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Painting a Future for Whistler The CSP and five futures have sparked some creativity amongst Whistler’s populace and stakeholders.

Painting a Future for Whistler

The CSP and five futures have sparked some creativity amongst Whistler’s populace and stakeholders. The 800 letters received by municipal planners and numerous letters to the editor in recent weeks are evidence of this desire to share ideas. These desires are a result of a phenomenon called by some learning strategists as "creative tension".

Creative tension is the tension created from the gap between an envisaged future state and the status quo, based as usual, or current state. The current state and status quo is today and the five futures; the new ideas and CSP response, on the other hand, are a desired future.

The fact that Whistlerites are not completely happy with any of the five scenarios is natural, we quite often strive for perfection and we are good critics. Judging by all the ideas and critiques, it seems as though we Whistlerites want to have our cake and it too.

Is it possible? Can we manage to contain our footprint in the current village valley? Can we build shoulder season business? Can we ward off increases of green house gasses? Can we assimilate the second homeowners that want to move to their homes in Whistler? Can we maintain a strong economy and perhaps grow a non material or land based economy? Can we encapsulate the Callaghan for future use? Can at least 75 per cent of employees live in the Whistler Valley? Can we do all of these things at once?

Many don’t think we can, and maybe I’m crazy but I think it is possible. If there is a deep enough desire we can move mountains. It may take a shift in mind sets and technology, but it is possible.

The results of some of the CSP feedback and letters to the editor are evidence of creative forces trying to put together the pieces of a future that meet all Whistler Success Criteria within the constraints for sustainability. Just because we were supplied with five pre-designed scenarios doesn’t mean they are perfect. Like a painter freed to create by the four constraints of a blank canvas, I encourage those who believe in the success criteria and sustainability criteria to continue to create wondrous ideas for our future within these constraints.

And please, regardless of the feedback deadline of Nov. 24 from the RMOW, continue to share your creations. Paint away!

Merry Christmas!

Dan Wilson

Sweden/Whistler

I am writing in response to the letter written by Ryan Rive in the Dec. 5th edition of the Pique Newsmagazine. Ryan, I could not agree with you more. The actions of the hockey players involved is really bad. My partner and I have young children in the community too and I know that if our children had been exposed to the same situation as you, we would feel the exact same way.

As a result of the players’ unfortunate decision, Summit has pulled its sponsorship of the team, a partnership we have had for four years. We are very sorry that you, your teammates and your opponents were exposed to that kind of behaviour.

Ian van Gruen

Summit Ski, Bike, Board

I can hardly believe it, it's that time of year again when all us dogs and cats ask ourselves the Big Question: "Have I been naughty or nice?" We all want to go visit with Santa at WAG's Annual Santa Photo Day this Sunday Dec. 14th, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Delta Hotel, in aid of our homeless buddies at the WAG shelter.

Yes, the kind folks at the Delta are allowing us to invade their space again, so we'll be all cozy and warm indoors. I plan to tell Santa what I want for Christmas (double dinner rations and my very own couch), pose for a photo in one of a fetching collection of festive headgear assembled by WAG, watch longingly (it never works though, they never share) as my people munch on Christmas treats and drink hot chocolate and cider, and guess what else? This year I get to spend my allowance at WAG's very first Pet Bazaar! A great place to do my Christmas shopping for my friends as I hear there'll be stuff like pet beds and toys and treats. Also, a very nice outfit called Home on Deranged have donated the absolute coolest, most unique dog-bed I've ever seen for a raffle. I hope I win it.

There'll be a donation box too, in case anyone would like to donate a Christmas toy or treat for a WAG dog or cat, so they have presents on Christmas morning like the rest of us. Anything will do; they don't have much so I know they appreciate anything at all.

I sure did, when I lived there.

As for that ‘naughty or nice’ thing... I have been good, honest. As long as you don't count that time I ate the bottle of pancake syrup on the carpet. And of course there was that thing with the roast chicken that went missing. Personally I blame the cat.

Anyway, do come out and see me at WAG Santa Photos and Pet Bazaar. Can you think of a better way to start celebrating Christmas?

Love from Sophie the dog

Whistler

In last week's paper you published a letter from Mike Vance, GM of Community Initiatives RMOW, which summarized the number of responses to the five options presented in Phase 2 of the Whistler. It's Our Future process. Mr. Vance noted that the 800+ responses received from the public indicates a significant level of public involvement in the decision making process. I disagree with this statement based on the fact that the response rate is below 10 per cent if compared to the permanent population of Whistler, or only 11 per cent if compared to the total current number of registered voters.

I am not sure if the 200 responses he milked from our local high school students are included in the 800 total, but if they are, this makes the response even less significant.

I would agree that our future is in our children, and they have something to say in the matter, but can votes from 13-18 year olds really be counted in as part of this process?

I still haven't received a written response on any questions or concerns that I have raised in regards to this process to date. I am still wondering why the data from the Quest Analysis has not been made public. I think that if it were, many people would have thought twice before responding in favour of increasing the bed cap by 7,000 bed units. Significant negative impacts on municipal finances, transportation carrying capacity and the environment are clearly visible in the data.

It is my opinion that this process is merely a pretty facade on what is really just an exercise in opening up the bed cap. That is pretty much what the options amount to. Option 1 is no further development or option 2 through 5 is approximately 7,000 more bed units. Note that this translates to another 9,100 people living here or a mere 90 per cent increase in local population.

I'll say it again, at this point in the development of Whistler, a decision to open up the bed cap should only be made by registered voters by way of referendum. Anyone who agrees should write the mayor and council today to request a referendum on this issue.

I would like to challenge the mayor and council to allow such a democratic process to occur. Or are you, the mayor and council, afraid of what the response might be and that your own personal agendas won't be satisfied?

Kevin Rea

Whistler

I would like to extend a special thank you to all the volunteers at the Whistler Film Festival, as well as my close friends, for putting up with me calling them half an hour before I needed them and putting up with me asking "could you please do me a favour?" a million times a day. Without you guys I think I would have had a minor heart attack!

A special thanks to my "stars" who worked above and beyond necessary and helped make things run smoothly and calmed me down.

I would also like to thank the people at Village 8 for allowing me to set up shop there for four days and nights.

I would also like to thank Shauna and Kasi for being there and trusting me to run things smoothly. And of course a special thanks to Carrie for helping me do this job and do it well. Without your help I don't know what would have happened!

So thank you all, it was a wild ride and I look forward to working with you all in the future.

Katherine Mulvihill

Volunteer Operations Manager

Whistler Film Festival

Some accidents preventable

Twenty years ago a young lady applied for a position in my office. She mentioned a strong desire to take a Whistler ski vacation with her father prior to leaving her present employer. Having told her to get back to me, I awaited her return. Tragically she was killed when a rock sliced through her side of the car as she sat next to her father. Their car had been stopped by highway crews on Highway 99.

About 10 years later an associate mentioned he had asked ICBC what their largest settlement had ever been. It happened to be this accident.

We have learned recently that a coroner's jury recommended after the 1981 Lions Bay tragedy, that warning devices for washed out bridges should be installed. Since nothing was done, should not the province be held culpable in the Rutherford Creek tragedy?

Maybe some lawyer or law firm which has benefited from the growth of Whistler could donate an opinion.

Lennox McNeely

Whistler

Snow Buckets Full of Thanks!

Nesters Market has once again gone above and beyond. Unannounced, Bruce Stewart provided both the Spring Creek and Myrtle Philip PAC meetings with a plate of fruit and vegetables on Nov 18. This was indeed a very welcoming bonus as Whistler saw it’s first serious snowfall that evening. Thanks a million Bruce!

Barb Leigh

Chair, SCPAC

I was devastated to learn that the world has lost the beautiful spirit of An Ty. I am sad to say I didn't know Andy long or well but was fortunate enough to spend three days with him and mutual friends in Victoria this past summer. My boyfriend and I still tell his story to friends and laugh ourselves silly every time we recall our adventure with Andy that weekend.

You see, Andy found himself a fake stuffed monkey in an off the wall store in Victoria. This monkey was the weirdest thing I had ever seen and was so real looking it was spooky. Well, Andy took this monkey everywhere with him on our trip and the reactions of people were as priceless as Andy's wonderful smile and charm.

I can't imagine how difficult it is for those who knew him well to come to terms with this terrible loss and I will pray for you all. I only knew him for one weekend, yet the memory he left with me has been a highlight of my life for the last six months.

God bless you Andy, and thank you.

Jeanne Karyle

Vancouver

We would like to thank the Whistler Community for all the support and kindness you have shown us during the last few weeks. Kel’s death was a shock to all of us. We know he touched the lives of many as shown by the overwhelming attendance of his memorial. Knowing that he was loved by so many has been a great comfort to all of his family and the kindness shown by the whole community has helped us in our grief. Thank you again to everyone who gave assistance, hugs, or kind thoughts. The next time you stand above a perfect slope think of Kel and do a turn for him.

Anne, Kimberley, and Sarah Fenwick

Whistler

I just wanted to congratulate Kasi Lubin and Shauna Hardy and their excellent team for the success of the third Whistler Film Festival. I had the pleasure of attending not only a dynamic range of captivating films, but also an interesting workshop, and, of course, the party. I was sincerely impressed.

We should be very proud and thankful for these two women. Kasi and Shauna not only have the dedication, enthusiasm and passion for film, but also the foresight and generosity to create this festival for Whistler. The work that goes into such a festival is immeasurable. Thanks be to you two!

Gillie Easdon

Whistler

Thank you Whistler! Once again, you have proven that people and bears can coexist in harmony.

As this year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on our successes this past bear season. Except for one unfortunate incident, bear destruction was kept to an absolute minimum. During the 1990s, an average of 20 bears per year were destroyed in Whistler. This year, one bear was destroyed. This is testament, not only to our ability to share the bears’ backyard, but also the bears’ ability to tolerate people in their territory. Although we do need to thank Mother Nature for supplying abundant natural bear foods this season.

Whistler’s innovative non-lethal bear management program and bear smart education program have proven to be highly effective. Our bear management team has once again come through for our community and its ursine neighbours.

Congratulations and thanks to S/Sgt. Hilton Haider, Sgt. Marc Lavergne and all the members of the Whistler RCMP detachment. More gratitude goes to Sandra Smith and the Bylaw Services officers. Many thanks to Chris Doyle and the Conservation Officer Service, the other members of the Whistler Bear Working Group, Whistler Mayor and Council, and the staff at the Resort Municipality of Whistler.

But a special thank you has to go out to every bear smart resident and business who ensured their property was free of bear attractants. And to each and every person who ‘shooed’ a bear back into the woods and out of a conflict situation. Good Job!

As I write this letter, there are still bears roaming the streets of Whistler. There is only one reason why bears hibernate – to conserve energy during a period when there is no food available. There is also only one reason why Whistler bears are still out and about – they are still accessing non-natural foods and garbage in people’s backyards and businesses. Please ensure that all garbage is properly disposed of in bear-proof containers and that all birdfeeders and other attractants are unavailable to bears. Just a few more weeks and the bears should be snug in their dens!

Thanks again for doing your part and contributing to the bear smart solution!

Sylvia Dolson

Executive Director,

J.J. Whistler Bear Society

Canadian Bear Alliance