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Memo to Mike Furey: new RMOW Chief Administrative Officer

Welcome to Whistler, Mike.

Welcome to Whistler, Mike.

Our little town is challenged by the financial burden and problems created by the bungled complex interconnected pre-Olympic deals made between the RMOW, the province, Whistler-Blackcomb, First Nations, and  (The Vancouver Organizing Committee for the 2010 Olympic Games). There hasn't been a time in our short history where the public has had so little faith and trust in our local government.

You'll be hearing soon enough about the: pay parking debacle, the asphalt plant debacle, the transit debacle, the 17.5 per cent increase in property taxes for the last three years, the blown bed cap, and about our cherished library, which is now closed for two months worth of time a year.

We need a clean-up man Mike - a Mr. Clean kind of guy - someone who wasn't involved with the Olympic deal making - someone not in a state of post Olympic denial - someone who can take the turds out of the Olympic punch bowl. Here's hoping you arrive in town dressed in white with not too much baggage.

Some friendly words of advice to you as the new CAO; advice based on over a decade of council scrutiny: Always speak in soft unflappable tones, say as little as possible, make sure you tell at least a small part of the truth, let the mayor think he is running the show... remind him to use short statements like "be respectful," "you're misinformed" and "you're offside"... he'll like that -it will make him feel important.

If you get into a jam with the press or the pesky public during a question and answer time always say things like; our lawyers advised us...we're acting on the advice of our lawyers... our lawyers are cognizant...you get the drift; the client privilege thing works almost every time.

As far as official RMOW language goes remember the following: a handbook is a contract ... asphalt processing is aggregate production ... capital costs are legal costs, and bed units are just a measure of capacity - so there is no need to consult the public when we increase them.

Oh, by the way we created 174 bed units in an Olympic deal - make sure you pass the problem as far down the road as you possibly can.

Hopefully you will be on a Caribbean beach collecting a big fat pension when the shit hits the fan.

Good luck.

Stuart Munro

Whistler

 

Give pit bulls a chance

Like everybody else, I was deeply disturbed when I read about the pit bull attack in Mt Currie.

As an owner of a pit bull, it saddens me to see yet another repercussion of irresponsible dog ownership resulting in multiple human injuries and the death of three dogs.

I wish those involved a quick recovery and hope that this can be a lesson learned for everyone.  Although the article was written tastefully and without blame to the dogs, I would like to share some facts about the American Pit Bull Terrier to educate those who are not as familiar with the breed.

The American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) was originally bred as an experiment in Ireland, England and Scotland from a cross between a bulldog and a terrier to find a dog that combined the gameness of a terrier with the strength and athleticism of a bulldog.  APBTs were first bred to bait bulls and bears, but were then used in ratting and dog fighting when baiting bulls was considered to be inhumane.  The time spent in a "pit" during these sports led to the name "pit bull."

During the time when the dogs were being used to fight for sport, APBTs lived in houses with the families of the men involved in the sport.  Any characteristic of aggression towards humans was culled - those dogs were euthanized and not used for breeding.  The reliability required to live with a family, as well as receiving medical aid from its owner during and after a fight, made it unacceptable for any of these dogs to show aggression towards people.  Dog fighting was outlawed in the early 1900's, since which time APBTs returned to their status as a family pet.

Most of the stigma about APBTs is caused by media and lack of education or follow-up from listeners or readers.

I spoke with four people involved with the recent situation in Mt Currie - none of whom could confirm that these three dogs were actually pit bulls.

Many news stories include "pit bull-type dogs" which can include a range of dogs such as: Bull Terriers, Mastiffs, Rottweilers, Boxers, Presa Canarios, Dogo Argentinos and any bull-mix breed.  How many of these stories or other stories being shared by word of mouth about a "pit bull attack" was actually a pure bread Pit Bull Terrier or a mix-breed with APBT in it?  When walking my dog, I constantly meet surprise when informing people that she is a Pit Bull Terrier as they always assume "that they look different and she is quite small."  The maximum size of a pit bull should be approximately 60 lbs; the demand for a larger version of this breed led to larger pit bulls; many breeders are trying to breed the dog back down to its intended size.

Myths about APBTs include lockjaw, brain size and temperament.  APBT's are no different than any other dog.

They have a wide head from a muscular jaw and the determination of the terrier that was bred into them, sometimes making it difficult to get them to release their object.  Studies have been conducted on the skulls, mandibles and teeth of APBTs that show absolutely no evidence of a locking mechanism in the jaw.  Similarly, ABPTs brain and skull matures the same as any other animal.  Adolescence (0-3 years of age) is the time when a dog may change in temperament due to its upbringing; it is a fact that a pit bull's brain does not grow to be too large for its head resulting in insanity.  About 95 per cent of American Pit Bull Terriers show zero aggression towards humans according to Alfons Estelt of the American Temperament Test Society, Inc.  The average passing rate for the other 120+ breeds of dogs in the same test is 77 per cent.

Many people mistake dog aggression as being the same as human aggression when in fact they are two completely different behaviours.  It is true that an American Pit Bull Terrier has a higher prey drive and tendency for dog aggression; however, if properly monitored, these qualities can be suppressed.

For example, my dog raised, nursed, and bathed my kitten when I brought my kitten home at seven weeks old; my dog was two years old at the time.  The relationship that developed between my cat and dog was easily mistaken as behaviour between a dog and puppy.  Introducing my dog to having a small animal in her life drastically improved her behaviour around small dogs and other cats as well as her willingness to stop chasing chipmunks and other rodents when called.

People tend to be afraid of what they are not familiar with and it is easier to join the assumption that 'pit bull' type dogs are unfit to be family pets.

This common opinion is not only prejudice, but it breaks apart families from their loved ones in places where Breed Specific Legislations (BSL) are in place.  The problem of "pit bull" attacks will not disappear by banning a breed, as it is not a breed issue, but an ownership issue.

It is a fact that APBTs are more susceptible to abuse than any other dog breed due to their high performance ability and "macho" appearance.  They are a highly emotional breed of dog that is dependent on their owner's companionship.  Human aggression is triggered by human abuse and neglect.

Please help end the stigma by researching the story and those involved before sharing it with others.  Many attacks or bites from other breeds are not reported, as many people are uninterested in a poodle attack.

My dog has been bitten or attacked by the following breeds of dogs, none of which I reported: Border Collie, Black Lab, Pit Bull, Pomeranian-Poodle (Pom-Poo), and Golden Retrievers.  The response from the owner of the Border Collie: "Well, that was an interesting meeting."

If my dog had bit another dog, which has never happened in her three-and-a-half years of her life, there would probably be another article regarding a pit bull attack in the paper.

American Pit Bull Terriers have a growing population in the Sea to Sky corridor.  If you are not afraid of dogs I recommend stopping to say hello to one, you may be pleasantly surprised.

Kayla Arnold

Whistler

 

A Point in Time

March 2010 marked the end of a tremendous journey for Whistler. But far before this point in time, Whistler council recognized the need to prepare for the challenges that we would face post Olympics. The process of preparing to leave the community in a stronger position than it was when we took office began in earnest in the first few months of our term.

Council has adopted the long-term financial plan and the difficult choice to implement a series of tax increases was made.

An organizational review is underway with the aim of ensuring the RMOW is providing the services it does in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible.

Investment continues to be made in driving business to the resort through the festivals, events and animation program. The funding for this program is confirmed with the province. The immediate results of this investment are apparent this summer, as business in the resort has been reported as strong, despite the inclement weather.

At the helm of the implementation of these initiatives was the CAO, Bill Barratt. Mr. Barratt's experience and leadership has been key to the success of the resort to this point. His contributions were massive. Mr. Barratt has retired and council has completed the process of finding a replacement for this role.

The gentleman who has been hired to fill this role is Mr. Mike Furey. I can say with complete confidence that Mr. Furey is unequivocally the man who can best lead the RMOW to meet the challenges that we will face in the next 10 years, no matter who the mayor and council are.

Mr. Furey will be on board to assess the results of the organizational review and implement the changes as directed by council. He is familiar with our long-term financial plan and the challenges that the RMOW faces within it. His experience with both senior levels of government gives the RMOW a distinct advantage in regards to dealing with these organizations in the future.

Most importantly, Mr. Furey is passionate about Whistler.

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Mike and his family. I know the community of Whistler will join me in this welcome.

Now, we are at a point in time when it is all about moving forward.

Christopher Quinlan

Whistler Councillor

 

Should taxpayers fund party?

I am writing this letter on behalf of many of the health care workers in Whistler.

We found it very interesting to read that $2,000 of taxpayers money was spent on a party for (now retired RMOW Chief Administrative Officer) Bill Barratt.

We recently had three very integral people retire from the Whistler Health Care Centre. Anne Townley, who gave over 20 years to the community and to us as a co-worker and head nurse. Sheila Banks, who gave 23 years to our facility in the X-ray department. And Sui Yong, an amazing nurse who served the Whistler Health Care Centre for over 15 years. We would never even consider spending health care dollars for their parties.

We contribute our own money for gifts and do pot lucks at our homes for the actual parties. This is not even an option for us and nor should it be.

So what gives you the right to spend our money?

Congratulations to Bill on his retirement and I'm sure he did some wonderful things. But I doubt they would surpass the contributions that these three people made, not only to health care, but to the community as well.

Bobbi Sandkuhl

Whistler

 

What a fabulous way to spend municipal money

Following the negative press about spending the outrageous amount of $2,000 on the retirement party of a 30-year veteran of municipal hall who has held down senior administrative positions for much of that time  - get a life people - the guy deserved it and much, much more.

We are talking about most of a man's working life and a meaningful "thank you" is the decent thing to do. What kind of curmudgeon doesn't thank their employees for work well done? It sure doesn't send much of a message to the remaining employees!

Negative press about a driver doing his job towing vehicles parked illegally - irritating maybe, but so-called "predatory" towing companies don't earn a dime unless they tow.

Discretionary towing would mean zero income for at least four months a year as most parking lots are, at best, only half full during "shoulder seasons." If the rules are clearly signed - "vehicles will be towed unless displaying permit" don't blame a guy for doing his job and making a living.

So, back to fabulous expenditure of money - can't think of a better way to spend money on FREE concerts at our FANTASTIC Celebration Plaza.

Thousands of friends, neighbours and guests (including 4,000 Viking Warriors) congregated on Friday and Saturday evening for a great communal time and then dispersed in a happy mood through the town looking to spend money.

Now that's promoting our town and it's not RMOW's fault if businesses don't find ways to capitalize. Too bad a number of businesses surrounding the Plaza were closed well before the concerts even started.

Presented with that opportunity entrepreneurs should be entrepreneuring!

Congrats to muni hall and Tourism Whistler for PROMOTING the best little summer town in the Northern Hemisphere and providing opportunities for local businesses to service our guests with Whistler hospitality.

Mike Hawes (retired, often parks illegally, Whistler fan)

Whistler

 

Steamboat gets it

I just spent the past weekend in Steamboat, Colorado, at my niece's wedding.

It's interesting going to another resort when you live in Whistler.  Steamboat's a great place - ranching community mixed with ski area.

Whistler Village was designed to offer a much better resort experience, but in four days at Steamboat I didn't have to pay for parking. Not when I parked in the town centre (two-hour free parking along the main retail strip), or when I parked within 100-metres of the gondola (unlimited free parking). Even in a sluggish, debt-ridden U.S. economy there was an active buzz in town and no vacant storefronts to be seen anywhere.

Steamboat gets it - they're a resort town and need to be open and inviting to visitors, not gouge them before they're even out of their car.

John Phillips

Whistler

 

More than 700 species recorded

Whistler's fifth BioBlitz at Alpha Lake Park this past weekend was the best yet thanks to great scientists, great attendance at Alpha Lake Park, and great weather.

We'd like to thank the stellar scientists who came from the Lower Mainland, Vancouver Island, and as far away as Washington State to help with the event. They included specialists in fields as diverse as spiders, moths, mosses, rare plants, lichens, mushrooms, and mammals.

Early results are just rolling in, but we're on target for 700-plus species recorded during 24 hours of BioBlitz.

Check in at  www.whistlerbioblitz.ca for updates.

Huge thanks to all the volunteers who helped the events at Alpha Lake Park and throughout the valley work so well. We'd also like to thank our sponsors for their fantastic support: the Resort Municipality of Whistler, Whistler Blackcomb, Whistler Museum, Whistler Golf Club, Zip Trek Ecotours, Whistler Eco-Tours, Creekbread, Nesters Market, Creekside Market, Riverside Café, Pizza Café, The Adventure Group, Armchair Books, Dusty's and Legends.

Bob Brett,  Kristina Swerhun, Whistler Naturalists For the BioBlitz Organizing Team

Whistler

 

Staying fit

As one who had a very active recreational life, and still has, I can tell you of the benefits taking part in regular MAC circuit training classes.

As I get older, especially, I've noticed a grey area of fitness between winter activities (downhill skiing) and summer (biking, hiking and occasional mountaineering).

Often people (say to) me at the end of the ski season, "you must be fit for summer."

Not so, it's a different learning process using different muscles and MAC classes with Christine at the (Meadow Park Sports) Centre helps me get over this grey area. Of course, when one enters the 80s health problems can creep up too, that's when I can count of Dr. T DeMarco. I am fortunate to have those professionals keeping me toned.

Shortly I will be leaving with my partner for an extended trip to the Alps for some hiking and perhaps a climb or two to test our fitness.

So long to our MAC class, see you in the fall.

Werner Himmelsbach

Whistler.

 

 

So close to regional transit

This summer we will be the closest we have ever been to having regional transit in the Sea to Sky corridor. From August 12 to September 11 there will be a trial of late night service between Pemberton and Whistler.

The #98 Squamish Commuter and the #99 Pemberton Commuter are operated by different municipal partners. They print different schedules.

They are on different website pages. They both travel on Highway 99 and meet in Whistler. Together, they could form a regional transit service between Squamish and Pemberton.

You can already travel from Squamish to Pemberton or Pemberton to Squamish in the morning. After changing buses in Whistler the trip is only 1 hour and 45 minutes either way. Now there is a return trip in each direction.

At night it will take about two hours to travel from Squamish to Pemberton and 1 hour and 30 minutes to travel from Pemberton to Squamish. For the month of August there will be two trips in each direction every day.

It only takes a little imagination to see that the Squamish Commuter that arrives in Whistler at 2:30 and leaves again at 4:45 has enough time to go to Pemberton and back. By adding two hours of service to the two existing routes we could have morning, afternoon and evening service in both directions, between Squamish and Pemberton, every day.

That would not compare with the 15 buses each day that connect the 1,800 people of Lions Bay with Caulfield Village, Horseshoe Bay and Vancouver. It would be a good place to start though.

The Squamish Commuter is scheduled to cease operating on September 30. For now, the late night service to Pemberton is only temporary.


BC Transit seems to be unable to plan and operate public transit in the Sea to Sky corridor. To the south of Squamish is West Vancouver. They have the oldest continuously operating municipal transit system in North America. They celebrate their first century in 2012.

 

West Vancouver Transit is independent from Trans Link. They are the people who operate 19 buses to Lions Bay on Friday, 9 on Sunday and 15 the rest of the week.

If West Vancouver Transit can operate 15 buses per day on the first 15 kilometres of the Sea to Sky Highway, perhaps they are the people we should be talking to about operating Public Transit on the rest of the highway.

If you want to show your support for Public Transit in the Sea to Sky Corridor visit PEMBERTON WHISTLER SQUAMISH BUS on Facebook

Murray Gamble

Squamish

 

What qualifies a candidate?

Candidates for mayor and council must have substantial and successful business background, or they should not be running, nor be voted for either position - now having that of my chest it is simply inconceivable that without that experience a person could sit at the council table, governing our money to the tune of approximately $70 million dollars. That is BIG business, and if you can't crunch the numbers do us a favour, don't run !!!

Futhermore, in all fairness to all us voters, all candidates should tell us through this paper well in advance what qualifications they have that makes them exemplary and ideal for the position. Don't you think so too?

Now back to business: parking should be free, advertise it and watch then fill up the lots. You want business? Don't make them pay before they even walk through your door, what's the logic in that! They won't come back, simple!

And to defray the "audited" costs, split that fairly between Whistler Blackcomb and all licensed businesses at the base of Blackcomb and the villages based on audited gross revenue, or a formula of sorts. They are the ones that benefit, they are the ones that should pay... "At last!"

Ever been to Wal-Mart, Park Royal, Home Depot, Canadian Tire etc, etc.... and pay to park?

Casey Niewerth

Whistler

 

Safety issues?

We don't get a chance to come to Whistler nearly as much as we would like to, but this past Sunday my husband and I decided to take a short two-day family trip with our five-year-old son and seven-year-old daughter.

Summer is our favourite time in Whistler, because we love the relaxed atmosphere and the fun family activities.

We've visited the Blackcomb Adventure Zone on several occasions, but have never tried the "kids" luge because it always seemed a little big for our young children, even with the recommended age of four-years or over with a parent.

Well this visit we decided to take the plunge and I have to say it was a big mistake! I am writing to your magazine because I am really concerned about the safety of this activity and want visitors to be aware of what they are getting themselves into. After experiencing the ride, I have to say that Whistler Blackcomb is acting in a completely negligent manner by not making the use of helmets on this ride mandatory and for not having what I feel are the proper safety precautions in place to prevent serious injury.

We've always promoted helmet use with our kids and were a little hesitant about the luge, but assured by the staff that it was a safe ride, for any child over four years with an accompanying adult.

My husband had asked if there was a need to go slow or any safety precautions as he got on the luge with my five-year-old son and was assured that there was nothing to worry about. Their first ride went fantastically, with the luge operator telling my husband and son they had clocked 26-km/per hour.

On the second run down, my husband and son slid off the luge into the chute while rounding a corner. Luckily my husband still had his wits about him and was able to pull my son off the run before being struck by another luge rider coming up behind them.

Besides the obvious lack of safety equipment such as helmets to prevent them from hitting their heads on the metal run, there were no obvious safety precautions to prevent another luge from coming down the chute and striking someone in the event someone falls off.

Had he not pulled him off, I am horrified to think of what would have happened to my son if he had been struck by a plastic luge going upwards of 30 km/hr. The operator ran to help, and threw the luge off the track after another luge rider hit it. That rider was uninjured and continued down the track.

The operator told my husband that this had never happened before.

I am thankful for the help of the Blackcomb employee who gave my son and I a ride to the (Whistler Health Care Centre). I am even more thankful for the amazing care we received from the nurses, attendees and doctor at the clinic as they checked my son over for possible head trauma and repaired a ripped ear with some medical glue.

I was surprised to hear from the admitting nurse that her own daughter, at the age of four-years-old had flown off the same luge ride with her 15 years prior. I was then told that the doctor that looked at my son had seen two to three other kids' zone luge accidents in the past few weeks. This after being told that this had never happened before!

While I am grateful that my son only suffered an ear laceration and a badly bruised face, I am really concerned that someone is going to get more seriously hurt or even killed.

We are fully aware that life comes with risks and that we have to take necessary precautions while participating in adventure sports and outdoor activities and have taught our kids to always play safe and wear helmets and appropriate gear when riding, etc.

Never in a million years did I imagine a kid's ride at the Adventure Zone would be so dangerous. There is no way that this ride should be allowed to accept minors onto it without a safety helmet when they are reaching speeds of up to 30 km/hr. There is also a serious lapse in safety protocol when there is no mechanism at the top of the luge run to prevent other riders from entering the down chute before the previous rider has reached the bottom.

This is a high traffic activity that collects a lot of money from unknowing visitors and it's up to the Adventure Zone to ensure that the ride is safe for those that use it.

We will of course continue to come to Whistler and enjoy the amazing outdoor activities, the atmosphere and the really friendly locals, but people need to be aware that this activity is not safe for young riders!

Tracy Green

Anmore

 

Lost sheep found

I am writing to say thank you very much to you and your readers for your support in achieving the successful location of "Clarrie" our lost aqua and white coloured sheep-mascot.

We have been really appreciative of - and more so - blown away by the absolute genuine support that we received from all quarters. You Canadians are fantastic!

One of your readers, local identity Boyd McTavish, having read way back in February of our appeal to achieve our mascot's safe return to Australia recognized Clarrie out on the slopes a few days ago.

We would like to especially thank Boyd and his family. Hopefully, the reward (of which he was unaware) will come in handy. Clarrie is presently jet setting his way back to Australia via Canada Post.

Phil & June Stahle

Victoria, Australia

 

Bear deaths shocking

Riding the Wizard en-route to Rendezvous ... posed in Sukasana (easy pose), I retreated into the Question (Newspaper Aug.4) and there it was ... on the front page: Three Black Bears Killed in Past Week.

My heart stopped. My Zen moment vanished into thin air as the ache in my heart and throat tensed my body realizing this is the reason I haven't seen them over the past week.

While I struggled with this reality, over the next rise, the biggest one of the three regulars was grazing on yellow flowers, blissful among the tall grasses and flowers.

The hurt moved from my heart and throat to the top of my head trying to make sense of why can't they be relocated?  I know, I know ... "no money, not enough personnel, problem bears have to be killed." All the reasons I am told still can't console me.

I wish I would stop taking it so personally, but it's very difficult, people cause this. The bears live here; they are also part of the community.

Bears deserve respect, not garbage. STOP THE KILLING

Jan Simpson

Whistler

 

Q'ing towards a cure

Brisket, Pulled Pork, Wings and Things - they were are all going up in smoke at the 10th annual Canadian BBQ Championships last weekend at Dusty's.

What wasn't going up in smoke was additional funds to support research to find a cure for Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis (UC).  For the ninth year in a row we were fortunate to work with the team at Dusty's to raise money for the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation of Canada - a world leader in the search for cures to Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD).  More than 200,000 Canadian men, women, and children are living with some form of IBD, most commonly Crohn's or Colitis.  If you have heard of these diseases you are likely aware of the pain they inflict - if you are not aware of them, please take a moment to learn about them - there is an abundance of information at your fingertips on the web.  Knowledge and awareness is key to getting us closer to the cures.

Sales of Taster's Passes raised $9,455 over the weekend and 100 per cent of the funds will be directed to cutting edge research taking place right here in Canada. A recent announcement coming out of SickKids Hospital in Toronto, regarding the identification of a certain gene that may be linked with the development of UC, gives us hope that by holding Whistler fundraising events like the sales of tasters passes, we will make a difference in the hunt for the cures to IBD.

If you bought a taster's pass at the BBQ Championships - thank you for helping to make a difference.

A huge thanks to all our wonderful volunteers, many of them from The Crystal Lodge and Suites; and also to Josh Kearns and the Dusty's team for having us back again - looking forward to next year!

Dave and Wendy Clark

Founders, Whistler Friends