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Franz’s Trail grand opening Saturday

Intrawest’s Franz’s Trail development in Creekside is hosting a grand opening party tomorrow (Dec. 20), inviting members of the public to check out the new retail and commercial area. The event gets underway at 2:30 p.m.

Intrawest’s Franz’s Trail development in Creekside is hosting a grand opening party tomorrow (Dec. 20), inviting members of the public to check out the new retail and commercial area.

The event gets underway at 2:30 p.m. and runs until approximately 6:30 p.m.

Attractions include:

• Guitar Doug and the Blue River Band (including members of the Paperboys) playing three sets during the afternoon;

• A juggler, a balloon artist, face painting, and appearances by the Whistler Kids mascots;

• Fire dancers will perform after dark between Dusty’s and Zen Whistler;

• Free samples, contests and giveaways will be taking place around the site;

• Dusty’s will be hosting the Whole Lotta Led Zeppelin cover band at 10 p.m.

Construction is wrapping up on most of the development, although Intrawest is waiting to locate a restaurant tenant before it starts construction on the gatehouse building for the development at the northeast corner of Lake Place Road and Highway 99.

Major landscaping of the site will also have to wait until Intrawest can relocate Whistler Creek, which is contingent on the completion of a clean-up of soil contaminated by gasoline that has leaked from the Petro Canada site over the years.

Most of the new stores planned for Franz’s Trail will be opened within the next few months.

The Starbucks Coffee location is now open, as is Kidz Corner at 49 th Parallel, and The Hub internet shop and film processing centre.

The following shops have yet to be opened:

The Creekside Market – a full service grocery store with a bakery and a deli. Opening is expected in late December.

The Movie Gallery – Video and DVD sales and rentals. Expected to open in late January.

The Herb Emporium – Herbal remedies and health products. Expected to open in late December.

Gravity – Clothing and accessories made from natural fibres such as hemp. Gravity will also offer a juice bar and healthy baked goods. Expected to open in late December.

Scotiabank – Full service bank is expected to open in late January or early February.

Subway – Sub and sandwich franchise. Expected to open in late January.

In addition to the retail locations, Intrawest will be opening an At Nature’s Doore Real Estate Discover Centre and an Intrawest Real Estate Discovery Centre.

Intrawest is also still in discussion with the province regarding the opening of a B.C. Liquor Store retail location.

Franz’s Trail was named for Whistler Mountain developer and Garibaldi Lifts president Franz Wilhelmsen, who helped to develop the Creekside area more than 35 years ago.

You can access Franz’s Trail along Lake Placid Road, or by crossing the bridge over the road between the Legends and First Tracks complexes.