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There were a few statements in the CUPE 2010 ad last week that I found misleading and I invite CUPE 2010 to correct them, or at least take into account the conflicting information I found.

There were a few statements in the CUPE 2010 ad last week that I found misleading and I invite CUPE 2010 to correct them, or at least take into account the conflicting information I found.

The ad headline: "We are WhistlerÕs Municipal Workers" would more accurately be "We represent 29 of the over 400 municipal workers, or less than 7 per cent."

"As our resort community has prospered, the cost of living has skyrocketed." IÕm not exactly sure what "skyrocketed" means, but according to the 2003/2004 Resort Community Monitoring Report, both gross monthly mortgage payments as well as average rental payments increased by 17 per cent between 1996 and 2001. For the past 2-3 years the Comprehensive Sustainability Plan (Whistler 2020) has been actively engaging our community in finding affordable solutions that are sustainable for the community as a whole Ð not just special interest groups. Have CUPE 2010 representatives been contributing to the dialogue Ð and if not, why not?

"Today, more than half of your municipal workers cannot afford to live in the community we serve everyday." IÕm not sure where they got this information, but once again the Resort Community Monitoring Report, clearly states that 76 per cent of all employees live in the valley and has not varied by more than 2 per cent over the past five years. Further, IÕm not sure what the median wage rate is in Whistler, but I do know that the average starting wage (yes starting wage) for CUPE 2010 municipal workers is over $20 (ranging from $14.34 to $25.22).

Now IÕm all in favour of ensuring that our hard working municipal workers are well looked after and fairly treated, but having to condescend to such misleading and erroneous tactics leads me to question the integrity and accountability of CUPE 2010. The ad publishes the e-mail, business and home numbers for our mayor and council, but no contact info for a CUPE 2010 representativeÉ perhaps they donÕt want to hear from the community.

I donÕt know how others feel, but in my own na•ve way I expected a more responsible and honest tactic from the union representing our public employees.

Bob Lorriman

Whistler

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As a professional wedding photographer whoÕs had the good fortune to attend several gay and lesbian weddings, I take great exception to Mr. BakoÕs letter in the Feb. 10th issue of the Pique.

Firstly, I canÕt see what relevance Accountants and Engineers have in relation to weddings, other than that they can get legally married to each other, regardless of their gender. IÕm married to a professional seamstress, but that doesnÕt mean that I can competently sew a button onto my shirt (which I canÕt).

When the Supreme Court of British Columbia legalized same sex marriages in B.C., it did, in a way, change a long held and deeply entrenched institution. The same can be said about granting the vote to women and First Nations people, both things that didnÕt occur until the 20th century.

Lastly, nothing gets my blood boiling faster than the argument "separate but equal." IÕm not sure if Mr. Bako realizes that this was the motto of the Nationalist Party in South Africa. They instituted the policy of Apartheid, which among other things meant the forced deportation of hundreds of thousands of black South Africans to rural "Bantustans."

Language barring inter-racial marriage was carried on the books of several southern U.S. states until well into the 21st century. Being married to someone of Asian descent, IÕm very sensitive about things like that. Weddings are simple things, believe me; IÕve been to hundreds of them. If you love each other and want to spend your lives together, you should be able to get married. Who am I to say you canÕt?

David Buzzard

Whistler

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WhatÕs next?

You can marry a lamp post, your dog, maybe your make believe friend? With the ongoing debate over same-sex marriages this, it seems to me, to be the missing point: Where does it stop?

Let me be clear, I am in favour of supporting same-sex couples, as is the Supreme Court of Canada. However, I am not in support of suppressing other groupsÕ constitutional rights to not support gays and lesbians and their marriage rights, as is the Supreme Court of Canada. One personÕs rights shouldnÕt suppress anotherÕs. I respect what most people are saying, which is "letÕs focus on bigger issues." This is a big issue.

The issue isnÕt same-sex marriage (Civil Marriage as it is being referred to in the House of Commons, "ItÕs not as offensive" PM Martin), itÕs marriage period and the language used to define it. An article in the Feb. 1 National Post stated that if the Marriage Act is altered to redefine marriage as a union between two people that it is only a matter if time before it is deemed unconstitutional, and challenged as such, that a brother and sister can not be married. I love you Erica but thatÕs too far!

So where does it stop? Males marrying males, females marrying females, brothers marrying sisters, sisters marrying sisters, brothers marrying brothers, dogs marrying cats Ð where?

Whenever you attempt to alter the Charter of Rights & Freedoms or the Canadian Constitution you are "messing" with a huge fire! Which is why this issue deserves the attention to detail it is getting. How do you support one cause and not suppress another? The Charter and the Constitution are facing the dilemma of redefining modern life. The power of language is very important in defining an issue. Once itÕs changed itÕs changed, or until someone wants to marry a Crayola.

Todd Cuthbert

Whistler

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After living here for almost nine years and enjoying amazing season after amazing season I just had to write this letter (late as it is) to thank all of the people who, in spite of a difficult season, have remained positive, optimistic and still investing in this amazing place, even though they are suffering financially at this time.

As a business person myself, I understand the ebb and flow of making a living and must say that loving where you make a living does make the down side a bit easier, but bills are bills and the people that I am writing about are spending more than receiving. The retail businesses, rental management businesses, service businesses, restaurant and entertainment businesses have all been trying to stem the tide by offering bonuses to our guests and at the same time trying desperately to keep their staff employed and optimistic.

The business probably losing the most is Whistler-Blackcomb. Their response over the past deluge of rain, lack of snow and so on has been simply to spend more by stepping up to the plate and hitting home run after home run. The operations have been amazing in keeping mother nature at bay and allowing us to ski and ride where most other B.C. ski areas were down. Adding to this expense, they have offered there pass holders free ski lessons and large discounts off food and services.

My annoying nature to talk to everyone I meet on the chairs and gondolas has given me an even greater understanding of our guests, they are delighted with what we have even though it can be so much better. They are impressed and will be back with friends.

Hey Whistler, we rock. Get outside and look at where you are. We are the luckiest people in the world. Thanks everybody, the cup is half full not half empty.

John McGregor

Whistler

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How does Whistler Segway into the future?

Congestion depends on the eyes of the beholder.

Who are the primary users of the Valley Trails and what is their purpose? We believe itÕs fair to say there are three types of uses: commuting, exercising, enjoyment.

Commuting Ñ Mostly locals that use bikes, roller blades or walk, etc. to work or other business. However they are only minimally enjoying the sightseeing.

Exercising Ñ Mostly locals and some tourists that power walk, run, bike, roller blade, etc. Whistler presents other venues and locations for the individual that is training for exercise.

The purpose of these two groups is task orientated and usually restrained by time, congestion could impact these two groups.

Enjoyment Ñ We believe this group defines the true purpose of the Valley Trails. It may be a casual stroll or casual bike ride simply enjoying their leisure time with friends and neighbours. Their focus is the natural setting and fresh air. They welcome tourists and are willing to share one of the most spectacular atmospheres in the world. This group is not concerned with congestion, nor are they in a hurry.

This is the group that the Segways fit into most. In Whistler there are many high intensity programs available for tourists and locals. Those people wanting some leisure time to relax their aching muscles or escape from the smog ridden city would enjoy a Segway Tour for sightseeing and fresh air.

Why do a few people get to decide which individuals are allowed to enjoy a leisurely ride on a Segway on the Valley Trails? Should these individuals be judged as unfit simply because they want to ride a Segway? And have we forgotten about our fit mature adults? A person may have already routinely exercised and are simply curious. Equally as important they may have a medical condition challenging them to walk long distances. Segways are an alternate mode of transportation that does allow a wide variety of people to get out on the Valley Trails.

Segways are proving themselves all over the world for the exact uses we have just stated. They are the beginning of a new phenomenon that will be a link in changing how we move the masses of people in the world. Whistler must look forward in its thinking and should be a positive advocate for new clean and green technology. If new technology does not get an opportunity to prove itself, then who will invest their time and money on innovation that will make this world a better place?

Caterina Alberti

Whistler

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I am disappointed to see lack of support by council to the recommendation by Planning and Parks Department to extend the Segway Pilot Program through the end of 2005. Dialogue during the council meeting centred more on congestion and commercial use of the Valley Trail rather than the pilot itself. Each council member that did not support the recommendation also seemed to struggle with the idea that such a device does fall in line with WhistlerÕs 2020 Initiative to utilize green, sustainable methods of transportation.

A 10-week pilot program doesnÕt give Advanced Movement or council time to really evaluate any success or failure. I worked for the company during the pilot conducting training and taking those interested out on tours after their training. Participants were briefed on Valley Trail etiquette and limited to a speed of 12 km/h. During this time the closest thing to a negative response I experienced was the statement "so this is the controversial Segway." Most people on the trail were curious and asked questions, many surprised to see how manoeuvrable and versatile it was.

Although a passionate issue, the definition and use of Segways will continue to need addressing in the future. Perhaps a public meeting allowing those who wish to find out how other communities in Canada and around the world are defining this pedestrian mobility device and experience the Segway firsthand might provide a better venue to help decide how the Segway can fit into the Whistler community, rather than basing it on feelings and perceptions.

Cindy Luallin

Whistler

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Councilor Davies, is exactly right when he describes the resort community monitoring report as a "Community wake up call." (New economic reality not so rosy right now, Pique Feb. 10)

WhatÕs not exactly clear is what is going to be done about it. A dizzying array of suggestions has been proposed from increasing marketing dollars, improving infrastructure, reducing prices and increasing the variety of resort products.

According to the Guerrilla Groupª of the five reasons people buy from you, selection or variety is fifth, followed by quality (4) price (3), confidence (2), and, most importantly, service is the number one reason people by from you.

Infrastructure improvements have enormous costs, and if you reduce prices you get what you get on the May long weekend, i.e. increased crime rate. (It would be interesting to see what effect that single weekend does to the overall crime rate). Spending more on marketing sounds great, but remember it costs about five times more to get a new customer than it does to keep an old one.

A simple solution would be to stay the course (we have a quality product), focus on improving service, and spend our marketing dollars on customer retention strategies.

Ralph Forsyth

Whistler

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Re: Land Act Intention to apply for disposition of Crown Land file #300433, application #3410846 Ñ Lost Valley Creek

The foothills of Katmandu, the lagoons of the Society Islands, the shores of Anderson Lake; our planet's few mystical and serene spots. Anderson's sapphire blue crystal waters are frequently compared to the beauty of the Sea of Cortez. To divert water through a penstock at the 5,000-foot level would bypass the natural filtration of glacier slit resulting in an irreversible green discolouration, as did the penstock from the Bridge River on the Lake Seton Portage.

Anderson's east side in not only the home of a remote wilderness within 200 miles of Vancouver, but also that of returning sockeye salmon that spawn the many creek beds, including that of Lost Valley.

A network of switchback roads and a clearcut route for aerial power transmission would scar forever this boat-access wonderland. We drive around with "Beautiful British Columbia" on our licence plates yet turn our backs on our stunning amenities.

This IPP Hydro generation application offers financial benefits only to investors and developers of this project and ignores the gifts this area offers to its recreational users. This proposal is nothing short of environmental rape. As B.C. citizens we do not ask, beg or urge but demand this premeditated crime be stopped dead in its tracks.

Just the name Lost Valley deserves to remain unexploited and lost. Please help this cause by forwarding comments to Section Head Land & Water, 145 - 3rd Ave Floor 3, Kamloops, BC V2C 3M1.

Stephen Buckman

Whistler

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This is crappy, part two

Last week in the Pique I read a letter pertaining to the privatization of the Meadow Park Sports Arena. After reading the letter a couple of times I would have to agree with its author that it would be better to privatize the arena than the sewage treatment plant. This isnÕt to say that the staff of the arena doesnÕt do a brilliant job with the results of a botched project (someone should have canned the head engineer long ago); itÕs to say I support its continued development.

To explain myself clearly I shall use an example of a randomly chosen private company taking over these two municipal departments. My randomly selected company will be Intrawest. Now Intrawest is a development company. They buy little things, like ski towns sometimes, and make them bigger. I have yet to see, in my lifetime, anything that this company is involved with not undergo rapid construction and expansion.

To explain things simply for those who donÕt understand what I am trying to say, itÕs like Intrawest literally buys something and turns it into a giant building and then buys something and turns it into a giant building and then buys something and turns it into a giant building and forevermore repeats this cycle. This is how Intrawest sustains itself as a development company, by trying to literally develop everything it can, like huge tracts of raw land in the back end of the Pemberton Valley which they already own.

Now let us apply this logic to the Meadow Park Sports Arena. LetÕs say it is privatized and taken over by Intrawest and immediately undergoes a period of rapid development and construction. A few years later what do you have? A really nice sports arena many times the size of the one there now and everyone has lots of room to play in the six pools, the nine squash courts and three ice arenas, not to mention all of the fancy gym equipment, truly a world class facility. To me, this sounds like a great idea. I am all for it.

But now let us apply this same logic to the Sewage Treatment Plant. LetÕs say it is privatized, taken over and immediately undergoes a period of rapid development and construction. A few years later what do you have? A world class sewage treatment plant many times the size of the one that currently exists. This isnÕt a terribly bad thing but I would like to point out that a sewage treatment plant is built to the size of the town it serves. And the only possible way to limit the size of a town is to limit the size of the sewage treatment plant. The only reason a developer would want a sewage treatment plant is to develop it and the town it serves. You cannot have one without the other.

I think I should mention that when I worked at the RMOW I was specifically told that nobody would ever be able to stop the development in that town. As a matter of fact I can quote a senior level parks department manager as saying "I would like to see someone try to stop the development in Whistler." So if you think that the bed cap is a hilarious party joke already and understand that your air quality is falling faster then my chances of employment in B.C., just wait until you lose control of what happens down at the sewage treatment plant. ItÕs no wonder I had three ski patrollers tell me not to buy a pass the last year I lived in Whistler.

Bjorn Gimse

Victoria

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I would like to personally thank the people of Whistler who got together and planned fundraising to help my husband and I return to New Zealand for my sister and brother-in-lawsÕ memorial services.

After losing Belinda and Andrew to the tsunami in Thailand I had no decision in my heart but to be with my family. We have received so much support and generosity, from close friends to people that I have never met. Thank you to the people that left anonymous envelopes that I obviously cannot personally thank enough.

I recently returned from New Zealand after spending a month with family and feel more at peace from the whole experience. Without your caring and generosity things would have been harder to cope with.

Also a thanks to the organizers and people still making donations for the ongoing fundraising to the Tsunami relief in our area. A charity that I would like to mention is the Sea Gypsies, local village people living south of Phuket who survived after fleeing to the hills before the tsunami, but losing their homes and livelihoods. The Sea Gypsies and Red Cross were the charities that my family chose for donations, rather than flowers after the services.

The tragedy of the tsunami affected the whole world, being one of the biggest natural disasters. It warms my heart to know that the whole world unites to give so much in a time of desperate need.

Tash Donohoe

Pemberton