Citizen Smythe Debbie Smythe was announced Whistler's Citizen of the Year at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon on July 15. Although she is currently on holiday in Europe, reports have made it back that she is delighted with this honour. The Citizen of the Year selection process calls for nominations over a period of two months. The three previous Citizen's of the Year then review the nominations. Thelma Johnstone of the Chamber of Commerce says that Smythe was extremely well qualified. "Everyone has been really very excited about it," she said. David Roberts provided the initial nomination for Smythe. He says she is an ideal citizen. Married to Hugh Smythe, the head of Intrawest’s Resort Operations Group, Smythe has been very active in arts programs and in school issues. She served on the Myrtle Philip Elementary School's parent advisory committee before moving on to become the current chair of Whistler Secondary's PAC. "Under her chairmanship fund-raising extended strongly, raising over $15,000 for school amenities, computers and inventory items," says Roberts. "I believe that between her and the previous chair, $50,000 has been raised." Smythe is also the current president of the Blackcomb Ski Club and is involved in the Minor Hockey Association, where she puts out their newsletter. She also acts as tournament director. "She's obviously involved in lots of other things. All this time she has managed to bring up three great kids and she has a wicked sense of humour," says Roberts. "She is a model for Whistler in terms of commitment to the community."
