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Asphalt fumes and health risk?

(The) asphalt plant in Whistler which (Mr. Frank Silveri) continue(s) to operate in close proximity to the Cheakamus Crossing residential area makes life for its residents miserable and exposes public health to serious risk.

(The) asphalt plant in Whistler which (Mr. Frank Silveri) continue(s) to operate in close proximity to the Cheakamus Crossing residential area makes life for its residents miserable and exposes public health to serious risk.

I am not going to assert now that the plant is operating illegally.

I hope that the court will make a just decision on this matter soon.

What I am going to do is inform (Mr. Silveri) about how...(the) plant is affecting specifically me.

For most people, bitumen fumes (they go directly in our windows each time when the plant produces asphalt) are first of all very unpleasant because of the terrible smell and their harmful effect on people's health is somehow delayed.

But for me, these fumes constitute direct and immediate danger. I am very allergic to asphalt fumes and they cause immediate intense headache and difficulties with breathing.

The additional problem is that my ability to breathe is affected by a spinal cord injury. I had already three asthmatic attacks caused by fumes from (the) asphalt plant and I am afraid that the next one could bring me to a state of asthmatic coma or even kill me.

I can understand (Mr. Silveri's postion). (He has) been doing a profitable, successful and socially useful business for many years and never asked to (have) a residential area just beside (the) plant site. I suppose that (Mr. Silveri) truly believes that asphalt manufacturing at the site is absolutely legal and (is) confident in (his) right to continue ... business there.

But the fact is that (Mr. Silveri is) poisoning people and it doesn't matter at all whether it is legal or not.

Do you think knowing that you kill me legally really matters to me? (Mr. Silveri) probably think(s) that bad smells are not a big deal, harmfulness of bitumen fumes is exaggerated and people can easily live with it...

Try to sleep with a good conscience at night knowing that you are doing your "legal" business on somebody else's suffering, pain and even death Mr. Silveri...

As for me, I am not afraid to die. I have already lived long enough and my current conditions do not make my life very enjoyable. So, if I die due to the next asthmatic attack caused by (the) asphalt plant...well, I hope that it will help people to force the shut down of (the) evil plant once and for all...

And while I am still alive, I will do my best to make people aware that (the) asphalt plant could very likely cause future diseases, birth defects and other deaths within the neighbourhood.

Anatoli Tchoukhlomine

Whistler

 

Dynamic addition to Whistler

Having just returned from a one-week vacation with my family, I wanted to extend my congratulations to the Resort Municipality of Whistler on the successful opening of Whistler Olympic Plaza and the Whistler Presents initiative. Before leaving, I was able to attend the plaza's opening, as well as some of the exciting concerts that took place in August, and have been thrilled to celebrate this dynamic addition to Whistler.

Whistler Olympic Plaza is indeed one of the community's long-lasting legacies of the 2010 Winter Games and brings with it not only opportunities as a community gathering place, but also as a draw for visitors who gather to enjoy the many entertainment options that we hope the plaza will accommodate in the years to come.

The additional programming through the Whistler Presents concert series provided Tourism Whistler with a healthy selection of event offerings to promote over the summer months. As a result of the efforts of many, we've seen strong pickup in visitor numbers (July 2011 was our strongest July on record and summer 2011 is pacing to be one of the top-three summers in the resort's history).

We have received feedback from Tourism Whistler members regarding the timing of events, indicating that a 7 p.m. concert time cuts into the dinner hour for restaurants and that complimentary concerts conflict with efforts by those businesses wishing to host ticketed events. Moving forward, we will work with our partners on these issues.

On behalf of Tourism Whistler and our Board of Directors, I again congratulate the RMOW on this initiative, as it is destined to be a focal point for the entire community: residents and visitors alike.

Regards,

Barrett Fisher
President & CEO
Tourism Whistler

 

Long-term vision saluted

Personally I feel blessed to live here and the role in this community I have had.

I also know, after some years of being here, that the community goes through cycles. We are in an election year and some of those patterns are again repeating.

I wanted to write a positive letter thanking individuals at the municipal hall, contrary to what seems to be in vogue these days. I also realize that not everything that comes out of the hall is golden, but standing in (Whistler Olympic Plaza) Sunday gave me reason to reflect.

There have been some articles in the papers about the "Whistler Presents" concert series. I have noticed though, an absence of letters to the editor showing public support for the project and venue. I want to congratulate the team at municipal hall on their vision and efforts.

The Whistler Olympic Plaza is turning into one of the best legacies of the Games. To go into the square, which is built to a scale that really can become a public space is inspiring. The stage setup, amazing, and the number of recognizable faces attending the concerts, shows the "Whistler community" is still strong and present.

The forward thinking that led to the acquiring of lots one and nine is where this particular journey really got its roots. I feel we owe a debt of gratitude to the people who brought this to fruition. I am a realist though and I will be the first to acknowledge the path has had a lot of ups and downs. Just like many paths taken in Whistler.

I will also take a chance and name some individuals although I think everyone who has served in public office be it with the Chamber of Commerce, Tourism Whistler or on council in Whistler deserves our gratitude. I feel this way even though I have not agreed with everything all those individuals have done, they still deserve our respect. In particular from the municipal side I would like to acknowledge Hugh O'Reilly and Ken Melamed as our mayors during the lead-up and execution of the Games.

On the staff side we owe so much to Jim Godfrey and Bill Barratt for their patience and vision.

No matter how hot the water got, or how far the mud flew these four GENTLEMEN held the course and delivered FOR US the experience of the Games.

Back to the Whistler Presents concert series - I suspect there have been complaints about the noise emitting from the concerts. I have heard the music and crowds from my deck as well. Having said that, if I was inside with my own music or TV etc on there was no intrusion at all.

My comment on this is two fold. Firstly the sounds coming from a vibrant village made me smile and want to be there. Secondly, with the technology we have at our disposal wouldn't it be great if we could get the show streamed to us over the Internet!

I could also participate in the experience even if my schedule didn't permit me to be there in person no matter where I was in the world.

Rick Clare

Whistler

 

 

Food Bank a winner on customer appreciation day

The Nesters store in Whistler has always been relied on by almost every community group to donate for non-profit fundraising and community events.

They treat their customers well too! Recently they thanked customers and at the same time raised $2,000 for the struggling Whistler Food Bank during their Customer Appreciation Day.

Whistler Community Services Society just wanted to thank Bruce Stewart and the wonderful staff, as well as Nesters' customers who donated to the cause that day. The food bank will be using the funds to buy food, especially as we wait for winter to arrive. Thank you Nesters, we couldn't do it without you! 
Lorna Van Straaten
Executive Director WCSS

 

 

Wolfpack needs a home

We have the skills, roller skates and fierce determination. Now we just need a venue to call home.

The Whistler Wolfpack Roller Derby team, comprised of more than 25 Whistler ladies, has been training for over two months and in Spring 2012 is hoping to compete in bouts sanctioned by the Women's Flat Track Derby Association (WFTDA).

Before we can achieve our goal, we need to overcome our largest hurdle. We're currently homeless and looking for a permanent indoor venue(s) to train and compete.

We're looking for a clean, flat surface suitable for roller-skating that will allow for 30 feet of taped track. Acceptable surfaces include polished or painted concrete, wood, or game court floors.

The derby girls aren't afraid to get our hands dirty - so if you have a fixer upper, we'll be more than happy to pitch in to get it training ready.

Our sisters in the neighbouring communities of Squamish, Sunshine Coast, B.C. Interior and Metro Vancouver have also joined the roller derby movement that's been sweeping the globe over the last decade. Their leagues are now thriving, their games attracting sell-out crowds. There are over 1,000 leagues worldwide - with more than 30,000 women playing roller derby internationally.

B.C. alone has more than a dozen roller derby leagues. Whistler's roller derby team is a dedicated group of ladies passionate about the sport and determined to bring it to our community. This is an entertaining, high adrenaline spectator sport that will bring a new flavour to the local athletic roster. If members of the community have any ideas about a venue, please contact us at whistlerwolfpack@gmail.com. For More information about the Wolfpack, please visit facebook.com/whistlerwolfpack Thanks in advance for you support!

Amber Turnau,

Whistler Wolfpack Roller Girls Team Member

Time for a new vision?

So as a resort let's be realistic and make some money. When do we get the casino and when do we allow strippers back in town?

Families are always good and welcome but they are not any part of the demographic that spend money.

From what I know Whistler was built on the party. This was accelerated when the American dollar escalated (1997-2001) and Americans could come here with their families and experience a 40 per cent currency discount.

Now, from what I understand, we are trying to lure guests that will offer the same financial conditioning. But from what I hear in the village they don't exist. Whistler is an incredible place, I haven't spent my entire adulthood here because it isn't, and I look forward to having a real world visionary lead us into a successful, sustainable future!

Wes Presso

Whistler

 

Special Friendship commercial embarrassing

The opening of the Olympic Ceremony Stage (at Whistler Olympic Plaza) was fabulous, and frankly about time. The Sam Roberts Band peaked in Whistler.

But what on earth was that commercial about? I was so embarrassed.

It was like being at a dinner party when a good friend brings a new girlfriend who gets a little tipsy and begins to embarrass her date by explaining her belief in ... fill in the blank here: ESP, UFO's, astrology, religion. There I was sitting with my Canadian friends, my Japanese wife and we watched a 15-minute commercial about "The special friendship between the U.S. and Canada." Well, it was creepy.

I felt like someone was going to try to sell me an Amway dealership: damn that the main act is a little late but where did they come up with this filler? One of our group fidgeted, he worked for Whistler Blackcomb, laughed nervously and exclaimed that he knew nothing about the love-fest commercial: "Hey, although your dollar may be circling the drain, you are still welcome here - because we have a special friendship"...Special...

Gary Vasseur

Whistler

 

 

Let's build on this

Whoa, kids really do love LEGO. On Saturday August 20 the Museum hosted it's 15th annual (!) LEGO-building competition and it was our most successful one yet.

Registration was full by early Thursday, leaving us with the difficult task of turning away dozens of disappointed kids (and parents). If you were one of the unlucky ones, make sure to sign up early next year to avoid missing out.
This year's theme was "Transportation: How would YOU get to Whistler?" and did we ever see some inspired designs. When these youth grow up the commute to Whistler is sure to get faster, safer, greener, and way more fun!

A big thank-you to our esteemed judges Michelle Leroux (WhistlerIsAwesome.com, Reine Communications), Chris Quinlan (RMOW Municipal Council, Whistler Farmer's Market), and Lauren Stara (Whistler Public Library). The kids made sure your task was exceedingly difficult.
Congratulations to all our contestants, whose boundless excitement and creativity made for a hugely successful and enjoyable afternoon. Several local businesses generously donated prizes to ensure that the contestant's efforts did not go unrewarded and that nobody left empty-handed: Ziptrek, The Core, Whoola Toys, Prior, Armchair Books, Lush, Cows, The Body Shop, Hatley, The Old Spaghetti Factory, Meadow Park, Marketplace IGA, Blenz, Purebread, The Grocery Store, and Fun For Kids Clothing and Accessories.
One final piece of LEGO-related business: For the last few weeks we've had a massive jar of LEGO bricks on display at the Museum and kids were encouraged to take a stab at the total number of pieces. We had well over 100 guesses, ranging from 100 (probably the highest number some of the contestants could name) to more than 2,000, but local-boy Callum MacFarlane's guess of 660 was closest to the actual number of 645. Congratulations Callum! You've won a family membership to the Whistler Museum so now you and your family can come check out our exhibits whenever you want!

The Whistler Museum Staff

 

Childhood cancer fight grateful for help

It is with great appreciation, applause, and a group hug that our own family says THANK YOU to all the organizers, sponsors, and runners of the Great Canadian Run that took place on August 27, from Squamish to Whistler! What a superb show of commitment to help fight childhood cancer.

Our own four-year old daughter, Mischa, has herself witnessed so many other children and their families bravely face their own fight against a very unfair situation, while being a patient placed on ward 3B ("the cancer ward") at BC Children's Hospital over the past year and a half. Critical illnesses such as cancer are a lonely and terrifying place in your mind and heart, yet (they can be) a time for togetherness and strength when you are witness to support such as this organized run.

While we watch our little girl's hair grow back after her recent chemotherapy and bone marrow transplant this past spring (for bone marrow failure) we have come to realize how very lucky we are, for the profound clarity of what is important in life, and the importance of your community of family and friends and even strangers holding you up each day. It is a very long "run" for each of these patients and their families, but with this sort of show of support, hope remains and each day is a new foot forward.

Our sincere and endless thanks,

Doug Arnott and Renata Lewis

Whistler

 

 

The end of the commuter bus

The #98 Squamish Commuter transit service ends this month. This loss takes the Sea to Sky community back to where we were in the 1990s. We are where the Sunshine Coast was in the 1980s. We are back where the Roaring Fork Valley of Colorado (Aspen) and the Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia were in the 1970s.

Loss of the Squamish Commuter puts over 100 full-time and many part-time and seasonal workers into cars and vans. More vehicles will be driven on our mountain highway by tired people, in bad weather. We hope and pray that there are no more fatal accidents.

Whistler residents will be affected more by the loss of the Squamish Commuter than those in Squamish. Last winter about 420 return trips each month were made by Whistler residents. High school and university students, seniors and seasonal workers used the bus to get to Squamish.

Many people in Whistler used the bus but, since few used it regularly, they will not be in a position to organize car or van pools. Most of them cannot afford to buy a car. If you've used the Greyhound to get to Squamish you know that it doesn't stop near the high school, the universities or the hospital.

The taxpayers of Whistler will also be taking quite a hit. A lot of attention was paid to the $200,000 that Whistler taxpayers contributed to the Squamish Commuter. Few asked what happened to the one million dollars spent by the Squamish Commuter. Much of it ended up in Whistler.

A 2010 presentation by BC Transit indicates that 10 per cent went toward operating costs for the new Whistler transit facility. Eighteen per cent went toward debt servicing on the facility.

That is $280,000 in lost annual revenue to the new Whistler transit facility. This does not include repairs and maintenance done on Squamish Commuter buses or loss of employment for Whistler bus drivers.

Whistler taxpayers have saved the $200,000 they contributed to the Squamish Commuter but will now have to make up more than $280,000 in annual revenue that the Squamish Commuter once brought to the Whistler transit facility.

Whistler taxpayers will be paying over $280,000 per year to deny transit to their students, seniors and seasonal workers while saving the $200,000 that could have kept the buses running.

Isn't it time for all elected officials to sit down together and figure out how to provide Public Transit for the whole corridor? If we regress much further we will be back to steamships and steam trains to connect us from Vancouver to Whistler.

For more on Public Transit in the Sea to Sky Corridor visit Pemberton Whistler Squamish Bus on Face Book.
http://www.facebook.com/transit99?v=wall < http://www.facebook.com/transit99?v=wall >  
Murray Gamble
Squamish

 

The real costs of visitor services

I am writing in response to the letter in last week's Pique (August 25 issue) from David Buzzard regarding the Visitor Accommodation section of the draft OCP, which may force owners to offer the same services as full service hotels, such as front desk, concierge and other related services.

I am doing this not refute Mr. Buzzard's letter, or to debate all the issues or concerns that have been expressed through the stream of angry letters from owners, but to provide some actual costs for the services that the OCP Visitor Accommodation is recommending.

While there are obvious concerns that have been expressed, and validity to some of them, there are also enormous benefits to the guest experience. I own and operate a business, Whistler Reception Services that I developed and introduced to the rental market in 2004. We provide a unique central front desk, concierge and other related services for private and small property managed vacation rentals and properties. We have built the inventory of units that we assist with guest service to 200.

Most recently we were asked to provide emergency check in services for several homeowner associations who parted ways with their guest services operator and doubled our inventory on very short notice.

That has us successfully servicing more than 400 units. Our fees for this service are based on the level of service an owner or rental manager want provided to their guests.

The most popular service, which includes 20-guest check-ins per year, is $500 for the year or equivalent to less than $45 per month.

Even budget priced accommodation at rock bottom rates of $89/night (with a 3 night minimum stay) during shoulder season would not be driven off the market completely by that expense.

Towards what is done with any new legislated power and development of a hub remains to be seen.

I would become a frustrated business owner in Whistler should they set up such a hub, which competes with the business model I developed and have operated successfully for the past seven years.

Having said that, with the budgeted costs to develop such they would likely not be able to offer such competitive rates. I believe the true objective is to ensure guests are provided appropriate guest service while staying in our resort, whether in a full-service hotel, hotel/condo or privately operated unit is most important.

Concerns about the change to tax classification are also overstated and made without foundation.

We handle, under contract with the Strata Corporation, check-ins for all units at Whistler Town Plaza.

The owners of the Strata Corporation share the costs to operate the front desk at Deer Lodge, 16-hours daily, December through March with reduced hours of 9am-9pm Sunday through Thursday.

The original costs have reduced considerably through development of incremental revenue initiatives, which offset them. The percentage of units that are registered for the use of front desks fall below the 85 per cent, which would change the tax classification.

This is due to owners who don't rent or rent only long term in this Phase I property. Even Phase I properties that have a large rental manager operate the front desk rarely exceed the 85 per cent requirement to change their tax classification.

Cheryl Waters

Partner/Director of Operations Whistler Reception Services

 

 

Fighting Polio One Hot Dog at a Time

This summer, the Rotary Club of Whistler Millennium had the opportunity to operate the barbeque at the Lunafliks Films shown at Lost Lake. Due to great attendance at all of the movies, we are pleased to be able to donate the proceeds from the barbeque sales towards Rotary International's efforts of achieving a Polio-free world. We would like to thank the Resort Municipality of Whistler, LUNA and Bruce Stewart of Nesters Market for their support throughout the summer, and look forward to seeing everyone next year at Whistler's best outdoor film series.

Beth Harlow

Whistler