Noted Coast Mountain explorer John Clarke, of the Southwest Wildlands Alliance, will present a slideshow highlighting 26 wilderness areas in South-western B.C. at the Association of Whistler Area Residents for the Environment’s annual general meeting Jan. 20. The 26 areas have been proposed for protection due to the diversity of their ecosystems, wildlife habitat and potential for recreation. The province is expected to make a decision on which areas are to be protected in the next four months. Following the slideshow the annual general meeting will take place, with reports from various committees and the election of a new board. The meeting is a chance for people to reflect on AWARE’s role in the community and provide input into AWARE’s future. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. Jan. 20 in the Millar Room at the Myrtle Philip Community School. The slideshow and meeting are open to all. Admission is by donation, with proceeds going to AWARE and the Southwest Wildlands Alliance. The Whistler Public Library and the People’s Law School are offering a free legal seminar on home renovations. Topics to be covered include permits, contractors, inspections, costs and fees. Register by calling 932-5564 or dropping by the library. Registration deadline is Jan. 12. Bill Barlee, Minister of Small Business, Tourism and Culture, cut the ribbon at the official opening of the first phase of Nancy Greene’s Cahilty Lodge at Sun Peaks Resort Tuesday. At present the lodge, built by Al and Nancy Raine, has 67 strata units which provide 100 rooms. When completed in September the hotel will have a total of 190 rooms and a capacity of 550 guests. Named after one of the pioneer ranching families in the area, the hotel is the first of two ski-in, ski-out hotels to open at Sun Peaks. Stumboeck Sun Peaks Lodge will officially open later this month. Both hotels were open over the Christmas holidays with close to full occupancy.
