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Value-focused initiatives underway RE: Been there, done that (Pique letters Sept. 8) In a recent letter to the editor, J.C.

Value-focused initiatives underway

RE: Been there, done that (Pique letters Sept. 8)

In a recent letter to the editor, J.C. Almodovar of Lake Nona, Florida, indicated that following a cost comparison with a number of competitive resorts he has determined it is too expensive to visit Whistler.

As a regular visitor to Whistler, Mr. Almodovar, pointed out that although he considers Whistler to be "the best" resort, he felt destinations such as Vail, Colorado and The Canyons Resort, Utah were more economical in terms of accommodations.

We thank Mr. Almodovar for his feedback and comments. Ensuring we are offering good value to guests is a major focus for Whistler. Tourism Whistler has been working with its members to enhance resort-wide value through improved service, a more diversified product offering, and pricing that fairly reflects the product and service provided. We wanted to take this opportunity to highlight a few things we are doing and to look at Mr. Almodovar's example.

Given the relative difference in resorts, we would expect that Whistler should be slightly more expensive than The Canyons; however, it is surprising to hear that Mr. Almodovar’s research would suggest Whistler to be significantly more expensive than Vail.

Our research indicates that, through the Tourism Whistler early booking offer based on four person occupancy for a seven-night stay in a two bedroom unit in Whistler (peak season), each individual would spend approximately $220 US less by visiting The Canyons and $408 US more by visiting Vail (based on luxury properties within 200 yards of the slopes).

Whistler has promoted the early booking offer for the past two years, providing visitors who book between early August and Oct. 31 savings of up to 35 per cent. And this year, Whistler-Blackcomb Mountains have added even more value by offering one free mountain-top lesson for each person who is booked in the early-bird package. As well, Discover Whistler Days will be introduced this year to offer children and adults 50 per cent off Ski and Snowboard School multi-day group lessons 11 weeks throughout the winter season.

In addition is exciting news for our family guests, this winter Whistler Blackcomb will open a new Tube Park as well as increased terrain in the Whistler Mountain Family Zone and wider ski outs on Blackcomb with more gradual slopes.

These are but a few of the value-focused initiatives underway at Whistler. We invite Mr. Almodovar and all of our guests to visit our website at www.tourismwhistler.com to review even more of the incredible offers available this winter season.

It is critical to our success that we continue to be very aware of perceptions regarding the value being offered at Whistler. As a resort, we recognize the opportunity to enhance value for our visitors and we are working closer together than ever before in order to achieve this critical goal.

Michele Comeau Thompson

Director of Communications

Tourism Whistler

Surviving on The Shoestring

For the past eight years my wife and I have been visiting Whistler from Ontario for two weeks each September, proof that it is not necessary to be a skier to appreciate all what this place has to offer.

However, during that period we have witnessed many changes in terms of growth, which is natural, but also changes that leave a big question mark. We marvel at the ongoing construction of condominiums and monster homes and wonder how the very people who make Whistler tick, e.g. those employed in the low paying service industry, and even those earning an "average wage," will ever be able to own a home in the community in which they earn their living.

During our stays in Whistler we have always made sure to visit Gaitors, a restaurant where one immediately feels comfortable and the food is good and affordable. (Fajita Fridays are the best deal in town.) It has that unique character lacking in most of the other restaurants in the area.

Alas, our understanding is that the Shoestring Lodge will cease operation sometime in 2006, having been bought by a developer. It would be nice to think the venerable lodge will be replaced with an updated version providing the same affordable accommodation and a restaurant that wouldn't break the bank every time the bill was paid, but it seems likely that more condominiums will stand on the site instead. That would be sad as Whistler needs an establishment such as Shoestring Lodge.

In summary, if the aim of the city fathers is to make Whistler the domain of the super wealthy then their success cannot be denied.

A. Walsh

Ancaster, Ontario

 

Gondola not the drawing card

It is certainly good news that Intrawest wants to invest in the resort, but perhaps the plan is for the joint venture partner to put up the money and Intrawest will supply the mountains. Whoever pays for the highest, longest, free-swinging gondola in the world, is it money well spent? The company’s executives are making some pretty fantastic claims: "It will be used as an icon for B.C. and Canada… much like the CN Tower or Niagara Falls." CN Tower maybe, but Niagara Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. And some other claims are confusing; that the gondola will provide access to Whistler’s unique mountains, bowls and glaciers which are only currently accessible on foot or helicopter. How does a lift that links one mountaintop restaurant with another mountaintop restaurant provide access to terrain that is not already served by existing lifts?

This gondola will not improve the skiing or riding experience on either mountain. It doesn’t expand the available lift-served terrain or alleviate any alpine lineups such as Harmony Bowl or 7 th Heaven. It is a humungous amusement park ride. It will no doubt be a thrilling experience, but will it be an economic engine? I’m sure quite a few people will pull off the highway to ride the highest, longest, etc. in the world, but will destination skiers, riders, golfers plan a trip to Whistler because of our icon? I’m reminded of a trip through Vietnam with some fellow Whistlerites. We were cruising through the countryside when our driver suggested we stop at the Chicken Village. We inquired as to why it has this name. The driver informed us that they had the largest chicken in the world. We agreed to stop because it was en route. Sure enough, the villagers had built a concrete chicken that stood about 40 feet high. We got out of the car, took some pictures and bought some trinkets. We did not stay a week in the village.

When I was living in London, England I was a destination skier for many years. The only way I could ski was to get on a plane. I studied and compared terrain maps served by various lift systems, read about resorts’ reputations for ambience, service, food and nightlife. And, of course, good value was part of the equation. Although many lifts can be exciting, and some even scary, I never chose a resort because it had the highest, longest, most thrilling lift ride. The thrills I sought were on the slopes, not dangling above.

An extensive, up to date, high-speed lift system with few lineups that serves a vast, interesting terrain is the big drawing card. Forty to 50 million dollars can buy five or six detachable quads. I don’t need to elaborate on the possibilities, everyone in the valley has their own wish list for the new lifts that will make the skiing and riding experience even more thrilling than a ride on the highest, longest, etc. in the world. But perhaps there is no money to invest in our two great mountains without the joint venture partner.

Pray to the snow gods.

John Konig

Whistler

 

No surprise answers

I was pleasantly surprised to read that the "Peak to Peak" gondola idea is alive and well. I was not at all surprised to read that Councilor Ken Melamed was against the whole idea.

I have long wondered what Ken is in favour of. I honestly don’t recall Ken ever supporting anything that has come before council (I know I can't be 100 per cent right... can I?). Every issue is either shot down outright or there is request for further study... and then he shoots it down.

The hypocrisy is not lost on me either. I have seen Ken out and about on his bike enjoying the Valley Trail. How do you suppose Ken would vote if there were no Valley Trail and someone brought forth a proposal to lay a ribbon of asphalt throughout valley? I understand that Ken is a stonemason by trade. How many of the larger homes that Ken has worked in only exist under zoning laws that Ken fought? Sometimes I wonder if it would just be easier to have one less council member and simply put a placard saying "no" in front of the seat.

I do not know Councilor Melamed personally but by all accounts he is a decent person with an obvious passion for his community. I do appreciate the need for all views to be represented in council but enough is enough. During the last municipal election Ken's slogan was "Asking the hard questions." Perhaps this year’s will be a honestly refreshing, "Giving the easy answers."

Alex Hugessen

Whistler

 

Ken made a world of difference

Upon returning from a vacation we heard of the tragic passing of Ken Quon. Ken was our first Wild Willies Ride guide as we ventured into a new sport, worried about how we could break into the Whistler mountain biking community of super-riders without spending too much time visiting the health centre. What immediately stood out for us about Ken was that he seemed to know Whistler inside and out and he also knew riding inside and out, and he made the time to welcome and teach newcomers about riding and life in Whistler without expecting anything at all in return… in other words, here was a guy who really knew what it meant to give back to his community and lead quietly by example.

This is a tough place to break in to and people like Ken make a world of difference when it comes to "community building". We are going to miss Ken… but we will always remember the example he set for us and our community.

Our heartfelt condolences to Ken's family and friends.

Paul and Talya Shore

Whistler

Whistler’s true spirit

As summer comes to a close, (is that really snow in the seven-day forecast?) there is a large group in the community that should be thanked.

Each week, all summer long, there is a Willies ride on Monday and a Loonie race on Thursday, both of which are made possible by volunteers and local companies sponsoring the events.

For the Loonie races there are the girls who register us each week, the course volunteers, the sponsoring company, sponsoring restaurant (Chef, there are 300 people outside for dinner and they want to be fed in 30 minutes!), the WORCA committee that puts it all together. Thanks to all.

Thanks also to the racers who offer assistance to all those who fall by the wayside, whether by equipment failure or crashing. It sometimes seems that it takes longer to assure all that everything is OK than it does to fix the problem!

At the Willies rides there is the store and for afterwards Gaitors. And of course the volunteer guides, through your skills and guidance it is great to see those beginning riders at season’s start, progressing through the weeks and then riding the Loonies at the season’s end. Thanks to all of you also.

For me, both of these events show Whistler’s true spirit, people of differing backgrounds and skills coming together to make life here enjoyable for all. It is a part of the fabric of which our community is woven and shows that in spite of the problems with which our community is faced, we can still have fun and enjoy each others' company.

Thanks and I'm already looking forward to next season.

Craig Mackenzie

Whistler

The virtues of clean shoulders

Why clean the highway shoulders? Probably too many reasons to list, but here are a few:

1. With the coming 4th Annual Commuter Challenge in September and the RMOW's drive to a greener, more sustainable image, it seems to me we should keep our highways safe for individuals choosing to cycle to work. (I see quite a few in the wee hours of the morning and evening – way to go!)

2. Whistler was originally (maybe still is) based on sports-minded individuals coming here to partake. I have seen an increasing number of visiting "roadies" on the highway this summer, but we are not making Whistler a safe place for them. If we want these people to return in the future we must make Whistler a good (safe) place to ride! (Heaven knows we have the terrain!)

3. Having talked to numerous locals – some who drive trucks, some who ride bikes – the consensus is that if the shoulders of Highway 99 were kept cleaner, both groups would be happier. The truckers don't want to hit anyone and the roadies would love to be able to ride farther over on the shoulder.

4. With ever increasing gas prices, chances are pretty good that the number of cyclists using the highway will grow.

Seems to me it is a no-brainer... we need to sweep!

My wish list for the future:

1. My understanding is that the RMOW has a contract with Mainroad Contracting to sweep the highway three times per year. If this is the case, it would be nice if Mainroad lived up to their contract.

2. Wider shoulders on the newly re-constructed highway south of Whistler: sure would be nice if there is lots of room for everyone.

Happy riding and driving! (I do both)

Karen Blaylock

Whistler

Feel karma’s teeth

This letter is directed to the skid or skids that took my bike from outside my townhouse in Pemberton (Mountainview Manor). I don't drive, so this was my way of getting around.

I have lived in the Whistler/Pemberton area for 17 years and I have always felt Pemberton was such a safe place. I am one of those that still was leaving the door unlocked because I felt secure. Thanks for ruining that for me. I hope karma comes back to bite you in the ass.

Leanne Stevens

Pemberton

A few questions

I've completely lost faith in the system! I must admit spending the better part of my life listening to rock and roll and going to Grateful Dead concerts has not encouraged me to have much respect for the establishment. I'm glad, however, that subculture has persuaded me to question authority because I have a few questions.

Am I incorrect when I assume that once an accredited architect and engineer stamp their designs they assume responsibility for it? Am I wrong that once a professional municipal inspector OKs those drawings, issues a permit, and inspects the site before, during, and after construction that they're effectively liable? Was I naive to believe that the high cost of those professional stamps, permits, property taxes and insurance premiums are there to cover any liabilities? Am I completely crazy to believe that any problems should lie with the owner rather than the leasee?

Of course I'm referring to the situation at Eva Lake Village. We've spent a fortune ($1.2 million) to hire consultants, engineers and lawyers to find answers to my simple questions, and management companies and contractors to structurally rectify the problem (for the second time now).

I ask again, where is the support and compassion from council and their legal team? All I see is stalling and the passing of the buck. They are a bunch of cowards hiding behind fine-print clauses and statutes of limitations. We need answers to these questions and action now. There are at least 10 owners who have liens placed on them and at least three who are facing foreclosure because they can't find the financing. My vote will go to the municipal candidate who courageously admits the system that supports them is broken and offers solutions, because it doesn't adequately protect its citizens from unforeseen liabilities. I encourage anyone who applies for any type of permit to read the fine print, investigate the clauses and question authority, because as far as I'm concerned its not worth the paper its printed on.

Mike Roger

Birken/Whistler

Church in need of help

Re: Historic Church of the Holy Cross in bad repair (Pique Travel, Aug. 11)

Thank you for getting the word out on our Church in Skatin (Skookumchuck). Thank you for appreciating the spectacular work that our ancestors did 100 years ago in building the "Church of the Holy Cross" – without power tools or formal training, and with only horse and wagon roads for transportation. Everyone is welcome to join our non-profit society, we greatly appreciate any type of support (dollars, volunteer time, expertise, material and supplies).

The building is in desperate need of restoration. Our immediate concern is in getting an engineer's report on stabilizing the towers and the foundation. The cost is $15,000. We already have B.C. Heritage funds of $7,500 but we need to have the balance of $7,500 to match this amount. The engineer’s report will detail the work needed, the priority, and the material, skills and costs required for this heritage site. Time and weather are a great concern. One wall is separating from the floor, and the steeples are tilting. The 2003 floods in our region did not help matters, since the church rests on hand-hewed cedar logs set on river rock and sand. Sand shifts with time so the church does not sit properly on its log foundation.

It would be great loss to this region if we lost this national historic site. The Church is unique in all of Canada, and attracts the admiration of visitors from around the world. Due to the somewhat isolated location, it is not as well know as it deserves. It is featured on page 15 of the recently released book Vanishing B.C., by artist Michal Kluckner. If you would like to learn more about it, please contact us at amaliisaos@gmail.com

Next year, June 21, 2006, on National Aboriginal Day, we are having a plaque ceremony for this National Historic Monument. Parks Canada staff have been waiting since 1981 to install a plaque commemorating this designation. Kukwstumkacw.

Shirley L. Wallace

President, Ama Lisaos Heritage Trust Society

Rivers Day rocks

A river of smiling faces flowed through Lost Lake Park on Sunday, Sept. 25 in celebration of the ninth annual B.C. Rivers Day. There were so many events and activities for children of all ages that we hardly had time for them all. There was fly-casting, canoeing, fish colouring, critter identifying, a scavenger hunt, and even a "water Olympics." Did you know that you can balance over 30 drops of lake water on a single penny?

Phil Chew, chair of the Whistler Fisheries Stewardship Group, kept a steady stream of hungry tummies moving along at the barbecue, while Heather Beresford, Veronica Woodruff and Betty Rebellato’s exceptional efforts organized about a dozen sponsors and volunteers to make it all flow smoothly. Mother Nature provided the perfect warm and sunny fall day for several hundred old and new friends to enjoy a beautiful day at the beach surrounded by Whistler’s spectacular mountain scenery.

Many thanks to all involved for a wonderful day.

Carmen and Natasha Manuel

Whistler

Chick Flick success for breast cancer

The "Chick Flick" movie night held at Whistler Village 8 Cinemas on Monday was a huge sellout success. This event was held to raise funds for the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, the leading national volunteer-based organization in Canada dedicated to creating a future without breast cancer. It was wonderful to see so many local women of all ages come out to support our event and help us raise $1,758.

We would like to thank everyone who came and also those who donated door prizes for this occasion. Our sponsors included Rogers Chocolates, Lush, Escents, the Body Shop, Whistler Blackcomb Foundation, Club Intrawest and the Four Seasons. A special thank you goes to Sean and Jay from Village 8 Cinemas for all their help and support.

Many thanks.

Paula Lamming, Libby McKeever, Brenda Norrie and Debbie Yates

Carmen remembered

To the people of Pemby and Whistler:

The Ahiers family would like to express their gratitude to everyone who shared in the celebration of Carmen Ahiers’s life on Saturday, Sept. 17. The kindness, generosity and sincere appreciation you showed for our sister will be remembered always. Special thanks to Karen and Kel and to all of you who helped with family and service arrangements. We truly could not have done this without your love and support. You will be cherished in our hearts and memories forever.

Karla Baines