Centra's information pipeline The timetable for Centra Gas's application to build a natural gas pipeline has been set. There is an application workshop at the Fairways Hotel & Resort, March 11 at 10 a.m., and a public hearing at the same time and place on April 7. The energy company hopes to build a 60 km pipeline from Squamish to Whistler to replace Whistler's dependency on propane fuel. The application is unique. It would be the first time the provincial government will have allowed a pipeline to be built within a highway right-of-way if the Highways ministry approves the Highway 99 path of the pipeline. Centra says there is no alternate route. The timetable to approve and build the pipeline before next winter is so tight that upgrades of the current propane facility will be needed to meet new winter demand if there is a delay. The facility is at capacity. The Whistler chapter of the Western Businesswomen’s Association will be holding its first meeting of the new year Feb. 25 at Joel’s Restaurant at Nicklaus North. The meeting includes cross-country skiing and/or snowshoeing, beginning at 5:30 p.m. The outdoor activities will be followed by a buffet dinner including traditional fondue and raclette at 7 p.m. The Western Businesswomen’s Association provides opportunities for women in business and professions, as well as upper and middle management, to meet other successful women and shared ideas. Tickets are $20 for members, $25 for guests. For reservations call the Whistler Chamber of Commerce at 932-5528 prior to 4 p.m. Feb. 23. Vote for threatened rivers The Outdoor Recreation Council of B.C. is calling for nominations for the "10 most endangered B.C. rivers of 1998." The worst rivers in B.C. in 1997 were (in order) Urban Streams, Taku, Owikeno System, Horsefly, Englishman, Stikine/Iskut, Nechako, Finlay and Columbia. Waterways around Whistler-Pemberton seem to be in fairly good shape. "The most fooled around with river would be the Cheakamus River with the Daisy Lake Dam, but I don't think the river as such would be endangered," says Stephane Perron of environmental watchdogs AWARE. The B.C. Hydro dam readjusted its outflows in response to criticism that fish populations were hurt by previous low flows.
