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Letters to the editor for the week of November 21st

Safety first The number of road accidents I have either witnessed or been involved in over the past couple months have been appalling! Just last week, I was victim to a road accident in which I was cycling along a bike lane and was hit by a car, endi
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Safety first

The number of road accidents I have either witnessed or been involved in over the past couple months have been appalling! Just last week, I was victim to a road accident in which I was cycling along a bike lane and was hit by a car, ending with the car running over my arm. Heading up to Whistler the weekend after Thanksgiving, I was witness to the horrific road accident that involved a logging truck toppling over on the Highway, crushing and killing a motorcyclist. Witnessing the bloody aftermath of that accident — and seeing how long it took for the Highway to be cleared again — makes me seriously think about the policies and procedures that are set in place to prevent accidents such as this, and in the case that accidents do occur, that are intended to deal with situations efficiently. Now that ski season is here, everybody accessing the beautiful Whistler area needs to ensure that they are driving safely and being aware of their surroundings. Let's enjoy the winter season and the playground around us instead of suffering through horrific road accidents throughout the winter.

Safety first!

Aileen McKeown

Vancouver

Forestry weighs in on logging accident

On Saturday October 19, 2013 at Whistler, BC there was a tragic incident involving a logging truck and motorcyclist on Highway 99. The logging truck lost its load of logs and partially flipped over. The motorcyclist was fatally injured as a result of this incident. The truck driver was injured, treated in hospital and is expected to make a recovery.

Any traffic fatality is a tragedy and our heartfelt condolences go out to the families and friends of those killed and injured by this incident. Forest workers and their families share these same roads daily to go about our day-to-day lives.

This incident has apparently occurred despite the systems in place to help ensure the safe use of the highway for all users. These systems include driver training, written safe work procedures, commercial vehicle inspections, mechanical checks, and highway enforcement. We trust that all persons involved in this incident will cooperate fully with the investigation to determine the causes and any contributing factors so that incidents like this can be prevented in the future.

Society member companies are reviewing their loading, hauling, mechanical inspection and maintenance procedures to see where there are areas for improvement. Horrific as this incident was, it is our responsibility to learn from it so as to help prevent future incidents.

Forestry is a major industry, supporting Sea to Sky communities now and in the future. Our objective is to minimize the risk to our workers and the public through safe working procedures on our areas operation that include roads and highways.

Mike Wallace

President

Sea to Sky Forestry Society

Tough Mudder - Get Stuffed?

Hey, Tough Mudder dudes, you had no trouble taking more than $100,000 of taxpayers' money to hold your event, so answer the phone, answer the emails, and answer the questions asked by Pique reporter Alison Taylor. Otherwise, get stuffed.

And Muni dudes, what's with making Ms. Taylor waste time and money filing a FOI for a document that taxpayers paid for in the first place? And then delivering it with all the relevant numbers blocked out and a typical boilerplate excuse? All you did was waste more taxpayers' money.

And piss me off. (I was having such a nice hiatus.)

But now that I'm awake I'm looking forward to finding out where this policy came from — council members we elected to manage the town's resources? Or bureaucrats that we didn't.

Van Clayton Powel

Whistler

(Editor's Note: The approximate $100,000 in augmentation funding for Tough Mudder came from Resort Municipality Initiative funding — money given to Whistler from the province for tourism related projects).

From bridge concept to cultural district

A cultural district to connect cultures and expand and diversify visitation to Whistler; the concept began as a pedestrian bridge project to help inspire visitors to visit both the SLCC and the Audain Art Museum and to grow the number of cultural visitors coming to Whistler. I have learned a great deal in my many conversations with community groups, business leaders and local residents regarding this concept.

Yes, a new bridge is a costly undertaking and I too was surprised to discover the price tag associated with building a footbridge once you take into account floodplain, elevation change, accessibility and bridge length. We have also discovered that several agencies within the provincial and federal governments are very interested in this project because of its themes around connecting cultures, supporting aboriginal cultural delivery and cultural tourism expansion for BC. My hope is that we can inspire funding commitments for a project we believe has far reaching and diverse benefits to Whistler.

As a result of these many conversations with organizations and individuals, the bridge concept became a cultural district concept that includes an iconic bridge. The district will tie together a very impressive list of facilities Whistler can show off including the Whistler Library, Whistler Museum, Millennium Place, Olympic Plaza, the SLCC and the Audain Art Museum. This district has the opportunity to become a stage for all forms of Whistler art and culture amongst the trees and alongside the river to compliment and expand upon the more urban-style pedestrian stroll experience. The cultural district will also tie Upper Village much more closely to the main village experience; it allows the very popular village stroll to flow to and from Upper Village, to have the Upper Village be seen as an extension of the village stroll which is not currently the case if you compare pedestrian volumes.

It certainly makes sense for mayor and council to ask for more options, to ensure there is consideration of all the reasonable possibilities and opportunities. My presentation's goal was achieved: to engage a key audience, receive valuable feedback and initiate further discussion and collaboration. A follow up meeting I've already had with RMOW staff indicates there is opportunity for collaboration on this concept while ensuring it follows appropriate process and procedures which includes working with a group of key community stakeholders.

A chance to present a community concept to the RMOW Committee of the Whole is a very valuable and important opportunity to have a voice directly to mayor and council and receive very valuable feedback and direction. Thank you to mayor and council for taking the time to listen and provide us an understanding of your perspective and thoughts.

I truly hope and expect something special happens in conjunction with and in support of the opening of the Audain Art Museum in 2015 in order to maximize this opportunity for Whistler; something special to demonstrate the rich and diverse cultural community of Whistler which will have a direct positive effect on tourism growth and stability for all of us.

Casey Vanden Heuvel

Executive Director

Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre

Perhaps bridge could tell cultural story?

Bridges are special. Places with special bridges are special. Some bridges are landmarks that give a place a trademark. Tower Bridge, Golden Gate Bridge, Ponte Rialto, Brooklyn Bridge, Charles Bridge; these names define and identify places. Who would ever have heard of Mostar in Bosnia if it was not for its bridge, part of UNESCO world heritage.

I was excited when I read about the really special bridge being proposed in Whistler by our (First Nations) cultural centre. But our mayor and council are less enthusiastic due to the price tag — the half a million (dollars) Resort Municipality of Whistler would have to shell out.

I just came back from Europe. Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, a tiny ex-Yugoslav country, not to be confused with Slovakia, has many bridges over the river running through the city.

The place is a miniature Paris. Just recently they built a new pedestrian bridge, which instantly became one of the must see tourist attractions. Architecture of the bridge is nice, but nothing special. Its attraction is cultural. It was built based on the folk tale, which Slovenia's greatest poet turned into a ballad.

The story is about Urska (Ursula), a local belle, and "povodni moz" (a water man, a mythical being living in the depths of the river). Urska was very vain. At the ball, taking place on the bank of the river, she kept refusing to dance with ordinary admirers. She was waiting for somebody special. The ball was nearly over when an extremely handsome young man appeared and swept Urska off her feet for a dance. They danced and danced faster and faster nearer and nearer to the river bank, where the young man, actually povodni moz, plunged with Urska into the waves of the river, never to be seen again.

It is interesting what this bridge has become. Young and old couples come to the bridge and hang padlocks on the bridge railings. They lock the padlock and throw the key into the river. This symbolizes their love, which now can never be opened — broken again. Every tourist guide takes his group to that bridge and explains this interesting cultural story so the city gained new and very valuable tourist attraction.

Maybe First Nations can come up with one of their stories to tie it to the bridge. I do not think that RMOW would have any problem justifying money from Resort Municipality Initiative. Money spent that way is better spent than a concert that comes and goes.

Previous councils have been very unlucky with locations in Whistler, especially for Olympic Village and for Squamish Lil'wat Cultural Centre.

The SLCC is an enormous asset for Whistler, but it is out of the way and with no parking. It should have probably been located where the Audain Museum is going now.

So some kind of a bridge is definitely needed.

Drago Arh

Whistler

International school brings many boons

The most influential Canadian in the global business community is a British Columbian named Dominic Barton. Dom, as he is known, was raised on the west coast and graduated from high school where only eight of 200 students made it to university.

After receiving a degree in economics at the University of British Columbia he went on with a Rhodes scholarship to Oxford where he excelled. Today Dom leads the most influential management company in the world, McKinsey & Associates with its 15,000 employees spread across the globe. Dominic makes a point of meeting with two senior corporate CEOs a day.

What's this got to do with Whistler?

The point is that whenever Dominic is asked about the Canadian economy and how we could improve its future outlook he speaks about the benefits of educating international students on our soil. Besides the immediate benefit of job prospects for our higher-level teaching professionals and foreign exchange earnings, Dominic emphasizes the long-term relationship that the students will have with Canada on their return home.

They will have friends here who they are likely to call first in requiring inputs from a foreign source. They may return here and establish employment for Canadians and contribute generously in philanthropy as many have already done in this regard.

In Dominic's opinion we have been left far behind by New Zealand, and Australia, where educating international students who primarily want an English education is being used successfully to generate economic growth rather than relying solely on resource development.

In my mind if we never want another pipeline to get built then we must have a "Plan B" to generate economic growth, and schools with an international component should be part of such a plan.

With the United States closing over 20 overseas embassies, unfriendly border security and now the abhorrent murder of an Australian star student shot in the back by bored teenagers, Canada and potentially Whistler in particular, look like a safe environment to send one' s children to for their education.

I disclose that I have no financial interest in the school.

Hey, just one last thing, attending a university is about campus life in an amazing environment and sequestering a number of tired condos and hotels to try to make a make-shift campus just doesn't do it for me.

Let's not let Squamish outdo us with their amazingly successful Quest University.

Lennox Mcneely

Whistler

Dumping grounds

Thank you to the low life who deposited a full sized stove, with four burners and an oven, onto the street adjacent to my residence at the foot of St. Anton Way in Alta Vista. You also deserve a thank you from the many people who use and enjoy Blueberry Park, especially since you thoughtfully deposited this stove so as to block the entry to the newly constructed Blueberry Trail.  Perhaps I could reciprocate with a gift of my own to you, such as a couple of tonnes of horse manure deposited at the entry to your home.

Doug Garnett

Alta Visa, Whistler

Beware small dog owners

Owners in Alpine be especially careful these days as coyotes are around, even in the middle of the day. Make sure that your small dog is on a leash and be careful with your cats as well.

My dog, a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel called Lexy, had a close call with a coyote this week. I was able to deter it.

Be aware. It would be safer not to be in the bush right now, perhaps stick to the Valley Trail.

Robert McKean

Whistler

Cornucopia Thanks

Every so often the universe smiles upon us and bestows opportunities that make us feel appreciated and at the same time we experience the gift of gratitude overflowing. This year's Cornucopia celebration has been no exception. Not only were we honoured with the coveted position of charity recipient, but those of us who were there had a chance to witness a remarkable coming together of people in the celebration and support of a common cause; The Whistler Public Library. With sincerest appreciation we raise a glass to following generous spirits: Sue Eckersley for recognizing our "can do" attitude, Allison Hunter and Amy Sefton for guiding us through the event process, Caroline Bagnall for coordinating the SOL's and making us at home at the Conference Center, Jaime Kerrigan for coordinating the army of volunteers, Andy Szocs, Mei McCurdy, and Kim Clarke for your time and good advice. Special recognition is due for the mammoth efforts of Jacquie Tyler, Jane Reid, Moe Richmond and Maureen Chaddock for working silent auction magic. Thank you to Susan Annand for tirelessly managing the coat check by donation over the entire festival. Our appreciation goes out to staff members Suzanne Thomas, Libby McKeever, Claire Johnson, Nadine White, Manon St. Pierre and Jane Clifford who went above and beyond to support the events both in and out of the library. Thanks to our devoted board members who give so much of their time throughout the year and gave even more to Cornucopia: Mike McCarville, Rod Tindall, Nancy Campbell, Duane Jackson, Ralph Forsyth and Terry Deutscher. Finally, all of the troops who rallied for the common goal: Sue & Jon Paine, Marianna & Bobby Orr, Anne Townley and G.D. Maxwell, John Richmond, Michele Paquin, Kris Shoup, Dausha Dudley, Janice O'Mara, Sharon Broatch, Jordan Kobelka, Sandy Tyler, Garry Clifford, Gord McKeever, Karen Wanger, Kat Sahota, Stephanie Forsyth, Sonja McCarthy and all of the volunteers that make Cornucopia tick. We could not have done it without you!

Elizabeth Tracy, Library Director &

Gord Annand, Board Chair

Last Chance for Nature Kids...Until Next Year     

The last Sunday of the month is coming up fast and that means it's time for the monthly AWARE Kids Nature Club.  This will be the last club of the year before our traditional December break but Christmas will come early to the Kids Club as our topic this month is a 'Green Christmas'. We invite kids aged 6-11yrs to join us Sunday 24th, from 10am-11:30am for a fun, hands on session.

As we contemplate the last club of 2013 we would like to say a huge THANK YOU to the ongoing support of the Whistler Public Library and the volunteers who keep this club running and FREE for all to enjoy.  Special thanks to Melanie Tardif who has been the driving force behind the club this year, deciding topics, preparing materials and running the workshops.

If you would like to get involved in the Kids Nature Club or for information, head to awarewhistler.org.

Claire Ruddy

Whistler

A big pink thank-you

Whistler had its first Zumbathon® on Saturday, Oct. 26 at Myrtle Philip School.

Three years ago Zumba Fitness® launched the Party in Pink™ charity campaign in the fight against breast cancer. Since then, together with Zumba® Instructors and fans, over U.S.$3 million has been raised worldwide. The Zumba® Global Research Grant raises funds for prevention.

The Party in Pink event was a great success selling over 70 tickets. Special thanks go out to Ricardo Marmitte, a Zumba® Education Specialist from Toronto and Jamie Balderas, a Zumba® Jammer from Seattle who donated their time and travelled all the way to Whistler to teach the one-and-a-half hour class.

I would also like to thank everyone that purchased tickets and attended, purchased tickets in support, made personal donations and helped spread the word.

Thank you to Creekbread for holding a pre-fundraising event, to Brandon Barrett at the Whistler Question for publishing a great article, to Joern Rohde for photos, to Rick Jensen at Rebound Sound for the sound equipment, to Jane Robertson at I Event Decor for decorations and to my fellow Zumba® instructors Danica Herbert and Rachel Thom for their stage presence, passion and dedication.

We raised almost $1,200!  

Thank you Whistler for making a difference.

Carmen Laslett

Whistler