With a long list of changes and challenges affecting Whistler's community in recent years, it's not uncommon to hear some questioning whether Whistler is losing its soul.
But if last night's Whistler Excellence Awards were any indication, that spirit is still alive and kicking.
Around 500 people gathered in the Fairmont Chateau Whistler's ballroom to celebrate Whistler's best. It was the largest crowd in the award ceremony's history, noted Whistler Chamber of Commerce CEO Melissa Pace, the host of the sold-out evening.
The winner of the prestigious Citizen of the Year award was Steve Bayly, someone who "advocates for the underrepresented in our community," said 2017 Citizen of the Year Heather Paul.
Over the course of his career, the builder, developer and landlord has developed eight projects in Function Junction, along with others in Barnfield, Lakecrest, and Nesters Crossing. He was also the founding director of the Whistler Housing Authority and director of the Whistler 2020 Development Corporation (WDC), in addition to building the 2010 Olympics athletes' village now known as Cheakamus Crossing.
Newly added to the awards roster this year was the locals' choice award for favourite local legend. The list of nominees was packed full of beloved longtime locals like "Princess" Stephanie Reesor, Ace McKay Smith, the Hairfarmers, Tara O'Doherty, Sue Adams, Mo Douglas and Barrett Fisher. However, it was Brett Tippie, a pioneer of freeride mountain biking, former World Cup snowboard racer and announcer with a personality to match his list of accolades, that came out on top.
Here are the rest of last night's winners and nominees:
Business Person of the Year
Winner:
- Matheo Durfeld
Finalists:
- Sarah Strother
- Kerri Jones
Citizen of the Year
Winner:
- Steve Bayly
Finalists:
- Linda Epp
- Shelagh Weightman
Innovative Business of the Year
Winner:
- ULLR Adventure Maps
Finalists:
- Gogglesoc
- WNorth
Sustainability in Action Business
Winner:
- Sea to Sky Removal
Finalists:
- Sea to Sky Soils
- Whistler Blackcomb
Rising Star of the Year
Winner:
- Josianne Fox - SmartFox Consulting
Finalists:
- Blair Kaplan - Blair Kaplan Communications INC
- Isaac Marangoni - Whistler Performance Lubricants
Whistler Champion of Arts & Culture
Winner:
- Angie Nolan
Finalists:
- Ace McKay Smith
- Dave Petko
Whistler Experience Service - Small Business
Winner:
- Rocks and Gems Canada
Finalists:
- The Fitzsimmons Pub
- Farfalla Hair and Esthetics
Whistler Experience Service - Large Business
Winners:
- Canadian Wilderness Adventures
- Basalt Wine + Salumeria
Finalist:
- Whistler Public Library
