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Letters to the editor

Despite spending many sunny afternoons enjoying Rainbow Park, I have never seen the ‘Gong Show’ described in last week’s article.

Despite spending many sunny afternoons enjoying Rainbow Park, I have never seen the ‘Gong Show’ described in last week’s article. I’m assuming the drug complaint refers to people smoking pot – unless I’ve missing something and people are shooting up in the bushes. How does people sharing a casual joint in the sun affect someone else’s enjoyment of the park? Yes, pot is currently illegal, and obviously any blatant consumption of the drug spotted by an enforcement officer must be addressed, but realistically, this is Whistler, and smoking pot is as common as drinking coffee.

Enjoying a nice cold beer in the sun is also illegal, but in my observation everybody is very responsible about their enjoyment of this hops-flavoured drink, packing out everything they pack in. How can this interfere with someone’s enjoyment of the park?

There are better uses for the limited cash available to our RCMP than sending undercover cops into a park to catch adults drinking a beer. Kudos to the officers who patrol the park, while they know they must enforce the ‘rules’, they do so with a smile and some leeway. While one person may be motivated enough to write a letter of complaint about a situation, the hundreds of people who enjoy that very same situation have no reason to write a complimentary letter. In this way, the vocal minority has a detrimental effect on the lifestyle of the silent majority. To truly address these issues within the community, we must not only listen to those who call for tighter rules, regulations and enforcement, but also to those that would advocate less rules, regulations and enforcement. For any community, the comfortable balance lies somewhere in the middle. Live and let live.

K. Grant

Whistler

 

This letter is regarding the supposed ‘gong show’ at Whistler’s public parks. Barbara Jane Dow writes that she finds the beach "so upsetting and so unpleasant" that she doesn't go there anymore. My personal experience over the past few years has been anything but. Lost Lake and Rainbow Park are two of the last few places in the village that locals and visitors alike can spend an enjoyable afternoon. Laws are laws and unfortunately alcohol and marijuana are illegal in that setting and our bylaws state that dogs must be on leashes except during certain hours. But can't we all just get along?

I would imagine if you asked the majority of visitors to those parks or any parks in Whistler they would only have positive things to say. Are we now going to go as far as "putting up sandwich boards at the entrance to every park outlining the rules" because of a small but vocal minority? Perhaps we should issue a bylaw against swimming or having fun because those as well can be dangerous activities. How about we focus our energies on more important things, like affordable housing and sustainability.

Jason Town

Whistler

 

This letter was addressed to Pemberton Mayor Elinor Warner and council

Re: BC Rail re-zoning application

First and most important I would like to thank the mayor and council for seeking resident input into the BC Rail re-zoning application. However, any further process seems redundant in that area residents are of the understanding that the zoning issue was resolved several years ago.

The BC Rail owned 3.8-acre lot in question was rezoned to allow for a single residence several years ago. Residents would have preferred it remained green space, but for legal reasons, we understand it had to be rezoned.

At the time, both the Village of Pemberton and the area residents agreed that a single residence would be acceptable. A subdivided street with multiple residences on the lot was not acceptable, nor agreed upon. Fast forward to 2003 and this is what BC Rail is now proposing.

It is also important to realize that the Official Community Plan describes developing housing on the valley floor as not desirable. However, the plan does acknowledge the value of this as a temporary measure until new housing developments are available. It is clear that new incoming projects such as those on the benchlands and near the Plateau now provide new opportunities for housing, so the need for temporary measures is unwarranted. As such, zoning for this parcel should remain the same.

I fully appreciate the pressure council experiences form the various interest groups. I realize BC Rail may be in desparate need of revenue. I appreciate the persuasive arguments that consultants from outside our community may have in support of multi-unit development.

However, my neighbours and I are not from outside the community. We in fact reside in the very neighbourhood that this development will most impact. Years ago this issue was concluded and we agreed in good faith with the village that a single dwelling was acceptable and a subdivision was not. It was an agreement that we believe and continue to feel should be upheld by the mutually agreed zoning guidelines. Any changes to these will call into question the entire purpose of public consultation and jeopardizes community trust in the future. For these reasons, I ask that council does not approve the application.

Anne Winters

Pemberton

 

Re: Your lead article on the Nita Lake Project

With all due respect to you and your opinions, I feel compelled to write, as I do not believe what you wrote is a true reflection of the majority of Whistler.

The true majority of Whistler's local population, I suspect, do not care, or are unaware of exactly what has gone on with the Nita Lake development and all the infringements of our community laws and bylaws that have taken place to accommodate this proposal.

However the majority that you are talking about, who is in favour of the project, all appear to have a vested interest. Either in improving the area, so their speculative property purchases will go up, or are directly or indirectly on the payroll of John Haibeck and his partners, or other developers, business men and real estate agents, who presumably, see this as a way of increasing their business and setting a precedent that will make it easier for them to push through future developments. They are not, in my opinion, the majority or voice of Whistler.

Of all the letters received by council prior to last Wednesday's meeting, 176 were against the development in its current form. All these letters had people's own personal comments and many were very long. On the other hand only 85 letters were for the development, of which 76 were on pre-printed two-line letters with a place for a signature, and the majority of these signatures were obtained from anybody passing by who would sign – including two friends of my parents, who were staying with me and were asked to sign as they came out of the TD Bank! Hardly representative, of the majority of Whistler.

As you so rightly say: "You don’t change the process just because you don’t like a specific project." If this is so, then why should our council change so many of our bylaws, OCP, CSP, zoning, TA zoning guidelines, parking requirements and set backs, to accommodate a project that is far too big for the site and may not even be viable, bringing as it will, the tacky cruise ship business to Whistler for what three months of the year? Go to any Caribbean island that has been invaded by the cruise ship business and talk to the few locals that still remain and they will tell you what I am talking about. Or talk to the mayor of Phuket, Thailand, who was telling me he was here with a delegation, to learn from Whistler, as to how to stop the sudden unprotected growth that has all but ruined one of the most beautiful and once unspoiled tourist destinations in the world and reduced it to concrete tourist jungle, with high crime and lots of low life! How ironic, I thought, and wandered what we would be like in 10 years.

I also understand that the developers were made aware very early on in the public process that should they not reduce the size of the hotel to within the OCP directive and then there would be a lawsuit.

It would appear that they chose to ignore this, feeling with enough handouts and commitment for the high profile people in Whistler they would get what they wanted.

What Mr. Haibeck did not count on was the real people of Whistler, who truly care about the way Whistler is going and about protecting what little green space there is from the ever increasing urban sprawl that continues to invade unabated and unchecked.

These in my opinion, are the majority in Whistler and long may they be heard in spite of the big corporations that are trying to gobble up all that Whistler stands for, both to its locals and to the visiting tourists, who come for a wilderness/mountainous escape in summer and world class skiing in winter, in a unique and environmentally conscious place. For how long though will that be, if we do not make stands such as this?

As to the lawsuit, this as I understand, would go away, if the developer and his cronies listened to the real majority of Whistler and at least reduced the size of the hotel, and created a public access waterfront park. If the municipality, council and Mr. Haibeck truly care about Whistler they would do this and thereby stop any legal challenge and provide us, the majority, with at least some badly needed waterfront park space in the area.

Susie Goodall

Whistler

 

It was evident at the public hearing the other night that there were only three interest groups against the Nita Lake Lodge project:

1) Those who felt that the land which is now privately owned should become public park space. (I think it's important to note that not one of those people offered up any of their land for public use!);

2) Those who felt in their humble opinion that the lodge would be too big for the land despite municipal staff and professional consultants advising that this is not so;

3) Those who felt that the lodge will not be nice enough to look at from their view of the lake and believe that Whistler residents do not deserve any "sweeteners" from developers such as employee housing, wetland preservation, or valley trail enhancement.

I am one of the MANY camps of people that are for the project, mostly for the employee housing aspect. After hearing many of the other reasons that people are for it, I am now hoping this project goes through even more.

Something that was said a few times the other night: "If this proposal was only about the lodge, no-one would have showed up to the public hearing." That may or may not have been true, but now I can honestly say having seen and heard all about the full proposal I am looking forward to the lodge and train station at Nita Lake. Not all of my relatives and friends are "active folks" and it came to me the other night that when my parents come to visit (which is a few times a year) they will want to go for a stroll around Creekside, see the train station, admire the lodge and perhaps enjoy an ice cream while walking along the Valley Trail. Neither they nor I enjoy swimming in extremely cold water.

I really hope that council and government officials know that we are behind them in accepting developers’ proposals that will enhance our community esthetically and economically and provide more opportunities for employee housing so that we can all enjoy this fantastic Resort!

Jennifer Patterson

Whistler

 

Lost Lake Pic-Flicks

I would just like to thank all my Volunteers, Sandra Smith, the municipality, Whistler Community Service, Rocky Mountain Sound and above all, all of you great Whistler folk who have so excitedly supported L.U.N.A.’s Lost Lake Pic-Flicks. L.U.N.A (Late and Unique Nighttime Alternatives) is a pilot program by Whistler Community Services and the bylaw department aimed at providing alcohol free events for young adults in our community. This is a non profit inactive, meaning the minimum $2 entry is there to help us cover the cost of putting on such a large production. It would appear by our overwhelming support that this is exactly what Whistlerites needed. Thanks again and I hope to see you all there for Run Lola Run on the 7th of August.

Tessa McLoughlin

Whistler

 

Dear Editor.

Last night I put on my best BBQ casual dress and trotted on down to the Fairmont Chateau Whistler for the canine event of the year, the K9 Wine and Dine for a new shelter for WAG. Boy, what a night it was, as much licking, sniffing, yapping and eating as a girl like me could want. I’m a little dog tired today but not too weary to say some ‘thank yous’ on behalf of all my canine, feline and human buddies down at the WAG shelter.

‘Auntie’ Rachelle Johnson of Trail Dogs, the mover and shaker behind the event, worked like a dog to get this off the ground and to her we say ‘Rachelle, thank you is not enough, you are in the Doggie Hall of Fame for ever!’ All you pooches out there be sure to give her licks when you spot her on the trail. I gave her a few but she can always use more.

The food from Corby and Diane from 3Dog Bakery was so delicious I ate three entrees (okay I confess I stole one from another dog) plus a yappetizer and dessert. Can you believe these kind humans donated every single yummy thing? They are honorary dogs for sure, in fact I suspect them of testing all the food themselves, it was so good.

What’s a party without a great location, and thanks to Caroline Heaney and her staff at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, we had the swankiest location in town. They didn’t seem to mind being invaded by us dogs, guess they must be a dog-friendly hotel. Or is there any other kind? Lots of money was raised by their donating some of their food costs (human food, but they seem to like it) and I’m told the humans enjoyed some cocktails too. I know my mom did, but she’s weird that way.

The music was great, (not enough barking or howling for my taste, but we won’t quibble) donated by Hairfarmers. Hey guys, we can howl together any time.

Lots of humans volunteered their time to wait on us dogs hand and paw, including the staff of Trail Dogs, WAG and 3Dog Bakery. Woofs to them, I say.

Some humans gave donations even though they couldn’t come last night, how nice is that? And of course lots of woofs go to the kind humans who treated their best pals to a dog ticket, $1,200 was raised that way. Guess what, $4,000 was raised from the Live Auction, hosted by that cute Lori Bonang from Mountain FM! All these businesses and people who gave stuff for the auction or donated supplies deserve to be licked by a dog every day of their lives.

Math is not my strength unless I’m counting dog treats, but I think over $6,000 was raised for a new shelter, and we only expected to raise $5,000! I used to live at WAG and I know how badly a new shelter is needed for all my unlucky dog and cat friends. Thank goodness I live in Whistler, where the humans really care.

Well, that’s it. I’m off to my basket for a well deserved nap. Hey, see all you stinky dog types at the WAG Doggy Wash on Aug. 16 th ! Don’t wash till then okay?

Love from Sophie the dog.

Whistler

 

Re: Non-Native fishers' charges stayed

Apparently, Judges William Kitchen and Brian Saunderson are catering to extreme right-wing racist pandering regarding their stance against Aboriginal rights.

Yes, native-only fishing is race-based. However, all Canadians should know that Native people were the First peoples of this land who made Nation to Nation agreements with the government so that non-native people could live in Canada.

Native-only fishing is entrenched within the Constitution as a part of aboriginal rights. These two judges are thumbing their noses up at a Constitutionally entrenched legal document. One wonders what other legal issues that they thumb their noses at, in the interests of their ideologies.

Theresa A. Peters

Vancouver

 

This past Sunday the First Annual Neil Falkner Memorial Fund Putting Tournament was held at Riverside Greens; it could not have been a better day. The weather was perfect and the support from the community was overwhelming. The organizers would like to thank everyone who attended, our gracious hole sponsors, those who donated generously and those who helped us.

They are: Al Rumble, Jamie McGee, Bruce Stewart at Nesters, Dave Den Duyf at Sabre, Noel Villard, Mario at Voyageur Canoe, Kira and Laura at the Love Nest, Buff at Riverside Resort, Scott at Barney’s Automotive, Colin at Riverside Café, Sportstop, Whistler Village Sports, Simon’s Bike Shop, Dr. Shia, Tony at Slopeside Supply, Carole at the Parlor Hair Saloon, Charlie Doyle, The Rental Network, FunHog, Nick and Brad at C3 Rafting, Keg Restaurant Head Office, Storm Salon, and Bob and Margaret Gillette.

Our memorial fund was established in January of 2003 and already we have sent one youth from Britannia Secondary in Vancouver’s East Side to a 17-day Outward Bound Adventure. With the money raised on Sunday, combined with those who have contributed directly to Outward Bound, especially Doug Forseth and the Whistler-Blackcomb Foundation, we are well on our way to the susatainability of our fund.

Thank you again and we will see you all at the Second Annual Putting Tournament in Summer 2004.

Chris Roscoe and Greg Mc Donnell

on behalf of the Neil Falkner Memorial Fund Committee

 

On behalf of Joyride Productions and the Whistler Summer Gravity Festival, I would like to thank everyone in the community for coming out and supporting the mountain biking events July 18-20. The evening of the Joyride Bikercross was less than ideal for spectating – cold and blustery. Still, thousands of locals came out to cheer and watch the best World Cuppers, freeriders and locals rip it up. For the Slopestyle Expression Session between 5,000 and 7,000 spectators came out to soak up the mind-blowing action. The Tim Hortons Canadian Nationals were also a great success with big participation numbers and supporters. The village shops and hotels were as busy as ever.

Hundreds of dedicated volunteers worked enumerable hours to make the Whistler Summer Gravity as successful as it was. Thanks to all of you. Each year when we host the world’s best riders in our events, they shake their heads in disbelief at the amazing mountain biking culture and vibe that Whistler boasts. Whistler is fast becoming an international mountain bike Mecca. For this, Whistler, we can be very proud.

Happy riding.

Chris Winter.

Joyride Productions