What should a business do when a shooting takes place nearby?
It’s a question that local business owners and hotels have been forced to ask themselves since a fatal shooting in July that saw two Surrey men open fire in the middle of the village in broad daylight.
Police soon after caught the reportedly gang-connected suspects, who were later charged with first-degree murder in what investigators said was a targeted hit. Although only a two-hour drive away, Whistler has mostly been insulated from the kind of gang violence that is becoming increasingly common in Metro Vancouver.
But this summer’s brazen public shooting was a stark reminder that even a ski resort catering to the wealthy jet set isn’t immune to the harrowing effects of gun violence. How businesses should deal with an active shooter is just one of the many topics the recently re-formed Whistler Security Association (WSA) seeks to address in its speakers series.
Formerly the Whistler Hotel Loss Prevention Association, the WSA reformed at the end of June as a forum for hotels and local businesses to discuss and hear from experts about the latest security trends affecting the resort.
The Westin’s loss prevention manager, Darren Stackhouse, who spearheaded the organisation’s return, said being prepared for the worst-case scenario is always a good idea.
“We must be prepared because our world is changing, and people say it could happen here. Well, it did happen here. So will it happen again? Hopefully not. But the thing is, we want to ensure that we’re prepared,” he said.
“Whistler is a playground, and certain gang elements have money to burn. They will go to a playground; we’re one of them. So it’s not as if we don’t get these people up here; we do.”
On Dec. 14, the WSA is holding an event featuring Whistler’s new fire chief, Thomas Doherty, who took over the position in mid-July. Doherty will explain how businesses can best prepare for fire-related emergencies.
The free information session will take place at the Westin at 4 pm. All are welcome to attend.
If you wish to attend or ask questions about the upcoming forum, please email darren.stackhouse@westinwhistler.com.
