Unlike Toni Sailer’s instructional flip book from 1964, Greg Athans’ Ski Free targets those who already know how to ski and are interested in learning about the sport of freestyle skiing.

Greg Athans was a Canadian freestyle skier in the 1970s and ’80s, as well as a 15-time national water-skiing champion. Like many freestyle skiers, he had a background in

popular, with freestyle skiing added to the Toni Sailer Summer Ski Camp on Whistler Mountain in 1973. Freestyle skiing was officially recognized by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in 1979, just one year after Ski Free was published.

According to Ski Free, freestyle skiing “offers the skier the freedom to do whatever he or she chooses and, possibly, to do what has never been done on skis before.” It begins, like Toni Sailer’s book, by instructing the skier on what type of equipment will be needed. Helpful notes and safety tips are also included, such as warning skiers not to have safety straps on their bindings for aerials as “a loose windmilling ski can be dangerous,” and suggesting that when learning somersaults

downhill skiing and won a gold medal in the 1971 Canada Games in alpine slalom. In 1973, Athans became the first person to win gold medals in both the winter and summer Canada Games when he came first in water skiing. Among his freestyle skiing titles, Athans was the 1977 Labatt World Trophy Tour Champion, the 1978 World Ballet Champion and World Mogul Champion, and, as mentioned in a recent article about a very busy week on Whistler Mountain in 1980, Athans was crowned World Cup Freestyle Champion alongside Stephanie Sloan for the 1979-80 season.

Competitive freestyle skiing was still a relatively young sport when Ski Free was published in 1978. The first flip on skis was recorded in 1907, and moves found in ski ballet can be traced back to the 1920s. Flips and spins were seen in skiing exhibitions and shows throughout the 1950s and ’60s and, according to a brief history of freestyle skiing found in Ski Free, Doug Pfeiffer’s School of Exotic Skiing taught tricks such as the mambo, the Charleston and more from 1956 to 1962.

In the late 1960s, “trick skiing” demonstrations were caught on films such as Ski the Outer Limits and The Moebius Flip, but it wasn’t until 1971 the first professional competition took place in Waterville Valley, New Hampshire. Over the 1970s, competition circuits and freestyle camps became more

and flips a helmet might be a good idea.

As helmets were not a standard piece of ski equipment at the time, a “well-fitting hockey helmet” was considered sufficient. Other equipment suggestions also place Ski Free in a certain time, as a “light mini-cassette recorder” and a fanny pack are described as useful for choreographing ballet routines.

Ski Free devotes a chapter to each of the three disciplines of freestyle skiing in 1978: moguls, aerials and ski ballet. With descriptions of techniques, common problem areas and solutions, and of specific tricks accompanied by photographs by Allan de la Plante, it would have been a great guide for those looking to learn more about the sport without today’s easy access to videos and film clips. Without the ease of looking up options on the internet, the book also provided a list of summer ski camps and off-season training programs for those looking for in-person instruction.

Freestyle skiing has changed a lot since Ski Free came out in 1978, and not all of the information is still relevant. Some of the tricks described are no longer so common (especially as ski ballet is no longer an official discipline), but for anyone wondering what is involved in a Legbreaker Pivot, a Sheaguy, a Daiglebanger, or an Athans’ Walkover, the step-by-step instructions may prove very useful. n

AREYOU PASSIONATE ABOUT WHISTL ER?

ASTROLOGY

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Have you ever gotten your mind, heart, and soul in sweet alignment with the spiritual beauty of money? An opportunity to do that is available. During the next four weeks, you can cultivate an almost mystical communion with the archetype of well-earned wealth. What does that mean? Well, you could be the beneficiary of novel insights and hot tips about how best to conduct your finances. You might get intuitions about actions you could take to bring more riches into your life. Be alert for help from unexpected sources. You may notice that the more generous you are, the more the world’s generosity will flow your way.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): Bordering the Pacific Ocean for a thousand miles, Chile’s Atacama Desert is a place of stark and startling beauty. Unfortunately, its pristine landscape is also a dumping ground for vast amounts of discarded clothes that people bought cheaply, wore out quickly, and didn’t want anymore. Is there any other place on Earth that more poignantly symbolizes the overlap of sacred and profane? In the coming weeks, Taurus, you will possess a special aptitude for succeeding in situations with metaphorical resemblances to the Atacama. You will have an enhanced power to inject ingenious changes wherever messiness is mixed with elegance, wherever blemished beauty requires redemption, and wherever lyrical truths need to be rescued from careless duplicity or pretense.

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): My Gemini friend Alicia thrives on having a quick, acute, whirling-dervish-like intelligence. It’s one of her strong points now, but it wasn’t always. She says she used to be hyperactive. She thought of serenity as boring—“like some wan, bland floral tea.” But after years of therapy, she is joyous to have discovered “a kind of serenity that’s like sweet, frothy hot chocolate spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg.” I’m guessing that many of you Geminis have been evolving in a similar direction in recent months—and will climax this excellent period of relaxing growth in the coming weeks.

CANCER (June 21-July 22): All Cancerians who read this oracle are automatically included on the Primal Prayer Power List. During the next 13 days, my team of 13 Prayer Warriors and I will sing incantations to nurture your vigour, sovereignty, and clarity of purpose. We will envision your dormant potentials ripening. We will call on both human and divine allies to guide you in receiving and bestowing the love that gives your life supreme meaning. How should you prepare for this flood of blessings? Start by having a long talk with yourself in which you describe exactly why you deserve these gifts.

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): A meme on Instagram said, “The day I stopped worrying about what other people think of me was the day I became free.” This sentiment provokes mixed feelings in me. I agree it’s liberating not to be obsessed with what people think of us. On the other hand, I believe we should indeed care about how we affect others. We are wise to learn from them about how we can be our best selves. Our “freedom” includes the discernment to know which ideas people have about us are worth paying attention to and which are best forgotten and ignored. In my opinion, Leo, these are important themes for you to ruminate on right now.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): The city of Mecca in Saudi Arabia is a holy place for Islam. Jerusalem is the equivalent for Judaism, and the Vatican is for Catholicism. Other spiritual traditions regard natural areas as numinous and exalting. For instance, the Yoruba people of Nigeria cherish Osun-Osogbo, a sacred grove of trees along the Osun River. I’d love it if there were equivalent sanctuaries for you, Virgo—where you could go to heal and recharge whenever you need to. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to identify power spots like these. If there are no such havens for you, find or create some.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): In my astrological opinion, you are entering a period when you can turn any potential breakdown into a breakthrough. If a spiritual emergency arises, I predict you will use it to rouse wisdom that sparks your emergence from numbness and apathy. Darkness will be your ally because it will be the best place to access hidden strength and untapped resources. And here’s the best news of all: Unripe and wounded parts of your psyche will get healing upgrades as you navigate your way through the intriguing mysteries.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): According to my astrological perspective, you are entering a phase when you could dramatically refine how relationships function in your life. To capitalize on the potential, you must figure out how to have fun while doing the hard work that such an effort will take. Here are three questions to get you started. 1 What can you do to foster a graceful balance between being too self-centered and giving too much of yourself? 2. Are there any stale patterns in your deep psyche that tend to undermine your love life? If so, how could you transform or dissolve them? 3. Given the fact that any close relationship inevitably provokes the dark sides of both allies, how can you cultivate healthy ways to deal with that?

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): I feel sad when I see my friends tangling with mediocre problems. The uninspiring dilemmas aren’t very interesting and don’t provoke much personal growth. They use up psychic energy that could be better allocated. Thankfully, I don’t expect you to suffer this bland fate in the coming weeks, Sagittarius. You will entertain high-quality quandaries. They will call forth the best in you. They will stimulate your creativity and make you smarter and kinder and wilder. Congratulations on working diligently to drum up such rich challenges!

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): In 1894, a modest Agave ferox plant began its life at a botanical garden in Oxford, England. By 1994, a hundred years later, it had grown to be six feet tall but had never bloomed. Then one December day, the greenhouse temperature accidentally climbed above 68 degrees F. During the next two weeks, the plant grew twice as tall. Six months later, it bloomed bright yellow flowers for the first time. I suspect metaphorically comparable events will soon occur for you, Capricorn. They may already be underway.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Have you felt a longing to be nurtured? Have you fantasized about asking for support and encouragement and mentoring? If so, wonderful! Your intuition is working well! My astrological analysis suggests you would dramatically benefit from basking in the care and influence of people who can elevate and champion you; who can cherish and exalt you; who can feed and inspire you. My advice is to pursue the blessings of such helpers without inhibition or apology. You need and deserve to be treated like a vibrant treasure.

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): In his book Attention Deficit Disorder: A Different Perception, Thom Hartmann theorizes that distractibility may have been an asset for our ancestors. Having a short attention span meant they were ever alert for possible dangers and opportunities in their environment. If they were out walking at night, being lost in thought could prevent them from tuning into warning signals from the bushes. Likewise, while hunting, they would benefit from being ultra-receptive to fleeting phenomena and ready to make snap decisions. I encourage you to be like a hunter in the coming weeks, Pisces. Not for wild animals, but for wild clues, wild signs, and wild help.

Homework: Is there any important situation where you’re not giving your best? Fix that, please. Newsletter. FreeWillAstrology.com.

In addition to this column, Rob Brezsny creates

EXPANDED AUDIO HOROSCOPES

In-depth weekly forecasts designed to inspire and uplift you. To buy access, phone 1-888-499-4425. Once you’ve chosen the Block of Time you like, call 1-888-682-8777 to hear Rob’s forecasts. www.freewillastrology.com

Thankstoeveryone whojoined AWAREtocelebrateEarth Day! We appreciateour community partners, staffand volunteerswho cametogether to organize 6eventsoverthe last week.Thanksto theWhistlerBlackcomb Foundation's$15,000contributionand EarthWeek donations,weare very closetoraising $30,000 in supportofAWARE’s environmental initiativesinthe community

EVENTPARTNERS

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Lil’wat Forestry Ventures

Forest Operations Map ID #1455

Notice of Public Review and Comment

Notice is hereby given that Lil’wat Forestry Ventures, holder of License #N2V, is seeking public review and comment on Forest Operations Map (FOM) ID #1455, which is covered by Forest Stewardship Plan #891. The review and comment period related to FOM ID #1455 is available for a 30-day period between April 26, 2024 to May 26, 2024. This FOM consists of 6 proposed cut blocks, as well as the associated roads located in the general area in around Pemberton and Mount Currie in the Sea to Sky Natural Resource District

The FOM can be viewed at https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects, and by searching Licensee using the ‘find’ function. Alternatively, the information contained in the FOM can be made available for in-person viewing during normal business hours at Chartwell Resource Group Ltd.’s office at #201 – 1121 Commercial Place, Squamish BC

Comments can be submitted anytime during the 30-day period through https://fom.nrs.gov.bc.ca/public/projects, e-mailed to Lilwat.FOM@crgl.ca, or mailed to the address noted above. Please reference the FOM ID when submitting comments.

Following the review and comment period, this FOM may be relied upon to apply for a Road Permit or Cutting Permit for a 3-year period, ending May 26, 2027

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

• Part-Time

• Starting at $24 per hour

• No Experience Necessary

• Benefits Packages Available

www.whistlerexcavations.com

The Sea to Sky corridor’s top civil construction company. We are currently recruiting professionally minded people to join our team.

Construction Labourers

*Competitive wages, extended health benefits (after 3 months)

Email resume to: info@whistlerexcavations.com

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

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

Whistler Glass is currently looking to fill multiple full-time positions: Glaziers, Carpenters & Administrative Positions

We offer a competitive wage, extended health benefits & healthy work environment.

Please email resume to nealy@whistlerglass.com

CIVIL CONSTRUCTION AND SNOW SERVICES

BUILDING AN EXCELLENT COMPANY, PEOPLE, RELATIONSHIPS, AND RESULTS

• Full time or Part time

• Employee Benefits

• No weekends or evenings

• Locally owned and operated family practice

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

HEAVY DUTY EQUIPMENT MECHANIC, Whistler – Red Seal Certified, Commercial Truck & Transport, Transport Trailer required. CVSE Inspector’s ticket, Air Conditioning ticket, Class 1 or 3 with air brakes preferred. Toolbox available for rent. $37.70-$39.80 per hour.

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST – Keen eye for detail and proficiency in data entry and management required. Completion of accounting courses preferred. $26-$35 per hour.

ACCOUNTANT – Prepare financial information, statements, reports and develop internal control procedures. CPA or working towards designation preferred. $32-$42 per hour.

ACCOUNTING & PAYROLL SPECIALIST, Whistler – CPA, PCP or working towards certification preferred. Full-time, Monday – Friday. $27-$36 per hour

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

Lil’wat Nation Employment Opportunities

Ullus Community Centre

• Human Resources Manager ($93,475.20 to $101,556.00 per year)

• Language Resource Worker ($46,683 - $63,973 per year)

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

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

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

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

• Employment Advisor LEAT & WorkBC ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)

Xet’òlacw Community School

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

Lil’wat Health & Healing

• Nurse Manager ($85,685.60 - $117,280.80 per year)

• Health Care Assistant ($38,038 - $53,599 per year)

• Maintenance Worker ($20.90 to $29.45 per hour)

• Custodian ($17.40 to $20.90 per hour)

•

•

• GIS Coordinator Termpositionwithastartingwageof$44.24anhour.

• IT Systems Analyst Termpositionwithastartingwageof$48.27anhour.

• Lifeguard/Swim Instructor Casualpositionwithastartingwageof$27.57anhour.

•

Multimedia Reporter

The Squamish Chief

The Squamish Chief has an opening for an experienced and committed journalist who is comfortable in hiking boots.

The reporter will be tasked to cover local news and drive online engagement, while working with a small (but mighty) team based in one of Canada’s fastestgrowing communities, Squamish.

The successful candidate will cover all things Squamish in a general reporter role both online and in print.

The candidate will write eight to 10 relevant stories per week.

The role includes some evening and weekend coverage.

The successful candidate should be at home covering District council meetings, which are weekly, interviewing business owners, jumping in a boat to photograph local herring, or heading out to interview someone in the Squamish Valley.

The role also involves producing social media content, such as regular videos. You have a degree in journalism, are passionate about community news—in print and online.

You have great ethics, are self-motivated and efficient, with a curious, critical mind and an acute attention to detail.

You have experience working in a newsroom and adhering to strict deadlines. Other relevant skills include newspaper layout, copy editing, photography, and video editing.

Ideally, you have experience covering provincial court decisions. Located in the bustling outdoor-obsessed community of Squamish, British Columbia, The Squamish Chief is an award-winning publication and the paper of record for the community.

To apply for this position, send your resume, three clippings, or other relevant materials, as well as a short cover letter about why you want to cover community news in Squamish, by May 7, 2024, to: Jennifer Thuncher at jthuncher@ squamishchief.com

Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience ($40,000 - $48,000, and a benefit package).

What, me worry?

OKAY, I’LL ADMIT IT . I may be stressed out. And if I am, I’m probably in good company.

According to Health Canada guidelines, my stress level may be nudging the point where I’m apt to go out and inexplicably steal a nice gold chain with an obscure, Polynesianlooking, totemic doodad hanging from it. Yes, that’s a real category.

Personally, I don’t think I have the chest hair or the tan to pull off that kind of jewelry.

So I either have to throttle back into the relatively stress-free Apt to Steal Costume Jewelry Alert or start stressing my way up to nicking a Rolex. Which is absurd since I neither own nor wear a watch.

What, you ask, could I possibly be stressed out about? Fair enough. Outwardly, I appear very calm to those around me. Almost comatose some would say.

But stress is a self-inflicted wound and there are any number of reasons I might be feeling more stress than usual. For example, this very minute an obscure commercial jingle from the 1960s for a chewing gum that no longer exists and I never actually had in my mouth is on endless replay in the jukebox of my brain. I don’t know where it came from or why it’s there but it’s rolling around the semi-conscious part, stuck there like a skipping vinyl album and laying waste to vital synapses. I’m wondering how I’ll be able to work it into this column and keep a straight face.

Guess it wasn’t that hard after all.

I could be stressed because Tuesday morning is threatening to become Tuesday afternoon and in a couple of hours my editor will wonder whether I think it’s actually Monday. I’m in a bit of a time warp after spending the last five days or so minding grandchildren in Vancouver. The first night in my own bed since then, I woke up from an unsettling dream in which my Wonderful Wife finally decided I was too boring and left me for an itchy-footed Englishman who cashed in his Orthodontic Trust Fund and set off on an around-the-world jaunt, having decided travel was more important than straight teeth.

To make matters worse, Rosie the Granddog had, in the same dream, developed some sort of lower-body paralysis and was reduced to locomoting herself across the floor using what can best be described as the Flopping Fish Technique, admittedly hilarious if you could overlook the heartbreaking implications of her disability but made all the worse by my own sense of black humour, wanting to rename her Flipper.

I could be stressed by the infantile overreaction reported—or made up—in the media over the latest Somewhere Over the Rainbow budget the Liberals presented last week. Under-developed adults of all stripes seem to be terrified about the changes to the capital gains tax.

The Officious Opposition, having not

much else to fall back on since the Liberals seemed to shanghai many of their ideas, have retreated to the old trope about deficit spending. The rest of the Trudeau haters find it all a socialized tax grab to address income inequality. It doesn’t.

The rest of the population either didn’t notice a new budget or have spent the time since humming Dire Straits’ line about money for nothing and chicks for free.

And few think the long-range spending

did not say he couldn’t be convicted by a jury of his peers because he believes he is peerless.

I worry he is right.

The first criminal trial of a sitting or former president of the U.S. is underway in New York. I find it hard to imagine there isn’t one among the dozen jurors who doesn’t buy into his MAGA-Madness. One in 12 who won’t believe it’s all a witch hunt, conspiracy theory, damn the evidence, truthier truths espoused by a madman who could once again have the

I’m not sure talking to others is the best advice the CDC could come up with. Nearly everybody else is just as stressed…

plans will survive the next federal election.

There’s stress around the endless and worsening polarization between those who try to measure the inhumanity of Hamas against the inhumanity of the Israeli reaction and decide who has the higher moral ground when both are working well below sea level.

But the stressor that worries me most is happening south of our border. Some years back, the Orange Monster said, proudly, he could fire a gun, murder someone in Times Square and not be convicted of the crime. He

code to unleash Armageddon. One in 12 who think it’s preferable to have a president who will abandon long-standing allies, turn the Justice Department into his own personal vendetta machine, surround himself with sycophants who will do his deranged bidding, all the while chanting like drones.

The only salvation is my slim belief cooler heads will prevail. That and living in a relative bubble, not immune but insulated from the insane nonsense going on in the larger world.

The CDC—Centers for Disease Control

and Prevention—says the best ways to deal with stress include, top of list, taking breaks from the news, especially what passes for news on social media. Check. Almost. Still troll major newspapers although fewer and fewer stories keep my attention past the first paragraph. Good advice, although John Prine said it better... and more melodic.

Take care of body and mind. The livingin-a-bubble thing works pretty well for that. Whether you work up a sweat and release endorphins skiing, biking, hiking or working out, it’s hard to dwell on stress and do any of those things, unless the path before you is a steep, mogul-strewn, stress-inducing minefield. Oops. Lots of those up in the alpine.

I’m not sure talking to others is the best advice the CDC could come up with. Nearly everybody else is just as stressed, many about the same things. Bumping into friends and acquaintances at, say, the grocery store probably isn’t the best stress-free place to chat.

And, admittedly, they lose me at the avoid-drugs-and-alcohol advice. Drugs and alcohol are not good places to go to escape stress. I’ll give them that. But if you find them a pleasant interlude as opposed to a coping mechanism, it’ll probably be more stressful to beat yourself up for having a beer or glass of wine or toke than will be a stress reducer. Just one man’s opinion; not peer-reviewed medical advice.

Or, if you’re privileged, you can stare at a blank screen and write a column about stress. Seems to work for me. ■