Honorary board set for new chapel Whistler/Blackcomb keen to be foster parent of old chapel By Chris Woodall An honorary board has been set to bring prestige Whistler names to help raise $3.1 million in funds for the Interfaith Chapel & Community Building that will replace the ageing Skiers Chapel. On the board are Whistler Mayor Hugh O'Reilly, member of provincial legislature Ted Nebbeling, Steve Podborski, Franz Wilhelmsen, Joanne Houssian, Chateau Whistler general manager Dave Roberts, Whistler Resort Association acting president Craig MacKenzie, Ann Chiasson and Maxine Gelfant. "They represent people with a history in this community and who've contributed to Whistler," says skiers chapel board member Stephen Milstein. The new chapel will sit on Blackcomb Way on the opposite side of the water park from the High Mountain Brewing Company (Whistler BrewHouse). At 10,000 square feet on two levels, it will provide religious space for several faiths and a mid-week day care upstairs; and a teen centre and community group office services downstairs. The A-frame grey Skiers Chapel must vacate its spot beside Highway 99 in Creekside by June 30 to make way for Intrawest's development plans. But Intrawest — through Whistler/Blackcomb — is not kicking the chapel into the street, so to speak. Recognizing the importance of one of Whistler's few heritage buildings, Whistler/Blackcomb is juggling plans to take the chapel into its arms. "We've been discussing with the chapel's board new sites on or at the base of Whistler Mountain," says Doug Forseth, senior vice-president of operations. "We'd like to consider putting it at the top of the mountain and have it be a place for drop-in services or weddings," Forseth says. "We've seen that at other ski areas where a chapel is on the mountain top and it was very well attended." Back since Whistler Mountain was its own ski company, the chapel has had a generous neighbour in re-locating the chapel from time to time and covering its utility bills. "You can count on us being there," Forseth says of Whistler/Blackcomb support for the heritage chapel and the chapel yet to come.
