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This weeks letters

How do we get our mojo back? We never lost it. We’ve always had it. It just seems we had it so good for a couple of years that everyone thought it was normal and started thinking that every year should go up by an amazing amount with no effort.

How do we get our mojo back?

We never lost it. We’ve always had it. It just seems we had it so good for a couple of years that everyone thought it was normal and started thinking that every year should go up by an amazing amount with no effort. Wrong. Whistler was built on wanting to be the best in the world and then making it happen by any means necessary. We are still the best in the world. As far as having the whole package in one place there is nowhere on earth as incredible and as fantastic as Whistler.

It seems we forgot that to be the best when every other resort copies everything we do, you have to progress. Progression means thinking and doing not just thinking and evaluating and then forming a committee to do the same thing all over again for more money.

I read Tourism Whistler is looking for creative uses of the driving range in the winter. Here’s one. Let’s rip it out and put in something that makes people want to come here as badly as skiers, snowboarders and mountain bikers do. Let’s put in something that makes people count the days till they can come back. The driving range has never brought anyone to Whistler. The golf courses sure, but the driving range never. That land is supposed to have something on it that makes people come to Whistler, sleep in the hotels, eat in the restaurants, shop in the stores and whoop it up in the clubs. It does nothing of the sort. Whistler should rip out the driving range and put in a centre that is filled with things to do that you would travel to Whistler to do.

Whistler should build a surf park on the driving range. To see what a surfpark is, go to www.surfparks.com. Tofino is going through the roof right now because of surfing. Last time I was there, there were over 500 people in the water on rental boards, paying to stay in hotels and eat at restaurants. If Whistler built a surfpark, people from all over the world would come to Whistler to surf and learn to surf. A covered surfpark would cost $12-15 million US, depending on number of pools etc, according to the company that builds them. We should build something that is the best in the world.

While we're building the box for the surfpark we should also be incorporating a great multi-use playground. We should build an indoor skateboard and BMX park that is the best in the world, the best climbing wall ever built so people would drive from Squamish to do more than work, a swimming pool with something to jump off now that there is no more rope swing at the lake, a training centre, gyms for whatever can be imagined, and a sledge hockey arena for the Olympics. In the design, put stories of underground parking so everyone can drive the new fabulous highway, come in to town, then park and forget about their car. Once we are done I’m sure we would be up to $58 million but we would have a facility that would bring people to Whistler just like the "crazy idea of the bike park" or "two mountains" does.

Whistler is the centre of the universe for skiing, snowboarding and mountain biking. Let’s add another sport to the list. Let’s build another reason to put up with all the things that are supposedly wrong with this town that aren't really wrong, so we can enjoy the sheer dumbfounded look on people’s faces when they ask, "Where do you go on vacation?" and you reply, "Whistler. It has everything I could ever want to do in one place. Why leave."

Ken Achenbach

Whistler

Read the numbers; get on with it

As the owner of eight store fronts in the village core, I am concerned with the manner in which council has been looking at the commercial development proposed for the Rainbow Land's project.

It seems as though the economic study prepared for this project has been virtually ignored. An economic study is the backbone of any commercial plan, it helps evaluate potential markets, current commercial offerings in the region and determines the correct scale and mix of retail for the development. In this case the economic study came back at 33,000 sq.ft. as the optimum size. The developer has since backed this off to 18,000 sq.ft. and yet some members of council "feel" this might still be too much. One of the biggest mistakes that can be made in commercial planning is to error on the small side. The risk is ending up with something which is uninteresting, that can't "hold" customers and which has no "soul." If you really look at the essential service type uses for a neighbourhood core, you will find that 18,000 sq.ft. is still too small.

The concerns that a new commercial development might in some way have significant impact on the "village core" is a disconnect which I am very concerned with. Most "village core" operators do not offer essential services, our success will come from snow, warm mid-week beds, and strong weekend regional traffic – simple as that! It has nothing to do with a neighbourhood commercial development between Alpine and Emerald.

Finally, my business and the Whistler community has lost five 30 something-year-old managers over the past three years because they could not live and work in Whistler. The Rainbow Land's development isn't going to solve all of our housing issues, but it sure will go along way towards improving the situation. If we had this development in place three years ago, so close to the village, with reasonably priced housing, and a well planned neighbourhood core, it is likely that some of my managers and many others like them would still be here.

I urge council to read the economic study that has been prepared for this project, agree to the 18,000 sq.ft. commercial development, and get on with building this fantastic new neighbourhood which Whistler so desperately needs.

Sandy Black

Whistler

Pemberton daycare Active

Active Day-Ker is licensed!

Thank you to everyone in the Whistler/Pemberton community for the support and on-going encouragement. A huge thank you to all of the parents involved in Active Day-Ker, without each and everyone's support through e-mails/calls/conversations and hugs, l don't think l would have stayed as sane!

I big "thank you" to Jeff for your love and support. I know all of the children are really happy to be back with their friends and Silly Sally.

"Rock'en roll"

Kerri Hunter

Pemberton

Beyond limits

For some time now there have been complaints against the municipal council, specifically for their lack of action on some very important matters. Because I sent one letter asking that action, not words, be taken on a certain project, I could be included in this group of complainers.

Now, however, I have come to know that more blame for any lack of action must be placed on the citizens who take an inordinate amount of time, during regular council meetings, "harangueing" over their pet project. As a 15-year full-time resident I have observed the behavior of members of the different councils. More than any other council, this and the previous one have included the public in decision making. I’m thinking of the many forums I have attended and of the attention paid by council to the results of such forums. Detractors will, of course, point to the present dealing of the arena. Hopefully the public will come to learn the reasons why council hesitated in this matter.

Having sat in for hours and hours at several regular meetings, I can only say to council members that their job cannot be envied by anyone in Whistler. No matter how advantageous a project might be to the community there will be protestors. And no matter how many citizens disapprove of a project, there will be those who push for its acceptance. Affordable housing is one area that has suffered because of such roadblocks.

Of course we want the democratic process to prevail, but we don’t need to waste the time of council who have to listen to prolonged presentations. The hours wasted in this manner could better be spent in contemplative decision making.

Let’s appoint a retired teacher or a speech expert (or G.D.M.) to coach those wishing to make presentations to council, on how to limit their speech to three minutes!

Betty McWhinnie

Whistler

Setting the record straight on council’s achievements

In 17 years as an elected official, I have never written a letter to the editor. I’ve always said you can’t win a war of words with someone who buys ink by the barrel and paper by the tree. However, community members have encouraged me to correct some misinformation in your recent editorials.

First, you suggested the municipality neglected to request assistance from our MLA for negotiations with the provincial government. On the contrary, we have developed mutually respectful relationships with this provincial government. Just a few examples:

• We successfully negotiated a special homeowner grant and supplemental grant to offset school taxes.

• We have an unprecedented relationship with the MOT on the scheduling of major construction on Highway 99.

• We are on the B.C. Resort Task Force, and partnered with the province and the Western Economic Diversification Program to enable funding for projects.

• We took the lead on the Resort Community Collaborative, at the request of the province.

• We are in almost daily contact with the province for the Games.

I am disappointed that the financial tools issue is not yet resolved. The former MLA, as the Minister of State for the Community Charter, was optimistic at the outset that tools to reduce pressure on property taxes would be part of that legislation. When the draft was released in 2002, financial tools were items for discussion, but no provision has been made for their implementation. Unfortunately, the MLA was unable to convince his colleagues in the cabinet to support this proposal. Council and I have dealt directly with the premier on the issue.

The municipality has presented our proposal on the Class 1/6 issue to the former MLA, who was not supportive, and has briefed the new MLA. Staff continue to work with the province to resolve the issue.

Council invited the former MLA to speak at a regular meeting on two separate occasions, about the community charter and about Bill 75 and how it relates to the community charter. We received no response. Both staff and I briefed Joan McIntyre and she too was invited to speak to council, within three months of her election.

Second, I would like to correct several inaccurate statements in last week’s editorial. Council did hire a corporate management specialist team to lead the governance review, assisted by a task force of councillors and the administrator, appointed by council. The end result is a governance policy unanimously passed by council.

Council also unanimously approved the appointment of Jim Godfrey to Executive Director of the Games for Whistler. It was not a compromise or hastily done. Rather, the best qualified staff member is overseeing our involvement in the Olympics – the biggest event in the world – to ensure Whistler’s vision and values are maintained and needs are met. His contract, negotiated by council and signed in March, clearly describes his job responsibilities. Mr. Godfrey will report to council on his progress until the new administrator is appointed. We are in the final stages of selecting the new administrator. In the meantime, council has full confidence in the integrity and abilities of our deputy administrator.

A final word. We have an incredible community in a spectacular setting, and, I believe, an outstanding product. You did this community a great disservice with your headline. It diminished the efforts of many people working to overcome our current economic downturn, and it portrayed an excessively negative and harmful image of our community to the world. Is this an example of community building and a leadership style you prefer?

Hugh O’Reilly

Mayor

More clarity on a treasure

Re: A backcountry treasure, by Leo Buijs (Pique Travel, Aug. 11)

The Church of the Holy Cross at Skatin (Skookumchuck) has been in continuous use since its blessing in 1905. Thank you for highlighting our need for much needed repair and restoration of this national historic monument (1981).

I am a board member for the Ama Liisaos (Good Angels) Heritage Trust Society, and a descendant of the original builders.

There are two points that I would like to clarify, the first, the church was not built "...under the guidance of Oblate missionaries ." The missionaries only came up twice a year for a few days in each community. The missionaries handed out prayer cards and postcards. Some of these postcards were of gothic churches in Europe. People in Skatin and surrounding communities were inspired by these postcards, to build a magnificent "lamaxalhacw" (a place of prayers) gothic style church in cedar.

The second point is "...that this church is crumbling away while administered by Parks Canada." This church is owned by the community; our church has never been administered by the Archdiocese nor by Parks Canada. We are a community-based church. The church construction was supported by generations of Stl'atl'imx (Lillooet Tribe) members who supported the church builders with food, material and money. The only time money was used to further construction was to purchase the stained glass windows from Europe.

The legacy of our church builder's faith and vision is to ensure that we maintain the church restoration and continue to use it with respect.

The society greatly appreciates those Ama Liisaos members who care for this historical site even though they don't have ties to any of the communities in this region.

Kukw stumckacw (Kook stum kah: thank you)

Yvonne Peters,

Vice-President ALHTS

Mission, B.C.

K9 Wine and Dine coming

Dear dogs of Whistler:

I am happy to tell you that the favourite canine event of the year has not been forgotten. The third annual K9 Wine and Dine will be held on Oct. 10th at the Fairmont Chateau Whistler. Kim MacKenzie of Trail Dogs is very excited to take over the fundraiser to benefit WAG. The money raised from the previous two events, totalling over $20,000, was used to help fund the much-needed new animal shelter. As the shelter has been completed, WAG has requested that all monies raised in their name this year be donated to the new Spay and Neuter Program.

This year's event will again be filled with three yummy courses from 3 Dog Bakery, more wonderful food for your 2-legged friends prepared by the Fairmont Chateau Whistler, and tail-swinging music by The Hairfarmers! The silent auction will be brimming with tantalizing items donated by many local businesses.

Get ready for lots of howling, tail-wagging and butt-sniffing, and don't forget to mark the date on your food bowl. Tickets will be available at WAG, or through Trail Dogs after Sept. 22. Remember, the event sells out fast! If you need more information, or have any questions, feel free to call Kim at 604-905-9273. I hope you've all had a great summer, and I look forward to seeing everyone there!

Lots of love, licks and farts.

Auntie Rachelle

Golden, B.C.

Messiahs hard to come by

Re: Whistler washed up on the rocks (Pique Opening Remarks Sept. 15)

The editorial by Bob Barnett is, in my view, too quick to lay the "blame" for Whistler's current woes at the feet of the civic leaders and staff.

As a property owner in Whistler since 1998, my overall impression is that the town has been well managed and many "good things" have gotten done. There is always a crowd ready to prognosticate using the rearview mirror. Your elected leaders are not infallible gods, nor are they receiving vast sums of money for what is largely a thankless occupation. Unless the entire community participates in "taking the helm" and accepts responsibility for leadership in the broad sense of the word, there will continue to be problems. Messiahs are hard to come by.

Bruce Thom

Edmonton

Smile, it feels good.

Times are tough, there’s no doubt about it. It’s not Tourism Whistler’s fault, it’s not Whistler/Blackcomb’s fault, nor is it council or the mayor’s fault. There are lots of reasons why times are tough in Whistler, but it’s not really anyone’s fault in particular.

The question is what are we going to do about it? There are a lot of potential solutions out there that are in the process of being debated. The first step, however, is improving the attitude of our community as a whole. Positive thinking is a very powerful tool and guess what, it’s free!

Whistler needs people who are positive and in a good mood. Who’s going to want to visit a town with a negative vibe? If you haven’t been into the village lately please come on in and take a leisurely stroll. When’s the last time you walked through the village for no particular reason? Why not visit some retailers who you haven’t seen in a while to drop in and say hi? When you see a tourist who is looking at a map upside down, how about going out of your way to give them directions. Try smiling at the tourists and saying "thanks for visiting."

Given the recent natural disasters around the world things could be a lot worse, so let's give some thought to those in New Orleans and remember why we are all here – lifestyle. Who knows, it might start dumping all the way to the valley in mid-October. It can’t hurt to smile a bit more and hey, it feels really good too.

Good luck to everyone out there and we'll see you on the slopes soon.

Ben Thomas

Young Entrepreneurs Organization of Whistler

Who’s representing Pemberton?

This letter is in response to the article "VOP strikes new airport committee" (Pique Newsmagazine, Aug.18), regarding the Village of Pemberton establishing an Airport Consultative Committee to review airport issues and provide advice to VOP council.

I was appalled with my council to read that three out of the seven members they invited to join were Resort Municipality of Whistler, Intrawest and Tourism Whistler. After provincial, federal and Native representation that leaves one local representative, Tourism Pemberton.

What is council thinking? Are they putting Pemberton's greatest asset into the hands of Intrawest and Whistler? I highly doubt that preserving the beauty and quality of life in the Pemberton Valley is high on Intrawest's agenda. Is the RMOW really concerned with environmental issues in Pemberton or do they just need to deal with their own struggling economy? Do any of the members chosen have any knowledge of aviation, weather or Transport Canada rules and regulations? Certainly there must be far more knowledgeable and unbiased sources for advice and direction. The VOP has chosen to be advised and guided, not by educated, unbiased parties, but by those with their own agendas in mind.

I sure hope our council, and future council, remember that the airport belongs to the people of Pemberton and it is the people they must consider and answer to, not our powerful, wealthy neighbours to the south.

Margo Vaughan

Pemberton

Terry Fox Run breaks records

A heartfelt thank you to the community of Whistler! Your participation and efforts to raise money for cancer research in collaboration with Four Seasons Resort Whistler and the Terry Fox Foundation was outstanding this year.

This year’s results were record breaking in every way. Together, we raised $13,500 towards a cure for cancer – a $2,500 increase on the 2004 event! Welcoming 350 participants and volunteers to celebrate Terry’s 25 th anniversary was rewarding for all.

Thank You to everyone who helped make this day special and memorable. Special thanks on the day of the event goes to our employees who helped make it happen, our regular registration ladies, Doug and Greg for the great music, Nesters and McDonald’s, Russ and Tom from Whistler-Blackcomb, Whistler Printing and Steve Podborski and of course the team at Riverside Campground for providing an excellent location once again!

Mary Vaughan

Four Seasons Resort Whistler

A lot of people to thank

I would like to express my apologies to Samurai of Singletrack event organizers Tony Horn and Ru Mehta for making their worst fears almost a reality.

While the sport of mountain biking is high risk enough, I decided to push it that little bit extra by performing a "nose wheelie" on a section of Comfortably Numb. The result of my misjudgment flipped me over with my bike still attached and drove my head into the ground, breaking my C6 vertebra in the process and resulting in a T5 compression fracture. Both are now stable and I have a lot of people to thank for that.

First off to Tony and Ru again for a well organized event, and especially their first aid response procedures. Patrollers Pat Bougie, Jerome David, Tony DelBosco and Tony Sittlinger provided the best first aid one could ask for. Blackcomb Helicopters and B.C. Ambulance Service also came through, as did the people at the Whistler Health Care Centre. Thanks to Chromag bikes for their warm, comfortable rest stop at the helipad and packaging my bike for me.

A big thanks to all my friends and Samurais for all their support and well wishes. Last but not least a special thanks to my girlfriend Liane for taking care of me during my recovery.

Mike Watton

Whistler