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Letters to the editor for the week of June 27th

Save helipad to save lives It seems to make no sense to lose such a vital resource because signs and signals were not followed.
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Save helipad to save lives

It seems to make no sense to lose such a vital resource because signs and signals were not followed. We live in a town with a higher than normal percentage of residents and visitors participating on a daily basis in activities that could cause serious bodily harm. We advertise these activities to generate revenue to support the existence of this town so I feel it is also our duty by the same measure to support the continued existence of the helipad.

As I think about this issue and those visitors I come to the conclusion that most of the people disobeying the pedestrian and vehicle traffic signals probably don't realize the importance behind such signals and why disobeying them could cost lives. Think of how many visitors come through our town each day, how many of those people do you think have a helipad in their neighbourhood? I've seen the new signs at the crosswalk at Lorimer Road and Blackcomb Way indicating that there will be fines for J-walking, but as a letter mentioned last week, if you don't enforce these laws no one will care. But more importantly these signs do nothing to tell of the life-saving importance depending on our ability to follow those instructions.

It would seem to me to make more sense to explain to people why following the rules, in this case, is so important. The signs at the intersections are good but they obviously aren't enough. We need to make it clear to those who live here and those who come and go each day that the health of their loved ones could rest in their ability to follow the rules. Village beautification aside, this issue needs to be put straight in our face with signs in front of the helipad (facing both streets) informing people of the safety risks. A simple sign that says to the effect of: "For safety reasons traffic and pedestrian rules must be obeyed when helipad in use — a life is at stake". OK, maybe that last part is too much but at least then people would know why it's so important to follow the rules. You can't expect someone who is looking at the scenery, new to a town, with no idea of where they are going to also understand that not turning right on a red or not crossing when there is no crosswalk sign could save a life. Make it obvious; it's not worth going through losing the helipad to find out how much we need it.

Vanessa Pocock

Whistler

No respect for efforts

RE: Council and plastic bag reduction

On June 18 an authentic group of very experienced and community-involved business people presented to council with regards to a ban on single-use plastic bags within Whistler. After many months and personal hours of meetings with representatives from AWARE, RMOW and various local businesses a presentation was made to council. The disrespect shown to this presentation was overt and palpable. It was uncalled for and embarrassing. The incredible commitment to our community by owners, managers and staff of these businesses was swept aside and dismissed.

The group was intent on working with the municipality on finding a solution that does indeed reduce the use of the bags and allows for Whistler's very important business of tourism with regards to attracting and retaining visitors and the guest experience.

My condolences that anyone was made to feel that their efforts were less than sincere and concerned with the greater good of partners working together.

The Upper Village Market will also continue to work with Resort partners and follow the leads of the partners with a considerable wealth of knowledge and experience. We wish for continued work towards a palatable resolution that takes into consideration all of our global goals of reducing pressure on the environment.

Tanya Goertzen

Upper Village Market

Whistler

Welcome to the new Pemberton

Thanks to the Pemberton Visitors' Guide 2013-2014, tourists can easily access information about a favorite tourist destination in Pemberton Valley, the Upper Lillooet River Hydro Project.

Pemberton Valley locals who lost their long-term tourism jobs look a little skinnier and spend a lot of time foraging for volunteer potatoes but remain friendly.

There is no competition for these potatoes from bears or other wildlife: with the development of the Upper Lillooet River Hydro Project, their dens have been blown up during construction, or they have been hit by construction trucks or poached. Tourists in the Sea to Sky corridor can also tour other river diversion projects of which several are owned by Innergex, proud developer of the Upper Lillooet River Hydro Project.

Tourists do not have to pay for viewing the maze of transmission lines criss-crossing Highway 99. B.C. residents, however, will be paying a very high price to bail out BC Hydro with its $50 billion worth of electricity purchase agreements with Innergex and other Independent Power Producers.

The whole industrial experience can be topped off with a gondola ride in Squamish on land that was formerly provincial parkland. The view from the gondola over the LNG terminal on Howe Sound is one not to be missed, especially for French nationals whose government has shockingly banned fracking.

Welcome to SuperNatural BC!

Louise Taylor

Pemberton

Six who listen

I would like to congratulate the six SLRD directors who voted against the Temporary Use Permits for the Upper Lillooet Hydro Project. It is refreshing to see that there are some people in government that actually listen to their constituents and have the courage to stand up for our environment.

Randy Lincks

Lower Pemberton Meadows

Opportunity lost, again

Community papers across Canada used the opportunity of National Aboriginal Day to profile emerging young leaders, or successful economic projects, or to educate readers about local history and stories. Here at home there is every opportunity to do the same: profile a cultural ambassador from the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre; survey residents if they can name the two First Nations whose traditional lands are in Whistler; profile the book "Lil'wat World of Charlie Mack"; etc.

So what did our local papers do? The Pique — nothing. The Question — run another offensive article by Nick Davies. Opportunity lost. Again.

It is disappointing that our local papers have failed to join the national conversation that is building understanding, respect, and ultimately reconciliation with Aboriginal peoples.

Sheldon Tetreault

Pemberton

Whistler is part of Sea to Sky

I am strongly opposed to changing Whistler from the Sea to Sky federal boundary and moving it to Chilliwack-Fraser Canyon. Where's the connection? Duh!?

My wife and I have a bed and breakfast at Whistler and use the Sea to Sky phrase in our promotion for business, as do many other businesses. Whistler is the "sky" of sea to sky. You start at Vancouver by the ocean (sea) and arrive at a much higher elevation (sky) in Whistler. We are a long way from the Fraser Canyon. It makes no sense to put us there. Our community is synonymous with the sea to sky concept. It would be a huge error to move us out of that area.

What do we have in common with the Fraser Canyon, other than being in the same province?

Think about it. It's totally wrong!

Terry Spence

Whistler

Junction doesn't function

I'd like to know what the Powers That Be were thinking when they put in the current two-way stop configuration at the junction of Millar Creek Road and Alpha Lake Road in Function Junction. In seven years of living and working in Function I have never had an issue with the original junction. Since the new 'traffic pattern' it's clear that pretty much everyone is confused as to who gets right of way, if they even notice the stop line at all.

Can it be put back to the original configuration please?

Sarah Bourne

Whistler

Life is short

Hey Whistler. And Pemby. Thank you for your kind support. Thank you for coming out to celebrate Normand's happy life. His family appreciates all your warmth and kind words. Merci beaucoup. Marian O'Shaughnessy, you are a rock and a true friend. This whole experience reminds me of the title of a Bruce Cockburn album — Life's Short, Call Now. Do it. And don't forget the party in September.

Carol Siblock

Mount Currie

Mountains of thanks

The Pemberton Arts Council would like to thank everyone who came out to the Pemberton Distillery on Saturday night for Mountains of Art, and helping to make it a night to remember.

It is a lot of work to put on an event like this and we could never do it without the effort of a great many volunteers. To all the people who give generously of their time to make our events happen we are forever grateful.

Extra special thanks to the Pemberton Valley Supermarket for donating the delicious desserts. Thanks to Pemberton Valley Hardware for supplying various odds and ends. To all the local businesses that donated items for our silent auction, your support is greatly appreciated. Thanks to Pemberton Taxi for providing the shuttle and getting everyone home safely. To all the artists brave enough to display their art, thank-you, without you we are nothing. Last but not least we need to thank the Schramms, Tyler and Lorien, your encouragement and support of the local arts community is nothing less than outstanding, you and your distillery are awesome. 

Daved Moldofsky

Chair, Pemberton Arts Council

Riding for Africans

Once again the weather co-operated for the fifth annual Bicycles for Humanity Summer Solstice fundraiser bike ride. This year's route went 100 km from Brandywine Falls Park to Pemberton or any distance of the rider's choice. The day finished with a complimentary BBQ back at the park along with draw prizes. The event raised over $4,000 for the charity, which sends used bicycles to Africa for much needed, life-changing transportation: http://www.bicycles-for-humanity.org/Whistler/index.php.

Thanks to the 90+ participants and to our generous sponsors — Pique Newsmagazine, Creekside Market, Pepsico, Cardinal Meats, Whistler Village Sports, Corsa Cycles, Village Chiropractic, Delta Whistler Village Suites, Big Sky golf course and Peak Performance. And thanks to the team of volunteers — Rod, Craig, Shandor, Anita, Susan, Pat and Tim and the Whistler Fire Fighters Association, for ensuring the event went without a hitch.

Same time next year!

Janet Brown & Greg Newton

Organizers

Vibe felt throughout town

On Sunday the curtain came down on another wonderful year-end show by the Vibe Dance Centre. Four shows in all were enjoyed by very enthusiastic and appreciative audiences. A show of this calibre is not easy or cheap to produce, and would probably not be possible without some attached fundraising to help defray costs, including a 'blind' auction held throughout the shows.

As one member of a team of parents and friends of the Vibe who helped organize this, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all the kind local businesses and individuals who gave so generously to the auction at the shows. We would like to say a huge thank-you to: Whistler Roasting Co., Kathleen Tennock Pottery, Bounce, Lucia Gelato, Whistler Traveller Magazine, Ziptrek, Sherry Hilliard, Dr Shea Colpitts and the Whistler Eye Clinic, Whistler Eco Tours, Vida, The Adventure Group, Sportstop, SMD Automotive, Scandinave Spa, Meadow Park, Pemberton Meadows Golf Club, Old Spaghetti Factory, Nonna Pia's, Nester's Liquor Store, Mountain Law Corporation, Momentum Camps, TMZ Freeriderz, Mike Tyler Studio, Local Automotive, Kaze Sushi, Joern Rohde Photography, Fathom Stone Art gallery & Studio, Farfalla, Dubh Linn Gate, Hilton Hotel, Dream Merchants, Canadian Wilderness Adventures, Colleen Fraser, Alpine Esthetics, Jenny Roote, Christina Reimer, Celebrate, Blackcomb Aviation, Bearfoot Bistro, Heather Prohaska, Bear Necessities, Rachel Thom, Babysitting Whistler, Whistler Backroads Adventures, Alpine Café, Whistler Chocolate, Whistler Sports Academy.

The owners, teachers and families of the Vibe, and above all the dancers themselves, say thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Linda McGaw

Whistler

Community spirit amazing

Once again, we are reminded of the amazing community spirit in Pemberton.

On Sunday, June 23, we celebrated the 15th annual Father Daughter Dance at Big Sky Golf and Country Club with the overwhelming support of the business community and a group of dedicated volunteers. Even Mother Nature was on side; the rain stayed away and everyone had an amazing evening.

This year, 85 daughters and 65 dads participated in this event, which is a fundraiser for the Signal Hill Elementary School Parent Advisory Council (with monies raised going to support the intermediate playground project).

As the organizing committee for this event, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to: Chris Wallace and the team at Big Sky Golf and Country Club; Sheryl Frankland, Kirsten McLeod and Pemberton Valley Supermarket; Jamie Lee and AG Foods, Lindsay and Shayne May; Toshi and Kaori Kawano and Sea to Sky Photography; Al Bush, Kathie Watters from cheesebox.ca and our amazing group of volunteers: Tamara Beaton, Pat MacKenzie, Louise Stacey Deegan, Wendy Brookbank, Victoria Downes, Karen Bauckham, Melissa Kish, Sheena Fraser, Randy Lincks and Betsy Linnell.

Thirty-three generous businesses came forward with donations ranging from raffle items, silent auction items, food and goody bag items. We are grateful to all of you: Big Sky Golf and Country Club, Pemberton Valley Supermarket, AG Foods, Whistler Blackcomb, Rona (Pemberton), Tyax Wilderness Resort & Spa, Whistler Golf Club, Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory, Pemberton Valley Nursery, Mount Currie Coffee Co., Mynt Salon, Ivy Esthetics, Pemberton Bike Co., Garbanzo Bike & Bean, Gaelyn Bolster (Love G&J), Small Potatoes Bazaar, Pemberton Valley Wellness, Frontier Street Pharmacy, One Earth Collection, Jeanna Sali Brooke (Scentsy), Heather Prohaska (Usborne Books), Bounce Whistler, Cow's Whistler, Big Sky Dental, Armchair Books, Lush, Farfalla, Cathy Benns Jewelry, Britannia Mine Museum, Sugar Momma Pastries, Nita Lake Lodge, McDonald's (Pemberton) and the Great Glass Elevator.

The generosity of the community is overwhelming and we recognize that these businesses and volunteers step up time and time again to support the many charities and fundraising events that benefit our communities. We are so very grateful for your ongoing support. We couldn't do it without you!

To the dads and their daughters, thank you for your energy and enthusiasm. We are looking forward to next year's event and hope to see you all on the dance floor again!

Karen Goodwin

Lee-Anne Kauffman

Patricia Westerholm

2013 Pemberton Father Daughter Dance organizing committee

Giving back to new community

When the Whistler Multicultural Network (WMN) was approached to take over organizing the Whistler Multicultural Festival earlier this year, we were keen to be able to showcase the skills, talents, cultures and experiences our members bring to Whistler. We are a small (but growing) group of immigrants living and working in Whistler — individuals and families who have decided to make Canada and Whistler their permanent home — who aim to support other immigrants but also to give back and participate in our new community. Our vision this year was a festival that would be 100 per cent local, 100 per cent immigrant and volunteer run with any proceeds going to supporting new immigrants in Whistler and to making the 2014 festival possible.

Without the support of the local community this event would not have been possible. Thank you to the Whistler Welcoming Communities Partnership for allocating some funds to deliver the festival. Thank you to the Whistler Library and the Whistler Museum, and their boards, for partnering with the WMN to create this event, for providing a great location in the centre of the village, and opening your doors for activities. Thank you Elizabeth Tracy and Sarah Drewery, and all your staff for your help. The WMN also has to thank Sue Eckersley and Ester Melotte at Watermark — without them, the festival would not have happened. We cannot say how much their support and help is appreciated and valued.

The other people who were absolutely key to the festival are the volunteers — those who helped with organization (before in the planning and during the festival), and especially those members of the Whistler Multicultural Network and the Filipino, Japanese, Czech and Slovak, Peruvian, Chinese, Russian and Mexican communities of Whistler for sharing their cultural activities and putting together displays and information about their countries. Thank you Andrea, Akiho, Belle, Cristine, Eva, Ibah, Mariana, Azusena and Robert, Hideo, Junichi, Izumi, Katherine, Alfonso and Marta, Nan, Barbora, Barbora, Mira, Natalia, Natalya, Yoshimi, Elisa, Elise, Helene, Eric, Rita, Nancy, Iris, James and John, Lana, Madiha, Erie, Chizuko and Masayuki, Paulo, Nittaya and many others...

Thank you to the performers: Izumi, K-Band, Israel, Mae & Rechilda, Fatima, Covey, Belle, Master Dawn and Whistler Taekwondo, Whistler TaiChi Wushu, Awesome Arts Academy and Capoeira, Kensuke and the Japanese dancers, Lana and Danica, the Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre and everyone who sang at the karaoke stand!

And thank you to the restaurants who gave us another opportunity to taste multicultural food again and for supporting the festival in a new location. Crepe Montagne, Mexican Corner, Quattros and Tandoori Grill your support is appreciated.

And thank you, of course, to you, the community, for coming out to share with us. We hope to see you again next year...

Carole Stretch, for

Whistler Multicultural Network