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Letters to the editor for the week of May 23rd

Is Whistler no longer a family-friendly town? We have visited Whistler with family for the past couple of years.
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Is Whistler no longer a family-friendly town?

We have visited Whistler with family for the past couple of years. We did it again this year on the May long weekend, and were extremely disappointed to find that Whistler is becoming very un-family friendly.

The condo we were staying at in the Village was besieged with under-age drunken partiers. We expect a certain amount of partying at Whistler, but this was over the top.

There were a couple of units on the floor we were staying on that were occupied by 17 to 18 year olds, 30 to 40 of them, no adults in sight, who were going from room to room and partying in the hallways. They were loud, obnoxious, falling-down drunk, the F-bombs were flying, and they were on the balconies throwing lit cigarettes on the cars below laughing their heads off.

We were afraid for our safety to go out in the hallway. The noise was unbelievable. Our small children kept asking what was happening.

We called security, which advised us to call the police, which we did. Four to five police officers showed up, but by that time, most of the partiers had taken off out the front door. However, a couple of under-aged partiers who were still there were arrested.

Unfortunately, the rest all just came back once the police left and started all over again, presumably because they were too young to get into the bars and clubs. We were up until 4 a.m. dealing with security and the police.

The property management company we rented from stated they have a policy that renters must be 25 years old, and admitted they had a group of under-aged people who they initially turned away, but then came back with an adult, who rented the units.

We were moved to another building the next morning, but one night of our family vacation (and the next day, because we were all so tired) was ruined.

We cannot fault the police, but feel the management companies need to be more careful in who they are renting to. They later admitted they had to evict three units, and issued a record number of fines, which all eats into their bottom line.

I was in the lobby of the Hilton, and saw a manager with three police officers, and he was apologizing for having to call them out for a third time! So obviously our problem is not an isolated one.

We will have to think long and hard before we decide to spend our family vacation dollars to stay in the village again.

Kathleen Nelsen

New Westminster

Help us make our home feel safe again

With the May long weekend finally at an end, we can go back into the village and everything is back to normal... except it isn't.

Same as last year, and the year before we have the unsuitable crowd that comes up from the city and surrounding areas. These unwanted groups and/or people come up here and vandalize our town, harass our residents, and assault locals and tourists. This repulsive un-human behavior needs to stop. 

What a sight it must be to walk into the village as a mother or father with a family, away for an amazing holiday weekend to see one of the numerous businesses windows smashed or all the garbage accumulated around town.

Hearing my two friends talk about things that happened last night (May 19) at different restaurants they work at is just adding to my frustration. Some of the things included "...never met people so rude," and "...I was ready to snap." Apparently a girl was having a smoke outside their work when she was approached by a non-Whistler resident. He walked up to her and grabbed her inappropriately without any contact by the girl. What kind of world are we living in that these people think they can come up here and act like this? I am truly embarrassed to walk through the village right now and call this place my home. 

These long weekends need to be treated like New Year's. As residents we need to take a stand against this kind of violence and uncalled for behaviour in the place we call home. Being a resident of Whistler for almost three years now I know we "have each others backs." But when no one who lives in Whistler is willing to go out on these long weekends because we're afraid of getting stabbed at a nightclub, or our wives/girlfriends/friends being harassed so badly that they break into tears — that is saying something. Now we're saying something to you, (mayor and council).

Help us regain confidence in the leadership of this city on long weekends, and make us feel safe again — because we don't. The next weekend coming up is June 28 to July 1. We need to be prepared for this, and so does our city. As concerned citizens of Whistler B.C., none of us want to see the next long weekend end up look this one, or ones in the past. 

Wesley Tyler Menichan

Whistler

Is it time for CCTVs?

I write to the community of Whistler to express sadness and support for those businesses and individuals affected by the outright senseless violence and damage to property over this last weekend. This not only affects those involved directly, but also is directly reflected to our innocent visitors — families, couples and individuals who have come to enjoy what we have to offer. They do see this stupidity, I'm sure of it, and I wonder what they must think and what they may say to those considering visiting our beautiful valley and mountains.

It really is a shame that this continues in our wonderful mountain town. We are a fantastic open and welcoming community that loves sharing what we have with the world, but no one should have to suffer because of the actions of a mindless few. We do need to stop this May Long weekend stupidity, in fact stupidity at any time. 

My suggestion is the use and integration of high density 24-hour monitored CCTV in a similar fashion to the United Kingdom, where significant advances in crime fighting/prevention has taken place since they have integrated it nationwide — that is, if it would help the RCMP with their tough job of keeping our community safe.

Now I realize that there will be many that would be up in arms at this "invasion of privacy," but really, take a moment to think about it... The RCMP really does a fantastic job of trying to deal with and prevent this May long weekend issue (and throughout the year) and we should thank them with sincerity. But, perhaps having a high level of CCTV throughout the village would help prevent a lot of the issues, and even better catch the scum that seems set on violence, destruction and crime. 

As for the privacy issue that some may have issue with, well you know, if your a normal law- abiding citizen, you have nothing to hide and really quite honestly should have no issue with the use of such CCTV in my humble opinion. Who knows if this is a sensible course of action, but it seems as though our community's hand is being forced to such dramatic measures. It is a sad state of affairs, but we really need to do something, otherwise I really don't know what the solution is.

Chris Walker

Whistler

We survived another May long weekend... sort of! 

After all the broken windows, vandalism and other undesirable events, it's safe to return to the village.

It was nice to see lots of police foot patrols through the village during "family hours," but interesting to note that their presence was less notable once the sun went down and the shit show truly began.

Here's a novel concept; let the (authorities) use the Victoria Day long weekend as a one time opportunity to send a zero-tolerance message to douchebags everywhere... a special "disturbing the peace, unlawful gathering, malicious intent" May long-weekend bylaw that would see any of Whistler's "undesirable guests" rounded up before having the opportunity to cause trouble and placed into the holding cells until (police have a) full paddy wagon load. Then transport them... somewhere else further afield with no transit options for easily returning. Let their friends go pick them up the following day, after passing through a stop check with mandatory breathalyzers for them, of course, past the heliport at WedgeWoods. Or better yet, have their parents pick them up; wasting a day dealing with your delinquent children may help curb this nonsense.

Do that a couple of times and it will send a message that Whistler is not a free-for-all for the less-savoury element of the Lower Mainland. Then we'll have a nice, family-friendly weekend without having to put up with the vandalism, uncomfortableness and general idiocy that have been associated with the May Two-Four long weekend for far too long!

Kevin Mikkelsen

Whistler

Action needed

This was the first time I have been in Whistler during the May long weekend and I was actually very surprised.

This is not the place for a rite of passage for gangs and whatever needs to be done to stop this becoming their "vacation spot" has to be done.

This is a family place, known to be safe, filled with athletic minded, healthy people and this should be the last time on this May weekend that gangs show up.

Owners and hotels have to be more vigilant in who they rent to on this weekend. It is bad business for them really, and ridiculous how the police have to be so on call for what is known as a peaceful place.

It was like an invasion of threatening characters walking around and that is just not acceptable.

Todd Waters

Whistler

Pick-up thanks

Kudos to the Whistler transit driver Sunday morning (9:40 a.m. going north) at the corner of Nesters Road and Spruce Grove Way whom I witnessed picking up trash in the ditch near the stop on Highway 99. With all the bizarre happenings during May long weekend it was great to see!

Tim Koshul

Whistler

Voter system needs attention

Our democratic system is failing to engage larger and larger portions of the potential voting public, as the last B.C. provincial election showed us. The federal vote is much the same.

The advanced voting high turnout had everyone expecting larger than average turnout on voting day.

The pollsters got it wrong, again. Most people I know immediately hang up on phone polling and there is not much else for these polling companies to work with. The small minority that wants to be polled, for their insight, is not necessarily a good sampling of the larger population that does not. Hence, this is the reason I see the great disparity between their projections and the end result.

I talked to so many friends and acquaintances prior and after the B.C. election and they told me they didn't vote — they liked nobody, what's the point... nothing ever changes and just can't be bothered — they said. These were just some of the excuses I heard from people.

You can't just blame them, wholly, for this failing to act democratically. Part of the problem is the system we use to educate about the right to vote, and that when you like nobody there is no way for you to stand up and be counted.

This leads me to a few ideas that could correct the situation, or at least help foster better voter participation.

First there should be a way to officially vote for no one, an officially spoiled ballot so to speak. A box on every ballot in Canada; federal, provincial and municipal etc, that allows you to say "none of the above." Now I can see every politico shaking and saying no because the undecided usually make their voting decision at the ballot station. That could really turn the tide in some ridings if the undecided had a way to say "none of the above."

The other side effect of this idea is that it would send a direct message to those in power, and those seeking power, that as far as the masses are concerned they are, or are not doing, a very good job of representing the electorate. No polling companies needed. The numbers counted at the ballot box are official and duly noted. I think many unengaged potential voters might step up if this were a reality.

Secondly. We have to do a better job of planting the seeds of democracy in our youth. I propose that all students in high school get to vote in all elections, at every level, and even field candidates. The votes cast by "young voters to be" are done at the voting place and are separate, but counted. The media outlets then display youth votes during their coverage. The youth vote would not affect the final outcome, but the engaged youth might see how their vote could have changed things and by extension prove that their vote counts when the time comes. The same ideas would apply to youth candidates. They campaign on ideas that they deem suitable and even get to engage in a debate at the local level. I guarantee some laws would be under review very quickly if the youth votes counted. 

I know that these ideas come with their own difficulties and many other things need to be considered, but we have to do something! I am sick and tired of having so-called "majority governments" that really have been elected by a very small percentage of the potential voting public. With a majority, those in power think they have the right to govern without answering to the public for another four years. Whose fault is that? Those elected... not really! It is our fault... the voting public for not getting off our collective asses and doing something to change it!

I love Canada, being a Canadian citizen and thank everyone who came before me to make this the "Best place on Earth." I have stood at both ends of the Trans Canada Highway, and travelled its entire length coast to coast. This country is worth fighting for! There are many who have died to make sure that we have the right to choose our leaders democratically. The very least we can do now to honour those men and women is to vote. Otherwise we might just wake up one day and wonder how it all slipped away.

Proud Canadian! Avid Voter!

Keith Auchinachie

Whistler

Democracy unserved

Congratulations to Mr. Jordan Sturdy on his election result. He won, according to the preliminary results posted on May 16, 52 per cent of the vote. Mr. Sturdy received more votes than any other candidate in our riding.

But a very sad day, once again, for the electorate of B.C. The Liberal party won just 44 per cent of the vote, and yet will get essentially 100 per cent of the power by winning more seats than any other party under the ridiculous mathematics of our "first-past-the-post" electoral system.

This "false majority" that the Liberals won is a common result under our electoral system, and is utterly unfair to citizens.

In the case of this 2013 election, 47 per cent of voters voted for an oil-free B.C. coast (39 per cent of popular vote went to NDP, and eight per cent of vote went to Greens), and yet the Liberals, who are not opposed to oil on our coast for the right price, will get the power to decide how to proceed with the Enbridge and Kinder Morgan pipeline and tanker projects.

Chris Joseph

Squamish

How about a special tax on those who don't vote?

What possible calamity could get you to vote? The liberals won 23.1 per cent of registered votes. (44.41 per cent of the 52 per cent that voted) The NDP got 20.5 per cent, and the Greens come in third at 4.2 per cent. There is your "win, place and show." Now here is the "no show" vote, 48 per cent.

There are legitimate reasons for not voting, such as "I was in emergency" or "my dog ate my ballot." But are the rest of you Waiting for Godot? Don't you realize that you could have any government you want if only you would get off the couch? Perhaps if your pizza isn't coming because the delivery person has made an illegal choice of medicinal/recreational drugs and is now in jail, would that get your attention?

In the riding of Oak Bay-Gordon Head, a Green party candidate was elected, a first for the province. What I find interesting is that the voter turnout was 63.97 per cent there; about 12 per cent above the provincial average, if one out of four non-voters stirred from their lethargy the world could be different.

Here is a suggestion for you Premier Christy Clark, in order to take care of the assured deficit you will incur in the next five years, tax all voters at the preferred rate of banks and gas companies, and the non-voters can split the rest of the deficit between them. You could call it the APT, for "abstaining people tax."

Rack up as much as you want because we all know that non-voters don't complain and will certainly not sign a petition for a referendum to change the tax. Perhaps five years of unfair, crushing debt might stir the odd non-voter to vote in the next election, but if it doesn't, you may be re-elected and can spend like a drunken sailor for another five years.

Your unfailing mantra in the election was "grow the economy," well here is an opportunity to capitalize on a yet untapped renewable resource.

Perhaps in some distant future we may come to the end of this wealth but for now it seems almost limitless.

Thanks to all of you that took the trouble to vote and good luck with your finances to the non-voters.

Rob Neaga

Squamish

If you still have our iPhones

As I wrote to the editor a couple of weeks ago, our iPhone 5's along with a GoPro camera, plus cash was stolen from our hotel room on May 4 at the Coast Blackcomb Lodge.

I am sending this letter hoping that whoever took our phones will please return them. Why? Because on the white phone are the last pictures of my mother with her grandchildren before she was diagnosed with brain cancer. In those pictures she still has personality. Brain cancer robs a person of more than their memory — it robs their personality.

Also, there is a picture of my husband and his best friend taken at a recent birthday party for him. He is in hospital right now fighting for his life from cancer.

Please, if you still have the phones and have not wiped them clean take them to the Coast Blackcomb hotel and leave them in an envelope at the front desk. We will not come looking for you. We just really need our phones and all our contacts and calendar events that are listed in them. Most of all, we really need the pictures. My children need to believe that people who do wrong things do have hearts.  

Please have a heart.

Lindsay Dawkins

North Vancouver

A question of accountability

Johnny Mikes' letter to the editor (Pique, May 16) sadly highlights how flawed the Liberal government's approach to grizzly bear protection is.

The Liberal government issued a conditional Environmental Assessment Certificate (EAC) for Innergex/Creek Power Inc.'s Upper Lillooet River diversion project in January 2013 even though government biologists had warned that the project's impacts on grizzly bears could not be meaningfully mitigated. As the Upper Lillooet River watershed provides crucial habitat for four threatened grizzly bear population units, one of the EAC conditions requires Innergex/Creek Power Inc. to contribute funding to the regional grizzly bear monitoring program.

A little ironic that the corporations responsible for ruining key grizzly bear habitat are required to contribute funding to monitor their projects' impacts on grizzly bears?

It gets even more absurd.

Given that Innergex/Creek Power Inc. failed to provide comprehensive baseline data as part of the project's environmental assessment process, it will be difficult to conclusively establish the project's impacts through any monitoring program, especially as Innergex/Creek Power Inc. has a history of providing inadequate funding for grizzly bear monitoring programs. Innergex/Creek Power Inc. provided a measly $25,000 per annum for a four-year grizzly bear research and monitoring program in the Ashlu Creek drainage even though it stands to make millions of dollars from its Ashlu Creek river diversion project. A poorly funded monitoring program combined with inadequate baseline data raises even more questions about the utility of such a monitoring program. Is it just me or do you think perhaps the corporations are trying to hide the devastating environmental impacts of their river diversion projects?

I expect the government to take its responsibilities to protect biodiversity seriously, which means at a minimum strengthening the environmental protection laws and providing adequate financial and human resources to the relevant ministries so that government biologists can conduct independent scientific research as well as monitor and enforce compliance within the independent power producer (IPP) sector which suffers from rampant non-compliance.  

Louise Taylor

Pemberton

Thank-you Whistler Fire Department

I am writing to extend our sincere gratitude to the Whistler Fire Department for its quick and fearless response to the house fire, which occurred in Gondola Heights, Creekside on the morning of Saturday May 11, 2013.

You did an outstanding job in working together to find, contain and put out the fire. If it were not for your leadership, teamwork and training, many more people and families would have lost their homes. We feel very lucky to have such a dedicated fire department that risks their lives to protect our community. We are forever grateful.

Many thanks to all of you.

Katie Robinson and family

Whistler