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I am compelled to again subject the readers of the Pique to another sample of my prose in reaction to the response to my letter of last week.

I am compelled to again subject the readers of the Pique to another sample of my prose in reaction to the response to my letter of last week.

The motives behind my letter regarding Tourism Whistler and Resort Reservations Network were, to a limited degree, to support continued debate on the "outsourcing" of the Tourism Whistler reservations business and, primarily, to demonstrate the power of "perception". My original letter provided some examples of online reservation results that were intended to show how a person not privy to the nuances of the TW/Res Rez relationship, could easily PERCEIVE that a bias exists. As my closing paragraph explained, I personally do not believe that there is bias in favour of Intrawest-owned properties and I was not suggesting any impropriety on the part of ResRez and/or their agents. However, if you, like many Pique readers who spoke with me, perceived that I was anti-Intrawest and/or anti-ResRez, than my point was made. Perceptions are easily swayed, especially if information that could clarify a position or process is not readily available.

So, to clarify, I am not anti-Intrawest nor am I anti-ResRez. The former has done a great deal to elevate Whistler to world-class status and without their commitment to this spectacular resort, we most likely would not be the consensus number one ski/snowboard destination in North America. Like it or not, Whistler-Blackcomb is what it is due to Intrawest's ability to be pro-active in an increasingly competitive industry. As for Tourism Whistler, my position is somewhat undecided, however the reaction to my letter indicated both support for their efforts, and also elicted concern from many that they have, in some sense, lost touch with some of their constituents.

Ultimately, the point of my lengthy diatribe was, and remains, to encourage debate and discussion about decisions that impact that people and businesses in Whistler. My former employer loved to say "perception is reality", and the reaction to my letter demonstrates that there is truth to that otherwise questionable statement.

Ian Ward

Whistler

The article "New school year brings new challenges for PAC" in last week’s Pique contains several points which require clarification.

While it is true that the provincial government has downloaded its funding cutbacks onto local school boards, these boards now have greater flexibility in terms of spending allocations, which means that it is easier for boards to reduce services for students. This may be causing funding pressures at the school level.

Mr. Brett also stated that schools have used money raised by PACs to pay teachers’ salaries. There are no PAC groups that I’m aware of, locally or provincially, that have used PAC fundraising to pay for teachers’ salaries. This would set a very dangerous precedent for accessible, quality public education in B.C.

Finally, the article states that standard pay for a teacher is $75,000. In fact, this is the maximum salary plus benefits for a teacher with a master’s degree and 10 years of teaching experience. The standard salary for Howe Sound teachers, based on a five year professional teaching certificate, ranges from $41,000 for beginning teachers to $64,000 for teachers with 10 years’ experience.

I hope that this helps your readers gain a more accurate understanding of these funding issues and challenges.

Carl Walker

President

Howe Sound Teachers’ Association

Tony made me do it

A word or two of thanks to all those who came out to help celebrate the grand opening of my six year trail building obsession, Comfortably Numb and the dedication of the spectacular Al Presidente bridge to former WORCA president Al Grey. I don't think the day could have been any better. In particular, there are several people without whose help I probably wouldn't have been able to finish this year.

Special thanks must go out first to Keith Bennett who put the municipality into my corner, obtained official sanction for the trail, provided me with a trail crew for two weeks this summer, helped with some financing and of course, put his bridge crew to work building the trail's final connection over Wedge Creek. Thanks again Keith.

Thanks also to the BC Rail Lands developers, Bill Kunzweiler, Duane Jackson and Carson Ham for their more than generous financial donations this year and last. You went over and above what anyone could have reasonably expected.

Thanks to Ted Batiston, WORCA's Director of Trails, who single-handedly organized all my funding this year from the above two sources as well as from WORCA, and who made sure I had a little more extra help out there from another trail builder, Eric Barry.

And finally thanks to Tony Horn who organized weekend volly days this August (and kept kicking my ass to get it finished this year – take note all you Samurai participants: Tony made me do it!) and all the WORCA volunteers who helped this year (and last) to punch the final few kilometres through to the top of Foreplay. You guys' and gals' contributions continue to amaze me.

Only in Whistler could a secret and illegal project begun six years ago finish up with this level of local support. Thank you one and all.

Chris Markle

Whistler trail builder

With thanks

On Monday, Sept. 22 nd a couple of really bad decisions were made that resulted in two 1,000-pound logs lying on my chest and leg. The quick response of co-workers and medical professionals and friends has prompted me to write this letter of thanks.

Thank you to all of the crew from Jack Mann's job site and other Kadenwood sites who helped keep me secure, and thanks to the prompt and efficient work of the ambulance crew. A special thanks to Dr. Adam Kendall and the staff at the Whistler Clinic. You did such an outstanding job that amazed the trauma specialists at VGH, and allowed them to focus on solving other problems.

Also thanks to the efficient Medical Heli-Vac team for allowing my wife to remain with me for the flight. Your calm manner and light humour was appreciated by her during this time. For this patient our current system of emergency medical care was absolutely outstanding.

Lastly a huge thanks to all of our friends throughout the corridor who have given their support and prayers. I truly believe my survival was a joint process of positive wishes and dedicated professionals.

With thanks and gratitude

Rod and Diane MacLeod and family

Pemberton

OWL calls your name

OWL (Orphaned Wildlife) in Delta does a wonderful job saving the lives of and rehabilitating, injured raptors (eagles, owls, hawks, etc). I have been a transportation volunteer for them for several years. As I am not always in Whistler when they need me to pick up a bird, it would be great if we could have a number of volunteers to draw upon in the Whistler/Pemberton/D'Arcy area.

OWL needs people willing to transport boxed, injured birds either all the way to Delta, or to some point in between. Relays can be arranged when necessary. (I have transferred birds to North Vancouver and Vancouver as well as to Delta). Sometimes, birds are transported by air or rail – due to the kindness and co-operation of various operators. Rescues from our area are not extremely frequent, but when the call comes, it is often urgent.

To learn about OWL's activities and needs visit their Web site at www.owlcanada.ca. To find out more about being a transportation volunteer, call Bev or Val at 604-946-3171 or send e-mail to owl_rehab@telus.net . If you would like to talk to me, my number is in the phone book.

Carol Fuegi

Whistler