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This week's letters to the editor

It appears that the Pique may have been ‘had’ by one our submitters. In last week’s Letters to the Editor section someone calling themselves Rene McDain submitted a letter that among other things complained that the new Pemberton Children’s Centre facility was effectively taking money and resources from the Pemberton Meadows daycare at the community centre.

Generally, the Pique tries to verify the authorship of most potentially controversial letters before letting them go to print, but often it’s not possible to verify every letter given deadlines and other circumstances. Since the author of this particular submission was replying to a letter from the previous week’s paper, I believed it was legitimate — not necessarily truthful, accurate, or even fair, but certainly in the ballpark to qualify as free speech.

I was completely mistaken. I was also not aware at the time that this is the second instance that the Pique has received and printed a false letter concerning daycare in Pemberton, likely originating from the same person.

After some investigation at the request of the Pemberton Child Care Society, I’ve discovered that the author of this letter provided us with a fake name, fake phone number and fake street address in Pemberton. Attempts to contact the person through the email address they submitted have also not been answered, but if anyone knows who uses the email address peaceluvhappyness@live.com we would like to hear from you.

Where it currently stands is that either someone submitted a letter under false pretenses to protect their identity, or produced an entirely fraudulent letter to discredit or slander the Pemberton Children’s Centre.

Either case is unacceptable to Pique. Through our letters section we endeavour to provide our readers with an open forum to air their thoughts and opinions. Some of those opinions may be unpopular or extreme, but as long as the authors are making a fair argument then we try to be democratic when deciding what letters to print. We do not accept anonymous letters as a matter of policy because we feel everyone should have the courage to defend their opinions if they’re voiced in a public forum.

Sadly this is not the first time that we have been deceived by a letter appearing to be genuine, but I am pleased to say that it is rare and unusual for the most part and that most people do respect this forum for public debate.

I accept personal responsibility for allowing this particular letter to run. I can assure you that we’re no less outraged than the people in Pemberton that the forum we provide to the community in good faith was abused. We are equally victims of a fraud.

The fact that the writer did this at a time when Pique staff are still in mourning from the loss of our leader, at a time when I’ve needed to assume editorial duties on top of my regular duties at the paper, and at a time when I’m personally sleep deprived from caring for my newborn daughter, is beyond contempt. We strive to be as professional as possible at all times when serving the community, but we are also just people doing our best at a difficult time. For all intents and purposes “Rene McDain” kicked us while we were down, and made a fool out of me in the process.

In Canada, news outlets are not normally responsible for the factual accuracy of letters that appear in their publications. However, I sincerely regret the rather spectacular lapse in judgment that allowed this particular letter to go to print under a false name, and sincerely apologize to the Pemberton Child Care Society, Pemberton Children’s Centre, and all members of the Pemberton Community for any hurt or damage caused.

Andrew Mitchell

Assistant Editor

 

About that letter…

With regards to last weeks Letter to the Editor, submitted by Rene McDain, members of the Pemberton Childcare Society are offended by the comments made by Rene McDain and justifiably so. Several years ago, partnership with the PCS and Pemberton Meadows Childcare was dissolved under agreeable terms made between the two childcare agencies. The PCS adhered to those agreements in all regards to issues raised by “Rene McDain”, who we have since discovered is a non-factual person. If 'Rene' or any other community member would like questions answered, we would welcome you to contact us at info@pembertonchildrenscentre.com so that we may do so.

J. Markovic

Board of Directors

Pemberton Childcare Society

 

The real VWGN

I write this letter to clarify some of the misconception that might be drawn by the humorous column by G.D. Maxwell in your paper recently entitled “Onward Christian soldiers”

The Vancouver Whistler Games Network has been in existence for nearly five years. It is basically a collection of volunteers from church faith-based communities who would like to serve before during and after the 2010 Olympics. There is no centralized system or staff or budget that would allow us to monitor the many thousands of folks who hold opinions or views of what the Olympics means or what they think VWGN is doing. That being said, let’s clarify a few things:

First, the BP wire story (that G.D. Maxwell based his column on) did not originate from or have the approval of VWGN.

Second, let me address the relationship between VWGN and VANOC. VWGN is not a partner of VANOC. We are one of the many participating organizations that have offered to help when needed and asked. The faith based community has a long tradition of volunteering with local IOC organizations during Olympics with very positive results.

Third, let me share some fundamental principles of VWGN:

It is a faith based community coalition with that wishes to provide volunteerism to the Games. We currently have volunteers from church denominations and organizations that represent over a million people.

We recognize and support the multi-faith and inclusive aspects of the Games and understand we will be working together with other faith communities as we serve spectators and participants.

Finally, let me state that although we have some extremely enthusiastic members who come from traditions of sharing their faith openly, VWGN respects everyone’s faith and spiritual pilgrimage and we agree with VANOC’s request to not proselytize while we serve under their umbrella at the games.

The faith-based adherents at Whistler are a lot of wonderful people who serve and love their community. They recently held a sold out WWGN kick-off event with over 200 people from Whistler, Squamish, Pemberton, Mount Currie and the Lower Mainland. Over 11 different Christian churches were represented including Catholic, Protestant, Mennonite-Brethren, Baptist, Lutheran and United.

It seems to me such a rich mosaic reflects the Whistler ethos well. We look forward to celebrating with people of all faiths, races and cultures at the 2010 Games..

Dr. Tom Cooper

Chair, Vancouver Whistler Games Network

 

It’s raining inside Whistler

Many people are not aware that most buildings in Whistler have suffered water leaks through their roofs this past month. And many people may wonder how it’s possible that so many buildings’ roofs leak all at once. And if you’re like me you’re pissed.

The phenomenon is called “ice-damming” and it happens when there’s lots of snow on roofs and the inside and outside temperatures fluctuate causing ice to build up underneath flashings, roofing tiles or anywhere there’s an opportunity for water to go. Once the ice forms under the roof flashings, it starts to melt causing mini-rain events in the buildings. The tragedy is that this phenomenon could be avoided with better design and construction. At the risk of alienating every architect, engineer and contractor who designs and builds structures let me give you a piece of advice:

“IT SNOWS IN WHISTLER – BUILD ACCORDINGLY”

When you walk through the village and you see people shovelling snow from roofs ask yourself “why?” and then ask “who’s paying for the snow removal, drywall repairs, painting, guest dissatisfaction, lost revenue, higher insurance premiums”.

Maybe Whistler’s tagline should be “Come to Whistler we’ve got tonnes of snow, but bring your sou’wester for when you’re inside”.

Barry Burko

President, Summit Strata Management Ltd.

 

Capturing the community

There was not an empty seat in Millennium Place as little ones, families, and community leaders filed in for the premiere screening of the Whistler Museum’s fourth Community Now film on Feb. 21. This year’s featured demographic was children and youth. The kids shared their insightful, poignant, and funny views on what it’s like to be a kid growing up in Whistler. Seeing this community through their honest and perceptive eyes was inspiring and encouraging.

The Whistler Museum would like to send a huge thank you and congratulations to those who worked on the film project. Thank you to Nicole Fitzgerald (producer, director and writer) for your dedication, creativity, and drive to raise the bar every time! To Jacob Gish (editor) and Frederick Oke (camera, sound, & lighting), thank you for the contribution of your time and your talents. We appreciate the hundreds of hours and energy you put into making this film the best it can be!

And to the participants: Logan Bikadi, Kamana Bikadi, Max Horner, Tazara Lopes, Ali Milner, Lisa Nakajima, Alex "Pro" Prochazka, Jake Taber, Ali Wake, Jordynn Anderson, Cooper Bathgate-Lee, Jackson Bathgate-Lee, Caden Belisle, Hayley Brennan, Hannah Cousar, Nicole Deally, Cheyenne Gage, Kodie Harkins, Brody Hennessey, Thomas Herr, Mitchell Hughes, Karson Leigh, Skylar Lovell-Schmidt, Noah MacLeod, Conrad Murdoch, Iyla Nordin, Rafael Pena, Hannah Priest, Gabrielle Smith, Maggie Tong, Emily Wharin, Mitchell Wilson, Emily Zbraniecki, Maggie Dejong and Kim Galloway, we thank your for you cooperation and participation in this film project. Your willingness to participate is what makes Whistler the unique community that it is.

To our sponsors: Celebration 2010™, Cultural Olympiad, RMOW, BC Government, Whistler Arts Council and other contributors such as Shaw TV and Jack Nosegaard, thank you for making this project possible! Your support of this film project provides local talent the opportunity to blossom and ensures that our community’s stories are told long into the future. The Future Belongs to the Storytellers – the Future Belongs to Us!

Jehanne Burns

The Whistler Museum

 

Something in the air

Spring in Whistler…ahhh, that time of year has arrived again   — the time when those harbingers of spring begin to peek through the slowly melting snow. Let’s call them “dog drops”.

I had the occasion to walk through Spruce Grove Park yesterday and as I crossed the ball field I was astonished at the quantity of this year’s crop… and it isn’t much different along the Valley Trail and in many other areas of our beautiful municipality. There’s no excuse for this. How hard is it to bring a plastic bag when you take your pal out for a walk? Even those endowed with the slightest kernel of civic pride should be able to manage that.

I wish I could propose a good solution to end this fouling of our beautiful environment, but many before me have tried and failed. Clearly there is no sense of decency or civic pride on the part of the owners (and you know who you are) who refuse to do the right thing and pick up after their pets. May buckets of dog drops rain down on the heads of those who are too inconsiderate, irresponsible or just too lazy to care for their pets properly and keep Whistler beautiful.

Bob Cessford

Whistler

 

Restore a Squamish jewel

The Mamquam River is yet another jewel in Squamish’s crown, alongside of the Chief, the Estuary, the mountains, lakes and parks. The Mamquam River has a long history of paddling and has captured many hearts as perhaps the most beautiful paradise in Squamish. Paddlers from all over the Pacific Rim use the river. It is a perfect beginner/intermediate whitewater river and a huge asset to our town.

The main access to the river for kayakers and canoeists has been via a road across private lands just below the Kiewit Hydroelectric site, but unfortunately access has been lost as the road down to the river is now washed out. Also, vandals have destroyed the picnic table and the outhouse.

The landowner recognizes the value of this site to the community. He has granted public access to the river for many years and has committed to continue to do so. The local paddling community is excited to see the site improved and the road access repaired and will help coordinate fundraising activities. We are planning a fundraising event and silent auction later this Spring as we get closer to the paddling season. We need an additional $10,000 over and above the commitments already made by the Squamish District and the landowner in order to complete the road repairs and replace other crucial amenities. Many folks from Squamish have never been down to walk alongside the river or see the spectacular Mamquam waterfall. It is a gorgeous spot and should be on everyone’s to-do list. Anyone willing to support our cause can make a charitable donation via The Squamish Community Foundation – “Mamquam Kayak Site”.

John Harvey

Project Coordinator

 

Failing the test

It was nice to see the World Cup back in Whistler, but if that was a dry run for the Olympics I have to say most locals will be watching the events on TV with the rest of the world. The level of spectator exclusion I witnessed this weekend made me realize how little of the Olympics I'm going to see up close. I really hope locals get a shot at pre-sale tickets or most of us are going to be struggling to watch from the wrong side of the fence.

Toby Salin

Whistler

 

And…

Sorry to rain on your back-patting parade, and yes it was a great event and great weather but it was a miserable failure from the point of view of the fans. The Europeans put it best in wondering how come they get audiences of 30,000 or more at the finish line while we only had a handful at our finish line. Simple explanation — the Whistler finish is half-way up the mountain with no way to get there except a half hour uphill hike through the snow — unless you are a VIP or sponsor and you get driven up. Sorry, but I can't make it and the only way I could see it was on television — same as anyone else in Canada.

Clive V. Nylander Whistler

 

Plus…

Do the organizers of the men's Giant Slalom held last Saturday on Whistler Mountain have an explanation for isolating the course from people skiing on the hill? I ski every weekend at Whistler. My five year old daughter takes ski lessons out of Creekside and is loving it. I am a ski racing fan (there really aren't very many of us in Canada). I had hoped to catch the race from the sidelines, and then spend the rest of my day skiing. The course setup effectively prevented this. In conversation on the chairlifts, it's apparent there were a lot of people hoping to do the same. It was also apparent that people were generally angered by how the race was run. The volunteers running the race didn't seem any happier. I'm hoping this can be changed for next year’s races and for the Olympics. It would be great to have an event that everyone can embrace rather than resent.

Bob Walker

Horseshoe Bay

 

Thanks to Nita Lake Lodge

On behalf of family and many close friends of Madeline Haley Jensen, I would like to thank Paul Scanlon and all the staff at the Nita lake Lodge hotel for their kind help and freely donated time, and the room space which they provided this past Sunday. I know that Maddy enjoyed every moment of working at the Lodge, and we all appreciated the way the hotel staff rallied round at short notice to help. Thank you all.

Colin McCubbin

Whistler

 

Support for Jones

We know Devon Jones to be a man of honour who has given of himself to our community beyond the call of duty. Though we can't see the wisdom in the severity of Judge Betton's decision we know we would rather have an RCMP officer whose intent was the defense of his friend than the officer who escalated a verbal conflict with physical aggression. Contributions to help Devon with his legal expenses are being accepted at the Black Comb Barber Shoppes at Nesters, Function Junction and at the Harbour Barber in Squamish.

Julie Malcolm

On behalf of Black Comb Barbers