A request for corridor's new MLA
I'd like to congratulate my good friend Jordan Sturdy on his recent election to the legislature. I certainly didn't vote for him, but I know he won't take this personally, as he will know as much as anyone, that it wouldn't matter either way considering the huge electoral power block north of West Vancouver.
Regardless, what's done is done and I don't think you could ask for a better representative if you can for a moment ignore the albatross of the BC Liberal Party around his neck.
In fact, I understand and respect his integrity, motives and strategy for gaining his seat and look forward to his contribution. With this in mind I would like to request some immediate action on his part.
He may have noticed some concerns lately regarding run-of-river power projects. I think it would be timely to use the formidable communications apparatus now at his disposal to illustrate definitively — and in the Queen's English please — the precise rationale for the economic structuring of IPP power production in B.C.
As a guideline, seek to explain how it is to our benefit that we now purchase power at far greater rates than market price without putting BC Hydro at risk.
I find it strange that to date I cannot find a single statement to this effect from our provincial government.
There are, of course, many other issues surrounding these projects but for the sake of clarity and focus he should detail this first.
It should be noted that his predecessor Joan MacIntyre, and his federal compatriot John Weston, have tended to waste similar opportunities by inundating us with mountains of condescending unsubstantive hyperbolic propaganda.
I recommend that you avoid this tactic. If you were to demonstrate a degree of courage and respect for your constituents by actually providing useable information backed up by fact and logic you may find that your base of support will increase.
I look forward to your first mail out and each successive quarterly covering other pertinent topics in similar useful detail. Don't be afraid to take a few risks Jordan, unlike some.
Bruce Kay
Squamish
Whistler's Dark Side
As an 11-year veteran working (overnight shift) at a village hotel, I wish to put my perspective on the happenings, after dark.
First and foremost, get some public all-night washrooms! The reputation of "Pisstler" is not solely based on the amount of rain we get. Night club restrooms are either inadequate or not available.
The town must create a safe, adequate environment for late-night patrons to relieve themselves.
It's time to stop turning a blind eye to this issue and face this problem head on. Once we can solve everyday issues then we can move onto bigger things.
Police presence is hit and miss. Heavy on weekends and festivals but extremely light in the off-season and weekdays. Noise levels, aggressive behavior and public drunkenness are more rampant during light security days. October is, "rutting season," when the new staff begins to enjoy the clubs, testosterone runs wild as pecking lists and mate matching begins. This causes some violent situations.
Noise levels are unreal. Obviously these people outside swearing and yelling at all-hours couldn't be Whistlerites. Who would bite the hand that feeds them? I know every Whistler staff member cherishes the paying customer and always respects their needed rest. It must be other guests causing all that disturbance!
The hotel and I have created techniques and skills that are used to help staff deal with issues that occur during these hours. Most of our techniques are "pro-active." I don't allow excessive noise after hours (did you know alcohol makes people deaf and makes them talk louder). I actually yell louder than them before they get on the elevator, just to let them know the acceptable tone. I come down hard on unacceptable behaviour, only to bring down the tone and have the culprits realize that they must right this situation immediately or face serious consequences.
I can also help some lost drunken soul find their hotel by walking them home. Some people do need legitimate help and those can be screened through experience. Some people are dangerous and they need to be handled with delicacy. Either way the hotel representative must be the pro-active individual. Reading the riot act to potential troublemakers and patrolling and monitoring rooms "before" they get out of control can only help later throughout the night. When I do find problems I make the problem maker realize I am treating him with disrespect because he is treating the guest and I, with disrespect. We can usually come to a manageable agreement or else I just kick problem makers out. Next!
Back to the municipal responsibilities — be pro-active on the washroom issue. A well-lit open washroom concept between the greyhound station and taxi loop — big enough to handle a Whistler crowd is a must, constantly monitored and easily cleanable.
Communicate through the welcome committee to new staff how unnecessary noise, after hours, causes problems for guests. Better still, make unnecessary noise frowned upon by peers and educate! Refunds and grumpy restaurant patrons can affect even their bottom lines. Have regular security and police sweeps through village after bars are closed. Move the cattle out.
Now to the May long weekend!
I locked my village entrance doors, stood in the middle of my lobby and ensured all guests were alright — I ensured everybody knew what the acceptable conduct was that was required in order to stay here. No problems whatsoever. I had no trouble stopping 20 non-guests (young adults) at 1 a.m. from going to one of my hotel rooms. Usage of signage and extra check-in sheets explaining security helps quite a bit.
The main problem last long weekend was the number of units rented with profit margins trumping age/qualifying restrictions. I actually believe more education for booking agents is needed; in particular, owners on cost versus problems could be looked at. Perhaps some sort of standard could be set by the Chamber and offer education on how to reach these clients.
Where is the documentation on troublemakers? Should each hotel not be communicating and amassing a database on repeat problem makers? Make it uncomfortable for these individuals and there friends.
We must all establish our line in the sand and all be willing to maintain it. This includes everybody. This is a costly adventure but it may make people think twice if their names are permanently on this list.
Tolerance is a virtue. If we kicked away every high school graduate, "we" would suffer! If we arrested every drunk, the jail would be overflowing. Educate the public on what is acceptable and state immediate and swift consequences should the protocol be broken. Use city media to get point across.
There's a book out called the Tipping Point. One particular story bases itself on how New York City got out of hand until the pendulum turned the other way. Above all, pro-active is the key word. So far we have been pro-active with special weekends and festivals. We need to set standards for every evening and stick to our guns — all of us with no cracks.
Perhaps consequences for those who consistently book the troublemakers?
Andy Wills
Whistler
Whistler Bag a work in progress
Back in 2007 the Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment (AWARE) proposed to council that Whistler become a plastic-bag- free community.
Since '07 we have completed three rounds of public surveying, engaged with businesses, given away 1,500 reusable bags and worked to support the grocery store plastic bag task force/alliance.
From an AWARE perspective we decided a couple of years ago to focus our efforts on addressing the impact a plastic bag free Whistler would have on our visitors. This is repeatedly at the forefront of discussions with businesses and elected officials (past and present), yet when AWARE surveyed over 125 visitors over 86 per cent were in support of a plastic-bag-free Whistler.
A letter in last week's edition (Pique May 30) on behalf of our esteemed future leaders, currently in Grade 6, made it clear that we needed to publicize that a reusable Whistler Bag and loaner scheme has been in development for some time.
AWARE is leading on this and views this scheme as a positive and fun way to engage visitors in a plastic-bag-free Whistler, celebrating a positive change rather than focusing on barriers. Over the past year we have liased with hotels to get commitment to pilot in-room and loaner bags schemes, we have sourced what we believe to be the best of the best in reusable bags, made from waste materials from cotton clothing manufacturing and manufactured on our continent. The Whistler Bag concept also got selected by the Whistler Centre for Sustainability as part of their "Big Idea" program, so they are helping us look at best practice regarding the operational and financial models that could support the loaner bag scheme.
So progress is being made, perhaps not at the pace we, or our sixth graders would like, but hopefully through an inclusive and consultative approach the end result will be stronger. The Whistler Bag program is destined to address many concerns around inconveniencing guests and the grocery stores are focusing on reducing uptake of plastic bags through education, as well as re-evaluating the manufacturing materials of their single-use and reusable bags.
In all this though the biggest solution is for us all as individuals to decline a bag and bring our own.
So find one you love, keep it in your pocket/purse/car/bike basket/anywhere you will remember it and use it, again and again and again and again. Because we all have the power to make change, no matter how big or small!
Grade 6 you rock, see you at Envirofest!
Claire Ruddy
AWARE President
Retired racehorses usually well loved
I am a thoroughbred racehorse breeder, trainer and owner, and for nine years was president of the Horsemen's Benevolent and Protection Association (now a director).
I have known John Dingle and Jill Giese of Dreamcatcher Meadows since 2006 when I sold them two racehorse mares that were ready for new careers and think their program is excellent and truly respect their commitment (one mare is still in their breeding program and the other was a Dreamcatcher Meadows school horse on which I understand many local Whistler and Pemberton people were taught to ride until she got glandular cancer last year).
Personally, I have a 28-year-old ex-racehorse that I have cared for since his retirement at age seven.
This brings me to the clarification that I would like to make regarding the informative article in last week's Pique, highlighting Dreamcatcher Meadows' recent acquisition of two more racehorses from the Hastings track.
It is important to note that Dreamcatcher Meadows adopts horses from a variety of disciplines and situations, and not just racehorses. Whilst there may be the occasional racehorses that end up in their care due to neglect this is far from the norm, as the vast majority of racehorse enthusiasts are committed to their animals and their welfare.
This is also overseen by various organizations such as the HBPA and the Jockey Club.
Hasting Racetrack stables are not ideal and there are plans for their improvement in the works. However, as informed horse people know, it is not the fancy appearance of a facility that is important, but the level of knowledge, experience and commitment to proper care provided by the people at the facility that truly matters.
Jill Giese and John Dingle carry on that standard of care at their Pemberton facility and we look forward to continuing our relationship with them.
Mel Snow
Aldergrove, B.C.
One night standoff a smashing success
The Black Diamond Betties' first official home bout on June 1 was a tremendous success.
Thanks to those who went above and beyond to make this event a dream come true. Your help allowed us to run our league this year, invest in training and save for a portable floor that will one day allow us to practice in our home town. We also fundraised for the Howe Sound Women's Centre and special needs charity, Pegpiglha L.E.A.P.
Big derby love to the Haney Hooligans (from Pitt Meadows) for travelling to Whistler and playing hard, despite losing several skaters to injuries prior to the bout.
Thanks to our sponsors — Whistler Question, Whistler Brewing Co., Whistler Superior Properties, Creekside Dental, Rollergirl Skate Shop, Regional Recycling and Peak Performance Physio.
We're grateful for the amazing press and tireless assistance from the RMOW's Meadow Park staff, in addition to Mountain FM, Whistler Eco Tours, 49th Parallel, Hempire, Evolution, Ullus Community Centre, L'Occitane, Paintertainment and Camp of Champions. Thanks to our newest sponsors, Merlin's, Rona, GLC and Gibbons Hospitality Group.
Big shout outs to Trevor Dunn, MCs "Macho Grande" and "Spunky Monkey," DJ Foxy Moron, photographers Steven McVeigh, Bruce Rowles, Ryan Nadeau, Vince Shuley, Cole Merrie, Sarjoun Faour, videographer Dusan Mihalecko, Mike Burns, Ben Hansler, Ashton Sonnenberg, make-up artist Nina Moore, coaches Dave "Killgrim" Evans and "Sideshow" Rob Shannon, team Captain Lori 'Princess Slayah' O'Hare, our tireless bout organizers, volunteers, officials, our amazing fans and the "derby widows" who support us!
Bottom line — it took a lot of people in the community to make this event a reality.
Thanks for your support!
Pina Belperio
Whistler Roller Girls Society
Local businesses say thanks
Thanks to Fiona, Holly and the rest of the Whistler Chamber of Commerce staff for putting together another fantastic annual golf tournament for local businesses.
This is a wonderful event that provides us all the opportunity to catch up with old friends, and to meet new locals who have fallen in love with this great town.
Special thanks to the sponsors, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler Golf staff, and all who participated.
See you all next year!
Scott Schober
WRM Strata Management
Independent power for Pemberton
A lot of good people are out there putting forth their opinions about the Pemberton Creek IPP project. I've been there and was involved in the protest march through the village.
Since then, I've thought about it and have some opinions and thoughts to share with intelligent placard(-carrying) people who have put their time into bringing this proposal to the people of Pemberton.
One thought that jumps out immediately is how convenient it is to have the project so close to a substation.
The power can be transmitted to the already existent distribution line with a minimum of extra power lines through the valley. No one wants to see more lines along the Meadows or along mountain ridges. A short line through town can be placed with other cables already in place. And BC Hydro collects a tariff for the transmission of power along its lines.
Another bonus is that it will be easy to monitor the lower Pemberton Creek water levels to ensure proper levels are maintained for fish and wildlife. The chance of an error or failure to maintain correct flows will be noticed and reported immediately by citizens. This "over the fence" monitoring makes it easy to call in accredited professionals to confirm any deviation from minimum flows. Some good neighbour could even place a webcam to allow constant worldwide observation of the creek's levels.
In regards to levels, I can't help but notice that the bedstream level has slowly been rising year after year due to the natural erosion and deposition of the mountains. The IPP must be interested in maintaining the lower reaches of the stream by doing some material removal to prevent flooding during spring melt and any other flooding events. What a great way to take some pressure off the dyking district and the municipality — a sensible stipulation to make in the contract between Pemberton and the IPP principal.
Inevitably, the water is not going to flow forever from our diminishing glaciers, and at some point a decommissioning will have to occur. A common way to insure that there is money to cover such an event is to place a decommissioning bond.
The interest on a bond held by the municipality will create monies that could go towards recreational pursuits and improvements to the municipality. It will also mean that should the power plant be sold (as has happened with our other IPPs) there is no problem chasing the original constructor of the plant.
What I can see in this case is a great compromise reminiscent of the agreements forged in the 90s between protesters and logging companies that have created a win-win situation.
Pemberton is poised to be in such a successful position with this power proposal and serious thought should be given to the positives of this hydro project.
Michael Miller
Mt. Currie
Industrialization kills tourism jobs
The Upper Lillooet Power Project is bad for both tourism and the environment. The province still has not issued a land tenure and it still can be stopped from proceeding. We saw at the Pemberton Creek meeting that a majority of locals do not want these types of projects. The government needs to hear from you.
Tourism supports hundreds if not thousands of jobs in Pemberton. IPP's only employ a handful of permanent jobs. Why does the province want to risk a strong vibrant tourism sector in Pemberton with more IPPs? The Keyhole Hot Springs have become very popular, especially since the Meager Hot Spring access is all but impassable.
The tourism B.C. slogan is "Super Natural B.C.," not "Super Industrialized B.C." Pembertons' Slogan is "Adventure Starts Here." Tourists do not come to Pemberton to see hydro lines and power stations. Many tourists come from countries that have all but lost their wilderness. Is this the same road we want to go down?
Innergex continues to post net losses year after year even with being heavily subsidized by the taxpayers through BC Hydro. This is proof of a failed business model and one that will continue to cost taxpayers in over priced power.
The geology around the Upper Lillooet is quite unique and deserves to be protected as is. This area is also an important Grizzly bear habitat and migration route. What ever happened to our species at risk legislation?
Please let your MLA know that we do not want more IPP's while there is still time to prevent them.
Ray Mason
Pemberton
Thank you from Zero Ceiling!
This letter is to thank the tremendous Whistler community for coming out to support Zero Ceiling's second annual Spring Fundraiser at the Scandinave Spa.
As a result of the generosity of our sponsors and silent auction donors, we were able to raise $19, 038.63!
This is by far the largest fundraiser in Zero Ceiling's history and we are so grateful to have this financial boost that will enable us to continue providing more adventure-based learning programs empowering at-risk and young adults in the Sea to Sky corridor.
I would especially like to thank the Scandinave Spa for allowing us the use of their beautiful facility to host our fundraiser. It's hard not to have anything but an amazing experience at the venue, but an extra special thanks needs to go out to their fantastic staff. We really appreciate all that they did to assist us.
On behalf of myself, and our board of directors, thank-you Whistler community from the bottom of our hearts!
You are the reason why we are able to continue to make a positive change in so many young people's lives.
Kasi Lubin, executive director
Zero Ceiling Society of Canada
Keep bears wild
In response to a photo of a mother bear nursing her cub by Michael Allen posted on the Fairmont Chateau Golf course Facebook page referring to "momma bear Olivia" and to numerous articles over the years referring to "Jeanie, Whistler's favourite bear" — I wish people wouldn't give wild animals human names.
It does nothing but give the impression that the bears aren't actually wild, which in turn leads to conflict with uneducated humans.
Sadly, as in the case of "Jeanie" this often leads to the death of the bear.
Keep the animals wild, please.
Sarah Bourne
Whistler
