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Economic diversification urgently needed

Economic diversification urgently needed "Moving Toward a Sustainable Future" is the major objective put forward by Whistler2020, the RMOW's current guiding vision. There is a certain element of hypocrisy here that no one seems to be talking about.

Economic diversification urgently needed

"Moving Toward a Sustainable Future" is the major objective put forward by Whistler2020, the RMOW's current guiding vision. There is a certain element of hypocrisy here that no one seems to be talking about. If our identity is as a major international destination resort market, with an economy dependent upon tourists visiting from around the globe, how is that sustainable? Last time I checked, the fossil fuel burning airplanes and automobiles we depend on to bring the tourists to Whistler were not sustainable.

A truly sustainable economy is based on educating our community and producing what we need locally, not on imports. I'm not suggesting that we should stop trying to attract tourists to Whistler, but rather to recognize that this is not part of a truly sustainable future. What we should really be focusing on is diversifying our economy to include more sustainable industries that can provide the things we need locally.

I have been baffled lately by some local political leaders' lack of interest in our sustainable economic future. A number of proposals currently on the table, such as WhistlerU and the GEMS school in Pemberton, are much more sustainable industries than tourism. These are the types of economic opportunities we should be wholeheartedly welcoming into our community.

I am in no way affiliated with any of these proposals, but recognize the immense benefits they would bring to the region. I care deeply for this community and want to see its continued success. Sustainability and a strong, self-sufficient local economy go hand in hand. In the next election, I will personally be voting for the candidates that understand this, and I strongly suspect I am among the majority.

Peter Gorski

Whistler

 

What really goes on at night

I would like to personally invite Mr. A.R. Symons to join me on a late evening in Whistler Village (Council must act to stop violence, Pique letters Sept. 2).

It appears that through his obscene leaps in logic he has painted Whistler to be a completely different place after dark. It almost made me second guess as to which Whistler he was referring to: Whistler, MS?

Operating nightclubs in Whistler for the last five years, and frequenting them for over 15 years, has helped me realize something - often the perception of what occurs at night is led by what one reads in the paper, especially when we are not there to experience it ourselves. I have wandered the streets of Whistler on many a late night, well after the bars have closed, and have never once felt threatened in any way.

I applaud councillors such as Tom Thomson who take the time to stroll the streets of Whistler in the late hours, thereby actually being able to speak with experience as to the vibrant and festive atmosphere that this village hosts.

Granted, the events that occurred in the wee hours of Aug. 14 are a travesty, and certainly deserve a response. Perhaps a well discussed and realized action plan to prevent these incidents from occurring in the future. The RCMP Whistler Detachment is a well staffed and organized institution, and is the most likely source to begin the discussions.

But believe me when I say, this is not "a synopsis of what happens, usually after the bars close." This statement is an outcry from a scared individual that hasn't taken the time to collect facts or experience.

Similar to his outlandish opening statement that refers to people being killed, seemingly on a regular basis. One person has been murdered in Whistler... ever. Of course, one person is one too many, I believe that sincerely.

But the real nugget of it all is the clear and concise connection he has made with the Aug. 14 incidents and the bars that are operating late at night. I have read and reread the article and not once is there a bar mentioned.

Hmm, maybe Mr. Symons gets a different version of Pique in West Vancouver.

I also would like to point out that the mandate Mr. Symons would like to actualize is suspending our Freedom of Peaceful Assembly, located in section 2 of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Brenton Smith

General Manager

O&R Entertainment

Whistler

 

Cycle tourism holds potential, if road fixed

This letter was addressed to MLA Joan McIntyre. A copy was forwarded to Pique for publication.

I am writing to support the plea for improvements in the Whistler-Pemberton section of Highway 99 for cyclists, as expressed by Lesley Clements in the Sept. 2 edition of Pique Newsmagazine .

I am a long-time cycle commuter and now retired cycle tourist and road rider. Having experienced road riding in Denmark, Hawaii in the past and - closer to home - down the Oregon Coast this summer, I see tremendous potential for increased cycling tourism in the Vancouver-Pemberton corridor.

The highway from Vancouver to Whistler is, quite simply, one of the most spectacular rides imaginable - as I expect the upcoming GranFondo will demonstrate to some 4,000 riders and supporters (and to the benefit of hotels, restaurants, etc. in Whistler). One has only to ride or drive the road on virtually any day of the week to encounter an increasing number of riders. (The ride to the Olympic Park, is also pretty spectacular, by the way, with the further challenge of a biathlon at the top. But I digress...)

Pemberton is also developing as a wonderful community with excellent restaurants, support facilities and attractions. The Slow Food festival is just one demonstration of the community's appeal.

While I have ridden the highway between Whistler and Pemberton, it is with some reluctance given the road surface. I would certainly caution any but highly experienced riders in attempting it - in either direction. Poor shoulders, cracks in the pavement, narrow crossings and limited and poorly marked passing lanes are just some of the hazards.

With improvements to the road, however, a "Route 99 Fondo" could become a destination attraction for cyclists.

Your consideration and support would be much appreciated.

PS: If you ride, I'd invite you to come try the road (on a quiet weekday). Perhaps the mayors would care to join in?

Bob Clendenan

Whistler

 

Reflections on cycling after dark

Last week in Letters to the Editor we heard from Lesley Clements about taking the steps to encourage more people to make use of their bicycles on Highway 99. While personally I admire and applaud these gifted athletes that have the mojo to make these heroic two-wheeled journeys, I have to please implore many of these carbon reducers to use their damn heads and get off the road at night.

Making the trip to and from Pemberton several times a week I know to look for them. If and when I see one (and seeing one is somewhere between an Ogopogo sighting and a Spirit Bear encounter), I always wonder what it was that happened earlier that made them run so late and be so far behind the time when a sensible person would say: "Gee it's getting late, let's leave Whistler already, hurry home and put some quinoa on our solar stove."

These fine athletes can be recognized by the way they are dressed, you know: dark colours (most colours are dark in complete darkness), no reflective gear and - on too many occasions - no headlamp!

Unless your Miele comes with a membership to the Jedi Knights Club, I really don't know why so many of you would think Suicide Hill at 8 p.m. would seem like an intelligent endeavour.

If not for your own well being, then for the rest of us whose lives may get turned upside down with the drama that comes with a terrible accident, put on reflective clothing, get a headlamp and get off the highway before dusk!

Mark Myrie

Whistler

 

Bears deserve better

There is a little bear outside my door as I write this. He is small for his age and probably won't survive the winter (probably an orphan).

The bears, as bears do, sometimes kill my chickens, sometimes destroy my fruit trees, sometimes get to my grape vines before I can. I don't blame them. Bears will be bears.

After reading the article about the Pemberton "man" with his crossbow, I can't help but wonder who would shoot a bear and leave it to wander off to die in pain and suffering? I wonder if his neighbours feel much safer now that people are running around shooting arrows in suburbia and leaving wounded animals to die?

When will the local "governments" put a stop to these asinine loop holes that let lunatics endanger all that live here? I only hope next time it's not some child taking a shortcut through a yard. Death is too harsh a sentence for simple trespass.

Laing Aiton

Pemberton

 

Moving asphalt plant cheaper than a party

Let me start by congratulating Mr. Mathews on his 40 years as a resident of Whistler (Taxpayers have done enough, Pique letters Sept. 2). I plan on doing the same. I also want to thank him for his part in creating Whistler Olympic Park where I have enjoyed many a cross-country ski. I just wanted to shed light on some points where Mr. Mathews could have been better informed and show some areas I agree with him.

I agree that the issue lacks truth and common sense - RMOW backroom deals, changing stories about historic zoning and support for entrenching and even increasing industrial use in Whistler, right beside our newest neighbourhood at that.

I agree that there is a role for industry in Whistler but not at the expense of health and quality of life impacts for residents and visitors. The community is asking for the asphalt plant to be relocated away from residential areas - this doesn't necessarily mean hundreds of kilometres away from Whistler. As we've learned about asphalt production, most communities without a local asphalt plant accomplish paving by bringing in mobile, temporary plants for short periods. Pretty simple. There is also a large quarry suitable for asphalt production located several kilometres north of Whistler - Twin Rivers, which the owner has partnered in. It sounds like a great solution for keeping materials and production close at hand.

I agree that Whistler's WHA resident-restricted housing is one of the best things about Whistler and is a great success when viewed from both a local and international perspective. If not for the pricing at Cheakamus Crossing, many local families would not be able to remain in Whistler to work, to raise their families and to contribute to the success of our resort community. But just because people live in affordable resident-restricted housing doesn't mean they don't have a right to the same quality of life as the rest of the community. And it certainly doesn't mean they should be subjected to broken promises - remember, council did promise that they were going to relocate the plant away from the area... And our recently published legal opinion from West Coast Environmental Law says that the RMOW has every right to ask the asphalt plant to cease operations or relocate, as it contravenes the zoning.

I agree that asphalt is an important product and I appreciate its uses in my daily life. However, I have researched the toxic emissions related to the production of asphalt - burning hydrocarbons results in numerous toxic and hazardous air emissions that are harmful to human health. Yes, petroleum products are "natural" but the process of heating/burning them is not, nor is it healthy in any way.

The CC disclosure statement does NOT say that the asphalt plant would remain - it states very clearly that the RMOW "is currently discussing the possibility of relocating the asphalt operation." The disclosure statement also does NOT say anything about a massive expansion of the quarry and increased associated impacts (air quality, dust, noise, trucking, etc).

I have not found any scientific research on wind patterns in Whistler related to air quality and how the location of the asphalt plant will impact the air in Cheakamus Crossing or the rest of Whistler. Anecdotal stories are fun but I'm not willing to bet my health on them. I don't find Mayor Melamed's quote "We think the prevailing winds will take whatever comes out of the plant that way" comforting!

Taxpayers will not subsidize Cheakamus Crossing homes - the RMOW made a loan to develop the neighbourhood as an Olympic legacy and will recoup the funds once all of the lots (market and non-market) are sold. The RMOW has expressed no concern about this loan being recouped in a timely manner.

The legal opinion from West Coast Environmental Law clearly states that RMOW has the legal right to evict the asphalt plant from its current location. I believe that the $400,000 that the RMOW is providing to the asphalt plant operator (for legal costs, or something like that) is more money than would be spent otherwise should RMOW choose to exercise its legal right to evict the asphalt plant operator. I would love to see the RMOW save this $400,000; what a great opportunity to be more fiscally responsible.

$20 million to move the asphalt plant? Where in the world did this pie-in-the-sky number come from? Sounds as ridiculous as Councillor Thomson suggesting "dollar signs or millions" during the last council meeting. By the way, Councillor Zeidler says those conversations never were involved in their legal opinion. The RMOW has estimated the cost would be in the range of $40,000-$60,000 to relocate the plant. Cheaper than the Post-Olympic Party!

Tim Koshul

Whistler

 

Asphalt plant on wrong site

The proposed re-zoning of the asphalt plant land at Cheakamus Crossing for industrial purposes should not proceed. It is hopeless town planning and Whistler deserves better.

Whistler's development has been fortunate to have benefitted from a clean sheet of paper and a talented and involved community. By and large this has served us well. Now is not the time to make stupid errors with long term adverse consequences. Many municipalities are forced to deal with land use incompatibilities arising from historic ad-hoc development. To introduce such incompatibilities voluntarily defies belief and causes one to look around and see who would stand to gain from such a course of action.

Not only is it wrong for an asphalt plant to be sited adjacent to a residential development, rezoning will open the way for another heavy industrial use, if, and almost certainly when, the current lessee of the site cashes in on the significant increase in value of the rezoned land by moving voluntarily and selling the rezoned lease. The rezoning appears to bestow a significant and entirely unwarranted financial benefit on the current lessee. Such largesse by the RMOW bureaucracy on our behalf is most surprising. Interested spectators can use their own intuition to join the many dots that can be found in the public record.

I outlined in a previous letter why the emission controls proposed for attachment to the existing plant are unlikely to be effective. The ineffectual testing and compliance regime that will arise from an ill-fitting combination of provincial and municipal regulations will compound the emission control challenges. The requirement to meet strict standards will become, de-facto, a voluntary one.

I hope you can notice that all of the above bears no relation to the status of the soon-to-be residents of the Cheakamus Crossing neighbourhood. The notion that buyers of restricted housing have already got a bargain and should not be complaining is nonsense. Having committed to a residential development it is encumbent on our town planners to provide suitable conditions for that development, period. The financial circumstances of the residents is irrelevant.

Finally, and with some exasperation, I object vigorously to being patronized by the Whistler "old guard" with an ongoing stream of assertions that can be boiled down to "we know best - we will not explain - go away." We have all experienced this in federal and provincial politics. In those circumstances, eventually the old guard is voted out of office and non-elected players are encouraged to ride off into the sunset. The challenge for members of an old guard is to resist the temptation to arrogance. Regrettably, to date the principal players here have not risen to this challenge.

But it is not too late. The basis for assertions underlying the apparent determination of the RMOW to push this rezoning through needs to be available for rigorous scrutiny by the wider community. The requirement to meet sound urban planning principles needs to be given much greater weight. The opportunities for another solution need to be more vigorously pursued. This can occur provided the rezoning proposal is not approved on the 7th of September.

For the record, neither I nor any of my family have any financial or other interest in the Cheakamus housing.

Tony Hetherington

Whistler

 

Local garbage heroes

The Get Bear Smart Society and the Whistler Black Bear Working Group (WBBWG) would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Carney's Waste Systems.

Carney's have gone above and beyond the call of garbage duty. They have: worked with the manufacturers of waste bins to design the best state of the art bear-proof bins on the market; worked with local property managers, businesses owners and strata groups to wildlife-proof garbage areas; designed bear-proof curb side totes for Squamish; designed bear-proof recycling containers; worked with the Get Bear Smart Society to troubleshoot problem areas; and assisted in many brainstorming sessions to figure out better ways to keep bears out of garbage. Their dedication, co-operation and hard work is invaluable.

Special thanks to Paul, Ray and Owen for making it all happen.

Dawn Johnson

Sylvia Dolson

on behalf of Whistler's bears, the Get Bear Smart

 

The importance of stories

On behalf of festival co-producers Nicky Anderton and Alex McMorran I'd like to thank all of those Whistler and Vancouver residents who came out to the second annual Blank Slate Theatre Festival Whistler from Sept. 1 to 4.

Over the course of the last six months while we grew this second annual festival from inception to reality I heard one question over and over again: Why is it so important to bring theatre to Whistler? My first response was always, because telling and performing stories is important and has been a natural part of human evolution since the beginning of time. From cavemen to the ancient Greek, First Nations to fourth generation, people have told stories. Stories as a means of preserving a culture's history, as a way of boosting religious subscription, and even as a way of getting out of detention. From the Hanamichi to the Ishkin, the Big Apple to the Rose. In the best and worst of times stories shape and reflect all of who we are.

So why should the town of Whistler be any different? Turns out you're not!

We thank you for embracing live theatre in Whistler and for taking a night out to do something a little different. Whether it was singing about nuts and seeds or seeing God kick God in the ass, we hope that you enjoyed watching the shows as much as the cast and crew of Almost an Evening and the Big Oops enjoyed bringing them to life on stage. We are very much encouraged by your support, kind words and packed houses and are dedicated to presenting innovative, funny and compelling stories in Whistler!

Lilli Clark

Blank Slate Theatre Festival Co- Producer

 

Proud moment

I attended the public hearing on Tuesday night for the asphalt plant/quarry rezoning bylaw.  There were more than 30 speakers by my count and all of them, including the two who spoke in favour of the rezoning, were intelligent, passionate and articulate. We live in an amazing community. I am proud to be a Whistlerite.

Nancy J. Wilhelm-Morden

Whistler