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A life changed

I arrived in town, English girlfriend in tow, Labour Day of '92. Ended up camping down at Alice Lake.

I arrived in town, English girlfriend in tow, Labour Day of '92. Ended up camping down at Alice Lake.

Tuesday morning, bright and early, turned up at the employment office in Creekside, where I received my first and best piece of advice on life in Whistler. "Forget the job, find a place to stay," Bernie Lalor-Morton and Janet McDonald chorused in unison. So I did.

Ended up in a studio in the Vale Inn, with a seriously depleted bank account after first, last and a full month's damage deposit. Ahhh, Whistler slumlords. What would this town be without them?

Needed a job quick. Got a dream one, working for Sabre deconstructing the old Myrtle Philip school. Sledgehammer to the blackboards, very cathartic.

Finally the mountains opened, and although I could only afford a 15-day pass and needed to work six days a week just to make ends meet, I was determined to make the most of the opportunity.

By Christmas, I'd been up three times and discovered two things. The first was that I had a genetic predisposition for skiing. That sense of speed and freedom, the irresistible, inescapable pull of gravity were addictive. Every morning I'd look up at the mountains and be jonesing for a fix.

The second thing I discovered was that I didn't have a clue what I was doing.

In a bid to ensure my survival, my girlfriend gave me a lesson voucher for Christmas.

The Whistler Mountain instructor didn't laugh as I turned up, a classic GORB'Y, just asked me what I wanted to accomplish from the lesson. "I want to learn."

And learn I did. The instructor was patient, passionate, and funny as hell. At the end of the day, I walked away feeling that I knew a thing or two, and thinking that this guy had one of the cooler jobs on the planet, and not only knew it, but cherished it.

I started work as an instructor over on the "dark side" in '94. Whenever I ran into him, he would grin and wag a finger, as if to chastize me for being so easily led astray. I'd laugh, and tell him it was all his fault. To be fair, there's a long list of names to spread the blame around, Tony, Lincoln, Lee Anne, Hal, Ken, Wade... but to the first must go the credit.

Of course, as is usual in life, you never thank the ones you should before it's too late.

So, for what it's worth now, Thank You, Murray Dee, for first setting my boots on a path that still has my mother asking if I'm ever going to get a "real" job.

Mark Warnick

Pemberton

 

Photos were inappropriate

I want to express my disappointment with Pique Newsmagazine in regards to two recent articles, more importantly the photos associated with these articles.

It is always a tragedy when life is lost, especially in such a close-knit community like Whistler. A few weeks ago a Korean student drowned in Lost Lake and just a few days ago a cyclist was killed on Mons Road. In both of these incidents I feel Pique unnecessarily published photos that are disrespectful to these individuals and to their family and friends. Our community newspaper should be here to support us during difficult times.

My thoughts and deepest condolences are with the family, friends, classmates and co-workers of these two individuals. Please know that the people of Whistler are here if you need a shoulder to lean on.

Terri Ross

Whistler

 

Slow down, share the road

It is with great sadness that I read of the death of cyclist Murray Dee last week.

Now I don't know the exact details of the accident, but I do know that any collision between a truck and a cyclist is a no-win situation for the cyclist! I am a keen road rider riding just about every day north on Highway 99 (yes, that's me on the yellow bike) and have had my share of close calls. Most of them have involved dump trucks or flat beds, or worse still, dump trucks towing another load behind. Now I know these guys have a job to do and they are on a schedule but to go so close to a cyclist at full highway speed is very dangerous. Some resort to giving you a blast on the air horn, which just scares the hell out of you, and then just barrel past. I've warned you buddy, I'm coming through!

I have ridden all over the world and find the truck drivers at Whistler some of the rudest drivers I have ever encountered. I have ridden in places where the truckers slow down until they have enough room to safely pass using the other side of the road. What a concept.

Now guys, it is time to slow down when you see a cyclist ahead of you. We have as much a right as you to be there!

Greg Griffith

Whistler

 

Bikes leave for Namibia next month

We at Bicycles for Humanity want to thank the many generous people in the community who made our bike ride from Whistler to Anderson Lake a wonderful experience for all who participated.

Thanks to Barb Boulanger (Whistler Excavations), Sean WIlson (Blackcomb Snowmobiles), Paula Ryan (The Beet Root) and Mike Dean (Butler Dean) for their contributions. Without them our ride would not have happened.

A thanks as well goes out to Judith Fletcher for her support of our cause.

Ours is an awesome community. We are very close to being able to afford the container of used bikes that will be heading to Namibia in October. We continue to request used bikes to meet our ultimate goal of 400 bikes. Together we can significantly enhance the well being of hundreds of African families and health care workers.

Brenda Montani

Whistler

 

Legacy indeed!

We just wanted to take this chance to thank everyone who organized the open house this past Sunday in our new Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood. It was a beautiful day in an amazing setting and you could clearly feel the excitement in the air from the future homeowners of Cheakamus Crossing, as well as the residents and visitors of Whistler.

It was great to see our future home and to be able to explore the area and see how the athletes' village is turning out. This brings an entirely new level of anticipation for the Games and what is to become of the area after the Games. This village will truly be a legacy for all of Whistler, and we could not be more excited to raise our family here when we move in next year.

Thank you Whistler, for giving us this opportunity and making our dreams come true.

Eric & Michelle Butler

Pemberton

 

A lasting impression

Last month my husband and I spent an absolutely breathtakingly beautiful day in Whistler. We had just returned from an Alaskan Cruise where we celebrated our 40th wedding anniversary.

During the course of our time in Whistler, my husband and I went into Mogul's for a bite to eat. After using the Internet, I carelessly left my jacket behind. It wasn't until we returned to our hotel in Vancouver that I even realized my mistake.

I contacted the coffee shop... the best coffee EVER... my husband states. The manager of Mogul's, Lauren McCann, graciously bundled up my jacket and mailed it to our home.

We are already planning another trip to Whistler with our grandchildren and you can certainly trust that we will be goodwill ambassadors for your gorgeous part of the world. We loved the Canadian people we met along our journey... now if the U.S. could only agree upon a comparably good health system!

Mary Lou Reisch

Madison, Wisconsin

 

Writers festival inspiring

A heartfelt thanks to Stella Harvey, organizers, panelists, participants and fellow voyeurs of the Whistler Readers and Writers Festival. I was very impressed by the enthusiasm everyone enjoyed and shared for the written word. The insightful sessions led by Wayne Grady and the writing aerobics of Michel Beaudry greatly inspired me to press pen to paper. An evening among the literati of the Sea-to-Sky corridor (and Brazil!) was great fun to hear the ageless gender debate, be captivated by the poetic lyricism of Shane Koyczan and participate in the illuminating haiku competition! A wonderful event for inspiration and networking.

Pauline Ahoy Logan

West Vancouver

 

On board

I read Scott Carrell's letter ("All aboard..." Pique letters Sept. 10) with a glowing heart - yes, it really is time to get on board and come together to celebrate what the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will bring to not only our community, but to Canada.

I have been involved as a volunteer since we won the bid in 2003 and will continue to be fully involved in one way or another right through to the last dousing of the flame at the close of the Paralympic Games on March 21 st , 2010. I know that it has been said before but this really is a once in a lifetime opportunity. For those who think that Whistler is on the world map and we don't need the Games, think again! This is our chance to get our message out there and to draw people from all over the world to our very special little part of it.

Scott speaks of the many legacies that will evolve from the Games; I would like to add that the inspiration these amazing athletes will pass on to our children is priceless.

As for me, a proud Canadian (I have been here 34 years!), I will be feeling those goose bumps and chills up and down my spine as I stand in Celebration Plaza watching the nightly medal ceremonies. As our flag is raised and our national anthem is played I will be singing every word, probably with tears in my eyes. Will I be alone? I don't think so!

So let's show the world that we Canadians know how to throw one hell of a party and at the same time the Best Games Ever!

Alix Nicoll

Whistler

 

Thank you for helping the kids!

This summer Whistler Blackcomb, together with some exemplary partners - Craig Beattie and team at Canadian Snowmobile Adventures (CSA); Lance Cyr, Spin Cycle Amusements and Chris Kent, The Giant Maze - helped introduce several hundred inner city youth to our mountain playground nirvana.

Our mission is to reach out to Vancouver's inner city kids who have never been to Whistler because of their economic situation. From Zip lines to Peak 2 Peak rides these kids get their fun-meters cranked skywards! Spin Cycle, Giant Maze and the folks at CSA provide a number of activities to help us complete a full day of adventure for our young urbanites, some of whom have only recently immigrated and from as far away as Somalia. The hugs, the high fives, the smiles, the radiating eyes from their exhausted little bodies as they leave this magical place called Whistler, reflect the kindness, passion and time our volunteers have dedicated.

This program is done for altruistic reasons - a social outreach program sustained by our many volunteers to bring economically disadvantaged kids to our beloved mountains. Although, interestingly, I would bet first powder line down Ruby Bowl that every one of these kids, as they build their lives, will be back and help sustain us! Actions define sustainability!

Arthur De Jong

Whistler Blackcomb

 

Arts funding must be restored

This letter was addressed to mayor and council. A copy was forwarded to Pique for publication.

I am writing on behalf of the Board of Directors of the Whistler Arts Council (WAC) to encourage Whistler council to urge the provincial government at the upcoming Union of B.C. Municipalities conference to restore funding to the B.C. Arts Council and to restore Gaming funds support of arts and cultural groups across the province.

The recent cuts to gaming grants for arts, culture, sports and educational organizations will greatly impact our community in the coming years. In 2008-09, 14 community groups in Whistler received $313,620 from Direct Access, groups that include WAC, the Whistler Museum and Archives, Whistler Search and Rescue and Parent Advisory Councils. (See: Gaming Revenue Granted to, and Earned by Community Organizations - 2008/09 Full Report, by community.) http://www.eia.gov.bc.ca/gaming/reports/index.htm#six)

In 2009-2010, 15 local groups applied for funding and almost all have had their funding denied. Funding was only restored to those organizations that had government commitments for three years. The impact of these cuts has not been fully articulated, but all groups will face significant programming and service cuts. For the Whistler Arts Council, the denial of our $40,000 funding request represents the total budget for ArtWalk or the Whistler Arts Workshops on the Lake, two extremely popular programs.

It is not difficult to demonstrate the economic, social and institutional value of arts and cultural organizations in communities in the Sea to Sky corridor, and Whistler in particular. In 2008, the Regional Economic Impact Assessment and Strategy for Arts, Culture and Heritage, conducted by Ference Weicker and Company found that the sector generates $16.5 million in annual revenues, employs approximately 650 people in the region and spends $12.2 million locally on suppliers, artists and artisans every year. Investments made by the sector in the region over the last five years totaled $35.5 million. The gross economic output (including the direct, indirect and induced outputs) of the sector is estimated at about $26 million annually, supporting over 1,600 jobs across the province and generating $3.7 million in federal, provincial and local government tax revenues.

During his recent visit to Whistler, the Honourable James Moore, Minister of Canadian Heritage and Official Languages, stressed that creativity contributes not only to the quality of our cultural and civic life, but also to the strength of our economy.

He noted that in 2007 it was estimated that arts and cultural industries contributed over $46 billion to the economy - roughly 3.8 per cent of Canada's gross domestic product - and employed 662,000 highly skilled workers. (See: Intersections: Navigating the cultural landscape: Cultural Affairs Sector. 2007-2008 Annual Report, Canadian Heritage.)

In a recent communiqué, the Alliance for Arts and Culture (http://www.allianceforarts.com) provided us with the following statistics:

• Every dollar invested by the province in arts and cultural organizations returns between $1.05 and $1.36 directly to provincial treasuries through tax revenues ( http://www.tsa.gov.bc.ca/arts_culture/library.htm )

• Of Canada's 10 provinces, B.C. has the largest percentage of its labour force in arts occupations ( www.hillstrategies.com/docs/Artists ).

• B.C. arts, culture, and heritage industries generate 80,000 jobs in the Creative sector and $5.2 billion of annual revenue. (Ministry of Tourism Arts and Culture Service Plans).

• Growth in cultural employment in Canada from 1981 to 2001 was 81 per cent higher than the 32 per cent growth in the overall labour force during the same period. ( http://artsresearchmonitor.com/arm_details.php?armUID=1100 )

• The second pillar of the Olympic Games is culture; maintaining investment in the sector will allow B.C. to fulfil its commitments to the Winter Games and enable it to meet its stated goals of increasing cultural tourism and creating meaningful legacies for communities across the province.

• According to its most recent sources, 85 per cent-92 per cent of core provincial funding for arts and culture will be cut by 2012, from both tax-based and non-tax-based (gaming) streams.

• Total support for arts and culture organizations in B.C. from 2008 to 2012, including all sources (Gaming, B.C. Arts and Culture Special Endowment, Direct taxpayer investment) are:

2008/2009 - $47.8 million

2009/2010 - $42.219 million (as of February)

2009/2010 - $23.075 million (suddenly, as of September)

2010/2011 - $3.749 million (not including Gaming funds)

2011/2012 - $3.675 million (not including Gaming funds)

Whistler's council has repeatedly demonstrated its belief that investing in arts and culture is investing in the future of our community. I urge you to use your influence to persuade your colleagues in the provincial government to restore Gaming and B.C. Arts Council funding.

Please contact me if you would like further information on this important issue.

Joan Richoz

Chair, Whistler Arts Council

 

A business proposition

Dear Mr. Soprano, I understand you are in waste management. Well, I'd like to bring your attention to our little town, as we seem to have a serious issue with garbage that no one bothers to address. And with the Olympics coming, there is money to be made here. LOTS of it. I believe this presents a good business opportunity for you. Let me give you a brief rundown of the issue.

Like many of my peers, I live in a single dwelling house rather than a townhouse type complex which conveniently offers a bear-proof garbage drop off/collection facility (but to its residents only). I do not own a car, I bike everywhere in the summer and like an environmentally conscientious citizen (that my mayor and council wants me be... ahem, parking) I take public transport in the winter.

Garbage is strictly prohibited on the buses, period. This I can understand and as a frequent bus enthusiast I wouldn't want to sit beside someone packing smelly garbage! Therefore, my choices for managing my trash and recycling are: a) call a cab; b) transport it on my bike; c) walk two kilometers; d) ask a friend to help me out.

Cabs are expensive, riding with garbage bags hanging off the handles of my bike is a pain in the ass, walking two kilometres with bear-attracting garbage does not appeal to me either, and my friends don't give me rides into town anymore because they grew tired of me ambushing them with bags of trash and pleas to, "please pull in at the Nesters dump."

As you can see there is tremendous opportunity here. The municipality's solution to this problem is to put chains on public bins so they can only be opened two inches and put stickers on bins in the village proclaiming they are not for household garbage. I'm hoping you and your associates can "persuade" our illustrious council that a better solution is absolutely necessary and vital if Whistler is to host the world in February. I'm sure our mayor and council will not have any problem paying your fees as they seem to make good money and dress nice (jackets, raises, blah, blah, blah).

Unfortunately our equivalent of the Badda-Bing no longer exists, so I will not be able to entertain you in the setting you are used to, but I'm hoping it will not deter you from coming and convince our council something needs to be done.

Speaking of deterrence, I'm hoping you and your associates' presence will help us on the long weekends when your competitors from Surrey find their way into our town. I asked Batman to help with that, but the jerk never showed up.

Victor Lezu

Whistler