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I have been following the World Economic Forum story with interest as I believe that an event with such a negative perception just does not belong at Whistler.

I have been following the World Economic Forum story with interest as I believe that an event with such a negative perception just does not belong at Whistler. I don't think we need to worry about getting "our name out there" in association with an event which caters to the rich and powerful. Our name is already out there for our great skiing and riding, not to mention our world class village experience! What we don't need at a key time of the season is a restriction of the access to our village nor photos of riot police surrounding our beautiful mountains.

Lets just stick to what we do best: give our visiting skiers a great experience and let mother nature provide the oohs and ahhs!

In closing I humbly request our council to respectively decline an invitation to the World Economic Forum to come to Whistler.

Greg Griffith

Whistler

 

While the municipality encourages and considers public input on all issues, we must nonetheless express a concern with the content of the full-page advertisement in last week’s Pique regarding the World Economic Forum.

First, the advertisement was placed by an unnamed agency so, therefore, readers are not able to fairly decide whether the information provided is from a credible source. It is usual for organizations to identify themselves and their goals or agendas when placing advertisements, particularly one as partisan as this. It should be noted that the municipality’s information package does not represent any one position on this issue.

Second, the content used from the municipal Web site has been taken out of context and presented in a manner more suited to disinformation and spin. In particular, the quotes used from the Experiences of the Delegation to the WEF in New York are excerpts taken from a larger body of work that describes the delegations’ perceptions and experiences in their own words, both positive and negative. The paragraph regarding riot police in 2001 was not published or spoken by any of the delegates and was not obtained from the municipal information package. It’s unattributed, and its inclusion with the other quotes in the box is misleading.

As well, only part of the survey question is quoted, therefore implying it was misleading and not an accurate polling of public opinion. We’d like to point out that the survey question described the conference as high profile, not generic, and described the type and number of delegates, the timing, and the session topics from the 2002 forum, and both the advantages and disadvantages of being a venue, and it was conducted after the issue was publicized in local media. It should also be noted that professional pollsters consider that the sample size used provides an accurate reflection of public opinion given the population of this area. The full question and all the responses, both positive and negative, are provided on the municipal Web site.

As with every other matter before council, the municipality has been very careful to provide both sides of this issue in a balanced and straightforward manner so that residents and second-home owners are able to form an opinion – whatever it may be – based on fact. We encourage interested residents to peruse the municipal information package and provide their comments to any one of their councillors through any one of the means outlined in our advertisement or on the Web site. Remember, discussion, debate and expressed differences of opinion are good examples of democracy in action. Disinformation is not.

Diana Waltmann

Information Officer

Resort Municipality of Whistler

 

It is good to see so many people getting involved and voicing their opinions on the way our town is being managed by our elected officials and municipal administration.

It is also good to see that people are getting upset by the lack of community input regarding many crucial decisions that are being made which will affect all who live here for many years to come.

The World Economic Forum, 2010 Olympic Bid, $1.5 million Web sites and the subsequent lack of an Official Community Plan are very disturbing, to say the least, in the way they have been hidden from the people of Whistler until the final hour.

I applaud Councillors Kirk, Melamed and Davies for the way they are trying to bring these issues out in the open and hope that speaking to all in the community and getting their opinions will only help in making this town a better place to live and raise a family.

What we do lack however is strong and imaginative leadership and I for one am counting the days until the November election where the people of Whistler will really get a chance to have their opinions heard.

I agree with G.D. Maxwell and Paul Mathews of Ecosign in saying that the World Economic Forum is best suited in another location. Since it was so low impact in New York City and that most of the security measures are in place and participants find it easy to attend this location, let them have it. Davos is fed up and we don't need this type of distraction in the middle of our winter harvest. Maybe then the attendees can tour the Bronx, Harlem, Brooklyn and the rustbelt of New Jersey and see how all the real people live and not hide away in our mountain town.

So keep writing letters and don't forget to vote in November. We have the democratic power for change and if you don't vote, you don't count and you have no right to complain.

P.S. Whistler is Recreation.

Grant Lamont

Whistler

 

I am writing to share with mayor and council my disapproval for inviting the World Economic Forum to Whistler in 2004.

In the vision 2002 document, we clearly state that "Whistler will be the premier mountain resort community that emphasizes quality of life for its residents... where we and visitors will enjoy an optimum mix of world-class recreational opportunities." I believe hosting a controversial conference such as the WEF moves us away from that vision. The tight security and likely protests will have a negative impact on the friendly "Whistler Experience" this community is so proud of. A Web search of Davos showed me images of the town's McDonald’s restaurant getting its windows smashed and of police in riot trucks fighting back protesters. Should we be concerned about having potential visitors find such images on the Web when they research Whistler?

How does this fit with our Whistler vision? There are a number of other similarly controversial conferences such as the G8 or Summit of the Americas recently held in Québec City. Does Whistler want to make it its business to bring them here too? If that is the case, then I would suggest we revisit the vision document before doing so.

I believe Whistler is one of the best places in the world to live and visit, and we can keep it that way if we stay true to our vision. Bring on the hundreds of conferences Whistler has traditionally hosted, bring on gay ski week, bring on the World Ski and Snowboard Festival, bring on the Olympic downhill for that matter, but let’s forget the likes of the WEF.

I have no doubt that good things can come out of the meeting of great CEOs of the world, along with thinkers and artists. There may even be strong commercial and political impact on its venue. But the nature of the meeting is controversial. I recently contacted Lance Knobel who was responsible for the program of the Davos WEF meeting in January 2000. Here is what he had to say about Whistler hosting the WEF. "At the moment, I believe the protests against the symbols of globalisation have matured. In Barcelona a week ago, for example, large protests that coincided with a European Union summit were peaceful and effective. Similarly, in New York in February, when the Forum held this year's Annual Meeting, the protests caused no disruption. In both cases, however, a large police presence was mustered, which might be just about tolerable in New York or Barcelona. It would undoubtedly be vastly more disruptive in a small mountain community. And there is no way of knowing if the more extreme anti-capitalist protestors – intent on violence, rather than argument – will manage to reinsert themselves into the anti-globalisation movement."

As for the $15 million promised by the provincial government for the conference centre "green" renovation if we host the WEF, I am sure that if such a renovation project is truly viable, government and private enterprise will see fit to support it.

Let the world leaders come to Whistler, on their own time, or as part of another forum. Maybe then, they can blend in, and share in the Whistler experience.

Stéphane Perron

Whistler

 

To the mayor and council

You ask for input in your notices published in the Pique and the Question. On the same page in each paper appeared the excellent letter of Paul E. Mathews. He states the case far more eloquently and knowledgeably than me and I support his request to you to abandon the idea of hosting this WEF conference. I remind you that the whole reason for Whistler is winter sports – OK, fine, we are trying to develop it as a year-round resort – but, it is a resort.

A conference of this nature is totally out of character with what we have and what we want. Conferences for doctors, lawyers and other are mainly set up for ski holidays and that’s fine. Reaching for a WEF, as Paul Mathews says, is "madness."

Please reject the proposed WEF and turn your attention to local issues and to us taxpayers – i.e. represent our interests.

Clive and Judy Nylander

Whistler

 

Re: referendum 2010 Olympics

After having received the latest 2010 Olympics information gazette on my doorstep today, I thought it timely to remind the mayor of comments he made in the past, that if he was to entertain a referendum on the Olympics, he would do so at election time, and that is coming in November.

Well it may be the time "now" to entertain that idea, having us informed and all (short of what the taxpayers will be hit with), and to get the wheels in motion. Preferably it would be a "mail-in" referendum during election time, that way every taxpayer gets a shot at it. We might even consider including the referendum question on the ballot for candidates for mayor and council, and do the whole election in one easy manner, all for the same price.

A significant amount of taxpayers’ money appears to have been spent to date on the campaign to get the Olympics here. Before more is spent, let us have a say in what we want and don’t want in Whistler, as for instance with the current hot issue, the WEF.

It is time for mayor and council to show some courage and announce "now" that they will hold a referendum on the 2010 Olympics in the fall, and let us decide on these issues.

Casey Niewerth

Whistler

 

A desperate call to all creative visionaries of Whistler

I was driving back from Vancouver the other day thinking about how one might get to Whistler if the road was closed. Other options, I guess. Flying, hiking, rail, or perhaps a combination. But this letter is not a call for more transportation alternatives to Whistler; it is about seeking and creating options to meet our community needs.

These needs are displayed in the Community Values from the Whistler 2002 document:

Strong Healthy Community

Natural Environment

A Safe Community

People That Make Whistler

Our Guests

Our Partners

Sound Fiscal Sustainability

Unfortunately the recent debate in Whistler has been less about meeting our needs and more about pushing positions. To encourage the WEF or not to encourage the WEF? To encourage the Olympic bid or not? These are the questions being asked and emotionally debated in our community. We see the letters displayed in the paper and hear topics debated in our cafes week after week. Although I encourage debate, I believe we are spending far too much time chattering amongst these needless bipolar positions. "Yes or No," are these the only choices? They are if we are fixated on these two events. However, if we read between the lines of the recent debates you’ll see all of our common needs from the Whistler 2002 document are represented. These needs are what we should really be focusing on.

In the 2002 document we agreed on the community needs for Whistler. So, I see no debate or limited choices to satisfy our needs, but rather an open slate awaiting we the people of Whistler to be creative. The question we should be answering at this point is "What are the numerous options we can consider to meet our needs?"

There are hundreds of international business conferences each year around the world (some even about corporate sustainability). There are thousands of different industries/markets around the world. There are many options to influence the world about sustainability. There are numerous ways to lead more sustainable lives. There are numerous opportunities to meet our energy needs without adding any more energy supply. And we have plenty possibilities of meeting our needs for recreation. We have options. Let’s find them.

Let’s put our heads together, engage the stakeholders in our community, and be creative. Let’s look for options, invite dialogue about all the options over and above the Olympics or WEF that we can pursue to achieve our needs. We are a community made up of talented, bright, creative people. If we allow our only choice to be "yes or no" to one specific initiative such as the WEF, then our future will be predetermined as one of and argument about self interests.

A mountain climber rarely depends on only one route to the top of a mountain. Likewise, we should not depend on one option in 2004 or 2010 to meet our needs. What happens if we don’t get the Olympics or the WEF? Do we currently have other options of meeting our needs? If we do, can they please stand up?

It’s obvious, we share the same community needs. Before we waste all our energy debating about one particular way to satisfy them, let’s first work together to imagine all the other possibilities we have for reaching the top. If we allow ourselves to be creative and look outside of the current options, our ability to meet our needs in the future will be far more secure and satisfying.

Dan Wilson

Whistler

 

Re: Get stuffed in last week’s letters section

I am very happy to get the community paper The Question in my mailbox for free. I don't know what all the fuss is about. Perhaps the lady had a personal problem with the paper. That is her problem. Please just deliver the paper to my box. Thank you very much.

Edith Hermann

Whistler

 

The real Canadian champs

After an incredible amount of donated time, sweat and – more than other years – a few tears, I would like to thank all involved for the relentless work that was put in to setting up nets, preparing the track, removing the traditional snowfalls and running the races for the Canadian Championships. From the famous Weasel Workers, who toil day and night for not much more than a few beers and chance to watch Canada’s best, to Whistler’s race department, the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, Whistler-Blackcomb and the fine work of their snow-cat drivers, and of course the racers themselves, who push themselves to new limits in an effort to be tagged a "Crazy Canuck."

Although I was only forerunning the downhill course, I felt an incredible amount of nostalgia, pride and delight as I whooped and hollered all the way down one of the best race courses in the world. In a way it was a shame that little more than a week’s worth of racing was performed on the perfectly prepared Dave Murray Downhill track before it was torn down. I’m sure there were more than a few locals who salivated at the sight of the track while they rode up the gondola, wishing they could have just one run down there on their old long boards that are collecting dust at the back of the closet. But then there was plenty of mountain to keep them otherwise occupied…

But again, a big thank you from all the racers (and forerunners) for the efforts put in by all and for holding some great races. And I can likely speak on behalf of many here, a big thank you from all the locals and powder-hounds for putting on the races and bringing a lovely week of fresh snow.

Let’s get the World Cup back here!

Rob Boyd

Whistler

 

Thank you everyone for your help and caring support.

On Wednesday, March 13, I had an accident at work where I could have lost my right arm. Due to the quick actions of my co-workers and the fact that we get First Aid Training through work, I will have a functional hand and arm again.

The response time and skills of the Whistler Fire Department and the ambulance team was amazing and so reassuring. They even called my neighboUr so she would feed the cat. Once at the clinic, I was swarmed with caring professionals. I knew I would be OK. They did an excellent job prepping my arm ( and me ) for the helicopter transport to Vancouver General Hospital.

We are very fortunate in Whistler to have the skilled people and facilities that we need. Once at VGH the flowers and phone calls and visitors I received was overwhelming. This kind of support definitely helps a person deal with trauma more easily. My attitude towards recovery is very strong and positive, so again, thanks everybody.

Heather Hamilton

Whistler