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Praises for Michel, slams for Max, Ross rocks, and when is a woman a woman.

The soul, the magic and the future I have read Michel Beaudry’s Alta States profiles over the past five weeks with interest.

The soul, the magic and the future

I have read Michel Beaudry’s Alta States profiles over the past five weeks with interest. Michel’s passionate story-telling style brings his interview subjects to life and gives all those who may not have known these characters insight into the pioneers who have been instrumental in building this resort.

Michel’s appreciation for the vision of each of these pioneers is shared by many of us. Great things are built by visionaries with passion and intelligence, and Whistler has been rich in this. There is no question that each of these men profiled has significantly contributed to the resort’s success. Their concerns about our future must be heeded.

Michel is right. We cannot lose sight of where we have come from, and what the foundation of our success has been. We need to be mindful of the soul and magic that created this resort, but also look to the future, accept where we are today, and find new ways to re-create that magic AND create some new magic! Some of our visionaries have come and gone, but there is a whole new generation that cares just as deeply about their home, livelihoods and passions as those Michel speaks of.

The next generation of Whistler visionaries that live and work throughout the resort are grappling with the new world reality that Whistler finds itself operating within. This group struggles to hold on to what our pioneers created, and strives to find new ways to carry the resort through the next 20 years. This group faces issues that would have been unimaginable to our forefathers 40 years ago, or even six years ago. Issues such as global terrorist threats; a 90 cent US dollar; a highly competitive arena for guests’ leisure dollars; global warming and climate change; war; and a growing oil crisis are all familiar issues on the list. On the home front the resort is dealing with a massive, hungry economic engine that needs to be fed year-round in order for our businesses to survive.

We are big, there is no question. Though this is where our magic first stemmed from – big, bold, vast and dramatic mountains (and weather)! This is what separates us from our competition. As Michel quotes Garry Watson as saying in his July 20th article, we cannot compete with resorts like Sun Peaks by saying that we offer a comparable (family) experience – we are in no way comparable! The experience we offer is bold, vibrant, diverse and edgy. And looking at the diverse demographic profile of the crowds watching last month’s hugely successful Crankworx events, we can still create magic, and stay true to who we are. As a big resort, we need to attract many guests from all walks of life to be successful. We can attract and pamper the international market with the very best we have to offer, and yet still need to focus on our local and regional market who have supported us from day one and continue to be our core supporters. We also need to ensure that we don’t lose sight of our youth who are captivated by the aspirational images from Whistler in the action sport media. They continue to be key to our success.

In Michel’s July 27th article, Paul Mathews worries that Whistler-Blackcomb is growing shabby. I’d like to reassure Paul that we will never expect to remain leading edge without constant re-invention. Think proposed Peak to Peak Gondola by 2009; Piccolo Express Quad for 2006/07; Whistler Village Gondola upgrade (phase one next spring); introduction of a family Tube Park; double the snowmaking capacity by 2010; a significant increase to the marketing and sales budget over the past three years; and countless on-mountain improvements. On top of all that, a deep commitment to our environment makes us one of the most respected resorts in our field for efforts towards sustainable development.

In regards to Doug Perry and Michel’s Aug. 3rd article, I am sincerely sorry to see Doug depart from the TELUS World Ski & Snowboard Festival. The festival that Doug and his team have built contains the magic that we are talking about holding onto and growing stronger – this is most notably witnessed in the off-hill artistic events. We support their development without fail, while supporting the growth and evolution of the on-hill competitions.

There is no question that we make mistakes. At times we screw up, and at times we frustrate people. I also hope that we recognize when we do and learn from mistakes in order to avoid making the same one twice. And at all times, we believe that we hold the resort’s best interests at the heart of any decision. Many characters at Whistler-Blackcomb would make great interviews for Michel’s future columns. We are a company built from the young, visionary, bold entrepreneurs that Michel holds in such esteem.

Michel, your passionate articles serve to start conversations and inspire us to continue to examine where we go from here. Together, with open dialogue, debate and process, we can embrace the resort’s next chapter with energy, confidence, pride, passion and vision.

Dave Brownlie

Whistler-Blackcomb

Gone too far this time

I had vowed not to give another ounce of energy to rebutting G.D Maxwell’s sermon of affordability over the past few weeks. However, I am no longer able to remain silent.

I allowed you to slander my wife. I admit I was irate but hey, your opinion is shameless entertainment so I let it pass. Let’s call it a gentleman’s agreement that you won’t abuse your position in such a way again, OK?

However, your piece on Aug. 3, 2006 has gone too far! You slam my entire neighbourhood. The people who live in this vibrant Alpine Meadows neighborhood are among the backbone of the resort. We are the WB staff, municipal councillors, waiters, construction workers, entrepreneurs, retirees, pro riders… that help define the essence of Whistler; a supernatural place to be.

I am disgusted that Pique would give Mr. Maxwell such a long leash. I am also disgusted that Mr. Maxwell would take the full length of the leash and run with it. Hey Max, where were you during the WHA meeting? Sitting on the dock of your 100 Mile House cabin? Did you have to sell that before you were eligible for your Nita Lake unit? Who gave you the Coles Notes version of the meeting?

Mr. Maxwell, you’re dividing a community that so many have worked hard to build. While you were still working as a banker in Toronto I was laying paving stone in front of the Whistler Village Gondola in the frigid monsoons of November, skiing powder, and generally giving my heart and soul to this community – I believe we call this "lifestyle".

Since that time I have built a family, business and worked on the reservation software that powers this entire resort.

George, your cavalier assumptions and glib points of view disgust me. The fact that Mr. Barnett did not choose to edit your column also disgusts me. By extrapolation, Pique Newsmagazine disgusts me.

So, after writing this I can sleep soundly knowing that I have defended my beautiful and courageous wife’s honour and that I don’t care what you say/write next. I am officially swearing off Pique Newsmagazine and I would encourage others to do the same.

In closing this diatribe, George, I wish you all the best during your commutes between your new Nita Lake unit and your weekend retreat. This is something that most of the 19 Mile Creek residents don’t have to worry about. Must be nice to own two places in B.C.

Sean McDonald

Whistler

And another thing…

When are some Pique readers going to figure out GD Maxwell writes a satire column?

And where are my guaranteed windfall profits on real estate in Whistler? Only 400 names on the waiting list? Surprised there aren’t 4,000!

And why not take a little free advice from Paul Mathews? If RMOW lawmakers feel better about paying a consulting fee to him then please do.

S. Anderson

Whistler

Go Ross go

Ross, I hope you sue the pants off those rip offs. Don't let the corporate lawyers scare you. All of Whistler should be in an uproar over that show. Whistler should be suing the company as a whole. How can they even call that show Whistler, it is nothing like Whistler. I am very surprised the municipality has not filed a law action already. We are working so hard as a whole to change our image and then this show comes on the air.

Everyone that lives in Whistler should write Blueprint Entertainment and CTV and complain. Personally I think that show is slander on us as a whole.

Paul Rowe

Whistler

Spirit shows for WAG

Whistler has once again shown its cooperative and generous spirit. Recently, the RMOW reduced its Community Enrichment funding to WAG by $13,500 as compared to last year, placing WAG in the situation of a budget shortfall. The community has responded with overwhelming support for WAG by holding fundraisers, donating funds and donating items to our fundraisers.

The Royal Bank issued a challenge to the community to raise money for WAG during the month of July. WAG thanks all those citizens and businesses that joined in the challenge, including Starbucks Coffee, Boston Pizza, Pique Newsmagazine, Whistler Question, Joey Chan's, Hilton Whistler Resort and Spa, Garfinkel's, TD Bank and others.

We would also like to thank the Pemberton Animal Wellbeing Society, Squamish-Lillooet Regional District, and the community of Pemberton for their hard work in raising money for WAG at their July fundraiser for WAG.

We are so fortunate to have such outstanding community support. It is this support that allows WAG to continue to provide care to unwanted and homeless animals. In particular, it allows WAG to provide second chances to unwanted animals that require surgery or extensive medical care. This is a large part of what makes WAG and Whistler so unique.

There are many businesses that support WAG on an ongoing basis through in-kind donations. We would also like to salute these unsung heroes such as Coast Mountain Veterinary Services, Animal Barn, Nesters Market, Whistler Cable, The Dog's Paw, and Race and Company. All of our supporters are too numerous to mention here but we are constantly amazed by the support of this community.

At WAG we are working towards a time in which we no longer struggle financially. We are grateful to the community for supporting us during this time of change. All of Whistler should be very proud.

Carol Coffey,

Executive director, WAG

DH champ is all woman

I am embarrassed by the behaviour of Whistler in regards to the Women’s Canadian National Downhill Championships. Michelle Dumaresq is 100 per cent woman and I am outraged that in 2006 transgendered persons are still discriminated against.

Sara Jennings

Whistler

A Hearing Date

As the fates would have it, five years to the day from firmly choosing to pursue a Whistler based community radio station, on Sept. 11 th at a hearing in the Gatineau we will find out if our application for a 5-watt Developmental Radio License passes the CRTC’s mustard.

On that day years ago, a beautiful young girl approached me in horror (her face permanently etched in my brain) to ask if I’d been watching the news. Since that time, our resort has been to the edge and is now coming back. We have many trials ahead and the opportunity to show the world our own little piece of paradise. For a town often based on the work of volunteers, we will be faced with the huge challenge of delivering our message, lifestyle, and a united front to the global arts, recreation and sports community.

In this tumultuous time, our goal is to provide an alternative to the dire worldview. An all-positive news broadcast is proposed on our Radio Station. And if the demand is there, we will offer the airwaves as an open forum for discussing the local issues of the day. Blame and accusation will not be welcome forms of banter.

To be clear, this application did not take five years to produce. In the interim, a few of the best summers of my life occurred on a small-unnamed Gulf Island and a few of Whistler’s low point years were waited out.

Given all things being well and good, after the 11 th of September, 2006, we will have 75 days (according to the CRTC) to get our station up and running. Which fortuitously puts us at opening day for the 2006-07-ski season.

Scott Kittleson

The Mountain Culture Collective Radio Society

In search of the cure

Summer weekends like the one just passed are what memories are made of: sunny days, cool nights, seeing friends you haven’t seen in a while, and meeting new people. It is weekends like B.C. Day 2006 that remind us how amazing this world truly is, and how generous people can be.

Another Canadian BBQ Championships at Dusty’s has passed, once again with a record breaking fundraising event for Whistler Friends. Locals and visitors turned out in huge numbers and sampled some of the greatest BBQ food anyone could imagine, and by way of purchasing taster’s passes, everyone walked away a winner.

The sale of the $5 taster passes and individual donations raised over $5,400 for the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of Canada, and every cent will go towards research to find a cure for Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

We would like to thank everyone who purchased the taster’s pass and helped us get one step closer to finding the cure. A huge thank you goes out to all of our volunteers, many of whom traveled from Vancouver to assist with what was our busiest of four BBQ Championship events with which we have been involved. Whistler Friends is very proud to be associated with this great event each year, and we would like to thank Josh Kearns, Paul Street and Adrian Dawson from Dusty’s for having us back, and Joel Chevalier from Whistler-Blackcomb for always being there whenever we needed him.

Until next year….yeeee haawwww

Dave and Wendy Clark

Co Founders, Whistler Friends

Crankworx inspired all

Events Whistler, the partnership of Whistler-Blackcomb, Resort Municipality of Whistler and Tourism Whistler, would like to thank the volunteers, sponsors, athletes and incredible ops teams for making the fourth annual Kokanee Crankworx the best yet! With an estimated 10,000 plus people watching the Slopestyle finals, Kokanee Crankworx reinforced Whistler’s position as the world leader in mountain biking.

Kokanee Crankworx 2006 was expanded to nine days of competition with stars like Darren Barrecloth on the trails, and nine days of musical and street entertainment culminating with superstars De La Soul on the mainstage. The athletes were blown away by the quality, scale and uniqueness of the competition venues; sponsors were amazed at the number of spectators; the mountain bike industry was inspired by how an entire community can take an already major event to another level. Above all, visitors were stirred by the energetic, friendly vibe throughout the resort. Rest assured, the athletes, sponsors, industry and visitors will be back next year!

Very special thanks to the tireless efforts of those who made it all happen: Kristen Robinson, Seb Fremont, Christa Vandeberg, Cameron Worman, the W/B strategic Alliances team, Bob Andrea, Richard Juryn, Scott McPhee, and their respective teams and crews!

We're already planning Kokanee Crankworx 2007. See you there!

Oliver Flaser, TW

Rob McSkimming, W/B

John Rae, RMOW