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19 Mile fall-out, condo owner speaks out, wonders of WAG, chess comments, Middle East perspectives, apologies, and good-byes.

Too harsh on 19 Mile Re: The guilty and the greedy (Maxed Out July 27) Lots of venom in your piece on disgruntled resident housing owners last week. I think you were too harsh with the 19 Mile, Beaver Flats and Bear Ridge residents.

Too harsh on 19 Mile

Re: The guilty and the greedy (Maxed Out July 27)

Lots of venom in your piece on disgruntled resident housing owners last week. I think you were too harsh with the 19 Mile, Beaver Flats and Bear Ridge residents.

I sat in the seat behind you at the 19 Mile public hearing eight years ago. An abandoned gravel pit at the entrance to Alpine Meadows well serviced by public transport and adjacent to sports facilities, high school and convenience stores, seemed to us, an ideal infill location for resident housing. The hearing was peppered with successive rants and threats from neighbours who said or alleged some very nasty stuff in the hope resident restricted housing would not be built anywhere near their homes. Your heartfelt piece in the next Pique clearly exposed the ludicrous nature of the mob’s single minded, selfishness and helped the council of the day resolve to stand up to the opposition and approve 19 Mile. The NIMBY opposition faded on this and future projects. You were a large part of turning the tide with resident housing.

Eight years later word gets to the Smoking Dog Ranch that 19 Mile and other owners are "bitching" and trying to better their situation. This follows Barnfield matters. You get Smoking Dog Max mad, the computer keys hum. "Greed," "Profits," "Shamefully greedy whiners trying to weasel out of their commitments."

The letter to the editor in last week’s Pique by Chris Hodkinson "Forum hijacked by Barnfield owners" is worth a read. I distanced myself from direct Barnfield dealings a long time ago and have been asked not to comment on specific issues of Barnfield before the courts. I can say, however, many Barnfield owners’ comments at the forum seemed more to inflame the situation rather than explain the specifics of issues being dealt with or to help find a resolve for those issues.

The 19 Mile, Beaver Flats and Bear Ridge owners bought their homes with a GVRD based index. The logic, at the time, was for them to receive the same return as a comparable townhouse owner in Greater Vancouver, not the significantly higher inflation of townhouses in Whistler where a bed cap severely restricted new housing supply. These owners could leave Whistler and buy a comparable townhouse in, say, Burnaby but would not get typical Whistler increases. The Vancouver market took off and the 19 Mile owners received unexpected and unplanned increases in the maximum value for which their homes can be sold. The WHA is seeing reluctance from those on the waitlist to offer maximum allowable prices for 19 Mile units. Should the Vancouver index continue its rapid growth, trades in this housing will be below the maximum allowable prices. This is especially so if new Rainbow and athletes’ village units are less expensive.

The WHA/RMOW was concerned with the rate of growth and future affordability with new projects. They convened a task force to consider this situation and eventually after surveys, reconsideration, etc., landed on the use of core CPI rather than a housing index for future projects.

A policy to change to core CPI on the sale of existing GVRD based units came later and has been highly controversial. For the most part, the 19 Mile type owners have voiced concern with the process and their lack of involvement. Individual owners have a commitment to not sell above the index price. They do not have a commitment to more "global" future affordability issues. Their concerns with process, input or lack of their input and undue manipulation on decisions affecting their homes deserve hearing, consideration and then should be acted upon where appropriate. I do not see the majority of these owners as shamefully greedy whiners trying to convince council to let them weasel out of their commitments.

Steve Bayly

Whistler

Some key facts

Re: The Guilty and the Greedy (Pique Maxed out July 27)

It is important to differentiate among the commentaries that concern the recent housing debate, as to which are facts and which are simply for entertainment value. I have done my best to summarize some key facts.

• Council and the WHA at no time consulted with the current owners of resident housing on their intent to retroactively change the covenant charges for existing resident housing properties until following council’s final decision. This lack of consultation is contradictory to the WHA Business and Financial Plan and the Whistler 2020 document.

• Council and the WHA have spent hundreds of hours planning and defending the covenant change issue. The change only affects approximately 10 units a year where almost half of these owners used this equity to repurchase or reinvest in Whistler. This initiative will not scratch the surface in providing affordable housing for the more than 400 people on the waitlist.

• Units with the GVRD resale provision comprise only 30 per cent of the total affordable housing ownership stock; another 30 per cent of the affordable housing stock has NO RESALE restrictions (including Nordic Court which the RMOW sold last year with no resale restrictions).

• Two of the speakers (out of at least 20) at the public meeting talked directly about the Barnfield situation.

• Those who attended the meeting (or have spent time to watch it on Cable 6) would agree that most of the people who spoke were concerned about the lack of public consultation on most housing issues, the increasing level of restriction on resident housing for new purchasers, the forced tactics of "strikes", arbitrary rental restrictions and the lack of new product to ease the demand for housing.

• Mistakes have been made in applying the GVRD index by the WHA and council, only the existing and future purchasers are being held responsible.

• The WHA Business and Financial Plan does not mandate this resale initiative, as a matter of fact such an initiative is contrary or absent in the authority’s strategic goals.

• The "asset" is not the housing it is the people who decide to live and work in Whistler that make the resort community happen. Although we could have the most amazing stock of housing, that is attractive and affordable – if it does not meet the needs of the people who need to live in it, then it is not sustainable. The WHA mission states: "Whistler’s long-term success as a vibrant resort community is in part contingent upon retaining a stable resident workforce. We will partner with the resort community to sustain a range and supply of housing options for Whistler’s active and retired workforce."

• The subsidy given to most of the WHA ownership projects is no different than the subsidy given to most of the resort’s other commercial amenities (golf courses, ski lifts and tennis courts).

• None of the owners speaking at the meeting indicated that they desired the resident housing restrictions removed, rather they all wanted the terms of their original purchase/disclosure upheld.

• The December 2005 WHA staff report did not support applying the new covenant provisions to existing properties.

• Litigation, threats, mud slinging and name-calling will not allow our community to resolve our housing problems.

We have incredible people in this community. Please, can we find a way to work together (not just the WHA and RMOW), share our ideas and concerns to ensure that the housing that is available will not only be affordable, but also appropriate and sustainable for the people that work so hard to be part of the Whistler community.

Caroline Lamont

Whistler

Was there another meeting?

Re: Forum Hijacked by Barnfield owners (Pique letters July 27)

While I agree with most of the comments in the letter published, I don't understand the slam against the owners of Barnfield. While some of them may have been in attendance at the open house, as would be expected at an "open house", there was one letter read on behalf of an absent Barnfield owner and one Barnfield owner that spoke up. There were then several other members of the community that spoke up with their concerns and questions.

I sat through the entire meeting and I don't really remember feeling "hijacked" by anyone that spoke. Perhaps Chris did not stay for the full meeting.

I found the commentary at the open house to be very informative and, hopefully, the WHA will listen to the concerns.

Brenda Bergstrom

Whistler

Almost hallelujah!

Re: Paul Mathews — a global perspective on Whistler (Pique Alta States July 27, 2006)

I read with interest Michel Beaudry’s article about Paul Mathews’s ideas on Whistler and was particularly struck by his ideas about the "social and political support for local residents." He goes on to suggest that "we are busting our ass to subsidize our locals’ lifestyle… but the visitor (and weekender) end up at the bottom of the pile."

As one of those weekenders, I almost shouted "hallelujah!" Finally someone is speaking out for the many vacation owners who have subsidized the lifestyle of locals for years.

I have been involved for a long time in efforts to bring some taxation equity to condo owners who are paying ridiculously high taxes on their properties. Neither municipal government nor Tourism Whistler has been supportive of this fight, mainly because they have been reaping the benefits for so long that they can’t see beyond their pot of gold.

Initially 13 and now 18 condo properties in Whistler have been paying unfair taxes because of a classification issue (Class 1 vs Class 6).

There may be a change coming. Minister Rick Thorpe has indicated that a solution will be announced in the near future.

I agree that Whistler must strive to maintain its position in the marketplace and must provide a guest-friendly experience for visitors. I have always been willing to pay my fair share of taxes to help support the community – and now it looks like that could actually happen. Too bad the "fix" will not be retroactive!

Jim Allard

Coquitlam

The wonders of WAG

I have had the honour of participating in WAG's foster program for the past few months, and due to a move, am not able to keep the cat I've been fostering. I wanted to write to let everyone in Whistler and Pemberton know about the great services that WAG offers our community, and how we can all get involved to give back.

WAG is a no-kill animal shelter. They are located on Nesters Road, adjacent to the Bottle and Recycling depot, and their visiting/dog walking hours are 11-1 and 3-5, seven days per week. To walk one of the dogs, you must leave a piece of ID with them and adhere to the rules set out for the dogs’ and your wellbeing. If you don't want to walk a dog, you can just visit with them.

The cattery is full now, and some of the cats have to be kept in cages and in isolation rooms to prevent fights amongst them, and to reduce the stress of the animals. You can go in to see them during the visiting hours, and play with them, and let them love you.

If you are able to participate, the foster program the great people who work there have set up is amazing. I filled out an application to foster, and provided some information about myself, including the contact info for my landlord, as WAG needs to verify with landlords that it is okay that their tenants keep an animal. This prevents stress and disappointment on everyone's part. Once WAG had verified all of my info, I was free to pick up the cat I wanted to foster. WAG gave me the food, litter, litter box, toys, cat tree and carrying kennel.

I have very much loved having Bubb, the big white cat, in my life. Bubb is one of the greatest cats I've ever known. He is soooo different in a home than in the shelter. He greets me at the door when I come home, and his reception is always the same, whether I've been gone for five minutes or five hours. He rubs against my legs, purring and drooling (yes, he drools!), and then flops over on his side. He meows at me until I sit down so that he can bump his head against mine, and then he kneads his fleece blanket. He has done more for me than I have done for him, and I consider the WAG foster program to be more for the benefit of the humans involved than for the animals.

Bubb loves to play with his furry mousey, relax on the couch beside me and sleep on his fleece blanket. If you get a chance, go and spend some time with him and the other great animals at WAG, and learn more about the foster and adoption programs they have in place.

Jenn Hauta

Whistler

Your move

There are lots of things for active people to do around here in the summer. May I suggest that Whistler expand its outdoor sedentary activities, beyond patio sitting, and build a few giant outdoor chess sets.

I am thinking three-metre square pavement chessboards and giant chessmen, too large to carry off without someone noticing. Designate someone to put them out in the morning and take them in at night; maybe a merchant or restaurateur. Build a few benches for spectators and Whistler will gain a whole new intellectual reputation.

Maybe one near the children’s playground behind Marketplace, another near the Olympic display in the Town Plaza, and one at the Blackcomb base. Build one and see if they will come.

Ruth Buzzard

Whistler

Who should work towards peace?

I am writing this letter in response to Heidi G.A. Stoecklin’s letter printed in the July 27 th edition of Pique (War… what is it good for?).

I am saddened to see that there is a chance Ms. Stoecklin’s ignorance of the Middle East conflict may spread to impressionable members of our community. Her argument is that our government is sending troops over to fight in a war "when we don’t even know the truth behind the reasons for this war." Perhaps Ms. Stoecklin should educate herself (given the massive amount of literature available on the historical significance and immediate implications of the conflict) so that she can gain an understanding of the "reasons for this war" before she passes judgment on the legitimacy of Canada’s involvement in the Middle East.

While I understand the frustration a private citizen may experience seeing domestic funds going towards a war on foreign soil, surely an educated individual is capable of understanding that someone needs to mediate, to intervene, to try and work for peace. Canada’s long history of peacekeeping is highly documented, and any private citizen can access that information by going to our federal websites and searching for it. Who, if not the peacekeepers should work towards peace?

While most people have inherent bias about the Middle East conflict, I am deeply disturbed by how many of my fellow citizens are apt to ignore the real need for international support and intervention. Of course I have my own opinions and bias but I am not going to impose my subjective politics on my fellow readers. What I will say is this: get educated. Take responsibility for your mind. Don’t listen to flat, unfounded arguments like "we don’t even know the truth behind the reasons for this war." It’s simple. The latest conflict is the result of Israel trying to rescue two Israeli soldiers after they were kidnapped. Upwards of 1,600 missiles have been blasted in the region since. These are facts, not opinion.

You can choose to ignore the depressing facts of war while focusing on domestic issues and try to force your ignorance on others or you can get educated and learn what is going on for yourself. We live in a global community and therefore, as Canadians, we need to help out countries in need. Read the newspapers, both sides of the conflict are being represented by the media every day. And don’t take my word for it, empower yourself and form your own opinion. And please, recognize ignorance when it’s in your face and do something about it.

Jessica Kronis MA

Whistler

We are in this together

I am writing to apologize to the people of the United States of America. Last week I wrote a letter addressing the "U.S. led War on Terrorism". I woke up aghast last night realizing it's important to be specific and state it’s not a U.S.-led war but a George W. Bush Jr.-led war. I am very aware that there are hard-working, peace-seeking Americans who like us in Canada do not agree with their government. I know you are fighting against the same corruptive force, thanks to the creative works of many Americans, like Michael Moore who has thoroughly enlightened me about your government. Again I'm very sorry.

Just to let the people of Whistler, Pemberton, and Mt. Currie know: the petition is going very well. Thank-you so much to those people who came out to see me. I cannot express how important your support was to me.

Heidi G. A. Stoecklin

Mt. Currie

End of a chapter

Next week marks the end of hugely enjoyable chapter in my life. For the past 10 years I have had a great time living in Whistler as a founder and, for the past five years, CEO of Whistler.com.

I want to close the book with a short message.

One could say so many things about Whistler.com.

It was certainly challenging, interesting.

It was a monumental education, difficult.

It had cache, cool.

It was leading edge, innovative.

It was brand new, a new frontier.

It became a business, established.

The people behind Whistler.com came from an IT background and over the course of several years developed a Travel Company. Its history is typical of the growth of Internet companies. Figure it out and make it happen. Lots of hard work.

We figured it out with the help and support of the people who make Whistler Resort work. They saw its value from the beginning. We needed to make it work so that Whistler could maintain its presence on the Internet directly, personally.

It did work; we made it happen together.

I am so pleased to have been a part of creating this success on behalf of the community. We did it with a great deal of support from everyone here in Whistler.

It has been my pleasure to have worked with so many great people over the years and to have learned so much.

I wish you continued success and a strong presence in the Internet Travel Booking business for years to come.

Janice Pickwell

Whistler