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AWARE to examine LRMP plan at Feb. 6 meeting The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment wants community input on the Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan currently being discussed by corridor stakeholders.

AWARE to examine LRMP plan at Feb. 6 meeting

The Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment wants community input on the Sea to Sky Land and Resource Management Plan currently being discussed by corridor stakeholders.

They are providing the forum for a discussion about the LRMP plan at the next monthly AWARE meeting, Feb. 6, at 7 p.m. in the Delta Whistler Resort.

The Sea to Sky LRMP is a government process set up to define a future vision for public land and resources in the corridor. To date plans have been completed for 70 per cent of the province.

The Sea to Sky LRMP is scheduled for completion in the fall and there’s still a lot of work to be done.

"With the tight timeline the government has put this negotiating process on it is important to get the public’s concerns heard now," said Eckhard Zeidler, AWARE’s wilderness backyard campaign co-ordinator.

"...This is still our best opportunity to gather as much information as we can to assist our negotiator at the table. If he doesn’t know about an important concern you may have on the land, your concerns will not be heard."

AWARE will have maps and pens out at the meeting so community members can get their concerns heard.

The group is asking for anyone with data or information that could direct the conservation negotiator at the LRMP table to come along to the meeting.

Meanwhile a community coalition took their message public about the Lillooet LRMP, which is still being reviewed by the province. The coalition hit the road Monday, travelling to Vancouver with stops throughout the corridor to get their point across. They say a balanced solution is possible in the Lillooet planning process, specifically when it comes to the highly contentious South Chilcotin Protected Area.

There are some groups that want to see the park as small as 3,000 hectares and others who would like to see it as big as 71,000 hectares.

The community coalition supports the idea of a 42,000 hectare park, surrounded by an environmental land use reserve that would allow for mining exploration but not timber harvesting.

Local bands to partner in green power projects

Two local First Nations groups are going to get funding from the province to develop partnerships in green power projects.

Geoff Plant, minister responsible for treaty negotiations, announced the funding would be going to the Douglas First Nation and the Mount Currie band.

The funding is coming from the Economic Measures Fund, which is designed to get provincial government ministries and agencies working with First Nations. The fund provides $10 million a year for a period of three years for these types of partnerships.

The three-year funding is set up to allow for a long-term approach to economic development with First Nations. It is designed to strengthen aboriginal participation in the economy and recognize opportunities available across a variety of economic sectors.

The government has been processing hundreds of proposals from independent power producers throughout the province after BC Hydro recently put out the call for more green power. Many of these proposals are for the Sea to Sky corridor.

Working on the Night Moves

When the sun goes down and the gondolas stop running for another day, that’s now the cue for the lights under the Magic Chair to come on and the lift to start turning.

Whistler-Blackcomb is bringing back Night Moves.

Starting Thursday, Feb. 6 the Magic Chair on Blackcomb Mountain will run every Thursday, Friday and Saturday night from 5 to 9 p.m.

You can slide on anything there, including boards, skis, snowskates and tubes.

Even park rats can keep playing at night. There’s a new rail park with nine features like rainbows, jib boxes, C-boxes and straight rails.

"Night Moves is designed for everyone," said Adam Schell, Whistler-Blackcomb Snowboard School manager.

"It’s designed for families and young people that are looking for something to do after dark. And it’s a great way for those of us with day jobs to spend the evening."

All ages are welcome at Night Moves. It’s $10 for adults, $7 for seniors and youth, $5 for children and free for those under age six.

D’Arcy Fun Day raises money for B.C. kids

For almost 30 years the little town of D’Arcy has had a lot of heart when it comes to raising money for B.C. kids.

Each year the town has a Variety Club Fun Day and donates the money to the Variety Telethon.

On good years they’ve raised over $4,000, and on the quieter years at least $2,000.

This Saturday, Feb. 1 they’ll be at it again and they want others to join in the fun too. It’s the day the community opens its hearts and wallets to help the kids.

The Fun Day will feature the usual pancake breakfast, a Loonie auction, lunch, live auction, dinner and bingo. There will also be a heart race down Gates River with cash prizes for the winner. Hearts are on sale for $10. All the events are held in the N’Quatqua Community Hall.