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Same old, same old So Tourism Whistler's new tag line is "Whistler. Always real." Why don't they change it to "Whistler. Always the same.

Same old, same old

So Tourism Whistler's new tag line is "Whistler. Always real." Why don't they change it to "Whistler. Always the same."?

How many times is Tourism Whistler going to recycle the same old, same old, "let’s put Black Tusk in the background" photos? I think it's great that Tourism Whistler is going to run them in black and white. They might as well since we've been recycling that image since what seems like before colour film was invented.

What's amazing about Whistler is the foreground, not the background. Whistler is beautiful and amazing with epic views and scenery everywhere. It's also home to some of the best outdoor photographers anywhere. Let’s use them – it's time for some new photos not just a new tag line with stale photos.

I know I wouldn't visit somewhere that showed me nothing has changed since the last time I visited.

Ken Achenbach

Whistler

 

Getting real

Tourism Whistler launched their new resort brand last week. They spent more than two years and who knows how much money to come up with – Whistler. Always Real. I think they forgot a word at the end... expensive.

Here are some of the fabulous deals in Whistler right now. Restaurants are offering special meal deals for only $30-$50 per person (extra charges will apply) or brunch for an unbelievable low, low price of $50. How about an exceptional value for a house for only $1.8 million, or a library for a rock bottom price of $8 million. Are you a mountain biker? For as little as $2,000 you can have the worst bike in town. How about golf? There's another 2 grand.

Tourism Whistler’s new brand will feature real people – not models – in the pictures. I think they should use the guy who asked me for spare change last night. That's right, Whistler now has a pan handler – but who can blame him. Maybe I'll get a squeegee and take advantage while there is little competition.

I'm embarrassed that I didn't give him any change. Even though he looked like Charles Manson on crystal meth, I should've tried to help him. Look away while I hang my head in shame.

Tim Gorgichuk

Whistler

 

The whole truth

I’d like to rise to the challenges posed in a couple of letters to the editor printed in last week’s Pique.

One was from Chris Armstrong, who felt our comparison of management wages in last week’s ad with an average B.C. community like Quesnel was not a fair comparison – that the wages of managers in an Olympic community that is expensive should be higher. Well, no problem there Mr. Armstrong, because we agree with you.

We did not take issue with RMOW management wages. In fact, we have always said "we seek for ourselves what we want for others" and hope all Whistler workers are paid a wage that reflects the high cost of living here and the labour market’s need to pay more to retain qualified workers in our community.

The point we were making in the ad was that it was hypocritical for Whistler managers to justify a 60-100 per cent living allowance for themselves, but not consider a 6-10 per cent living allowance for their municipal workers – and that’s basically what our $4,000 living allowance amounts to.

The other letter was from a local photographer, Andrew Doran, who agrees with us (but doesn’t know it, yet) when he says "everyone in town should get a living allowance." We’ve been saying this from the get-go.

Mr. Doran wants the truth and has promised us his support if we publish our salaries in full-page ads and compare our income to others. This, we will do. We’ll also post them to our website: www.2010.cupe.ca

CUPE 2010 is committed to the residents of Whistler. We are taking on this affordability issue because it is important to our families, but also because it is important for our community. Housing subsidies and grocery rations are not the only way to keep the people who work here living here.

Paying Whistler workers a wage that reflects the cost of living is what is going to keep us here. And that includes photographers like you, Mr. Doran – I look forward to seeing you at the next council meeting.

Peter Davidson

CUPE 2010 President

Whistler municipal workers

 

Another Whistler living allowance

I would like to commend Andrew Doran for his honest and to the point letter regarding Whistler living allowances. I have no desire to be as diplomatic towards this issue. All one has to do to put this into perspective is to step back for a mere, short moment out of the "Always real bubble" and take a look around you. Look at where you live, your healthy lifestyle... not merely a choice but an opportunity most in the world don't have the chance to choose. Be thankful you aren't living in a place where life is in constant jeopardy from disease or famine, or your children and loved ones dying of AIDS. Be grateful for the pristine nature that lies only footsteps from your door. And don't forget to relish those 50 to 100 days a year you get ripping it up in the powder... Geez, life’s rough! Why don't you all stuff your moaning and groaning poor-me attitudes in your pockets and consider this wealth of life your Whistler living allowance! So, get real.

Tracy Landsley

Whistler

 

Downsides to STV

I’d like to make a few points in regard to the proposed Single Transferable Vote (STV).

First of all, if it can’t be explained in several concise sentences, then it’s probably too complicated to apply efficiently. I’m a bit of a student of politics, I’ve been following the whole STV thing for a few months, and I get a head ache just thinking about it.

Secondly, and more importantly, while we may not have the perfect government, we do a have a stable and generally well run government, especially when considered on a global scale. Think of how well governments like Japan, Italy, and Israel work, and you start to get an appreciation for our rather staid system. While I feel for the Green Party, I think they would be better served to sit down with the NDP and come up with some common ground, and amalgamate the two parties. This is what the PC and Alliance parties did before the last election, and the new Conservative party nearly took power, and are more or less in control of the political situation in Ottawa.

Thirdly, not only will the Greens and NDP parties gain by the STV voting system, but also parties such as the Marijuana Party, the Communist Party, Libertarians, Fascists (and don’t think that there aren’t enough crazies who could scrape up enough support to put a skinhead in the Legislature), and who knows what else. Paul Martin had to cut a deal with the federal NDP to keep his government alive. That cost $5 billion in extra social spending, which is probably not that bad a thing. Imagine what would have happened if he needed the support of the NDP, Communists, and the Marijuana Party to keep the government together.

David Buzzard

Whistler

 

STV and Math Anxiety

I seemed to be developing a bad case of Math Anxiety from all the convoluted explanations of the STV system we'll be voting on in next week's referendum.

Then, as is often the case, some members of the younger generation helped me cut through the words and get to the meaning.

Turns out 74 Grade 11 and 12 students in Smithers recently held a "Pizza Election" using the two systems. Under our current system, 36 per cent of the students had to eat pizza flavours they didn't want. Under the proposed STV system, only two of the students didn't get at least one of their top three choices.

Thanks. I think I've got it now.

V. Powel

Whistler

 

First STV, then health care

Re: Rod MacLeod's If it's broke, fix it (Pique letters, May 5)

I whole heartily agree with his sentiments on our voting system and look forward to trying the STV system. It couldn't be worse than the results are with the First Past the Post.

I take issue with anyone suggesting that American style health care would be welcome or useful in B.C. While I don't admire much of France's political doings, from what I read of their health care system there is much we might learn and apply here. Their combination of public and private health care results in almost immediate health care service at a lesser cost.

The NDP and the federal Liberals (a strange combination) have succeeded in painting any system but the current mess as the only Canadian right way. Surely an intelligent debate and investigation of other possibilities, particularly those that are presently working well, would be preferable to the name calling and howls of protest that currently arise when anyone dares to suggest change. Whose ox is being gored? I suggest that it is the ordinary citizen who has no insider’s route (WCB, federal politicians, police, etc) that is left to wait too long for necessary medical care.

Which party has the nerve to stand up and address the basic flaws in the present system?

David Midgley

Pemberton

 

How green is Green?

After the all candidates meeting last week I haven't been able to shake this thought. The Green candidate owns private property on Spruce Lake in the middle of what is now a park. He worked tirelessly to get that park to exist. I tip my hat to his NIMBY efforts and to win at that. Not that I necessarily agree with the result.

My problem is that he runs for a party that wants people out of their fossil fuel-burning personal vehicles and out walking, riding and taking public transit – even if public transit is woefully inadequate to non-existent, or if the destination would take all day to get to if walking or riding or taking transit. But does that also mean for personal fun and entertainment, or do the Greens even accept luxury use? I ask this because he flies into his precious park-surrounded private property burning large quantities of fossil fuels just for the sake of pure luxury. Not the need to get to work, nor the need to tend to personal and family matters. Just luxury.

Does he like accelerated erosion of the shore due to the wake of the plane? Does he like spewing fumes into his precious lake area basin? Does he like terrifying any wildlife that might be eating or drinking in the area with the noise of the plane? Does he like the risk of possible spillage of fuel and oil into the lake? Does this sound like a good example of how a Green candidate should conduct himself as an elected representative?

I'm certainly not saying I live (or think) this way, but this is the Green party after all. If you're going to publicly run for a Green party I should think you should be above reproach in Green living.

Mark Tener

Whistler

 

CN Rail’s green fees

A common trail used by thousands of local residents in Pemberton has become C.N. Rail’s new cash cow. Charging $115 a head, this assault has come almost without warning and is being enforced with an arrogance only possible from employees who are unhappy with their position.

For years, under B.C. Rail’s authority the bridge across the Lillooet River has been used as access to the trails, and now a new Frisbee golf course. Now that CN Rail has taken over, things beat to a different drum.

This past Sunday afternoon, on the way back from a round of Frisbee golf, we were met by a very unhappy CN police officer. We were greeted by the very common approach of unhappy people, to ask the obvious question with intent to belittle. "Do you know what ‘No Trespassing’ means?" Granted we had ignored the No Trespassing sign but after years of walking the same trail, past the same sign, you begin to become oblivious.

This greeting was quite a shock because not two hours earlier we were on the side of the road helping the same CN police officer find his way. Little did we know at the time the same unhappy man would greet us with the belittling question, give us an unnecessary lecture, and fine us for crossing the bridge. Not a warning or a rational discussion about the importance of staying off the tracks.

Please let this letter be a warning to those of you who would like to play a round of Frisbee golf across the bridge. The green fees at Pemberton Valley Golf and Country Club are much cheaper, and if you were thinking of riding the trails it would be cheaper to drive to Whistler and get a bike park pass for the day.

I’d also like to ask CN Rail to spend some time and maybe some of the money they are taking from the Pemberton locals on their employees. Maybe give them a raise or buy them lunch, anything to raise the morale and allow them to act like rational human beings and treat people with a little more respect.

Dustin Winstanley

Pemberton

 

Towards immortality

One of the truths that I have discovered during my short years on this planet is we would like to be immortal in one-way or another. "No" not the kind of immortal we generally associate with super heroes or Greek gods but the kind that we connect with people who are remembered and celebrated long after they have left this good life. Terry Fox is one; my own children who will carry on some of my ideas to the next generation are another.

The Community Foundation of Whistler is one of those organizations whose ideals make them a prime candidate for immortality. The work that they do and support will be helping to make our Sea to Sky corridor a better place to live and work for future generations and us. They have been supporting sustainable community endeavours for years and with their strong management look like they will go on to keep doing so for years to come. Thank you for all your hard work and generous support. Keep up the great work.

Alex Kleinman, president

Whistler Museum and Archives

 

Soccer gets a kick

Re: Whistler Blackcomb Foundation donation to Pemberton Soccer Association.

I am pleased to report to you that on Saturday, April 30 th , the new "Green River League" began with great success.

The Green River, links the communities of Whistler, Pemberton and Mount Currie; and as all three communities take part in the league, it is very aptly named.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Whistler Blackcomb Foundation for their kind donation. The Foundation has played a large part in the success of the soccer community and has enabled Pemberton to provide our coaches with the following items: Training manuals; Training videos and DVDs; First aid kits; Complete coaches kits consisting of soccer balls, cones, vests etc.

On behalf of the children of Pemberton who play soccer, both at the present time and in the future, my sincere thanks.

Paul Selina

President, Pemberton Soccer Association.

 

Tree-mendous effort

Arbor Day was a great success with over 1,500 trees planted in the Emerald Forest. The Rotary Club members planted some larger material on the River of Golden Dreams and follow up planting will take place with trees and shrubs being delivered to site by canoe.

Over 2,000 trees were given away at our display tent at Nesters Market.

Thanks to all you wonderful volunteers who helped out, Nesters Market and the Grocery Store for your generosity, to Whistler Outdoor Adventures for the great site for our post-planting barbecue, to Western Forest Products, Terminal Forest Products and the Ministry of Forests for supplying our trees. We couldn't do it without you!

Paul Beswetherick

Landscape Supervisor

Resort Municipality of Whistler

 

WORCA works and makes a difference

This past Saturday, April 23rd WORCA raised over $5,000 which will be put towards youth mountain biking programs in our community.

The weather was great as was the location at Whistler's Creekside where the crowds were thick and the deals a plenty.

We would like to thank the people who made it happen by volunteering their Saturday and providing the support that makes raising this type of money possible.

Thanks to the rest of the WORCA board: Lisa Landry, John Blok, Todd Hellinga, Lena Martin, Andrew Mitchell, Mike Watton, Joe Lyons, Cheryl Bullock and Patrick Hallisay.

We would also like to thank Gary and Brenda Baker, Tom Thompson, John Inglis, Jaymee Cruz, Dusty's, Cascade Environmental, Paul Bunbury, RMOW and Whistler/Blackcomb for helping it all come together.

The biggest thanks, however, goes out to Greg McDonnell, our youth director who put it all together and didn't grow any grey hairs because of it.

WORCA would also like to thank the RMOW and the taxpayers of Whistler for providing us with the funds needed to continue the finest mountain bike trail maintenance program on the planet.

The 2005 Trail Contract has been awarded to Chris Markle of Whistler and we look forward to a wicked riding season.

Keep the rubber side down.

Grant Lamont

President, WORCA

 

Raising funds, spirits

I want to thank the organizations and individuals who helped to raise an amazing $152,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) by participating in the 16th Annual Telus Mobility Ski Challenge, April 4-5 at Whistler’s Blackcomb Mountain.

Ronald McDonald House Charities has a simple objective: to help children in need. Thanks to those who participated in the Ski Challenge, RMHC will be able to offer support to many children with serious or life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. The strength and courage of the many children and their families facing these difficult challenges are a tremendous inspiration, and they need our help. The funds generated will help these kids in many different ways, such as making playgrounds wheelchair accessible, providing important learning equipment for the disabled, and supporting the Ronald McDonald Houses, a home away from home for children who are receiving treatment at a nearby hospital, and their families.

I also want to thank World Cup Downhill Champion Felix Belcyk and Canadian Olympic Snowboarding hopeful Crispin Lipscomb for donating their time to participate in this event, along with countless other volunteers.

This year’s remarkable support brings the total money raised at the RMHC Ski Challenges across Canada to over $5 million. But there are more kids that need our help. Again, I thank all those who participated in this year’s event, and I look forward to seeing even more organizations and individuals supporting kids who need it most next year.

Rem Langan

President

Ronald McDonald House Charities Canada